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diff --git a/old/2505-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/2505-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..21539f3 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/2505-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,32214 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Heir of Redclyffe, by Charlotte M. Yonge + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Heir of Redclyffe, by Charlotte M. Yonge + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Heir of Redclyffe + +Author: Charlotte M. Yonge + +Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #2505] +Last Updated: October 12, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HEIR OF REDCLYFFE *** + + + + +Produced by Sandra Laythorpe, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE HEIR OF REDCLYFFE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Charlotte M. Yonge + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER 17 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER 18 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER 19 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER 20 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER 21 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER 22 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER 23 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER 24 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER 25 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER 26 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER 27 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER 28 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER 29 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER 30 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER 31 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER 32 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER 33 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER 34 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER 35 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER 36 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER 37 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER 38 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER 39 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER 40 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER 41 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER 42 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER 43 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER 44 </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In such pursuits if wisdom lies, + Who, Laura, can thy taste despise? + —GAY +</pre> + <p> + The drawing-room of Hollywell House was one of the favoured apartments, + where a peculiar air of home seems to reside, whether seen in the middle + of summer, all its large windows open to the garden, or, as when our story + commences, its bright fire and stands of fragrant green-house plants + contrasted with the wintry fog and leafless trees of November. There were + two persons in the room—a young lady, who sat drawing at the round + table, and a youth, lying on a couch near the fire, surrounded with books + and newspapers, and a pair of crutches near him. Both looked up with a + smile of welcome at the entrance of a tall, fine-looking young man, whom + each greeted with ‘Good morning, Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good morning, Laura. Good morning, Charles; I am glad you are downstairs + again! How are you to-day?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No way remarkable, thank you,’ was the answer, somewhat wearily given by + Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘You walked?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. Where’s my uncle? I called at the post-office, and brought a letter + for him. It has the Moorworth post-mark,’ he added, producing it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where’s that?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘The post-town to Redclyffe; Sir Guy Morville’s place.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That old Sir Guy! What can he have to do with my father?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you not know,’ said Philip, ‘that my uncle is to be guardian to the + boy—his grandson?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? No, I did not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Philip; ‘when old Sir Guy made it an especial point that my + father should take the guardianship, he only consented on condition that + my uncle should be joined with him; so now my uncle is alone in the trust, + and I cannot help thinking something must have happened at Redclyffe. It + is certainly not Sir Guy’s writing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It must wait, unless your curiosity will carry you out in search of + papa,’ said Charles; ‘he is somewhere about, zealously supplying the place + of Jenkins.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, Philip,’ said Laura, ‘there is no telling how much good you have + done him by convincing him of Jenkins’ dishonesty. To say nothing of the + benefit of being no longer cheated, the pleasure of having to overlook the + farming is untold.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip smiled, and came to the table where she was drawing. ‘Do you know + this place?’ said she, looking up in his face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stylehurst itself! What is it taken from?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From this pencil sketch of your sister’s, which I found in mamma’s scrap + book.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are making it very like, only the spire is too slender, and that tree—can’t + you alter the foliage?—it is an ash.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it? I took it for an elm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And surely those trees in the foreground should be greener, to throw back + the middle distance. That is the peak of South Moor exactly, if it looked + further off.’ + </p> + <p> + She began the alterations, while Philip stood watching her progress, a + shade of melancholy gathering on his face. Suddenly, a voice called + ‘Laura! Are you there? Open the door, and you will see.’ + </p> + <p> + On Philip’s opening it, in came a tall camellia; the laughing face, and + light, shining curls of the bearer peeping through the dark green leaves. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you! Oh, is it you, Philip? Oh, don’t take it. I must bring my own + camellia to show Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You make the most of that one flower,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only see how many buds!’ and she placed it by his sofa. Is it not a + perfect blossom, so pure a white, and so regular! And I am so proud of + having beaten mamma and all the gardeners, for not another will be out + this fortnight; and this is to go to the horticultural show. Sam would + hardly trust me to bring it in, though it was my nursing, not his.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Amy,’ said Philip, when the flower had been duly admired, ‘you must + let me put it into the window, for you. It is too heavy for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, take care,’ cried Amabel, but too late; for, as he took it from her, + the solitary flower struck against Charles’s little table, and was broken + off. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Amy, I am very sorry. What a pity! How did it happen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind,’ she answered; ‘it will last a long time in water.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was very unlucky—I am very sorry—especially because of the + horticultural show.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Make all your apologies to Sam,’ said Amy, ‘his feelings will be more + hurt than mine. I dare say my poor flower would have caught cold at the + show, and never held up its head again.’ + </p> + <p> + Her tone was gay; but Charles, who saw her face in the glass, betrayed her + by saying, ‘Winking away a tear, O Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never nursed a dear gazelle!’ quoted Amy, with a merry laugh; and + before any more could be said, there entered a middle-aged gentleman, + short and slight, with a fresh, weather-beaten, good-natured face, gray + whiskers, quick eyes, and a hasty, undecided air in look and movement. He + greeted Philip heartily, and the letter was given to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! Eh? Let us look. Not old Sir Guy’s hand. Eh? What can be the matter? + What? Dead! This is a sudden thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dead! Who? Sir Guy Morville?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, quite suddenly—poor old man.’ Then stepping to the door, he + opened it, and called, ‘Mamma; just step here a minute, will you, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + The summons was obeyed by a tall, handsome lady, and behind her crept, + with doubtful steps, as if she knew not how far to venture, a little girl + of eleven, her turned-up nose and shrewd face full of curiosity. She + darted up to Amabel; who, though she shook her head, and held up her + finger, smiled, and took the little girl’s hand, listening meanwhile to + the announcement, ‘Do you hear this, mamma? Here’s a shocking thing! Sir + Guy Morville dead, quite suddenly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! Well, poor man, I suppose no one ever repented or suffered more + than he. Who writes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His grandson—poor boy! I can hardly make out his letter.’ Holding + it half a yard from his eyes, so that all could see a few lines of hasty, + irregular writing, in a forcible hand, bearing marks of having been penned + under great distress and agitation, he read aloud:— + </p> + <p> + ‘“DEAR MR. EDMONSTONE,— + </p> + <p> + My dear grandfather died at six this morning. He had an attack of apoplexy + yesterday evening, and never spoke again, though for a short time he knew + me. We hope he suffered little. Markham will make all arrangements. We + propose that the funeral should take place on Tuesday; I hope you will be + able to come. I would write to my cousin, Philip Morville, if I knew his + address; but I depend on you for saying all that ought to be said. Excuse + this illegible letter,—I hardly know what I write. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘“Yours, very sincerely, + ‘“Guy Morville.”’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said Philip, ‘he writes with a great deal of proper + feeling.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How very sad for him to be left alone there!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very sad—very,’ said her husband. ‘I must start off to him at once—yes, + at once. Should you not say so—eh, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly. I think I had better go with you. It would be the correct + thing, and I should not like to fail in any token of respect for poor old + Sir Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course—of course,’ said Mr. Edmonstone; ‘it would be the correct + thing. I am sure he was always very civil to us, and you are next heir + after this boy.’ + </p> + <p> + Little Charlotte made a sort of jump, lifted her eyebrows, and stared at + Amabel. + </p> + <p> + Philip answered. ‘That is not worth a thought; but since he and I are now + the only representatives of the two branches of the house of Morville, it + shall not be my fault if the enmity is not forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Buried in oblivion would sound more magnanimous,’ said Charles; at which + Amabel laughed so uncontrollably, that she was forced to hide her head on + her little sister’s shoulder. Charlotte laughed too, an imprudent + proceeding, as it attracted attention. Her father smiled, saying, + half-reprovingly—‘So you are there, inquisitive pussy-cat?’ And at + her mother’s question,—‘Charlotte, what business have you here?’ She + stole back to her lessons, looking very small, without the satisfaction of + hearing her mother’s compassionate words—‘Poor child!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How old is he?’ asked Mr. Edmonstone, returning to the former subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is of the same age as Laura—seventeen and a half,’ answered Mrs. + Edmonstone. ‘Don’t you remember my brother saying what a satisfaction it + was to see such a noble baby as she was, after such a poor little + miserable thing as the one at Redclyffe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is grown into a fine spirited fellow,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose we must have him here,’ said Mr. Edmonstone. Should you not say + so—eh, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly; I should think it very good for him. Indeed, his grandfather’s + death has happened at a most favourable time for him. The poor old man had + such a dread of his going wrong that he kept him—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know—as tight as a drum.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With strictness that I should think very bad for a boy of his impatient + temper. It would have been a very dangerous experiment to send him at once + among the temptations of Oxford, after such discipline and solitude as he + has been used to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk of it,’ interrupted Mr. Edmonstone, spreading out his hands in + a deprecating manner. ‘We must do the best we can with him, for I have got + him on my hands till he is five-and-twenty—his grandfather has tied + him up till then. If we can keep him out of mischief, well and good; if + not, it can’t be helped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have him all to yourself,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, to my sorrow. If your poor father was alive, Philip, I should be free + of all care. I’ve a pretty deal on my hands,’ he proceeded, looking more + important than troubled. ‘All that great Redclyffe estate is no sinecure, + to say nothing of the youth himself. If all the world will come to me, I + can’t help it. I must go and speak to the men, if I am to be off to + Redclyffe tomorrow. Will you come, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go back soon, thank you,’ replied Philip. ‘I must see about my + leave; only we should first settle when to set off.’ + </p> + <p> + This arranged, Mr. Edmonstone hurried away, and Charles began by saying, + ‘Isn’t there a ghost at Redclyffe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is said,’ answered his cousin; ‘though I don’t think it is certain + whose it is. There is a room called Sir Hugh’s Chamber, over the gateway, + but the honour of naming it is undecided between Hugo de Morville, who + murdered Thomas a Becket, and his namesake, the first Baronet, who lived + in the time of William of Orange, when the quarrel began with our branch + of the family. Do you know the history of it, aunt?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was about some property,’ said Mrs Edmonstone, ‘though I don’t know + the rights of it. But the Morvilles were always a fiery, violent race, and + the enmity once begun between Sir Hugh and his brother, was kept up, + generation after generation, in a most unjustifiable way. Even I can + remember when the Morvilles of Redclyffe used to be spoken of in our + family like a sort of ogres.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not undeservedly, I should think,’ said Philip. ‘This poor old man, who + is just dead, ran a strange career. Stories of his duels and mad freaks + are still extant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor man! I believe he went all lengths,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘What was the true version of that horrible story about his son?’ said + Philip. ‘Did he strike him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no! it was bad enough without that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was an only child, and lost his mother early. He was very ill brought + up, and was as impetuous and violent as Sir Guy himself, though with much + kindliness and generosity. He was only nineteen when he made a runaway + marriage with a girl of sixteen, the sister of a violin player, who was at + that time in fashion. His father was very much offended, and there was + much dreadfully violent conduct on each side. At last, the young man was + driven to seek a reconciliation. He brought his wife to Moorworth, and + rode to Redclyffe, to have an interview with his father. Unhappily, Sir + Guy was giving a dinner to the hunt, and had been drinking. He not only + refused to see him, but I am afraid he used shocking language, and said + something about bidding him go back to his fiddling brother in-law. The + son was waiting in the hall, heard everything, threw himself on his horse, + and rushed away in the dark. His forehead struck against the branch of a + tree, and he was killed on the spot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The poor wife?’ asked Amabel, shuddering. + </p> + <p> + ‘She died the next day, when this boy was born.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Frightful!’ said Philip. ‘It might well make a reformation in old Sir + Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard that nothing could be more awful than the stillness that + fell on that wretched party, even before they knew what had happened—before + Colonel Harewood, who had been called aside by the servants, could resolve + to come and fetch away the father. No wonder Sir Guy was a changed man + from that hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was then that he sent for my father,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what made him think of doing so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know Colonel Harewood’s house at Stylehurst? Many years ago, when the + St. Mildred’s races used to be so much more in fashion, Sir Guy and + Colonel Harewood, and some men of that stamp, took that house amongst + them, and used to spend some time there every year, to attend to something + about the training of the horses. There were some malpractices of their + servants, that did so much harm in the parish, that my brother was obliged + to remonstrate. Sir Guy was very angry at first, but behaved better at + last than any of the others. I suspect he was struck by my dear brother’s + bold, uncompromising ways, for he took to him to a certain degree—and + my brother could not help being interested in him, there seemed to be so + much goodness in his nature. I saw him once, and never did I meet any one + who gave me so much the idea of a finished gentleman. When the poor son + was about fourteen, he was with a tutor in the neighbourhood, and used to + be a good deal at Stylehurst, and, after the unhappy marriage, my brother + happened to meet him in London, heard his story, and tried to bring about + a reconciliation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ said Philip; ‘did not they come to Stylehurst? I have a dim + recollection of somebody very tall, and a lady who sung.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; your father asked them to stay there, that he might judge of her, + and wrote to Sir Guy that she was a little, gentle, childish thing, + capable of being moulded to anything, and representing the mischief of + leaving them to such society as that of her brother, who was actually + maintaining them. That letter was never answered, but about ten days or a + fortnight after this terrible accident, Colonel Harewood wrote to entreat + my brother to come to Redclyffe, saying poor Sir Guy had eagerly caught at + the mention of his name. Of course he went at once, and he told me that he + never, in all his experience as a clergyman, saw any one so completely + broken down with grief.’ + </p> + <p> + I found a great many of his letters among my father’s papers,’ said + Philip; ‘and it was a very touching one that he wrote to me on my father’s + death. Those Redclyffe people certainly have great force of character.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And was it then he settled his property on my uncle?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘My brother did not like his doing so, but he + would not be at rest till it was settled. It was in vain to put him in + mind of his grandchild, for he would not believe it could live; and, + indeed, its life hung on a thread. I remember my brother telling me how he + went to Moorworth to see it—for it could not be brought home—in + hopes of bringing, back a report that might cheer its grandfather, but how + he found it so weak and delicate, that he did not dare to try to make him + take interest in it. It was not till the child was two or three years old, + that Sir Guy ventured to let himself grow fond of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy was a very striking person,’ said Philip; ‘I shall not easily + forget my visit to Redclyffe four years ago. It was more like a scene in a + romance than anything real—the fine old red sandstone house + crumbling away in the exposed parts, the arched gateway covered with ivy; + the great quadrangle where the sun never shone, and full of echoes; the + large hall and black wainscoted rooms, which the candles never would light + up. It is a fit place to be haunted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That poor boy alone there!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘I am glad you and your + uncle are going to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell us about him,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was the most incongruous thing there,’ said Philip. ‘There was a calm, + deep melancholy about the old man added to the grand courtesy which showed + he had been what old books call a fine gentleman, that made him suit his + house as a hermit does his cell, or a knight his castle; but breaking in + on this “penseroso” scene, there was Guy—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In what way?’ asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Always in wild spirits, rushing about, playing antics, provoking the + solemn echoes with shouting, whooping, singing, whistling. There was + something in that whistle of his that always made me angry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did this suit old Sir Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was curious to see how Guy could rattle on to him, pour out the whole + history of his doings, laughing, rubbing his hands, springing about with + animation—all with as little answer as if he had been talking to a + statue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean that Sir Guy did not like it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He did in his own way. There was now and then a glance or a nod, to show + that he was attending; but it was such slight encouragement, that any less + buoyant spirits must have been checked.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you like him, on the whole?’ asked Laura. ‘I hope he has not this + tremendous Morville temper? Oh, you don’t say so. What a grievous thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a fine fellow,’ said Philip; ‘but I did not think Sir Guy managed + him well. Poor old man, he was quite wrapped up in him, and only thought + how to keep him out of harm’s way. He would never let him be with other + boys, and kept him so fettered by rules, so strictly watched, and so + sternly called to account, that I cannot think how any boy could stand + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet, you say, he told everything freely to his grandfather,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ added her mother, ‘I was going to say that, as long as that went + on, I should think all safe. + </p> + <p> + ‘As I said before,’ resumed Philip, ‘he has a great deal of frankness, + much of the making of a fine character; but he is a thorough Morville. I + remember something that will show you his best and worst sides. You know + Redclyffe is a beautiful place, with magnificent cliffs overhanging the + sea, and fine woods crowning them. On one of the most inaccessible of + these crags there was a hawk’s nest, about half-way down, so that looking + from the top of the precipice, we could see the old birds fly in and out. + Well, what does Master Guy do, but go down this headlong descent after the + nest. How he escaped alive no one could guess; and his grandfather could + not bear to look at the place afterwards—but climb it he did, and + came back with two young hawks, buttoned up inside his jacket.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a regular brick for you!’ cried Charles, delighted. + </p> + <p> + ‘His heart was set on training these birds. He turned the library upside + down in search of books on falconry, and spent every spare moment on them. + At last, a servant left some door open, and they escaped. I shall never + forget Guy’s passion; I am sure I don’t exaggerate when I say he was + perfectly beside himself with anger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor boy!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Served the rascal right,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing had any effect on him till his grandfather came out, and, at the + sight of him, he was tamed in an instant, hung his head, came up to his + grandfather, and said—“I am very sorry,” Sir Guy answered, “My poor + boy!” and there was not another word. I saw Guy no more that day, and all + the next he was quiet and subdued. But the most remarkable part of the + story is to come. A couple of days afterwards we were walking in the + woods, when, at the sound of Guy’s whistle, we heard a flapping and + rustling, and beheld, tumbling along, with their clipped wings, these two + identical hawks, very glad to be caught. They drew themselves up proudly + for him to stroke them, and their yellow eyes looked at him with positive + affection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty creatures!’ said Amabel. ‘That is a very nice end to the story.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not the end,’ said Philip. ‘I was surprised to see Guy so sober, + instead of going into one of his usual raptures. He took them home; but + the first thing I heard in the morning was, that he was gone to offer them + to a farmer, to keep the birds from his fruit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he do it of his own accord?’ asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘That was just what I wanted to know; but any hint about them brought such + a cloud over his face that I thought it would be wanton to irritate him by + questions. However, I must be going. Good-bye, Amy, I hope your Camellia + will have another blossom before I come back. At least, I shall escape the + horticultural meeting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye,’ said Charles. ‘Put the feud in your pocket till you can bury + it in old Sir Guy’s grave, unless you mean to fight it out with his + grandson, which would be more romantic and exciting.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was gone before he could finish. Mrs. Edmonstone looked annoyed, + and Laura said, ‘Charlie, I wish you would not let your spirits carry you + away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I had anything else to carry me away!’ was the reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said his mother, looking sadly at him. ‘Your high spirits are a + blessing; but why misuse them? If they are given to support you through + pain and confinement, why make mischief with them?’ + </p> + <p> + Charles looked more impatient than abashed, and the compunction seemed + chiefly to rest with Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘I must go and see after my poor little + prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Laura, as she went; ‘it was no kindness in you to encourage + Charlotte to stay, Amy, when you know how often that inquisitive temper + has got her into scrapes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose so,’ said Amy, regretfully; ‘but I had not the heart to send + her away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is just what Philip says, that you only want bones and sinews in + your character to—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Laura,’ interrupted Charles, ‘I won’t hear Philip’s criticisms of + my sister, I had rather she had no bones at all, than that they stuck out + and ran into me. There are plenty of angles already in the world, without + sharpening hers.’ + </p> + <p> + He possessed himself of Amy’s round, plump, childish hand, and spread out + over it his still whiter, and very bony fingers, pinching her ‘soft pinky + cushions,’ as he called them, ‘not meant for studying anatomy upon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you two spoil each other sadly,’ said Laura, smiling, as she left the + room. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do Philip and Laura do to each other?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Improve each other, I suppose,’ said Amabel, in a shy, simple tone, at + which Charles laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I was as sensible as Laura!’ said she, presently, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never was a more absurd wish,’ said Charles, tormenting her hand still + more, and pulling her curls; ‘unwish it forthwith. Where should I be + without silly little Amy? If every one weighed my wit before laughing, I + should not often be in disgrace for my high spirits, as they call them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so little younger than Laura,’ said Amy, still sadly, though + smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Folly,’ said Charles; ‘you are quite wise enough for your age, while + Laura is so prematurely wise, that I am in constant dread that nature will + take her revenge by causing her to do something strikingly foolish!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense!’ cried Amy, indignantly. ‘Laura do anything foolish!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What I should enjoy,’ proceeded Charles, ‘would be to see her over head + and ears in love with this hero, and Philip properly jealous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can you say such things, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why? was there ever a beauty who did not fall in love with her father’s + ward?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but she ought to live alone with her very old father and horribly + grim maiden aunt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, Amy, you shall be the maiden, aunt.’ And as Laura returned at + that moment, he announced to her that they had been agreeing that no hero + ever failed to fall in love with his guardian’s beautiful daughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘If his guardian had a beautiful daughter,’ said Laura, resolved not to be + disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you ever hear such barefaced fishing for compliments?’ said Charles; + but Amabel, who did not like her sister to be teased, and was also + conscious of having wasted a good deal of time, sat down to practise. + Laura returned to her drawing, and Charles, with a yawn, listlessly turned + over a newspaper, while his fair delicate features, which would have been + handsome but that they were blanched, sharpened, and worn with pain, + gradually lost their animated and rather satirical expression, and assumed + an air of weariness and discontent. + </p> + <p> + Charles was at this time nineteen, and for the last ten years had been + afflicted with a disease in the hip-joint, which, in spite of the most + anxious care, caused him frequent and severe suffering, and had occasioned + such a contraction of the limb as to cripple him completely, while his + general health was so much affected as to render him an object of constant + anxiety. His mother had always been his most devoted and indefatigable + nurse, giving up everything for his sake, and watching him night and day. + His father attended to his least caprice, and his sisters were, of course, + his slaves; so that he was the undisputed sovereign of the whole family. + </p> + <p> + The two elder girls had been entirely under a governess till a month or + two before the opening of our story, when Laura was old enough to be + introduced; and the governess departing, the two sisters became Charles’s + companions in the drawing-room, while Mrs. Edmonstone, who had a peculiar + taste and talent for teaching, undertook little Charlotte’s lessons + herself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 2 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + If the ill spirit have so fair a house, + Good things will strive to dwell with’t. + —THE TEMPEST +</pre> + <p> + One of the pleasantest rooms at Hollywell was Mrs. Edmonstone’s + dressing-room—large and bay-windowed, over the drawing-room, having + little of the dressing-room but the name, and a toilet-table with a black + and gold japanned glass, and curiously shaped boxes to match; her room + opened into it on one side, and Charles’s on the other; it was a sort of + up-stairs parlour, where she taught Charlotte, cast up accounts, spoke to + servants, and wrote notes, and where Charles was usually to be found, when + unequal to coming down-stairs. It had an air of great snugness, with its + large folding-screen, covered with prints and caricatures of ancient date, + its book-shelves, its tables, its peculiarly easy arm-chairs, the great + invalid sofa, and the grate, which always lighted up better than any other + in the house. + </p> + <p> + In the bright glow of the fire, with the shutters closed and curtains + drawn, lay Charles on his couch, one Monday evening, in a gorgeous + dressing-gown of a Chinese pattern, all over pagodas, while little + Charlotte sat opposite to him, curled up on a footstool. He was not always + very civil to Charlotte; she sometimes came into collision with him, for + she, too, was a pet, and had a will of her own, and at other times she + could bore him; but just now they had a common interest, and he was + gracious. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is striking six, so they must soon be here. I wish mamma would let me + go down; but I must wait till after dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, Charlotte, as soon as you come in, hold up your hands, and exclaim, + “What a guy!” There will be a compliment!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Charlie; I promised mamma and Laura that you should get me into no + more scrapes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you? The next promise you make had better depend upon yourself + alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But Amy said I must be quiet, because poor Sir Guy will be too sorrowful + to like a racket; and when Amy tells me to be quiet, I know that I must, + indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most true,’ said Charles, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think you shall like Sir Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be able to determine,’ said Charles, sententiously, ‘when I have + seen whether he brushes his hair to the right or left.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip brushes his to the left.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then undoubtedly Sir Guy will brush his to the right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there not some horrid story about those Morvilles of Redclyffe?’ asked + Charlotte. ‘I asked Laura, and she told me not to be curious, so I knew + there was something in it; and then I asked Amy, and she said it would be + no pleasure to me to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I would have you prepared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what is it? Oh! dear Charlie! are you really going to tell me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you ever hear of a deadly feud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have read of them in the history of Scotland. They went on hating and + killing each other for ever. There was one man who made his enemy’s + children eat out of a pig-trough, and another who cut off his head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His own?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, his enemy’s, and put it on the table, at breakfast, with a piece of + bread in its mouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well; whenever Sir Guy serves up Philip’s head at breakfast, with a + piece of bread in his mouth, let me know.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte started up. ‘Charles, what do you mean? Such things don’t happen + now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nevertheless, there is a deadly feud between the two branches of the + house of Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But it is very wrong,’ said Charlotte, looking frightened.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wrong? Of course it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip won’t do anything wrong. But how will they ever get on?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you see? It must be our serious endeavour to keep the peace, and + prevent occasions of discord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think anything will happen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is much to be apprehended,’ said Charles, solemnly. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the sound of wheels was heard, and Charlotte flew off to + her private post of observation, leaving her brother delighted at having + mystified her. She returned on tip-toe. ‘Papa and Sir Guy are come, but + not Philip; I can’t see him anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah you have not looked in Sir Guy’s great-coat pocket.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would not plague me so! You are not in earnest?’ + </p> + <p> + The pettish inquiring tone was exactly what delighted him. And he + continued to tease her in the same style till Laura and Amabel came + running in with their report of the stranger. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is come!’ they cried, with one voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very gentlemanlike!’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very pleasant looking,’ said Amy. ‘Such fine eyes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And so much expression,’ said Laura. ‘Oh!’ + </p> + <p> + The exclamation, and the start which accompanied it, were caused by + hearing her father’s voice close to the door, which had been left partly + open. ‘Here is poor Charles,’ it said, ‘come in, and see him; get over the + first introduction—eh, Guy?’ And before he had finished, both he and + the guest were in the room, and Charlotte full of mischievous glee at her + sister’s confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Charlie, boy, how goes it?’ was his father’s greeting. ‘Better, eh? + Sorry not to find you down-stairs; but I have brought Guy to see you.’ + Then, as Charles sat up and shook hands with Sir Guy, he continued—‘A + fine chance for you, as I was telling him, to have a companion always at + hand: a fine chance? eh, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not so unreasonable as to expect any one to be always at hand,’ said + Charles, smiling, as he looked up at the frank, open face, and lustrous + hazel eyes turned on him with compassion at the sight of his crippled, + helpless figure, and with a bright, cordial promise of kindness. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a pattering sound approached, the door was pushed open, and + while Sir Guy exclaimed, ‘O, Bustle! Bustle! I am very sorry,’ there + suddenly appeared a large beautiful spaniel, with a long silky black and + white coat, jetty curled ears, tan spots above his intelligent eyes, and + tan legs, fringed with silken waves of hair, but crouching and looking + beseeching at meeting no welcome, while Sir Guy seemed much distressed at + his intrusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘O you beauty!’ cried Charles. ‘Come here, you fine fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + Bustle only looked wistfully at his master, and moved nothing but his + feather of a tail. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I was afraid you would repent of your kindness,’ said Sir Guy to Mr. + Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all, not at all!’ was the answer; ‘mamma never objects to in-door + pets, eh, Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A tender subject, papa,’ said Laura; ‘poor Pepper!’ + </p> + <p> + Amy, ashamed of her disposition to cry at the remembrance of the dear + departed rough terrier, bent down to hide her glowing face, and held out + her hand to the dog, which at last ventured to advance, still creeping + with his body curved till his tail was foremost, looking imploringly at + his master, as if to entreat his pardon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you sure you don’t dislike it?’ inquired Sir Guy, of Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I? O no. Here, you fine creature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, then, behave like a rational dog, since you are come,’ said Sir + Guy; and Bustle, resuming the deportment of a spirited and well-bred + spaniel, no longer crouched and curled himself into the shape of a comma, + but bounded, wagged his tail, thrust his nose into his master’s hand and + then proceeded to reconnoitre the rest of the company, paying especial + attention to Charles, putting his fore-paws on the sofa, and rearing + himself up to contemplate him with a grave, polite curiosity, that was + very diverting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, old fellow,’ said Charles, ‘did you ever see the like of such a + dressing-gown? Are you satisfied? Give me your paw, and let us swear an + eternal friendship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am quite glad to see a dog in the house again,’ said Laura, and, after + a few more compliments, Bustle and his master followed Mr. Edmonstone out + of the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘One of my father’s well-judged proceedings,’ murmured Charles. ‘That poor + fellow had rather have gone a dozen, miles further than have been lugged + in here. Really, if papa chooses to inflict such dressing-gowns on me, he + should give me notice before he brings men and dogs to make me their + laughing-stock!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An unlucky moment,’ said Laura. ‘Will my cheeks ever cool?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps he did not hear,’ said Amabel, consolingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You did not ask about Philip?’ said Charlotte, with great earnestness. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is staying at Thorndale, and then going to St. Mildred’s,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you are relieved,’ said her brother; and she looked in doubt + whether she ought to laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you think of Sir Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May he only be worthy of his dog!’ replied Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Laura, ‘many men are neither worthy of their wives, nor of + their dogs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dr. Henley, I suppose, is the foundation of that aphorism,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘If Margaret Morville could marry him, she could hardly be too worthy,’ + said Laura. ‘Think of throwing away Philip’s whole soul!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Laura, she could not lose that,’ said Amabel. + </p> + <p> + Laura looked as if she knew more; but at that moment, both her father and + mother entered, the former rubbing his hands, as he always did when much + pleased, and sending his voice before him, as he exclaimed, ‘Well, + Charlie, well, young ladies, is not he a fine fellow—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather under-sized,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? He’ll grow. He is not eighteen, you know; plenty of time; a very good + height; you can’t expect every one to be as tall as Philip; but he’s a + capital fellow. And how have you been?—any pain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem—rather,’ said Charles, shortly, for he hated answering kind + inquiries, when out of humour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, that’s a pity; I was sorry not to find you in the drawing-room, but I + thought you would have liked just to see him,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, + disappointed, and apologizing. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had rather have had some notice of your intention,’ said Charles, ‘I + would have made myself fit to be seen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry. I thought you would have liked his coming,’ said poor Mr. + Edmonstone, only half conscious of his offence; ‘but I see you are not + well this evening.’ + </p> + <p> + Worse and worse, for it was equivalent to openly telling Charles he was + out of humour; and seeing, as he did, his mother’s motive, he was still + further annoyed when she hastily interposed a question about Sir Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You should only hear them talk about him at Redclyffe,’ said Mr + Edmonstone. ‘No one was ever equal to him, according to them. Every one + said the same—clergyman, old Markham, all of them. Such attention to + his grandfather, such proper feeling, so good-natured, not a bit of pride—it + is my firm belief that he will make up for all his family before him.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles set up his eyebrows sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + ‘How does he get on with Philip?’ inquired Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellently. Just what could be wished. Philip is delighted with him; and + I have been telling Guy all the way home what a capital friend he will be, + and he is quite inclined to look up to him.’ Charles made an exaggerated + gesture of astonishment, unseen by his father. ‘I told him to bring his + dog. He would have left it, but they seemed so fond of each other, I + thought it was a pity to part them, and that I could promise it should be + welcome here; eh, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly. I am very glad you brought it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are to have his horse and man in a little while. A beautiful chestnut—anything + to raise his spirits. He is terribly cut up about his grandfather. + </p> + <p> + It was now time to go down to dinner; and after Charles had made faces of + weariness and disgust at all the viands proposed to him by his mother, + almost imploring him to like them, and had at last ungraciously given her + leave to send what he could not quite say he disliked, he was left to + carry on his teasing of Charlotte, and his grumbling over the dinner, for + about the space of an hour, when Amabel came back to him, and Charlotte + went down. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum!’ he exclaimed. ‘Another swan of my father’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did not you like his looks?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw only an angular hobbetyhoy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But every one at Redclyffe speaks so well of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As if the same things were not said of every heir to more acres than + brains! However, I could have swallowed everything but the disposition to + adore Philip. Either it was gammon on his part, or else the work of my + father’s imagination.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For shame, Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it within the bounds of probability that he should be willing, at the + bidding of his guardian, to adopt as Mentor his very correct and + sententious cousin, a poor subaltern, and the next in the entail? Depend + upon it, it is a fiction created either by papa’s hopes or Philip’s + self-complacency, or else the unfortunate youth must have been brought + very low by strait-lacing and milk-and-water.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Thorndale is willing to look up to Philip,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think the Thorndale swan very—very much better than a tame + goose,’ said Charles, ‘but the coalition is not so monstrous in his case, + since Philip was a friend of his own picking and choosing, and so his + father’s adoption did not succeed in repelling him. But that Morville + should receive this “young man’s companion,” on the word of a guardian + whom he never set eyes on before, is too incredible—utterly mythical + I assure you, Amy. And how did you get on at dinner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, the dog is the most delightful creature I ever saw, so sensible and + well-mannered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was of the man that I asked.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He said hardly anything, and sometimes started if papa spoke to him + suddenly. He winced as if he could not bear to be called Sir Guy, so papa + said we should call him only by his name, if he would do the same by us. I + am glad of it, for it seems more friendly, and I am sure he wants to be + comforted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t waste your compassion, my dear; few men need it less. With his + property, those moors to shoot over, his own master, and with health to + enjoy it, there are plenty who would change with him for all your pity, my + silly little Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely not, with that horrible ancestry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All very well to plume oneself upon. I rather covet that ghost myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if you watched his face, I think you would be sorry for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am tired of the sound of his name. One fifth of November is enough in + the year. Here, find something to read to me among that trumpery.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy read till she was summoned to tea, when she found a conversation going + on about Philip, on whose history Sir Guy did not seem fully informed. + Philip was the son of Archdeacon Morville, Mrs. Edmonstone’s brother, an + admirable and superior man, who had been dead about five years. He left + three children, Margaret and Fanny, twenty-five and twenty-three years of + age, and Philip, just seventeen. The boy was at the head of his school, + highly distinguished for application and good conduct; he had attained + every honour there open to him, won golden opinions from all concerned + with him, and made proof of talents which could not have failed to raise + him to the highest university distinctions. He was absent from home at the + time of his father’s death, which took place after so short an illness, + that there had been no time to summon him back to Stylehurst. Very little + property was left to be divided among the three; and as soon as Philip + perceived how small was the provision for his sisters, he gave up his + hopes of university honours, and obtained a commission in the army. + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, Sir Guy started forward: ‘Noble!’ he cried, ‘and yet what + a pity! If my grandfather had but known it—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I was convinced of <i>that</i>,’ broke in Mr. Edmonstone, ‘and so, I + am sure, was Philip himself; but in fact he knew we should never have + given our consent, so he acted quite by himself, wrote to Lord Thorndale, + and never said a word, even to his sisters, till the thing was done. I + never was more surprised in my life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One would almost envy him the opportunity of making such a sacrifice,’ + said Sir Guy, yet one must lament it. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was done in a hasty spirit of independence,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘I + believe if he had got a fellowship at Oxford, it would have answered much + better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And now that poor Fanny is dead, and Margaret married, there is all his + expensive education thrown away, and all for nothing,’ said Mr. + Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘he planned for them to go on living at + Stylehurst, so that it would still have been his home. It is a great pity, + for his talent is thrown away, and he is not fond of his profession.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must not suppose, though, that he is not a practical man,’ said Mr. + Edmonstone; ‘I had rather take his opinion than any one’s, especially + about a horse, and there is no end to what I hear about his good sense, + and the use he is of to the other young men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You should tell about Mr. Thorndale, papa,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah that is a feather in master Philip’s cap; besides, he is your + neighbour—at least, his father is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose you know Lord Thorndale?’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, in explanation. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him once at the Quarter Sessions,’ said Sir Guy; ‘but he + lives on the other side of Moorworth, and there was no visiting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, this youth, James Thorndale, the second son, was Philip’s fag.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip says he was always licking him!’ interposed Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He kept him out of some scrape or other, continued Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Lord + Thorndale was very much obliged to him, had him to stay at his house, took + pretty much to him altogether. It was through him that Philip applied for + his commission, and he has put his son into the same regiment, on purpose + to have him under Philip’s eye. There he is at Broadstone, as + gentlemanlike a youth as I would wish to see. We will have him to dinner + some day, and Maurice too—eh, mamma? Maurice—he is a young + Irish cousin of my own, a capital fellow at the bottom, but a regular + thoroughgoing rattle. That was my doing. I told his father that he could + not do better than put him into the —th. Nothing like a steady + friend and a good example, I said, and Kilcoran always takes my advice, + and I don’t think he has been sorry. Maurice has kept much more out of + scrapes of late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O papa,’ exclaimed Charlotte, ‘Maurice has been out riding on a hired + horse, racing with Mr. Gordon, and the horse tumbled down at the bottom of + East-hill, and broke its knees.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the way,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ‘the instant my back is turned.’ + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the family fell into a discussion of home affairs, and thought + little more of their silent guest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 3 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The hues of bliss more brightly glow + Chastised by sober tints of woe. + —GRAY +</pre> + <p> + ‘What use shall I make of him?’ said Charles to himself, as he studied Sir + Guy Morville, who sat by the table, with a book in his hand. + </p> + <p> + He had the unformed look of a growing boy, and was so slender as to appear + taller than he really was. He had an air of great activity; and though he + sat leaning back, there was no lounging in his attitude, and at the first + summons he roused up with an air of alert attention that recalled to mind + the eager head of a listening greyhound. He had no pretension to be called + handsome; his eyes were his best feature; they were very peculiar, of a + light hazel, darker towards the outside of the iris, very brilliant, the + whites tinted with blue, and the lashes uncommonly thick and black; the + eyebrows were also very dark, and of a sharply-defined angular shape, but + the hair was much lighter, loose, soft, and wavy; the natural fairness of + the complexion was shown by the whiteness of the upper part of the + forehead, though the rest of the face, as well as the small taper hands, + were tanned by sunshine and sea-breezes, into a fresh, hardy brown, + glowing with red on the cheeks. + </p> + <p> + ‘What use shall I make of him?’ proceeded Charles’s thoughts. ‘He won’t be + worth his salt if he goes on in this way; he has got a graver specimen of + literature there than I ever saw Philip himself read on a week-day; he has + been puritanized till he is good for nothing; I’ll trouble myself no more + about him!’ He tried to read, but presently looked up again. ‘Plague! I + can’t keep my thoughts off him. That sober look does not sit on that + sun-burnt face as if it were native to it; those eyes don’t look as if the + Redclyffe spirit was extinguished.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone came in, and looking round, as if to find some occupation + for her guest, at length devised setting him to play at chess with + Charles. Charles gave her an amiable look, expressing that neither liked + it; but she was pretty well used to doing him good against his will, and + trusted to its coming right in time. Charles was a capital chess-player, + and seldom found any one who could play well enough to afford him much + real sport, but he found Sir Guy more nearly a match than often fell to + his lot; it was a bold dashing game, that obliged him to be on his guard, + and he was once so taken by surprise as to be absolutely check-mated. His + ill-humour evaporated, he was delighted to find an opponent worth playing + with, and henceforth there were games almost every morning or evening, + though Sir Guy seemed not to care much about them, except for the sake of + pleasing him. + </p> + <p> + When left to himself, Guy spent his time in reading or in walking about + the lanes alone. He used to sit in the bay-window of the drawing-room with + his book; but sometimes, when they least expected it, the girls would find + his quick eyes following them with an air of amused curiosity, as Amabel + waited on Charles and her flowers, or Laura drew, wrote letters, and + strove to keep down the piles of books and periodicals under which it + seemed as if her brother might some day be stifled—a vain task, for + he was sure to want immediately whatever she put out of his reach. + </p> + <p> + Laura and Amabel both played and sung, the former remarkably well, and the + first time they had any music after the arrival of Sir Guy, his look of + delighted attention struck everyone. He ventured nearer, stood by the + piano when they practised, and at last joined in with a few notes of so + full and melodious a voice, that Laura turned round in surprise, + exclaiming, ‘You sing better I than any of us!’ + </p> + <p> + He coloured. ‘I beg your pardon,’ he said, ‘I could not help it; I know + nothing of music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really!’ said Laura, smiling incredulously. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t even know the notes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you must have a very good ear. Let us try again.’ + </p> + <p> + The sisters were again charmed and surprised, and Guy looked gratified, as + people do at the discovery of a faculty which they are particularly glad + to possess. It was the first time he appeared to brighten, and Laura and + her mother agreed that it would do him good to have plenty of music, and + to try to train that fine voice. He was beginning to interest them all + greatly by his great helpfulness and kindness to Charles, as he learnt the + sort of assistance he required, as well as by the silent grief that showed + how much attached he must have been to his grandfather. + </p> + <p> + On the first Sunday, Mrs. Edmonstone coming into the drawing-room at about + half-past five, found him sitting alone by the fire, his dog lying at his + feet. As he started up, she asked if he had been here in the dark ever + since church-time? + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not wanted light,’ he answered with a sigh, long, deep, and + irrepressible, and as she stirred the fire, the flame revealed to her the + traces of tears. She longed to comfort him, and said— + </p> + <p> + ‘This Sunday twilight is a quiet time for thinking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he said; ‘how few Sundays ago—’ and there he paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you had so little preparation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None. That very morning he had done business with Markham, and had never + been more clear and collected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were you with him when he was taken ill?’ asked Mrs. Edmonstone, + perceiving that it would be a relief to him to talk. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; it was just before dinner. I had been shooting, and went into the + library to tell him where I had been. He was well then, for he spoke, but + it was getting dark, and I did not see his face. I don’t think I was ten + minutes dressing, but when I came down, he had sunk back in his chair. I + saw it was not sleep—I rang—and when Arnaud came, we knew how + it was.’ His, voice became low with strong emotion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he recover his consciousness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, that was <i>the</i> comfort,’ said Guy, eagerly. ‘It was after he + had been bled that he seemed to wake up. He could not speak or move, but + he looked at me—or—I don’t know what I should have done.’ The + last words were almost inaudible from the gush of tears that he vainly + struggled to repress, and he was turning away to hide them, when he saw + that Mrs. Edmonstone’s were flowing fast. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had great reason to be attached to him!’ said she, as soon as she + could speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, indeed I had.’ And after a long silence—‘He was everything + to me, everything from the first hour I can recollect. He never let me + miss my parents. How he attended to all my pleasures and wishes, how he + watched and cared for me, and bore with me, even I can never know.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke in short half sentences of intense feeling, and Mrs. Edmonstone + was much moved by such affection in one said to have been treated with an + excess of strictness, much compassionating the lonely boy, who had lost + every family tie in one. + </p> + <p> + ‘When the first pain of the sudden parting has passed,’ said she, ‘you + will like to remember the affection which you knew how to value.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had but known!’ said Guy; ‘but there was I, hasty, reckless, + disregarding his comfort, rebelling against—O, what would I not give + to have those restraints restored!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is what we all feel in such losses,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘There is + always much to wish otherwise; but I am sure you can have the happiness of + knowing you were his great comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was what I ought to have been.’ + </p> + <p> + She knew that nothing could have been more filial and affectionate than + his conduct, and tried to say something of the kind, but he would not + listen. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is worst of all,’ he said; ‘and you must not trust what they say of + me. They would be sure to praise me, if I was anything short of a brute.’ + </p> + <p> + A silence ensued, while Mrs. Edmonstone was trying to think of some + consolation. Suddenly Guy looked up, and spoke eagerly:— + </p> + <p> + ‘I want to ask something—a great favour—but you make me + venture. You see how I am left alone—you know how little I can trust + myself. Will you take me in hand—let me talk to you—and tell + me if I am wrong, as freely as if I were Charles? I know it is asking a + great deal, but you knew my grandfather, and it is in his name.’ + </p> + <p> + She held out her hand; and with tears answered— + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I will, if I see any occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will let me trust to you to tell me when I get too vehement? above + all, when you see my temper failing? Thank you; you don’t know what a + relief it is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you must not call yourself alone. You are one of us now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; since you have made that promise,’ said Guy; and for the first time + she saw the full beauty of his smile—a sort of sweetness and + radiance of which eye and brow partook almost as much as the lips. It + alone would have gained her heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must look on you as a kind of nephew,’ she added, kindly. ‘I used to + hear so much of you from my brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Guy, lighting up, ‘Archdeacon Morville was always so kind to + me. I remember him very well!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I wish—’ there she paused, and added,—tête-à -tête ‘it is + not right to wish such things—and Philip is very like his father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad his regiment is so near. I want to know him better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You knew him at Redclyffe, when he was staying there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, his colour rising; ‘but I was a boy then, and a very + foolish, headstrong one. I am glad to meet him again. What a grand-looking + person he is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are very proud of him,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. ‘I don’t think + there has been an hour’s anxiety about him since he was born.’ + </p> + <p> + The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Charles’s crutches slowly + crossing the hall. Guy sprang to help him to his sofa, and then, without + speaking, hurried up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma, tete-a-tete with the silent one!’ exclaimed Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not tell you all I think of him,’ said she, leaving the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum!’ soliloquised Charles. ‘That means that my lady mother has adopted + him, and thinks I should laugh at her, or straightway set up a dislike to + him, knowing my contempt for heroes and hero-worship. It’s a treat to have + Philip out of the way, and if it was but possible to get out of hearing of + his perfection, I should have some peace. If I thought this fellow had one + spice of the kind, I’d never trouble my head about him more; and yet I + don’t believe he has such a pair of hawk’s eyes for nothing!’ + </p> + <p> + The hawk’s eyes, as Charles called them, shone brighter from that day + forth, and their owner began to show more interest in what passed around. + Laura was much amused by a little conversation she held with him one day + when a party of their younger neighbours were laughing and talking + nonsense round Charles’s sofa. He was sitting a little way off in silence, + and she took advantage of the loud laughing to say: + </p> + <p> + ‘You think this is not very satisfactory?’ And as he gave a quick glance + of inquiry—‘Don’t mind saying so. Philip and I often agree that it + is a pity spend so much time in laughing at nothing—at such + nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is nonsense?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Listen—no don’t, it is too silly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense must be an excellent thing if it makes people so happy,’ said + Guy thoughtfully. ‘Look at them; they are like—not a picture—that + has no life—but a dream—or, perhaps a scene in a play.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you never see anything like it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no! All the morning calls I ever saw were formal, every one stiff, + and speaking by rote, or talking politics. How glad I used to be to get on + horseback again! But to see these—why, it is like the shepherd’s + glimpse at the pixies!—as one reads a new book, or watches what one + only half understands—a rook’s parliament, or a gathering of + sea-fowl on the Shag Rock.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A rook’s parliament?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The people at home call it a rook’s parliament when a whole cloud of + rooks settle on some bare, wide common, and sit there as if they were + consulting, not feeding, only stalking about, with drooping wings, and + solemn, black cloaks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have found a flattering simile,’ said Laura, ‘as you know that rooks + never open their mouths without cause.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy had never heard the riddle, but he caught the pun instantly, and the + clear merry sound of his hearty laugh surprised Charles, who instantly + noted it as another proof that was some life in him. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, each day began to make it evident that he had, on the whole, + rather a superabundance of animation than otherwise. He was quite + confidential with Mrs. Edmonstone, on whom he used to lavish, with boyish + eagerness, all that interested him, carrying her the passages in books + that pleased him, telling her about Redclyffe’s affairs, and giving her + his letters from Markham, the steward. His head was full of his horse, + Deloraine, which was coming to him under the charge of a groom, and the + consultations were endless about the means of transport, Mr. Edmonstone + almost as eager about it as he was himself. + </p> + <p> + He did not so quickly become at home with the younger portion of the + family, but his spirits rose every day. He whistled as he walked in the + garden, and Bustle, instead of pacing soberly behind him, now capered, + nibbled his pockets, and drew him into games of play which Charles and + Amabel were charmed to overlook from the dressing-room window. There was + Guy leaping, bounding, racing, rolling the dog over, tripping him up, + twitching his ears, tickling his feet, catching at his tail, laughing at + Bustle’s springs, contortions, and harmless open-mouthed attacks, while + the dog did little less than laugh too, with his intelligent amber eyes, + and black and red mouth. Charles began to find a new interest in his + listless life in the attempt to draw Guy out, and make him give one of his + merry laughs. In this, however, he failed when his wit consisted in + allusions to the novels of the day, of which Guy knew nothing. One morning + he underwent a regular examination, ending in— + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you read anything?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid I am very ignorant of modern books.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you read the ancient ones?’ asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve had nothing else to read.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing to read but ancient books!’ exclaimed Amabel, with a mixture of + pity and astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sanchoniathon, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Lucanus!’ said Guy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, Amy,’ said Charles, ‘if he has the Vicar of Wakefield among his + ancient books, you need not pity him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is like Philip,’ said Laura; ‘he was brought up on the old standard + books, instead of his time being frittered away on the host of idle modern + ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was free to concentrate his attention on Sir Charles Grandison,’ said + Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘How could any one do so?’ said Guy. ‘How could any one have any sympathy + with such a piece of self-satisfaction?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who could? Eh, Laura?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never read it,’ said Laura, suspecting malice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is your opinion of perfect heroes?’ continued Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here comes one,’ whispered Amy to her brother, blushing at her piece of + naughtiness, as Philip Morville entered the room. + </p> + <p> + After the first greetings and inquiries after his sister, whom he had been + visiting, Laura told him what they had been saying of the advantage of a + scanty range of reading. + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Philip; ‘I have often been struck by finding how ignorant + people are, even of Shakspeare; and I believe the blame chiefly rests on + the cheap rubbish in which Charlie is nearly walled up there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ said Charles, ‘and who haunts that rubbish at the beginning of every + month? I suppose to act as pioneer, though whether any one but Laura heeds + his warnings, remains to be proved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura does heed?’ asked Philip, well pleased. + </p> + <p> + ‘I made her read me the part of Dombey that hurts women’s feelings most, + just to see if she would go on—the part about little Paul—and + I declare, I shall think the worse of her ever after—she was so + stony hearted, that to this day she does not know whether he is dead or + alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t quite say I don’t know whether he lived or died,’ said Laura, + ‘for I found Amy in a state that alarmed me, crying in the green-house, + and I was very glad to find it was nothing worse than little Paul.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would have read it,’ said Amy; and looking shyly at Guy, she + added—‘Won’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well done, Amy!’ said Charles. ‘In the very face of the young man’s + companion!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip does not really think it wrong,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Philip; ‘those books open fields of thought, and as their + principles are negative, they are not likely to hurt a person well armed + with the truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Meaning,’ said Charles, ‘that Guy and Laura have your gracious permission + to read Dombey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When Laura has a cold or toothache.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not sure about, the expediency for you,’ said Philip ‘it would be a + pity to begin with Dickens, when there is so much of a higher grade + equally new to you. I suppose you do not understand Italian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Guy, abruptly, and his dark eyebrows contracted. + </p> + <p> + Philip went on. ‘If you did, I should not recommend you the translation of + “I promessi Sponsi,” one of the most beautiful books in any language. You + have it in English, I think, Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura fetched it; Guy, with a constrained ‘thank you,’ was going to take + it up rather as if he was putting a force upon himself, when Philip more + quickly took the first volume, and eagerly turned over the pages—I + can’t stand this,’ he said, ‘where is the original?’ + </p> + <p> + It was soon produced; and Philip, finding the beautiful history of Fra + Cristoforo, began to translate it fluently and with an admirable choice of + language that silenced Charles’s attempts to interrupt and criticise. Soon + Guy, who had at first lent only reluctant attention, was entirely + absorbed, his eyebrows relaxed, a look of earnest interest succeeded, his + countenance softened, and when Fra Cristoforo humbled himself, exchanged + forgiveness, and received “il pane del perdono,” tears hung on his + eyelashes. + </p> + <p> + The chapter was finished, and with a smothered exclamation of admiration, + he joined the others in begging Philip to proceed. The story thus read was + very unlike what it had been to Laura and Amy, when they puzzled it out as + an Italian lesson, or to Charles, when he carelessly tossed over the + translation in search of Don Abbondio’s humours; and thus between reading + and conversation, the morning passed very agreeably. + </p> + <p> + At luncheon, Mr. Edmonstone asked Philip to come and spend a day or two at + Hollywell, and he accepted the invitation for the next week. ‘I will make + Thorndale drive me out if you will give him a dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course, of course,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ‘we shall be delighted. We + were talking of asking him, a day or two ago; eh, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Philip; ‘a family party is an especial treat to him,’ + laying a particular stress on the word ‘family party,’ and looking at his + aunt. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the butler came in, saying, ‘Sir Guy’s servant is come, and + has brought the horse, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Deloraine come!’ cried Guy, springing up. ‘Where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At the door, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy darted out, Mr. Edmonstone following. In another instant, however, Guy + put his head into the room again. ‘Mrs. Edmonstone, won’t you come and see + him? Philip, you have not seen Deloraine.’ + </p> + <p> + Off he rushed, and the others were just in time to see the cordial look of + honest gladness with which William, the groom, received his young master’s + greeting, and the delighted recognition between Guy, Bustle, and + Deloraine. Guy had no attention for anything else till he had heard how + they had prospered on the journey; and then he turned to claim his + friend’s admiration for the beautiful chestnut, his grandfather’s birthday + present. The ladies admired with earnestness that compensated for want of + knowledge, the gentlemen with greater science and discrimination; indeed, + Philip, as a connoisseur, could not but, for the sake of his own + reputation, discover something to criticise. Guy’s brows drew together + again, and his eyes glanced as if he was much inclined to resent the + remarks, as attacks at once on Deloraine and on his grandfather; but he + said nothing, and presently went to the stable with Mr. Edmonstone, to see + about the horse’s accommodations. Philip stood in the hall with the + ladies. + </p> + <p> + ‘So I perceive you have dropped the title already,’ observed he to Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, replying for her daughter, ‘it seemed to give + him pain by reminding him of his loss, and he was so strange and forlorn + just at first, that we were glad to do what we could to make him feel + himself more at home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you get on pretty well now?’ + </p> + <p> + The reply was in chorus with variations—‘Oh, excellently!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is so entertaining,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘He sings so beautifully,’ said Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is so right-minded,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘So very well informed,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + Then it all began again. + </p> + <p> + ‘He plays chess so well,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bustle is such a dear dog,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is so attentive to Charlie,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, going into the + drawing-room to her son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa says he will make up for the faults of all his ancestors,’ said + Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘His music! oh, his music!’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip,’ said Charlotte, earnestly, ‘you really should learn to like + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Learn, impertinent little puss?’ said Philip, smiling, ‘why should I not + like him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was sure you would try,’ said Charlotte, impressively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it hard?’ said Amy. ‘But, oh, Philip! you could not help liking his + singing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard such a splendid voice,’ said Laura; ‘so clear and powerful, + and yet so wonderfully sweet in the low soft notes. And a very fine ear: + he has a real talent for music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! inherited, poor fellow,’ said Philip, compassionately. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you pity him for it?’ said Amy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you forget?’ said Philip. ‘I would not advise you to make much of this + talent in public; it is too much a badge of his descent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma did not think so,’ said Amy. ‘She thought it a pity he should not + learn regularly, with such a talent; so the other day, when Mr. Radford + was giving us a lesson, she asked Guy just to sing up and down the scale. + I never saw anything so funny as old Mr Radford’s surprise, it was almost + like the music lesson in “La Figlia del Reggimento”; he started, and + looked at Guy, and seemed in a perfect transport, and now Guy is to take + regular lessons. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But do you really mean,’ said Laura, ‘that if your mother had been a + musician’s daughter, and you had inherited her talent, that you would be + ashamed of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, Laura,’ said Philip, with a smile, ‘I am equally far from + guessing what I should do if my mother had been anything but what she was, + as from guessing what I should do if I had a talent for music.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone here called her daughters to get ready for their walk, as + she intended to go to East-hill, and they might as well walk with Philip + as far as their roads lay together. + </p> + <p> + Philip and Laura walked on by themselves, a little in advance of the + others. Laura was very anxious to arrive at a right understanding of her + cousin’s opinion of Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure there is much to like in him,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is; but is it the highest praise to say there is much to like? + People are not so cautious when they accept a man in toto.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, do you not?’ + </p> + <p> + Philip’s answer was— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘He who the lion’s whelp has nurst, + At home with fostering hand, + Finds it a gentle thing at first, + Obedient to command,’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Do you think him a lion’s whelp?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid I saw the lion just now in his flashing eyes and contracted + brow. There is an impatience of advice, a vehemence of manner that I can + hardly deem satisfactory. I do not speak from prejudice, for I think + highly of his candour, warmth of heart, and desire to do right; but from + all I have seen, I should not venture as yet to place much dependence on + his steadiness of character or command of temper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He seems to have been very fond of his grandfather, in spite of his + severity. He is but just beginning to brighten up a little.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; his disposition is very affectionate,—almost a misfortune to + one so isolated from family ties. He showed remarkably well at Redclyffe, + the other day; boyish of course, and without much self-command, but very + amiably. It is very well for him that he is removed from thence, for all + the people idolize him to such a degree that they could not fail to spoil + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be a great pity if he went wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Great, for he has many admirable qualities, but still they are just what + persons are too apt to fancy compensation for faults. I never heard that + any of his family, except perhaps that unhappy old Hugh, were deficient in + frankness and generosity, and therefore these do not satisfy me. Observe, + I am not condemning him; I wish to be perfectly just; all I say is, that I + do not trust him till I have seen him tried.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura did not answer, she was disappointed; yet there was a justice and + guardedness in what Philip said, that made it impossible to gainsay it, + and she was pleased with his confidence. She thought how cool and prudent + he was, and how grieved she should be if Guy justified his doubts; and so + they walked on in such silence as is perhaps the strongest proof of + intimacy. She was the first to speak, led to do so by an expression of + sadness about her cousin’s mouth. ‘What are you thinking of, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Locksley Hall. There is nonsense, there is affectation in that, Laura, + there is scarcely poetry, but there is power, for there is truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Locksley Hall! I thought you were at Stylehurst.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I was, but the one brings the other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose you went to Stylehurst while you were at St. Mildred’s? Did + Margaret take you there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Margaret? Not she; she is too much engaged with her book-club, and her + soirées, and her societies of every sort and kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you get on with the Doctor?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw as little of him as I could, and was still more convinced that he + does not know what conversation is. Hem!’ Philip gave a deep sigh. ‘No; + the only thing to be done at St. Mildred’s is to walk across the moors to + Stylehurst. It is a strange thing to leave that tumult of gossip, and + novelty, and hardness, and to enter on that quiet autumnal old world, with + the yellow leaves floating silently down, just as they used to do, and the + atmosphere of stillness round the green churchyard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gossip!’ repeated Laura.’ Surely not with Margaret?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Literary, scientific gossip is worse than gossip in a primary sense, + without pretension.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you had Stylehurst to go to. How was the old sexton’s wife?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well; trotting about on her pattens as merrily as ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you go into the garden?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; Fanny’s ivy has entirely covered the south wall, and the acacia is + so tall and spreading, that I longed to have the pruning of it. Old Will + keeps everything in its former state.’ + </p> + <p> + They talked on of the old home, till the stern bitter look of regret and + censure had faded from his brow, and given way to a softened melancholy + expression. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 4 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A fig for all dactyls, a fig for all spondees, + A fig for all dunces and dominie grandees. + —SCOTT +</pre> + <p> + ‘How glad I am!’ exclaimed Guy, entering the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wherefore?’ inquired Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought I was too late, and I am very glad to find no one arrived, and + Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone not come down.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But where have you been?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I lost my way on the top of the down; I fancied some one told me there + was a view of the sea to be had there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And can’t you exist without a view of the sea?’ + </p> + <p> + Guy laughed. ‘Everything looks so dull—it is as if the view was dead + or imprisoned—walled up by wood and hill, and wanting that living + ripple, heaving and struggling.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And your fine rocks?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you could see the Shag stone,—a great island mass, sloping + on one side, precipitous on the other, with the spray dashing on it. If + you see it from ever so far off, there is still that white foam coming and + going—a glancing speck, like the light in an eye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark! a carriage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The young man and the young man’s companion,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘How can you?’ said Laura. ‘What would any one suppose Mr. Thorndale to + be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not Philip’s valet,’ said Charles, ‘if it is true that no man is a hero + to his “valley-de-sham”; whereas, what is not Philip to the Honourable + James Thorndale?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip, Alexander, and Bucephalus into the bargain,’ suggested Amy, in + her demure, frightened whisper, sending all but Laura into a fit of + laughter, the harder to check because the steps of the parties concerned + were heard approaching. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Thorndale was a quiet individual, one of those of whom there is least + to be said, so complete a gentleman that it would have been an insult, to + call him gentleman-like; agreeable and clever rather than otherwise, + good-looking, with a high-bred air about him, so that it always seemed + strange that he did not make more impression. + </p> + <p> + A ring at the front-door almost immediately followed their arrival. + </p> + <p> + ‘Encore?’ asked Philip, looking at Laura with a sort of displeased + surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘Unfortunately, yes,’ said Laura, drawing aside. + </p> + <p> + ‘One of my uncle’s family parties,’ said Philip. ‘I wish I had not brought + Thorndale. Laura, what is to be done to prevent the tittering that always + takes place when Amy and those Harpers are together?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some game?’ said Laura. He signed approval; but she had time to say no + more, for her father and mother came down, and some more guests entered. + </p> + <p> + It was just such a party that continually grew up at Hollywell, for Mr. + Edmonstone was so fond of inviting, that his wife never knew in the + morning how many would assemble at her table in the evening. But she was + used to it, and too good a manager even to be called so. She liked to see + her husband enjoy himself in his good-natured, open-hearted way. The + change was good for Charles, and thus it did very well, and there were few + houses in the neighbourhood more popular than Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + The guests this evening were Maurice de Courcy, a wild young Irishman, all + noise and nonsense, a great favourite with his cousin, Mr. Edmonstone; two + Miss Harpers, daughters of the late clergyman, good-natured, second-rate + girls; Dr. Mayerne, Charles’s kind old physician, the friend and + much-loved counsellor at Hollywell, and the present vicar, Mr. Ross with + his daughter Mary. + </p> + <p> + Mary Ross was the greatest friend that the Miss Edmonstones possessed, + though, she being five-and-twenty, they had not arrived at perceiving that + they were on the equal terms of youngladyhood. + </p> + <p> + She had lost her mother early, and had owed a great deal to the kindness + of Mrs. Edmonstone, as she grew up among her numerous elder brothers. She + had no girlhood; she was a boy till fourteen, and then a woman, and she + was scarcely altered since the epoch of that transition, the same in + likings, tastes, and duties. ‘Papa’ was all the world to her, and pleasing + him had much the same meaning now as then; her brothers were like + playfellows; her delights were still a lesson in Greek from papa, a + school-children’s feast, a game at play, a new book. It was only a pity + other people did not stand still too. ‘Papa,’ indeed, had never grown + sensibly older since the year of her mother’s death: but her brothers were + whiskered men, with all the cares of the world, and no holidays; the + school-girls went out to service, and were as a last year’s brood to an + old hen; the very children she had fondled were young ladies, as old, to + all intents and purposes, as herself, and here were even Laura and Amy + Edmonstone fallen into that bad habit of growing up! though little Amy had + still much of the kitten in her composition, and could play as well as + Charlotte or Mary herself, when they had the garden to themselves. + </p> + <p> + Mary took great pains to amuse Charles, always walking to see him in the + worst weather, when she thought other visitors likely to fall, and + chatting with him as if she was the idlest person in the world, though the + quantity she did at home and in the parish would be too amazing to be + recorded. Spirited and decided, without superfluous fears and fineries, + she had a firm, robust figure, and a rosy, good-natured face, with a + manner that, though perfectly feminine, had in it an air of strength and + determination. + </p> + <p> + Hollywell was a hamlet, two miles from the parish church of East-hill, and + Mary had thus seen very little of the Edmonstone’s guest, having only been + introduced to him after church on Sunday. The pleasure on which Charles + chiefly reckoned for that evening was the talking him over with her when + the ladies came in from the dining-room. The Miss Harpers, with his + sisters, gathered round the piano, and Mrs. Edmonstone sat at Charles’s + feet, while Mary knitted and talked. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you get on well with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is one of those people who are never in the way, and yet you never can + forgot their presence,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘His manners are quite the pink of courtesy,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like his grandfather’s,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘that old-school deference + and attention is very chivalrous, and sits prettily and quaintly on his + high spirits and animation; I hope it will not wear off.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A vain hope,’ said Charles. ‘At present he is like that German myth, + Kaspar Hauser, who lived till twenty in a cellar. It is lucky for mamma + that, in his green state, he is courtly instead of bearish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lucky for you, too, Charlie; he spoils you finely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has the rare perfection of letting me know my own mind. I never knew + what it was to have my own way before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that your complaint, Charlie? What next?’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you think I have my way, do you, Mary? That is all envy, you see, and + very much misplaced. Could you guess what a conflict it is every time I am + helped up that mountain of a staircase, or the slope of my sofa is + altered? Last time Philip stayed here, every step cost an argument, till + at last, through sheer exhaustion, I left myself a dead weight on his + hands, to be carried up by main strength. And after all, he is such a + great, strong fellow, that I am afraid he did not mind it; so next time I + <i>crutched</i> myself down alone, and I hope that did provoke him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy is so kind that I am ashamed,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘It seems as + if we had brought him for the sole purpose of waiting on Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Half his heart is in his horse,’ said Charles. ‘Never had man such + delight in the “brute creation.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have been his chief playfellows,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘The chief + of his time was spent in wandering in the woods or on the beach, watching + them and their ways.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fairly dreamt of that Elysium of his last night,’ said Charles: ‘a + swamp half frozen on a winter’s night, full of wild ducks. Here, + Charlotte, come and tell Mary the roll of Guy’s pets.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte began. ‘There was the sea-gull, and the hedgehog, and the fox, + and the badger, and the jay, and the monkey, that he bought because it was + dying, and cured it, only it died the next winter, and a toad, and a + raven, and a squirrel, and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will do, Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! but Mary has not heard the names of all his dogs. And Mary, he has + cured Bustle of hunting my Puss. We held them up to each other, and Puss + hissed horribly, but Bustle did not mind it a bit; and the other day, when + Charles tried to set him at her, he would not take the least notice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Charlotte,’ said Charles, waving his hand, with a provoking mock + politeness, ‘have the goodness to return to your friends. + </p> + <p> + Tea over, Laura proposed the game of definitions. ‘You know it. Philip,’ + said she, ‘you taught us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes I learnt it of your sisters, Thorndale,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘O pray let us have it. It must be charming!’ exclaimed Miss Harper, on + this recommendation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Definitions!’ said Charles, contemptuously. ‘Dr. Johnson must be the hand + for them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are just the definitions not to be found in Johnson,’ said Mr. + Thorndale. ‘Our standing specimen is adversity, which may be differently + explained according to your taste, as “a toad with a precious jewel in its + head,” or “the test of friendship.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The spirit of words,’ said Guy, looking eager and interested. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we’ll try,’ said Charles, ‘though I can’t say it sounds to me + promising. Come, Maurice, define an Irishman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, don’t let us be personal,’ said Laura; ‘I had thought of the word + “happiness”. We are each to write a definition on a slip of paper, then + compare them.’ + </p> + <p> + The game was carried on with great spirit for more than an hour. It was + hard to say, which made most fun, Maurice, Charles, or Guy; the last no + longer a spectator, but an active contributor to the sport. When the + break-up came, Mary and Amabel were standing over the table together, + collecting the scattered papers, and observing that it had been very good + fun. ‘Some so characteristic,’ said Amy, ‘such as Maurice’s definition of + happiness,—a row at Dublin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some were very deep, though,’ said Mary; ‘if it is not treason, I should + like to make out whose that other was of happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You mean this,’ said Amy: ‘“Gleams from a brighter world, too soon + eclipsed or forfeited.” I thought it was Philip’s, but it is Sir Guy’s + writing. How very sad! I should not like to think so. And he was so merry + all the time! This is his, too, I see; this one about riches being the + freight for which the traveller is responsible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a great deal of character in them,’ said Mary. ‘I should not + have wondered at any of us, penniless people, philosophizing in the fox + and grapes style, but, for him, and at his age—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been brought up so as to make the theory of wisdom come early,’ + said Philip, who was nearer than she thought. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that intended for disparagement?’ she asked quickly. + </p> + <p> + I think very highly of him; he has a great deal of sense and right + feeling,’ was Philip’s sedate answer; and he turned away to say some last + words to Mr. Thorndale. + </p> + <p> + The Rosses were the last to depart, Mary in cloak and clogs, while Mr. + Edmonstone lamented that it was in vain to offer the carriage; and Mary + laughed, and thanked, and said the walk home with Papa was the greatest of + treats in the frost and star-light. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t I pity you, who always go out to dinner in a carriage!’ were her + last words to Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Guy,’ said Charlotte, ‘how do you like it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very much, indeed. It was very pleasant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are getting into the fairy ring,’ said Laura, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay’ he said, smiling too; ‘but it does not turn to tinsel. Would it if I + saw more of it?’ and he looked at Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be no compliment to ourselves to say so,’ she answered. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose tinsel or gold depends on the using,’ said he, thoughtfully; + ‘there are some lumps of solid gold among those papers, I am sure, one, in + particular, about a trifle. May I see that again? I mean— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Little things + On little wings + Bear little souls to heaven.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Oh! that was only a quotation,’ said Amy, turning over the definitions + again with him, and laughing at some of the most amusing; while, in the + mean time, Philip went to help Laura, who was putting some books away in + the ante-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, Laura,’ he said, ‘he has thought, mind, and soul; he is no mere + rattle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No indeed. Who could help seeing his superiority over Maurice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If only he does not pervert his gifts, and if it is not all talk. I don’t + like such excess of openness about his feelings; it is too like talking + for talking’s sake.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma says it in the transparency of youthfulness. You know he has never + been at school; so his thoughts come out in security of sympathy, without + fear of being laughed at. But it is very late. Good night.’ + </p> + <p> + The frost turned to rain the next morning, and the torrents streamed + against the window, seeming to have a kind of attraction for Philip and + Guy, who stood watching them. + </p> + <p> + Guy wondered if the floods would be out at Redclyffe and his cousins were + interested by his description of the sudden, angry rush of the mountain + streams, eddying fiercely along, bearing with them tree and rock, while + the valleys became lakes, and the little mounds islets; and the trees + looked strangely out of proportion when only their branches were visible. + ‘Oh! a great flood is famous fun,’ said he. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely,’ said Philip, ‘I have heard a legend of your being nearly drowned + in some flood. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, ‘I had a tolerable ducking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, tell us about it!’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! I have a curiosity to hear a personal experience of drowning,’ said + Charles. ‘Come, begin at the beginning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was standing watching the tremendous force of the stream, when I saw an + unhappy old ram floating along, bleating so piteously, and making such + absurd, helpless struggles, that I could not help pulling off my coat and + jumping in after him. It was very foolish, for the stream was too strong—I + was two years younger then. Moreover, the beast was very heavy, and not at + all grateful for any kind intentions, and I found myself sailing off to + the sea, with the prospect of a good many rocks before long; but just then + an old tree stretched out its friendly arms through the water; it stopped + the sheep, and I caught hold of the branches, and managed to scramble up, + while my friend got entangled in them with his wool’— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Omne quum Proteus pecus egit altos + Visere montes,’ +</pre> + <p> + quoted Philip. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Ovium et summa, genus haesit ulmo,’ +</pre> + <p> + added Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Ovium</i>,’ exclaimed Philip, with a face of horror. ‘Don’t you know + that <i>O</i> in <i>Ovis</i> is short? Do anything but take liberties with + Horace!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Get out of the tree first, Guy,’ said Charles, ‘for at present your + history seems likely to end with a long ohone!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Triton—not Proteus—came to the rescue at last,’ said + Guy, laughing; ‘I could not stir, and the tree bent so frightfully with + the current that I expected every minute we should all go together; so I + had nothing for it but to halloo as loud as I could. No one heard but + Triton, the old Newfoundland dog, who presently came swimming up, so eager + to help, poor fellow, that I thought he would have throttled me, or hurt + himself in the branches. I took off my handkerchief and threw it to him, + telling him to take it to Arnaud, who I knew would understand it as a + signal of distress.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he? How long had you to wait?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know—it seemed long enough before a most welcome boat + appeared, with some men in it, and Triton in an agony. They would never + have found me but for him, for my voice was gone; indeed the next thing I + remember was lying on the grass in the park, and Markham saying, ‘Well, + sir, if you do wish to throw away your life, let it be for something + better worth saving than Farmer Holt’s vicious old ram!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the language of the great Mr. Toots,’ said Charles ‘I am afraid you + got very wet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were you the worse for it?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in the least. I was so glad to hear it was Holt’s! for you must know + that I had behaved very ill to Farmer Holt. I had been very angry at his + beating our old hound, for, as he thought, worrying his sheep; not that + Dart ever did, though. + </p> + <p> + ‘And was the ram saved?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and next time I saw it, it nearly knocked me down.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would you do it again?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you had a medal from the Humane Society,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would have been more proper for Triton.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours should have been an ovation,’ said Charles, cutting the o absurdly + short, and looking at Philip. + </p> + <p> + Laura saw that the spirit of teasing was strong in Charles this morning + and suspected that he wanted to stir up what he called the deadly feud, + and she hastened to change the conversation by saying, ‘You quite + impressed Guy with your translation of Fra Cristoforo.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I must thank you for recommending the book,’ said Guy; ‘how + beautiful it is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you entered into it,’ said Philip; ‘it has every quality that a + fiction ought to have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never read anything equal to the repentance of the nameless man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he your favourite character?’ said Philip, looking at him attentively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no—of course not—though he is so grand that one thinks + most about him, but no one can be cared about as much as Lucia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lucia! She never struck me as more than a well-painted peasant girl,’ + said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Guy, indignantly; then, controlling himself, he continued: + ‘She pretends to no more than she is, but she shows the beauty of goodness + in itself in a—a—wonderful way. And think of the power of + those words of hers over that gloomy, desperate man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your sympathy with the Innominato again,’ said Philip. Every subject + seemed to excite Guy to a dangerous extent, as Laura thought, and she + turned to Philip to ask if he would not read to them again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I brought this book on purpose,’ said Philip. ‘I wished to read you a + description of that print from Raffaelle—you know it—the + Madonna di San Sisto?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The one you brought to show us?’ said Amy, ‘with the two little angels?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, here is the description,’ and he began to read— + </p> + <p> + ‘Dwell on the form of the Child, more than human in grandeur, seated on + the arms of the Blessed Virgin as on an august throne. Note the tokens of + divine grace, His ardent eyes, what a spirit, what a countenance is His; + yet His very resemblance to His mother denotes sufficiently that He is of + us and takes care for us. Beneath are two figures adoring, each in their + own manner. On one side is a pontiff, on the other a virgin each a most + sweet and solemn example, the one of aged, the other of maidenly piety and + reverence. Between, are two winged boys, evidently presenting a wonderful + pattern of childlike piety. Their eyes, indeed, are not turned towards the + Virgin, but both in face and gesture, they show how careless of themselves + they are in the presence of God.’ + </p> + <p> + All were struck by the description. Guy did not speak at first, but the + solemn expression of his face showed how he felt its power and reverence. + Philip asked if they would like to hear more, and Charles assented: Amy + worked, Laura went on with her perspective, and Guy sat by her side, + making concentric circles with her compasses, or when she wanted them he + tormented her parallel ruler, or cut the pencils, never letting his + fingers rest except at some high or deep passage, or when some interesting + discussion arose. All were surprised when luncheon time arrived; Charles + held out his hand for the book; it was given with a slight smile, and he + exclaimed’ Latin! I thought you were translating. Is it your own + property?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it very tough? I would read it, if any one would read it with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean me?’ said Guy; ‘I should like it very much, but you have seen + how little Latin I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the very thing,’ said Charles; ‘that Ovis of yours was music; I + would have made you a Knight of the Golden Fleece on the spot. Tutors I + could get by shoals, but a fellow-dunce is inestimable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a bargain, then,’ said Guy; ‘if Philip has done with the book and + will lend it to us.’ + </p> + <p> + The luncheon bell rang, and they all adjourned to the dining-room. Mr. + Edmonstone came in when luncheon was nearly over, rejoicing that his + letters were done, but then he looked disconsolately from the window, and + pitied the weather. ‘Nothing for it but billiards. People might say it was + nonsense to have a billiard-table in such a house, but for his part he + found there was no getting through a wet day without them. Philip must + beat him as usual, and Guy might have one of the young ladies to make a + fourth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Guy, ‘but I don’t play.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not play—eh?’ Well, we will teach you in the spinning of a ball, + and I’ll have my little Amy to help me against you and Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, thank you,’ repeated Guy, colouring, ‘I am under a promise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! Eh? What? Your grandfather? He could see no harm in such play as + this. For nothing, you understand. You did not suppose I meant anything + else?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O no, of course not,’ eagerly replied Guy; ‘but it is impossible for me + to play, thank you. I have promised never even to look on at a game at + billiards.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, poor man, he had too much reason.’ uttered Mr. Edmonstone to himself, + but catching a warning look from his wife, he became suddenly silent. Guy, + meanwhile, sat looking lost in sad thoughts, till, rousing himself, he + exclaimed, ‘Don’t let me prevent you.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone needed but little persuasion, and carried Philip off to the + billiard-table in the front hall. + </p> + <p> + ‘O, I am so glad!’ cried Charlotte, who had, within the last week, learnt + Guy’s value as a playfellow. ‘Now you will never go to those stupid + billiards, but I shall have you always, every rainy day. Come and have a + real good game at ball on the stairs.’ + </p> + <p> + She already had hold of his hand, and would have dragged him off at once, + had he not waited to help Charles back to his sofa; and in the mean time + she tried in vain to persuade her more constant playmate, Amabel, to join + the game. Poor little Amy regretted the being obliged to refuse, as she + listened to the merry sounds and bouncing balls, sighing more than once at + having turned into a grown-up young lady; while Philip observed to Laura, + who was officiating as billiard-marker, that Guy was still a mere boy. + </p> + <p> + The fates favoured Amy at last for about half after three, the billiards + were interrupted, and Philip, pronouncing the rain to be almost over, + invited Guy to take a walk, and they set out in a very gray wet mist, + while Charlotte and Amy commenced a vigorous game at battledore and + shuttle-cock. + </p> + <p> + The gray mist had faded into twilight, and twilight into something like + night, when Charles was crossing the hall, with the aid of Amy’s arm, + Charlotte carrying the crutch behind him, and Mrs. Edmonstone helping + Laura with her perspective apparatus, all on their way to dress for + dinner; the door opened and in came the two Morvilles. Guy, without, even + stopping to take off his great coat, ran at once up-stairs, and the next + moment the door of his room was shut with a bang that shook the house, and + made them all start and look at Philip for explanation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Redclyffe temper,’ said he, coolly, with a half-smile curling his short + upper lip. + </p> + <p> + ‘What have you been doing to him?’ said Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing. At least nothing worthy of such ire. I only entered on the + subject of his Oxford life, and advised him to prepare for it, for his + education has as yet been a mere farce. He used to go two or three days in + the week to one Potts, a self-educated genius—a sort of superior + writing-master at the Moorworth commercial school. Of course, though it is + no fault of his, poor fellow, he is hardly up to the fifth form, and he + must make the most of his time, if he is not to be plucked. I set all this + before him as gently as I could, for I knew with whom I had to deal, yet + you see how it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What did he say?’ asked Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘He said nothing; so far I give him credit; but he strode on furiously for + the last half mile, and this explosion is the finale. I am very sorry for + him, poor boy; I beg no further notice may be taken of it. Don’t you want + an arm, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No thank you,’ answered Charles, with a little surliness. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better. It really is too much for Amy,’ said Philip, making a + move as if to take possession of him, as he arrived at the foot of the + stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like the camellia, I suppose,’ he replied; and taking his other crutch + from Charlotte, he began determinedly to ascend without assistance, + resolved to keep Philip a prisoner below him as long as he could, and + enjoying the notion of chafing him by the delay. Certainly teasing Philip + was a dear delight to Charles, though it was all on trust, as, if he + succeeded, his cousin never betrayed his annoyance by look or sign. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter of an hour after, there was a knock at the dressing-room + door. ‘Come in,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking up from her letter-writing, + and Guy made his appearance, looking very downcast. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am come,’ he said, ‘to ask pardon for the disturbance I made just now. + I was so foolish as to be irritated at Philip’s manner, when he was giving + me some good advice, and I am very sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What has happened to your lip?’ she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + He put his handkerchief to it. ‘Is it bleeding still? It is a trick of + mine to bite my lip when I am vexed. It seems to help to keep down words. + There! I have given myself a mark of this hateful outbreak.’ + </p> + <p> + He looked very unhappy, more so, Mrs. Edmonstone thought, than the actual + offence required. ‘You have only failed in part,’ she said. ‘It was a + victory to keep down words.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The feeling is the <i>thing</i>,’ said Guy; ‘besides, I showed it plainly + enough, without speaking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not easy to take advice from one so little your elder,’ began Mrs. + Edmonstone, but he interrupted her. ‘It was not the advice. That was very + good; I—’ but he spoke with an effort,—‘I am obliged to him. + It was—no, I won’t say what,’ he added, his eyes kindling, then + changing in a moment to a sorrowful, resolute tone, ‘Yes, but I <i>will</i>, + and then I shall make myself thoroughly ashamed. It was his veiled + assumption of superiority, his contempt for all I have been taught. Just + as if he had not every right to despise me, with his talent and + scholarship, after such egregious mistakes as I had made in the morning. I + gave him little reason to think highly of my attainments; but let him + slight me as much as he pleases, he must not slight those who taught me. + It was not Mr. Potts’ fault.’ + </p> + <p> + Even the name could not spoil the spirited sound of the speech, and Mrs. + Edmonstone was full of sympathy. ‘You must remember,’ she said, ‘that in + the eyes of a man brought up at public school, nothing compensates for the + want of the regular classical education. I have no doubt it was very + provoking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t want to be excused, thank you,’ said Guy. ‘Oh I am grieved; for I + thought the worst of my temper had been subdued. After all that has passed—all + I felt—I thought it impossible. Is there no hope for—’ He + covered his face with his hands, then recovering and turning to Mrs. + Edmonstone, he said, ‘It is encroaching too much on your kindness to come + here and trouble you with my confessions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, indeed,’ said she, earnestly. ‘Remember how we agreed that you + should come to me like one of my own children. And, indeed, I do not see + why you need grieve in this despairing way, for you almost overcame the + fit of anger; and perhaps you were off your guard because the trial came + in an unexpected way?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It did, it did,’ he said, eagerly; ‘I don’t, mind being told point blank + that I am a dunce, but that Mr. Potts—nay, by implication—my + grandfather should be set at nought in that cool—But here I am + again!’ said he, checking himself in the midst of his vehemence; ‘he did + not mean that, of course. I have no one to blame but myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘that if you always treat your failings + in this way, you must subdue them at last.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is all failing, and resolving, and failing again!’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but the failures become slighter and less frequent, and the end is + victory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The end victory!’ repeated Guy, in a musing tone, as he stood leaning + against the mantelshelf. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, to all who persevere and seek for help,’ said Mrs Edmonstone; and he + raised his eyes and fixed them on her with an earnest look that surprised + her, for it was almost as if the hope came home to him as something new. + At that moment, however, she was called away, and directly after a voice + in the next room exclaimed, ‘Are you there, Guy? I want an arm!’ while he + for the first time perceived that Charles’s door was ajar. + </p> + <p> + Charles thought all this a great fuss about nothing, indeed he was glad to + find there was anyone who had no patience with Philip; and in his usual + mischievous manner, totally reckless of the fearful evil of interfering + with the influence for good which it was to be hoped that Philip might + exert over Guy, he spoke thus: ‘I begin to think the world must be more + docile than I have been disposed to give it credit for. How a certain + cousin of ours has escaped numerous delicate hints to mind his own + business is to me one of the wonders of the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one better deserves that his advice should be followed,’ said Guy, + with some constraint. + </p> + <p> + ‘An additional reason against it,’ said Charles. ‘Plague on that bell! I + meant to have broken through your formalities and had a candid opinion of + Don Philip before it rang.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I am glad of it; I could hardly have given you a candid opinion just + at present.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles was vexed; but he consoled himself by thinking that Guy did not + yet feel himself out of his leading-strings, and was still on his good + behaviour. After such a flash as this there was no fear, but there was + that in him which would create mischief and disturbance enough. Charles + was well principled at the bottom, and would have shrunk with horror had + it been set before him how dangerous might be the effect of destroying the + chance of a friendship between Guy and the only person whose guidance was + likely to be beneficial to him; but his idle, unoccupied life, and habit + of only thinking of things as they concerned his immediate amusement, made + him ready to do anything for the sake of opposition to Philip, and enjoy + the vague idea of excitement to be derived from anxiety about his father’s + ward, whom at the same time he regarded with increased liking as he became + certain that what he called the Puritan spirit was not native to him. + </p> + <p> + At dinner-time, Guy was as silent as on his first arrival, and there would + have been very little conversation had not the other gentleman talked + politics, Philip leading the discussion to bear upon the duties and + prospects of landed proprietors, and dwelling on the extent of their + opportunities for doing good. He tried to get Guy’s attention, by speaking + of Redclyffe, of the large circle influenced by the head of the Morville + family, and of the hopes entertained by Lord Thorndale that this power + would prove a valuable support to the rightful cause. He spoke in vain; + the young heir of Redclyffe made answers as brief, absent, and + indifferent, as if all this concerned him no more than the Emperor of + Morocco, and Philip, mentally pronouncing him sullen, turned to address + himself to Laura. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the ladies had left the dining-room, Guy roused himself, and + began by saying to his guardian that he was afraid he was very deficient + in classical knowledge; that he found he must work hard before going to + Oxford; and asked whether there was any tutor in the neighbourhood to whom + he could apply. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone opened his eyes, as much amazed as if Guy had asked if + there was any executioner in the neighbourhood who could cut off his head. + Philip was no less surprised, but he held his peace, thinking it was well + Guy bad sense enough to propose it voluntarily, as he would have suggested + it to his uncle as soon as there was an opportunity of doing so in + private. As soon as Mr. Edmonstone had recollected himself, and pronounced + it to be exceedingly proper, &c., they entered into a discussion on + the neighbouring curates, and came at last to a resolution that Philip + should see whether Mr. Lascelles, a curate of Broadstone, and an old + schoolfellow of his own, would read with Guy a few hours in every week. + </p> + <p> + After this was settled, Guy looked relieved, though he was not himself all + the evening, and sat in his old corner between the plants and the window, + where he read a grave book, instead of talking, singing, or finishing his + volume of ‘Ten Thousand a Year.’ Charlotte was all this time ill at ease. + She looked from Guy to Philip, from Philip to Guy; she shut her mouth as + if she was forming some great resolve, then coloured, and looked confused, + rushing into the conversation with something more mal-apropos than usual, + as if on purpose to appear at her ease. At last, just before her bed-time, + when the tea was coming in, Mrs. Edmonstone engaged with that, Laura + reading, Amy clearing Charles’s little table, and Philip helping Mr. + Edmonstone to unravel the confused accounts of the late cheating bailiff, + Guy suddenly found her standing by him, perusing his face with all the + power of her great blue eyes. She started as he looked up, and put her + face into Amabel’s great myrtle as if she would make it appear that she + was smelling to it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Charlotte?’ said he, and the sound of his voice made her speak, but + in a frightened, embarrassed whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy—Guy—Oh! I beg your pardon, but I wanted to—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, what?’ said he, kindly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wanted to make sure that you are not angry with Philip. You don’t mean + to keep up the feud, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Feud?—I hope not,’ said Guy, too much in earnest to be diverted + with her lecture. ‘I am very much obliged to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you really?’ said Charlotte, her head a little on one side. ‘I + thought he had been scolding you.’ + </p> + <p> + Scolding was so very inappropriate to Philip’s calm, argumentative way of + advising, that it became impossible not to laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not scolding, then?’ said Charlotte. ‘You are too nearly grown up for + that, but telling you to learn, and being tiresome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was so foolish as to be provoked at first,’ answered Guy; ‘but I hope I + have thought better of it, and am going to act upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte opened her eyes wider than ever, but in the midst of her + amazement Mrs. Edmonstone called to Guy to quit his leafy screen and come + to tea. + </p> + <p> + Philip was to return to Broadstone the next day, and as Mrs. Edmonstone + had some errands there that would occupy her longer than Charles liked to + wait in the carriage, it was settled that Philip should drive her there in + the pony phaeton, and Guy accompany them and drive back, thus having an + opportunity of seeing Philip’s print of the ‘Madonna di San Sisto,’ + returning some calls, and being introduced to Mr. Lascelles, whilst she + was shopping. They appointed an hour and place of meeting, and kept to it, + after which Mrs. Edmonstone took Guy with her to call on Mrs. Deane, the + wife of the colonel. + </p> + <p> + It was currently believed among the young Edmonstones that Mamma and Mrs. + Deane never met without talking over Mr. Morville’s good qualities, and + the present visit proved no exception. Mrs. Deane, a kind, open-hearted, + elderly lady was very fond of Mr. Morville, and proud of him as a credit + to the regiment; and she told several traits of his excellent judgment, + kindness of heart, and power of leading to the right course. Mrs. + Edmonstone listened, and replied with delight; and no less pleasure and + admiration were seen reflected in her young friend’s radiant face. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone’s first question, as they set out on their homeward drive, + was, whether they had seen Mr. Lascelles? + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, ‘I am to begin to morrow, and go to him every Monday and + Thursday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is prompt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I have no time to lose; besides I have been leading too smooth a life + with you. I want something unpleasant to keep me in order. Something + famously horrid,’ repeated he, smacking the whip with a relish, as if he + would have applied that if he could have found nothing else. + </p> + <p> + ‘You think you live too smoothly at Hollywell,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, + hardly able, with all her respect for his good impulses, to help laughing + at this strange boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. Happy, thoughtless, vehement; that is what your kindness makes me. + Was it not a proof, that I must needs fly out at such a petty + provocation?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not have thought it such a very exciting life; certainly not + such as is usually said to lead to thoughtlessness; and we have been even + quieter than usual since you came.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, you don’t know what stuff I am made of,’ said Guy, gravely, though + smiling; ‘your own home party is enough to do me harm; it is so + exceedingly pleasant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pleasant things do not necessarily do harm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to you; not to people who are not easily unsettled; but when I go + up-stairs, after a talking, merry evening, such as the night before last, + I find that I have enjoyed it too much; I am all abroad! I can hardly fix + my thoughts, and I don’t know what to do, since here I must be, and I + can’t either be silent, or sit up in my own room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ said she, smiling; ‘there are duties of society which you + owe even to us dangerous people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no: don’t misunderstand me. The fault is in myself. If it was not for + that, I could learn nothing but good,’ said Guy, speaking very eagerly, + distressed at her answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I understand you,’ said she, marvelling at the serious, ascetic + temper, coupled with the very high animal spirits. ‘For your comfort, I + believe the unsettled feeling you complain of is chiefly the effect of + novelty. You have led so very retired a life, that a lively family party + is to you what dissipation would be to other people: and, as you must meet + with the world some time or other, it is better the first encounter with + should be in this comparatively innocent form. Go on watching yourself, + and it will do you no harm.’ + </p> + <p> + Yes, but if I find it does me harm? It would be cowardly to run away, and + resistance should be from within. Yet, on the other hand, there is the + duty of giving up, wrenching oneself from all that has temptation in it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is nothing,’ said Mrs Edmonstone, ‘that has no temptation in it; + but I should think the rule was plain. If a duty such as that of living + among us for the present, and making yourself moderately agreeable, + involves temptations, they must be met and battled from within. In the + same way, your position in society, with all its duties, could not be laid + aside because it is full of trial. Those who do such things are + fainthearted, and fail in trust in Him who fixed their station, and finds + room for them to deny themselves in the trivial round and common task. It + is pleasure involving no duty that should be given up, if we find it + liable to lead us astray.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ answered Guy, musingly; ‘and this reading comes naturally, and is + just what I wanted to keep the pleasant things from getting a full hold of + me. I ought to have thought of it sooner, instead of dawdling a whole + month in idleness. Then all this would not have happened. I hope it will + be very tough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have no great love for Latin and Greek?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Guy, eagerly, ‘to be sure I delight in Homer and the Georgics, + and plenty more. What splendid things there are in these old fellows! But, + I never liked the drudgery part of the affair; and now if I am to be set + to work to be accurate, and to get up all the grammar and the Greek roots, + it will be horrid enough in all conscience.’ + </p> + <p> + He groaned as deeply as if he had not been congratulating himself just + before on the difficulty. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who was your tutor?’ asked Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Potts,’ said Guy. ‘He is a very clever man; he had a common + grammar-school education, but he struggled on—taught himself a great + deal—and at last thought it great promotion to be a teacher at the + Commercial Academy, as they call it, at Moorworth, where Markham’s nephews + went to school. He is very clever, I assure you, and very patient of the + hard, wearing life he must have of it there; and oh! so enjoying a new + book, or an afternoon to himself. When I was about eight or nine, I began + with him, riding into Moorworth three times in a week; and I have gone on + ever since. I am sure he has done the best he could for me; and he made + the readings very pleasant by his own enjoyment. If Philip had known the + difficulties that man has struggled through, and his beautiful temper, + persevering in doing his best and being contented, I am sure he could + never have spoken contemptuously of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure he would not,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘all he meant was, that a + person without a university education cannot tell what the requirements + are to which a man must come up in these days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Guy, laughing, ‘how I wished Mr. Potts had been there to have + enjoyed listening to Philip and Mr. Lascelles discussing some new Lexicon, + digging down for roots of words, and quoting passages of obscure Greek + poets at such a rate, that if my eyes had been shut I could have thought + them two withered old students in spectacles and snuff-coloured coats.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip was in his element.’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Really,’ proceeded Guy, with animation, ‘the more I hear and see of + Philip, the more I wonder. What a choice collection of books he has—so + many of them school prizes, and how beautifully bound!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! that is one of Philip’s peculiar ways. With all his prudence and his + love of books, I believe he would not buy one unless he had a reasonable + prospect of being able to dress it handsomely. Did you see the print?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes that I did. What glorious loveliness! There is nothing that does it + justice but the description in the lecture. Oh I forgot, you have not + heard it. You must let me read it to you by and by. Those two little + angels, what faces they have. Perfect innocence—one full of + reasoning, the other of unreasoning adoration!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see it!’ suddenly exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘I see what you are like + in one of your looks, not by any means, in all—it is to the larger + of those two angels.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very seldom, I should guess,’ said Guy; and sinking his voice, as if he + was communicating a most painful fact, he added, ‘My real likeness is old + Sir Hugh’s portrait at home. But what were we saying? Oh! about Philip. + How nice those stories were of Mrs. Deane’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is very fond of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To have won so much esteem and admiration, already from strangers, with + no prejudice in his favour.—It must be entirely his own doing; and + well it may! Every time one hears of him, something comes out to make him + seem more admirable. You are laughing at me, and I own it is presumptuous + to praise; but I did not mean to praise, only to admire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like very much to hear my nephew praised; I was only smiling at your + enthusiastic way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I only wonder I am not more enthusiastic,’ said Guy. ‘I suppose it is his + plain good sense that drives away that sort of feeling, for he is as near + heroism in the way of self-sacrifice as a man can be in these days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Philip! if disappointment can make a hero, it has fallen to his + share. Ah! Guy, you are brightening and looking like one of my young + ladies in hopes of a tale of true love crossed, but it was only love of a + sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sister for whom he gave up so much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, his sister Margaret. She was eight or nine years older, very + handsome, very clever, a good deal like him—a pattern elder sister; + indeed, she brought him up in great part after his mother died, and he was + devoted to her. I do believe it made the sacrifice of his prospects quite + easy to him, to know it was for her sake, that she would live on at + Stylehurst, and the change be softened to her. Then came Fanny’s illness, + and that lead to the marriage with Dr. Henley. It was just what no one + could object to; he is a respectable man in full practice, with a large + income; but he is much older than she is, not her equal in mind or + cultivation, and though I hardly like to say so, not at all a religious + man. At any rate, Margaret Morville was one of the last people one could + bear to see marry for the sake of an establishment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Could her brother do nothing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He expostulated with all his might; but at nineteen he could do little + with a determined sister of twenty-seven; and the very truth and power of + his remonstrance must have made it leave a sting. Poor fellow, I believe + he suffered terribly—just as he had lost Fanny, too, which he felt + very deeply, for she was a very sweet creature, and he was very fond of + her. It was like losing both sisters and home at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he not just been staying with Mrs. Henley?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. There was never any coolness, as people call it. He is the one thing + she loves and is proud of. They always correspond, and he often stays with + her; but he owns to disliking the Doctor, and I don’t think he has much + comfort in Margaret herself, for he always comes back more grave and stern + than he went. Her house, with all her good wishes, can be no home to him; + and so we try to make Hollywell supply the place of Stylehurst as well as + we can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How glad he must be to have you to comfort him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip? Oh no. He was always reserved; open to no one but Margaret, not + even to his father, and since her marriage he has shut himself up within + himself more than ever. It has, at least I think it is this that has given + him a severity, an unwillingness to trust, which I believe is often the + consequence of a great disappointment either in love or in friendship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you for telling me,’ said Guy: ‘I shall understand him better, and + look up to him more. Oh! it is a cruel thing to find that what one loves + is, or has not been, all one thought. What must he not have gone through!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was well pleased to have given so much assistance to Guy’s + sincere desire to become attached to his cousin, one of the most + favourable signs in the character that was winning so much upon her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 5 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A cloud was o’er my childhood’s dream, + I sat in solitude; + I know not how—I know not why, + But round my soul all drearily + There was a silent shroud. + —THOUGHTS IN PAST YEARS +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was anxious to hear Mr. Lascelle’s opinion of his pupil, + and in time she learnt that he thought Sir Guy had very good abilities, + and a fair amount of general information; but that his classical knowledge + was far from accurate, and mathematics had been greatly neglected. He had + been encouraged to think his work done when he had gathered the general + meaning of a passage, or translated it into English verse, spirited and + flowing, but often further from the original than he or his tutor could + perceive. He had never been taught to work, at least as other boys study, + and great application would be requisite to bring his attainments to a + level with those of far less clever boys educated at a public school. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lascelles told him so at first; but as there were no reflections on + his grandfather, or on Mr. Potts, Guy’s lip did not suffer, and he only + asked how many hours a day he ought to read. ‘Three,’ said Mr. Lascelles, + with a due regard to a probable want of habits of application; but then, + remembering how much was undone, he added, that ‘it ought to be four or + more, if possible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Four it <i>shall</i> be,’ said Guy; ‘five if I can.’ + </p> + <p> + His whole strength of will was set to accomplish these four hours, taking + them before and after breakfast, working hard all the morning till the + last hour before luncheon, when he came to read the lectures on poetry + with Charles. Here, for the first time, it appeared that Charles had so + entirely ceased to consider him as company, as to domineer over him like + his own family. + </p> + <p> + Used as Guy had been to an active out-of-doors life, and now turned back + to authors he had read long ago, to fight his way through the construction + of their language, not excusing himself one jot of the difficulty, nor + turning aside from one mountain over which his own efforts could carry + him, he found his work as tough and tedious as he could wish or fear, and + by the end of the morning was thoroughly fagged. Then would have been the + refreshing time for recreation in that pleasant idling-place, the + Hollywell drawing-room. Any other time of day would have suited Charles as + well for the reading, but he liked to take the hour at noon, and never + perceived that this made all the difference to his friend of a toil or a + pleasure. Now and then Guy gave tremendous yawns; and once when Charles + told him he was very stupid, proposed a different time; but as Charles + objected, he yielded as submissively as the rest of the household were + accustomed to do. + </p> + <p> + To watch Guy was one of Charles’s chief amusements, and he rejoiced + greatly in the prospect of hearing his history of his first dinner-party. + Mr., Mrs. and Miss Edmonstone, and Sir Guy Morville, were invited to dine + with Mr. and Mrs. Brownlow. Mr. Edmonstone was delighted as usual with any + opportunity of seeing his neighbours; Guy looked as if he did not know + whether he liked the notion or not; Laura told him it would be very absurd + and stupid, but there would be some good music, and Charles ordered her to + say no more, that he might have the account, the next morning, from a + fresh and unprejudiced mind. + </p> + <p> + The next morning’s question was, of course, ‘How did you like your party?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, it was great fun.’ Guy’s favourite answer was caught up in the midst, + as Laura replied, ‘It was just what parties always are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, let us have the history. Who handed who in to dinner? I hope Guy + had Mrs. Brownlow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no,’ said Laura; we had both the honourables.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not Philip!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Guy; ‘the fidus Achetes was without his pious Aeneas.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good, Guy,’ said Charles, enjoying the laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not help thinking of it,’ said Guy, rather apologising, ‘when I + was watching Thorndale’s manner; it is such an imitation of Philip; + looking droller, I think, in his absence, than in his presence. I wonder + if he is conscious of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does not suit him at all,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; because he has no + natural dignity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A man ought to be six foot one, person and mind, to suit with that grand, + sedate, gracious way of Philip’s,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s Guy’s measure of Philip’s intellect,’ said Charles, ‘just six + foot one inch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As much more than other people’s twice his height,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who was your neighbour, Laura?’ asked Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dr. Mayerne; I was very glad of him, to keep off those hunting friends of + Mr. Brownlow, who never ask anything but if one has been to the races, and + if one likes balls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how did Mrs. Brownlow behave?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a wonderful woman,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, in her quiet way; and + Guy with an expression between drollery and simplicity, said, ‘Then there + aren’t many like her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she really a lady?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip commonly calls her “that woman,”’ said Charles. ‘He has never got + over her one night classing him with his “young man” and myself, as three + of the shyest monkeys she ever came across.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She won’t say so of Maurice,’ said Laura, as they recovered the laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘I heard her deluding some young lady by saying he was the eldest son,’ + said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma!’ cried Amy, ‘could she have thought so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I put in a gentle hint on Lord de Courcy’s existence, to which she + answered, in her quick way, ‘O ay, I forgot; but then he is the second, + and that’s the next thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you could but have heard the stories she and Maurice were telling each + other!’ said Guy. ‘He was playing her off, I believe; for whatever she + told, he capped it with something more wonderful. Is she really a lady?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By birth,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. It is only her high spirits and small + judgment that make her so absurd.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How loud she is, too!’ said Laura. ‘What was all that about horses, Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She was saying she drove two such spirited horses, that all the grooms + were afraid of them; and when she wanted to take out her little boy, Mr. + Brownlow said “You may do as you like my dear, but I won’t have my son’s + neck broken, whatever you do with your own.” So Maurice answered by + declaring he knew a lady who drove not two, but four-in-hand, and when the + leaders turned round and looked her in the face, gave a little nod, and + said, ‘I’m obliged for your civility.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I wish I had heard that,’ cried Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you hear her saying she smoked cigars?’ + </p> + <p> + Everyone cried out with horror or laughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course, Maurice told a story of a lady who had a cigar case hanging at + her chatelaine, and always took one to refresh her after a ball.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was interrupted by the announcement of his horse, and rode off at once + to Mr. Lascelles. + </p> + <p> + On his return he went straight to the drawing-room, where Mrs. Edmonstone + was reading to Charles, and abruptly exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I told you wrong. She only said she had smoked one cigar.’ Then + perceiving that he was interrupting, he added, ‘I beg your pardon,’ and + went away. + </p> + <p> + The next evening, on coming in from a solitary skating, he found the + younger party in the drawing-room, Charles entertaining the Miss Harpers + with the story of the cigars. He hastily interposed— + </p> + <p> + ‘I told you it was but one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, tried one, and went on. She was preparing an order for Havannah.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought I told you I repeated the conversation incorrectly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it is not the letter, it is the spirit,’ said Charles, vexed at the + interference with his sport of amazing the Miss Harpers with outrageous + stories of Mrs. Brownlow. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is just like her,’ said one of them. ‘I could believe anything of Mrs. + Brownlow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must not believe this,’ said Guy, gently. ‘I repeated incorrectly + what had better have been forgotten, and I must beg my foolish + exaggeration to go no further.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles became sullenly silent; Guy stood thoughtful; and Laura and Amabel + could not easily sustain the conversation till the visitors took their + leave. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a pother!’ grumbled Charles, as soon as they were gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon for spoiling your story,’ said Guy; but it was my + fault, so I was obliged to interfere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bosh!’ said Charles. ‘Who cares whether she smoked one or twenty? She is + Mrs. Brownlow still.’ + </p> + <p> + The point is, what was truth?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Straining at gnats,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Little wings?’ said Guy, glancing at Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have it your won way,’ said Charles, throwing his head back; ‘they must + be little souls, indeed that stick at such trash.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy’s brows were contracted with vexation, but Laura looked up very + prettily, saying— + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind him. We must all honour you for doing such an unpleasant + thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will recommend him favourably to Philip,’ growled Charles. + </p> + <p> + There was no reply, and presently Guy asked whether he would go up to + dress? Having no other way of showing his displeasure, he refused, and + remained nursing his ill-humour, till he forgot how slight the offence had + been, and worked himself into a sort of insane desire—half + mischievous, half revengeful—to be as provoking as he could in his + turn. + </p> + <p> + Seldom had he been more contrary, as his old nurse was wont to call it. No + one could please him, and Guy was not allowed to do anything for him. + Whatever he said was intended to rub on some sore place in Guy’s mind. His + mother and Laura’s signs made him worse, for he had the pleasure of + teasing them, also; but Guy endured it all with perfect temper, and he + grew more cross at his failure; yet, from force of habit, at bed-time, he + found himself on the stairs with Guy’s arm supporting him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night,’ said Charles; ‘I tried hard to poke up the lion to-night, + but I see it won’t do.’ + </p> + <p> + This plea of trying experiments was neither absolutely true nor false; but + it restored Charles to himself, by saving a confession that he had been + out of temper, and enabling him to treat with him wonted indifference the + expostulations of father, mother, and Laura. + </p> + <p> + Now that the idea of ‘poking up the lion’ had once occurred, it became his + great occupation to attempt it. He wanted to see some evidence of the + fiery temper, and it was a new sport to try to rouse it; one, too, which + had the greater relish, as it kept the rest of the family on thorns. + </p> + <p> + He would argue against his real opinion, talk against his better sense, + take the wrong side, and say much that was very far from his true + sentiments. Guy could not understand at first, and was quite confounded at + some of the views he espoused, till Laura came to his help, greatly + irritating her brother by hints that he was not in earnest. Next time she + could speak to Guy alone, she told him he must not take all Charles said + literally. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought he could hardly mean it: but why should he talk so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t excuse him; I know it is very wrong, and at the expense of truth, + and it is very disagreeable of him—I wish he would not; but he + always does what he likes, and it is one of his amusements, so we must + bear with him, poor fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + From that time Guy seemed to have no trouble in reining in his temper in + arguing with Charles, except once, when the lion was fairly roused by + something that sounded like a sneer about King Charles I. + </p> + <p> + His whole face changed, his hazel eye gleamed with light like an eagle’s, + and he started up, exclaiming— + </p> + <p> + ‘You did not mean that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask Strafford,’ answered Charles, coolly, startled, but satisfied to have + found the vulnerable point. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ungenerous, unmanly,’ said Guy, his voice low, but quivering with + indignation; ‘ungenerous to reproach him with what he so bitterly + repented. Could not his penitence, could not his own blood’—but as + he spoke, the gleam of wrath faded, the flush deepened on the cheek, and + he left the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ soliloquized Charles, ‘I’ve done it! I could fancy his wrath + something terrific when it was once well up. I didn’t know what was coming + next; but I believe he has got himself pretty well in hand. It is playing + with edge tools; and now I have been favoured with one flash of the + Morville eye, I’ll let him alone; but it <i>ryled</i> me to be treated as + something beneath his anger, like a woman or a child.’ + </p> + <p> + In about ten minutes, Guy came back: ‘I am sorry that I was hasty just + now,’ said he. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not know you had such personal feelings about King Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you would do me a kindness,’ proceeded Guy, ‘you would just say you + did not mean it. I know you do not, but if you would only say so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you have the wit to see I have too much taste to be a + roundhead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Guy; ‘I hope I shall know your jest from your earnest + another time. Only if you would oblige me, you would never jest again + about King Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + His brow darkened into a stern, grave expression, so entirely in earnest, + that Charles, though making no answer, could not do otherwise than feel + compliance unavoidable. Charles had never been so entirely conquered, yet, + strange to say, he was not, as usual, rendered sullen. + </p> + <p> + At night, when Guy had taken him to his room, he paused and said—‘You + are sure that you have forgiven me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! You have not forgotten that yet?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry you bear so much malice,’ said Charles, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you imagining?’ cried Guy. ‘It was my own part I was + remembering, as I must, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles did not choose to betray that he did not see the necessity. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought King Charles’s wrongs were rankling. I only spoke as taking + liberties with a friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, thoughtfully, ‘it may be foolish, but I do not feel as if + one could do so with King Charles. He is too near home; he suffered to + much from scoffs and railings; his heart was too tender, his repentance + too deep for his friends to add one word even in jest to the heap of + reproach. How one would have loved him!’ proceeded Guy, wrapped up in his + own thoughts,—‘loved him for the gentleness so little accordant with + the rude times and the part he had to act—served him with half like + a knight’s devotion to his lady-love, half like devotion to a saint, as + Montrose did— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Great, good, and just, could I but rate + My grief, and thy too rigid fate, + I’d weep the world in such a strain, + As it should deluge once again.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘And, oh!’ cried he, with sudden vehemence, ‘how one would have fought for + him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would!’ said Charles. ‘I should like to see you and Deloraine + charging at the head of Prince Rupert’s troopers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon,’ said Guy, suddenly recalled, and colouring deeply; ‘I + believe I forgot where I was, and have treated you to one of my old dreams + in my boatings at home. You may quiz me as much as you please tomorrow. + Good night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a rhapsody!’ thought Charles; ‘yes it was. I wonder I don’t laugh + at it; but I was naturally carried along. Fancy that! He did it so + naturally; in fact, it was all from the bottom of his heart, and I could + not quiz him—no, no more than Montrose himself. He is a strange + article! But he keeps one awake, which is more than most people do!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was indeed likely to keep every one awake just then; for Mr. + Edmonstone was going to take him out hunting for the first time, and he + was half wild about it. The day came, and half an hour before Mr. + Edmonstone was ready, Guy was walking about the hall, checking many an + incipient whistle, and telling every one that he was beforehand with the + world, for he had read one extra hour yesterday, and had got through the + others before breakfast. Laura thought it very true that, as Philip said, + he was only a boy, and moralized to Charlotte on his being the same age as + herself—very nearly eighteen. Mrs. Edmonstone told Charles it was a + treat to see any one so happy, and when he began to chafe at the delay, + did her best to beguile the time, but without much success. Guy had ever + learned to wait patiently, and had a custom of marching up and down, and + listening with his head thrown back, or, as Charles used to call it, + ‘prancing in the hall.’ + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Edmonstone’s patience was tried by the preparation for the hunt in + the morning, it was no less her lot to hear of it in the evening. Guy came + home in the highest spirits, pouring out his delight to every one, with + animation and power of description giving all he said a charm. The + pleasure did not lose by repetition; he was more engrossed by it every + time; and no one could be more pleased with his ardour than Mr. + Edmonstone, who, proud of him and his riding, gave a sigh to past hopes of + poor Charles, and promoted the hunting with far more glee that he had + promoted the reading. + </p> + <p> + The Redclyffe groom, William, whose surname of Robinson was entirely + forgotten in the appellation of William of Deloraine, was as proud of Sir + Guy as Mr. Edmonstone could be; but made representations to his master + that he must not hunt Deloraine two days in the week, and ride him to + Broadstone two more. Guy then walked to Broadstone; but William was no + better pleased, for he thought the credit of Redclyffe compromised, and + punished him by reporting Deloraine not fit to be used next hunting day. + Mr. Edmonstone perceived that Guy ought to have another hunter; Philip + heard of one for sale, and after due inspection all admired—even + William, who had begun by remarking that there might be so many + screw-looses about a horse, that a man did not know what to be at with + them. + </p> + <p> + Philip, who was conducting the negotiation, came to dine at Hollywell to + settle the particulars. Guy was in a most eager state; and they and Mr. + Edmonstone talked so long about horses, that they sent Charles to sleep; + his mother began to read, and the two elder girls fell into a low, + mysterious confabulation of their own till they were startled by a + question from Philip as to what could engross them so deeply. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was,’ said Laura, ‘a banshee story in Eveleen de Courcy’s last + letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never like telling ghost stories to people who don’t believe in them,’ + half whispered Amabel to her sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you believe them?’ asked Philip, looking full at her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now I won’t have little Amy asked the sort of question she most + dislikes,’ interposed Laura; ‘I had rather ask if you laugh at us for + thinking many ghost stories inexplicable?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The universal belief could hardly be kept up without some grounds,’ said + Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would apply as well to fairies,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Every one has an unexplained ghost story,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Philip; ‘but I would give something to meet any one whose + ghost story did not rest on the testimony of a friend’s cousin’s cousin, a + very strong-minded person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t imagine how a person who has seen a ghost could ever speak of + it,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you not tell us a story of pixies at Redclyffe?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes; the people there believe in them firmly. Jonas Ledbury heard them + laughing one night when he could not get the gate open,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! You are the authority for ghosts,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I forgot that,’ said Laura: ‘I wonder we never asked you about your + Redclyffe ghost.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You look as if you had seen it yourself,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not?’ exclaimed Amy, almost frightened. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, let us have the whole story,’ said Philip. ‘Was it your own + reflection in the glass? was it old sir Hugh? or was it the murderer of + Becket? Come, the ladies are both ready to scream at the right moment. + Never mind about giving him a cocked-hat, for with whom may you take a + liberty, if not with an ancestral ghost of your own?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy could not think how Philip could have gone on all this time; perhaps + it was because he was not watching how Guy’s colour varied, how he bit his + lip; and at last his eyes seemed to grow dark in the middle, and to + sparkle with fire, as with a low, deep tone, like distant thunder, + conveying a tremendous force of suppressed passion, he exclaimed, ‘Beware + of trifling—’ then breaking off hastened out of the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter?’ asked Mr. Edmonstone, startled from his nap; and his + wife looked up anxiously, but returned to her book, as her nephew replied, + ‘Nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How could you Philip?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I really believe he has seen it!’ said Amy, in a startled whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has felt it, Amy—the Morville spirit,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a great pity you spoke of putting a cocked hat to it,’ said Laura; + ‘he must have suspected us of telling you what happened about Mrs. + Brownlow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And are you going to do it now?’ said her sister in a tone of + remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think Philip should hear it!’ said Laura; and she proceeded to relate + the story. She was glad to see that her cousin was struck with it; he + admired this care to maintain strict truth, and even opened a + memorandum-book—the sight of which Charles dreaded—and read + the following extract: ‘Do not think of one falsity as harmless, and + another as slight, and another as unintended. Cast them all aside. They + may be light and accidental, but they are an ugly soot from the smoke of + the pit, for all that; and it is better that our hearts should be swept + clean of them, without over care as to which is the largest or blackest.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura and Amy were much pleased; but he went on to regret that such + excellent dispositions should be coupled with such vehemence of character + and that unhappy temper. Amy was glad that her sister ventured to hint + that he might be more cautious in avoiding collisions. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am cautious’, replied he, quickly and sternly; ‘I am not to be told of + the necessity of exercising forbearance with this poor boy; but it is + impossible to reckon on all the points on which he is sensitive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is sensitive,’ said Laura. ‘I don’t mean only in temper, but in + everything. I wonder if it is part of his musical temperament to be as + keenly alive to all around, as his ear is to every note. A bright day, a + fine view, is such real happiness to him; he dwells on every beauty of + Redclyffe with such affection; and then, when he reads, Charles says it is + like going over the story again himself to watch his face act it in that + unconscious manner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He makes all the characters so real in talking them over,’ said Amy, ‘and + he does not always know how they will end before they begin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think it hardly safe for so excitable a mind to dwell much on + the world of fiction,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing has affected him so much as Sintram,’ said Laura. ‘I never saw + anything like it. He took it up by chance, and stood reading it while all + those strange expressions began to flit over his face, and at last he + fairly cried over it so much, that he was obliged to fly out of the room. + How often he has read it I cannot tell; I believe he has bought one for + himself, and it is as if the engraving had a fascination for him; he + stands looking at it as if he was in a dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a great mystery,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘All men are mysterious,’ said Philip ‘but he not more than others, though + he may appear so to you, because you have not had much experience, and + also because most of the men you have seen have been rounded into + uniformity like marbles, their sharp angles rubbed off against each other + at school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would it be better if there were more sharp angles?’ said Laura, thus + setting on foot a discussion on public schools, on which Philip had, of + course, a great deal to say. + </p> + <p> + Amy’s kind little heart was meanwhile grieving for Guy, and longing to see + him return, but he did not come till after Philip’s departure. He looked + pale and mournful, his hair hanging loose and disordered, and her terror + was excited lest he might actually have seen his ancestor’s ghost, which, + in spite of her desire to believe in ghosts, in general, she did not by + any means wish to have authenticated. He was surprised and a good deal + vexed to find Philip gone, but he said hardly anything, and it was soon + bedtime. When Charles took his arm, he exclaimed, on finding his sleeve + wet—‘What can you have been doing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Walking up and down under the wall,’ replied Guy, with some reluctance. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, in the rain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know, perhaps it was.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy, who was just behind, carrying the crutch, dreaded Charles’s making + any allusion to Sintram’s wild locks and evening wanderings, but ever + since the outburst about King Charles, the desire to tease and irritate + Guy had ceased. + </p> + <p> + They parted at the dressing-room door, and as Guy bade her good night, he + pushed back the damp hair that had fallen across his forehead, saying, ‘I + am sorry I disturbed your evening. I will tell you the meaning of it + another time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has certainly seen the ghost!’ said silly little Amy, as she shut + herself into her own room in such a fit of vague ‘eerie’ fright, that it + was not till she had knelt down, and with her face hidden in her hands, + said her evening prayer, that she could venture to lift up her head and + look into the dark corners of the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Another time!’ Her heart throbbed at the promise. + </p> + <p> + The next afternoon, as she and Laura were fighting with a refractory + branch of wisteria which had been torn down by the wind, and refused to + return to its place, Guy, who had been with his tutor, came in from the + stable-yard, reduced the trailing bough to obedience, and then joined them + in their walk. He looked grave, was silent at first, and then spoke + abruptly—‘It is due to you to explain my behaviour last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy thinks you must have seen the ghost,’ said Laura, trying to be gay. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I frighten you?’ said Guy, turning round, full of compunction. ‘No, + no. I never saw it. I never even heard of its being seen. I am very + sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was very silly,’ said Amy smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘But,’ proceeded Guy, ‘when I think of the origin of the ghost story, I + cannot laugh, and if Philip knew all—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! He does not,’ cried Laura; ‘he only looks on it as we have always + done, as a sort of romantic appendage to Redclyffe. I should think better + of a place for being haunted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I used to be proud of it,’ said Guy. ‘I wanted to make out whether it was + old Sir Hugh or the murderer of Becket, who was said to groan and turn the + lock of Dark Hugh’s chamber. I hunted among old papers, and a horrible + story I found. That wretched Sir Hugh,—the same who began the + quarrel with your mother’s family—he was a courtier of Charles II, + as bad or worse than any of that crew—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What was the quarrel about?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was believed to have either falsified or destroyed his father’s will, + so as to leave his brother, your ancestor, landless; his brother + remonstrated, and he turned him out of doors. The forgery never was + proved, but there was little doubt of it. There are traditions of his + crimes without number, especially his furious anger and malice. He + compelled a poor lady to marry him, though she was in love with another + man; then he was jealous; he waylaid his rival, shut him up in the turret + chamber, committed him to prison, and bribed Judge Jeffries to sentence + him—nay it is even said he carried his wife to see the execution! He + was so execrated that he fled the country; he went to Holland, curried + favour with William of Orange, brought his wealth to help him, and that is + the deserving action which got him the baronetcy! He served in the army a + good many years, and came home when he thought his sins would be + forgotten. But do you remember those lines?’ and Guy repeated them in the + low rigid tone, almost of horror, in which he had been telling the story:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘On some his vigorous judgments light, + In that dread pause ‘twixt day and night, + Life’s closing twilight hour; + Round some, ere yet they meet their doom, + Is shed the silence of the tomb, + The eternal shadows lower.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘It was so with him; he lost his senses, and after many actions of mad + violence, he ended by hanging himself in the very room where he had + imprisoned his victim.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Horrible!’ said Laura. ‘Yet I do not see why, when it is all past, you + should feel it so deeply.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How should I not feel it?’ answered Guy. ‘Is it not written that the sins + of the fathers shall be visited on the children? You wonder to see me so + foolish about Sintram. Well, it is my firm belief that such a curse of sin + and death as was on Sintram rests on the descendants of that miserable + man.’ + </p> + <p> + The girls were silent, struck with awe and dismay at the fearful reality + with which he pronounced the words. At last, Amy whispered, ‘But Sintram + conquered his doom.’ + </p> + <p> + At the same time Laura gathered her thoughts together, and said, ‘This + must be an imagination. You have dwelt on it and fostered it till you + believe it, but such notions should be driven away or they will work their + own fulfilment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look at the history of the Morvilles, and see if it be an imagination,’ + said Guy. ‘Crime and bloodshed have been the portion of each—each + has added weight and darkness to the doom which he had handed on. My own + poor father, with his early death, was, perhaps, the happiest!’ + </p> + <p> + Laura saw the idea was too deeply rooted to be treated as a fancy, and she + found a better argument. ‘The doom of sin and death is on us all, but you + should remember that if you are a Morville, you are also a Christian.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He does remember it!’ said Amy, raising her eyes to his face, and then + casting them down, blushing at having understood his countenance, where, + in the midst of the gloomy shades, there rested for an instant the gleam + which her mother had likened to the expression of Raffaelle’s cherub.’ + </p> + <p> + They walked on for some time in silence. At last Laura exclaimed, ‘Are you + really like the portrait of this unfortunate Sir Hugh?’ + </p> + <p> + Guy made a sign of assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! It must have been taken before he grew wicked,’ said Amy; and Laura + felt the same conviction, that treacherous revenge could never have + existed beneath so open a countenance, with so much of highmindedness, + pure faith and contempt of wrong in every glance of the eagle eye, in the + frank expansion of the smooth forehead. + </p> + <p> + They were interrupted by Mr. Edmonstone’s hearty voice, bawling across the + garden for one of the men. ‘O Guy! are you there?’ cried he, as soon as he + saw him. ‘Just what I wanted! Your gun, man! We are going to ferret a + rabbit.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy ran off at full speed in search of his gun, whistling to Bustle. Mr. + Edmonstone found his man, and the sisters were again alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not tell all this to Philip?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would show why he was hurt, and it can be no secret.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say you are right, but I have a feeling against it. Well, I am + glad he had not seen the ghost!’ + </p> + <p> + The two girls had taken their walk, and were just going in, when, looking + round, they saw Philip walking fast and determinedly up the approach, and + as they turned back to meet him, the first thing he said was, ‘Where is + Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ferreting rabbits with papa. What is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And where is my aunt?’ + </p> + <p> + Driving out with Charles and Charlotte. What is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look here. Can you tell me the meaning of this which I found on my table + when I came in this morning?’ + </p> + <p> + It was a card of Sir Guy Morville, on the back of which was written in + pencil, ‘Dear P., I find hunting and reading don’t agree, so take no + further steps about the horse. Many thanks for your trouble.—G.M.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Philip, ‘is the result of brooding all night on his + resentment.’ ‘Oh no!’ cried Laura, colouring with eagerness, ‘you do not + understand him. He could not bear it last night, because, as he has been + explaining to us, that old Sir Hugh’s story was more shocking than we ever + guessed, and he has a fancy that their misfortunes are a family fate, and + he could not bear to hear it spoken of lightly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! He has been telling you his own story, has he?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura’s colour grew still deeper, ‘If you had been there,’ she said, ‘you + would have been convinced. Why will you not believe that he finds hunting + interfere with reading?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He should have thought of that before,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here have I half bought the horse! I have wasted the whole morning on it, + and now I have to leave it on the man’s hands. I had a dozen times rather + take it myself, if I could afford it. Such a bargain as I had made, and + such an animal as you will not see twice in your life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a great pity,’ said Laura. ‘He should have known his own mind. I + don’t like people to give trouble for nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Crazy about it last night, and giving it up this morning! A most + extraordinary proceeding. No, no, Laura, this is not simple fickleness, it + would be too absurd. It is temper, temper, which makes a man punish + himself, in hopes of punishing others. + </p> + <p> + Laura still spoke for Guy, and Amy rejoiced; for if her sister had not + taken up the defence of the absent, she must, and she felt too strongly to + be willing to speak. It seemed too absurd for one feeling himself under + such a doom to wrangle about a horse, yet she was somewhat amused by the + conviction that if Guy had really wished to annoy Philip he had certainly + succeeded. + </p> + <p> + There was no coming to an agreement. Laura’s sense of justice revolted at + the notion of Guy’s being guilty of petty spite; while Philip, firm in his + preconceived idea of his character, and his own knowledge of mankind, was + persuaded that he had imputed the true motive, and was displeased at + Laura’s attempting to argue the point. He could not wait to see any one + else, as he was engaged to dine out, and he set off again at his quick, + resolute pace. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very unfair!’ exclaimed Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He did not mean to be so,’ said Laura; ‘and though he is mistaken in + imputing such motives, Guy’s conduct has certainly been vexatious.’ + </p> + <p> + They were just turning to go in, when they were interrupted by the return + of the carriage; and before Charles had been helped up the steps, their + father and Guy came in sight. While Guy went to shut up Bustle, who was + too wet for the drawing-room, Mr. Edmonstone came up to the others, + kicking away the pebbles before him, and fidgeting with his gloves, as he + always did when vexed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a pretty go!’ said he. ‘Here is Guy telling me he won’t hunt any + more!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not hunt!’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone and Charles at once; ‘and why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! something about its taking his mind from his reading; but that can’t + be it—impossible, you know; I’d give ten pounds to know what has + vexed him. So keen as he was about it last night, and I vow, one of the + best riders in the whole field. Giving up that horse, too—I declare + it is a perfect sin! I told him he had gone too far, and he said he had + left a note with Philip this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Laura; Philip has just been here about it. Guy left a card, + saying, hunting and reading would not agree.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is an excuse, depend upon it,’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Something has + nettled him, I am sure. It could not be that Gordon, could it, with his + hail-fellow-well-met manner? I thought Guy did not half like it the other + day, when he rode up with his “Hollo, Morville!” The Morvilles have a + touch of pride of their own; eh, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should be inclined to believe his own account of himself,’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you, ‘tis utterly against reason,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, angrily. + ‘If he was a fellow like Philip, or James Ross, I could believe it; but he—he + make a book-worm! He hates it, like poison, at the bottom of his heart, + I’ll answer for it; and the worst of it is, the fellow putting forward + such a fair reason one can’t—being his guardian, and all—say + what one thinks of it oneself. Eh, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not exactly,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, you take him in hand, mamma. I dare say he will tell you the rights + of it, and if it is only that Gordon, explain it rightly to him, show him + ‘tis only the man’s way; tell him he treats me so for ever, and would the + Lord-Lieutenant if he was in it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For a’ that and a’ that,’ said Charles, as Amy led him into the + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are sure the reading is the only reason?’ said Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s quite absurd enough for it,’ said Charles; but ‘absurd’ was + pronounced in a way that made its meaning far from annoying even to Guy’s + little champion. + </p> + <p> + Guy came in the next moment, and running lightly up-stairs after Mrs. + Edmonstone, found her opening the dressing-room door, and asked if he + might come in. + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means,’ she said; ‘I am quite ready for one of our twilight + talks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid I have vexed Mr. Edmonstone,’ began Guy; ‘and I am very + sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was only afraid that something might have occurred to vex you, which + you might not like to mention to him,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, hesitating a + little. + </p> + <p> + ‘Me! What could I have done to make him think so? I am angry with no one + but myself. The fact is only this, the hunting is too pleasant; it fills + up my head all day and all night; and I don’t attend rightly to anything + else. If I am out in the morning and try to pay for it at night, it will + not do; I can but just keep awake and that’s all; the Greek letters all + seem to be hunting each other, the simplest things grow difficult, and at + last all I can think of, is how near the minute hand of my watch is near + to the hour I have set myself. So, for the last fortnight, every + construing with Mr. Lascelles has been worse than the last; and as to my + Latin verses, they were beyond everything shocking, so you see there is no + making the two things agree, and the hunting must wait till I grow + steadier, if I ever do. Heigho! It is a great bore to be so stupid, for I + thought—But it is of no use to talk of it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Edmonstone would be a very unreasonable guardian, indeed, to be + displeased,’ said his friend, smiling. You say you stopped the purchase of + the horse. Why so? Could you not keep him till you are more sure of + yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I might?’ joyously exclaimed Guy. ‘I’ll write to Philip this + minute by the post. Such a splendid creature: it would do you good to see + it—such action—such a neck—such spirit. It would be a + shame not to secure it. But no—no—’ and he checked himself + sorrowfully. ‘I have made my mind before that I don’t deserve it. If it + was here, it would always have to be tried: if I heard the hounds I don’t + know I should keep from riding after them; whereas, now I can’t, for + William won’t let me take Deloraine. No, I can’t trust myself to keep such + a horse, and not hunt. It will serve me right to see Mr. Brownlow on it, + and he will never miss such a chance!’ and the depth of his sigh bore + witness to the struggle it cost him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not like to use anyone as you use yourself,’ said Mrs. + Edmonstone, looking at him with affectionate anxiety, which seemed + suddenly to change the current of his thought, for he exclaimed abruptly—‘Mrs. + Edmonstone, can you tell me anything about my mother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid not,’ said she, kindly; ‘you know we had so little + intercourse with your family, that I heard little but the bare facts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think,’ said Guy, leaning on the chimneypiece, ‘that I ever + thought much about her till I knew you, but lately I have fancied a great + deal about what might have been if she had but lived.’ + </p> + <p> + It was not Mrs. Edmonstone’s way to say half what she felt, and she went + on—‘Poor thing! I believe she was quite a child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only seventeen when she died,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone went to a drawer, took out two or three bundles of old + letters, and after searching in them by the fire-light, said—‘Ah! + here’s a little about her; it is in a letter from my sister-in-law, + Philip’s mother, when they were staying at Stylehurst.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who? My father and mother?’ cried Guy eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you not know they had been there three or four days?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No—I know less about them than anybody,’ said he, sadly: but as + Mrs. Edmonstone waited, doubtful as to whether she might be about to make + disclosures for which he was unprepared, he added, hastily—‘I do + know the main facts of the story; I was told them last autumn;’ and an + expression denoting the remembrance of great suffering came over his face; + then, pausing a moment, he said—‘I knew Archdeacon Morville had been + very kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was always interested about your father,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘and + happening to meet him in London some little time after his marriage, he—he + was pleased with the manner in which he was behaving then, thought—thought—’ + And here, recollecting that she must not speak ill of old Sir Guy, nor + palliate his son’s conduct, poor Mrs. Edmonstone got into an inextricable + confusion—all the worse because the fierce twisting of a penwiper in + Guy’s fingers denoted that he was suffering a great trial of patience. She + avoided the difficulty thus: ‘It is hard to speak of such things when + there is so much to be regretted on both sides; but the fact was, my + brother thought your father was harshly dealt with at that time. Of course + he had done very wrong; but he had been so much neglected and left to + himself, that it seemed hardly fair to visit his offence on him as + severely as if he had had more advantages. So it ended in their coming to + spend a day or two at Stylehurst; and this is the letter my sister-in-law + wrote at the time: + </p> + <p> + ‘“Our visitors have just left us, and on the whole I am much better + pleased than I expected. The little Mrs. Morville is a very pretty + creature, and as engaging as long flaxen curls, apple-blossom complexion, + blue eyes, and the sweetest of voices can make her; so full of childish + glee and playfulness, that no one would stop to think whether she was + lady-like any more than you would with a child. She used to go singing + like a bird about the house as soon as the first strangeness wore off, + which was after her first game of play with Fanny and Little Philip. She + made them very fond of her, as indeed she would make every one who spent a + day or two in the same house with her. I could almost defy Sir Guy not to + be reconciled after one sight of her sweet sunny face. She is all + affection and gentleness, and with tolerable training anything might be + made of her; but she is so young in mind and manners, that one cannot even + think of blaming her for her elopement, for she had no mother, no + education but in music; and her brother seems to have forced it on, thrown + her in Mr. Morville’s way, and worked on his excitable temperament, until + he hurried them into marriage. Poor little girl, I suppose she little + guesses what she has done; but it was very pleasant to see how devotedly + attached he seemed to her; and there was something beautiful in the + softening of his impetuous tones when he said, ‘Marianne;’ and her pride + in him was very pretty, like a child playing at matronly airs.”’ + </p> + <p> + Guy gave a long, heavy sigh, brushed away a tear, and after a long + silence, said, ‘Is that all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All that I like to read to you. Indeed, there is no more about her; and + it would be of no use to read all the reports that were going about.—Ah! + here,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking into another letter, ‘she speaks of + your father as a very fine young man, with most generous impulses,’—but + here again she was obliged to stop, for the next sentence spoke of ‘a + noble character ruined by mismanagement.’ ‘She never saw them again,’ + continued Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘Mr. Dixon, your mother’s brother, had great + influence with your father, and made matters worse—so much worse, + that my brother did not feel himself justified in having any more to do + with them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! he went to America,’ said Guy; ‘I don’t know any more about him + except that he came to the funeral and stood with his arms folded, not + choosing to shake hands with my poor grandfather.’ After another silence + he said, ‘Will you read that again?’ and when he had heard it, he sat + shading his brow with his hand, as if to bring the fair, girlish picture + fully before his mind, while Mrs. Edmonstone sought in vain among her + letters for one which did not speak of the fiery passions ignited on + either side, in terms too strong to be fit for his ears. + </p> + <p> + When next he spoke it was to repeat that he had not been informed of the + history of his parents till within the last few months. He had, of course, + known the manner of their death, but had only lately become aware of the + circumstances attending it. + </p> + <p> + The truth was that Guy had grown up peculiarly shielded from evil, but + ignorant of the cause of the almost morbid solicitude with which he was + regarded by his grandfather. He was a very happy, joyous boy, leading an + active, enterprising life, though so lonely as to occasion greater + dreaminess and thoughtfulness than usual at such an early age. He was + devotedly attached to his grandfather, looking on him as the first and + best of human beings, and silencing the belief that Sir Hugh Morville had + entailed a doom of crime and sorrow on the family, by a reference to him, + as one who had been always good and prosperous. + </p> + <p> + When, however, Guy had reached an age at which he must encounter the + influences which had proved so baneful to others of his family, his + grandfather thought it time to give him the warning of his own history. + </p> + <p> + The sins, which the repentance of years had made more odious in the eyes + of the old man, were narrated; the idleness and insubordination at first, + then the reckless pursuit of pleasure, the craving for excitement, the + defiance of rule and authority, till folly had become vice, and vice had + led to crime. + </p> + <p> + He had fought no fewer than three duels, and only one had been bloodless. + His misery after the first had well-nigh led to a reform; but time had + dulled its acuteness—it had been lost in fresh scenes of excitement—and + at the next offence rage had swept away such recollections. Indeed, so far + had he lost the natural generosity of his character, that his remorse had + been comparatively slight for the last, which was the worst of all, since + he had forced the quarrel on his victim, Captain Wellwood, whose death had + left a wife and children almost destitute. His first awakening to a sense + of what his course had been, was when he beheld his only child, in the + prime of youth, carried lifeless across his threshold, and attributed his + death to his own intemperance and violence. That hour made Sir Guy + Morville an old and a broken-hearted man; and he repented as vigorously as + he had sinned. + </p> + <p> + From the moment he dared to hope that his son’s orphan would be spared, he + had been devoted to him, but still mournfully, envying and pitying his + innocence as something that could not last. + </p> + <p> + He saw bright blossoms put forth, as the boy grew older; but they were not + yet fruits, and he did not dare to believe they ever would be. The + strength of will which had, in his own case, been the slave of his + passions, had been turned inward to subdue the passions themselves, but + this was only the beginning—the trial was not yet come. He could + hope his grandson might repent, but this was the best that he dared to + think possible. He could not believe that a Morville could pass unscathed + through the world, or that his sins would not be visited on the head of + his only descendant; and the tone of his narration was throughout such as + might almost have made the foreboding cause its own accomplishment. + </p> + <p> + The effect was beyond what he had expected; for a soul deeply dyed in + guilt, even though loathing its own stains, had not the power of + conceiving how foul was the aspect of vice, to one hitherto guarded from + its contemplation, and living in a world of pure, lofty day-dreams. The + boy sat the whole time without a word, his face bent down and hidden by + his clasped hands, only now and then unable to repress a start or shudder + at some fresh disclosure; and when it was ended, he stood up, gazed round, + and walked uncertainly, as if he did not know where he was. His next + impulse was to throw himself on his knee beside his grandfather, and + caress him as he used to when a child. The ‘good-night’ was spoken, and + Guy was shut into his room, with his overwhelming emotions. + </p> + <p> + His grandfather a blood-stained, remorseful man! The doom was complete, + himself heir to the curse of Sir Hugh, and fated to run the same career; + and as he knew full well, with the tendency to the family character strong + within him, the germs of these hateful passions ready to take root + downwards and bear fruit upwards, with the very countenance of Sir Hugh, + and the same darkening, kindling eyes, of which traditions had preserved + the remembrance. + </p> + <p> + He was crushed for awhile. The consciousness of strength not his own, of + the still small voice that could subdue the fire, the earthquake, and the + whirlwind, was slow in coming to him; and when it came, he, like his + grandfather, had hope rather of final repentance than of keeping himself + unstained. + </p> + <p> + His mind had not recovered the shock when his grandfather died,—died + in faith and fear, with good hope of accepted repentance, but unable to + convey the assurance of such hope to his grandson. Grief for the only + parent he had ever known, and the sensation of being completely alone in + the world, were joined to a vague impression of horror at the suddenness + of the stroke, and it was long before the influence of Hollywell, or the + elasticity of his own youthfulness, could rouse him from his depression. + </p> + <p> + Even then it was almost against his will that he returned to enjoyment, + unable to avoid being amused, but feeling as if joy was not meant for him, + and as if those around were walking ‘in a world of light,’ where he could + scarcely hope to tread a few uncertain steps. In this despondency was + Guy’s chief danger, as it was likely to make him deem a struggle with + temptation fruitless, while his high spirits and powers of keen enjoyment + increased the peril of recklessness in the reaction. + </p> + <p> + It was Mrs. Edmonstone who first spoke with him cheerfully of a successful + conflict with evil, and made him perceive that his temptations were but + such as is common to man. She had given him a clue to discover when and + how to trust himself to enjoy; the story of Sintram had stirred him + deeply, and this very day, Amy’s words, seemingly unheeded and unheard, + had brought home to him the hope and encouragement of that marvellous + tale. + </p> + <p> + They had helped him in standing, looking steadfastly upwards, and treading + down not merely evil, but the first token of coming evil, regardless of + the bruises he might inflict on himself. Well for him if he was constant. + </p> + <p> + Such was Guy’s inner life; his outward life, frank and joyous, has been + shown, and the two flowed on like a stream, pure as crystal, but into + which the eye cannot penetrate from its depth. The surface would be + sometimes obscured by cloud or shade, and reveal the sombre wells beneath; + but more often the sunshine would penetrate the inmost recesses, and make + them glance and sparkle, showing themselves as clear and limpid as the + surface itself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 6 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Can piety the discord heal, + Or stanch the death-feud’s enmity? + —Scott +</pre> + <p> + It must not be supposed that such a history of Guy’s mind was expressed by + himself, or understood by Mrs. Edmonstone; but she saw enough to guess at + his character, perceive the sort of guidance he needed, and be doubly + interested in him. Much did she wish he could have such a friend as her + brother would have been, and hope that nothing would prevent a friendship + with her nephew. + </p> + <p> + The present question about the horse was, she thought, unfortunate, since, + though Guy had exercised great self-denial, it was no wonder Philip was + annoyed. Mr. Edmonstone’s vexation was soon over. As soon as she had + persuaded him that there had been no offence, he strove to say with a good + grace, that it was very proper, and told Guy he would be a thorough + book-worm and tremendous scholar, which Guy took as an excellent joke. + </p> + <p> + Philip had made up his mind to be forbearing, and to say no more about it. + Laura thought this a pity, as they could thus never come to an + understanding; but when she hinted it, he wore such a dignified air of not + being offended, that she was much ashamed of having tried to direct one so + much better able to judge. On his side Guy had no idea the trouble he had + caused; so, after bestowing his thanks in a gay, off-hand way, which + Philip thought the worst feature of the case, he did his best to bring + Hecuba back into his mind, drive the hunters out of it, and appease the + much-aggrieved William of Deloraine. + </p> + <p> + When all William’s manoeuvres resulted in his master’s not hunting at all, + he was persuaded it was Mr. Edmonstone’s fault, compassionated Sir Guy + with all his heart, and could only solace himself by taking Deloraine to + exercise where he was most likely to meet the hounds. He further chose to + demonstrate that he was not Mr. Edmonstone’s servant, by disregarding some + of his stable regulations; but as soon as this came to his master’s + knowledge, a few words were spoken so sharp and stern, that William never + attempted to disobey again. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if it was the perception that so much was kept back by a + strong force, that made Guy’s least token of displeasure so formidable. A + village boy, whom he caught misusing a poor dog, was found a few minutes + after, by Mr. Ross, in a state of terror that was positively ludicrous, + though it did not appear that Sir Guy had said or done much to alarm him; + it was only the light in his eyes, and the strength of repressed + indignation in his short broken words that had made the impression. + </p> + <p> + It appeared as if the force of his anger might be fearful, if once it + broke forth without control; yet at the same time he had a gentleness and + attention, alike to small and great, which, with his high spirit and good + nature, his very sweet voice and pleasant smile, made him a peculiarly + winning and engaging person; and few who saw him could help being + interested in him. + </p> + <p> + No wonder he had become in the eyes of the Edmonstones almost a part of + their family. Mrs. Edmonstone had assumed a motherly control over him, to + which he submitted with a sort of affectionate gratitude. + </p> + <p> + One day Philip remarked, that he never saw any one so restless as Guy, who + could neither talk nor listen without playing with something. Scissors, + pencil, paper-knife, or anything that came in his way, was sure to be + twisted or tormented; or if nothing else was at hand, he opened and shut + his own knife so as to put all the spectators in fear for his fingers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Laura, ‘I saw how it tortured your eyebrows all the time you + were translating Schiller to us. I wondered you were not put out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I consider that to be put out—by which you mean to have the + intellect at the mercy of another’s folly—is beneath a reasonable + creature,’ said Philip; ‘but that I was annoyed, I do not deny. It is a + token of a restless, ill-regulated mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Restless, perhaps,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone ‘but not necessarily + ill-regulated. I should think it rather a sign that he had no one to tell + him of the tricks which mothers generally nip in the bud.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was going to say that I think he fidgets less,’ said Laura; ‘but I + think his chief contortions of the scissors have been when Philip has been + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have, I believe,’ said her mother, I was thinking of giving him a + hint.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, aunt, you are a tamer of savage beasts if you venture on such a + subject,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you dare me?’ she asked, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I don’t suppose he would do more than give you one of his lightning + glances: but that, I think, is more than you desire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Considerably,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘for his sake as much as my own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But,’ said Laura, ‘mamma has nearly cured him of pawing like a horse in + the hall when he is kept waiting. He said he knew it was impatience, and + begged her to tell him how to cure it. So she treated him as an old fairy + might, and advised him in a grave, mysterious way, always to go and play + the “Harmonious Blacksmith,” when he found himself getting into “a + taking”, just as if it was a charm. And he always does it most dutifully.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has a very good effect,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘for it is apt to act + as a summons to the other party, as well as a sedative to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must say I am curious to see what you will devise this time,’ said + Philip; ‘since you can’t set him to play on the piano; and very few can + bear to be told of a trick of the kind.’ + </p> + <p> + In the course of that evening, Philip caused the great atlas to be brought + out in order to make investigations on the local habitation of a certain + Khan of Kipchack, who existed somewhere in the dark ages. Then he came to + Marco Polo, and Sir John Mandeville; and Guy, who knew both the books in + the library at Redclyffe, grew very eager in talking them over, and + tracing their adventures—then to the Genoese merchants, where Guy + confessed himself perfectly ignorant. Andrea Doria was the only Genoese he + ever heard of; but he hunted out with great interest all the localities of + their numerous settlements. Then came modern Italy, and its fallen + palaces; then the contrast between the republican merchant and + aristocratic lord of the soil; then the corn laws; and then, and not till + then, did Philip glance at his aunt, to show her Guy balancing a Venetian + weight on as few of his fingers as could support it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy,’ said she, smiling, ‘does that unfortunate glass inspire you with + any arguments in favour of the Venetians?’ + </p> + <p> + Guy put it down at once, and Philip proceeded to improved methods of + farming, to enable landlords to meet the exigencies of the times. Guy had + got hold of Mr. Edmonstone’s spectacle-case, and was putting its spring to + a hard trial. Mrs. Edmonstone doubted whether to interfere again; she knew + this was not the sort of thing that tried his temper, yet she particularly + disliked playing him off, as it were for Philip’s amusement, and quite as + much letting him go on, and lower himself in her nephew’s estimation. The + spectacle-case settled the matter—a crack was heard, it refused to + snap at all; and Guy, much discomfited, made many apologies. + </p> + <p> + Amy laughed; Philip was much too well-bred to do anything but curl his lip + unconsciously. Mrs. Edmonstone waited till he was gone, then, when she was + wishing Guy ‘good-night’ at Charles’s door, she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘The spectacle-case forestalled me in giving you a lecture on sparing our + nerves. Don’t look so very full of compunction—it is only a trick + which your mother would have stopped at five years old, and which you can + soon stop for yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, I will!’ said Guy; ‘I hardly knew I did it, but I am very + sorry it has teased you.’ + </p> + <p> + Thenceforward it was curious to see how he put down and pushed away all he + had once begun to touch and torture. Mrs. Edmonstone said it was self + command in no common degree; and Philip allowed that to cure so inveterate + a habit required considerable strength of will. + </p> + <p> + ‘However,’ he said, ‘I always gave the Morvilles credit for an iron + resolution. Yes, Amy, you may laugh; but if a man is not resolute in a + little, he will never be resolute in great matters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Guy has been resolute the right way this time,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘May he always be the same,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + Philip had undertaken, on his way back to Broadstone, to conduct Charlotte + to East-hill, where she was to spend the day with a little niece of Mary + Ross. She presently came down, her bonnet-strings tied in a most + resolute-looking bow, and her little figure drawn up so as to look as + womanly is possible for her first walk alone with Philip. She wished the + party at home ‘goodbye;’ and as Amy and Laura stood watching her, they + could not help laughing to see her tripping feet striving to keep step, + her blue veil discreetly composed and her little head turned up, as if she + was trying hard to be on equal terms with the tall cousin, who meanwhile + looked graciously down from his height, patronising her like a very small + child. After some space, Amy began to wonder what they could talk about, + or whether they would talk at all; but Laura said there was no fear of + Charlotte’s tongue ever being still, and Charles rejoined,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you know that Philip considers it due to himself that his audience + should never be without conversation suited to their capacity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, I give him credit for doing it as well as it is in nature of things + for it to be done. The strongest proof I know of his being a superior man, + is the way he adapts himself to his company. He lays down the law to us, + because he knows we are all born to be his admirers; he calls Thorndale + his dear fellow and conducts him like a Mentor; but you may observe how + different he is with other people—Mr. Ross, for instance. It is not + showing off; it is just what the pattern hero should be with the pattern + clergyman. At a dinner party he is quite in his place; contents himself + with leaving an impression on his neighbour that Mr. Morville is at home + on every subject; and that he is the right thing with his brother officers + is sufficiently proved, since not even Maurice either hates or quizzes + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Charlie,’ said Laura, well pleased, I am glad you are convinced at + last.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I ever wanted to be convinced that we were created for no + other end than to applaud Philip? I was fulfilling the object of our + existence by enlarging on a remark of Guy’s, that nothing struck him more + than the way in which Philip could adapt his conversation to the hearers. + So the hint was not lost on me; and I came to the conclusion that it was a + far greater proof of his sense than all the maxims he lavishes on us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder Guy was the person to make the remark,’ said Laura; ‘for it is + strange that those two never appear to the best advantage together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Laura, that would be the very reason,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The very reason?’ said Charles. Draw out your meaning, Miss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Amy, colouring, ‘If Guy—if a generous person, I mean—were + vexed with another sometimes, it would be the very reason he would make + the most of all his goodness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heigh-ho!’ yawned Charles. What o’clock is it? I wonder when Guy is ever + coming back from that Lascelles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your wonder need not last long,’ said Laura; ‘for I see him riding into + the stable yard.’ + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he had entered; and, on being asked if he had met Philip + and Charlotte, and how they were getting on, he replied,—‘A good + deal like the print of Dignity and Impudence,’ at the same time throwing + back his shoulders, and composing his countenance to imitate Philip’s + lofty deportment and sedate expression, and the next moment putting his + head on one side with a sharp little nod, and giving a certain espiegle + glance of the eye, and knowing twist of one corner of the mouth, just like + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘By the by,’ added he, ‘would Philip have been a clergyman if he had gone + to Oxford?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know; I don’t think it was settled,’ said Laura, ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could never fancy him one’ said Guy. ‘He would not have been what he is + now if he had gone to Oxford,’ said Charles. ‘He would have lived with men + of the same powers and pursuits with himself, and have found his level.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that would have been a very high one,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would; but there would be all the difference there is between a feudal + prince and an Eastern despot. He would know what it is to live with his + match.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you don’t attempt to call him conceited!’ cried Guy, with a sort of + consternation. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is far above that; far too grand,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should as soon think of calling Jupiter conceited,’ said Charles; and + Laura did not know how far to be gratified, or otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Charles had not over-estimated Philip’s readiness of self adaptation. + Charlotte had been very happy with him, talking over the “Lady of the + Lake”, which she had just read, and being enlightened, partly to her + satisfaction, partly to her disappointment, as to how much was historical. + He listened good-naturedly to a fit of rapture, and threw in a few, not + too many, discreet words of guidance to the true principles of taste; and + next told her about an island, in a pond at Stylehurst, which had been by + turns Ellen’s isle and Robinson Crusoe’s. It was at this point in the + conversation that Guy came in sight, riding slowly, his reins on his + horse’s neck, whistling a slow, melancholy tune, his eyes fixed on the + sky, and so lost in musings, that he did not perceive them till Philip + arrested him by calling out, ‘That is a very bad plan. No horse is to be + trusted in that way, especially such a spirited one.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy started, and gathered up his reins, owning it was foolish. + </p> + <p> + ‘You look only half disenchanted yet,’ said Philip. ‘Has Lascelles put you + into what my father’s old gardener used to call a stud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing so worthy of a stud,’ said Guy, smiling and colouring a little. + ‘I was only dreaming over a picture of ruin— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘The steed is vanish’d from the stall, + No serf is seen in Hassan’s hall, + The lonely spider’s thin grey pall + Waves, slowly widening o’er the wall.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Byron!’ exclaimed Philip. ‘I hope you are not dwelling on him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a volume I found in my room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, the “Giaour”!’ said Philip. ‘Well, there is no great damage done; but + it is bad food for excitable minds. Don’t let it get hold of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well;’ and there was a cloud, but it cleared in a moment, and, with + a few gay words to both, he rode off at a quick pace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Foolish fellow!’ muttered Philip, looking after him. + </p> + <p> + After some space of silence, Charlotte began in a very grave tone— + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + Another ‘Well!’ and another long pause. + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip, I don’t know whether you’ll be angry with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ said Philip, marvelling at what was coming. + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy says he does not want to keep up the feud, and I wish you would not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The deadly feud!’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘What nonsense is this?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely—Oh Philip, there always was a deadly feud between our + ancestors, and the Redclyffe Morvilles, and it was very wrong, and ought + not to be kept up now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not I that keep it up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it not?’ said Charlotte. ‘But I am sure you don’t like Guy. And I + can’t think why not, unless it is the deadly feud, for we are all so fond + of him. Laura says it is a different house since he came.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum!’ said Philip. ‘Charlotte, you did well to make me promise not to be + angry with you, by which, I presume, you mean displeased. I should like to + know what put this notion into your head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlie told me,’ almost whispered Charlotte, hanging down her head. ‘And—and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what? I can’t hear.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte was a good deal frightened; but either from firmness, or from + the female propensity to have the last word, or it might be the spirit of + mischief, she got out—‘You have made me quite sure of it yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + She was so alarmed at having said this, that had it not been undignified, + she would have run quite away, and never stopped till she came to + East-hill. Matters were not mended when Philip said authoritatively, and + as if he was not in the least bit annoyed (which was the more vexatious), + ‘What do you mean, Charlotte?’ + </p> + <p> + She had a great mind to cry, by way of getting out of the scrape; but + having begun as a counsellor and peacemaker, it would never do to be + babyish; and on his repeating the question, she said, in a tone which she + could not prevent from being lachrymose, ‘You make Guy almost angry, you + tease him, and when people praise him, you answer as if it would not last! + And it is very unfair of you,’ concluded she, with almost a sob. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte,’ replied Philip, much more kindly than she thought she + deserved, after the reproach that seemed to her so dreadfully naughty, + ‘you may dismiss all fear of deadly feud, whatever you may mean by it. + Charles has been playing tricks on you. You know, my little cousin, that I + am a Christian, and we live in the nineteenth century.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte felt as if annihilated at the aspect of her own folly. He + resumed—‘You misunderstood me. I do think Guy very agreeable. He is + very attentive to Charles, very kind to you, and so attractive, that I + don’t wonder you like him. But those who are older than you see that he + has faults, and we wish to set him on his guard against them. It may be + painful to ourselves, and irritating to him, but depend upon it, it is the + proof of friendship. Are you satisfied, my little cousin?’ + </p> + <p> + She could only say humbly, ‘I beg your pardon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You need not ask pardon. Since you had the notion, it was right to speak, + as it was to me, one of your own family. When you are older, you need + never fear to speak out in the right place. I am glad you have so much of + the right sort of feminine courage, though in this case you might have + ventured to trust to me.’ + </p> + <p> + So ended Charlotte’s anxieties respecting the deadly feud, and she had now + to make up her mind to the loss of her playfellow, who was to go to Oxford + at Easter, when he would be just eighteen, his birthday being the 28th of + March. Both her playmates were going, Bustle as well as Guy, and it was at + first proposed that Deloraine should go too, but Guy bethought himself + that Oxford would be a place of temptation for William; and not choosing + to trust the horse to any one else, resolved to leave both at Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + His grandfather had left an allowance for Guy, until his coming of age, + such as might leave no room for extravagance, and which even Philip + pronounced to be hardly sufficient for a young man in his position. ‘You + know,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, in his hesitating, good-natured way, ‘if ever + you have occasion sometimes for a little—a little more—you + need only apply to me. Don’t be afraid, anything rather than run into + debt. You know me, and ‘tis your own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This shall do,’ said Guy, in the same tone as he had fixed his hours of + study. + </p> + <p> + Each of the family made Guy a birthday present, as an outfit for Oxford; + Mr. Edmonstone gave him a set of studs, Mrs. Edmonstone a Christian Year, + Amabel copied some of his favourite songs, Laura made a drawing of + Sintram, Charlotte worked a kettle-holder, with what was called by + courtesy a likeness of Bustle. Charles gave nothing, professing that he + would do nothing to encourage his departure. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t know what a bore it is to lose the one bit of quicksilver in + the house!’ said he, yawning. ‘I shall only drag on my existence till you + come back.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You, Charles, the maker of fun!’ said Guy, amazed. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a case of flint and steel,’ said Charles; ‘but be it owing to who + it will, we have been alive since you came here. You have taken care to be + remembered. We have been studying you, or laughing at you, or wondering + what absurdity was to come next.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry—that is, if you are serious. I hoped at least I + appeared like other people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what you appear like. Just what I would be if I was a free + man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never say that, Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, wait a bit. I would never be so foolish. I would never give my sunny + mornings to Euripides; I would not let the best hunter in the county go + when I had wherewithal to pay for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not have such an ill-conditioned self to keep in rule.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After all,’ continued Charles, yawning, ‘it is no great compliment to say + I am sorry you are going. If you were an Ethiopian serenader, you would be + a loss to me. It is something to see anything beyond this old + drawing-room, and the same faces doing the same things every day. Laura + poking over her drawing, and meditating upon the last entry in Philip’s + memorandum-book, and Amy at her flowers or some nonsense or other, and + Charlotte and the elders all the same, and a lot of stupid people dropping + in and a lot of stupid books to read, all just alike. I can tell what they + are like without looking in!’ Charles yawned again, sighed, and moved + wearily. ‘Now, there came some life and freshness with you. You talk of + Redclyffe, and your brute creation there, not like a book, and still less + like a commonplace man; you are innocent and unsophisticated, and take new + points of view; you are something to interest oneself about; your coming + in is something to look forward to; you make the singing not such mere + milk-and-water, your reading the Praelectiones is an additional landmark + to time; besides the mutton of to-day succeeding the beef of yesterday. + Heigh-ho! I’ll tell you what, Guy. Though I may carry it off with a high + hand, ‘tis no joke to be a helpless log all the best years of a man’s + life,—nay, for my whole life,—for at the very best of the + contingencies the doctors are always flattering me with, I should make but + a wretched crippling affair of it. And if that is the best hope they give + me, you may guess it is likely to be a pretty deal worse. Hope? I’ve been + hoping these ten years, and much good has it done me. I say, Guy,’ he + proceeded, in a tone of extreme bitterness, though with a sort of smile, + ‘the only wonder is that I don’t hate the very sight of you! There are + times when I feel as if I could bite some men,—that Tomfool Maurice + de Courcy, for instance, when I hear him rattling on, and think—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know I have often talked thoughtlessly, I have feared afterwards I + might have given you pain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, you never have; you have carried me along with you. I like + nothing better than to hear of your ridings, and shootings, and boatings. + It is a sort of life.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles had never till now alluded seriously to his infirmity before Guy, + and the changing countenance of his auditor showed him to be much + affected, as he stood leaning over the end of the sofa, with his speaking + eyes earnestly fixed on Charles, who went on: + </p> + <p> + ‘And now you are going to Oxford. You will take your place among the men + of your day. You will hear and be heard of. You will be somebody. And I!—I + know I have what they call talent—I could be something. They think + me an idle dog; but where’s the good of doing anything? I only know if I + was not—not condemned to—to this—this life,’ (had it not + been for a sort of involuntary respect to the gentle compassion of the + softened hazel eyes regarding him so kindly, he would have used the + violent expletive that trembled on his lip;) ‘if I was not chained down + here, Master Philip should not stand alone as the paragon of the family. + I’ve as much mother wit as he.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That you have,’ said Guy. ‘How fast you see the sense of a passage. You + could excel very much if you only tried.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tried?’ And what am I to gain by it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know that one ought to let talents rust,’ said Guy, thoughtfully; + ‘I suppose it is one’s duty not; and surely it is a pity to give up those + readings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not get such another fellow dunce as you,’ said Charles, ‘as I + told you when we began, and it would be a mere farce to do it alone. I + could not make myself, if I would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t you make yourself do what you please?’ said Guy, as if it was the + simplest thing in the world. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit, if the other half of me does not like it. I forget it, or put + it off, and it comes to nothing. I do declare, though, I would get + something to break my mind on, merely as a medical precaution, just to + freshen myself up, if I could find any one to do it with. No, nothing in + the shape of a tutor, against that I protest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your sisters,’ suggested Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum’! Laura is too intellectual already, and I don’t mean to poach on + Philip’s manor; and if I made little Amy cease to be silly, I should do + away with all the comfort I have left me in life. I don’t know, though, if + she swallowed learning after Mary Ross’s pattern, that it need do her much + harm.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy came into the room at the moment. ‘Amy, here is Guy advising me to + take you to read something awfully wise every day, something that will + make you as dry as a stick, and as blue—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As a gentianella,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not mind being like a gentianella,’ said Amy. ‘But what dreadful + thing were you setting him to do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To make you read all the folios in my uncle’s old library,’ said Charles. + ‘All that Margaret has in keeping against Philip has a house of his own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sancho somebody, and all you talked of when first you came?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘We were talking of the hour’s reading that Charlie and I have had + together lately,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking how Charlie would miss that hour,’ said Amy; ‘and we shall + be very sorry not to have you to listen to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, Amy, suppose you read with me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Charlie, thank you! Should you really like it?’ cried Amy, colouring + with delight. ‘I have always thought it would be so very delightful if you + would read with me, as James Ross used with Mary, only I was afraid of + tiring you with my stupidity. Oh, thank you!’ + </p> + <p> + So it was settled, and Charles declared that he put himself on honour to + give a good account of their doings to Guy, that being the only way of + making himself steady to his resolution; but he was perfectly determined + not to let Philip know anything about the practice he had adopted, since + he would by no means allow him to guess that he was following his advice. + </p> + <p> + Charles had certainly grown very fond of Guy, in spite of his propensity + to admire Philip, satisfying himself by maintaining that, after all, Guy + only tried to esteem his cousin because he thought it a point of duty, + just as children think it right to admire the good boy in a story book; + but that he was secretly fretted and chafed by his perfection. No one + could deny that there were often occasions when little misunderstandings + would arise, and that, but for Philip’s coolness and Guy’s readiness to + apologise they might often have gone further; but at the same time no one + could regret these things more than Guy himself, and he was willing and + desirous to seek Philip’s advice and assistance when needed. In especial, + he listened earnestly to the counsel which was bestowed on him about + Oxford: and Mrs. Edmonstone was convinced that no one could have more + anxiety to do right and avoid temptation. She had many talks with him in + her dressing-room, promising to write to him, as did also Charles; and he + left Hollywell with universal regrets, most loudly expressed by Charlotte, + who would not be comforted without a lock of Bustle’s hair, which she + would have worn round her neck if she had not been afraid that Laura would + tell Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘He goes with excellent intentions,’ said Philip, as they watched him from + the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do hope he will do well,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish he may,’ said Philip; ‘the agreeableness of his whole character + makes one more anxious. It is very dangerous. His name, his wealth, his + sociable, gay disposition, that very attractive manner, all are so many + perils, and he has not that natural pleasure in study that would be of + itself a preservative from temptation. However, he is honestly anxious to + do right, and has excellent principles. I only fear his temper and his + want of steadiness. Poor boy, I hope he may do well!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 7 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Pray, good shepherd, what + Fair swain is this that dances with your daughter? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He sings several times faster than you’ll tell money; + he utters them as he had eaten ballads, and all men’s + ears grow to his tunes. + —WINTER’S TALE +</pre> + <p> + It was a glorious day in June, the sky of pure deep dazzling blue, the + sunshine glowing with brightness, but with cheerful freshness in the air + that took away all sultriness, the sun tending westward in his long day’s + career, and casting welcome shadows from the tall firs and horse-chestnuts + that shaded the lawn. A long rank of haymakers—men and women—proceeded + with their rakes, the white shirt-sleeves, straw bonnets, and ruddy faces, + radiant in the bath of sunshine, while in the shady end of the field were + idler haymakers among the fragrant piles, Charles half lying on the grass, + with his back against a tall haycock; Mrs. Edmonstone sitting on another, + book in hand; Laura sketching the busy scene, the sun glancing through the + chequered shade on her glossy curls; Philip stretched out at full length, + hat and neck-tie off, luxuriating in the cool repose after a dusty walk + from Broadstone; and a little way off, Amabel and Charlotte pretending to + make hay, but really building nests with it, throwing it at each other, + and playing as heartily as the heat would allow. + </p> + <p> + They talked and laughed, the rest were too hot, too busy, or too sleepy + for conversation, even Philip being tired into enjoying the “dolce far + niente”; and they basked in the fresh breezy heat and perfumy hay with + only now and then a word, till a cold, black, damp nose was suddenly + thrust into Charles’s face, a red tongue began licking him; and at the + same moment Charlotte, screaming ‘There he is!’ raced headlong across the + swarths of hay, to meet Guy, who had just ridden into the field. He threw + Deloraine’s rein to one of the haymakers, and came bounding to meet her, + just in time to pick her up as she put her foot into a hidden hole, and + fell prostrate. + </p> + <p> + In another moment he was in the midst of the whole party, who crowded + round and welcomed him as if he had been a boy returning from his first + half-year’s schooling; and never did little school-boy look more + holiday-like than he, with all the sunshine of that June day reflected, as + it were, in his glittering eyes and glowing face, while Bustle escaping + from Charles’s caressing arm, danced round, wagging his tail in ecstasy, + and claiming his share of the welcome. Then Guy was on the ground by + Charles, rejoicing to find him out there, and then, some dropping into + their former nests on the hay, some standing round, they talked fast and + eagerly in a confusion of sound that did not subside for the first ten + minutes so as to allow anything to be clearly heard. The first distinct + sentence was Charlotte’s ‘Bustle, darling old fellow, you are handsomer + than ever!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a delicious day!’ next exclaimed Guy, following Philip’s example, by + throwing off hat and neck-tie. + </p> + <p> + ‘A spontaneous tribute to the beauty of the day,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Really it is so ultra-splendid as to deserve notice!’ said Philip, + throwing himself completely back, and looking up. + </p> + <p> + ‘One cannot help revelling in that deep blue!’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tomorrow’ll be the happiest time of all the glad new year,’ hummed Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah you will teach us all now,’ said Laura, ‘after your grand singing + lessons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know what is in store for you, Guy?’ said Amy. ‘Oh! haven’t you + heard about Lady Kilcoran’s ball?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are to go, Guy,’ said Charlotte. ‘I am glad I am not. I hate + dancing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I know as much about it as Bustle,’ said Guy, catching the dog by his + forepaws, and causing him to perform an uncouth dance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, they will soon teach you,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Must I really go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He begins to think it serious,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Philip going?’ exclaimed Guy, looking as if he was taken by surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is going to say something about dancing being a healthful recreation + for young people,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ll be disappointed,’ said Philip. ‘It is much too hot to moralize.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Apollo unbends his bow,’ exclaimed Charles. ‘The captain yields the + field.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Captain Morville, I ought to have congratulated you,’ said Guy. ‘I + must come to Broadstone early enough to see you on parade.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come to Broadstone! You aren’t still bound to Mr. Lascelles,’ said + Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he has time for me,’ said Guy. ‘I am too far behind the rest of the + world to afford to be idle this vacation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right, Guy,’ exclaimed Philip, sitting up, and looking full of + approval. ‘With so much perseverance, you must get on at last. How did you + do in collections?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tolerably, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must be able to enter into the thing now,’ proceeded Philip. ‘What + are you reading?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thucydides.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you come to Pericles’ oration? I must show you some notes that I + have on that. Don’t you get into the spirit of it now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Up-hill work still,’ answered Guy, disentangling some cinders from the + silky curls of Bustle’s ear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which do you like best—that or the ball?’ asked Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘The hay-field best of all,’ said Guy, releasing Bustle, and blinding him + with a heap of hay. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course!’ said Charlotte, ‘who would not like hay-making better than + that stupid ball?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Charlotte!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; commiseration which irritated + Charlotte into standing up and protesting, + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma, you know I don’t want to go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more do I, Charlotte,’ said her brother, in a mock consoling tone. + ‘You and I know what is good for us, and despise sublunary vanities.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you will go, Guy,’ said Laura; ‘Philip is really going.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In spite of Lord Kilcoran’s folly in going to such an expense as either + taking Allonby or giving the ball,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think it is my business to bring Lord Kilcoran to a sense of his + folly,’ said Philip. ‘I made all my protests to Maurice when first he + started the notion, but if his father chose to take the matter up, it is + no concern of mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will understand, Guy,’ said Charles, ‘that this ball is specially got + up by Maurice for Laura’s benefit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Believe as little as you please of that speech, Guy,’ said Laura; ‘the + truth is that Lord Kilcoran is very good-natured, and Eveleen was very + much shocked to hear that Amy had never been to any ball, and I to only + one, and so it ended in their giving one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When is it to be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On Thursday week,’ said Amy. ‘I wonder if you will think Eveleen as + pretty as we do!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is Laura’s great friend, is not she?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like her very much; I have known her all my life, and she has much more + depth than those would think who only know her manner.’ And Laura looked + pleadingly at Philip as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are there any others of the family at home?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The two younger girls, Mabel and Helen, and the little boys,’ said Amy. + ‘Lord de Courcy is in Ireland, and all the others are away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord de Courcy is the wisest man of the family, and sets his face against + absenteeism,’ said Philip, ‘so he is never visible here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you aren’t going to despise it, I hope, Guy,’ said Amy, earnestly; + ‘it will be so delightful! And what fun we shall have in teaching you to + dance!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy stretched himself, and gave a quaint grunt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, Guy,’ said Philip, ‘very little is required. You may easily + pass in the crowd. I never learnt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your ear will guide you,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘And no one can stay at home, since Mary Ross is going,’ said Amy. + ‘Eveleen was always so fond of her, that she came and forced a promise + from her by telling her she should come with mamma, and have no trouble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not seen Allonby,’ said Laura. ‘There are such Vandykes, and + among them, such a King Charles!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is not that the picture,’ said Charles, ‘before which Amy—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O don’t, Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was found dissolved in tears?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not help it,’ murmured Amy, blushing crimson. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is all Charles’s fate in his face,’ said Philip,—‘earnest, + melancholy, beautiful! It would stir the feelings—were it an unknown + portrait. No, Amy, you need not be ashamed of your tears.’ + </p> + <p> + But Amy turned away, doubly ashamed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope it is not in the ball-room,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘No said Laura, ‘it is in the library.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte, whose absence had become perceptible from the general + quietness, here ran up with two envelopes, which she put into Guy’s hands. + One contained Lady Kilcoran’s genuine card of invitation for Sir Guy + Morville, the other Charlotte had scribbled in haste for Mr. Bustle. + </p> + <p> + This put an end to all rationality. Guy rose with a growl and a roar, and + hunted her over half the field, till she was caught, and came back out of + breath and screaming, ‘We never had such a haymaking!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I think the haymakers will say!’ answered her mother, rising to go + indoors. ‘What ruin of haycocks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I’ll set all that to rights,’ said Guy, seizing a hay-fork. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, stop, take care!’ cried Charles. ‘I don’t want to be built up in + the rick, and by and by, when my disconsolate family have had all the + ponds dragged for me, Deloraine will be heard to complain that they give + him very odd animal food.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who could resist such a piteous appeal!’ said Guy, helping him to rise, + and conducting him to his wheeled chair. The others followed, and when, + shortly after, Laura looked out at her window, she saw Guy, with his coat + off, toiling like a real haymaker, to build up the cocks in all their neat + fairness and height, whistling meantime the ‘Queen of the May,’ and now + and then singing a line. She watched the old cowman come up, touching his + hat, and looking less cross than usual; she saw Guy’s ready greeting, and + perceived they were comparing the forks and rakes, the pooks and cocks of + their counties; and, finally, she beheld her father ride into the field, + and Guy spring to meet him. + </p> + <p> + No one could have so returned to what was in effect a home, unless his + time had been properly spent; and, in fact, all that Mr. Edmonstone or + Philip could hear of him, was so satisfactory, that Philip pronounced that + the first stage of the trial had been passed irreproachably, and Laura + felt and looked delighted at this sanction to the high estimation in which + she held him. + </p> + <p> + His own account of himself to Mrs. Edmonstone would not have been equally + satisfactory if she had not had something else to check it with. It was + given by degrees, and at many different times, chiefly as they walked + round the garden in the twilight of the summer evenings, talking over the + many subjects mentioned in the letters which had passed constantly. It + seemed as if there were very few to whom Guy would ever give his + confidence; but that once bestowed, it was with hardly any reserve, and + that was his great relief and satisfaction to pour out his whole mind, + where he was sure of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + To her, then, he confided how much provoked he was with himself, his + ‘first term,’ he said, ‘having only shown him what an intolerable fool he + had to keep in order.’ By his account, he could do nothing ‘without + turning his own head, except study, and that stupefied it.’ ‘Never was + there a more idle fellow; he could work himself for a given time, but his + sense would not second him; and was it not most absurd in him to take so + little pleasure in what was his duty, and enjoy only what was bad for + him?’ + </p> + <p> + He had tried boating, but it had distracted him from his work; so he had + been obliged to give it up, and had done so in a hasty vehement manner, + which had caused offence, and for which he blamed himself. It had been the + same with other things, till he had left himself no regular recreation but + walking and music. ‘The last,’ he said, ‘might engross him in the same + way; but he thought (here he hesitated a little) there were higher ends + for music, which made it come under Mrs. Edmonstone’s rule, of a thing to + be used guardedly, not disused.’ He had resumed light reading, too, which + he had nearly discontinued before he went to Oxford. ‘One wants + something,’ he said, ‘by way of refreshment, where there is no sea nor + rock to look at, and no Laura and Amy to talk to.’ + </p> + <p> + He had made one friend, a scholar of his own college, of the name of + Wellwood. This name had been his attraction; Guy was bent on friendship + with him; if, as he tried to make him out to be, he was the son of that + Captain Wellwood whose death had weighed so heavily on his grandfather’s + conscience, feeling almost as if it were his duty to ask forgiveness in + his grandfather’s name, yet scarcely knowing how to venture on advances to + one to whom his name had such associations. However, they had gradually + drawn together, and at length entered on the subject, and Guy then found + he was the nephew, not the son of Captain Wellwood; indeed, his former + belief was founded on a miscalculation, as the duel had taken place + twenty-eight years ago. He now heard all his grandfather had wished to + know of the family. There were two unmarried daughters, and their cousin + spoke in the highest terms of their self-devoted life, promising what Guy + much wished, that they should hear what deep repentance had followed the + crime which had made them fatherless. He was to be a clergyman, and Guy + admired him extremely, saying, however, that he was so shy and retiring, + it was hard to know him well. + </p> + <p> + From not having been at school, and from other causes, Guy had made few + acquaintance; indeed, he amused Mrs. Edmonstone by fearing he had been + morose. She was ready to tell him he was an ingenious self-tormentor; but + she saw that the struggle to do right was the main spring of the happiness + that beamed round him, in spite of his self-reproach, heart-felt as it + was. She doubted whether persons more contented with themselves were as + truly joyous, and was convinced that, while thus combating lesser + temptations, the very shadow of what are generally alone considered as + real temptations would hardly come near him. + </p> + <p> + If it had not been for these talks, and now and then a thoughtful look, + she would have believed him one of the most light-hearted and merriest of + beings. He was more full of glee and high spirits than she had ever seen + him; he seemed to fill the whole house with mirth, and keep every one + alive by his fun and frolic, as blithe and untiring as Maurice de Courcy + himself, though not so wild. + </p> + <p> + Very pleasant were those summer days—reading, walking, music, + gardening. Did not they all work like very labourers at the new arbour in + the midst of the laurels, where Charles might sit and see the spires of + Broadstone? Work they did, indeed! Charles looking on from his wheeled + chair, laughing to see Guy sawing as if for his living and Amy hammering + gallantly, and Laura weaving osiers, and Charlotte flying about with + messages. + </p> + <p> + One day, they were startled by an exclamation from Charles. ‘Ah, ha! + Paddy, is that you?’ and beheld the tall figure of a girl, advancing with + a rapid, springing step, holding up her riding habit with one hand, with + the other whisking her coral-handled whip. There was something + distinguished in her air, and her features, though less fine than Laura’s, + were very pretty, by the help of laughing dark blue eyes, and very black + hair, under her broad hat and little waving feather. She threatened + Charles with her whip, calling out—‘Aunt Edmonstone said I should + find you here. What is the fun now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arbour building,’ said Charles; ‘don’t you see the head carpenter!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy?’ whispered she to Laura, looking up at him, where he was mounted + on the roof, thatching it with reed, the sunshine full on his glowing face + and white shirt sleeves. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ said Charles, as Guy swung himself down with a bound, his face + much redder than sun and work had already made it, ‘here’s another wild + Irisher for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy Morville—Lady Eveleen de Courcy,’ began Laura; but Lady + Eveleen cut her short, frankly holding out her hand, and saying, ‘You are + almost a cousin, you know. Oh, don’t leave off. Do give me something to + do. That hammer, Amy, pray—Laura, don’t you remember how dearly I + always loved hammering?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you come?’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘With papa—‘tis his visit to Sir Guy. ‘No, don’t go,’ as Guy began + to look for his coat; ‘he is only impending. He is gone on to Broadstone, + but he dropped me here, and will pick me up on his way back. Can’t you + give me something to do on the top of that ladder? I should like it + mightily; it looks so cool and airy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can you, Eva?’ whispered Laura, reprovingly; but Lady Eveleen only + shook her head at her, and declaring she saw a dangerous nail sticking + out, began to hammer it in with such good will, that Charles stopped his + ears, and told her it was worse than her tongue. ‘Go on about the ball, + do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh,’ said she earnestly, ‘do you think there is any hope of Captain + Morville’s coming?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so glad! That is what papa is gone to Broadstone about. Maurice said + he had given him such a lecture, that he would not be the one to think of + asking him, and papa must do it himself; for if he sets his face against + it, it will spoil it all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may make your mind easy,’ said Charles, ‘the captain is lenient, and + looks on the ball as a mere development of Irish nature. He has been + consoling Guy on the difficulties of dancing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t you dance?’ said Lady Eveleen, looking at him with compassion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Such is my melancholy ignorance,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been talking of teaching him,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk! will that do it?’ cried Lady Eveleen, springing up. ‘We will begin + this moment. Come out on the lawn. Here, Charles,’ wheeling him along, + ‘No, thank you, I like it,’ as Guy was going to help her. ‘There, Charles, + be fiddler go on, tum-tum, tee! that’ll do. Amy, Laura, be ladies. I’m the + other gentleman,’ and she stuck on her hat in military style, giving it a + cock. She actually set them quadrilling in spite of adverse circumstances, + dancing better, in her habit, than most people without one, till Lord + Kilcoran arrived. + </p> + <p> + While he was making his visit, she walked a little apart, arm-in-arm with + Laura. ‘I like him very much,’ she said; ‘he looks up to anything. I had + heard so much of his steadiness, that it is a great relief to my mind to + see him so unlike his cousin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eveleen!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No disparagement to the captain, only I am so dreadfully afraid of him. I + am sure he thinks me such an unmitigated goose. Now, doesn’t he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you would but take the right way to make him think otherwise, dear + Eva, and show the sense you really have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is just what my fear of him won’t let me do. I would not for the + world let him guess it, so there is nothing for it but sauciness to cover + one’s weakness. I can’t be sensible with those that won’t give me credit + for it. But you’ll mind and teach Sir Guy to dance; he has so much spring + in him, he deserves to be an Irishman.’ + </p> + <p> + In compliance with this injunction, there used to be a clearance every + evening; Charles turned into the bay window out of the way, Mrs. + Edmonstone at the piano, and the rest figuring away, the partnerless one, + called ‘puss in the corner’, being generally Amabel, while Charlotte, + disdaining them all the time, used to try to make them imitate her + dancing-master’s graces, causing her father to perform such caricatures of + them, as to overpower all with laughing. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was half Irish. His mother, Lady Mabel Edmonstone, had + never thoroughly taken root in England, and on his marriage, had gone with + her daughter to live near her old home in Ireland. The present Earl of + Kilcoran was her nephew, and a very close intercourse had always been kept + up between the families, Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone being adopted by their + younger cousins as uncle and aunt, and always so called. + </p> + <p> + The house at Allonby was in such confusion, that the family there expected + to dine nowhere on the day of the ball, and the Hollywell party thought it + prudent to secure their dinner at home, with Philip and Mary Ross, who + were to go with them. + </p> + <p> + By special desire, Philip wore his uniform; and while the sisters were + dressing Charlotte gave him a thorough examination, which led to a talk + between him and Mary on accoutrements and weapons in general; but while + deep in some points of chivalrous armour, Mary’s waist was pinched by two + mischievous hands, and a little fluttering white figure danced around her. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Amy! what do you want with me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come and be trimmed up,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you told me I was to have no trouble. I am dressed,’ said Mary, + looking complacently at her full folds of white muslin. + </p> + <p> + ‘No more you shall; but you promised to do as you were told.’ And Amy + fluttered away with her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you remember,’ said Philip, ‘the comparison of Rose Flammock dragging + off her father, to a little carved cherub trying to uplift a solid + monumental hero?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, I must tell Mary!’ cried Charlotte; but Philip stopped her, with + orders not to be a silly child. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity Amy should not have her share,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘The comparison to a Dutch cherub?’ asked Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is more after the pattern of the little things on little wings, in + your blotting-book,’ said Charles; ‘certain lines in the predicament of + the cherubs of painters—heads “et proeterea nihil”.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Guy, do you write verses? cried Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some nonsense,’ muttered Guy, out of countenance; ‘I thought I had made + away with that rubbish; where is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the blotting-book in my room,’ said Charles. ‘I must explain that the + book is my property, and was put into your room when mamma was beautifying + it for you, as new and strange company. On its return to me, at your + departure, I discovered a great accession of blots and sailing vessels, + beside the aforesaid little things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall resume my own property,’ said Guy, departing in haste. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte ran after him, to beg for a sight of it; and Philip asked + Charles what it was like. + </p> + <p> + ‘A romantic incident,’ said Charles, ‘just fit for a novel. A Petrarch + leaving his poems about in blotting-books.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles used the word Petrarch to stand for a poet, not thinking what + lady’s name he suggested; and he was surprised at the severity of Philip’s + tone as he inquired, ‘Do you mean anything, or do you not?’ + </p> + <p> + Perceiving with delight that he had perplexed and teased, he rejoiced in + keeping up the mystery: + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? is it a tender subject with you, too?’ + </p> + <p> + Philip rose, and standing over him, said, in a low but impressive tone: + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot tell whether you are trifling or not; but you are no boy now, + and can surely see that this is no subject to be played with. If you are + concealing anything you have discovered, you have a great deal to answer + for. I can hardly imagine anything more unfortunate than that he should + become attached to either of your sisters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Et pourquoi?’ asked Charles, coolly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ said Philip, retreating to his chair, and speaking with great + composure, ‘I did you injustice by speaking seriously.’ Then, as his uncle + came into the room, he asked some indifferent question, without betraying + a shade of annoyance. + </p> + <p> + Charles meanwhile congratulated himself on his valour in keeping his + counsel, in spite of so tall a man in scarlet; but he was much nettled at + the last speech, for if a real attachment to his sister had been in + question, he would never have trifled about it. Keenly alive to his + cousin’s injustice, he rejoiced in having provoked and mystified the + impassable, though he little knew the storm he had raised beneath that + serene exterior of perfect self-command. + </p> + <p> + The carriages were announced, and Mr. Edmonstone began to call the ladies, + adding tenfold to the confusion in the dressing-room. There was Laura + being completed by the lady’s maid, Amabel embellishing Mary, Mrs. + Edmonstone with her arm loaded with shawls, Charlotte flourishing about. + Poor Mary—it was much against her will—but she had no heart to + refuse the wreath of geraniums that Amy’s own hands had woven for her; and + there she sat, passive as a doll, though in despair at their all waiting + for her. For Laura’s toilette was finished, and every one began dressing + her at once; while Charlotte, to make it better, screamed over the + balusters that all were ready but Mary. Sir Guy was heard playing the + ‘Harmonious Blacksmith,’ and Captain Morville’s step was heard, fast and + firm. At last, when a long chain was put round her neck, she cried out, ‘I + have submitted to everything so far; I can bear no more!’ jumped up, + caught hold of her shawl, and was putting it on, when there was a general + outcry that they must exhibit themselves to Charles. + </p> + <p> + They all ran down, and Amy, flying up to her brother, made a splendid + sweeping curtsey, and twirled round in a pirouette. + </p> + <p> + ‘Got up, regardless of expense!’ cried Charles; ‘display yourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + The young ladies ranged themselves in imitation of the book of fashions. + The sisters were in white, with wreaths of starry jessamine. It was + particularly becoming to Laura’s bella-donna lily complexion, rich brown + curls, and classical features, and her brother exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura is exactly like Apollo playing the lyre, outside mamma’s old + manuscript book of music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has not Amy made beautiful wreaths?’ said Laura. ‘She stripped the tree, + and Guy had to fetch the ladder, to gather the sprays on the top of the + wall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you see your bit of myrtle, Guy,’ said Amy, pointing to it, on Laura’s + head, ‘that you tried to persuade me would pass for jessamine?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it should have been all myrtle,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + Philip leant meantime against the door. Laura only once glanced towards + him, thinking all this too trifling for him, and never imagining the + intense interest with which he gave a meaning to each word and look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well done, Mary!’ cried Charles, ‘they have furbished you up handsomely.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary made a face, and said she should wonder who was the fashionable young + lady she should meet in the pier-glasses at Allonby. Then Mr. Edmonstone + hurried them away, and they arrived in due time. + </p> + <p> + The saloon at Allonby was a beautiful room, one end opening into a + conservatory, full of coloured lamps, fresh green leaves, and hot-house + plants. There they found as yet only the home party, the good-natured, + merry Lord Kilcoran, his quiet English wife, who had bad health, and + looked hardly equal to the confusion of the evening; Maurice, and two + younger boys; Eveleen, and her two little sisters, Mabel and Helen. + </p> + <p> + ‘This makes it hard on Charlotte,’ thought Amy, while the two girls + dragged her off to show her the lamps in the conservatory; and the rest + attacked Mrs. Edmonstone for not having brought Charlotte, reproaching her + with hardness of heart of which they had never believed her capable—Lady + Eveleen, in especial, talking with that exaggeration of her ordinary + manner which her dread of Captain Morville made her assume. Little he + recked of her; he was absorbed in observing how far Laura’s conduct + coincided with Charles’s hints. On the first opportunity, he asked her to + dance, and was satisfied with her pleased acquiescence; but the next + moment Guy came up, and in an eager manner made the same request. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am engaged,’ said she, with a bright, proud glance at Philip; and Guy + pursued Amabel into the conservatory, where he met with better success. + Mr. Edmonstone gallantly asked Mary if he was too old a partner, and was + soon dancing with the step and spring that had once made him the best + dancer in the county. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone watched her flock, proud and pleased, thinking how well + they looked and that, in especial, she had never been sensible how much + Laura’s and Philip’s good looks excelled the rest of the world. They were + much alike in the remarkable symmetry both of figure and feature, the + colour of the deep blue eye, and fairness of complexion. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is curious,’ thought Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘that, so very handsome as + Philip is, it is never the first thing remarked about him, just as his + height never is observed till he is compared with other people. The fact + is, that his superior sense carries off a degree of beauty which would be + a misfortune to most men. It is that sedate expression and distinguished + air that make the impression. How happy Laura looks, how gracefully she + moves. No, it is not being foolish to think no one equal to Laura. My + other pair!’ and she smiled much more; ‘you happy young things, I would + not wish to see anything pleasanter than your merry faces. Little Amy + looks almost as pretty as Laura, now she is lighted up by blush and smile, + and her dancing is very nice, it is just like her laughing, so quiet, and + yet so full of glee. I don’t think she is less graceful than her sister, + but the complete enjoyment strikes one more. And as to enjoyment—there + are those bright eyes of her partner’s perfectly sparkling with delight; + he looks as if it was a world of enchantment to him. Never had any one a + greater capacity for happiness than Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone might well retain her opinion when, after the quadrille, + Guy came to tell her that he had never seen anything so delightful; and he + entertained Mary Ross with his fresh, joyous pleasure, through the next + dance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura,’ whispered Eveleen, ‘I’ve one ambition. Do you guess it? Don’t + tell him; but if he would, I should have a better opinion of myself ever + after. I’m afraid he’ll depreciate me to his friend; and really with Mr. + Thorndale, I was no more foolish than a ball requires.’ + </p> + <p> + Lady Eveleen hoped in vain. Captain Morville danced with little Lady + Helen, a child of eleven, who was enchanted at having so tall a partner; + then, after standing still for some time, chose his cousin Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a good partner and neighbour,’ said he, giving her his arm, ‘you + don’t want young lady talk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Should you not have asked Mary? She has been sitting down this long + time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think she cares for such a sport as dancing?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy made no answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been well off. You were dancing with Thorndale just now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. It was refreshing to have an old acquaintance among so many + strangers. And he is so delighted with Eveleen; but what is more, Philip, + that Mr. Vernon, who is dancing with Laura, told Maurice he thought her + the prettiest and most elegant person here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura might have higher praise,’ said Philip, ‘for hers is beauty of + countenance even more than of feature. If only—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look round, Amy, and you will see many a face which speaks of intellect + wasted, or, if cultivated, turned aside from its true purpose, like the + double blossom, which bears leaves alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you forget you are talking to silly little Amy. I can’t see all that. + I had rather think people as happy and good as they look.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Keep your child-like temper as long as you can—all your life,’ + perhaps, for this is one of the points where it is folly to be wise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you only meant things in general? Nothing about Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Things in general,’ repeated Philip; ‘bright promises blighted or thrown + away—’ + </p> + <p> + But he spoke absently, and his eye was following Laura. Amy thought he was + thinking of his sister, and was sorry for him. He spoke no more, but she + did not regret it, for she could not moralize in such a scene, and the + sight and the dancing were pleasure enough. + </p> + <p> + Guy, in the meantime, had met an Oxford acquaintance, who introduced him + to his sisters—pretty girls—whose father Mr. Edmonstone knew, + but who was rather out of the Hollywell visiting distance. They fell into + conversation quickly, and the Miss Alstons asked him with some interest, + ‘Which was the pretty Miss Edmonstone?’ Guy looked for the sisters, as if + to make up his mind, for the fact was, that when he first knew Laura and + Amy, the idea of criticising beauty had not entered his mind, and to + compare them was quite a new notion. ‘Nay,’ said he at last, ‘if you + cannot discover for yourselves when they are both before your eyes, I will + do nothing so invidious as to say which is <i>the</i> pretty one. I’ll + tell which is the eldest and which the youngest, but the rest you must + decide for yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to know them,’ said Miss Alston. ‘Oh! they are both very + nice-looking girls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There, that is Laura—Miss Edmonstone,’ said Guy, ‘that tall young + lady, with the beautiful hair and jessamine wreath.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke as if he was proud of her, and had a property in her. The tone + did not escape Philip, who at that moment was close to them, with Amy on + his arm; and, knowing the Alstons slightly, stopped and spoke, and + introduced his cousin, Miss Amabel Edmonstone. At the same time Guy took + one of the Miss Alstons away to get some tea. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you knew my cousin at Oxford?’ said Philip, to the brother. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, slightly. What an amusing fellow he is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is something very bright, very unlike other people about him,’ said + Miss Alston. + </p> + <p> + ‘How does he get on? Is he liked?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, yes, I should say so, on the whole; but it is rather as my sister + says, he is not like other people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In what respect?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh I can hardly tell. He is a very pleasant person, but he ought to have + been at school. He is a man of crotchets.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hard-working?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very; he makes everything give way to that. He is a capital companion + when he is to be had, but he lives very much to himself. He is a man of + one friend, and I don’t see much of him.’ + </p> + <p> + Another dance began, Mr. Alston went to look for his partner, Philip and + Amy moved on in search of ice. ‘Hum!’ said Philip to himself, causing Amy + to gaze up at him, but he was musing too intently for her to venture on a + remark. She was thinking that she did not wonder that strangers deemed Guy + crotchety, since he was so difficult to understand; and then she + considered whether to take him to see King Charles, in the library, and + concluded that she would wait, for she felt as if the martyr king’s face + would look on her too gravely to suit her present tone. + </p> + <p> + Philip helped her to ice, and brought her back to her mother’s + neighbourhood without many more words. He then stood thoughtful for some + time, entered into conversation with one of the elder gentlemen, and, when + that was interrupted, turned to talk to his aunt. + </p> + <p> + Lady Eveleen and her two cousins were for a moment together. ‘What is the + matter, Eva?’ said Amy, seeing a sort of dissatisfaction on her bright + face. + </p> + <p> + ‘The roc’s egg?’ said Laura, smiling. ‘The queen of the evening can’t be + content—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; you are the queen, if the one thing can make you so—the one + thing wanting to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How absurd you are, Eva—when you say you are so afraid of him, + too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the very reason. I should get a better opinion of myself! + Besides, there is nobody else so handsome. I declare I’ll make a bold + attempt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you don’t think of such a thing,’ cried Laura, very much shocked. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never fear,’ said Eveleen, ‘faint heart, you know.’ And with a nod, a + flourish, of her bouquet, and an arch smile at her cousin’s horror, she + moved on, and presently they heard her exclaiming, gaily, ‘Captain + Morville, I really must scold you. You are setting a shocking example of + laziness! Aunt Edmonstone, how can you encourage such proceedings! + Indolence is the parent of vice, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip smiled just as much as the occasion required, and answered, ‘I beg + your pardon, I had forgotten my duty. I’ll attend to my business better in + future.’ And turning to a small, shy damsel, who seldom met with a + partner, he asked her to dance. Eveleen came back to Laura with a droll + disappointed gesture. ‘Insult to injury,’ said she, disconsolately. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course,’ said Amy, ‘he could not have thought you wanted to dance with + him, or you would not have gone to stir him up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, he was very obtuse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides, you are engaged.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes, to Mr. Thorndale! But who would be content with the squire when + the knight disdains her?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Thorndale came to claim Eveleen at that moment. It was the second time + she had danced with him, and it did not pass unobserved by Philip, nor the + long walk up and down after the dance was over. At length his friend came + up to him and said something warm in admiration of her. ‘She is very + Irish,’ was Philip’s answer, with a cold smile, and Mr. Thorndale stood + uncomfortable under the disapprobation, attracted by Eveleen’s beauty and + grace, yet so unused to trust his own judgment apart from ‘Morville’s,’ as + to be in an instant doubtful whether he really admired or not. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not been dancing with her?’ he said, presently. + </p> + <p> + ‘No: she attracts too many to need the attention of a nobody like myself.’ + </p> + <p> + That ‘too many,’ seeming to confound him with the vulgar herd, made Mr. + Thorndale heartily ashamed of having been pleased with her. + </p> + <p> + Philip was easy about him for the present, satisfied that admiration had + been checked, which, if it had been allowed to grow into an attachment, + would have been very undesirable. + </p> + <p> + The suspicions Charles had excited were so full in Philip’s mind, however, + that he could not as easily set it at rest respecting his cousin. Guy had + three times asked her to dance, but each time she had been engaged. At + last, just as the clock struck the hour at which the carriage had been + ordered, he came up, and impetuously claimed her. ‘One quadrille we must + have, Laura, if you are not tired?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No! Oh, no! I could dance till this time to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We ought to be going,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘O pray, Mrs. Edmonstone, this one more,’ cried Guy, eagerly. ‘Laura owes + me this one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, this one more, mamma,’ said Laura, and they went off together, while + Philip remained, in a reverie, till requested by his aunt to see if the + carriage was ready. + </p> + <p> + The dance was over, the carriage was waiting, but Guy and Laura did not + appear till, after two or three minutes spent in wonder and inquiries, + they came quietly walking back from the library, where they had been + looking at King Charles. + </p> + <p> + All the way home the four ladies in the carriage never ceased laughing and + talking. The three gentlemen in theirs acted diversely. Mr. Edmonstone + went to sleep, Philip sat in silent thought, Guy whistled and hummed the + tunes, and moved his foot very much as if he was still dancing. + </p> + <p> + They met for a moment, and parted again in the hall at Hollywell, where + the daylight was striving to get in through the closed shutters. Philip + went on to Broadstone, Guy said he could not go to bed by daylight, called + Bustle, and went to the river to bathe, and the rest crept upstairs to + their rooms. And so ended Lord Kilcoran’s ball. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 8 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Like Alexander, I will reign, + And I will reign alone, + My thoughts shall ever more disdain + A rival near my throne. + But I must rule and govern still, + And always give the law, + And have each subject at my will, + And all to stand in awe. + —MONTROSE. +</pre> + <p> + One very hot afternoon, shortly after the ball, Captain Morville walked to + Hollywell, accelerating his pace under the influence of anxious + reflections. + </p> + <p> + He could not determine whether Charles had spoken in jest; but in spite of + Guy’s extreme youth, he feared there was ground for the suspicion excited + by the hint, and was persuaded that such an attachment could produce + nothing but unhappiness to his cousin, considering how little confidence + could be placed in Guy. He perceived that there was much to inspire + affection—attractive qualities, amiable disposition, the talent for + music, and now this recently discovered power of versifying, all were in + Guy’s favour, besides the ancient name and long ancestry, which conferred + a romantic interest, and caused even Philip to look up to him with a + feudal feeling as head of the family. There was also the familiar + intercourse to increase the danger; and Philip, as he reflected on these + things, trembled for Laura, and felt himself her only protector; for his + uncle was nobody, Mrs. Edmonstone was infatuated, and Charles would not + listen to reason. To make everything worse, he had that morning heard that + there was to be a grand inspection of the regiment, and a presentation of + colours; Colonel Deane was very anxious; and it was plain that in the + interval the officers would be allowed little leisure. The whole affair + was to end with a ball, which would lead to a repetition of what had + already disturbed him. + </p> + <p> + Thus meditating, Philip, heated and dusty, walked into the smooth green + enclosure of Hollywell. Everything, save the dancing clouds of insect + youth which whirled in his face, was drooping in the heat. The house—every + door and window opened—seemed gasping for breath; the cows sought + refuge in the shade; the pony drooped its head drowsily; the leaves hung + wearily; the flowers were faint and thirsty; and Bustle was stretched on + the stone steps, mouth open, tongue out, only his tail now and then + moving, till he put back his ears and crested his head to greet the + arrival. Philip heard the sounds that had caused the motion of the + sympathizing tail—the rich tones of Guy’s voice. Stepping over the + dog, he entered, and heard more clearly— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Two loving hearts may sever, + For sorrow fails them never.’ +</pre> + <p> + And then another voice— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Who knows not love in sorrow’s night, + He knows not love in light.’ +</pre> + <p> + In the drawing-room, cool and comfortable in the green shade of the + Venetian blinds of the bay window, stood Laura, leaning on the piano, + close to Guy, who sat on the music-stool, looking thoroughly at home in + his brown shooting-coat, and loosely-tied handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + Any one but Philip would have been out of temper, but he shook hands as + cordially as usual, and would not even be the first to remark on the heat. + </p> + <p> + Laura told him he looked hot and tired, and invited him to come out to the + others, and cool himself on the lawn. She went for her parasol, Guy ran + for her camp stool, and Philip, going to the piano, read what they had + been singing. The lines were in Laura’s writing, corrected, here and + there, in Guy’s hand. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + BE STEADFAST. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet love shall fail them never. + Love brightest beams in sorrow’s night, + Love is of life the light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet hope shall fail them never. + Hope is a star in sorrow’s night, + Forget-me-not of light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet faith may fail them never. + Trust on through sorrow’s night, + Faith is of love and hope the light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + For sorrow fails them never. + Who knows not love in sorrow’s night, + He knows not love in light. +</pre> + <p> + Philip was by no means pleased. However, it was in anything but a + sentimental manner that Guy, looking over him, said, ‘For sever, read, be + separated, but “a” wouldn’t rhyme.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I translated it into prose, and Guy made it verse,’ said Laura; ‘I hope + you approve of our performance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is that thing of Helmine von Chezy, “Beharre”, is it not?’ said + Philip, particularly civil, because he was so much annoyed. ‘You have + rendered the spirit very well’, but you have sacrificed a good deal to + your double rhymes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; those last lines are not troubled with any equality of feet,’ said + Guy; ‘but the repetition is half the beauty. It put me in mind of those + lines of Burns— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Had we never loved so kindly, + Had we never loved so blindly, + Never met and never parted, + We had ne’er been broken hearted;” + </pre> + <p> + but there is a trust in these that is more touching than that despair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; the despair is ready, to wish the love had never been,’ said Laura. + ‘It does not see the star of trust. Why did you use that word “trust” only + once, Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not want to lose the three—faith, hope, love,—faith + keeping the other two alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My doubt was whether it was right to have that analogy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely,’ said Guy, eagerly, ‘that analogy must be the best part of + earthly love.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Charlotte came to see if Guy and Laura meant to sing all the + afternoon; and they went out. They found the others in the arbour, and + Charlotte’s histories of its construction, gave Philip little + satisfaction. They next proceeded to talk over the ball. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Philip, ‘balls are the fashion just now. What do you say, Amy, + [he was more inclined to patronize her than any one else] to the gaieties + we are going to provide for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You! Are you going to have your new colours? Oh! you are not going to + give us a ball?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! that is fun!’ cried Guy. ‘What glory Maurice de Courcy must be in!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is gone to Allonby,’ said Philip, ‘to announce it; saying, he must + persuade his father to put off their going to Brighton. Do you think he + will succeed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hardly,’ said Laura; ‘poor Lady Kilcoran was so knocked up by their ball, + that she is the more in want of sea air. Oh, mamma, Eva must come and stay + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That she must,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘that will make it easy. She is the + only one who will care about the ball.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was obliged to conceal his vexation, and to answer the many eager + questions about the arrangements. He stayed to dinner, and as the others + went in-doors to dress, he lingered near Charlotte, assuming, with some + difficulty, an air of indifference, and said—‘Well, Charlotte, did + you tease Guy into showing you those verses?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes,’ said Charlotte, with what the French call “un air capable”.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, what were they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I mustn’t tell. They were very pretty; but I’ve promised.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Promised what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never to say anything about them. He made it a condition with me, and I + assure you, I am to be trusted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right,’ said Philip; ‘I’ll ask no more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be of no use,’ said Charlotte, shaking her head, as if she + wished he would prove her further. + </p> + <p> + Philip was in hopes of being able to speak to Laura after dinner, but his + uncle wanted him to come and look over the plans of an estate adjoining + Redclyffe, which there was some idea of purchasing. Such an employment + would in general have been congenial; but on this occasion, it was only by + a strong force that he could chain his attention, for Guy was pacing the + terrace with Laura and Amabel, and as they passed and repassed the window, + he now and then caught sounds of repeating poetry. + </p> + <p> + In this Guy excelled. He did not read aloud well; he was too rapid, and + eyes and thoughts were apt to travel still faster than the lips, thus + producing a confusion; but no one could recite better when a passage had + taken strong hold of his imagination, and he gave it the full effect of + the modulations of his fine voice, conveying in its inflections the + impressions which stirred him profoundly. He was just now enchanted with + his first reading of ‘Thalaba,’ where he found all manner of deep + meanings, to which the sisters listened with wonder and delight. He + repeated, in a low, awful, thrilling tone, that made Amy shudder, the + lines in the seventh book, ending with— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Who comes from the bridal chamber! + It is Azrael, angel of death.”’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘You have not been so taken up with any book since Sintram.’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is like Sintram,’ he replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So it seems to me. A strife with the powers of darkness; the victory, + forgiveness, resignation, death. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thou know’st the secret wishes of my heart, + Do with me as thou wilt, thy will is best.”’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘I wish you would not speak as if you were Thalaba yourself,’ said Amy, + ‘you bring the whole Domdaniel round us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid he is going to believe himself Thalaba as well as Sintram,’ + said Laura. ‘But you know Southey did not see all this himself, and did + not understand it when it was pointed out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell us that,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay; I think there is something striking in it,’ said Guy then, with a + sudden transition, ‘but is not this ball famous?’ + </p> + <p> + And their talk was of balls and reviews till nine o’clock, when they were + summoned to tea. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, Philip returned to Broadstone by no means comforted. + </p> + <p> + Never had he known so much difficulty in attending with patience to his + duties as in the course of the next fortnight. They became a greater + durance, as he at length looked his feelings full in the face, and became + aware of their true nature. + </p> + <p> + He perceived that the loss of Laura would darken his whole existence; yet + he thought that, were he only secure of her happiness, he could have + resigned her in silence. Guy was, however, one of the last men in the + world whom he could bear to see in possession of her; and probably she was + allowing herself to be entangled, if not in heart, at least in manner. If + so, she should not be unwarned. He had been her guide from childhood, and + he would not fail her now. + </p> + <p> + Three days before the review, he succeeded in finding time for a walk to + Hollywell, not fully decided on the part he should act, though resolved on + making some remonstrance. He was crossing a stile, about a mile and a half + from Hollywell, when he saw a lady sitting on the stump of a tree, + sketching, and found that fate had been so propitious as to send Laura + thither alone. The rest had gone to gather mushrooms on a down, and had + left her sketching the view of the spires of Broadstone, in the cleft + between the high green hills. She was very glad to see him, and held up + her purple and olive washes to be criticised; but he did not pay much + attention to them. He was almost confused at the sudden manner in which + the opportunity for speaking had presented itself. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a long time since I have seen you,’ said he, at last. + </p> + <p> + ‘An unheard-of time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Still longer since we have had any conversation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was just thinking so. Not since that hot hay-making, when Guy came + home. Indeed, we have had so much amusement lately that I have hardly had + time for thought. Guy says we are all growing dissipated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! your German, and dancing, and music, do not agree with thought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor music!’ said Laura, smiling. ‘But I am ready for a lecture; I have + been feeling more like a butterfly than I like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know you think me unjust about music, and I freely confess that I + cannot estimate the pleasure it affords, but I doubt whether it is a safe + pleasure. It forms common ground for persons who would otherwise have + little in common, and leads to intimacies which occasion results never + looked for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Laura, receiving it as a general maxim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, you complain of feeling like a butterfly. Is not that a sign that + you were made for better things?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what can I do? I try to read early and at night, but I can’t prevent + the fun and gaiety; and, indeed, I don’t think I would. It is innocent, + and we never had such a pleasant summer. Charlie is so—so much more + equable, and mamma is more easy about him, and I can’t help thinking it + does them all good, though I do feel idle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is innocent, it is right for a little while,’ said Philip; ‘but your + dissatisfaction proves that you are superior to such things. Laura, what I + fear is, that this summer holiday may entangle you, and so fix your fate + as to render your life no holiday. O Laura take care; know what you are + doing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What am I doing?’ asked Laura, with an alarmed look of ingenuous + surprise. + </p> + <p> + Never had it been so hard to maintain his composure as now, when her + simplicity forced him to come to plainer terms. ‘I must speak,’ he + continued, ‘because no one else will. Have you reflected whither this may + tend? This music, this versifying, this admitting a stranger so + unreservedly into your pursuits?’ + </p> + <p> + She understood now, and hung her head. He would have given worlds to judge + of the face hidden by her bonnet; but as she did not reply, he spoke on, + his agitation becoming so strong, that the struggle was perceptible in the + forced calmness of his tone. ‘I would not say a word if he were worthy, + but Laura—Laura, I have seen Locksley Hall acted once; do not let me + see it again in a way which—which would give me infinitely more + pain.’ + </p> + <p> + The faltering of his voice, so resolutely subdued, touched, her extremely, + and a thrill of exquisite pleasure glanced through her, on hearing + confirmed what she had long felt, that she had taken Margaret’s place—nay, + as she now learnt, that she was even more precious to him. She only + thought of reassuring him. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, you need never fear <i>that</i>. He has no such thought, I am sure.’ + She blushed deeply, but looked in his face. ‘He treats us both alike, + besides, he is so young.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The mischief is not done,’ said Philip, trying to resume his usual tone; + ‘I only meant to speak in time. You might let your manner go too far; you + might even allow your affections to be involved without knowing it, if you + were not on your guard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never!’ said Laura. ‘Oh, no; I could never dream of that with Guy. I like + Guy very much; I think better of him than you do; but oh no; he could + never be my first and best; I could never care for him in <i>that</i> way. + How could you think so, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, I cannot but look on you with what may seem over-solicitude. Since + I lost Fanny, and worse than lost Margaret, you have been my home; my + first, my most precious interest. O Laura!’ and he did not even attempt to + conceal the trembling and tenderness of his voice, ‘could I bear to lose + you, to see you thrown away or changed—you, dearest, best of all?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura did not turn away her head this time, but raising her beautiful + face, glowing with such a look as had never beamed there before, while + tears rose to her eyes, she said, ‘Don’t speak of my changing towards you. + I never could; for if there is anything to care for in me, it is you that + have taught it to me.’ + </p> + <p> + If ever face plainly told another that he was her first and best, Laura’s + did so now. Away went misgivings, and he looked at her in happiness too + great for speech, at least, he could not speak till he had mastered his + emotion, but his countenance was sufficient reply. Even then, in the midst + of this flood of ecstasy, came the thought, ‘What have I done?’ + </p> + <p> + He had gone further than he had ever intended. It was a positive avowal of + love; and what would ensue? Cessation of intercourse with her, endless + vexations, the displeasure of her family, loss of influence, contempt, and + from Mr. Edmonstone, for the pretensions of a penniless soldier. His joy + was too great to be damped, but it was rendered cautious. ‘Laura, my own!’ + (what delight the words gave her,) ‘you have made me very happy. We know + each other now, and trust each other for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes, yes; nothing can alter what has grown up with us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is for ever!’ repeated Philip. ‘But, Laura, let us be content with our + own knowledge of what we are to each other. Do not let us call in others + to see our happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura looked surprised, for she always considered any communication about + his private feelings too sacred to be repeated, and wondered he should + think the injunction necessary. ‘I never can bear to talk about the best + kinds of happiness,’ said she; ‘but oh!’ and she sprang up, ‘here they + come.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Edmonstone, as she walked back from her mushroom-field, she + little guessed that words had been spoken which would give the colouring + to her daughter’s whole life—she little guessed that her much-loved + and esteemed nephew had betrayed her confidence! As she and the girls came + up, Philip advanced to meet them, that Laura might have a few moments to + recover, while with an effort he kept himself from appearing absent in the + conversation that ensued. It was brief, for having answered some questions + with regard to the doings on the important day, he said, that since he had + met them he would not come on to Hollywell, and bade them farewell, giving + Laura a pressure of the hand which renewed the glow on her face. + </p> + <p> + He walked back, trying to look through the dazzling haze of joy so as to + see his situation clearly. It was impossible for him not to perceive that + there had been an absolute declaration of affection, and that he had + established a private understanding with his cousin. It was not, however, + an engagement, nor did he at present desire to make it so. It was + impossible for him as yet to marry, and he was content to wait without a + promise, since that could not add to his entire reliance on Laura. He + could not bear to be rejected by her parents: he knew his poverty would be + the sole ground of objection, and he was not asking her to share it. He + believed sincerely that a long, lingering attachment to himself would be + more for her good than a marriage with one who would have been a high + prize for worldly aims, and was satisfied that by winning her heart he had + taken the only sure means of securing her from becoming attached to Guy, + while secrecy was the only way of preserving his intercourse with her on + the same footing, and exerting his influence over the family. + </p> + <p> + It was calmly reflected, for Philip’s love was tranquil, though deep and + steady, and the rather sought to preserve Laura as she was than to make + her anything more; and this very calmness contributed to his + self-deception on this first occasion that he had ever actually swerved + from the path of right. + </p> + <p> + With an uncomfortable sensation, he met Guy riding home from his tutor, + entirely unsuspicious. He stopped and talked of the preparations at + Broadstone, where he had been over the ground with Maurice de Courcy, and + had heard the band. + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you think of it? said Philip, absently. + </p> + <p> + ‘They <i>should</i> keep better time! Really, Philip, there is one fellow + with a bugle that ought to be flogged every day of his life!’ said Guy, + making a droll, excruciated face. + </p> + <p> + How a few words can change the whole current of ideas. The band was + connected with Philip, therefore he could not bear to hear it found fault + with, and adduced some one’s opinion that the man in question was one of + the best of their musicians. + </p> + <p> + Guy could not help shrugging his shoulders, as he laughed, and said,—‘Then + I shall be obliged to take to my heels if I meet the rest. Good-bye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How conceited they have made that boy about his fine ear,’ thought + Philip. ‘I wonder he is not ashamed to parade his music, considering + whence it is derived.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 9 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ah! county Guy, the hour is nigh, + The sun has left the lea, + The orange flower perfumes the bower, + The breeze is on the sea. + The lark, his lay, who thrilled all day, + Sits hushed, his partner nigh, + Breeze, bird, and flower, confess the hour, + But where is county Guy? + —SCOTT +</pre> + <p> + How was it meantime with Laura? The others were laughing and talking round + her, but all seemed lost in the transcendent beam that had shone out on + her. To be told by Philip that she was all to him that he had always been + to her! This one idea pervaded her—too glorious, too happy for + utterance, almost for distinct thought. The softening of his voice, and + the look with which he had regarded her, recurred again and again, + startling her with a sudden surprise of joy almost as at the first moment. + Of the future Laura thought not. Never had a promise of love been made + with less knowledge of what it amounted to: it seemed merely an expression + of sentiments that she had never been without; for had she not always + looked up to Philip more than any other living creature, and gloried in + being his favourite cousin? Ever since the time when he explained to her + the plates in the Encyclopaedia, and made her read ‘Joyce’s Scientific + Dialogues,’ when Amy took fright at the first page. That this might lead + further did not occur to her; she was eighteen, she had no experience, not + even in novels, she did not know what she had done; and above all, she had + so leant to surrender her opinions to Philip, and to believe him always + right, that she would never have dreamt of questioning wherever he might + choose to lead her. Even the caution of secrecy did not alarm her, though + she wondered that he thought it required, safe as his confidence always + was with her. Mrs. Edmonstone had been so much occupied by Charles’s + illness, as to have been unable to attend to her daughters in their + girlish days; and in the governess’s time the habit had been disused of + flying at once to her with every joy or grief. Laura’s thoughts were not + easy of access, and Philip had long been all in all to her. She was too + ignorant of life to perceive that it was her duty to make this + conversation known; or, more truly, she did not awaken her mind to + consider that anything could be wrong that Philip desired. + </p> + <p> + On coming home, she ran up to her own room, and sitting by the open + window, gave herself up to that delicious dream of new-found joy. + </p> + <p> + There she still sat when Amy came in, opening the door softly, and + treading lightly and airily as she entered, bringing two or three roses of + different tints. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura! not begun to dress?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I answer you according to what Philip calls my note of time, and + tell you the pimpernels are closed, and the tigridias dropping their + leaves? It would be a proper answer for you; you look as if you were in + Fairy Land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is papa come home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Long ago! and Guy too. Why, where could you have been, not to have heard + Guy and Eveleen singing the Irish melodies?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a trance,’ said Laura, starting up, and laughing, with a slight degree + of constraint, which caused Amy, who was helping her to dress, to exclaim, + ‘Has anything happened, Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What should have happened?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t guess, unless the fairies in the great ring on Ashendown came to + visit you when we were gone. But seriously, dear Laura, are you sure you + are not tired? Is nothing the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing at all, thank you. I was only thinking over the talk I had with + Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ + </p> + <p> + Amy never thought of entering into Philip’s talks with Laura, and was + perfectly satisfied. + </p> + <p> + By this time Laura was herself again, come back to common life, and + resolved to watch over her intercourse with Guy; since, though she was + convinced that all was safe at present, she had Philip’s word for it that + there might be danger in continuing the pleasant freedom of their + behaviour. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more reassuring than Guy’s demeanour. His head seemed + entirely full of the Thursday, and of a plan of his own for enabling + Charles to go to the review. It had darted into his head while he was + going over the ground with Maurice. It was so long since Charles had + thought it possible to attempt any amusement away from home, and former + experiments had been so unsuccessful, that it had never even occurred to + him to think of it; but he caught at the idea with great delight and + eagerness. Mrs. Edmonstone seemed not to know what to say; she had much + rather that it had not been proposed; yet it was very kind of Guy, and + Charles was so anxious about it that she knew not how to oppose him. + </p> + <p> + She could not bear to have Charles in a crowd, helpless as he was; and she + had an unpleasing remembrance of the last occasion when they had taken him + to a flower-show, where they had lost, first Mr. Edmonstone, next the + carriage, and lastly, Amy and Charlotte—all had been frightened, and + Charles laid up for three days from the fatigue. + </p> + <p> + Answers, however, met each objection. Charles was much stronger; Guy’s arm + would be ready for him; Guy would find the carriage. Philip would be there + to help, besides Maurice; and whenever Charles was tired, Guy would take + him home at once, without spoiling any one’s pleasure. + </p> + <p> + ‘Except your own,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you; but this would be so delightful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Charles, ‘it would be as great a triumph as the dog’s that + caught the hare with the clog round his neck—the dog’s, I mean.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will but trust me with him,’ said Guy, turning on her all the + pleading eloquence of his eyes, ‘you know he can get in and out of the + pony-carriage quite easily.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As well as walk across the room,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would drive him in it, and tell William to ride in and be at hand to + hold the pony or take it out; and the tent is so near, that you could get + to the breakfast, unless the review had been enough for you. I paced the + distance to make sure, and it is no further than from the garden-door to + the cherry-tree.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is nothing,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘And William shall be in waiting to bring the pony the instant you are + ready, and we can go home independently of every one else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought,’ interposed Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘that you were to go to the + mess-dinner—what is to become of that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O,’ said Charles, ‘that will be simply a bore, and he may rejoice to be + excused from going the whole hog.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure, I had rather dine in peace at home.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was not happy, but she had great confidence in Guy; and + her only real scruple was, that she did not think it fair to occupy him + entirely with attendance on her son. She referred it to papa, which, as + every one knew, was the same as yielding the point, and consoled herself + by the certainty that to prevent it would be a great disappointment to + both the youths. Laura was convinced that to achieve the adventure of + Charles at the review, was at present at least a matter of far more + prominence with Guy than anything relating to herself. + </p> + <p> + All but Laura and her mother were wild about the weather, especially on + Wednesday, when there was an attempt at a thunder storm. Nothing was + studied but the sky; and the conversation consisted of prognostications, + reports of rises and falls of the glass, of the way weather-cocks were + turning, or about to turn, of swallows flying high or low, red sunsets, + and halos round the moon, until at last Guy, bursting into a merry laugh, + begged Mrs. Edmonstone’s pardon for being such a nuisance, and made a vow, + and kept it, that be the weather what it might, he would say not another + word about it that evening; it deserved to be neglected, for he had not + been able to settle to anything all day. + </p> + <p> + He might have said for many days before; for since the last ball, and + still more since Lady Eveleen had been at Hollywell, it had been one round + of merriment and amusement. Scrambling walks, tea-drinkings out of doors, + dances among themselves, or with the addition of the Harpers, were the + order of the day. Amy, Eveleen, and Guy, could hardly come into the room + without dancing, and the piano was said to acknowledge nothing but + waltzes, polkas, and now and then an Irish jig, for the special benefit of + Mr. Edmonstone’s ears. The morning was almost as much spent in mirth as + the afternoon, for the dawdlings after breakfast, and before luncheon, had + a great tendency to spread out and meet, there was new music and singing + to be practised, or preparations made for evening’s diversion, or councils + to be held, which Laura’s absence could not break up, though it often made + Amy feel how much less idle and frivolous Laura was than herself. Eveleen + said the same, but she was visiting, and it was a time to be idle; and Mr. + Lascelles seemed to be of the same opinion with regard to his pupil; for, + when Guy was vexed at not having done as much work as usual, he only + laughed at him for expecting to be able to go to balls, and spend a summer + of gaiety, while he studied as much as at Oxford. + </p> + <p> + Thursday morning was all that heart could wish, the air cooled by the + thunder, and the clouds looking as if raining was foreign to their nature. + Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, their daughters, and Lady Eveleen, were packed + inside and outside the great carriage, while Guy, carefully settling + Charles in the low phaeton, putting in all that any one recommended, from + an air-cushion to an umbrella, flourished his whip, and drove off with an + air of exultation and delight. + </p> + <p> + Everything went off to admiration. No one was more amused than Charles. + The scene was so perfectly new and delightful to one accustomed to such a + monotonous life, that the very sight of people was a novelty. Nowhere was + there so much laughing and talking as in that little carriage, and + whenever Mrs. Edmonstone’s anxious eye fell upon it, she always saw + Charles sitting upright, with a face so full of eager interest as to + banish all thought of fatigue. Happy, indeed, he was. He enjoyed the + surprise of his acquaintance at meeting him; he enjoyed Dr. Mayerne’s + laugh and congratulation; he enjoyed seeing how foolish Philip thought + him, nodding to his mother and sisters, laughing at the dreadful faces Guy + could not help making at any particularly discordant note of the offensive + bugle; and his capabilities rising with his spirits, he did all that the + others did, walked further than he had done for years, was lifted up steps + without knowing how, sat out the whole breakfast, talked to all the world, + and well earned the being thoroughly tired, as he certainly was when Guy + put him into the carriage and drove him home, and still more so when Guy + all but carried him up stairs, and laid him on the sofa in the + dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + However, his mother announced that it would have been so unnatural if he + had not been fatigued, that she should have been more anxious, and leaving + him to repose, they all, except Mr. Edmonstone, who had stayed to dine at + the mess, sat down to dinner. + </p> + <p> + Amy came down dressed just as the carriage had been announced, and found + Laura and Eveleen standing by the table, arranging their bouquets, while + Guy, in the dark, behind the piano, was playing—not, as usual, in + such cases, the Harmonious Blacksmith, but a chant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is mamma ready?’ asked Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nearly,’ said Amy, ‘but I wish she was not obliged to go! I am sure she + cannot bear to leave Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope she is not going on my account,’ said Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, said Laura, ‘we must go; it would so frighten papa if we did not + come. Besides, there is nothing to be uneasy about with Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O no,’ said Amy; ‘she says so, only she is always anxious, and she is + afraid he is too restless to go to sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must get home as fast as we can; if you don’t mind, Eva,’ said Laura, + remembering how her last dance with Guy had delayed them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can I do any good to Charlie?’ said Guy, ceasing his music. I don’t mean + to go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not go!’ cried the girls in consternation. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is joking!’ said Eveleen. ‘But, I declare!’ added she, advancing + towards him, ‘he is not dressed! Come, nonsense, this is carrying it too + far; you’ll make us all too late, and then I’ll set Maurice at you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid it is no joke,’ said Guy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must go. It will never do for you to stay away,’ said Laura, + decidedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you tired? Aren’t you well?’ asked Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, thank you, but I am sure I had better not.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura thought she had better not seem anxious to take him, so she left the + task of persuasion, to the others, and Amy went on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Neither Mamma nor Charlie could bear to think you stayed because of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t, I assure you, Amy. I meant it before. I have been gradually + finding out that it must come to this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you think it a matter of right and wrong! But you don’t think balls + wrong?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no; only they won’t do for such an absurd person as I am. The last + turned my head for a week, and I am much too unsteady for this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if you think it a matter of duty, it can’t be helped,’ said Amy + sorrowfully; ‘but I am very sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Guy, thinking it compassion, not regret; ‘but I shall do + very well. I shall be all the happier to-morrow for a quiet hour at my + Greek, and you’ll tell me all the fun.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You liked it so much!’ said Amy; ‘but you have made up your mind and I + ought not to tease you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right Amy; he does it on purpose to be teased,’ said Eveleen, ‘and + I never knew anybody so provoking. Mind, Sir Guy, if you make us all too + late, you shan’t have the ghost of a quadrille with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall console myself by quadrilling with Andromache,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, no nonsense—off to dress directly! How can you have the + conscience to stand there when the carriage is at the door?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall have great pleasure in handing you in when you are ready.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura—Amy! Does he really mean it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid he does,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + Eveleen let herself fall on the sofa as if fainting. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘take + him away! Let me never see the face of him again! I’m perfectly overcome! + All my teaching thrown away!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry for you,’ said Guy, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how do you mean to face Maurice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell him his first bugle has so distracted me that I can’t answer for the + consequences if I come to-night. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Edmonstone came in, saying,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, I have kept you waiting shamefully, but I have been consoling + myself by thinking you must be well entertained, as I heard no Harmonious + Blacksmith. Papa will be wondering where we are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, mamma! Guy won’t go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy! is anything the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, thank you, only idleness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This will never do. You really must go, Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! I think not. Pray don’t order me, Mrs. Edmonstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What o’clock is it, Amy? Past ten! Papa will be in despair! What is to be + done? How long do you take to dress, Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not under an hour,’ said Guy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense! But if there was time I should certainly send you. + Self-discipline may be carried too far, Guy. But now it can’t be helped—I + don’t know how to keep papa waiting any longer. Laura, what shall I do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me go to Charles,’ answered Guy. ‘Perhaps I can read him to sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you; but don’t talk, or he will be too excited. Reading would be + the very thing! It will be a pretty story to tell every one who asks for + you that I have left you to nurse my son!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, for no such good reason,’ said Guy; ‘only because I am a great fool.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir Guy, I am glad you can say one sensible word,’ said Lady + Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Too true, I assure you,’ he answered, as he handed her in. ‘Good night! + You will keep the quadrille for me till I am rational.’ + </p> + <p> + He handed the others in, and shut the door. Mrs. Edmonstone, ruffled out + of her composure, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, this is provoking!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Every one will be vexed,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be so stupid,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I give him up,’ said Eveleen. ‘I once had hopes of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it was not for papa, I really would turn back this moment and fetch + him,’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone, starting forward. ‘I’m sure it will give + offence. I wish I had not consented.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He can’t be made to see that his presence is of importance to any living + creature,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the reason of this whim?’ said Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Eveleen, it is not whim,’ said Laura; ‘it is because he thinks + dissipation makes him idle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then if he is idle I wonder what the rest of the world is!’ said Eveleen. + ‘I am sure we all ought to stay at home too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so,’ said Amy. ‘I know I shall feel all night as if I was wrong + to be there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am angry,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘and yet I believe it is a great + sacrifice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, mamma; after all our looking forward to it,’ said Amy. ‘Oh! yes,’ + and her voice lost its piteous tone, ‘it is a real sacrifice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he was not a mere boy, I should say a lover’s quarrel was at the + bottom of it,’ said Eveleen. ‘Depend upon it, Laura, it is all your fault. + You only danced once with him at our ball, and all this week you have + played for us, as if it was on purpose to cut him.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura was glad of the darkness, and her mother, who had a particular + dislike to jokes of this sort, went on,—‘If it were only ourselves I + should not care, but there are so many who will fancy it caprice, or + worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The only comfort is,’ said Amy, ‘that it is Charlie’s gain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope they will not talk,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘But Charlie will never + hold his tongue. He will grow excited, and not sleep all night.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Edmonstone! her trials did not end here, for when she replied to + her husband’s inquiry for Guy, Mr. Edmonstone said offence had already + been taken at his absence from the dinner; he would not have had this + happen for fifty pounds; she ought not to have suffered it; but it was all + her nonsense about Charles, and as to not being late, she should have + waited till midnight rather than not have brought him. In short, he said + as much more than he meant, as a man in a pet is apt to say, and + nevertheless Mrs. Edmonstone had to look as amiable and smiling as if + nothing was the matter. + </p> + <p> + The least untruthful answer she could frame to the inquiries for Sir Guy + Morville was, that young men were apt to be lazy about balls, and this + sufficed for good-natured Mrs. Deane, but Maurice poured out many + exclamations about his ill-behaviour, and Philip contented himself with + the mere fact of his not being there, and made no remark. + </p> + <p> + Laura turned her eyes anxiously on Philip. They had not met since the + important conversation on Ashen-down, and she found herself looking with + more pride than ever at his tall, noble figure, as if he was more her own; + but the calmness of feeling was gone. She could not meet his eye, nor see + him turn towards her without a start and tremor for which she could not + render herself a reason, and her heart beat so much that it was at once a + relief and a disappointment that she was obliged to accept her other + cousin as her first partner. Philip had already asked Lady Eveleen, for he + neither wished to appear too eager in claiming Laura, nor to let his + friend think he had any dislike to the Irish girl. + </p> + <p> + Eveleen was much pleased to have him for her partner, and told herself she + would be on her good behaviour. It was a polka, and there was not much + talk, which, perhaps, was all the better for her. She admired the review, + and the luncheon, and spoke of Charles without any sauciness, and Philip + was condescending and agreeable. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must indulge myself in abusing that stupid cousin of yours!’ said she. + Did you ever know a man of such wonderful crotchets?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a very unexpected one,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘It came like a thunder clap. I thought till the last moment he was + joking, for he likes dancing so much; he was the life of our ball, and how + could any one suppose he would fly off at the last moment?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He seems rather to enjoy doing things suddenly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell Laura she has affronted him,’ said Eveleen, laughing. ‘She has + been always busy of late when we have wanted her; and I assure her his + pride has been piqued. Don’t you think that is an explanation, Captain + Morville?’ + </p> + <p> + It was Captain Morvilles belief, but he would not say so. + </p> + <p> + ‘Isn’t Laura looking lovely?’ Eveleen went on. ‘I am sure she is the + beauty of the night!’ She was pleased to see Captain Morville’s attention + gained. ‘She is even better dressed than at our ball—those Venetian + pins suit the form of her head so well. Her beauty is better than almost + any one’s, because she has so much countenance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘How proud Maurice looks of having her on his arm. Does not he? Poor + Maurice! he is desperately in love with her!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As is shown by his pining melancholy.’ + </p> + <p> + Eveleen laughed with her clear hearty laugh. ‘I see you know what we mean + by being desperately in love! No,’ she added more gravely, ‘I am very glad + it is only <i>that</i> kind of desperation. One could not think of Maurice + and Laura together. He does not know the best part of Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + Eveleen was highly flattered by Captain Morville conducting her a second + time round the room, instead of at once restoring her to her aunt. + </p> + <p> + He secured Laura next, and leading her away from her own party, said, + ‘Laura, have you been overdoing it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not that,’ said Laura, wishing she could keep from blushing. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the only motive that could excuse his extraordinary behaviour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely you know he says that he is growing unsettled. It is part of his + rule of self discipline.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Absurd!—exaggerated!—incredible! This is the same story as + there was about the horse. It is either caprice or temper, and I am + convinced that some change in your manner—nay, I say unconscious, + and am far from blaming you—is the cause. Why else did he devote + himself to Charles, and leave you all on my uncle’s hands in the crowd?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We could shift for ourselves much better than Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This confirms my belief that my warning was not mistimed. I wish it could + have been done without decidedly mortifying him and rousing his temper, + because I am sorry others should be slighted; but if he takes your drawing + back so much to heart, it shows that it was time you should do so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I thought I had!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was visible to others—to another, I should say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, that is only Eveleen’s nonsense! The only difference I am conscious of + having made, was keeping more up-stairs, and not trying to persuade him to + come here to-night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt it was this that turned the scale, He only waited for + persuasion, and you acted very wisely in not flattering his self-love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I?—I did not know it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A woman’s instinct is often better than reasoning, Laura; to do the right + thing without knowing why. But come, I suppose we must play our part in + the pageant of the night.’ + </p> + <p> + For that evening Laura, contrary to the evidence of her senses, was + persuaded by her own lover that Guy was falling in love with her; and + after musing all through the dance, she said, ‘What do you think of the + scheme that has been started for my going to Ireland with papa?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your going to Ireland?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; you know none of us, except papa, have seen grandmamma since Charles + began to be ill, and there is some talk of his taking me with him when he + goes this summer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew he was going, but I thought it was not to be till later in the + year—not till after the long vacation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So he intended, but he finds he must be at home before the end of + October, and it would suit him best to go in August.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then what becomes of Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He stays at Hollywell. It will be much better for Charles to have him + there while papa is away. I thought when the plan was first mentioned I + should be sorry, except that it is quite right to go to grandmamma; but if + it is so, about Guy, this absence would be a good thing—it would + make a break, and I could begin again on different terms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wisely judged, Laura. Yes, on that account it would be very desirable, + though it will be a great loss to me, and I can hardly hope to be so near + you on your return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! yes, so I feared!’ sighed Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘But we must give up something; and for Guy’s own sake, poor fellow, it + will be better to make a break, as you say. It will save him pain by and + by.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say papa will consult you about when his journey is to be. His + only doubt was whether it would do to leave Guy so long alone, and if you + say it would be safe, it would decide him at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see little chance of mischief. Guy has few temptations here, and a + strong sense of honour; besides, I shall be at hand. Taking all things + into consideration, Laura, I think that, whatever the sacrifice to + ourselves, it is expedient to recommend his going at once, and your + accompanying him.’ + </p> + <p> + All the remainder of the evening Philip was occupied with attentions to + the rest of the world, but Laura’s eyes followed him everywhere, and + though she neither expected nor desired him to bestow more time on her, + she underwent a strange restlessness and impatience of feeling. Her + numerous partners teased her by hindering her from watching him moving + about the room, catching his tones, and guessing what he was talking of;—not + that she wanted to meet his eye, for she did not like to blush, nor did + she think it pleased him to see her do so, for he either looked away + immediately or conveyed a glance which she understood as monitory. She + kept better note of his countenance than of her own partner’s. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Thorndale, meanwhile, kept aloof from Lady Eveleen de Courcy, but + Captain Morville perceived that his eyes were often turned towards her, + and well knew it was principle, and not inclination, that held him at a + distance. He did indeed once ask her to dance, but she was engaged, and he + did not ask her to reserve a future dance for him, but contented himself + with little Amy. + </p> + <p> + Amy was doing her best to enjoy herself, because she thought it ungrateful + not to receive pleasure from those who wished to give it, but to her it + wanted the zest and animation of Lady Kilcoran’s ball. Besides, she knew + she had been as idle as Guy, or still more so, and she thought it wrong + she should have pleasure while he was doing penance. It was on her mind, + and damped her spirits, and though she smiled, and talked, and admired, + and danced lightly and gaily, there was a sensation of weariness + throughout, and no one but Eveleen was sorry when Mrs. Edmonstone sent + Maurice to see for the carriage. + </p> + <p> + Philip was one of the gentlemen who came to shawl them. As he put Laura’s + cloak round her shoulders he was able to whisper, ‘Take care; you must be + cautious—self-command.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura, though blushing and shrinking the moment before was braced by his + words and tone to attempt all he wished. She looked up in what she meant + to be an indifferent manner, and made some observation in a careless tone—anything + rather than let Philip think her silly. After what he had said, was she + not bound more than ever to exert herself to the utmost, that he might not + be disappointed in her? She loved him only the better for what others + might have deemed a stern coldness of manner, for it made the contrast of + his real warmth of affection more precious. She mused over it, as much as + her companions’ conversation would allow, on the road home. They arrived, + Mrs. Edmonstone peeped into Charles’s room, announced that he was quietly + asleep, and they all bade each other good night, or good morning, and + parted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 10 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Leonora. Yet often with respect he speaks of thee. + Tasso. Thou meanest with forbearance, prudent, subtle, + ‘Tis that annoys me, for he knows to use + Language so smooth and so conditional, + That seeming praise from him is actual blame. + —GOETHE’S Tasso +</pre> + <p> + When the Hollywell party met at breakfast, Charles showed himself by no + means the worse for his yesterday’s experiment. He said he had gone to + sleep in reasonable time, lulled by some poetry, he knew not what, of + which Guy’s voice had made very pretty music, and he was now full of talk + about the amusement he had enjoyed yesterday, which seemed likely to + afford food for conversation for many a week to come. After all the care + Guy had taken of him, Mrs. Edmonstone could not find it in her heart to + scold, and her husband, having spent his vexation upon her, had none left + to bestow on the real culprit. So when Guy, with his bright morning face, + and his hair hanging shining and wet round it, opened the dining-room + door, on his return from bathing in the river, Mr. Edmonstone’s salutation + only conveyed that humorous anger that no one cares for. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good morning to you, Sir Guy Morville! I wonder what you have to say for + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Guy, smiling; then, as he took his place by Mrs. + Edmonstone, ‘I hope you are not tired after your hard day’s work?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, can you tell me the name of this flower?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! have you really found the arrow-head? How beautiful! Where did you + get it? I didn’t know it grew in our river.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is plenty of it in that reedy place beyond the turn. I thought it + looked like something out of the common way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! What a purple eye it has! I must draw it. O, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And, Charlotte, Bustle has found you a moorhen’s nest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How delightful! Is it where I can go and see the dear little things?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is rather a swamp; but I have been putting down stepping-stones for + you, and I dare say I can jump you across. It was that which made me so + late, for which I ought to have asked pardon,’ said he to Mrs. Edmonstone, + with his look of courtesy. + </p> + <p> + Never did man look less like an offended lover, or like a morose + self-tormentor. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are others later,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking at Lady Eveleen’s + empty chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you think that is all you have to ask pardon for,’ said Mr. + Edmonstone. ‘I advise you to study your apologies, for you are in pretty + tolerable disgrace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, I am very sorry,’ said Guy, with such a change of countenance + that Mr. Edmonstone’s good nature could not bear to see it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ‘tis no concern of mine! It would be going rather the wrong way, + indeed, for you to be begging my pardon for all the care you’ve been + taking of Charlie; but you had better consider what you have to say for + yourself before you show your face at Broadstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No?’ said Guy, puzzled for a moment, but quickly looking relieved, and + laughing, ‘What! Broadstone in despair for want of me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And we perfectly exhausted with answering questions as to what was become + of Sir Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dreadful,’ said Guy, now laughing heartily, in the persuasion that it was + all a joke. + </p> + <p> + ‘O, Lady Eveleen, good morning; you are come in good time to give me the + story of the ball, for no one else tells me one word about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because you don’t deserve it,’ said she. ‘I hope you have repented by + this time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you want to make me repent, you should give me a very alluring + description.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shan’t say one word about it; I shall send you to Coventry, as Maurice + and all the regiment mean to do,’ said Eveleen, turning away from him with + a very droll arch manner of offended dignity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear, hear! Eveleen send any one to Coventry!’ cried Charles. ‘See what + the regiment say to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, when I am sent to Coventry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, Paddy, Paddy!’ cried Charles, and there was a general laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura seems to be doing it in good earnest without announcing it,’ added + Charles, when the laugh was over, ‘which is the worst sign of all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, Charles,’ said Laura, hastily; then afraid she had owned to + annoyance, she blushed and was angry with herself for blushing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Laura, <i>do</i> tell me who your partners were?’ + </p> + <p> + Very provoking, thought Laura, that I cannot say what is so perfectly + natural and ordinary, without my foolish cheeks tingling. He may think it + is because he is speaking to me. So she hurried on: ‘Maurice first, then + Philip,’ and then showed, what Amy and Eveleen thought, strange oblivion + of the rest of her partners. + </p> + <p> + They proceeded into the history of the ball; and Guy thought no more of + his offences till the following day, when he went to Broadstone. Coming + back, he found the drawing-room full of visitors, and was obliged to sit + down and join in the conversation; but Mrs. Edmonstone saw he was inwardly + chafing, as he betrayed by his inability to remain still, the twitchings + of his forehead and lip, and a tripping and stumbling of the words on his + tongue. She was sure he wanted to talk to her, and longed to get rid of + Mrs. Brownlow; but the door was no sooner shut on the visitors, than Mr. + Edmonstone came in, with a long letter for her to read and comment upon. + Guy took himself out of the way of the consultation, and began to hurry up + and down the terrace, until, seeing Amabel crossing the field towards the + little gate into the garden, he went to open it for her. + </p> + <p> + She looked up at him, and exclaimed—‘Is anything the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing to signify,’ he said; ‘I was only waiting for your mother. I have + got into a mess, that is all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry,’ began Amy, there resting in the doubt whether she might + inquire further, and intending not to burthen him with her company, any + longer than till she reached the house door; but Guy went on,— + </p> + <p> + ‘No, you have no occasion to be sorry; it is all my own fault; at least, + if I was clear how it is my fault, I should not mind it so much. It is + that ball. I am sure I had not the least notion any one would care whether + I was there or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure we missed you very much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are all so kind; beside, I belong in a manner you; but what could it + signify to any one else? And here I find that I have vexed every one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Amy, ‘mamma said she was afraid it would give offence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I ought to have attended to her. It was a fit of self-will in managing + myself,’ said Guy, murmuring low, as if trying to find the real + indictment; ‘yet I thought it a positive duty; wrong every way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What has happened?’ said Amy, turning back with him, though she had + reached the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, the first person I met was Mr. Gordon; and he spoke like your + father, half in joke, and I thought entirely so; he said something about + all the world being in such a rage, that I was a bold man to venture into + Broadstone. Then, while I was at Mr. Lascelles’, in came Dr. Mayerne. ‘We + missed you at the dinner,’ he said; ‘and I hear you shirked the ball, + too.’ I told him how it was, and he said he was glad that was all, and + advised me to go and call on Colonel Deane and explain. I thought that the + best way—indeed, I meant it before, and was walking to his lodgings + when Maurice de Courcy met me. ‘Ha!’ he cries out, ‘Morville! I thought at + least you would have been laid up for a month with the typhus fever! As a + friend, I advise you to go home and catch something, for it is the only + excuse that will serve you. I am not quite sure that it will not be high + treason for me to be seen speaking to you.’ I tried to get at the rights + of it, but he is such a harum-scarum fellow there was no succeeding. Next + I met Thorndale, who only bowed and passed on the other side of the street—sign + enough how it was with Philip; so I thought it best to go at once to the + Captain, and get a rational account of what was the matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you?’ said Amy, who, though concerned and rather alarmed, had been + smiling at the humorous and expressive tones with which he could not help + giving effect to his narration. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. Philip was at home, and very—very—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gracious?’ suggested Amy, as he hesitated for a word. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so. Only the vexatious thing was, that we never could succeed in + coming to an understanding. He was ready to forgive; but I could not + disabuse him of an idea—where he picked it up I cannot guess—that + I had stayed away out of pique. He would not even tell me what he thought + had affronted me, though I asked him over and over again to be only + straightforward; he declared I knew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How excessively provoking!’ cried Amy. ‘You cannot guess what he meant?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the least in the world. I have not the most distant suspicion. It was + of no use to declare I was not offended with any one; he only looked in + that way of his, as if he knew much better than I did myself, and told me + he could make allowances.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worse than all! How horrid of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, don’t spoil me. No doubt he thinks he has grounds, and my irritation + was unjustifiable. Yes, I got into my old way. He cautioned me, and nearly + made me mad! I never was nearer coming to a regular outbreak. Always the + same! Fool that I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Guy, that is always your way; when other people are provoking, you + abuse yourself. I am sure Philip was so, with his calm assertion of being + right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The more provoking, the more trial for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you endured it. You say it was only <i>nearly</i> an outbreak. You + parted friends? I am sure of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, it would have been rather too bad not to do that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why do you scold yourself, when you really had the victory?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The victory will be if the inward feeling as well as the outward token is + ever subdued.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, that must be in time, of course. Only let me hear how you got on with + Colonel Deane.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was very good-natured, and would have laughed it off, but Philip went + with me, and looked grand, and begged in a solemn way that no more might + be said. I could have got on better alone; but Philip was very kind, or, + as you say, gracious.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And provoking,’ added Amy, ‘only I believe you do not like me to say so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is more agreeable to hear you call him so at this moment than is good + for me. I have no right to complain, since I gave the offence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The offence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The absenting myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that you did because you thought it right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I want to be clear that it was right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ cried she, astonished. ‘It was a great piece of + self-denial, and I only felt it wrong not to be doing the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, how should such creatures as you need the same discipline as I?’ + </p> + <p> + She exclaimed to herself how far from his equal she was—how weak, + idle, and self-pleasing she felt herself to be; but she could not say so—the + words would not come; and she only drooped her little head, humbled by his + treating her as better than himself. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Something wrong I have done, and I want the clue. Was it self-will in + choosing discipline contrary to your mother’s judgment? Yet she could not + know all. I thought it her kindness in not liking me to lose the pleasure. + Besides, one must act for oneself, and this was only my own personal + amusement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Amy, timidly hesitating. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ said he, with the gentle, deferential tone that contrasted with + his hasty, vehement self-accusations. ‘Well?’ and he waited, though not so + as to hurry or frighten her, but to encourage, by showing her words had + weight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking of one thing,’ said Amy; ‘is it not sometimes right to + consider whether we ought to disappoint people who want us to be pleased?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There it is, I believe,’ said Guy, stopping and considering, then going + on with a better satisfied air, ‘that is a real rule. Not to be so bent on + myself as to sacrifice other people’s feelings to what seems best for me. + But I don’t see whose pleasure I interfered with.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy could have answered, ‘Mine;’ but the maidenly feeling checked her + again, and she said, ‘We all thought you would like it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I had no right to sacrifice your pleasure! I see, I see. The pleasure + of giving pleasure to others is so much the best there is on earth, that + one ought to be passive rather than interfere with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Amy, ‘just as I have seen Mary Ross let herself be swung till + she was giddy, rather than disappoint Charlotte and Helen, who thought she + liked it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If one could get to look at everything with as much indifference as the + swinging! But it is all selfishness. It is as easy to be selfish for one’s + own good as for one’s own pleasure; and I dare say, the first is as bad as + the other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking of something else,’ said Amy. ‘I should think it more like + the holly tree in Southey. Don’t you know it? The young leaves are sharp + and prickly, because they have so much to defend themselves from, but as + the tree grows older, it leaves off the spears, after it has won the + victory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very kind of you, and very pretty, Amy,’ said he, smiling; ‘but, in the + meantime, it is surely wrong to be more prickly than is unavoidable, and + there is the perplexity. Selfish! selfish! selfish! Oneself the first + object. That is the root.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy, if it is not impertinent to ask, I do wish you would tell me one + thing. Why did you think it wrong to go to that ball?’ said Amy, timidly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know that I thought it wrong to go to that individual ball,’ said + Guy; ‘but my notion was, that altogether I was getting into a rattling + idle way, never doing my proper quantity of work, or doing it properly, + and talking a lot of nonsense sometimes. I thought, last Sunday, it was + time to make a short turn somewhere and bring myself up. I could not, or + did not get out of the pleasant talks as Laura does, so I thought giving + up this ball would punish me at once, and set me on a new tack of behaving + like a reasonable creature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t call yourself too many names, or you won’t be civil to us. We all, + except Laura, have been quite as bad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but you had not so much to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We ought,’ said Amy; ‘but I meant to be reasonable when Eveleen is gone.’ + </p> + <p> + Perhaps I ought to have waited till then, but I don’t know. Lady Eveleen + is so amusing that it leads to farther dawdling, and it would not do to + wait to resist the temptation till it is out of the way.’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, they saw Mrs. Edmonstone coming out, and went to meet her. + Guy told her his trouble, detailing it more calmly than before he had + found out his mistake. She agreed with him that this had been in + forgetting that his attending the ball did not concern only himself, but + he then returned to say that he could not see what difference it made, + except to their own immediate circle. + </p> + <p> + ‘If it was not you, Guy, who made that speech, I should call it fishing + for a compliment. You forget that rank and station make people sought + after.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose there is something in that,’ said Guy, thoughtfully; ‘at any + rate, it is no bad thing to think so, it is so humiliating.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is not the way most people would take it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No? Does not it prevent one from taking any attention as paid to one’s + real self? The real flattering thing would be to be made as much of as + Philip is, for one’s own merits, and not for the handle to one’s name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I think so,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then,’ as if he wished to gather the whole conversation into one + resolve, the point is to consider whether abstaining from innocent things + that may be dangerous to oneself mortifies other people. If so, the vexing + them is a certain wrong, whereas the mischief of taking the pleasure is + only a possible contingency. But then one must take it out of oneself some + other way, or it becomes an excuse for self-indulgence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hardly with you,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I had rather go at it at once, and forget all about other people. + You must teach me consideration, Mrs. Edmonstone, and in the meantime will + you tell me what you think I had better do about this scrape?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let it alone,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘You have begged every one’s pardon, + and it had better be forgotten as fast as possible. They have made more + fuss already than it is worth. Don’t torment yourself about it any more; + for, if you have made a mistake, it is on the right side; and on the first + opportunity, I’ll go and call on Mrs. Deane, and see if she is very + implacable.’ + </p> + <p> + The dressing-bell rang, and Amy ran up-stairs, stopping at Laura’s door, + to ask how she prospered in the drive she had been taking with Charles and + Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + Amy told her of Guy’s trouble, and oh! awkward question, inquired if she + could guess what it could be that Philip imagined that Guy had been + offended at. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t he guess?’ said poor Laura, to gain time, and brushing her hair + over her face. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, he has no idea, though Philip protested that he knew, and would not + tell him. Philip must have been most tiresome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What? Has Guy been complaining?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, only angry with himself for being vexed. I can’t think how Philip can + go on so!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush, Amy, you know nothing about it. He has reasons—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know,’ said Amy, indignantly; ‘but what right has he to go on + mistrusting? If people are to be judged by their deeds, no one is so good + as Guy, and it is too bad to reckon up against him all his ancestors have + done. It is wolf and lamb, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He does not!’ cried Laura. ‘He never is unjust! How can you say so, Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why does he impute motives, and not straightforwardly tell what he + means?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is impossible in this case,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know what it is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Laura, perfectly truthful, and feeling herself in a dreadful + predicament. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you can’t tell me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think I can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for worlds,’ cried Laura, in horror. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t you get Philip to tell him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, no! I can’t explain it, Amy; and all that can be done is to let it + die away as fast as possible. It is only the rout about it that is of + consequence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very odd,’ said Amy, ‘but I must dress,’ and away she ran, much + puzzled, but with no desire to look into Philip’s secrets. + </p> + <p> + Laura rested her head on her hand, sighed, and wondered why it was so hard + to answer. She almost wished she had said Philip had been advising her to + discourage any attachment on Guy’s part; but then Amy might have laughed, + and asked why. No! no! Philip’s confidence was in her keeping, and cost + her what it might, she would be faithful to the trust. + </p> + <p> + There was now a change. The evenings were merry, but the mornings were + occupied. Guy went off to his room, as he used to do last winter; Laura + commenced some complicated perspective, or read a German book with a great + deal of dictionary; Amy had a book of history, and practised her music + diligently; even Charles read more to himself, and resumed the study with + Guy and Amy; Lady Eveleen joined in every one’s pursuits, enjoyed them, + and lamented to Laura that it was impossible to be rational at her own + home. + </p> + <p> + Laura tried to persuade her that there was no need that she should be on + the level of the society round her, and it ended in her spending an hour + in diligent study every morning, promising to continue it when she went + home, while Laura made such sensible comments that Eveleen admired her + more than ever; and she, knowing that some were second-hand from Philip, + others arising from his suggestions, gave him all the homage paid to + herself, as a tribute to him who reigned over her whole being. + </p> + <p> + Yet she was far from happy. Her reserve towards Guy made her feel stiff + and guarded; she had a craving for Philip’s presence, with a dread of + showing it, which made her uncomfortable. She wondered he had not been at + Hollywell since the bail, for he must know that she was going to Ireland + in a fortnight, and was not likely to return till his regiment had left + Broadstone. + </p> + <p> + An interval passed long enough for her not to be alone in her surprise at + his absenting himself before he at length made his appearance, just before + luncheon, so as to miss the unconstrained morning hours he used so much to + enjoy. He found Guy, Charles, and Amy, deep in Butler’s Analogy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you making poor little Amy read that?’ said he. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bravo!’ cried Charles; ‘he is so disappointed that it is not Pickwick + that he does not know what else to say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t suppose I take much in,’ said Amy; ‘but I like to be told what it + means.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t imagine I can do that,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never spent much time over it,’ said Philip; ‘but I should think you + were out of your depth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well,’ said Charles; ‘we will return to Dickens to oblige you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is your pleasure to wrest my words,’ replied Philip, in his own calm + manner, though he actually felt hurt, which he had never done before. His + complacency was less secure, so that there was more need for + self-assertion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where are the rest?’ he asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura and Eveleen are making a dictation lesson agreeable to Charlotte,’ + said Amy; ‘I found Eva making mistakes on purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How much longer does she stay?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Till Tuesday. Lord Kilcoran is coming to fetch her.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte entered, and immediately ran up-stairs to announce her cousin’s + arrival. Laura was glad of this previous notice, and hoped her blush and + tremor were not observed. It was a struggle, through luncheon time, to + keep her colour and confusion within bounds; but she succeeded better than + she fancied she did, and Philip gave her as much help as he could, by not + looking at her. Seeing that he dreaded nothing so much as her exciting + suspicion, she was at once braced and alarmed. + </p> + <p> + Her father was very glad to see him, and reproached him for making himself + a stranger, while her sisters counted up the days of his absence. + </p> + <p> + ‘There was the time, to be sure, when we met you on Ashen-down, but that + was a regular cheat. Laura had you all to herself.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura bent down to feed Bustle, and Philip felt <i>his</i> colour + deepening. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone went on to ask him to come and stay at Hollywell for a + week, vowing he would take no refusal. ‘A week was out of the question, + said Philip; ‘but he could come for two nights.’ Amabel hinted that there + was to be a dinner-party on Thursday, thinking it fair to give him warning + of what he disliked, but he immediately chose that very day. Again he + disconcerted all expectations, when it was time to go out. Mrs. Edmonstone + and Charles were going to drive, the young ladies and Guy to walk, but + Philip disposed himself to accompany his uncle in a survey of the wheat. + </p> + <p> + Laura perceived that he would not risk taking another walk with her when + they might be observed. It showed implicit trust to leave her to his + rival; but she was sorry to find that caution must put an end to the + freedom of their intercourse, and would have stayed at home, but that + Eveleen was so wild and unguarded that Mrs. Edmonstone did not like her to + be without Laura as a check on her, especially when Guy was of the party. + There was some comfort in that warm pressure of her hand when she bade + Philip good-bye, and on that she lived for a long time. He stood at the + window watching them till they were out of sight, then moved towards his + aunt, who with her bonnet on, was writing an invitation for Thursday, to + Mr. Thorndale. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking,’ said he, in a low voice, ‘if it would not be as well, if + you liked, to ask Thorndale here for those two days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If <i>you</i> think so,’ returned Mrs. Edmonstone, looking at him more + inquiringly than he could well bear. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know how he enjoys being here, and I owe them all so much kindness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly; I will speak to your uncle,’ said she, going in search of him. + She presently returned, saying they should be very glad to see Mr. + Thorndale, asking him at the same time, in her kind tones of interest, + after an old servant for whom he had been spending much thought and pains. + The kindness cut him to the heart, for it evidently arose from a + perception that he was ill at ease, and his conscience smote him. He + answered shortly, and was glad when the carriage came; he lifted Charles + into it, and stood with folded arms as they drove away. + </p> + <p> + ‘The air is stormy,’ said Charles, looking back at him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You thought so, too?’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You did!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have wondered for some time past.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was very decided to-day—that long absence—and there was no + provoking him to be sententious. His bringing his young man might be only + to keep him in due subjection; but his choosing the day of the party, and + above all, not walking with the young ladies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It not like himself,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, in a leading tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Either the sweet youth is in love, or in the course of some strange + transformation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In love!’ she exclaimed. ‘Have you any reason for thinking so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only as a solution of phenomena; but you look as if I had hit on the + truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope it is no such thing; yet—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet?’ repeated Charles, seriously. ‘I think he has discovered the + danger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The danger of falling in love with Laura? Well, it would be odd if he was + not satisfied with his own work. But he must know how preposterous that + would be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you think that would prevent it?’ said his mother, smiling. ‘He is + just the man to plume himself on making his judgment conquer his + inclination, setting novels at defiance. How magnanimously he would + resolve to stifle a hopeless attachment!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is exactly what I think he is doing. I think he has found out the + state of his feelings, and is doing all in his power to check them by + avoiding her, especially in tete-a-tetes, and an unconstrained family + party. I am nearly convinced that is his reason for bringing Mr. + Thorndale, and fixing on the day of the dinner. Poor fellow, it must cost + him a great deal, and I long to tell him how I thank him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hm! I don’t think it unlikely,’ said Charles. ‘It agrees with what + happened the evening of the Kilcoran ball, when he was ready to eat me up + for saying something he fancied was a hint of a liking of Guy’s for Laura. + It was a wild mistake, for something I said about Petrarch, forgetting + that Petrarch suggested Laura; but it put him out to a degree, and he made + all manner of denunciations on the horror of Guy’s falling in love with + her. Now, as far as I see, Guy is much more in love with you, or with + Deloraine, and the idea argues far more that the Captain himself is + touched.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Depend upon it, Charlie, it was this that led to his detecting the true + state of the case. Ever since that he has kept away. It is noble!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you think about Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor child! I doubt if it was well to allow so much intimacy; yet I don’t + see how it could have been helped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you think she is in for it? I hope not; but she has not been herself + of late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think she misses what she has been used to from him, and thinks him + estranged, but I trust it goes no further. I see she is out of spirits; I + wish I could help her, dear girl, but the worst of all would be to let her + guess the real name and meaning of all this, so I can’t venture to say a + word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is very innocent of novels,’ said Charles, ‘and that is well. It + would be an unlucky business to have our poor beauty either sitting ‘like + Patience on a monument’, or ‘cockit up on a baggage-waggon.’ But that will + never be. Philip is not the man to have a wife in barracks. He would have + her like his books, in morocco, or not at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He would never involve her in discomforts. He may be entirely trusted, + and as long as he goes on as he has begun, there is no harm done; Laura + will cheer up, will only consider him as her cousin and friend, and never + know he has felt more for her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her going to Ireland is very fortunate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has made me still more glad that the plan should take place at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you say “nothing to nobody”?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course not. We must not let him guess we have observed anything; there + is no need to make your father uncomfortable, and such things need not + dawn on Amy’s imagination.’ + </p> + <p> + It may be wondered at that Mrs. Edmonstone should confide such a subject + to her son, but she knew that in a case really affecting his sister, and + thus introduced, his silence was secure. In fact, confidence was the only + way to prevent the shrewd, unscrupulous raillery which would have caused + great distress, and perhaps led to the very disclosure to be deprecated. + Of late, too, there had been such a decrease of petulance in Charles, as + justified her in trusting him, and lastly, it must be observed that she + was one of those open-hearted people who cannot make a discovery nor + endure an anxiety without imparting it. Her tact, indeed, led her to make + a prudent choice of confidants, and in this case her son was by far the + best, though she had spoken without premeditation. Her nature would never + have allowed her to act as her daughter was doing; she would have been + without the strength to conceal her feelings, especially when deprived of + the safety-valve of free intercourse with their object. + </p> + <p> + The visit took place as arranged, and very uncomfortable it was to all who + looked deeper than the surface. In the first place, Philip found there the + last person he wished his friend to meet—Lady Eveleen, who had been + persuaded to stay for the dinner-party; but Mr. Thorndale was, as Charles + would have said, on his good behaviour, and, ashamed of the fascination + her manners exercised over him, was resolved to resist it, answered her + gay remarks with brief sentences and stiff smiles, and consorted chiefly + with the gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + Laura was grave and silent, trying to appear unconscious, and only + succeeding in being visibly constrained. Philip was anxious and stern in + his attempts to appear unconcerned, and even Guy was not quite as bright + and free as usual, being puzzled as to how far he was forgiven about the + ball. + </p> + <p> + Amabel could not think what had come to every one, and tried in vain to + make them sociable. In the evening they had recourse to a game, said to be + for Charlotte’s amusement, but in reality to obviate some of the stiffness + and constraint; yet even this led to awkward situations. Each person was + to set down his or her favourite character in history and fiction, flower, + virtue, and time at which to have lived, and these were all to be + appropriated to the writers. The first read was— + </p> + <p> + ‘Lily of the valley—truth—Joan of Arc—Padre Cristoforo—the + present time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy!’ exclaimed Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see you are right,’ said Charles; ‘but tell me your grounds!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Padre Cristoforo,’ was the answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fancy little Amy choosing Joan of Arc,’ said Eveleen, ‘she who is afraid + of a tolerable sized grasshopper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to have been Joan’s sister, and heard her tell about her + visions,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You would have taught her to believe them,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Taught her!’ cried Guy. ‘Surely you take the high view of her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think,’ said Philip, ‘that she is a much injured person, as much by her + friends as her enemies; but I don’t pretend to enter either + enthusiastically or philosophically into her character.’ + </p> + <p> + What was it that made Guy’s brow contract, as he began to strip the + feather of a pen, till, recollecting himself, he threw it from him with a + dash, betraying some irritation, and folded his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lavender,’ read Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should make any one choose that?’ cried Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking up. ‘I shall never forget the + tufts of lavender round the kitchen garden at Stylehurst.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip smiled. Charlotte proceeded, and Charles saw Laura’s colour + deepening as she bent over her work. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Lavender—steadfastness—Strafford—Cordelia in ‘King + Lear’—the late war.” How funny!’ cried Charlotte. ‘For hear the + next: “Honeysuckle—steadfastness—Lord Strafford—Cordelia—the + present time.” Why, Laura, you must have copied it from Philip’s.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura neither looked nor spoke. Philip could hardly command his + countenance as Eveleen laughed, and told him he was much flattered by + those becoming blushes. But here Charles broke in,—‘Come, make + haste, Charlotte, don’t be all night about it;’ and as Charlotte paused, + as if to make some dangerous remark, he caught the paper, and read the + next himself. Nothing so startled Philip as this desire to cover their + confusion. Laura was only sensible of the relief of having attention drawn + from her by the laugh that followed. + </p> + <p> + ‘A shamrock—Captain Rock—the tailor that was “blue moulded for + want of a bating”—Pat Riotism—the time of Malachy with the + collar of gold.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eva!’ cried Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense,’ said Eveleen; ‘I am glad I know your tastes, Charles. They do + you honour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More than yours do, if these are yours,’ said Charles, reading them + contemptuously; ‘Rose—generosity—Charles Edward—Catherine + Seyton—the civil wars.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better not have disowned Charlie’s, Lady Eveleen,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay do you think I would put up with such a set as these?’ retorted + Charles; ‘I am not fallen so low as the essence of young ladyism.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What can you find to say against them?’ said Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Charles, ‘No one ever can find anything to say for or + against young ladies’ tastes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You seem to be rather in the case of the tailor yourself,’ said Guy, + ‘ready to do battle, if you could but get any opposition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only tell me,’ said Amy, ‘how you could wish to live in the civil wars?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, because they would be so entertaining.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s Paddy, genuine Paddy at last!’ exclaimed Charles. ‘Depend upon + it, the conventional young lady won’t do, Eva.’ + </p> + <p> + After much more discussion, and one or two more papers, came Guy’s—the + last. ‘Heather—Truth—King Charles—Sir Galahad—the + present time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir how much? exclaimed Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you know him?’ said Guy. ‘Sir Galahad—the Knight of the Siege + Perilous—who won the Saint Greal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What language is that?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! Don’t you know the Morte d’Arthur! I thought every one did! Don’t + you, Philip!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I once looked into it. It is very curious, in classical English; but it + is a book no one could read through.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Guy, indignantly; then, ‘but you only looked into it. If you + had lived with its two fat volumes, you could not help delighting in it. + It was my boating-book for at least three summers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That accounts for it,’ said Philip; ‘a book so studied in boyhood + acquires a charm apart from its actual merits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But it has actual merits. The depth, the mystery, the allegory—the + beautiful characters of some of the knights.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You look through the medium of your imagination,’ said Philip; but you + must pardon others for seeing a great sameness of character and adventure, + and for disapproving of the strange mixture of religion and romance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ve never read it,’ said Guy, striving to speak patiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘A cursory view is sufficient to show whether a book will repay the time + spent in reading it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A cursory view enable one to judge better than making it your study? Eh, + Philip?’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no paradox. The actual merits are better seen by an unprejudiced + stranger than by an old friend who lends them graces of his own devising.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles laughed: Guy pushed back his chair, and went to look out at the + window. Perhaps Philip enjoyed thus chafing his temper; for after all he + had said to Laura, it was satisfactory to see his opinion justified, so + that he might not feel himself unfair. It relieved his uneasiness lest his + understanding with Laura should be observed. It had been in great peril + that evening, for as the girls went up to bed, Eveleen gaily said, ‘Why, + Laura, have you quarrelled with Captain Morville?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can you say such things, Eva? Good night.’ And Laura escaped into her + own room. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the meaning of it, Amy?’ pursued Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a stranger makes us more formal,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘What an innocent you are! It is of no use to talk to you!’ said Eveleen, + running away. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but Eva,’ said Amy, pursuing her, ‘don’t go off with a wrong fancy. + Charles has teased Laura so much about Philip, that of course it makes her + shy of him before strangers; and it would never have done to laugh about + their choosing the same things when Mr. Thorndale was there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must be satisfied, I suppose. I know that is what you think, for you + could not say any other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what do you think?’ said Amy, puzzled. + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t tell you, little innocence—it would only shock you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing you <i>really</i> <i>thought</i> about Laura could shock me,’ + said Amy; ‘I don’t mean what you might say in play.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, shall you think me in play or earnest when I say that I think + Laura likes Philip very much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In play’ said Amy; ‘for you know that if we had not got our own Charlie + to show us what a brother is, we should think of Philip as just the same + as a brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A brother! You are pretending to be more simple than you really are, Amy! + Don’t you know what I mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O,’ said Amy, her cheeks lighting up, ‘that must be only play, for he has + never asked her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, but suppose she was in the state just ready to be asked?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that could never be, for he could never ask her,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not, little Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because we are cousins, and everything,’ said Amy, confused. ‘Don’t talk + any more about it, Eva; for though I know it is all play, I don’t like it, + and mamma, would not wish me to talk of such things. And don’t you laugh + about it, dear Eva, pray; for it only makes every one uncomfortable. + Pray!’ + </p> + <p> + Amy had a very persuasive way of saying ‘pray,’ and Eveleen thought she + must yield to it. Besides, she respected Laura and Captain Morville too + much to resolve to laugh at them, whatever she might do when her fear of + the Captain made her saucy. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone thought it best on all accounts to sit in the drawing-room + the next morning; but she need not have taken so much pains to chaperon + her young ladies, for the gentlemen did not come near them. + </p> + <p> + Laura was more at ease in manner, though very far from happy, for she was + restlessly eager for a talk with Philip; while he was resolved not to seek + a private interview, sure that it would excite suspicion, and willing to + lose the consciousness of his underhand proceedings. + </p> + <p> + This was the day of the dinner-party, and Laura’s heart leaped as she + calculated that it must fall to Philip’s lot to hand her in to dinner. She + was not mistaken, he did give her his arm; and they found themselves most + favourably placed, for Philip’s other neighbour was Mrs. Brownlow, talking + at a great rate to Mr. de Courcy, and on Laura’s side was the rather deaf + Mr. Hayley, who had quite enough to do to talk to Miss Brownlow. Charles + was not at table, and not one suspicious eye could rest on them, yet it + was not till the second course was in progress that he said anything which + the whole world might not have heard. Something had passed about + Canterbury, and its distance from Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can be here often,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you can only be guarded,—and I think you are becoming so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this a time to speak of—? Oh, don’t!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the only time. No one is attending, and I have something to say to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + Overpowering her dire confusion, in obedience to him, she looked at the + epergne, and listened. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have acted prudently. You have checked—’ and he indicated Guy—‘without + producing more than moderate annoyance. You have only to guard your + self-possession.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very foolish,’ she murmured. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ordinary women say so, and rest contented with the folly. You can do + better things.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a thrill of joy at finding him conversing with her as his ‘own;’ + it overcame her embarrassment and alarm, and wishes he would not choose + such a time for speaking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How shall I?’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘Employ yourself. Employ and strengthen your mind!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How shall I, and without you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Find something to prevent you from dwelling on the future. That drawing + is dreamy work, employing the fingers and leaving the mind free.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been trying to read, but I cannot fix my mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose you take what will demand attention. Mathematics, algebra. I will + send you my first book of algebra, and it will help you to work down many + useless dreams and anxieties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you; pray do; I shall be very glad of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will find it give a power and stability to your mind, and no longer + have to complain of frivolous occupation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t feel frivolous now,’ said Laura, sadly; ‘I don’t know why it is + that everything is so altered, I am really happier, but my light heart is + gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have but now learnt the full powers of your soul, Laura, you have + left the world of childhood, with the gay feelings which have no depth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have what is better,’ she whispered. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have, indeed. But those feelings must be regulated, and strengthening + the intellect strengthens the governing power.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip, with all his sense, was mystifying himself, because he was + departing from right, the only true ‘good sense.’ His right judgment in + all things was becoming obscured, so he talked metaphysical jargon, + instead of plain practical truth, and thought he was teaching Laura to + strengthen her powers of mind, instead of giving way to dreams, when he + was only leading her to stifle meditation, and thus securing her complete + submission to himself. + </p> + <p> + She was happier after this conversation, and better able to pay attention + to the guests, nor did she feel guilty when obliged to play and sing in + the evening—for she knew he must own that she could do no otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Lady Eveleen gave, however, its brilliancy to the party. She had something + wonderfully winning and fascinating about her, and Philip owned to himself + that it took no small resolution on the part of Mr. Thorndale to keep so + steadily aloof from the party in the bay window, where she was reigning + like a queen, and inspiring gaiety like a fairy. She made Guy sing with + her; it was the first time he had ever sung, except among themselves, as + Mrs. Edmonstone had never known whether he would like to be asked; but + Eveleen refused to sing some of the Irish melodies unless he would join + her, and without making any difficulty he did so. Mrs. Brownlow professed + to be electrified, and Eveleen declaring that she knew she sung like a + peacock, told Mrs. Brownlow that the thing to hear was Sir Guy singing + glees with Laura and Amy. Of course, they were obliged to sing. Mrs. + Brownlow was delighted; and as she had considerable knowledge of music, + they all grew eager and Philip thought it very foolish of Guy to allow so + much of his talent and enthusiasm to display themselves. + </p> + <p> + When all the people were gone, and the home party had wished each other + good-night, Philip lingered in the drawing-room to finish a letter. Guy, + after helping Charles up-stairs, came down a few moments after, to fetch + something which he had forgotten. Philip looked up,—‘You contributed + greatly to the entertainment this evening,’ he said. + </p> + <p> + Guy coloured, not quite sure that this was not said sarcastically, and + provoked with himself for being vexed. + </p> + <p> + ‘You think one devoid of the sixth sense has no right to speak,’ said + Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t expect all to think it, as I do, one of the best things in this + world or out of it,’ said Guy, speaking quickly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it is so felt by those who understand its secrets,’ said Philip. + ‘I would not depreciate it; so you may hear me patiently, Guy. I only + meant to warn you, that it is often the means of bringing persons into + undesirable intimacies, from which they cannot disentangle themselves as + easily as they enter them.’ + </p> + <p> + A flush crossed Guy’s cheek, but it passed, and he simply said—‘I + suppose it may. Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip looked after him, and pondered on what it was that had annoyed him—manner, + words, or advice. He ascribed it to Guy’s unwillingness to be advised, + since he had observed that his counsel was apt to irritate him, though his + good sense often led him to follow it. In the present case, Philip thought + Mrs. Brownlow and her society by no means desirable for a youth like Guy; + and he was quite right. + </p> + <p> + Philip and his friend went the next morning; and in the afternoon Laura + received the book of algebra—a very original first gift from a + lover. It came openly, with a full understanding that she was to use it by + his recommendation; her mother and brother both thought they understood + the motive, which one thought very wise, and the other very + characteristic. + </p> + <p> + Lord Kilcoran and Lady Eveleen also departed. Eveleen very sorry to go, + though a little comforted by the prospect of seeing Laura so soon in + Ireland, where she would set her going in all kinds of ‘rationalities—reading, + and school teaching, and everything else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ said Charles, when all were out of hearing but his mother; ‘and I + shrewdly suspect the comfort would be still greater if it was Sir Guy + Morville who was coming.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be no bad thing,’ said his mother: ‘Eveleen is a nice creature + with great capabilities.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Capabilities! but will they ever come to anything?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a few years,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘and he is a mere boy at present, + so there is plenty of time for both to develop themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most true, madame mere; but it remains to be proved whether the liking + for Sir Guy, which has taken hold of my lady Eveleen, is strong enough to + withstand all the coquetting with young Irishmen, and all the idling at + Kilcoran.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope she has something better to be relied on than the liking for Sir + Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may well do so, for I think he has no notion of throwing off his + allegiance to you—his first and only love. He liked very well to + make fun with Eva; but he regarded her rather as a siren, who drew him off + from his Latin and Greek.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I am ashamed of myself for such a fit of match-making! Forget it, + Charlie, as fast as you can.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 11 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This warld’s wealth, when I think o’t, + Its pride, and a’ the lave o’t, + Fie, fie on silly coward man, + That he should be the slave o’t. + —BURNS +</pre> + <p> + In another week Mr. Edmonstone and his eldest daughter were to depart on + their Irish journey. Laura, besides the natural pain in leaving home, was + sorry to be no longer near Philip, especially as it was not likely that he + would be still at Broadstone on their return; yet she was so restless and + dissatisfied, that any change was welcome, and the fear of betraying + herself almost took away the pleasure of his presence. + </p> + <p> + He met them at the railway station at Broadstone, where Mr. Edmonstone, + finding himself much too early, recollected something he had forgotten in + the town, and left his daughter to walk up and down the platform under + Philip’s charge. They felt it a precious interval, but both were out of + spirits, and could hardly profit by it. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will be gone long before we come back,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘In a fortnight or three weeks, probably.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you will still be able to come to Hollywell now and then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so. It is all the pleasure I can look for. We shall never see such + a summer again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, it has been a memorable one!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Memorable! Yes. It has given me an assurance that compensates for all I + have lost; yet it has made me feel, more than ever before, how poverty + withers a man’s hopes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Philip, I always thought your poverty a great, noble thing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You thought like a generous-tempered girl who has known nothing of its + effects.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And do you know that Guy says the thing to be proud of is of holding the + place you do, without the aid of rank or riches.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would not have it otherwise—I would not for worlds that my father + had acted otherwise,’ said Philip. ‘You understand that, Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But when you speak—when Guy speaks of my holding the place I do, + you little know what it is to feel that powers of usefulness are wasted—to + know I have the means of working my way to honour and distinction, such as + you would rejoice in Laura, to have it all within, yet feel it thrown + away. Locksley Hall, again—“every door is barred with gold, and + opens but to golden keys.’” + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish there was anything to be done,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is my profession that is the bar to everything. I have sold the best + years of my life, and for what? To see my sister degrade herself by that + marriage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the real grief,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘But for that, I should never have cast a look back on what I + relinquished. However, why do I talk of these things, these vain regrets? + They only occurred because my welfare does not concern myself alone—and + here’s your father.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone returned, out of breath, in too much bustle remark his + daughter’s blushes. Even when the train was moving off, he still had his + head out at the window, calling to Philip that they should expect a visit + from him as soon as ever they returned. Such cordiality gave Philip a + pang; and in bitterness of spirit he walked back to the barracks. On the + way he met Mrs. Deane who wanted to consult him about inviting his cousin, + Sir Guy to a dinner-party she intended to give next week. ‘Such an + agreeable, sensible youth, and we feel we owe him some attention, he took + so much pains to make apologies about the ball.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say he will be very happy to come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will write at once. He is a very fine young man, without a shade of + vanity or nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; he has very pleasant, unaffected manners.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure he will do credit to his estate. It is a very handsome fortune, + is it not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a very large property.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of it; I have no doubt we shall see him one of the first men of + his time.’ + </p> + <p> + These words brought into contrast in Philip’s mind the difference between + Guy’s position and his own. The mere possession of wealth was winning for + Guy, at an age when his merits could only be negative, that estimation + which his own tried character had scarcely achieved, placing him not + merely on a level with himself, but in a situation where happiness and + influence came unbidden. His own talents, attainments, and equal, if not + superior claims, to gentle blood, could not procure him what seemed to lie + at Guy’s feet. His own ability and Laura’s heart alone were what wealth + could not affect; yet when he thought how the want of it wasted the one, + and injured the hopes of the other, he recurred to certain visions of his + sister Margaret’s, in days gone by, of what he was to do as Sir Philip, + lord of Redclyffe. He was speculating on what would have happened had Guy + died in his sickly infancy, when, suddenly recollecting himself, he turned + his mind to other objects. + </p> + <p> + Guy was not much charmed with Mrs. Deane’s invitation. He said he knew he + must go to make up for his rudeness about the ball; but he grumbled enough + to make Mrs. Edmonstone laugh at him for being so stupid as to want to + stay hum-drum in the chimney corner. No doubt it was very pleasant there. + There was that peculiar snugness which belongs to a remnant of a large + party, when each member of it feels bound to prevent the rest from being + dull. Guy devoted himself to Charles more than ever, and in the fear that + he might miss the late variety of amusement, exerted even more of his + powers of entertainment than Lady Eveleen had called forth. + </p> + <p> + There were grave readings in the mornings, and long walks in the + afternoons, when he dragged Charles, in his chair, into many a place he + had never expected to see again, and enabled him to accompany his mother + and sisters in many a delightful expedition. In the evening there was + music, or light reading, especially poetry, as this was encouraged by Mrs. + Edmonstone, in the idea that it was better that so excitable and + enthusiastic a person as Guy should have his objects of admiration tested + by Charles’s love of ridicule. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone had left to Guy the office of keeping the 1st of September, + one which he greatly relished. Indeed, when he thought of his own deserted + manors, he was heard to exclaim, in commiseration for the neglect, ‘Poor + partridges!’ The Hollywell shooting was certainly not like that at + Redclyffe, where he could hardly walk out of his own grounds, whereas here + he had to bear in mind so many boundaries, that Philip was expecting to + have to help him out of some direful scrape. He had generally walked over + the whole extent, and assured himself that the birds were very wild, and + Bustle the best of dogs, before breakfast, so as to be ready for all the + occupations of the day. He could scarcely be grateful when the neighbours, + thinking it must be very dull for him to be left alone with Mrs. + Edmonstone and her crippled son, used to ask him to shoot or dine. He + always lamented at first, and ended by enjoying himself. + </p> + <p> + One night, he came home, in such a state of eagerness, that he must needs + tell his good news; and, finding no one in the drawing-room, he ran + up-stairs, opened Charles’s door, and exclaimed—‘There’s to be a + concert at Broadstone!’ Then perceiving that Charles was fast asleep, he + retreated noiselessly, reserving his rejoicings till morning, when it + appeared that Charles had heard, but had woven the announcement into a + dream. + </p> + <p> + This concert filled Guy’s head. His only grief was that it was to be in + the evening, so that Charles could not go to it; and his wonder was not + repressed at finding that Philip did not mean to favour it with his + presence, since Guy would suffice for squire to Mrs. Edmonstone and her + daughters. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Philip was somewhat annoyed by the perpetual conversation about + the concert, and on the day on which it was to take place resolved on + making a long expedition to visit the ruins of an old abbey, far out of + all reports of it. As he was setting out, he was greeted, in a very loud + voice, by Mr. Gordon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hollo, Morville! how are you? So you have great doings to-night, I hear!’ + and he had only just forced himself from him, when he was again accosted, + this time in a hasty, embarrassed manner,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon, sir, but the ties of relationship—’ + </p> + <p> + He drew himself up as if he was on parade, faced round, and replied with + an emphatic ‘Sir!’ as he behold a thin, foreign-looking man, in a somewhat + flashy style of dress, who, bowing low, repeated breathlessly,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon—Sir Guy Morville, I believe!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Captain Morville, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon—I mistook. A thousand pardons,’ and he retreated; + while Philip, after a moment’s wonder, pursued his walk. + </p> + <p> + The Hollywell party entered Broadstone in a very different temper, and + greatly did they enjoy the concert, both for themselves and for each + other. In the midst of it, while Amy was intent on the Italian words of a + song, Guy touched her hand, and pointed to a line in the programme— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Solo on the violin.... MR. S. B. DIXON. +</pre> + <p> + She looked up in his face with an expression full of inquiry; but it was + no time for speaking, and she only saw how the colour mantled on his cheek + when the violinist appeared, and how he looked down the whole time of the + performance, only now and then venturing a furtive though earnest glance. + </p> + <p> + He did not say anything till they were seated in the carriage, and then + astonished Mrs. Edmonstone by exclaiming— + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be my uncle!—I am sure it must. I’ll ride to Broadstone the + first thing to-morrow, and find him out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your uncle!’ exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘I never thought of that.’ + </p> + <p> + S. B. Dixon,’ said Guy. ‘I know his name is Sebastian. It cannot be any + one else. You know he went to America. How curious it is! I suppose there + is no fear of his being gone before I can come in to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think not. Those musical people keep late hours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would go before breakfast. Perhaps it would be best to go to old + Redford, he will know all about him; or to the music-shop. I am so glad! + It is the very thing I always wished.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you?’ said Mrs. Edmonstone to herself. ‘I can’t say every one would + be of your mind; but I can’t help liking you the better for it. I wish the + man had kept further off. I wish Mr. Edmonstone was at home. I hope no + harm will come of it. I wonder what I ought to do. Shall I caution him? + No; I don’t think I can spoil his happiness—and perhaps the man may + be improved. He is his nearest relation, and I have no right to interfere. + His own good sense will protect him—but I wish Mr. Edmonstone was at + home.’ + </p> + <p> + She therefore did not check his expressions of delight, nor object to his + going to Broadstone early the next morning. He had just dismounted before + the inn-yard, when a boy put a note into his hand, and he was so absorbed + in its contents, that he did not perceive Philip till after two greetings + had passed unheard. When at length he was recalled, he started, and + exclaimed, rapturously, as he put the note into his cousin’s hand, + </p> + <p> + ‘See here—it is himself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My uncle. My poor mother’s own brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sebastian Bach Dixon,’ read Philip. ‘Ha! it was he who took me for you + yesterday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw him at the concert—I was sure it could be no other. I came in + on purpose to find him, and here he is waiting for me. Is not it a happy + chance?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Happy!’ echoed Philip, in a far different tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘How I have longed for this—for any one who could remember and tell + me of her—of my mother—my poor, dear young mother! And her own + brother! I have been thinking of it all night, and he knows I am here, and + is as eager as myself. He is waiting for me,’ ended Guy, hurrying off. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop!’ said Philip, gravely. ‘Think before acting. I seriously advise you + to have nothing to do with this man, at least personally. Let me see him, + and learn what he wants.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He wants me,’ impatiently answered Guy. ‘You are not his nephew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank heaven!’ thought Philip. ‘Do you imagine your relationship is the + sole cause of his seeking you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know—I don’t care!’ cried Guy, with vehemence. ‘I will not + listen to suspicions of my mother’s brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is more than suspicion. Hear me calmly. I speak for your good. I know + this man’s influence was fatal to your father. I know he did all in his + power to widen the breach with your grandfather.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was eighteen years ago,’ said Guy, walking on, biting his lip in a + fiery fit of impatience. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not hear. Remember, that his position and associates render him + no fit companion for you. Nay, listen patiently. You cannot help the + relationship. I would not have you do otherwise than assist him. Let him + not complain of neglect, but be on your guard. He will either seriously + injure you, or be a burden for life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard you so far—I can hear no more,’ said Guy, no longer + restraining his impetuosity. ‘He is my uncle, that I know, I care for + nothing else. Position—nonsense! what has that to do with it? I will + not be set against him.’ + </p> + <p> + He strode off; but in a few moments turned back, overtook Philip, said— + ‘Thank you for your advice. I beg your pardon for my hastiness. You mean + kindly, but I must see my uncle.’ And, without waiting for an answer, he + was gone. + </p> + <p> + In short space he was in the little parlour of the music-shop, shaking + hands with his uncle, and exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so glad! I hoped it was you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very noble-hearted! I might have known it would be so with the son + of my dearest sister and of my generous friend!’ cried Mr. Dixon, with + eagerness that had a theatrical air, though it was genuine feeling that + filled his eyes with tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw your name last night’ continued Guy. ‘I would have tried to speak + to you at once, but I was obliged to stay with Mrs. Edmonstone, as I was + the only gentleman with her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I thought it possible you might not be able to follow the dictate of + your own heart; but this is a fortunate conjuncture, in the absence of + your guardian.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy recollected Philip’s remonstrance, and it crossed him whether his + guardian might be of the same mind; but he felt confident in having told + all to Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you know I was here?’ he asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘I learnt it in a most gratifying way. Mr. Redford, without knowing our + connection—for on that I will always be silent—mentioned that + the finest tenor he had ever known, in an amateur, belonged to his pupil, + Sir Guy Morville. You can imagine my feelings at finding you so near, and + learning that you had inherited your dear mother’s talent and taste.’ + </p> + <p> + The conversation was long, for there was much to hear. Mr. Dixon had kept + up a correspondence at long intervals with Markham, from whom he heard + that his sister’s child survived, and was kindly treated by his + grandfather; and inquiring again on the death of old Sir Guy, learnt that + he was gone to live with his guardian, whose name, and residence Markham + had not thought fit to divulge. He had been much rejoiced to hear his name + from the music-master, and he went on to tell how he had been misled by + the name of Morville into addressing the captain, who had a good deal of + general resemblance to Guy’s father, a fine tall young man, of the same + upright, proud deportment. He supposed he was the son of the Archdeacon, + and remembering how strongly his own proceedings had been discountenanced + at Stylehurst, had been much disconcerted, and deeming the encounter a bad + omen, had used more caution in his advances to his nephew. It was from + sincere affection that he sought his acquaintance, though very doubtful as + to the reception he might meet, and was both delighted and surprised at + such unembarrassed, open-hearted affection. + </p> + <p> + The uncle and nephew were not made to understand each other. Sebastian + Dixon was a man of little education, and when, in early youth, his talents + had placed him high in his own line, he had led a careless, extravagant + life. Though an evil friend, and fatal counsellor, he had been truly + attached to Guy’s father, and the secret engagement, and runaway marriage + with his beautiful sister, had been the romance of his life, promoted by + him with no selfish end. He was a proud and passionate man, and resenting + Sir Guy’s refusal to receive his sister as a daughter, almost as much as + Sir Guy was incensed at the marriage, had led his brother-in-law to act in + a manner which cut off the hope of reconciliation, and obliged Archdeacon + Morville to give up his cause. He had gloried in supporting his sister and + her husband, and enabling them to set the old baronet at defiance. But + young Morville’s territorial pride could not brook that he should be + maintained, and especially that his child, the heir of Redclyffe, should + be born while he was living at the expense of a musician. This feeling, + aided by a yearning for home, and a secret love for his father, mastered + his resentment; he took his resolution, quarrelled with Dixon, and carried + off his wife, bent with desperation on forcing his father into receiving + her. + </p> + <p> + Sebastian had not surmounted his anger at this step when he learnt its + fatal consequences. Ever since that time, nothing had prospered with him: + he had married and sunk himself lower, and though he had an excellent + engagement, the days were past when he was the fashion, and his gains and + his triumphs were not what they had been. He had a long list of + disappointments and jealousies with which to entertain Guy, who, on his + side, though resolved to like him, and dreading to be too refined to be + friends with his relations, could not feel as thoroughly pleased as he + intended to have been. + </p> + <p> + Music was, however, a subject on which they could meet with equal + enthusiasm, and by means of this, together with the aid of his own + imagination, Guy contrived to be very happy. He stayed with his uncle as + long as he could, and promised to spend a day with him in London, on his + way to Oxford, in October. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, when Philip knew that Guy would be with his tutor, he + walked to Hollywell, came straight up to his aunt’s dressing-room, asked + her to send Charlotte down to practise, and, seating himself opposite to + her, began— + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean to do about this unfortunate rencontre?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean Guy and his uncle? He is very much pleased, poor boy! I like + his entire freedom from false shame.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A little true shame would be hardly misplaced about such a connection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not his fault, and I hope it will not be his misfortune,’ said Mrs. + Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘That it will certainly be,’ replied Philip, ‘if we are not on our guard; + and, indeed, if we are, there is little to be done with one so wilful. I + might as well have interfered with the course of a whirlwind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, Philip; he is too candid to be wilful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot be of your opinion, when I have seen him rushing into this + acquaintance in spite of the warnings he must have had here—to say + nothing of myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, there I must defend him, though you will think me very unwise; I + could not feel that I ought to withhold him from taking some notice of so + near a relation.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip did think her so unwise, that he could only reply, gravely— + </p> + <p> + ‘We must hope it may produce no evil effects.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ she exclaimed, much alarmed. ‘Have you heard anything against him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember, of course, that Guy’s father was regularly the victim of + this Dixon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes; but he has had enough to sober him. Do you know nothing more?’ + said Mrs. Edmonstone, growing nervously anxious lest she had been doing + wrong in her husband’s absence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been inquiring about him from old Redford, and I should judge him + to be a most dangerous companion; as, indeed, I could have told from his + whole air, which is completely that of a roué.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have seen him, then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. He paid me the compliment of taking me for Sir Guy, and of course + made off in dismay when he discovered on whom he had fallen. I have seldom + seen a less creditable-looking individual.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what did Mr. Redford say? Did he know of the connection?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I am happy to say he did not. The fellow has decency enough not to + boast of that. Well, Redford did not know much of him personally: he said + he had once been much thought of, and had considerable talent and + execution, but taste changes, or he has lost something, so that, though he + stands tolerably high in his profession, he is not a leader. So much for + his musical reputation. As to his character, he is one of those people who + are called no one’s enemy but their own, exactly the introduction Guy has + hitherto happily wanted to every sort of mischief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, trying to console herself, ‘that Guy is + too much afraid of small faults to be invited by larger evils. While he + punishes himself for an idle word, he is not likely to go wrong in greater + matters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at present.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is the man in debt or difficulties? Guy heard nothing of that, and I + thought it a good sign.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t suppose he is. He ought not, for he has a fixed salary, besides + what he gets by playing at concerts when it is not the London season. The + wasting money on a spendthrift relation would be a far less evil than what + I apprehend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I knew what to do! It is very unlucky that your uncle is from + home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was frightened by the sense of responsibility, and was + only anxious to catch hold of something to direct her. + </p> + <p> + ‘What would you have me do?’ she asked, hopelessly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak seriously to Guy. He must attend to you: he cannot fly out with a + woman as he does with me. Show him the evils that must result from such an + intimacy. If Dixon was in distress, I would not say a word, for he would + be bound to assist him but as it is, the acquaintance can serve no purpose + but degrading Guy, and showing him the way to evil. Above all, make a + point of his giving up visiting him in London. That is the sure road to + evil. A youth of his age, under the conduct of a worn-out roué, connected + with the theatres! I can hardly imagine anything more mischievous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes; I will speak to him,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, perfectly appalled. + </p> + <p> + She promised, but she found the fulfilment difficult, in her dislike of + vexing Guy, her fear of saying what was wrong, and a doubt whether the + appearance of persecuting Mr. Dixon was not the very way to prevent Guy’s + own good sense from finding out his true character, so she waited, hoping + Mr. Edmonstone might return before Guy went to Oxford, or that he might + write decisively. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone might have known her husband better than to expect him to + write decisively when he had neither herself nor Philip at his elbow. The + same post had brought him a letter from Guy, mentioning his meeting with + his uncle, and frankly explaining his plans for London; another from + Philip, calling on him to use all his authority to prevent this + intercourse, and a third from his wife. Bewildered between them, he took + them to his sister, who, being as puzzle-headed as himself, and only + hearing his involved history of the affair, confused him still more; so he + wrote to Philip, saying he was sorry the fellow had turned up, but he + would guard against him. He told Guy he was sorry to say that his uncle + used to be a sad scamp, and he must take care, or it would be his poor + father’s story over again; and to Mrs. Edmonstone he wrote that it was + very odd that everything always did go wrong when he was away. + </p> + <p> + He thought these letters a great achievement, but his wife’s perplexity + was not materially relieved. + </p> + <p> + After considering a good while, she at length spoke to Guy; but it was not + at a happy time, for Philip, despairing of her, had just taken on himself + to remonstrate, and had angered him to the verge of an outbreak. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone, as mildly as she could, urged on him that such + intercourse could bring him little satisfaction, and might be very + inconvenient; that his uncle was in no distress, and did not require + assistance; and that it was too probable that in seeking him out he might + meet with persons who might unsettle his principles,—in short, that + he had much better give up the visit to London. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is Philip’s advice,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is; but—’ + </p> + <p> + Guy looked impatient, and she paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must forgive me,’ he said, ‘if I follow my own judgment. If Mr. + Edmonstone chose to lay his commands on me, I suppose I must submit; but I + cannot see that I am bound to obey Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to obey, certainly; but his advice—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is prejudiced and unjust,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t believe that my uncle would attempt to lead me into bad company; + and surely you would not have me neglect or look coldly on one who was so + much attached to my parents. If he is not a gentleman, and is looked down + on by the world, it is not for his sister’s son to make him conscious of + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like your feelings, Guy; I can say nothing against it, but that I am + much afraid your uncle is not highly principled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have only Philip’s account of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are resolved?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. I do not like not to take your advice, but I do believe this is my + duty. I do not think my determination is made in self-will,’ said Guy, + thoughtfully; ‘I cannot think that I ought to neglect my uncle, because I + happen to have been born in a different station, which is all I have heard + proved against him,’ he added, smiling. ‘You will forgive me, will you + not, for not following your advice? for really and truly, if you will let + me say so, I think you would not have given it if Philip had not been + talking to you.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone confessed, with a smile, that perhaps it was so; but said + she trusted much to Philip’s knowledge of the world. Guy agreed to this; + though still declaring Philip had no right to set him against his uncle, + and there the discussion ended. + </p> + <p> + Guy went to London. Philip thought him very wilful, and his aunt very + weak; and Mr. Edmonstone, on coming home, said it could not be helped, and + he wished to hear no more about the matter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 12 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Her playful smile, her buoyance wild, + Bespeak the gentle, mirthful child; + But in her forehead’s broad expanse, + Her chastened tones, her thoughtful glance, + Is mingled, with the child’s light glee, + The modest maiden’s dignity. +</pre> + <p> + One summer’s day, two years after the ball and review, Mary Ross and her + father were finishing their early dinner, when she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘If you don’t want me this afternoon, papa, I think I shall walk to + Hollywell. You know Eveleen de Courcy is there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I did not. What has brought her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As Charles expresses it, she has over-polked herself in London, and is + sent here for quiet and country air. I want to call on her, and to ask Sir + Guy to give me some idea as to the singing the children should practise + for the school-feast?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you think Sir Guy will come to the feast?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I reckon on him to conceal all the deficiencies in the children’s + singing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He won’t desert you, as he did Mrs. Brownlow?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O papa! you surely did not think him to blame in that affair?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honestly, Mary, if I thought about the matter at all, I thought it a pity + he should go so much to the Brownlows.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I could tell you the history, if you thought it worth while; + and though it may be gossip, I should like you to do justice to Sir Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well; though I don’t think there is much danger of my doing + otherwise. I only wondered he should become intimate there at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe Mrs. Edmonstone thinks it right he should see as much of the + world as possible, and not be always at home in their own set.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fair and proper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know she has shown him all the people she could,—had Eveleen + staying there, and the Miss Nortons, and hunted him out to parties, when + he had rather have been at home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought he was fond of society. I remember your telling me how amused + you were with his enjoyment of his first ball.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! he was two years younger then, and all was new. He seems to me too + deep and sensitive not to find more pain than pleasure in commonplace + society. I have sometimes seen that he cannot speak either lightly or + harshly of what he disapproves, and people don’t understand him. I was + once sitting next him, when there was some talking going on about an + elopement; he did not laugh, looked almost distressed, and at last said in + a very low voice, to me, “I wish people would not laugh about such + things.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is an extraordinary mixture of gaiety of heart, and seriousness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, when Mrs. Brownlow had her nieces with her, and was giving those + musical parties, his voice made him valuable; and Mrs. Edmonstone told him + he ought to go to them. I believe he liked it at first, but he found there + was no end to it; it took up a great deal of time, and was a style of + thing altogether that was not desirable. Mrs Edmonstone thought at first + his reluctance was only shyness and stay-at-home nonsense, that ought to + be overcome; but when she had been there, and saw how Mrs. Brownlow beset + him, and the unpleasant fuss they made about his singing, she quite came + round to his mind, and was very sorry she had exposed him to so much that + was disagreeable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mary, I am glad to hear your account. My impression arose from + something Philip Morville said.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Captain Morville never can approve of anything Sir Guy does! It is not + like Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How improved Charles Edmonstone is. He has lost that spirit of repining + and sarcasm, and lives as if he had an object.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; he employs himself now, and teaches Amy to do the same. You know, + after the governess went, we were afraid little Amy would never do + anything but wait on Charles, and idle in her pretty gentle way; but when + he turned to better things so did she, and her mind has been growing all + this time. Perhaps you don’t see it, for she has not lost her likeness to + a kitten, and looks all demure silence with the elders, but she takes in + what the wise say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a very good little thing; and I dare say will not be the worse for + growing up slowly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Those two sisters are specimens of fast and slow growth. Laura has always + seemed to be so much more than one year older than Amy, especially of + late. She is more like five-and-twenty than twenty. I wonder if she + overworks herself. But how we have lingered over our dinner!’ + </p> + <p> + By half-past three, Mary was entering a copse which led into Mr. + Edmonstone’s field, when she heard gay tones, and a snatch of one of the + sweetest of old songs,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Weep no more, lady; lady, weep no more, + Thy sorrow is in vain; + For violets pluck’d, the sweetest showers + Will ne’er make grow again. +</pre> + <p> + A merry, clear laugh followed, and a turn in the path showed her Guy, Amy, + and Charlotte, busy over a sturdy stock of eglantine. Guy, little changed + in these two years,—not much taller, and more agile than robust,—was + lopping vigorously with his great pruning-knife, Amabel nursing a bundle + of drooping rose branches, Charlotte, her bonnet in a garland of wild + sweet-brier, holding the matting and continually getting entangled in the + long thorny wreaths. + </p> + <p> + ‘And here comes the “friar of orders gray,” to tell you so,’ exclaimed + Guy, as Mary, in her gray dress, came on them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, that is right, dear good friar,’ cried Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are so busy,’ said Charlotte; ‘Guy has made Mr. Markham send all these + choice buds from Redclyffe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not from the park,’ said Guy, ‘we don’t deal much in gardening; but + Markham is a great florist, and these are his bounties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And are you cutting that beautiful wild rose to pieces?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it not a pity?’ said Amy. ‘We have used up all the stocks in the + garden, and this is to be transplanted in the autumn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has been consoling it all the time by telling it it is for its good,’ + said Guy; ‘cutting off wild shoots, and putting in better things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never said anything so pretty; and, after all, I don’t know that the + grand roses will be equal to these purple shoots and blushing buds with + long whiskers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So Sir Guy was singing about the violets plucked to comfort you. But you + must not leave off, I want to see how you do it. I am gardener enough to + like to look on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have only two more to put in.’ + </p> + <p> + Knife and fingers were busy, and Mary admired the dexterity with which the + slit was made in the green bark, well armed with firm red thorns, and the + tiny scarlet gem inserted, and bound with cotton and matting. At the least + critical parts of the work, she asked after the rest of the party, and was + answered that papa had driven Charles out in the pony carriage, and that + Laura and Eveleen were sitting on the lawn, reading and working with + mamma. Eveleen was better, but not strong, or equal to much exertion in + the heat. Mary went on to speak of her school feast and ask her questions. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Guy, you must not go before that!’ cried Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you going away?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very naughty, indeed,’ said Charlotte. ‘He is going, I don’t know + where all, to be stupid, and read mathematics.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A true bill, I am sorry to say,’ said Guy; ‘I am to join a reading-party + for the latter part of the vacation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not before Thursday week, though we are not asking you to anything + worth staying for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, surely you need not go before that!’ said Amy, ‘need you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I believe I may stay till Friday, and I should delight in the feast, + thank you, Miss Ross,—I want to study such things. A bit more + matting, Amy, if you please. There, I think that will do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellently. Here is its name. See how neatly Charlie has printed it, + Mary. Is it not odd, that he prints so well when he writes so badly?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“The Seven Sisters.” There, fair sisterhood, grow and thrive, till I come + to transplant you in the autumn. Are there any more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that is the last. Now, Mary, let us come to mamma.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy waited to clear the path of the numerous trailing briery branches, and + the others walked on, Amy telling how sorry they were to lose Guy’s + vacation, but that he thought he could not give time enough to his studies + here, and had settled, at Oxford, to make one of a reading-party, under + the tutorship of his friend, Mr. Wellwood. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where do they go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not settled. Guy wished it to be the sea-side; but Philip has been + recommending a farmhouse in Stylehurst parish, rather nearer St. Mildred’s + Wells than Stylehurst, but quite out in the moor, and an immense way from + both.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think it will be the place?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; Guy thinks it would suit Mr. Wellwood, because he has friends at St. + Mildred’s, so he gave his vote for it. He expects to hear how it is + settled to-day or to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Coming out on the lawn, they found the three ladies sitting under the + acacia, with their books and work. Laura did, indeed, look older than her + real age, as much above twenty as Amy looked under nineteen. She was + prettier than ever; her complexion exquisite in delicacy, her fine figure + and the perfect outline of her features more developed; but the change + from girl to woman had passed over her, and set its stamp on the anxious + blue eye, and almost oppressed brow. Mary thought it would be hard to + define where was that difference. It was not want of bloom, for of that + Laura had more than any of the others, fresh, healthy, and bright, while + Amy was always rather pale, and Lady Eveleen was positively wan and faded + by London and late hours; nor was it loss of animation, for Laura talked + and laughed with interest and eagerness; nor was it thought, for little + Amy, when at rest, wore a meditative, pensive countenance; but there was + something either added or taken away, which made it appear that the + serenity and carelessness of early youth had fled from her, and the air of + the cares of life had come over her. + </p> + <p> + Mary told her plans,—Church service at four, followed by a + tea-drinking in the fields; tea in the garden for the company, and play + for the school children and all who liked to join them. Every one likes + such festivals, which have the recommendation of permitting all to do as + they please, bringing friends together in perfect ease and freedom, with + an object that raises them above the rank of mere gatherings for the + pleasure of rich neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone gladly made the engagement and Lady Eveleen promised to be + quite well, and to teach the children all manner of new games, though she + greatly despised the dullness of English children, and had many droll + stories of the stupidity of Laura’s pupils, communicated to her, with + perhaps a little exaggeration, by Charles, and still further embellished + by herself, for the purpose of exciting Charlotte’s indignation. + </p> + <p> + Mary proceeded to her consultation about the singing, and was conducted by + Guy and Amy to the piano, and when her ears could not be indoctrinated by + their best efforts, they more than half engaged to walk to East-hill, and + have a conversation with the new school-master, whom Mary pitied for + having fallen on people so unable to appreciate his musical training as + herself and her father. The whole party walked back with her as far as the + shade lasted; and at the end of the next field she turned, saw them + standing round the stile, thought what happy people they were, and then + resumed her wonder whither Laura’s youthfulness had flown. + </p> + <p> + The situation of Philip and Laura had not changed. His regiment had never + been at any great distance from Hollywell, and he often came, venturing + more as Laura learnt to see him with less trepidation. He seldom or never + was alone with her; but his influence was as strong as ever, and look, + word, and gesture, which she alone could understand, told her what she was + to him, and revealed his thoughts. To him she was devoted, all her doings + were with a view to please him, and deserve his affection; he was her + world, and sole object. Indeed, she was sometimes startled by perceiving + that tenderly as she loved her own family, all were subordinate to him. + She had long since known the true name of her feelings for him; she could + not tell when or how the certainty had come, but she was conscious that it + was love that they had acknowledged for one another and that she only + lived in the light of his love. Still she did not realize the evil of + concealment; it was so deep a sensation of her innermost heart, that she + never could imagine revealing it to any living creature, and she had + besides so surrendered her judgment to her idol, that no thought could + ever cross her that he had enjoined what was wrong. Her heart and soul + were his alone, and she left the future to him without an independent + desire or reflection. All the embarrassments and discomforts which her + secret occasioned her were met willingly for his sake, and these were not + a few, though time had given her more self-command, or, perhaps, more + properly speaking, had hardened her. + </p> + <p> + She always had a dread of tete-a-tetes and conversations over novels, and + these were apt to be unavoidable when Eveleen was at Hollywell. The + twilight wanderings on the terrace were a daily habit, and Eveleen almost + always paired with her. On this evening in particular, Laura was made very + uncomfortable by Eveleen’s declaring that it was positively impossible and + unnatural that the good heroine of some novel should have concealed her + engagement from her parents. Laura could not help saying that there might + be many excuses; then afraid that she was exciting suspicion, changed the + subject in great haste, and tried to make Eveleen come indoors, telling + her she would tire herself to death, and vexed by her cousin’s + protestations that the fresh cool air did her good. Besides, Eveleen was + looking with attentive eyes at another pair who were slowly walking up and + down the shady walk that bordered the grass-plot, and now and then + standing still to enjoy the subdued silence of the summer evening, and the + few distant sounds that marked the perfect lull. + </p> + <p> + ‘How calm—how beautiful!’ murmured Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘It only wants the low solemn surge and ripple of the tide, and its dash + on the rocks,’ said Guy. ‘If ever there was music, it is there; but it + makes one think what the ear must be that can take in the whole of those + harmonics.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How I should like to hear it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And see it. O Amy! to show you the sunny sea,—the sense of breadth + and vastness in that pale clear horizon line, and the infinite number of + fields of light between you and it,—and the free feelings as you + stand on some high crag, the wind blowing in your face across half the + globe, and the waves dashing far below! I am growing quite thirsty for the + sea.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know, papa said something about your taking your reading-party to + Redclyffe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True, but I don’t think Markham would like it, and it would put old Mrs. + Drew into no end of a fuss.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not like to have you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes, I should be all very well; but if they heard I was bringing three + or four men with me, they would think them regular wild beasts. They would + be in an awful fright. Besides, it is so long since I have been at home, + that I don’t altogether fancy going there till I settle there for good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it will be sad going there at first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it has not been my duty yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you will be glad when you get there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sha’n’t I? I wonder if any one has been to shoot the rabbits on the shag + rock. They must have quite overrun it by this time. But I don’t like the + notion of the first day. There is not only the great change, but a + stranger at the vicarage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know anything about the new clergyman? I believe Mrs. Ashford is a + connection of Lady Thorndale’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; Thorndale calls them pattern people, and I have no doubt they will + do great good in the parish. I am sure we want some enlightenment, for we + are a most primitive race, and something beyond Jenny Robinson’s dame + school would do us no harm.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Edmonstone called from the window that they must come in. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone thought deeply that night. She had not forgotten her + notion that Eveleen was attracted by Guy’s manners, and had been curious + to see what would happen when Eveleen was sent to Hollywell for country + air. + </p> + <p> + She had a very good opinion of Lady Eveleen. Since the former visit, she + had shown more spirit of improvement, and laid aside many little follies; + she had put herself under Laura’s guidance, and tamed down into what gave + the promise of a sensible woman, more than anything that had hitherto been + observed in her; and little addicted to match-making as Mrs. Edmonstone + was, she could not help thinking that Eva was almost worthy of her dear + Guy (she never could expect to find anyone she should think quite worthy + of him, he was too like one of her own children for that), and on the + other hand, how delighted Lord and Lady Kilcoran would be. It was a very + pretty castle in the air; but in the midst of it, the notion suddenly + darted into Mrs. Edmonstone’s head, that while she was thinking of it, it + was Amy, not Eveleen, who was constantly with Guy. Reading and music, + roses, botany, and walks on the terrace! She looked back, and it was still + the same. Last Easter vacation, how they used to study the stars in the + evening, to linger in the greenhouse in the morning nursing the geraniums, + and to practise singing over the school-room piano; how, in a long walk, + they always paired together; and how they seemed to share every pursuit or + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Now Mrs. Edmonstone was extremely fond of Guy, and trusted him entirely; + but she thought she ought to consider how far this should be allowed. + Feeling that he ought to see more of the world, she had sent him as much + as she could into society, but it had only made him cling closer to home. + Still he was but twenty, it was only a country neighbourhood, and there + was much more for him to see before he could fairly be supposed to know + his own mind. She knew he would act honourably; but she had a horror of + letting him entangle himself with her daughter before he was fairly able + to judge of his own feelings. Or, if this was only behaving with a + brother’s freedom and confidence, Mrs. Edmonstone felt it was not safe for + her poor little Amy, who might learn so to depend on him as to miss him + grievously when this intimacy ceased, as it must when he settled at his + own home. It would be right, while it was still time, to make her remember + that they were not brother and sister, and by checking their present + happy, careless, confidential intercourse, to save her from the chill + which seemed to have been cast on Laura. Mrs. Edmonstone was the more + anxious, because she deeply regretted not having been sufficiently + watchful in Laura’s case, and perhaps she felt an unacknowledged + conviction that if there was real love on Guy’s part, it would not be hurt + by a little reserve on Amy’s. Yet to have to speak to her little innocent + daughter on such a matter disturbed her so much, that she could hardly + have set about it, if Amy had not, at that very moment, knocked at her + door. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, what has kept you up so late?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been sitting in Eveleen’s room, mamma, hearing about her London + life; and then we began to settle our plans for to-morrow, and I came to + ask what you think of them. You know Guy has promised to go and hear the + East-hill singing, and we were proposing, if you did not mind it, to take + the pony-carriage and the donkey, and go in the morning to East-hill, have + luncheon, and get Mary to go with us to the top of the great down, where + we have never been. Guy has been wanting us, for a long time past, to go + and see the view, and saying there is a track quite smooth enough to drive + Charlie to the top.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy wondered at her mother’s look of hesitation. In fact, the scheme was + so accordant with their usual habits that it was impossible to find any + objection; yet it all hinged on Guy, and the appointment at East-hill + might lead to a great many more. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you wish us to do anything else, mamma? We don’t care about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my dear,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘I see no reason against it. But—’ + and she felt as if she was making a desperate plunge, ‘there is something + I want to say to you.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy stood ready to hear, but Mrs. Edmonstone paused. Another effort, and + she spoke:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, my dear, I don’t wish to find fault, but I thought of advising you + to take care. About Guy—’ + </p> + <p> + The very brilliant pink which instantly overspread Amy’s face made her + mother think her warning more expedient. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been spending a great deal of time with him of late, very + sensibly and pleasantly, I know; I don’t blame you at all, my dear, so you + need not look distressed. I only want you to be careful. You know, though + we call him cousin, he is scarcely a relation at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O mamma, don’t go on,’ said poor little Amy, hurriedly; ‘indeed I am very + sorry!’ + </p> + <p> + For Amy understood that it was imputed to her that she had been forward + and unmaidenly. Mrs. Edmonstone saw her extreme distress, and, grieved at + the pain she had inflicted, tried to reassure her as much as might be + safe. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, my dear, you have done nothing amiss. I only intended to tell you + to be cautious for fear you should get into a way of going on which might + not look well. Don’t make any great difference, I only meant that there + should not be quite so much singing and gardening alone with him, or + walking in the garden in the evening. You can manage to draw back a + little, so as to keep more with me or with Laura, and I think that will be + the best way.’ + </p> + <p> + Every word, no matter what, increased the burning of poor Amy’s cheeks. A + broad accusation of flirting would have been less distressing to many + girls than this mild and delicate warning was to one of such shrinking + modesty and maidenly feeling. She had a sort of consciousness that she + enjoyed partaking in his pursuits, and this made her sense of confusion + and shame overwhelming. What had she been thoughtlessly doing? She could + not speak, she could not look. Her mother put her arm round her, and Amy + hid her head on her shoulder, and held her fast. Mrs. Edmonstone kissed + and caressed the little fluttering bird, then saying, ‘Good night, my own + dear child,’ unloosed her embrace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, dear mamma,’ whispered Amy. ‘I am very sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You need not be sorry, my dear, only be careful. Good night.’ And it + would be hard to say whether the mother or the daughter had the hottest + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Amy! what was her dismay as she asked herself, again and + again, what she had been doing and what she was to do? The last was plain,—she + knew what was right, and do it she must. There would be an end of much + that was pleasant, and a fresh glow came over her as she owned how very, + very pleasant; but if it was not quite the thing,—if mamma did not + approve, so it must be. True, all her doings received their zest from Guy,—her + heart bounded at the very sound of his whistle, she always heard his words + through all the din of a whole party,—nothing was complete without + him, nothing good without his without his approval,—but so much the + more shame for her. It was a kind of seeking him which was of all things + the most shocking. So there should be an end of it,—never mind the + rest! Amy knelt down, and prayed that she might keep her resolution. + </p> + <p> + She did not know how much of her severity towards herself was learned from + the example that had been two years before her. Nor did she think whether + the seeking had been mutual; she imagined it all her own doing, and did + not guess that she would give pain to Guy by withdrawing herself from him. + </p> + <p> + The morning gave vigour to her resolution, and when Laura came to ask what + mamma thought of their project, Amy looked confused—said she did not + know—she believed it would not do. But just then in came her mother, + to say she had been considering of the expedition, and meant to join it + herself. Amy understood, blushed, and was silently grateful. + </p> + <p> + When Laura wanted to alter her demeanour towards Guy, being perfectly + cool, and not in the least conscious, she had acted with great judgment, + seen exactly what to do, and what to leave undone, so as to keep up + appearances. But it was not so with Amy. She was afraid of herself, and + was in extremes. She would not come down till the last moment, that there + might be no talking in the window. She hardly spoke at breakfast-time, and + adhered closely to Laura and Eveleen when they wandered in the garden. + Presently Charles looked out from the dressing-room window, calling,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, Guy is ready to read.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t come. Read without me,’ she answered, hoping Charlie would not be + vexed, and feeling her face light up again. + </p> + <p> + The hour for the expedition came, and Amy set off walking with Laura, + because Guy was with Mrs. Edmonstone; but presently, after holding open a + gate for Charlotte, who was on the donkey, he came up to the sisters, and + joined in the conversation. Amy saw something in the hedge—a + foxglove, she believed—it would have done as well if it had been a + nettle—she stopped to gather it, hoping to fall behind them, but + they waited for her. She grew silent, but Guy appealed to her. She ran on + to Charlotte and her donkey, but at the next gate Guy had joined company + again. At last she put herself under her mother’s wing, and by keeping + with her did pretty well all the time she was at East-hill. But when they + went on, she was riding the donkey, and it, as donkeys always are, was + resolved on keeping a-head of the walkers, so that as Guy kept by her + side, it was a more absolute tete-a-tete than ever. + </p> + <p> + At the top of the hill they found a fine view, rich and extensive, broad + woods, fields waving with silvery barley, trim meadows, fair hazy blue + distance, and a dim line of sea beyond. This, as Amy knew, was Guy’s + delight, and further, what she would not tell herself, was that he chiefly + cared for showing it to her. It was so natural to call him to admire + everything beautiful, and ask if it was equal to Redclyffe, that she found + herself already turning to him to participate in his pleasure, as he + pointed out all that was to be seen; but she recollected, blushed, and + left her mother to speak. He had much to show. There was a hanging wood on + one side of the hill, whence he had brought her more than one botanical + prize, and she must now visit their native haunts. It was too great a + scramble for Mrs. Edmonstone, with all her good will; Eveleen was to be + kept still, and not to tire herself; Laura did not care for botany, nor + love brambles, and Amy was obliged to stand and look into the wood, + saying, ‘No, thank you, I don’t think I can,’ and then run back to Mary + and Charles; while Charlotte was loudly calling out that it was delightful + fun, and that she was very stupid. In another minute Guy had overtaken + her, and in his gentle, persuasive voice, was telling her it was very + easy, and she must come and see the bird’s-nest orchises. She would have + liked it above all things, but she thought it very kind of Guy not to seem + angry when she said, ‘No, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary, after what she had seen yesterday, could not guess at the real + reason, or she would have come with her; but she thought Amy was tired, + and would rather not. Poor Amy was tired, very tired, before the walk was + over, but her weary looks made it worse, for Guy offered her his arm. ‘No + thank you,’ she said, ‘I am getting on very well;’ and she trudged on + resolutely, for her mother was in the carriage, and to lag behind the + others would surely make him keep with her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was very sorry for her fatigue, but Amy found it a good + excuse for not wandering in the garden, or joining in the music. It had + been a very uncomfortable day; she hoped she had done right; at any rate, + she had the peaceful conviction of having tried to do so. + </p> + <p> + The next day, Amy was steady to her resolution. No reading with the two + youths, though Charles scolded her; sitting in her room till Guy was gone + out, going indoors as soon as she heard him return, and in the evening + staying with Charles when her sisters and cousins went out; but this did + not answer, for Guy came and sat by them. She moved away as soon as + possible, but the more inclined she was to linger, the more she thought + she ought to go; so murmuring something about looking for Laura, she threw + on her scarf, and sprung to the window. Her muslin caught on the bolt, she + turned, Guy was already disentangling it, and she met his eye. It was full + of anxious, pleading inquiry, which to her seemed upbraiding, and, not + knowing what to do, she exclaimed, hurriedly, ‘Thank you; no harm done!’ + and darted into the garden, frightened to feel her face glowing and her + heart throbbing. She could not help looking back to see if he was + following. No, he was not attempting it; he was leaning against the + window, and on she hastened, the perception dawning on her that she was + hurting him; he might think her rude, unkind, capricious, he who had + always been so kind to her, and when he was going away so soon. ‘But it is + right; it must be done,’ said little Amy to herself, standing still, now + that she was out of sight. ‘If I was wrong before, I must bear it now, and + he will see the rights of it sooner or later. The worst of all would be my + not doing the very <i>most</i> <i>right</i> to please any body. Besides he + can’t really care for missing silly little Amy when he has mamma and + Charlie. And he is going away, so it will be easier to begin right when he + comes back. Be that as it may, it must be done. I’ll get Charlie to tell + me what he was saying about the painted glass.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 13 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh, thou child of many prayers! + Life hath quicksands—life hath snares— + Care and age come unawares. + + Like the swell of some sweet tune, + Morning rises into noon, + May glides onward into June. + —Longfellow +</pre> + <p> + ‘What is the matter with Amy? What makes her so odd?’ asked Charles, as + his mother came to wish him good night. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little dear! don’t take any notice,’ was all the answer he received; + and seeing that he was to be told no more, he held his peace. + </p> + <p> + Laura understood without being told. She, too, had thought Guy and Amy + were a great deal together, and combining various observations, she + perceived that her mother must have given Amy a caution. She therefore set + herself, like a good sister, to shelter Amy as much as she could, save her + from awkward situations, and, above all, to prevent her altered manner + from being remarked. This was the less difficult, as Eveleen was subdued + and languid, and more inclined to lie on the sofa and read than to look + out for mirth. + </p> + <p> + As to poor little Amy, her task was in one way become less hard, for Guy + had ceased to haunt her, and seemed to make it his business to avoid all + that could cause her embarrassment; but in another way it hurt her much + more, for she now saw the pain she was causing. If obliged to do anything + for her, he would give a look as if to ask pardon, and then her rebellious + heart would so throb with joy as to cause her dismay at having let herself + fall into so hateful a habit as wishing to attract attention. What a + struggle it was not to obey the impulse of turning to him for the smile + with which he would greet anything in conversation that interested them + both, and how wrong she thought it not to be more consoled when she saw + him talking to Eveleen, or to any of the others, as if he was doing very + well without her. This did not often happen; he was evidently out of + spirits, and thoughtful, and Amy was afraid some storm might be gathering + respecting Mr. Sebastian Dixon, about whom there always seemed to be some + uncomfortable mystery. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone saw everything, and said nothing. She was very sorry for + them both, but she could not interfere, and could only hope she had done + right, and protected Amy as far as she was able. She was vexed now and + then to see Eveleen give knowing smiles and significant glances, feared + that she guessed what was going on, and wondered whether to give her a + hint not to add to Amy’s confusion; but her great dislike to enter on such + a subject prevailed, and she left things to take their course, thinking + that, for once, Guy’s departure would be a relief. + </p> + <p> + The approach of anything in the shape of a party of pleasure was one of + the best cures for Eveleen’s ailments, and the evening before Mary’s + tea-drinking, she was in high spirits, laughing and talking a great deal, + and addressing herself chiefly to Guy. He exerted himself to answer, but + it did not come with life and spirit, his countenance did not light up, + and at last Eveleen said, ‘Ah! I see I am a dreadful bore. I’ll go away, + and leave you to repose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Eveleen!’ he exclaimed, in consternation; ‘what have I been doing—what + have I been thinking of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, that is best known to yourself, though I think perhaps I could + divine,’ said she, with that archness and grace that always seemed to + remove the unfavourable impression that her proceedings might have given. + ‘Shall I?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ he answered, colouring crimson, and then trying to laugh off his + confusion, and find some answer, but without success; and Eveleen, + perceiving her aunt’s eyes were upon her, suddenly recollected that she + had gone quite as far as decorum allowed, and made as masterly a retreat + as the circumstances permitted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I have always thought a “penny for your thoughts” the boldest offer + in the world, and now it is proved.’ + </p> + <p> + This scene made Mrs. Edmonstone doubly annoyed, the next morning, at + waking with a disabling headache, which made it quite impossible for her + to attempt going to Mary Ross’s fete. With great sincerity, Amy entreated + to be allowed to remain at home, but she thought it would only be making + the change more remarkable; she did not wish Mary to be disappointed; + among so many ladies, Amy could easily avoid getting into difficulties; + while Laura would, she trusted, be able to keep Eveleen in order. + </p> + <p> + The day was sunny, and all went off to admiration. The gentlemen presided + over the cricket, and the ladies over ‘blind man’s buff’ and ‘thread my + needle;’ but perhaps Mary was a little disappointed that, though she had + Sir Guy’s bodily presence, the peculiar blitheness and animation which he + usually shed around him were missing. He sung at church, he filled tiny + cups from huge pitchers of tea, he picked up and pacified a screaming + child that had tumbled off a gate—he was as good-natured and useful + as possible, but he was not his joyous and brilliant self. + </p> + <p> + Amy devoted herself to the smallest fry, played assiduously for three + quarters of an hour with a fat, grave boy of three, who stood about a + yard-and-a-half from her, solemnly throwing a ball into her lap, and never + catching it again, took charge of many caps and bonnets, and walked about + with Louisa Harper, a companion whom no one envied her. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion, the sky clouded over, it became chilly, and a shower began + to fall. Laura pursued Eveleen, and Amy hunted up Charlotte from the + utmost parts of the field, where she was the very centre of ‘winding up + the clock,’ and sorely against her will, dragged her off the wet grass. + About sixty yards from the house, Guy met them with an umbrella, which, + without speaking, he gave to Charlotte. Amy said, ‘Thank you,’ and again + came that look. Charlotte rattled on, and hung back to talk to Guy, so + that Amy could not hasten on without leaving her shelterless. It may be + believed that she had the conversation to herself. At the door they met + Mary and her father, going to dismiss their flock, who had taken refuge in + a cart-shed at the other end of the field. Guy asked if he could be of any + use; Mr. Ross said no, and Mary begged Amy and Charlotte to go up to her + room, and change their wet shoes. + </p> + <p> + There, Amy would fain have stayed, flushed and agitated as those looks + made her; but Charlotte was in wild spirits, delighted at having been + caught in the rain, and obliged to wear shoes a mile too large, and eager + to go and share the fun in the drawing-room. There, in the twilight, they + found a mass of young ladies herded together, making a confused sound of + laughter, and giggling, while at the other end of the room, Amy could just + see Guy sitting alone in a dark corner. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte’s tongue was soon the loudest in the medley, to which Amy did + not at first attend, till she heard Charlotte saying— + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you should hear Guy sing that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ she whispered to Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘“The Land of the Leal,”’ was the answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish he would sing it now,’ said Ellen Harper. + </p> + <p> + ‘This darkness would be just the time for music,’ said Eveleen; ‘it is + quite a witching time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why don’t you ask him?’ said Ellen. ‘Come, Charlotte, there’s a good + girl, go and ask him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I?’ said Charlotte, whispering and giggling with an affectation of + shyness. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, Charlotte,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘No! why not?’ said Eveleen. ‘Don’t be afraid, Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is so grave,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + Eveleen had been growing wilder and less guarded all day, and now, partly + liking to tease and surprise the others, and partly emboldened by the + darkness, she answered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It will do him all manner of good. Here, Charlotte, I’ll tell you how to + make him. Tell him Amy wants him to do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! tell him so,’ cried Ellen, and they laughed in a manner that + overpowered Amy with horror and shyness. She sprung to seize Charlotte, + and stop her; she could not speak, but Louisa Harper caught her arm, and + Laura’s grave orders were drowned in a universal titter, and suppressed + exclamation,—‘Go, Charlotte, go; we will never forgive you if you + don’t!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop!’ Amy struggled to cry, breaking from Louisa, and springing up in a + sort of agony. Guy, who had such a horror of singing anything deep in + pathos or religious feeling to mixed or unfit auditors, asked to do so in + her name! ‘Stop! oh, Charlotte!’ It was too late; Charlotte, thoughtless + with merriment, amused at vexing Laura, set up with applause, and + confident in Guy’s good nature, had come to him, and was saying,—‘Oh, + Guy! Amy wants you to come and sing us the “Land of the Leal.”’ + </p> + <p> + Amy saw him start up. What, did he think of her? Oh, what! He stepped + towards them. The silly girls cowered as if they had roused a lion. His + voice was not loud—it was almost as gentle as usual; but it + quivered, as if it was hard to keep it so, and, as well as she could see, + his face was rigid and stern as iron. ‘Did you wish it?’ he said, + addressing himself to her, as if she was the only person present. + </p> + <p> + Her breath was almost gone. ‘Oh! I beg your pardon,’ she faltered. She + could not exculpate herself, she saw it looked like an idle, almost like + an indecorous trick, unkind, everything abhorrent to her and to him, + especially in the present state of things. His eyes were on her, his head + bent towards her; he waited for an answer. ‘I beg your pardon,’ was all + she could say. + </p> + <p> + There was—yes, there was—one of those fearful flashes of his + kindling eye. She felt as if she was shrinking to nothing; she heard him + say, in a low, hoarse tone, ‘I am afraid I cannot;’ then Mr. Ross, Mary, + lights came in; there was a bustle and confusion, and when next she was + clearly conscious, Laura was ordering the carriage. + </p> + <p> + When it came, there was an inquiry for Sir Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is gone home,’ said Mr. Ross. ‘I met him in the passage, and wished + him good night.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ross did not add what he afterwards told his daughter, that Guy seemed + not to know whether it was raining or not; that he had put an umbrella + into his hand, and seen him march off at full speed, through the pouring + rain, with it under his arm. + </p> + <p> + The ladies entered the carriage. Amy leant back in her corner, Laura + forbore to scold either Eveleen or Charlotte till she could have them + separately; Eveleen was silent, because she was dismayed at the effect she + had produced, and Charlotte, because she knew there was a scolding + impending over her. + </p> + <p> + They found no one in the drawing-room but Mr. Edmonstone and Charles, who + said they had heard the door open, and Guy run up-stairs, but they + supposed he was wet through, as he had not made his appearance. It was + very inhospitable in the girls not to have made room for him in the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + Amy went to see how her mother was, longing to tell her whole trouble, but + found her asleep, and was obliged to leave it till the morrow. Poor child, + she slept very little, but she would not go to her mother before + breakfast, lest she should provoke the headache into staying another day. + Guy was going by the train at twelve o’clock, and she was resolved that + something should be done; so, as soon as her father had wished Guy + goodbye, and ridden off to his justice meeting, she entreated her mother + to come into the dressing-room, and hear what she had to say. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, mamma! the most dreadful thing has happened!’ and, hiding her face, + she told her story, ending with a burst of weeping as she said how Guy was + displeased. ‘And well he might be! That after all that has vexed him this + week, I should tease him with such a trick. Oh, mamma, what must he + think?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, there was a good deal of silliness; but you need not treat it as + if it was so very shocking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, but it hurt him! He was angry, and now I know how it is, he is angry + with himself for being angry. Oh, how foolish I have been! What shall I + do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps we can let him know it was not your fault,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, + thinking it might be very salutary for Charlotte to send her to confess. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think so?’ cried Amy, eagerly. ‘Oh! that would make it all + comfortable. Only it was partly mine, for not keeping Charlotte in better + order, and we must not throw it all on her and Eveleen. You think we may + tell him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think he ought not to be allowed to fancy you let your name be so + used.’ + </p> + <p> + A message came for Mrs. Edmonstone, and while she was attending to it, Amy + hastened away, fully believing that her mother had authorized her to go + and explain it to Guy, and ask his pardon. It was what she thought the + natural thing to do, and she was soon by his side, as she saw him pacing, + with folded arms, under the wall. + </p> + <p> + Much had lately been passing in Guy’s mind. He had gone on floating on the + sunny stream of life at Hollywell, too happy to observe its especial charm + till the change in Amy’s manner cast a sudden gloom over all. Not till + then did he understand his own feelings, and recognize in her the being he + had dreamt of. Amy was what made Hollywell precious to him. Sternly as he + was wont to treat his impulses, he did not look on his affection as an + earthborn fancy, liable to draw him from higher things, and, therefore, to + be combated; he deemed her rather a guide and guard whose love might arm + him, soothe him, and encourage him. Yet he had little hope, for he did not + do justice to his powers of inspiring affection; no one could distrust his + temper and his character as much as he did himself, and with his ancestry + and the doom he believed attached to his race, with his own youth and + untried principles, with his undesirable connections, and the reserve he + was obliged to exercise regarding them, he considered himself as + objectionable a person as could well be found, as yet untouched by any + positive crime, and he respected the Edmonstones too much to suppose that + these disadvantages could be counterbalanced for a moment by his position; + indeed, he interpreted Amy’s coolness by supposing that there was a desire + to discourage his attentions. No poor tutor or penniless cousin ever felt + he was doing a more desperate thing in confessing an attachment, than did + Sir Guy Morville when he determined that all should be told, at the risk + of losing her for ever, and closing against himself the doors of his happy + home. It was not right and fair by her parents, he thought, so to regard + their daughter, and live in the same house with his sentiments unavowed, + and as to Amy herself, if his feelings had reached such a pitch of + sensitiveness that he must needs behave like an angry lion, because her + name had been dragged into an idle joke, it was high time it should be + explained, unpropitious as the moment might be for declaring his + attachment, when he had manifested such a temper as any woman might dread. + Thus he made up his mind that, come of it what might, he would not leave + Hollywell that day till the truth was told. Just as he was turning to find + Mrs. Edmonstone and ‘put his fate to the touch,’ a little figure stood + beside him, and Amy’s own sweet, low tones were saying, imploringly,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am you were so teased last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t think of it!’ said he, taken extremely by surprise + </p> + <p> + ‘It was our fault, I could not stop it; I should have kept Charlotte in + better order, but they would not let her hear me. I knew it was what you + dislike particularly, and I was very sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You—I was—I was. But no matter now. Amy,’ he added earnestly, + ‘may I ask you to walk on with me a little way? I must say something to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + Was this what ‘mamma’ objected to? Oh no! Amy felt she must stay now, and, + in truth, she was glad it was right, though her heart beat fast, fast, + faster, as Guy, pulling down a long, trailing branch of Noisette rose, and + twisting it in his hand, paused for a few moments, then spoke collectedly, + and without hesitation, though with the tremulousness of subdued + agitation, looking the while not at her, but straight before him. + </p> + <p> + ‘You ought to be told why your words and looks have such effect on me as + to make me behave as I did last night. Shame on me for such conduct! I + know its evil, and how preposterous it must make what I have to tell you. + I don’t know now long it has been, but almost ever since I came here, a + feeling has been growing up in me towards you, such as I can never have + for any one else.’ + </p> + <p> + The flame rushed into Amy’s cheeks, and no one could have told what she + felt, as he paused again, and then went on speaking more quickly, as if + his emotion was less under control. + </p> + <p> + ‘If ever there is to be happiness for me on earth, it must be through you; + as you, for the last three years, have been all my brightness here. What I + feel for you is beyond all power of telling you, Amy! But I know full well + all there is against me—I know I am untried, and how can I dare to + ask one born to brightness and happiness to share the doom of my family?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy’s impulse was that anything shared with him would be welcome; but the + strength of the feeling stifled the power of expression, and she could not + utter a word. + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems selfish even to dream of it,’ he proceeded, ‘yet I must,—I + cannot help it. To feel that I had your love to keep me safe, to know that + you watched for me, prayed for me, were my own, my Verena,—oh Amy! + it would be more joy than I have ever dared to hope for. But mind,’ he + added, after another brief pause, ‘I would not even ask you to answer me + now, far less to bind yourself, even if—if it were possible. I know + my trial is not come; and were I to render myself, by positive act, + unworthy even to think of you, it would be too dreadful to have entangled + you, and made you unhappy. No. I speak now, because I ought not to remain + here with such feelings unknown to your father and mother.’ + </p> + <p> + At that moment, close on the other side of the box-tree clump, were heard + the wheels of Charles’s garden-chair, and Charlotte’s voice talking to + him, as he made his morning tour round the garden. Amy flew off, like a + little bird to its nest, and never stopped till, breathless and crimson, + she darted into the dressing room, threw herself on her knees, and with + her face hidden in her mother’s lap, exclaimed in panting, half-smothered, + whispers, which needed all Mrs. Edmonstone’s intuition to make them + intelligible,— + </p> + <p> + ‘O mamma, mamma, he says—he says he loves me!’ + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Mrs. Edmonstone was not so very much surprised; but she had no + time to do more than raise and kiss the burning face, and see, at a + moment’s glance, how bright was the gleam of frightened joy, in the + downcast eye and troubled smile; when two knocks, given rapidly, were + heard, and almost at the same moment the door opened, and Guy stood before + her, his face no less glowing than that which Amy buried again on her + mother’s knee. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in, Guy,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, as he stood doubtful for a moment at + the door, and there was a sweet smile of proud, joyful affection on her + face, conveying even more encouragement than her tone. Amy raised her + head, and moved as if to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t go,’ he said, earnestly, ‘unless you wish it.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy did not wish it, especially now that she had her mother to save her + confusion, and she sat on a footstool, holding her mother’s hand, looking + up to Guy, whenever she felt bold enough, and hanging down her head when + he said what showed how much more highly he prized her than silly little + Amy could deserve. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know what I am come to say,’ he began, standing by the mantel-shelf, + as was his wont in his conferences with Mrs. Edmonstone; and he repeated + the same in substance as he had said to Amy in the garden, though with + less calmness and coherence, and far more warmth of expression, as if, now + that she was protected by her mother’s presence, he exercised less force + in self-restraint. + </p> + <p> + Never was anyone happier than was Mrs. Edmonstone; loving Guy so heartily, + seeing the beauty of his character in each word, rejoicing that such + affection should be bestowed on her little Amy, exulting in her having won + such a heart, and touched and gratified by the free confidence with which + both had at once hastened to pour out all to her, not merely as a duty, + but in the full ebullition of their warm young love. The only difficulty + was to bring herself to speak with prudence becoming her position, whilst + she was sympathizing with them as ardently as if she was not older than + both of them put together. When Guy spoke of himself as unproved, and + undeserving of trust, it was all she could do to keep from declaring there + was no one whom she thought so safe. + </p> + <p> + ‘While you go on as you have begun, Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you tell me to hope! Oh, Mrs. Edmonstone, is it wrong that an earthly + incentive to persevere should have power which sometimes seems greater + than the true one?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is the best and strongest ground of all for trusting you,’ said + she. ‘If you spoke keeping right only for Amy’s sake, then I might fear; + but when she is second, there is confidence indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If speaking were all!’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is one thing I ought to say,’ she proceeded; ‘you know you are very + young, and though—though I don’t know that I can say so in my own + person, a prudent woman would say, that you have seen so little of the + world, that you may easily meet a person you would like better than such a + quiet little dull thing as your guardian’s daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + The look that he cast on Amy was worth seeing, and then, with a smile, he + answered— + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you don’t say it in your own person.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very bold and presumptuous in me to say anything at all in papa’s + absence’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling; ‘but I am sure he will think in + the same way, that things ought to remain as they are, and that it is our + duty not to allow you to be, or to feel otherwise than entirely at + liberty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say it may be right in you,’ said Guy, grudgingly. ‘However, I + must not complain. It is too much that you should not reject me + altogether.’ + </p> + <p> + To all three that space was as bright a gleam of sunshine as ever + embellished life, so short as to be free from a single care, a perfectly + serenely happy present, the more joyous from having been preceded by + vexations, each of the two young things learning that there was love where + it was most precious. Guy especially, isolated and lonely as he stood in + life, with his fear and mistrust of himself, was now not only allowed to + love, and assured beyond his hopes that Amy returned his affection, but + found himself thus welcomed by the mother, and gathered into the family + where his warm feelings had taken up their abode, while he believed + himself regarded only as a guest and a stranger. + </p> + <p> + They talked on, with happy silences between, Guy standing all the time + with his branch of roses in his hand, and Amy looking up to him, and + trying to realize it, and to understand why she was so very, very happy. + </p> + <p> + No one thought of time till Charlotte rushed in like a whirlwind, crying— + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, here you are! We could not think what had become of you. There has + Deloraine been at the door these ten minutes, and Charlie sent me to find + you, for he says if you are too late for Mrs. Henley’s dinner, she will + write such an account of you to Philip as you will never get over.’ + </p> + <p> + Very little of this was heard, there was only the instinctive + consternation of being too late. They started up, Guy threw down his + roses, caught Amy’s hand and pressed it, while she bent down her head, + hiding the renewed blush; he dashed out of the room, and up to his own, + while Mrs. Edmonstone and Charlotte hurried down. In another second, he + was back again, and once more Amy felt the pressure of his hand on hers— + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye!’ he said; and she whispered another ‘Good-bye!’ the only words + she had spoken. + </p> + <p> + One moment more he lingered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘My Verena!’ said he; but the hurrying sounds in the hall warned him—he + sprang down to the drawing-room. Even Charles was on the alert, standing, + leaning against the table, and looking eager; but Guy had not time to let + him speak, he only shook hands, and wished good-bye, with a sort of + vehement agitated cordiality, concealed by his haste. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where’s Amy?’ cried Charlotte. ‘Amy! Is not she coming to wish him + good-bye?’ + </p> + <p> + He said something, of which ‘up-stairs’ was the only audible word; held + Mrs. Edmonstone’s hand fast, while she said, in a low voice—‘You + shall hear from papa to-morrow,’ then sprung on his horse, and looked up. + Amy was at the window, he saw her head bending forward, under its veil of + curls, in the midst of the roses round the lattice; their eyes met once + more, he gave one beamy smile, then rode off at full speed, with Bustle + racing after him, while Amy threw herself on her knees by her bed, and + with hands clasped over her face, prayed that she might be thankful + enough, and never be unworthy of him. + </p> + <p> + Every one wanted to get rid of every one else except Mrs. Edmonstone; for + all but Charlotte guessed at the state of the case, and even she perceived + that something was going on. Lady Eveleen was in a state of great + curiosity; but she had mercy, she knew that they must tell each other + before it came to her turn, and very good-naturedly she invited Charlotte + to come into the garden with her, and kept her out of the way by a full + account of her last fancy ball, given with so much spirit and humour that + Charlotte could not help attending. + </p> + <p> + Charles and Laura gained little by this kind manoeuvre, for their mother + was gone up again to Amy, and they could only make a few conjectures. + Charles nursed his right hand, and asked Laura how hers felt? She looked + up from her work, to which she had begun to apply herself diligently, and + gazed at him inquiringly, as if to see whether he intended anything. + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ he added, ‘I certainly thought he meant to carry off the + hands of some of the family.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose we shall soon hear it explained,’ said Laura, quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Soon! If I had an many available legs as you, would I wait for other + people’s soon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think she had rather be left to mamma,’ said Laura, going on + with her work. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you do think there is something in it?’ said Charles, peering up in + her face; but he saw he was teasing her, recollected that she had long + seemed out of spirits, and forbore to say any more. He was, however, too + impatient to remain longer quiet, and presently Laura saw him adjusting + his crutches. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Charlie! I am sure it will only be troublesome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to my own room,’ said Charles, hopping off. ‘I presume you + don’t wish to forbid that.’ + </p> + <p> + His room had a door into the dressing-room, so that it was an excellent + place for discovering all from which they did not wish to exclude him, and + he did not believe he should be unwelcome; for though he might pretend it + was all fun and curiosity, he heartily loved his little Amy. + </p> + <p> + The tap of his crutches, and the slow motion with which he raised himself + from step to step, was heard, and Amy, who was leaning against her mother, + started up, exclaiming— + </p> + <p> + ‘O mamma, here comes Charlie! May I tell him? I am sure I can’t meet him + without.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suspect he has guessed it already,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, going to open + the door, just as he reached the head of the stairs, and then leaving + them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Amy,’ said he, looking full at her carnation cheeks, ‘are you + prepared to see me turn lead-coloured, and fall into convulsions, like the + sister with the spine complaint?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Charlie! You know it. But how?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy was helping him to the sofa, laid him down, and sat by him on the old + footstool; he put his arm round her neck, and she rested her head on his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Amy,’ I give you joy, my small woman,’ said he, talking the more + nonsense because of the fullness in his throat; ‘and I hope you give me + credit for amazing self-denial in so doing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Charlie—dear Charlie!’ and she kissed him, she could not blush + more, poor little thing, for she had already reached her utmost capability + of redness—‘it is no such thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No such thing? What has turned you into a turkey-cock all at once or what + made him nearly squeeze off my unfortunate fingers? No such thing, + indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean—I mean, it is not <i>that</i>. We are so very young, and I + am so silly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that his reason?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must make me so much better and wiser. Oh, if I could but be good + enough!’ + </p> + <p> + For that matter, I don’t think any one else would be good enough to take + care of such a silly little thing. But what is the that, that it is, or is + not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing now, only when we are older. At least, you know papa has not + heard it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Provided my father gives his consent, as the Irish young lady added to + all her responses through the marriage service. But tell me all—all + you like, I mean—for you will have lovers’ secrets now, Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone had, meantime, gone down to Laura. Poor Laura, as soon as + her brother had left the room, she allowed the fixed composure of her face + to relax into a restless, harassed, almost miserable expression, and + walked up and down with agitated steps. + </p> + <p> + ‘O wealth, wealth!’—her lips formed the words, without uttering them—‘what + cruel differences it makes! All smooth here! Young, not to be trusted, + with strange reserves, discreditable connections,—that family,—that + fearful temper, showing itself even to her! All will be overlooked! Papa + will be delighted, I know he will! And how is it with us? Proved, noble, + superior, owned as such by all, as Philip is, yet, for that want of + hateful money, he would be spurned. And, for this—for this—the + love that has grown up with our lives must be crushed down and hidden—our + life is wearing out in wearying self-watching!’ + </p> + <p> + The lock of the door turned, and Laura had resumed her ordinary expression + before it opened, and her mother came in: but there was anything but + calmness beneath, for the pang of self-reproach had come—‘Was it + thus that she prepared to hear these tidings of her sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Laura,’ began Mrs. Edmonstone, with the eager smile of one bringing + delightful news, and sure of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is so, then?’ said Laura. ‘Dear, dear, little Amy! I hope—’ and + her eyes filled with tears; but she had learnt to dread any outbreak of + feeling, conquered it in a minute, and said— + </p> + <p> + ‘What has happened? How does it stand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It stands, at least as far as I can say without papa, as the dear Guy + very rightly and wisely wished it to stand. There is no positive + engagement, they are both too young; but he thought it was not right to + remain here without letting us know his sentiments towards her.’ + </p> + <p> + A pang shot through Laura; but it was but for a moment. Guy might doubt + where Philip need never do so. Her mother went on,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Their frankness and confidence are most beautiful. We know dear little + Amy could not help it; but there was something very sweet, very noble, in + his way of telling all.’ + </p> + <p> + Another pang for Laura. But no! it was only poverty that was to blame. + Philip would speak as plainly if his prospects were as fair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I hope it will do well,’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘It must,—it will!’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone, giving way to her joyful + enthusiasm of affection. ‘It is nonsense to doubt, knowing him as we do. + There is not a man in the world with whom I could be so happy to trust + her.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura could not hear Guy set above all men in the world, and she + remembered Philip’s warning to her, two years ago. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is much that is very good and very delightful about him,’ she said, + hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are thinking of the Morville temper,’ said her mother; ‘but I am not + afraid of it. A naturally hot temper, controlled like his by strong + religious principle, is far safer than a cool easy one, without the + principle.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura thought this going too far, but she felt some compensation due to + Guy, and acknowledged how strongly he was actuated by principle. However—and + it was well for her—they could not talk long, for Eveleen and + Charlotte were approaching, and she hastily asked what was to be done + about telling Eva, who could not fail to guess something. + </p> + <p> + ‘We must tell her, and make her promise absolute secrecy,’ said Mrs. + Edmonstone. ‘I will speak to her myself; but I must wait till I have seen + papa. There is no doubt of what he will say, but we have been taking quite + liberties enough in his absence.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura did not see her sister till luncheon, when Amy came down, with a + glow on her cheeks that made her so much prettier than usual, that Charles + wished Guy could have seen her. She said little, and ran up again as soon + as she could. Laura followed her; and the two sisters threw their arms + fondly round each other, and kissed repeatedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma has told you? said Amy. ‘Oh, it has made me so very happy; and + every one is so kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear, dear Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m only afraid—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has begun so well—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, nonsense! You cannot think I could be so foolish as to be afraid for + him! Oh no! But if he should take me for more than I am worth. O Laura, + Laura! What shall I do to be as good and sensible as you! I must not be + silly little Amy any more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps he likes you best as you are?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t mean cleverness: I can’t help that,—and he knows how stupid + I am,—but I am afraid he thinks there is more worth in me. Don’t you + know, he has a sort of sunshine in his eyes and mind, that makes all he + cares about seem to him brighter and better than it really is. I am afraid + he is only dressing me up with that sunshine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be strange sunshine that you want to make you better and brighter + than you are,’ said Laura, kissing her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what it is,’ said Amy folding her hands, and standing with + her face raised, ‘it won’t do now, as you told me once, to have no bones + in my character. I must learn to be steady and strong, if I can; for if + this is to be, he will depend on me, I don’t mean, to advise him, for he + knows better than anybody, but to be—you know what—if + vexation, or trouble was to come! And Laura, think if he was to depend on + me, and I was to fail! Oh, do help me to have firmness and self-command, + like you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a long time ago that we talked of your wanting bones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, before he came; but I never forget it.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura was obliged to go out with Eveleen. All went their different ways; + and Amy had the garden to herself to cool her cheeks in. But this was a + vain operation, for a fresh access of burning was brought on while Laura + was helping her to dress for dinner, when her father’s quick step sounded + in the passage. He knocked at her door, and as she opened it, he kissed + her on each cheek; and throwing his arm round her, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Miss Amy, you have made a fine morning’s work of it! A pretty + thing, for young ladies to be accepting offers while papa is out of the + way. Eh, Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy knew this was a manifestation of extreme delight; but it was not very + pleasant to Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you have made a conquest!’ proceeded Mr. Edmonstone; ‘and I heartily + wish you joy of it, my dear. He is as amiable and good-natured a youth as + I would wish to see; and I should say the same if he had not a shilling in + the world.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura’s heart bounded; but she knew, whatever her father might fancy, the + reality would be very different if Guy were as poor as Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall write to him this very evening,’ he continued, ‘and tell him, if + he has the bad taste to like such a silly little white thing, I am not the + man to stand in his way. Eh, Amy? Shall I tell him so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell him what you please, dear papa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? What I please? Suppose I say we can’t spare our little one, and he + may go about his business?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m not afraid of you, papa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, she’s a good little thing—sha’n’t be teased. Eh, Laura? what + do you think of it, our beauty, to see your younger sister impertinent + enough to set up a lover, while your pink cheeks are left in the lurch?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura not being wont to make playful repartees, her silence passed + unnoticed. Her feelings were mixed; but perhaps the predominant one was + satisfaction that it was not for her pink cheeks that she was valued. + </p> + <p> + It had occurred to Mrs. Edmonstone that it was a curious thing, after her + attempt at scheming for Eveleen, to have to announce to her that Guy was + attached to her own daughter; nay, after the willingness Eveleen had + manifested to be gratified with any attention Guy showed her, it seemed + doubtful for a moment whether the intelligence would be pleasing to her. + However, Eveleen was just the girl to like men better than women, and + never to be so happy as when on the verge of flirting; it would probably + have been the same with any other youth that came in her, way, and Guy + might fully be acquitted of doing more than paying her the civilities + which were requisite from him to any young lady visitor. He had, two years + ago, when a mere boy, idled, laughed, and made fun with her, but his fear + of trifling away his time had made him draw back, before he had involved + himself in what might have led to anything further; and during the present + visit, no one could doubt that he was preoccupied with Amy. At any rate, + it was right that Eveleen should know the truth, in confidence, if only to + prevent her from talking of any surmises she might have. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was set at ease in a moment. Eveleen was enchanted, danced + round and round the room, declared they would be the most charming couple + in the world; she had seen it all along; she was so delighted they had + come to an understanding at last, poor things, they were so miserable all + last week; and she must take credit to herself for having done it all. Was + not her aunt very much obliged to her? + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Eva,’ exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone, into whose mind the notion never + entered that any one could boast of such a proceeding as hers last night; + but the truth was that Eveleen, feeling slightly culpable, was delighted + that all had turned out so well, and resolved to carry it off with a high + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure! Poor little Amy! when she looked ready to sink into the + earth, she little knew her obligations to me! Was not it the cleverest + thing in the world? It was just the touch they wanted—the very + thing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, I am glad I know that you are sometimes given to talking + nonsense,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you won’t believe me serious? You won’t be grateful to me for my + lucky hit’ said Eveleen, looking comically injured. ‘Oh auntie, that is + very hard, when I shall believe to my dying day that I did it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Eva, if I thought it had been done by design, I should find it very + hard to forgive you for it at all, rather hard even to accept Guy, so you + had better not try to disturb my belief that it was only that spirit of + mischief that makes you now and then a little mad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear! what a desperate scolding you must have given poor little + Charlotte!’ exclaimed Eveleen, quaintly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone could not help laughing as she confessed that she had + altogether forgotten Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you will. You’ll go on forgetting her,’ cried Eveleen. ‘She only did + what she was told, and did not know the malice of it. There, you’re + relenting! There’s a good aunt! And now, if you won’t be grateful, as any + other mamma in the world would have been, and as I calculated on, when I + pretended to have been a prudent, designing woman, instead of a wild + mischievous monkey at least you’ll forgive me enough to invite me to the + wedding. Oh! what a beauty of a wedding it will be! I’d come from Kilcoran + all the way on my bare knees to see it. And you’ll let me be bridesmaid, + and have a ball after it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no saying what I may do, if you’ll only be a good girl, and hold + your tongue. I don’t want to prevent your telling anything to your mamma, + of course, but pray don’t let it go any further. Don’t let Maurice hear + it, I have especial reasons for wishing it should not be known. You know + it is not even an engagement, and nothing must be done which can make Guy + feel in the least bound?’ + </p> + <p> + Eveleen promised, and Mrs. Edmonstone knew that she had sense and proper + feeling enough for her promise to deserve trust. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 14 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + For falsehood now doth flow, + And subject faith doth ebbe, + Which would not be, if reason ruled, + Or wisdom weav’d the webbe. + + The daughter of debate, + That eke discord doth sowe, + Shal reape no gaine where former rule + Hath taught stil peace to growe. + —QUEEN ELIZABETH +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘ATHENAEUM TERRACE, + ST MILDRED’S, + August 4th, +‘MY DEAR PHILIP,—Thank you for returning the books, which were brought +safely by Sir Guy. I am sorry you do not agree in my estimate of them. I +should have thought your strong sense would have made you perceive that +reasoning upon fact, and granting nothing without tangible proof, were +the best remedy for a dreamy romantic tendency to the weakness and +credulity which are in the present day termed poetry and faith. It is +curious to observe how these vague theories reduce themselves to the +absurd when brought into practice. There are two Miss Wellwoods here, +daughters of that unfortunate man who fell in a duel with old Sir Guy +Morville, who seem to make it their business to become the general +subject of animadversion, taking pauper children into their house, where +they educate them in a way to unfit them for their station, and teach +them to observe a sort of monastic rule, preaching the poor people in +the hospital to death, visiting the poor at all sorts of strange hours. +Dr Henley actually found one of them, at twelve o’clock at night, in a +miserable lodging-house, filled with the worst description of inmates. +Quite young women, too, and with no mother or elder person to direct +them; but it is the fashion among the attendants at the new chapel to +admire them. This subject has diverted me from what I intended to say +with respect to the young baronet. Your description agrees with all I +have hitherto seen, though I own I expected a Redclyffe Morville to +have more of the “heros de roman”, or rather of the grand tragic cast of +figure, as, if I remember right, was the case with this youth’s +father, a much finer and handsomer young man. Sir Guy is certainly +gentlemanlike, and has that sort of agreeability which depends on high +animal spirits. I should think him clever, but superficial; and with his +mania for music, he can hardly fail to be merely an accomplished man. In +spite of all you said of the Redclyffe temper, I was hardly prepared to +find it so ready to flash forth on the most inexplicable provocations. +It is like walking on a volcano. I have seen him two or three times draw +himself up, bite his lip, and answer with an effort and a sharpness that +shows how thin a crust covers the burning lava; but I acknowledge that +he has been very civil and attentive, and speaks most properly of what +he owes to you. I only hope he will not be hurt by the possession of so +large a property so early in life, and I have an idea that our good aunt +at Hollywell has done a good deal to raise his opinion of himself. We +shall, of course, show him every civility in our power, and give him the +advantage of intellectual society at our house. His letters are directed +to this place, as you know South Moor Farm is out of the cognizance +of the post. They seem to keep up a brisk correspondence with him from +Hollywell. Few guardians’ letters are, I should guess, honoured with +such deepening colour as his while reading one from my uncle. He tells +me he has been calling at Stylehurst; it is a pity, for his sake, that +Colonel Harewood is at home, for the society of those sons is by no +means advisable for him. I can hardly expect to offer him what is likely +to be as agreeable to him as the conversation and amusements of Edward +and Tom Harewood, who are sure to be at home for the St. Mildred’s +races. I hear Tom has been getting into fresh scrapes at Cambridge. + + ‘Your affectionate sister, + ‘MARGARET HENLEY.’ +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘ATHENAEUM TERRACE. + ST. MILDRED’S, + Sept. 6th. +‘MY DEAR PHILIP,—No one can have a greater dislike than myself to what +is called mischief-making; therefore I leave it entirely to you to make +what use you please of the following facts, which have fallen under my +notice. Sir Guy Morville has been several times at St. Mildred’s, in +company with Tom Harewood, and more than once alone with some strange +questionable-looking people; and not many days ago, my maid met him +coming out of a house in one of the low streets, which it is hard to +assign a motive for his visiting. This, however, might be accident, and +I should never have thought of mentioning it, but for a circumstance +that occurred this morning. I had occasion to visit Grey’s Bank, and +while waiting in conversation with Mr. Grey, a person came in whom I +knew to be a notorious gambler, and offered a cheque to be changed. As +it lay on the counter, my eye was caught by the signature. It was my +uncle’s. I looked again, and could not be mistaken. It was a draft for +£30 on Drummond, dated the 12th of August, to Sir Guy Morville, signed +C. Edmonstone, and endorsed in Sir Guy’s own writing, with the name of +John White. In order that I might be certain that I was doing the poor +young man no injustice, I outstayed the man, and asked who he was, +when Mr. Grey confirmed me in my belief that it was one Jack White, +a jockeying sort of man who attends all the races in the country, and +makes his livelihood by betting and gambling. And now, my dear brother, +make what use of this fact you think fit, though I fear there is +little hope of rescuing the poor youth from the fatal habits which are +hereditary in his family, and must be strong indeed not to have been +eradicated by such careful training as you say he has received. I leave +it entirely to you, trusting in your excellent judgment, and only hoping +you will not bring my name forward. Grieving much at having to be the +first to communicate such unpleasant tidings, which will occasion so +much vexation at Hollywell.’ + + ‘Your affectionate sister, + ‘MARGARET HENLEY.’ +</pre> + <p> + Captain Morville was alone when he received the latter of these letters. + At first, a look divided between irony and melancholy passed over his + face, as he read his sister’s preface and her hearsay evidence, but, as he + went farther, his upper lip curled, and a sudden gleam, as of exultation + in a verified prophecy, lighted his eye, shading off quickly, however, and + giving place to an iron expression of rigidity and sternness, the + compressed mouth, coldly-fixed eye, and sedate brow, composed into a grave + severity that might have served for an impersonation of stern justice. He + looked through the letter a second time, folded it up, put it in his + pocket, and went about his usual affairs; but the expression did not leave + his face all day; and the next morning he took a day-ticket by the railway + to Broadstone, where, as it was the day of the petty sessions, he had + little doubt of meeting Mr. Edmonstone. Accordingly, he had not walked far + down the High Street, before he saw his uncle standing on the step of the + post-office, opening a letter he had just received. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! Philip, what brings you here? The very man I wanted. Coming to + Hollywell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, thank you, I go back this evening,’ said Philip, and, as he spoke, he + saw that the letter which Mr. Edmonstone held, and twisted with a hasty, + nervous movement, was in Guy’s writing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I am glad you are here, at any rate. Here is the most extraordinary + thing! What possesses the boy I cannot guess. Here’s Guy writing to me for—What + do you think? To send him a thousand pounds!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Philip in an expressive tone; yet, as if he was not very much + amazed; ‘no explanation, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, none at all. Here, see what he says yourself. No! Yes, you may,’ + added Mr. Edmonstone, with a rapid glance at the end of the letter,—a + movement, first to retain it, and then following his first impulse, with + an unintelligible murmuring. + </p> + <p> + Philip read,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘SOUTH MOOR, SEPT. 7th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR MR. EDMONSTONE,—You will be surprised at the request I have + to make you, after my resolution not to exceed my allowance. However, this + is not for my own expenses, and it will not occur again. I should be much + obliged to you to let me have £1OOO, in what manner you please, only I + should be glad if it were soon. I am sorry I am not at liberty to tell you + what I want it for, but I trust to your kindness. Tell Charlie I will + write to him in a day or two, but, between our work, and walking to St. + Mildred’s for the letters, which we cannot help doing every day, the time + for writing is short. Another month, however, and what a holiday it will + be! Tell Amy she ought to be here to see the purple of the hills in the + early morning; it almost makes up for having no sea. The races have been + making St. Mildred’s very gay; indeed, we laugh at Wellwood for having + brought us here, by way of a quiet place. I never was in the way of so + much dissipation in my life. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Yours very affectionately, + ‘GUY MORVILLE.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Well, what do you think of it? What would you do in my place—eh, + Philip! What can he want of it, eh?’ said Mr. Edmonstone, tormenting his + riding-whip, and looking up to study his nephew’s face, which, with stern + gravity in every feature, was bent over the letter, as if to weigh every + line. ‘Eh, Philip?’ repeated Mr. Edmonstone, several times, without + obtaining an answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is no place for discussion,’ at last said Philip, deliberately + returning the letter. ‘Come into the reading-room. We shall find no one + there at this hour. Here we are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well—well—well,’ began Mr. Edmonstone, fretted by his + coolness to the extreme of impatience, ‘what do you think of it? He can’t + be after any mischief; ‘tis not in the boy; when—when he is all but—Pooh! + what am I saying? Well, what do you think?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid it confirms but too strongly a report which I received + yesterday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From your sister? Does she know anything about it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, from my sister. But I was very unwilling to mention it, because she + particularly requests that her name may not be used. I came here to see + whether you had heard of Guy lately, so as to judge whether it was needful + to speak of it. This convinces me; but I must beg, in the first instance, + that you will not mention her, not even to my aunt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, yes; very well. I promise. Only let me hear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Young Harewood has, I fear, led him into bad company. There can now be no + doubt that he has been gambling.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was not prepared for the effect of these words. His uncle started + up, exclaiming—‘Gambling! Impossible! Some confounded slander! I + don’t believe one word of it! I won’t hear such things said of him,’ he + repeated, stammering with passion, and walking violently about the room. + This did not last long; there was something in the unmoved way in which + Philip waited till he had patience to listen, which gradually mastered + him; his angry manner subsided, and, sitting down, he continued the + argument, in a would-be-composed voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is utterly impossible! Remember, he thinks himself bound not so much + as to touch a billiard cue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could have thought it impossible, but for what I have seen of the way + in which promises are eluded by persons too strictly bound,’ said Philip. + ‘The moral force of principle is the only efficient pledge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Principle! I should like to see who has better principles than Guy!’ + cried Mr. Edmonstone. ‘You have said so yourself, fifty times, and your + aunt has said so, and Charles. I could as soon suspect myself.’ He was + growing vehement, but again Philip’s imperturbability repressed his + violence, and he asked, ‘Well, what evidence have you? Mind, I am not + going to believe it without the strongest. I don’t know that I would + believe my own eyes against him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very sad to find such confidence misplaced,’ said Philip. ‘Most + sincerely do I wish this could be proved to be a mistake; but this + extraordinary request corroborates my sister’s letter too fully.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me hear,’ said Mr. Edmonstone feebly. Philip produced his letter, + without reading the whole of it; for he could not bear the appearance of + gossip and prying, and would not expose his sister; so he pieced it out + with his own words, and made it sound far less discreditable to her. It + was quite enough for Mr. Edmonstone; the accuracy of the details seemed to + strike him dumb; and there was a long silence, which he broke by saying, + with a deep sigh,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Who could have thought it? Poor little Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy?’ exclaimed Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, ay. I did not mean to have said anything of it, I am sure; but they + did it among them,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, growing ashamed, under Philip’s + eye, as of a dreadful piece of imprudence. ‘I was out of the way at the + time, but I could not refuse my consent, you know, as things stood then.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean to say that Amy is engaged to him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, no—not exactly engaged, only on trial, you understand, to see + if he will be steady. I was at Broadstone; ‘twas mamma settled it all. + Poor little thing, she is very much in love with him, I do believe, but + there’s an end of everything now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very fortunate this has been discovered in time,’ said Philip. + ‘Instead of pitying her, I should rejoice in her escape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ruefully. ‘Who could have thought it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid the mischief is of long standing,’ proceeded Philip, + resolved, since he saw his uncle so grieved, to press him strongly, + thinking that to save Amy from such a marriage was an additional motive. + ‘He could hardly have arrived at losing as much as a thousand pounds, all + at once, in this month at St. Mildred’s. Depend upon it, that painful as + it may be at present, there is great reason, on her account, to rejoice in + the discovery. You say he has never before applied, to you for money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a farthing beyond his allowance, except this unlucky thirty pounds, + for his additional expense of the tutor and the lodging.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember, however, that he has always seemed short of money, never + appeared able to afford himself any little extra expense. You have noticed + it, I know. You remember, too, how unsatisfactory his reserve about his + proceedings in London has been, and how he has persisted in delaying + there, in spite of all warnings. The work, no doubt, began there, under + the guidance of his uncle; and now the St. Mildred’s races and Tom + Harewood have continued it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish he had never set foot in the place!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay; for Amy’s sake, the exposure is an advantage, if not for his own. + The course must have been long since begun; but he contrived to avoid what + could lead to inquiry, till he has at length involved himself in some + desperate scrape. You see, he especially desires to have the money <i>soon</i>, + and he never even attempts to say you would approve of the object. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; he has the grace not to say that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Altogether, it is worse than I could have thought possible,’ said Philip. + I could have believed him unstable and thoughtless; but the concealment, + and the attempting to gain poor Amy’s affections in the midst of such a + course—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay!’ cried Mr. Edmonstone, now fully provoked; ‘there is the + monstrous part. He thought I was going to give up my poor little girl to a + gambler, did he? but he shall soon see what I think of him,—riches, + Redclyffe, title, and all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew that would be your feeling.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Feel! Yes; and he shall feel it, too. So, Sir Guy, you thought you had an + old fool of a guardian, did you, whom you could blind as you pleased? but + you shall soon see the difference!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better begin cautiously,’ suggested Philip. ‘Remember his unfortunate + temper, and write coolly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Coolly? You may talk of coolness; but ‘tis enough to make one’s blood + boil to be served in such a way. With the face to be sending her messages + in the very same letter! That is a pass beyond me, to stand coolly to see + my daughter so treated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would only give him the opportunity of saying what he can for himself. + He may have some explanation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll admit of no explanation! Passing himself off for steadiness itself; + daring to think of my daughter, and all the time going on in this fashion! + I hate underhand ways! I’ll have no explanation. He may give up all + thoughts of her. I’ll write and tell him so before I’m a day older; nay, + before I stir from this room. My little Amy, indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + Philip put no obstacles in the way of this proposal, for he knew that his + uncle’s displeasure, though hot at first, was apt to evaporate in + exclamations; and he thought it likely that his good nature, his + partiality for his ward, his dislike to causing pain to his daughter, and, + above all, his wife’s blind confidence in Guy, would, when once at home, + so overpower his present indignation as to prevent the salutary strictness + which was the only hope of reclaiming Guy. Beside, a letter written under + Philip’s inspection was likely to be more guarded, as well as more + forcible, than an unassisted composition of his own, as was, indeed, + pretty well proved by the commencement of his first attempt. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Guy,—I am more surprised than I could have expected at your + application.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip read this aloud, so as to mark its absurdity, and he began again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am greatly astonished, as well as concerned, at your application, which + confirms the unpleasant reports—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why say anything of reports?’ said Philip. ‘Reports are nothing. A man is + not forced to defend himself from reports.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,—hum—ha,—the accounts I have received. No. You say + there is not to be a word of Mrs. Henley.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a word that can lead her to be suspected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Confirms—confirms—’ sighed Mr. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t write as if you went on hearsay evidence. Speak of proofs—irrefragable + proofs—and then you convict him at once, without power of eluding + you.’ + </p> + <p> + So Mr. Edmonstone proceeded to write, that the application confirmed the + irrefragable proofs, then laughed at himself, and helplessly begged Philip + to give him a start. It now stood thus:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Your letter of this morning has caused me more concern than surprise, as + it unhappily only adds confirmation to the intelligence already in my + possession; that either from want of resolution to withstand the + seductions of designing persons, or by the impetuosity and instability of + your own character, you have been led into the ruinous and degrading + practice of gambling; and that from hence proceed the difficulties that + occasion your application to me for money. I am deeply grieved at thus + finding that neither the principles which have hitherto seemed to guide + you, nor the pledges which you used to hold sacred, nor, I may add, the + feelings you have so recently expressed towards a member of my family, + have been sufficient to preserve you from yielding to a temptation which + could never be presented to the mind of any one whose time was properly + occupied in the business of his education.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that all I am to say about her,’ exclaimed Mr. Edmonstone, ‘after the + atrocious way the fellow has treated her in?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Since it is, happily, no engagement, I cannot see how you can, with + propriety, assume that it is one, by speaking of breaking it off. Besides, + give him no ground for complaint, or he will take refuge in believing + himself ill-used. Ask him if he can disprove it, and when he cannot, it + will be time enough to act further. But wait—wait, sir,’ as the pen + was moving over the paper, impatient to dash forward. ‘You have not told + him yet of what you accuse him.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip meditated a few moments, then produced another sentence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no means of judging how long you have been following this unhappy + course; I had rather believe it is of recent adoption, but I do not know + how to reconcile this idea with the magnitude of your demand, unless your + downward progress has been more rapid than usual in such beginnings. It + would, I fear, be quite vain for me to urge upon you all the arguments and + reasons that ought to have been present to your mind, and prevented you + from taking the first fatal step. I can only entreat you to pause, and + consider the ruin and degradation to which this hateful vice almost + invariably conducts its victims, and consistently with my duty as your + guardian, everything in my power shall be done to extricate you from the + embarrassments in which you have involved yourself. But, in the first + place, I make it a point that you treat me with perfect confidence, and + make a full, unequivocal statement of your proceedings; above all, that + you explain the circumstances, occasioning your request for this large + sum. Remember, I say, complete candour on your part will afford the only + means of rescuing you from difficulties, or of in any degree restoring you + to my good opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + So far the letter had proceeded slowly, for Philip was careful and + deliberate in composition, and while he was weighing his words, Mr. + Edmonstone rushed on with something unfit to stand, so as to have to begin + over again. At last, the town clock struck five; Philip started, declaring + that if he was not at the station in five minutes, he should lose the + train; engaged to come to Hollywell on the day an answer might be + expected, and hastened away, satisfied by having seen two sheets nearly + filled, and having said there was nothing more but to sign, seal, and send + it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone had, however, a page of note-paper more, and it was with a + sensation of relief that he wrote,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that you could clear yourself. If a + dozen men had sworn it till they were black in the face, I would not have + believed it of you that you could serve us in such a manner, after the way + you have been treated at home, and to dare to think of my daughter with + such things on your mind. I could never have believed it, but for the + proofs Philip has brought; and I am sure he is as sorry as myself. Only + tell the whole truth, and I will do my best to get you out of the scrape. + Though all else must be at an end between us, I am your guardian still, + and I will not be harsh with you.’ + </p> + <p> + He posted his letter, climbed up his tall horse, and rode home, rather + heavy-hearted; but his wrath burning out as he left Broadstone behind him. + He saw his little Amy gay and lively, and could not bear to sadden her; so + he persuaded himself that there was no need to mention the suspicions till + he had heard what Guy had to say for himself. Accordingly, he told no one + but his wife; and she, who thought Guy as unlikely to gamble as Amy + herself, had not the least doubt that he would be able to clear himself, + and agreed that it was much better to keep silence for the present. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 15 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Tis not unknown to you, Antonio, + How much I have disabled mine estate, + By something showing a more swelling port + Than my faint means would grant continuance. + —Merchant of Venice +</pre> + <p> + St. Mildred’s was a fashionable summer resort, which the virtues of a + mineral spring, and the reputation of Dr. Henley, had contributed to raise + to a high degree of prosperity. It stood at the foot of a magnificent + range of beautifully formed hills, where the crescents and villas, white + and smart, showed their own insignificance beneath the purple peaks that + rose high above them. + </p> + <p> + About ten miles distant, across the hills, was Stylehurst, the parish of + the late Archdeacon Morville, and the native place of Philip and his + sister Margaret. It was an extensive parish, including a wide tract of the + hilly country; and in a farm-house in the midst of the moorland, midway + between St. Mildred’s and the village of Stylehurst, had Mr. Wellwood + fixed himself with his three pupils. + </p> + <p> + Guy’s first visit was of course to Mrs. Henley, and she was, on her side, + prepared by her brother to patronize him as Philip would have done in her + place. Her patronage was valuable in her own circle; her connections were + good; the Archdeacon’s name was greatly respected; she had a handsome and + well-regulated establishment, and this, together with talents which, + having no family, she had cultivated more than most women have time to do, + made her a person of considerable distinction at St. Mildred’s. She was, + in fact, the leading lady of the place—the manager of the book-club, + in the chair at all the charitable committees, and the principal person in + society, giving literary parties, with a degree of exclusiveness that made + admission to them a privilege. + </p> + <p> + She was a very fine woman, handsomer at two-and-thirty than in her early + bloom; her height little less than that of her tall brother, and her + manner and air had something very distinguished. The first time Guy saw + her, he was strongly reminded both of Philip and of Mrs. Edmonstone, but + not pleasingly. She seemed to be her aunt, without the softness and + motherly affection, coupled with the touch of naivete that gave Mrs. + Edmonstone her freshness, and loveableness; and her likeness to her + brother included that decided, self-reliant air, which became him well + enough, but which did not sit as appropriately on a woman. + </p> + <p> + Guy soon discovered another resemblance—for the old, unaccountable + impatience of Philip’s conversation, and relief in escaping from it, + haunted him before he had been a quarter of an hour in Mrs. Henley’s + drawing-room. She asked after the Hollywell party; she had not seen her + cousins since her marriage, and happily for his feelings, passed over + Laura and Amy as if they were nonentities; but they were all too near his + heart for him to be able with patience to hear ‘poor Charles’s’ temper + regretted, and still less the half-sarcastic, half-compassionate tone in + which she implied that her aunt spoilt him dreadfully, and showed how + cheap she hold both Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + Two years ago, Guy could not have kept down his irritation; but now he was + master of himself sufficiently to give a calm, courteous reply, so + conveying his own respect for them, that Mrs. Henley was almost + disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + Stylehurst had great interest for Guy, both for the sake of Archdeacon + Morville’s kindness, and as the home which Philip regarded with affection, + that seemed the one softening touch in his character. So Guy visited the + handsome church, studied the grave-yard, and gathered the traditions of + the place from the old sexton’s wife, who rejoiced in finding an auditor + for her long stories of the good Archdeacon, Miss Fanny, and Mr. Philip. + She shook her head, saying times were changed, and ‘Miss Morville that + was, never came neist the place.’ + </p> + <p> + The squire, Colonel Harewood, was an old friend of his grandfather’s, and + therefore was to be called on. He had never been wise, and had been + dissipated chiefly from vacancy of mind; he was now growing old, and led a + quieter life, and though Guy did not find him a very entertaining + companion, he accepted, his civilities, readily, for his grandfather’s + sake. When his sons came home, Guy recognized in them the description of + men he was wont to shun at Oxford, as much from distaste as from + principle; but though he did not absolutely avoid them, he saw little of + them, being very busy, and having pleasant companions in his fellow + pupils. It was a very merry party at South Moor, and Guy’s high spirits + made him the life of everything. + </p> + <p> + The first time Mr. Wellwood went to call on his cousins at St. Mildred’s, + the daughters of that officer who had fallen by the hand of old Sir Guy, + he began repeating, for the twentieth time, what an excellent fellow + Morville was; then said he should not have troubled them with any of his + pupils, but Morville would esteem their receiving him as an act of + forgiveness, and besides, he wished them to know one whom he valued so + highly. Guy thus found himself admitted into an entirely new region. There + were two sisters, together in everything. Jane, the younger, was a + kind-hearted, commonplace person, who would never have looked beyond the + ordinary range of duties and charities; but Elizabeth was one of those who + rise up, from time to time, as burning and shining lights. It was not + spending a quiet, easy life, making her charities secondary to her + comforts, but devoting time, strength, and goods; not merely giving away + what she could spare, but actually sharing all with the poor, reserving + nothing for the future. She not only taught the young, and visited the + distressed, but she gathered orphans into her house, and nursed the sick + day and night. Neither the means nor the strength of the two sisters could + ever have been supposed equal to what they were known to have achieved. It + seemed as if the power grew with the occasion, and as if they had some + help which could not fail them. Guy venerated them more and more, and many + a long letter about them was written to Mrs. Edmonstone for Amy to read. + There is certainly a ‘tyrannous hate’ in the world for unusual goodness, + which is a rebuke to it, and there was a strong party against the sisters. + At the head of it was Mrs. Henley, who had originally been displeased at + their preferring the direction of the clergyman to that of the ladies’ + committee, though the secret cause of her dislike was, perhaps, that + Elizabeth Wellwood was just what Margaret Morville might have been. So she + blamed them, not, indeed for their charity, but for slight peculiarities + which might well have been lost in the brightness of the works of mercy. + She spoke as with her father’s authority, though, if she had been + differently disposed, she might have remembered that his system and + principles were the same as theirs, and that, had he been alive, he would + probably have fully approved of their proceedings. Archdeacon Morville’s + name was of great weight, and justified many persons, in their own + opinion, in the opposition made to Miss Wellwood, impeding her usefulness, + and subjecting her to endless petty calumnies. + </p> + <p> + These made Guy very angry. He knew enough of the Archdeacon through Mrs. + Edmonstone, and the opinions held by Philip, to think his daughter was + ascribing to him what he had never held but, be that as it might, Guy + could not bear to hear good evil spoken of, and his indignation was + stirred as he heard these spiteful reports uttered by people who sat at + home at ease, against one whose daily life was only too exalted for their + imitation. His brow contracted, his eye kindled, his lip was bitten, and + now and then, when he trusted himself to reply, it was with a keen, sharp + power of rebuke that made people look round, astonished to hear such + forcible words from one so young. Mrs. Henley was afraid of him, without + knowing it; she thought she was sparing the Morville temper when she + avoided the subject, but as she stood in awe of no one else, except her + brother, she disliked him accordingly. + </p> + <p> + One evening Guy had been dining at Dr. Henley’s, and was setting out, + enjoying his escape from Mrs. Henley and her friends, and rejoicing in the + prospect of a five miles’ walk over the hills by moonlight. He had only + gone the length of two streets, when he saw a dark figure at a little + distance from him, and a voice which he had little expected to hear, + called out,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy himself! No one else could whistle that Swedish air so + correctly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My uncle!’ exclaimed Guy. ‘I did not know that you were here!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dixon laughed, said something about a fortunate rencontre, and began + an account about a concert somewhere or other, mixed up with something + about his wife and child, all so rambling and confused, that Guy, + beginning to suspect he had been drinking, was only anxious to get rid of + him, asked where he lodged, and talked of coming to see him in the + morning. He soon found, however, that this had not been the case, at least + not to any great extent. Dixon was only nervous and excited, either about + something he had done, or some request he had to make, and he went on + walking by his nephew’s side, talking in a strange, desultory way of open, + generous-hearted fellows overlooking a little indiscretion, and of Guy’s + riches, which he seemed to think inexhaustible. + </p> + <p> + ‘If there is anything that you want me to do for you, tell me plainly what + it is,’ said Guy, at last. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dixon began to overwhelm him with thanks, but he cut them short. ‘I + promise nothing. Let me hear what you want, and I can judge whether I can + do it.’ + </p> + <p> + Sebastian broke out into exclamations at the words ‘if I can,’ as if he + thought everything in the power of the heir of Redclyffe. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I not told you,’ said Guy, ‘that for the present I have very little + command of money? Hush! no more of that,’ he added, sternly, cutting off + an imprecation which his uncle was commencing on those who kept him so + short. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you are content to bear it? Did you never hear of ways and means? If + you were to say but one word of borrowing, they would go down on their + knees to you, and offer you every farthing you have to keep you in their + own hands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am quite satisfied,’ said Guy, coldly. + </p> + <p> + ‘The greater fool are you!’ was on Dixon’s lips, but he did not utter it, + because he wanted to propitiate him; and after some more circumlocution, + Guy succeeded in discovering that he had been gambling, and had lost an + amount which, unless he could obtain immediate assistance, would become + known, and lead to the loss of his character and situation. Guy stood and + considered. He had an impulse, but he did not think it a safe one, and + resolved to give himself time. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not say that I cannot help you,’ he answered, ‘but I must have time + to consider.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Time! would you see me ruined while you are considering?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose this must be paid immediately. Where do you lodge?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dixon told him the street and number. + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall hear from me to-morrow morning. I cannot trust my present + thoughts. Good night!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dixon would fain have guessed whether the present thoughts were + favourable, but all his hope in his extremity was in his nephew; it might + be fatal to push him too far, and, with a certain trust in his + good-nature, Sebastian allowed him to walk away without further + remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + Guy knew his own impetuous nature too well to venture to act on impulse in + a doubtful case. He had now first to consider what he was able to do, and + secondly what he would do; and this was not as clear to his mind as in the + earlier days of his acquaintance with his uncle. + </p> + <p> + Their intercourse had never been on a comfortable footing. It would + perhaps have been better if Philip’s advice had been followed, and no + connection kept up. Guy had once begged for some definite rule, since + there was always vexation when he was known to have been with his uncle, + and yet Mr. Edmonstone would never absolutely say he ought not to see him. + As long as his guardian permitted it, or rather winked at it, Guy did not + think it necessary to attend to Philip’s marked disapproval. Part of it + was well founded, but part was dislike to all that might be considered as + vulgar, and part was absolute injustice to Sebastian Dixon, there was + everything that could offend in his line of argument, and in the very + circumstance of his interfering; and Guy had a continual struggle, in + which he was not always successful, to avoid showing the affront he had + taken, and to reason down his subsequent indignation. The ever-recurring + irritation which Philip’s conversation was apt to cause him, made him + avoid it as far as he could, and retreat in haste from the subjects on + which they were most apt to disagree, and so his manner had assumed an air + of reserve, and almost of distrust, with his cousin, that was very unlike + its usual winning openness. + </p> + <p> + This had been one unfortunate effect of his intercourse with his uncle, + and another was a certain vague, dissatisfied feeling which his silence, + and Philip’s insinuations respecting the days he spent in London, left on + Mr. Edmonstone’s mind, and which gained strength from their recurrence. + The days were, indeed, not many; it was only that in coming from and going + to Oxford, he slept a night at an hotel in London (for his uncle never + would take him to his lodgings, never even would tell him where they were, + but always gave his address at the place of his engagement), was conducted + by him to some concert in the evening, and had him to breakfast in the + morning. He could not think there was any harm in this; he explained all + he had done to Mr. Edmonstone the first time, but nothing was gained by + it: his visits to London continued to be treated as something to be + excused or overlooked—as something not quite correct. + </p> + <p> + He would almost have been ready to discontinue them, but that he saw that + his uncle regarded him with affection, and he could not bear the thought + of giving up a poor relation for the sake of the opinion of his rich + friends. These meetings were the one pure pleasure to which Sebastian + looked, recalling to him the happier days of his youth, and of his + friendship with Guy’s father; and when Guy perceived how he valued them, + it would have seemed a piece of cruel neglect to gratify himself by giving + the time to Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + Early in the course of their acquaintance, the importunity of a creditor + revealed that, in spite of his handsome salary, Sebastian Dixon was often + in considerable distress for money. In process of time, Guy discovered + that at the time his uncle had been supporting his sister and her husband + in all the luxury he thought befitted their rank, he had contracted + considerable debts, and he had only been able to return to England on + condition of paying so much a-year to his creditors. This left him very + little on which to maintain his family, but still his pride made him bent + on concealing his difficulties, and it was not without a struggle that he + would at first consent to receive assistance from his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Guy resolved that these debts, which he considered as in fact his father’s + own, should be paid as soon as he had the command of his property; but, in + the meantime, he thought himself bound to send his uncle all the help in + his power, and when once the effort of accepting it at all was over, + Dixon’s expectations extended far beyond his power. His allowance was not + large, and the constant requests for a few pounds to meet some pressing + occasion were more than he could well meet. They kept him actually a great + deal poorer than men without a tenth part of his fortune, and at the end + of the term he would look back with surprise at having been able to pay + his way; but still he contrived neither to exceed his allowance, nor to + get into debt. This was, indeed, only done by a rigid self-denial of + little luxuries such as most young men look on nearly as necessaries; but + he had never been brought up to think self-indulgence a consequence of + riches, he did not care what was said of him, he had no expensive tastes, + for he did not seek after society, so that he was not ill-prepared for + such a course, and only thought of it as an assistance in abstaining from + the time-wasting that might have tempted him if he had had plenty of money + to spend. + </p> + <p> + The only thing that concerned him was a growing doubt lest he might be + feeding extravagance instead of doing good; and the more he disliked + himself for the suspicion, the more it would return. There was no doubt + much distress, the children were sickly; several of them died; the + doctor’s bills, and other expenses, pressed heavily, and Guy blamed + himself for having doubted. Yet, again, he could not conceal from himself + traces that his uncle was careless and imprudent. He had once, indeed, in + a violent fit of self-reproach, confessed as much, allowed that what ought + to have been spent in the maintenance of his family, had gone in gambling, + but immediately after, he had been seized with a fit of terror, and + implored Guy to guard the secret, since, if once it came to the knowledge + of his creditors, it would be all over with him. Concealment of his + present difficulties was therefore no less necessary than assistance in + paying the sum he owed. Indeed, as far as Guy was able to understand his + confused statement, what he wanted was at once to pay a part of his debt, + before he could go on to a place where he was engaged to perform, and + where he would earn enough to make up the rest. + </p> + <p> + Guy had intended to have sent for Deloraine, but had since given up the + idea, in order to be able to help forward some plans of Miss Wellwood’s, + and resigning this project would enable him to place thirty pounds at his + uncle’s disposal, leaving him just enough to pay his expenses at South + Moor, and carry him back to Hollywell. It was sorely against his + inclination that, instead of helping a charity, his savings should go to + pay gaming debts, and his five-miles walk was spent in self-debate on the + right and wrong of the matter, and questions what should be done for the + future—for he was beginning to awaken to the sense of his + responsibility, and feared lest he might be encouraging vice. + </p> + <p> + Very early next morning Guy put his head into his tutor’s room, announced + that he must walk into St. Mildred’s on business, but should be back by + eleven at the latest, ran down-stairs, called Bustle, and made interest + with the farmer’s wife for a hunch of dry bread and a cup of new milk. + </p> + <p> + Then rejoicing that he had made up his mind, though not light-hearted + enough to whistle, he walked across the moorland, through the white + morning mist, curling on the sides of the hills in fantastic forms, and + now and then catching his lengthened shadow, so as to make him smile by + reminding him of the spectre of the Brocken. + </p> + <p> + Not without difficulty, he found a back street, and a little shop, where a + slovenly maid was sweeping the steps, and the shutters were not yet taken + down. He asked if Mr. Dixon lodged there. ‘Yes,’ the woman said, staring + in amazement that such a gentleman could be there at that time in the + morning, asking for Mr. Dixon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir but he is not up yet. He was very late last night. Did you want + to speak to him? I’ll tell Mrs. Dixon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Mrs. Dixon here? Then tell her Sir Guy Morville would be glad to speak + to her.’ + </p> + <p> + The maid curtseyed, hurried off, and returned with a message from Mrs. + Dixon to desire he would walk in. She conducted him through a dark + passage, and up a still darker stair, into a dingy little parlour, with a + carpet of red and green stripes, a horsehair sofa, a grate covered with + cut paper, and a general perfume of brandy and cigars. There were some + preparations for breakfast, but no one was in the room but a little girl, + about seven years old, dressed in shabby-genteel mourning. + </p> + <p> + She was pale and sickly-looking, but her eyes were of a lovely deep blue, + with a very sweet expression, and a profusion of thick flaxen curls hung + round her neck and shoulders. She said in a soft, little, shy voice,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma says she will be here directly, if you will excuse her a moment.’ + </p> + <p> + Having made this formal speech, the little thing was creeping off on + tip-toe, so as to escape before the maid shut the door, but Guy held out + his hand, sat down so as to be on a level with her, and said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t go, my little maid. Won’t you come and speak to your cousin Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + Children never failed to be attracted, whether by the winning beauty of + his smile, or the sweetness of the voice in which he spoke to anything + small or weak, and the little girl willingly came up to him, and put her + hand into his. He stroked her thick, silky curls, and asked her name. + </p> + <p> + ‘Marianne,’ she answered. + </p> + <p> + It was his mother’s name, and this little creature had more resemblance to + his tenderly-cherished vision of his young mother than any description + Dixon could have given. He drew her closer to him, took the other small, + cold hand, and asked her how she liked St. Mildred’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! much better than London. There are flowers!’ and she proudly + exhibited a cup holding some ragged robins, dead nettles, and other common + flowers which a country child would have held cheap. He admired and gained + more of her confidence, so that she had begun to chatter away quite freely + about ‘the high, high hills that reached up to the sky, and the pretty + stones,’ till the door opened, and Mrs. Dixon and Bustle made their + entrance. + </p> + <p> + Marianne was so much afraid of the dog, Guy so eager to console, and her + mother to scold her, and protest that it should not be turned out, that + there was nothing but confusion, until Guy had shown her that Bustle was + no dangerous wild beast, induced her to accept his offered paw, and lay a + timid finger on his smooth, black head, after which the transition was + short to dog and child sitting lovingly together on the floor, Marianne + stroking his ears, and admiring him with a sort of silent ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dixon was a great, coarse, vulgar woman, and Guy perceived why his + uncle had been so averse to taking him to his home, and how he must have + felt the contrast between such a wife and his beautiful sister. She had a + sort of broad sense, and absence of pretension, but her manner of talking + was by no means pleasant, as she querulously accused her husband of being + the cause of all their misfortunes, not even restrained by the presence of + her child from entering into a full account of his offences. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dixon said she should not say a word, she should not care if it was + not for the child, but she could not see her wronged by her own father, + and not complain; poor little dear! she was the last, and she supposed she + should not keep her long. + </p> + <p> + It then appeared that on her husband’s obtaining an engagement for a + series of concerts at the chief county town, Mrs. Dixon had insisted on + coming with him to St. Mildred’s in the hope that country air might + benefit Marianne, who, in a confined lodging in London, was pining and + dwindling as her brothers and sisters had done before her. Sebastian, who + liked to escape from his wife’s grumbling and rigid supervision, and + looked forward to amusement in his own way at the races, had grudgingly + allowed her to come, and, as she described it, had been reluctant to go to + even so slight an expense in the hope of saving his child’s life. She had + watched him as closely as she could; but he had made his escape, and the + consequences Guy already knew. + </p> + <p> + If anything could have made it worse, it was finding that after parting + last night, he had returned, tried to retrieve his luck, had involved + himself further, had been drinking more; and at the very hour when his + nephew was getting up to see what could be done for him, had come home in + a state, which made it by no means likely that he would be presentable, if + his wife called him, as she offered to do. + </p> + <p> + Guy much preferred arranging with her what was to be done on the present + emergency. She was disappointed at finding thirty pounds was all the help + he could give; but she was an energetic woman, full of resources, and saw + her way, with this assistance, through the present difficulty. The great + point was to keep the gambling propensities out of sight of the creditors; + and as long as this was done, she had hope. Dixon would go the next + morning to the town where the musical meeting was to be held, and there he + would be with his employers, where he had a character to preserve, so that + she was in no fear of another outbreak. + </p> + <p> + It ended, therefore, in his leaving with her Mr. Edmonstone’s draft, + securing its destination by endorsing it to the person who was to receive + it; and wishing her good morning, after a few more kind words to little + Marianne, who had sat playing with Bustle all the time, sidling + continually nearer and nearer to her new cousin, her eyes bent down, and + no expression on her face which could enable him to guess how far she + listened to or comprehended the conversation so unfit for her ear. When he + rose to go, and stooped to kiss her, she looked wistfully in his face, and + held up a small sparkling bit of spar, the most precious of all her + hoards, gleaned from the roadsides of St. Mildred’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, child, do you want to give it to Sir Guy?’ said her mother. ‘He + does not want such trumpery, my dear, though you make such a work with + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you mean to give it to me, my dear?’ said Guy, as the child hung her + head, and, crimsoned with blushes, could scarcely whisper her timid ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + He praised it, and let her put it in his waistcoat pocket, and promised he + would always keep it; and kissed her again, and left her a happy child, + confident in his promise of always keeping it, though her mother augured + that he would throw it over the next hedge. + </p> + <p> + He was at South Moor by eleven o’clock, in time for his morning’s + business, and made up for the troubles of the last few hours by a long + talk with Mr. Wellwood in the afternoon, while the other two pupils were + gone to the races, for which he was not inclined, after his two ten-mile + walks. + </p> + <p> + The conversation was chiefly on Church prospects in general, and in + particular on Miss Wellwood and her plans; how they had by degrees + enlarged and developed as the sin, and misery, and ignorance around had + forced themselves more plainly on her notice, and her means had increased + and grown under her hand in the very distribution. Other schemes were + dawning on her mind, of which the foremost was the foundation of a sort of + school and hospital united, under the charge of herself, her sister, and + several other ladies, who were desirous of joining her, as a sisterhood. + But at present it was hoping against hope, for there were no funds with + which to make a commencement. All this was told at unawares, drawn forth + by different questions and remarks, till Guy inquired how much it would + take to give them a start?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is impossible to say. Anything, I suppose, between one thousand and + twenty. But, by the bye, this design of Elizabeth’s is an absolute secret. + If you had not almost guessed it, I should never have said one word to you + about it. You are a particularly dangerous man, with your connection with + Mrs. Henley. You must take special good care nothing of it reaches her.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy’s first impression was, that he was the last person to mention it to + Mrs. Henley; but when he remembered how often her brother was at + Hollywell, he perceived that there might be a train for carrying the + report back again to her, and recognized the absolute necessity of + silence. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing at the time, but a bright scheme came into his head, + resulting in the request for a thousand pounds, which caused so much + astonishment. He thought himself rather shabby to have named no more, and + was afraid it was an offering that cost him nothing; but he much enjoyed + devising beforehand the letter with which he would place the money at the + disposal of Miss Wellwood’s hospital. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 16 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yet burns the sun on high beyond the cloud; + Each in his southern cave, + The warm winds linger, but to be allowed + One breathing o’er the wave, + One flight across the unquiet sky; + Swift as a vane may turn on high, + The smile of heaven comes on. + So waits the Lord behind the veil, + His light on frenzied cheek, or pale, + To shed when the dark hour is gone. + —LYRA INNOCENTIUM +</pre> + <p> + On the afternoon on which Guy expected an answer from Mr. Edmonstone, he + walked with his fellow pupil, Harry Graham, to see if there were any + letters from him at Dr. Henley’s. + </p> + <p> + The servant said Mrs. Henley was at home, and asked them to come in and + take their letters. These were lying on a marble table, in the hall; and + while the man looked in the drawing-room for his mistress, and sent one of + the maids up-stairs in quest of her, Guy hastily took up one, bearing his + address, in the well-known hand of Mr. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + Young Graham, who had taken up a newspaper, was startled by Guy’s loud, + sudden exclamation,—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! What on earth does this mean?’ + </p> + <p> + And looking up, saw his face of a burning, glowing red, the features + almost convulsed, the large veins in the forehead and temples swollen with + the blood that rushed through them, and if ever his eyes flashed with the + dark lightning of Sir Hugh’s, it was then. + </p> + <p> + ‘Morville! What’s the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Intolerable!—insulting! Me? What does he mean?’ continued Guy, his + passion kindling more and more. ‘Proofs? I should like to see them! The + man is crazy! I to confess! Ha!’ as he came towards the end, ‘I see it,—I + see it. It is Philip, is it, that I have to thank. Meddling coxcomb! I’ll + make him repent it,’ added he, with a grim fierceness of determination. + Slandering me to them! And that,’—looking at the words with regard + to Amy,—‘that passes all. He shall see what it is to insult me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it? Your guardian out of humour?’ asked his companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘My guardian is a mere weak fool. I don’t blame him,—he can’t help + it; but to see him made a tool of! He twists him round his finger, abuses + his weakness to insult—to accuse. But he shall give me an account!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy’s voice had grown lower and more husky; but though the sound sunk, the + force of passion rather increased than diminished; it was like the low + distant sweep of the tempest as it whirls away, preparing to return with + yet more tremendous might. His colour, too, had faded to paleness, but the + veins were still swollen, purple, and throbbing, and there was a stillness + about him that made his wrath more than fierce, intense, almost appalling. + </p> + <p> + Harry Graham was dumb with astonishment; but while Guy spoke, Mrs. Henley + had come down, and was standing before them, beginning a greeting. The + blood rushed back into Guy’s cheeks, and, controlling his voice with + powerful effort, he said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I have had an insulting—an unpleasant letter,’ he added, catching + himself up. ‘You must excuse me;’ and he was gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘What has happened?’ exclaimed Mrs. Henley, though, from her brother’s + letter, as well as from her observations during a long and purposely slow + progress, along a railed gallery overhanging the hall, and down a winding + staircase, she knew pretty well the whole history of his anger. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said young Graham. ‘Some absurd, person interfering + between him and his guardian. I should be sorry to be him to fall in his + way just now. It must be something properly bad. I never saw a man in such + a rage. I think I had better go after him, and see what he has done with + himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t think,’ said Mrs. Henley, detaining him, ‘that his guardian + could have been finding fault with him with reason?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who? Morville? His guardian must have a sharp eye for picking holes, if + he can find any in Morville. Not a steadier fellow going,—only too + much so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ thought Mrs. Henley, ‘these young men always hang together;’ and she + let him escape without further question. But, when he emerged from the + house, Guy was already out of sight, and he could not succeed in finding + him. + </p> + <p> + Guy had burst out of the house, feeling as if nothing could relieve him + but free air and rapid motion; and on he hurried, fast, faster, conscious + alone of the wild, furious tumult of rage and indignation against the + maligner of his innocence, who was knowingly ruining him with all that was + dearest to him, insulting him by reproaches on his breaking a most sacred, + unblemished word, and, what Guy felt scarcely less keenly, forcing + kind-hearted Mr. Edmonstone into a persecution so foreign to his nature. + The agony of suffering such an accusation, and from such a quarter,—the + violent storm of indignation and pride,—wild, undefined ideas of a + heavy reckoning,—above all, the dreary thought of Amy denied to him + for ever,—all these swept over him, and swayed him by turns, with + the dreadful intensity belonging to a nature formed for violent passions, + which had broken down, in the sudden shock, all the barriers imposed on + them by a long course of self-restraint. + </p> + <p> + On he rushed, reckless whither he went, or what he did, driven forward by + the wild impulse of passion, far over moor and hill, up and down, till at + last, exhausted at once by the tumult within, and by the violent bodily + exertion, a stillness—a suspension of thought and sensation—ensued; + and when this passed, he found himself seated on a rock which crowned the + summit of one of the hills, his handkerchief loosened, his waistcoat open, + his hat thrown off, his temples burning and throbbing with a feeling of + distraction, and the agitated beatings of his heart almost stifling his + panting breath. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he muttered to himself, ‘a heavy account shall he pay me for this + crowning stroke of a long course of slander and ill-will! Have I not seen + it? Has not he hated me from the first, misconstrued every word and deed, + though I have tried, striven earnestly, to be his friend,—borne, as + not another soul would have done, with his impertinent interference and + intolerable patronizing airs! But he has seen the last of it! anything but + this might be forgiven; but sowing dissension between me and the + Edmonstones—maligning me there. Never! Knowing, too, as he seems to + do, how I stand, it is the very ecstasy of malice! Ay! this very night it + shall be exposed, and he shall be taught to beware—made to know with + whom he has to deal.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy uttered this last with teeth clenched, in an excess of deep, vengeful + ire. Never had Morville of the whole line felt more deadly fierceness than + held sway over him, as he contemplated his revenge, looked forward with a + dire complacency to the punishment he would wreak, not for this offence + alone, but for a long course of enmity. He sat, absorbed in the plan of + vengeance, perfectly still, for his physical exhaustion was complete; but + as the pulsations of his heart grew less wild, his purpose became sterner + and more fixed. He devised its execution, planned his sudden journey, saw + himself bursting on Philip early next morning, summoning him to answer for + his falsehoods. The impulse to action seemed to restore his power over his + senses. He looked round, to see where he was, raising his head from his + hands. + </p> + <p> + The sun was setting opposite to him, in a flood of gold,—a ruddy + ball, surrounded with its pomp of clouds, on the dazzling sweep of + horizon. That sight recalled him not only to himself, but to his true and + better self; the good angel so close to him for the twenty years of his + life, had been driven aloof but for a moment, and now, either that, or a + still higher and holier power, made the setting sun bring to his mind, + almost to his ear, the words,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Let not the sun go down upon your wrath, + Neither give place to the devil. +</pre> + <p> + Guy had what some would call a vivid imagination, others a lively faith. + He shuddered, then, his elbows on his knees, and his hands clasped over + his brow, he sat, bending forward, with his eyes closed, wrought up in a + fearful struggle; while it was to him as if he saw the hereditary demon of + the Morvilles watching by his side, to take full possession of him as a + rightful prey, unless the battle was fought and won before that red orb + had passed out of sight. Yes, the besetting fiend of his family—the + spirit of defiance and resentment—that was driving him, even now, + while realizing its presence, to disregard all thoughts save of the + revenge for which he could barter everything—every hope once + precious to him. + </p> + <p> + It was horror at such wickedness that first checked him, and brought him + back to the combat. His was not a temper that was satisfied with half + measures. He locked his hands more rigidly together, vowing to compel + himself, ere he left the spot, to forgive his enemy—forgive him + candidly—forgive him, so as never again to have to say, ‘I forgive + him!’ He did not try to think, for reflection only lashed up his sense of + the wrong: but, as if there was power in the words alone, he forced his + lips to repeat,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.’ + </p> + <p> + Coldly and hardly were they spoken at first; again he pronounced them, + again, again,—each time the tone was softer, each time they came + more from the heart. At last the remembrance of greater wrongs, and worse + revilings came upon him, his eyes filled with tears, the most subduing and + healing of all thoughts—that of the great Example—became + present to him; the foe was driven back. + </p> + <p> + Still he kept his hands over his face. The tempter was not yet defeated + without hope. It was not enough to give up his first intention (no great + sacrifice, as he perceived, now that he had time to think how Philip would + be certain to treat a challenge), it was not enough to wish no ill to his + cousin, to intend no evil measure, he must pardon from the bottom of his + heart, regard him candidly, and not magnify his injuries. + </p> + <p> + He sat long, in deep thought, his head bent down, and his countenance + stern with inward conflict. It was the hardest part of the whole battle, + for the Morville disposition was as vindictive as passionate; but, at + last, he recovered clearness of vision. His request might well appear + unreasonable, and possibly excite suspicion, and, for the rest, it was + doing a man of honour, like Philip, flagrant injustice to suspect him of + originating slanders. He was, of course, under a mistake, had acted, not + perhaps kindly, but as he thought, rightly and judiciously, in making his + suspicions known. If he had caused his uncle to write provokingly, every + one knew that was his way, he might very properly wish, under his belief, + to save Amabel; and though the manner might have been otherwise, the + proceeding itself admitted complete justification. Indeed, when Guy + recollected the frenzy of his rage, and his own murderous impulse, he was + shocked to think that he had ever sought the love of that pure and gentle + creature, as if it had been a cruel and profane linking of innocence to + evil. He was appalled at the power of his fury, he had not known he was + capable of it, for his boyish passion, even when unrestrained, had never + equalled this, in all the strength of early manhood. + </p> + <p> + He looked up, and saw that the last remnant of the sun’s disk was just + disappearing beneath the horizon. The victory was won! + </p> + <p> + But Guy’s feeling was not the rejoicing of the conquest, it was more the + relief which is felt by a little child, weary of its fit of naughtiness, + when its tearful face is raised, mournful yet happy, in having won true + repentance, and it says, ‘I <i>am</i> sorry now.’ + </p> + <p> + He rose, looked at his watch, wondered to find it so late; gazed round, + and considered his bearings, perceiving, with a sense of shame, how far he + had wandered; then retraced his steps slowly and wearily, and did not + reach South Moor till long after dark. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 17 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My blood hath been too cold and temperate, + Unapt to stir at these indignities; + But you have found me. + —KING HENRY IV +</pre> + <p> + Philip, according to promise, appeared at Hollywell, and a volume of awful + justice seemed written on his brow. Charles, though ignorant of its cause, + perceived this at a glance, and greeted him thus:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Enter Don Philip II, the Duke of Alva, alguazils, corregidors, and + executioners.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is anything the matter, Philip?’ said Amy; a question which took him by + surprise, as he could not believe her in ignorance. He was sorry for her, + and answered gravely,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing is amiss with me, thank you, Amy,’ + </p> + <p> + She knew he meant that he would tell no more, and would have thought no + more about it, but that she saw her mother was very uneasy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you ask whether there were any letters at the post?’ said Charles. + ‘Guy is using us shamefully—practising self-denial on us, I suppose. + Is there no letter from him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is,’ said Philip, reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, where is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is to your father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Charles, with a disappointed air. ‘Are you sure? Depend on it, + you overlooked my M. He has owed me a letter this fortnight. Let me see.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is for my uncle,’ repeated Philip, as if to put an end to the subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he has been so stupid as to forget my second name. Come, give it me. + I shall have it sooner or later.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you, Charles, it is not for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would not any one suppose he had been reading it?’ exclaimed Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you know Mary Ross was gone to stay with her brother John?’ broke in + Mrs. Edmonstone, in a nervous, hurried manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘No is she?’ replied Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; his wife is ill.’ + </p> + <p> + The universal feeling was that something was amiss, and mamma was in the + secret. Amy looked wistfully at her, but Mrs. Edmonstone only gazed at the + window, and so they continued for some minutes, while an uninteresting + exchange of question and answer was kept up between her and her nephew + until at length the dressing-bell rang, and cleared the room. Mrs. + Edmonstone lingered till her son and daughters were gone, and said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘You have heard from St. Mildred’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Philip, as if he was as little inclined to be communicative to + her as to his cousins. + </p> + <p> + ‘From Guy, or from Margaret?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Margaret.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you say there is a letter from him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, for my uncle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does she say nothing more satisfactory?’ asked his aunt, her anxiety + tortured by his composure. ‘Has she learnt no more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing more of his proceedings. I see Amy knows nothing of the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; her papa thought there was no need to distress her till we had seen + whether he could explain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little thing!’ said Philip; ‘I am very sorry for her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone did not choose to discuss her daughter’s affairs with him, + and she turned the conversation to ask if Margaret said much of Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘She writes to tell the spirit in which he received my uncle’s letter. It + is only the Morville temper, again, and, of course, whatever you may think + of that on Amy’s account, I should never regard it, as concerns myself, as + other than his misfortune. I hope he may be able to explain the rest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! there comes your uncle!’ and Mr. Edmonstone entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘How d’ye do, Philip? Brought better news, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is a letter to speak for itself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? From Guy? Give it me. What does he say? Let me see. Here, mamma, read + it; your eyes are best.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR MR. EDMONSTONE,—Your letter surprised and grieved me very + much. I cannot guess what proofs Philip may think he has, of what I never + did, and, therefore, I cannot refute them otherwise than by declaring that + I never gamed in my life. Tell me what they are, and I will answer them. + As to a full confession, I could of course tell you of much in which I + have done wrongly, though not in the way which he supposes. On that head, + I have nothing to confess. I am sorry I am prevented from satisfying you + about the £1OOO, but I am bound in honour not to mention the purpose for + which I wanted it. I am sure you could never believe I could have said + what I did to Mrs. Edmonstone if I had begun on a course which I detest + from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much for the kindness of the + latter part of your letter. I do not know how I could have borne it, if it + had ended as it began. I hope you will soon send me these proofs of + Philip’s. Ever your affectionate, ‘G. M.’ + </p> + <p> + Not a little surprised was Philip to find that he was known to be Guy’s + accuser; but the conclusion revealed that his style had betrayed him, and + that Mr. Edmonstone had finished with some mention of him, and he resolved + that henceforth he would never leave a letter of his own dictation till he + had seen it signed and sealed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ cried Mr. Edmonstone, joyfully beating his own hand with his + glove, ‘that is all right. I knew it would be so. He can’t even guess what + we are at. I am glad we did not tease poor little Amy. Eh, mamma?—eh, + Philip?’ the last eh being uttered much more doubtfully, and less + triumphantly than the first. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder you think it right,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘What more would you have?’ said Mr. Edmonstone, hastily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Confidence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh? Oh, ay, he says he can’t tell—bound in honour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is easy to write off-hand, and say I cannot satisfy you, I am bound in + honour; but that is not what most persons would think a full + justification, especially considering the terms on which you stand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, yes, he might have said more. It would have been safe enough with + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is his usual course of mystery, reserve, and defiance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fact is,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, turning away, ‘that it is a very + proper letter; right sense, proper feeling—and if he never gamed in + his life, what would you have more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are different ways of understanding such a denial as this,’ said + Philip. ‘See, he says not in the way in which I suppose.’ He held up his + hand authoritatively, as his aunt was about to interpose. ‘It was against + gaming that his vow was made. I never thought he had played, but he never + says he has not betted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He would never be guilty of a subterfuge!’ exclaimed Mr. Edmonstone, + indignantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not have thought so, without the evidence of the payment of the + cheque, my uncle had just given him, to this gambling fellow,’ said + Philip; ‘yet it is only the natural consequence of the habit of eluding + inquiry into his visits to London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t see any reason for so harsh an accusation,’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should hardly want more reason than his own words. He refuses to answer + the question on which my uncle’s good opinion depends; he owns he has been + to blame, and thus retracts his full denial. In my opinion, his letter + says nothing so plainly as, “While I can stand fair with you I do not wish + to break with you.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will not find that quite so easy.’ cried Mr. Edmonstone. ‘I am no fool + to be hoodwinked, especially where my little Amy is concerned. I’ll see + all plain and straight before he says another word of her. But you see + what comes of their settling it while I was out of the way.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was grieved to see him so hurt at this. It could not have + been helped, and if all had been smooth, he never would have thought of it + again; but it served to keep up his dignity in his own eyes, and, as he + fancied, to defend him from Philip’s censure, and he therefore made the + most of it, which so pained her that she did not venture to continue her + championship of Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ‘the question is what to do next—eh, + Philip?’ I wish he would have spoken openly. I hate mysteries. I’ll write + and tell him this won’t do; he must be explicit—eh, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will talk it over by and by,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + His aunt understood that it was to be in her absence, and left the room, + fearing it would be impossible to prevent Amy from being distressed, + though she had no doubt that Guy would be able to prove his innocence of + the charges. She found Amy waiting for her in her room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t, ring, mamma, dear. I’ll fasten your dress,’ said she; then pausing—‘Oh! + mamma, I don’t know whether I ought to ask, but if you would only tell me + if there is nothing gone wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t believe there is anything really wrong, my dear,’ said Mrs. + Edmonstone, kissing her, as she saw how her colour first deepened and then + faded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no,’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘But there is some mystery about his money-matters, which has vexed your + papa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what has Philip to do with it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot quite tell, my dear. I believe Margaret Henley has heard + something, but I do not know the whole.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you see his letter, mamma? said Amy, in a low, trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, it is just like himself, and absolutely denies the accusations.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy did not say ‘then they are false,’ but she held up her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then papa is satisfied?’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt all will be made clear in time,’ said her mother; ‘but + there is still something unexplained, and I am afraid things may not go + smoothly just now. I am very sorry, my little Amy, that such a cloud + should have come over you, she added, smoothing fondly the long, soft + hair, sad at heart to see the cares and griefs of womanhood gathering over + her child’s bright, young life. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said I must learn to bear things!’ murmured Amy to herself. ‘Only,’ and + the tears filled her eyes, and she spoke with almost childish simplicity + of manner, ‘I can’t bear them to vex him. I wish Philip would let papa + settle it alone. Guy will be angry, and grieved afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + They were interrupted by the dinner-bell, but Amy ran into her own room + for one moment. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said I would learn to bear,’ said she to herself, ‘or I shall never be + fit for him. Yes, I will, even though it is the thinking he is unhappy. He + said I must be his Verena; I know what that means; I ought not to be + uneasy, for he will bear it beautifully, and say he is glad of it + afterwards. And I will try not to seem cross to Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was fidgety and ill at ease, found fault with the dinner, + and was pettish with his wife. Mrs. Edmonstone set Philip off upon + politics, which lasted till the ladies could escape into the drawing-room. + In another minute Philip brought in Charles, set him down, and departed. + Amy, who was standing by the window, resting her forehead against the + glass, and gazing into the darkness, turned round hastily, and left the + room, but in passing her brother, she put her hand into his, and received + a kind pressure. Her mother followed her, and the other three all began to + wonder. Charles said he had regularly been turned out of the dining-room + by Philip, who announced that he wanted to speak to his uncle, and carried + him off. + </p> + <p> + They conjectured, and were indignant at each other’s conjectures, till + their mother returned, and gave them as much information as she could; but + this only made them very anxious. Charles was certain that Mrs. Henley had + laid a cockatrice egg, and Philip was hatching it; and Laura could not + trust herself to defend Philip, lest she should do it too vehemently. They + could all agree in desire to know the truth, in hope that Guy was not + culpable, and, above all, in feeling for Amy; but by tacit consent they + were silent on the three shades of opinion in their minds. Laura was + confident that Philip was acting for the best; Mrs. Edmonstone thought he + might be mistaken in his premises, but desirous of Guy’s real good; and + Charles, though sure he would allege nothing which he did not believe to + be true, also thought him ready to draw the worst conclusions from small + grounds, and to take pleasure in driving Mr. Edmonstone to the most + rigorous measures. + </p> + <p> + Philip, meanwhile, was trying to practise great moderation and + forbearance, not bringing forward at first what was most likely to incense + Mr. Edmonstone, and without appearance of animosity in his cool, guarded + speech. There was no design in this, he meant only to be just; yet + anything less cool would have had far less effect. + </p> + <p> + When he shut the dining-room door, he found his uncle wavering, touched by + the sight of his little Amy, returning to his first favourable view of + Guy’s letter, ready to overlook everything, accept the justification, and + receive his ward on the same footing as before, though he was at the same + time ashamed that Philip should see him relent, and desirous of keeping up + his character for firmness, little guessing how his nephew felt his power + over him, and knew that he could wield him at will. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving and pitying his feebleness, and sincerely believing strong + measures the only rescue for Amy, the only hope for Guy, Philip found + himself obliged to work on him by the production of another letter from + his sister. He would rather, if possible, have kept this back, so much did + his honourable feeling recoil from what had the air of slander and + mischief-making; but he regarded firmness on his uncle’s part as the only + chance for Guy or for his cousin, and was resolved not to let him swerve + from strict justice. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley had written immediately after Guy’s outburst in her house, + and, taking it for granted that her brother would receive a challenge, she + wrote in the utmost alarm, urging him to remember how precious he was to + her, and not to depart from his own principles. + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not be so mad as to fight him, eh?’ said Mr. Edmonstone, + anxiously. ‘You know better—besides, for poor Amy’s sake.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For the sake of right,’ replied Philip, ‘no. I have reassured my sister. + I have told her that, let the boy do what he will, he shall never make me + guilty of his death.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have heard from him, then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I suppose a night’s reflection convinced him that he had no rational + grounds for violent proceedings, and he had sense enough not to expose + himself to such an answer as I should have given. What caused his wrath to + be directed towards me especially, I cannot tell, nor can my sister,’ said + Philip, looking full at his uncle; ‘but I seem to have come in for a full + share of it.’ + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to read the description of Guy’s passion, and the expressions + he had used. Violent as it had been, it did not lose in Mrs. Henley’s + colouring; and what made the effect worse was that she had omitted to say + she had overheard his language, so that it appeared as if he had been + unrestrained even by gentlemanly feeling, and had thus spoken of her + brother and uncle in her presence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was resentful now, really displeased, and wounded to the + quick. The point on which he was especially sensitive was his reputation + for sense and judgment; and that Guy, who had shown him so much respect + and affection, whom he had treated with invariable kindness, and received + into his family like a son, that he should thus speak of him shocked him + extremely. He was too much overcome even to break out into exclamations at + first, he only drank off his glass of wine hastily, and said, ‘I would + never have thought it!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, all desire for forbearance and toleration departed. If + Guy could speak thus of him, he was ready to believe any accusation, to + think him deceitful from the first, to say he had been trifling with Amy, + to imagine him a confirmed reprobate, and cast him off entirely. Philip + had some difficulty to restrain him from being too violent; and to keep + him to the matter in hand, he defended Guy from the exaggerations of his + imagination in a manner which appeared highly noble, considering how Guy + had spoken of him. Before they parted that night, another letter had been + written, which stood thus,— + </p> + <p> + ‘DEAR SIR GUY,—Since you refuse the confidence which I have a right + to demand, since you elude the explanation I asked, and indulge yourself + in speaking in disrespectful terms of me and my family, I have every + reason to suppose that you have no desire to continue on the same footing + as heretofore at Hollywell. As your guardian, I repeat that I consider + myself bound to keep a vigilant watch over your conduct, and, if possible, + to recover you from the unhappy course in which you have involved + yourself: but all other intercourse between you and this family must + cease. ‘Your horse shall be sent to Redclyffe to-morrow. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Yours faithfully, + ‘C. EDMONSTONE.’ +</pre> + <p> + This letter was more harsh than Philip wished; but Mr. Edmonstone would + hardly be prevailed on to consent to enter on no further reproaches. He + insisted on banishing Deloraine, as well as on the mention of Guy’s + disrespect, both against his nephew’s opinion; but it was necessary to let + him have his own way on these points, and Philip thought himself fortunate + in getting a letter written which was in any degree rational and moderate. + </p> + <p> + They had been so busy, and Mr. Edmonstone so excited, that Philip thought + it best to accept the offer of tea being sent them in the dining-room, and + it was not till nearly midnight that their conference broke up, when Mr. + Edmonstone found his wife sitting up by the dressing-room fire, having + shut Charles’s door, sorely against his will. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ began Mr. Edmonstone, ‘you may tell Amy she may give him up, and + a lucky escape she has had. But this is what comes of settling matters in + my absence.’ So he proceeded with the narration, mixing the facts + undistinguishably with his own surmises, and overwhelming his wife with + dismay. If a quarter of this was true, defence of Guy was out of the + question; and it was still more impossible to wish Amy’s attachment to him + to continue; and though much was incredible, it was no time to say so. She + could only hope morning would soften her husband’s anger, and make matters + explicable. + </p> + <p> + Morning failed to bring her comfort. Mr. Edmonstone repeated that Amy must + be ordered to give up all thoughts of Guy, and she perceived that the + words ascribed to him stood on evidence which could not be doubted. She + could believe he might have spoken them in the first shock of an unjust + imputation, and she thought he might have been drawn into some scrape to + serve a friend; but she could never suppose him capable of all Mr. + Edmonstone imagined. + </p> + <p> + The first attempt to plead his cause, however, brought on her an angry + reply; for Philip, by a hint, that she never saw a fault in Guy, had put + it into his uncle’s head that she would try to lead him, and made him + particularly inaccessible to her influence. + </p> + <p> + There was no help for it, then; poor little Amy must hear the worst; and + it was not long before Mrs. Edmonstone found her waiting in the + dressing-room. Between obedience to her husband, her conviction of Guy’s + innocence, and her tenderness to her daughter, Mrs. Edmonstone had a hard + task, and she could scarcely check her tears as Amy nestled up for her + morning kiss. + </p> + <p> + ‘O mamma! what is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest, I told you a cloud was coming. Try to bear it. Your papa is not + satisfied with Guy’s answer, and it seems he spoke some hasty words of + papa and Philip; they have displeased papa very much, and, my dear child, + you must try to bear it, he has written to tell Guy he must not think any + more of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has spoken hasty words of papa!’ repeated Amy, as if she had not heard + the rest. ‘How sorry he must be!’ + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, Charles’s door was pushed open, and in he came, half + dressed, scrambling on, with but one crutch, to the chair near which she + stood, with drooping head and clasped hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, little Amy, he said; ‘I’ll lay my life ‘tis only some + monstrous figment of Mrs. Henley’s. Trust my word, it will right itself; + it is only a rock to keep true love from running too smooth. Come, don’t + cry, as her tears began to flow fast, ‘I only meant to cheer you up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid, Charlie, said his mother, putting a force on her own + feeling, ‘it is not the best or kindest way to do her good by telling her + to dwell on hopes of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma one of Philip’s faction!’ exclaimed Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of no faction at all, Charles, but I am afraid it is a bad case;’ and + Mrs. Edmonstone related what she knew; glad to address herself to any one + but Amy, who stood still, meanwhile, her hands folded on the back of her + brother’s chair. + </p> + <p> + Charles loudly protested that the charges were absurd and preposterous, + and would be proved so in no time. He would finish dressing instantly, go + to speak to his father, and show him the sense of the thing. Amy heard and + hoped, and his mother, who had great confidence in his clear sight, was so + cheered as almost to expect that today’s post might carry a conciliatory + letter. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Laura and Philip met in the breakfast-room, and in answer to her + anxious inquiry, he had given her an account of Guy, which, though harsh + enough, was far more comprehensible than what the rest had been able to + gather. + </p> + <p> + She was inexpressibly shocked, ‘My poor dear little Amy!’ she exclaimed. + ‘O Philip, now I see all you thought to save me from!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is an unhappy business that it ever was permitted!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little dear! She was so happy, so very happy and sweet in her + humility and her love. Do you know, Philip, I was almost jealous for a + moment that all should be so easy for them; and I blamed poverty; but oh! + there are worse things than poverty!’ + </p> + <p> + He did not speak, but his dark blue eye softened with the tender look + known only to her; and it was one of the precious moments for which she + lived. She was happy till the rest came down, and then a heavy cloud + seemed to hang on them at breakfast time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles, who found anxiety on Guy’s account more exciting, though + considerably less agreeable, than he had once expected, would not go away + with the womankind; but as soon as the door was shut, exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + ‘Now then, Philip, let me know the true grounds of your persecution.’ + </p> + <p> + It was not a conciliating commencement. His father was offended, and + poured out a confused torrent of Guy’s imagined misdeeds, while Philip + explained and modified his exaggerations. + </p> + <p> + ‘So the fact is,’ said Charles, at length, ‘that Guy has asked for his own + money, and when in lieu of it he received a letter full of unjust charges, + he declared Philip was a meddling coxcomb. I advise you not to justify his + opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip disdained to reply, and after a few more of Mr. Edmonstone’s + exclamations Charles proceeded, + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the great sum total.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Philip; ‘I have proof of his gambling.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have shown it to your father, and he is satisfied.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it not proof enough that he is lost to all sense of propriety, that he + should go and speak in that fashion of us, and to Philip’s own sister?’ + cried Mr. Edmonstone. ‘What would you have more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That little epithet applied to Captain Morville is hardly, to my mind, + proof sufficient that a man is capable of every vice,’ said Charles, who, + in the pleasure of galling his cousin, did not perceive the harm he did + his friend’s cause, by recalling the affront which his father, at least, + felt most deeply. Mr. Edmonstone grew angry with him for disregarding the + insulting term applied to himself; and Charles, who, though improved in + many points, still sometimes showed the effects of early habits of + disrespect to his father, answered hastily, that no one could wonder at + Guy’s resenting such suspicions; he deserved no blame at all, and would + have been a blockhead to bear it tamely. + </p> + <p> + This was more than Charles meant, but his temper was fairly roused, and he + said much more than was right or judicious, so that his advocacy only + injured the cause. He had many representations to make on the injustice of + condemning Guy unheard, of not even laying before him the proofs on which + the charges were founded, and on the danger of actually driving him into + mischief, by shutting the doors of Hollywell against him. ‘If you wanted + to make him all you say he is, you are taking the very best means.’ + </p> + <p> + Quite true; but Charles had made his father too angry to pay attention. + This stormy discussion continued for nearly two hours, with no effect save + inflaming the minds of all parties. At last Mr. Edmonstone was called + away; and Charles, rising, declared he should go at that moment, and write + to tell Guy that there was one person at least still in his senses. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will do as you please,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you for the permission,’ said Charles, proudly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not to me that your submission is due,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what, Philip, I submit to my own father readily, but I do + not submit to Captain Morville’s instrument.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have had enough of unbecoming retorts for one day,’ said Philip, + quietly, and offering his arm. + </p> + <p> + Much as Charles disliked it, he was in too great haste not to accept it; + and perceiving that there were visitors in the drawing-room, he desired to + go up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘People who always come when they are not wanted!’ he muttered, as he went + up, pettish with them as with everything else. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not think you in a fit mood to be advised, Charles,’ said Philip; + ‘but to free my own conscience, let me say this. Take care how you promote + this unfortunate attachment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care what you say!’ exclaimed Charles, flushing with anger, as he + threw himself forward, with an impatient movement, trusting to his crutch + rather than retain his cousin’s arm; but the crutch slipped, he missed his + grasp at the balusters, and would have fallen to the bottom of the flight + if Philip had not been close behind. Stretching out his foot, he made a + barrier, receiving Charles’s weight against his breast, and then, taking + him in his arms, carried him up the rest of the way as easily as if he had + been a child. The noise brought Amy out of the dressing-room, much + frightened, though she did not speak till Charles was deposited on the + sofa, and assured them he was not in the least hurt, but he would hardly + thank his cousin for having so dexterously saved him; and Philip, relieved + from the fear of his being injured, viewed the adventure as a mere + ebullition of ill-temper, and went away. + </p> + <p> + ‘A fine helpless log am I,’ exclaimed Charles, as he found himself alone + with Amy. ‘A pretty thing for me to talk of being of any use, when I can’t + so much as show my anger at an impertinence about my own sister, without + being beholden for not breaking my neck to the very piece of presumption + that uttered it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, don’t speak so’ began Amy; and at that moment Philip was close to + them, set down the crutch that had been dropped, and went without + speaking. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t care who hears,’ said Charles; ‘I say there is no greater misery + in this world than to have the spirit of a man and the limbs of a cripple. + I know if I was good for anything, things would not long be in this state. + I should be at St. Mildred’s by this time, at the bottom of the whole + story, and Philip would be taught to eat his words in no time, and make as + few wry faces as suited his dignity. But what is the use of talking? This + sofa’—and he struck his fist against it—‘is my prison, and I + am a miserable cripple, and it is mere madness in me to think of being + attended to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Charlie!’ cried Amy, caressingly, and much distressed, ‘don’t talk so. + Indeed, I can’t bear it! You know it is not so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do I? Have not I been talking myself hoarse, showing up their injustice, + saying all a man could say to bring them to reason, and not an inch could + I move them. I do believe Philip has driven my father stark mad with these + abominable stories of his sister’s, which I verily believe she invented + herself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O no, she could not. Don’t say so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! Are you going to believe them, too?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is that which drives me beyond all patience,’ proceeded Charles, ‘to + see Philip lay hold of my father, and twist him about as he chooses, and + set every one down with his authority.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip soon goes abroad,’ said Amy, who could not at the moment say + anything more charitable. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! there is the hope. My father will return to his natural state + provided they don’t drive Guy, in the meantime, to do something + desperate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, they won’t,’ whispered Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, give me the blotting-book. I’ll write to him this moment, and tell + him we are not all the tools of Philip’s malice.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy gave the materials to her brother, and then turning away, busied + herself in silence as best she might, in the employment her mother had + recommended her, of sorting some garden-seeds for the cottagers. After an + interval, Charles said, + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Amy, what shall I say to him for you?’ + </p> + <p> + There was a little silence, and presently Amy whispered, ‘I don’t think I + ought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ asked Charles, not catching her very low tones, as she sat behind + him, with her head bent down. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think it would be right,’ she repeated, more steadily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not right for you to say you don’t think him a villain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa said I was to have no—‘and there her voice was stopped with + tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is absurd, Amy,’ said Charles; ‘when it all was approved at first, + and now my father is acting on a wrong impression; what harm can there be + in it? Every one would do so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure he would not think it right,’ faltered Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He? You’ll never have any more to say to him, if you don’t take care what + you are about.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it,’ said Amy, in a broken voice. ‘It is not right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense! folly!’ said Charles. ‘You are as bad as the rest. When they + are persecuting, and slandering, and acting in the most outrageous way + against him, and you know one word of yours would carry him through all, + you won’t say it, to save him from distraction, and from doing all my + father fancies he has done. Then I believe you don’t care a rush for him, + and never want to see him again, and believe the whole monstrous farrago. + I vow I’ll say so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Charles, you are very cruel!’ said Amy, with an irrepressible burst of + weeping. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, if you don’t believe it, why can’t you send one word to comfort + him?’ + </p> + <p> + She wept in silence for some moments; at last she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It would not comfort him to think me disobedient. He will trust me + without, and he will know what you think. You are very kind, dear Charlie; + but don’t persuade me any more, for I can’t bear it. I am going away now; + but don’t fancy I am angry, only I don’t think I can sit by while you + write that letter.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor little Amy, she seldom knew worse pain than at that moment, when she + was obliged to go away to put it out of her power to follow the promptings + of her heart to send the few kind words which might prove that nothing + could shake her love and trust. + </p> + <p> + A fresh trial awaited her when she looked from her own window. She saw + Deloraine led out, his chestnut neck glossy in the sun and William + prepared for a journey, and the other servants shaking hands, and bidding + him good-bye. She saw him ride off, and could hardly help flying back to + her brother to exclaim, ‘O Charlie, they have sent Deloraine away!’ while + the longing to send one kind greeting became more earnest than ever; but + she withstood it, and throwing herself on the bed, exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘He will never come back—never, never!’ and gave way, + unrestrainedly, to a fit of weeping; nor was it till this had spent itself + that she could collect her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + She was sitting on the side of her bed trying to compose herself, when + Laura, came in. + </p> + <p> + ‘My own Amy—my poor, dearest,—I am very sorry!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, dear Laura,’ and Amy gladly rested her aching head on her + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I knew what to do for you!’ proceeded Laura. ‘You cannot, cease to + think about him, and yet you ought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I ought, I suppose I can,’ said Amy in a voice exhausted with crying. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right, darling. You will not be weak, and pine for one who is not + worthy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not worthy, Laura?’ said Amy, withdrawing her arm, and holding up her + head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! my poor Amy, we thought—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and it is so still. I know it is so. I know he did not do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then what do you think of Margaret and Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is some mistake.’ + </p> + <p> + And how can you defend what he said of papa?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t,’ said Amy, hiding her face. ‘That is the worst; but I am sure it + was only a moment’s passion, and that he must be very unhappy about it + now. I don’t think papa would mind it, at least not long, if it was not + for this other dreadful misapprehension. O, Laura! why cannot something be + done to clear it up?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everything will be done,’ said Laura. Papa has written to Mr. Wellwood, + and Philip means to go and make inquiries at Oxford and St. Mildred’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When?’ asked Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not till term begins. You know he is to have a fortnight’s leave before + the regiment goes to Ireland.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I hope it will come right then. People must come to an understanding + when they meet; it is so different from writing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will do everything to set things on a right footing. You may be + confident of that, Amy, for your sake as much as anything else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t think why he should know I have anything to do with it,’ said + Amy, blushing. ‘I had much rather he did not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely, Amy, you think he can be trusted with your secret; and there is + no one who can take more care for you. You must look on him as one of + ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy made no answer, and Laura, was annoyed. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are vexed with him for having told this to papa; but that is not + reasonable of you, Amy; your better sense must tell you that it is the + only truly kind course, both towards Guy and yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + It was said in Philip’s manner, which perhaps made it harder to bear; and + Amy could scarcely answer,— + </p> + <p> + ‘He means it for the best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not have had him be silent?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said Amy, sadly. ‘No; he should have done something, but + he might have done it more kindly.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura endeavoured to persuade her that nothing could have been more kind + and judicious, and Amy sat dejectedly owning the good intention, and + soothed by the affection of her family; with the bitter suffering of her + heart unallayed, with all her fond tender feelings torn at the thought of + what Guy must be enduring, and with the pain of knowing it was her + father’s work. She had one comfort, in the certainty that Guy would bear + it nobly. She was happy to find her confidence confirmed by her mother and + Charles; and one thing she thought she need not give up, though she might + no longer think of him as her lover, she might be his Verena still, + whether he knew it or not. It could not be wrong to remember any one in + her prayers, and to ask that he might not be led into temptation, but have + strength to abide patiently. That helped her to feel that he was in the + hands of One to whom the secrets of all hearts are known; and a line of + poetry seemed to be whispered in her ears, in his own sweet tones,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wait, and the cloud shall roll away. +</pre> + <p> + So, after the first day, she went on pretty well. She was indeed silent + and grave, and no longer the sunbeam of Hollywell; but she took her share + in what was passing, and a common observer would hardly have remarked the + submissive melancholy of her manner. Her father was very affectionate, and + often called her his jewel of good girls; but he was too much afraid of + women’s tears to talk to her about Guy, he left that to her mother: and + Mrs. Edmonstone, having seen her submit to her father’s will, was + unwilling to say more. + </p> + <p> + She doubted whether it was judicious to encourage her in dwelling on Guy; + for, even supposing his character clear, they had offended him deeply, and + released him from any engagement to her, so that there was nothing to + prevent him from forming an attachment elsewhere. Mrs. Edmonstone did not + think he would; but it was better to say nothing about him, lest she + should not speak prudently, and only keep up the subject in Amy’s mind. + </p> + <p> + Charles stormed and wrangled, told Mr. Edmonstone ‘he was breaking his + daughter’s heart, that was all;’ and talked of unfairness and injustice, + till Mr. Edmonstone vowed it was beyond all bearing, that his own son + should call him a tyrant, and accused Guy of destroying all peace in his + family. + </p> + <p> + The replies to the letters came; some thought them satisfactory, and the + others wondered that they thought so. Mr. Wellwood gave the highest + character of his pupil, and could not imagine how any irregularities could + be laid to his charge; but when asked in plain terms how he disposed of + his time, could only answer in general, that he had friends and + engagements of his own at St. Mildred’s and its neighbourhood, and had + been several times at Mrs. Henley’s and at Colonel Harewood’s. The latter + place, unfortunately, was the very object of Philip’s suspicions; and thus + the letter was anything but an exculpation. + </p> + <p> + Guy wrote to Charles in the fulness of his heart, expressing gratitude for + his confidence and sympathy. He again begged for the supposed evidence of + his misconduct, declaring he could explain it, whatever it might be, and + proceeded to utter deep regrets for his hasty expressions. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not know what I may have said,’ he wrote; ‘I have no doubt it was + unpardonable, for I am sure my feelings were so, and that I deserve + whatever I have brought on myself. I can only submit to Mr. Edmonstone’s + sentence, and trust that time will bring to his knowledge that I am + innocent of what I am accused of. He has every right to be displeased with + me. + </p> + <p> + Charles pronounced this to be only Guy’s way of abusing himself; but his + father saw in it a disguised admission of guilt. It was thought, also, to + be bad sign that Guy intended to remain at South Moor till the end of the + vacation, though Charles argued that he must be somewhere; and if they + wished to keep him out of mischief, why exile him from Hollywell! He would + hardly listen to his mother’s representation, that on Amy’s account it + would not be right to have him there till the mystery was cleared up. + </p> + <p> + He tried to stir his father up to go and see Guy at St. Mildred’s, and + investigate matters for himself; but, though Mr. Edmonstone would have + liked the appearance of being important, this failed, because Philip + declared it to be unadvisable, knowing that it would be no investigation + at all, and that his uncle would be talked over directly. Next, Charles + would have persuaded Philip himself to go, but the arrangements about his + leave did not make this convenient; and it was put off till he should pay + his farewell visit to his sister, in October. Lastly, Charles wrote to + Mrs. Henley, entreating her to give him some information about this + mysterious evidence which was wanting, but her reply was a complete ‘set + down’ for interference in a matter with which he had no concern. + </p> + <p> + He was very angry. In fact, the post seldom came in without occasioning a + fresh dispute, which only had the effect of keeping up the heat of Mr. + Edmonstone’s displeasure, and making the whole house uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + Fretfulness and ill-humour seemed to have taken possession of Charles and + his father. Such a state of things had not prevailed since Guy’s arrival: + Hollywell was hardly like the same house; Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura could + do nothing without being grumbled at or scolded by one or other of the + gentlemen; even Amy now and then came in for a little petulance on her + father’s part, and Charles could not always forgive her for saying in her + mournful, submissive tome,—‘It is of no use to talk about it!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 18 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This just decree alone I know, + Man must be disciplined by woe, + To me, whate’er of good or ill + The future brings, since come it will, + I’ll bow my spirit, and be still. + —AESCHYLUS, (Anstice’s Translation.) +</pre> + <p> + Guy, in the meantime, was enduring the storm in loneliness, for he was + unwilling to explain the cause of his trouble to his companions. The only + occasion of the suspicions, which he could think of, was his request for + the sum of money; and this he could not mention to Mr. Wellwood, nor was + he inclined to make confidants of his other companions, though pleasant, + right-minded youths. + </p> + <p> + He had only announced that he had had a letter which had grieved him + considerably, but of which he could not mention the contents; and as Harry + Graham, who knew something of the Broadstone neighbourhood, had picked up + a report that Sir Guy Morville was to marry Lady Eveleen de Courcy, there + was an idea among the party that there was some trouble in the way of his + attachment. He had once before been made, by some joke, to colour and look + conscious; and now this protected him from inconvenient questions, and + accounted for his depression. He was like what he had been on first coming + to Hollywell—grave and silent, falling into reveries when others + were talking, and much given to long, lonely wanderings. Accustomed as he + had been in boyhood to a solitary life in beautiful scenery, there was + something in a fine landscape that was to him like a friend and companion; + and he sometimes felt that it would have been worse if he had been in a + dull, uniform country, instead of among mountain peaks and broad wooded + valleys. Working hard, too, helped him not a little, and conic sections + served him almost as well as they served Laura. + </p> + <p> + A more real help was the neighbourhood of Stylehurst. On the first Sunday + after receiving Mr. Edmonstone’s letter, he went to church there, instead + of with the others, to St. Mildred’s. They thought it was for the sake of + the solitary walk; but he had other reasons for the preference. In the + first place it was a Communion Sunday, and in the next, he could feel more + kindly towards Philip there, and he knew he needed all that could + strengthen such a disposition. + </p> + <p> + Many a question did he ask himself, to certify whether he wilfully + entertained malice or hatred, or any uncharitableness. It was a long, + difficult examination; but at its close, he felt convinced that, if such + passions knocked at the door of his heart, it was not at his own summons, + and that he drove them away without listening to them. And surely he might + approach to gain the best aid in that battle, especially as he was certain + of his strong and deep repentance for his fit of passion, and longing + earnestly for the pledge of forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + The pardon and peace he sought came to him, and in such sort that the + comfort of that day, when fresh from the first shock, and waiting in + suspense for some new blow, was such as never to be forgotten. They linked + themselves with the grave shade of the clustered gray columns, and the + angel heads on roof of that old church; with the long grass and tall + yellow mullens among its churchyard graves, and with the tints of the + elm-trees that closed it in, their leaves in masses either of green or + yellow, and opening here and there to show the purple hills beyond. + </p> + <p> + He wandered in the churchyard between the services. All enmity to Philip + was absent now; and he felt as if it would hardly return when he stood by + the graves of the Archdeacon and of the two Frances Morvilles, and thought + what that spot was to his cousin. There were a few flowers planted round + Mrs. Morville’s grave, but they showed that they had long been neglected, + and no such signs of care marked her daughter Fanny’s. And when Guy + further thought of Mrs. Henley, and recollected how Philip had sacrificed + all his cherished prospects and hopes of distinction, and embraced an + irksome profession, for the sake of these two sisters, he did not find it + difficult to excuse the sternness, severity, and distrust which were an + evidence how acutely a warm heart had suffered. + </p> + <p> + Though he suffered cruelly from being cut off from Amy, yet his reverence + for her helped him to submit. He had always felt as if she was too far + above him; and though he had, beyond his hopes, been allowed to aspire to + the thought of her, it was on trial, and his failure, his return to his + old evil passions, had sunk him beneath her. He shuddered to think of her + being united to anything so unlike herself, and which might cause her so + much misery; it was wretchedness to think that even now she might be + suffering for him; and yet not for worlds would he have lost the belief + that she was so feeling, or the remembrance of the looks which had shone + on him so sweetly and timidly as she sat at her mother’s feet; though that + remembrance was only another form of misery. But Amy would be tranquil, + pure and good, whatever became of him, and he should always be able to + think of her, looking like one of those peaceful spirits, with bending + head, folded hands, and a star on its brow, in the “Paradiso” of Flaxman. + Her serenity would be untouched; and though she might be lost to him, he + could still be content while he could look up at it through his turbid + life. Better she were lost to him than that her peace should be injured. + </p> + <p> + He still, of course, earnestly longed to prove his innocence, though his + hopes lessened, for as long as the evidence was withheld, he had no + chance. After writing as strongly as he could, he could do no more, except + watch for something that might unravel the mystery; and Charles’s warm + sympathy and readiness to assist him were a great comfort. + </p> + <p> + He had not seen his uncle again; perhaps Sebastian was ashamed to meet him + after their last encounter, and was still absent on his engagement; but + the wife and child were still at St. Mildred’s, and one afternoon, when + Guy had rather unwillingly gone thither with Mr. Wellwood, he saw Mrs. + Dixon sitting on one of the benches which were placed on the paths cut out + on the side of the hill, looking very smart and smiling, among several + persons of her own class. + </p> + <p> + To be ashamed to recognise her was a weakness beneath him; he spoke to + her, and was leaving her, pluming herself on his notice, when he saw + little Marianne’s blue eyes fixed wistfully upon him, and held out his + hand to her. She ran up to him joyfully, and he led her a few steps from + her mother’s party. ‘Well, little one, how are you? I have your piece of + spar quite safe. Have you said how d’ye do to Bustle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bustle! Bustle!’ called the soft voice but it needed a whistle from his + master to bring him to be caressed by the little girl. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you been taking any more pleasant walks?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes. We have been all round these pretty paths. And I should like to + go to the top of this great high hill, and see all round; but mamma says + she has got a bone in her leg, and cannot go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think mamma would give you leave to go up with me? Should you like + it?’ + </p> + <p> + She coloured all over; too happy even to thank him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Guy to his tutor, ‘I will meet you here when you have done + your business in the town, in an hour or so. Poor little thing, she has + not many pleasures.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dixon made no difficulty, and was so profuse in thanks that Guy got + out of her way as fast as he could, and was soon on the soft thymy grass + of the hill-side, the little girl frisking about him in great delight, + playing with Bustle, and chattering merrily. + </p> + <p> + Little Marianne was a delicate child, and her frolic did not last long. As + the ascent became steeper, her breath grew shorter, and she toiled on in a + resolute uncomplaining manner after his long, vigorous steps, till he + looked round, and seeing her panting far behind, turned to help her, lead + her, and carry her, till the top was achieved, and the little girl stood + on the topmost stone, gazing round at the broad sunny landscape, with the + soft green meadows, the harvest fields, the woods in their gorgeous autumn + raiment, and the moorland on the other side, with its other peaks and + cairns, brown with withered bracken, and shadowed in moving patches by the + floating clouds. The exhilarating wind brought a colour into her pale + cheeks, and her flossy curls were blowing over her face. + </p> + <p> + He watched her in silence, pleased and curious to observe how beautiful a + scene struck the childish eye of the little Londoner. The first thing she + said, after three or four minutes’ contemplation—a long time for + such a child—was, ‘Oh! I never saw anything so pretty!’ then + presently after, ‘Oh! I wish little brother Felix was here!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a pleasant place to think about your little brother,’ said Guy, + kindly; and she looked up in his face, and exclaimed, ‘Oh! do you know + about Felix?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall tell me’ said Guy. ‘Here, sit on my knee, and rest after your + scramble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma never lets me talk of Felix, because it makes her cry,’ said + Marianne; but I wish it sometimes.’ + </p> + <p> + Her little heart was soon open. It appeared that Felix was the last who + had died, the nearest in age to Marianne, and her favourite playfellow. + She told of some of their sports in their London home, speaking of them + with eagerness and fondness that showed what joys they had been, though to + Guy they seemed but the very proof of dreariness and dinginess. She talked + of walks to school, when Felix would tell what he would do when he was a + man, and how he took care of her at the crossings, and how rude boys used + to drive them, and how they would look in at the shop windows and settle + what they would buy if they were rich. Then she talked of his being ill—ill + so very long; how he sat in his little chair, and could not play, and then + always lay in bed, and she liked to sit by him, there; but at last he + died, and they carried him away in a great black coffin, and he would + never come back again. But it was so dull now, there was no one to play + with her. + </p> + <p> + Though the little girl did not cry, she looked very mournful, and Guy + tried to comfort her, but she did not understand him. ‘Going to heaven’ + only conveyed to her a notion of death and separation, and this phrase, + together with a vague idea who had made her, and that she ought to be + good, seemed to be the extent of the poor child’s religious knowledge. She + hardly ever had been at church and though she had read one or two Bible + stories, it seemed to have been from their having been used as lessons at + school. She had a dim notion that good people read the Bible, and there + was one on the little table at home, with the shell-turkey-cock standing + upon it, and mamma read it when Felix died; but it was a big book, and the + shell-turkey-cock always stood upon it; in short, it seemed only connected + with mamma’s tears, and the loss of her brother. + </p> + <p> + Guy was very much shocked, and so deep in thought that he could hardly + talk to the child in their progress down the hill; but she was just so + tired as to be inclined to silence, and quite happy clinging to his hand, + till he delivered her over to her mother at the foot of the hill, and went + to join his tutor, at the place appointed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wellwood,’ said he, breaking silence, when they had walked about half way + back to the farm, ‘do you think your cousin would do me a great kindness? + You saw that child? Well, if the parents consent, it would be the greatest + charity on earth if Miss Wellwood would receive her into her school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On what terms? What sort of an education is she to have?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The chief thing she wants is to be taught Christianity, poor child; the + rest Miss Wellwood may settle. She is my first cousin. I don’t know + whether you are acquainted with our family history?’ and he went on to + explain as much as was needful. It ended in a resolution that if Miss + Wellwood would undertake the charge, the proposal should be made to Mrs. + Dixon. + </p> + <p> + It was a way of assisting his relations likely to do real good, and on the + other hand, he would be able, under colour of the payment for the child, + to further Miss Wellwood’s schemes, and give her the interest of the + thousand pounds, until his five and twentieth year might put his property + in his own power. + </p> + <p> + Miss Wellwood readily consented, much pleased with the simplicity and + absence of false shame he showed in the whole transaction, and very + anxious for the good of a child in a class so difficult to reach. He next + went to Mrs. Dixon, expecting more difficulty with her, but he found none. + She thought it better Marianne should live at St. Mildred’s than die in + London, and was ready to catch at the prospect of her being fitted for a + governess. Indeed, she was so strongly persuaded that the rich cousin + might make Marianne’s fortune, that she would have been very unwilling to + interfere with the fancy he had taken for her. + </p> + <p> + Little Marianne was divided between fear of leaving mamma and liking for + St. Mildred’s, but her first interview with Miss Wellwood, and Miss Jane’s + showing her a little white bed, quite turned the scale in their favour. + Before the time came for Guy’s return to Oxford, he had seen her settled, + heard her own account of her happy life, and had listened to Miss Jane + Wellwood’s delight in her sweet temper and good disposition. + </p> + <p> + Those thousand pounds; Guy considered again and again whether he could + explain their destination, and whether this would clear him. It seemed to + him only a minor charge, and besides his repugnance to mention such a + design, he saw too many obstacles in his way. Captain Morville and his + sister were the very persons from whom Miss Wellwood’s project was to be + kept secret. Besides, what would be gained? It was evident that Guy’s own + assertions were doubted, and he could bring no confirmation of them; he + had never spoken of his intention to his tutor, and Mr. Wellwood could, + therefore, say nothing in his favour. If Mr. Edmonstone alone had been + concerned, or if this had been the only accusation, Guy might have tried + to explain it; but with Philip he knew it would be useless, and therefore + would not enter on the subject. He could only wait patiently. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 19 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Most delicately, hour by hour, + He canvassed human mysteries, + And stood aloof from other minds. + Himself unto himself he sold, + Upon himself, himself did feed, + Quiet, dispassionate, and cold, + With chiselled features clear and sleek. + —TENNYSON +</pre> + <p> + Guy had been about a week at Oxford, when one evening, as he was sitting + alone in his rooms, he received an unexpected visit from Captain Morville. + He was glad, for he thought a personal interview would remove all + misconstructions, and held out his hand cordially, saying:— + </p> + <p> + ‘You here, Philip! When did you come?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Half an hour ago. I am on my way to spend a week with the Thorndales. I + go on to-morrow to my sister’s.’ + </p> + <p> + While speaking, Philip was surveying the apartment, for he held that a + man’s room is generally an indication of his disposition, and assuredly + there was a great deal of character in his own, with the scrupulous + neatness and fastidious taste of its arrangements. Here, he thought, he + could not fail to see traces of his cousin’s habits, but he was obliged to + confess to himself that there was very little to guide him. The furniture + was strictly as its former occupant had left it, only rather the worse for + wear, and far from being in order. The chairs were so heaped with books + and papers, that Guy had to make a clearance of one before his visitor + could sit down, but there was nothing else to complain of, not even a + trace of cigars; but knowing him to be a great reader and lover of + accomplishments, Philip wondered that the only decorations were Laura’s + drawing of Sintram, and a little print of Redclyffe, and the books were + chiefly such as were wanted for his studies, the few others having for the + most part the air of old library books, as if he had sent for them from + Redclyffe. Was this another proof that he had some way of frittering away + his money with nothing to show for it? A Sophocles and a lexicon were open + before him on the table, and a blotting-book, which he closed, but not + before Philip had caught sight of what looked like verses. + </p> + <p> + Neither did his countenance answer Philip’s expectations. It had not his + usual bright lively expression; there was a sadness which made him smile + like a gleam on a showery day, instead of constant sunshine; but there was + neither embarrassment nor defiance, and the gleam-like smile was there, as + with a frank, confiding tone, he said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘This is very kind of you, to come and see what you can do for me.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was by no means prepared to be thus met half-way, but he thought + Guy wanted to secure him as an intercessor, and hardened himself into + righteous severity. + </p> + <p> + ‘No one can be more willing to help you than I, but you must, in the first + place, help yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + Instantly the sedate measured tone made Guy’s heart and head throb with + impatience, awakening all the former memories so hardly battled down; but + with the impulse of anger came the thought, ‘Here it is again! If I don’t + keep it down now, I am undone! The enemy will seize me again!’ He forced + himself not to interrupt, while Philip went calmly on. + </p> + <p> + ‘While you are not open, nothing can be done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My only wish, my only desire, is to be open,’ said Guy, speaking fast and + low, and repressing the feeling, which, nevertheless, affected his voice; + ‘but the opportunity of explanation has never been given me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You need complain of that no longer. I am here to convey to my uncle any + explanation you may wish to address to him. I will do my best to induce + him to attend to it favourably, but he is deeply offended and hurt by what + has passed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know—I know,’ said Guy, colouring deeply, and all irritation + disappearing from voice and manner; ‘I know there is no excuse for me. I + can only repeat that I am heartily sorry for whatever I may have said, + either of him or of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course,’ returned Philip, ‘I should never think of resenting what you + may have said in a moment of irritation, especially as you express regret + for it. Consider it as entirely overlooked on my part.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was nearly choked in uttering a ‘Thank you,’ which did not sound, + after all, much like acceptance of forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now to the real matter at issue,’ said Philip: ‘the application for the + money, which so amazed Mr. Edmonstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not see that it is the point,’ said Guy, ‘I wanted it for a scheme + of my own: he did not think fit to let me have it, so there is an end of + the matter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr Edmonstone does not think so. He wishes to be convinced that you have + not spent it beforehand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What would you have beyond my word and honour that I have not?’ exclaimed + Guy. + </p> + <p> + Far be it from me to say that he doubts it,’ said Philip; and as at those + words the flash of the Morville eye darted lightning, he expected that the + next moment, ‘Do you?’ would be thundered forth, and he could not, with + truth, answer ‘No;’ but it was one of his maxims that a man need never be + forced into an open quarrel, and he tranquilly continued—‘but it is + better not to depend entirely on assertion. Why do you not bring him full + proofs of your good intention, and thus restore yourself to his + confidence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have said that I am bound not to mention the purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unfortunate!’ said Philip; then, while Guy bit his lip till it bled, the + pain really a relief, by giving some vent to his anger at the implied + doubt, he went on,—‘If it is impossible to clear this up, the next + advice I would give is, that you should show what your expenditure has + been; lay your accounts before him, and let them justify you.’ + </p> + <p> + Most people would have resented this as an impertinent proposal, were it + only that doing so would have served to conceal the awkward fact that the + accounts had not been kept at all. Guy had never been taught to regard + exactness in this respect as a duty, had no natural taste for precision, + and did not feel responsible to any person; nor if he had kept any, could + he have shown them, without exposing his uncle. To refuse, would, however, + be a subterfuge, and after a moment, he made an effort, and confessed he + had none to show, though he knew Philip would despise him for it as a + fool, and probably take it as positive evidence against him. + </p> + <p> + It would have been more bearable if Philip would but have said ‘How + foolish,’ instead of drily repeating ‘Unfortunate!’ + </p> + <p> + After a pause, during which Guy was not sufficiently master of himself to + speak, Philip added—‘Then this matter of the thousand pounds is to + be passed over? You have no explanation to offer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No:’ and again he paused. ‘When my word is not accepted, I have no more + to say. But this is not the point. What I would know is, what are the + calumnies that accuse me of having gamed? If you really wish to do me a + service, you will give me an opportunity of answering these precious + proofs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will’ answered Philip; who could venture on doing so himself, though, + for his sister’s sake, it was unsafe to trust Mr. Edmonstone, with whom + what was not an absolute secret was not a secret at all. ‘My uncle knows + that a thirty pound cheque of his, in your name, was paid by you to a + notorious gamester.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy did not shrink, as he simply answered—‘It is true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet you have neither played, nor betted, nor done anything that could + come under the definition of gambling?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why this payment?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot explain that. I know appearances are against me,’ replied Guy + steadily, and with less irritation than he had hitherto shown. I once + thought my simple word would have sufficed, but, since it seems that will + not do, I will not again make what you call assertions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In fact, while you profess a desire to be open and sincere, a mystery + appears at every turn. What would you have us do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you think fit,’ he answered proudly. + </p> + <p> + Philip had been used to feel men’s wills and characters bend and give way + beneath his superior force of mind. They might, like Charles, chafe and + rage, but his calmness always gave him the ascendant almost without + exertion, and few people had ever come into contact with him without a + certain submission of will or opinion. With Guy alone it was not so; he + had been sensible of it once or twice before; he had no mastery, and could + no more bend that spirit than a bar of steel. This he could not bear, for + it obliged him to be continually making efforts to preserve his own sense + of superiority. + </p> + <p> + ‘Since this is your ultimatum,’ he said—‘since you deny your + confidence, and refuse any reply to these charges, you have no right to + complain of suspicion. I shall do my best, both as your true friend, and + as acting with your guardian’s authority, to discover all that may lead to + the elucidation of the mystery. In the first place, I am desired to make + every inquiry here as to your conduct and expenditure. I hope they will + prove satisfactory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much obliged to you,’ answered Guy, his voice stern and + dignified, and the smile that curled his lip was like Philip’s own. + </p> + <p> + Philip was positively annoyed, and desirous to say something to put him + down, but he had not committed himself by any vehemence, and Philip was + too cool and wise to compromise his own dignity, so he rose to go, saying, + ‘Good night! I am sorry I cannot induce you to act in the only way that + can right you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night!’ replied Guy, in the same dignified manner in which he had + spoken ever since his passion had been surmounted. + </p> + <p> + They parted, each feeling that matters were just where they were before. + Philip went back to his inn, moralizing on the pride and perverseness + which made it impossible to make any impression on a Redclyffe Morville, + whom not even the fear of detection could lead to submission. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, while Philip was hastily breakfasting, the door opened, and + Guy entered, pale and disturbed, as if he had been awake all night. + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip!’ said he, in his frank, natural voice, ‘I don’t think we parted + last night as your good intentions deserved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, ho!’ thought Philip; ‘the fear of an investigation has brought him to + reason;’ and he said, ‘Well, I am very glad you see things in a truer + light this morning;’ then asked if he had breakfasted. He had; and his + cousin added, + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you anything to say on the matter we discussed last night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No. I can only repeat that I am not guilty, and wait for time to show my + innocence. I only came to see you once more, that I might feel we parted + friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall always hope to be a true friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not come here for altercation,’ said Guy (an answer rather to the + spirit than the words), ‘so I will say no more. If you wish to see me + again, you will find me in my rooms. Good-bye.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was puzzled. He wondered whether Guy had come wishing to propitiate + him, but had found pride indomitable at the last moment; or whether he had + been showing himself too severely just to admit entreaty. He would be able + to judge better after he had made his inquiries, and he proceeded with + them at once. He met with no such replies as he expected. Every one spoke + of Sir Guy Morville in high terms, as strict in his habits of application, + and irreproachable in conduct. He was generally liked, and some regret was + expressed that he lived in so secluded a manner, forming so few + intimacies; but no one seemed to think it possible that anything wrong + could be imputed to him. Philip could even perceive that there was some + surprise that such inquiries should be made at all, especially by so young + a man as himself. Mr. Wellwood, the person whom he most wished to see, was + not at Oxford, but was at home preparing for his ordination. + </p> + <p> + Nor could Philip get nearer to the solution of the mystery when he went to + the tradesmen, who were evidently as much surprised as the tutors, and + said he always paid in ready money. Captain Morville felt like a lawyer + whose case is breaking down, no discoveries made, nothing done; but he was + not one whit convinced of his cousin’s innocence, thinking the college + authorities blind and careless, and the tradesmen combined to conceal + their extortions, or else that the mischief had been done at St. + Mildred’s. He was particularly provoked when he remembered Guy’s + invitation to him to come to his rooms, knowing, as he must have done, + what would be the result of his inquiry. + </p> + <p> + Philip was conscious that it would have been kind to have gone to say + that, so far, he had found nothing amiss, but he did not like giving Guy + this passing triumph. It made no difference in his real opinion; and why + renew a useless discussion? He persuaded himself that he had left himself + no time, and should miss the train, and hastened off to the station, where + he had to wait a quarter of an hour, consoling himself with reflecting— + </p> + <p> + ‘After all, though I might have gone to him, it would have been useless. + He is obstinate, and occasions of irritating his unfortunate temper are + above all to be avoided.’ + </p> + <p> + One short year after, what would not Philip have given for that quarter of + an hour! + </p> + <p> + By six o’clock he was at St. Mildred’s, greeted with delight by his + sister, and with cordiality by Dr. Henley. They were both proud of him, + and every tender feeling his sister had was for Philip, her pet, and her + pupil in his childhood, and her most valued companion and counsellor + through her early womanhood. + </p> + <p> + She had a picked dinner-party to meet him, for she knew the doctor’s + conversation was not exactly the thing to entertain him through a whole + evening, and the guests might well think they had never seen a handsomer + or more clever brother and sister than Mrs. Henley and Captain Morville. + The old county families, if they did wonder at her marriage, were always + glad to meet her brother, and it was a great pleasure to him to see old + friends. + </p> + <p> + Only once did his sister, in the course of the evening, make him feel the + difference of their sentiments, and that was about Miss Wellwood. Philip + defended her warmly; and when he heard that there was a plan getting up + for excluding her from the hospital, he expressed strong disapprobation at + the time; and after the guests were gone, spoke upon the subject with his + sister and her husband. The doctor entered into no party questions, and + had only been stirred up to the opposition by his wife; he owned that the + Miss Wellwoods had done a great deal of good, and made the nurses do their + duty better than he had ever known, and was quite ready to withdraw his + opposition. Mrs. Henley argued about opinions, but Philip was a match for + her in her own line; and the end of it was, that though she would not + allow herself to be convinced, and shook her head at her brother’s way of + thinking, he knew he had prevailed, and that Miss Wellwood would be + unmolested. + </p> + <p> + There was not another person in the world to whom Margaret would have + yielded; and it served to restore him to the sense of universal dominion + which had been a little shaken by his conversation with Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy was a great deal with the Wellwoods,’ said Mrs. Henley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Was he, indeed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, you need not think of <i>that</i>. It would be too absurd. The + youngest must be twice his age.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was not thinking of any such thing,’ said Philip, smiling, as he + thought of the very different course Guy’s affections had taken. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did hear he was to marry Lady Eveleen de Courcy. Is there anything in + that report?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; certainly not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should pity the woman who married him, after the specimen I saw of his + temper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor boy!’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Eveleen has been a great deal at Hollywell, has she not? I rather + wondered my aunt should like to have her there, considering all things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What things, sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Considering what a catch he would be for one of the Edmonstone girls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you had just been pitying the woman who should marry him. + Perhaps my aunt had Lady Eveleen there to act as a screen for her own + daughters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That our good-natured aunt should have acted with such ultra-prudence!’ + said Margaret, laughing at his grave ironical tone. ‘Lady Eveleen is very + pretty, is she not? A mere beauty, I believe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so; she is much admired; but Guy is certainly not inclined to fall + in love with her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should have thought him the very man to fall in love young, like his + father. Do you think there is any chance for either of the Edmonstones? + Laura’s beauty he spoke of, but it was not in a very lover-like way. Do + you admire Laura so much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is very pretty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And little Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a mere child, and will hardly ever be anything more; but she is a + very good little amiable thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish poor Charles’s temper was improved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I; but it is very far from improvement at present, in consequence + of his zeal for Guy. Guy has been very attentive and good natured to him, + and has quite won his heart; so that I should positively honour him for + his championship if it was not in great degree out of opposition to his + father and myself. To-morrow, Margaret, you must give me some guide to the + most probable quarters for learning anything respecting this poor boy’s + follies.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley did her best in that way, and Philip followed up his inquiries + with great ardour, but still unsuccessfully. Jack White, the hero of the + draft, was not at St. Mildred’s, nor likely to be heard of again till the + next races; and whether Sir Guy had been on the race-ground at all was a + doubtful point. Next, Philip walked to Stylehurst, to call on Colonel + Harewood, and see if he could learn anything in conversation with him; but + the Colonel did not seem to know anything, and his sons were not at home. + Young Morville was, he thought, a spirited lad, very good natured; he had + been out shooting once or twice with Tom, and had a very fine spaniel. If + he had been at the races, the Colonel did not know it; he had some + thoughts of asking him to join their party, but had been prevented. + </p> + <p> + This was no reason, thought Philip, why Guy might not have been with Tom + Harewood without the Colonel’s knowledge. Tom was just the man to lead him + amongst those who were given to betting; he might have been drawn in, and, + perhaps, he had given some pledge of payment when he was of age, or, + possibly, obtained an immediate supply of money from the old steward at + Redclyffe, who was devotedly attached to him. If so, Philip trusted to be + able to detect it from the accounts; on the other supposition, there was + no hope of discovery. + </p> + <p> + The conversation with Colonel Harewood kept him so late that he had no + time for going, as usual, to his old haunts, at Stylehurst; nor did he + feel inclined just then to revive the saddening reflections they excited. + He spent the evening in talking over books with his sister, and the next + day proceeded on his journey to Thorndale Park. + </p> + <p> + This was one of the places where he was always the most welcome, ever + since he had been a school-boy, received in a way especially flattering, + considering that the friendship was entirely owing to the uncompromising + good sense and real kindness with which he had kept in order the follies + of his former fag. + </p> + <p> + Charles might laugh, and call them the young man and young man’s + companion, and Guy more classically term them the pious Aeneas and his + fidus Achates, but it was a friendship that did honour to both; and the + value that the Thorndales set upon Captain Morville was not misplaced, and + scarcely over-rated. Not particularly clever themselves, they the more + highly appreciated his endowments, and were proud that James had been able + to make such a friend, for they knew, as well as the rest of the world, + that Captain Morville was far from seeking the acquaintance for the sake + of their situation in life, but that it was from real liking and esteem. + How far this esteem was gained by the deference the whole family paid to + his opinion, was another question; at any rate, the courting was from + them. + </p> + <p> + The Miss Thorndales deemed Captain Morville the supreme authority in + drawing, literature, and ecclesiastical architecture; and whenever a + person came in their way who was thought handsome, always pronounced that + he was not by any means equal to James’s friend. Lady Thorndale delighted + to talk over James with him, and thank him for his kindness; and Lord + Thorndale, rather a pompous man himself, liked his somewhat stately + manners, and talked politics with him, sincerely wishing he was his + neighbour at Redclyffe, and calculating how much good he would do there. + Philip listened with interest to accounts of how the Thorndale and + Morville influence had always divided the borough of Moorworth, and, if + united, might dispose of it at will, and returned evasive answers to + questions what the young heir of Redclyffe might be likely to do. + </p> + <p> + James Thorndale drove his friend to Redclyffe, as Philip had authority + from Mr. Edmonstone to transact any business that might be required with + Markham, the steward; and, as has been said before, he expected to + discover in the accounts something that might explain why Guy had ceased + to press for the thousand pounds. However, he could find nothing amiss in + them, though—bearing in mind that it is less easy to detect the loss + of a score of sheep than of one—he subjected them to a scrutiny + which seemed by no means agreeable to the gruff old grumbling steward. He + also walked about the park, saw to the marking of certain trees that were + injuring each other; and finding that there was a misunderstanding between + Markham and the new rector, Mr. Ashford, about certain parish matters, + where the clergyman was certainly right, he bore down Markham’s opposition + with Mr. Edmonstone’s weight, and felt he was doing good service. + </p> + <p> + He paused at the gate, and looked back at the wide domain and fine old + house. He pitied them, and the simple-hearted, honest tenantry, for being + the heritage of such a family, and the possession of one so likely to + misuse them, instead of training them into the means of conferring + benefits on them, on his country. What would not Philip himself do if + those lands were his,—just what was needed to give his talents free + scope? and what would it be to see his beautiful Laura their mistress? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 20 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The longing for ignoble things, + The strife for triumph more than truth, + The hardening of the heart, that brings + Irreverence for the dreams of youth. + —LONGFELLOW +</pre> + <p> + After his week at Thorndale Park, Captain Morville returned to make his + farewell visit at Hollywell, before joining his regiment at Cork, whence + it was to sail for the Mediterranean. He reckoned much on this visit, for + not even Laura herself could fathom the depth of his affection for her, + strengthening in the recesses where he so sternly concealed it, and + viewing her ever as more faultless since she had been his own. While she + was his noble, strong-minded, generous, fond Laura, he could bear with his + disappointment in his sister, with the loss of his home, and with the + trials that had made him a grave, severe man. She had proved the strength + of her mind by the self-command he had taught her, and for which he was + especially grateful to her, as it made him safer and more unconstrained, + able to venture on more demonstration than in those early days when every + look had made her blush and tremble. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone brought the carriage to fetch him from the station, and + quickly began,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose, as you have not written, you have found nothing out?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you could do nothing with him. Eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I could not get a word of explanation, nor break through the fence of + pride and reserve. I must do him the justice to say that he bears the best + of characters at Oxford; and if there were any debts I could not get at + them from the tradesmen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, say no more about it; he is an ungrateful young dog, and I am + sick of it. I only wish I could wash my hands of him altogether. It was + mere folly to expect any of that set could ever come to good. There’s + everything going wrong all at once now; poor little Amy breaking her heart + after him, and, worse than all, there’s poor Charlie laid up again,’ said + Mr. Edmonstone, one of the most affectionate people in the world; but his + maundering mood making him speak of Charles’s illness as if he only + regarded it as an additional provocation for himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles ill!’ exclaimed Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; another, of those formations in the joint. I hoped and trusted that + was all over now; but he is as bad as ever,—has not been able to + move for a week, and goodness knows when he will again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! I am very sorry. Is there as much pain as before?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes. He has not slept a wink these four nights. Mayerne talks of + opium; but he says he won’t have it till he has seen you, he is so anxious + about this unlucky business. If anything could persuade me to have Guy + back again it would be that this eternal fretting after him is so bad for + poor Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is on Amy’s account that it is impossible to have him here,’ said + Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! He shall never set eyes on Amy again unless all this is cleared up, + which it never will be, as I desire mamma to tell her. By the bye, Philip, + Amy said something of your having a slip with Charles on the stairs.’ + </p> + <p> + There was very nearly an accident; but I believed he was not hurt. I hope + it has nothing to do with this illness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He says it was all his own fault,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ‘and that he + should have been actually down but for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But is it really thought it can have caused this attack?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can hardly suppose so; but Thompson fancies there may have been some + jar. However, don’t distress yourself; I dare say it would have come on + all the same.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip did not like to be forgiven by Mr. Edmonstone, and there was + something very annoying in having this mischance connected with his name, + though without his fault; nor did he wish Charles to have the kind of + advantage over him that might be derived from seeming to pass over his + share in the misfortune. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at Hollywell, it was twilight, but no one was in the + drawing-room, generally so cheerful at that time of day; the fire had + lately been smothered with coals, and looked gloomy and desolate. Mr. + Edmonstone left Philip there, and ran up to see how Charles was, and soon + after Laura came in, sprang to his side, and held his hand in both hers. + </p> + <p> + ‘You bring no good news?’ said she, sadly, as she read the answer in his + face. ‘O! how I wish you had. It would be such a comfort now. You have + heard about poor Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and very sorry I am. But, Laura, is it really thought that accident + could have occasioned it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dr. Mayerne does not think so, only Mr. Thompson talked of remote causes, + when Amy mentioned it. I don’t believe it did any harm, and Charlie + himself says you saved him from falling down-stairs.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip had begun to give Laura his version of the accident, as he had + already done to her father, when Mrs. Edmonstone came down, looking + harassed and anxious. She told her nephew that Charles was very desirous + to see him, and sent him up at once. + </p> + <p> + There was a fire in the dressing-room, and the door was open into the + little room, which was only lighted by a lamp on a small table, where Amy + was sitting at work. After shaking hands, she went away, leaving him alone + with Charles, who lay in his narrow bed against the wall, fixed in one + position, his forehead contracted with pain, his eyelids red and heavy + from sleeplessness, his eyes very quick and eager, and his hands and arms + thrown restlessly outside the coverings. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry to find you here,’ said Philip, coming up to him, and + taking, rather than receiving, his hot, limp hand. ‘Is the pain very bad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a matter of course,’ said Charles, in a sharp, quick manner, his + voice full of suffering. ‘I want to hear what you have been doing at + Oxford and St. Mildred’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry I do not bring the tidings you wish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not expect you would. I know you too well; but I want to hear what + you have been doing—what he said,’ answered Charles, in short, + impatient sentences. + </p> + <p> + ‘It can be of no use, Charlie. You are not in a state to enter on + agitating subjects.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you I will hear all,’ returned Charles, with increased asperity. + ‘I know you will say nothing to his advantage that you can help, but still + I know you will speak what you think the truth, and I want to judge for + myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You speak as if I was not acting for his good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Palaver!’ cried Charles, fully sensible of the advantage his illness gave + him. ‘I want the facts. Begin at the beginning. Sit down—there’s a + chair by you. Now tell me, where did you find him?’ + </p> + <p> + Philip could not set Charles down in his present state, and was obliged to + submit to a cross-examination, in which he showed no abatement of his + natural acuteness, and, unsparing as he always was, laid himself under no + restraint at all. Philip was compelled to give a full history of his + researches; and if he had afforded no triumph to Guy, Charles revenged + him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, what did Guy say when he heard the result of this fine voyage of + discovery?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not see him again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not see him! not tell him he was so far justified!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had no time—at least I thought not. It would have been useless, + for while these mysteries continue, my opinion is unchanged, and there was + no benefit in renewing vain disputes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say no more!’ exclaimed Charles. ‘You have said all I expected, and more + too. I gave you credit for domineering and prejudice, now I see it is + malignity.’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Laura entered from the dressing-room, and stood aghast at the + words, and then looked imploringly at her cousin. Dr. Mayerne was + following her, and Charles called out,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, doctor, give me as much opium as you please. I only want to be + stupefied till the world has turned round, and then you may wake me.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip shook hands with Dr. Mayerne, and, without betraying a shade of + annoyance, wished Charles good night; but Charles had drawn the coverings + over his head, and would not hear him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said Philip to Laura, when they were out of the room. ‘He + is a very generous partisan, and excitement and suffering make him carry + his zeal to excess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew you could not be angry with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not be angry at this time at far more provocation given by any + one belonging to you, Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura’s heart had that sensation which the French call “se serrer”, as she + heard him allude to the long separation to which there seemed no limit; + but they could say no more. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy,’ said Charles, when she returned to him after dinner, ‘I am more + than ever convinced that things will right themselves. I never saw + prejudice more at fault.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he tell you all about it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I worked out of him all I could, and it is my belief Guy had the best of + it. I only wonder he did not horsewhip Philip round the quadrangle. I wish + he had.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no, no! But he controlled himself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he had not we should have heard of it fast enough;’ and Charles told + what he had been able to gather, while she sat divided between joy and + pain. + </p> + <p> + Philip saw very little more of Charles. He used to come to ask him how he + was once a day, but never received any encouragement to lengthen his + visit. These gatherings in the diseased joint were always excessively + painful, and were very long in coming to the worst, as well as afterwards + in healing; and through the week of Philip’s stay at Hollywell, Charles + was either in a state of great suffering, or else heavy and confused with + opiates. His mother’s whole time and thoughts were absorbed in him; she + attended to him day and night, and could hardly spare a moment for + anything else. Indeed, with all her affection and anxiety for the young + lovers, Charles was so entirely her engrossing object, that her first + feeling of disappointment at the failure of Philip’s journey of + investigation was because it would grieve Charlie. She could not think + about Guy just then, and for Amy there was nothing for it but patience; + and, good little creature, it was very nice to see her put her own + troubles aside, and be so cheerful a nurse to her brother. She was almost + always in his room, for he liked to have her there, and she could not + conquer a certain shrinking from Philip. + </p> + <p> + Laura had once pleaded hard and earnestly for Guy with Philip, but all in + vain; she was only taught to think the case more hopeless than before. + Laura was a very kind nurse and sister, but she could better be spared + than her mother and Amy, so that it generally fell to her lot to be + down-stairs, making the drawing-room habitable. Dr. Mayerne, whenever + Charles was ill, used to be more at Hollywell than at his own house, and + there were few days that he did not dine there. When Amy was out of the + way, Philip used to entertain them with long accounts of Redclyffe, how + fine a place it was, how far the estate reached on the Moorworth road, of + its capacities for improvement, wastes of moorland to be enclosed or + planted, magnificent timber needing nothing but thinning. He spoke of the + number of tenantry, and the manorial rights, and the influence in both + town and county, which, in years gone by, had been proved to the utmost in + many a fierce struggle with the house of Thorndale. Sir Guy Morville might + be one of the first men in England if he were not wanting to himself. Mr. + Edmonstone enjoyed such talk, for it made him revel in the sense of his + own magnanimity in refusing his daughter to the owner of all this; and + Laura sometimes thought how Philip would have graced such a position, yet + how much greater it was to rest entirely on his own merits. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +‘Ah, my fine fellow!’ muttered Dr. Mayerne to himself one day, when +Philip and his uncle had left the room, just after a discourse of this +kind, ‘I see you have not forgotten you are the next heir.’ + + Laura coloured with indignation, exclaimed, ‘Oh!’ then checked +herself, as if such an aspersion was not worthy of her taking the +trouble to refute it. +</pre> + <p> + ‘Ah! Miss Edmonstone, I did not know you were there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, you were talking to yourself, just as if you were at home,’ said + Charlotte, who was specially pert to the old doctor, because she knew + herself to be a great pet. ‘You were telling some home truths to make + Laura angry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, he would make a very good use of it if he had it,’ said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now you’ll make me angry,’ said Charlotte; ‘and you have not mended + matters with Laura. She thinks nothing short of four-syllabled words good + enough for Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! nonsense, Charlotte!’ said Laura, much annoyed. + </p> + <p> + ‘There Charlotte, she is avenging herself on you because she can’t scold + me’ said the doctor, pretending to whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte is only growing more wild than ever for want of mamma,’ said + Laura, trying to laugh it off, but there was so much annoyance evident + about her, that Dr. Mayerne said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Seriously, I must apologize for my unlucky soliloquy; not that I thought + I was saying much harm, for I did not by any means say or think the + Captain wished Sir Guy any ill, and few men who stood next in succession + to such a property would be likely to forget it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but Philip is not like other men,’ said Charlotte, who, at fourteen, + had caught much of her brother’s power of repartee, and could be quite as + provoking, when unrestrained by any one whom she cared to obey. + </p> + <p> + Laura felt it was more for her dignity not to notice this, and replied, + with an effort for a laugh,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be your guilty conscience that sets you apologizing, for you said + no harm, as you observe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Dr. Mayerne, good-humouredly. ‘He does very well without it, + and no doubt he would be one of the first men in the country if he had it; + but it is in very good hands now, on the whole. I don’t think, even if the + lad has been tempted into a little folly just now, that he can ever go + very far wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed,’ said Charlotte; ‘but Charlie and I don’t believe he has done + anything wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + She spoke in a little surly decided tone, as if her opinion put an end to + the matter, and Philip’s return closed the discussion. + </p> + <p> + Divided as the party were between up-stairs and down-stairs, and in the + absence of Charles’s shrewd observation, Philip and Laura had more + opportunity of intercourse than usual, and now that his departure would + put an end to suspicion, they ventured on more openly seeking each other. + It never could be the perfect freedom that they had enjoyed before the + avowal of their sentiments, but they had many brief conversations, giving + Laura feverish, but exquisite, delight at each renewal of his rare + expressions of tenderness. + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you going to do to-day?’ he asked, on the last morning before he + was to leave Hollywell. ‘I must see you alone before I go.’ + </p> + <p> + She looked down, and he kept his eyes fixed on her rather sternly, for he + had never before made a clandestine appointment, and he did not like + feeling ashamed of it. At last she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I go to East-hill School this afternoon. I shall come away at half-past + three.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary Ross was still absent; her six nephews and nieces having taken + advantage of her visit to have the measles, not like reasonable children, + all at once, so as to be one trouble, but one after the other, so as to + keep Aunt Mary with them as long as possible; and Mr. Ross did not know + what would have become of the female department of his parish but for + Laura, who worked at school-keeping indefatigably. + </p> + <p> + Laura had some difficulty in shaking off Charlotte’s company this + afternoon, and was obliged to make the most of the probability of rain, + and the dreadful dirt of the roads. Indeed, she represented it as so + formidable, that Mrs. Edmonstone, who had hardly time to look out of + window, much less to go out of doors, strongly advised her to stay at home + herself; and Charlotte grew all the more eager for the fun. Luckily, + however, for Laura, Dr. Mayerne came in, laughing at the reports of the + weather; and as he was wanted to prescribe for a poor old man in an + opposite direction, he took Charlotte with him to show the way, and she + was much better pleased to have him for a companion than the grave Laura. + </p> + <p> + Philip, in the meantime, had walked all the way to Broadstone, timing his + return exactly, that he might meet Laura as she came out of the school, + and feel as if it had been by chance. It was a gray, misty November day, + and the leaves of the elm-trees came floating round them, yellow and damp. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have had a wet walk,’ said Laura, as they met. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not quite raining,’ he answered; and they proceeded for some + minutes in silence, until he said,—‘It is time we should come to an + understanding.’ + </p> + <p> + She looked at him in alarm, and his voice was immediately gentler; indeed, + at times it was almost inaudible from his strong emotion. ‘I believe that + no affection has ever been stronger or truer than ours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has been!’ repeated Laura, in a wondering, bewildered voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘And is, if you are satisfied to leave things as they are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must be, if you are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not say I am satisfied with what must be, as I am situated; but I + felt it due to you to set the true state of the case before you. Few would + venture their love as I do mine with you, bound in reality, though not + formally, with no promise sought or given; yet I am not more assured that + I stand here than I am that our love is for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure it is!’ she repeated fervently. ‘O Philip, there never was a + time I did not love you: and since that day on Ashen Down, I have loved + you with my whole heart. I am sometimes afraid it has left no proper room + for the rest, when I find how much more I think of your going away than of + poor Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘you have understood me as none but you would have done, + through coldness and reserve, apparently, even towards yourself, and when + to others I have seemed grave and severe beyond my years. You have never + doubted, you have recognized the warmth within; you have trusted your + happiness to me, and it shall be safe in my keeping, for, Laura, it is all + mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is only one thing,’ said Laura, timidly; ‘would it not be better if + mamma knew?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, I have considered that, but remember you are not bound; I have + never asked you to bind yourself. You might marry to-morrow, and I should + have no right to complain. There is nothing to prevent you.’ + </p> + <p> + She exclaimed, as if with pain. + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ he answered; ‘you could not, and that certainty suffices me. I ask + no more without your parents’ consent; but it would be giving them and you + useless distress and perplexity to ask it now. They would object to my + poverty, and we should gain nothing; for I would never be so selfish as to + wish to expose you to such a life as that of the wife of a poor officer; + and an open engagement could not add to our confidence in each other. We + must be content to wait for my promotion. By that time’—he smiled + gravely—‘our attachment will have lasted so many years as to give it + a claim to respect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no new thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No newer than our lives; but remember, my Laura, that you are but + twenty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have made me feel much older,’ sighed Laura, ‘not that I would be a + thoughtless child again. That cannot last long, not even for poor little + Amy’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one would wish to part with the deeper feelings of elder years to + regain the carelessness of childhood, even to be exempted from the + suffering that has brought them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For instance, these two years have scarcely been a time of great + happiness to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sometimes,’ whispered Laura, ‘sometimes beyond all words, but often + dreary and oppressive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven knows how unwillingly I have rendered it so. Rather than dim the + brightness of your life, I would have repressed my own sentiments for + ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, then, where would have been my brightness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would, I say, but for a peril to you. I see my fears were unfounded. + You were safe; but in my desire to guard you from what has come on poor + Amy, my feelings, though not wont to overpower me, carried me further than + I intended.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not suppose I regret it. No, no, Laura; those were the most precious + moments in my life, when I drew from you those words and looks which have + been blessed in remembrance ever since; and doubly, knowing, as I do, that + you also prize that day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—yes;—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the midst of much that was adverse, and with a necessity for a trust + and self-control of which scarce a woman but yourself would have been + capable, you have endured nobly—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could bear anything, if you were not going so far away,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will bear that too, Laura, and bravely. It will not be for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How long do you think?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot tell. Several years may pass before I have my promotion. It may + be that I shall not see that cheek in its fresh bloom again, but I shall + find the same Laura that I left, the same in love, and strength, and + trust.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah; I shall grow faded and gray, and you will be a sun-burnt old + soldier,’ said Laura, smiling, and looking, half sadly, half proudly, up + to his noble features; ‘but hearts don’t change like faces!’ + </p> + <p> + After they came near the house, they walked up and down the lane for a + long time, for Philip avoided a less public path, in order to keep up his + delusion that he was doing nothing in an underhand way. It grew dark, and + the fog thickened, straightening Laura’s auburn ringlets, and hanging in + dew-drops on Philip’s rough coat, but little recked they; it was such an + hour as they had never enjoyed before. Philip had never so laid himself + open, or assured her so earnestly of the force of his affection; and her + thrills of ecstasy overcame the desolate expectation of his departure, and + made her sensible of strength to bear seven, ten, twenty years of + loneliness and apparent neglect. She knew him, and he would never fail + her. + </p> + <p> + Yet, when at last they went in-doors, and Amy followed her to her room, + wondering to find her so wet, and so late, who could have seen the two + sisters without reading greater peace and serenity in the face of the + younger. + </p> + <p> + Philip felt an elder brother’s interest for poor little Amy. He did not + see much of her; but he compassionated her as a victim to her mother’s + imprudence, hoping she would soon be weaned from her attachment. He + thought her a good, patient little thing, so soft and gentle as probably + not to have the strength and depth that would make the love incurable; and + the better he liked her, the more unfit he thought her for Guy. It would + have been uniting a dove and a tiger; and his only fear was, that when he + was no longer at hand, Mr. Edmonstone’s weak good-nature might be + prevailed on to sacrifice her. He did his best for her protection, by + making his uncle express a resolution never to admit Guy into his family + again, unless the accusation of gambling was completely disproved. + </p> + <p> + The last morning came, and Philip went to take leave of Charles. Poor + Charles was feebler by this time, and too much subdued by pain and languor + to receive him as at first, but the spirit was the same; and when Philip + wished him good-bye, saying he hoped soon to hear he was better, he + returned for answer, + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye, Philip, I hope soon to hear you are better. I had rather have + my hip than your mind.’ + </p> + <p> + He was in no condition to be answered, and Philip repeated his good-bye, + little thinking how they were to meet again. + </p> + <p> + The others were assembled in the hall. His aunt’s eyes were full of tears, + for she loved him dearly, her brother’s only son, early left motherless, + whom she had regarded like her own child, and who had so nobly fulfilled + all the fondest hopes. All his overbearing ways and uncalled-for + interference were forgotten, and her voice gave way as she embraced him, + saying, + </p> + <p> + ‘God bless you, Philip, wherever you may be. We shall miss you very much!’ + </p> + <p> + Little Amy’s hand was put into his, and he squeezed it kindly; but she + could hardly speak her ‘good-bye,’ for the tears that came, because she + was grieved not to feel more sorry that her highly-esteemed cousin, so + kind and condescending to her, was going away for so very long a time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye, Philip,’ said Charlotte; ‘I shall be quite grown up by the time + you come home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t make such uncivil auguries, Puss,’ said her father; but Philip + heard her not, for he was holding Laura’s hand in a grasp that seemed as + if it never would unclose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 21 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I will sing, for I am sad, + For many my misdeeds; + It is my sadness makes me glad, + For love for sorrow pleads. + —WILLIAMS. +</pre> + <p> + After his last interview with Philip, Guy returned to his rooms to force + himself into occupation till his cousin should come to acknowledge that + here, at least, there was nothing amiss. He trusted that when it was + proved all was right in this quarter, the prejudice with regard to the + other might be diminished, though his hopes were lower since he had found + out the real grounds of the accusation, reflecting that he should never be + able to explain without betraying his uncle. + </p> + <p> + He waited in vain. The hour passed at which Philip’s coming was possible; + Guy was disappointed, but looked for a letter; but post after post failed + to bring him one. Perhaps Philip would write from Hollywell, or else Mr. + Edmonstone would write, or at least he was sure that Charles would write—Charles, + whose confidence and sympathy, expressed in almost daily letters, had been + such a comfort. But not a line came. He reviewed in memory his last letter + to Charles, wondering whether it could have offended him; but it did not + seem possible; he thought over all that Philip could have learnt in his + visit, to see if it could by any means have been turned to his + disadvantage. But he knew he had done nothing to which blame could be + attached; he had never infringed the rules of college discipline; and + though still backward, and unlikely to distinguish himself, he believed + that was the worst likely to have been said of him. He only wished his + true character was as good as what would be reported of him. + </p> + <p> + As he thought and wondered, he grew more and more restless and unhappy. He + could imagine no reason for the silence, unless Mr. Edmonstone had + absolutely forbidden any intercourse, and it did not seem probable that he + would issue any commands in a manner to bind a grown-up son, more + especially as there had been no attempt at communication with Amy. It was + terrible thus, without warning, to be cut off from her, and all besides + that he loved. As long as Charles wrote, he fancied her sitting by, + perhaps sealing the letter, and he could even tell by the kind of paper + and envelope, whether they were sitting in the dressing-room or + down-stairs; but now there was nothing, no assurance of sympathy, no word + of kindness; they might all have given him up; those unhappy words were + like a barrier, cutting him off for ever from the happiness of which he + had once had a glimpse. Was the Redclyffe doom of sin and sorrow really + closing in upon him? + </p> + <p> + If it had not been for chapel and study, he hardly knew how he should have + got through that term; but as the end of it approached, a feverish + impatience seized on him whenever the post came in, for a letter, if only + to tell him not to come to Hollywell. None came, and he saw nothing for it + but to go to Redclyffe; and if he dreaded seeing it in its altered state + when his spirits were high and unbroken, how did he shrink from it now! He + did, however, make up his mind, for he felt that his reluctance almost + wronged his own beloved home. Harry Graham wanted to persuade him to come + and spend Christmas at his home, with his lively family, but Guy felt as + if gaiety was not for him, even if he could enjoy it. He did not wish to + drown his present feelings, and steadily, though gratefully, refused this + as well as one or two other friendly invitations. + </p> + <p> + After lingering in vain till the last day of term, he wrote to desire that + his own room and the library might be made ready for him, and that + ‘something’ might be sent to meet him at Moorworth. + </p> + <p> + Railroads had come a step nearer, even to his remote corner of the world, + in the course of the last three years; but there was still thirty miles of + coach beyond, and these lay through a part of the country he had never + seen before. It was for the most part bleak, dreary moor, such as, under + the cold gray wintry sky, presented nothing to rouse him from his musings + on the welcome he might have been at that very moment receiving at + Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + A sudden, dip in the high ground made it necessary for the coach to put on + the drag, and thus it slowly entered a village, which attracted attention + from its wretched appearance. The cottages, of the rough stone of the + country, were little better than hovels; slates were torn off, windows + broken. Wild-looking uncombed women, in garments of universal dirt colour, + stood at the doors; ragged children ran and shrieked after the coach, the + church had a hole in the roof, and stood tottering in spite of rude + repairs; the churchyard was trodden down by cattle, and the whole place + only resembled the pictures of Irish dilapidation. + </p> + <p> + ‘What miserable place is this?’ asked a passenger. ‘Yes, that’s what all + gentlemen ask,’ replied the coachman; ‘and well you may. There’s not a + more noted place for thieves and vagabonds. They call it Coombe Prior.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy well knew the name, though he had never been there. It was a distant + offset of his own property, and a horrible sense of responsibility for all + the crime and misery there came over him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no one to look; after it?’ continued the traveller. ‘No squire, + no clergyman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A fox-hunting parson,’ answered the coachman; ‘who lives half-a-dozen + miles off, and gallops over for the service.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy knew that the last presentation had been sold in the days of his + grandfather’s extravagance, and beheld another effect of ancestral sin. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know who is the owner of the place?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir; ‘tis Sir Guy Morville. You have heard tell of the old Sir Guy + Morville, for he made a deal of noise in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! The noted—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I ought not to allow you to finish your sentence,’ said Guy, very + courteously, ‘without telling you that I am his grandson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon!’ exclaimed the traveller. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Guy, with a smile; ‘I only thought it was fair to tell you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy himself!’ said the coachman, turning round, and touching his hat, + anxious to do the honours of his coach. ‘I have not seen you on this road + before, sir, for I never forget a face; I hope you’ll often be this way.’ + </p> + <p> + After a few more civilities, Guy was at liberty to attend to the fresh + influx of sad musings on thoughtless waste affecting not only the destiny + of the individual himself, but whole generations besides. How many souls + might it not have ruined? ‘These sheep, what had they done!’ His + grandfather had repented, but who was to preach repentance unto these? He + did not wonder now that his own hopes of happiness had been blighted; he + only marvelled that a bright present or future had ever been his— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + While souls were wandering far and wide, + And curses swarmed on every side. +</pre> + <p> + The traveller was, meanwhile, observing the heir of Redclyffe, possessor + of wealth and wide lands. Little did he guess how that bright-eyed youth + looked upon his riches. + </p> + <p> + Miles were passed in one long melancholy musing, till Guy was roused by + the sight of familiar scenes, and found himself rattling over the stones + of the little borough of Moorworth, with the gray, large-windowed, + old-fashioned houses, on each side, looking at him with friendly eyes. + There, behind those limes cut out in arches, was the commercial school, + where he had spent many an hour in construing with patient Mr. Potts; and + though he had now a juster appreciation of his old master’s erudition, + which he had once thought so vast, he recollected with veneration his long + and patient submission to an irksome, uncongenial life. Rumbling on, the + coach was in the square market-place, the odd-looking octagon market-house + in the middle, and the inn—the respectable old ‘George’—with + its long rank of stables and out-buildings forming one side. It was at + this inn that Guy had been born, and the mistress having been the first + person who had him in her arms, considered herself privileged to have a + great affection for him, and had delighted in the greetings he always + exchanged with her when he put up his pony at her stable, and went to his + tutor. + </p> + <p> + There was a certainty of welcome here that cheered him, as he swung + himself from the roof of the coach, lifted Bustle down, and called out to + the barmaid that he hoped Mrs. Lavers was well. + </p> + <p> + The next moment Mrs. Lavers was at the door herself, with her broad, + good-humoured face, close cap, bright shawl, and black gown, just as Guy + always recollected, and might, if he could, have recollected, when he was + born. If she had any more guests she neither saw nor cared for them; her + welcome was all for him; and he could not but smile and look cheerful, if + only that he might not disappoint her, feeling, in very truth, cheered and + gratified by her cordiality. If he was in a hurry, he would not show it; + and he allowed her to seat him in her own peculiar abode, behind the + glass-cases of tongue and cold chicken, told her he came from Oxford, + admired her good fire, and warmed his hands over it, before he even asked + if the ‘something’ had arrived which was to take him home. It was coming + to the door at the moment, and proved to be Mr. Markham’s tall, + high-wheeled gig, drawn by the old white-faced chestnut, and driven by + Markham himself—a short, sturdy, brown-red, honest-faced old man, + with frosted hair and whiskers, an air more of a yeoman than of a lawyer; + and though not precisely gentlemanlike, yet not ungentlemanlike, as there + was no pretension about him. + </p> + <p> + Guy darted out to meet him, and was warmly shaken by the hand, though the + meeting was gruff. + </p> + <p> + ‘So, Sir Guy! how d’ye do? I wonder what brings you here on such short + notice? Good morning, Mrs. Lavers. Bad roads this winter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good morning, Mr. Markham. It is a treat, indeed, to have Sir Guy here + once more; so grown, too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Grown—hum!’ said Markham, surveying him; ‘I don’t see it. He’ll + never be as tall as his father. Have you got your things, Sir Guy? Ay, + that’s the way,—care for nothing but the dog. Gone on by the coach, + most likely.’ + </p> + <p> + They might have been, for aught Guy knew to the contrary, but Boots had + been more attentive, and they were right. Mrs. Lavers begged he would walk + in, and warm himself; but Markham answered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you say, Sir Guy? The road is shocking, and it will be as dark as + a pit by the time we get home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well; we won’t keep old Whiteface standing,’ said Guy. ‘Good-bye, + Mrs. Lavers thank you. I shall see you again before long.’ + </p> + <p> + Before Markham had finished a short private growl on the shocking state of + the Moorworth pavement, and a protest that somebody should be called over + the coals, Guy began,—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a horrible place Coombe Prior is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I only know I wish you had more such tenants as Todd,’ was Markham’s + answer. ‘Pays his rent to a day, and improves his land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what sort of man is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A capital farmer. A regular screw, I believe; but that is no concern of + mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are all the cottages tumbling down.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay? Are they? I shouldn’t wonder, for they are all in his lease; and he + would not lay out an unproductive farthing. And a precious bad lot they + are there, too! There were actually three of them poaching in Cliffstone + hanger this autumn; but we have them in jail. A pretty pass of impudence + to be coming that distance to poach.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy used to be kindled into great wrath by the most distant hint of + poachers; but now he cared for men, not for game; and instead of asking, + as Markham expected, the particulars of their apprehension, continued— + </p> + <p> + ‘The clergyman is that Halroyd, is he not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; every one knows what he is. I declare it went against me to take his + offer for the living; but it could not be helped. Money must be had; but + there! least said, soonest mended.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must mend it,’ said Guy, so decidedly, that Markham looked at him with + surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t see what’s to be done till Halroyd dies; and then you may give + the living to whom you please. He lives so hard he can’t last long, that + is one comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy sighed and pondered; and presently Markham resumed the conversation. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what has brought you home at a moment’s notice? You might as well + have written two or three days before, at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was waiting in hopes of going to Hollywell,’ said Guy sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, and what is the matter? You have not been quarrelling with your + guardian, I hope and trust! Going the old way, after all!’ exclaimed + Markham, not in his usual gruff, grumbling note, but with real anxiety, + and almost mournfulness. + </p> + <p> + ‘He took up some unjust suspicion of me. I could not bear it patiently, + and said something that has offended him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Sir Guy! hot and fiery as ever. I always told you that hasty temper + would be the ruin of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Too true!’ said Guy, so dejectedly, that the old man instantly grew + kinder, and was displeased with Mr. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘What could he have taken into his head to suspect you of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of gaming at St. Mildred’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why does not he believe you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He thinks he has proof against me. I can’t guess how he discovered it; + but I was obliged to pay some money to a gambling sort of man, and he + thinks I lost it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why don’t you show him your accounts?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For one reason—because I have kept none.’ + </p> + <p> + As if it was an immense relief to his mind, Markham launched out into a + discourse on the extreme folly, imprudence, and all other evils of such + carelessness. He was so glad to find this was the worst, that his lecture + lasted for two miles and a half, during which Guy, though attentive at + first, had ample space for all the thrills of recognition at each + well-known spot. + </p> + <p> + There was the long green-wooded valley between the hills where he had shot + his first woodcock; there was the great stone on which he had broken his + best knife in a fit of geological research; there was the pool where he + used to skate; there the sudden break in the lulls that gave the first + view of the sea. He could not help springing up at the sight—pale, + leaden, and misty as it was; and though Markham forthwith rebuked him for + not listening, his heart was still beating as at the first sight of a dear + old friend, when that peep was far behind. More black heaths, with stacks + of peat and withered ferns. Guy was straining his eyes far off in the + darkness to look for the smoke of the old keeper’s cottage chimney, and + could with difficulty refrain from interrupting Markham to ask after the + old man. + </p> + <p> + Another long hill, and then began a descent into a rich valley, beautiful + fields of young wheat, reddish soil, full of fatness, large spreading + trees with noble limbs, cottages, and cottage gardens, very unlike poor + Coombe Prior; Markham’s house—a perfect little snuggery covered all + over with choice climbing plants, the smart plastered doctor’s house, the + Morville Arms, looking honest and venerable, the church, with its + disproportionately high tower, the parsonage rather hidden behind it; and, + on the opposite side of the road, the park-wall and the gate, where old + Sarah stood, in an ecstasy of curtsies. + </p> + <p> + Guy jumped out to meet her, and to spare Whiteface; for there was a sharp, + steep bit of hill, rising from the lodge, trying to horses, in spite of + the road being cut out in long spirals. On he ran, leaving the road to + Markham, straight up the high, steep, slippery green slope. He came in + sight at the great dark-red sandstone pile of building; but he passed it, + and ran on to where the ground rose on one side of it still more abruptly, + and at the highest point was suddenly broken away and cut off into a + perpendicular crag, descending in some parts sheer down to the sea, in + others a little broken, and giving space for the growth of stunted + brushwood. He stood at the highest point, where the precipice was most + abrupt. The sea was dashing far beneath; the ripple, dash, and roar were + in his ears once more; the wind—such wind as only blows over the sea—was + breathing on his face; the broad, free horizon far before him; the field + of waves, in gray and brown shade indeed, but still his own beloved waves; + the bay, shut in with rocks, and with Black Shag Island and its train of + rocks projecting far out to the west, and almost immediately beneath him, + to the left, the little steep street of the fishing part of the village, + nestled into the cove, which was formed by the mouth of a little + mountain-stream, and the dozen boats it could muster rocking on the water. + </p> + <p> + Guy stood and looked as if he could never cease looking, or enjoying the + sea air and salt breeze. It was real pleasure at first, for there were his + home, his friends, and though there was a throb and tightness of heart at + thinking how all was changed but such as this, and how all must change; + how he had talked with Amy of this very thing, and had longed to have her + standing beside him there; yet there was more of soothing than suffering + in the sensation. + </p> + <p> + So many thoughts rushed through his mind, that he fancied he had stood + there a long time, when he turned and hastened down again, but he had been + so rapid as to meet Markham before the servants had had time to miss him. + </p> + <p> + The servants were indeed few. There was, alas! William of Deloraine, + waiting to hold Whiteface; there was Arnaud, an old Swiss, first courier + and then butler to old Sir Guy; there was Mrs. Drew, the housekeeper, also + a very old servant; and these were all; but their welcome was of the + heartiest, in feeling, if not in demonstration as the gig went with an + echoing, thundering sound under the deep archway that led into the paved + quadrangle; round which the house was built, that court where, as Philip + had truly averred, the sun hardly ever shone, so high were the walls on + each side. + </p> + <p> + Up the stone steps into the spacious dark hall, and into the large, gloomy + library, partially lighted by a great wood fire, replying to Mrs. Drew’s + questions about his dinner and his room, and asking Markham to stay and + dine with him, Guy at length found himself at home, in the very room where + he had spent every evening of his boyhood, with the same green leather + arm-chair, in the very place where his grandfather used to sit. + </p> + <p> + Markham consented to dine with him, and the evening was spent in talking + over the news of Redclyffe. Markham spoke with much bitterness of the way + in which Captain Morville had taken upon him; his looking into the + accounts, though any one was welcome to examine them, was, he thought, + scarcely becoming in so young a man—the heir-at-law, too. + </p> + <p> + ‘He can’t help doing minutely whatever he undertakes,’ said Guy. If you + had him here, you would never have to scold him like me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven forbid!’ said Markham, hastily. ‘I know the same place would not + hold him and me long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have told me nothing of our new vicar. How do you get on with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None the better for that same Captain Morville,’ replied Markham, + plunging forthwith into his list of grievances, respecting which he was + waging a petty warfare, in the belief that he was standing up for his + master’s rights. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bernard, the former clergyman, had been a quiet, old-fashioned man, + very kind-hearted, but not at all active, and things had gone on in a + sleepy, droning, matter-of-fact way, which Markham being used to, thought + exactly what ought to be. Now, Mr. Ashford was an energetic person, + desirous to do his utmost for the parish, and whatever he did was an + offence to Markham, from the daily service, to the objecting to the men + going out fishing on Sunday. He opposed every innovation with all his + might, and Captain Morville’s interference, which had borne Markham down + with Mr. Edmonstone’s authority, had only made him more determined not to + bate an inch. He growled every time Guy was inclined to believe Mr. + Ashford in the right, and brought out some fresh complaint. The grand + controversy was at present about the school. There was a dame’s school in + the cove or fishing part of the parish, maintained at the expense of the + estate, in a small cottage far from the church, and Mr. and Mrs. Ashford + had fixed their eyes on a house in the village, and so near the church as + to be very convenient for a Sunday School. It only wanted to be floored, + and to have a partition taken down, but to this Markham would not consent, + treating it as a monstrous proposal to take away the school from old Jenny + Robinson. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose Mr. Ashford meant to pension her off?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He did say something about it; but who is to do it, I should like to + know?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are, I suppose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pay two schoolmistresses mistresses at once! One for doing nothing! A + pretty tolerable proposal for Mr. Ashford to be making?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t see why. Of course it is my business!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides, I don’t see that she is not as fit to keep school as ever she + was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That may well be,’ said Guy, smiling. ‘We never used to be noted for our + learning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you be for bringing new lights into the parish, Sir Guy, or we + shall never have any more peace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall see about old Jenny,’ answered Guy. ‘As to the house, that must + be done directly. Her cottage is not fit to keep school in.’ + </p> + <p> + Grunt, grunt; but though a very unbending viceroy, a must from the + reigning baronet had a potent effect on Markham, whether it was for good + or evil. He might grumble, but he never disobeyed, and the boy he was used + to scold and order had found that Morville intonation of the must, which + took away all idea of resistance. He still, however remonstrated. + </p> + <p> + ‘As you please, Sir Guy, but we shall have the deer frightened, and the + plantations cut to pieces, if the boys from the Cove are to be crossing + the park.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll be answerable for all the damage. If they are once properly spoken + to, they will be on honour to behave well. I have seen a little of what a + village school ought to be at East-hill, and I should like to see + Redclyffe like it.’ + </p> + <p> + Grunt again; and Guy found that to make Markham amiable, he must inquire + after all his nephews and nieces. + </p> + <p> + All the evening he had much to occupy him, and the dreaded sense of + solitude and bereavement did not come on till he had parted with Markham, + and stood alone before the fire in the large, gloomy room, where the light + of the lamp seemed absorbed in the darkness of the distant corners, and + where he had scarcely been since the moment when he found his grandfather + senseless in that very chair. How different had that room once been in his + eyes, when his happy spirits defied every association of gloom, and the + bookshelves, the carved chairs, the heavy dark-green curtains and deep + windows were connected with merry freaks, earnest researches, delightful + achievements or discoveries! How long ago that time seemed! and how + changed was he! + </p> + <p> + There was a certain tendency to melancholy in Guy’s mind. High spirits, + prosperity, and self-discipline, had kept it from developing itself until + the beginning of his troubles, but since that time it had been gradually + gaining ground, and this was a time of great suffering, as he stood alone + in his forefathers’ house, and felt himself, in his early youth, a doomed + man, destined to bear the penalty of their crimes in the ruin of his + dearest hopes, as if his heirloom of misery had but waited to seize on him + till the very moment when it would give him the most to endure. + </p> + <p> + ‘But bear it, I must and will!’ said he, lifting his head from the carved + chimney-piece, where he had been resting it. ‘I have been in will a + murderer myself, and what right have I to repine like the Israelites, with + their self-justifying proverb? No; let me be thankful that I was not given + up even then, but have been able to repent, and do a little better next + time. It will be a blessing as yet ungranted to any of us, if indeed I + should bear to the full the doom of sorrow, so that it may be vouchsafed + me only to avoid actual guilt. Yes, Amy, your words are still with me—“Sintram + conquered his doom,”—and it was by following death! Welcome, then, + whatever may be in store for me, were it even a long, cheerless life + without you, Amy. There is another world!’ + </p> + <p> + With the energy of freshened resolution, he lighted his candle, and + walked, with echoing steps, up the black oak staircase, along the broad + gallery, up another flight, down another passage, to his own room. He had + expressly written ‘his own room,’ and confirmed it on his arrival, or Mrs. + Drew would have lodged him as she thought more suitably for the master of + the house. Nothing had been done to alter its old familiar aspect, except + lighting a fire, which he had never seen there before. There were all his + boyish treasures, his bows and arrows, his collection of birds’ wings, his + wonderful weapons and contrivances, from his fire-balloon down to the + wren’s-egg, all just as he left them, their good condition attesting the + care that Mrs. Drew had taken for his sake. + </p> + <p> + He renewed his acquaintance with them with a sort of regretful affection + and superiority; but there was a refreshment in these old memories which + aided the new feeling of life imparted to him by his resolution to bear. + Nor had he only to bear, he had also to do; and before the late hour at + which he fell asleep, he had made up his mind what was the first step to + be taken about Coombe Priory, and had remembered with rejoicing that + whereas he had regretted leaving the chapel at college which had so + comforted and helped him, there was now daily service at Redclyffe Church. + The last thing in his mind, before reflection was lost in sleep, was this + stanza— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Gales from Heaven, if so He will, + Sweeter melodies may wake + On the lowly mountain rill + Than the meeting waters make. + Who hath the Father and the Son, + May be left, but not alone. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 22 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And when the solemn deep church-bell + Entreats the soul to pray, + The midnight phantoms feel the spell, + The shadows sweep away. + + Down the broad Vale of Tears afar, + The spectral camp is fled; + Faith shineth as a morning star, + Our ghastly fears are dead. + —LONGFELLOW +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Ashford was a connection of Lady Thorndale’s, and it was about a year + since the living of Redclyffe had been presented to him. Mr. and Mrs. + Ashford were of course anxious to learn all they could about their young + squire, on whom the welfare of the parish depended, even more than in most + cases, as the whole was his property. Their expectations were not raised + by Mr. Markham’s strenuous opposition to all their projects, and his + constant appeals to the name of ‘Sir Guy’; but, on the other hand, they + were pleased by the strong feeling of affection that all the villagers + manifested for their landlord. + </p> + <p> + The inhabitants of Redclyffe were a primitive race, almost all related to + each other, rough and ignorant, and with a very strong feudal feeling for + ‘Sir Guy,’ who was king, state, supreme authority, in their eyes; and Mrs. + Ashford further found that ‘Master Morville,’ as the old women called him + in his individual character, was regarded by them with great personal + affection. + </p> + <p> + On the occasion when Captain Morville came to Redclyffe, and left James + Thorndale to spend a couple of hours at the parsonage, they interrogated + the latter anxiously on his acquaintance with Sir Guy. He had not the + least idea of creating prejudice, indeed, he liked him as a companion, but + he saw everything through the medium of his friend, and spoke something to + this effect: He was very agreeable; they would like his manners; he was + tolerably clever, but not to be named in the same day with his cousin for + abilities, far less in appearance. Very pleasant, generally liked, + decidedly a taking man; but there was some cloud over him just now—debts, + probably. Morville had been obliged to go to Oxford about it; but Mr. + Thorndale did not profess to understand it, as of course Morville said as + little of it as he could. Thereupon all began to admire the aforesaid + Morville, already known by report, and whose fine countenance and sensible + conversation confirmed all that had been said of him. + </p> + <p> + And as, after his interference, Mr. Markham’s opposition became surly, as + well as sturdy, and Sir Guy’s name was sure to stand arrayed against them + whichever way they turned, the younger part of the family learnt to regard + him somewhat in the light of an enemy, and their elders awaited his + majority with more of fear than of hope. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma!’ cried Edward Ashford, rushing in, so as to bring the first news + to his mother, who had not been to the early service, ‘I do believe Sir + Guy is come!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy was at church!’ shouted Robert, almost at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ashford confirmed the intelligence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw him speaking, after church, to some of the old men, so afterwards I + went to ask old John Barton, and found him with tears in his eyes, + positively trembling with delight, for he said he never thought to have + heard his cheery voice again, and that he was coming down by and by to see + the last letter from Ben, at sea.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is very nice! Shall you call?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. Even if he is only here for a day or two, it will be better to have + made the acquaintance.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ashford went to the Park at two in the afternoon, and did not return + till near four. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said he, ‘it is as James Thorndale says, there is something very + prepossessing about him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you been there all this time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. He was not at home; so I left my card, and was coming away, when I + met him at the turn leading to the Cove. He need not have seen me unless + he had liked, but he came up in a good-natured cordial way, and thanked me + for coming to call.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he like his cousin?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in the least; not nearly so tall or so handsome, but with a very + pleasant face, and seeming made up of activity, very slight, as if he was + all bone and sinew. He said he was going to see the Christmas ox at the + farm, and asked me to come with him. Presently we came to a high gate, + locked up. He was over it in an instant, begged me to wait while he ran on + to the farm for the key, and was back in a second with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he enter on any of the disputed subjects!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He began himself about the school, saying the house should be altered + directly; and talked over the whole matter very satisfactorily; undertook + himself to speak to Jenny Robinson; and was very glad to hear you meant + her still to keep the infants at the Cove; so I hope that matter is in a + right train.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If Mr. Markham will but let him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, he is king or more here! We met Markham at the farm; and the first + thing, after looking at the cattle, Sir Guy found some planks lying about, + and said they were the very thing for flooring the school. Markham + mentioned some barn they were intended for, but Sir Guy said the school + must be attended to at once, and went with us to look at it. That was what + kept me so long, measuring and calculating; and I hope it may be begun in + a week.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is delightful! What more could we wish?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think he will give trouble in parish matters, and in personal + intercourse he will be sure to be most agreeable. I wish I knew there was + nothing amiss. It seems strange for him to come here for the vacation, + instead of going to his guardian’s, as usual, and altogether he had an air + of sadness and depression, not like a youth, especially such an active + one. I am afraid something is wrong; those engaging people are often + unstable. One thing I forgot to tell you. We were walking through that + belt of trees on the east side of the hill, when he suddenly called out to + ask how came the old ash-tree to be marked. Markham answered in his gruff + way, it was not his doing, but the Captain’s. He turned crimson, and began + some angry exclamation, but as Markham was going on to tell something else + about it, he stopped him short, saying, ‘Never mind! I dare say it’s all + right. I don’t want to hear any more!’ And I don’t think he spoke much + again till we got into the village. I am afraid there is some + misunderstanding between the cousins.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or more likely Mr. Markham is teaching him some jealousy of his heir. We + could not expect two Captain Morvilles in one family, and I am glad it is + no worse.’ + </p> + <p> + All that the Ashfords further saw of their young baronet made an + impression in his favour; every difficulty raised by the steward + disappeared; their plans were forwarded, and they heard of little but his + good-nature to the poor people; but still they did not know how far to + trust these appearances, and did not yet venture to form an opinion on + him, or enter into intimacy. + </p> + <p> + ‘So the singers will not come to us on Christmas Eve, because they say + they must go to the Park,’ said Edward, rather savagely. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking,’ said Mrs. Ashford, ‘how forlorn it will be for that poor + youth to spend his Christmas-day alone in that great house. Don’t you + think we might ask him to dinner?’ + </p> + <p> + Before Mr. Ashford could answer, the boys made such an uproar at the + proposal of bringing a stranger to spoil their Christmas, that their + parents gave up the idea. + </p> + <p> + It was that Christmas-day that Guy especially dreaded, as recalling so + many contrasts both with those passed here and at Hollywell. Since his + return, he had been exerting himself to attend to what he felt to be his + duty, going about among his people, arranging for their good or pleasure, + and spending a good deal of time over his studies. He had written to Mr. + Ross, to ask his advice about Coombe Prior, and had set Markham, much + against his will, to remonstrate with Farmer Todd about the repairs; but + though there was a sort of satisfaction in doing these things—though + the attachment of his dependants soothed him, and brought a new sense of + the relation between himself and them—though views of usefulness + were on each side opening before him—yet there was a dreariness + about everything; he was weary even while he undertook and planned + energetically; each new project reminding him that there was no Amy to + plan with him. He could not sufficiently care for them. + </p> + <p> + Still more dreary was his return to his old haunts, and to the scenery + which he loved so devotedly—the blue sea and purple hills, which had + been like comrades and playfellows, before he had known what it was to + have living companions. They used to be everything to him, and he had + scarcely a wish beyond; afterwards his dreams had been of longing + affection for them, and latterly the idea of seeing Amy love them and + admire them had been connected with every vision of them; and now the + sight of the reality did but recall the sense that their charm had + departed; they could no longer suffice to him as of old; and their + presence brought back to him, with fresh pangs of disappointment, the + thought of lost happiness and ruined hopes, as if Amy alone could restore + their value. + </p> + <p> + The depression of his spirits inclined him to dwell at present more on the + melancholy history of his parents than on anything else. He had hitherto + only heard the brief narration of his grandfather, when he could ask no + questions; but he now obtained full particulars from Markham, who, when he + found him bent on hearing all, related everything, perhaps intending it as + a warning against the passions which, when once called into force, he + dreaded to find equally ungovernable in his present master. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morville had been his great pride and glory, and, in fact, had been so + left to his care, as to have been regarded like a son of his own. He had + loved him, if possible, better than Guy, because he had been more his own; + he had chosen his school, and given him all the reproofs which had ever + been bestowed on him with his good in view, and how he had grieved for him + was never known to man. It was the first time he had ever talked it over, + and he described, with strong, deep feeling, the noble face and bearing of + the dark-eyed, gallant-looking stripling, his generosity and high spirit + tainted and ruined by his wild temper and impatience of restraint. There + seemed to have been a great sweetness of disposition, excellent impulses, + and so strong a love of his father, in spite of early neglect and present + resentment, as showed what he might have been with only tolerable + training, which gave Guy’s idea of him more individuality than it had ever + had before, and made him better understand what his unhappy grandfather’s + remorse had been. Guy doubted for a moment whether it had not been selfish + to make Markham narrate the history of the time when he had suffered so + much; and Markham, when he had been led into telling it, and saw the + deepening sadness on his young master’s countenance, wished it had not + been told, and ended by saying it was of no use to stir up what was better + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + He would have regretted the telling it still more if he had known how Guy + acted it all over in his solitude; picturing his father standing an + outcast at the door of his own home, yielding his pride and resentment for + the sake of his wife, ready to do anything, yearning for reconciliation, + longing to tread once more the friendly, familiar hall, and meeting only + the angry repulse and cruel taunt! He imagined the headlong passion, the + despair, the dashing on his horse in whirlwind-like swiftness, then the + blow—the fall—the awful stillness of the form carried back to + his father’s house, and laid on that table a dead man! Fierce wrath—then + another world! Guy worked himself up in imagining the horror of the scene, + till it was almost as if he had been an actor in it. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had never cared so much for the thought of his father as for his + mother. His yearning for her which he had felt in early days at Hollywell, + had returned in double force, as he now fancied that she would have been + here to comfort him, and to share his grief, to be a Mrs. Edmonstone, + whose love no fault and no offence could ever cancel. + </p> + <p> + He rode to Moorworth, and made Mrs. Lavers tell him all she remembered. + She was nothing loath, and related how she had been surprised by Mr. + Morville arriving with his fair, shrinking young wife, and how she had + rejoiced in his coming home again. She described Mrs. Morville with + beautiful blue eyes and flaxen hair, looking pale and delicate, and with + clinging caressing ways like a little child afraid to be left. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor thing!’ said Mrs. Lavers, wiping her eyes; ‘when he was going, she + clung about him, and cried, and was so timid about being left, that at + last he called me, and begged me to stay with her, and take care of her. + It was very pretty to see how gentle and soft he was to her, sharp and + hasty as he was with most; and she would not let him go, coaxing him not + to stay away long; till at last he put her on the sofa, saying, “There, + there, Marianne, that will do. Only be a good child, and I’ll come for + you.” I never forget those words, for they were the last I ever heard him + speak.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor dear! she cried heartily at first; but after a time she cheered up, + and quite made friends with me. I remember she told me which were Mr. + Morville’s favourite songs, and sang little scraps of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can you remember what they were?’ eagerly exclaimed Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Law, no, air; I never had no head for music. And she laughed about her + journey to Scotland, and got into spirits, only she could not bear I + should go out of the room; and after a time she grew very anxious for him + to come back. I made her some tea, and tried to get her to bed, but she + would not go, though she seemed very tired; for she said Mr. Morville + would come to take her to Redclyffe, and she wanted to hear all about the + great house, listening for him all the time, and I trying to quiet her, + and telling her the longer he stayed the better chance there was. Then + came a call for me, and down-stairs I found everything in confusion; the + news had come—I never knew how. I had not had time to hear it + rightly myself, when there was a terrible cry from up-stairs. Poor thing! + whether she thought he was come, or whether her mind misgave her, she had + come after me to the head of the stairs, and heard what they were saying. + I don’t believe she ever rightly knew what had happened, for before I + could get to her she had fainted; and she was very ill from that moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it was the next day she died!’ said Guy, looking up, after a long + silence. ‘Did she—could she take any notice of me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir; she lived but half an hour, or hardly that, after you were + born.’ I told her it was a son; but she was not able to hear or mind me, + and sank away, fainting like. I fancied I heard her say something like + “Mr. Morville,” but I don’t know; and her breath was very soon gone. Poor + dear!’ added Mrs. Lavers, wiping away her tears. ‘I grieved for her as if + she had been my own child; but then I thought of her waking up to hear he + was dead. I little thought then, Sir Guy, that I should ever see you stand + there,—strong and well grown. I almost thought you were dead already + when I sent for Mr. Harrison to baptize you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it you that did so?’ said Guy, his face, mournful before, lighting up + in a sudden beam of gratitude. ‘Then I have to thank you for more than all + the world besides.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Law, sir!’ said Mrs. Lavers, smiling, and looking pleased, though as if + but half entering into his meaning. ‘Yes, it was in that very china bowl; + I have kept it choice ever since, and never let it be used for anything. I + thought it was making very bold, but the doctor and all thought you could + not live, and Mr. Harrison might judge. I was very glad just before he + came that Mr. Markham came from Redclyffe. He had not been able to leave + poor Sir Guy before.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy soon after set out on his homeward ride. His yearning to hear of his + mother had been satisfied; but though he could still love the fair, sweet + vision summoned up by her name, he was less disposed to feel that it had + been hard upon him that she died. It was not Amy. In spite of his tender + compassion and affection, he knew that he had not lost a Verena in her. + None could occupy that place save Amy; and his mind, from custom, reverted + to Amy as still his own, thrilled like a freshly-touched wound, and tried + to realize the solace that even yet she might be praying for him. + </p> + <p> + It was dreariness and despondency by day, and he struggled with it by + energy and occupation; but it was something even worse in the evening, in + the dark, solitary library, where the very size of the room gave an + additional sense of loneliness; and in the silence he could hear, through + the closed shutters, the distant plash and surge of the tide,—a + sound, of which, in former years, he had never been sensible. There, + evening after evening, he sat,—his attention roaming from his + employment to feed on his sad reflections. + </p> + <p> + One evening he went to the large dark dining-room, unlocked the door, + which echoed far through the house, and found his way through the + packed-up furniture to a picture against the wall, to which he held up his + light. It was a portrait by Lely, a half-length of a young man, one hand + on his sword, the other holding his plumed hat. His dark chestnut hair + fell on each side of a bright youthful face, full of life and health, and + with eyes which, even in painting, showed what their vividness must have + been. The countenance was full of spirit and joy; but the mouth was more + hard and stern than suited the rest; and there was something in the + strong, determined grasp of the sword, which made it seem as if the hand + might be a characteristic portrait. In the corner of the picture was the + name—‘Hugo Morville. AEt. 2O, 1671.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy stood holding up his light, and looking fixedly at it for a + considerable time. Strange thoughts passed through his mind as the + pictured eyes seemed to gaze piercingly down into his own. When he turned + away, he muttered aloud,— + </p> + <p> + ‘He, too, would have said—“Is thy servant a dog, that he should do + this?”’ + </p> + <p> + It seemed to him as if he had once been in a happier, better world, with + the future dawning brightly on him; but as if that once yielding to the + passions inherited from that wretched man, had brought on him the doom of + misery. He had opened the door to the powers of evil, and must bear the + penalty. + </p> + <p> + These feelings might partly arise from its having been only now that, had + all been well, he could have been with Amabel; so that it seemed as if he + had never hitherto appreciated the loss. He had at first comforted himself + by thinking it was better to be without her than to cause her distress; + but now he found how hard it was to miss her—his bright angel. + Darkness was closing on him; a tedious, aimless life spread out before + him; a despair of doing good haunted him, and with it a sense of something + like the presence of an evil spirit, triumphing in his having once put + himself within its grasp. + </p> + <p> + It was well for Guy that he was naturally active, and had acquired power + over his own mind. He would not allow himself to brood over these thoughts + by day, and in the evening he busied himself as much as possible with his + studies, or in going over with Markham matters that would be useful to him + to know when he came to the management of his property. Yet still these + thoughts would thicken on him, in spite of himself, every evening when he + sat alone in the library. + </p> + <p> + The late hours of Christmas Eve was the time when he had most to suffer. + The day had been gloomy and snowy, and he had spent it almost entirely in + solitude, with no companion or diversion to restore the tone of his mind, + when he had tried it with hard study. He tried to read, but it would not + do; and he was reduced to sit looking at the fire, recalling this time + last year, when he had been cutting holly, helping the sisters to deck the + house, and in the evening enjoying a merry Christmas party, full of + blitheness and glee, where there were, of course, special recollections of + Amabel. + </p> + <p> + As usual, he dwelt on the contrast, mused on the estrangement of Mrs. + Edmonstone, and tormented himself about Charles’s silence, till he fell + into the more melancholy train of thought of the destiny of his race. + </p> + <p> + Far better for him to bear all alone than to bring on Amy grief and + horror, such as had fallen on his own mother, but it was much to bear that + loneliness and desolation for a lifetime. The brow was contracted, and the + lip drawn into a resolute expression of keeping down suffering, like that + of a man enduring acute bodily pain; as Guy was not yielding, he was + telling himself—telling the tempter, who would have made him give up + the struggle—that it was only for a life, and that it was shame and + ingratitude to be faint-hearted, on the very night when he ought to be + rejoicing that One had come to ruin the power of the foe, and set him + free. But where was his rejoicing? Was he cheered,—was he comforted? + Was not the lone, blank despondency that had settled on him more heavily + than ever, a token that he was shut out from all that was good,—nay, + that in former years there had been no true joy in him, only enjoyment of + temporal pleasure? Had his best days of happiness been, then, nothing but + hollowness and self-deception? + </p> + <p> + At that moment the sound of a Christmas carol came faintly on his ear. It + was one of those tunes which, when the village choir were the only + musicians he knew, he had thought, unrivalled; and now, even to his + tutored, delicate ear, softened as it was by distance, and endeared by + association, it was full of refreshing, soothing harmony. He undrew the + curtain, opened the shutter, and looked into the court, where he saw some + figures standing. As soon as the light shone from the window, the carol + was resumed, and the familiar tones were louder and harsher, but he loved + them, with all their rudeness and dissonance, and throwing up the window, + called the singers by name, asking why they stood out in the snow, instead + of coming into the hall, as usual. + </p> + <p> + The oldest of the set came to the window to answer,—so old a man + that his voice was cracked, and his performance did more harm than good in + the psalms at church. + </p> + <p> + ‘You see, Sir Guy,’ said he, ‘there was some of us thought you might not + like to have us coming and singing like old times, ‘cause ‘tis not all as + it used to be here with you. Yet we didn’t like not to come at all, when + you had been away so long, so we settled just to begin, and see whether + you took any notice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you. It was a very kind thought, James,’ said Guy, touched by the + rough delicacy of feeling manifested by these poor men; ‘I had rather hear + the carols than anything. Come to the front door; I’ll let you in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, sir,’ with a most grateful touch of the hat; and Guy hastened + to set things in order, preferring the carols to everything at that + moment, even though disabused of his pristine admiration for James + Robinson’s fiddle, and for Harry Ray’s grand shake. A long space was spent + in listening, and a still longer in the endeavour to show what Mr. Ashford + meant by suggesting some improvements which they were regarding with + dislike and suspicion, till they found Sir Guy was of the same mind. In + fact, when he had sung a verse or two to illustrate his meaning, the + opinion of the choir was, that, with equal advantages, Sir Guy might sing + quite as well as Harry Ray. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time he had heard his own voice, except at church, since + the earlier days of St. Mildred’s, but as he went up the long stairs and + galleries to bed, he found himself still singing. It was, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who lives forlorn, + On God’s own word doth rest, + His path is bright + With heavenly light, + His lot among the blest. +</pre> + <p> + He wondered, and remembered finding music for it with Amy’s help. He + sighed heavily, but the anguish of feeling, the sense of being in the + power of evil, had insensibly left him, and though sad and oppressed, the + unchangeable joy and hope of Christmas were shedding a beam on him. + </p> + <p> + They were not gone when he awoke, and rose to a solitary breakfast without + one Christmas greeting. The light of the other life was beginning to shine + out, and make him see how to do and to bear, with that hope before him. + The hope was becoming less vague; the resolution, though not more firm, + yet less desponding, that he would go on to grapple with temptation, and + work steadfastly; and with that hope before him, he now felt that even a + lifetime without Amy would be endurable. + </p> + <p> + The power of rejoicing came more fully at church, and the service entered + into his soul as it never had done before. It had never been such + happiness, though repentance and mournful feelings were ever present with + him; nor was his ‘Verena’ absent from his mind. He walked about between + the services, saw the poor people dining in their holly-decked houses, + exchanging Christmas wishes with them, and gave his old, beautiful, bright + smile as he received demonstrations of their attachment, or beheld their + enjoyment. He went home in the dark, allowed Mrs. Drew to have her own + way, and serve him and Bustle with a dinner sufficient for a dozen people, + and was shut up for the solitary Christmas evening which he had so much + dreaded, and which would have been esteemed a misfortune even by those who + had no sad thoughts to occupy them. + </p> + <p> + Yet when the clock struck eleven he was surprised, and owned that it had + been more than not being unhappy. The dark fiends of remorse and despair + had not once assaulted him, yet it had not been by force of employment + that they had been averted. He had read and written a little, but very + little, and the time had chiefly been spent in a sort of day-dream, though + not of a return to Hollywell, nor of what Redclyffe might be with Amy. It + had been of a darkened and lonely course, yet, in another sense, neither + dark nor lonely, of a cheerless home and round of duties, with a true home + beyond; and still it had been a happy, refreshing dream, and he began the + next morning with the fresh brightened spirit of a man who felt that such + an evening was sent him to reinvigorate his energies, and fit him for the + immediate duties that lay before him. + </p> + <p> + On the breakfast-table was what he had not seen for a long time—a + letter directed to him. It was from Mr. Ross, in answer to his question + about Coombe Prior, entering readily into the subject, and advising him to + write to the Bishop, altogether with a tone of friendly interest which, + especially as coming from one so near Hollywell, was a great pleasure, a + real Christmas treat. There was the wonted wish of the season—a + happy Christmas—which he took gratefully, and lastly there was a + mention that Charles Edmonstone was better, the suffering over, though he + was not yet allowed to move. + </p> + <p> + It was a new light that Charles’s silence had been occasioned by illness, + and his immediate resolution was to write at once to Mr. Ross, to beg for + further particulars. In the meantime, the perception that there had been + no estrangement was such a ray as can hardly be imagined without knowing + the despondency it had enlivened. The truth was, perhaps, that the tone of + mind was recovering, and after having fixed himself in his resolution to + endure, he was able to receive comfort and refreshment from without as + well as from within. + </p> + <p> + He set to work to write at once to the Bishop, as Mr. Ross advised. He + said he could not bear to lose time, and therefore wrote at once. He + should be of age on the 28th of March, and he hoped then to be able to + arrange for a stipend for a curate, if the Bishop approved, and would + kindly enter into communication on the appointment with Mr. Halroyd, the + incumbent. After considering his letter a little while, and wishing he was + sufficiently intimate with Mr. Ashford to ask him if it would do, he wrote + another to Mr. Ross, to inquire after Charles; then he worked for an hour + at mathematics, till a message came from the gamekeeper to ask whether he + would go out shooting, whereat Bustle, evidently understanding, jumped + about, and wagged his tail so imploringly, that Guy could not resist, so + he threw his books upon the top of the great pile on the sofa, and, glad + that at least he could gratify dog and man, he sent word that he should be + ready in five minutes. + </p> + <p> + He could not help enjoying the ecstasy of all the dogs, and, indeed he was + surprised to find himself fully alive to the delight of forcing his way + through a furze-brake, hearing the ice in the peaty bogs crackle beneath + his feet; getting a good shot, bringing down his bird, finding snipe, and + diving into the depths of the long, winding valleys and dingles, with the + icicle-hung banks of their streamlets. He came home through the village at + about half-past three o’clock, sending the keeper to leave some of his + game at the parsonage, while he went himself to see how the work was + getting on at the school. Mr. and Mrs. Ashford and the boys were come on + the same errand, in spite of the cloud of dust rising from the + newly-demolished lath-and-plaster partition. The boys looked with longing + eyes at the gun in his hand, and the half-frozen compound of black and red + mud on his gaiters; but they were shy, and their enmity added to their + shyness, so that even when he shook hands with them, and spoke + good-naturedly, they did not get beyond a monosyllable. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, feeling some compunction for having left him to his + solitude so long, asked him to dinner for one of the ensuing days, with + some idea of getting some one to meet him, and named six o’clock. + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t that put you out? Don’t you always dine early?’ said he. ‘If you + would let me, I should like to join you at your tea-time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will endure a host of children,’ said Mr. Ashford, ‘I should like + it of all things,’ said Guy. ‘I want to make acquaintance very much,’ and + he put his hand on Robert’s shoulder. ‘Besides, I want to talk to you + about the singing, and how we are to get rid of that fiddle without + breaking James Robinson’s heart.’ + </p> + <p> + The appointment was made, and Guy went home to his hasty dinner, his + Greek, and a little refreshing return afterwards to the books which had + been the delight of younger days. There was no renewal of the burthen of + despair that had so long haunted his evenings. Employments thickened on + his hands as the days passed on. There was further correspondence about + Coombe Prior and the curate, and consultations with Markham about farmer + Todd, who was as obstinate and troublesome as possible. Guy made Markham + come to Coombe Prior with him, examine and calculate about the cottages, + and fairly take up the subject, though without much apparent chance of + coming to any satisfactory result. A letter came from Mr. Ross, telling + him even more than he had ventured to hope, for it brought a message from + Charles himself. Charles had been delighted to hear of him, and had begged + that he might be told how very sorry he had been not to write; and how + incapable he had been, and still was; but that he hoped Guy would write to + him, and believe him in the same mind. Mr. Ross added an account of + Charles’s illness, saying the suffering had been more severe than usual, + and had totally disabled him for many weeks; that they had since called in + a London surgeon, who had given him hope that he might be better now than + ever before, but had prescribed absolute rest for at least six weeks + longer, so that Charles was now flat on his back all day, beginning to be + able to be amused, and very cheerful and patient. + </p> + <p> + The pleasure of entering into communication with Hollywell again, and + knowing that Charles at least would be glad to hear from him, was so + exquisite, that he was almost surprised, considering that in essentials he + was where he was before, and even Charles could not be Amy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 23 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + They hadna sailed a league, a league, + A league, but barely three, + When the lift grew dark, and the wind grew loud, + And gurly grew the sea. + —SIR PATRICK SPENS.—(Old Ballad.) +</pre> + <p> + Guy’s evening with the Ashfords threw down many of the barriers in the way + of intimacy. He soon made friends with the children, beginning with the + two years old baby, and ending with gaining even the shy and sturdy Robin, + who could not hold out any longer, when it appeared that Sir Guy could + tell him the best place for finding sea-urchins, the present objects of + his affections. + </p> + <p> + ‘But we should have to go through the park,’ said Edward, disconsolately, + when Guy had described the locality. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must not go into the park!’ cried the children, in chorus. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not go into the park!’ exclaimed Guy, looking at Mrs. Ashford, in + amazement; then, as it flashed on him that it was his part to give leave, + he added,—‘I did not know I was such a dog in the manger. I thought + all the parish walked naturally in the park. I don’t know what else it is + good for. If Markham will lock it up, I must tell him to give you a key.’ + </p> + <p> + The boys were to come the next day—to be shown the way to the bay of + urchins, and thenceforth they became his constant followers to such a + degree, that their parents feared they were very troublesome, but he + assured them to the contrary; and no mother in the world could have found + it in her heart to keep them away from so much happiness. There was + continually a rushing home with a joyous outcry,—‘Mamma! Sir Guy + gave me a ride on his horse!’ ‘Mamma! Sir Guy helped us to the top of that + great rock!’ ‘Oh, papa! Sir Guy says we may come out shooting with him + to-morrow, if you will let us!’ ‘Mamma! papa! look! Do you see? I shot + this rabbit my own self with Sir Guy’s gun!’ ‘Papa! papa! Sir Guy showed + us his boat, and he says he will take us out to the Shag Rock, if you will + give us leave!’ + </p> + <p> + This was beyond what papa, still further beyond what mamma, could like, + since the sea was often very rough in parts near the Shag; there were a + good many sunken rocks, and boys, water, and rocks, did not appear by any + means a safe conjunction, so Mrs. Ashford put the matter off for the + present by the unseasonableness of the weather; and Mr. Ashford asked one + or two of the fishermen how far they thought landing on the Shag a prudent + attempt. + </p> + <p> + They did not profess to have often tried, they always avoided those rocks; + but it could hardly be very dangerous, they said, for when Sir Guy was a + boy, he used to be about there for ever, at first with an old boatman, and + afterwards alone in his little boat. They had often wondered he was + trusted there; but if any one knew the rocks, he did. + </p> + <p> + Still, Mrs. Ashford could not make up her mind to like the idea, and the + boys came to Sir Guy in a state of great discomposure. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind’ he said, ‘perhaps we shall manage it in the summer. We will + get your father to go out with us himself; and, in the meantime, who likes + to come with me after the rabbits in Cliffstone Copse? Farmer Holt will + thank Robin for killing a dozen or so, for he makes grievous complaints of + them.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy conducted the boys out of sight of the sea, and, to console them, gave + them so much more use of the gun than usual, that it might be considered + as a wonder that he escaped being shot. Yet it did not prevent a few sighs + being spent on the boating. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t you forget it?’ said Guy, smiling. ‘You have no loss, after all, + for we are likely to have no boating weather this long time. Hark! don’t + you hear the ground-swell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ said the boys, standing still to listen to the distant + surge, like a continuous low moan, or roar, far, far away, though there + was no wind, and the sea was calm. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the sound that comes before stormy weather,’ said Guy. ‘It is as if + the sea was gathering up its forces for the tempest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what?—how? Tell me what it really is,’ said Robin. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose it is the wind on the sea before it has reached us,’ said Guy. + ‘How solemn it is!’ + </p> + <p> + Too solemn for the boys, who began all manner of antics and noises, by way + of silencing the impression of awfulness. Guy laughed, and joined in their + fun; but as soon as they were gone home, he stood in silence for a long + time, listening to the sound, and recalling the mysterious dreams and + fancies with which it was connected in his boyhood, and which he had never + wished thus to drive away. + </p> + <p> + The storm he had predicted came on; and by the evening of the following + day, sea and wind were thundering, in their might, against the foot of the + crags. Guy looked from the window, the last thing at night, and saw the + stars twinkling overhead, with that extreme brilliancy which is often seen + in the intervals of fitful storms, and which suggested thoughts that sent + him to sleep in a vague, soothing dream. + </p> + <p> + He was wakened by one tremendous continued roar of sea, wind, and thunder + combined. Such was the darkness, that he could not see the form of the + window, till a sheet of pale blue lightning brought it fully out for the + moment. He sat up, and listened to the ‘glorious voice’ that followed it, + thought what an awful night at sea, and remembered when he used to fancy + it would be the height of felicity to have a shipwreck at Redclyffe, and + shocked Mrs. Bernard by inhuman wishes that a ship would only come and be + wrecked. How often had he watched, through sounds like these, for a minute + gun! Nay, he had once actually called up poor Arnaud in the middle of the + night for an imaginary signal. Redclyffe Bay was a very dangerous one; a + fine place for a wreck, with its precipitous crags, its single safe + landing-place, and the great Shag Stone, on the eastern side, with a whole + progeny of nearly sunken rocks, dreaded in rough weather by the fishermen + themselves; but it was out of the ordinary track of vessels, and there + were only a few traditions of terrible wrecks long before his time. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if he had worked up his fancy again, for the sound of a gun + was for a moment in his ear. It was lost in the rush of hail against the + window, and the moaning of the wind round the old house; but presently it + returned too surely to be imaginary. He sprang to the window, and the + broad, flickering glare of lightning revealed the black cliff and pale + sea-line; then all was dark and still, while the storm was holding its + breath for the thunder-burst which in a few more seconds rolled overhead, + shaking door and window throughout the house. As the awful sound died + away, in a moment’s lull, came the gun again. He threw up the window, and + as the blast of wind and rain swept howling into the room, it brought + another report. + </p> + <p> + To close the window, light his candle, throw on his clothes, and hasten + down-stairs, was the work of a very few seconds. Luckily, the key of the + boat-house was lying on the table in the hall, where he had left it, after + showing the boat to the Ashford boys; he seized it, caught up the pocket + telescope, put on a rough coat, and proceeded to undo the endless + fastenings of the hall-door, a very patience-trying occupation; and, when + completed, the gusts that were eddying round the house, ready to force + their way in everywhere, took advantage of the first opening to blow out + his candle. + </p> + <p> + However, they had in one way done good service, for the shower had been as + brief as it was violent, and the inky cloud was drifting away furiously + towards the east, leaving the moon visible, near her setting, and allowing + her white cold light to shine forth, contrasting with the distant sheets + of pale lightning, growing fainter and fainter. + </p> + <p> + Guy ran across the court, round to the west side of the house, and + struggled up the slope in the face of the wind, which almost swept him + down again; and when at length he had gained the summit, came rushing + against him with such force that he could hardly stand. He did, however, + keep his ground, and gazed out over the sea. The swell was fearful; marked + by the silver light on one side, where it caught the moonbeams, and the + black shade on the other, ever alternating, so that the eye could, not fix + on them for a moment; the spray leapt high in its whiteness, and the Shag + stood up hard, bold, and black. The waves thundered, bursting on the cliff + and, high as he stood, the spray dashed almost blinding in his face, while + the wind howled round him, as if gathering its might for the very purpose + of wrenching him from the cliff; but he stood firm, and looked out again, + to discern clearly what he thought he had seen. It was the mast of a + vessel, seen plainly against the light silvery distance of sea on the reef + west of the Shag. It was in a slanting direction, and did not move; he + could not doubt that the ship had struck on the dangerous rocks at the + entrance of the bay; and as his eyes became more accustomed to the unusual + light, and made out what objects were or were not familiar, he could + perceive the ship herself. He looked with the glass, but could see no one + on board, nor were any boats in sight; but observing some of the lesser + rocks, he beheld some moving figures on them. Help!—instant help!—was + his thought; and he looked towards the Cove. Lights were in the cottage + windows, and a few sounds came up to him, as if the fishing population + were astir. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to the side of the cliff, which was partly clothed with + brushwood. There was a descent—it could hardly be called a path—which + no one ventured to attempt but himself and a few of the boldest + birds’-nesting boys of the village; but he could lose no time, and + scrambling, leaping, swinging himself by the branches, he reached the foot + of the cliff in safety, and in five minutes more was on the little quay at + the end of the steep street of the Cove. + </p> + <p> + The quay was crowded with the fisher-people, and there was a strange + confusion of voices; some saying all was lost; some that the crew had got + to the rock; others, that some one ought to put off and help them; others, + that a boat would never live in such a sea; and an old telescope was in + great requisition. + </p> + <p> + Ben Robinson, a tall, hardy young man, of five-and-twenty, wild, reckless, + high-spirited and full of mischief and adventure, was standing on a pile + at the extreme verge above the foaming water, daring the others to go with + him to the rescue; and, though Jonas Ledbury, a feeble old man, was + declaring, in a piteous tone, it was a sin and a shame to let so many poor + creatures be lost in sight, without one man stirring to help them; yet all + stood irresolute, watching the white breakers dashing on the Shag, and the + high waves that swelled and rolled between. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know where the crew are?’ exclaimed Guy, shouting as loud as he + could, for the noise of the winds and waves was tremendous. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, sir, on the flat black stone,’ said the fortunate possessor of the + telescope. ‘Some ten or eleven of them, I fancy, all huddled together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay!’ said old Ledbury. ‘Poor creatures! there they be; and what is to + be done, I can’t say! I never saw a boat in such a sea, since the night + poor Jack, my brother, was lost, and Will Ray with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see them,’ said Guy, who had in the meantime looked through his glass. + ‘How soon is high water?’ + </p> + <p> + It was an important question, for the rocks round the Shag were covered + before full tide, even when the water was still. There was a looking up at + the moon, and then Guy and the fishermen simultaneously exclaimed, that it + would be in three hours; which gave scarcely an hour to spare. + </p> + <p> + Without another word, Guy sprang from the quay to the boat-house, unlocked + it, and, by example, showed that the largest boat was to be brought out. + The men helped him vigorously, and it stood on the narrow pebbly beach, + the only safe landing-place in the whole bay; he threw into it a coil of + rope, and called out in his clear commanding voice—‘Five to go with + me!’ + </p> + <p> + Hanging back was at an end. They were brave men, who had wanted nothing + but a leader, and with Sir Guy at their head, were ready for anything. Not + five, but five-and-twenty were at his command; and even in the hurry of + the moment, a strong, affectionate feeling filled his eyes with tears as + he saw these poor fellows ready to trust their lives in his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you—thank you!’ he exclaimed. ‘Not all, though; you, Ben + Robinson, Harry Ray, Charles Ray, Ben Ledbury, Wat Green.’ + </p> + <p> + They were all young men, without families, such as could best be spared; + and each, as his name was called, answered, ‘Here, Sir Guy!’ and came + forward with a resolute satisfied air. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be best to have a second boat,’ said Guy. ‘Mr. Brown,’ to the + owner of the telescope, ‘will you lend yours? ‘tis the strongest and + lightest. Thank you. Martin had best steer it, he knows the rocks;’ and he + went on to name the rest of the crew; but at the last there was a moment’s + pause, as if he doubted. + </p> + <p> + A tall athletic young fisherman took advantage of it to press forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘Please your honour, Sir Guy, may not I go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better not, Jem,’ answered Guy. ‘Remember,’ in a lower voice, ‘your + mother has no one but you. Here!’ he called, cheerfully, ‘Jack Horn, you + pull a good oar! Now, then, are we ready?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All ready,—yes, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + The boat was launched, not without great difficulty, in the face of such a + sea. The men stoutly took their oars, casting a look forward at the rocks, + then at the quay, and on the face of their young steersman. Little they + guessed the intense emotion that swelled in his breast as he took the + helm, to save life or to lose it; enjoying the enterprise, yet with the + thought that his lot might be early death; glad it was right thus to + venture, earnest to save those who had freely trusted to him, and rapidly, + though most earnestly, recalling his own repentance. All this was in his + mind, though nothing was on his face but cheerful resolution. + </p> + <p> + Night though it was, tidings of the wreck had reached the upper part of + the village; and Mr. Ashford, putting his head out of his window to learn + the cause of the sounds in the street, was informed by many voices that a + ship was on the Shag reef, and that all were lost. To hasten to the Cove + to learn the truth, and see if any assistance could yet be afforded, was + his instant thought; and he had not taken many steps before he was + overtaken by a square, sturdy figure, wrapped in an immense great-coat. + </p> + <p> + ‘So, Mr. Markham, you are on your way to see about this wreck.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, ay,’ said Markham, roughly, though not with the repellent manner + usual with him towards Mr. Ashford, ‘I must be there, or that boy will be + in the thickest of it. Wherever is mischief, there is he. I only wonder he + has not broken his neck long ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By mischief, you mean danger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. I hope he has not heard of this wreck, for if he has, no power on + earth would keep him back from it.’ + </p> + <p> + Comparing the reports they had heard, the clergyman and steward walked on, + Markham’s anxiety actually making him friendly. They reached the top of + the steep street of the Cove; but though there was a good view of the sea + from thence, they could distinguish nothing, for another cloud was rising, + and had obscured the moon. They were soon on the quay, now still more + crowded, and heard the exclamations of those who were striving to keep + their eyes on the boats. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s one!’ ‘No!’ ‘Yes, ‘tis!’ ‘That’s Sir Guy’s!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy!’ exclaimed Markham. ‘You don’t mean he is gone? Then I am too + late! What could you be thinking of, you old fool, Jonas, to let that boy + go? You’ll never see him again, I can tell you. Mercy! Here comes another + squall! There’s an end of it, then!’ + </p> + <p> + Markham seemed to derive some relief from railing at the fishermen, singly + and collectively, while Mr. Ashford tried to learn the real facts, and + gather opinions as to the chance of safety. The old fishermen held that + there was frightful risk, though the attempt was far from hopeless; they + said the young men were all good at their oars, Sir Guy knew the rocks + very well, and the chief fear was, that he might not know how to steer in + such a sea; but they had seen that, though daring, he was not rash. They + listened submissively to Mr. Markham, but communicated in an under-tone to + the vicar, how vain it would have been to attempt to restrain Sir Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, sir,’ said old James Robinson, ‘he spoke just like the captain of a + man-of-war, and for all Mr. Markham says, I don’t believe he’d have been + able to gainsay him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your son is gone with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, sir; and I would not say one word to stop him. I know Sir Guy won’t + run him into risk for nothing; and I hope, please God, if Ben comes back + safe, it may be the steadying of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Twas he that volunteered to go before Sir Guy came, they say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ said the old man, with a pleased yet melancholy look. ‘Ben’s + brave enough; but there’s the difference. He’d have done it for the lark, + and to dare the rest; but Sir Guy does it with thought, and because it is + right. I wish it may be the steadying of Ben!’ + </p> + <p> + The shower rushed over them again, shorter and less violent than the + former one, but driving in most of the crowd, and only leaving on the quay + the vicar, the steward, and a few of the most anxious fishermen. They + could see nothing; for the dark slanting line of rain swept over the + waves, joining together the sea and thick low cloud; and the roaring of + the sea and moaning of the wind were fearful. No one spoke, till at last + the black edges of the Shag loomed clearer, the moon began to glance + through the skirts of the cloud, and the heaving and tossing of the sea, + became more discernible. + </p> + <p> + ‘There!—there!’ shouted young Jem, the widow’s son. + </p> + <p> + ‘The boats?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where?—where?—for heaven’s sake! That’s nothing!’ cried + Markham. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—yes! I see both,’ said Jem. ‘The glass! Where’s Mr. Brown’s + glass!’ + </p> + <p> + Markham was trying to fix his own, but neither hand nor eye were steady + enough; he muttered,—‘Hang the glass!’ and paced up and down in + uncontrollable anxiety. Mr. Ashford turned with him, trying to speak + consolingly, and entirely liking the old man. Markham was not ungrateful, + but he was almost in despair. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the same over again!’ said he. ‘He is the age his father was, + though Mr. Morville never was such as he—never—how should he? + He is the last of them—the best—he would have been—he + was. Would to heaven I were with him, that, if he is lost, we might all go + together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There, sir,’ called Jem, who, being forbidden to do anything but watch, + did so earnestly; ‘they be as far now as opposite West Cove. Don’t you see + them, in that light place?’ + </p> + <p> + The moon had by this time gone down, but the first great light of dawn was + beginning to fall on the tall Shag, and show its fissures and dark shades, + instead of leaving it one hard, unbroken mass. Now and then Jem thought he + saw the boats; but never so distinctly as to convince the watchers that + they had not been swamped among the huge waves that tumbled and foamed in + that dangerous tract. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ashford had borrowed Markham’s telescope, and was looking towards the + rock, where the shipwrecked crew had taken refuge. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is some one out of the boat, climbing on the rocks. Can you make + him out, Jem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see—I see,’ said Mr. Brown; ‘there are two of them. They are + climbing along the lee-side of the long ridge of rocks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay,’ said old Ledbury; ‘they can’t get in a boat close to the flat + rocks, they must take out a line. Bold fellows!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where are the boats?’ asked Mr. Ashford. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can tell that,’ said Ledbury; ‘they must have got under the lee of the + lesser Shag. There’s a ring there that Sir Guy had put in to moor his boat + to. They’ll be made fast there, and those two must be taking the rope + along that ledge, so as for the poor fellows on the rock to have a hold + of, as they creep along to where the boats are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Those broken rocks!’ said Mr. Ashford. ‘Can there be a footing, and in + such a sea?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can you give a guess who they be, sir?’ asked Robinson, earnestly. ‘If + you’d only let Jem have a look, maybe he could guess.’ + </p> + <p> + Markham’s glass was at his service. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hullo! what a sea! I see them now. That’s Ben going last—I know his + red cap. And the first—why, ‘tis Sir Guy himself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be such a fool, Jem’ cried Markham, angrily. ‘Sir Guy knows better. + Give me the glass.’ + </p> + <p> + But when it was restored, Markham went on spying in silence, while Brown, + keeping fast possession of his own telescope, communicated his + observations. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, I see them. Where are they? He’s climbing now. There’s a breaker just + there, will wash them off, as sure as they’re alive! I don’t see ‘em. Yes, + I do—there’s Redcap! There’s something stirring on the rock!’ + </p> + <p> + So they watched till, after an interval, in which the boats disappeared + behind the rocks, they were seen advancing over the waters again—one—yes—both, + and loaded. They came fast, they were in sight of all, growing larger each + moment, mounting on the crest of the huge rolling waves, then plunged in + the trough so long as to seem as if they were lost, then rising—rising + high as mountains. Over the roaring waters came at length the sound of + voices, a cheer, pitched in a different key from the thunder of wind and + wave; they almost fancied they knew the voice that led the shout. Such a + cheer as rose in answer, from all the Redclyffe villagers, densely crowded + on quay, and beach, and every corner of standing ground! + </p> + <p> + The sun was just up, his beams gilded the crests of the leaping waves, and + the spray danced up, white and gay, round the tall rocks, whose shadow was + reflected in deep green, broken by the ever-moving swell. The Shag and its + attendant rocks, and the broken vessel, were bathed in the clear morning + light; the sky was of a beautiful blue, with magnificent masses of dark + cloud, the edges, where touched by the sunbeams, of a pearly white; and + across the bay, tracing behind them glittering streams of light, came up + the two boats with their freight of rescued lives. Martin’s boat was the + first to touch the landing-place. + </p> + <p> + ‘All saved,’ he said; ‘all owing to him,’ pointing back to Sir Guy. + </p> + <p> + There was no time for questions; the wan, drenched sailors had to be + helped on shore, and the boat hauled up out of the way. In the meantime, + Guy, as he steered in past the quay, smiled and nodded to Mr. Ashford and + Markham, and renewed the call, ‘All safe!’ Mr. Ashford thought that he had + never seen anything brighter than his face—the eyes radiant in the + morning sun, the damp hair hanging round it, and life, energy, and + promptitude in every feature and movement. + </p> + <p> + The boat came in, the sailors were assisted out, partly by their rescuers, + partly by the spectators. Guy stood up, and, with one foot on the seat, + supported on his knee and against his arm a little boy, round whom his + great-coat was wrapped. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, Jem!’ he shouted, to his rejected volunteer, who had been very + active in bringing in the boat, ‘here’s something for you to do. This poor + little fellow has got a broken arm. Will you ask your mother to take him + in? She’s the best nurse in the parish. And send up for Mr. Gregson.’ + </p> + <p> + Jem received the boy as tenderly as he was given; and, with one bound, Guy + was by the side of his two friends. Mr. Ashford shook hands with heartfelt + gratulation; Markham exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘There, Sir Guy, after the old fashion! Never was man so mad in this + world! I’ve done talking! You’ll never be content till you have got your + death. As if no one could do anything without you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it you who carried out the line on the rock?’ said Mr. Ashford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ben Robinson and I. I had often been there, after sea anemones and weeds, + and I had a rope round me, so don’t be angry, Markham.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no more to say,’ answered Markham, almost surly. ‘I might as well + talk to a sea-gull at once. As if you had any right to throw away your + life!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I enjoyed it too much to have anything to say for myself,’ said Guy; + ‘besides, we must see after these poor men. There were two or three nearly + drowned. Is no one gone for Mr. Gregson?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gregson, the doctor, was already present, and no one who had any + authority could do anything but attend to the disposal of the shipwrecked + crew. Mr. Ashford went one way, Markham another, Guy a third; but, between + one cottage and another, Mr. Ashford learnt some particulars. The crew had + been found on a flat rock and the fishermen had at first thought all their + perils in vain, for it was impossible to bring the boats up, on account of + the rocks, which ran out in a long reef. Sir Guy, who knew the place, + steered to the sheltered spot where he had been used to make fast his own + little boat, and undertook to make his way from thence to the rock where + the crew had taken refuge, carrying a rope to serve as a kind of + hand-rail, when fastened from one rock to the other. Ben insisted on + sharing his peril, and they had crept along the slippery, broken reefs, + lashed by the surge, for such a distance, that the fishermen shuddered as + they spoke of the danger of being torn off by the force of the waves, and + dashed against the rocks. Nothing else could have saved the crew. They had + hardly accomplished the passage through the rising tide, even with the aid + of the rope and the guidance of Sir Guy and Ben, and, before the boats had + gone half a mile on their return, the surge was tumbling furiously over + the stones where they had been found. + </p> + <p> + The sailors were safely disposed of, in bed, or by the fireside, the + fishers vying in services to them. Mr. Ashford went to the cottage of + Charity Ledbury, Jem’s mother, to inquire for the boy with the broken arm. + As he entered the empty kitchen, the opposite door of the stairs was + opened, and Guy appeared, stepping softly, and speaking low. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little fellow!’ he said; ‘he is just going to sleep. He bore it + famously!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The setting his arm?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. He was quite sensible, and very patient, and that old Charity + Ledbury is a capital old woman. She and Jem are delighted to have him, and + will nurse him excellently. How are all the others? Has that poor man come + to his senses?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. I saw him safe in bed at old Robinson’s. The captain is at the + Browns’.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder what time of day it is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Past eight. Ah! there is the bell beginning. I was thinking of going to + tell Master Ray we are not too much excited to remember church-going this + morning; but I am glad he has found it out only ten minutes too late. I + must make haste. Good-bye!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May not I come, too, or am I too strange a figure?’ said Guy, looking at + his dress, thrown on in haste, and saturated with sea-water. + </p> + <p> + ‘May you?’ said Mr. Ashford, smiling. ‘Is it wise, with all your wet + things?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not given to colds,’ answered Guy, and they walked on quickly for + some minutes; after which he said, in a low voice and hurried manner,—‘would + you make some mention of it in the Thanksgiving?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I will’ said Mr. Ashford, with much emotion. ‘The danger must + have been great.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was,’ said Guy, as if the strong feeling would show itself. ‘It was + most merciful. That little boat felt like a toy at the will of the winds + and waves, till one recollected who held the storm in His hand.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke very simply, as if he could not help it, with his eye fixed on + the clear eastern sky, and with a tone of grave awe and thankfulness which + greatly struck Mr. Ashford, from the complete absence of + self-consciousness, or from any attempt either to magnify or depreciate + his sense of the danger. + </p> + <p> + ‘You thought the storm a more dangerous time than your expedition on the + rock?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was not. The fishermen, who were used to such things, did not think + much of it; but I am glad to have been out on such a night, if only for + the magnificent sensation it gives to realize one’s own powerlessness and + His might. As for the rock, there was something to do to look to one’s + footing, and cling on; no time to think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a desperate thing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so bad as it looked. One step at a time is all one wants, you know, + and that there always was. But what a fine fellow Ben Robinson is! He + behaved like a regular hero—it was the thorough contempt and love of + danger one reads of. There must be a great deal of good in him, if one + only knew how to get hold of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look there!’ was Mr. Ashford’s answer, as he turned his head at the + church wicket; and, at a short distance behind, Guy saw Ben himself + walking up the path, with his thankful, happy father, a sight that had not + been seen for months, nay, for years. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ he said, ‘such a night as this, and such a good old man as the + father, could not fail to bring out all the good in a man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ thought Mr. Ashford, ‘such a night, under such a leader! The sight + of so much courage based on that foundation is what may best touch and + save that man.’ + </p> + <p> + After church, Guy walked fast away; Mr. Ashford went home, made a long + breakfast, having the whole story to tell, and was on to the scene of + action again, where he found the master, quite restored, and was presently + joined by Markham. Of Sir Guy, there was no news, except that Jem Ledbury + said he had looked in after church to know how the cabin boy was going on, + and the master, understanding that he had been the leader in the rescue, + was very anxious to thank him, and walked up to the house with Markham and + Mr. Ashford. + </p> + <p> + Markham conducted them straight to the library, the door of which was + open. He crossed the room, smiled, and made a sign to Mr. Ashford, who + looked in some surprise and amusement. It has been already said that the + room was so spacious that the inhabited part looked like a little + encampment by the fire, though the round table was large, and the green + leather sofa and arm chair were cumbrous. + </p> + <p> + However, old Sir Guy’s arm-chair was never used by his grandson; Markham + might sit there, and Bustle did sometimes, but Guy always used one of the + unpretending, unluxurious chairs, which were the staple of the room. This, + however, was vacant, and on the table before it stood the remains of + breakfast, a loaf reduced to half its dimensions, an empty plate and + coffee-cup. The fire was burnt down to a single log, and on the sofa, on + all the various books with which it was strewed, lay Guy, in anything but + a comfortable position, his head on a great dictionary, fairly overcome + with sleep, his very thick, black eyelashes resting on his fresh, bright + cheek, and the relaxation of the grave expression of his features making + him look even younger than he really was. He was so sound asleep that it + was not till some movement of Markham’s that he awoke, and started up, + exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + ‘What a horrid shame! I am very sorry!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sorry! what for?’ said Markham. ‘I am glad, at any rate, you have been + wise enough to change your things, and eat some breakfast.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I meant to have done so much,’ said Guy; ‘but sea-wind makes one so + sleepy!’ Then, perceiving the captain, he came forward, hoping he was + quite recovered. + </p> + <p> + The captain stood mystified, for he could not believe this slim youth + could be the Sir Guy of whose name he had heard so much, and, after + answering the inquiry, he began,— + </p> + <p> + ‘If I could have the honour of seeing Sir Guy—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon, sir!’ said the captain, while they all laughed, ‘I did + not guess you could be so young a gentleman. I am sure, sir, ‘tis what any + man might be proud of having done, and—I never saw anything like + it!’ he added, with a fresh start, ‘and it will do you honour everywhere. + All our lives are owing to you, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy did not cut him short, though very glad when it was over. He felt he + should not, in the captain’s place, like to have his thanks shortened, and + besides, if ever there was happiness or exultation, it was in the + glistening eyes of old Markham, the first time he had ever been able to be + justly proud of one of the family, whom he loved with so much faithfulness + and devotion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 24 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Is there a word, or jest, or game, + But time encrusteth round + With sad associate thoughts the same? + —ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. +</pre> + <p> + Among the persons who spent a forlorn autumn was Mr. Ross, though his + troubles were not quite of the same description as those of his young + parishioners. He missed his daughter very much; all his household affairs + got out of order; the school-girls were naughty, and neither he, nor Miss + Edmonstone, nor the mistress, could discover the culprits; their inquiries + produced nothing but a wild confusion of mutual accusations, where the + truth was undistinguishable. The cook never could find anything to make + broth of, Mr. Ross could, never lay his hands on the books he wanted for + himself or anybody else; and, lastly, none of his shirts ever had their + buttons on. + </p> + <p> + Mary, meanwhile, had to remain through a whole course of measles, then to + greet the arrival of a new nephew, and to attend his christening: but she + had made a vow that she would be at home by Christmas, and she kept it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ross had the satisfaction of fetching her home from the station the + day before Christmas Eve, and of seeing her opposite to him, on her own + side of the table, in the evening, putting on the buttons, and considering + it an especial favour and kindness, for which to be for ever grateful, + that he had written all his Christmas sermons beforehand, so as to have a + whole evening clear before her. He was never a great letter-writer, and + Mary had a great deal to hear, for all that had come to her were the main + facts, with very few details. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have had very few letters, even from Hollywell,’ said she. ‘I suppose + it is on account of Charles’s illness. You think him really better?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, much better. I forgot to tell you, you are wanted for their + Christmas party to-morrow night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! he is well enough for them not to put it off! Is he able to be out of + bed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, he lies perfectly flat, and looks very thin. It has been a very + severe illness. I don’t think I ever knew him suffer so much; but, at the + same time, I never knew him behave so well, or show so much patience, and + consideration for other people, I was the more surprised, because at first + he seemed to have relapsed into all the ways he thought he had shaken off; + he was so irritable and fretful, that poor Mrs. Edmonstone looked worn + out; but it seems to have been only the beginning of the illness; it was + very different after he was laid up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he had you to see him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, he asked for it, which he never did before, and Amabel reads to him + every morning. There is certainly much more that is satisfactory about + those young Edmonstones than there once seemed reason to expect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And now tell me about Sir Guy. What is the matter? Why does he not come + home this winter!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot tell you the rights of it, Mary. Mr. Edmonstone is very much + offended about something he is reported to have said, and suspects him of + having been in mischief at St. Mildred’s; but I am not at all persuaded + that it is not one of Mr. Edmonstone’s affronts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At Redclyffe. I have a letter from him which I am going to answer + to-night. I shall tell the Edmonstones about it, for I cannot believe + that, if he had been guilty of anything very wrong, his mind would be + occupied in this manner;’ and he gave Mary the letter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no!’ exclaimed Mary, as she read. ‘I am sure he cannot be in any + mischief. What an admirable person he is! I am very sorry this cloud has + arisen! I was thinking last summer how happy they all were together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Either this or Charles’s illness has cast a gloom over the whole house. + The girls are both grown much graver.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy graver?’ said Mary, quickly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so. At least she did not seem to cheer up as I should have + expected when her brother grew better. She looks as if she had been + nursing him too closely, and yet I see her walking a good deal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little Amy!’ said Mary, and she asked no more questions, but was + anxious to make her own observations. + </p> + <p> + She did not see the Edmonstones till the next evening, as the day was wet, + and she only received a little note telling her that one carriage would be + sent to fetch her and Mr. Ross. The whole of the family, except Charles, + were in the drawing-room, but Mary looked chiefly at Amy. She was in + white, with holly in her hair, and did not look sorrowful; but she was + paler and thinner than last summer, and though she spoke, smiled, and + laughed when she ought, it was without the gay, childish freedom of former + times. She was a small, pale, quiet girl now, not a merry, caressing + kitten. Mary recollected what she had been in the wood last summer, and + was sure it was more than Charles’s illness that had altered her; yet + still Amy had not Laura’s harassed look. + </p> + <p> + Mary had not much talk with Amy, for it was a large party, with a good + many young ladies and children, and Amy had a great deal of work in the + way of amusing them. She had a wearied look, and was evidently exerting + herself to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + ‘You look tired,’ said Mary, kindly. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, it is only stupidity,’ said Amy, smiling rather sadly. ‘We can’t be + entertaining without Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has been a melancholy winter,’ began Mary, but she was surprised, for + Amy’s face and neck coloured in a moment; then, recovering herself, with + some hesitation, she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! but Charlie is much better, and that is a great comfort. I am glad + you are come home, Mary.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are going to have some magic music,’ was said at the other end of the + room. ‘Who will play?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Little Amy!’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Where is she? She always does it to + admiration. Amy, come and be a performer.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy rose, and came forward, but the colour had flushed into her cheeks + again, and the recollection occurred to Mary, that her fame as a + performer, in that way, arose from the very amusing manner in which she + and Sir Guy had conducted the game last year. At the same moment her + mother met her, and whispered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Had you rather not, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can do it, mamma, thank you—never mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to send you up to Charlie—he has been so long alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! thank you, dear mamma,’ with a look of relief. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is Charlotte wild to be a musician,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘Perhaps + you will see how she can manage; for I think Charles must want a visit + from his little nurse.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy moved quietly away, and entered Charles’s room, full of warm gratitude + for the kindness which was always seeking how to spare her. + </p> + <p> + Charles was asleep, and throwing a shawl round her, she sat down in the + dim light of the lamp, relieved by the stillness, only broken by now and + then a louder note of the music down-stairs. It was very comfortable, + after all that buzz of talk, and the jokes that seemed so nonsensical and + tiresome. There were but two people who could manage to make a party + entertaining, and that was the reason it was so different last year. Then + Amy wondered if she was the only person who felt sick at heart and dreary; + but she only wondered for a moment—she murmured half aloud to + herself, ‘I said I never would think of him except at my prayers! Here I + am doing it again, and on Christmas night. I won’t hide my eyes and moan + over my broken reed; for Christmas is come, and the circles of song are + widening round! Glory! good will, peace on earth! How he sang it last + year, the last thing, when the people were gone, before we went up to bed. + But I am breaking my resolution again. I must do something.’ + </p> + <p> + She took up a book of sacred poetry, and began to learn a piece which she + already nearly knew; but the light was bad, and it was dreamy work; and + probably she was half asleep, for her thoughts wandered off to Sintram and + the castle on the Mondenfelsen, which seemed to her like what she had + pictured the Redclyffe crags, and the castle itself was connected in her + imagination with the deep, echoing porch, while Guy’s own voice seemed to + be chanting— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who lives forlorn, + On God’s own word doth rest; + His path is bright + With heavenly light, + His lot among the blest. +</pre> + <p> + ‘Are you there, Amy?’ said Charles, waking. ‘What are you staying here + for? Don’t they want you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma was so kind as to send me up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you are come, for I have something to tell you. Mr. Ross has + been up to see me, you know, and he has a letter from Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy’s heart beat fast, and, with eyes fixed on the ground, she listened as + Charles continued to give an account of Guy’s letter about Coombe Prior. + ‘Mr. Ross is quite satisfied about him, Amy,’ he concluded. ‘I wish you + could have heard the decided way in which he said, “He will <i>live</i> it + down.”’ + </p> + <p> + Amy’s answer was to stoop down and kiss her brother’s forehead. + </p> + <p> + Another week brought Guy’s renewal of the correspondence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, here is something for you to read,’ said Charles, holding up the + letter as she came into the room. + </p> + <p> + She knew the writing. ‘Wait one moment, Charlie, dear;’ and she ran out of + the room, found her mother fortunately alone, and said, averting her face,—‘Mamma, + dear, do you think I ought to let Charlie show me that letter?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone took hold of her hand, and drew her round so as to look + into the face through its veiling curls. The hand shook, and the face was + in a glow of eagerness. ‘Yes, dearest!’ said she, for she could not help + it; and then, as Amy ran back again, she asked herself whether it was + foolish, and bad for her sweet little daughter, then declared to herself + that it must—it should—it would come right. + </p> + <p> + There was not a word of Amy in the letter, but it, or something else, made + her more bright and cheerful than she had been for some time past. It + seemed as if the lengthening days of January were bringing renewed comfort + with them, when Charles, who ever since October had been confined to bed, + was able to wear the Chinese dressing-gown, be lifted to a couch, and + wheeled into the dressing-room, still prostrate, but much enjoying the + change of scene, which he called coming into the world. + </p> + <p> + These were the events at quiet Hollywell, while Redclyffe was still + engrossed with the shipwreck, which seemed to have come on purpose to + enliven and occupy this solitary winter. It perplexed the Ashfords about + their baronet more than ever. Mr. Ashford said that no one whose + conscience was not clear could have confronted danger as he had done; and + yet the certainty that he was under a cloud, and the sadness, so + inconsistent with his age and temperament still puzzled them. Mrs. Ashford + thought she had made a discovery. The second day after the wreck, the + whole crew, except the little cabin-boy, were going to set off to the + nearest sea-port; and the evening preceding their departure, they were to + meet their rescuers, the fishermen, at a supper in the great servants’ + hall at the park. Edward and Robert were in great glory, bringing in huge + branches of evergreens to embellish the clean, cold place; and Mr. and + Mrs. Ashford and Grace were to come to see the entertainment, after having + some coffee in the library. + </p> + <p> + Guy prepared it for his company by tumbling his books headlong from the + sofa to a more remote ottoman, sticking a bit of holly on the + mantel-shelf, putting out his beloved old friend, Strutt’s ‘Sports and + Pastimes,’ to amuse Grace, and making up an immense fire; and then, + looking round, thought the room was uncommonly comfortable; but the first + thing that struck Mrs. Ashford, when, with face beaming welcome, he + ushered her in from the great hall, was how forlorn rooms looked that had + not a woman to inhabit them. + </p> + <p> + The supper went off with great eclat. Arnaud at the head of the table + carved with foreign courtesies, contrasted with the downright bluff way of + the sailors. As soon as Sir Guy brought Mrs. Ashford to look in on them, + old James Robinson proposed his health, with hopes he would soon come and + live among them for good, and Jonas Ledbury added another wish, that ‘Lady + Morville’ might soon be there too. At these words, an expression of pain + came upon Guy’s face; his lips were rigidly pressed together; he turned + hastily away, and paced up and down before he could command his + countenance. All were so busy cheering, that no one heeded his change of + demeanour save Mrs. Ashford; and though, when he returned to the place + where he had been standing, his complexion was deepened, his lip quivered, + and his voice trembled in returning thanks, Mr. Ashford only saw the + emotion naturally excited by his people’s attachment. + </p> + <p> + The lady understood it better; and when she talked it over with her + husband in the evening, they were convinced the cause of his trouble must + be some unfortunate attachment, which he might think it his duty to + overcome; and having settled this, they became very fond of him, and + anxious to make Redclyffe agreeable to him. + </p> + <p> + Captain and crew departed; the little boy was better, and his hosts, + Charity and Jem Ledbury, only wished to keep him for ever; the sensation + at Redclyffe was subsiding, when one morning Markham came, in a state of + extreme satisfaction and importance, to exhibit the county paper, with a + full account of the gallant conduct of the youthful baronet. Two or three + days after, on coming home from a ride to Coombe Prior, Guy found Lord + Thorndale’s card, and heard from Arnaud that ‘my lord had made particular + inquiries how long he would be in the country, and had been to the cliff + to see where the wreck was.’ + </p> + <p> + Markham likewise attached great importance to this visit, and went off + into a long story about his influence, and the representation of + Moorworth, or even of the county. As soon as Guy knew what he was talking + about, he exclaimed, ‘Oh, I hope all that is not coming on me yet! Till I + can manage Todd and Coombe Prior, I am sure I am not fit to manage the + country!’ + </p> + <p> + A few mornings after, he found on the table an envelope, which he studied, + as if playing with his eagerness. It had an East-hill post-mark, and a + general air of Hollywell writing, but it was not in the hand of either of + the gentlemen, nor was the tail of the y such as Mrs. Edmonstone was wont + to make. It had even a resemblance to Amabel’s own writing that startled + him. He opened it at last, and within found the hand he could not doubt—Charles’s, + namely—much more crooked than usual, and the words shortened and + blotted:— + </p> + <p> + ‘DEAR G.,—I ought not to do this, but I must; I have tyrannized over + Charlotte, and obtained the wherewithal. Write me a full account of your + gallant conduct. I saw it first in A.‘s face. It has done you great good + with my father. I will write more when I can. I can’t get on now. ‘C. M. + E.’ + </p> + <p> + He might well say he had first seen it in his sister’s face. She had + brought him the paper, and was looking for something he wanted her to read + to him, when ‘Redclyffe Bay’ met her eye, and then came the whole at one + delightful glance. He saw the heightened colour, the exquisite smile, the + tear-drop on the eyelash. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy! what have you there?’ + </p> + <p> + She pointed to the place, gave the paper into his hand, and burst into + tears, the gush of triumphant feeling. Not one was shed because she was + divided from the hero of the shipwreck; they were pure unselfish tears of + joy, exultation, and thankfulness. Charles read the history, and she + listened in silence; then looked it over again with him, and betrayed how + thoroughly she had been taught the whole geography of Redclyffe Bay. The + next person who came in was Charlotte; and as soon as she understood what + occupied them, she went into an ecstasy, and flew away with the paper, + rushing with it straight into her father’s room, where she broke into the + middle of his letter-writing, by reading it in a voice of triumph. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was delighted. He was just the person who would be far more + taken with an exploit of this kind, such as would make a figure in the + world, than by steady perseverance in well-doing, and his heart was won + directly. His wrath at the hasty words had long been diminishing, and now + was absolutely lost in his admiration. ‘Fine fellow! noble fellow!’ he + said. ‘He is the bravest boy I ever heard of, but I knew what was in him + from the first. I wish from my heart there was not this cloud over him. I + am sure the whole story has not a word of truth in it, but he won’t say a + word to clear himself, or else we would have him here again to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + This was the first time Mr. Edmonstone had expressed anything of real + desire to recall Guy, and it was what Charles meant in his letter. + </p> + <p> + The tyranny over Charlotte was exercised while the rest were at dinner, + and they were alone together. They talked over the adventure for the tenth + time that day, and Charles grew so excited that he vowed that he must at + once write to Guy, ordered her to give him the materials, and when she + hesitated, forced her into it, by declaring that he should get up and + reach the things himself, which would be a great deal worse. She wanted to + write from his dictation, but he would not consent, thinking that his + mother might not consider it proper, and he began vigorously; but though + long used to writing in a recumbent posture, he found himself less capable + now than he had expected, and went on soliloquizing thus: ‘What a pen + you’ve given me, Charlotte. There goes a blot! Here, another dip, will + you! and take up that with the blotting paper before it becomes more like + a spider.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t you make a fresh beginning?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that has cost me too much already. I’ve got no more command over my + fingers. Here we go into the further corner of the paper. Well! C. M. E. + There ‘tis—do it up, will you? If he can read it he’ll be lucky. How + my arms ache!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope it has not hurt you, Charlie; but I am sure he will be very glad + of it. Oh! I am glad you said that about Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who told you to read it, Puss?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not help it, ‘tis so large.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I <i>didn’t</i> <i>ought</i> to have said it. Don’t tell her I + did,’ said Charles; ‘but I couldn’t for the life of me—or what is + more to the purpose, for the trouble of it—help putting it. He is + too true a knight not to hear that his lady, not exactly smiled, but + cried.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a true knight,’ said Charlotte, emphatically, as with her best pen, + and with infinite satisfaction, she indited the ‘Sir Guy Morville, Bart., + Redclyffe Park, Moorworth,’ only wishing she could lengthen out the words + infinitely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you remember, Charlie, how we sat here the first evening he came, and + you took me in about the deadly feud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was no take-in,’ said Charles; ‘only the feud is all on one side.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, dear! it has been such a stupid winter without Guy,’ sighed + Charlotte; ‘if this won’t make papa forgive him, I don’t know what will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish it would, with all my heart,’ said Charles; ‘but logically, if you + understand the word, Charlotte, it does not make much difference to the + accusation. It would not exactly be received as exculpatory evidence in a + court of justice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t believe the horrid stories?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe that Guy has gamed quite as much as I have myself; but I want + to see him cleared beyond the power of Philip to gainsay or disbelieve it. + I should like to have such a force of proof as would annihilate Philip, + and if I was anything but what I am, I would have it. If you could but + lend me a leg for two days, Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I could.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One thing shall be done,’ proceeded Charles: ‘my father shall go and meet + him in person when he comes of age. Now Don Philip is out of the way, I + trust I can bring that about.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he would but come here!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that must not be, as mamma says, till there is some explanation; but + if I was but in my usual state, I would go with papa and meet him in + London. I wonder if there is any chance of it. The 28th of March—ten + weeks off! If I can but get hold of those trusty crutches of mine by that + time I’ll do, and I’ll do, and I’ll do. We will bring back Amy’s knight + with flying colours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh how happy we should be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I only knew what sort of sense that Markham of his may have, I would + give him a hint, and set him to ferret out at St. Mildred’s. Or shall I + get Dr. Mayerne to order me there for change of air?’ + </p> + <p> + So schemed Charles; while Guy, on his side, busied himself at Redclyffe as + usual; took care and thought for the cabin-boy—returned Lord + Thorndale’s call without finding him at home—saw the school + finished, and opened—and became more intimate with the Ashfords. + </p> + <p> + He said he should not come home at Easter, as he should be very busy + reading for his degree; and as his birthday this year fell in Holy Week, + there could be no rejoicings; besides, as he was not to have his property + in his own hands till he was five-and-twenty, it would make no difference + to the people. The Ashfords agreed they had rather he was safe at home for + the vacation, and were somewhat anxious when he spoke of coming home to + settle, after he had taken his degree. + </p> + <p> + For his own part he was glad the season would prevent any rejoicings, for + he was in no frame of mind to enter into them and his birthday had been so + sad a day for his grandfather, that he had no associations of pleasure + connected with it. + </p> + <p> + Markham understood the feeling, liked it, and shared it, only saying that + they would have their day of rejoicing when he married. Guy could not + answer, and the old steward remarked the look of pain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Guy,’ said he, ‘is it that which is wrong with you? Don’t be angry + with an old man for asking the question, but I only would hope and trust + you are not getting into any scrape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, Markham,’ said Guy, after an effort; ‘I cannot tell you about + it. I will only set you at rest by saying it is nothing you could think I + ought to be ashamed of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why—what has come between? What could man or woman object to + in you?’ said Markham, regarding him proudly. + </p> + <p> + ‘These unhappy suspicions,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + I can’t make it out,’ said Markham. ‘You must have been doing something + foolish to give rise to them.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy told nearly what he had said on the first day of his return, but + nothing could be done towards clearing up the mystery, and he returned to + Oxford as usual. + </p> + <p> + March commenced, and Charles, though no longer absolutely recumbent, and + able to write letters again, could not yet attempt to use his crutches, so + that all his designs vanished, except that of persuading his father to go + to London to meet Guy and Markham there, and transact the business + consequent on his ward’s attaining his majority. He trusted much to Guy’s + personal influence, and said to his father, ‘You know no one has seen him + yet but Philip, and he would tell things to you that he might not to him.’ + </p> + <p> + It was an argument that delighted Mr. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I have more weight and experience, and—and poor Guy is + very fond of us. Eh, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + So Charles wrote to make an appointment for Guy to meet his guardian and + Markham in London on Easter Tuesday. ‘If you will clear up the gambling + story,’ he wrote, ‘all may yet be well.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy sighed as he laid aside the letter. ‘All in vain, kind Charlie,’ said + he to himself, ‘vain as are my attempts to keep my poor uncle from sinking + himself further! Is it fair, though,’ continued he, with vehemence, ‘that + the happiness of at least one life should be sacrificed to hide one step + in the ruin of a man who will not let himself be saved? Is it not a waste + of self-devotion? Have I any right to sacrifice hers? Ought I not rather’—and + a flash of joy came over him—‘to make my uncle give me back my + promise of concealment? I can make it up to him. It cannot injure him, + since only the Edmonstones will know it! But’—and he pressed his + lips firmly together—‘is this the spirit I have been struggling for + this whole winter? Did I not see that patient waiting and yielding is fit + penance for my violence. It would be ungenerous. I will wait and bear, + contented that Heaven knows my innocence at least in this. For her, when + at my best I dreaded that my love might bring sorrow on her—how much + more now, when I have seen my doom face to face, and when the first step + towards her would be what I cannot openly and absolutely declare to be + right? That would be the very means of bringing the suffering on her, and + I should deserve it.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy quitted these thoughts to write to Markham to make the appointment, + finishing his letter with a request that Markham would stop at St. + Mildred’s on his way to London, and pay Miss Wellwood, the lady with whom + his uncle’s daughter was placed, for her quarter’s board. ‘I hope this + will not be a very troublesome request,’ wrote Guy; ‘but I know you had + rather I did it in this way, than disobey your maxims, as to not sending + money by the post.’ + </p> + <p> + The time before the day of meeting was spent in strengthening himself + against the pain it would be to refuse his confidence to Mr. Edmonstone, + and thus to throw away the last chance of reconciliation, and of Amy. This + would be the bitterest pang of all—to see them ready to receive him, + and he forced to reject their kindness. + </p> + <p> + So passed the preceding week, and with it his twenty-first birthday, spent + very differently from the way in which it would ordinarily be passed by a + youth in his position. It went by in hard study and sad musings, in + bracing himself to a resolution that would cost him all he held dear, and, + as the only means of so bracing himself, in trying to fix his gaze more + steadily beyond the earth. + </p> + <p> + Easter day steadied the gaze once more for him, and as the past week had + nerved him in the spirit of self-sacrifice, the feast day brought him true + unchanging joy, shining out of sadness, and enlightening the path that + would lead him to keep his resolution to the utmost, and endure the want + of earthly hope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 25 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Already in thy spirit thus divine, + Whatever weal or woe betide, + Be that high sense of duty still thy guide, + And all good powers will aid a soul like thine. + —SOUTHEY +</pre> + <p> + ‘Now for it!’ thought Guy, as he dismissed his cab, and was shown + up-stairs in the hotel. ‘Give me the strength to withstand!’ + </p> + <p> + The door was opened, and he beheld Mr. Edmonstone, Markham, and another—it + surely was Sebastian Dixon! All sprung up to receive him; and Mr. + Edmonstone, seizing him by both hands, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is himself! Guy, my boy, my dear boy, you are the most generous + fellow in the world! You have been used abominably. I wish my two hands + had been cut off before I was persuaded to write that letter, but it is + all right now. Forget and forgive—eh, Guy? You’ll come home with me, + and we will write this very day for Deloraine.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was almost giddy with surprise. He held one of Mr. Edmonstone’s hands, + and pressed it hard; his other hand he passed over his eyes, as if in a + dream. ‘All right?’ he repeated. + </p> + <p> + ‘All right!’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘I know where your money went, and I + honour you for it, and there stands the man who told me the whole story. I + said, from the first, it was a confounded slander. It was all owing to the + little girl.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy turned his face in amazement towards his uncle, who was only waiting + to explain. ‘Never till this morning had I the least suspicion that I had + been the means of bringing you under any imputation. How could you keep me + in ignorance?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have told—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of the cheque,’ broke in Mr. Edmonstone, ‘and of all the rest, and of + your providing for the little girl. How could you do it with that pittance + of an allowance of yours? And Master Philip saying you never had any + money! No wonder, indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had known you were pinching yourself,’ said Dixon, ‘my mind would + have revolted—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me understand it,’ said Guy, grasping the back of a chair. ‘Tell me, + Markham. Is it really so? Am I cleared? Has Mr. Edmonstone a right to be + satisfied?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, Sir Guy,’ was Markham’s direct answer. ‘Mr. Dixon has accounted for + your disposal of the thirty pound cheque, and there is an end of the + matter.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy drew a long breath, and the convulsive grasp of his fingers relaxed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot thank you enough!’ said he to his uncle; then to Mr. Edmonstone, + ‘how is Charles?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better—much better, you shall see him to-morrow—eh, Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I cannot explain about the one thousand pounds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind—you never had it, so you can’t have misspent it. That’s + neither here nor there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you forgive my language respecting you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense about that! If you never said anything worse than that Philip + was a meddling coxcomb, you haven’t much to repent of; and I am sure I was + ten old fools when I let him bore me into writing that letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; you did right under your belief; and circumstances were strong + against me. And is it clear? Are we where we were before?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are—we are in everything, only we know better what you are + worth, Guy. Shake hands once more. There’s an end of all misunderstanding + and vexation, and we shall be all right at home again!’ + </p> + <p> + The shake was a mighty one. Guy shaded his face for a moment or two, and + then said— + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too much. I don’t understand it. How did you know this matter + wanted explanation?’ said he, turning to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + ‘I learnt it from Mr. Markham, and you will do me the justice to believe, + that I was greatly shocked to find that your generosity—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The truth of the matter is this,’ said Markham. ‘You sent me to Miss + Wellwood’s, at St. Mildred’s. The principal was not within, and while + waiting for her to make the payment, I got into conversation with her + sister, Miss Jane. She told me that the child, Mr. Dixon’s daughter, was + always talking of your kindness, especially of a morning at St. Mildred’s, + when you helped him in some difficulty. I thought this threw some light on + the matter, found out Mr. Dixon this morning, and you see the result.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do, indeed,’ said Guy; ‘I wish I could attempt to thank you all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thanks enough for me to see you look like yourself,’ said Markham. ‘Did + you think I was going to sit still and leave you in the mess you had got + yourself into, with your irregularity about keeping your accounts?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And to you,’ said Guy, looking at his uncle, as if it was especially + pleasant to be obliged to him. ‘You never can guess what I owe to you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, I deserve no thanks at all,’ said Sebastian, ‘since I was the means + of bringing the imputation on you; and I am sure it is enough for a wretch + like me, not to have brought only misery wherever I turn—to have + done something to repair the evil I have caused. Oh, could I but bring + back your father to what he was when first I saw him as you are now!’ + </p> + <p> + He was getting into one of those violent fits of self-reproach, at once + genuine and theatrical, of which Guy had a sort of horror, and it was well + Mr. Edmonstone broke in, like comedy into tragedy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, what’s past can’t be helped, and I have no end of work to be done, + so there’s speechifying enough for once. Mr. Dixon, you must not be going. + Sit down and look over the newspaper, while we sign these papers. You must + dine with us, and drink your nephew’s health, though it is not his real + birthday.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was much pleased that Mr. Edmonstone should have given this + invitation, as well as with the consideration Markham had shown for Dixon + in his narration. Mr. Dixon, who had learnt to consider parents and + guardians as foes and tyrants, stammered and looked confused and + enraptured; but it appeared that he could not stay, for he had a + professional engagement. He gave them an exhortation to come to the + concert where he was employed, and grew so ardent in his description of + it, that Guy could have wished to go; but his companions were in haste to + say there was far too much to do. And the next moment Guy told himself, + that Mr. Edmonstone’s good-natured face and joyous ‘eh, Guy?’ were more to + him than any music he could hear nearer than Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + He went down-stairs with his uncle, who all the way raved about the music, + satisfied to find ears that could comprehend, and was too full of it even + to attend or respond to the parting thanks, for his last words were + something about a magnificent counter-tenor. + </p> + <p> + Guy walked up slowly, trying to gather his thoughts: but when it came back + to him that Amy was his again, his brain seemed to reel with ecstasy, and + it would have taken far more time than he could spare to recall his sober + senses, so he opened the door, to convince himself at least of Mr. + Edmonstone’s presence, and was received with another shake of the hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘So here you are again. I was afraid he was carrying you off to his + concert after all! I believe you have half a mind for it. Do you like to + stay in London for the next? Eh, Guy?’ and it was good to hear Mr. + Edmonstone’s hearty laugh, as he patted his ward on the shoulder, saw his + blushing, smiling shake of the head, and gave a knowing look, which let in + a fresh light on Markham, and luckily was unseen by Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ continued Mr. Edmonstone, ‘the man is more gentlemanlike than I + expected. A good sort of fellow at the bottom, I dare say. He was pretty + considerably shocked to find he had brought you into such a scrape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very generous,’ said Guy. ‘Oh, there is much of a noble character + in him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble! humph!’ put in Markham. ‘He has gone down-hill fast enough, since + I used to see him in your father’s time; but I am glad he had the decency + not to be the undoing of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His feeling is his great point,’ said Guy, ‘when you can once get at it. + I wish—’ But breaking off short, ‘I can’t make it out. What did + little Marianne tell you? Or was it Miss Wellwood?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was first the youngest sister,’ said Markham. ‘I sat there talking to + her some little time; she said you had been very kind to the family, and + the child was very grateful to you—was always talking of some + morning when you and your dog came, and helped her mother. Her father had + been out all night, and her mother was crying, she said, and declaring he + would be sent to prison, till you came and helped them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, that’s it,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I remembered what you had told me of the mystery of the draft, and + guessed that this might be the clue to it. I begged to see the child, and + in she came, the very image of your mother, and a sharp little thing that + knew what she meant, but had not much idea of the shame, poor child, about + her father. She told me the story of his coming home in the morning, and + her mother being in great distress, and saying they were ruined, till you + came and talked to her mother, and gave her something. I asked if it was + money, and she said it was paper. I showed her a draft, and she knew it + was like that. So then I made her tell me where to find her father, whom I + used to know in old times, and had to write to, now and then. I hunted him + up, and a creditable figure he was, to be sure; but I got the truth out of + him at last, and when he heard you had got into disgrace on his account, + he raved like a tragedy hero, and swore he would come and tell your + guardian the whole story. I put him into a cab for fear he should repent, + and he had just got to the end of it when you came in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is of no use to thank you again, Markham!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I have been getting your family out of scrapes these forty years or + thereabouts,’ said Markham; ‘’tis all I am good for; and if they had been + no worse than this one it would be better for all of us. But time is + getting on, and there is enough to do.’ + </p> + <p> + To the accounts they went at once. There was a good deal to be settled; + and though Guy had as yet no legal power, according to his grandfather’s + will, he was of course consulted about everything. He was glad that, since + he could not be alone to bring himself to the realization of his + newly-recovered happiness, he should have this sobering and engrossing + occupation. There he sat, coolly discussing leases and repairs, and only + now and then allowing himself a sort of glimpse at the treasury of joy + awaiting him whenever he had time to dwell on it. The Coombe Prior matters + were set in a better train, the preliminary arrangements about the curacy + were made, and Guy had hopes it would be his friend Mr. Wellwood’s title + for Orders. + </p> + <p> + There was no time to write to Hollywell, or rather Mr. Edmonstone forgot + to do so till it was too late, and then consoled himself by observing that + it did not signify if his family were taken by surprise, since joy killed + no one. + </p> + <p> + His family were by no means of opinion that it did not signify when the + next morning’s post brought them no letter. Mrs Edmonstone and Charles had + hoped much, and Amy did not know how much she hoped until the melancholy + words, ‘no letter,’ passed from one to the other. + </p> + <p> + To make it worse, by some of those mismanagements of Mr. Edmonstone’s + which used to run counter to his wife’s arrangements, a dinner-party had + been fixed for this identical Wednesday, and the prospect was agreeable to + no one, especially when the four o’clock train did not bring Mr. + Edmonstone, who, therefore, was not to be expected till seven, when all + the world would be arrived. + </p> + <p> + Laura helped Amy to dress, put the flowers in her hair, kissed her, and + told her it was a trying day; and Amy sighed wearily, thanked her, and + went down with arms twined in hers, whispering, ‘If I could help being so + foolish as to let myself have a little hope!’ + </p> + <p> + Laura thought the case so hopeless, that she was sorry Amy could not cease + from the foolishness, and did not answer. Amy sat down at the foot of the + sofa, whither Charles was now carried down every day, and without + venturing to look at him, worked at her netting. A carriage—her + colour came and went, but it was only some of the guests; another—the + Brownlows. Amy was speaking to Miss Brownlow when she heard more + greetings; she looked up, caught by the arm of the sofa, and looked again. + Her father was pouring out apologies and welcomes, and her mother was + shaking hands with Guy. + </p> + <p> + Was it a dream? She shut her eyes, then looked again. He was close to her + by this time, she felt his fingers close on her white glove for one + moment, but she only heard his voice in the earnest ‘How are you, + Charlie?’ Her father came to her, gave her first his usual kiss of + greeting, then, not letting her go, looked at her for a moment, and, as if + he could not help it, kissed her on both cheeks, and said, ‘How d’ye do, + my little Amy?’ in a voice that meant unutterable things. All the room was + swimming round; there was nothing for it but to run away, and she ran, but + from the ante-room she heard the call outside, ‘Sir Guy’s bag to his + room,’ and she could not rush out among the servants. At that moment, + however, she spied Mary Ross and her father; she darted up to them, said + something incoherent about Mary’s bonnet, and took her up to her own room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, my dear, you look wild. What has come to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa is come home, and—’ the rest failed, and Amy was as red as the + camellia in her hair. + </p> + <p> + ‘And?’ repeated Mary, ‘and the mystery is explained?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I don’t know; they are only just come, and I was so silly, I ran + away,—I did not know what to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>They</i> are come, are they?’ thought Mary. ‘My little Amy, I see it + all.’ + </p> + <p> + She made the taking off her bonnet and the settling her lace as elaborate + an operation as she could, and Amy flitted about as if she did not by any + means know what she was doing. A springy, running step was heard on the + stairs and in the passage, and Mary, though she could not see her little + friend’s face, perceived her neck turn red for a moment, after which Amy + took her arm, pressed it affectionately, and they went down. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was very glad to see Amabel looking tolerably natural. + ‘Mamma’ was of course burning to hear all, but she was so confident that + the essentials were safe, that her present care was to see how her two + young lovers would be able to comport themselves, and to be on her guard + against attending to them more than to her guests. + </p> + <p> + Amy, after passing by Charles, and getting a squeeze from his + ever-sympathizing hand, put herself away behind Mary, while Laura talked + to every one, hoping to show that there was some self-possession in the + family. Guy reappeared, but, after one glance to see if Amy was present, + he did not look at her again, but went and leant over the lower end of + Charles’s sofa, just as he used to do; and Charles lay gazing at him, and + entirely forgetting what he had been trying to say just before to Mrs. + Brownlow, professing to have come from London that morning, and making the + absent mistakes likely to be attributed to the lovers themselves. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone came, and dinner followed. As Mrs. Edmonstone paired off + her company, she considered what to do with her new arrival. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you had come two hours ago,’ said she, within herself, ‘I would have + let you be at home. Now you must be a great man, and be content with me. + It will be better for Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Guy was between her and Mrs. Gresham. She did not try to speak + to him, and was amused by his fitful attempts at making conversation with + Mrs. Gresham, when it struck him that he ought to be taking notice of her. + Amy (very fortunately, in her own opinion) was out of sight of him, on the + same side of the table, next to Mr. Ross, who, like his daughter, guessed + enough about the state of things to let her alone. + </p> + <p> + Charles was enjoying all manner of delightful conjectures with Charlotte, + till the ladies returned to the drawing-room, and then he said as much as + he dared to Mary Ross, far more than she had gained from Laura, who, as + they came out of the dining-room, had said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t ask me any questions, for I know nothing at all about it.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy was talked to by Mrs. Gresham about club-books, and new flowers, to + which she was by this time able to attend very well, satisfied that his + happiness had returned, and content to wait till the good time for knowing + how. She could even be composed when the gentlemen came in, Guy talking to + Mr. Ross about Coombe Prior, and then going to Charles; but presently she + saw no more, for a request for music was made, and she was obliged to go + and play a duet with Laura. She did not dislike this, but there followed a + persecution for some singing. Laura would have spared her, but could not; + and while she was turning over the book to try to find something that was + not impossible to begin, and Laura whispering encouragingly, ‘This—try + this—your part is almost nothing; or can’t you do this?’ another + hand turned over the leaves, as if perfectly at home in them, and, without + speaking, as if it was natural for him to spare Amy, found a song which + they had often sung together, where she might join as much or as little as + she chose, under cover of his voice. She had not a thought or sensation + beyond the joy of hearing it again, and she stood, motionless, as if in a + trance. When it was over, he said to Laura, ‘I beg your pardon for making + such bad work. I am so much out of practice.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brownlow was seen advancing on them; Amy retreated, leaving Guy and + Laura to fulfil all that was required of them, which they did with a very + good grace, and Laura’s old familiar feeling began to revive, so much that + she whispered while he was finding the place, ‘Don’t you dislike all this + excessively?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does as well as anything else, thank you,’ was the answer. ‘I can do + it better than talking.’ + </p> + <p> + At last they were released, and the world was going away. Mary could not + help whispering to Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘How glad you must be to get rid of + us!’ and, as Mrs. Edmonstone answered with a smile, she ventured further + to say,—‘How beautifully Amy has behaved!’ + </p> + <p> + Little Amy, as soon as she had heard the last carriage roll off, wished + every one good night, shook hands with Guy, holding up the lighted candle + between him and her face as a veil, and ran away to her own room. The + others remained in a sort of embarrassed silence, Mr. Edmonstone rubbing + his hands; Laura lighted the candles, Charlotte asked after Bustle, and + was answered that he was at Oxford, and Charles, laying hold of the side + of the sofa, pulled himself by it into a sitting posture. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I help you?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, but I am not ready yet; besides, I am an actual log now, and + am carried as such, so it is of no use to wait for me. Mamma shall have + the first turn, and I won’t even leave my door open.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, yes; go and have it out with mamma, next best to Amy herself, + as she is run away—eh, Guy?’ said Mr. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + Guy and Mrs. Edmonstone had not hitherto trusted themselves to speak to + each other, but they looked and smiled; then, wishing the rest good night, + they disappeared. Then there was a simultaneous outbreak of ‘Well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All right!’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Every word was untrue. He is the + noblest fellow in the world, as I knew all the time, and I was an old fool + for listening to a pack of stories against him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah!’ cried Charles, drumming on the back of his sofa. ‘Let us hear + how the truth came out, and what it was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was that Dixon. There has he been helping that man for ever, sending + his child to school, giving him sums upon sums, paying his gaming debts + with that cheque!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, oh!’ cried Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes that was it! The child told Markham of it, and Markham brought the + father to tell me. It puts me in a rage to think of the monstrous stories + Philip has made me believe!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was sure of it!’ cried Charles. ‘I knew it would come out that he had + only been so much better than other people that nobody could believe it. + Cleared! cleared! Why, Charlotte, Mr. Ready-to-halt will be for footing it + cleverly enough!’ as she was wildly curvetting round him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was always sure,’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘I knew it was not in him to go + wrong. It was only Philip, who would persuade me black was white.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never believed one word of it,’ said Charles; ‘still less after I saw + Philip’s animosity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Les absens ont toujours tort,”’ interrupted Laura; then, afraid of + saying too much, she added,—‘Come, Charlotte, it is very late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I shall be the first to tell Amy!’ cried Charlotte. ‘Good night, + papa!—good night, Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + She rushed up-stairs, afraid of being forestalled. Laura lingered, putting + some books away in the ante-room, trying to overcome the weary pain at her + heart. She did not know how to be confident. Her father’s judgment was + worthless in her eyes, and Philip had predicted that Amy would be + sacrificed after all. To see them happy made her sigh at the distance of + her own hopes, and worse than all was self-reproach for unkindness in not + rejoicing with the rest, in spite of her real affection for Guy himself. + When she thought of him, she could not believe him guilty; when she + thought of Philip’s belief, she could not suppose him innocent, and she + pitied her sister for enjoying a delusive happiness. With effort, however, + she went to her room, and, finding her a little overpowered by Charlotte’s + tumultuous joy, saw that peace and solitude were best for her till she + could have more certain intelligence, and, after very tender good-nights, + carried off Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + It would be hard to describe Mrs. Edmonstone’s emotion, as she preceded + Guy to the dressing-room, and sat down, looking up to him as he stood in + his old place by the fire. She thought he did not look well, though it + might be only that the sun-burnt colour had given place to his natural + fairness; his eyes, though bright as ever, did not dance and sparkle; a + graver expression sat on his brow; and although he still looked very + young, a change there certainly was, which made him man instead of boy—a + look of having suffered, and conquered suffering. She felt even more + motherly affection for him now than when he last stood there in the full + tide of his first outburst of his love for her daughter, and her heart was + almost too full for speech; but he seemed to be waiting for her, and at + last she said,—‘I am very glad to have you here again.’ + </p> + <p> + He smiled a little, then said, ‘May I tell you all about it?’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +‘Sit down here. I want very much to hear it. I am sure you have gone +through a good deal.’ + + I have, indeed,’ said he, simply and gravely; and there was a silence, +while she was certain that, whatever he might have endured, he did not +feel it to have been in vain. +</pre> + <p> + ‘But it is at an end,’ said she. ‘I have scarcely seen Mr. Edmonstone, but + he tells me he is perfectly satisfied.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is so kind as to be satisfied, though you know I still cannot explain + about the large sum I asked him for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will trust you,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling, ‘but I am very anxious + to hear how you came to an understanding.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy went over the story in detail, and very much affected she was to hear + how entirely unfounded had been the suspicion, and how thankful he was for + Mr. Edmonstone’s forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had rather to forgive us!’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘You forget how ill I behaved,’ said Guy, colouring. ‘If you knew the + madness of those first moments of provocation, you would think that the + penance of a lifetime, instead of only one winter, would scarce have been + sufficient.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not say, as Charles does, that the suspicion justified your + anger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed!’ He paused, and spoke again. ‘Thank Heaven, it did not last + long; but the insight it gave me into the unsubdued evil about me was a + fearful thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you conquered it. They were the unguarded exclamations of the first + shock. Your whole conduct since, especially the interview with Philip, has + shown that your anger has not been abiding, and that you have learnt to + subdue it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It could not abide, for there was no just cause of offence. Of course + such a dreadful outburst warned me to be on my guard; and you know the + very sight of Philip is a warning that there is danger in that way! I + mean,’ said Guy, becoming conscious that he had been very severe, ‘I mean + that I know of old that I am apt to be worried by his manner, and that + ought to make me doubly cautious.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was struck by the soberer manner in which he spoke of his + faults. He was as ready to take full blame, but without the vehemence + which he used to expend in raving at himself instead of at the offender. + It seemed as if he had brought himself to the tone he used to desire so + earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad to be able to explain all to Philip,’ he said. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will write as soon as possible. Oh, Mrs. Edmonstone! if you knew what + it is to be brought back to such unhoped-for happiness, to sit here once + more, with you,’—his voice trembled, and the tears were in her eyes,—‘to + have seen <i>her</i>, to have all overlooked, and return to all I hoped + last year. I want to look at you all, to believe that it is true,’ he + finished, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘You both behaved very well this evening,’ said she, laughing, because she + could do so better than anything else at that moment. + </p> + <p> + ‘You both!’ murmured Guy to himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! little Amy has been very good this winter.’ + </p> + <p> + He answered her with a beautiful expression of his eyes, was silent a + little while, and suddenly exclaimed, in a candid, expostulating tone, + ‘But now, seriously, don’t you think it a very bad thing for her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Guy,’ said she, scarcely repressing a disposition to laugh, ‘I + told you last summer what I thought of it, and you must settle the rest + with Amy to-morrow. I hear the drawing-room bell, which is a sign I must + send you to bed. Good night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night!’ repeated Guy, as he held her hand. ‘It is so long since I + have had any one to wish me good night! Good night, mamma!’ + </p> + <p> + She pressed his hand, then as he ran down to lend a helping hand in + carrying Charles, she, the tears in her eyes, crossed the passage to see + how it was with her little Amy, and to set her at rest for the night. + Amy’s candle was out, and she was in bed, lying full in the light of the + Easter moon, which poured in glorious whiteness through her window. She + started up as the door opened. ‘Oh, mamma! how kind of you to come!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can only stay a moment, my dear; your papa is coming up; but I must + just tell you that I have been having such a nice talk with dear Guy. He + has behaved beautifully, and papa is quite satisfied. Now, darling, I hope + you will not lie awake all night, or you won’t be fit to talk to him + to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy sat up in bed, and put her arms round her mother’s neck. ‘Then he is + happy again,’ she whispered. ‘I should like to hear all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He shall tell you himself to-morrow, my dear. Now, good night! you have + been a very good child. Now, go to sleep, my dear one.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy lay down obediently. ‘Thank you for coming to tell me, dear mamma,’ + she said. ‘I am very glad; good night.’ + </p> + <p> + She shut her eyes, and there was something in the sweet, obedient, placid + look of her face, as the white moonlight shone upon it, that made her + mother pause and gaze again with the feeling, only tenderer, left by a + beautiful poem. Amy looked up to see why she delayed; she gave her another + kiss, and left her in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + Little Amy’s instinct was to believe the best and do as she was bidden, + and there was a quietness and confidence in the tone of her mind which + gave a sort of serenity of its own even to suspense. A thankful, happy + sensation that all was well, mamma said so, and Guy was there, had taken + possession of her, and she did not agitate herself to know how or why, for + mamma, had told her to put herself to sleep; so she thought of all the + most thanksgiving verses of her store of poetry, and before the moon had + passed away from her window, Amabel Edmonstone was wrapped in a sleep + dreamless and tranquil as an infant’s. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 26 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hence, bashful cunning, + And prompt me, plain and holy innocence. + I am your wife if you will marry me. + —TEMPEST +</pre> + <p> + Amabel awoke to such a sense of relief and repose that she scarcely liked + to ask herself the cause, lest it might ruffle her complete peace. Those + words ‘all right,’ seemed to be enough to assure her that the cloud was + gone. + </p> + <p> + Her mother came in, told her one or two of the main facts, and took her + down under her wing, only stopping by the way for a greeting to Charles, + who could not rise till after breakfast. He held her fast, and gazed up in + her face, but she coloured so deeply, cast down her eyes, and looked so + meek and submissive, that he let her go, and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast party were for the most part quiet, silent, and happy. Even + Charlotte was hushed by the subdued feeling of the rest, and Mr. + Edmonstone’s hilarity, though replied to in turn by each, failed to wake + them into mirth. Guy ran up and down-stairs continually, to wait upon + Charles; and thus the conversation was always interrupted as fast as it + began, so that the only fact that came out was the cause of the lateness + of their arrival yesterday. Mr. Edmonstone had taken it for granted that + Guy, like Philip, would watch for the right time, and warn him, while Guy, + being excessively impatient, had been so much afraid of letting himself + fidget, as to have suffered the right moment to pass, and then borne all + the blame. + </p> + <p> + ‘How you must have wanted to play the Harmonious Blacksmith,’ said + Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘I caught myself going through the motions twice,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone said to herself that he might contest the palm of temper + with Amy even; the difference being, that hers was naturally sweet, his a + hasty one, so governed that the result was the same. When breakfast was + over, as they were rising, Guy made two steps towards Amabel, at whom he + had hitherto scarcely looked, and said, very low, in his straightforward + way: ‘Can I speak to you a little while?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy’s face glowed as she moved towards him, and her mother said something + about the drawing-room, where the next moment she found herself. She did + not use any little restless arts to play with her embarrassment; she did + not torment the flowers or the chimney ornaments, nor even her own rings, + she stood with her hands folded and her head a little bent down, like a + pendant blossom, ready to listen to whatever might be said to her. + </p> + <p> + He did not speak at first, but moved uneasily about. At last he came + nearer, and began speaking fast and nervously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amabel, I want you to consider—you really ought to think whether + this is not a very bad thing for you.’ + </p> + <p> + The drooping head was raised, the downcast lids lifted up, and the blue + eyes fixed on him with a look at once confiding and wondering. He + proceeded— + </p> + <p> + ‘I have brought you nothing but unhappiness already. So far as you have + taken any interest in me, it could cause you only pain, and the more I + think of it, the more unfit it seems that one so formed for light, and + joy, and innocent mirth, should have anything to do with the darkness that + is round me. Think well of it. I feel as if I had done a selfish thing by + you, and now, you know, you are not bound. You are quite free! No one + knows anything about it, or if they did, the blame would rest entirely + with me. I would take care it should. So, Amy, think, and think well, + before you risk your happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As to that,’ replied Amy, in a soft, low voice, with <i>such</i> a look + of truth in her clear eyes, ‘I must care for whatever happens to you, and + I had rather it was with you, than without you,’ she said, casting them + down again. + </p> + <p> + ‘My Amy!—my own!—my Verena!’—and he held fast one of her + hands, as they sat together on the sofa—‘I had a feeling that so it + might be through the very worst, yet I can hardly believe it now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy,’ said Amy, looking up, with the gentle resolution that had lately + grown on her, ‘you must not take me for more than I am worth, and I should + like to tell you fairly. I did not speak last time, because it was all so + strange and so delightful, and I had no time to think, because I was so + confused. But that is a long time ago, and this has been a very sad + winter, and I have thought a great deal. I know, and you know, too, that I + am a foolish little thing; I have been silly little Amy always; you and + Charlie have helped me to all the sense I have, and I don’t think I could + ever be a clever, strong-minded woman, such as one admires.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven forbid!’ ejaculated Guy; moved, perhaps, by a certain remembrance + of St. Mildred’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘But,’ continued Amy, ‘I believe I do really wish to be good, and I know + you have helped me to wish it much more, and I have been trying to learn + to bear things, and so’—out came something, very like a sunny smile, + though some tears followed—‘so if you do like such a silly little + thing, it can’t be helped, and we will try to make the best of her. Only + don’t say any more about my being happier without you, for one thing I am + very sure of, Guy, I had rather bear anything with you, than know you were + bearing it alone. I am only afraid of being foolish and weak, and making + things worse for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So much worse! But still,’ he added, ‘speak as you may, my Amy, I cannot, + must not, feel that I have a right to think of you as my own, till you + have heard all. You ought to know what my temper is before you risk + yourself in its power. Amy, my first thought towards Philip was nothing + short of murder.’ + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes, and saw how far entirely he meant what he said. + </p> + <p> + ‘The first—not the second,’ she murmured. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, the second—the third. There was a moment when I could have + given my soul for my revenge!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a moment!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a moment, thank Heaven! and I have not done quite so badly since. I + hope I have not suffered quite in vain; but if that shock could overthrow + all my wonted guards, it might, though I pray Heaven it may not, it might + happen again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you conquered yourself then, and that you will again,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And suppose I was ever to be mad enough to be angry with you?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy smiled outright here. ‘Of course, I should deserve it; but I think the + trouble would be the comforting you afterwards. Mamma said’—she + added, after a long silence, during which Guy’s feeling would not let him + speak—‘mamma said, and I think, that you are much safer and better + with such a quick temper as yours, because you are always struggling and + fighting with it, on the real true religious ground, than a person more + even tempered by nature, but not so much in earnest in doing right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, if I did not believe myself to be in earnest about that, I could + never dare to speak to you at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will help each other,’ said Amy; ‘you have always helped me, long + before we knew we cared for each other!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And, Amy, if you knew how the thought of you helped me last winter, even + when I thought I had forfeited you for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + Their talk only ceased when, at one o’clock, Mrs. Edmonstone, who had + pronounced in the dressing-room that three hours was enough for them at + once, came in, and asked Guy to go and help to carry Charles down-stairs. + </p> + <p> + He went, and Amy nestled up to her mother, raising her face to be kissed. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very nice!’ she whispered; and then arranged her brother’s sofa, as + she heard his progress down-stairs beginning. He was so light and thin as + to be very easily carried, and was brought in between Guy and one of the + servants. When he was settled on the sofa, he began thus,—‘There was + a grand opportunity lost last winter. I was continually rehearsing the + scene, and thinking what waste it was to go through such a variety of + torture without the dignity of danger. If I could but have got up ever so + small an alarm, I would have conjured my father to send for Guy, entreated + pathetically that the reconciliation might be effected, and have drawn my + last breath clasping their hands, thus! The curtain falls!’ + </p> + <p> + He made a feint of joining their hands, put his head back, and shut his + eyes with an air and a grace that put Charlotte into an ecstasy, and made + even Amy laugh, as she quitted the room, blushing. + </p> + <p> + ‘But if it had been your last breath,’ said Charlotte, ‘you would not have + been much the wiser.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would have come to life again in time to enjoy the “coup de theatre”. I + had some thoughts of trying an overdose of opium; but I thought Dr. + Mayerne would have found me out. I tell you, because it is fair I should + have the credit; for, Guy, if you knew what she was to me all the winter, + you would perceive my superhuman generosity in not receiving you as my + greatest enemy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall soon cease to be surprised at any superhuman generosity,’ said + Guy. ‘But how thin you are, Charlie; you are a very feather to carry; I + had no notion it had been such a severe business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most uncommon!’ said Charles, shaking his head, with a mock solemnity. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was the worst of all,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘six weeks of constant + pain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How very sorry Philip must have been!’ exclaimed Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip?’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, was it not owing to him? Surely, your father told me so. Did not he + let you fall on the stairs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear father!’ exclaimed Charles, laughing; ‘every disaster that + happens for the next twelvemonth will be imputed to Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How was it, then?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fact was this,’ said Charles; ‘it was in the thick of the persecution + of you, and I was obliged to let Philip drag me upstairs, because I was in + a hurry. He took the opportunity of giving me some impertinent advice + which I could not stand. I let go his arm, forgetting what a dependent + mortal I am, and down I should assuredly have gone, if he had not caught + me, and carried me off, as a fox does a goose, so it was his fault, as one + may say, in a moral, though not in a physical sense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said his mother, ‘you do think your illness was owing to that + accident?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose the damage was brewing, and that the shake brought it into an + active state. There’s a medical opinion for you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I never knew what you thought of it before,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, when I had a condor to pick on Guy’s account with Philip, I was not + going to pick a crow on my own,’ said Charles. ‘Oh! is luncheon ready; and + you all going? I never see anybody now. I want the story of the shipwreck, + though, of course, Ben What’s-his-name was the hero, and Sir Guy Morville + not a bit of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura wanted to walk to East Hill, and the other young people agreed to go + thither, too. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be nice to go to church there to-day’ said Amy, in a + half-whisper, heard only by Guy, and answered by a look that showed how + well he understood and sympathized. + </p> + <p> + ‘Another thing,’ said Amy, colouring a good deal; ‘shall you mind my + telling Mary? I behaved so oddly last night, and she was so kind to me + that I think I ought.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary had seen enough last night to be very curious to-day, though hardly + expecting her curiosity to be gratified. However, as she was putting on + her bonnet for church, she looked out of her window, and saw the four + coming across the fields from Hollywell. Guy and Amy did not walk into the + village arm-in-arm; but, as they came under the church porch, Guy, unseen + by all held out his hand, sought hers, and, for one moment, pressed it + fervently. Amy knew he felt this like their betrothal. + </p> + <p> + After the service, they stood talking with Mr. Ross and Mary, for some + little time. Amy held apart, and Mary saw how it was. As they were about + to turn homewards, Amy said quickly, ‘Come and walk a little way home with + me.’ + </p> + <p> + She went on with Mary before the rest, and when out of sight of them all, + said, ‘Mary!’ and then stopped short. + </p> + <p> + ‘I guess something, Amy,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell any one but Mr. Ross.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I have guessed right. My dear little Amy, I am very glad! So that + was the reason you flew out of the room last evening, and looked so bright + and glowing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was so good of you to ask no questions!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think I need ask any now, Amy; for I see in your face how right + and happy it all is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t tell you all, Mary, but I must one thing,—that the whole + terrible story arose from his helping a person in distress. I like you to + know that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa was always sure that he had not been to blame,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; so Charlie told me, and that is the reason I wanted you to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, Amy, something of this had begun last summer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but not as it is now. I did not half know what it was then.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor dear little Amy,’ said Mary; ‘what a very sad winter it must have + been for you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, very!’ said Amy; ‘but it was worse for him, because he was quite + alone; and here every one was so kind to me. Mamma and Laura, and poor + Charlie, through all his illness and pain, he was so very kind. And do you + know, Mary, now it is all over, I am very glad of this dismal time; for I + think that it has taught me how to bear things better.’ + </p> + <p> + She looked very happy. Yet it struck Mary that it was strange to hear that + the first thought of a newly-betrothed maiden was how to brace herself in + endurance. She wondered, however, whether it was not a more truly happy + and safe frame than that of most girls, looking forward to a life of + unclouded happiness, such as could never be realized. At least, so it + struck Mary, though she owned to herself that her experience of lovers was + limited. + </p> + <p> + Mary walked with Amy almost to the borders of Hollywell garden; and when + the rest came up with them, though no word passed, there was a great deal + of congratulation in her warm shake of Guy’s hand, and no lack of reply in + his proud smile and reddening cheek. Charlotte could not help turning and + going back with her a little way, to say, ‘Are not you delighted, Mary? Is + not Amy the dearest thing in the world? And you don’t know, for it is a + secret, and I know it, how very noble Guy has been, while they would + suspect him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very, very glad, indeed! It is everything delightful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never was so happy in my life,’ said Charlotte; ‘nor Charlie, either. + Only think of having Guy for our brother; and he is going to send for + Bustle to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary laughed, and parted with Charlotte, speculating on the cause of + Laura’s graver looks. Were they caused by the fear of losing her sister, + or by a want of confidence in Guy? + </p> + <p> + That evening, how happy was the party at Hollywell, when Charles put Guy + through a cross-examination on the shipwreck, from the first puff of wind + to the last drop of rain; and Guy submitted very patiently, since he was + allowed the solace of praising his Redclyffe fishermen. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, this time was full of tranquil, serene happiness. It was like the + lovely weather only to be met with in the spring, and then but rarely, + when the sky is cloudless, and intensely blue,—the sunshine one glow + of clearness without burning,—not a breath of wind checks the silent + growth of the expanding buds of light exquisite green. Such days as these + shone on Guy and Amabel, looking little to the future, or if they did so + at all, with a grave, peaceful awe, reposing in the present, and resuming + old habits,—singing, reading, gardening, walking as of old, and that + intercourse with each other that was so much more than ever before. + </p> + <p> + It was more, but it was not quite the same; for Guy was a very chivalrous + lover; the polish and courtesy that sat so well on his frank, truthful + manners, were even more remarkable in his courtship. His ways with Amy had + less of easy familiarity than in the time of their brother-and-sister-like + intimacy, so that a stranger might have imagined her wooed, not won. It + was as if he hardly dared to believe that she could really be his own, and + treated her with a sort of reverential love and gentleness, while she + looked up to him with ever-increasing honour. She was better able to + understand him now than in her more childish days last summer; and she did + not merely see, as before, that she was looking at the upper surface of a + mystery. He had, at the same time, grown in character, his excitability + and over-sensitiveness seemed to have been smoothed away, and to have + given place to a calmness of tone, that was by no means impassibility. + </p> + <p> + When alone with Amy, he was generally very grave, often silent and + meditative, or else their talk was deep and serious; and even with the + family he was less merry and more thoughtful than of old, though very + bright and animated, and showing full, free affection to them all, as + entirely accepted and owned as one of them. + </p> + <p> + So, indeed, he was. Mr. Edmonstone, with his intense delight in lovers, + patronized them, and made commonplace jokes, which they soon learnt to + bear without much discomposure. Mrs. Edmonstone was all that her constant + appellation of ‘mamma’ betokened, delighting in Guy’s having learnt to + call her so. Charles enjoyed the restoration of his friend, the sight of + Amy’s happiness, and the victory over Philip, and was growing better every + day. Charlotte was supremely happy, watching the first love affair ever + conducted in her sight, and little less so in the return of Bustle, who + resumed his old habits as regularly as if he had only left Hollywell + yesterday. + </p> + <p> + Laura alone was unhappy. She did not understand her own feelings; but sad + at heart she was; with only one who could sympathize with her, and he far + away, and the current of feeling setting against him. She could not + conceal her depression, and was obliged to allow it to be attributed to + the grief that one sister must feel in parting with another; and as her + compassion for her little Amy, coupled with her dread of her latent + jealousy, made her particularly tender and affectionate, it gave even more + probability to the supposition. This made Guy, who felt as if he was + committing a robbery on them all, particularly kind to her, as if he + wished to atone for the injury of taking away her sister; and his kindness + gave her additional pain at entertaining such hard thoughts of him. + </p> + <p> + How false she felt when she was pitied! and how she hated the + congratulations, of which she had the full share! She thought, however, + that she should be able to rejoice when she had heard Philip’s opinion; + and how delightful it would be for him to declare himself satisfied with + Guy’s exculpation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 27 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I forgave thee all the blame, + I could not forgive the praise. + —TENNYSON +</pre> + <p> + ‘If ever there was a meddlesome coxcomb on this earth!’ Such was the + exclamation that greeted the ears of Guy as he supported Charles into the + breakfast-room; and, at the same time, Mr. Edmonstone tossed a letter into + Guy’s plate, saying,— + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s something for you to read.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy began; his lips were tightly pressed together; his brows made one + black line across his forehead, and his eye sparkled even through his + bent-down eyelashes; but this lasted only a few moments; the forehead + smoothed, again, and there was a kind of deliberate restraint and force + upon himself, which had so much power, that no one spoke till he had + finished, folded it up with a sort of extra care, and returned it, only + saying, + </p> + <p> + ‘You should not show one such letters, Mr. Edmonstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does not it beat everything?’ cried Mr. Edmonstone. ‘If that is not + impertinence, I should like to know what is! But he has played my Lord + Paramount rather too long, as I can tell him! I ask his consent, forsooth! + Probation, indeed! You might marry her to-morrow, and welcome. There, give + it to mamma. See if she does not say the same. Mere spite and malice all + along.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Laura! would no one refute such cruel injustice? Yes, Guy spoke, + eagerly,— + </p> + <p> + ‘No no; that it never was. He was quite right under his belief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell me! Not a word in his favour will I hear!’ stormed on Mr. + Edmonstone. ‘Mere envy and ill-will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I always told him so,’ said Charles. ‘Pure malignity!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, Charlie!’ said Guy, sharply; ‘there is no such thing about + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Guy; I can’t stand this,’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘I won’t have him + defended; I never thought to be so deceived; but you all worshipped the + boy as if every word that came out of his mouth was Gospel truth, and + you’ve set him up till he would not condescend to take an advice of his + own father, who little thought what an upstart sprig he was rearing; but I + tell him he has come to the wrong shop for domineering—eh, mamma?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone, who had read till near the end with + tolerable equanimity; this really is too bad!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma and all!’ thought poor Laura, while her mother continued,—‘It + is wilful prejudice, to say the least,—I never could have believed + him capable of it!’ + </p> + <p> + Charles next had the letter, and was commenting on it in a style of + mingled sarcasm and fury; while Laura longed to see it justify itself, as + she was sure it would. + </p> + <p> + ‘Read it, all of you—every bit,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, ‘that you may + see this paragon of yours!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had rather not,’ said Amy, shrinking as it came towards her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like you to do so, if you don’t dislike it very much,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + She read in silence; and then came the turn of Laura, who marvelled at the + general injustice as she read. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘CORK, April 8th. +‘MY DEAR UNCLE,—I am much obliged to you for the communication of your +intention with regard to Amabel; but, indeed, I must say I am a good +deal surprised that you should have so hastily resolved on so important +a step, and have been satisfied with so incomplete an explanation of +circumstances which appeared to you, as well as to myself, to show that +Guy’s character was yet quite unsettled, and his conduct such as to +create considerable apprehension that he was habitually extremely +imprudent, to say the least of it, in the management of his own affairs. +How much more unfit, therefore, to have the happiness of another +intrusted to him? I believe—indeed, I understood you to have declared +to me that you were resolved never to allow the engagement to be +renewed, unless he should, with the deference which is only due to +you as his guardian, consent to clear up the mystery with which he +has thought fit to invest all his pecuniary transactions, and this, it +appears, he refuses, as he persists in denying all explanation of his +demand for that large sum of money. As to the cheque, which certainly +was applied to discreditable uses, though I will not suffer myself to +suppose that Guy was in collusion with his uncle, yet it is not at +all improbable that Dixon, not being a very scrupulous person, may, on +hearing of the difficulties in which his nephew has been placed, come +forward to relieve him from his embarrassment, in the hope of further +profit, by thus establishing a claim on his gratitude. In fact, this +proof of secretly renewed intercourse with Dixon rather tends to +increase the presumption that there is something wrong. I am not writing +this in the expectation that the connection should be entirely broken +off, for that, indeed, would be out of the question as things stand at +present, but for my little cousin’s sake, as well as his own, I entreat +of you to pause. They are both extremely young—so young, that if there +was no other ground, many persons would think it advisable to wait a few +years; and why not wait until the time fixed by his grandfather for +his coming into possession of his property? If the character of his +attachment to Amabel is firm and true, the probation may be of infinite +service to him, as keeping before him, during the most critical period +of his life, a powerful motive for restraining the natural impetuosity +of his disposition; while, on the other hand, if this should prove +to have been a mere passing fancy for the first young lady into whose +society he has been thrown on terms of easy familiar intercourse, you +will then have the satisfaction of reflecting that your care and caution +have preserved your daughter from a life of misery. My opinion has +never altered respecting him, that he is brave and generous, with good +feelings and impulses, manners peculiarly attractive, and altogether a +character calculated to inspire affection, but impetuous and unsteady, +easily led into temptation, yet obstinate in reserve, and his temper of +unchecked violence. I wish him happiness of every kind; and, as you well +know, would, do my utmost for his welfare; but my affection for your +whole family, and my own conscientious conviction, make me feel it my +duty to offer this remonstrance, which I hope will be regarded as by no +means the result of any ill-will, but simply of a sincere desire for the +good of all parties, such as can only be evinced by plain speaking. + + ‘Yours affectionately, + ‘P. MORVILLE.’ +</pre> + <p> + All the time Laura was reading, Guy was defending Philip against the + exaggerated abuse that Mr. Edmonstone and Charles were pouring out, till + at last, Mrs. Edmonstone, getting out of patience, said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Guy, if we did not know you so well, we should almost accuse you + of affectation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I shall go away,’ said Guy, laughing as he rose. ‘Can you come out + with me?’ said he, in a lower tone, leaning over the back of Amy’s chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; wait a bit,’ interposed Mr. Edmonstone; ‘don’t take her out, or you + won’t be to be found, anywhere, and I want to speak to you before I write + my letter, and go to the Union Meeting. I want to tell Master Philip, on + the spot, that the day is fixed, and we snap our fingers at him and his + probation. Wait till twenty-five! I dare say!’ + </p> + <p> + At ‘I want to speak to you,’ the ladies had made the first move towards + departure, but they were not out of hearing at the conclusion. Guy looked + after Amy, but she would not look round, and Charles lay twisting Bustle’s + curls round his fingers, and smiling to himself at the manner in which the + letter was working by contraries. The overthrow of Philip’s influence was + a great triumph for him, apart from the way in which it affected his + friend and his sister. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was disappointed that Guy would not set about fixing the + day, in time for him to announce it in a letter to be written in the + course of an hour. Guy said he had not begun on the subject with Amy, and + it would never do to hurry her. Indeed, it was a new light to himself that + Mr. Edmonstone would like it to take place so soon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, when did you think it was to be?’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Upon my + word, I never in all my days saw a lover like you, Guy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was too happy to think about the future; besides, I did not know + whether you had sufficient confidence in me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Confidence, nonsense! I tell you if I had a dozen daughters, I would + trust them all to you.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy smiled, and was infected by Charles’s burst of laughing, but Mr. + Edmonstone went on unheeding—‘I have the most absolute confidence in + you! I am going to write to Philip this minute, to tell him he has played + three-tailed Bashaw rather too long. I shall tell him it is to be very + soon, at any rate; and that if he wishes to see how I value his + pragmatical advice, he may come and dance at the wedding. I declare, your + mamma and that colonel of his have perfectly spoilt him with their + flattery! I knew what would come of it; you all would make a prodigy of + him, till he is so puffed up, that he entirely forgets who he is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I’ said Charles; ‘that can’t be laid to my door.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I’ll write him such a letter this instant as shall make him remember + what he is, and show him who he has to deal with. Eh, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you think,’ said Guy, preparing to go, ‘that it might be better to + wait a day or two, till we see our way clearer, and are a little cooler?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you, Guy, there is no one that puts me out of patience now, but + yourself. You are as bad as Philip himself. Cool? I am coolness itself, + all but what’s proper spirit for a man to show when his family is + affronted, and himself dictated to, by a meddling young jackanapes. I’ll + serve him out properly!’ + </p> + <p> + A message called him away. Guy stood looking perplexed and sorrowful. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind,’ said Charles, ‘I’ll take care the letter is moderate. + Besides, it is only Philip, and he knows that letter-writing is not his + forte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid things will be said in irritation, which you will both + regret. There are justice and reason in the letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There shall be more in the answer, as you will see.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I will not see. It is Mr. Edmonstone’s concern, not mine. I am the + last person who should have anything to do with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just what the individual in question would not have said.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would you do one thing to oblige me, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything but not speaking my mind to, or of, the captain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the very thing, unluckily. Try to get the answer put off till + to-morrow, and that will give time to look at this letter candidly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All the candour in the world will not make me think otherwise than that + he is disappointed at being no longer able to make us the puppets of his + malevolence. Don’t answer, or if you do, tell me what you say in favour of + that delicate insinuation of his.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy made a step towards the window, and a step back again. ‘’Tis not fair + to ask such questions,’ he replied, after a moment. ‘It is throwing oil on + the fire. I was trying to forget it. He neither knows my uncle nor the + circumstances.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I am glad there is a point on which you can’t even pretend to stand + up for him, or I should have thought you crazed with Quixotism. But I am + keeping you when you want to be off to Amy. Never mind Mr. Ready-to-halt; + I shall wait till my father comes back. If you want the letter put off you + had better give some hopes of—Oh! he is gone, and disinterested + advice it is of mine, for what is to become of me without Amy remains to + be proved. Laura, poor thing, looks like Patience on a monument. I wonder + whether Philip’s disgrace has anything to do with it. Hum! If mamma’s old + idea was right, the captain has been more like moth and candle than + consistent with his prudence, unless he thought it “a toute epreuve”. I + wonder what came to pass last autumn, when I was ill, and mamma’s head + full of me. He may not intend it, and she may not know it, but I would by + no means answer for Cupid’s being guiltless of that harassed look she has + had ever since that ball-going summer. Oh! there go that pretty study, Amy + and her true knight. As to Guy, he is more incomprehensible than ever; yet + there is no avoiding obeying him, on the principle on which that child in + the “Moorland cottage” said she should obey Don Quixote.’ + </p> + <p> + So when his father came in, Charles wiled him into deferring the letter + till the next day, by giving him an indistinct hope that some notion when + the marriage would be, might be arrived at by that time. He consented the + more readily, because he was in haste to investigate a complaint that had + just been made of the union doctor; but his last words to his wife and son + before he went, were—‘Of course, they must marry directly, there is + nothing on earth to wait for. Live at Redclyffe alone? Not to be thought + of. No, I’ll see little Amy my Lady Morville, before Philip goes abroad, + if only to show him I am not a man to be dictated to.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone sighed; but when he was gone, she agreed with Charles that + there was nothing to wait for, and that it would be better for Guy to take + his wife at once with him, when he settled at Redclyffe. So it must be + whenever Amy could make up her mind to it; and thereupon they made plans + for future meetings, Charles announcing that the Prince of the Black Isles + would become locomotive, and Charlotte forming grand designs upon Shag + Island. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Guy and Amy were walking in the path through the wood, + where he began: ‘I would not have asked you to do anything so unpleasant + as reading that letter, but I thought you ought to consider of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was just like himself! How could he?’ said Amy, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder whether he will ever see his own harshness?’ said Guy. ‘It is + very strange, that with all his excellence and real kindness, there should + be some distortion in his view of all that concerns me. I cannot + understand it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must let me call it prejudice, Guy, in spite of your protest. It is a + relief to say something against him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, don’t be venomous!’ said Guy, in a playful tone of reproach. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but you know it is not <i>me</i> whom he has been abusing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Guy, musingly, ‘I suppose it is right there should be this + cloud, or it would be too bright for earth. It has been one of my chief + wishes to have things straight with Philip, ever since the time he stayed + at Redclyffe as a boy. I saw his superiority then; but it fretted me, and + I never could make a companion of him. Ever since, I have looked to his + approval as one of the best things to be won. It shows his ascendancy of + character; yet, do what I will, the mist has gone on thickening between + us; and with reason, for I have never been able to give him the confidence + he required, and his conduct about my uncle has so tried my patience, that + I never have been quite sure whether I ought to avoid him or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And now you are the only person who will speak for him. I don’t wonder + papa is provoked with you,’ said she, pretending to be wilful. ‘I only + hope you don’t want to make me do the same. I could bear anything better + than his old saying about your attractive manners and good impulses, and + his opinion that has never altered. O Guy, he is the most provoking person + in all the world. Don’t try to make me admire him, nor be sorry for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not when you remember how he was looked on here? and how, without doing + anything worthy of blame, nay, from his acting unsparingly, as he thought + right, every one has turned against him? even mamma, who used to be so + fond of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, not Laura, and I am thankful to her for it; for all this makes me + feel as if I had supplanted him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, yes, it is like you; but don’t ask me to feel that yet,’ said + Amy, with tears in her eyes,’ or I shall be obliged to tell you what you + won’t like to hear, about his tone of triumph that terrible time last + year. It was so very different, I don’t think I could ever forgive him, if + it had not made me so miserable too.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy pressed her arm. ‘Yes; but he thought himself right. He meant to do + the kindest thing by you,’ said he, so entirely without effort, that no + one could doubt it came straight from his heart. ‘So he thinks still, Amy; + there is fairness, justice, good sense in his letter, and we must not + blind our eyes to it, though there is injustice, at least, harshness. I + did fail egregiously in my first trial.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fail!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In temper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And, Amy, I wanted to ask what you think about the four years he speaks + of. Do you think, as he says, my habits might be more fixed, and + altogether you might have more confidence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t look on you quite as he does now,’ said Amy, with a very pretty + smile. ‘Do you think his opinion of you will ever alter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what do you think? Is there not some reason in what he says?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The only use I can see is, that perhaps I should be wiser at twenty-four, + and fitter to take care of such a great house; but then you have been + always helping me to grow wiser, and I am not much afraid but that you + will be patient with me. Indeed, Guy, I don’t know whether it is a thing I + ought to say,’ she added, blushing, ‘but I think it would be dismal for + you to go and live all alone at Redclyffe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honestly, Amy,’ replied he, after a little pause, ‘if you feel so, and + your father approves, I don’t think it will be better to wait. I know your + presence is a safeguard, and if the right motives did not suffice to keep + me straight, and I was only apparently so from hopes of you, why then I + should be so utterly good for nothing at the bottom, if not on the + surface, that you had better have nothing to say to me.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy laughed incredulously. + </p> + <p> + ‘That being settled,’ proceeded Guy, ‘did you hear what your father said + as you left the breakfast-room?’ + </p> + <p> + She coloured all over, and there was silence. ‘What did you answer?’ said + she, at length. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said, whatever happened, you must not be taken by surprise in having to + decide quickly. Do you wish to have time to think? I’ll go in and leave + you to consider, if you like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I only want to know what you wish,’ said Amy, not parting with his arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had rather you did just as suits you best. Of course, you know what my + wish must be.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy walked on a little way in silence. ‘Very well,’ said she, presently, + ‘I think you and mamma had better settle it. The worst’—she had + tears in her eyes—‘the going away—mamma—Charlie—all + that will be as bad at one time as at another.’ The tears flowed faster. + ‘It had better be as you all like best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Amy! I wonder at myself for daring to ask you to exchange your bright + cheerful home for my gloomy old house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, your home,’ said Amy, softly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I used to wonder why it was called gloomy; but it will be so no more when + you are there. Yet there is a shadow hanging over it, which makes it + sometimes seem too strange that you and it should be brought together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have read somewhere that there is no real gloom but what people raise + for themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True. Gloom is in sin, not sorrow. Yes, there would be no comfort if I + were not sure that if aught of grief or pain should come to you through + me, it will not, cannot really hurt you, my Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, unless by my own fault, and you will help me to meet it. Hark! was + that a nightingale?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, the first! How beautiful! There—don’t you see it? Look on that + hazel, you may see its throat moving. Well!’ when they had listened for a + long time,—‘after all, that creature and the sea will hardly let one + speak of gloom, even in this world, to say nothing of other things. + </p> + <p> + ‘The sea! I am glad I have never seen it, because now you will show it to + me for the first time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will never, can never imagine it, Amy! and he sung,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘With all tones of waters blending, + Glorious is the breaking deep, + Glorious, beauteous, without ending, + Songs of ocean never sleep.’ +</pre> + <p> + A silence followed, only broken by the notes of the birds, and presently + by the strokes of the great clock. Guy looked at his watch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eleven, Amy! I must go to my reading, or you will have to be very much + ashamed of me.’ + </p> + <p> + For, after the first few days, Guy had returned to study regularly every + day. He said it was a matter of necessity, not at all of merit, for though + he did not mean to try for honours, Amy must not marry a plucked man. His + whole career at Oxford had been such a struggle with the disadvantages of + his education, that all his diligence had, he thought, hardly raised him + to a level with his contemporaries. Moreover, courtship was not the best + preparation for the schools, so that though he knew he had done his best, + he expected no more than to pass respectably, and told Amy it was very + good of her to be contented with a dunce, whereat she laughed merrily. But + she knew him too well to try to keep him lingering in the April sunshine, + and in they went, Guy to his Greek, and Amy to her mother. Charlotte’s + lessons had been in abeyance, or turned over to Laura of late, and Mrs. + Edmonstone and her dressing-room were always ready for the confidences of + the family, who sought her there in turn—all but one, and that the + one whose need was the sorest. + </p> + <p> + Amy and her mother comforted themselves with a good quiet cry, that was + not exactly sorrowful, and came to the conclusion that Guy was the most + considerate person in the world, and they would do whatever best suited + him and papa. So, when Mr. Edmonstone came home, he was rewarded for + putting off the letter by finding every one willing to let the marriage + take place whenever he pleased. There were various conferences in the + dressing-room, and Guy and Amy both had burning faces when they came down + to dinner. Laura beheld them with a throbbing heart, while she + mechanically talked to Dr. Mayerne, as if nothing was going on. She was + glad there was no singing that evening, for she felt incapable of joining; + and when at night Charles and his father talked of sitting up to write to + Philip, the misery was such that she had no relief till she had shut + herself in her room, to bear or to crush the suffering as best she might. + </p> + <p> + She was still sitting helpless in her wretchedness when Amy knocked at the + door, and came in glowing with blushes and smiles, though her eyelashes + were dewy with tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, dearest! if you would not be so very unhappy! I wish I knew what + to do for you.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura laid her head on her shoulder, and cried. It was a great comfort, + little as Amy could understand her trouble. Amy kissed her, soothed her + caressingly, cried too, and said, in broken sentences, how often they + would be together, and how comfortable it was that Charlie was so much + better, and Charlotte quite a companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you have fixed the day?’ whispered Laura, at last. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Tuesday in Whitsun-week,’ returned Amy, resting her forehead on + Laura’s shoulder. ‘They all thought it right.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura flung her arms round her, and wept too much to speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear, dear Laura!’ said Amy, after a time, ‘it is very kind of you, but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Amy! you don’t know. You must not think so much better of me than I + deserve. It is not only—No, I would not be so selfish, if but—but—’ + Never had her self-command so given way. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you are unhappy about Philip,’ said Amy; and Laura, alarmed lest she + might have betrayed him, started, and tried to recover herself; but she + saw Amy was quite unsuspicious, and the relief from this fright helped her + through what her sister was saying,—‘Yes, you, who were so fond of + him, must be vexed at this unkindness on his part.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure it is his real wish for your good,’ murmured Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say!’ said Amy, with displeasure. Then changing her tone, ‘I beg + your pardon, dear Laura, but I don’t think I can quite bear to hear any + one but Guy defend him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very generous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, is not it, Laura? and he says he is so grieved to see us turned + against Philip, after being so fond of him; he says it makes him feel as + if he had supplanted him, and that he is quite thankful to you for taking + his part still.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How shall I bear it?’ sighed Laura, to herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder whether he will come?’ said Amy, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘He will,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘You think so?’ said Amy. ‘Well, Guy would be glad. Yes. O Laura, if + Philip would learn to do Guy justice, I don’t think there would be any + more to wish!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will in time,’ said Laura. ‘He is too generous not to be won by such + generosity as Guy’s; and when all this is forgotten, and all these + accusations have been lived down, he will be the warmest of friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Amy, as if she wished to be convinced; ‘but if he would only + leave off saying his opinion has never altered, I think I could bring + myself to look on him as Guy wants me to do. Good night! dear Laura, and + don’t be unhappy. Oh! one thing I must tell you; Guy made Charles promise + to do all he could not to let it be a hasty letter. Now, good night!’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Laura, she knew not whether gratitude to Guy was not one of her most + painful sensations. She wished much to know what had been said in the + letter; but only one sentence transpired, and that was, that Mr. + Edmonstone had never heard it was necessary to apply to a nephew for + consent to a daughter’s marriage. It seemed as if it must have been as + cutting as Charles could make it; but Laura trusted to Philip’s knowledge + of the family, and desire for their good, to make him forgive it, and the + expectation of seeing him again at the wedding, cheered her. Indeed, a + hope of still greater consequences began to rise in her mind, after + Charles one day said to her, ‘I think you ought to be much obliged to Guy. + This morning, he suddenly exclaimed, “I say, Charlie, I wish you would + take care Amy’s fortune is not settled on her so that it can’t be got rid + of.” I asked how he meant to make ducks and drakes of it; and he + explained, that if either of you two did not happen to marry for money, + like Amy, it might do you no harm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are very much obliged to him,’ said Laura, more earnestly than Charles + had expected. ‘Do you know what it is, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you want to calculate the amount of your obligation! Somewhere about + five thousand pounds, I believe.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles watched Laura, and the former idea recurred, as he wondered + whether there was any particular meaning in her inquiry. + </p> + <p> + Meaning, indeed, there was. Laura knew nothing about the value of money; + she did not know what Philip had of his own; how far five, or even ten, + thousand would go in enabling them to marry, or whether it was available + in her father’s lifetime; but she thought this prospect might smooth the + way to the avowal of their attachment, as effectually as his promotion; + she reckoned on relief from the weary oppression of secrecy, and fully + expected that it would all be told in the favourable juncture, when her + parents were full of satisfaction in Amy’s marriage. Gratitude to Guy + would put an end to all doubt, dislike, and prejudice, and Philip would + receive him as a brother. + </p> + <p> + These hopes supported Laura, and enabled her to take part with more + appearance of interest in the consultations and arrangements for the + marriage, which were carried on speedily, as the time was short, and Mr. + Edmonstone’s ideas were on a grand scale. It seemed as if he meant to + invite all the world, and there were no limits to his views of breakfast, + carriages, and splendours. His wife let him run on without contradiction, + leaving the plans either to evaporate or condense, as time might prove + best. Guy took Amy out walking, and asked what she thought of it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you dislike it very much?’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can hardly tell. Of course, as a general rule, the less parade and + nonsense the better; but if your father wishes it, and if people do find + enjoyment in that way, it seems hard they should not have all they can out + of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes; the school children and poor people,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘How happy the Ashford children will be, feasting the poor people at + Redclyffe! Old Jonas Ledbury will be in high glory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure it does not seem like merit to feast one’s poor neighbours + rather than the rich. It is so much pleasanter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘However, since the poor will be feasted, I don’t think the rich ones will + do us much harm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I shall know very little about them,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The realities are so great to us, that they will swallow up the + accessories. There must be the church, and all that; and for the rest, + Amy, I don’t think I shall find out whether you wear lace or grogram.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s encouragement for me!’ said Amy, laughing. ‘However, what I mean + is, that I don’t care about it, if I am not obliged to attend, and give my + mind, to those kind of things just then, and that mamma will take care + of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it not a great trouble for her? I forgot that. It was selfish; for we + slip out of the fuss, and it all falls on her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Amy; ‘but don’t you think it would tease her more to have to + persuade papa out of what he likes, and alter every little matter? That + would be worry, the rest only exertion; and, do you know, I think,’ said + she, with a rising tear, ‘that it will be better for her, to keep her from + thinking about losing me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see. Very well, we will take the finery quietly. Only one thing, Amy, + we will not be put out of,—we will not miss the full holy-day + service.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes; that will be the comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One other thing, Amy. You know I have hardly a friend of my own; but + there is one person I should like to ask,—Markham. He has been so + kind, and so much attached to me; he loved my father so devotedly, and + suffered so much at his death, that it is a pity he should not be made + happy; and very happy he will be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And there is one person I should like to ask, Guy, if mamma thinks we can + do it. I am sure little Marianne ought to be one of my bridesmaids. + Charlotte would take care of her, and it would be very nice to have her.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 28 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But no kind influence deign they shower, + Till pride be quelled and love be free. + —SCOTT +</pre> + <p> + Kilcoran was about twenty miles from Cork, and Captain Morville was + engaged to go and spend a day or two there. Maurice de Courcy drove him + thither, wishing all the way for some other companion, since no one ever + ventured to smoke a cigar in the proximity of ‘Morville’; and, besides, + Maurice’s conversational powers were obliged to be entirely bestowed on + his horse and dog, for the captain, instead of, as usual, devoting himself + to suit his talk to his audience, was wrapped in the deepest meditation, + now and then taking out a letter and referring to it. + </p> + <p> + This letter was the reply jointly compounded by Mr. Edmonstone and + Charles, and the subject of his consideration was, whether he should + accept the invitation to the wedding. Charles had taken care fully to + explain how the truth respecting the cheque had come out, and Philip could + no longer suspect that it had been a fabrication of Dixon’s; but while Guy + persisted in denial of any answer about the thousand pounds, he thought + the renewal of the engagement extremely imprudent. He was very sorry for + poor little Amy, for her comfort and happiness were, he thought, placed in + the utmost jeopardy, with such a hot temper, under the most favourable + circumstances; and there was the further peril, that when the novelty of + the life with her at Redclyffe had passed off, Guy might seek for + excitement in the dissipation to which his uncle had probably already + introduced him. In the four years’ probation, he saw the only hope of + steadying Guy, or of saving Amy, and he was much concerned at the + rejection of his advice, entirely for their sakes, for he could not + condescend to be affronted at the scornful, satirical tone towards + himself, in which Charles’s little spitefulness was so fully apparent. + </p> + <p> + The wedding was a regular sacrifice, and Amabel was nothing but a victim; + but an invitation to Hollywell had a charm for him that he scarcely could + resist. To see Laura again, after having parted, as he thought, for so + many years, delighted him in anticipation; and it would manifest his real + interest in his young cousins, and show that he was superior to taking + offence at the folly of Charles or his father. + </p> + <p> + These were his first thoughts and inclinations; his second were, that it + was contrary to his principles to sanction so foolish and hasty a marriage + by his presence; that he should thus be affording a triumph to Guy, and to + one who would use it less moderately—to Charles. It would be more + worthy of himself, more consistent with his whole course of conduct, to + refuse his presence, instead of going amongst them when they were all + infatuated, and unable to listen to sober counsel. If he stayed away now, + when Guy should have justified his opinion, they would all own how wisely + he had acted, and would see the true dignity which had refused, unlike + common minds, to let his complaisance draw him into giving any sanction to + what he so strongly disapproved. Laura, too, would pass through this + trying time better if she was not distracted by watching him; she would + understand the cause of his absence, and he could trust her to love and + comprehend him at a distance, better than he could trust her to hear the + marriage-service in his presence without betraying herself. Nor did he + wish to hear her again plead for the confession of their engagement; and, + supposing any misadventure should lead to its betrayal, what could be more + unpleasant than for it to be revealed at such a time, when Charles would + so turn it against him, that all his influence and usefulness would be for + ever at an end? + </p> + <p> + Love drew him one way, and consistency another. Captain Morville had never + been so much in the condition of Mahomet’s coffin in his life; and he grew + more angry with his uncle, Charles, and Guy, for having put him in so + unpleasant a predicament. So the self-debate lasted all the way to + Kilcoran and he only had two comforts—one, that he had sent the + follower who was always amenable to good advice, safe out of the way of + Lady Eveleen, to spend his leave of absence at Thorndale—the other, + that Maurice de Courcy was, as yet, ignorant of the Hollywell news, and + did not torment him by talking about it. + </p> + <p> + This satisfaction, however, lasted no longer than till their arrival at + Kilcoran; for, the instant they entered the drawing-room, Lady Eveleen + exclaimed, ‘O Maurice, I have been so longing for you to come! Captain + Morville, I hope you have not told him, for I can’t flatter myself to be + beforehand with you, now at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has told me nothing,’ said Maurice; ‘indeed, such bad company has + seldom been seen as he has been all the way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean that you don’t know it? How delightful! O, mamma! think of + knowing something Captain Morville does not!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid I cannot flatter you so far,’ said Philip, knowing this was + no place for allowing his real opinion to be guessed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you do know?’ said Lady Kilcoran, sleepily; ‘I am sure it is a + subject of great rejoicing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what is it, Eva? Make haste and tell,’ said Maurice. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; you must guess!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, you would not be in such a way about it if it was not a wedding.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Right, Maurice; now, who is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One of the Edmonstones, I suppose. ‘Tis Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wrong!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, not Laura! I thought she would have been off first. Somebody’s got + no taste, then, for Laura is the prettiest girl I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! your heart has escaped breaking this time, Maurice. It is that little + puss, Amy, that has made a great conquest. Now guess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! young Morville, of course. But what possessed him to take Amy, and + leave Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps Laura was not to be had. Men are so self-sufficient, that they + always think they may pick and choose. Is it not so, Captain Morville? I + like Sir Guy better than most men, but Laura is too good for any one I + know. If I could make a perfect hero, I would at once, only Charles would + tell me all the perfect heroes in books are bores. How long have you known + of it, Captain Morville?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For the last ten days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you never mentioned it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not know whether they intended to publish it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Captain Morville, I hope to make some progress in your good opinion. + Of course, you believe I can’t keep a secret; but what do you think of my + having known it ever since last summer, and held my tongue all that time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A great effort, indeed,’ said Philip, smiling. ‘It would have been + greater, I suppose, if the engagement had been positive, not conditional.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! every one knew what it must come to. No one could have the least fear + of Sir Guy. Yes; I saw it all. I gave my little aid, and I am sure I have + a right to be bridesmaid, as I am to be. Oh! won’t it be charming? It is + to be the grandest wedding that ever was seen. It is to be on + Whit-Tuesday; and papa is going to take me and Aunt Charlotte; for old + Aunt Mabel says Aunt Charlotte must go. There are to be six bridesmaids, + and a great party at the breakfast; everything as splendid as possible; + and I made Mrs. Edmonstone promise from the first that we should have a + ball. You must go, Maurice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be on the high seas!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, that is horrid! But you don’t sail with the regiment, I think, + Captain Morville. You surely go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not certain,’ said Philip; especially disgusted by hearing of the + splendour, and thinking that he had supposed Guy would have had more + sense; and it showed how silly Amy really was, since she was evidently + only anxious to enjoy the full paraphernalia of a bride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not certain!’ exclaimed Maurice and Eveleen, in a breath. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not sure that I shall have time. You know I have been intending to + make a walking tour through Switzerland before joining at Corfu.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you really would prefer going by yourself—“apart, unfriended, + melancholy, slow.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very slow, indeed,’ said Maurice. + </p> + <p> + ‘A wedding is a confused melancholy affair,’ said Philip. ‘You know I am + no dancing man, Lady Eveleen; one individual like myself can make little + difference to persons engrossed with their own affairs; I can wish my + cousins well from a distance as well as at hand; and though they have been + kind enough to ask me, I think that while their house is overflowing with + guests of more mark, my room will be preferred to my company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you do not mean to go?’ said Lady Kilcoran. ‘I do not,’ she + continued, ‘for my health is never equal to so much excitement, and it + would only be giving poor Mrs. Edmonstone additional trouble to have to + attend to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you really mean to stay away?’ said Eveleen. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not entirely decided.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At any rate you must go and tell old Aunt Mabel all about them,’ said + Eveleen. ‘She is so delighted. You will be quite worshipped, at the + cottage, for the very name of Morville. I spend whole hours in discoursing + on Sir Guy’s perfections.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip could not refuse; but his feelings towards Guy were not warmed by + the work he had to go through, when conducted to the cottage, where lived + old Lady Mabel Edmonstone and her daughter, and there required to dilate + on Guy’s excellence. He was not wanted to speak of any of the points where + his conscience would not let him give a favourable report; it was quite + enough for him to tell of Guy’s agreeable manners and musical talents, and + to describe the beauty and extent of Redclyffe. Lady Mabel and Miss + Edmonstone were transported; and the more Philip saw of the light and + superficial way in which the marriage was considered, the more unwilling + he became to confound himself with such people by eagerness to be present + at it, and to join in the festivities. Yet he exercised great forbearance + in not allowing one word of his disapproval or misgivings to escape him; + no censure was uttered, and Lady Eveleen herself could not make out + whether he rejoiced or not. He was grave and philosophical, superior to + nonsensical mirth, that was all that she saw; and he made himself very + agreeable throughout his visit, by taking condescending interest in all + that was going on, and especially to Lady Eveleen, by showing that he + thought her worthy of rational converse. + </p> + <p> + He made himself useful, as usual. Lord Kilcoran wanted a tutor for his two + youngest boys, and it had been proposed to send them to Mr. Wellwood, at + his curacy at Coombe Prior. He wished to know what Captain Morville + thought of the plan; and Philip, thinking that Mr. Wellwood had been very + inattentive to Guy’s proceedings at St. Mildred’s, though he would not + blame him, considered it very fortunate that he had a different plan to + recommend. One of the officers of his regiment had lately had staying with + him a brother who had just left Oxford, and was looking out for a + tutorship, a very clever and agreeable young man, whom he liked + particularly, and he strongly advised Lord Kilcoran to keep his sons under + his own eye, and place them under the care of this gentleman. His advice, + especially when enforced by his presence, was almost sure to prevail, and + thus it was in the present case. + </p> + <p> + The upshot of his visit was, that he thought worse and worse of the sense + of the whole Edmonstone connection,—considered that it would be of + no use for him to go to Hollywell,—adhered to his second resolution, + and wrote to his uncle a calm and lofty letter, free from all token of + offence, expressing every wish for the happiness of Guy and Amabel, and + thanking his uncle for the invitation, which, however, he thought it best + to decline, much as he regretted losing the opportunity of seeing + Hollywell and its inhabitants again. His regiment would sail for Corfu + either in May or June; but he intended, himself, to travel on foot through + Germany and Italy, and would write again before quitting Ireland. + </p> + <p> + ‘So,’ said Charles, ‘there were at the marriage the Picanninies, and the + Joblillies, and the Garryulies, but not the grand Panjandrum himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor the little round button at top!’ rejoined Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, it’s his own look out,’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘It is of a piece with + all the rest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure we don’t want him,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in this humour,’ said her mother. + </p> + <p> + Amy said nothing; and if she did not allow herself to avow that his + absence was a relief, it was because she saw it was a grief and + disappointment to Guy. + </p> + <p> + Laura was, of course, very much mortified,—almost beyond the power + of concealment. She thought he would have come for the sake of seeing her, + and she had reckoned so much on this meeting that it was double vexation. + He did not know what he was missing by not coming; and she could not + inform him, for writing to him was impossible, without the underhand + dealings to which they would never, either of them, have recourse. So much + for herself; and his perseverance in disapproval, in spite of renewed + explanation, made her more anxious and sorry on Amy’s account. Very + mournful were poor Laura’s sensations; but there was no remedy but to try + to bewilder and drive them away in the bustle of preparation. + </p> + <p> + Guy had to go and take his degree, and then return to make his own + preparations at Redclyffe. Amy begged him, as she knew he would like, to + leave things alone as much as possible; for she could not bear old places + to be pulled to pieces to suit new-comers; and she should like to find it + just as he had been used to it. + </p> + <p> + He smiled, and said, ‘It should only be made habitable.’ She must have a + morning-room, about which he would consult Mrs. Ashford: and he would + choose her piano himself. The great drawing-room had never been unpacked + since his grandmother’s time, so that must be in repair; and, as for a + garden, they would lay it out together. There could not be much done; for + though they did not talk of it publicly, lest they should shock Mr. + Edmonstone, they meant to go home directly after their marriage. + </p> + <p> + To Oxford, then, went Guy; his second letter announced that he had done + tolerably well on his examination; and it came round to the Edmonstones, + that it was a great pity he had not gone up for honours, as he would + certainly have distinguished himself. + </p> + <p> + Redclyffe was, of course, in a state of great excitement at the news that + Sir Guy was going to be married. Markham was very grand with the letter + that announced it, and could find nothing to grumble about but that the + lad was very young, and it was lucky it was no worse. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ashford was glad it was so good a connection, and obtained all the + intelligence she could from James Thorndale, who spoke warmly of the + Hollywell family in general; and, in particular, said that the young + ladies looked after schools and poor people,—that Miss Edmonstone + was very handsome and clever—a very superior person; but as to Miss + Amabel, he did not know that there was anything to say about her. She was + just like other young ladies, and very attentive to her invalid brother. + </p> + <p> + Markham’s enmity to Mr. Ashford had subsided at the bidding of his master; + and he informed him one day, with great cordiality, that Sir Guy would be + at home the next. He was to sleep that night at Coombe Prior, and ride to + Redclyffe in the morning; and, to the great delight of the boys, it was at + the parsonage door that he dismounted. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ashford looked up in his bright face, and saw no more of the shade + that had perplexed her last winter. His cheeks were deeper red as she + warmly shook hands with him; and then the children sprung upon him for + their old games,—the boys claiming his promise, with all their + might, to take them out to the Shag. She wondered when she should venture + to talk to him about Miss Amabel. He next went to find Markham, and met + him before he reached his house. Markham was too happy not to grant and + grumble more than ever. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir Guy; so here you are! You’ve lost no time about it, however. A + fine pair of young housekeepers, and a pretty example of early marriages + for the parish!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy laughed. ‘You must come and see the example, Markham. I have a message + from Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, to ask you to come to Hollywell at + Whitsuntide.’ + </p> + <p> + Grunt! ‘You are making a fool of me, Sir Guy. What’s a plain old man like + me to do among all your lords and ladies, and finery and flummery? I’ll do + no such thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to oblige me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oblige you? Nonsense! Much you’ll care for me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, Markham, you must not stay away. You, my oldest and best friend,—my + only home friend. I owe all my present happiness to you, and it would + really be a great disappointment to me if you did not come. She wishes it, + too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir Guy,’ and the grunt was of softer tone, ‘if you do choose to + make a fool of me, I can’t help it. You must have your own way; though you + might have found a friend that would do you more credit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I may say that you will come?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say I am very much obliged to Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone for their + invitation. It is very handsome of them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you will have the settlements ready by that time. You must, + Markham.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll see about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the house must be ready to come home to at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t know what you are talking of, Sir Guy!’ exclaimed Markham, at + once aghast and angry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I do. We don’t intend to turn the house upside down with new + furniture.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may talk as you please, Sir Guy, but I know what’s what; and it is + mere nonsense to talk of bringing a lady to a house in this condition. A + pretty notion you have of what is fit for your bride! I hope she knows + what sort of care you mean to take of her!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will be satisfied,’ said Guy. ‘She particularly wishes not to have + everything disarranged, I only must have two rooms furnished for her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the place wants painting from head to foot, and the roof is in such a + state—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The roof? That’s serious!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Serious; I believe so. You’ll have it about your ears in no time, if you + don’t look sharp.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll look this minute,’ said Guy, jumping up. ‘Will you come with me?’ + </p> + <p> + Up he went, climbing about in the forest of ancient timbers, where he + could not but be convinced that there was more reason than he could wish + in what Markham said, and that his roof was in no condition to bring his + bride to. Indeed it was probable that it had never been thoroughly + repaired since the time of old Sir Hugh, for the Morvilles had not been + wont to lay out money on what did not make a display. Guy was in dismay, + he sent for the builder from Moorworth; calculated times and costs; but, + do what he would, he could not persuade himself that when once the workmen + were in Redclyffe, they would be out again before the autumn. + </p> + <p> + Guy was very busy during the fortnight he spent at home. There were the + builder and his plans, and Markham and the marriage settlements, and there + were orders to be given about the furniture. He came to Mrs. Ashford about + this, conducted her to the park, and begged her to be so kind as to be his + counsellor, and to superintend the arrangement. He showed her what was to + be Amy’s morning-room—now bare and empty, but with the advantages of + a window looking south, upon the green wooded slope of the park, with a + view of the church tower, and of the moors, which were of very fine form. + He owned himself to be profoundly ignorant about upholstery matters, and + his ideas of furniture seemed to consist in prints for the walls, a piano, + a bookcase, and a couch for Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have heard about Charles?’ said he, raising his bright face from the + list of needful articles which he was writing, using the window-seat as a + table. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not much,’ said Mrs. Ashford. ‘Is he entirely confined to the sofa?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He cannot move without crutches; but no one could guess what he is + without seeing him. He is so patient, his spirits never flag; and it is + beautiful to see how considerate he is, and what interest he takes in all + the things he never can share, poor fellow. I don’t know what Hollywell + would be without Charlie! I wonder how soon he will be able to come here! + Hardly this year, I am afraid, for things must be comfortable for him, and + I shall never get them so without Amy, and then it will be autumn. Well, + what next? Oh, you said window-curtains. Some blue sort of stuff, I + suppose, like the drawing-room ones at Hollywell. What’s the name of it?’ + </p> + <p> + In fact, Mrs. Ashford was much of his opinion, that he never would make + things comfortable without Amy, though he gave his best attention to the + inquiries that were continually made of him; and where he had an idea, + carried it out to the utmost. He knew much better what he was about in the + arrangements for Coombe Prior, where he had installed his friend, Mr. + Wellwood, and set on foot many plans for improvements, giving them as much + attention as if he had nothing else to occupy his mind. Both the curate + and Markham were surprised that he did not leave these details till his + return home; but he answered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Better do things while we may. The thought of this unhappy place is + enough to poison everything; and I don’t think I could rest without + knowing that the utmost was being done for it.’ + </p> + <p> + He was very happy making arrangements for a village feast on the + wedding-day. The Ashfords asked if he would not put it off till his + return, and preside himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘It won’t hurt them to have one first. Let them make sure of all the fun + they can,’ he answered; and the sentiment was greatly applauded by Edward + and Robert, who followed him about more than ever, and grew so fond of + him, that it made them very angry to be reminded of the spirit of defiance + in which their acquaintance had begun. Nevertheless they seemed to be + preparing the same spirit for his wife, for when their mother told them + they must not expect to monopolize him thus when he was married, they + declared, that they did not want a Lady Morville at all, and could not + think why he was so stupid as to want a wife. + </p> + <p> + Their father predicted that he would never have time to fulfil his old + engagement of taking them out to the Shag Rock, but the prediction was not + verified, for he rowed both them and Mr. Ashford thither one fine May + afternoon, showed them all they wanted to see, and let them scramble to + their heart’s content. He laughed at their hoard of scraps of the wood of + the wreck, which they said their mamma had desired them to fetch for her. + </p> + <p> + So many avocations came upon Guy at once,—so many of the neighbours + came to call on him,—such varieties of people wanted to speak to + him,—the boys followed him so constantly,—and he had so many + invitations from Mr. Wellwood and the Ashfords, that he never had any time + for himself, except what must be spent in writing to Amabel. There was a + feeling upon him, that he must have time to commune with himself, and rest + from this turmoil of occupation, in the solitude of which Redclyffe had + hitherto been so full. He wanted to be alone with his old home, and take + leave of it, and of the feelings of his boyhood, before beginning on this + new era of his life; but whenever he set out for a solitary walk, before + he could even get to the top of the crag, either Markham marched up to + talk over some important question,—a farmer waylaid him to make some + request,—some cottager met him, to tell of a grievance,—Mr. + Wellwood rode over,—or the Ashford boys rushed up, and followed like + his shadow. + </p> + <p> + At length, on Ascension day, the last before he was to leave Redclyffe, + with a determination that he would escape for once from his pursuers, he + walked to the Cove as soon as he returned from morning service, launched + his little boat and pushed off into the rippling whispering waters. It was + a resumption of the ways of his boyhood; it seemed like a holiday to have + left all these cares behind him, just as it used to be when all his + lessons were prepared, and he had leave to disport himself, by land or + water, the whole afternoon, provided he did not go out beyond the Shag + Rock. He took up his sculls and rowed merrily, singing and whistling to + keep time with their dash, the return to the old pleasure quite enough at + first, the salt breeze, the dashing waves, the motion of the boat. So he + went on till he had come as far as his former boundary, then he turned and + gazed back on the precipitous rocks, cleft with deep fissures, marbled + with veins of different shades of red, and tufted here and therewith + clumps of samphire, grass, and a little brushwood, bright with the early + green of spring. The white foam and spray were leaping against their base, + and roaring in their hollows; the tract of wavelets between glittered in + light, or heaved green under the shadow of the passing clouds; the + sea-birds floated smoothly in sweeping undulating lines, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + As though life’s only call and care + Were graceful motion; +</pre> + <p> + the hawks poised themselves high in air near the rocks. The Cove lay in + sunshine, its rough stone chimneys and rude slate roofs overgrown with + moss and fern, rising rapidly, one above the other, in the fast descending + hollow, through which a little stream rushed to the sea,—more + quietly than its brother, which, at some space distant, fell sheer down + over the crag in a white line of foam, brawling with a tone of its own, + distinguishable among all the voices of the sea contending with the rocks. + Above the village, in the space where the outline of two hills met and + crossed, rose the pinnacled tower of the village church, the unusual + height of which was explained by the old custom of lighting a beacon-fire + on its summit, to serve as a guide to the boats at sea. Still higher, + apparently on the very brow of the beetling crag that frowned above, stood + the old Gothic hall, crumbling and lofty, a fit eyrie for the eagles of + Morville. The sunshine was indeed full upon it; but it served to show how + many of the dark windows were without the lining of blinds and curtains, + that alone gives the look of life and habitation to a house. How crumbled + by sea-wind were the old walls, and the aspect altogether full of a dreary + haughtiness, suiting with the whole of the stories connected with its + name, from the time when it was said the very dogs crouched and fled from + the presence of the sacrilegious murderer of the Archbishop, to the + evening when the heir of the line lay stretched a corpse before his + father’s gate. + </p> + <p> + Guy sat resting on his oars, gazing at the scene, full of happiness, yet + with a sense that it might be too bright to last, as if it scarcely + befitted one like himself. The bliss before him, though it was surely a + beam from heaven, was so much above him, that he hardly dared to believe + it real: like a child repeating, ‘Is it my own, my very own?’ and pausing + before it will venture to grasp at a prize beyond its hopes. He feared to + trust himself fully, lest it should carry him away from his + self-discipline, and dazzle him too much to let him keep his gaze on the + light beyond; and he rejoiced in this time of quiet, to enable him to + strive for power over his mind, to prevent himself from losing in gladness + the balance he had gained in adversity. + </p> + <p> + It was such a check as he might have wished for, to look at that grim old + castle, recollect who he was, and think of the frail tenure of all earthly + joy, especially for one of the house of Morville. Could that abode ever be + a home for a creature like Amy, with the bright innocent mirth that seemed + too soft and sweet ever to be overshadowed by gloom and sorrow? Perhaps + she might be early taken from him in the undimmed beauty of her happiness + and innocence, and he might have to struggle through a long lonely life + with only the remembrance of a short-lived joy to lighten it; and when he + reflected that this was only a melancholy fancy, the answer came from + within, that there was nothing peculiar to him in the perception that + earthly happiness was fleeting. It was best that so it should be, and that + he should rest in the trust that brightened on him through all,—that + neither life nor death, sorrow nor pain, could separate, for ever, him and + his Amy. + </p> + <p> + And he looked up into the deep blue sky overhead, murmuring to himself, + ‘In heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell,’ and + gazed long and intently as he rocked on the green waters, till he again + spoke to himself,—‘Why stand ye here gazing up into heaven?’ then + pulled vigorously back to the shore, leaving a shining wake far behind + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 29 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hark, how the birds do sing, + And woods do ring! + All creatures have their joy, and man hath his; + Yet if we rightly measure, + Man’s joy and pleasure + Rather hereafter than in present is: + + Not that he may not here + Taste of the cheer, + But as birds drink and straight lift up the head, + So must he sip and think + Of better drink + He may attain to after he is dead. + —HERBERT +</pre> + <p> + Guy returned to Hollywell on the Friday, there to spend a quiet week with + them all, for it was a special delight to Amy that Hollywell and her + family were as precious to him for their own sakes as for hers. It was + said that it was to be a quiet week—but with all the best efforts of + Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura to preserve quiet, there was an amount, of + confusion that would have been very disturbing, but for Amy’s propensity + never to be ruffled or fluttered. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done in the honeymoon was the question for consideration. + Guy and Amy would have liked to make a tour among the English cathedrals, + pay a visit at Hollywell, and then go home and live in a corner of the + house till the rest was ready; for Amy could not see why she should take + up so much more room than old Sir Guy, and Guy declared he could not see + that happiness was a reason for going pleasure-hunting; but Charles + pronounced this very stupid, and Mr. Edmonstone thought a journey on the + Continent was the only proper thing for them to do. Mrs. Edmonstone wished + Amy to see a little of the world. Amy was known to have always desired to + see Switzerland; it occurred to Guy that it would be a capital opportunity + of taking Arnaud to see the relations he had been talking for the last + twenty years of visiting, and so they acquiesced; for as Guy said, when + they talked it over together, it did not seem to him to come under the + denomination of pleasure-hunting, since they had not devised it for + themselves; they had no house to go to; they should do Arnaud a service, + and perhaps they should meet Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘That will not be pleasure-hunting, certainly,’ said Amy; then, + remembering that he could not bear to hear Philip under-rated, she added, + ‘I mean, unless you could convince him, and then it would be more than + pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be my first of unattained wishes,’ said Guy. ‘Then we will enjoy + the journey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No fear on that score,’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And for fear we should get too much into the stream of enjoyment, as + people abroad forget home-duties, let us stick to some fixed time for + coming back.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You said Redclyffe would be ready by Michaelmas.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have told the builder it must be. So, Amy, as far as it depends on + ourselves, we are determined to be at home by Michaelmas.’ + </p> + <p> + All seemed surprised to find the time for the wedding so near at hand. + Charles’s spirits began to flag, Amy was a greater loss to him than to + anybody else; she could never again be to him what she had been, and + unable as he was to take part in the general bustle and occupation, he had + more time for feeling this, much more than his mother and Laura, who were + employed all day. He and Guy were exemplary in their civilities to each + other in not engrossing Amy, and one who had only known him three years + ago, when he was all exaction and selfishness, could have hardly believed + him to be the same person who was now only striving to avoid giving pain, + by showing how much it cost him to yield up his sister. He could contrive + to be merry, but the difficulty was to be cheerful; he could make them all + laugh in spite of themselves, but when alone with Amy, or when hearing her + devolve on her sisters the services she had been wont to perform for him, + it was almost more than he could endure; but then he dreaded setting Amy + off into one of her silent crying-fits, for which the only remedy was the + planning a grand visit to Redclyffe, and talking overall the facilities of + railroads and carriages. + </p> + <p> + The last day had come, and a long strange one it was; not exactly joyful + to any, and very sad to some, though Amy, with her sweet pensive face, + seemed to have a serenity of her own that soothed them whenever they + looked at her. Charlotte, though inclined to be wild and flighty, was + checked and subdued in her presence; Laura could not be entirely wretched + about her; Charles lay and looked at her without speaking; her father + never met her without kissing her on each side of her face, and calling + her his little jewel; her mother—but who could describe Mrs. + Edmonstone on that day, so full of the present pain, contending with the + unselfish gladness. + </p> + <p> + Guy kept out of the way, thinking Amy ought to be left to them. He sat in + his own room a good while, afterwards rode to Broadstone, in coming home + made a long visit to Mr. Ross; and when he returned, he found Charles in + his wheeled chair on the lawn, with Amy sitting on the grass by his side. + He sat down by her and there followed a long silence,—one of those + pauses full of meaning. + </p> + <p> + ‘When shall we three meet again?’ at length said Charles, in a would-be + lively tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘And where?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here,’ said Charles; ‘you will come here to tell your adventures, and + take up Bustle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so,’ said Guy. ‘We could not help it. The telling you about it + will be a treat to look forward to all the time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; your sight-seeing is a public benefit. You have seen many a thing + for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the pleasure of seeing and hearing, the thing that is not + fleeting,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The unselfish part, you mean,’ said Charles; and mused again, till Guy, + starting up, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + ‘There are the people!’ as a carriage came in view in the lane. ‘Shall I + wheel you home, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, do.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy leant over the back, and pushed him along; and as he did so murmured + in a low tremulous tone, ‘Wherever or whenever we may be destined to meet, + Charlie, or if never again, I must thank you for a great part of my + happiness here—for a great deal of kindness and sympathy.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles looked straight before him, and answered—‘The kindness was + all on your part. I had nothing to give in return but ill-temper and + exactions. But, Guy, you must not think I have not felt all you have done + for me. You have made a new man of me, instead of a wretched stick, + laughing at my misery, to persuade myself and others that I did not feel + it. I hope you are proud of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As if I had anything to do with it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hadn’t, you, that’s all! I know what you won’t deny, at any rate—what + a capital man-of-all-work you have been to me, when I had no right to ask + it, as now we have,’ he added, smiling, because Amy was looking at him, + but not making a very successful matter of the smile. ‘When you come back, + you’ll see me treat you as indeed “a man and a brother.”’ + </p> + <p> + This talk retarded them a little, and they did not reach the house till + the guests were arriving. The first sight that met the eyes of Aunt + Charlotte and Lady Eveleen as they entered, was, in the frame of the open + window, Guy’s light agile figure, assisting Charles up the step, his + brilliant hazel eyes and glowing healthy complexion contrasting with + Charles’s pale, fair, delicate face, and features sharpened and refined by + suffering. Amy, her deep blushes and downcast eyes almost hidden by her + glossy curls, stood just behind, carrying her brother’s crutch. + </p> + <p> + ‘There they are,’ cried Miss Edmonstone, springing forward from her + brother and his wife, and throwing her arms round Amy in a warm embrace. + ‘My dear, dear little niece, I congratulate you with all my heart, and + that I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll spare your hot cheeks, Amy dearest!’ whispered Eveleen, as Amy + passed to her embrace, while Aunt Charlotte hastily kissed Charles, and + proceeded—‘I don’t wait for an introduction;’ and vehemently shook + hands with Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, did I say a word too much in his praise?’ said Mr. Edmonstone. ‘Isn’t + he all out as fine a fellow as I told you?’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was glad to turn away to shake hands with Lord Kilcoran, and the next + moment he drew Amy out of the group eagerly talking round Charles’s sofa, + and holding her hand, led her up to a sturdy, ruddy-brown, elderly man, + who had come in at the same time, but after the first reception had no + share in the family greetings. ‘You know him, already,’ said Guy; and Amy + held out her hand, saying— + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I am sure I do.’ + </p> + <p> + Markham was taken by surprise, he gave a most satisfied grunt, and shook + hands as heartily as if she had been his favourite niece. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the little girl?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes.—I picked her up at St. Mildred’s: one of the servants took + charge of her in the hall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll fetch her,’ cried Charlotte, as Amy was turning to the door, and the + next moment she led in little Marianne Dixon, clinging to her hand. Amy + kissed her, and held her fast in her arms, and Marianne looked up, + consoled in her bewilderment, by the greeting of her dear old friend, Sir + Guy. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone patted her head; and when the others had spoken kindly to + her, Charlotte, under whose especial charge Guy and Amy had placed her, + carried her off to the regions up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the evening was hurry and confusion. Mrs. Edmonstone was very + busy, and glad to be so, as she must otherwise have given way; and there + was Aunt Charlotte to be talked to, whom they had not seen since Charles’s + illness. She was a short, bustling, active person, with a joyous face, + inexhaustible good-humour, a considerable touch of Irish, and referring + everything to her mother,—her one thought. Everything was to be told + to her, and the only drawback to her complete pleasure was the anxiety + lest she should be missed at home. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was occupied with her, telling her the history of the + engagement, and praising Guy; Amy went up as soon as dinner was over, to + take leave of old nurse, and to see little Marianne; and Eveleen sat + between Laura and Charlotte, asking many eager questions, which were not + all convenient to answer. + </p> + <p> + Why Sir Guy had not been at home at Christmas was a query to which it + seemed as if she should never gain a reply; for that Charles had been ill, + and Guy at Redclyffe, was no real answer; and finding she should not be + told, she wisely held her tongue. Again she made an awkward inquiry— + </p> + <p> + ‘Now tell me, is Captain Morville pleased about this or not?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura would have been silent, trusting to Eveleen’s propensity for + talking, for bringing her to some speech that it might be easier to + answer, but Charlotte exclaimed, ‘What has he been saying about it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Saying? O nothing. But why does not he come?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have seen him more lately than we have,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is an evasion,’ said Eveleen; ‘as if you did not know more of his + mind than I could ever get at, if I saw him every day of my life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is provoking, that is all,’ answered Charlotte. ‘I am sure we don’t + want him; but Laura and Guy will both of them take his part.’ + </p> + <p> + A call came at that moment,—the box of white gloves was come, and + Laura must come and count them. She would fain have taken Charlotte with + her; but neither Charlotte nor Eveleen appeared disposed to move, and she + was obliged to leave them. Eva had already guessed that there was more + chance of hearing the facts from Charlotte, and presently she knew a good + deal. Charlotte had some prudence, but she thought she might tell her own + cousin what half the neighbourhood knew—that Philip had suspected + Guy falsely, and had made papa very angry with him, that the engagement + had been broken off, and Guy had been banished, while all the time he was + behaving most gloriously. Now it was all explained; but in spite of the + fullest certainty, Philip would not be convinced, and wanted them to have + waited five years. + </p> + <p> + Eveleen agreed with Charlotte that this was a great deal too bad, admired + Guy, and pitied Amy to her heart’s content. + </p> + <p> + ‘So, he was banished, regularly banished!’ said she. ‘However of course + Amy never gave him up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, she never mistrusted him one minute.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And while he had her fast, it was little he would care for the rest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, if he had known it, but she could not tell him.’ + </p> + <p> + Eveleen looked arch. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I am sure she did not,’ said Charlotte, rather angrily. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know nothing about it, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but I do; for mamma said to Charlie how beautifully she did behave, + and he too,—never attempting any intercourse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good of you to believe it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure of it, certain sure,’ said Charlotte. ‘How could you venture to + think they would either of them do anything wrong?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not say they would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, not to write to each other when papa had forbidden it, and do it in + secret, too?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, don’t look so innocently irate. Goodness has nothing to do with + it, it would be only a moderate constancy. You know nothing at all of + lovers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I know nothing of lovers, I know a great deal of Amy and Guy, and I am + quite sure that nothing on earth would tempt them to do anything in secret + that they were forbidden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wait till you are in love, and you’ll change your mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never mean to be in love,’ said Charlotte indignantly. Eveleen laughed + the more, Charlotte grew more angry and uncomfortable at the tone of the + conversation, and was heartily glad that it was broken off by the entrance + of the gentlemen. Guy helped Charles to the sofa, and then turned away to + continue his endless talk on Redclyffe business with Markham. Charlotte + flew up to the sofa, seized an interval when no one was in hearing, and + kneeling down to bring her face on a level with her brother’s whispered—‘Charlie, + Eva won’t believe but that Guy and Amy kept up some intercourse last + winter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it, Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When I tell her they did not, she only laughs at me. Do tell her they did + not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have too much self-respect to lay myself open to ridicule.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlie, you don’t think it possible yourself?’ exclaimed Charlotte, in + consternation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Possible—no indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She <i>will</i> say it is not wrong, and that I know nothing of lovers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You should have told her that ours are not commonplace lovers, but far + beyond her small experience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I had! Tell her so, Charlie; she will believe you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I sha’n’t say one word about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because she is not worthy. If she can’t appreciate them, I would let her + alone. I once thought better of Eva, but it is very bad company she keeps + when she is not here.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles, however, was not sorry when Eveleen came to sit by him, for a + bantering conversation with her was the occupation of which he was moat + capable. Amy, returning, came and sat in her old place beside him, with + her hand in his, and her quiet eyes fixed on the ground. + </p> + <p> + The last evening for many weeks that she would thus sit with him,—the + last that she would ever be a part of his home. She had already ceased to + belong entirely to him; she who had always been the most precious to him, + except his mother. + </p> + <p> + Only his mother could have been a greater loss,—he could not dwell + on the anticipation; and still holding her hand, he roused himself to + listen, and answer gaily to Eveleen’s description of the tutor, Mr. + Fielder, ‘a thorough gentleman, very clever and agreeable, who had read + all the books in the world; the ugliest, yes, without exaggeration, the + most quaintly ugly man living,—little, and looking just as if he was + made of gutta percha, Eveleen said, ‘always moving by jerks,—so + Maurice advised the boys not to put him near the fire, lest he should + melt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only when he gives them some formidable lesson, and they want to melt his + heart,’ said Charles, talking at random, in hopes of saying something + laughable. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then his eyes—‘tis not exactly a squint, but a cast there is, and + one set of eyelashes are black and the other light, and that gives him + just the air of a little frightful terrier of Maurice’s named Venus, with + a black spot over one eye. The boys never call him anything but Venus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you encourage them in respect for their tutor?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, he holds his own at lessons, I trow; but he pretends to have such a + horror of us wild Irish, and to wonder not to find us eating potatoes with + our fingers, and that I don’t wear a petticoat over my head instead of a + bonnet, in what he calls the classical Carthaginian Celto-Hibernian + fashion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me,’ said Charlotte, ‘no wonder Philip recommended him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, I assure you he has the gift, no one else but Captain Morville talks + near as well.’ + </p> + <p> + So talked on Eveleen, and Charles answered her as much in her own fashion + as he could, and when at last the evening came to an end, every one felt + relieved. + </p> + <p> + Laura lingered long in Amy’s room, perceiving that hitherto she had known + only half the value of her sister her sweet sister. It would be worse than + ever now, when left with the others, all so much less sympathizing, all + saying sharp things of Philip, none to cling to her with those winsome + ways that had been unnoted till the time when they were no more to console + her, and she felt them to have been the only charm that had softened her + late dreary desolation. + </p> + <p> + So full was her heart, that she must have told Amy all her grief but for + the part that Philip had acted towards Guy, and her doubts of Guy would + not allow her the consolation of dwelling on Amy’s happiness, which + cheered the rest. She could only hang about her in speechless grief, and + caress her fondly, while Amy cried, and tried to comfort her, till her + mother came to wish her good night. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone did not stay long, because she wished Amy, if possible to + rest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma’ said Amy, as she received her last kiss, ‘I can’t think why I am + not more unhappy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is all as it should be,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + Amabel slept, and awakened to the knowledge that it was her wedding-day. + She was not to appear at the first breakfast, but she came to meet Charles + in the dressing-room; and as they sat together on the sofa, where she had + watched and amused so many of his hours of helplessness, he clasped round + her arm his gift,—a bracelet of his mother’s hair. His fingers + trembled and his eyes were hazy, but he would not let her help him. Her + thanks were obliged to be all kisses, no words would come but ‘Charlie; + Charlie! how could I ever have promised to leave you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense! who ever dreamt that my sisters were to be three monkeys tied + to a dog?’ + </p> + <p> + It was impossible not to smile, though it was but for a moment,—Charles’s + mirth was melancholy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And, dear Charlie, you will not miss me so very much; do pray let + Charlotte wait upon you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After the first, perhaps, I may not hate her. Oh, Amy, I little knew what + I was doing when I tried to get him back again for you. I was sawing off + the bough I was sitting on. But there! I will not flatter you, you’ve had + enough to turn that head of yours. Stand up, and let me take a survey. + Very pretty, I declare,—you do my education credit. There, if it + will be for your peace, I’ll do my best to wear on without you. I’ve + wanted a brother all my life, and you are giving me the very one I would + have picked out of a thousand—the only one I could forgive for + presuming to steal you, Amy. Here he is. Come in,’ he added, as Guy + knocked at his door, to offer to help him down-stairs. + </p> + <p> + Guy hardly spoke, and Amy could not look in his face. It was late, and he + took down Charles at once. After this, she had very little quiet, every + one was buzzing about her, and putting the last touches to her dress; at + last, just as she was quite finished, Charlotte exclaimed, ‘Oh, there is + Guy’s step; may I call him in to have one look?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone did not say no; and Charlotte, opening the dressing-room + door, called to him. He stood opposite to Amy for some moments, then said, + with a smile, ‘I was wrong about the grogram. I would not for anything see + you look otherwise than you do.’ + </p> + <p> + It seemed to Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura that these words made them lose + sight of the details of lace and silk that had been occupying them, so + that they only saw the radiance, purity, and innocence of Amy’s bridal + appearance. No more was said, for Mr. Edmonstone ran up to call Guy, who + was to drive Charles in the pony-carriage. + </p> + <p> + Amabel, of course, went with her parents. Poor child! her tears flowed + freely on the way, and Mr. Edmonstone, now that it had really come to the + point of parting with his little Amy, was very much overcome, while his + wife, hardly refraining from tears, could only hold her daughter’s hand + very close. + </p> + <p> + The regular morning service was a great comfort, by restoring their + tranquillity, and by the time it was ended, Amabel’s countenance had + settled into its own calm expression of trust and serenity. She scarcely + even trembled when her father led her forward; her hand did not shake, and + her voice, though very low, was firm and audible, while Guy’s deep, sweet + tones had a sort of thrill and quiver of intense feeling. + </p> + <p> + No one could help observing that Laura was the most agitated person + present; she trembled so much that she was obliged to lean on Charlotte, + and her tears gave the infection to the other bridesmaids—all but + Mary Ross, who could never cry when other people did, and little Marianne, + who did nothing but look and wonder. + </p> + <p> + Mary was feeling a great deal, both of compassion for the bereaved family + and of affectionate admiring joy for the young pair who knelt before the + altar. It was a showery day, with gleams of vivid sunshine, and one of + these suddenly broke forth, casting a stream of colour from a martyr’s + figure in the south window, so as to shed a golden glory on the wave of + brown hair over Guy’s forehead, then passing on and tinting the bride’s + white veil with a deep glowing shade of crimson and purple. + </p> + <p> + Either that golden light, or the expression of the face on which it + beamed, made Mary think of the lines— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where is the brow to wear in mortal’s sight, + The crown of pure angelic light? +</pre> + <p> + Charles stood with his head leaning against a pillar as if he could not + bear to look up; Mr. Edmonstone was restless and almost sobbing; Mrs. + Edmonstone alone collected, though much flushed and somewhat trembling, + while the only person apparently free from excitement was the little + bride, as there she knelt, her hand clasped in his, her head bent down, + her modest, steadfast face looking as if she was only conscious of the vow + she exchanged, the blessing she received, and was, as it were, lifted out + of herself. + </p> + <p> + It was over now. The feast, in its fullest sense, was held, and the + richest of blessings had been called down on them. + </p> + <p> + The procession came out of the vestry in full order, and very pretty it + was; the bride and bridegroom in the fresh bright graciousness of their + extreme youth, and the six bridesmaids following; Laura and Lady Eveleen, + two strikingly handsome and elegant girls; Charlotte, with the pretty + little fair Marianne; Mary Ross, and Grace Harper. The village people who + stood round might well say that such a sight as that was worth coming + twenty miles to see. + </p> + <p> + The first care, after the bridal pair had driven off, was to put Charles + into his pony-carriage. Charlotte, who had just pinned on his favour, + begged to drive him, for she meant to make him her especial charge, and to + succeed to all Amy’s rights. Mrs. Edmonstone asked whether Laura would not + prefer going with him, but she hastily answered, + </p> + <p> + ‘No, thank you, let Charlotte;’ for with her troubled feelings, she could + better answer talking girls than parry the remarks of her shrewd, + observant brother. + </p> + <p> + Some one said it would rain, but Charlotte still pleaded earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, then, puss,’ said Charles, rallying his spirits, ‘only don’t upset + me, or it will spoil their tour.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte drove off with elaborate care,—then came a deep sigh, and + she exclaimed, ‘Well! he is our brother, and all is safe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Charles; ‘no more fears for them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had you any? I am very glad if you had.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because it was so like a book. I had a sort of feeling, all the time, + that Philip would come in quite grand and terrible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As if he must act Ogre. I am not sure that I had not something of the + same notion,—that he might appear suddenly, and forbid the banns, + entirely for Amy’s sake, and as the greatest kindness to her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘However, he can’t separate them now; let him do his worst, and while Amy + is Guy’s wife, I don’t think we shall easily be made to quarrel. I am glad + the knot is tied, for I had a fatality notion that the feud was so strong, + that it was nearly a case of the mountains bending and the streams + ascending, ere she was to be our foeman’s bride.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Charlotte, ‘it ought to be like that story of Rosaura and her + kindred, don’t you remember? The fate would not be appeased by the + marriage, till Count Julius had saved the life of one of the hostile race. + That would be <i>it</i>,—perhaps they will meet abroad, and Guy will + <i>do</i> <i>it</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That won’t do. Philip will never endanger his precious life, nor ever + forgive Guy the obligation. Well, I suppose there never was a prettier + wedding—how silly of me to say so, I shall be sick of hearing it + before night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do wish all these people were gone; I did not know it would be so + horrid. I should like to shut myself up and cry, and think what I could + ever do to wait on you. Indeed, Charlie, I know I never can be like Amy + but if you—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be anything but sentimental; I don’t want to make a fool of myself’ said + Charles, with a smile and tone as if he was keeping sorrow at bay. ‘Depend + upon it if we were left to ourselves this evening, we should be so + desperately savage that we should quarrel furiously, and there would be no + Amy to set us to rights.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How Aunt Charlotte did cry! What a funny little woman she is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I see now who you take after, puss. You’ll be just like her when you + are her age.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I mean to be,—I mean to stay and take care of you all my life, + as she does of grandmamma.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You do, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. I never mean to marry, it is so disagreeable. O dear! But how lovely + dear Amy did look.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s the rain!’ exclaimed Charles, as some large drops began to fall in + good time to prevent them from being either savage or sentimental, though + at the expense of Charlotte’s pink and white; for they had no umbrella, + and she would not accept a share of Charles’s carriage-cloak. She laughed, + and drove on fast through the short cut, and arrived at the house-door, + just as the pelting hail was over, having battered her thin sleeves, and + made her white bonnet look very deplorable. The first thing they saw was + Guy, with Bustle close to him, for Bustle had found out that something was + going on that concerned his master, and followed him about more + assiduously than ever, as if sensible of the decree, that he was to be + left behind to Charlotte’s care. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte, how wet you are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, Charlie is not.’ She sprung out, holding his hand, and felt + as if she could never forget that moment when her new brother first kissed + her brow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where’s Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ and while Guy lifted Charles out, Charlotte was clasped in her + sister’s arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you wet, Charlie?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Charlotte would not be wise, and made me keep the cloak to myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are wet through, poor child; come up at once, and change,’ said Amy, + flying nimbly up the stairs,—up even to Charlotte’s own room, the + old nursery, and there she was unfastening the drenched finery. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Amy, don’t do all this. Let me ring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, the servants are either not come home or are too busy. Charles won’t + want me, he has Guy. Can I find your white frock?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, but Amy—let me see!’ Charlotte made prisoner the left hand, and + looked up with an arch smile at the face where she had called up a blush. + ‘Lady Morville must not begin by being lady’s-maid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me—let me, Charlotte, dear, I sha’n’t be able to do anything + for you this long time.’ Amy’s voice trembled, and Charlotte held her fast + to kiss her again. + </p> + <p> + ‘We must make haste,’ said Amy, recovering herself. ‘There are the + carriages.’ + </p> + <p> + While the frock was being fastened, Charlotte looked into the Prayer-book + Amy had laid down. There was the name, Amabel Frances Morville, and the + date. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he just written it?’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; when we came home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Amy! dear, dear Amy; I don’t know whether I am glad or sorry!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I am both,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + At that moment Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura hastened in. Then was the time + for broken words, tears and smiles, as Amy leant against her mother, who + locked her in a close embrace, and gazed on her in a sort of trance, at + once of maternal pride and of pain, at giving up her cherished nestling. + Poor Laura! how bitter were her tears, and how forced her smiles,—far + unlike the rest! + </p> + <p> + No one would care to hear the details of the breakfast, and the splendours + of the cake; how Charlotte recovered her spirits while distributing the + favours: and Lady Eveleen set up a flirtation with Markham, and forced him + into wearing one, though he protested, with many a grunt, that she was + making a queer fool of him; how often Charles was obliged to hear it had + been a pretty wedding; and how well Lord Kilcoran made his speech + proposing the health of Sir Guy and Lady Morville. All the time, Laura was + active and useful,—feeling as if she was acting a play, sustaining + the character of Miss Edmonstone, the bridesmaid at her sister’s happy + marriage; while the true Laura, Philip’s Laura, was lonely, dejected, + wretched; half fearing for her sister, half jealous of her happiness, + forced into pageantry with an aching heart,—with only one wish, that + it was over, and that she might be again alone with her burden. + </p> + <p> + She was glad when her mother rose, and the ladies moved into the + drawing-room,—glad to escape from Eveleen’s quick eye, and to avoid + Mary’s clear sense,—glad to talk to comparative strangers,—glad + of the occupation of going to prepare Amabel for her journey. This lasted + a long time,—there was so much to be said, and hearts were so full, + and Amy over again explained to Charlotte how to perform all the little + services to Charles which she relinquished; while her mother had so many + affectionate last words, and every now and then stopped short to look at + her little daughter, saying, she did not know if it was not a dream. + </p> + <p> + At length Amabel was dressed in her purple and white shot silk, her muslin + mantle, and white bonnet. Mrs. Edmonstone left her and Laura to have a few + words together, and went to the dressing-room. There she found Guy, + leaning on the mantelshelf, as he used to do when he brought his troubles + to her. He started as she entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ought I not to be here? he said. ‘I could not help coming once more. This + room has always been the kernel of my home, my happiness here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, it has been a very great pleasure to have you here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been very kind to me,’ he proceeded, in a low, reflecting tone. + ‘You have helped me very much, very often; even when—Do you remember + the day I begged you to keep me in order, as if I were Charles? I did not + think then—’ + </p> + <p> + He was silent; and Mrs. Edmonstone little able to find words, smiling, + tried to say,—‘I little thought how truly and how gladly I should be + able to call you my son;’ and ended by giving him a mother’s kiss. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I could tell you half,’ said Guy,—‘half what I feel for the + kindness that made a home to one who had no right to any. Coming as a + stranger, I found—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We found one to love with all our hearts,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘I have + often looked back, and seen that you brought a brightness to us all—especially + to poor Charles. Yes, it dates from your coming; and I can only wish and + trust, Guy, that the same brightness will rest on your own home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There must be brightness where she is,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I need not tell you to take care of her,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + ‘I think I can trust you; but I feel rather as I did when first I sent her + and Laura to a party of pleasure by themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura at this moment, came in. Alone with Amy, she could not speak, she + could only cry; and fearful of distressing her sister, she came away; but + here, with Guy, it was worse, for it was unkind not to speak one warm word + to him. Yet what could she say! He spoke first— + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, you must get up your looks again, now this turmoil is over. Don’t + do too much mathematics, and wear yourself down to a shadow.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura gave her sad, forced smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you do one thing for me, Laura? I should like to have one of your + perspective views of the inside of the church. Would it be too troublesome + to do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no; I shall be very glad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t set about it till you quite like it, and have plenty of time. Thank + you. I shall think it is a proof that you can forgive me for all the pain + I am causing you. I am very sorry. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are so very kind,’ said Laura, bursting into tears; and, as her + mother was gone, she could not help adding, ‘but don’t try to comfort me, + Guy; don’t blame yourself,—‘tisn’t only that,—but I am so + very, very unhappy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy told me you were grieved for Philip. I wish I could help it, Laura. I + want to try to meet him in Switzerland, and, if we can, perhaps it may be + set right. At any rate he will be glad to know you see the rights of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura wept still more; but she could never again lose the sisterly feeling + those kind words had awakened. If Philip had but known what he missed! + </p> + <p> + Charlotte ran in. ‘Oh, I am glad to find you here, Guy; I wanted to put + you in mind of your promise. You must write me the first letter you sign + “Your affectionate brother!”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t forget, Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy! Where’s Guy?’ called Mr. Edmonstone. ‘The rain’s going off. You must + come down, both of you, or you’ll be too late.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone hastened to call Amabel. Those moments that she had been + alone, Amabel had been kneeling in an earnest supplication that all might + be forgiven that she had done amiss in the home of her childhood, that the + blessings might be sealed on her and her husband, and that she might go + forth from her father’s house in strength sent from above. Her mother + summoned her; she rose, came calmly forth, met Guy at the head of the + stairs, put her arm in his, and they went down. + </p> + <p> + Charles was on the sofa in the ante-room, talking fast, and striving for + high spirits. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, woman, you do us credit! Well, write soon, and don’t break your + heart for want of me.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a confusion of good-byes, and then all came out to the hall + door; even Charles, with Charlotte’s arm. One more of those fast-locked + embraces between the brother and sister, and Mr. Edmonstone put Amabel + into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye, good-bye, my own dearest little one! Bless you, bless you! and + may you be as happy as a Mayflower! Guy, goodbye. I’ve given you the best + I had to give,—and ‘tis you that are welcome to her. Take care what + you do with her, for she’s a precious little jewel! Good-bye, my boy!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy’s face and grasping hand were the reply. As he was about to spring + into the carriage, he turned again. ‘Charlotte, I have shut Bustle up in + my room. Will you let him out in half an hour? I’ve explained it all to + him, and he will be very good. Good-bye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll take care of him. I’ll mention him in every letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And, Markham, mind, if our house is not ready by Michaelmas, we shall be + obliged to come and stay with you.’ + </p> + <p> + Grunt! + </p> + <p> + Lastly, as if he could not help it, Guy dashed up the step once more, + pressed Charles’s hand, and said, ‘God bless you, Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + In an instant he was beside Amabel, and they drove off,—Amabel + leaning forward, and gazing wistfully at her mother and Charles, till she + was startled by a long cluster of laburnums, their yellow bloom bent down + and heavy with wet, so that the ends dashed against her bonnet, and the + crystal drops fell on her lap. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Amy, the Hollywell flowers are weeping for the loss of you! + </p> + <p> + She gave a sweet, sunny smile through her tears. At that moment they came + beyond the thick embowering shrubs, while full before them was the dark + receding cloud, on which the sunbeams were painting a wide-spanned + rainbow. The semicircle was perfect, and full before them, like an arch of + triumph under which they were to pass. + </p> + <p> + ‘How beautiful!’ broke from them both. + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy,’ said the bride, after a few minutes had faded the rainbow, and + turned them from its sight, ‘shall I tell you what I was thinking? I was + thinking, that if there is a doom on us, I am not afraid, if it will only + bring a rainbow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The rainbow will come after, if not with it,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 30 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She’s a winsome wee thing, + She’s a handsome wee thing, + She’s a bonnie wee thing, + This sweet wee wifie of mine. + —BURNS +</pre> + <p> + ‘Look here, Amy,’ said Guy, pointing to a name in the traveller’s book at + Altdorf. + </p> + <p> + ‘Captain Morville!’ she exclaimed, ‘July 14th. That was only the day + before yesterday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder whether we shall overtake him! Do you know what was this + gentleman’s route?’ inquired Guy, in French that was daily becoming more + producible. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman having come on foot, with nothing but his knapsack, had not + made much sensation. There was a vague idea that he had gone on to the St. + Gothard; but the guide who was likely to know, was not forthcoming, and + all Guy’s inquiries only resulted in, ‘I dare say we shall hear of him + elsewhere.’ + </p> + <p> + To tell the truth, Amabel was not much disappointed, and she could see, + though he said nothing, that Guy was not very sorry. These two months had + been so very happy, there had been such full enjoyment, such freedom from + care and vexation, or aught that could for a moment ruffle the stream of + delight. Scenery, cathedrals music, paintings, historical association, had + in turn given unceasing interest and pleasure; and, above all, Amabel had + been growing more and more into the depths of her husband’s mind, and + entering into the grave, noble thoughts inspired by the scenes they were + visiting. It had been a sort of ideal happiness, so exquisite, that she + could hardly believe it real. A taste of society, which they had at + Munich, though very pleasant, had only made them more glad to be alone + together again; any companion would have been an interruption, and Philip, + so intimate, yet with his carping, persecuting spirit towards Guy, was one + of the last persons she could wish to meet; but knowing that this was by + no means a disposition Guy wished to encourage, she held her peace. + </p> + <p> + For the present, no more was said about Philip; and they proceeded to + Interlachen, where they spent a day or two, while Arnaud was with his + relations; and they visited the two beautiful lakes of Thun and Brientz. + On first coming among mountains, Amabel had been greatly afraid of the + precipices, and had been very much alarmed at the way in which Guy + clambered about, with a sureness of foot and steadiness of head acquired + long ago on the crags of Redclyffe, and on which the guides were always + complimenting him; but from seeing him always come down safe, and from + having been enticed by him to several heights, which had at first seemed + to her most dizzy and dangerous, she had gradually laid aside her fears, + and even become slightly, very slightly, adventurous herself. + </p> + <p> + One beautiful evening, they were wandering on the side of the Beatenberg, + in the little narrow paths traced by the tread of the goats and their + herdsmen. Amabel sat down to try to sketch the outline of the white-capped + Jung Frau and her attendant mountains, wishing she could draw as well as + Laura, but intending her outline to aid in describing the scene to those + whose eyes she longed to have with her. While she was drawing, Guy began + to climb higher, and was soon out of sight, though she still heard him + whistling. The mountains were not easy to draw, or rather she grew + discontented with her black lines and white paper, compared with the + dazzling snow against the blue sky, tinged by the roseate tints of the + setting sun, and the dark fissures on the rocky sides, still blacker from + the contrast. + </p> + <p> + She put up her sketching materials, and began to gather some of the + delightful treasury of mountain flowers. A gentle slope of grass was close + to her, and on it grew, at some little distance from her, a tuft of deep + purple, the beautiful Alpine saxifrage, which she well knew by + description. She went to gather it, but the turf was slippery, and when + once descending, she could not stop herself; and what was the horror of + finding herself half slipping, half running down a slope, which became + steeper every moment, till it was suddenly broken off into a sheer + precipice! She screamed, and grasped with both hands at some low bushes, + that grew under a rock at the side of the treacherous turf. She caught a + branch, and found herself supported, by clinging to it with her hands, + while she rested on the slope, now so nearly perpendicular, that to lose + her hold would send her instantly down the precipice. Her whole weight + seemed to depend on that slender bough, and those little hands that + clenched it convulsively,—her feet felt in vain for some hold. ‘Guy! + Guy!’ she shrieked again. Oh, where was he? His whistle ceased,—he + heard her,—he called, + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, help me!’ she answered. But with that moment’s joy came the horror, + he could not help her—he would only fall himself. ‘Take care! don’t + come on the grass!’ she cried. She must let go the branch in a short, time + then a slip, the precipice,—and what would become of him? Those + moments were hours. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am coming—hold fast!’ She heard his voice above her, very near. + To find him so close made the agony of dread and of prayer even more + intense. To be lost, with her husband scarcely a step from her! Yet how + could he stand on the slippery turf, and so as to be steady enough to + raise her up? + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, then!’ he said, speaking from the rock under which the brushwood + grew, ‘I cannot reach you unless you raise up your hand to me—your + left hand—straight up. Let go. Now!’ + </p> + <p> + It was a fearful moment. Amabel could not see him, and felt as if + relinquishing her grasp of the tree was certain destruction. The instinct + of self-preservation had been making her cling desperately with that left + hand, especially as it held by the thicker part of the bough. But the + habit of implicit confidence and obedience was stronger still; she did not + hesitate, and tightening her hold with the other hand, she unclasped the + left and stretched it upwards. + </p> + <p> + Joy unspeakable to feel his fingers close over her wrist, like iron, even + while the bush to which she had trusted was detaching itself, almost + uprooted by her weight! If she had waited a second she would have been + lost, but her confidence had been her safety. A moment or two more, and + with closed eyes she was leaning against him; his arm was round her, and + he guided her steps, till, breathless, she found herself on the broad + well-trodden path, out of sight of the precipice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank heaven!’ he said, in a very low voice, as he stood still. ‘Thank + God! my Amy, I have you still.’ + </p> + <p> + She looked up and saw how pale he was, though his voice had been so steady + throughout. She leant on his breast, and rested her head on his shoulder + again in silence, for her heart was too full of awe and thankfulness for + words, even had she not been without breath or power to speak, and needing + his support in her giddiness and trembling. + </p> + <p> + More than a minute passed thus. Then, beginning to recover, she looked up + to him again, and said, ‘Oh, it was dreadful! I did not think you could + have saved me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought so too for a moment!’ said Guy, in a stifled voice. ‘You are + better now? You are not hurt? are you sure?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite sure! I did not fall, you know, only slipped. No, I have nothing + the matter with me, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + She tried to stand alone, but the trembling returned. He made her sit + down, and she rested against him, while he still made her assure him that + she was unhurt. ‘Yes, quite unhurt—quite well; only this wrist is a + little strained, and no wonder. Oh, I am sure it was Providence that made + those bushes grow just there!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did it happen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was my fault. I went after a flower; my foot slipped on the turf, and + I could not stop myself. I thought I should have run right down the + precipice.’ + </p> + <p> + She shut her eyes and shuddered again. ‘It was frightful!’ he said, + holding her fast. ‘It was a great mercy, indeed. Thank heaven, it is over! + You are not giddy now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no; not at all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And your wrist?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, that’s nothing. I only told you to show you what was the worst,’ said + Amy, smiling with recovered playfulness, the most re-assuring of all. + </p> + <p> + ‘What flower was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A piece of purple saxifrage. I thought there was no danger, for it did + not seem steep at first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, it was not your fault. You had better not move just yet; sit still a + little while.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Guy, where are you going?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only for your sketching tools and my stick. I shall not be gone an + instant. Sit still and recover.’ + </p> + <p> + In a few seconds he came back with her basket, and in it a few of the + flowers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I am sorry,’ she said, coming to meet him; ‘I wish I had told you I + did not care for them. Why did you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not put myself in any peril about them. I had my trusty staff, you + know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad I did not guess what you were doing. I thought it so + impossible, that I did not think of begging you not. I shall keep them + always. It is a good thing for us to be put in mind how frail all our joy + is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All?’ asked Guy, scarcely as if replying to her, while, though his arm + pressed hers, his eye was on the blue sky, as he answered himself, ‘Your + joy no man taketh from you.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel was much impressed, as she thought what it would have been for him + if his little wife bad been snatched from him so suddenly and frightfully. + His return—his meeting her mother—his desolate home and + solitary life. She could almost have wept for him. Yet, at the moment of + relief from the fear of such misery, he could thus speak. He could look + onward to the joy beyond, even while his cheek was still blanched with the + horror and anguish of the apprehension; and how great they had been was + shown by the broken words he uttered in his sleep, for several nights + afterwards, while by day he was always watching and cautioning her. + Assuredly his dependence on the joy that could not be lost did not make + her doubt his tenderness; it only made her feel how far behind him she + was, for would it have been the same with her, had the danger been his? + </p> + <p> + In a couple of days they arrived at the beautiful Lugano, and, as usual, + their first walk was to the post-office, but disappointment awaited them. + There had been some letters addressed to the name of Morville, but the + Signor Inglese had left orders that such should be forwarded to Como. + Amabel, in her best Italian, strove hard to explain the difference between + the captain and Sir Guy, the Cavaliere Guido, as she translated him, who + stood by looking much amused by the perplexities of his lady’s construing; + while the post-master, though very polite and sorry for the Signora’s + disappointment, stuck to the address being Morville, poste restante. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is one good thing,’ said the cavaliere, as they walked away, ‘we + can find the captain now. I’ll write and ask him—shall I say to meet + us at Varenna or at Bellagio?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whichever suits him best, I should think. It can’t make much difference + to us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your voice has a disconsolate cadence,’ said Guy, looking at her with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not mean it,’ she answered; ‘I have not a word to say against it. + It is quite right, and I am sure I don’t wish to do otherwise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only it is the first drawback in our real day-dream.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so, and that is all,’ said Amy; ‘I am glad you feel the same, not + that I want you to change your mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you remember our resolution against mere pleasure-hunting? That + adventure at Interlachen seemed to be meant to bring us up short just as + we were getting into that line.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think we were?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was, at least; for I know it was a satisfaction not to find a letter, + to say Redclyffe was ready for us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had rather it was Redclyffe than Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure, I would not change my own dancing leaping waves for this + clear blue looking-glass of a lake, or even those white peaks. I want you + to make friends with those waves, Amy. But it is a more real matter to + make friends with Philip, the one wish of my life. Not that I exactly + expect to clear matters up, but if some move is not made now, when it may, + we shall stand aloof for life, and there will be the feud where it was + before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is quite right,’ said Amy; ‘I dare say that, meeting so far from home, + he will be glad to see us, and to hear the Hollywell news. I little + thought last autumn where I should meet him again.’ + </p> + <p> + On the second evening from that time, Philip Morville was walking, hot and + dusty, between the high stone walls bordering the road, and shutting out + the beautiful view of the lake, at the entrance of Ballagio, meditating on + the note he had received from Guy, and intending to be magnanimous, and + overlook former offences for Amabel’s sake. He would show that he + considered the marriage to have cleared off old scores, and that as long + as she was happy, poor little thing, her husband should be borne with, + though not to the extent of the spoiling the Edmonstones gave him. + </p> + <p> + Thus reflecting, he entered the town, and walked on in search of the + hotel. He presently found himself on a terrace, looking out on the deep + blue lake, there divided by the promontory of Bellagio, into two branches, + the magnificent mountain forms rising opposite to him. A little boat was + crossing, and as it neared the landing-place, he saw that it contained a + gentleman and lady, English—probably his cousins themselves. They + looked up, and in another moment had waved their recognition. Gestures and + faces were strangely familiar, like a bit of Hollywell transplanted into + that Italian scene. He hastened to the landing-place, and was met by a + hearty greeting from Guy, who seemed full of eagerness to claim their + closer relationship, and ready to be congratulated. + </p> + <p> + ‘How d’ye do, Philip? I am glad we have caught you at last. Here she is.’ + </p> + <p> + If he had wished to annoy Philip, he could hardly have done so more + effectually than by behaving as if nothing was amiss, and disconcerting + his preparations for a reconciliation. But the captain’s ordinary manner + was calculated to cover all such feelings; and as he shook hands, he felt + much kindness for Amabel, as an unconscious victim, whose very smiles were + melancholy, and plenty of them there were, for she rejoiced sincerely in + the meeting, as Guy was pleased, and a home face was a welcome sight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have your letters in my knapsack; I will unpack them as soon as we get + to the hotel. I thought it safer not to send them in search of you again, + as we were to meet so soon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly. Are there many?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One for each of you, both from Hollywell. I was very sorry to have + engrossed them; but not knowing you were so near, I only gave my surname.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was lucky for us,’ said Guy, ‘otherwise we could not have traced you. + We saw your name at Altdorf, and have been trying to come up with you ever + since.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad we have met. What accounts have you from home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellent,’ said Amy; ‘Charlie is uncommonly well, he has been out of + doors a great deal, and has even dined out several times.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know he has been improving ever since his great illness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would be surprised to see how much better he moves,’ said Guy; ‘he + helps himself so much more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can he set his foot to the ground?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Amy, ‘there is no hope of that; but he is more active, because + his general health is improved; he can sleep and eat more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I always thought exertion would do more for him than anything else.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel was vexed, for she thought exertion depended more on health, than + health on exertion; besides, she thought Philip ought to take some blame + to himself for the disaster on the stairs. She made no answer, and Guy + asked what Philip had been doing to-day. + </p> + <p> + ‘Walking over the hills from Como. Do you always travel in this fashion, + “impedimentis relictis”?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not exactly,’ said Guy; ‘the “impedimenta” are, some at Varenna, some at + the inn with Arnaud.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you have Arnaud with you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and Anne Trower,’ said Amy, for her maid was a Stylehurst person, + who had lived at Hollywell ever since she had been fit for service. ‘She + was greatly pleased to hear we were going to meet the captain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We amuse ourselves with thinking how she gets on with Arnaud,’ said Guy. + ‘Their introduction took place only two days before we were married, since + which, they have had one continued tete-a-tete, which must have been droll + at first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More so at last,’ said Amy. ‘At first Anne thought Mr. Arnaud so fine a + gentleman, that she hardly dared to speak to him. I believe nothing awed + her so much as his extreme courtesy; but lately he has been quite fatherly + to her, and took her to dine at his sister’s chalet, where I would have + given something to see her. She tells me he wants her to admire the + country, but she does not like the snow, and misses our beautiful + clover-fields very much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stylehurst ought to have been better training for mountains,’ said + Philip. + </p> + <p> + They were fast losing the stiffness of first meeting. Philip could not but + acknowledge to himself that Amy was looking very well, and so happy that + Guy must be fulfilling the condition on which he was to be borne with. + However, these were early days, and of course Guy must be kind to her at + least in the honeymoon, before the wear and tear of life began. They both + looked so young, that having advised them to wait four years, he was ready + to charge them with youthfulness, if not as a fault, at least as a folly; + indeed, the state of his own affairs made him inclined to think it a + foible, almost a want of patience, in any one to marry before thirty. It + was a conflict of feeling. Guy was so cordial and good-humoured, that he + could not help being almost gained; but, on the other hand, he had always + thought Guy’s manners eminently agreeable; and as happiness always made + people good-humoured, this was no reason for relying on him. Besides, the + present ease and openness of manner might only result from security. + </p> + <p> + Other circumstances combined, more than the captain imagined, in what is + popularly called putting him out. He had always been hitherto on equal + terms with Guy; indeed, had rather the superiority at Hollywell, from his + age and assumption of character, but here Sir Guy was somebody, the + captain nobody, and even the advantage of age was lost, now that Guy was + married and head of a family, while Philip was a stray young man and his + guest. Far above such considerations as he thought himself, and deeming + them only the tokens of the mammon worship of the time, Philip, + nevertheless, did not like to be secondary to one to whom he had always + been preferred; and this, and perhaps the being half ashamed of it, made + him something more approaching to cross than ever before; but now and + then, the persevering amiability of both would soften him, and restore him + to his most gracious mood. + </p> + <p> + He gave them their letters when they reached the inn, feeling as if he had + a better right than they, to one which was in Laura’s writing, and when + left in solitary possession of the sitting-room—a very pleasant one, + with windows opening on the terrace just above the water—paced up + and down, chafing at his own perplexity of feeling. + </p> + <p> + Presently they came back; Guy sat down to continue their joint + journal-like letter to Charles, while Amabel made an orderly arrangement + of their properties, making the most of their few books, and taking out + her work as if she had been at home. Philip looked at the books. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you a “Childe Harold” here?’ said he. ‘I want to look at something + in it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, we have not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy, you never forget poetry; I dare say you can help me out with those + stanzas about the mists in the valley.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have never read it,’ said Guy. ‘Don’t you remember warning me against + Byron?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You did not think that was for life! Besides,’ he continued, feeling this + reply inconsistent with his contempt for Guy’s youth, ‘that applied to his + perversions of human passions, not to his descriptions of scenery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think,’ said Guy, looking up from his letter, ‘I should be more + unwilling to take a man like that to interpret nature than anything else, + except Scripture. It is more profane to attempt it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see what you mean,’ said Amabel, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘More than I do,’ said Philip. ‘I never supposed you would take my advice + “au pied de la lettre”,’ he had almost added, ‘perversely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have felt my obligations for that caution ever since I have come to + some knowledge of what Byron was,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fascination of his “Giaour” heroes has an evil influence on some + minds,’ said Philip. ‘I think you do well to avoid it. The half truth, + resulting from its being the effect of self-contemplation, makes it more + dangerous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Guy, though he little knew how much he owed to having + attended to that caution, for who could have told where the mastery might + have been in the period of fearful conflict with his passions, if he had + been feeding his imagination with the contemplation of revenge, dark + hatred, and malice, and identifying himself with Byron’s brooding and + lowering heroes! + </p> + <p> + ‘But,’ continued Philip, ‘I cannot see why you should shun the fine + descriptions which are almost classical—the Bridge of Sighs, the + Gladiator.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He may describe the gladiator as much as he pleases,’ said Guy; ‘indeed + there is something noble in that indignant line— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Butchered to make a Roman holiday; +</pre> + <p> + but that is not like his meddling with these mountains or the sea.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fine description is the point in both. You are over-drawing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My notion is this,’ said Guy,—‘there is danger in listening to a + man who is sure to misunderstand the voice of nature,—danger, lest + by filling our ears with the wrong voice we should close them to the true + one. I should think there was a great chance of being led to stop short at + the material beauty, or worse, to link human passions with the glories of + nature, and so distort, defile, profane them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have never read the poem, so you cannot judge,’ said Philip, thinking + this extremely fanciful and ultra-fastidious. ‘Your rule would exclude all + descriptive poetry, unless it was written by angels, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; by men with minds in the right direction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very little you would leave us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think so,’ said Amabel. ‘Almost all the poetry we really care + about was written by such men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shakspeare, for instance?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one can doubt of the bent of his mind from the whole strain of his + writings,’ said Guy. ‘So again with Spenser; and as to Milton, though his + religion was not quite the right sort, no one can pretend to say he had it + not. Wordsworth, Scott—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scott?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Including the descriptions of scenery in his novels,’ said Amy, ‘where, I + am sure, there is the spirit and the beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or rather, the spirit is the beauty,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a good deal in what you say,’ answered Philip, who would not lay + himself open to the accusation of being uncandid, ‘but you will forgive me + for thinking it rather too deep an explanation of the grounds of not + making Childe Harold a hand-book for Italy, like other people.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel thought this so dogged and provoking, that she was out of patience; + but Guy only laughed, and said, ‘Rather so, considering that the fact was + that we never thought of it.’ + </p> + <p> + There were times when, as Philip had once said, good temper annoyed him + more than anything, and perhaps he was unconsciously disappointed at + having lost his old power of fretting and irritating Guy, and watching him + champ the bit, so as to justify his own opinion of him. Every proceeding + of his cousins seemed to give him annoyance, more especially their being + at home together, and Guy’s seeming to belong more to Hollywell than + himself. He sat by, with a book, and watched them, as Guy asked for + Laura’s letter, and Amy came to look over his half-finished answer, + laughing over it, and giving her commands and messages, looking so full of + playfulness and happiness, as she stood with one hand on the back of her + husband’s chair, and the other holding the letter, and Guy watching her + amused face, and answering her remarks with lively words and bright + smiles. ‘People who looked no deeper than the surface would, say, what a + well-matched pair,’ thought Philip; ‘and no doubt they were very happy, + poor young things, if it would but last.’ Here Guy turned, and asked him a + question about the line of perpetual snow, so much in his own style, that + he was almost ready to accuse them of laughing at him. Next came what hurt + him most of all, as they talked over Charles’s letter, and a few words + passed about Laura, and the admiration of some person she had met at + Allonby. The whole world was welcome to admire her: nothing could injure + his hold on her heart, and no joke of Charles could shake his confidence; + but it was hard that he should be forced to hear such things, and ask no + questions, for they evidently thought him occupied with his book, and did + not intend him to listen. The next thing they said, however, obliged him + to show that he was attending, for it was about her being better. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who? Laura!’ he said, in a tone that, in spite of himself, had a startled + sound. ‘You did not say she had been ill?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, she has not,’ said Amy. ‘Dr. Mayerne said there was nothing really + the matter: but she has been worried and out of spirits lately; and mamma + thought it would be good for her to go out more.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip would not let himself sigh, in spite of the oppressing + consciousness of having brought the cloud over her, and of his own + inability to do aught but leave her to endure it in silence and patience. + Alas! for how long! Obliged, meanwhile, to see these young creatures, + placed, by the mere factitious circumstance of wealth, in possession of + happiness which they had not had time either to earn or to appreciate. He + thought it shallow, because of their mirth and gaiety, as if they were + only seeking food for laughter, finding it in mistakes, for which he was + ready to despise them. + </p> + <p> + Arnaud had brought rather antiquated notions to the renewal of his office + as a courier: his mind had hardly opened to railroads and steamers, and + changes had come over hotels since his time. Guy and Amabel, both young + and healthy, caring little about bad dinners, and unwilling to tease the + old man by complaints, or alterations of his arrangements, had troubled + themselves little about the matter; took things as they found them, ate + dry bread when the cookery was bad, walked if the road was ‘shocking’; + went away the sooner, if the inns were ‘intolerable’; made merry over + every inconvenience, and turned it into an excellent story for Charles. + They did not even distress themselves about sights which they had missed + seeing. + </p> + <p> + Philip thought all this very foolish and absurd, showing that they were + unfit to take care of themselves, and that Guy was neglectful of his + wife’s comforts: in short, establishing his original opinion of their + youth and folly. + </p> + <p> + So passed the first evening; perhaps the worst because, besides what he + had heard about Laura, he had been somewhat over-fatigued by various hot + days’ walks. + </p> + <p> + Certain it is, that next morning he was not nearly so much inclined to be + displeased with them for laughing, when, in speaking to Anne, he + inadvertently called her mistress Miss Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind,’ said Amy, as Anne departed—and he looked disconcerted, + as a precise man always does when catching himself in a mistake—‘Anne + is used to it, Guy is always doing it, and puzzles poor Arnaud sorely by + sending him for Miss Amabel’s parasol.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the other day,’ said Guy, ‘when Thorndale’s brother, at Munich, + inquired after Lady Morville, I had to consider who she was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you saw Thorndale’s brother, did you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; he was very obliging. Guy had to go to him about our passports: and + when he found who we were, he brought his wife to call on us, and asked us + to an evening party.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy thought we must, and it was very entertaining. We had a curious + adventure there. In the morning, we had been looking at those beautiful + windows of the great church, when I turned round, and saw a gentleman—an + Englishman—gazing with all his might at Guy. We met again in the + evening, and presently Mr. Thorndale came and told us it was Mr. Shene.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shene, the painter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. He had been very much struck with Guy’s face: it was exactly what he + wanted for a picture he was about, and he wished of all things just to be + allowed to make a sketch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you submit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes’ said Guy; ‘and we were rewarded. I never saw a more agreeable + person, or one who gave so entirely the impression of genius. The next day + he took us through the gallery, and showed us all that was worth + admiring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And in what character is he to make you appear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the strange part of it,’ said Amabel. ‘Don’t you remember how Guy + once puzzled us by choosing Sir Galahad for his favourite hero? It is that + very Sir Galahad, when he kneels to adore the Saint Greal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Shene said he had long been dreaming over it, and at last, as he saw + Guy’s face looking upwards, it struck him that it was just what he wanted: + it would be worth anything to him to catch the expression.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder what I was looking like!’ ejaculated Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he take you as yourself, or as Sir Galahad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As myself, happily.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did he succeed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy likes it; but decidedly I should never have known myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah,’ said his wife— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Could some fay the giftie gie us, + To see ourselves as others see us.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘As far as the sun-burnt visage is concerned, the glass does that every + morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but you don’t look at yourself exactly as you do at a painted + window,’ said Amy, in her demure way. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot think how you found time for sitting,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘O, it is quite a little thing, a mere sketch, done in two evenings and + half an hour in the morning. He promises it to me when he has done with + Sir Galahad,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Two—three evenings. You must have been a long time at Munich.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A fortnight,’ said Guy, ‘there is a great deal to see there.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip did not quite understand this, nor did he think it very + satisfactory that they should thus have lingered in a gay town, but he + meant to make the best of them to-day, and returned to his usual fashion + of patronizing and laying down the law. They were so used to this that + they did not care about it; indeed, they had reckoned on it as the most + amiable conduct to be expected on his part. + </p> + <p> + The day was chiefly spent in an excursion on the lake, landing at the most + beautiful spots, walking a little way and admiring, or while in the boat, + smoothly moving over the deep blue waters, gaining lovely views of the + banks, and talking over the book with which their acquaintance had begun, + “I Promessi Sposi”. Never did tourists spend a more serene and pleasant + day. + </p> + <p> + On comparing notes as to their plans, it appeared that each party had + about a week or ten days to spare; the captain before he must embark for + Corfu, and Sir Guy and Lady Morville before the time they had fixed for + returning home. Guy proposed to go together somewhere, spare the + post-office further blunders, and get the Signor Capitano to be their + interpreter. Philip thought it would be an excellent thing for his young + cousins for him to take charge of them, and show them how people ought to + travel; so out came his little pocket map, marked with his route, before + he left Ireland, whereas they seemed to have no fixed object, but to be + always going ‘somewhere.’ It appeared that they had thought of Venice, but + were easily diverted from it by his design of coasting the eastern bank of + the Lago di Como, and so across the Stelvio into the Tyrol, all together + as far as Botzen, whence Philip would turn southward by the mountain + paths, while they would proceed to Innsbruck on their return home. + </p> + <p> + Amabel was especially pleased to stay a little longer on the banks of the + lake, and to trace out more of Lucia’s haunts; and if she secretly thought + it would have been pleasanter without a third person, she was gratified to + see how much Guy’s manner had softened Philip’s injustice and distrust, + making everything so smooth and satisfactory, that at the end of the day, + she told her husband that she thought his experiment had not failed. + </p> + <p> + She was making the breakfast the next morning, when the captain came into + the room, and she told him Guy was gone to settle their plans with Arnaud. + After lingering a little by the window, Philip turned, and with more + abruptness than was usual with him, said— + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t think there is any cause of anxiety about Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; certainly not!’ said Amy, surprised. ‘She has not been looking well + lately, but Dr. Mayerne says it is nothing, and you know’—she + blushed and looked down—‘there were many things to make this a + trying time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she quite strong? Can she do as much as usual?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She does more than ever: mamma is only afraid of her overworking herself, + but she never allows that she is tired. She goes to school three days in + the week, besides walking to East-hill on Thursday, to help in the + singing; and she is getting dreadfully learned. Guy gave her his old + mathematical books, and Charlie always calls her Miss Parabola.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was silent, knowing too well why she sought to stifle care in + employment; and feeling embittered against the whole world, against her + father, against his own circumstances, against the happiness of others; + nay, perhaps, against the Providence which had made him what he was. + </p> + <p> + Presently Guy came in, and the first thing he said was, ‘I am afraid we + must give up our plan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ exclaimed both Philip and Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have just heard that there is a fever at Sondrio, and all that + neighbourhood, and every one says it would be very foolish to expose + ourselves to it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What shall we do instead?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I told Arnaud we would let him know in an hour’s time; I thought of + Venice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Venice, oh, yes, delightful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you say, Philip?’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say that I cannot see any occasion for our being frightened out of our + original determination. If a fever prevails among the half-starved + peasantry, it need not affect well-fed healthy persons, merely passing + through the country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see we could hardly manage without sleeping there,’ said Guy: ‘we + must sleep either at Colico, or at Madonna. Now Colico, they say, is a + most unhealthy place at this time of year, and Madonna is the very heart + of the fever—Sondrio not much better. I don’t see how it is to be + safely done; and though very likely we might not catch the fever, I don’t + see any use in trying.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is making yourself a slave to the fear of infection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what purpose would be answered by running the risk,’ said + Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you chose to give it so dignified a name as a risk,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t, then,’ said Guy, smiling. ‘I should not care if there was any + reason for going there, but, as there is not, I shall face Mr. Edmonstone + better if I don’t run Amy into any more chances of mischief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Amy grateful for the care,’ said Philip, ‘after all her wishes for the + eastern bank?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy is a good wife,’ said Guy. ‘For Venice, then. I’ll ring for Arnaud. + You will come with us, won’t you, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I thank you; I always intended to see the Valtelline, and an epidemic + among the peasantry does not seem to me to be sufficient to deter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Philip, you surely will not?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘My mind is made up, Amy, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would be persuaded,’ said Guy. ‘I should like particularly to + have you to lionize us there; and I don’t fancy your running into danger.’ + </p> + <p> + The argument lasted long. Philip by no means approved of Venice, + especially after the long loitering at Munich, thinking that in both + places there was danger of Guy’s being led into mischief by his musical + connections. Therefore he did his best, for Amabel’s sake, to turn them + from their purpose, persuaded in his own mind that the fever was a mere + bugbear, raised up by Arnaud; and, perhaps, in his full health and + strength, almost regarding illness itself as a foible, far more the dread + of it. He argued, therefore, in his most provoking strain, becoming more + vexatious as the former annoyance was revived at finding the impossibility + of making Guy swerve from his purpose, while additional mists of suspicion + arose before him, making him imagine that the whole objection was caused + by Guy’s dislike to submit to him, and a fit of impatience of which Amy + was the victim; nay, that his cousin wanted to escape from his + surveillance, and follow the beat of his inclinations; and the whole heap + of prejudices and half-refuted accusations resumed their full ascendancy. + Never had his manner been more vexatious, though without departing from + the coolness which always characterized it; but all the time, Guy, while + firm and unmoved in purpose, kept his temper perfectly, and apparently + without effort. Even Amabel glowed with indignation, at the assumption + with which he was striving to put her husband down, though she rejoiced to + see its entire failure: for some sensible argument, or some gay, lively, + good-humoured reply, was the utmost he could elicit. Guy did not seem to + be in the least irritated or ruffled by the very behaviour which used to + cause him so many struggles. Having once seriously said that he did not + think it right to run into danger, without adequate cause, he held his + position with so much ease, that he could afford to be playful, and laugh + at his own dread of infection, his changeableness, and credulity. Never + had temper been more entirely subdued; for surely if he could bear this, + he need never fear himself again. + </p> + <p> + So passed the hour; and Amabel was heartily glad when the debate was + closed by Arnaud’s coming for orders. Guy went with him; Amabel began to + collect her goods; and Philip, after a few moments’ reflection, spoke in + the half-compassionate, half-patronizing manner with which he used, now + and then, to let fall a few crumbs of counsel or commendation for silly + little Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Amy, you yielded very amiably, and that is the only way. You will + always find it best to submit.’ + </p> + <p> + He got no further in his intended warning against the dissipations of + Venice, for her eyes were fixed on him at first with a look of extreme + wonder. Then her face assumed an expression of dignity, and gently, but + gravely, she said, ‘I think you forget to whom you are speaking.’ + </p> + <p> + The gentlemanlike instinct made him reply, ‘I beg your pardon’—and + there he stopped, as much taken by surprise as if a dove had flown in his + face. He actually was confused; for in very truth, he had, after a + fashion, forgotten that she was Lady Morville, not the cousin Amy with + whom Guy’s character might be freely discussed. He had often presumed as + far with his aunt; but she, though always turning the conversation, had + never given him a rebuff. Amabel had not done; and in her soft voice, + firmly, though not angrily, she spoke on. ‘One thing I wish to say, + because we shall never speak on this subject again, and I was always + afraid of you before. You have always misunderstood him, I might almost + say, chosen to misunderstand him. You have tried his temper more than any + one, and never appreciated the struggles that have subdued it. It is not + because I am his wife that I say this—indeed I am not sure it + becomes me to say it; yet I cannot bear that you should not be told of it, + because you think he acts out of enmity to you. You little know how your + friendship has been his first desire—how he has striven for it—how, + after all you have done and written, he defended you with all his might + when those at home were angry—how he sought you out on purpose to + try to be real cordial friends’ + </p> + <p> + Philip’s face had grown rigid, and chiefly at the words, ‘those at home + were angry.’ ‘It is not I that prevent that friendship,’ said he: ‘it is + his own want of openness. My opinion has never changed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I know it has never changed’ said Amy, in a tone of sorrowful + displeasure. ‘Whenever it does, you will be sorry you have judged him so + harshly.’ + </p> + <p> + She left the room, and Philip held her in higher esteem. He saw there was + spirit and substance beneath that soft girlish exterior, and hoped she + would better be able to endure the troubles which her precipitate marriage + was likely to cause her; but as to her husband, his combined fickleness + and obstinacy had only become more apparent than ever—fickleness in + forsaking his purpose, obstinacy in adherence to his own will. + </p> + <p> + Displeased and contemptuous, Philip was not softened by Guy’s freedom and + openness of manner and desire to help him as far as their roads lay + together. He was gracious only to Lady Morville, whom he treated with + kindness, intended to show that he was pleased with her for a reproof + which became her position well, though it could not hurt him. Perhaps she + thought this amiability especially insufferable: for when she arrived at + Varenna her chief thought was that here they should be free of him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Philip,’ said Guy, at that last moment, ‘I wish you would think + better of it after all, and come with us to Milan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, my mind is made up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, mind you don’t catch the fever: for I don’t want the trouble of + nursing you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you; I hope to require no such services of my friends,’ said + Philip, with a proud stem air, implying, ‘I don’t want you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-bye, then,’ said Guy. Then remembering his promise to Laura, he + added, ‘I wish we could have seen more of you. They will be glad to hear + of you at Hollywell. You have had one warm friend there all along.’ + </p> + <p> + He was touched for a moment by this kind speech, and his tone was less + grave and dignified. ‘Remember me to them when you write,’ he answered, + ‘and tell Laura she must not wear herself out with her studies. Good-bye, + Amy, I hope you will have a pleasant journey.’ + </p> + <p> + The farewells were exchanged and the carriage drove off. ‘Poor little + Amy!’ said Philip to himself, ‘how she is improved. He has a sweet little + wife in her. The fates have conspired to crown him with all man can + desire, and little marvel if he should abuse his advantages. Poor little + Amy! I have less hope than ever, since even her evident wishes could not + bend his determination in this trifle; but she is a good little creature, + happy in her blindness. May it long continue! It is my uncle and aunt who + are to be blamed.’ + </p> + <p> + He set himself to ascend the mountain path, and they looked back, watching + the firm vigorous steps with which he climbed the hill side, then stood to + wave his hand to Amabel looking a perfect specimen of health and activity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just like himself,’ said Amy, drawing so long a breath that Guy smiled, + but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you much vexed?’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t feel as if I had made the most of my opportunities.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then if you have not, I can tell you who has. What do you think of his + beginning to give me a lecture how to behave to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he think you wanted it very much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know: for of course I could not let him go on.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was so much diverted at the idea of her wanting a lecture on wife-like + deportment, that he had no time to be angry at the impertinence, and he + made her laugh also by his view that was all force of habit. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Guido—good Cavaliere Guido—do grant me one + satisfaction,’ said she, coaxingly. ‘Only say you are very glad he is gone + his own way.’ + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, I am sorry he is running his head into a fever,’ said + Guy, pretending to be provoking. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t want you to be glad of that, I only want you to be glad he is not + sitting here towering over us.’ Guy smiled, and began to whistle— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Cock up your beaver, and cock it fu’ sprush!’ +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 31 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And turned the thistles of a curse + To types beneficent. + —WORDSWORTH +</pre> + <p> + It was about three weeks after the rendezvous at Bellagio, that Sir Guy + and Lady Morville arrived at Vicenza, on their way from Venice. They were + in the midst of breakfast when Arnaud entered, saying,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It was well, Sir Guy, that you changed your intention of visiting the + Valtelline with Captain Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! Have you heard anything of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear that his temerity has caused him to suffer. I have just heard that + an Englishman of your name is severely ill at Recoara.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At “la badia di Recoara”. It is what in English we call a watering-place, + on the mountains to the north, where the Vicentini do go in summer for + “fraicheur”, but they have all returned in the last two days for fear of + the infection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll go and make inquiries’ said Guy, rising in haste. Returning in a + quarter of an hour, he said,—‘It is true. It can be no other than + poor Philip. I have seen his doctor, an Italian, who, when he saw our name + written, said it was the same. He calls it “una febbre molto grave”.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very heavy! Did he only know the name in writing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only from seeing it on his passport. He has been unable to give any + directions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How dreadfully ill he must be! And alone! What shall we do? You won’t + think of leaving me behind you, whatever you do?’ exclaimed Amabel, + imploringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is at no great distance, and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, don’t say that. Only take me with you. I will try to bear it, if you + don’t think it right; but it will be very hard.’ + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were full of tears, but she struggled to repress them, and was + silent in suspense as she saw him considering. + </p> + <p> + ‘My poor Amy!’ said he, presently; ‘I believe the anxiety would be worse + for you if I were to leave you here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, thank you!’ exclaimed she. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will have nothing to do with the nursing. No, I don’t think there is + much risk; so we will go together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you! thank you! and perhaps I may be of some use. But is it very + infectious?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not: caught at Colico, and imported to a fresh place. I should + think there was little fear of its spreading. However, we must soon be + off: I am afraid he is very ill, and almost deserted. In the first place, + I had better send an express to the Consul at Venice, to ask him to + recommend us a doctor, for I have not much faith in this Italian.’ + </p> + <p> + They were soon on the way to Recoara, a road bordered on one side by high + rocks, on the other by a little river flowing down a valley, shut in by + mountains. The valley gradually contracted in the ascent, till it became a + ravine, and further on a mere crevice marked by the thick growth of the + chestnut-trees; but before this greater narrowing, they saw the roofs of + the houses in the little town. The sun shone clear, the air had grown + fresh as they mounted higher; Amabel could hardly imagine sickness and + sorrow in so fair a spot, and turned to her husband to say so, but he was + deep in thought, and she would not disturb him. + </p> + <p> + The town was built on the bank of the stream, and very much shut in by the + steep crags, which seemed almost to overhang the inn, to which they drove, + auguring favourably of the place from its fresh, clean aspect. + </p> + <p> + Guy hastened to the patient; while Amabel was conducted to a room with a + polished floor, and very little furniture, and there waited anxiously + until he returned. There was a flush on his face, and almost before he + spoke, he leant far out of the window to try to catch a breath of air. + </p> + <p> + ‘We must find another room for him directly,’ said he. ‘He cannot possibly + exist where he is—a little den—such an atmosphere of fever—enough + to knock one down! Will you have one got ready for him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Directly,’ said Amabel, ringing. ‘How is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is in a stupor; it is not sleep. He is frightfully ill, I never felt + anything like the heat of his skin. But that stifling hole would account + for much; very likely he may revive, when we get him into a better + atmosphere. No one has attended to him properly. It is a terrible thing to + be ill in a foreign country without a friend!’ + </p> + <p> + Arnaud came, and Amabel sent for the hostess, while Guy returned to his + charge. Little care had been taken for the solitary traveller on foot, too + ill to exact attention, and whose presence drove away custom; but when his + case was taken up by a Milord Inglese, the people of the inn were ready to + do their utmost to cause their neglect to be forgotten, and everything was + at the disposal of the Signora. The rooms were many, but very small, and + the best she could contrive was to choose three rooms on the lower floor, + rather larger than the rest, and opening into each other, as well as into + the passage, so that it was possible to produce a thorough draught. Under + her superintendence, Anne made the apartment look comfortable, and almost + English, and sending word that all was ready, she proceeded to establish + herself in the corresponding rooms on the floor above. + </p> + <p> + Philip was perfectly unconscious when he was carried to his new room. His + illness had continued about a week, and had been aggravated first by his + incredulous and determined resistance of it, and then by the neglect with + which he had been treated. It was fearful to see how his great strength + had been cut down, as there he lay with scarcely a sign of life, except + his gasping, labouring breath. Guy stood over him, let the air blow in + from the open window, sprinkled his face with vinegar, and moistened his + lips, longing for the physician, for whom, however, he knew he must wait + many hours. Perplexed, ignorant of the proper treatment, fearing to do + harm, and extremely anxious, he still was almost rejoiced: for there was + no one to whom he was so glad to do a service, and a hope arose of full + reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + The patient was somewhat revived by the fresh air, he breathed more + freely, moved, and made a murmuring sound, as if striving painfully for a + word. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Da bere”,’ at last he said; and if Guy had not known its meaning, it + would have been plain from the gasping, parched manner in which it was + uttered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some water?’ said Guy, holding it to his lips, and on hearing the + English, Philip opened his eyes, and, as he drank, gazed with a heavy sort + of wonder. ‘Is that enough? Do you like some on your forehead?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that more comfortable? We only heard to-day you were ill.’ + </p> + <p> + He turned away restlessly, as if hardly glad to see Guy, and not awake to + the circumstances, in a dull, feverish oppression of the senses. Delirium + soon came on, or, more properly, delusion. He was distressed by thinking + himself deserted, and struggling to speak Italian, and when Guy replied in + English, though the native tongue seemed to fall kindly on his ear, yet, + to Guy’s great grief, the old dislike appeared to prevent all comfort in + his presence, though he could not repel his attentions. At night the + wandering increased, till it became unintelligible raving, and strength + was required to keep him in bed. + </p> + <p> + Amabel seldom saw her husband this evening. He once came up to see her, + when she made him drink some coffee, but he soon went, telling her he + should wait up, and begging her to go to rest quietly, as she looked pale + and tired. The night was a terrible one, and morning only brought + insensibility. The physician arrived, a sharp-looking Frenchman, who + pronounced it to be a very severe and dangerous case, more violent than + usual in malaria fever, and with more affection of the brain. Guy was glad + to be set to do something, instead of standing by in inaction; but ice and + blisters were applied without effect, and they were told that it was + likely to be long before the fever abated. + </p> + <p> + Day after day passed without improvement, and with few gleams of + consciousness, and even these were not free from wandering; they were only + intervals in the violent ravings, or the incoherent murmurs, and were + never clear from some torturing fancy that he was alone and ill at + Broadstone, and neither the Edmonstones nor his brother-officers would + come to him, or else that he was detained from Stylehurst. ‘Home’ was the + word oftenest on his lips. ‘I would not go home,’ the only expression that + could sometimes be distinctly heard. He was obliged to depend on Guy as + the only Englishman at hand; but whenever he recognized him, the traces of + repugnance were evident, and in his clearer intervals, he always showed a + preference for Arnaud’s attendance. Still Guy persevered indefatigably, + sitting up with him every night, and showing himself an invaluable nurse, + with his tender hand, modulated voice, quick eye, and quiet activity. His + whole soul was engrossed: he never appeared to think of himself, or to be + sensible of fatigue; but was only absorbed in the one thought of his + patient’s comfort! He seldom came to Amabel except at meals, and now and + then for a short visit to her sitting-room to report on Philip’s + condition. If he could spare a little more time when Philip was in a state + of stupor, she used to try to persuade him to take some rest; and if it + was late, or in the heat of noon, she could sometimes get him, as a favour + to her, to lie down on the sofa, and let her read to him; but it did not + often end in sleep, and he usually preferred taking her out into the fresh + air, and wandering about among the chestnut-trees and green hillocks + higher up in the ravine. + </p> + <p> + Very precious were these walks, with the quiet grave talk that the scene + and the circumstances inspired—when he would tell the thoughts that + had occupied him in his night-watches, and they shared the subdued and + deep reflection suited to this period of apprehension. These were her + happiest times, but they were few and uncertain. She had in the meantime + to wait, to watch, and hope alone, though she had plenty of employment; + for besides writing constant bulletins, all preparations for the sickroom + fell to her share. She had to send for or devise substitutes for all the + conveniences that were far from coming readily to hand in a remote Italian + inn—to give orders, send commissions to Vicenza, or even to Venice, + and to do a good deal, with Anne’s’ assistance, by her own manual labour. + Guy said she did more for Philip outside his room than he did inside, and + often declared how entirely at a loss he should have been if she had not + been there, with her ready resources, and, above all, with her sweet + presence, making the short intervals he spent out of the sick chamber so + much more than repose, such refreshment at the time, and in remembrance. + </p> + <p> + Thus it had continued for more than a fortnight, when one evening as the + French physician was departing, he told Guy that he would not fail to come + the next night, as he saw every reason to expect a crisis. Guy sat + intently marking every alteration in the worn, flushed, suffering face + that rested helplessly on the pillows, and every unconscious movement of + the wasted, nerveless limbs stretched out in pain and helplessness, + contrasting his present state with what he was when last they parted, in + the full pride of health, vigour, and intellect. He dwelt on all that had + passed between them from the first, the strange ancestral enmity that + nothing had as yet overcome, the misunderstandings, the prejudices, the + character whose faultlessness he had always revered, and the repeated + failure of all attempts to be friends, as if his own impatience and + passion had borne fruit in the merited distrust of the man whom of all + others he respected, and whom he would fain love as a brother. He + earnestly hoped that so valuable a life might be spared; but if that might + not be, his fervent wish was, that at least a few parting words of + goodwill and reconciliation might be granted to be his comfort in + remembrance. + </p> + <p> + So mused Guy during the night, as he watched the heavy doze between sleep + and stupor, and tried to catch the low, indistinct mutterings that now and + then seemed to ask for something. Towards morning Philip awoke more fully, + and as Guy was feeling his pulse, he faintly asked,— + </p> + <p> + ‘How many?’ while his eyes had more of their usual expression. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot count,’ returned Guy; ‘but it is less than in the evening. Some + drink?’ + </p> + <p> + Philip took some, then making an effort to look round, said,—‘What + day is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Saturday morning, the 23rd of August.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been ill a long time!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have indeed, full three weeks; but you are better to-night.’ + </p> + <p> + He was silent for some moments; then, collecting himself, and looking + fixedly at Guy, he said, in his own steady voice, though very feeble,—‘I + suppose, humanly speaking, it is an even chance between life and death?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, firmly, the low sweet tones of his voice full of + tenderness. ‘You are very ill; but not without hope.’ Then, after a pause, + during which Philip looked thoughtful, but calm, he added,—‘I have + tried to bring a clergyman here, but I could not succeed. Would you like + me to read to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you-presently—but I have something to say. Some more water;—thank + you.’ Then, after pausing, ‘Guy, you have thought I judged you harshly; I + meant to act for the best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t think of that,’ said Guy, with a rush of joy at hearing the words + of reconciliation he had yearned for so long. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now you have been most kind. If I live, you shall see that I am + sensible of it;’ and he feebly moved his hand to his cousin, who pressed + it, hardly less happy than on the day he stood before Mrs. Edmonstone in + the dressing-room. Presently, Philip went on. ‘My sister has my will. My + love to her, and to—to—to poor Laura.’ His voice suddenly + failed; and while Guy was again moistening his lips, he gathered strength, + and said,—‘You and Amy will do what you can for her. Do not let the + blow come suddenly. Ah! you do not know. We have been engaged this long + time.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy did not exclaim, but Philip saw his amazement. ‘It was very wrong; it + was not her fault,’ he added. ‘I can’t tell you now; but if I live all + shall be told. If not, you will be kind to her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed we will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Laura!’ again said Philip, in a much weaker voice, and after lying + still a little longer, he faintly whispered,—‘Read to me.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy read till he fell into a doze, which lasted till Arnaud came in the + morning, and Guy went up to his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy,’ said he, entering with a quiet bright look, ‘he has spoken to me + according to my wish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then it is all right,’ said Amabel, answering his look with one as calm + and sweet. ‘Is he better?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not materially; his pulse is still very high; but there was a gleam of + perfect consciousness; he spoke calmly and clearly, fully understanding + his situation. Come what will, it is a thing to be infinitely thankful + for! I am very glad! Now for our morning reading.’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was over, and when Guy had satisfied himself that the + patient was still quiet, they sat down to breakfast. Guy considered a + little while, and said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been very much surprised. Had you any idea of an attachment + between him and Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know she is very fond of him, and she has always been his favourite. + What? Has he been in love with her all this time, poor fellow?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He says they are engaged.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura? Our sister! Oh, Guy, impossible! He must have been wandering.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could have almost thought so; but his whole manner forbade me to think + there was any delusion. He was too weak to explain; but he said it was not + her fault, and was overcome when speaking of her. He begged us to spare + her from suddenly hearing of his death. He was as calm and reasonable as I + am at this moment. No, Amy, it was not delirium.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know how to believe it!’ said Amabel. ‘It is so impossible for + Laura, and for him too. Don’t you know how, sometimes in fevers, people + take a delusion, and are quite rational about everything else, and that, + too; if only it was true; and don’t you think it very likely, that if he + really has been in love with her all this time, (how much he must have + gone through!) he may fancy he has been secretly engaged, and reproach + himself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot tell,’ said Guy; ‘there was a reality in his manner of speaking + that refuses to let me disbelieve him. Surely it cannot be one of the + horrors of death that we should be left to reproach ourselves with the + fancied sins we have been prone to, as well as with our real ones. Then’—and + he rose, and walked about the room—‘if so, more than ever, in the + hour of death, good Lord, deliver us!’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel was silent, and presently he sat down, saying,—‘Well, time + will show!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot think it’ said Amy. ‘Laura! How could she help telling mamma!’ + And as Guy smiled at the recollection of their own simultaneous coming to + mamma, she added,—‘Not only because it was right, but for the + comfort of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, Amy, do you remember what I told you of poor Laura’s fears, and what + she said to me, on our wedding-day?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Laura!’ said Amy. ‘Yet—’ She paused, and Guy presently said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I won’t believe it, if I can possibly help it. I can’t afford to + lose my faith in my sister’s perfection, or Philip’s, especially now. But + I must go; I have loitered too long, and Arnaud ought to go to his + breakfast.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel sat long over the remains of her breakfast. She did not puzzle + herself over Philip’s confession, for she would not admit it without + confirmation; and she could not think of his misdoings, even those of + which she was certain, on the day when his life was hanging in the + balance. All she could bear to recollect was his excellence; nay, in the + tenderness of her heart, she nearly made out that she had always been very + fond of him, overlooking that even before Guy came to Hollywell, she had + always regarded him with more awe than liking, been disinclined to his + good advice, shrunk from his condescension, and regularly enjoyed + Charles’s quizzing of him. All this, and all the subsequent injuries were + forgotten, and she believed, as sincerely as her husband, that Philip had + been free from any unkind intention. But she chiefly dwelt on her own Guy, + especially that last speech, so unlike some of whom she had heard, who + were rather glad to find a flaw in a faultless model, if only to obtain a + fellow-feeling for it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ thought she, ‘he might look far without finding anything better + than himself, though he won’t believe it. If ever he could make me angry, + it will be by treating me as if I was better than he. Such nonsense! But I + suppose his goodness would not be such if he was conscious of it, so I + must be content with him as he is. I can’t be so unwifelike after all; for + I am sure nothing makes me feel so small and foolish as that humility of + his! Come, I must see about some dinner for the French doctor.’ + </p> + <p> + She set to work on her housewifery cares; but when these were despatched, + it was hard to begin anything else on such a day of suspense, when she was + living on reports from the sick room. The delirium had returned, more + violent than ever; and as she sat at her open window she often heard the + disconnected words. She could do nothing but listen—she could + neither read nor draw, and even letter-writing failed her to-day, for it + seemed cruel to send a letter to his sister, and if Philip was not under a + delusion, it was still worse to write to Hollywell; it made her shudder to + think of the misery she might have inflicted in the former letters, where + she had not spared the detail of her worst fears and conjectures, and by + no means softened the account, as she had done to his sister. + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon the physician came, and she heard of his being + quieter; indeed, there were no sounds below. It grew dark; Arnaud brought + lights, and told her Captain Morville had sunk into stupor. After another + long space, the doctor came to take some coffee, and said the fever was + lessening, but that strength was going with it, and if “le malade” was + saved, it would be owing to the care and attention of “le chevalier”. + </p> + <p> + Of Guy she saw no more that evening. The last bulletin was pencilled by + him on a strip of paper, and sent to her at eleven at night: + </p> + <p> + ‘Pulse almost nothing; deadly faintness; doctor does not give him up; it + may be many hours: don’t sit up; you shall hear when there is anything + decisive.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy submitted, and slowly put herself to bed, because she thought Guy + would not like to find her up; but she had little sleep, and that was + dreamy, full of the same anxieties as her waking moments, and perhaps + making the night seem longer than if she had been awake the whole time. + </p> + <p> + At last she started from a somewhat sounder doze than usual, and saw it + was becoming light, the white summits of the mountains were beginning to + show themselves, and there was twilight in the room. Just then she heard a + light, cautious tread in the passage; the lock of Guy’s dressing-room was + gently, slowly turned. It was over then! Life or death? Her heart beat as + she heard her husband’s step in the next room, and her suspense would let + her call out nothing but—‘I am not asleep!’ + </p> + <p> + Guy came forward, and stood still, while she looked up to the outline of + his figure against the window. With a kind of effort he said, with forced + calmness—‘He’ll do now! and came to the bedside. His face was wet + with tears, and her eyes were over-flowing. After a few moments he + murmured a few low words of deep thanksgivings, and again there was a + silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is asleep quietly and comfortably,’ said Guy, presently, ‘and his + pulse is steadier. The faintness and sinking have been dreadful; the + doctor has been sitting with his hand on his pulse, telling me when to put + the cordial into his mouth. Twice I thought him all but gone; and till + within the last hour, I did not think he could have revived; but now, the + doctor says we may almost consider the danger as over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, how glad I am! Was he sensible? Could he speak?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sensible at least when not fainting; but too weak to speak, or often, to + look up. When he did though, it was very kindly, very pleasantly. And now! + This is joy coming in the morning, Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder if you are happier now than after the shipwreck,’ said Amy, + after a silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘How can you ask? The shipwreck was a gleam, the first ray that came to + cheer me in those penance hours, when I was cut off from all; and now, oh, + Amy! I cannot enter into it. Such richness and fullness of blessing + showered on me, more than I ever dared to wish for or dream of, both in + the present and future hopes. It seems more than can belong to man, at + least to me, so unlike what I have deserved, that I can hardly believe it. + It must be sent as a great trial.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel thought this so beautiful, that she could not answer; and he + presently gave her some further particulars. He went back in spite of her + entreaties that he would afford himself a little rest, saying that the + doctor was obliged to go away, and Philip still needed the most careful + watching. Amy could not sleep any more, but lay musing over that + ever-brightening goodness which had lately at all times almost startled + her from its very unearthliness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 32 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sure all things wear a heavenly dress, + Which sanctifies their loveliness, + Types of that endless resting day, + When we shall be as changed as they. + —HYMN FOR SUNDAY +</pre> + <p> + From that time there was little more cause for anxiety. Philip was, + indeed, exceedingly reduced, unable to turn in bed, to lift his head, or + to speak except now and then a feeble whisper; but the fever was entirely + gone, and his excellent constitution began rapidly to repair its ravages. + Day by day, almost hour by hour, he was rallying, spending most of his + time profitably in sleep, and looking very contented in his short + intervals of waking. These became each day rather longer, his voice became + stronger, and he made more remarks and inquiries. His first care, when + able to take heed of what did not concern his immediate comfort, was that + Colonel Deane should be written to, as his leave of absence was expired; + but he said not a word about Hollywell, and Amabel therefore hoped her + surmise was right, that his confession had been prompted by a delirious + fancy, though Guy thought something was implied by his silence respecting + the very persons of whom it would have been natural to have talked. + </p> + <p> + He was very patient of his weakness and dependence, always thankful and + willing to be pleased, and all that had been unpleasant in his manner to + Guy was entirely gone. He liked to be waited on by him, and received his + attentions without laborious gratitude, just in the way partly + affectionate, partly matter of course, that was most agreeable; showing + himself considerate of his fatigue, though without any of his old + domineering advice. + </p> + <p> + One evening Guy was writing, when Philip, who had been lying still, as if + asleep, asked, ‘Are you writing to Hollywell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, to Charlotte; but there is no hurry, it won’t go till tomorrow. Have + you any message? + </p> + <p> + ‘No, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy fancied he sighed; and there was a long silence, at the end of which + he asked, ‘Guy, have I said anything about Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, putting down the pen. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought so; but I could not remember,’ said Philip, turning round, and + settling himself for conversation, with much of his ordinary deliberate + preparation; ‘I hope it was not when I had no command of myself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, you were seldom intelligible, you were generally trying to speak + Italian, or else talking about Stylehurst. The only time you mentioned her + was the night before the worst.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I recollect,’ said Philip. ‘I will not draw back from the resolution I + then made, though I did not know whether I had spoken it, let the + consequences be what they may. The worst is, that they will fall the most + severely on her: and her implicit reliance on me was her only error.’ + </p> + <p> + His voice was very low, and so full of painful feeling that Guy doubted + whether to let him enter on such a subject at present; but remembering the + relief of free confession, he thought it best to allow him to proceed, + only now and then putting in some note of sympathy or of interrogation, in + word or gesture. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must explain,’ said Philip, ‘that you may see how little blame can be + imputed to her. It was that summer, three years ago, the first after you + came. I had always been her chief friend. I saw, or thought I saw, cause + for putting her on her guard. The result has shown that the danger was + imaginary; but no matter—I thought it real. In the course of the + conversation, more of my true sentiments were avowed than I was aware of; + she was very young, and before we, either of us, knew what we were doing, + it had been equivalent to a declaration. Well! I do not speak to excuse + the concealment, but to show you my motive. If it had been known, there + would have been great displeasure and disturbance; I should have been + banished; and though time might have softened matters, we should both have + had a great deal to go through. Heaven knows what it may be now! And, + Guy,’ he added, breaking off with trembling eagerness, ‘when did you hear + from Hollywell? Do you know how she has borne the news of my illness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have heard since they knew of it,’ said Guy; ‘the letter was from Mrs. + Edmonstone to Amy; but she did not mention Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has great strength; she would endure anything rather than give way; + but how can she have borne the anxiety and silence? You are sure my aunt + does not mention her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certain. I will ask Amy for the letter, if you like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, do not go; I must finish, since I have begun. We did not speak of an + engagement; it was little more than an avowal of preference; I doubt + whether she understood what it amounted to, and I desired her to be + silent. I deceived myself all along, by declaring she was free; and I had + never asked for her promise; but those things will not do when we see + death face to face, and a resolve made at such a moment must be kept, let + it bring what it may.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will be relieved; she wished it to be known; but I thought it best to + wait for my promotion—the only chance of our being able to marry. + However, it shall be put into her father’s hands as soon as I can hold a + pen. All I wish is, that she should not have to bear the brunt of his + anger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is too kind and good-natured to keep his displeasure long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it would only light on the right head, instead of on the head of the + nearest. You say she was harassed and out of spirits. I wish you were at + home; Amy would comfort her and soften them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We hope to go back as soon as you are in travelling condition. If you + will come home with us, you will be at hand when Mr. Edmonstone is ready + to forgive, as I am sure he soon will be. No one ever was so glad to + forget his displeasure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; it will be over by the time I meet him, for she will have borne it + all. There is the worst! But I will not put off the writing, as soon as I + have the power. Every day the concealment continues is a further offence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And present suffering is an especial earnest and hope of forgiveness,’ + said Guy. ‘I have no doubt that much may be done to make Mr. Edmonstone + think well of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If any suffering of mine would spare hers!’ sighed Philip. ‘You cannot + estimate the difficulties in our way. You know nothing of poverty,—the + bar it is to everything; almost a positive offence in itself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is only tiring yourself with talking,’ said Guy, perceiving how + Philip’s bodily weakness was making him fall into a desponding strain. + ‘You must make haste to get well, and come home with us, and I think we + shall find it no such bad case after all. There’s Amy’s fortune to begin + with, only waiting for such an occasion. No, I can’t have you answer; you + have talked, quite long enough.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip was in a state of feebleness that made him willing to avoid the + trouble of thinking, by simply believing what he was told, ‘that it was no + bad case.’ He was relieved by having confessed, though to the person whom, + a few weeks back, he would have thought the last to whom he could have + made such a communication, over whom he had striven to assume superiority, + and therefore before whom he could have least borne to humble himself—nay, + whose own love he had lately traversed with an arrogance that was rendered + positively absurd by this conduct of his own. Nevertheless, he had not + shrunk from the confession. His had been real repentance, so far as he + perceived his faults; and he would have scorned to avail himself of the + certainty of Guy’s silence on what he had said at the time of his extreme + danger. He had resolved to speak, and had found neither an accuser nor a + judge, not even one consciously returning good for evil, but a friend with + honest, simple, straightforward kindness, doing the best for him in his + power, and dreading nothing so much as hurting his feelings. It was not + the way in which Philip himself could have received such a confidence. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Guy could leave him, he went up to his wife. ‘Amy,’ said he, + rather sadly, ‘we have had it out. It is too true.’ + </p> + <p> + Her first exclamation surprised him: ‘Then Charlie really is the cleverest + person in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How? Had he any suspicion?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not that I know of; but, more than once, lately, I have been alarmed by + recollecting how he once said that poor Laura was so much too wise for her + age, that Nature would some day take her revenge, and make her do + something very foolish. But has Philip told you all about it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; explained it all very kindly. It must have cost him a great deal; + but he spoke openly and nobly. It is the beginning of a full confession to + your father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So, it is true!’ exclaimed Amabel, as if she heard it for the first time. + ‘How shocked mamma will be! I don’t know how to think it possible! And + poor Laura! Imagine what she must have gone through, for you know I never + spared the worst accounts. Do tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy told what he had just heard, and she was indignant. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t be as angry with him as I should like,’ said she, ‘now that he is + sorry and ill; but it was a great deal too bad! I can’t think how he could + look any of us in the face, far less expect to rule us all, and interfere + with you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see I never appreciated the temptations of poverty,’ said Guy, + thoughtfully. ‘I have often thought of those of wealth, but never of + poverty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would not excuse him. I don’t mind your doing it about + ourselves, because, though he made you unhappy, he could not make you do + wrong. Ah! I know what you mean; but that was over after the first minute; + and he only made you better for all his persecution; but I don’t know how + to pardon his making poor Laura so miserable, and leading her to do what + was not right. Poor, dear girl! no wonder she looked so worn and unhappy! + I cannot help being angry with him, indeed, Guy!’ said she, her eyes full + of tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘The best pleading is his own repentance, Amy. I don’t think you can be + very unrelenting when you see how subdued and how altered he is. You know + you are to make him a visit to-morrow, now the doctor says all fear of + infection is over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be thinking of poor Laura the whole time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how she would like to see him in his present state? What shall you do + if I bring him home to Redclyffe? Shall you go to Hollywell, to comfort + Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall wait till you send me. Besides, how can you invite company till + we know whether we have a roof over our house or not? What is he doing + now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As usual, he has an unlimited capacity for sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you had. I don’t think you have slept two hours together since you + left off sitting up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am beginning to think it a popular delusion. I do just as well without + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you say; but Mr. Shene would never have taken such a fancy to you, if + you always had such purple lines as those under your eyes. Look! Is that a + face for Sir Galahad, or Sir Guy, or any of the Round Table? Come, I wish + you would lie down, and be read to sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like a walk much better. It is very cool and bright. Will you + come?’ + </p> + <p> + They walked for some time, talking over the conduct of Philip and Laura. + Amabel seemed quite oppressed by the thought of such a burthen of + concealment. She said she did not know what she should have done in her + own troubles without mamma and Charlie; and she could not imagine Laura’s + keeping silence through the time of Philip’s danger; more especially as + she recollected how appalling some of her bulletins had been. The only + satisfaction was in casting as much of the blame on him as possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know he never would let her read novels; and I do believe that was + the reason she did not understand what it meant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think there is a good deal in that,’ said Guy, laughing, ‘though + Charlie would say it is a very <i>novel</i> excuse for a young lady + falling imprudently in love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do believe, if it was any one but Laura, Charlie would be very glad of + it. He always fully saw through Philip’s supercilious shell.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; let me go on, Guy, for you must allow that it was much worse in such + a grave, grand, unromantic person, who makes a point of thinking before he + speaks, than if it had been a hasty, hand-over-head man like Maurice de + Courcy, who might have got into a scrape without knowing it. + </p> + <p> + ‘That must have made the struggle to confess all the more painful; and a + most free, noble, open-hearted confession it was.’ + </p> + <p> + They tried to recollect all that had passed during that summer, and to + guess against whom he had wished to warn her; but so far were they from + divining the truth, that they agreed it must either have been Maurice, or + some other wild Irishman. + </p> + <p> + Next, they considered what was to be done. Philip must manage his + confession his own way; but they had it in their power greatly to soften + matters; and there was no fear that, after the first shock, Mr. Edmonstone + would insist on the engagement being broken off, Philip should come to + recover his health at Redclyffe, where he would be ready to meet the first + advance towards forgiveness,—and Amabel thought it would soon be + made. Papa’s anger was sharp, but soon over; he was very fond of Philip, + and delighted in a love affair, but she was afraid mamma would not get + over it so soon, for she would be excessively hurt and grieved. ‘And when + I was naughty,’ said Amy, ‘nothing ever made me so sorry as mamma’s + kindness.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy launched out into more schemes for facilitating their marriage than + ever he had made for himself; and the walk ended with extensive castle + building on Philip’s account, in the course of which Amy was obliged to + become much less displeased. Guy told her, in the evening, that she would + have been still more softened if she could have heard him talk about + Stylehurst and his father. Guy had always wished to hear him speak of the + Archdeacon, though they had never been on terms to enter on such a + subject. And now Philip had been much pleased by Guy’s account of his + walks to Stylehurst, and taken pleasure in telling which were his old + haunts, making out where Guy had been, and describing his father’s ways. + </p> + <p> + The next day was Sunday, and Amabel was to pay her cousin a visit. Guy was + very eager about it, saying it was like a stage in his recovery; and + though the thought of her mother and Laura could not be laid aside, she + would not say a word to damp her husband’s pleasure in the anticipation. + It seemed as if Guy, wanting to bestow all he could upon his cousin in + gratitude for his newly-accorded friendship, thought the sight of his + little wife the very best thing he had to give. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful day, early in September, with a little autumnal + freshness in the mountain breezes that they enjoyed exceedingly. Philip’s + convalescence, and their own escape, might be considered as so far + decided, that they might look back on the peril as past. Amabel felt how + much cause there was for thankfulness; and, after all, Philip was not half + as bad now as when he was maintaining his system of concealment; he had + made a great effort, and was about to do his best by way of reparation; + but it was so new to her to pity him, that she did not know how to begin. + </p> + <p> + She tried to make the day seem as Sunday-like as she could, by putting on + her white muslin dress and white ribbons, with Charles’s hair bracelet, + and a brooch of beautiful silver workmanship, which Guy had bought for her + at Milan, the only ornament he had ever given to her. She sat at her + window, watching the groups of Italians in their holiday costume, and + dwelling on the strange thoughts that had passed through her mind often + before in her lonely Sundays in this foreign land, thinking much of her + old home and East-hill Church, wondering whether the letter had yet + arrived which was to free them from anxiety, and losing herself in a maze + of uncomfortable marvels about Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, then,’ at length said Guy, entering, ‘I only hope he has not knocked + himself up with his preparations, for he would make such a setting to + rights, that I told him I could almost fancy he expected the queen instead + of only Dame Amabel Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + He led her down, opened the door, and playfully announced, ‘Lady Morville! + I have done it right this time. Here she is’! + </p> + <p> + She had of course expected to see Philip much altered, but she was + startled by the extent of the change; for being naturally fair and + high-coloured, he was a person on whom the traces of illness were + particularly visible. The colour was totally gone, even from his lips; his + cheeks were sunken, his brow looked broader and more massive from the + thinness of his face and the loss of his hair, and his eyes themselves + appeared unlike what they used to be in the hollows round them. He seemed + tranquil, and comfortable, but so wan, weak, and subdued, and so different + from himself, that she was very much shocked, as smiling and holding out a + hand, where the white skin seemed hardly to cover the bone and blue vein, + he said, in a tone, slow, feeble, and languid, though cheerful,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Good morning, Amy. You see Guy was right, after all. I am sorry to have + made your wedding tour end so unpleasantly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, most pleasantly, since you are better,’ said Amabel, laughing, + because she was almost ready to cry, and her displeasure went straight out + of her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you doing the honours of my room, Guy?’ said Philip, raising his head + from the pillow, with a becoming shade of his ceremonious courtesy. ‘Give + her a chair.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy smiled and thanked him, while he lay gazing at her as a sick person is + apt to do at a flower, or the first pretty enlivening object from which he + is able to derive enjoyment, and as if he could not help expressing the + feeling, he said— + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that your wedding-dress, Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no; that was all lace and finery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You look so nice and bridal—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a compliment that such an old wife ought to make the most of, + Amy,’ said Guy, looking at her with a certain proud satisfaction in + Philip’s admiration. ‘It is high time to leave off calling you a bride, + after your splendid appearance at the party at Munich, in all your + whiteness and orange-flowers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was quite enough of it,’ said Amy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all,’ said Philip; ‘you have all your troubles in the visiting + line to come, when you go home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you know the people, and will be a great help to us,’ said Amy, and + Guy was much pleased to hear her taking a voluntary share in the + invitation, knowing as he did that she only half liked it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you; we shall see,’ replied Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; we shall see when you are fit for the journey, and it will not be + long before we can begin, by short stages. You have got on wonderfully in + the last few days. How do you think he is looking, Amy?’ finished Guy, + with an air of triumph, that was rather amusing, considering what a pale + skeleton face he was regarding with so much satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say he is looking much mended,’ said Amy; ‘but you must not expect + me to see it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can’t get a compliment for me, Guy,’ said Philip. ‘I was a good deal + surprised when Arnaud brought me the glass this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity you did not see yourself a week ago,’ said Guy, shaking his + head drolly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is certain, as the French doctor says, that monsieur has a very + vigorous constitution.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles says, having a good constitution is only another name for + undergoing every possible malady,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather good’ said Guy; ‘for I certainly find it answer very well to have + none at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Haven’t you?’ said Amy, rather startled. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or how do you know?’ said Philip; ‘especially as you never were ill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a dictum of old Walters, the Moorworth doctor, the last time I had + anything to do with him, when I was a small child. I suppose I remembered + it for its oracular sound, and because I was not intended to listen. He + was talking over with Markham some illness I had just got through, and + wound up with, “He may be healthy and active now; but he has no + constitution, there is a tendency to low fever, and if he meets with any + severe illness, it will go hard with him.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How glad I am I did not know that before’ cried Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you remember it when you came here?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Guy, not in the least conscious of the impression his words + made on the others. ‘By the bye, Philip, I wish you would tell us how you + fared after we parted, and how you came here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I went on according to my former plan,’ said Philip, ‘walking through the + Valtelline, and coming down by a mountain path. I was not well at Bolzano, + but I thought it only fatigue, which a Sunday’s rest would remove, so on I + went for the next two days, in spite of pain in head and limbs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not walking!’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, walking. I thought it was stiffness from mountain climbing, and that + I could walk it off; but I never wish to go through anything like what I + did the last day, between the up and downs of that mountain path, and the + dazzle of the snow and heat of the sun. I meant to have reached Vicenza, + but I must have been quite knocked up when I arrived here, though I cannot + tell. My head grew so confused, that my dread, all the way, was that I + should forget my Italian; I can just remember conning a phrase over and + over again, lest I should lose it. I suppose I was able to speak when I + came here, but the last thing I remember was feeling very ill in some + room, different from this, quite alone, and with a horror of dying + deserted. The next is a confused recollection of the relief of hearing + English again, and seeing my excellent nurse here.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a little more talk, but a little was enough for Philip’s feeble + voice, and Guy soon told him he was tired, and ordered in his broth. He + begged that Amy would stay, and it was permitted on condition that he + would not talk, Guy even cutting short a quotation of,—‘As Juno had + been sick and he her dieter,’—appropriate to the excellence of the + broths, which Amabel and her maid, thanks to their experience of Charles’s + fastidious tastes, managed to devise and execute, in spite of bad + materials. It was no small merit in Guy to stop the compliment, + considering how edified he had been by his wife’s unexpected ingenuity, + and what a comical account he had written of it to her mother, such, as + Amy told him, deserved to be published in a book of good advice to young + ladies, to show what they might come to if they behaved well. However, she + was glad to have ocular demonstration of the success of the cookery, which + she had feared might turn out uneatable; and her gentle feelings towards + Philip were touched, by seeing one wont to be full of independence and + self-assertion, now meek and helpless, requiring to be lifted, and propped + up with pillows, and depending entirely and thankfully upon Guy. + </p> + <p> + When he had been settled and made comfortable, they read the service; and + she thought her husband’s tones had never been so sweet as now, modulated + to the pitch best suited to the sickroom, and with the peculiarly + beautiful expression he always gave such reading. It was the lesson from + Jeremiah, on the different destiny of Josiah and his sons, and he read + that verse, ‘Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him, but weep sore + for him that goeth away; for he shall return no more, nor see his native + country;’ with so remarkable a melancholy and beauty in his voice, that + she could hardly refrain from tears, and it also greatly struck Philip, + who had been so near ‘returning no more, neither seeing his native + country.’ + </p> + <p> + When the reading was over, and they were leaving him to rest, while they + went to dinner, he said, as he wished Amy good-bye, ‘Till now I never + discovered the practical advantage of such a voice as Guy’s. There never + was such a one for a sick-room. Last week, I could not bear any one else + to speak at all; and even now, no one else could have read so that I could + like it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your voice; yes,’ said Amy, after they had returned to their own + sitting-room. ‘I want to hear it very much. I wonder when you will sing to + me again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not till he has recovered strength to bear the infliction with firmness,’ + said Guy; ‘but, Amy, I’ll tell you what we will do, if you are sure it is + good for you. He will have a good long sleep, and we will have a walk on + the green hillocks.’ + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they wandered in the cool of the evening on the grassy slopes + under the chestnut-trees, making it a Sunday walk, calm, bright and + meditative, without many words, but those deep and grave, ‘such as their + walks had been before they were married,’ as Amabel said. + </p> + <p> + ‘Better,’ he answered. + </p> + <p> + A silence, broken by her asking, ‘Do you recollect your melancholy + definition of happiness, years ago?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gleams from another world, too soon eclipsed or forfeited. It made me sad + then. Do you hold to it now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I want to know what you would say now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gleams from another world, brightening as it gets nearer.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel repeated— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ever the richest, tenderest glow, + Sets round the autumnal sun; + But their sight fails, no heart may know + The bliss when life is done. +</pre> + <p> + ‘Old age,’ she added; ‘that seems very far off.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Each day is a step,’ he answered, and then came a silence while both were + thinking deeply. + </p> + <p> + They sat down to rest under a tree, the mountains before them with heavy + dark clouds hanging on their sides, and the white crowns clear against the + blue sky, a perfect stillness on all around, and the red glow of an + Italian sunset just fading away. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is only one thing wanting,’ said Amy. ‘You may sing now. You are + far from Philip’s hearing. Suppose we chant this afternoon’s psalms.’ + </p> + <p> + It was the fifth day of the month, and the psalms seemed especially + suitable to their thoughts. Before the 29th was finished, it was beginning + to grow dark. There were a few pale flashes of lightning in the mountains, + and at the words ‘The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness,’ a low but + solemn peal of thunder came as an accompaniment. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.’ + </p> + <p> + The full sweet melody died away, but the echo caught it up and answered + like the chant of a spirit in the distance—‘The blessing of peace.’ + </p> + <p> + The effect was too solemn and mysterious to be disturbed by word or + remark. Guy drew her arm into his, and they turned homewards. + </p> + <p> + They had some distance to walk, and night had closed in before they + reached the village, but was only more lovely. The thunder rolled solemnly + among the hills, but the young moon shone in marvellous whiteness on the + snowy crowns, casting fantastic shadows from the crags, while whole + showers of fire-flies were falling on them from the trees, floating and + glancing in the shade. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity to go in,’ said Amy. But Arnaud did not seem to be of the + same opinion: he came out to meet them very anxiously, expostulating on + the dangers of the autumnal dew; and Guy owned that though it had been the + most wonderful and delightful evening he had ever known, he was rather + fatigued. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 33 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From darkness here and dreariness, + We ask not full repose. + —CHRISTIAN YEAR +</pre> + <p> + It seemed as if the fatigue which Guy had undergone was going to make + itself felt at last, for he had a slight headache the next morning, and + seemed dull and weary. Both he and Amabel sat for some time with Philip, + and when she went away to write her letters, Philip began discussing a + plan which had occurred to him of offering himself as chief of the + constabulary force in the county where Redclyffe was situated. It was an + office which would suit him very well, and opened a new hope of his + marriage, and he proceeded to reckon on Lord Thorndale’s interest, + counting up all the magistrates he knew, and talking them over with Guy, + who, however, did not know enough of his own neighbourhood to be of much + use; and when he came up-stairs a little after, said he was vexed at + having been so stupid. He was afraid he had seemed unkind and indifferent. + But the truth was that he was so heavy and drowsy, that he had actually + fallen twice into a doze while Philip was talking. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course,’ said Amy, ‘gentle sleep will take her revenge at last for + your calling her a popular delusion. Lie down, let her have her own way, + and you will be good for something by and by.’ + </p> + <p> + He took her advice, slept for a couple of hours, and awoke a good deal + refreshed, so that though his head still ached, he was able to attend as + usual to Philip in the evening. + </p> + <p> + He did not waken the next morning till so late, that he sprung up in + consternation, and began to dress in haste to go to Philip; but presently + he came back from his dressing-room with a hasty uncertain step, and threw + himself down on the bed. Amabel came to his side in an instant, much + frightened at his paleness, but he spoke directly. ‘Only a fit of + giddiness—it is going off;’ and he raised himself, but was obliged + to lie down again directly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better keep quiet’ said she. ‘Is it your headache?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is aching,’ said Guy, and she put her hand over it. + </p> + <p> + ‘How hot and throbbing!’ said she. ‘You must have caught cold in that + walk. No, don’t try to move; it is only making it worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go to Philip,’ he answered, starting up; but this brought on such + a sensation of dizziness and faintness, that he sunk back on the pillow. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; it is of no use to fight against it,’ said Amy, as soon as he was a + little better. ‘Never mind Philip, I’ll go to him. You must keep quiet, + and I will get you a cup of hot tea.’ + </p> + <p> + As he lay still, she had the comfort of seeing him somewhat revived, but + he listened to her persuasions not to attempt to move. It was later than + she had expected, and she found that breakfast was laid out in the next + room. She brought him some tea; but he did not seem inclined to lift his + head to drink it; and begged her to go at once to Philip, fearing he must + be thinking himself strangely forgotten, and giving her many directions + about the way he liked to be waited on at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Very much surprised was Philip to see her instead, of her husband, and + greatly concerned to hear that Guy was not well. + </p> + <p> + ‘Over-fatigue,’ said he. ‘He could not but feel the effects of such + long-continued exertion.’ Then, after an interval, during which he had + begun breakfast, with many apologies for letting her wait on him, he said, + with some breaks, ‘Never was there such a nurse as he, Amy; I have felt + much more than I can express, especially now. You will never have to + complain of my harsh judgment again!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too much for you to talk of these things,’ said Amabel, moved by + the trembling of his feeble voice, but too anxious to return to her + husband to like to wait even to hear that Philip’s opinion <i>had</i> + altered. It required much self-command not to hurry, even by manner, her + cousin’s tardy, languid movements; but she had been well trained by + Charles in waiting on sick breakfasts. + </p> + <p> + When at length she was able to escape, she found that Guy had undressed, + and gone to bed again. He said he was more comfortable, and desired her to + go and take her own breakfast before coming back to him, and she obeyed as + well as she could, but very soon was again with him. He looked flushed and + oppressed, and when she put her cool hand across his forehead, she was + frightened at the increased throbbing of his temples. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy,’ said he, looking steadily at her, ‘this is the fever.’ + </p> + <p> + Without answering, she drew his hand into hers, and felt his pulse, which + did indeed plainly respond fever. Each knew that the other was + recollecting what he had said, on Sunday, of the doctor’s prediction, and + Amy knew he was thinking of death; but all that passed was a proposal to + send at once for the French physician. Amabel wrote her note with + steadiness, derived from the very force of the shock. She could not think; + she did not know whether she feared or hoped. To act from one moment to + another was all she attempted, and it was well that her imagination did + not open to be appalled at her own situation—so young, alone with + the charge of two sick men in a foreign country; her cousin, indeed, + recovering, but helpless, and not even in a state to afford her counsel; + her husband sickening for this frightful fever, and with more than + ordinary cause for apprehension, even without the doctor’s prophecy, when + she thought of his slight frame, and excitable temperament, and that + though never as yet tried by a day’s illness, he certainly had more spirit + than strength, while all the fatigue he had been undergoing was likely to + tell upon him now. She did not look forward, she did not look round; she + did not hope or fear; she <i>trusted</i>, and did her best for each, as + she was wanted, trying not to make herself useless to both, by showing + that she wished to be in two places at once. + </p> + <p> + It was a day sufficiently distressing in itself had there been no further + apprehension, for there was the restlessness of illness, working on a + character too active and energetic to acquiesce without a trial in the + certainty that there was no remedy for present discomfort. There was no + impatience nor rebellion against the illness itself, but a wish to try one + after another the things that had been effective in relieving Philip + during his recovery. At the same time, he could not bear that Amabel + should do anything to tire herself, and was very anxious that Philip + should not be neglected. He tossed from one side to the other in burning + oppression or cold chills; Amy saw him looking wistful, suggested + something by way of alleviation, then found he had been wishing for it, + but refraining from asking in order to spare her, and that he was sorry + when she procured it. Again and again this happened; she smoothed the + coverings, and shook up the pillow: he would thank her, look at her + anxiously, beg her not to exert herself, but soon grew restless, and the + whole was repeated. + </p> + <p> + At last, as she was trying to arrange the coverings, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I see how it is. This is impatience. Now, I will not stir for an hour,’ + and as he made the resolution, he smiled at treating himself so like a + child. His power of self-restraint came to his aid, and long before the + hour was over he had fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + This was a relief; yet that oppressed, flushed, discomposed slumber, and + heavy breathing only confirmed her fears that the fever had gained full + possession of him. She had not the heart to write such tidings, at least + till the physician should have made them too certain, nor could she even + bear to use the word ‘feverish,’ in her answers to the anxious inquiries + Philip made whenever she went into his room, though when he averted his + face with a heavy sigh, she knew his conclusion was the same as her own. + </p> + <p> + The opinion of the physician was the only thing wanting to bring home the + certainty, and that fell on her like lead in the evening; with one + comfort, however, that he thought it a less severe case than the former + one. It was a great relief, too, that there was no wandering of mind, only + the extreme drowsiness and oppression; and when Guy was roused by the + doctor’s visit, he was as clear and collected as possible, making + inquiries and remarks, and speaking in a particularly calm and quiet + manner. As soon as the doctor was gone, he looked up to Amabel, saying, + with his own smile, only very dim,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be of no use, and it would not be true, to say I had rather you + did not nurse me. The doctor hopes there is not much danger of infection, + and it is too late for precautions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad,’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘But you must be wise, and not hurt yourself. Will you promise me not to + sit up?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very kind of you to tell me nothing worse,’ said she, with a sad + submissiveness. + </p> + <p> + He smiled again. ‘I am very sorry for you,’ he said, looking very tenderly + at her. ‘To have us both on your hands at once! But it comes straight from + Heaven, that is one comfort, and you made up your mind to such things when + you took me.’ + </p> + <p> + Sadness in his eye, a sweet smile on his lip, and serenity on his brow, + joined with the fevered cheek, the air of lassitude, and the panting, + oppressed breath, there was a strange, melancholy beauty about him; and + while Amy felt an impulse of ardent, clinging affection to one so precious + to her, there was joined with it a sort of awe and veneration for one who + so spoke, looked, and felt. She hung over him, and sprinkled him with + Eau-de-Cologne; then as his hair teased him by falling into his eyes, he + asked her to cut the front lock off. There was something sad in doing + this, for that ‘tumble-down wave,’ as Charlotte called it, was rather a + favourite of Amy’s; it always seemed to have so much sympathy with his + moods, and it was as if parting with it was resigning him to a long + illness. However, it was too troublesome not to go, and he looked amused + at the care with which she folded up the glossy, brown wave, and treasured + it in her dressing-case, then she read to him a few verses of a psalm, and + he soon fell into another doze. + </p> + <p> + There was little more of event, day after day. The fever never ran as high + as in Philip’s case, and there was no delirium. There was almost constant + torpor, but when for any short space he was thoroughly awakened, his mind + was perfectly clear, though he spoke little, and then only on the subject + immediately presented to him. There he lay for one quiet hour after + another, while Amy sat by him, with as little consciousness of time as he + had himself, looking neither forward nor backward, only to the present, to + give him drink, bathe his face and hands, arrange his pillows, or read or + repeat some soothing verse. It always was a surprise when meal times + summoned her to attend to Philip, when she was asked for the letters for + the post, when evening twilight gathered in, or when she had to leave the + night-watch to Arnaud, and go to bed in the adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + This was a great trial, but he would not allow her to sit up; and her own + sense showed her that if this was to be a long illness, it would not do to + waste her strength. She knew he was quiet at night, and her trustful + temper so calmed and supported her, that she was able to sleep, and thus + was not as liable to be overworked as might have been feared, and as + Philip thought she must be. + </p> + <p> + She always appeared in his room with her sweet face mournful and anxious, + but never ruffled, or with any air of haste or discomfiture, desirous as + she was to return to her husband; for, though he frequently sent her to + take care of herself or of Philip, she knew that while she was away he + always grew more restless and uncomfortable, and his look of relief at her + re-entrance said as much to her as a hundred complaints of her absence + would have done. + </p> + <p> + Philip was in the meantime sorely tried by being forced to be entirely + inactive and dependent, while he saw Amabel in such need of assistance; + and so far from being able to requite Guy’s care, he could only look on + himself as the cause of their distress, and an addition to it—a + burthen instead of a help. If he had been told a little while ago what + would be the present state of things, he would almost have laughed the + speaker to scorn. He would never have thought a child as competent as Amy + to the sole management of two sick persons, and he not able either to + advise or cheer her. Yet he could not see anything went wrong that + depended on her. His comforts were so cared for, that he was often sorry + she should have troubled herself about them; and though he could have + little of her company, he never was allowed to feel himself deserted. + Anne, Arnaud, the old Italian nurse, or Amy herself, were easily summoned, + and gave him full care and attention. + </p> + <p> + He was, however, necessarily a good deal alone; and though his cousin’s + books were at his disposal, eyes and head were too weak for reading, and + he was left a prey to his own thoughts. His great comfort was, that Guy + was less ill than he had been himself, and that there was no present + danger; otherwise, he could never have endured the conviction that all had + been caused by his own imprudence. Imprudence! Philip was brought very low + to own that such a word applied to him, yet it would have been well for + him had that been the chief burthen on his mind. Was it only an ordinary + service of friendship and kindred that Guy had, at the peril of his own + life, rendered him? Was it not a positive return of good for evil? Yes, + evil! He now called that evil, or at least harshness and hastiness in + judgment, which he had hitherto deemed true friendship and consideration + for Guy and Amy. Every feeling of distrust and jealousy had been gradually + softening since his recovery began; gratitude had done much, and dismay at + Guy’s illness did more. It would have been noble and generous in Guy to + act as he had done, had Philip’s surmises been correct, and this he began + to doubt, though it was his only justification, and even to wish to lose + it. He had rather believe Guy blameless. He would do so, if possible; and + he resolved, on the first opportunity, to beg him to give him one last + assurance that all was right, and implicitly believe him. But how was it + possible again to assume to be a ruler and judge over Guy after it was + known how egregiously he himself had erred? There was shame, sorrow, + self-humiliation, and anxiety wherever he turned, and it was no wonder + that depression of spirits retarded his recovery. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the tenth day after Guy’s illness had begun that Philip + was able to be dressed, and to come into the next room, where Amabel had + promised to dine with him. As he lay on the sofa, she thought he looked + even more ill than in bed, the change from his former appearance being + rendered more visible, and his great height making him look the more thin. + He was apparently exhausted with the exertion of dressing, for he was very + silent all dinner-time, though Amabel could have better talked to-day than + for some time past, since Guy had had some refreshing sleep, was decidedly + less feverish, seemed better for nourishing food, and said that he wanted + nothing but a puff of Redclyffe wind to make him well. He was pleased to + hear of Philip’s step in recovery, and altogether, Amy was cheered and + happy. + </p> + <p> + She left her cousin as soon as dinner was over, and did not come to him + again for nearly an hour and a half. She was then surprised to find him + finishing a letter, resting his head on one hand, and looking wan, weary, + and very unhappy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you come to letter writing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he answered, in a worn, dejected tone, ‘I must ask you to direct + this, I can’t make it legible,’ + </p> + <p> + No wonder, so much did his hand tremble, as he held out the envelope. + </p> + <p> + ‘To your sister?’ she asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; to yours. I never wrote to her before. There’s one enclosed to your + father, to tell all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad you have done it,’ answered Amy, in a quiet tone of sincere + congratulation. ‘You will be better now it is off your mind. But how tired + you are. You must go back to bed. Shall I call Arnaud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must rest first’—and his voice failing, he laid back on the sofa, + closed his eyes, turned ashy pale, and became so faint that she could not + leave him, and was obliged to apply every restorative within reach before + she could bring him back to a state of tolerable comfort. + </p> + <p> + The next minute her work was nearly undone, when Anne came in to ask for + the letters for the post. ‘Shall I send yours?’ asked Amy. + </p> + <p> + He muttered an assent. But when she looked back to him after speaking to + Anne, she saw a tremulous, almost convulsed working of the closed eyes and + mouth, while the thin hands were clenched together with a force + contrasting with the helpless manner in which they had hung a moment + before. She guessed at the intensity of anguish it mast cost a temper so + proud, a heart of so strong a mould, and feelings so deep, to take the + first irrevocable step in self-humiliation, giving up into the hands of + others the engagement that had hitherto been the cherished treasure of his + life; and above all, in exposing Laura to bear the brunt of the penalty of + the fault into which he had led her. ‘Oh, for Guy to comfort him,’ thought + she, feeling herself entirely incompetent, dreading to intrude on his + feelings, yet thinking it unkind to go away without one sympathizing word + when he was in such distress. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will be glad, in time,’ at last she said. He made no answer. + </p> + <p> + She held the stimulants to him again, and tried to arrange him more + comfortably. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ at last he said. ‘How is Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has just had another nice quiet sleep, and is quite refreshed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a blessing, at least. But does not he want you? I have been + keeping you a long time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, as he is awake, I should like to go back. You are better now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, while I don’t move.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t try. I’ll send Arnaud, and as soon as you can, you had better go to + bed again.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy was still awake, and able to hear what she had to tell him about + Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said he. ‘We must try to soften it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I write?’ said Amy. ‘Mamma will be pleased to hear of his having + told you, and they must be sorry for him, when they hear how much the + letter cost him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! they will not guess at half his sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will write to papa, and send it after the other letters, so that he may + read it before he hears of Philip’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Laura!’ said Guy. ‘Could not you write a note to her too? I want her + to be told that I am very sorry, if I ever gave her pain by speaking + thoughtlessly of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Amy, smiling, ‘you have not much to reproach yourself with in + that way. It was I that always abused him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can never do so again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I don’t think I can, now I have seen his sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel was quite in spirits, as she brought her writing to his bed-side, + and read her sentences to him as she composed the letter to her father, + while he suggested and approved. It was a treat indeed to have him able to + consult with her once more, and he looked so much relieved and so much + better, that she felt as if it was the beginning of real improvement, + though still his pulse was fast, and the fever, though lessened, was not + gone. + </p> + <p> + The letter was almost as much his as her own, and he ended his dictation + thus: ‘Say that I am sure that if I get better we may make arrangements + for their marriage.’ + </p> + <p> + Then, as Amy was finishing the letter with her hopes of his amendment, he + added, speaking to her, and not dictating—‘If not,’—she shrank + and shivered, but did not exclaim, for he looked so calm and happy that + she did not like to interrupt him—‘If not, you know, it will be very + easy to put the money matters to rights, whatever may happen.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 34 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sir, + It is your fault I have loved Posthumus; + You bred him as my playfellow; and he is + A man worth any woman, over-buys me + Almost the sum he pays. + —CYMBELINE +</pre> + <p> + The first tidings of Philip’s illness arrived at Hollywell one morning at + breakfast, and were thus announced by Charles— + </p> + <p> + ‘There! So he has been and gone and done it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What? Who? Not Guy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here has the Captain gone and caught a regular bad fever, in some malaria + hole; delirious, and all that sort of thing, and of course our wise + brother and sister must needs go and nurse him, by way of a pretty little + interlude in their wedding tour!’ + </p> + <p> + Laura’s voice alone was unheard in the chorus of inquiry. She sat cold, + stiff, and silent, devouring with her ears each reply, that fell like a + death-blow, while she was mechanically continuing the occupations of + breakfast. When all was told, she hurried to her own room, but the want of + sympathy was becoming intolerable. If Amabel had been at home, she must + have told her all. There was no one else; and the misery to be endured in + silence was dreadful. Her dearest—her whole joy and hope—suffering, + dying, and to hear all round her speaking of him with kindness, indeed, + but what to her seemed indifference; blaming him for wilfulness, saying he + had drawn it on himself,—it seemed to drive her wild. She conjured + up pictures of his sufferings, and dreaded Guy’s inexperience, the want of + medical advice, imagining everything that was terrible. Her idol, to whom + her whole soul was devoted, was passing from her, and no one pitied her; + while the latent consciousness of disobedience debarred her from gaining + solace from the only true source. All was blank desolation—a wild + agony, untempered by resignation, uncheered by prayer; for though she did + pray, it was without trust, without hope, while her wretchedness was + rendered more overwhelming by her efforts to conceal it. These were so far + ineffectual that no one could help perceiving that she was extremely + unhappy, but then all the family knew she was very fond of Philip, and + neither her mother nor brother could be surprised at her distress, though + it certainly appeared to them excessive. Mrs. Edmonstone was very sorry + for her, and very affectionate and considerate; but Laura was too much + absorbed, in her own feelings to perceive or to be grateful for her + kindness; and as each day brought a no better report, her despair became + so engrossing that she could not attempt any employment. She wandered in + the garden, sat in dreamy fits of silence in the house, and at last, after + receiving one of the worst accounts, sat up in her dressing-gown the whole + of one night, in one dull, heavy, motionless trance of misery. + </p> + <p> + She recollected that she must act her part, dressed in the morning and + came down; but her looks were ghastly; she tasted no food, and as soon as + possible left the breakfast-room. Her mother was going in quest of her + when old nurse came with an anxious face to say,—‘Ma’am, I am afraid + Miss Edmonstone must be very ill, or something. Do you know, ma’am, her + bed has not been slept in all night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say so, nurse!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, ma’am, Jane told me so, and I went to look myself. Poor child, she + is half distracted about Master Philip, and no wonder, for they were + always together; but I thought you ought to know, ma’am, for she will make + herself ill, to a certainty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to see about her this moment, nurse,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone; + and presently she found Laura wandering up and down the shady walk, in the + restlessness of her despair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, dearest,’ said she, putting her arm round her, ‘I cannot bear to + see you so unhappy.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura did not answer; for though solitude was oppressive, every one’s + presence was a burthen. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot think it right to give way thus,’ continued her mother. ‘Did you + really sit up all night, my poor child?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know. They did so with him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, this will never do. You are making yourself seriously unwell.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish—I wish I was ill; I wish I was dying!’ broke from Laura, + almost unconsciously, in a hoarse, inward voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear! You don’t know what you are saying. You forget that this + self-abandonment, and extravagant grief would be wrong in any one; and, if + nothing else, the display is unbecoming in you.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura’s over-wrought feelings could bear no more, and in a tone which, + though too vehement to be addressed to a parent, had in it an agony which + almost excused it, by showing how unable she was to restrain herself, she + broke forth:——‘Unbecoming! Who has a right to grieve for him + but me?—his own, his chosen,—the only one who can love him, or + understand him. Her voice died away in a sob, though without tears. + </p> + <p> + Her mother heard the words, but did not take in their full meaning; and, + believing that Laura’s undeveloped affection had led her to this + uncontrolled grief, she spoke again, with coldness, intended to rouse her + to a sense that she was compromising her womanly dignity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care, Laura; a woman has no right to speak in such a manner of a man + who has given her no reason to believe in his preference of her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Preference! It is his love!—his love! His whole heart! The one + thing that was precious to me in this world! Preference! You little guess + what we have felt for each other!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura!’ Mrs. Edmonstone stood still, overpowered. ‘What do you mean?’ She + could not put the question more plainly. + </p> + <p> + ‘What have I done?’ cried Laura. ‘I have betrayed him!’ she answered + herself in a tone of despair, as she hid her face in her hands; ‘betrayed + him when he is dying!’ + </p> + <p> + Her mother was too much shocked to speak in the soft reluctant manner in + which she was wont to reprove. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura,’ said she, ‘I must understand this. What has passed between you + and Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura only replied by a flood of tears, ungovernable from the exhaustion + of sleeplessness and want of food. Mrs. Edmonstone’s kindness returned; + she soothed her, begged her to control herself, and at length brought her + into the house, and up to the dressing-room, where she sank on the sofa, + weeping violently. It was the reaction of the long restraint she had been + exercising on herself, and the silence she had been maintaining. She was + not feeling the humiliation, her own acknowledgement of disobedience, but + of the horror of being forced to reveal the secret he had left in her + charge. + </p> + <p> + Long did she weep, breaking out more piteously at each attempt of her + mother to lead her to explain. Poor Mrs. Edmonstone was alarmed and + perplexed beyond measure; this half confession had so overthrown all her + ideas that she was ready to apprehend everything most improbable, and + almost expected to hear of a private marriage. Her presence seemed only to + make Laura worse, and at length she said,—‘I shall leave you for + half an hour, in hopes that by that time you may have recovered yourself, + and be able to give the explanation which I <i>require</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + She went into her own room, and waited, with her eyes on her watch, a prey + to every strange alarm and anticipation, grievously hurt at this want of + confidence, and wounded, where she least expected it, by both daughter and + nephew. She thought, guessed, recollected, wondered, tormented herself, + and at the last of the thirty minutes, hastily opened the door into the + dressing-room. Laura sat as before, crouched up in the corner of the wide + sofa; and when she raised her face, at her mother’s entrance, it was + bewildered rather than embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Laura?’ She waited unanswered; and the wretchedness of the look so + touched her, that, kissing her, she said, ‘Surely, my dear, you need not + be afraid to tell me anything?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura did not respond to the kindness, but asked, looking perplexed, ‘What + have I said? Have I told it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What you have given me reason to believe,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, trying + to bring herself to speak it explicitly, ‘that you think Philip is + attached to you. You do not deny it. Let me know on what terms you stand.’ + </p> + <p> + Without looking up, she murmured, ‘If you would not force it from me at + such a time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, it is for your own good. You are wretched now, my poor child; why + not relieve yourself by telling all? If you have not acted openly, can you + have any comfort till you have confessed? It may be a painful effort, but + relief will come afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have nothing to confess,’ said Laura. ‘There is no such thing as you + think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No engagement?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then what am I to understand by your exclamations?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no engagement,’ repeated Laura. ‘He would never have asked that + without papa’s consent. We are only bound by our own hearts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you have a secret understanding with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have never written to each other; we have never dreamed of any + intercourse that could be called clandestine. He would scorn it. He waited + only for his promotion to declare it to papa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how long has it been declared to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ever since the first summer Guy was here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Three years!’ exclaimed her mother. ‘You have kept this from me three + years! O Laura!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was of no use to speak!’ said Laura, faintly. + </p> + <p> + If she had looked up, she would have seen those words, ‘no use,’ cut her + mother more deeply than all; but there was only coldness in the tone of + the answer, ‘No use to inform your parents, before you pledged your + affections!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, mamma,’ said Laura, ‘I was sure that you knew his worth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worth! when he was teaching you to live in a course of insincerity? Your + father will be deeply hurt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa! Oh, you must not tell him! Now, I have betrayed him, indeed! Oh, my + weakness!’ and another paroxysm of tears came on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, you seem to think you owe nothing to any one but Philip. You + forget you are a daughter! that you have been keeping up a system of + disobedience and concealment, of which I could not have believed a child + of mine could be capable. O Laura, how you have abused our confidence!’ + </p> + <p> + Laura was touched by the sorrow of her tone; and, throwing her arms round + her neck, sobbed out, ‘You will forgive me, only forgive him!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was softened in a moment. ‘Forgive you, my poor child! You + have been very unhappy!’ and she kissed her, with many tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Must you tell papa?’ whispered Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Judge for yourself, Laura. Could I know such a thing, and hide it from + him?’ + </p> + <p> + Laura ceased, seeing her determined, and yielded to her pity, allowing + herself to be nursed as she required, so exhausted was she. She was laid + on the sofa, and made comfortable with pillows, in her mother’s gentlest + way. When Mrs. Edmonstone was called away, Laura held her dress, saying, + ‘You are kind to me, but you must forgive him. Say you have forgiven him, + mamma, dearest!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, in the grave all things are forgiven.’ + </p> + <p> + She could not help saying so; but, feeling as if she had been cruel, she + added, ‘I mean, while he is so ill, we cannot enter on such a matter. I am + very sorry for you,’ proceeded she, still arranging for Laura’s ease; then + kissing her, hoped she would sleep, and left her. + </p> + <p> + Sympathy was a matter of necessity to Mrs. Edmonstone; and as her husband + was out, she went at once to Charles, with a countenance so disturbed, + that he feared some worse tidings had come from Italy. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, nothing of that sort; it is poor Laura.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh?’ said Charles, with a significant though anxious look, that caused + her to exclaim,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely you had no suspicion!’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte, who was reading in the window, trembled lest she should be + seen, and sent away. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suspected poor Laura had parted with her heart. But what do you mean? + What has happened?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Could you have guessed? but first remember how ill he is; don’t be + violent, Charlie. Could you have guessed that they have been engaged, ever + since the summer we first remarked them?’ + </p> + <p> + She had expected a great storm; but Charles only observed, very coolly, + ‘Oh! it is come out at last!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean that you knew it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed, you don’t think they would choose me for their confidant!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not exactly,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, with the odd sort of laugh with which + even the most sensitive people, in the height of their troubles, reply to + anything ludicrous; ‘but really,’ she continued, ‘every idea of mine is so + turned upside-down, that I don’t know what to think of anybody.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We always knew Laura to be his slave and automaton. He is so infallible + in her eyes, that no doubt she thought her silence an act of praiseworthy + resolution.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She was a mere child, poor dear,’ said her mother; ‘only eighteen! Yet + Amy was but a year older last summer. How unlike! She must have known what + she was doing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not with her senses surrendered to him, without volition of her own. I + wonder by what magnetism he allowed her to tell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has gone through a great deal, poor child, and I am afraid there is + much more for her to suffer, whether he recovers or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will recover’ said Charles, with the decided manner in which people + prophesy the restoration of those they dislike, probably from a feeling + that they must not die, till there is more charity in their opinion of + them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your father will be so grieved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I suppose we must begin to make the best of it,’ said Charles. ‘She + has been as good as married to him these four years, for any use she has + been to us; it has been only the name of the thing, so he had better—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Charlie, what are you talking of? You don’t imagine they can + marry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They will some time or other, for assuredly neither will marry any one + else. You will see if Guy does not take up the cause, and return Philip’s + meddling—which, by the bye, is now shown to have been more + preposterous still—by setting their affairs in order for them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Guy, it is a comfort not to have been deceived in him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Except when you believed Philip,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Could anything have been more different?’ proceeded Mrs. Edmonstone; ‘yet + the two girls had the same training.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With an important exception,’ said Charles; ‘Laura is Philip’s pupil, Amy + mine; and I think her little ladyship is the best turned out of hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How shocked Amy will be! If she was but here, it would be much better, + for she always had more of Laura’s confidence than I. Oh, Charlie, there + has been the error!’ and Mrs. Edmonstone’s eyes were full of tears. ‘What + fearful mistake have I made to miss my daughter’s confidence!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must not ask me, mother,’ said Charles, face and voice full of + affectionate emotion. ‘I know too well that I have been exacting and + selfish, taking too much advantage of your anxieties for me, and that if + you were not enough with my sisters when they were young girls, it was my + fault as much as my misfortune. But, after all, it has not hurt Amy in the + least; nor do I think it will hurt Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte did not venture to give way to her desire to kiss her mother, + and thank Charles, lest she should be exiled as an intruder. + </p> + <p> + ‘And,’ proceeded Charles, serious, though somewhat roguish, ‘I suspect + that no attention would have made much difference. You were always too + young, and Laura too much addicted to the physical sciences to get on + together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A weak, silly mother, sighed Mrs. Edmonstone. + </p> + <p> + This was too much for Charlotte, who sprang forward, and flung her arms + round her neck, sobbing out,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma! dear mamma! don’t say such horrid things! No one is half so wise + or so good,—I am sure Guy thinks so too!’ + </p> + <p> + At the same time Bustle, perceiving a commotion, made a leap, planted his + fore-feet on Mrs. Edmonstone’s lap, wagging his tail vehemently, and + trying to lick her face. It was not in human nature not to laugh; and Mrs. + Edmonstone did so as heartily as either of the young ones; indeed, + Charlotte was the first to resume her gravity, not being sure of her + ground, and being hurt at her impulse of affection being thus reduced to + the absurd. She began to apologize,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mamma, I could not help it. I thought you knew I wad in the room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear child,’ and her mother kissed her warmly, ‘I don’t want to hide + anything from you. You are my only home-daughter now.’ Then recollecting + her prudence, she proceeded,—‘You are old enough to understand the + distress this insincerity of poor Laura’s has occasioned,—and now + that Amy is gone, we must look to you to comfort us.’ + </p> + <p> + Did ever maiden of fourteen feel more honoured, and obliged to be very + good and wise than Charlotte, as she knelt by her mother’s side? Happily + tact was coming with advancing years, and she did not attempt to mingle in + the conversation, which was resumed by Charles observing that the + strangest part of the affair was the incompatibility of so novelish and + imprudent a proceeding with the cautious, thoughtful character of both + parties. It was, he said, analogous to a pentagon flirting with a hexagon; + whereas Guy, a knight of the Round Table, in name and nature, and Amy, + with her little superstitions, had been attached in the most + matter-of-fact, hum-drum way, and were in a course of living very happy + ever after, for which nature could never have designed them. Mrs. + Edmonstone smiled, sighed, hoped they were prudent, and wondered whether + camphor and chloride of lime were attainable at Recoara. + </p> + <p> + Laura came down no more that day, for she was worn out with agitation, and + it was a relief to be sufficiently unwell to be excused facing her father + and Charles. She had little hope that Charlotte had not heard all; but she + might seem to believe her ignorant, and could, therefore, endure her + waiting on her, with an elaborate kindness and compassion, and tip-toe + silence, far beyond the deserts of her slight indisposition. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, Charles and his mother broke the tidings to Mr. Edmonstone + as gently as they could, Charles feeling bound to be the cool, thinking + head in the family. Of course Mr. Edmonstone stormed, vowed that he could + not have believed it, then veered round, and said he could have predicted + it from the first. It was all mamma’s fault for letting him be so intimate + with the girls—how was a poor lad to be expected not to fall in + love? Next he broke into great wrath at the abuse of his confidence, then + at the interference with Guy, then at the intolerable presumption of + Philip’s thinking of Laura. He would soon let him know what he thought of + it! When reminded of Philip’s present condition, he muttered an Irish + imprecation on the fever for interfering with his anger, and abused the + ‘romantic folly’ that had carried Guy to nurse him at Recoara. He was not + so much displeased with Laura; in fact he thought all young ladies always + ready to be fallen in love with, and hardly accountable for what their + lovers might make them do, and he pitied her heartily, when he heard of + her sitting up all night. Anything of extravagance in love met with + sympathy from him, and there was no effort in his hearty forgiveness of + her. He vowed that she should give the fellow up, and had she been + present, would have tried to make her do so at a moment’s warning; but in + process of time he was convinced that he must not persecute her while + Philip was in extremity, and though, like Charles, he scorned the notion + of his death, and, as if it was an additional crime, pronounced him to be + as strong as a horse, he was quite ready to put off all proceedings till + his recovery, being glad to defer the evil day of making her cry. + </p> + <p> + So when Laura ventured out, she met with nothing harsh; indeed, but for + the sorrowful kindness of her family towards her, she could hardly have + guessed that they knew her secret. + </p> + <p> + Her heart leapt when Amabel’s letter was silently handed to her, and she + saw the news of Philip’s amendment, but a sickening feeling succeeded, + that soon all forbearance would be at an end, and he must hear that her + weakness had betrayed his secret. For the present, however, nothing was + said, and she continued in silent dread of what each day might bring + forth, till one afternoon, when the letters had been fetched from + Broadstone, Mrs. Edmonstone, with an exclamation of dismay, read aloud:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Recoara, September 8th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘DEAREST MAMMA,—Don’t be very much frightened when I tell you that + Guy has caught the fever. He has been ailing since Sunday, and yesterday + became quite ill; but we hope it will not be so severe an illness as + Philip’s was. He sleeps a great deal, and is in no pain, quite sensible + when he is awake. Arnaud is very useful, and so is Anne; and he is so + quiet at night, that he wants no one but Arnaud, and will not let me sit + up with him. Philip is better. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Your most affectionate, + ‘A.F.M.’ +</pre> + <p> + The reading was followed by a dead silence, then Mr. Edmonstone said he + had always known how it would be, and what would poor Amy do? + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was too unhappy to answer, for she could see no means of + helping them. Mr. Edmonstone was of no use in a sick-room, and she had + never thought it possible to leave Charles. It did not even occur to her + that she could do so till Charles himself suggested that she must go to + Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can you spare me?’ said she, as if it was a new light. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not? Who can be thought of but Amy? She ought not to be a day longer + without you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dr. Mayerne would look in on you,’ said she, considering, ‘and Laura can + manage for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I shall do very well. Do you think I could bear to keep you from + her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some one must go,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, ‘and even if I could think of + letting Laura run the risk, this unhappy affair about Philip puts her + going out of the question.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one but you can go, said Charles; ‘it is of no use to talk of anything + else.’ + </p> + <p> + It was settled that if the next account was not more favourable, Mr. and + Mrs. Edmonstone should set off for Recoara. Laura heard, in consternation + at the thought of her father’s meeting Philip, still weak and unwell, + without her, and perhaps with Guy too ill to be consulted. And oh! what + would Philip think of her? Her weakness had disclosed his secret, and sunk + her beneath him, and he must hear it from others. She felt as if she could + have thrown herself at her mother’s feet as she implored her to forbear, + to spare him, to spare her. Her mother pitied her incoherent distress, but + it did not make her feel more in charity with Philip. She would not + promise that the subject should, not be discussed, but she tried to + reassure Laura by saying that nothing should be done that could retard his + recovery. + </p> + <p> + With this Laura was obliged to content herself; and early the second + morning, after the letter arrived, she watched the departure of her father + and mother. + </p> + <p> + She had expected to find the care of Charles very anxious work, but she + prospered beyond her hopes. He was very kind and considerate, and both he + and Charlotte were so sobered by anxiety, that there was no fear of their + spirits overpowering her. + </p> + <p> + Mary Ross used to come almost every afternoon to inquire. One day she + found Charles alone, crutching himself slowly along the terrace, and she + thought nothing showed the forlorn state of the family so much as to see + him out of doors with no one for a prop. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mary! Just as I wanted you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What account?’ said she, taking the place of one of the crutches. + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellent; the fever and drowsiness seem to be going off. It must have + been a light attack, and the elders will hardly come in time for mamma to + have any nursing. So there’s Guy pretty well off one’s mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Amy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This was such a long letter, and so cheerful, that she must be all right. + What I wanted to speak to you about was Laura. You know the state of + things. Well, the captain—I wish he was not so sorry, it deprives + one of the satisfaction of abusing him—the captain, it seems, was + brought to his senses by his illness, confessed all to Guy, and now has + written to tell the whole truth to my father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he? That is a great relief!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not that I have seen his letter; Laura ran away with it, and has not said + a word of it. I know it from one to papa from Amy, trying to make the best + of it, and telling how thoroughly he is cut up. She says he all but + fainted after writing. Fancy that poor little thing with a great man, six + foot one, fainting away on her hands!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought he was pretty well again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He must be to have written at all, and a pretty tolerably bitter pill it + must have been to set about it. What a thing for him to have had to tell + Guy, of all people—I do enjoy that! So, of course, Guy takes up his + cause, and sends a message, that is worth anything, as showing he is + himself better, though in any one else it would be a proof of delirium. My + two brothers-in-law might sit for a picture of the contrast.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you think Mr. Edmonstone will consent?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure; we shall have him coming home, saying— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + It is a fine thing to be father in-law + To a very magnificent three-tailed bashaw. +</pre> + <p> + He will never hold out against Guy and Amy, and Philip will soon set up a + patent revolver, to be turned by the little god of love on the newest + scientific principles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is Laura?’ said Mary, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I turned her out to walk with Charlotte, and I want some counsel, as + mamma says I know nothing of lovers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I know so much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know feminine nature I want to know what is the best thing to do for + Laura. Poor thing! I can’t bear to see her look so wretched, worrying + herself with care of me. I have done the best I could by taking + Charlotte’s lessons, and sending her out to mope alone, as she likes best; + but I wish you would tell me how to manage her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know nothing better for her than waiting on you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s hard,’ said Charles, ‘that having made the world dance attendance + on me for my pleasure, I must now do it for theirs. But what do you think + about telling her of this letter, or showing it, remembering that not a + word about her troubles has passed between us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means tell her. You must judge about showing it, but I should + think the opening for talking to her on the subject a great gain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Should you? What, thinking as I do of the man? Should I not be between + the horns of a dilemma if I had to speak the honest truth, yet not hurt + her feelings?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has been so long shut up from sympathy, that any proof of kindness + must be a comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I should like to do her some good, but it will be a mercy, if she + does not make me fall foul of Philip! I can get up a little Christian + charity, when my father or Charlotte rave at him, but I can’t stand + hearing him praised. I take the opportunity of saying so while I can, for + I expect he will come home as her betrothed, and then we shall not be able + to say one word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I dare say he will be so altered and subdued that you will not be so + disposed to rail. This confession is a grand thing. Good-bye I must get + back to church. Poor Laura! how busy she has been about her sketch there + lately.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, she has been eager about finishing it ever since Guy began to be + ill. Good-bye. Wish me well through my part of confidant to-night. It is + much against the grain, though I would give something to cheer up my poor + sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you would,’ thought Mary to herself, as she looked back at him: + ‘what a quantity of kind, right feeling there in under that odd, dry + manner, that strives to appear to love nothing but a joke.’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as Charlotte was gone to bed, Charles, in accordance with his + determination, said to Laura,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you any fancy for seeing Amy’s letter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you;’ and, without speaking, Laura took it. He forbore to watch her + expression as she read. When she had finished, her face was fixed in + silent unhappiness. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been suffering a great deal, I am sure,’ said Charles, kindly. It + was the first voluntary word of compassion towards Philip that Laura had + heard, and it was as grateful as unexpected. Her face softened, and tears + gushed from her eyes as she said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not know how much. There he is grieving for me! thinking they will + be angry with me, and hurting himself with that! Oh! if this had but come + before they set off!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guy and Amy will tell them of his having written.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear, dear Guy and Amy! He speaks so earnestly of their kindness. I don’t + fear it so much now he and Guy understand each other.’ + </p> + <p> + Recollecting her love, Charles refrained, only saying, ‘You can rely on + their doing everything to make it better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can hardly bear to think of what we owe to them,’ said Laura. ‘How glad + I am that Amy was there after he wrote, when he was so much overcome! Amy + has written me such a very kind note; I think you must see that—it + is so like her own dear self.’ + </p> + <p> + She gave it to him, and he read:— + </p> + <p> + ‘MY DEAREST,—I never could tell you before how we have grieved for + you ever since we knew it. I am so sorry I wrote such dreadful accounts; + and Guy says he wants to ask your pardon, if he ever said anything that + pained you about Philip. I understand all your unhappiness now, my poor + dear; but it will be better now it is known. Don’t be reserved, with + Charlie, pray; for if he sees you are unhappy, he will be so very kind. I + have just seen Philip again, and found him rested and better. He is only + anxious about you; but I tell him I know you will be glad it is told. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Your most affectionate sister, + ‘A. F. M.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘Laura’ said Charles, finishing the letter, ‘Amy gives you very good + advice, as far as I am concerned. I do want to be of as much use to you as + I can—I mean as kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know—I know; thank you,’ said Laura, struggling with her tears. + ‘You have been—you are; but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ thought Charles, ‘I see, she won’t be satisfied, if my kindness + includes her alone. What will my honesty let me say to please her? Oh! I + know.—You must not expect me to say that Philip has, behaved + properly, Laura, nothing but being in love could justify such a delusion; + but I do say that there is greatness of mind in his confessing it, + especially at a time when he could put it off, and is so unequal to + agitation.’ + </p> + <p> + It was the absence of any tone of satire that made this speech come home + to Laura as it was meant. There was no grudging in the praise, and she + answered, in a very low, broken voice,— + </p> + <p> + ‘You will think so still more when you see this note, which he sent open, + inside mine, to be given to papa when I had told my own story. Oh, his + considerateness for me!’ + </p> + <p> + She gave it to him. The address, ‘C. Edmonstone, Esq.,’ was a mere scrawl, + and within the writing was very trembling and weak. Charles remarked it, + and she answered by saying that her own letter began in his own strong + hand, but failed and grew shaky at the end, as if from fatigue and + agitation. The words were few, brief, and simple, very unlike his usual + manner of letter-writing. + </p> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR UNCLE,—My conduct has been unjustifiable—I feel it. + Do not visit it on Laura—I alone should suffer. I entreat your + pardon, and my aunt’s, and leave all to you. I will write more at length. + Be kind to her.—Yours affectionately, + </p> + <p> + ‘PH. M.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Philip!’ said Charles, really very much touched. From that moment, + Laura no longer felt completely isolated, and deprived of sympathy. She + sat by Charles till late that night, and told him the whole history of her + engagement, much relieved by the outpouring of her long-hidden griefs, and + comforted by his kindness, though he could not absolutely refrain from + words and gestures of censure. It was as strange that Charles should be + the first person to whom Laura told this history, as that Guy should have + been Philip’s first confidant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 35 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There is a Rock, and nigh at hand, + A shadow in a weary land, + Who in that stricken Rock hath rest, + Finds water gushing from its breast. + —NEALE +</pre> + <p> + In the meantime the days passed at Recoara without much change for the + better or worse. After the first week, Guy’s fever had diminished; his + pulse was lower, the drowsiness ceased, and it seemed as if there was + nothing to prevent absolute recovery. But though each morning seemed to + bring improvement, it never lasted; the fever, though not high, could + never be entirely reduced, and strength was perceptibly wasting, in spite + of every means of keeping it up. + </p> + <p> + There was not much positive suffering, very little even of headache, and + he was cheerful, though speaking little, because he was told not to excite + or exhaust himself. Languor and lassitude were the chief causes of + discomfort; and as his strength failed, there came fits of exhaustion and + oppression that tried him severely. At first, these were easily removed by + stimulants; but remedies seemed to lose their effect, and the sinking was + almost death-like. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I could bear acute pain better!’ he said one day; and more than + once the sigh broke from him almost unconsciously,—‘Oh for one + breath of Redclyffe sea-wind!’ Indeed, it seemed as if the close air of + the shut-in-valley, at the end of a long hot day was almost enough to + overwhelm him, weak as he had become. Every morning, when Amabel let in + the fresh breeze at the window, she predicted it would be a cool day, and + do him good; every afternoon the wind abated, the sun shone full in, the + room was stifling, the faintness came on, and after a few vain attempts at + relieving it, Guy sighed that there was nothing for it but quiet, and Amy + was obliged to acquiesce. As the sun set, the breeze sprung up, it became + cooler, he fell asleep, awoke revived, was comfortable all the evening, + and Amy left him at eleven or twelve, with hopes of his having a good + night. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to her as if ages had passed in this way, when one evening two + letters were brought in. + </p> + <p> + ‘From mamma!’ said she; ‘and this one,’ holding it up, ‘is for you. It + must have been hunting us everywhere. How many different directions!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Markham,’ said Guy. ‘It must be the letter we were waiting for.’ + </p> + <p> + The letter to tell them Redclyffe was ready to receive them! Amabel put it + down with a strange sensation, and opened her mother’s. With a start of + joy she exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + ‘They are coming—mamma and papa!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then all is right!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If we do not receive a much better account,’ read Amy, ‘we shall set off + early on Wednesday, and hope to be with you not long after you receive + this letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh I am so glad! I wonder how Charlie gets on without her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a great comfort,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now you will see what a nurse mamma is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now you will be properly cared for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How nice it will be! She will take care of you all night, and never be + tired, and devise everything I am too stupid for, and make you so + comfortable!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, no one could do that better than you, Amy. But it is joy indeed—to + see mamma again—to know you are safe with her. Everything comes to + make it easy!’ The last words were spoken very low; and she did not + disturb him by saying anything till he asked about the rest of the letter, + and desired her to read Markham’s to him. + </p> + <p> + This cost her some pain, for it had been written in ignorance of even + Philip’s illness, and detailed triumphantly the preparations at Redclyffe, + hinting that they must send timely notice of their return, or they would + disappoint the tenantry, who intended grand doings, and concluding with a + short lecture on the inexpediency of lingering in foreign parts. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Markham,’ said Guy. + </p> + <p> + She understood; but these things did not come on her like a shock now, for + he had been saying them more or less ever since the beginning of his + illness; and fully occupied as she was, she never opened her mind to the + future. After a long silence, Guy said— + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry for him. I have been making Arnaud write to him for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, have you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was better for you not to do it, Arnaud has written for me at night. + You will send it, Amy, and another to my poor uncle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well,’ said she, as he looked at her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have told Markham,’ said he presently, ‘to send you my desk. There are + all sorts of things in it, just as I threw them in when I cleared out my + rooms at Oxford. I had rather nobody but you saw some of them. There is + nothing of any importance, so you may look at them when you please, or not + at all.’ + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him without answering. If there had been any struggle to + retain him, it would have been repressed by his calmness; but the thought + had not come on her suddenly, it was more like an inevitable fate seen at + first at a distance, and gradually advancing upon her. She had never + fastened on the hope of his recovery, and it had dwindled in an almost + imperceptible manner. She kept watch over him, and followed his thoughts, + without stretching her mind to suppose herself living without him; and was + supported by the forgetfulness of self, which gave her no time to realize + her feelings. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to have seen Redclyffe bay again,’ said Guy, after a space. + ‘Now that mamma is coming, that is the one thing. I suppose I had set my + heart on it, for it comes back to me how I reckoned on standing on that + rock with you, feeling the wind, hearing the surge, looking at the meeting + of earth and sky, and the train of sunlight.’ He spoke slowly, pausing + between each recollection,—‘You will see it some day,’ he added. + ‘But I must give it up; it is earth after all, and looking back.’ + </p> + <p> + Through the evening, he seemed to be dwelling on thoughts of his own, and + only spoke to tell her of some message to friends at Redclyffe, or + Hollywell, to mention little Marianne Dixon, or some other charge that he + wished to leave. She thought he had mentioned almost every one with whom + he had had any interchange of kindness at either of his homes, even to old + nurse at Hollywell, remembering them all with quiet pleasure. At half-past + eleven, he sent her to bed, and she went submissively, cheered by thinking + him likely to sleep. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she could conscientiously call the night over, she returned to + him, and was received with one of the sweet, sunny, happy looks that had + always been his peculiar charm, and, of late, had acquired an expression + almost startling from their very beauty and radiance. It was hardly to be + termed a smile, for there was very little, if any, movement of the lips, + it was more like the reflection of some glory upon the whole countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have had a good night?’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have had my wish, I have seen Redclyffe;’ then, seeing her look + startled, ‘Of course, it was a sort of wandering; but I never quite lost + the consciousness of being here, and it was very delightful. I saw the + waves, each touched with light,—the foam—the sea-birds, + floating in shade and light,—the trees—the Shag—the sky—oh! + such a glory as I never knew—themselves—but so intensely + glorious!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad’ said Amabel, with a strange participation of the delight it + had given him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t understand such goodness!’ he continued. ‘As if it were not + enough to look to heaven beyond, to have this longing gratified, which I + thought I ought to conquer. Oh, Amy! is not that being Fatherly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now after that, and with mamma’s coming (for you will have her if I don’t + see her), I have but one wish unfulfilled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! a clergyman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but if that is withheld, I must believe it is rightly ordered. We + must think of that Sunday at Stylehurst and Christmas-day, and that last + time at Munich.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I am so glad we stayed at Munich for that!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Those were times, indeed! and many more. Yes; I have been a great deal + too much favoured already, and now to be allowed to die just as I should + have chosen—’ + </p> + <p> + He broke off to take what Amabel was preparing for him, and she felt his + pulse. There was fever still, which probably supplied the place of + strength, for he said he was very comfortable, and his eyes were as bright + as ever; but the beats were weak and fluttering, and a thrill crossed her + that it might be near; but she must attend to him, and could not think. + </p> + <p> + When it was time for her to go down to breakfast with Philip, Guy said, + ‘Do you think Philip could come to me to-day? I want much to speak to + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure he could.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then pray ask him to come, if it will not tire him very much.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip had, the last two mornings, risen in time to breakfast with Amabel, + in the room adjoining his own; he was still very weak, and attempted no + more than crossing the room, and sitting in the balcony to enjoy the + evening air. He had felt the heat of the weather severely, and had been a + good deal thrown back by his fatigue and agitation the day he wrote the + letter, while also anxiety for Guy was retarding his progress, though he + only heard the best side of his condition. Besides all this, his + repentance both for his conduct with regard to Laura and the hard measure + he had dealt to Guy was pressing on him increasingly; and the warm + feelings, hardened and soured by early disappointment, regained their + force, and grew into a love and admiration that made it still more + horrible to perceive that he had acted ungenerously towards his cousin. + </p> + <p> + When he heard of Guy’s desire to see him, he was pleased, said he was + quite able to walk up-stairs, had been thinking of offering to help her by + sitting with him, and was very glad to hear he was well enough to wish for + a visit. She saw she must prepare him for what the conversation was likely + to be. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very anxious to see you,’ she said. ‘He is wishing to set all in + order. And if he does speak about—about dying, will you be so kind + as not to contradict him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no danger?’ cried Philip, startling, with a sort of agony. ‘He + is no worse? You said the fever was lower.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is rather better, I think; but he wishes so much to have everything + arranged, that I am sure it will be better for him to have it off his + mind. So, will you bear it, please, Philip?’ ended she, with an imploring + look, that reminded him of her childhood. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you bear it?’ he asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know—I can’t vex him.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip said no more, and only asked when he should come. + </p> + <p> + ‘In an hour’s time, perhaps, or whenever he was ready,’ she said, ‘for he + could rest in the sitting-room before coming in to Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + He found mounting the stairs harder than he had expected, and, with aching + knees and gasping breath, at length reached the sitting-room, where Amabel + was ready to pity him, and made him rest on the sofa till he had fully + recovered. She then conducted him in; and his first glance gave him + infinite relief, for he saw far less change than was still apparent in + himself. Guy’s face was at all times too thin to be capable of losing much + of its form, and as he was liable to be very much tanned, the brown, fixed + on his face by the sunshine of his journey had not gone off, and a slight + flush on his cheeks gave him his ordinary colouring; his beautiful hazel + eyes were more brilliant than ever; and though the hand he held out was + hot and wasted, Philip could not think him nearly as ill as he had been + himself, and was ready to let him talk as he pleased. He was reassured, + too, by his bright smile, and the strength of his voice, as he spoke a few + playful words of welcome and congratulation. Amy set a chair, and with a + look to remind Philip to be cautious, glided into her own room, leaving + the door open, so as to see and hear all that passed, for they were not + fit to be left absolutely alone together. + </p> + <p> + Philip sat down; and after a little pause Guy began: + </p> + <p> + ‘There were a few things I wanted to say, in case you should be my + successor at Redclyffe.’ + </p> + <p> + A horror came over Philip; but he saw Amy writing at her little table, and + felt obliged to refrain. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think of directing you,’ said Guy, ‘You will make a far better + landlord than I; but one or two things I should like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything you wish!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Old Markham. He has old-world notions and prejudices, but his soul is in + the family and estate. His heart will be half broken, for me, and if he + loses his occupation, he will be miserable. Will you bear with him, and be + patient while he lives, even if he is cross and absurd in his objections, + and jealous of all that is not me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—yes—if—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you. Then there is Coombe Prior. I took Wellwood’s pay on myself. + Will you? And I should like him to have the living. Then there is the + school to be built; and I thought of enclosing that bit of waste, to make + gardens for the people; but that you’ll do much better. Well; don’t you + remember when you were at Redclyffe last year’ (Philip winced) ‘telling + Markham that bit of green by Sally’s gate ought to be taken into the park? + I hope you won’t do that, for it is the only place the people have to turn + out their cows and donkeys. And you won’t cut them off from the steps from + the Cove, for it saves the old people from being late for church? Thank + you. As to the rest, it is pleasant to think it will be in such hands if—’ + </p> + <p> + That ‘if’ gave Philip some comfort, though it did not mean what he + fancied. He thought of Guy’s recovery; Guy referred to the possibility of + Amabel’s guardianship. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy has a list of the old people who have had so much a week, or their + cottages rent-free,’ said Guy. ‘If it comes to you, you will not let them + feel the difference? And don’t turn off the old keeper Brown; he is of no + use, but it would kill him. And Ben Robinson, who was so brave in the + shipwreck, a little notice now and then would keep him straight. Will you + tell him I hope he will never forget that morning-service after the wreck? + He may be glad to think of it when he is as I am now. You tell him, for he + will mind more what comes from a man.’ + </p> + <p> + All this had been spoken with pauses for recollection, and for Philip’s + signs of assent. Amabel came to give him some cordial; and as soon as she + had retreated he went on:— + </p> + <p> + ‘My poor uncle; I have written—that is, caused Arnaud to write to + him. I hope this may sober him; but one great favour I have to ask of you. + I can’t leave him money, it would only be a temptation; but will you keep + an eye on him, and let Amy rely on you to tell her when to help him I + can’t ask any one else, and she cannot do it for herself; but you would do + it well. A little kindness might save him; and you don’t know how generous + a character it is, run to waste. Will you undertake this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure I will!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you very much. You will judge rightly; but he has delicate + feelings. Yes, really; and take care you don’t run against them.’ + </p> + <p> + Another silence followed; after which Guy said, smiling with his natural + playfulness, ‘One thing more. You are the lawyer of the family, and I want + a legal opinion. I have been making Arnaud write my will. I have wished + Miss Wellwood of St. Mildred’s to have some money for a sisterhood she + wants to establish. Now, should I leave it to herself or name trustees?’ + </p> + <p> + Philip heard as if a flash of light was blinding him, and he interrupted, + with an exclamation:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me one thing! Was that the thousand pounds?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. I was not at liberty to—’ + </p> + <p> + He stopped, for he was unheard. At the first word Philip had sunk on his + knees, hiding his face on the bed-clothes, in an agony of self-abasement, + before the goodness he had been relentlessly persecuting. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was that?’ he said, in a sort of stifled sob. ‘Oh, can you forgive + me?’ + </p> + <p> + He could not look up; but he felt Guy’s hand touch his head, and heard him + say, ‘That was done long ago. Even as you pardoned my fierce rage against + you, which I trust is forgiven above. It has been repented!’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke there was a knock at the door, and, with the instinctive dread + of being found in his present posture, Philip sprang to his feet. Amabel + went to the door, and was told that the physician was down-stairs with two + gentlemen; and a card was given her, on which she read the name of an + English clergyman. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, again!’ said Guy. ‘Everything comes to me. Now it is all quite + right.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel was to go and speak to them, and Guy would see Mr. Morris, the + clergyman, as soon as the physician had made his visit. ‘You must not go + down,’ he then said to Philip. ‘You will wait in the sitting-room, won’t + you? We shall want you again, you know,’ and his calm brightness was a + contrast to Philip’s troubled look. ‘All is clear between us now,’ he + added, as Philip turned away. + </p> + <p> + Long ago, letters had been written to Venice, begging that if an English + clergyman should travel that way he might be told how earnestly his + presence was requested; this was the first who had answered the summons. + He was a very young man, much out of health, and travelling under the care + of a brother, who was in great dread of his doing anything to injure + himself. Amabel soon perceived that, though kind and right-minded, he + could not help them, except as far as his office was concerned. He was + very shy, only just in priest’s orders; he told her he had never had this + office to perform before, and seemed almost to expect her to direct him; + while his brother was so afraid of his over-exerting himself, that she + could not hope he would take charge of Philip. + </p> + <p> + However, after the physician had seen Guy, she brought Mr. Morris to him, + and came forward, or remained in her room, according as she was wanted. + She thought her husband’s face was at each moment acquiring more unearthly + beauty, and feeling with him, she was raised above thought or sensation of + personal sorrow. + </p> + <p> + When the first part of the service was over, and she exchanged a few + words, out of Guy’s hearing, with Mr. Morris, he said to her, as from the + very fullness of his heart, ‘One longs to humble oneself to him. How it + puts one to shame to hear such repentance with such a confession!’ + </p> + <p> + The time came when Philip was wanted. Amabel had called in Anne and the + clergyman’s brother, and went to fetch her cousin. He was where she had + left him in the sitting-room, his face hidden in his arms, crossed on the + table, the whole man crushed, bowed down, overwhelmed with remorse. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are ready. Come, Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot; I am not worthy,’ he answered, not looking up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, you are surely in no uncharitableness with him now,’ said she, + gently. + </p> + <p> + A shudder expressed his no. + </p> + <p> + ‘And if you are sorry—that is repentance—more fit now than + ever—Won’t you come? Would you grieve him now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You take it on yourself, then,’ said Philip, almost sharply, raising his + haggard face. + </p> + <p> + She did not shrink, and answered, ‘A broken and contrite heart, O God, + Thou wilt not despise.’ + </p> + <p> + It was a drop of balm, a softening drop. He rose, and trembling from head + to foot, from the excess of his agitation, followed her into Guy’s room. + </p> + <p> + The rite was over, and stillness succeeded the low tones, while all knelt + in their places. Amabel arose first, for Guy, though serene, looked + greatly exhausted, and as she sprinkled him with vinegar, the others stood + up. Guy looked for Philip, and held out his hand. Whether it was his + gentle force, or of Philip’s own accord Amabel could not tell; but as he + lay with that look of perfect peace and love, Philip bent down over him + and kissed his forehead. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you!’ he faintly whispered. ‘Good night. God bless you and my + sister.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip went, and he added to Amy, ‘Poor fellow! It will be worse for him + than for you. You must take care of him.’ + </p> + <p> + She hardly heard the last words, for his head sunk on one side in a + deathlike faintness, the room was cleared of all but herself, and Anne + fetched the physician at once. + </p> + <p> + At length it passed off, and Guy slept. The doctor felt his pulse, and she + asked his opinion of it. Very low and unequal, she was told: his strength + was failing, and there seemed to be no power of rallying it, but they must + do their best to support him with cordials, according to the state of his + pulse. The physician could not remain all night himself, but would come as + soon as he could on the following day. + </p> + <p> + Amabel hardly knew when it was that he went away; the two Mr. Morrises + went to the other hotel; and she made her evening visit to Philip. It was + all like a dream, which she could afterwards scarcely remember, till night + had come on, and for the first time she found herself allowed to keep + watch over her husband. + </p> + <p> + He had slept quietly for some time, when she roused him to give him some + wine, as she was desired to do constantly. He smiled, and said, ‘Is no one + here but you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My own sweet wife, my Verena, as you have always been. We have been very + happy together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed we have,’ said she, a look of suffering crossing her face, as she + thought of their unclouded happiness. ‘It will not be so long before we + meet again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A few months, perhaps’—said Amabel, in a stifled voice, ‘like your + mother—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, don’t wish that, Amy. You would not wish it to have no mother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will pray—’ She could say no more, but struggled for calmness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he answered, ‘I trust you to it and to mamma for comfort. And + Charlie—I shall not rob him any longer. I only borrowed you for a + little while,’ he added, smiling. ‘In a little while we shall meet. Years + and months seem alike now. I am sorry to cause you so much grief, my Amy, + but it is all as it should be, and we have been very happy.’ + </p> + <p> + Amy listened, her eyes intently fixed on him, unable to repress her + agitation, except by silence. After some little time, he spoke again. ‘My + love to Charlie—and Laura—and Charlotte, my brother and + sisters. How kindly they have made me one of them! I need not ask + Charlotte to take care of Bustle, and your father will ride Deloraine. My + love to him, and earnest thanks, for you above all, Amy. And dear mamma! I + must look now to meeting her in a brighter world; but tell her how I have + felt all her kindness since I first came in my strangeness and grief. How + kind she was! how she helped me and led me, and made me know what a mother + was. Amy, it will not hurt you to hear it was your likeness to her that + first taught me to love you. I have been so very happy, I don’t understand + it.’ + </p> + <p> + He was again silent, as in contemplation, and Amabel’s overcoming emotion + had been calmed and chastened down again, now that it was no longer + herself that was spoken of. Both were still, and he seemed to sleep a + little. When next he spoke, it was to ask if she could repeat their old + favourite lines in “Sintram”. They came to her lips, and she repeated them + in a low, steady voice. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When death, is coming near, + And thy heart shrinks in fear, + And thy limbs fail, + Then raise thy hands and pray + To Him who smooths the way + Through the dark vale. + + Seest thou the eastern dawn! + Hear’st thou, in the red morn, + The angel’s song? + Oh! lift thy drooping head, + Thou, who in gloom and dread + Hast lain so long. + + Death comes to set thee free, + Oh! meet him cheerily, + As thy true friend + And all thy fears shall cease, + And In eternal peace + Thy penance end. +</pre> + <p> + ‘In eternal peace,’ repeated Guy; ‘I did not think it would have been so + soon. I can’t think where the battle has been. I never thought my life + could be so bright. It was a foolish longing, when first I was ill, for + the cool waves of Redclyffe bay and that shipwreck excitement, if I was to + die. This is far better. Read me a psalm, Amy, “Out of the deep.”’ + </p> + <p> + There was something in his perfect happiness that would not let her + grieve, though a dull heavy sense of consternation was growing on her. So + it went on through the night—not a long, nor a dreary one—but + more like a dream. He dozed and woke, said a few tranquil words, and + listened to some prayer, psalm, or verse, then slept again, apparently + without suffering, except when he tried to take the cordials, and this he + did with such increasing difficulty, that she hardly knew how to bear to + cause him so much pain, though it was the last lingering hope. He strove + to swallow them, each time with the mechanical ‘Thank you,’ so affecting + when thus spoken; but at last he came to, ‘It is of no use; I cannot.’ + </p> + <p> + Then she knew all hope was gone, and sat still, watching him. The darkness + lessened, and twilight came. He slept, but his breath grew short, and + unequal; and as she wiped the moisture on his brow, she knew it was the + death-damp. + </p> + <p> + Morning light came on—the church bell rang out matins—the + white hills were tipped with rosy light. His pulse was almost gone—his + hand was cold. At last he opened his eyes. ‘Amy! he said, as if + bewildered, or in pain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, dearest!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t see.’ + </p> + <p> + At that moment the sun was rising, and the light streamed in at the open + window, and over the bed; but it was “another dawn than ours” that he + beheld as his most beautiful of all smiles beamed over his face, and he + said, ‘Glory in the Highest!—peace—goodwill’—A struggle + for breath gave an instant’s look of pain, then he whispered so that she + could but just hear—‘The last prayer.’ She read the Commendatory + Prayer. She knew not the exact moment, but even as she said ‘Amen’ she + perceived it was over. The soul was with Him with whom dwell the spirits + of just men made perfect; and there lay the earthly part with a smile on + the face. She closed the dark fringed eyelids—saw him look more + beautiful than in sleep—then, laying her face down on the bed, she + knelt on. She took no heed of time, no heed of aught that was earthly. How + long she knelt she never knew, but she was roused by Anne’s voice in a + frightened sob—‘My lady, my lady—come away! Oh, Miss Amabel, + you should not be here.’ + </p> + <p> + She lifted her head, and Anne afterwards told Mary Ross, ‘she should never + forget how my lady looked. It was not grief: it was as if she had been a + little way with her husband, and was just called back.’ + </p> + <p> + She rose—looked at his face again—saw Arnaud was at hand—let + Anne lead her into the next room, and shut the door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 36 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The matron who alone has stood + When not a prop seemed left below, + The first lorn hour of widowhood, + Yet, cheered and cheering all the while, + With sad but unaffected, smile. + —CHRISTIAN YEAR +</pre> + <p> + The four months’ wife was a widow before she was twenty-one, and there she + sat in her loneliness, her maid weeping, seeking in vain for something to + say that might comfort her, and struck with fear at seeing her thus + composed. It might be said that she had not yet realized her situation, + but the truth was, perhaps, that she was in the midst of the true + realities. She felt that her Guy was perfectly happy—happy beyond + thought or comparison—and she was so accustomed to rejoice with him, + that her mind had not yet opened to understand that his joy left her + mourning and desolate. + </p> + <p> + Thus she remained motionless for some minutes, till she was startled by a + sound of weeping—those fearful overpowering sobs, so terrible in a + strong man forced to give way. + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip!’ thought she; and withal Guy’s words returned—‘It will be + worse for him than for you. Take care of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go to him,’ said she at once. + </p> + <p> + She took up a purple prayer-book that she had unconsciously brought in her + hand from Guy’s bed, and walked down-stairs, without pausing to think what + she should say or do, or remembering how she would naturally have shrunk + from the sight of violent grief. + </p> + <p> + Philip had retired to his own room the night before, overwhelmed by the + first full view of the extent of the injuries he had inflicted, the first + perception that pride and malevolence had been the true source of his + prejudice and misconceptions, and for the first time conscious of the + long-fostered conceit that had been his bane from boyhood. All had flashed + on him with the discovery of the true purpose of the demand which he + thought had justified his persecution. He saw the glory of Guy’s character + and the part he had acted,—the scales of self-admiration fell from + his eyes, and he knew both himself and his cousin. + </p> + <p> + His sole comfort was in hope for the future, and in devising how his + brotherly affection should for the rest of his life testify his altered + mind, and atone for past ill-will. This alone kept him from being + completely crushed,—for he by no means imagined how near the end + was, and the physician, willing to spare himself pain, left him in hopes, + though knowing how it would be. He slept but little, and was very languid + in the morning; but he rose as soon as Arnaud came to him, in order not to + occupy Arnaud’s time, as well as to be ready in case Guy should send for + him again, auguring well from hearing that there was nothing stirring + above, hoping this was a sign that Guy was asleep. So hoped the two + servants for a long time, but at length, growing alarmed, after many + consultations, they resolved to knock at the door, and learn what was the + state of things. + </p> + <p> + Philip likewise was full of anxiety, and coming to his room door to listen + for intelligence, it was the “e morto” of the passing Italians that first + revealed to him the truth. Guy dead, Amy widowed, himself the cause—he + who had said he would never be answerable for the death of this young man. + </p> + <p> + Truly had Guy’s threat, that he would make him repent, been fulfilled. He + tottered back to his couch, and sank down, in a burst of anguish that + swept away all the self-control that had once been his pride. There Amabel + found him stretched, face downwards, quivering and convulsed by frightful + sobs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t—don’t, Philip,’ said she, in her gentle voice. ‘Don’t cry so + terribly!’ + </p> + <p> + Without looking up, he made a gesture with his hand, as if to drive her + away. ‘Don’t come here to reproach me!’ he muttered. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; don’t speak so. I want you to hear me; I have something for you + from him. If you would only listen, I want to tell you how happy and + comfortable it was.’ She took a chair and sat down by him, relieved on + perceiving that the sobs grew a little less violent. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was very peaceful, very happy,’ repeated she. ‘We ought to be very + glad.’ + </p> + <p> + He turned round, and glanced at her for a moment; but he could not bear to + see her quiet face. ‘You don’t know what you say,’ he gasped. ‘No; take + care of yourself, don’t trouble yourself for such as me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must; he desired me,’ said Amabel. ‘You will be happier, indeed, + Philip, if you would only think what glory it is, and that he is all safe, + and has won the victory, and will have no more of those hard, hard + struggles, and bitter repentance. It has been such a night, that it seems + wrong to be sorry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you say he spoke of me again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; here is his Prayer-book. Your father gave it to him, and he meant to + have told you about it himself, only he could not talk yesterday evening, + and could not part with it till—’ + </p> + <p> + Amy broke off by opening the worn purple cover, and showing the name, in + the Archdeacon’s writing. ‘He’s very fond of it,’ she said; ‘it is the one + he always uses.’ (Alas! she had not learnt to speak of him in the past + tense.) + </p> + <p> + Philip held out his hand, but the agony of grief returned the next moment. + ‘My father, my father! He would have done him justice. If he had lived, + this would never have been!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is over, you do him justice now,’ said Amy. ‘You did, indeed you + did, make him quite happy. He said so, again and again. I never saw him so + happy as when you began to get better. I don’t think any one ever had so + much happiness and it never ceased, it was all quiet, and peace, and joy, + till it brightened quite into perfect day—and the angel’s song! + Don’t you remember yesterday, how clear and sweet his voice came out in + that? and it was the last thing almost he said. I believe’—she + lowered her voice—‘I believe he finished it among them.’ + </p> + <p> + The earnest placid voice, speaking thus, in calmness and simplicity, could + not fail in soothing him; but he was so shaken and exhausted, that she had + great difficulty in restoring him. After a time, he lay perfectly still on + the sofa, and she was sitting by, relieved by the tranquillity, when there + was a knock at the door, and Arnaud came in, and stood hesitating, as if + he hardly knew how to begin. The present fear of agitating her charge + helped her now, when obliged to turn her thoughts to the subjects on which + she knew Arnaud was come. She went to the door, and spoke low, hoping her + cousin might not hear or understand. + </p> + <p> + ‘How soon must it be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lady, to-morrow,’ said Arnaud, looking down. ‘They say that so it must + be; and the priest consents to have it in the churchyard here. The brother + of the clergyman is here, and would know if your ladyship would wish—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will speak to him,’ said Amabel, reluctant to send such messages + through servants. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me,’ said Philip, who understood what was going on, and was of course + impelled to spare her as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you’ said she, ‘if you are able!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes; I’ll go at once!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop,’ said she, as he was setting forth; ‘you don’t know what you are + going to say.’ + </p> + <p> + He put his hand to his head in confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘He wished to be buried here,’ said Amabel, ‘and—’ + </p> + <p> + But this renewal of the assurance of the death was too much; and covering + his face with his hands, he sank back in another paroxysm of violent sobs. + Amabel could not leave him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask Mr. Morris to be so good as to wait, and I will come directly,’ said + she, then returned to her task of comfort till she again saw Philip lying, + with suspended faculties, in the repose of complete exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + She then went to Mr. Morris, with a look and tone of composure that almost + startled him, thanking him for his assistance in the arrangements. The + funeral was to be at sunrise the next day, before the villagers began to + keep the feast of St. Michael, and the rest was to be settled by Arnaud + and Mr. Morris. He then said, somewhat reluctantly, that his brother had + desired to know whether Lady Morville wished to see him to-day, and begged + to be sent for; but Amy plainly perceived that he thought it very + undesirable for his brother to have any duties to perform to-day. She + questioned herself whether she might not ask him to read to her, and + whether it might be better for Philip; but she thought she ought not to + ask what might injure him merely for her own comfort; and, besides, Philip + was entirely incapable of self-command, and it would not be acting fairly + to expose him to the chance of discovering to a stranger, feelings that he + would ordinarily guard so scrupulously. + </p> + <p> + She therefore gratefully refused the offer, and Mr. Morris very nearly + thanked her for doing so. He took his leave, and she knew she must return + to her post; but first she indulged herself with one brief visit to the + room where all her cares and duties had lately centred. A look—a + thought—a prayer. The beauteous expression there fixed was a help, + as it had ever been in life and she went back again cheered and sustained. + </p> + <p> + Throughout that day she attended on her cousin, whose bodily indisposition + required as much care as his mind needed soothing. She talked to him, read + to him, tried to set him the example of taking food, took thought for him + as if he was the chief sufferer, as if it was the natural thing for her to + do, working in the strength her husband had left her, and for him who had + been his chief object of care. She had no time to herself, except the few + moments that she allowed herself now and then to spend in gazing at the + dear face that was still her comfort and joy; until, at last, late in the + evening, she succeeded in reading Philip to sleep. Then, as she sat in the + dim candle-light, with everything in silence, a sense of desolation came + upon her, and she knew that she was alone. + </p> + <p> + At that moment a carriage thundered at the door, and she remembered for + the first time that she was expecting her father and mother. She softly + left the room and closed the door; and finding Anne in the nest room, sent + her down. + </p> + <p> + ‘Meet mamma, Anne,’ said she; ‘tell her I am quite well. Bring them here.’ + </p> + <p> + They entered; and there stood Amabel, her face a little flushed, just + like, only calmer, the daughter they had parted with on her bridal day, + four months ago. She held up her hand as a sign of silence, and said,— + ‘Hush! don’t wake Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone was almost angry, and actually began an impatient + exclamation, but broke it off with a sob, caught her in his arms, kissed + her, and then buried his face in his handkerchief. Mrs. Edmonstone, still + aghast at the tidings they had met at Vicenza, and alarmed at her + unnatural composure, embraced her; held her for some moments, then looked + anxiously to see her weep. But there was not a tear, and her voice was + itself, though low and weak, as, while her father began pacing up and + down, she repeated,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray don’t, papa; Philip has been so ill all day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Philip—pshaw!’ said Mr. Edmonstone, hastily. ‘How are you, + yourself, my poor darling?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, thank you,’ said Amy. ‘There is a room ready for you.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was extremely alarmed, sure that this was a grief too deep + for outward tokens, and had no peace till she had made Amabel consent to + come up with her, and go at once to bed. To this she agreed, after she had + rung for Arnaud, and stood with him in the corridor, to desire him to go + at once to Captain Morville, as softly as he could, and when he waked, to + say Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone were come, but she thought he had better not + see them to-night; to tell him from her that she wished him good night, + and hoped he would, sleep quietly. ‘And, Arnaud, take care you do not let + him know the hour tomorrow. Perhaps, as he is so tired, he may sleep till + afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was very impatient of this colloquy, and glad when Amabel + ended it, and led the way up-stairs. She entered her little room, then + quietly opened another door, and Mrs. Edmonstone found herself standing by + the bed, where that which was mortal lay, with its face bright with the + impress of immortality. + </p> + <p> + The shock was great, for he was indeed as a son to her; but her fears for + Amabel would not leave room for any other thought. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is not he beautiful?’ said Amy, with a smile like his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear, my dear, you ought not to be here,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, trying + to lead her away. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you would let me say my prayers here!’ said she, submissively. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think not. I don’t know how to refuse, if it would be a comfort,’ said + Mrs. Edmonstone, much distressed, ‘but I can’t think it right. The danger + is greater after. And surely, my poor dear child, you have a reason for + not risking yourself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go, mamma, I ought not to have brought you here; I forgot about + infection,’ said Amabel, with the tranquillity which her mother had hoped + to shake by her allusion. ‘I am coming.’ + </p> + <p> + She took up Guy’s watch and a book from the table by the bed-side, and + came back to her sleeping-room. She wound up the watch, and then allowed + her mother to undress her, answering all her inquiries about her health in + a gentle, indifferent, matter-of-fact way. She said little of Guy, but + that little was without agitation, and in due time she lay down in bed. + Still, whenever Mrs. Edmonstone looked at her, there was no sleep in her + eyes, and at last she persuaded her to leave her, on the plea that being + watched made her more wakeful, as she did not like to see mamma sitting + up. + </p> + <p> + Almost as soon as it was light, Mrs. Edmonstone returned, and was + positively frightened, for there stood Amabel, dressed in her white + muslin, her white bonnet, and her deep lace wedding-veil. All her glossy + hair was hidden away, and her face was placid as ever, though there was a + red spot on each cheek. She saw her mother’s alarm, and reassured her by + speaking calmly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know I have nothing else but colours; I should like to wear this, if + you will let me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, dearest, you must not—cannot go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very near. We often walked there together. I would not if I thought + it would hurt me, but I wish it very much indeed. At home by Michaelmas!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone yielded, though her mind misgave her, comforted by hoping + for the much-desired tears. But Amabel, who used to cry so easily for a + trifle, had now not a tear. Her grief was as yet too deep, or perhaps more + truly sorrow and mourning had not begun while the influence of her + husband’s spirit was about her still. + </p> + <p> + It was time to set forth, and the small party of mourners met in the long + corridor. Mr. Edmonstone would have given his daughter his arm, but she + said— + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon, dear papa, I don’t think I can;’ and she walked alone + and firmly. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange sight that English funeral, so far from England. The + bearers were Italian peasants. There was a sheet thrown over the coffin + instead of a pall, and this, with the white dress of the young widow, gave + the effect of the emblematic whiteness of a child’s funeral; and the + impression was heightened by the floating curling white clouds of vapour + rising in strange shrouded shadowy forms, like spirit mourners, from the + narrow ravines round the grave-yard, and the snowy mountains shining in + the morning light against the sky. + </p> + <p> + Gliding almost like one of those white wreaths of mist, Amabel walked + alone, tearless and calm, her head bent down, and her long veil falling + round her in full light folds, as when it had caught the purple light on + her wedding-day. Her parents were close behind, weeping more for the + living than the dead, though Guy had a fast hold of their hearts; and his + own mother could scarce have loved him better than Mrs. Edmonstone did. + Lastly, were Anne and Arnaud, sincere mourners, especially Arnaud, who had + loved and cherished his young master from childhood. + </p> + <p> + They went to the strangers’ corner of the grave-yard, for, of course the + church did not open to a member of another communion of the visible + church; but around them were the hills in which he had read many a + meaning, and which had echoed a response to his last chant with the + promise of the blessing of peace. + </p> + <p> + The blessing of peace came in the precious English burial-service, as they + laid him to rest in the earth, beneath the spreading chestnut-tree, + rendered a home by those words of his Mother Church—the mother who + had guided each of his steps in his orphaned life. It was a distant grave, + far from his home and kindred, but in a hallowed spot, and a most fair + one; and there might his mortal frame meetly rest till the day when he + should rise, while from their ancestral tombs should likewise awaken the + forefathers whose sins were indeed visited on him in his early death; but, + thanks to Him who giveth the victory, in death without the sting. + </p> + <p> + Amabel, in obedience to a sign from her mother, sat on a root of the tree + while the Lesson was read, and afterwards she moved forward and stood at + the edge of the grave, her hands tightly clasped, and her head somewhat + raised, as if her spirit was following her husband to his repose above, + rather than to his earthly resting-place. + </p> + <p> + The service was ended, and she was taking a last long gaze, while her + mother, in the utmost anxiety, was striving to make up her mind to draw + her away, when suddenly a tall gaunt figure was among them—his face + ghastly pale, and full of despair and bewilderment—his step + uncertain—his dress disordered. + </p> + <p> + Amabel turned, went up to him, laid her hand on his arm, and said, softly, + and quietly looking up in his face, ‘It is over now, Philip; you had + better come home.’ + </p> + <p> + Not attempting to withstand her, he obeyed as if it was his only instinct. + It was like some vision of a guiding, succouring spirit, as she moved on, + slowly gliding in her white draperies. Mrs. Edmonstone watched her in + unspeakable awe and amazement, almost overpowering her anxieties. It + seemed as impossible that the one should be Amy as that the other should + be Philip, her gentle little clinging daughter, or her proud, + imperturbable, self-reliant nephew. + </p> + <p> + But it was Amy’s own face, when they entered the corridor and she turned + back her veil, showing her flushed and heated cheeks, at the same time + opening Philip’s door and saying, ‘Now you must rest, for you ought not to + have come out. Lie down, and let mamma read to you.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was reluctant, but Amy looked up earnestly and said, ‘Yes, + dear mamma, I should like to be alone a little while.’ + </p> + <p> + She then conducted her father to the sitting-room up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will give you the papers,’ she said; and leaving him, returned + immediately. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is his will,’ she said. ‘You will tell me if there is anything I + must do at once. Here is a letter to Mr. Markham, and another to Mr. + Dixon, if you will be so kind as to write and enclose them. Thank you, + dear papa.’ + </p> + <p> + She drew a blotting-book towards him, saw that there was ink and pen, and + left him too much appalled at her ways to say anything. + </p> + <p> + His task was less hard than the one she had set her mother. Strong + excitement had carried Philip to the grave-yard as soon as he learnt what + was passing. He could hardly return even with Arnaud’s support, and he had + only just reached the sofa before he fell into a fainting-fit. + </p> + <p> + It was long before he gave any sign of returning life, and when he opened + his eyes and saw Mrs. Edmonstone, he closed them almost immediately, as if + unable to meet her look. It was easier to treat him in his swoon than + afterwards. She knew nothing of his repentance and confession; she only + knew he had abused her confidence, led Laura to act insincerely, and been + the cause of Guy’s death. She did not know how bitterly he accused + himself, and though she could not but see he was miserable, she could by + no means fathom his wretchedness, nor guess that her very presence made + him conscious how far he was fallen. He was so ill that she could not + manifest her displeasure, nor show anything but solicitude for his relief; + but her kindness was entirely to his condition, not to himself; and + perceiving this, while he thought his confession had been received, + greatly aggravated his distress, though he owned within himself that he + well deserved it. + </p> + <p> + She found that he was in no state for being read to; he was completely + exhausted, and suffering from violent headache. So when she could + conscientiously say that to be left quiet was the best thing for him, she + went to her daughter. + </p> + <p> + Amabel was lying on her bed, her Bible open by her; not exactly reading, + but as if she was now and then finding a verse and dwelling on it. Gentle + and serene she looked; but would she never weep? would those quiet blue + eyes be always sleepless and tearless? + </p> + <p> + She asked anxiously for Philip, and throughout the day he seemed to be her + care. She did not try to get up and go to him, but she was continually + begging her mother to see about him. It was a harassing day for poor Mrs. + Edmonstone. She would have been glad to have sat by Amabel all the time, + writing to Charles, or hearing her talk. Amy had much to say, for she + wished to make her mother share the perfect peace and thankfulness that + had been breathed upon her during those last hours with her husband, and + she liked to tell the circumstances of his illness and his precious + sayings, to one who would treasure them almost like herself. She spoke + with her face turned away, so as not to see her mother’s tears, but her + mild voice unwavering, as if secure in the happiness of these + recollections. This was the only comfort of Mrs. Edmonstone’s day, but + when she heard her husband’s boots creaking in the corridor, it was a sure + sign that he was in some perplexity, and that she must go and help him to + write a letter, or make some arrangement. Philip, too, needed attention; + but excellent nurse as Mrs. Edmonstone was, she only made him worse. The + more he felt she was his kind aunt still, the more he saw how he had + wounded her, and that her pardon was an effort. The fond, spontaneous, + unreserved affection—almost petting—which he had well-nigh + dared to contemn, was gone; her manner was only that of a considerate + nurse. Much as he longed for a word of Laura, he did not dare to lead to + it,—indeed, he was so far from speaking to her of any subject which + touched him, that he did not presume even to inquire for Amabel, he only + heard of her through Arnaud. + </p> + <p> + At night sheer exhaustion worked its own cure; he slept soundly, and awoke + in the morning revived. He heard from Arnaud that Lady Morville was pretty + well, but had not slept; and presently Mrs. Edmonstone came in and took + pains to make him comfortable, but with an involuntary dryness of manner. + She told him his uncle would come to see him as soon as he was up, if he + felt equal to talking over some business. Philip’s brain reeled with + dismay and consternation, for it flashed on him that he was heir of + Redclyffe. He must profit by the death he had caused; he had slain, and he + must take possession of the lands which, with loathing and horror, he + remembered that he had almost coveted. Nothing more was wanting. There was + little consolation in remembering that the inheritance would clear away + all difficulties in the way of his marriage. He had sinned; wealth did not + alter his fault, and his spirit could not brook that if spurned in + poverty, he should be received for his riches. He honoured his aunt for + being cold and reserved, and could not bear the idea of seeing his uncle + ready to meet him half-way. + </p> + <p> + After the first shock he became anxious to have the meeting over, know the + worst, and hear on what ground he stood with Laura. As soon as he was + dressed, he sent a message to announce that he was ready, and lay on the + sofa awaiting his uncle’s arrival, as patiently as he could. Mr. + Edmonstone, meantime, was screwing up his courage—not that he meant + to say a word of Laura,—Philip was too unwell to be told his opinion + of him, but now he had ceased to rely on his nephew, he began to dread him + and his overbearing ways; and besides he had a perfect horror of + witnessing agitation. + </p> + <p> + At last he came, and Philip rose to meet him with a feeling of shame and + inferiority most new to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t, don’t, I beg,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, with what was meant for + dignity. ‘Lie still; you had much better. My stars! how ill you look!’ he + exclaimed, startled by Philip’s altered face and figure. ‘You have had a + sharpish touch; but you are better, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; I thought I had better come and speak to you, if you felt up to it. + Here is—here is—I hope it is all right and legal; but that you + can tell better than I; and you are concerned in it anyhow. Here is poor + Guy’s will, which we thought you had better look over, if you liked, and + felt equal, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Philip, holding out his hand; but Mr. Edmonstone + withheld it, trying his patience by an endless quantity of discursive + half-sentences, apparently without connection with each other, about + disappointment, and hopes, and being sorry, and prospects, and its ‘being + an unpleasant thing,’ and ‘best not raise his expectations:’ during all + which time Philip, expecting to hear of Laura, and his heart beating so + fast as to renew the sensation of faintness, waited in vain, and strove to + gather the meaning, and find out whether he was forgiven, almost doubting + whether the confusion was in his own mind or in his uncle’s words. + However, at last the meaning bolted out in one comprehensive sentence, + when Mr. Edmonstone thought he had sufficiently prepared him for his + disappointment,—‘Poor Amy is to be confined in the spring.’ + </p> + <p> + There Mr. Edmonstone stopped short, very much afraid of the effect; but + Philip raised himself, his face brightened, as if he was greatly relieved, + and from his heart he exclaimed, ‘Thank Heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right! that is very well said!’ answered Mr. Edmonstone, very much + pleased. ‘It would be a pity it should go out of the old line after all; + and it’s a very generous thing in you to say so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no!’ said Philip, shrinking into himself at even such praise as this. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ said his uncle, ‘you will see he has thought of you, be it + how it may. There! I only hope it is right; though it does seem rather + queer, appointing poor little Amy executor rather than me. If I had but + been here in time! But ‘twas Heaven’s will; and so—It does not + signify, after all, if it is not quite formal. We understand each other.’ + </p> + <p> + The will was on a sheet of letter-paper, in Arnaud’s stiff French + handwriting; it was witnessed by the two Mr. Morrises, and signed on the + 27th of September, in very frail and feeble characters. Amabel and Markham + were the executors, and Amabel was to be sole guardian, in case of the + birth of a child. If it was a son, £1O,OOO was left to Philip himself; if + not, he was to have all the plate, furniture, &c., of Redclyffe, with + the exception of whatever Lady Morville might choose for herself. + </p> + <p> + Philip scarcely regarded the legacy (though it smoothed away his chief + difficulties) as more than another of those ill-requited benefits which + were weighing him to the earth. He read on to a sentence which reproached + him so acutely, that he would willingly have hidden from it, as he had + done from Guy’s countenance. It was the bequest of £5000 to Elizabeth + Wellwood. Sebastian Dixon’s debts were to be paid off; £1000 was left to + Marianne Dixon, and the rest of the personal property was to be Amabel’s. + </p> + <p> + He gave back the paper, with only the words ‘Thank you.’ He did not feel + as if it was for him to speak; and Mr. Edmonstone hesitated, made an + attempt at congratulating him, broke down, and asked if it was properly + drawn up. He glanced at the beginning and end, said it was quite correct, + and laid his head down, as if the examination had been a great deal of + trouble. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you think of Amy’s being under age?’ fidgeted on Mr. + Edmonstone. ‘How is she to act, poor dear! Shall I act for her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will soon be of age,’ said Philip, wearily. + </p> + <p> + ‘In January, poor darling. Who would have thought how it would have been + with her? I little thought, last May—but, holloa! what have I been + at?’ cried he, jumping up in a great fright, as Philip, so weak as to be + overcome by the least agitation, changed countenance, covered his face + with his hands, and turned away with a suppressed sob. ‘I didn’t mean it, + I am sure! Here! mamma!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ said Philip, recovering, and sitting up; ‘don’t call her, I beg. + There is nothing the matter.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone obeyed, but he was too much afraid of causing a renewal of + agitation to continue the conversation; and after walking about the room a + little while, and shaking it more than Philip could well bear, he went + away to write his letters. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Amabel had been spending her morning in the same quiet + way as the former day. She wrote part of a letter to Laura, and walked to + the graveyard, rather against her mother’s wish; but she was so good and + obedient, it was impossible to thwart her, though Mrs. Edmonstone was + surprised at her proposal to join her father and Philip at tea. ‘Do you + like it, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He told me to take care of him,’ said Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot feel that he deserves you should worry yourself about him,’ said + Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘If you knew all—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do know all, mamma,—if you mean about Laura. Surely you must + forgive. Think how he repents. What, have you not had his letter? Then how + did you know?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I learned it from Laura herself. Her trouble at his illness revealed it. + Do you say he has written?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, mamma; he told Guy all about it, and was very sorry, and wrote as + soon as he was able. Guy sent you a long message. He was so anxious about + it.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel showed more eagerness to understand the state of the case, than she + had about anything else. She urged that Philip should be spoken to, as + soon as possible, saying the suspense must be grievous, and dwelling on + his repentance. Mrs. Edmonstone promised to speak to papa, and this + satisfied her; but she held her resolution of meeting Philip that evening, + looking on him as a charge left her by her husband, and conscious that, as + she alone understood how deep was his sorrow, she could make the time + spent with her parents less embarrassing. + </p> + <p> + Her presence always soothed him, and regard for her kept her father quiet; + so that the evening passed off very well. Mrs. Edmonstone waited on both; + and, in Amy’s presence, was better able to resume her usual manner towards + her nephew, and he sat wondering at the placidity of Amy’s pale face. Her + hair was smoothed back, and she wore a cap,—the loss of her long + shady curls helping to mark the change from the bright days of her + girlhood; but the mournfulness of her countenance did not mar the purity + and serenity that had always been its great characteristic; and in the + faint sweet smile with which she received a kind word or attention, there + was a likeness to that peculiar and beautiful expression of her husband’s, + so as, in spite of the great difference of feature and colouring, to give + her a resemblance to him. + </p> + <p> + All this day had been spent by Mr. Edmonstone in a fret to get away from + Recoara, and his wife was hardly less desirous to leave it than himself, + for she could have no peace or comfort about Amabel, till she had her + safely at home. Still she dreaded proposing the departure, and even more + the departure itself; and, in spite of Mr. Edmonstone’s impatience, she + let her alone till she had her mourning; but when, after two days of hard + work, Anne had nearly managed to complete it, she made up her mind to tell + her daughter that they ought to set out. + </p> + <p> + Amabel replied by mentioning Philip. She deemed him a sort of trust, and + had been reposing in the thought of making him a reason for lingering in + the scene where the brightness of her life had departed from her. Mrs. + Edmonstone would not allow that she ought to remain for his sake, and told + her it was her duty to resolve to leave the place. She said, ‘Yes, but for + him;’ and it ended in Mrs. Edmonstone going, without telling her, to + inform him that she thought Amy ought to be at home as soon as possible; + but that it was difficult to prevail on her, because she thought him as + yet not well enough to be left. He was, of course, shocked at being thus + considered, and as soon as he next saw Amabel, told her, with great + earnestness, that he could not bear to see her remaining there on his + account; that he was almost well, and meant to leave Recoara very soon; + the journey was very easy, the sea voyage would be the best thing for him, + and he should be glad to get to the regimental doctor at Corfu. + </p> + <p> + Amabel sighed, and knew she ought to be convinced. The very pain it gave + her to lose sight of that green, grave, the chestnut-tree, and the white + mountain; to leave the rooms and passages which still, to her ears, were + haunted by Guy’s hushed step and voice, and to part with the window where + she used each wakeful night to retrace his profile as he had stood pausing + before telling her of his exceeding happiness; that very pain made her + think that opposition would be selfish. She must go some time or other, + and it was foolish to defer the struggle; she must not detain her parents + in an infected place, nor keep her mother from Charles. She therefore + consented, and let them do what they pleased,—only insisting on + Arnaud’s being left with Philip. + </p> + <p> + Philip did not think this necessary, but yielded, when she urged it as a + relief to her own mind; and Arnaud, though unwilling, and used to his own + way, could make no objection when she asked it as a personal favour. + Arnaud was, at his own earnest wish, to continue in her service; and, as + soon as Philip was able to embark, was to follow her to Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + All this time nothing passed about Laura. Amabel asked several times + whether papa had spoken, but was always answered, ‘Not yet;’ and at last + Mrs. Edmonstone, after vainly trying to persuade him, was obliged to give + it up. The truth was, he could not begin; he was afraid of his nephew, and + so unused to assume superiority over him that he did not know what to do, + and found all kinds of reasons for avoiding the embarrassing scene. Since + Philip still must be dealt with cautiously, better not enter on the + subject at all. When reminded that the suspense was worse than anything, + he said, no one could tell how things would, turn out, and grew angry with + his wife for wishing him to make up a shameful affair like that, when poor + Guy had not been dead a week, and he had been the death of him; but it was + just like mamma, she always spoilt him. He had a great mind to vow never + to consent to his daughter’s marrying such an overbearing, pragmatical + fellow; she ought to be ashamed of even thinking of him, when he was no + better than her brother’s murderer. + </p> + <p> + After this tirade, Mrs. Edmonstone might well feel obliged to tell Amabel, + that papa must not be pressed any further; and, of course, if he would not + speak, she could not (nor did she wish it). + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, mamma,’ said Amabel, with the air of decision that had lately grown + on her, ‘I must tell him. I beg your pardon,’ she added, imploringly; ‘but + indeed I must. It is hard on him not to hear that you had not his letter, + and that Laura has told. I know Guy would wish me, so don’t be displeased, + dear mamma.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t be displeased with anything you do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you give me leave?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure I do,—leave to do anything but hurt yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And would it be wrong for me to offer to write to him? No one else will, + and it will be sad for him not to hear. It cannot be wrong, can it?’ said + she, as the fingers of her right hand squeezed her wedding-ring, a habit + she had taken up of late. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not, my poor darling. Do just as you think fit. I am sorry for + him, for I am sure he is in great trouble, and I should like him to be + comforted—if he can. But, Amy, you must not ask me to do it. He has + disappointed me too much.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone left the room in tears. + </p> + <p> + Amabel went up to the window, looked long at the chestnut-tree, then up + into the sky, sat down, and leant her forehead on her hand in meditation, + until she rose up, cheered and sustained, as if she had been holding + council with her husband. + </p> + <p> + She did not over-estimate Philip’s sufferings from suspense and anxiety. + He had not heard a word of Laura; how she had borne his illness, nor how + much displeasure his confession had brought upon her; nor could he learn + what hope there was that his repentance was accepted. He did not venture + to ask; for after engaging to leave all to them, could he intrude his own + concerns on them at such a time? It was but a twelvemonth since he had + saddened and shadowed Guy’s short life and love with the very suffering + from uncertainty that he found so hard to bear. As he remembered this, he + had a sort of fierce satisfaction in enduring this retributive justice; + though there were moods when he felt the torture so acutely, that it + seemed to him as if his brain would turn if he saw them depart, and was + left behind to this distracting doubt. + </p> + <p> + The day had come, on which they were to take their first stage, as far as + Vicenza, and his last hopes were fading. He tried to lose the sense of + misery by bestirring himself in the preparations; but he was too weak, and + Mrs. Edmonstone, insisting on his attempting no more, sent him back: to + his own sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + Presently there was a knock, and in came Amabel, dressed, for the first + time, in her weeds, the blackness and width of her sweeping crape making + her young face look smaller and paler, while she held in her hand some + leaves of chestnut, that showed where she had been. She smiled a little as + she came in, saying, ‘I am come to you for a little quiet, out of the + bustle of packing up. I want you to do something for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anything for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is what you will like to do,’ said she, with <i>that</i> smile, ‘for + it is more for <i>him</i> than for me. Could you, without teasing + yourself, put that into Latin for me, by and by? I think it should be in + Latin, as it is in a foreign country.’ + </p> + <p> + She gave him a paper in her own writing. + </p> + <p> + GUY MORVILLE, OF REDCLYFFE, ENGLAND. DIED THE EVE OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL + ANGELS, 18—AGED 21 1/2. I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you be so kind as to give it to Arnaud when it is done?’ she + continued; ‘he will send it to the man who is making the cross. I think + the kind people here will respect it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Philip,’ it is soon done, and thank you for letting me do it. + But, Amy, I would not alter your choice; yet there is one that seems to me + more applicable “Greater love hath no man—“’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know what you mean,’ said Amy; ‘but that has so high a meaning that he + could not bear it to be applied to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or rather, what right have I to quote it?’ said Philip, bitterly. ‘His + friend! No, Amy; you should rather choose, “If thine enemy thirst, give + him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” I + am sure they are burning on mine,’ and he pressed his hand on his + forehead. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t say such things. We both know that, at the worst of times, he + looked on you as a sincere friend.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip groaned, and she thought it best to go on to something else. ‘I + like this best,’ she said. ‘It will be nice to think of far away. I should + like, too, for these Italians to see the stranger has the same creed as + themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + After a moment’s pause, during which he looked at the paper, he said, + ‘Amy, I have one thing to ask of you. Will you write my name in the + Prayer-book?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I will,’ said she, and Philip drew it from under the sofa cushion, + and began putting together his pocket gold pen. While he was doing this, + she said, ‘Will you write to me sometimes? I shall be so anxious to know + how you get on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, thank you,’ said he; with a sigh, as if he would fain have said + more. + </p> + <p> + She paused; then said, abruptly, ‘Do you know they never had your letter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! Good heavens!’ cried he, starting up in consternation; ‘then they + don’t know it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They do. Sit down, Philip, and hear. I wanted to tell you about it. They + know it. Poor Laura was so unhappy when you were ill, that mamma made it + out from her.’ + </p> + <p> + He obeyed the hand that invited him back to his seat, and turned his face + earnestly towards her. He must let her be his comforter, though a moment + before his mind would have revolted at troubling the newly-made widow with + his love affairs. Amabel told him, as fully and clearly as she could, how + the truth had come out, how gently Laura had been dealt with, how Charles + had been trying to soften his father, and papa had not said one angry word + to her. + </p> + <p> + ‘They forgive her. Oh, Amy, thanks indeed! You have taken away one of the + heaviest burdens. I am glad, indeed, that she spoke first. For my own + part, I see through all their kindness and consideration how they regard + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They know how sorry you are, and that you wrote to tell all,’ said + Amabel. ‘They forgive, indeed they do; but they cannot bear to speak about + it just yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you forgive, Amy,’ said he, in a husky voice, ‘I may hope for pardon + from any.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! don’t say that. You have been so kind, all this time, and we have + felt together so much, that no one could help forgetting anything that + went before. Then you will write to me; and will you tell me how to direct + to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will write to me?’ cried Philip, brightening for a moment with glad + surprise. ‘Oh, Amy, you will quite overpower me with your goodness!—The + coals of fire,’ he finished, sinking his voice, and again pressing his + hand to his brow. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must not speak so, Philip,’ then looking at him, ‘Is your head + aching?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so much aching as—’ he paused, and exclaimed, as if carried + away in spite of himself, ‘almost bursting with the thoughts of—of + you, Amy,—of him whom I knew too late,—wilfully misunderstood, + envied, persecuted; who,—oh! Amy, Amy, if you could guess at the + anguish of but one of my thoughts, you would know what the first murderer + meant when he said, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t say don’t think,’ said Amy, in her sweet, calm tone; ‘for I have + seen how happy repentance made him, but I know it must be dreadful. I + suppose the worse it is at the time, the better it must be afterwards. And + I am sure this Prayer-book’—she had her hand on it all the time, as + if it was a pleasure to her to touch it again—‘must be a comfort to + you. Did you not see that he made me give it to you to use that day, when, + if ever, there was pardon and peace—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember,’ said Philip, in a low, grave, heartfelt tone; and as she + took the pen, and was writing his name below the old inscription, he + added, ‘And the date, Amy, and—yes,’ as he saw her write ‘From G. + M.’—‘but put from A. F. M. too. Thank you! One thing more;’ he + hesitated, and spoke very low, ‘You <i>must</i> write in it what you said + when you came to fetch me that day,—“A broken”’— + </p> + <p> + As she finished writing, Mrs. Edmonstone came in. ‘My Amy, all is ready. + We must go. Good-bye, Philip,’ said she, in the tone of one so eager for + departure as to fancy farewells would hasten it. However, she was not more + eager than Mr. Edmonstone, who rushed in to hurry them on, shaking hands + cordially with Philip, and telling him to make haste and recover his good + looks. Amabel held out her hand. She would fain have said something + cheering, but the power failed her. A deep colour came into her cheeks; + she drew her thick black veil over her face, and turned away. + </p> + <p> + Philip came down-stairs with them, saw her enter the carriage followed by + her mother, Mr. Edmonstone outside. He remembered the gay smile with which + he last saw her seated in that carriage, and the active figure that had + sprung after her; he thought of the kind bright eyes that had pleaded with + him for the last time, and recollected the suspicions and the pride with + which he had plumed himself on his rejection, and thrown away the last + chance. + </p> + <p> + Should he ever see Amabel again? He groaned and went back to the deserted + rooms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 37 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And see + If aught of sprightly, fresh, or free, + With the calm sweetness may compare + Of the pale form half slumbering there. + Therefore this one dear couch about + We linger hour by hour: + The love that each to each we bear, + All treasures of enduring care, + Into her lap we pour. + —LYRA INNOCENTUM +</pre> + <p> + The brother and sisters, left at home together, had been a very sad and + silent party, unable to attempt comforting each other. Charlotte’s grief + was wild and ungovernable; breaking out into fits of sobbing, and + attending to nothing till she was abashed first by a reproof from Mr. + Ross, and next by the description of Amabel’s conduct; when she grew + ashamed and set herself to atone, by double care, for her neglect of + Charles’s comforts. + </p> + <p> + Charles, however, wanted her little. He had rather be let alone. After one + exclamation of, ‘My poor Amy!’ he said not a word of lamentation, but lay + hour after hour without speaking, dwelling on the happy days he had spent + with Guy,—companion, friend, brother,—the first beam that had + brightened his existence, and taught him to make it no longer cheerless; + musing on the brilliant promise that had been cut off; remembering his + hopes for his most beloved sister, and feeling his sorrow with imagining + hers. It was his first grief, and a very deep one. He seemed to have no + comfort but in Mr. Ross, who contrived to come to him every day, and would + tell him how fully he shared his affection and admiration for Guy, how he + had marvelled at his whole character, as it had shown itself more + especially at the time of his marriage, when his chastened temper had been + the more remarkable in so young a man, with the world opening on him so + brightly. As to the promise lost, that, indeed, Mr. Ross owned, and + pleased Charles by saying how he had hoped to watch its fulfilment; but he + spoke of its having been, in truth, no blight, only that those fair + blossoms were removed where nothing could check their full development or + mar their beauty. ‘The hope in earthly furrows sown, would ripen in the + sky;’ Charles groaned, saying it was hard not to see it, and they might + speak as they would, but that would not comfort him in thinking of his + sister. What was his sorrow to hers? But Mr. Ross had strong trust in + Amabel’s depth and calm resignation. He said her spirit of yielding would + support her, that as in drowning or falling, struggling is fatal, when + quietness saves, so it would be with her: and that even in this greatest + of all trials she would rise instead of being crushed, with all that was + good and beautiful in her purified and refined. Charles heard, strove to + believe and be consoled, and brought out his letters, trying, with voice + breaking down, to show Mr. Ross how truly he had judged of Amy, then + listened with a kind of pleasure to the reports of the homely but touching + laments of all the village. + </p> + <p> + Laura did not, like her brother and sister, seek for consolation from Mr. + Ross or Mary. She went on her own way, saying little, fulfilling her + household cares, writing all the letters that nobody else would write, + providing for Charles’s ease, and looking thoroughly cast down and + wretched, but saying nothing; conscious that her brother and sister did + not believe her affection for Guy equal to theirs; and Charles was too + much dejected, and too much displeased with Philip, to try to console her. + </p> + <p> + It was a relief to hear, at length, that the travellers had landed, and + would be at home in the evening, not till late, wrote Mrs. Edmonstone, + because she thought it best for Amabel to go at once to her room, her own + old room, for she particularly wished not to be moved from it. + </p> + <p> + The evening had long closed in; poor Bustle had been shut up in + Charlotte’s room, and the three sat together round the fire, unable to + guess how they should meet her, and thinking how they had lately been + looking forward to greeting their bride, as they used proudly to call her. + Charles dwelt on that talk on the green, and his ‘when shall we three meet + again?’ and spoke not a word; Laura tried to read; and Charlotte heard + false alarms of wheels; but all were so still, that when the wheels really + came, they were heard all down the turnpike road, and along the lane, + before they sounded on the gravel drive. + </p> + <p> + Laura and Charlotte ran into the hall, Charles reached his crutches, but + his hands shook so much that he could not adjust them, and was obliged to + sit down, rising the next minute as the black figures entered together. + Amy’s sweet face was pressed to his, but neither spoke. That agitated ‘My + dear, dear Charlie!’ was his mother’s, as she threw her arms around him, + with redoubled kisses and streaming tears; and there was a trembling tone + in his father’s ‘Well, Charlie boy, how have you got on without us?’ + </p> + <p> + They sat down, Charles with his sister beside him, and holding a hand + steadier than his own, but hot and feverish to the touch. He leant forward + to look at her face, and, as if in answer, she turned it on him. It was + the old face, paler and thinner, and the eyelids had a hard reddened look, + from want of sleep: but Charles, like his mother at first, was almost awed + by the melancholy serenity of the expression. ‘Have you been quite well?’ + she asked, in a voice which sounded strangely familiar, in its fond, low + tones. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, quite.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, followed by an interchange of question and answer + between the others, on the journey, and on various little home + circumstances. Presently Mrs. Edmonstone said Amy had better come + up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not seen Bustle,’ said Amy, looking at Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is in my room,’ faltered Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to see him.’ + </p> + <p> + Charlotte hastened away, glad to wipe her tears when outside the door. + Poor Bustle had been watching for his master ever since his departure, and + hearing the sounds of arrival, was wild to escape from his prison. He + rushed out the moment the door was open, and was scratching to be let into + the drawing-room before Charlotte could come up with him. He dashed in, + laid his head on Amabel’s knee, and wagged his tail for welcome; gave the + same greeting to Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, but only for a moment, for he + ran restlessly seeking round the room, came to the door, and by his + wistful looks made Charlotte let him out. She followed him, and dropping + on her knees as soon as she was outside, pressed her forehead to his + glossy black head, whispered that it was of no use, he would never come + back. The dog burst from her, and the next moment was smelling and wagging + his tail at a portmanteau, which he knew as well as she did, and she could + hardly refrain from a great outburst of sobbing as she thought what joy + its arrival had hitherto been. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Bustle bounded away, and as Charlotte stood trying to compose + herself enough to return to the drawing-room, she heard the poor fellow + whining to be let in at Guy’s bed-room door. At the same time the + drawing-room door opened, and anxious that Amy should neither see nor hear + him, she ran after him, admitted him, and shut herself in with him in the + dark, where, with her hands in his long silky curls, and sitting on the + ground, she sobbed over him as long as he would submit to her caresses. + </p> + <p> + Amabel meantime returned to her room, and looked round on its well-known + aspect with a sad smile, as she thought of the prayer with which she had + quitted it on her bridal day, and did not feel as if it had been + unanswered; for surely the hand of a Father had been with her to support + her through her great affliction. + </p> + <p> + Though she said she was very well, her mother made her go to bed at once, + and Laura attended on her with a sort of frightened, respectful + tenderness, hardly able to bear her looks of gratitude. The first time the + two sisters were alone, Amabel said, ‘Philip is much better.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura, who was settling some things on the table, started back and + coloured, then, unable to resist the desire of hearing of him, looked + earnestly at her sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is gone to Corfu,’ continued Amabel. ‘He only kept Arnaud three days + after we were gone, and Arnaud overtook us at Geneva, saying his strength + had improved wonderfully. Will you give me my basket? I should like to + read you a piece of a note he sent me.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura brought it, and Amabel, holding her hand, looked up at her face, + which she vainly tried to keep in order. ‘Dearest, I have been very sorry + for you, and so has Guy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy!’ and Laura found herself giving way to her tears, in spite of all + her previous exhortations to Charlotte, about self-control; ‘my own, own + sister!’ To have Amy at home was an unspeakable comfort. + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa and mamma were both as kind as possible to Philip,’ continued + Amabel; ‘but they could not bear to enter on <i>that</i>. So I told him + you had told all, and he was very glad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was not displeased at my betraying him?’ exclaimed Laura. ‘Oh, no! he + was glad; he said it was a great relief, for he was very anxious about + you, Laura. He has been so kind to me,’ said Amabel, so earnestly, that + Laura received another comfort, that of knowing that her sister’s + indignation against him had all passed by. ‘Now I will read you what he + says. You see his writing is quite itself again.’ + </p> + <p> + But Laura observed that Amabel only held towards her the ‘Lady Morville’ + on the outside, keeping the note to herself, and reading, ‘I have + continued to gain strength since you went; so that there is no further + need of detaining Arnaud. I have twice been out of doors, and am convinced + that I am equal to the journey; indeed, it is hardly possible for me to + endure remaining here any longer.’ She read no more, but folded it up, + saying, ‘I had rather no one saw the rest. He makes himself so unhappy + about that unfortunate going to Sondrio, that he says what is only painful + to hear. I am glad he is able to join his regiment, for a change will be + the best thing for him.’ + </p> + <p> + She laid her head on the pillow as if she had done with the subject, and + Laura did not venture to pursue it, but went down to hear her mother’s + account of her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone was feeling it a great comfort to have her son to talk to + again, and availed herself of it to tell him of Philip, while Laura was + absent, and then to return to speak of Amy on Laura’s re-entrance. She + said, all through the journey, Amy had been as passive and tranquil as + possible, chiefly leaning back in the carriage in silence, excepting that + when they finally left the view of the snowy mountains, she gazed after + them as long as the least faint cloud-like summit was visible. Still she + could not sleep, except that now and then she dozed a little in the + carriage, but at night she heard every hour strike in turn, and lay awake + through all, nor had she shed one tear since her mother had joined her. + Mrs. Edmonstone’s anxiety was very great, for she said she knew Amy must + pay for that unnatural calmness, and the longer it was before it broke + down, the worse it would be for her. However, she was at home, that was + one thing to be thankful for, and happen what might, it could not be as + distressing as if it had been abroad. + </p> + <p> + Another night of ‘calm unrest,’ and Amabel rose in the morning, at her + usual hour, to put on the garments of her widowhood, where she had last + stood as a bride. Charles was actually startled by her entering the + dressing-room, just as she used to do, before breakfast, to read with him, + and her voice was as steady as ever. She breakfasted with the family, and + came up afterwards with Laura, to unpack her dressing-case, and take out + the little treasures that she and her husband had enjoyed buying in the + continental towns, as presents for the home party. + </p> + <p> + All this, for which she had previously prepared herself, she underwent as + quietly as possible; but something unexpected came on her. Charlotte, + trying to pet and comfort her in every possible way, brought in all the + best flowers still lingering in the garden, and among them a last blossom + of the Noisette rose, the same of which Guy had been twisting a spray, + while he first told her of his love. + </p> + <p> + It was too much. It recalled his perfect health and vigour, his light + activity, and enjoyment of life, and something came on her of the + sensation we feel for an insect, one moment full of joyous vitality, the + next, crushed and still. She had hitherto thought of his feverish thirst + and fainting weariness being at rest, and felt the relief, or else + followed his spirit to its repose, and rejoiced; but now the whole scene + brought back what he once was; his youthful, agile frame, his eyes dancing + in light, his bounding step, his gay whistle, the strong hand that had + upheld her on the precipice, the sure foot that had carried aid to the + drowning sailors, the arm that was to have been her stay for life, all + came on her in contrast with—death! The thought swept over her, + carrying away every other, and she burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + The tears would have their course; she could not restrain them when once + they began, and her struggles to check them only brought an increase of + them. Her sobs grew so violent that Laura, much alarmed, made a sign to + Charlotte to fetch her mother; and Mrs. Edmonstone, coming in haste, found + it was indeed the beginning of a frightful hysterical attack. The bodily + frame had been overwrought to obey the mental firmness and composure, and + now nature asserted her rights; the hysterics returned again and again, + and when it seemed as if exhaustion had at length produced quiet, the + opening of a door, or a sound in the distance, would renew all again. + </p> + <p> + It was not till night had closed in that Mrs. Edmonstone was at all + satisfied about her, and had at length the comfort of seeing her fall into + a sound deep sleep; such an unbroken dreamless sleep as had scarcely + visited her since she first went to Recoara. Even this sleep did not + restore her; she became very unwell, and both Dr. Mayerne and her mother + insisted on her avoiding the least exertion or agitation. She was quite + submissive, only begging earnestly to be allowed to see Mr. Ross, saying + she knew it would do her good rather than harm, and promising to let him + leave her the instant she found it too much for her; and though Mrs. + Edmonstone was reluctant and afraid, they agreed that as she was so + reasonable and docile, she ought to be allowed to judge for herself. + </p> + <p> + She begged that he might come after church on All Saints’ day. He came, + and after his first greeting of peace, Mrs. Edmonstone signed to him to + read at once, instead of speaking to her. The beautiful lesson for the day + overcame Mrs. Edmonstone so much that she was obliged to go out of + Amabel’s sight, but as the words were read, Amy’s face recovered once more + the serenity that had been swept away by the sight of the flowers. Peace + had returned, and when the calm every-day words of the service were over, + she held out her hand to Mr. Ross, and said, ‘Thank you, that was very + nice. Now talk to me.’ + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult request, but Mr. Ross understood her, and talked to her + as she sought, in a gentle, deep, high strain of hope and faith, very calm + and soothing, and with a fatherly kindness that was very pleasant from him + who had baptized her, taught her, and whom she had last seen blessing her + and her husband. It ended by her looking up to him when it was time for + him to go, and saying, ‘Thank you. You will come again when you have time, + I hope. My love to dear Mary, I should like to see her soon, but I knew + you would do me more good than anybody, and know better how it feels.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ross knew she meant that he must better understand her loss, because + he was a widower, and was greatly touched, though he only answered by a + blessing, a farewell, and a promise to come very soon to see her again. + </p> + <p> + Amabel was right, the peace which he had recalled, and the power of + resignation that had returned, had a better effect on her than all her + mother’s precautions; she began to improve, and in a few days more was + able to leave her bed, and lie on the sofa in the dressing-room, though + she was still so weak and languid that this was as much as she could + attempt. Any exertion was to be carefully guarded against, and her tears + now flowed so easily, that she was obliged to keep a check on them lest + they might again overpower her. Mr. Ross came again and again, and she was + able to tell him much of the grounds for her great happiness in Guy, hear + how entirely he had understood him, and be assured that she had done + right, and not taken an undue responsibility on herself by the argument + she had used to summon Philip, that last evening. She had begun to make + herself uneasy about this; for she said she believed she was thinking of + nothing but Guy, and had acted on impulse; and she was very glad Mr. Ross + did not think it wrong, while Mr. Ross meanwhile was thinking how fears + and repentance mingle with the purest sweetest, holiest deeds. + </p> + <p> + She was able now to take pleasure in seeing Mary Ross; she wrote to Philip + at Corfu, and sent for Markham to begin to settle the executor’s business. + Poor Markham! the Edmonstones thought he looked ten years older when he + arrived, and after his inquiry for Lady Morville, his grunt almost + amounted to a sob. The first thing he did was to give Mrs. Edmonstone a + note, and a little box sent from Mrs. Ashford. The note was to say that + Mrs. Ashford had intended for her wedding present, a little cross made out + of part of the wood of the wreck, which she now thought it beat to send to + Mrs. Edmonstone, that she might judge whether Lady Morville would like to + see it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone’s judgment was to carry it at once to Amabel, and she was + right, for the pleasure she took in it was indescribable. She fondled it, + set it up by her on her little table, made Charlotte put it in different + places that she might see what point of view suited it best, had it given + back to her, held it in her hands caressingly, and said she must write at + once to Mrs. Ashford to thank her for understanding her so well. There was + scarcely one of the mourners to be pitied more than Markham, for the love + he had set on Sir Guy had been intense, compounded of feudal affection, + devoted admiration, and paternal care—and that he, the very flower + of the whole race, should thus have been cut down in the full blossom of + his youth and hopes, was almost more than the old man could bear or + understand. It was a great sorrow, too, that he should be buried so far + away from his forefathers; and the hearing it was by his own desire, did + not satisfy him, he sighed over it still, and seemed to derive a shade of + comfort only when he was told there was to be a tablet in Redclyffe church + to the memory of Guy, sixth baronet. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Markham became very confidential with Charles; telling him + about the grievous mourning and lamentation at Redclyffe, when the bells + rung a knell instead of greeting the young master and his bride, and how + there was scarcely one in the parish that did not feel as if they had lost + a son or a brother. He also told more and more of Sir Guy’s excellence, + and talked of fears of his own, especially last Christmas; that the boy + was too unlike other people, too good to live; and lastly, he indulged in + a little abuse of Captain Morville, which did Charles’s heart good, at the + same time as it amused him to think how Markham would recollect it, when + he came to hear of Laura’s engagement. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the next day, Markham had his conference with Lady + Morville in the dressing-room, and brought her two or three precious + parcels, which he would not, for the world, have given into any other + hands. He could hardly bear to look at her in her widow’s cap, and behaved + to her with a manner varying between his deference and respect to the Lady + of Redclyffe, and his fatherly fondness for the wife of ‘his boy.’ As to + her legal powers, he would have thought them foolishly bestowed, if they + had been conferred by any one save his own Sir Guy, and he began by not + much liking to act with her; but he found her so clear-headed, that he was + much surprised to find a woman could have so much good sense, and began to + look forward with some satisfaction to being her prime minister. They + understood each other very well; Amabel’s good sense and way of attending + to the one matter in hand, kept her from puzzling and alarming herself by + thinking she had more to do than she could ever understand or accomplish; + she knew it was Guy’s work, and a charge he had given her,—a great + proof of his confidence,—and she did all that was required of her + very well, so that matters were put in train to be completed when she + should be of age, in the course of the next January. + </p> + <p> + When Markham left her she was glad to be alone, and to open her parcels. + There was nothing here to make her hysterical, for she was going to + contemplate the living soul, and felt almost, as if it was again being + alone with her husband. There were his most prized and used books, covered + with marks and written notes; there was Laura’s drawing of Sintram, which + had lived with him in his rooms at Oxford; there was a roll of music, and + there was his desk. The first thing when she opened it was a rough piece + of spar, wrapped in paper, on which was written, ‘M. A. D., Sept. 18.’ She + remembered what he had told her of little Marianne’s gift. The next thing + made her heart thrill, for it was a slip of pencilling in her own writing, + ‘Little things, on little wings, bear little souls to heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + Her own letters tied up together, those few that she had written in the + short time they were separated just before their marriage! Could that be + only six months ago? A great bundle of Charles’s and of Mrs. Edmonstone’s; + those she might like to read another time, but not now. Many other papers + letters signed S. B. Dixon, which she threw aside, notes of lectures, and + memoranda, only precious for the handwriting; but when she came to the + lower division; she found it full of verses, almost all the poetry he had + ever written. + </p> + <p> + There were the classical translations that used to make him inaccurate, a + scrap of a very boyish epic about King Arthur, beginning with a storm at + Tintagel, sundry half ballads, the verses he was suspected of, and never + would show, that first summer at Hollywell, and a very touching vision of + his fair young mother. Except a translation or two, some words written to + suit their favourite airs (a thing that used to seem to come as easily to + him as singing to a bird), and a few lively mock heroic accounts of walks + or parties, which had all been public property, there was no more that she + could believe to have been composed till last year, for he was more + disposed to versify in sorrow than in joy. There were a good many written + during his loneliness, for his reflections had a tendency to flow into + verse, and pouring them out thus had been a great solace. The lines were + often imperfect and irregular, but not one that was not deep, pure, and + genuine, and here and there scattered with passages of exquisite beauty + and harmony, and full of power and grace. No one could have looked at them + without owning in them the marks of a thorough poet, but this was not what + the wife was seeking, and when she perceived it, though it made her face + beam with a sort of satisfied pride, it was a secondary thing. She was + studying not his intellect, but his soul; she did not care whether he + would have been a poet, what she looked for was the record of the + sufferings and struggles of the sad six months when his character was + established, strengthened, and settled. + </p> + <p> + She found it. There was much to which she alone had the clue, too deep, + and too obscurely hinted, to be understood at a glance. She met with such + evidence of suffering as made her shudder and weep, tokens of the dark + thoughts that had gathered round him, of the manful spirit of penitence + and patience that had been his stay, and of the gleams that lighted his + darkest hours, and showed he had never been quite forsaken. Now and then + came a reference which brought home what he had told her; how the thought + of his Verena had cheered him when he dared not hope she would be + restored. Best of all were the lines written when the radiance of + Christmas was, once for all, dispersing the gloom, and the vision opening + on him, which he was now realizing. In reading them, she felt the same + marvellous sympathy of subdued wondering joy in the victory of which she + had partaken as she knelt beside his death-bed. These were the last. He + had been too happy for poetry, except one or two scraps in Switzerland, + and these had been hers from the time she had detected them. + </p> + <p> + No wonder Amabel almost lived on those papers! It would not be too much to + say she was very happy in her own way when alone with them; the desk on a + chair by her sofa. They were too sacred for any one else; she did not for + many weeks show one even to her mother; but to her they were like a + renewal of his presence, soothing the craving after him that had been + growing on her ever since the first few days when his sustaining power had + not passed away. As she sorted them, and made out their dates, finding + fresh stores of meaning at each fresh perusal she learnt through them, as + well as through her own trial, so patiently borne, to enter into his + character even more fully than when he was in her sight. Mrs. Edmonstone, + who had at first been inclined to dread her constant dwelling on them, + soon perceived that they were her great aids through this sad winter. + </p> + <p> + She had much pleasure in receiving the portrait, which was sent her by Mr. + Shene. It was a day or two before she could resolve to look at it, or feel + that she could do so calmly. It was an unfinished sketch, taken more with + a view to the future picture than to the likeness; but Guy’s was a face to + be better represented by being somewhat idealized, than by copying merely + the material form of the features. An ordinary artist might have made him + like a Morville, but Mr. Shene had shown all that art could convey of his + individual self, with almost one of his unearthly looks. The beautiful + eyes, with somewhat of their peculiar lightsomeness, the flexible look of + the lip, the upward pose of the head, the set of that lock of hair that + used to wave in the wind, the animated position, ‘just ready for a start,’ + as Charles used to call it, were recalled as far as was in the power of + chalk and crayon, but so as to remind Amabel of him more as one belonging + to heaven than to earth. The picture used to be on her mantel-shelf all + night, the shipwreck cross before it, and Sintram and Redclyffe on each + side; and she brought it into the dressing-room with her in the morning, + setting it up opposite to the sofa, before settling herself. + </p> + <p> + Her days were much alike. She felt far from well, or capable of exertion, + and was glad it was thought right to keep her entirely upstairs; she only + wished to spare her mother anxiety, by being submissive to her care, in + case these cares should be the last for her. She did not dwell on the + future, nor ask herself whether she looked for life or death. Guy had + bidden her not desire the last, and she believed she did not form a wish; + but there was repose to her in the belief that she ought not to conceal + from herself that there was more than ordinary risk, and that it was right + to complete all her affairs in this world, and she was silent when her + mother tried to interest her in prospects that might cheer her; as if + afraid to fasten on them, and finding more peace in entire submission, + than in feeding herself on hope that must be coupled with fear. + </p> + <p> + Christmas-day was not allowed to pass without being a festival for her, in + her quiet room, where she lay, full of musings on his lonely Christmas + night last year, his verses folded among her precious books, and the real + joy of the season more within her grasp than in the turmoil of last year. + She was not afraid now to let herself fancy his voice in the Angel’s Song, + and the rainbow was shining on her cloud. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 38 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The coldness from my heart is gone, + But still the weight is there, + And thoughts which I abhor will come + To tempt me to despair. + —SOUTHEY +</pre> + <p> + Amabel’s one anxiety was for Philip. For a long time nothing was heard of + him at Hollywell, and she began to fear that he might have been less fit + to take care of himself than he had persuaded her to believe. When at + length tidings reached them, it was through the De Courcys. ‘Poor + Morville,’ wrote Maurice, ‘had been carried ashore at Corfu, in the stupor + of a second attack of fever. He had been in extreme danger for some time, + and though now on the mend, was still unable to give any account of + himself.’ + </p> + <p> + In effect, it was a relapse of the former disease, chiefly affecting the + brain, and his impatience to leave Recoara, and free himself from Arnaud, + had been a symptom of its approach, though it fortunately did not + absolutely overpower him till after he had embarked for Corfu, and was in + the way to be tended with the greatest solicitude. Long after the fever + was subdued, and his strength returning, his mind was astray, and even + when torturing delusions ceased, and he resumed the perception of + surrounding objects, memory and reflection wavered in dizzy confusion, + more distressing than either his bodily weakness, or the perpetual pain in + his head, which no remedy could relieve. + </p> + <p> + The first date to which he could afterwards recur, though for more than a + week he had apparently been fully himself, was a time when he was sitting + in an easy-chair by the window, obliged to avert his heavy eyes from the + dazzling waters of the Corcyran bay, where Ulysses’ transformed ship + gleamed in the sunshine, and the rich purple hills of Albania sloped + upwards in the distance. James Thorndale was, as usual, with him, and was + explaining that there had been a consultation between the doctor and the + colonel, and they had decided that as there was not much chance of + restoring his health in that climate in the spring. + </p> + <p> + ‘Spring!’ he interrupted, with surprise and eagerness, ‘Is it spring?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hardly—except that there is no winter here. This is the 8th of + January.’ + </p> + <p> + He let his head fall on his hand again, and listened with indifference + when told he was to be sent to England at once, under the care of his + servant, Bolton, and Mr. Thorndale himself, who was resolved to see him + safe in his sister’s hands. He made no objection; he had become used to be + passive, and one place was much the same to him as another; so he merely + assented, without a question about the arrangements. Presently, however, + he looked up, and inquired for his letters. Though he had done so before, + the request had always been evaded, until now he spoke in a manner which + decided his friend on giving him all except one with broad black edges, + and Broadstone post-mark; the effect of which, it was thought, might be + very injurious to his shattered nerves and spirits. + </p> + <p> + However, he turned over the other letters without interest, just glancing + languidly through them, looked disappointed, and exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + ‘None from Hollywell! Has nothing been heard from them? Thorndale, I + insist on knowing whether De Courcy has heard anything of Lady Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has heard of her arrival in England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My sister mentions that—more than two months ago—I can hardly + believe she has not written, if she was able. She promised, yet how can I + expect—’ then interrupting himself, he added, authoritatively, + ‘Thorndale, is there no letter for me? I see there is. Let me have it.’ + </p> + <p> + His friend could not but comply, and had no reason to regret having done + so; for after reading it twice, though he sighed deeply, and the tears + were in his eyes, he was more calm and less oppressed than he had been at + any time since his arrival in Corfu. He was unable to write, but Colonel + Deane had undertaken to write to Mrs. Henley to announce his coming; and + as the cause of his silence must be known at Hollywell, he resolved to let + Amabel’s letter wait for a reply till his arrival in England. + </p> + <p> + It was on a chilly day in February that Mrs. Henley drove to the station + to meet her brother, looking forward with a sister’s satisfaction to + nursing his recovery, and feeling (for she had a heart, after all) as if + it was a renewal of the days, which she regarded with a tenderness mixed + with contempt, when all was confidence between the brother and sister, the + days of nonsense and romance. She hoped that now poor Philip, who had + acted hastily on his romance, and ruined his own prospects for her sake in + his boyish days, had a chance of having it all made up to him, and + reigning at Redclyffe according to her darling wish. + </p> + <p> + As she anxiously watched the arrival of the train, she recognized Mr. + Thorndale, whom she had known in his school-days as Philip’s protege—but + could that be her brother? It was his height, indeed; but his slow weary + step as he crossed the platform, and left the care of his baggage to + others, was so unlike his prompt, independent air, that she could hardly + believe it to be himself, till, with his friend, he actually advanced to + the carriage, and then she saw far deeper traces of illness than she was + prepared for. A confusion of words took place; greetings on one hand, and + partings on the other, for James Thorndale was going on by the train, and + made only a few minutes’ halt in which to assure Mrs. Henley that though + the landing and the journey had knocked up his patient to-day, he was much + better since leaving Corfu, and to beg Philip to write as soon as + possible. The bell rang, he rushed back, and was whirled away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you are better,’ said Mrs. Henley, anxiously surveying her brother. + ‘You are sadly altered! You must let us take good care of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you! I knew you would be ready to receive me, though I fear I am + not very good company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say no more, my dearest brother. You know both Dr. Henley and myself have + made it our first object that our house should be your home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This salubrious air must benefit you,’ she added. ‘How thin you are! Are + you very much fatigued?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather,’ said Philip, who was leaning back wearily; but the next moment + he exclaimed, ‘What do you hear from Hollywell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no news yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know how she is? When did you hear of her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘About a week ago; when she wrote to inquire for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She did? What did she say of herself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing particular, poor little thing; I believe she is always on the + sofa. My aunt would like nothing so well as making a great fuss about + her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you any objection to show me her letter?’ said Philip, unable to + bear hearing Amabel thus spoken of, yet desirous to learn all he could + respecting her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not preserved it,’ was the answer. ‘My correspondence is so + extensive that there would be no limit to the accumulation if I did not + destroy the trivial letters.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a sudden flush on Philip’s pale face that caused his sister to + pause in her measured, self-satisfied speech, and ask if he was in pain. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ he replied, shortly, and Margaret pondered on his strange manner, + little guessing what profanation her mention of Amabel’s letter had seemed + to him, or how it jarred on him to hear this exaggerated likeness of his + own self-complacent speeches. + </p> + <p> + She was much shocked and grieved to see him so much more unwell than she + had expected. He was unfit for anything but to go to bed on his arrival. + Dr. Henley said the system had received a severe shock, and it would be + long before the effects would be shaken off; but that there was no fear + but his health would be completely restored if he would give himself + entire rest. + </p> + <p> + There was no danger that Margaret would not lavish care enough on her + brother. She waited on him in his room all the next day, bringing him + everything he could want, and trying to make him come down-stairs, for she + thought sitting alone there very bad for his spirits; but he said he had a + letter to write, and very curious she was to know why he was so long doing + it, and why he did not tell her to whom it was addressed. However, she saw + when it was put into the post-bag, that it was for Lady Morville. + </p> + <p> + At last, too late to see any of the visitors who had called to inquire, + when the evening had long closed in, she had the satisfaction of seeing + Philip enter the drawing-room, and settling him in the most comfortable of + her easy-chairs on one side of the fire to wait till the Doctor returned + for dinner. The whole apartment was most luxurious, spacious, and richly + furnished; the fire, in its brilliant steel setting, glancing on all + around, and illuminating her own stately presence, and rich glace silk, as + she sat opposite her brother cutting open the leaves of one of the books + of the club over which she presided. She felt that this was something like + attaining one of the objects for which she used to say and think she + married,—namely, to be able to receive her brother in a comfortable + home. If only he would but look more like himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you like a cushion for your head, Philip? Is it better?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better since morning, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did those headaches come on before your second illness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t distinctly remember.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I cannot think how the Edmonstones could leave you. I shall always + blame them for that relapse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It had nothing to do with it. Their remaining was impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On Amabel’s account? No, poor thing, I don’t blame her, for she must have + been quite helpless; but it was exactly like my aunt, to have but one idea + at a time. Charles used to be the idol, and now it is Amy, I suppose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If anything could have made it more intolerable for me, it would have + been detaining them there for my sake, at such a time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I felt a great deal for you. You must have been very sorry for that + poor little Amy. She was very kind in writing while you were ill. How did + she contrive, poor child? I suppose you took all the head work for her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I? I was nothing but a burden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were you still so very ill?’ said Margaret, tenderly. ‘I am sure you must + have been neglected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that I had!’ muttered Philip, so low that she did not catch the + words. Then aloud,—‘No care could have been greater than was taken + for me. It was as if no one had been ill but myself, and the whole thought + of every one had been for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then Amabel managed well, poor thing! We do sometimes see those weak soft + characters—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sister!’ he interrupted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have not you told me so yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was a fool, or worse,’ said he, in a tone of suffering. ‘No words can + describe what she proved herself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Self-possessed? energetic?’ asked Mrs. Henley, with whom those were the + first of qualities; and as her brother paused from repugnance to speak of + Amabel to one so little capable of comprehending her, she proceeded: ‘No + doubt she did the best she could, but she must have been quite + inexperienced. It was a very young thing in the poor youth to make her + executrix. I wonder the will was valid; but I suppose you took care of + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you see it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My uncle showed it to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you can tell me what I want to hear, for no one has told me + anything. I suppose my uncle is to be guardian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; Lady Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean it? Most lover-like indeed. That poor girl to manage that + great property? Everything left to her!’ said Mrs. Henley, continuing her + catechism in spite of the unwillingness of his replies. ‘Were there any + legacies? I know of Miss Wellwood’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That to Dixon’s daughter, and my own,’ he answered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours? How was it that I never heard of it? What is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ten thousand,’ said Philip, sadly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am delighted to hear it!’ cried Margaret. ‘Very proper of Sir Guy—very + proper indeed, poor youth. It is well thought of to soften the + disappointment.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip started forward. ‘Disappointment!’ exclaimed he, with horror. + </p> + <p> + ‘You need not look as if I wished to commit murder,’ said his sister, + smiling. ‘Have you forgotten that it depends on whether it is a son or + daughter?’ + </p> + <p> + His dismay was not lessened. ‘Do you mean to say that this is to come on + me if the child is a daughter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you were so young when the entail was made, that you knew nothing of + it. Female heirs were expressly excluded. There was some aunt whom old Sir + Guy passed over, and settled the property on my father and you, failing + his own male heirs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one would take advantage of such a chance,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not make any rash resolutions, my dear brother, whatever you do,’ said + Margaret. ‘You have still the same fresh romantic generous spirit of + self-sacrifice that is generally so soon worn out, but you must not let it + allow you—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enough of this,’ said Philip, hastily, for every word was a dagger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you are right not to dwell on the uncertainty. I am almost sorry I + told you,’ said Margaret. ‘Tell me about Miss Wellwood’s legacy,’ she + continued, desirous of changing the subject. ‘I want to know the truth of + it, for every one is talking of it.‘’How comes the world to know of it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There have been reports ever since his death, and now it has been paid, + whatever it is, on Lady Morville’s coming of age. Do you know what it is? + The last story I was told was, that it was £2O,OOO, to found a convent to + pray for his grand—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Five thousand for her hospital,’ interrupted Philip. ‘Sister!’ he added; + speaking with effort, ‘it was for that hospital that he made the request + for which we persecuted him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I thought so, I could have told you so!’ cried Margaret, triumphant + in her sagacity, but astonished, as her brother started up and stood + looking at her, as if he could hardly resolve to give credit to her words. + </p> + <p> + ‘You—thought—so,’ he repeated slowly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I guessed it from the first. He was always with that set, and I thought + it a very bad thing for him; but as it was only a guess, it was not worth + while to mention it: besides, the cheque seemed full evidence. It was the + general course, not the individual action.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you thought so, why not mention it to me? Oh! sister, what would you + not have spared me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I might have done so if it had appeared that it might lead to his + exculpation, but you were so fully convinced that his whole course + confirmed the suspicions, that a mere vague idea was not worth dwelling + on. Your general opinion, of him satisfied me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot blame you,’ was all his reply, as he sat down again, with his + face averted from the light. + </p> + <p> + And Mrs. Henley was doubtful whether he meant that she had been judicious! + She spoke again, unconscious of the agony each word inflicted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor youth! we were mistaken in those facts, and of course, all is + forgiven and forgotten now; but he certainly had a tremendous temper. I + shall never forget that exhibition. Perhaps poor Amabel is saved much + unhappiness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Once for all,’ said Philip, sternly, ‘let me never hear you speak of him + thus. We were both blind to a greatness of soul and purity of heart that + we shall never meet again. Yours was only prejudice; mine I must call by a + darker name. Remember, that he and his wife are only to be spoken of with + reverence.’ + </p> + <p> + He composed himself to silence; and Margaret, after looking at him for + some moments in wonder, began in a sort of exculpatory tone: + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course we owe him a great deal of gratitude. It was very kind and + proper to come to you when you were ill, and his death must have been a + terrible shock. He was a fine young man; amiable, very attractive in + manner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more!’ muttered Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘That, you always said of him,’ continued she, not hearing, ‘but you have + no need to reproach yourself. You always acted the part of a true friend, + did full justice to his many good qualities, and only sought his real + good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Every word you speak is the bitterest satire on me,’ said Philip, goaded + into rousing himself for a moment. ‘Say no more, unless you would drive me + distracted!’ + </p> + <p> + Margaret was obliged to be silent, and marvel, while her brother sat + motionless, leaning back in his chair, till Dr. Henley came in; and after + a few words to him, went on talking to his wife, till dinner was + announced. Philip went with them into the dining-room, but had scarcely + sat down before he said he could not stay, and returned to the + drawing-room sofa. He said he only wanted quiet and darkness, and sent his + sister and her husband back to their dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘What has he been doing?’ said the Doctor; ‘here is his pulse up to a + hundred again. How can he have raised it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He only came down an hour ago, and has been sitting still ever since.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Talking?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and there, perhaps, I was rather imprudent. I did not know he could + so little bear to hear poor Sir Guy’s name mentioned; and, besides, he did + not know, till I told him, that he had so much chance of Redclyffe. He did + not know the entail excluded daughters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he not! That accounts for it. I should like to see the man who could + hear coolly that he was so near such a property. This suspense is unlucky + just now; very much against him. You must turn his thoughts from it as + much as possible.’ + </p> + <p> + All the next day, Mrs. Henley wondered why her brother’s spirits were so + much depressed, resisting every attempt to amuse or cheer them; but, on + the third, she thought some light was thrown on the matter. She was at + breakfast with the Doctor when the post came in, and there was a + black-edged letter for Captain Morville, evidently from Amabel. She took + it up at once to his room. He stretched out his hand for it eagerly, but + laid it down, and would not open it while she was in the room. The instant + she was gone, however, he broke the seal and read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hollywell, February 20th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR PHILIP,—Thank you much for writing to me. It was a great + comfort to see your writing again, and to hear of your being safe in our + own country. We had been very anxious about you, though we did not hear of + your illness till the worst was over. I am very glad you are at St. + Mildred’s, for I am sure Margaret must be very careful of you, and + Stylehurst air must be good for you. Every one here is well; Charles + growing almost active, and looking better than I ever saw him. I wish I + could tell you how nice and quiet a winter it has been; it has been a + great blessing to me in every way, so many things have come to me to + enjoy. Mr. Ross has come to me every Sunday, and often in the week, and + has been so very kind. I think talking to him will be a great pleasure to + you when you are here again. You will like to hear that Mr. Shene has sent + me the picture, and the pleasure it gives me increases every day. Indeed, + I am so well off in every way, that you must not grieve yourself about me, + though I thank you very much for what you say. Laura reads to me all the + evening from dinner to tea. I am much better than I was in the winter, and + am enjoying the soft spring air from the open window, making it seem as if + it was much later in the year. ‘Good-bye, my dear cousin; may God bless + and comfort you. Remember, that after all, it was God’s will, not your + doing; and therefore, as he said himself, all is as it should be, and so + it will surely be. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Your affectionate cousin, + ‘AMABEL F. MORVILLE.’ +</pre> + <p> + Childishly simple as this letter might be called, with its set of facts + without comment, and the very commonplace words of consolation, it spoke + volumes to Philip of the spirit in which it was written—resignation, + pardon, soothing, and a desire that her farewell, perhaps her last, should + carry with it a token of her perfect forgiveness. Everything from Amabel + did him good; and he was so perceptibly better, that his sister exclaimed, + when she was next alone with Dr. Henley, ‘I understand it all, poor + fellow; I thought long ago, he had some secret attachment; and now I see + it was to Amabel Edmonstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To Lady Morville?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. You know how constantly he was at Hollywell, my aunt so fond of him? + I don’t suppose Amy knew of it; and, of course, she could not be blamed + for accepting such an offer as Sir Guy’s; besides, she never had much + opinion of her own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How? No bad speculation for him. She must have a handsome jointure; but + what are your grounds?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everything. Don’t you remember he would not go to the marriage? He + mentions her almost like a saint; can’t hear her name from any one else—keeps + her letter to open alone, is more revived by it than anything else. Ah! + depend upon it, it was to avoid her, poor fellow, that he refused to go to + Venice with them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Their going to nurse him is not as if Sir Guy suspected it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t suppose he did, nor Amy either. No one ever had so much power + over himself.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip would not have thanked his sister for her surmise, but it was so + far in his favour that it made her avoid the subject, and he was thus + spared from hearing much of Amabel or of Redclyffe. It was bad enough + without this. Sometimes in nursery tales, a naughty child, under the care + of a fairy, is chained to an exaggeration of himself and his own faults, + and rendered a slave to this hateful self. The infliction he underwent in + his sister’s house was somewhat analogous, for Mrs. Henley’s whole + character, and especially her complacent speeches, were a strong + resemblance of his own in the days he most regretted. He had ever since + her marriage regarded her as a man looks at a fallen idol, but never had + her alteration been so clear to him, as he had not spent much time with + her, making her short visits, and passing the chief of each day at + Stylehurst. Now, he was almost entirely at her mercy, and her unvarying + kindness to him caused her deterioration to pain him all the more; while + each self-assertion, or harsh judgment, sounded on his ear like a + repetition of his worst and most hateful presumption. She little guessed + what she made him endure, for he had resumed his wonted stoicism of + demeanour, though the hardened crust that had once grown over his feelings + had been roughly torn away, leaving an extreme soreness and tenderness to + which an acute pang was given whenever he was reminded, not only of his + injuries to Guy, but of the pride and secret envy that had been their + root. + </p> + <p> + At the same time he disappointed her by his continued reserve and + depression. The confidence she had forfeited was never to be restored, and + she was the last person to know how incapable she was of receiving it, or + how low she had sunk in her self-exaltation. + </p> + <p> + He was soon able to resume the hours of the family, but was still far from + well; suffering from languor, pain in the head, want of sleep and + appetite; and an evening feverishness. He was unequal to deep reading, and + was in no frame for light books; he could not walk far, and his sister’s + literary coteries, which he had always despised, were at present beyond + his powers of endurance. She hoped that society would divert his thoughts + and raise his spirits, and arranged her parties with a view to him; but he + never could stay long in the room, and Dr. Henley, who, though proud of + his wife and her talents, had little pleasure in her learned circle, used + to aid and abet his escape. + </p> + <p> + Thus Philip got through the hours as best he might, idly turning the pages + of new club-books, wandering on the hills till he tired himself, sitting + down to rest in the damp air, coming home chilled and fatigued, and lying + on the sofa with his eyes shut, to avoid conversation, all the evening. + Neither strength, energy, nor intellect would, serve him for more; and + this, with the load and the stings of a profound repentance, formed his + history through the next fortnight. + </p> + <p> + He used often to stand gazing at the slowly-rising walls of Miss + Wellwood’s buildings, and the only time he exerted himself in his old way + to put down any folly in conversation, was when he silenced some of the + nonsense talked about her, and evinced his own entire approval of her + proceedings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 39 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Beneath a tapering ash-tree’s shade + Three graves are by each other laid. + Around the very place doth brood + A strange and holy quietude. + —BAPTISTERY +</pre> + <p> + Late on the afternoon of the 6th of March, Mary Ross entered by the + half-opened front door at Hollywell, just as Charles appeared slowly + descending the stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! how is she?’ asked Mary eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little dear!’ he answered, with a sigh; ‘she looks very nice and + comfortable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, you have seen her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am at this moment leaving her room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is going on well, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly well. There is one comfort at least,’ said Charles, drawing + himself down the last step. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Amy! And the babe—did you see it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; the little creature was lying by her, and she put her hand on it, + and gave one of those smiles that are so terribly like his; but I could + not have spoken about it for the world. Such fools we be!’ concluded + Charles, with an attempt at a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is healthy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All a babe ought to be, they say, all that could be expected of it, + except the not being of the right sort, and if Amy does not mind that, I + don’t know who should,’ and Charles deposited himself on the sofa, heaving + a deep sigh, intended to pass for the conclusion of the exertion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you think she is not disappointed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not. The first thing she said when she was told it was a girl, + was, “I am so glad!” and she does seem very happy with it, poor little + thing! In fact, mamma thinks she had so little expected that it would go + well with herself, or with it, that now it is all like a surprise.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a silence, first broken by Charles saying, ‘You must be content + with me—I can’t send for anyone. Bustle has taken papa and Charlotte + for a walk, and Laura is on guard over Amy, for we have made mamma go and + lie down. It was high time, after sitting up two nights, and meaning to + sit up a third.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has she really—can she bear it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I am afraid I have trained her in sitting up, and Amy and all of us + know that anxiety hurts her more than fatigue. She would only lie awake + worrying herself, instead of sitting peaceably by the fire, holding the + baby, or watching Amy, and having a quiet cry when she is asleep. For, + after all, it is very sad!’ Charles was trying to brave his feelings, but + did not succeed very well. ‘Yesterday morning I was properly frightened. I + came into the dressing-room, and found mamma crying so, that I fully + believed it was all wrong, but she was just coming to tell us, and was + only overcome by thinking of not having him to call first, and how happy + he would have been.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the dear Amy herself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t tell. She is a wonderful person for keeping herself composed when + she ought. I see she has his picture in full view, but she says not a + word, except that mamma saw her to-day, when she thought no one was + looking, fondling the little thing, and whispering to it—“Guy’s + baby!” and “Guy’s little messenger!”’ Charles gave up the struggle, and + fairly cried, but in a moment rallying his usual tone, he went on, half + laughing,—‘To be sure, what a morsel of a creature it is! It is + awful to see anything so small calling itself a specimen of humanity!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is your first acquaintance with infant humanity, I suppose? Pray, did + you ever see a baby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to look at. In fact, Mary, I consider it a proof of your being a + rational woman that you have not asked me whether it is pretty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you no judge of the article.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, it was not to inspect it that Amy sent for me; though after all it + was for a business I would almost as soon undertake, a thing I would not + do for any other living creature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I know what it is. To write some kind message to Captain Morville. + Just like the dear Amy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just like her, and like no one else, except—Of course my father + wrote him an official communication yesterday, very short; but the fact + must have made it sweet enough, savage as we all were towards him, as + there was no one else to be savage to, unless it might be poor Miss + Morville, who is the chief loser by being of the feminine gender,’ said + Charles, again braving what he was pleased to call sentimentality. ‘Well, + by and by, my lady wants to know if any one has written to “poor Philip,” + as she will call him, and, by no means contented by hearing papa had, she + sends to ask me to come to her when I came in from wheeling in the garden; + and receives me with a request that I would write and tell him how well + she is, and how glad, and so on. There’s a piece of work for me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Luckily you are not quite so savage as you pretend, either to him, or + your poor little niece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whew! I should not care whether she was niece or nephew but for him; at + least not much, as long as she comforted Amy; but to see him at Redclyffe, + and be obliged to make much of him at the same time, is more than I can + very well bear; though I may as well swallow it as best I can, for she + will have me do it, as well as on Laura’s account. Amy believes, you know, + that he will think the inheritance a great misfortune; but that is only a + proof that she is more amiable than any one else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think he would not rejoice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not exactly; but I have no fear that he will not console himself by + thinking of the good he will do with it. I have no doubt that he was + thoroughly cut up, and I could even go the length of believing that + distress of mind helped to bring on the relapse, but it is some time ago. + And as to his breaking his heart after the first ten minutes at finding + himself what he has all his life desired to be, in a situation where the + full influence of his talents may be felt,’ said Charles, with a shade of + imitation of his measured tones, ‘why that, no one but silly little Amy + would ever dream of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I dare say you will grow merciful as you write.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that is not the way to let my indignation ooze out at my fingers’ + ends. I shall begin by writing to condole with Markham. Poor man! what a + state he must be in; all the more pitiable because he evidently had + entirely forgotten that there could ever be a creature of the less worthy + gender born to the house of Morville; so it will take him quite by + surprise. What will he do, and how will he ever forgive Mrs. Ashford, who, + I see in the paper, has a son whom nobody wants, as if for the express + purpose of insulting Markham’s feelings! Well-a-day! I should have liked + to have had the sound of Sir Guy Morville still in my ears, and yet I + don’t know that I could have endured its being applied to a little + senseless baby! And, after all, we are the gainers; for it would have been + a forlorn thing to have seen Amy go off to reign queen-mother at + Redclyffe,—and most notably well would she have reigned, with that + clear little head. I vow ‘tis a talent thrown away! However, I can’t + grumble. She is much happier without greatness thrust on her, and for my + own part, I have my home-sister all to myself, with no rival but that + small woman—and how she will pet her!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how you will! What a spoiling uncle you will be! But now, having + heard you reason yourself into philosophy, I’ll leave you to write. We + were so anxious, that I could not help coming. I am so glad that little + one thrives! I should like to leave my love for Amy, if you’ll remember + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The rarity of such a message from you may enable me. I was lying here + alone, and received the collected love of five Harpers to convey + up-stairs, all which I forgot; though in its transit by Arnaud and his + French, it had become “that they made their friendships to my lady and + Mrs. Edmonstone.”’ + </p> + <p> + Charles had not talked so like himself for months; and Mary felt that + Amabel’s child, if she had disappointed some expectations, had come like a + spring blossom, to cheer Hollywell, after its long winter of sorrow and + anxiety. She seemed to have already been received as a messenger to + comfort them for the loss, greatest of all to her, poor child, though she + would never know how great. Next Mary wondered what kind of letter Charles + would indite, and guessed it would be all the kinder for the outpouring he + had made to her, the only person with whom he ventured to indulge in a + comfortable abuse of Philip, since his good sense taught him that, ending + as affairs must, it was the only wise way to make the best of it, with + father, mother, and Charlotte, all quite sufficiently disposed to regard + Philip with aversion without his help. + </p> + <p> + Philip was at breakfast with the Henleys, on the following morning, a + Sunday,—or rather, sitting at the breakfast-table, when the letters + were brought in. Mrs. Henley, pretending to be occupied with her own, had + an eager, watchful eye on her brother, as one was placed before him. She + knew Mr. Edmonstone’s writing, but was restrained from exclaiming by her + involuntary deference for her brother. He flushed deep red one moment, + then turned deadly pale, his hand, when first he raised it, trembled, but + then became firm, as if controlled by the force of his resolution. He + broke the black seal, drew out the letter, paused another instant, + unfolded it, glanced at it, pushed his chair from the table, and hastened + to me door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me, tell me, Philip, what is it?’ she exclaimed, rising to follow + him. + </p> + <p> + He turned round, threw the letter on the table, and with a sign that + forbade her to come with him, left the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow! how he feels it! That poor young creature!’ said she, + catching up the letter for explanation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! No! Listen to this, Dr. Henley. Why, he must have read it wrong!’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hollywell, March 5th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘DEAR PHILIP,—I have to announce to you that Lady Morville was + safely confined this morning with a daughter. I shall be ready to send all + the papers and accounts of the Redclyffe estate to any place you may + appoint as soon as she is sufficiently recovered to transact business. + Both she and the infant are as well as can be expected. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Yours sincerely, + ‘C. EDMONSTONE.’ +</pre> + <p> + ‘A daughter!’ cried Dr. Henley. ‘Well, my dear, I congratulate you! It is + as fine a property as any in the kingdom. We shall see him pick up + strength now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go and find him. He surely has mistaken!’ said Margaret, hastening + in search of him; but he was not to be found, and she saw him no more till + she found him in the seat at church. + </p> + <p> + She hardly waited to be in the churchyard, after the service, before she + said, ‘Surely you mistook the letter!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I did not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You saw that she is doing well, and it is a girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And will you not let me congratulate you?’ + </p> + <p> + She was interrupted by some acquaintance; but when she looked round he was + nowhere to be seen, and she was obliged to be content with telling every + one the news. One or two of her many tame gentlemen came home with her to + luncheon, and she had the satisfaction of dilating on the grandeur of + Redclyffe. Her brother was not in the drawing-room, but answered when she + knocked at his door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Luncheon is ready. Will you come down?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is any one there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Brown and Walter Maitland. Shall I send you anything, or do you like + to come down?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll come, thank you,’ said he, thus secured from a tete-a-tete. + </p> + <p> + ‘Had you better come? Is not your head too bad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will not be better for staying here; I’ll come.’ + </p> + <p> + She went down, telling her visitors that, since his illness, her brother + always suffered so much from excitement that he was too unwell to have + derived much pleasure from the tidings: and when he appeared his air + corresponded with her account, for his looks were of the gravest and + sternest. He received the congratulations of the gentlemen without the + shadow of a smile, and made them think him the haughtiest and most + dignified landed proprietor in England. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley advised strongly against his going to church, but without + effect, and losing him in the crowd coming out, saw him no more till just + before dinner-time. He had steeled himself to endure all that she and the + Doctor could inflict on him that evening, and he had a hope of persuading + Amabel that it would be only doing justice to her child to let him restore + her father’s inheritance, which had come to him through circumstances that + could not have been foreseen. He was determined to do nothing like an act + of possession of Redclyffe till he had implored her to accept the offer; + and it was a great relief thus to keep it in doubt a little longer, and + not absolutely feel himself profiting by Guy’s death and sitting in his + seat. Not a word, however, must be said to let his sister guess at his + resolution, and he must let her torture him in the meantime. He was vexed + at having been startled into betraying his suffering, and was humiliated + at the thought of the change from that iron imperturbability, compounded + of strength, pride, and coldness in which he had once gloried. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Henley met him with a shake of the hand, and hearty exclamation:— + </p> + <p> + ‘I congratulate you, Sir Philip Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; that is spared me,’ was his answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem! The baronetcy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Margaret, ‘I thought you knew that only goes to the direct + heir of old Sir Hugh. But you must drop the “captain” at least. You will + sell out at once?’ + </p> + <p> + He patiently endured the conversation on the extent and beauty of + Redclyffe, wearing all the time a stern, resolute aspect, that his sister + knew to betoken great unhappiness. She earnestly wished to understand him, + but at last, seeing how much her conversation increased his headache, she + desisted, and left him to all the repose his thoughts could give him. He + was very much concerned at the tone of the note from his uncle, as if it + was intended to show that all connection with the family was to be broken + off. He supposed it had been concerted with some one; with Charles, most + likely,—Charles, who had judged him too truly, and with his + attachment to Guy, and aversion to himself, was doubtless strengthening + his father’s displeasure, all the more for this hateful wealth. And Laura? + What did she feel? + </p> + <p> + Monday morning brought another letter. At first, he was struck with the + dread of evil tidings of Amabel or her babe, especially when he recognized + Charles’s straggling handwriting; and, resolved not to be again betrayed, + he carried it up to read in his own room before his sister had noticed it. + He could hardly resolve to open it, for surely Charles would not write to + him without necessity; and what, save sorrow, could cause that necessity? + He saw that his wretchedness might be even more complete! At length he + read it, and could hardly believe his own eyes as he saw cheering words, + in a friendly style of interest and kindliness such as he would never have + expected from Charles, more especially now. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hollywell, March 6th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR PHILIP,—I believe my father wrote to you in haste + yesterday, but I am sure you will be anxious for further accounts, and + when there is good news there is satisfaction in conveying it. I know you + will be glad to hear our affairs are very prosperous; and Amy, whom I have + just been visiting, is said by the authorities to be going on as well as + possible. She begs me to tell you of her welfare, and to assure you that + she is particularly pleased to have a daughter; or, perhaps, it will be + more satisfactory to have her own words. “You must tell him how well I am, + Charlie, and how very glad. And tell him that he must not vex himself + about her being a girl, for that is my great pleasure; and I do believe, + the very thing I should have chosen if I had set to work to wish.” You + know Amy never said a word but in all sincerity, so you must trust her, + and I add my testimony that she is in placid spirits, and may well be glad + to escape the cares of Redclyffe. My father says he desired Markham to + write to you on the business matters. I hope the sea-breezes may do you + good. All the party here are well; but I see little of them now, all the + interest of the house is upstairs. + </p> + <p> + —Your affectionate, + </p> + <p> + ‘C. M, EDMONSTONE. + </p> + <p> + P. S. The baby is very small, but so plump and healthy, that no one + attempts to be uneasy about her.’ + </p> + <p> + Never did letter come in better time to raise a desponding heart. Of + Amabel’s forgiveness he was already certain; but that she should have made + Charles his friend was a wonder beyond all others. It gave him more hope + for the future than he had yet been able to entertain, and showed him that + the former note was no studied renunciation of him, but only an ebullition + of Mr. Edmonstone’s disappointment. + </p> + <p> + It gave him spirit enough to undertake what he had long been meditating, + but without energy to set about it—an expedition to Stylehurst. + Hitherto it had been his first walk on coming to St. Mildred’s, but now + the distance across the moor was far beyond his powers; and even that + length of ride was a great enterprise. It was much further by the carriage + road, and his sister never liked going there. He had never failed to visit + his old home till last year, and he felt almost glad that he had not + carried his thoughts, at that time, to his father’s grave. It was strange + that, with so many more important burdens on his mind, it had been this + apparent trivial omission, this slight to Stylehurst, that, in both his + illnesses, had been the most frequently recurring idea that had tormented + him in his delirium. So deeply, securely fixed is the love of the home of + childhood in men of his mould, in whom it is perhaps the most deeply + rooted of all affections. + </p> + <p> + Without telling his sister his intention, he hired a horse, and pursued + the familiar moorland tracks. He passed South Moor Farm; it gave him too + great a pang to look at it; he rode on across the hills where he used to + walk with his sisters, and looked down into narrow valleys where he had + often wandered with his fishing-rod, lost in musings on plans for + attaining distinction, and seeing himself the greatest man of his day. + Little had he then guessed the misery which would place him in the way to + the coveted elevation, or how he would loathe it when it lay within his + grasp. + </p> + <p> + There were the trees round the vicarage, the church spire, the cottages, + whose old rough aspect, he knew so well, the whole scene, once ‘redolent + of joy and youth:’ but how unable to breathe on him a second spring! He + put up his horse at the village inn, and went to make his first call on + Susan, the old clerk’s wife, and one of the persons in all the world who + loved him best. He knocked, opened the door, and saw her, startled from + her tea-drinking, looking at him as a stranger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless us! It beant never Master Philip!’ she exclaimed, her head shaking + very fast, as she recognized his voice. ‘Why, sir, what a turn you give + me! How bad you be looking, to be sure!’ + </p> + <p> + He sat down and talked with her, with feelings of comfort. Tidings of Sir + Guy’s death had reached the old woman, and she was much grieved for the + nice, cheerful-spoken young gentleman, whom she well remembered; for she, + like almost every one who had ever had any intercourse with him, had an + impression left of him, as of something winning, engaging, brightening, + like a sunbeam. It was a refreshment to meet with one who would lament him + for his own sake, and had no congratulations for Philip himself; and the + ‘Sure, sure, it must have been very bad for you,’ with which old Susan + heard of the circumstances, carried more of the comfort of genuine + sympathy than all his sister’s attempts at condolence. + </p> + <p> + She told him how often Sir Guy had been at Stylehurst, how he had talked + to her about the archdeacon; and especially she remembered his helping her + husband one day when he found him trimming the ash over the archdeacon’s + grave. He used to come very often to church there, more in the latter part + of his stay; there was one Sunday—it was the one before Michaelmas—he + was there all day, walking in the churchyard, and sitting in the porch + between services. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Sunday before Michaelmas!’ thought Philip, the very time when he had + been most earnest in driving his uncle to persecute, and delighting + himself in having triumphed over Guy at last, and obtained tangible + demonstration of his own foresight, and his cousin’s vindictive spirit. + What had he been throwing away? Where had, in truth, been the hostile + spirit? + </p> + <p> + He took the key of the church, and walked thither alone, standing for + several minutes by the three graves, with a sensation as if his father was + demanding of him an account of the boy he had watched, and brought to his + ancestral home, and cared for through his orphaned childhood. But for the + prayer-book, the pledge that there had been peace at the last, how could + he have borne it? + </p> + <p> + Here was the paved path he had trodden in early childhood, holding his + mother’s hand, where, at each recurring vacation during his school days, + he had walked between his admiring sisters, in the consciousness that he + was the pride of his family and of all the parish. Of his family? Did he + not remember his return home for the last time before that when he was + summoned thither by his father’s death? He had come with a whole freight + of prizes, and letters full of praises; and as he stood, in expectation of + the expression of delighted satisfaction, his father laid his hand on his + trophy, the pile of books, saying, gravely,—’ All this would I give, + Philip, for one evidence of humility of mind.’ + </p> + <p> + It had been his father’s one reproof. He had thought it unjust and + unreasonable, and turned away impatiently to be caressed and admired by + Margaret. His real feelings had been told to her, because she flattered + them and shared them, he had been reserved and guarded with the father who + would have perceived and repressed that ambition and the self-sufficiency + which he himself had never known to exist, nor regarded as aught but sober + truth. It had been his bane, that he had been always too sensible to + betray outwardly his self-conceit, in any form that could lead to its + being noticed. + </p> + <p> + He opened the church door, closed it behind him, and locked himself in. + </p> + <p> + He came up to the communion rail, where he had knelt for the first time + twelve years ago, confident in himself, and unconscious of the fears with + which his father’s voice was trembling in the intensity of his prayer for + one in whom there was no tangible evil, and whom others thought a pattern + of all that could be desired by the fondest hopes. + </p> + <p> + He knelt down, with bowed head, and hands clasped. Assuredly, if his + father could have beheld him then, it would have been with rejoicing. He + would not have sorrowed that robust frame was wasted, and great strength + brought low; that the noble features were worn, the healthful cheek pale, + and the powerful intellect clouded and weakened; he would hardly have + mourned for the cruel grief and suffering, such would have been his joy + that the humble, penitent, obedient heart had been won at last. Above all, + he would have rejoiced that the words that most soothed that wounded + spirit were,—‘A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not + despise.’ + </p> + <p> + There was solace in that solemn silence; the throbs of head and heart were + stilled in the calm around. It was as if the influences of the prayers + breathed for him by his father, and the forgiveness and loving spirit + there won by Guy, had been waiting for him there till he came to take them + up, for thenceforth the bitterest of his despair was over, and he could + receive each token of Amabel’s forgiveness, not as heaped coals of fire, + but as an earnest of forgiveness sealed in heaven. + </p> + <p> + The worst was over, and though he still had much to suffer, he was + becoming open to receive comfort; the blank dark remorse in which he had + been living began to lighten, and the tone of his mind to return. + </p> + <p> + He spoke more cheerfully to Susan when he restored the key; but she had + been so shocked at his appearance, that when, the next day, a report + reached her that Mr. Philip was now a grand gentleman, and very rich, she + answered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if it be so, I am glad of it, but he said never a word of it to me, + and it is my belief he would give all the money as ever was coined, to + have the poor young gentleman back again. Depend upon it, he hates the + very sound of it.’ + </p> + <p> + At the cost of several sheets of paper, Philip at length completed a + letter to Mr. Edmonstone, which, when he had sent it, made his suspense + more painful. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘St. Mildred’s, March 12th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR MR. Edmonstone,—It is with a full sense of the unfitness of + intruding such a subject upon you in the present state of the family, that + I again address you on the same topic as that on which I wrote to you from + Italy, at the first moment at which I have felt it possible to ask your + attention. I was then too ill to be able to express my contrition for all + that has passed; in fact, I doubt whether it was even then so deep as at + present, since every succeeding week has but added to my sense of the + impropriety of my conduct, and my earnest desire for pardon. I can hardly + venture at such a time to ask anything further, but I must add that my + sentiments towards your daughter are unaltered, and can never cease but + with my life, and though I know I have rendered myself unworthy of her, + and my health, both mental and bodily, is far from being re-established, I + cannot help laying my feelings before you, and entreating that you will + put an end to the suspense which has endured for so many months, by + telling me to hope that I have not for ever forfeited your consent to my + attachment. At least, I trust to your kindness for telling me on what + terms I am for the present to stand with your family. I am glad to hear + such favourable reports of Lady Morville, and with all my heart I thank + Charles for his letter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Yours ever affectionately, + ‘P. H. MORVILLE.’ +</pre> + <p> + He ardently watched for a reply. He could not endure the idea of receiving + it where Margaret’s eyes could scan the emotion he could now only conceal + by a visible rigidity of demeanour, and he daily went himself to the + post-office, but in vain. He received nothing but business letters, and + among them one from Markham, with as much defiance and dislike in its + style as could be shown, in a perfectly formal, proper letter. Till he had + referred to Lady Morville, he would not make any demonstration towards + Redclyffe, and evaded all his sister’s questions as to what he was doing + about it, and when he should take measures for leaving the army, or + obtaining a renewal of the baronetcy. + </p> + <p> + Anxiety made him look daily more wretchedly haggard; the Doctor was at + fault, Mrs. Henley looked sagacious, while his manner became so dry and + repellent that visitors went away moralizing on the absurdity of “nouveaux + riches” taking so much state on them. + </p> + <p> + He wondered how soon he might venture to write to Amabel, on whom alone he + could depend; but he felt it a sort of profanity to disturb her. + </p> + <p> + He had nearly given up his visits to the post in despair, when one morning + he beheld what never failed to bring some soothing influence, namely, the + fair pointed characters he had not dared to hope for. He walked quickly + into the promenade, sat down, and read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Hollywell, March 22nd. +</pre> + <p> + ‘MY DEAR PHILIP,—Papa does not answer your letter, because he says + speaking is better than writing, and we hope you are well enough to come + to us before Sunday week. I hope to take our dear little girl to be + christened on that day, and I want you to be so kind as to be her + godfather. I ask it of you, not only in my own name, but in her father’s, + for I am sure it is what he would choose. Her Aunt Laura and Mary Ross are + to be her godmothers, I hope you will not think me very foolish and + fanciful for naming her Mary Verena, in remembrance of our old readings of + Sintram. She is a very healthy, quiet creature, and I am getting on very + well. I am writing from the dressing-room, and I expect to be down-stairs + in a few days. If you do not dislike it very much, could you be so kind as + to call upon Miss Wellwood, and pay little Marianne Dixon’s quarter for + me? It is £1O, and it will save trouble if you would do it; besides that, + I should like to hear of her and the little girl. I am sorry to hear you + are not better,—perhaps coming here may do you good.—Four + o’clock. I have been keeping my letter in hopes of persuading papa to put + in a note, but he says he had rather send a message that he is quite ready + to forgive and forget, and it will be best to talk it over when you come.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Your affectionate cousin, + </p> + <p> + ‘A. F. MORVILLE.’ + </p> + <p> + It was well he was not under his sister’s eye, for he could not read this + letter calmly, and he was obliged to take several turns along the walk + before he could recover his composure enough to appear in the + breakfast-room, where he found his sister alone, dealing her letters into + separate packets of important and unimportant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good morning, Philip. Dr. Henley is obliged to go to Bramshaw this + morning, and has had an early breakfast. Have you been out?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, it is very fine—I mean it will be—the haze is clearing.’ + </p> + <p> + Margaret saw that he was unusually agitated, and not by grief; applied + herself to tea-making, and hoped his walk had given him an appetite; but + there seemed little chance of this so long were his pauses between each + morsel, and so often did he lean back in his chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to leave you on—on Friday,’ he said at length, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, are you going to Redclyffe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; to Hollywell. Lady Morville wishes me to be her little girl’s + sponsor; I shall go to London on Friday, and on, the next day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad they have asked you. Does she write herself? Is she pretty + well? + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; she is to go down-stairs in a day or two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am rejoiced that she is recovering so well. Do you know whether she is + in tolerable spirits?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She writes cheerfully.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How many years is it since I saw her? She was quite a child, but very + sweet-tempered and attentive to poor Charles,’ said Mrs. Henley, feeling + most amiably disposed towards her future sister-in-law. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so. Her gentleness and sweet temper were always beautiful; and she + has shown herself under her trials what it would be presumptuous to + praise.’ + </p> + <p> + Margaret had no doubt now, and thought he was ready for more open + sympathy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must let me congratulate you now on this unexpected dawn of hope, + after your long trial, my dear brother. It is a sort of unconscious + encouragement you could hardly hope for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not know you knew anything of it,’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! my dear brother, you betrayed yourself. You need not be disconcerted; + only a sister could see the real cause of your want of spirits. Your + manner at each mention of her, your anxiety, coupled with your resolute + avoidance of her—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of whom? Do you know what you are talking of, sister!’ said Philip, + sternly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Amabel, of course.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip rose, perfectly awful in his height and indignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sister!’ he said—paused, and began again. ‘I have been attached to + Laura Edmonstone for years past, and Lady Morville knows it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To Laura!’ cried Mrs. Henley, in amaze. ‘Are you engaged?’ and, as he was + hardly prepared to answer, she continued, ‘If you have not gone too far to + recede, only consider before you take any rash step. You come into this + property without ready money, you will find endless claims, and if you + marry at once, and without fortune, you will never be clear from + difficulties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have considered,’ he replied, with cold loftiness that would have + silenced any one, not of the same determined mould. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are positively committed, then!’ she said, much vexed. ‘Oh, Philip! I + did not think you would have married for mere beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can hear no more discussion on this point,’ answered Philip, in the + serious, calm tone that showed so much power over himself and every one + else. + </p> + <p> + It put Margaret to silence, though she was excessively disappointed to + find him thus involved just at his outset, when he might have married so + much more advantageously. She was sorry, too, that she had shown her + opinion so plainly, since it was to be, and hurt his feelings just as he + seemed to be thawing. She would fain have learned more; but he was + completely shut up within himself, and never opened again to her. She had + never before so grated on every delicate feeling in his mind; and he only + remained at her house because in his present state of health, he hardly + knew where to bestow himself till it was time for him to go to Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + He went to call on Miss Wellwood, to whom his name was no slight + recommendation, and she met him eagerly, asking after Lady Morville, who, + she said, had twice written to her most kindly about little Marianne. + </p> + <p> + It was a very pleasant visit, and a great relief. He looked at the plans, + heard the fresh arrangements, admired, was interested, and took pleasure + in having something to tell Amabel. He asked for Marianne, and heard that + she was one of the best of children—amiable, well-disposed, only + almost too sensitive. Miss Wellwood said it was remarkable how deep an + impression Sir Guy had made upon her, and how affectionately she + remembered his kindness; and her distress at hearing of his death had been + far beyond what such a child could have been supposed to feel, both in + violence and in duration. + </p> + <p> + Philip asked to see her, knowing it would please Amabel, and in she came—a + long, thin, nine-year-old child, just grown into the encumbering shyness, + that is by no means one of the graces of “la vieillesse de l’enfance”. + </p> + <p> + He wished to be kind and encouraging; but melancholy, added to his natural + stateliness, made him very formidable; and poor Marianne was capable of + nothing beyond ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ + </p> + <p> + He told her he was going to see Lady Morville and her little girl, whereat + she eagerly raised her eyes, then shrank in affright at anything so tall, + and so unlike Sir Guy. He said the baby was to be christened next Sunday, + and Miss Wellwood helped him out by asking the name. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mary,’ he said, for he was by no means inclined to explain the Verena, + though he knew not half what it conveyed to Amabel. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he asked if Marianne had any message; when she hung down her head, + and whispered to Miss Wellwood, what proved to be ‘My love to dear little + cousin Mary.’ + </p> + <p> + He promised to deliver it, and departed, wishing he could more easily + unbend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 40 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Blest, though every tear that falls + Doth in its silence of past sorrow tell, + And makes a meeting seem most like a dear farewell. + —WORDSWORTH +</pre> + <p> + On Saturday afternoon, about half-past five, Philip Morville found himself + driving up to the well-known front door of Hollywell. At the door he heard + that every one was out excepting Lady Morville, who never came down till + the evening, save for a drive in the carriage. + </p> + <p> + He entered the drawing-room, and gazed on the scene where he had spent so + many happy hours, only darkened by that one evil spot, that had grown till + it not only poisoned his own mind, but cast a gloom over that bright home. + </p> + <p> + All was as usual. Charles’s sofa, little table, books, and inkstand, the + work-boxes on the table, the newspaper in Mr. Edmonstone’s old folds. Only + the piano was closed, and an accumulation of books on the hinge told how + long it had been so; and the plants in the bay window were brown and dry, + not as when they were Amabel’s cherished nurslings. He remembered Amabel’s + laughing face and abundant curls, when she carried in the camellia, and + thought how little he guessed then that he should be the destroyer of the + happiness of her young life. How should he meet her—a widow in her + father’s house—or look at her fatherless child? He wondered how he + had borne to come thither at all, and shrank at the thought that this very + evening, in a few hours, he must see her. + </p> + <p> + The outer door opened, there was a soft step, and Amabel stood before him, + pale, quiet, and with a smile of welcome. Her bands of hair looked glossy + under her widow’s cap, and the deep black of her dress was relieved by the + white robes of the babe that lay on her arm. She held out her hand, and he + pressed it in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you would like just to see baby,’ said she, in a voice + something like apology. + </p> + <p> + He held out his arms to take it, for which Amy was by no means prepared. + She was not quite happy even in trusting it in her sister’s arms, and she + supposed he had never before touched an infant. But that was all nonsense, + and she would not vex him with showing any reluctance; so she laid the + little one on his arm, and saw his great hand holding it most carefully, + but the next moment he turned abruptly from her. Poor silly little Amy, + her heart beat not a little till he turned back, restored the babe, and + while he walked hastily to the window, she saw that two large tear-drops + had fallen on the white folds of its mantle. She did not speak; she + guessed how much he must feel in thus holding Guy’s child, and, besides, + her own tears would now flow so easily that she must be on her guard. She + sat down, settled the little one on her knee, and gave him time to recover + himself. + </p> + <p> + Presently he came and stood by her saying, in a most decided tone, + ‘Amabel, you must let me do this child justice.’ + </p> + <p> + She looked up, wondering what he could mean. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not delay in taking steps for restoring her inheritance,’ said he, + hoping by determination to overpower Amabel, and make her believe it a + settled and a right thing. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Philip, you are not thinking of that!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is to be done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not be so unkind to this poor little girl,’ said Amy, with a + persuasive smile, partaking of her old playfulness, adding, very much in + earnest, ‘Pray put it out of your head directly, for it would be very + wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + The nurse knocked at the door to fetch the baby, as Amabel had desired. + When this interruption was over, Philip came and sat down opposite to her, + and began with his most decided manner:— + </p> + <p> + ‘You must listen to me, Amy, and not allow any scruples to prevent you + from permitting your child to be restored to her just rights. You must see + that the estate has come to me by circumstances such that no honest man + can be justified in retaining it. The entail was made to exclude females, + only because of the old Lady Granard. It is your duty to consent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The property has always gone in the male line,’ replied Amabel. + </p> + <p> + ‘There never was such a state of things. Old Sir Guy could never have + thought of entailing it away from his own descendant on a distant cousin. + It would be wrong of me to profit by these unforeseen contingencies, and + you ought not, in justice to your child, to object.’ + </p> + <p> + He spoke so forcibly and decidedly that he thought he must have prevailed. + But not one whit convinced, Amabel answered, in her own gentle voice, but + beginning with a business-like argument:—‘Such a possibility was + contemplated. It was all provided for in the marriage settlements. Indeed, + I am afraid that, as it is, she will be a great deal too rich. Besides, + Philip, I am sure this is exactly what Guy would have chosen,’ and the + tears rose in her eyes. ‘The first thing that came into my head when she + was born, was, that it was just what he wished, that I should have her for + myself, and that you should take care of Redclyffe. I am certain now that + he hoped it would be so. I know—indeed I do—that he took great + pleasure in thinking of its being in your hands, and of your going on with + all he began. You can’t have forgotten how much he left in your charge? If + you were to give it up, it would be against his desire; and with that + knowledge, how could I suffer it? Then think what a misfortune to her, + poor little thing, to be a great heiress, and how very bad for Redclyffe + to have no better a manager than me! Oh, Philip, can you not see it is + best as it is, and just as he wished?’ + </p> + <p> + He almost groaned—‘If you could guess what a burden it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! but you must carry it, not throw it down on such hands as mine and + that tiny baby’s,’ said she, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would have been the same if it had been a boy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; then I must have done the best I could, and there would have been an + end to look to, but I am so glad to be spared. And you are so fit for it, + and will make it turn to so much use to every one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t feel as if I should ever be of use to any one,’ said Philip, in a + tone of complete dejection. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your head is aching,’ said she, kindly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It always does, more or less,’ replied he, resting it on his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so sorry. Has it been so ever since you were ill? But you are + better? You look better than when I saw you last.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am better on the whole, but I doubt whether I shall ever be as strong + as I used to be. That ought to make me hesitate, even if—’ then came + a pause, while he put his hand over his face, and seemed struggling with + irrepressible emotion; and after all he was obliged to take two walks to + the window before he could recover composure, and could ask in a voice + which he tried to make calm and steady, though his face was deeply flushed—‘Amy, + how is Laura?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is very well,’ answered Amabel. ‘Only you must not be taken by + surprise if you see her looking thinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And she has trusted—she has endured through all?’ said he, with + inquiring earnestness. + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And they—your father and mother—can forgive?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They do—they have. But, Philip, it was one of the things I came + down to say to you. I don’t think you must expect papa to begin about it + himself. You know he does not like awkwardness, though he will be very + glad when once it is done, and ready to meet you half way.’ He did not + answer, and after a silence Amabel added, ‘Laura is out of doors. She and + Charlotte take very long walks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And is she really strong and well, or is it that excited overdoing of + employment that I first set her upon?’ he asked, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is perfectly well, and to be busy has been a great help to her,’ said + Amabel. ‘It was a great comfort that we did not know how ill you had been + at Corfu, till the worst was over. Eveleen only mentioned it when you were + better. I was very anxious, for I had some fears from the note that you + sent by Arnaud. I am very glad to see you safe here, for I have felt all + along that we forsook you; but I could not help it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad you did not stay. The worst of all would have been that + you should have run any risk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is the carriage,’ said Amy. ‘Mamma and Charlie have been to + Broadstone. They thought they might meet you by the late train.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip’s colour rose. He stood up—sat down; then rising once more, + leant on the mantel-piece, scarcely knowing how to face either of them—his + aunt, with her well-merited displeasure, and Charles, who when he parted + with him had accused him so justly—Charles, who had seen through him + and had been treated with scorn. + </p> + <p> + A few moments, and Charles came in, leaning on his mother. They both shook + hands, exclaimed at finding Amabel downstairs, and Mrs. Edmonstone asked + after Philip’s health in her would-be cordial manner. The two ladies then + went up-stairs together, and thus ended that conference, in which both + parties had shown rare magnanimity, of which they were perfectly + unconscious; and perhaps the most remarkable part of all was that Philip + quietly gave up the great renunciation and so-called sacrifice, with which + he had been feeding his hopes, at the simple bidding of the gentle-spoken + Amabel—not even telling her that he resigned it. He kept the + possessions which he abhorred, and gave up the renunciation he had longed + to make, and in this lay the true sacrifice, the greater because the world + would think him the gainer. + </p> + <p> + When the mother and daughter were gone, the cousins were silent, Philip + resting his elbow on the mantel-shelf and his head on his hand, and + Charles sitting at the end of the sofa, warming first one hand, then the + other, while he looked up to the altered face, and perceived in it grief + and humiliation almost as plainly as illness. His keen eyes read that the + sorrow was indeed more deeply rooted than he had hitherto believed, and + that Amabel’s pity had not been wasted; and he was also struck by the + change from the great personal strength that used to make nothing of + lifting his whole weight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry to see you so pulled down,’ said he. ‘We must try if we can + doctor you better than they did at St. Mildred’s. Are you getting on, do + you think?’ + </p> + <p> + He had hardly ever spoken to Philip, so entirely without either bitterness + or sarcasm, and his manner hardly seemed like that of the same person. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, I am growing stronger; but as long as I cannot get rid of this + headache, I am good for nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have had a long spell of illness indeed,’ said Charles. ‘You can’t + expect to shake off two fevers in no time. Now all the anxiety is over, + you will brighten like this house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But tell me, what is thought of Amabel? Is she as well as she ought to + be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, quite, they say—has recovered her strength very fast, and is + in just the right spirits. She was churched yesterday, and was not the + worse for it. It was a trial, for she had not been to East-hill since—since + last May.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a blessing, indeed,’ said Philip, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘She has been so very happy with the baby,’ said Charles. ‘You hear what + its name is to be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, she told me in her letter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To avoid having to tell you here, I suppose. Mary is for common wear, + Verena is for ourselves. She asked if it would be too foolish to give such + a name, and mamma said the only question was, whether she would like + indifferent people to ask the reason of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip lapsed into thought, and presently said, abruptly, ‘When last we + parted you told me I was malignant. You were right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shake hands!’ was all Charles’s reply, and no more was said till Charles + rose, saying it was time to dress. Philip was about to help him, but he + answered, ‘No, thank you, I am above trusting to anything but my own + crutches now; I am proud to show you what feats I can perform.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles certainly did get on with less difficulty than heretofore, but it + was more because he wanted to spare Philip fatigue than because he + disdained assistance, that he chose to go alone. Moreover, he did what he + had never done for any one before—he actually hopped the whole + length of the passage, beyond his own door to do the honours of Philip’s + room, and took a degree of pains for his comfort that seemed too + marvellous to be true in one who had hitherto only lived to be attended + on. + </p> + <p> + By the time he had settled Philip, the rest of the party had come home, + and he found himself wanted in the dressing-room, to help his mother to + encourage his father to enter on the conversation with Philip in the + evening, for poor Mr. Edmonstone was in such a worry and perplexity, that + the whole space till the dinner-bell rang was insufficient to console him + in. Laura, meanwhile, was with Amabel, who was trying to cheer her + fluttering spirits and nerves, which, after having been so long harassed, + gave way entirely at the moment of meeting Philip again. How would he + regard her after her weakness in betraying him for want of self-command? + Might he not be wishing to be free of one who had so disappointed him, and + only persisting in the engagement from a sense of honour! The confidence + in his affection, which had hitherto sustained her, was failing; and not + all Amabel could say would reassure her. No one could judge of him but + herself, his words were so cautious, and he had so much command over + himself, that nobody could guess. Of course he felt bound to her; but if + she saw one trace of his being only influenced by honour and pity, she + would release him, and he should never see the struggle. + </p> + <p> + She had worked herself up into almost a certainty that so it would be, and + Amabel was afraid she would not be fit to go down to dinner; but the sound + of the bell, and the necessity of moving, seemed to restore the habit of + external composure in a moment. She settled her countenance, and left the + room. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte, meantime, had been dressing alone, and raging against Philip, + declaring she could never bear to speak to him, and that if she was Amy + she would never have chosen him for a godfather. And to think of his + marrying just like a good hero in a book, and living very happy ever + after! To be sure she was sorry for poor Laura; but it was all very wrong, + and now they would be rewarded! How could Charlie be so provoking as to + talk about his sorrow! She hoped he was sorry; and as to his illness, it + served him right. + </p> + <p> + All this Charlotte communicated to Bustle; but Bustle had heard some + mysterious noise, and insisted on going to investigate the cause; and + Charlotte, finding her own domain dark and cold, and private conferences + going on in Amabel’s apartment and the dressing-room, was fain to follow + him down-stairs, as soon as her toilet was complete, only hoping Philip + would keep out of the way. + </p> + <p> + But, behold, there he was; and even Bustle was propitiated, for she found + him, his nose on Philip’s knee, looking up in his face, and wagging his + tail, while Philip stroked and patted him, and could hardly bear the + appealing expression of the eyes, that, always wistful, now seemed to + every one to be looking for his master. + </p> + <p> + To see this attention to Bustle won Charlotte over in a moment. ‘How are + you, Philip? Good dog, dear old Bustle!’ came in a breath, and they were + both making much of the dog, when she amicably asked if he had seen the + baby, and became eager in telling about the christening. + </p> + <p> + The dinner-bell brought every one down but Amabel. The trembling hands of + Philip and Laura met for a moment, and they were in the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + Diligently and dutifully did Charles and Mrs. Edmonstone keep up the + conversation; the latter about her shopping, the former about the + acquaintances who had come to speak to him as he sat in the carriage. As + soon as possible, Mrs. Edmonstone left the dining-room, then Laura flew up + again to the dressing-room, sank down on a footstool by Amabel’s side, and + exclaiming, ‘O Amy, he is looking so ill!’ burst into a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + The change had been a shock for which Laura had not been prepared. Amy, + who had seen him look so much worse, had not thought of it, and it + overcame Laura more than all her anxieties, lest his love should be + forfeited. She sobbed inconsolably over the alteration, and it was long + before Amabel could get her to hear that his face was much less thin now, + and that he was altogether much stronger; it was fatigue and anxiety + to-night, and to-morrow he would be better. Laura proceeded to brood over + her belief that his altered demeanour, his settled melancholy, his not + seeking her eye, his cold shake of the hand, all arose from the diminution + of his love, and his dislike to be encumbered with a weak, foolish wife, + with whom he had entangled himself when he deemed her worthy of him. She + dwelt on all this in silence, as she sat at her sister’s feet, and Amy + left her to think, only now and then giving some caress to her hair or + cheek, and at each touch the desolate waste of life that poor Laura was + unfolding before herself was rendered less dreary by the thought, ‘I have + my sister still, and she knows sorrow too.’ Then she half envied Amy, who + had lost her dearest by death, and held his heart fast to the last; not, + like herself, doomed to see the love decay for which she had endured so + long—decay at the very moment when the suspense was over. + </p> + <p> + Laura might justly have envied Amabel, though for another reason; it was + because in her cup there was no poison of her own infusing. + </p> + <p> + There she stayed till Charlotte came to summon her to tea, saying the + gentlemen, except Charles, were still in the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + They had remained sitting over the fire for a considerable space, waiting + for each other to begin, Mr. Edmonstone irresolute, Philip striving to + master his feelings, and to prevent increasing pain and confusion from + making him forget what he intended, to say. At last, Mr. Edmonstone + started up, pulled out his keys, took a candle, and said, ‘Come to the + study—I’ll give you the Redclyffe papers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ said Philip, also rising, but only because he could not sit + while his uncle stood. ‘Not to-night, if you please. I could not attend to + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, your head? Eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Partly. Besides, there is another subject on which I hope you will set me + at rest before I can enter on any other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—yes—I know,’ said Mr. Edmonstone, moving uneasily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am perfectly conscious how deeply I have offended.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Edmonstone could not endure the apology. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ he broke in nervously, ‘I know all that, and it can’t be + helped. Say no more about it. Young people will be foolish, and I have + been young and in love myself.’ + </p> + <p> + That Captain Morville should live to be thankful for being forgiven in + consideration of Mr. Edmonstone’s having been young! + </p> + <p> + ‘May I then consider myself as pardoned, and as having obtained your + sanction?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, yes; and I hope it will cheer poor Laura up again a little. + Four years has it gone on? Constancy, indeed! and it is time it should be + rewarded. We little thought what you were up to, so grave and demure as + you both were. So you won’t have the papers to-night? I can’t say you do + look fit for business. Perhaps Laura may suit you better—eh, + Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + Love-making was such a charming sight to Mr. Edmonstone, that having once + begun to look on Philip and Laura as a pair of lovers, he could not help + being delighted, and forgetting, as well as forgiving, all that had been + wrong. + </p> + <p> + They did not, however, exactly answer his ideas; Laura did not once look + up, and Philip, instead of going boldly to take the place next her, sat + down, holding his hand to his forehead, as if too much overpowered by + indisposition to think of anything else. Such was in great measure the + case; he was very much fatigued with the journey, and these different + agitating scenes had increased the pain in his head to a violent degree; + besides which, feeling that his aunt still regarded him as she did at + Recoara, he could not bear to make any demonstration towards Laura before + her, lest she might think it a sort of triumphant disregard of her just + displeasure. + </p> + <p> + Poor Laura saw in it both severe suffering and dislike to her; and the + more she understood from her father’s manner what had passed in the other + room, the more she honoured him for the sacrifice he was making of + himself. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone waited on the headache with painful attention, but they + all felt that the only thing to be done for the two poor things was to let + them come to an explanation; so Charlotte was sent to bed, her mother went + up to Amy, Charles carried off his father to the study, and they found + themselves alone. + </p> + <p> + Laura held down her face, and struggled to make her palpitating heart and + dry tongue suffer her to begin the words to which she had wound herself + up. Philip raised his hands from his eyes as the door shut, then rose up, + and fixed them on Laura. She, too, looked up, as if to begin; their eyes + met, and they understood all. He stepped towards her, and held out his + hands. The next moment both hers were clasped in his—he had bent + down and kissed her brow. + </p> + <p> + No words of explanation passed between them. Laura knew he was her own, + and needed no assurance that her misgivings had been vain. There was a + start of extreme joy, such as she had known twice before, but it could be + only for a moment while he looked so wretchedly unwell. It did but give + her the right to attend to him. The first thing she said was to beg him to + lie down on the sofa; her only care was to make him comfortable with + cushions, and he was too entirely worn out to say anything he had + intended, capable only of giving himself up to the repose of knowing her + entirely his own, and of having her to take care of him. There he lay on + the sofa, with his eyes shut, and Laura’s hand in his, while she sat + beside him, neither of them speaking; and, excepting that she withdrew her + hand, neither moved when the others returned. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone compassionated him, and showed a great deal of solicitude + about him, trying hard to regard him as she used to do, yet unable to + bring back the feeling, and therefore, do what she would, failing to wear + its semblance. + </p> + <p> + Laura, sad, anxious, and restless, had no relief till she went to wish her + sister good night. Amabel, who was already in bed, stretched out her hand + with a sweet look, beaming with affection and congratulation. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t want to be convinced now that all is right!’ said she. + </p> + <p> + ‘His head is so dreadfully bad!’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it will get better now his mind is at rest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it will but do so!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you know you must be happy to-morrow, because of baby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, coming in, ‘I am sorry to prevent your + talk, but Amy must not be kept awake. She must keep her strength for + to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, then, dear, dear Laura. I am so glad your trouble is over, + and you have him again!’ whispered Amabel, with her parting kiss; and + Laura went away, better able to hope, to pray, and to rest, than she could + have thought possible when she left the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor dear Laura,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, sighing; ‘I hope he will soon be + better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has it been very uncomfortable?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t say much for it, my dear. He was suffering terribly with his + head, so that I should have been quite alarmed if he had not said it was + apt to get worse in the evening; and she, poor thing, was only watching + him. However, it is a comfort to have matters settled; and papa and + Charlie are well pleased with him. But I must not keep you awake after + driving Laura away. You are not over-tired to-night I hope, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no; only sleepy. Good night, dearest mamma.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, my own Amy;’ then, as Amy put back the coverings to show the + little face nestled to sleep on her bosom, ‘good night, you little + darling! don’t disturb your mamma. How comfortable you look! Good night, + my dearest!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone looked for a moment, while trying to check the tears that + came at the thought of the night, one brief year ago, when she left Amy + sleeping in the light of the Easter moon. Yet the sense of peace and + serenity that had then given especial loveliness to the maiden’s chamber + on that night, was there still with the young widow. It was dim lamplight + now that beamed on the portrait of her husband, casting on it the shade of + the little wooden cross in front, while she was shaded by the white + curtains drawn from her bed round the infant’s little cot, so as to shut + them both into the quiet twilight, where she lay with an expression of + countenance that, though it was not sorrow, made Mrs. Edmonstone more + ready to weep than if it had been; so with her last good night she left + her. + </p> + <p> + And Amabel always liked to be shut in by herself, dearly as she loved them + all, and mamma especially; there was always something pleasant in being + able to return to her own world, to rest in the thoughts of her husband, + and in the possession of the little unconscious creature that had come to + inhabit that inner world of hers, the creature that was only his and hers. + </p> + <p> + She had from the first always felt herself less lonely when quite alone, + before with his papers, and now with his child; and could Mrs. Edmonstone + have seen her face, she would have wept and wondered more, as Amy fondled + and hushed her babe, whispering to it fond words which she could never + have uttered in the presence of any one who could understand them, and + which had much of her extreme youthfulness in them. Not one was so often + repeated or so endearing as ‘Guy’s baby! Guy’s own dear little girl!’ It + did not mean half so much when she called it her baby; and she loved to + tell the little one that her father had been the best and the dearest, but + he was gone away, and would she be contented to be loving and good with + only her mother to take care of her, and tell her, as well as she could, + what a father hers was, when she was old enough to know about him? + </p> + <p> + To-night, Amy told her much in that soft, solemn, murmuring tone, about + what was to befall her to-morrow, and the great blessings to be given to + her, and how the poor little fatherless one would be embraced in the arms + of His mercy, and received by her great Father in heaven:—‘Ay, and + brought nearer to your own papa, and know him in some inner way, and he + will know his little child then, for you will be as good and pure and + bright as he, and you will belong to the great communion of saints + to-morrow, you precious little one, and be so much nearer to him as you + will be so much better than I. Oh! baby, if we can but both endure to the + end!’ + </p> + <p> + With such half-uttered words, Amabel Morville slept the night before her + babe’s christening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 41 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A stranger’s roof to hold thy head, + A stranger’s foot thy grave to tread; + Desert and rock, and Alp and sea, + Spreading between thy home and thee. + —SEWELL +</pre> + <p> + Mary Ross was eager for the first report from Hollywell the next morning, + and had some difficulty in keeping her attention fixed on her class at + school. Laura and Charlotte came in together in due time, and satisfied + her so far as to tell her that Amy was very well. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Captain Morville come?’ thought Mary. ‘No, I cannot guess by Laura’s + impressive face. Never mind, Charles will tell me all between services.’ + </p> + <p> + The first thing she saw on coming out of school was the pony carriage, + with Charles and Captain Morville himself. Charlotte, who was all + excitement, had time to say, while her sister was out of hearing,— + </p> + <p> + ‘It is all made up now, Mary, and I really am very sorry for Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate that Mary understood the amiable meaning this speech was + intended to convey, and she began to enter into its grounds in the short + conference after church, when she saw the alteration in the whole + expression of countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Charles, who as usual remained at the vicarage during the two + services, and who perceived what passed in her mind, ‘if it is any + satisfaction to you to have a good opinion of your fellow-sponsor, I + assure you that I am converted to Amy’s opinion. I do believe the black + dog is off his back for good and all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw any one more changed,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Regularly tamed,’ said Charles. He is something more like his old self + to-day than last night, and yet not much. He was perfectly overpowered + then—so knocked up that there was no judging of him. To-day he has + all his sedateness and scrupulous attention, but all like a shadow of + former time—not a morsel of sententiousness, and seeming positively + grateful to be treated in the old fashion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He looks very thin and pale. Do you think him recovered?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A good way from it,’ said Charles. ‘He is pretty well to-day, + comparatively, though that obstinate headache hangs about him. If this + change last longer than that and his white looks, I shall not even grudge + him the sponsorship Amy owed me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very magnanimous!’ said Mary. ‘Poor Laura! I am glad her suspense is + over. I wondered to see her at school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are very sad and sober lovers, and it is the best way of not making + themselves unbearable, considering—Well, that was a different + matter. How little we should have believed it, if any one had told us last + year what would be the state of affairs to-day. By the bye, Amy’s godson + is christened to-day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Didn’t you hear that the Ashfords managed to get Amy asked if she would + dislike their calling their boy by that name we shall never hear again, + and she was very much pleased, and made offer in her own pretty way to be + godmother. I wonder how Markham endures it! I believe he is nearly crazy. + He wrote me word he should certainly have given up all concern with + Redclyffe, but for the especial desire of—.What a state of mind he + will be in, when he remembers how he has been abusing the captain to me!’ + </p> + <p> + The afternoon was fresh and clear, and there was a spring brightness in + the sunshine that Amabel took as a greeting to her little maiden, as she + was carried along the churchyard path. Many an eye was bent on the mother + and child, especially on the slight form, unseen since she had last walked + down the aisle, her arm linked in her bridegroom’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘Little Amy Edmonstone,’ as they had scarcely learnt to cease from calling + her, before she was among them again, the widowed Lady Morville; and with + those kind looks of compassion for her, were joined many affectionate + mourning thoughts of the young husband and father, lying far away in his + foreign grave, and endeared by kindly remembrances to almost all present. + There was much of pity for his unconscious infant, and tears were shed at + the thought of what the wife must be suffering; but if the face could have + been seen beneath the thick crape folds of her veil, it would have shown + no tears—only a sweet, calm look of peace, and almost gladness. + </p> + <p> + The babe was on her knees when the time for the christening came; she was + awake, and now and then making a little sound and as she was quieter with + her than any one else, Amabel thought she might herself carry her to the + font. + </p> + <p> + It was deep, grave happiness to stand there, with her child in her arms, + and with an undefined sense that she was not alone as if in some manner + her husband was present with her; praying with her prayers, and joining in + offering up their treasure; when the babe was received into Mr. Ross’s + arms, and Amy, putting back her veil, gazed up with a wistful but serene + look. + </p> + <p> + ‘To her life’s end?’ Therewith came a vision of the sunrise at Recoara, + and the more glorious dawn that had shone in Guy’s dying smile, and Amabel + knew what would be her best prayer for his little Mary Verena, as she took + her back, the drops glistening on her brow, her eyes open, and arms + outspread. It was at that moment that Amabel was first thrilled with a + look in her child that was like its father. She had earnestly and often + sought a resemblance without being able honestly to own that she perceived + any; but now, though she knew not in what it consisted, there was + something in that baby face that recalled him more vividly than picture or + memory. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace.’ + </p> + <p> + Those words seemed to come from her own heart. She had brought Guy’s + daughter to be baptized, and completed his work of pardon, and she had a + yearning to be departing in peace, whither her sunshine was gone. But he + had told her not to wish that his child should be motherless; she had to + train her to be fit to meet him. The sunshine was past, but she had plenty + to do in the shade, and it was for his sake. She would, therefore, be + content to remain to fulfil her duties among the dear ones to whom he had + trusted her for comfort, and with the sense of renewed communion with him + that she had found in returning again to church. + </p> + <p> + So felt Amabel, as she entered into the calm that followed the one year in + which she had passed through the great events of life, and known the chief + joy and deepest grief that she could ever experience. + </p> + <p> + It was far otherwise with her sister. Laura’s term of trouble seemed to be + ending, and the spring of life beginning to dawn on her. + </p> + <p> + Doubt and fear were past, she and Philip were secure of each other, he was + pardoned, and they could be together without apprehension, or playing + tricks with their consciences; but she had as yet scarcely been able to + spend any time with him; and as Charles said, their ways were far more + grave and less lover-like than would have seemed natural after their long + separation. + </p> + <p> + In truth, romantic and uncalculating as their attachment was, they never + had been lover-like. They had never had any fears or doubts; her surrender + of her soul had been total, and every thought, feeling, and judgment had + taken its colour from him as entirely as if she had been a wife of many + years’ standing. She never opened her mind to perceive that he had led her + to act wrongly, and all her unhappiness had been from anxiety for him, not + repentance on her own account; for so complete was her idolatry, that she + entirely overlooked her failure in duty to her parents. + </p> + <p> + It took her by surprise when, as they set out together that evening to + walk home from East-hill, he said, as soon as they were apart from the + village— + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, you have more to forgive than all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t, speak so, Philip, pray don’t. Do you think I would not have borne + far more unhappiness willingly for your sake? Is it not all forgotten as + if it had not been?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not unhappiness I meant,’ he replied, ‘though I cannot bear to + think of what you have undergone. Unhappiness enough have I caused indeed. + But I meant, that you have to forgive the advantage I took of your + reliance on me to lead you into error, when you were too young to know + what it amounted to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was not an engagement,’ faltered Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Laura, don’t, for mercy’s sake, recall my own hateful sophistries,’ + exclaimed Philip, as if unable to control the pain it gave him; ‘I have + had enough of that from my sister;’ then softening instantly: ‘it was + self-deceit; a deception first of myself, then of you. You had not + experience enough to know whither I was leading you, till I had involved + you; and when the sight of death showed me the fallacy of the salve to my + conscience, I had nothing for it but to confess, and leave you to bear the + consequences. O Laura! when I think of my conduct towards you, it seems + even worse than that towards—towards your brother-in-law!’ + </p> + <p> + His low, stern tone of bitter suffering and self-reproach was something + new and frightful to Laura. She clung to his arm and tried to say—‘O, + don’t speak in that way! You know you meant the best. You could not help + being mistaken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I did know any such thing, Laura! but the misery of perceiving that my + imagined anxiety for his good,—his good, indeed! was but a cloak for + my personal enmity—you can little guess it.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura tried to say that appearances were against Guy, but he would not + hear. + </p> + <p> + ‘If they were, I triumphed in them. I see now that a shade of honest + desire to see him exculpated would have enabled me to find the clue. If I + had gone to St. Mildred’s at once—interrogated him as a friend—seen + Wellwood—but dwelling on the <i>ifs</i> of the last two years can + bring nothing but distraction,’ he added, pausing suddenly. + </p> + <p> + ‘And remember,’ said Laura, ‘that dear Guy himself was always grateful to + you. He always upheld that you acted for his good. Oh! the way he took it + was the one comfort I had last year.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The acutest sting, and yet the only balm,’ murmured Philip; ‘see, Laura,’ + and he opened the first leaf of Guy’s prayer-book, which he had been using + at the christening. + </p> + <p> + A whispered ‘Dear Guy!’ was the best answer she could make, and the tears + were in her eyes. ‘He was so very kind to me, when he saw me that unhappy + wedding-day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did Amy tell you his last words to me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘God bless you and my sister!’ he repeated, so low that she could hardly + hear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy left that for you to tell,’ said Laura, as her tears streamed fast. + How can we speak of her, Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only as an angel of pardon and peace!’ he answered. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know how to tell you of all her kindness,’ said Laura; ‘half the + bitterness of it seemed to be over when once she was in the house again, + and, all the winter, going into her room was like going into some peaceful + place where one must find comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Spirits of peace, where are ye” I could have said, when I saw her drive + away at Recoara, and carry all good angels with her except those that + could not but hover round that grave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How very sad it must have been! Did—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t speak of it; don’t ask me of it’ said Philip, hastily. ‘There is + nothing in my mind but a tumult of horror and darkness that it is madness + to remember. Tell me of yourself—tell me that you have not been hurt + by all that I have brought on you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no!’ said Laura ‘besides, that is all at an end.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All an end! Laura, I fear in joining your fate to mine, you will find + care and grief by no means at an end. You must be content to marry a + saddened, remorseful man, broken down in health and spirits, his whole + life embittered by that fatal remembrance, forced to endure an inheritance + that seems to have come like the prosperity of the wicked. Yet you are + ready to take all this? Then, Laura, that precious, most precious love, + that has endured through all, will be the one drop of comfort through the + rest of my life. + </p> + <p> + She could but hear such words with thrills of rejoicing affection; and on + they walked, Laura trembling and struck with sorrow at the depth of + repentance he now and then disclosed, though not in the least able to + fathom it, thinking it all his nobleness of mind, justifying him to + herself, idolizing him too much to own he had ever been wrong; yet the + innate power of tact and sympathy teaching her no longer to combat his + self-reproaches, and repeat his former excuses, but rather to say + something soothing and caressing, or put in some note of thankfulness and + admiration of Amy and Guy. This was the best thing she could do for him, + as she was not capable, like Amy, of acknowledging that his repentance was + well-founded. She was a nurse, not a physician, to the wounded spirit; but + a very good and gentle nurse she was, and the thorough enjoyment of her + affection and sympathy, the opening into confidence, and the freedom from + doubt and suspense, were comforts that were doing him good every hour. + </p> + <p> + The christening party consisted only of the Rosses, and Dr. Mayerne, who + had joined them at East-hill church, and walked home with Mr. Edmonstone. + They could not have been without him, so grateful were they for his + kindness all through their anxious winter, and Mr. Edmonstone was well + pleased to tell him on the way home that they might look to having a + wedding in the family; it had been a very long attachment, constancy as + good as a story, and he could all along have told what was the matter, + when mamma was calling in the doctor to account for Laura’s looking pale. + </p> + <p> + The doctor was not surprised at the news, for perhaps he, too, had had + some private theory about those pale looks; but, knowing pretty well the + sentiments Charles had entertained the winter before last, he was curious + to find out how he regarded this engagement. Charles spoke of it in the + most ready cordial way. ‘Well, doctor, so you have heard our news! I + flatter myself we have as tall and handsome a pair of lovers to exhibit + here, as any in the United Kingdom, when we have fattened him a little + into condition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never was there a better match,’ said Dr. Mayerne. ‘Made for each other + all along. One could not see them without feeling it was the first chapter + of a novel.’ + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Edmonstone came in, the doctor was a little taken aback. He + thought her mind must be with poor Sir Guy, and was afraid the lovers had + been in such haste as to pain Lady Morville; for there was a staidness and + want of “epanchement du coeur” of answering that was very unlike her usual + warm manner. At dinner, Mr. Edmonstone was in high spirits, delighted at + Amy’s recovery, happy to have a young man about the house again, charmed + to see two lovers together, pleased that Laura should be mistress of + Redclyffe, since it could not belong to Amy’s child; altogether, as joyous + as ever. His wife, being at ease about Amy, did her best to smile, and + even laugh, though sad at heart all the time, as she missed the father + from the christening feast, and thought how happy she had been in that far + different reunion last year. It might be the same with Charles; but the + outward effect was exhibited in lively nonsense; Charlotte’s spirits were + rising fast, and only Philip and Laura themselves were grave and silent, + she, the more so, because she was disappointed to find that the one walk + back from East-hill, much as he had enjoyed it, had greatly tired Philip. + However, the others talked enough without them; and Mr. Edmonstone was + very happy, drinking the health of Miss Morville, and himself carrying a + bit of the christening cake to the mamma in the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + There sat Amabel by the fire, knowing that from henceforth she must exert + herself to take part in the cheerfulness of the house, and willing to join + the external rejoicing in her child’s christening, or at least not to damp + it by remaining up-stairs. Yet any one but Mr. Edmonstone would have seen + more sadness than pleasure in the sweet smile with which she met and + thanked him; but they were cheerful tones in which she replied, and in her + presence everything was hushed and gentle, subdued, yet not mournful. The + spirit of that evening was only recognized after it was past, and then it + ever grew fairer and sweeter in recollection, so as never to be forgotten + by any of those who shared it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 42 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She was not changed when sorrow came, + That awed the sternest men; + It rather seemed she kept her flame + To comfort us till then. + + But sorrow passed, and others smiled + With happiness once more; + And she drew back the spirit mild + She still had been before. + —S. R. +</pre> + <p> + Philip’s marriage could not take place at once. No one said, but every one + felt, that it must not be talked of till the end of Amabel’s first year of + widowhood; and in the meantime Philip remained at Hollywell, gaining + strength every day, making more progress in one week than he had done in + six at St. Mildred’s, finding that, as his strength returned, his mind and + memory regained their tone, and he was as capable as ever of applying to + business, and, above all, much settled and comforted by some long + conversations with Mr. Ross. + </p> + <p> + Still he could not endure the thought of being at Redclyffe. The business + connected with it was always performed with pain and dislike, and he + shrank with suffering at every casual mention of his going thither. Mrs. + Edmonstone began to wonder whether he could mean to linger at Hollywell + all the summer, and Amabel had some fears that it would end in his + neglecting Redclyffe, till a letter arrived from Lord Thorndale, saying + that his brother, the member for Moorworth, had long been thinking of + giving up his seat, and latterly had only waited in hopes that the + succession at Redclyffe might come to Philip Morville. Moorworth was + entirely under the Thorndale and Morville interest, and Lord Thorndale + wrote to propose that Philip should come forward at once, inviting him to + Thorndale instead of going to his own empty house. + </p> + <p> + To be in parliament had been one of the favourite visions of Philip’s + youth, and for that very reason he hesitated, taking it as one of the + strange fulfilments of his desires that had become punishments. He could + not but feel that as this unhappy load of wealth had descended on him, he + was bound to make it as beneficial as he could to others, and not seeking + for rest or luxury, to stand in the gap where every good man and true was + needed. But still he dreaded his old love of distinction. He disliked a + London life for Laura, and he thought that, precarious as his health had + become, it might expose her to much anxiety, since he was determined that + if he undertook it at all, he would never be an idle member. + </p> + <p> + It ended in his referring the decision to Laura, who, disliking London, + fearful for his health, eager for his glory, and reluctant to keep back + such a champion from the battle, was much perplexed, only desirous to say + what he wished, yet not able to make out what that might be. She carried + her doubts to Charles and Amabel, who both pronounced that the thought of + going to Redclyffe seemed far worse for him than any degree of employment—that + occupation of the mind was the best thing for his spirits; and ended by + recommending that Dr. Mayerne should be consulted. + </p> + <p> + He was of the same opinion. He said a man could hardly have two fevers + following, and one of them upon the brain, without having reason to + remember them. That his constitution had been seriously weakened, and + there was an excitability of brain and nerves which made care requisite; + but depression of spirits was the chief thing to guard against, and a + London life, provided he did not overwork himself, was better for him than + solitude at Redclyffe. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Philip went to Thorndale, and was returned for Moorworth + without opposition. Markham sent his nephew to transact business with him + at Thorndale, for he could not bear to meet him himself, and while there + was any prospect of his coming to Redclyffe, walked about in paroxysms of + grunting and ill-humour. The report that Mr. Morville was engaged to the + other Miss Edmonstone did but render him more furious, for he regarded it + as a sort of outrage to Lady Morville’s feelings that a courtship should + be carried on in the house with her. She was at present the object of all + his devoted affection for the family, and he would not believe, but that + she had been as much disappointed at the birth of her daughter, as he was + himself. He would not say one word against Mr. Morville, but looked and + growled enough to make Mr. Ashford afraid that the new squire would find + him very troublesome. + </p> + <p> + The Ashfords were in a state of mind themselves to think that Mr. Morville + ought to be everything excellent to make up for succeeding Sir Guy; but + having a very high opinion of him to begin with, they were very sorry to + find all Redclyffe set against him. In common with the parish, they were + very anxious for the first report of his arrival and at length he came. + James Thorndale, as before, drove him thither, coming to the Ashfords + while he was busy with Markham. He would not go up to the Park, he only + went through some necessary business with Markham, and then walked down to + the Cove, afterwards sitting for about ten minutes in Mrs. Ashford’s + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + The result of the visit was that old James Robinson reported that the new + squire took on as much about poor Sir Guy as any one could do, and turned + as pale as if he had been going into a swoon, when he spoke his name and + gave Ben his message. And as to poor Ben, the old man said, he regularly + did cry like a child, and small blame to him, to hear that Sir Guy had + took thought of him at such a time and so far away; and he verily believed + Ben could never take again to his bad ways, after such a message as that. + </p> + <p> + Markham was gruff with the Robinsons for some time after and was even + heard to mutter something about worshipping the rising sun, an act of + idolatry of which he could not be accused, since it was in the most + grudging manner that he allowed, that Mr. Morville’s sole anxiety seemed + to be to continue all Sir Guy had undertaken; while Mrs. Ashford, on the + other hand was much affected by the account her cousin James had been + giving her of the grief that he had suffered at Sir Guy’s death, his long + illness, his loss of spirits, the reluctance he had shown to come here at + all, and his present unconquerable dread of going to the Park. + </p> + <p> + He was soon after in London, where, as far as could be judged in such + early days, he seemed likely to distinguish himself according to the + fondest hopes that Margaret or Laura could ever have entertained. Laura + was only afraid he was overworking himself, especially as, having at + present little command of ready money, he lived in a small lodging, kept + no horse, and did not enter into society; but she was reassured when he + came to Hollywell for a day or two at Whitsuntide, not having indeed + regained flesh or colour, but appearing quite well, in better spirits, and + very eager about political affairs. + </p> + <p> + All would have been right that summer, but that, as Philip observed, the + first evening of his arrival, Amabel was not looking as well as she had + done at the time of the christening. She had, just after it, tried her + strength and spirits too much, and had ever since been not exactly unwell, + but sad and weary, more dejected than ever before, unable to bear the + sight of flowers or the sound of music, and evidently suffering much under + the recurrence of the season, which had been that of her great happiness—the + summer sunshine, the long evenings, the nightingale’s songs. She was + fatigued by the most trifling exertion, and seemed able to take interest + in nothing but her baby, and a young widow in the village, who was in a + decline; and though she was willing to do all that was asked of her, it + was in a weary, melancholy manner, as if she had no peace but in being + allowed to sit alone, drooping over her child. + </p> + <p> + From society she especially shrunk, avoiding every chance of meeting + visitors, and distressed and harassed when her father brought home some of + his casual dinner guests, and was vexed not to see her come into the + drawing-room in the evening. If she did make the effort of coming, to + please him, she was so sure to be the worse for it, that her mother would + keep her up-stairs the next time, and try to prevent her from knowing that + her father was put out, and declared it was nonsense to expect poor Amy to + get up her spirits, while she never saw a living soul, and only sat moping + in the dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + A large dinner-party did not interfere with her, for even he could not + expect her to appear at it, and one of these he gave during Philip’s + visit, for the pleasure of exhibiting such company as the M.P. for + Moorworth. After dinner, Charlotte told Mary Ross to go and see Amy. Not + finding her in the dressing-room, she knocked at her own door. ‘Come in,’ + answered the low soft voice; and in the window, overhung by the long + shoots of the roses, Amabel’s close cap and small head were seen against + the deep-blue evening sky, as she sat in the summer twilight, her little + one asleep in her cot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you for coming,’ said she. ‘I thought you would not mind sitting + here with baby and me. I have sent Anne out walking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How pretty she looks!’ said Mary, stooping over the infant. ‘Sleep is + giving her quite a colour; and how fast she grows!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor little woman!’ said Amy, sighing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tired, Amy?’ said Mary, sitting down, and taking up the little lambswool + shoe, that Amy had been knitting. + </p> + <p> + ‘N—no, thank you,’ said Amy, with another sigh. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid you are. You have been walking to Alice Lamsden’s again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think that tires me. Indeed, I believe the truth is,’ and her + voice sounded especially sad in the subdued tone in which she spoke, that + she might not disturb the child, ‘I am not so much tired with what I do, + which is little enough, as of the long, long life that is before me.’ + </p> + <p> + Mary’s heart was full, but she did not show her thought otherwise than by + a look towards the babe. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, poor little darling,’ said Amabel, ‘I know there is double quantity + to be done for her, but I am so sorry for her, when I think she must grow + up without knowing him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has you, though,’ Mary could not help saying, as she felt that Amabel + was superior to all save her husband. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Amy did not hear; she went up to the cot, and went on:—‘If + he had but once seen her, if she had but had one kiss, one touch that I + could tell her of by and by, it would not seem as if she was so very + fatherless. Oh no, baby, I must wait, that you may know something about, + him; for no one else can tell you so well what he was, though I can’t tell + much!’ She presently returned to her seat. ‘No, I don’t believe I really + wish I was like poor Alice,’ said she; ‘I hope not; I am sure I don’t for + her sake. But, Mary, I never knew till I was well again how much I had + reckoned on dying when she was born. I did not think I was wishing it, but + it seemed likely, and I was obliged to arrange things in case of it. Then + somehow, as he came back last spring, after that sad winter, it seemed as + if this spring, though he would not come back to me, I might be going to + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But then she comforted you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, that she did, my precious one; I was so glad of her, it was a sort + of having him again, and so it is still sometimes, and will be more so, I + dare say. I am very thankful for her, indeed I am; and I hope I am not + repining, for it does not signify after all, in the end, if I am weary and + lonely sometimes. I wish I was sure it was not wrong. I know I don’t wish + to alter things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I am sure you don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Amabel, smiling, ‘it is only the old, silly little Amy that + does feel such a heart-aching and longing for one glance of his eye, or + touch of his hand, or sound of his foot in the passage. Oh, Mary, the + worst of all is to wake up, after dreaming I have heard his voice. There + is nothing for it but to take our baby and hold her very tight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest Amy! But you are not blaming yourself for these feelings. It + might be wrong to indulge them and foster them; but while you struggle + with them, they can’t in themselves be wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not,’ said Amabel pausing to think. ‘Yes, I have “the joy” at the + bottom still; I know it is all quite right, and it came straight from + heaven, as he said. I can get happy very often when I am by myself, or at + church, with him; it is only when I miss his bright outside and can’t + think myself into the inner part, that it is so forlorn and dreary. I can + do pretty well alone. Only I wish I could help being so troublesome and + disagreeable to everybody’ said Amy, concluding in a matter-of-fact tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear!’ said Mary, almost laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is so stupid of me to be always poorly, and making mamma anxious when + there’s nothing the matter with me. And I know I am a check on them + down-stairs—papa, and Charlotte, and all—they are very kind, + considerate, and yet’—she paused—‘and it is a naughty feeling; + but when I feel all those dear kind eyes watching me always, and wanting + me to be happy, it is rather oppressive, especially when I can’t; but if I + try not to disappoint them, I do make such a bad hand of it, and am sure + to break down afterwards, and that grieves mamma all the more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be better when this time of year is over,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps, yes. He always seemed to belong to summer days, and to come with + them. Well, I suppose trials always come in a different shape from what + one expects; for I used to think I could bear all the doom with him, but, + I did not know it would be without him, and yet that is the best. Oh, + baby!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not have come to disturb her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No—never mind; she never settles fairly to sleep till we are shut + in by ourselves. Hush! hush, darling—No? Will nothing do but being + taken up? Well, then, there! Come, and show your godmamma what a black + fringe those little wakeful eyes are getting.’ + </p> + <p> + And when Mary went down it was with the conviction that those black + eyelashes, too marked to be very pretty in so young a babe, were more of a + comfort to Amabel than anything she could say. + </p> + <p> + The evening wore on, and at length Laura came into her sister’s room. She + looked fagged and harassed, the old face she used to wear in the time of + disguise and secrecy, Amabel asked if it had been a tiresome party. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—no—I don’t know. Just like others,’ said Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are tired, at any rate,’ said Amabel. ‘You took too long a ride with + Philip. I saw you come in very late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not in the least tired, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he is,’ said Amabel. ‘I hope he has not one of his headaches again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Laura, still in a dissatisfied, uncomfortable tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘No? Dear Laura, I am sure there is something wrong;’ and with a little + more of her winning, pleading kindness, she drew from Laura that Philip + had told her she idolized him. He had told her so very gently and kindly, + but he had said she idolized him in a manner that was neither good for + herself nor him; and he went on to blame himself for it, which was what + she could not bear. It had been rankling in her mind ever since that he + had found fault with her for loving him so well, and it had made her very + unhappy. She <i>could</i> not love him less, and how should she please + him? She had much rather he had blamed her than himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I see what he means’ said Amy, thoughtfully. ‘He has grown afraid + of himself, and afraid of being admired now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how am I to help that, Amy?’ said Laura, with tears in her eyes: ‘he + cannot help being the first, the very first of all with me—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ said Amy, quickly, ‘not the very first, or what would you do if + you were to be—like me? Don’t turn away, dear Laura; I don’t think I + over could bear this at all, if dear Guy had not kept it always before my + eyes from the very first that we were to look to something else besides + each other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I meant the first earthly thing,’ said Laura; but it was not + heartfelt—she knew she ought, therefore she thought she did. + </p> + <p> + ‘And so,’ proceeded Amy, ‘I think if that other is first, it would make + you have some other standard of right besides himself, then you would be a + stay and help to him. I think that is what he means.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy! let me ask you,’ said Laura, a little entreatingly, yet as if she + must needs put the question—‘surely, you never thought Guy had + faults?’ + </p> + <p> + Her colour deepened. ‘Yes, Laura,’ she answered, firmly. ‘I could not have + understood his repentance if I had not thought so. And, dear Laura, if you + will forgive me for saying it, it would be much better for yourself and + Philip if you would see the truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you forgave him,’ murmured Laura. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Laura! but does not that word “forgive” imply something? I could not + have done anything to comfort him that day, if I had not believed he had + something to be comforted for. It can’t be pleasant to him to see you + think his repentance vain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is noble and great.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But if it was not real, it would be thrown away. Besides, dear Laura, do + let me say this for once. If you would but understand that you let him + lead you into what was not right, and be really sorry for that, and show + mamma that you are, I do think it would all begin much more happily when + you are married.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could never have told, till I was obliged to betray myself,’ said + Laura. ‘You know, Amy, it was no engagement. We never wrote to each other, + we had but one walk; it was no business of his to speak till he could hope + for papa’s consent to our marriage. It would have been all confusion if he + had told, and that would have been only that we had always loved each + other with all our hearts, which every one knew before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet, Laura, it was what preyed on him when he thought he was dying.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because it was the only thing like a fault he could think of,’ said + Laura, excited by this shade of blame to defend him vehemently—‘because + his scruples are high and noble and generous.’ + </p> + <p> + She spoke so eagerly, that the baby’s voice again broke on the + conversation, and she was obliged to go away; but though her idolatry was + complete, it did not seem to give full satisfaction or repose. As to + Philip, though his love for her was unchanged, it now and then was felt, + though not owned by him, that she was not fully a helpmeet, only a ‘Self’; + not such a ‘Self’ as he had left at St. Mildred’s, but still reflecting on + him his former character, instead of aiding him to a new one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 43 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But nature to its inmost part + Faith had refined; and to her heart + A peaceful cradle given, + Calm as the dew drops free to rest + Within a breeze-fanned rose’s breast + Till it exhales to heaven. + —WORDSWORTH +</pre> + <p> + It had long been a promise that Mr. Edmonstone should take Charlotte to + visit her grandmamma, in Ireland. They would have gone last autumn, but + for Guy’s illness, and now Aunt Charlotte wrote to hasten the performance + of the project. Lady Mabel was very anxious to see them, she said; and + having grown much more infirm of late, seemed to think it would be the + last meeting with her son. She talked so much of Mrs. Edmonstone and + Laura, that it was plain that she wished extremely for a visit from them, + though she did not like to ask it, in the present state of the family. + </p> + <p> + A special invitation was sent to Bustle; indeed, Charles said Charlotte + could not have gone without his permission, for he reigned like a tyrant + over her, evidently believing her created for no purpose but to wait on + him, and take him to walk. + </p> + <p> + Laura was a great favourite at the cottage of Kilcoran, and felt she ought + to offer to go. Philip fully agreed, and held out home hopes of following + as soon as the session, was over, and he had been to Redclyffe about some + business that had been deferred too long. + </p> + <p> + And now it appeared that Mr. Edmonstone had a great desire to take his + wife, and she herself said, that under any other circumstances she should + have been very desirous of going. She had not been to Ireland for fifteen + years, and was sorry to have seen so little of her mother-in-law; and now + that it had been proved that Charles could exist without her, she would + not have hesitated to leave him, but for Amabel’s state of health and + spirits, which made going from home out of the question. + </p> + <p> + Charles and Amabel did not think so. It was not to be endured, that when + grandmamma wished for her, she should stay at home for them without real + necessity; besides, the fatigue, anxiety, and sorrow she had undergone of + late, had told on her, and had made her alter perceptibly, from being + remarkably fresh and youthful, to be somewhat aged; and the change to a + new scene, where she could not be distressing herself at every failure in + cheerfulness of poor Amy’s, was just the thing to do her good. + </p> + <p> + Amabel was not afraid of the sole charge of Charles or of the baby, for + she had been taught but too well to manage for herself, she understood + Charles very well, and had too much quiet good sense to be fanciful about + her very healthy baby. Though she was inexperienced, with old nurse hard + by, and Dr. Mayerne at Broadstone, there was no fear of her not having + good counsel enough. She was glad to be of some use, by enabling her + mother to leave Charles, and her only fear was of being dull company for + him; but as he was so kind as to bear it, she would do her best, and + perhaps their neighbours would come and enliven him sometimes. + </p> + <p> + Charles threw his influence into the same scale. His affectionate + observation had shown him that it oppressed Amabel’s spirits to be the + object of such constant solicitude, and he was convinced it would be + better for her, both to have some necessary occupation and to be free from + that perpetual mournful watching of her mother’s that caused her to make + the efforts to be cheerful which did her more harm than anything else. + </p> + <p> + To let her alone to look and speak as she pleased without the fear of + paining and disappointing those she loved, keep the house quiet, and give + her the employment of household cares and attending on himself, was, he + thought, the best thing for her; and he was full of eagerness and pleasure + at the very notion of being of service to her, if only by being good for + nothing but to be waited on. He thought privately that the spring of his + mother’s mind had been so much injured by the grief she had herself + suffered for ‘her son Guy,’ her cruel disappointment in Laura, and the way + in which she threw herself into all Amy’s affliction, that there was a + general depression in her way of observing and attending Amy, which did + further harm; and that to change the current of her thoughts, and bring + her home refreshed and inspirited, would be the beginning of improvement + in all. Or, as he expressed it to Dr. Mayerne, ‘We shall set off on a new + tack.’ + </p> + <p> + His counsel and Mr. Edmonstone’s wishes at length decided mamma, on + condition that Mary Ross and Dr. Mayerne would promise to write on + alternate weeks a full report, moral and physical, as Charles called it. + So in due time the goods were packed, Mrs. Edmonstone cried heartily over + the baby, advised Amabel endlessly about her, and finally looked back + through her tears, as she drove away, to see Charles nodding and waving + his hand at the bay-window, and Amabel standing with her parting smile and + good-bye on the steps. + </p> + <p> + The reports, moral and physical, proved that Charles had judged wisely. + Amabel was less languid as she had more cause for exertion, and seemed + relieved by the absence of noise and hurry, spending more time + down-stairs, and appearing less weary in the evening. She still avoided + the garden, but she began to like short drives with her brother in the + pony-carriage, when he drove on in silence, and let her lean back and gaze + up into the sky, or into the far distance, undisturbed. Now and then he + would be rejoiced by a bright, genuine smile, perfectly refreshing, at + some of the pretty ways of the babe, a small but plump and lively + creature, beginning to grasp with her hands, laugh and gaze about with + eyes that gave promise of the peculiar colour and brilliancy of her + father’s. Amabel was afraid she might be tempted into giving Charles too + much of the little lady’s society; but he was very fond of her, regarding + her with an odd mixture of curiosity and amusement, much entertained with + watching what he called her unaccountable manners, and greatly flattered + when he could succeed in attracting her notice. Indeed, the first time she + looked full at him with a smile on the verge of a laugh, it completely + overcame him, by the indescribably forcible manner in which it suddenly + recalled the face which had always shone on him like a sunbeam. Above all, + it was worth anything to see the looks she awoke in her mother, for which + he must have loved her, even had she not been Guy’s child. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, especially on Sunday, Amabel would sometimes talk to him + as she had never yet been able to do, about her last summer’s journey, and + her stay at Recoara, and his way of listening and answering had in it + something that gave her great pleasure; while, on his side, he deemed each + fresh word of Guy’s a sort of treasure for which to be grateful to her. + The brother and sister were a great help and happiness to each other; + Amabel found herself restored to Charles, as Guy had liked to think of + her, and Charles felt as if the old childish fancies were fulfilled, in + which he and Amy were always to keep house together. He was not in the + least dull; and though his good-natured visitors in the morning were + welcome, and received with plenty of his gay lively talk, he did not by + any means stand in need of the compassion they felt for him, and could + have done very well without them; while the evenings alone with Amy had in + them something so pleasant that they were almost better than those when + Mr. Ross and Mary came to tea. He wrote word to his mother that she might + be quite at ease about them, and he thought Amy would get through the + anniversaries of September better while the house was quiet, so that she + need not think of trying to hurry home. + </p> + <p> + He was glad to have done so, for the letters, which scarcely missed a day + in being written by his mother and Charlotte, seemed to show that their + stay was likely to be long. Lady Mabel was more broken than they had + expected, and claimed a long visit, as she was sure it would be their + last, while the Kilcoran party had taken possession of Laura and + Charlotte, as if they never meant to let them go. Charlotte wrote her + brother very full and very droll accounts of the Iricisms around her which + she enjoyed thoroughly, and Charles, declaring he never expected to see + little Charlotte come out in the character of the facetious correspondent, + used to send Mary Ross into fits of laughing by what he read to her. Mr. + Fielder, the tutor, wrote Charlotte, was very nearly equal to Eveleen’s + description of him, but very particularly agreeable, in fact, the only man + who had any conversation, whom she had seen since she had been at + Kilcoran. + </p> + <p> + ‘Imagine,’ said Charles, ‘the impertinent little puss setting up for + intellectual conversation, forsooth!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s what comes of living with good company,’ said Mary. + </p> + <p> + The brother and sister used sometimes to drive to Broadstone to fetch + their letters by the second post. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte, of course,’ said Charles, as he opened one. ‘My Lady Morville, + what’s yours?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only Mr. Markham,’ said Amabel, ‘about the winding up of our business + together, I suppose. What does Charlotte say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte is in a fit of impudence, for which she deserves chastisement,’ + said Charles, unable to help laughing, as he read,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Our last event was a call from the fidus Achates, who, it seems, can no + longer wander up and down the Mediterranean without his pius Aeneas, and + so has left the army, and got a diplomatic appointment somewhere in + Germany. Lord Kilcoran has asked him to come and stay here, and Mabel and + I are quite sure he comes for a purpose. Of course he has chosen this + time, in order that he may be able to have his companion before his eyes, + as a model for courtship, and I wish I had you to help me look on whenever + Philip comes, as that laugh I must enjoy alone with Bustle. However, when + Philip will come we cannot think, for we have heard nothing of him this + age, not even Laura, and she is beginning to look very anxious about him. + Do tell us if you know anything about him. The last letter was when + parliament was prorogued, and he was going to Redclyffe, at least three + weeks ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder if Mr. Markham mentions him,’ said Amabel, hastily unfolding her + letter, which was, as she expected, about the executors’ business, but + glancing on to the end, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! here it is. Listen, Charlie. “Mr. Morville has been here for the last + few weeks, and is, I fear, very unwell. He has been entirely confined to + the house, almost ever since his arrival, by violent headache, which has + completely disabled him from attending to business; but he will not call + in any advice. I make a point of going to see him every day, though I + believe my presence is anything but acceptable, as in his present state of + health and spirits, I cannot think it right that he should be left to + servants.” Poor fellow! Redclyffe has been too much for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Over-worked, I suppose,’ said Charles. ‘I thought he was coming it pretty + strong these last few weeks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not even writing to Laura! How very bad he must be! I will write at once + to ask Mr. Markham for more particulars.’ + </p> + <p> + She did so, and on the third day they drove again to fetch the answer. It + was a much worse account. Mr. Morville was, said Markham, suffering + dreadfully from headache, and lay on the sofa all day, almost unable to + speak or move, but resolved against having medical advice, though his own + treatment of himself did not at all succeed in relieving him. There was + extreme depression of spirits, and an unwillingness to see any one. He had + positively refused to admit either Lord Thorndale or Mr. Ashford, and + would hardly bear to see Markham himself, who, indeed, only forced his + presence on him from thinking it unfit to leave him entirely to the + servants, and would be much relieved if some of Mr. Morville’s friends + were present to free him from the responsibility. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Charles. ‘I can’t say it sounds comfortable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is just as I feared!’ said Amy. ‘Great excitability of brain and + nerve, Dr. Mayerne said. All the danger of a brain fever again! Poor + Laura! What is to be done?’ + </p> + <p> + Charles was silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is for want of some one to talk to him,’ said Amabel. ‘I know how he + broods over his sad recollections, and Redclyffe must make it so much + worse. If mamma and Laura were but at home to go to him, it might save + him, and it would be fearful for him to have another illness, reduced as + he is. How I wish he was here!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He cannot come, I suppose,’ said Charles, ‘or he would be in Ireland.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. How well Guy knew when he said it would be worse for him than for + me! How I wish I could do something now to make up for running away from + him in Italy. If I was but at Redclyffe!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you really wish it?’ said Charles, surprised. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, if I could do him any good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would you go there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had but papa or mamma to go with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I should do as well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you think there would be any use in it, and choose to take the trouble + of lugging me about the country, I don’t see why you should not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Charlie, how very, kind! How thankful poor Laura will be to you! I do + believe it will save him!’ cried Amabel, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, Amy,’—he paused—‘shall you like to see Redclyffe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that is no matter,’ said she, quickly. ‘I had rather see after Philip + than anything. I told you how he was made my charge, you know. And Laura! + Only will it not be too tiring for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t see how it should hurt me. But I forget, what is to be done about + your daughter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what harm it could do her,’ said Amy, considering. ‘Mrs. + Gresham brought a baby of only three months old from Scotland the other + day, and she is six. It surely cannot hurt her, but we will ask Dr. + Mayerne.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mamma will never forgive us if we don’t take the doctor into our + councils.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arnaud can manage for us. We would sleep in London, and go on by an early + train, and we can take our—I mean my—carriage, for the journey + after the railroad. It would not be too much for you. How soon could we + go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sooner the better,’ said Charles. ‘If we are to do him any good, it + must be speedily, or it will be a case of shutting the stable-door. Why + not to-morrow?’ + </p> + <p> + The project was thoroughly discussed that evening, but still with the + feeling as if it could not be real, and when they parted at night they + said,—‘We will see how the scheme looks in the morning.’ + </p> + <p> + Charles was still wondering whether it was a dream, when the first thing + he heard in the court below his window was— + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, William, here’s a note from my lady for you to take to Dr. + Mayerne.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They be none of them ill?’ answered William’s voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘O no; my lady has been up this hour, and Mr. Charles has rung his bell. + Stop, William, my lady said you were to call at Harris’s and bring home a + “Bradshaw”.’ + </p> + <p> + Reality, indeed, thought Charles, marvelling at his sister, and his + elastic spirits throwing him into the project with a sort of enjoyment, + partaking of the pleasure of being of use, the spirit of enterprise, and + the ‘fun’ of starting independently on an expedition unknown to all the + family. + </p> + <p> + He met Amabel with a smile that showed both were determined. He undertook + to announce the plan to his mother, and she said she would write to tell + Mr. Markham that as far as could be reckoned on two such frail people, + they would be at Redclyffe the next evening, and he must use his own + discretion about giving Mr. Morville the note which she enclosed. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Mayerne came in time for breakfast, and the letter from Markham was at + once given to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘A baddish state of things, eh, doctor!’ said Charles. ‘Well, what do you + think this lady proposes? To set off forthwith, both of us, to take charge + of him. What do you think of that, Dr. Mayerne?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should say it was the only chance for him,’ said the doctor, looking + only at the latter. ‘Spirits and health reacting on each other, I see it + plain enough. Over-worked in parliament, doing nothing in moderation, + going down to that gloomy old place, dreaming away by himself, going just + the right way to work himself into another attack on the brain, and then + he is done for. I don’t know that you could do a wiser thing than go to + him, for he is no more fit to tell what is good for him than a child.’ So + spoke the doctor, thinking only of the patient till looking up at the pair + he was dismissing to such a charge, the helpless, crippled Charles, unable + to cross the room without crutches, and Amabel, her delicate face and + fragile figure in her widow’s mourning, looking like a thing to be pitied + and nursed with the tenderest care, with that young child, too, he broke + off and said—‘But you don’t mean you are in earnest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never more so in our lives,’ said Charles; on which Dr. Mayerne looked so + wonderingly and inquiringly at Amabel, that she answered,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes that we are, if you think it safe for Charles and baby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no one else to go? What’s become of his sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That would never do,’ said Charles, ‘that is not the question;’ and he + detailed their plan. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I don’t see why it should not succeed,’ said the doctor, ‘or how + you can any of you damage yourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And baby?’ said Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should happen to her, do you think?’ said the doctor with his kind, + reassuring roughness. ‘Unless you leave her behind in the carriage, I + don’t see what harm she could come to, and even then, if you direct her + properly, she will come safe to hand.’ Amabel smiled, and saying she would + fetch her to be inspected, ran up-stairs with the light nimble step of + former days. + </p> + <p> + ‘There goes one of the smallest editions of the wonders of the world!’ + said Charles, covering a sigh with a smile. ‘You don’t think it will do + her any harm?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not if she wishes it. I have long thought a change, a break, would be the + best thing for her—poor child!—I should have sent her to the + sea-side if you had been more movable, and if I had not seen every fuss + about her made it worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s what I call being a reasonable and valuable doctor,’ said Charles. + ‘If you had routed the poor little thing out to the sea, she would have + only pined the more. But suppose the captain turns out too bad for her + management, for old Markham seems in a proper taking?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem! No, I don’t expect it is come to that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be that as it may, I have a head, if nothing else, and some one is + wanted. I’ll write to you according as we find Philip.’ + </p> + <p> + The doctor was wanted for another private interview, in which to assure + Amabel that there was no danger for Charles, and then, after promising to + come to Redclyffe if there was occasion, and engaging to write and tell + Mrs. Edmonstone they had his consent, he departed to meet them by and by + at the station, and put Charles into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + A very busy morning followed; Amabel arranged household affairs as + befitted the vice-queen; took care that Charles’s comforts were provided + for; wrote many a note; herself took down Guy’s picture, and laid it in + her box, before Anne commenced her packing; and lastly, walked down to the + village to take leave of Alice Lamsden. + </p> + <p> + Just as the last hues of sunset were fading, on the following evening, + Lady Morville and Charles Edmonstone were passing from the moor into the + wooded valley of Redclyffe. Since leaving Moorworth not a word had passed. + Charles sat earnestly watching his sister; though there was too much crape + in the way for him to see her face, and she was perfectly still, so that + all he could judge by was the close, rigid clasping together of the hands, + resting on the sleeping infant’s white mantle. Each spot recalled to him + some description of Guy’s, the church-tower, the school with the two large + new windows, the park wall, the rising ground within. What was she + feeling? He did not dare to address her, till, at the lodge-gate, he + exclaimed—‘There’s Markham;’ and, at the same time, was conscious of + a feeling between hope and fear, that this might after all be a fool’s + errand, and a wonder how they and the master of the house would meet if it + turned out that they had taken fright without cause. + </p> + <p> + At his exclamation, Amy leant forward, and beckoned. Markham came up to + the window, and after the greeting on each side, walked along with his + hand on the door, as the carriage slowly mounted the steep hill, answering + her questions: ‘How is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No better. He has been putting on leeches, and made himself so giddy, + that yesterday he could hardly stand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And they have not relieved him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in the least. I am glad you are come, for it has been an absurd way + of going on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he up?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; on the sofa in the library.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you give him my note? Does he expect us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I went to see about telling him this morning, but found him so low + and silent, I thought it was better not. He has not opened a letter this + week, and he might have refused to see you, as he did Lord Thorndale. + Besides, I didn’t know how he would take my writing about him, though if + you had not written, I believe I should have let Mrs. Henley know by this + time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is an escape for him,’ murmured Charles to his sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have done the best in our power to receive you’ proceeded Markham; ‘I + hope you will find it comfortable, Lady Morville, but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, I am not afraid,’ said Amy, smiling a little. Markham’s eye + was on the little white bundle in her lap, but he did not speak of it, and + went on with explanations about Mrs. Drew and Bolton and the sitting-room, + and tea being ready. + </p> + <p> + Charles saw the great red pile of building rise dark, gloomy, and + haunted-looking before them. The house that should have been Amabel’s! + Guy’s own beloved home! How could she bear it? But she was eagerly asking + Markham how Philip should be informed of their arrival, and Markham was + looking perplexed, and saying, that to drive under the gateway, into the + paved court, would make a thundering sound, that he dreaded for Mr. + Morville. Could Mr. Charles Edmonstone cross the court on foot? Charles + was ready to do so; the carriage stopped, Amabel gave the baby to Anne, + saw Arnaud help Charles out; and turning to Markham, said, ‘I had better + go to him at once. Arnaud will show my brother the way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sitting-room, Arnaud’ said Markham, and walked on fast with her, + while Charles thought how strange to see her thus pass the threshold of + her husband’s house, come thither to relieve and comfort his enemy. + </p> + <p> + She entered the dark-oak hall. On one side the light shone cheerfully from + the sitting-room, the other doors were all shut. Markham hesitated, and + stood reluctant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, you had better tell him I am here,’ said she, in the voice, so + gentle, that no one perceived its resolution. + </p> + <p> + Markham knocked at one of the high heavy doors, and softly opened it. + Amabel stood behind it, and looked into the room, more than half dark, + without a fire, and very large, gloomy, and cheerless, in the gray autumn + twilight, that just enabled her to see the white pillows on the sofa, and + Philip’s figure stretched out on it. Markham advanced and stood doubtful + for an instant, then in extremity, began—‘Hem! Lady Morville is + come, and—’ + </p> + <p> + Without further delay she came forward, saying—‘How are you, + Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + He neither moved nor seemed surprised, he only said, ‘So you are come to + heap more coals on my head.’ + </p> + <p> + A thrill of terror came over her, but she did not show it, as she said, ‘I + am sorry to find you so poorly.’ + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if before he had taken her presence for a dream; for, + entirely roused, he exclaimed, in a tone of great surprise, ‘Is it you, + Amy?’ Then sitting up, ‘Why? When did you come here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just now. We were afraid you were ill, we heard a bad account of you, so + we have taken you by storm: Charles, your goddaughter, and I, are come to + pay you a visit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles! Charles here?’ cried Philip, starting up. ‘Where is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Coming in,’ said Amy; and Philip, intent only on hospitality, hastened + into the hall, and met him at the door, gave him his arm and conducted him + where the inviting light guided them to the sitting-room. The full + brightness of lamp and fire showed the ashy paleness of his face; his + hair, rumpled with lying on the sofa, had, on the temples, acquired a + noticeable tint of gray, his whole countenance bore traces of terrible + suffering; and Amabel thought that even at Recoara she had never seen him + look more wretchedly ill. + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you come?’ he asked. ‘It was very kind. I hope you will be + comfortable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have taken good care of ourselves,’ said Amy. ‘I wrote to Mr. Markham, + for I thought you were not well enough to be worried with preparations. We + ought to beg your pardon for breaking on you so unceremoniously.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If any one should be at home here—’ said Philip, earnestly;—then + interrupting himself, he shaded his eyes from the light, ‘I don’t know how + to make you welcome enough. When did you set off?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yesterday afternoon,’ said Charles; ‘we slept in London, and came on + to-day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you dined?’ said Philip, looking perplexed to know where the dinner + could come from. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; at K——, thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What will you have? I’ll ring for Mrs. Drew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, thank you; don’t tease yourself. Mrs. Drew will take care of us. + Never mind; but how bad your head is!’ said Amabel, as he sat down on the + sofa, leaning his elbow on his knee, and pressing his hand very hard on + his forehead. ‘You must lie down and keep quiet, and never mind us. We + only want a little tea. I am just going to take off my bonnet, and see + what they have done with baby, and then I’ll come down. Pray lie still + till then. Mind he does, Charlie.’ + </p> + <p> + They thought she was gone; but the next moment there she was with the two + pillows from the library sofa, putting them under Philip’s head, and + making him comfortable; while he, overpowered by a fresh access of + headache, had neither will nor power to object. She rang, asked for Mrs. + Drew, and went. + </p> + <p> + Philip lay, with closed eyes, as if in severe pain: and Charles, afraid to + disturb him, sat feeling as if it was a dream. That he, with Amy and her + child, should be in Guy’s home, so differently from their old plans, so + very differently from the way she should have arrived. He looked round the + room, and everywhere knew what Guy’s taste had prepared for his bride—piano, + books, prints, similarities to Hollywell, all with a fresh new bridal + effect, inexpressibly melancholy. They brought a thought of the bright + eye, sweet voice, light step, and merry whistle; and as he said to himself + ‘gone for ever,’ he could have hated Philip, but for the sight of his + haggard features, gray hairs, and the deep lines which, at + seven-and-twenty, sorrow had traced on his brow. At length Philip turned + and looked up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles,’ he said, ‘I trust you have not let her run any risk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No: we got Dr. Mayerne’s permission.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is like all the rest,’ said Philip, closing his eyes again. Presently + he asked: ‘How did you know I was not well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Markham said something in a business letter that alarmed Amy. She wrote + to inquire, and on his second letter we thought we had better come and see + after you ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + No more was said till Amabel returned. She had made some stay up-stairs, + talking to Mrs. Drew, who was bewildered between surprise, joy, and grief; + looking to see that all was comfortable in Charles’s room, making + arrangements for the child, and at last relieving herself by a short space + of calm, to feel where she was, realize that this was Redclyffe, and + whisper to her little girl that it was her father’s own home. She knew it + was the room he had destined for her; she tried, dark as it was, to see + the view of which he had told her, and looked up, over the mantel-piece, + at Muller’s engraving of St. John. Perhaps that was the hardest time of + all her trial, and she felt as if, without his child in her arms, she + could never have held up under the sense of desolation that came over her, + left behind, while he was in his true home. Left, she told herself, to + finish the task he had begun, and to become fit to follow him. Was she not + in the midst of fulfilling his last charge, that Philip should be taken, + care of? It was no time for giving way, and here was his own little + messenger of comfort looking up with her sleepy eyes to tell her so. Down + she must go, and put off ‘thinking herself into happiness’ till the + peaceful time of rest; and presently she softly re-entered the + sitting-room, bringing to both its inmates in her very presence such + solace as she little guessed, in her straightforward desire to nurse + Philip, and take care Charles was not made uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + That stately house had probably never, since its foundation, seen anything + so home-like as Amabel making tea and waiting on her two companions; both + she and Charles pleasing each other by enjoying the meal, and Philip + giving his cup to be filled again and again, and wondering why one + person’s tea should taste so unlike another’s. + </p> + <p> + He was not equal to conversation, and Charles and Amabel were both tired, + so that tea was scarcely over before they parted for the night; and Amy, + frightened at the bright and slipperiness of the dark-oak stairs, could + not be at peace till she had seen Arnaud help Charles safely up them, and + made him promise not to come down without assistance in the morning. + </p> + <p> + She was in the sitting-room soon after nine next morning, and found + breakfast on one table, and Charles writing a letter on the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said he, as she kissed him, ‘all right with you and little miss?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite, thank you. And are you rested?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Slept like a top; and what did you do? Did you sleep like a sensible + woman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty well, and baby was very good. Have you heard anything of Philip?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bolton thinks him rather better, and says he is getting up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How long have you been up?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A long time. I told Arnaud to catch Markham when he came up, as he always + does in a morning to see after Philip, and I have had a conference with + him and Bolton, so that I can lay the case before Dr. Mayerne + scientifically.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you think of it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think we came at the right time. He has been getting more and more into + work in London, taking no exercise, and so was pretty well knocked up when + he came here; and this place finished it. He tried to attend to business + about the property, but it always ended in his head growing so bad, he had + to leave all to Markham, who, by the way, has been thoroughly propitiated + by his anxiety for him. Then he gave up entirely; has not been out of + doors, written a note, nor seen a creature the last fortnight, but there + he has lain by himself in the library, given up to all manner of dismal + thoughts without a break.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How dreadful!’ said Annabel, with tears in her eyes. ‘Then he would not + see Mr. Ashford? Surely, he could have done something for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what,’ said Charles, lowering his voice,’ from what Bolton + says, I think he had a dread of worse than brain fever.’ + </p> + <p> + She shuddered, and was paler, but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe,’ continued Charles, ‘that it is one half nervous and the + oppression of this place, and the other half, the over-straining of a head + that was already in a ticklish condition. I don’t think there was any real + danger of more than such a fever as he had at Corfu, which would probably + have been the death of him; but I think he dreaded still worse, and that + his horror of seeing any one, or writing to Laura, arose from not knowing + how far he could control his words.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O! I am glad we came,’ repeated Amabel, pressing her hands together. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been doctoring himself,’ proceeded Charles; ‘and probably has kept + off the fever by strong measures, but, of course, the more he reduced his + strength, the greater advantage he gave to what was simply low spirits. He + must have had a terrible time of it, and where it would have ended I + cannot guess, but it seems to me that most likely, now that he is once + roused, he will come right again.’ + </p> + <p> + Just as Charles had finished speaking, he came down, looking extremely + ill, weak, and suffering; but calmed, and resting on that entire + dependence on Amabel which had sprung up at Recoara. + </p> + <p> + She would not let him go back to his gloomy library, but made him lie on + the sofa in the sitting-room, and sat there herself, as she thought a + little quiet conversation between her and Charles would be the best thing + for him. She wrote to Laura, and he sent a message, for he could not yet + attempt to write; and Charles wrote reports to his mother and Dr. Mayerne; + a little talk now and then going on about family matters. + </p> + <p> + Amabel asked Philip if he knew that Mr. Thorndale was at Kilcoran. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘he believed there was a letter from him, but his eyes had + ached too much of late to read.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ashford sent in to ask whether Lady Morville would like to see her. + Amabel’s face flushed, and she proposed going to her in the library; but + Philip, disliking Amy’s absence more than the sight of a visitor, begged + she might come to the sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + The Ashfords had been surprised beyond measure at the tidings that Lady + Morville had actually come to Redclyffe, and had been very slow to believe + it; but when convinced by Markham’s own testimony, Mrs. Ashford’s first + idea had been to go and see if she could be any help to the poor young + thing in that great desolate house, whither Mrs. Ashford had not been + since, just a year ago, Markham had conducted her to admire his + preparations. There was much anxiety, too, about Mr. Morville, of whose + condition, Markham had been making a great mystery, and on her return, Mr. + Ashford was very eager for her report. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Morville, she said, did look and seem very far from well, but Lady + Morville had told her they hoped it was chiefly from over fatigue, and + that rest would soon restore him. Lady Morville herself was a fragile + delicate creature, very sweet looking, but so gentle and shrinking, + apparently, that it gave the impression of her having no character at all, + not what Mrs. Ashford would have expected Sir Guy to choose. She had + spoken very little, and the chief of the conversation had been sustained + by her brother. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was very much taken with that young Mr. Edmonstone,’ said Mrs. Ashford; + ‘he is about three-and-twenty, sadly crippled, but with such a pleasing, + animated face, and so extremely agreeable and sensible, I do not wonder at + Sir Guy’s enthusiastic way of talking of him. I could almost fancy it was + admiration of the brother transferred to the sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then after all you are disappointed in her, and don’t lament, like + Markham, that she is not mistress here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No: I won’t say I am disappointed; she is a very sweet creature. O yes, + very! but far too soft and helpless for such a charge as this property, + unless she had her father or brother to help her. But I must tell you that + she took me to see her baby, a nice little lively thing, poor little dear! + and when we were alone, she spoke rather more, begged me to send her + godson to see her, thanked me for coming, but crying stopped her from + saying more. I could grow very fond of her. No, I don’t wonder at him, for + there is a great charm in anything so soft and dependent. + </p> + <p> + Decidedly, Mary Ross had been right when she said, that except Sir Guy, + there was no one so difficult to know as Amy. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon, Charles insisted on Amabel’s going out for fresh air and + exercise, and she liked the idea of a solitary wandering; but Philip, to + her surprise, offered to come with her, and she was too glad to see him + exert himself, to regret the musings she had hoped for; so out they went, + after opening the window to give Charles what he called an airing, and he + said, that in addition he should ‘hirple about a little to explore the + ground-floor of the house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must contrive some way for him to drive out,’ said Philip, as he + crossed the court with Amabel; ‘and you too. There is no walk here, but up + hill or down.’ + </p> + <p> + Up-hill they went, along the path leading up the green slope, from which + the salt wind blew refreshingly. In a few minutes, Amabel found herself on + a spot which thrilled her all over. + </p> + <p> + There lay before her Guy’s own Redclyffe bay; the waves lifting their + crests and breaking, the surge resounding, the sea-birds skimming round, + the Shag Rock dark and rugged, the scene which seemed above all the centre + of his home affections, which he had so longed to show her, that it had + cost him an effort on his death-bed to resign the hope; the leaping waves + that he said he would not change for the white-headed mountains. And now + he was lying among those southern mountains, and she stood in the spot + where he had loved to think of seeing her; and with Philip by her side. + His sea, his own dear sea, the vision of which had cheered, his last day, + like the face of a dear old friend; his sea, rippling and glancing on, + unknowing that the eyes that had loved it so well would gaze on it no + more; the wind that he had longed for to cool his fevered brow, the rock + which had been like a playmate in his boyhood, and where he had perilled + his life, and rescued so many. It was one of the seasons when a whole gush + of fresh perceptions of his feelings, like a new meeting with himself, + would come on her, her best of joys; and there she stood, gazing fixedly, + her black veil fluttering in the wind, and her hands pressed close + together, till Philip, little knowing what the sight was to her, shivered, + saying it was very cold and windy, and without hesitation she turned away, + feeling that now Redclyffe was precious indeed. + </p> + <p> + She brought her mind back to listen, while Philip was considering of means + of taking Charles out of doors; he supposed there might be some vehicle + about the place; but he thought there was no horse. Very unlike was this + to the exact Philip. The great range of stables was before them, where the + Morvilles had been wont to lodge their horses as sumptuously as + themselves, and Amabel proposed to go and see what they could find; but + nothing was there but emptiness, till they came to a pony in one stall, a + goat in another, and one wheelbarrow in the coach-house. + </p> + <p> + On leaving it, under the long-sheltered sunny wall, they came in sight of + a meeting between the baby taking the air in Anne’s arms, and Markham, who + had been hovering about all day, anxious to know how matters were going + on. His back was towards them, so that he was unconscious of their + approach, and they saw how he spoke to Anne, looked fixedly at the child, + made her laugh, and finally took her in his arms, as he had so often + carried her father, studying earnestly her little face. As soon as he saw + them coming, he hastily gave her back to Anne, as if ashamed to be thus + caught, but he was obliged to grunt and put his hand up to his shaggy + eyelashes, before he could answer Amabel’s greeting. + </p> + <p> + He could hardly believe his eyes, that here was Mr. Morville, who + yesterday was scarcely able to raise his head from the pillow, and could + attend to nothing. He could not think what Lady Morville had done to him, + when he heard him inquiring and making arrangements about sending for a + pony carriage, appearing thoroughly roused, and the dread of being seen or + spoken to entirely passed away, Markham was greatly rejoiced, for Mr. + Morville’s illness, helplessness, and dependence upon himself, had + softened and won him to regard him kindly as nothing else would have done; + and his heart was entirely gained when, after they had wished him + good-bye, he saw Philip and Amabel walk on, overtake Anne, Amy take the + baby and hold her up to Philip, who looked at her with the same earnest + interest. From thenceforward Markham knew that Redclyffe was nothing but a + burden to Mr. Morville, and he could bear to see it in his possession + since like himself, he seemed to regard Sir Guy’s daughter like a + disinherited princess. + </p> + <p> + This short walk fatigued Philip thoroughly. He slept till dinner-time, and + when he awoke said it was the first refreshing dreamless sleep he had had + for weeks. His head was much better, and at dinner he had something like + an appetite. + </p> + <p> + It was altogether a day of refreshment, and so were the ensuing ones. Each + day Philip became stronger, and resumed more of his usual habits. From + writing a few lines in Amabel’s daily letter to Laura, he proceeded to + filling the envelope, and from being put to sleep by Charles’s reading, to + reading aloud the whole evening himself. The pony carriage was set up, and + he drove Charles out every day, Amabel being then released from attending + him, and free to enjoy herself in her own way in rambles about the house + and park, and discoveries of the old haunts she knew so well by + description. + </p> + <p> + She early found her way to Guy’s own room, where she would walk up and + down with her child in her arms, talking to her, and holding up to her, to + be admired, the treasures of his boyhood, that Mrs. Drew delighted to keep + in order. One day, when alone in the sitting-room, she thought of trying + the piano he had chosen for her. It was locked, but the key was on her own + split-ring, where he had put it for her the day he returned from London. + She opened it, and it so happened, that the first note she struck reminded + her of one of the peculiarly sweet and deep tones of Guy’s voice. It was + like awaking its echo again, and as it died away, she hid her face and + wept. But from that time the first thing she did when her brother and + cousin were out, was always to bring down her little girl, and play to + her, watching how she enjoyed the music. + </p> + <p> + Little Mary prospered in the sea air, gained colour, took to springing and + laughing; and her intelligent lively way of looking about brought out + continually more likeness to her father. Amabel herself was no longer + drooping and pining, her step grew light and elastic, a shade of pink + returned to her cheek, and the length of walk she could take was + wonderful, considering her weakness in the summer. Every day she stood on + the cliff and looked at ‘Guy’s sea,’ before setting out to visit the + cottages, and hear the fond rough recollections of Sir Guy, or to wander + far away into the woods or on the moor, and find the way to the places he + had loved. One day, when Philip and Charles came in from a drive, they + overtook her in the court, her cloak over her arm, her crape limp with + spray, her cheeks brightened to a rosy glow by the wind, and a real smile + as she looked up to them. When Charles was on his sofa, she stooped over + him and whispered, ‘James and Ben Robinson have taken me out to the Shag!’ + </p> + <p> + She saw Mr. Wellwood, and heard a good account of Coombe Prior. She made + great friends with the Ashfords, especially little Lucy and the baby. She + delighted in visits to the cottages, and Charles every day wondered where + was the drooping dejection that she could not shake off at home. She would + have said that in Guy’s own home, ‘the joy’ had come to her, no longer in + fitful gleams and held by an effort for a moment, but steadily + brightening. She missed him indeed, but the power of finding rest in + looking forward to meeting him, the pleasure of dwelling on the days he + had been with her, and the satisfaction of doing his work for the present, + had made a happiness for her, and still in him, quiet, grave, and subdued, + but happiness likely to bloom more and more brightly throughout her life. + The anniversary of his death was indeed a day of tears, but the tears were + blessed ones, and she was more full of the feeling that had sustained her + on that morning, than she had been through all the year before. + </p> + <p> + Charles and Philip, meanwhile, proceeded excellently together, each very + anxious for the comfort of the other. Philip was a good deal overwhelmed + at first by the quantity of business on his hands, and setting about it + while his head was still weak, would have seriously hurt himself again, if + Charles had not come to his help, worked with a thorough good will, great + clearness and acuteness, and surprised Philip by his cleverness and + perseverance. He was elated at being of so much use; and begged to be + considered for the future as Philip’s private secretary, to which the only + objection was, that his handwriting was as bad as Philip’s was good; but + it was an arrangement so much to the benefit of both parties, that it was + gladly made. Philip was very grateful for such valuable assistance; and + Charles amused himself with triumphing in his importance, when he should + sit in state on his sofa at Hollywell, surrounded with blue-books, getting + up the statistics for some magnificent speech of the honourable member for + Moorworth. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Charles and Amabel saw no immediate prospect of their + party returning from Ireland, and thought it best to remain at Redclyffe, + since Philip had so much to do there; and besides, events were occurring + at Kilcoran which would have prevented his visit, even without his + illness. + </p> + <p> + One of the first drives that Charles and Philip took, after the latter was + equal to any exertion, was to Thorndale. There Charles was much amused by + the manner in which Philip was received, and he himself, for his sake; and + as he said to Amabel on his return, there was no question now, that the + blame of spoiling Philip did not solely rest at Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + Finding only Lady Thorndale at home, and hearing that Lord Thorndale was + in the grounds, Philip went out to look for him, leaving Charles on the + sofa, under her ladyship’s care. Charles, with a little exaggeration, + professed that he had never been so flattered in his whole life, as he was + by the compliments that reflected on him as the future brother-in-law of + Philip; and that he had really begun to think even Laura not half sensible + enough of her own happiness. Lady Thorndale afterwards proceeded to + inquiries about the De Courcy family, especially Lady Eveleen; and + Charles, enlightened by Charlotte, took delight in giving a brilliant + description of his cousin’s charms, for which he was rewarded by very + plain intimations of the purpose for which her son James was gone to + Kilcoran. + </p> + <p> + On talking the visit over, as they drove home, Charles asked Philip if he + had guessed at his friend’s intentions. ‘Yes,’ he answered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you never took the credit of it. Why did you not tell us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew it from himself, in confidence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Charles, amusing himself with the notion of the young man’s + dutifully asking the permission of his companion, unshaken in allegiance + though the staff might be broken, and the book drowned deeper than did + ever plummet sound. Philip spoke no more, and Charles would ask no more, + for Philip’s own affairs of the kind were not such as to encourage talking + of other people’s. No explanation was needed why he should now promote an + attachment which he had strongly disapproved while James Thorndale was + still in the army. + </p> + <p> + A day or two after, however, came a letter from Charlotte, bringing + further news, at which Charles was so amazed, that he could not help + communicating it at once to his companions. + </p> + <p> + ‘So! Eveleen won’t have him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ exclaimed both. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean that she has refused Thorndale?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so!’ said Charles. ‘Charlotte says he is gone. “Poor Mr. Thorndale + left us this morning, after a day of private conferences, in which he + seems to have had no satisfaction, for his resolute dignity and + determination to be agreeable all the evening were”—ahem—“were + great. Mabel cannot get at any of the real reasons from Eveleen, though I + think I could help her, but I can’t tell you.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charlotte means mischief.’ said Charles, as he concluded. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry!’ said Philip. ‘I did think Lady Eveleen would have been + able to estimate Thorndale. It will be a great disappointment—the + inclination has been of long standing. Poor Thorndale!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would have been a very good thing for Eva,’ said Amabel. ‘Mr. + Thorndale is such a sensible man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I thought his steady sense just what was wanting to bring out all her + good qualities that are running to waste in that irregular home,’ said + Philip. ‘What can have possessed her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! something must have possessed her,’ said Charles. ‘Eva was always + ready to be fallen in love with on the shortest notice, and if there was + not something prior in her imagination, Thorndale would not have had much + difficulty. By the bye, depend upon it, ‘tis the tutor.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip looked a little startled, but instantly reassuring himself, said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘George Fielder! Impossible! You have never seen him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! don’t you remember her description!’ said Amy, in a low voice, rather + sadly. + </p> + <p> + The very reason, Amy,’ said Charles; ‘it showed that he had attracted her + fancy.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip smiled a little incredulously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ said Charles, ‘you may smile, but you handsome men can little + appreciate the attractiveness of an interesting ugliness. It is the way to + be looked at in the end. Mark my words, it is the tutor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not!’ said Philip, as if shaken in his confidence. ‘Any way it is + a bad affair. I am very much concerned for Thorndale.’ + </p> + <p> + So sincerely concerned, that his head began to ache in the midst of some + writing. He was obliged to leave it to Charles to finish, and go out to + walk with Amy. + </p> + <p> + Amabel came in before him, and began to talk to Charles about his great + vexation at his friend’s disappointment. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am almost sorry you threw out that hint about Mr. Fielder,’ said she. + ‘Don’t you remember how he was recommended?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I had forgotten it was Philip’s doing; a bit of his spirit of + opposition,’ said Charles. ‘Were not the boys to have gone to Coombe + Prior?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes’ said Amabel, ‘that is the thing that seems to have made him so + unhappy about it. I am sure I hope it is not true,’ she added, + considering, ‘for, Charlie, you must know that Guy had an impression + against him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had he?’ said Charles, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was only an impression, nothing he could accuse him of, or mention to + Lord Kilcoran. He would have told no one but me, but he had seen something + of him at Oxford, and thought him full of conversation, very clever, only + not the sort of talk he liked.’ ‘I don’t like that. Charlotte concurs in + testifying to his agreeableness; and in the dearth of intellect, I should + not wonder at Eva’s taking up with him. He would be a straw to the + drowning. It looks dangerous.’ + </p> + <p> + They were very anxious for further intelligence, but received none, except + that Philip had a letter from his friend, on which his only comment was a + deep sigh, and ‘Poor Thorndale! She little knows what she has thrown + away!’ Letters from Kilcoran became rare; Laura scarcely wrote at all to + Philip, and though Mrs. Edmonstone wrote as usual, she did not notice the + subject; while Charlotte’s gravity and constraint, when she did achieve a + letter to Charles, were in such contrast to her usual free and would-be + satirical style, that such eyes as her brother’s could hardly fail to see + that something was on her mind. + </p> + <p> + So it went on week after week, Charles and Amabel wondering when they + should ever have any notice to go home, and what their family could be + doing in Ireland. October had given place to November, and more than a + week of November had passed, and here they still were, without anything + like real tidings. + </p> + <p> + At last came a letter from Mrs. Edmonstone, which Amabel could not read + without one little cry of surprise and dismay, and then had some + difficulty in announcing its contents to Philip. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Kilcoran, Nov. 8th. +</pre> + <p> + ‘My Dearest Amy,—You will be extremely surprised at what I have to + tell you, and no less grieved. It has been a most unpleasant, disgraceful + business from beginning to end, and the only comfort in it to us is the + great discretion and firmness that Charlotte has shown. I had better, + however, begin at the beginning, and tell you the history as far as I + understand it myself. You know that Mr. James Thorndale has been here, and + perhaps you know it was for the purpose of making an offer to Eveleen. + Every one was much surprised at her refusing him, and still more when, + after much prevarication, it came out that the true motive was her + attachment to Mr. Fielder, the tutor. It appeared that they had been + secretly engaged for some weeks, ever since they had perceived Mr. + Thorndale’s intentions, and not, as it was in poor Laura’s case, an + unavowed attachment, but an absolute engagement. And fancy Eva justifying + it by Laura’s example! There was of course great anger and confusion. Lord + Kilcoran was furious, poor Lady Kilcoran had nervous attacks, the + gentleman was dismissed from the house, and supposed to be gone to + England, Eva shed abundance of tears, but after a great deal of vehemence + she appeared subdued and submissive. We were all very sorry for her, as + there is much that is very agreeable and likely to attract her in Mr. + Fielder, and she always had too much mind to be wasted in such a life as + she leads here. It seemed as if Laura was a comfort to her, and Lady + Kilcoran was very anxious we should stay as long as possible. This was all + about three weeks or a month ago; Eva was recovering her spirits, and I + was just beginning a letter to tell you we hoped to be at home in another + week, when Charlotte came into my room in great distress to tell me that + Eveleen and Mr. Fielder were on the verge of a run-away marriage. + Charlotte had been coming back alone from a visit to grandmamma, and going + down a path out of the direct way to recall Bustle, who had run on, she + said, as if he scented mischief, came, to her great astonishment, on + Eveleen walking arm-in-arm with Mr. Fielder! Charlie will fancy how + Charlotte looked at them! They shuffled, and tried to explain it away, but + Charlotte was too acute for them, or rather, she held steadily to “be that + as it may, Lord Kilcoran ought to know it.” They tried to frighten her + with the horrors of betraying secrets, but she said none had been confided + to her, and mamma would judge. They tried to persuade her it was the way + of all lovers, and appealed to Laura s example, but there little Charlotte + was less to be shaken than on any point. “I did not think them worthy to + hear their names,” she said to me, “but I told them, that I had seen that + the truest and deepest of love had a horror of all that was like wrong, + and as to Philip and Laura, they little knew what they had suffered; + besides, theirs was not half so bad.” I verily believe these were the very + words she used to them. At last Eva threw herself on her mercy, and begged + so vehemently that she would only wait another day, that she suspected, + and, with sharpness very like Charlie’s, forced from Eva that they were to + marry the next morning. Then she said it would be a great deal better that + they should abuse her and call her a spy than do what they would repent of + all their lives; she begged Eva’s pardon, and cried so much that Eva was + in hopes she would relent, and then came straight to me, very unhappy, and + not in the least triumphant in her discovery. You can guess what a + dreadful afternoon we had, I don’t think any one was more miserable than + poor Charlotte, who stayed shut up in my room all day, dreading the sight + of any one, and expecting to be universally called a traitor. The end was, + that after much storming, Lord Kilcoran, finding Eveleen determined, and + anxious to save her the discredit of an elopement, has agreed to receive + Mr. Fielder, and they are to be married from this house on the 6th of + December, though what they are to live upon no one can guess. The + Kilcorans are very anxious to put the best face on the matter possible, + and have persuaded us, for the sake of the family, to stay for the + wedding; indeed, poor Lady Kilcoran is so completely overcome, that I + hardly like to leave her till this is over. How unpleasant the state of + things in the house is no one can imagine, and very, very glad shall I be + to get back to Hollywell and my Amy and Charlie. Dearest Amy, + </p> + <p> + ‘Your most affectionate. + </p> + <p> + ‘L. EDMONSTONE.’ + </p> + <p> + The news was at length told, and Philip was indeed thunder-struck at this + fresh consequence of his interference. It threatened at first to overthrow + his scarcely recovered spirits, and but for the presence of his guests, it + seemed as if it might have brought on a renewal of the state from which + they had restored him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Charles to Amy, when they talked it over alone, ‘It seems as + if good people could do wrong with less impunity than others. It is rather + like the saying about fools and angels. Light-minded people see the sin, + but not the repentance, so they imitate the one without being capable of + the other. Here are Philip and Laura finishing off like the end of a + novel, fortune and all, and setting a very bad example to the world in + general.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As the world cannot see below the surface,’ said Amy, ‘how distressed + Laura, must be! You see, mamma does not say one word about her.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip had not much peace till he had written to Mr. Thorndale, who was + going at once to Germany, not liking to return home to meet the + condolences. Mrs. Edmonstone had nearly the whole correspondence of the + family on her hands; for neither of her daughters liked to write, and she + gave the description of the various uncomfortable scenes that took place. + Lord de Courcy’s stern and enduring displeasure, and his father’s fast + subsiding violence; Lady Kilcoran’s distress, and the younger girls’ + excitement and amusement; but she said she thought the very proper and + serious way in which Charlotte viewed it, would keep it from doing them + much harm, provided, as was much to be feared, Lord Kilcoran did not end + by keeping the pair always at home, living upon him till Mr. Fielder could + get a situation. In fact, it was difficult to know what other means there + were of providing for them. + </p> + <p> + At last the wedding took place, and Mrs. Edmonstone wrote a letter, + divided between indignation at the foolish display that had attended it, + and satisfaction at being able at length to fix the day for the meeting at + Hollywell. No one could guess how she longed to be at home again, and to + be once more with Charlie. + </p> + <p> + Nor were Charles and Amabel less ready to go home, though they could both + truly say that they had much enjoyed their stay at Redclyffe. Philip was + to come with them, and it was privately agreed that he should return to + Redclyffe no more till he could bring Laura with him. Amabel had talked of + her sister to Mrs. Ashford, and done much to smooth the way; and even on + the last day or two, held a few consultations with Philip, as to the + arrangements that Laura would like. One thing, however, she must ask for + her own pleasure. ‘Philip,’ said she, ‘you must let me have this piano.’ + </p> + <p> + His answer was by look and gesture. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I want very much to ask a question, Philip. Will you tell me which is + Sir Hugh’s picture?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been sitting opposite to it every day at dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That!’ exclaimed Amy. ‘From what I heard, I fully expected to have known + Sir Hugh’s in a moment, and I often looked at that one, but I never could + see more likeness than there is in almost all the pictures about the + house.’ + </p> + <p> + She went at once to study it again, and wondered more. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him sometimes look like it; but it is not at all the strong + likeness I expected.’ + </p> + <p> + Philip stood silently gazing, and certainly the countenance he recalled, + pleading with him to desist from his wilfulness, and bending over him in + his sickness, was far unlike in expression to the fiery youth before him. + In a few moments more, Amabel had run up-stairs, and brought down Mr. + Shene’s portrait. There was proved to be more resemblance than either of + them had at first sight credited. The form of the forehead, nose, and + short upper lip were identical, so were the sharply-defined black + eyebrows, the colour of the eyes; and the way of standing in both had a + curious similarity; but the expression was so entirely different, that + strict comparison alone proved, that Guy’s animated, contemplative, and + most winning countenance, was in its original lineaments entirely the same + with that of his ancestor. Although Sir Hugh’s was then far from + unprepossessing, and bore as yet no trace of his unholy passions, it + bought to Amabel’s mind the shudder with which Guy had mentioned his + likeness to that picture, and seemed to show her the nature he had tamed. + </p> + <p> + Philip, meanwhile, after one glance at Mr. Shene’s portrait, which he had + not before seen, had turned away, and stood leaning against the + window-frame. When Amy had finished her silent comparison, and was going + to take her treasure back, he looked up, and said, ‘Do you dislike leaving + that with me for a few minutes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Keep it as long as you like,’ said she, going at once, and she saw him no + more till nearly an hour after; when, as she was coming out of her own + room, he met her, and gave it into her hands, saying nothing except a + smothered ‘Thank you;’ but his eyelids were so swollen and heavy, that + Charles feared his head was bad again, while Amy was glad to perceive that + he had had the comfort of tears. + </p> + <p> + Every one was sorry to wish Lady Morville and her brother good-bye, only + consoling themselves with hoping that their sister might be like them; and + as to little Mary, the attention paid to her was so devoted and universal, + that her mamma thought it very well she should receive the first ardour of + it while she was too young to have her head turned. + </p> + <p> + They again slept a night in London, and in the morning Philip took Charles + for a drive through the places he had heard of, and was much edified by + actually beholding. They were safely at home the same evening, and on the + following, the Hollywell party was once more complete, gathered round + Charles’s sofa in a confusion of welcomes and greetings. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Edmonstone could hardly believe her eyes, so much had Charles’s + countenance lost its invalid look, and his movements were so much more + active; Amabel, too, though still white and thin, had a life in her eye + and an air of health most unlike her languor and depression. + </p> + <p> + Every one looked well and happy but Laura, and she had a worn, faded, + harassed aspect, which was not cheered even by Philip’s presence; indeed, + she seemed almost to shrink from speaking to him. She was the only silent + one of the party that evening, as they gathered round the dinner or + tea-table, or sat divided into threes or pairs, talking over the subjects + that would not do to be discussed in public. Charlotte generally niched + into Amy’s old corner by Charles, hearing about Redclyffe, or telling + about Ireland. Mrs. Edmonstone and Amy on the opposite sides of the + ottoman, their heads meeting over the central cushion, talking in low, + fond, inaudible tones; Mr. Edmonstone going in and out of the room, and + joining himself to one or other group, telling and hearing news, and + sometimes breaking up the pairs; and then Mrs. Edmonstone came to + congratulate Charles on Amy’s improved looks, or Charlotte pressed up + close to Amy to tell her about grandmamma. For Charlotte could not talk + about Eveleen, she had been so uncomfortable at the part she had had to + act, that all the commendation she received was only like pain and shame, + and her mother was by no means dissatisfied that it should be so, since a + degree of forwardness had been her chief cause of anxiety in Charlotte; + and it now appeared that without losing her high spirit and uncompromising + sense of right, her sixteenth year was bringing with it feminine reserve. + </p> + <p> + Laura lingered late in Amabel’s room, and when her mother had wished them + good night, and left them together, she exclaimed, ‘Oh, Amy! I am so glad + to be come back to you. I have been so very miserable!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you see he is quite well,’ said Amy. ‘We think him looking better + than in the summer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O yes! Oh, Amy, what have you not done? If you could guess the relief of + hearing you were with him, after that suspense!’ But as if losing that + subject in one she was still more eager about, ‘What did he think of me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Amabel, ‘I don’t think I am the right person to tell you + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You saw how it struck him when he heard of my share in it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours? Mamma never mentioned you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Always kind!’ said Laura. ‘Oh, Amy! what will you think of me when I tell + I knew poor Eva’s secret all the time? What could I do, when Eva pleaded + my own case? It was very different, but she would not see it, and I felt + as if I was guilty of all. Oh, how I envied Charlotte.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Laura, no wonder you were unhappy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing hitherto has been equal to it! said Laura. ‘There was the misery + of his silence, and the anxiety that you, dearest, freed me from, then no + sooner was that over than this was confided to me. Think what I felt when + Eva put me in mind of a time when I argued in favour of some such + concealment in a novel! No, you can never guess what I went through, + knowing that he would think me weak, blameable, unworthy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, he blames himself too much to blame you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, that he must not do! It was my fault from the beginning. If I had but + gone at once to mamma!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I am so glad!’ exclaimed Amy, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Glad?’’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean,’ said Amy, looking down, ‘now you have said that, I am sure you + will be happier.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Happier, now I feel and see how I have lowered myself even in his sight?’ + said Laura, drooping her head and hiding her face in her hands, as she + went on in so low a tone that Amy could hardly hear her. ‘I know it all + now. He loves me still, as he must whatever he has once taken, into that + deep, deep heart of his: he will always; but he cannot have that + honouring, trusting, confiding love that—you enjoyed and deserved, + Amy—that he would have had if I had cared first for what became me. + If I had only at first told mamma, he would not even have been blamed; he + would have been spared half this suffering and self-reproach; he would + have loved me more; Eva might not have been led astray, at least she could + not have laid it to my charge,—and I could lift up my head,’ she + finished, as she hung it almost to her knees. + </p> + <p> + Her sister raised the head, laid it on her own bosom, and kissed, the + cheeks and brow again and again. ‘Dearest, dearest Laura, I am so sorry + for you; but I am sure you must feel freer and happier now you know it + all, and see the truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know!’ said Laura, sadly. + </p> + <p> + ‘And at least you will be better able to comfort him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I shall only add to his self-reproach. He will see more plainly + what a wretched weak creature he fancied had firmness and discretion. Oh, + what a broken reed I have been to him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is strength and comfort for us all to lean upon,’ said Amy. ‘But + you ought to go to bed. Shall I read to you, Laura? you are so tired, I + should like to come and read you to sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura was not given to concealments; that fatal one had been her only + insincerity, and she never thought of doing otherwise than telling the + whole of her conduct in Ireland to Philip. She sat alone with him the next + morning, explained all, and entreated his pardon, humiliating herself so + much, that he could not bear to hear her. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was the fault of our whole lifetime, Laura,’ said he, recovering + himself, when a few agitated words had passed on either side. ‘I taught + you to take my dictum for law, and abused your trusty and perverted all + the best and most precious qualities. It is I who stand first to bear the + blame, and would that I could bear all the suffering! But as it is, Laura, + we must look to enduring the consequence all our lives, and give each + other what support we may.’ + </p> + <p> + Laura could hardly brook his self-accusation, but she could no longer + argue the point; and there was far more peace and truth before them than + when she believed him infallible, and therefore justified herself for all + she had done in blind obedience to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 44 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Thus souls by nature pitched too high, + By sufferings plunged too low, + Meet in the church’s middle sky, + Halfway ‘twixt joy and woe; + + To practise there the soothing lay, + That sorrow best relieves, + Thankful for all God takes away, + Humbled by all He gives. + —CHRISTIAN YEAR +</pre> + <p> + One Afternoon, late in April, Charles opened the dressing-room door, and + paused a moment, smiling. There sat Amabel on the floor before the fire, + her hand stretched out, playfully holding back the little one, who, with + scanty, flossy, silken curls, hazel eyes and jet-black lashes, plump, + mottled arms, and tiny tottering feet, stood crowing and shouting in + exulting laughter, having just made a triumphant clutch at her mamma’s + hair, and pulled down all the light, shining locks, while under their + shade the reddening, smiling face recalled the Amy of days long gone by. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right! cried Charles, delighted, ‘pull it all down. Out with + mamma’s own curls again!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I can never wear my curls again,’ said Amy, so mournfully, that he + was sorry he had referred to them; and perceiving this, she smiled + sweetly, and pulling a tress to its full length, showed how much too short + it was for anything but being put plainly under the cap, to which she + restored it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Mrs. Henley come?’ she asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘As large as life, and that is saying a good deal. She would make two of + Philip. As tall and twice as broad. I thought Juno herself was advancing + on me from the station.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you get on with her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Famously; I told her all about everything, and how the affair is to be + really quiet, which she had never believed. She could hardly believe my + word, when I told her there was to be absolutely no one but ourselves and + Mary Ross. She supposed it was for your sake, and I did not tell her it + was for their own. It really was providential that the Kilcoran folk + disgusted my father with grand weddings, for Philip never could endure + one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Miss Mischief, there goes my hair again! You know Philip is + exceedingly worried about Mr. Fielder. Lord Kilcoran has been writing to + ask him to find him a situation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is an article they will be seeking all the rest of their lives,’ + said Charles. ‘A man is done for when he begins to look for a situation! + Yes, those Fielders will be a drag on Philip and Laura for ever; for they + don’t quite like to cast them off, feeling as he does that he led to her + getting into the scrape, by recommending him; and poor Laura thinking she + set the example.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish Eva was away from home,’ said Amy, ‘for Aunt Charlotte’s accounts + of her vex Laura so much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! trying to eat her cake and have it, expecting to be Mr. Fielder’s + wife, and reign as the earl’s daughter all the same. Poor thing! the day + they get the situation will be a sad one for her. She does not know what + poortith cauld will be like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Eva!’ said Amy. ‘I dare say she will shine and be all the better for + trouble. There is much that is so very nice in her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, if she has not spoilt it all by this time,—as that creature is + doing with your hair! You little monkey, what have you to say to me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only to wish you good night. Come, baby, we must go to Anne. Good night, + Uncle Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + Just as Amabel had borne off her little girl, Mrs. Edmonstone and + Charlotte came in, after conducting Mrs. Henley to her room. Charlotte + made a face of wonder and dismay, and Mrs. Edmonstone asked where Amy was. + </p> + <p> + ‘She carried the baby to the nursery just before you came. I wish you had + seen her. The little thing had pulled down her hair and made her look so + pretty and like herself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How well her spirits keep up! She has been running up and down stairs all + day, helping about everything. Well! we little thought how things would + turn out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that after all Amy would be the home-bird,’ said Charles. ‘I don’t + feel as if it was wrong to rejoice in having her in this sweet, shady + brightness, as she is now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know whether she means to go to church to-morrow? I don’t like to + ask.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor I.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know she does,’ said Charlotte. ‘She told me so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope it will not be too much for her! Dear Amy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She would say it was wrong to have our heads fuller of her than of our + bride,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor Laura!’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘I am glad it is all right at last. + They have both gone through a great deal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And not in vain,’ added Charles. ‘Philip is—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I say not a word against him!’ cried Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘He is most + excellent; he will be very distinguished,—he will make her very + happy. Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In fact,’ said Charles, ‘he is made to be one of the first in this world, + and to be first by being above it; and the only reason we are almost + discontented is, that we compare him with one who was too good for this + world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not only that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you did not see him at Redclyffe, or you would do more than simply + forgiving him as a Christian.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is not quite enough,’ said Charles, smiling, with a mischievous air, + though fully in earnest. ‘Is it, Charlotte? She must take him home to her + mamma’s own heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, that is asking too much, Charlie,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone. ‘Only + one ever was—’ then breaking off—‘and I can never think of + Philip as I used to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like him much better now,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ said Charles, ‘I never liked him—nay, that’s too + mild, I could not abide him, I rebelled against him, heart, soul, and + taste. If it had not been for Guy, his fashion of goodness would have made + me into an extract of gall and wormwood, at the very time you admired him, + and yet a great deal of it was genuine. But it is only now that I have + liked him. Nay, I look up to him, I think him positively noble and grand, + and when I see proofs of his being entirely repentant, I perceive he is a + thorough great man. If I had not seen one greater, I should follow his + young man’s example and take him for my hero model.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As if you wanted a hero model,’ whispered Charlotte, in a tone between + caressing and impertinence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve had one!’ returned Charles, also aside. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Edmonstone, going on with her own thoughts, ‘unless there + had been a great fund of real goodness, he would never have felt it so + deeply. Indeed, even when I best liked Philip, I never thought him capable + of such repentance as he has shown.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If mamma wants to like him very much,’ said Charlotte, ‘I think she has + only to look at our other company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ said Charles, ‘we want no more explanation of the tone of the “Thank + you,” with which he answered the offer to invite his sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One comfort is, she can’t stay long. She has got a committee meeting for + the Ladies’ Literary and Scientific Association, and must go home for it + the day after to-morrow,’ said Charlotte. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you are very good, perhaps she will give you a ticket, Charlotte,’ + said her brother, ‘and another for Bustle.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley was, meanwhile, highly satisfied with the impression she + thought she was making on her aunt’s family, especially on Charles and + Charlotte. The latter she patronized, to her extreme though suppressed + indignation, as a clever, promising girl; the former, she discovered to be + a very superior young man, a most valuable assistant to her brother in his + business, and her self-complacency prevented her from finding out how he + was playing her off, whenever neither Philip nor Laura were at hand to be + hurt by it. + </p> + <p> + She thought Laura a fine-looking person, like her own family, and fit to + be an excellent lady of the house; and in spite of the want of fortune, + she perceived that her brother’s choice had been far better than if he had + married that poor pale little Amabel, go silent and quiet that she never + could make a figure anywhere, and had nothing like the substantive + character that her brother must have in a wife. + </p> + <p> + Could Mrs. Henley have looked behind the scenes she would have marvelled. + </p> + <p> + ‘One kiss for mamma; and one for papa,’ was Amy’s half-uttered morning + greeting, as she lifted from her cot her little one, with cheeks flushed + by sleep. Morning and evening Amy spoke those words, and was happy in the + double kiss that Mary had learnt to connect with them; happy too in + holding her up to the picture, and saying ‘papa,’ so that his child might + never recollect a time when he had not been a familiar and beloved idea. + </p> + <p> + A little play with the merry child, then came Anne to take her away; and + with a suppressed sigh, Amabel dressed for the first time without her + weeds, which she had promised to leave off on Laura’s wedding-day. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I will not sigh!’ then she thought, ‘it does not put me further from + him. He would be more glad than any one this day, and so I must show some + sign of gladness.’ + </p> + <p> + So she put on such a dress as would be hers for life—black silk, and + face cap over her still plain hair, then with real pleasure she put on + Charles’s bracelet, and the silver brooch, which she had last worn the + evening when the echoes of Recoara had answered Guy’s last chant. Soon she + was visiting Laura, cheering her, soothing her agitation, helping her to + dress in her bridal array, much plainer than Amy’s own had been, for it + had been the especial wish of both herself and Philip that their wedding + should be as quiet and unlike Guy’s as possible. Then Amabel was running + down-stairs to see that all was right, thinking the breakfast-table looked + dull and forlorn, and calling Charlotte to help her to make it appear a + little more festal, with the aid of some flowers. Charlotte wondered to + see that she had forgotten how she shunned flowers last summer, for there + she was flitting from one old familiar plant to another in search of the + choicest, arranging little bouquets with her own peculiar grace and taste, + and putting them by each person’s place, in readiness to receive them. + </p> + <p> + It was as if no one else could smile that morning, except Mr. Edmonstone, + who was so pleased to see her looking cheerful, in her altered dress, that + he kissed her repeatedly, and confidentially told Mrs. Henley that his + little Amy was a regular darling, the sweetest girl in the world, poor + dear, except Laura. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley, in the richest of all silks, looked magnificent and superior. + Mrs. Edmonstone had tears in her eyes, and attended to every one softly + and kindly, without a word; Charlotte was grave, helpful, and thoughtful; + Charles watching every one, and intent on making things smooth; Laura + looked fixed in the forced composure which she had long ago learnt, and + Philip,—it was late before he appeared at all, and when he came + down, there was nothing so plainly written on his face as headache. + </p> + <p> + It was so severe that the most merciful thing was to send him to lie on + the sofa in the dressing-room. Amabel said she would fetch him some + camphor, and disappeared, while Laura sat still with her forced composure. + Her father fidgeted, only restrained by her presence from expressing his + fears that Philip was too unwell for the marriage to take place to-day, + and Charles talked cheerfully of the great improvement in his general + health, saying this was but a chance thing, and that on the whole he might + be considered as quite restored. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Henley listened and answered, but could not comprehend the state of + things. Breakfast was over, when she heard Amabel speaking to Laura in the + ante-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will go off soon. Here is a cup of hot coffee for you to take him. + I’ll call you when it is time to go.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel and Charlotte were very busy looking after Laura’s packing up, and + putting all that was wanted into the carriage, in which the pair were to + set off at once from church, without returning to Hollywell. + </p> + <p> + At the last moment she went to warn Philip it was time to go, if he meant + to walk to church alone, the best thing for his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is better,’ said Laura, somewhat comforted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Much better for your bathing it, thank you,’ said Philip, rising; then, + turning to Amy,—‘Do I wish you good-bye now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I shall see you at church, unless you don’t like to have my blackness + there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would we not have our guardian angel, Laura?’ said Philip. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know <i>he</i> would have been there,’ said Amy. ‘No one would have + been more glad, so thank you for letting me come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you for coming,’ said Laura, earnestly. ‘It is a comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + They left her, and she stood a few minutes to enjoy the solitude, and to + look from the window at her little girl, whom she had sent out with Anne. + She was just about to open the window to call to her, and make her look up + with one of her merry shouts of ‘Mamma!’ when Philip came out at the + garden-door, and was crossing the lawn. Mary was very fond of him, + flattered by the attention of the tallest person in the house, and she + stretched her arms, and gave a cry of summons. Amabel watched him turn + instantly, take her from her nurse, and hold her in a close embrace, + whilst her little round arms met round his neck. She was unwilling to be + restored to Anne, and when he left she looked up in his face, and + unprompted, held up to him the primroses and violets in her hand. + </p> + <p> + Those flowers were in his coat when Amabel saw him again at church, and + she knew that this spontaneous proof of affection from Guy’s little + unconscious child was more precious to him than all the kindnesses she + could bestow. + </p> + <p> + Little space was there for musing, for it was high time to set off for + church. Mary Ross met the party at the wicket of the churchyard, took + Charles on her arm, and by look and sign inquired for Amy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bright outwardly,’ he answered, ‘and I think so inwardly. Nothing does + her so much good as to represent him. Did you wonder to see her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No’ said Mary. ‘I thought she would come. It is the crowning point of his + forgiveness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Such forgiveness that she has forgotten there is anything to forgive,’ + said Charles. + </p> + <p> + Philip Morville and Laura Edmonstone stood before Mr. Ross. It was not + such a wedding as the last. There was more personal beauty, but no such + air of freshness, youth, and peace. He was, indeed, a very fine-looking + man, his countenance more noble than it had ever been, though pale and not + only betraying the present suffering of the throbbing, burning brow, but + with the appearance of a care-worn, harassed man, looking more as if his + age was five-and-thirty than eight-and-twenty. And she, in her plain white + muslin and quiet bonnet, was hardly bridal-looking in dress, and so it was + with her face, still beautiful and brilliant in complexion, but with the + weight of care permanent on it, and all the shades of feeling concealed by + a fixed command of countenance, unable, however, to hide the oppression of + dejection and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Yet to the eyes that only beheld the surface, there was nothing but + prosperity and happiness in a marriage between a pair who had loved so + long and devotedly, and after going through so much for each other’s sake, + were united at length, with wealth, honour, and distinction before them. + His health was re-established, and the last spring had proved that his + talents would place him in such a position as had been the very object of + his highest hopes. Was not everything here for which the fondest and most + aspiring wishes could seek? Yet for the very reason that there was sadness + at almost every heart, not one tear was shed. Mrs. Edmonstone’s thoughts + were less engrossed with the bride than with the young slender figure in + black, standing in her own drooping way, her head bent down, and the + fingers of her right hand clasping tight her wedding-ring, through her + white glove. + </p> + <p> + The service was over. Laura hung round her mother’s neck in an ardent + embrace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your pardon! O, mamma, I see it all now!’ + </p> + <p> + Poor thing! she had too much failed in a daughter’s part to go forth from + her home with the clear, loving, hopeful heart her sister had carried from + it! Mrs. Edmonstone’s kiss was a full answer, however, a kiss unlike what + it had been with all her efforts for many and many a month. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, pray that it may not be visited!’ were the last words breathed to + her sister, as they were pressed in each other’s arms. + </p> + <p> + Philip scarcely spoke, only met their kindnesses with grateful gestures + and looks, and brief replies, and the parting was hastened that he might + as soon as possible be at rest. His only voluntary speech was as he bade + farewell to Amabel,— + </p> + <p> + ‘My sister now!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And <i>his</i> brother,’ she answered. ‘Good-bye!’ + </p> + <p> + As soon as Amabel was alone in the carriage with Charles, she leant back, + and gave way to a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, has it been too much?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ she said, recovering herself; ‘but I am so glad! It was <i>his</i> + chief desire. Now everything he wished is fulfilled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you are free of your great charge. He has been a considerable care to + you, but now he is safe on Laura’s hands, and well and satisfactory; so + you have no care but your daughter, and we settle into our home life.’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel smiled. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amy, I do wish I was sure you are happy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, dear Charlie, indeed I am. You are all so very kind to me, and it is + a blessing, indeed, that my own dear home can open to take in me and baby. + You know <i>he</i> liked giving me back to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it is happiness, not only thinking it ought to be! Don’t let me tease + you, Amy, don’t answer if you had rather not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, Charlie, it <i>is</i> happiness. It must be when I remember + how very happy he used to be, and there can be nothing to spoil it. When I + see how all the duties of his station worry and perplex Philip, I am glad + he was spared from it, and had all his freshness and brightness his whole + life. It beams out on me more now, and it was such perfect happiness while + I had him here, and it is such a pleasure and honour to be called by his + name; besides, there is baby. Oh! Charlie, I must be happy—I am; do + believe it! Indeed, you know I have you and mamma and all too. And, + Charlie, I think he made you all precious to me over again by the way he + loved you all, and sent me back, to you especially. Yes, Charlie, you must + not fancy I grieve. I am very happy, for he is, and all I have is made + bright and precious by him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said he, looking at her, as the colour had come into her face, and + she looked perfectly lovely with eager, sincere happiness; one of her + husband’s sweetest looks reflected on her face; altogether, such a picture + of youth, joy, and love, as had not been displayed by the bride that + morning. ‘Amy, I don’t believe anything could make you long unhappy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing but my own fault. Nothing else can part me from him,’ she + whispered almost to herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; no one else had such a power of making happy,’ said Charles, + thoughtfully. ‘Amy, I really don’t know whether even you owe as much to + your husband as I do. You were good for something before, but when I look + back on what I was when first he came, I know that his leading, + unconscious as it was, brought out the stifled good in me. What a wretch I + should have been; what a misery to myself and to you all by this time, and + now, I verily believe, that since he let in the sunlight from heaven on + me, I am better off than if I had as many legs as other people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better off?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. Nobody else lives in such an atmosphere of petting, and has so + little to plague them. Nobody else has such a “mamma,” to say nothing of + silly little Amy, or Charlotte, or Miss Morville. And as to being of no + use, which I used to pine about—why, when the member for Moorworth + governs the country, I mean to govern him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you are of wonderful use to every one,’ said Amabel; ‘neither + Philip nor papa could get on without you to do their writing for them. + Besides, I want you to help me when baby grows older.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that the laudable result of that great book on education I saw you + reading the other day?’ said Charles. ‘Why don’t you borrow a few hints + from Mrs. Henley?’ + </p> + <p> + Amy’s clear, playful laugh was just what it used to be. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is all settled, then, that you go on with us! Not that I ever thought + you were going to do anything so absurd as to set up for yourself, you + silly little woman: but it seems to be considered right to come to a + formal settlement about such a grand personage as my Lady Morville.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; it was better to come to an understanding,’ said Amabel. ‘It was + better that papa should make up his mind to see that I can’t turn into a + young lady again. You see Charlotte will go out with him and be the Miss + Edmonstone for company, and he is so proud of her liveliness and—how + pretty she is growing—so that will keep him from being vexed. So now + you see I can go on my own way, attend to baby, and take Laura’s business + about the school, and keep out of the way of company, so that it is very + nice and comfortable. It is the very thing that Guy wished!’ + </p> + <p> + Amabel’s life is here pretty well shown. That of Philip and Laura may be + guessed at. He was a distinguished man, one of the most honoured and + respected in the country, admired for his talents and excellence, and + regarded universally as highly prosperous and fortunate, the pride of all + who had any connection with him. Yet it was a harassed, anxious life, with + little of repose or relief; and Laura spent her time between watching him + and tending his health, and in the cares and representation befitting her + station, with little space for domestic pleasure and home comfort, knowing + her children more intimately through her sister’s observation than through + her own. + </p> + <p> + Perfect and devoted as ever was their love, and they were thought most + admirable and happy people. There was some wonder at his being a grave, + melancholy man, when he had all before him so richly to enjoy, contrary to + every probability when he began life. Still there was one who never could + understand why others should think him stern and severe, and why even his + own children should look up to him with love that partook of distant awe + and respect, one to whom he never was otherwise than indulgent, nay, + almost reverential, in the gentleness of his kindness, and that was Mary + Verena Morville. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE END. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The Heir of Redclyffe, by Charlotte M. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + + + +THE HEIR OF REDCLYFFE + + + + +CHAPTER 1 + + + +In such pursuits if wisdom lies, +Who, Laura, can thy taste despise?--GAY + + +The drawing-room of Hollywell House was one of the favoured apartments, +where a peculiar air of home seems to reside, whether seen in the +middle of summer, all its large windows open to the garden, or, as when +our story commences, its bright fire and stands of fragrant green-house +plants contrasted with the wintry fog and leafless trees of November. +There were two persons in the room--a young lady, who sat drawing at +the round table, and a youth, lying on a couch near the fire, +surrounded with books and newspapers, and a pair of crutches near him. +Both looked up with a smile of welcome at the entrance of a tall, fine- +looking young man, whom each greeted with 'Good morning, Philip.' + +'Good morning, Laura. Good morning, Charles; I am glad you are +downstairs again! How are you to-day?' + +'No way remarkable, thank you,' was the answer, somewhat wearily given +by Charles. + +'You walked?' said Laura. + +'Yes. Where's my uncle? I called at the post-office, and brought a +letter for him. It has the Moorworth post-mark,' he added, producing +it. + +'Where's that?' said Charles. + +'The post-town to Redclyffe; Sir Guy Morville's place.' + +'That old Sir Guy! What can he have to do with my father?' + +'Did you not know,' said Philip, 'that my uncle is to be guardian to +the boy--his grandson?' + +'Eh? No, I did not.' + +'Yes,' said Philip; 'when old Sir Guy made it an especial point that my +father should take the guardianship, he only consented on condition +that my uncle should be joined with him; so now my uncle is alone in +the trust, and I cannot help thinking something must have happened at +Redclyffe. It is certainly not Sir Guy's writing.' + +'It must wait, unless your curiosity will carry you out in search of +papa,' said Charles; 'he is somewhere about, zealously supplying the +place of Jenkins.' + +'Really, Philip,' said Laura, 'there is no telling how much good you +have done him by convincing him of Jenkins' dishonesty. To say nothing +of the benefit of being no longer cheated, the pleasure of having to +overlook the farming is untold.' + +Philip smiled, and came to the table where she was drawing. 'Do you +know this place?' said she, looking up in his face. + +'Stylehurst itself! What is it taken from?' + +'From this pencil sketch of your sister's, which I found in mamma's +scrap book.' + +'You are making it very like, only the spire is too slender, and that +tree--can't you alter the foliage?--it is an ash.' + +'Is it? I took it for an elm.' + +'And surely those trees in the foreground should be greener, to throw +back the middle distance. That is the peak of South Moor exactly, if +it looked further off.' + +She began the alterations, while Philip stood watching her progress, a +shade of melancholy gathering on his face. Suddenly, a voice called +'Laura! Are you there? Open the door, and you will see.' + +On Philip's opening it, in came a tall camellia; the laughing face, and +light, shining curls of the bearer peeping through the dark green +leaves. + +'Thank you! Oh, is it you, Philip? Oh, don't take it. I must bring +my own camellia to show Charlie.' + +'You make the most of that one flower,' said Charles. + +'Only see how many buds!' and she placed it by his sofa. Is it not a +perfect blossom, so pure a white, and so regular! And I am so proud of +having beaten mamma and all the gardeners, for not another will be out +this fortnight; and this is to go to the horticultural show. Sam would +hardly trust me to bring it in, though it was my nursing, not his.' + +'Now, Amy,' said Philip, when the flower had been duly admired, 'you +must let me put it into the window, for you. It is too heavy for you.' + +'Oh, take care,' cried Amabel, but too late; for, as he took it from +her, the solitary flower struck against Charles's little table, and was +broken off. + +'0 Amy, I am very sorry. What a pity! How did it happen?' + +'Never mind,' she answered; 'it will last a long time in water.' + +'It was very unlucky--I am very sorry--especially because of the +horticultural show.' + +'Make all your apologies to Sam,' said Amy, 'his feelings will be more +hurt than mine. I dare say my poor flower would have caught cold at +the show, and never held up its head again.' + +Her tone was gay; but Charles, who saw her face in the glass, betrayed +her by saying, 'Winking away a tear, 0 Amy!' + +'I never nursed a dear gazelle!' quoted Amy, with a merry laugh; and +before any more could be said, there entered a middle-aged gentleman, +short and slight, with a fresh, weather-beaten, good-natured face, gray +whiskers, quick eyes, and a hasty, undecided air in look and movement. +He greeted Philip heartily, and the letter was given to him. + +'Ha! Eh? Let us look. Not old Sir Guy's hand. Eh? What can be the +matter? What? Dead! This is a sudden thing.' + +'Dead! Who? Sir Guy Morville?' + +'Yes, quite suddenly--poor old man.' Then stepping to the door, he +opened it, and called, 'Mamma; just step here a minute, will you, +mamma?' + +The summons was obeyed by a tall, handsome lady, and behind her crept, +with doubtful steps, as if she knew not how far to venture, a little +girl of eleven, her turned-up nose and shrewd face full of curiosity. +She darted up to Amabel; who, though she shook her head, and held up +her finger, smiled, and took the little girl's hand, listening +meanwhile to the announcement, 'Do you hear this, mamma? Here's a +shocking thing! Sir Guy Morville dead, quite suddenly.' + +'Indeed! Well, poor man, I suppose no one ever repented or suffered +more than he. Who writes?' + +'His grandson--poor boy! I can hardly make out his letter.' Holding +it half a yard from his eyes, so that all could see a few lines of +hasty, irregular writing, in a forcible hand, bearing marks of having +been penned under great distress and agitation, he read aloud:- + + +'"DEAR MR. EDMONSTONE,-- + +My dear grandfather died at six this morning. He had an attack of +apoplexy yesterday evening, and never spoke again, though for a short +time he knew me. We hope he suffered little. Markham will make all +arrangements. We propose that the funeral should take place on +Tuesday; I hope you will be able to come. I would write to my cousin, +Philip Morville, if I knew his address; but I depend on you for saying +all that ought to be said. Excuse this illegible letter,--I hardly +know what I write. + + '"Yours, very sincerely, + '"Guy Morville.'" + + +'Poor fellow!' said Philip, 'he writes with a great deal of proper +feeling.' + +'How very sad for him to be left alone there!' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Very sad--very,' said her husband. 'I must start off to him at once-- +yes, at once. Should you not say so--eh, Philip?' + +'Certainly. I think I had better go with you. It would be the correct +thing, and I should not like to fail in any token of respect for poor +old Sir Guy.' + +'Of course--of course,' said Mr. Edmonstone; 'it would be the correct +thing. I am sure he was always very civil to us, and you are next heir +after this boy.' + +Little Charlotte made a sort of jump, lifted her eyebrows, and stared +at Amabel. + +Philip answered. 'That is not worth a thought; but since he and I are +now the only representatives of the two branches of the house of +Morville, it shall not be my fault if the enmity is not forgotten.' + +'Buried in oblivion would sound more magnanimous,' said Charles; at +which Amabel laughed so uncontrollably, that she was forced to hide her +head on her little sister's shoulder. Charlotte laughed too, an +imprudent proceeding, as it attracted attention. Her father smiled, +saying, half-reprovingly--'So you are there, inquisitive pussy-cat?' +And at her mother's question,--'Charlotte, what business have you +here?' She stole back to her lessons, looking very small, without the +satisfaction of hearing her mother's compassionate words--'Poor child!' + +'How old is he?' asked Mr. Edmonstone, returning to the former subject. + +'He is of the same age as Laura--seventeen and a half,' answered Mrs. +Edmonstone. 'Don't you remember my brother saying what a satisfaction +it was to see such a noble baby as she was, after such a poor little +miserable thing as the one at Redclyffe?' + +'He is grown into a fine spirited fellow,' said Philip. + +'I suppose we must have him here,' said Mr. Edmonstone. Should you not +say so--eh, Philip?' + +'Certainly; I should think it very good for him. Indeed, his +grandfather's death has happened at a most favourable time for him. +The poor old man had such a dread of his going wrong that he kept +him--' + +'I know--as tight as a drum.' + +'With strictness that I should think very bad for a boy of his +impatient temper. It would have been a very dangerous experiment to +send him at once among the temptations of Oxford, after such discipline +and solitude as he has been used to.' + +'Don't talk of it,' interrupted Mr. Edmonstone, spreading out his hands +in a deprecating manner. 'We must do the best we can with him, for I +have got him on my hands till he is five-and-twenty--his grandfather +has tied him up till then. If we can keep him out of mischief, well +and good; if not, it can't be helped.' + +'You have him all to yourself,' said Charles. + +'Ay, to my sorrow. If your poor father was alive, Philip, I should be +free of all care. I've a pretty deal on my hands,' he proceeded, +looking more important than troubled. 'All that great Redclyffe estate +is no sinecure, to say nothing of the youth himself. If all the world +will come to me, I can't help it. I must go and speak to the men, if I +am to be off to Redclyffe tomorrow. Will you come, Philip?' + +'I must go back soon, thank you,' replied Philip. 'I must see about my +leave; only we should first settle when to set off.' + +This arranged, Mr. Edmonstone hurried away, and Charles began by +saying, 'Isn't there a ghost at Redclyffe?' + +'So it is said,' answered his cousin; 'though I don't think it is +certain whose it is. There is a room called Sir Hugh's Chamber, over +the gateway, but the honour of naming it is undecided between Hugo de +Morville, who murdered Thomas a Becket, and his namesake, the first +Baronet, who lived in the time of William of Orange, when the quarrel +began with our branch of the family. Do you know the history of it, +aunt?' + +'It was about some property,' said Mrs Edmonstone, 'though I don't know +the rights of it. But the Morvilles were always a fiery, violent race, +and the enmity once begun between Sir Hugh and his brother, was kept +up, generation after generation, in a most unjustifiable way. Even I +can remember when the Morvilles of Redclyffe used to be spoken of in +our family like a sort of ogres.' + +'Not undeservedly, I should think,' said Philip. 'This poor old man, +who is just dead, ran a strange career. Stories of his duels and mad +freaks are still extant.' + +'Poor man! I believe he went all lengths,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'What was the true version of that horrible story about his son?' said +Philip. 'Did he strike him?' + +'Oh, no! it was bad enough without that.' + +'How?' asked Laura. + +'He was an only child, and lost his mother early. He was very ill +brought up, and was as impetuous and violent as Sir Guy himself, though +with much kindliness and generosity. He was only nineteen when he made +a runaway marriage with a girl of sixteen, the sister of a violin +player, who was at that time in fashion. His father was very much +offended, and there was much dreadfully violent conduct on each side. +At last, the young man was driven to seek a reconciliation. He brought +his wife to Moorworth, and rode to Redclyffe, to have an interview with +his father. Unhappily, Sir Guy was giving a dinner to the hunt, and +had been drinking. He not only refused to see him, but I am afraid he +used shocking language, and said something about bidding him go back to +his fiddling brother in-law. The son was waiting in the hall, heard +everything, threw himself on his horse, and rushed away in the dark. +His forehead struck against the branch of a tree, and he was killed on +the spot.' + +'The poor wife?' asked Amabel, shuddering. + +'She died the next day, when this boy was born.' + +'Frightful!' said Philip. 'It might well make a reformation in old Sir +Guy.' + +'I have heard that nothing could be more awful than the stillness that +fell on that wretched party, even before they knew what had happened-- +before Colonel Harewood, who had been called aside by the servants, +could resolve to come and fetch away the father. No wonder Sir Guy was +a changed man from that hour.' + +'It was then that he sent for my father,' said Philip. + +'But what made him think of doing so?' + +'You know Colonel Harewood's house at Stylehurst? Many years ago, when +the St. Mildred's races used to be so much more in fashion, Sir Guy and +Colonel Harewood, and some men of that stamp, took that house amongst +them, and used to spend some time there every year, to attend to +something about the training of the horses. There were some +malpractices of their servants, that did so much harm in the parish, +that my brother was obliged to remonstrate. Sir Guy was very angry at +first, but behaved better at last than any of the others. I suspect he +was struck by my dear brother's bold, uncompromising ways, for he took +to him to a certain degree--and my brother could not help being +interested in him, there seemed to be so much goodness in his nature. +I saw him once, and never did I meet any one who gave me so much the +idea of a finished gentleman. When the poor son was about fourteen, he +was with a tutor in the neighbourhood, and used to be a good deal at +Stylehurst, and, after the unhappy marriage, my brother happened to +meet him in London, heard his story, and tried to bring about a +reconciliation.' + +'Ha!' said Philip; 'did not they come to Stylehurst? I have a dim +recollection of somebody very tall, and a lady who sung.' + +'Yes; your father asked them to stay there, that he might judge of her, +and wrote to Sir Guy that she was a little, gentle, childish thing, +capable of being moulded to anything, and representing the mischief of +leaving them to such society as that of her brother, who was actually +maintaining them. That letter was never answered, but about ten days +or a fortnight after this terrible accident, Colonel Harewood wrote to +entreat my brother to come to Redclyffe, saying poor Sir Guy had +eagerly caught at the mention of his name. Of course he went at once, +and he told me that he never, in all his experience as a clergyman, saw +any one so completely broken down with grief.' + +I found a great many of his letters among my father's papers,' said +Philip; 'and it was a very touching one that he wrote to me on my +father's death. Those Redclyffe people certainly have great force of +character.' + +'And was it then he settled his property on my uncle?' said Charles. + +'Yes,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'My brother did not like his doing so, +but he would not be at rest till it was settled. It was in vain to put +him in mind of his grandchild, for he would not believe it could live; +and, indeed, its life hung on a thread. I remember my brother telling +me how he went to Moorworth to see it--for it could not be brought +home--in hopes of bringing, back a report that might cheer its +grandfather, but how he found it so weak and delicate, that he did not +dare to try to make him take interest in it. It was not till the child +was two or three years old, that Sir Guy ventured to let himself grow +fond of it.' + +'Sir Guy was a very striking person,' said Philip; 'I shall not easily +forget my visit to Redclyffe four years ago. It was more like a scene +in a romance than anything real--the fine old red sandstone house +crumbling away in the exposed parts, the arched gateway covered with +ivy; the great quadrangle where the sun never shone, and full of +echoes; the large hall and black wainscoted rooms, which the candles +never would light up. It is a fit place to be haunted.' + +'That poor boy alone there!' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'I am glad you and +your uncle are going to him.' + +'Tell us about him,' said Laura. + +'He was the most incongruous thing there,' said Philip. 'There was a +calm, deep melancholy about the old man added to the grand courtesy +which showed he had been what old books call a fine gentleman, that +made him suit his house as a hermit does his cell, or a knight his +castle; but breaking in on this "penseroso" scene, there was Guy--' + +'In what way?' asked Laura. + +'Always in wild spirits, rushing about, playing antics, provoking the +solemn echoes with shouting, whooping, singing, whistling. There was +something in that whistle of his that always made me angry.' + +'How did this suit old Sir Guy?' + +'It was curious to see how Guy could rattle on to him, pour out the +whole history of his doings, laughing, rubbing his hands, springing +about with animation--all with as little answer as if he had been +talking to a statue.' + +'Do you mean that Sir Guy did not like it?' + +'He did in his own way. There was now and then a glance or a nod, to +show that he was attending; but it was such slight encouragement, that +any less buoyant spirits must have been checked.' + +'Did you like him, on the whole?' asked Laura. 'I hope he has not this +tremendous Morville temper? Oh, you don't say so. What a grievous +thing.' + +'He is a fine fellow,' said Philip; 'but I did not think Sir Guy +managed him well. Poor old man, he was quite wrapped up in him, and +only thought how to keep him out of harm's way. He would never let him +be with other boys, and kept him so fettered by rules, so strictly +watched, and so sternly called to account, that I cannot think how any +boy could stand it.' + +'Yet, you say, he told everything freely to his grandfather,' said Amy. + +'Yes,' added her mother, 'I was going to say that, as long as that went +on, I should think all safe. + +'As I said before,' resumed Philip, 'he has a great deal of frankness, +much of the making of a fine character; but he is a thorough Morville. +I remember something that will show you his best and worst sides. You +know Redclyffe is a beautiful place, with magnificent cliffs +overhanging the sea, and fine woods crowning them. On one of the most +inaccessible of these crags there was a hawk's nest, about half-way +down, so that looking from the top of the precipice, we could see the +old birds fly in and out. Well, what does Master Guy do, but go down +this headlong descent after the nest. How he escaped alive no one +could guess; and his grandfather could not bear to look at the place +afterwards--but climb it he did, and came back with two young hawks, +buttoned up inside his jacket.' + +'There's a regular brick for you!' cried Charles, delighted. + +'His heart was set on training these birds. He turned the library +upside down in search of books on falconry, and spent every spare +moment on them. At last, a servant left some door open, and they +escaped. I shall never forget Guy's passion; I am sure I don't +exaggerate when I say he was perfectly beside himself with anger.' + +'Poor boy!' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Served the rascal right,' said Charles. + +'Nothing had any effect on him till his grandfather came out, and, at +the sight of him, he was tamed in an instant, hung his head, came up to +his grandfather, and said--"I am very sorry," Sir Guy answered, "My +poor boy!" and there was not another word. I saw Guy no more that day, +and all the next he was quiet and subdued. But the most remarkable +part of the story is to come. A couple of days afterwards we were +walking in the woods, when, at the sound of Guy's whistle, we heard a +flapping and rustling, and beheld, tumbling along, with their clipped +wings, these two identical hawks, very glad to be caught. They drew +themselves up proudly for him to stroke them, and their yellow eyes +looked at him with positive affection.' + +'Pretty creatures!' said Amabel. 'That is a very nice end to the +story.' + +'It is not the end,' said Philip. 'I was surprised to see Guy so +sober, instead of going into one of his usual raptures. He took them +home; but the first thing I heard in the morning was, that he was gone +to offer them to a farmer, to keep the birds from his fruit.' + +'Did he do it of his own accord?' asked Laura. + +'That was just what I wanted to know; but any hint about them brought +such a cloud over his face that I thought it would be wanton to +irritate him by questions. However, I must be going. Good-bye, Amy, I +hope your Camellia will have another blossom before I come back. At +least, I shall escape the horticultural meeting.' + +'Good-bye,' said Charles. 'Put the feud in your pocket till you can +bury it in old Sir Guy's grave, unless you mean to fight it out with +his grandson, which would be more romantic and exciting.' + +Philip was gone before he could finish. Mrs. Edmonstone looked +annoyed, and Laura said, 'Charlie, I wish you would not let your +spirits carry you away.' + +'I wish I had anything else to carry me away!' was the reply. + +'Yes,' said his mother, looking sadly at him. 'Your high spirits are a +blessing; but why misuse them? If they are given to support you +through pain and confinement, why make mischief with them?' + +Charles looked more impatient than abashed, and the compunction seemed +chiefly to rest with Amabel. + +'Now,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, 'I must go and see after my poor little +prisoner.' + +'Ah!' said Laura, as she went; 'it was no kindness in you to encourage +Charlotte to stay, Amy, when you know how often that inquisitive temper +has got her into scrapes.' + +'I suppose so,' said Amy, regretfully; 'but I had not the heart to send +her away.' + +'That is just what Philip says, that you only want bones and sinews in +your character to--' + +'Come, Laura,' interrupted Charles, 'I won't hear Philip's criticisms +of my sister, I had rather she had no bones at all, than that they +stuck out and ran into me. There are plenty of angles already in the +world, without sharpening hers.' + +He possessed himself of Amy's round, plump, childish hand, and spread +out over it his still whiter, and very bony fingers, pinching her 'soft +pinky cushions,' as he called them, 'not meant for studying anatomy +upon.' + +'Ah! you two spoil each other sadly,' said Laura, smiling, as she left +the room. + +'And what do Philip and Laura do to each other?' said Charles. + +'Improve each other, I suppose,' said Amabel, in a shy, simple tone, at +which Charles laughed heartily. + +'I wish I was as sensible as Laura!' said she, presently, with a sigh. + +'Never was a more absurd wish,' said Charles, tormenting her hand still +more, and pulling her curls; 'unwish it forthwith. Where should I be +without silly little Amy? If every one weighed my wit before laughing, +I should not often be in disgrace for my high spirits, as they call +them.' + +'I am so little younger than Laura,' said Amy, still sadly, though +smiling. + +'Folly,' said Charles; 'you are quite wise enough for your age, while +Laura is so prematurely wise, that I am in constant dread that nature +will take her revenge by causing her to do something strikingly +foolish!' + +'Nonsense!' cried Amy, indignantly. 'Laura do anything foolish!' + +'What I should enjoy,' proceeded Charles, 'would be to see her over +head and ears in love with this hero, and Philip properly jealous.' + +'How can you say such things, Charlie?' + +'Why? was there ever a beauty who did not fall in love with her +father's ward?' + +'No; but she ought to live alone with her very old father and horribly +grim maiden aunt.' + +'Very well, Amy, you shall be the maiden, aunt.' And as Laura returned +at that moment, he announced to her that they had been agreeing that no +hero ever failed to fall in love with his guardian's beautiful +daughter. + +'If his guardian had a beautiful daughter,' said Laura, resolved not to +be disconcerted. + +'Did you ever hear such barefaced fishing for compliments?' said +Charles; but Amabel, who did not like her sister to be teased, and was +also conscious of having wasted a good deal of time, sat down to +practise. Laura returned to her drawing, and Charles, with a yawn, +listlessly turned over a newspaper, while his fair delicate features, +which would have been handsome but that they were blanched, sharpened, +and worn with pain, gradually lost their animated and rather satirical +expression, and assumed an air of weariness and discontent. + +Charles was at this time nineteen, and for the last ten years had been +afflicted with a disease in the hip-joint, which, in spite of the most +anxious care, caused him frequent and severe suffering, and had +occasioned such a contraction of the limb as to cripple him completely, +while his general health was so much affected as to render him an +object of constant anxiety. His mother had always been his most +devoted and indefatigable nurse, giving up everything for his sake, and +watching him night and day. His father attended to his least caprice, +and his sisters were, of course, his slaves; so that he was the +undisputed sovereign of the whole family. + +The two elder girls had been entirely under a governess till a month or +two before the opening of our story, when Laura was old enough to be +introduced; and the governess departing, the two sisters became +Charles's companions in the drawing-room, while Mrs. Edmonstone, who +had a peculiar taste and talent for teaching, undertook little +Charlotte's lessons herself. + + + + +CHAPTER 2 + + + +If the ill spirit have so fair a house, +Good things will strive to dwell with't.--THE TEMPEST + + +One of the pleasantest rooms at Hollywell was Mrs. Edmonstone's +dressing-room--large and bay-windowed, over the drawing-room, having +little of the dressing-room but the name, and a toilet-table with a +black and gold japanned glass, and curiously shaped boxes to match; her +room opened into it on one side, and Charles's on the other; it was a +sort of up-stairs parlour, where she taught Charlotte, cast up +accounts, spoke to servants, and wrote notes, and where Charles was +usually to be found, when unequal to coming down-stairs. It had an air +of great snugness, with its large folding-screen, covered with prints +and caricatures of ancient date, its book-shelves, its tables, its +peculiarly easy arm-chairs, the great invalid sofa, and the grate, +which always lighted up better than any other in the house. + +In the bright glow of the fire, with the shutters closed and curtains +drawn, lay Charles on his couch, one Monday evening, in a gorgeous +dressing-gown of a Chinese pattern, all over pagodas, while little +Charlotte sat opposite to him, curled up on a footstool. He was not +always very civil to Charlotte; she sometimes came into collision with +him, for she, too, was a pet, and had a will of her own, and at other +times she could bore him; but just now they had a common interest, and +he was gracious. + +'It is striking six, so they must soon be here. I wish mamma would let +me go down; but I must wait till after dinner.' + +'Then, Charlotte, as soon as you come in, hold up your hands, and +exclaim, "What a guy!" There will be a compliment!' + +'No, Charlie; I promised mamma and Laura that you should get me into no +more scrapes.' + +'Did you? The next promise you make had better depend upon yourself +alone.' + +'But Amy said I must be quiet, because poor Sir Guy will be too +sorrowful to like a racket; and when Amy tells me to be quiet, I know +that I must, indeed.' + +'Most true,' said Charles, laughing. + +'Do you think you shall like Sir Guy?' + +'I shall be able to determine,' said Charles, sententiously, 'when I +have seen whether he brushes his hair to the right or left.' + +'Philip brushes his to the left.' + +'Then undoubtedly Sir Guy will brush his to the right.' + +'Is there not some horrid story about those Morvilles of Redclyffe?' +asked Charlotte. 'I asked Laura, and she told me not to be curious, so +I knew there was something in it; and then I asked Amy, and she said it +would be no pleasure to me to know.' + +'Ah! I would have you prepared.' + +'Why, what is it? Oh! dear Charlie! are you really going to tell me?' + +'Did you ever hear of a deadly feud?' + +'I have read of them in the history of Scotland. They went on hating +and killing each other for ever. There was one man who made his +enemy's children eat out of a pig-trough, and another who cut off his +head.' + +'His own?' + +'No, his enemy's, and put it on the table, at breakfast, with a piece +of bread in its mouth.' + +'Very well; whenever Sir Guy serves up Philip's head at breakfast, with +a piece of bread in his mouth, let me know.' + +Charlotte started up. 'Charles, what do you mean? Such things don't +happen now.' + +'Nevertheless, there is a deadly feud between the two branches of the +house of Morville.' + +'But it is very wrong,' said Charlotte, looking frightened.' + +'Wrong? Of course it is.' + +'Philip won't do anything wrong. But how will they ever get on?' + +'Don't you see? It must be our serious endeavour to keep the peace, +and prevent occasions of discord.' + +'Do you think anything will happen?' + +'It is much to be apprehended,' said Charles, solemnly. + +At that moment the sound of wheels was heard, and Charlotte flew off to +her private post of observation, leaving her brother delighted at +having mystified her. She returned on tip-toe. 'Papa and Sir Guy are +come, but not Philip; I can't see him anywhere.' + +'Ah you have not looked in Sir Guy's great-coat pocket.' + +'I wish you would not plague me so! You are not in earnest?' + +The pettish inquiring tone was exactly what delighted him. And he +continued to tease her in the same style till Laura and Amabel came +running in with their report of the stranger. + +'He is come!' they cried, with one voice. + +'Very gentlemanlike!' said Laura. + +'Very pleasant looking,' said Amy. 'Such fine eyes!' + +'And so much expression,' said Laura. 'Oh!' + +The exclamation, and the start which accompanied it, were caused by +hearing her father's voice close to the door, which had been left +partly open. 'Here is poor Charles,' it said, 'come in, and see him; +get over the first introduction--eh, Guy?' And before he had finished, +both he and the guest were in the room, and Charlotte full of +mischievous glee at her sister's confusion. + +'Well, Charlie, boy, how goes it?' was his father's greeting. 'Better, +eh? Sorry not to find you down-stairs; but I have brought Guy to see +you.' Then, as Charles sat up and shook hands with Sir Guy, he +continued--'A fine chance for you, as I was telling him, to have a +companion always at hand: a fine chance? eh, Charlie?' + +'I am not so unreasonable as to expect any one to be always at hand,' +said Charles, smiling, as he looked up at the frank, open face, and +lustrous hazel eyes turned on him with compassion at the sight of his +crippled, helpless figure, and with a bright, cordial promise of +kindness. + +As he spoke, a pattering sound approached, the door was pushed open, +and while Sir Guy exclaimed, '0, Bustle! Bustle! I am very sorry,' +there suddenly appeared a large beautiful spaniel, with a long silky +black and white coat, jetty curled ears, tan spots above his +intelligent eyes, and tan legs, fringed with silken waves of hair, but +crouching and looking beseeching at meeting no welcome, while Sir Guy +seemed much distressed at his intrusion. + +'0 you beauty!' cried Charles. 'Come here, you fine fellow.' + +Bustle only looked wistfully at his master, and moved nothing but his +feather of a tail. + +'Ah! I was afraid you would repent of your kindness,' said Sir Guy to +Mr. Edmonstone. + +'Not at all, not at all!' was the answer; 'mamma never objects to in- +door pets, eh, Amy?' + +'A tender subject, papa,' said Laura; 'poor Pepper!' + +Amy, ashamed of her disposition to cry at the remembrance of the dear +departed rough terrier, bent down to hide her glowing face, and held +out her hand to the dog, which at last ventured to advance, still +creeping with his body curved till his tail was foremost, looking +imploringly at his master, as if to entreat his pardon. + +'Are you sure you don't dislike it?' inquired Sir Guy, of Charles. + +'I? 0 no. Here, you fine creature.' + +'Come, then, behave like a rational dog, since you are come,' said Sir +Guy; and Bustle, resuming the deportment of a spirited and well-bred +spaniel, no longer crouched and curled himself into the shape of a +comma, but bounded, wagged his tail, thrust his nose into his master's +hand and then proceeded to reconnoitre the rest of the company, paying +especial attention to Charles, putting his fore-paws on the sofa, and +rearing himself up to contemplate him with a grave, polite curiosity, +that was very diverting. + +'Well, old fellow,' said Charles, 'did you ever see the like of such a +dressing-gown? Are you satisfied? Give me your paw, and let us swear +an eternal friendship.' + +'I am quite glad to see a dog in the house again,' said Laura, and, +after a few more compliments, Bustle and his master followed Mr. +Edmonstone out of the room. + +'One of my father's well-judged proceedings,' murmured Charles. 'That +poor fellow had rather have gone a dozen, miles further than have been +lugged in here. Really, if papa chooses to inflict such dressing-gowns +on me, he should give me notice before he brings men and dogs to make +me their laughing-stock!' + +'An unlucky moment,' said Laura. 'Will my cheeks ever cool?' + +'Perhaps he did not hear,' said Amabel, consolingly. + +'You did not ask about Philip?' said Charlotte, with great earnestness. + +'He is staying at Thorndale, and then going to St. Mildred's,' said +Laura. + +'I hope you are relieved,' said her brother; and she looked in doubt +whether she ought to laugh. + +'And what do you think of Sir Guy?' + +'May he only be worthy of his dog!' replied Charles. + +'Ah!' said Laura, 'many men are neither worthy of their wives, nor of +their dogs.' + +'Dr. Henley, I suppose, is the foundation of that aphorism,' said +Charles. + +'If Margaret Morville could marry him, she could hardly be too worthy,' +said Laura. 'Think of throwing away Philip's whole soul!' + +'0 Laura, she could not lose that,' said Amabel. + +Laura looked as if she knew more; but at that moment, both her father +and mother entered, the former rubbing his hands, as he always did when +much pleased, and sending his voice before him, as he exclaimed, 'Well, +Charlie, well, young ladies, is not he a fine fellow--eh?' + +'Rather under-sized,' said Charles. + +'Eh? He'll grow. He is not eighteen, you know; plenty of time; a very +good height; you can't expect every one to be as tall as Philip; but +he's a capital fellow. And how have you been?--any pain?' + +'Hem--rather,' said Charles, shortly, for he hated answering kind +inquiries, when out of humour. + +'Ah, that's a pity; I was sorry not to find you in the drawing-room, +but I thought you would have liked just to see him,' said Mr. +Edmonstone, disappointed, and apologizing. + +'I had rather have had some notice of your intention,' said Charles, 'I +would have made myself fit to be seen.' + +'I am sorry. I thought you would have liked his coming,' said poor Mr. +Edmonstone, only half conscious of his offence; 'but I see you are not +well this evening.' + +Worse and worse, for it was equivalent to openly telling Charles he was +out of humour; and seeing, as he did, his mother's motive, he was still +further annoyed when she hastily interposed a question about Sir Guy. + +'You should only hear them talk about him at Redclyffe,' said Mr +Edmonstone. 'No one was ever equal to him, according to them. Every +one said the same--clergyman, old Markham, all of them. Such attention +to his grandfather, such proper feeling, so good-natured, not a bit of +pride--it is my firm belief that he will make up for all his family +before him.' + +Charles set up his eyebrows sarcastically. + +'How does he get on with Philip?' inquired Laura. + +'Excellently. Just what could be wished. Philip is delighted with +him; and I have been telling Guy all the way home what a capital friend +he will be, and he is quite inclined to look up to him.' Charles made +an exaggerated gesture of astonishment, unseen by his father. 'I told +him to bring his dog. He would have left it, but they seemed so fond +of each other, I thought it was a pity to part them, and that I could +promise it should be welcome here; eh, mamma?' + +'Certainly. I am very glad you brought it.' + +'We are to have his horse and man in a little while. A beautiful +chestnut--anything to raise his spirits. He is terribly cut up about +his grandfather. + +It was now time to go down to dinner; and after Charles had made faces +of weariness and disgust at all the viands proposed to him by his +mother, almost imploring him to like them, and had at last ungraciously +given her leave to send what he could not quite say he disliked, he was +left to carry on his teasing of Charlotte, and his grumbling over the +dinner, for about the space of an hour, when Amabel came back to him, +and Charlotte went down. + +'Hum!' he exclaimed. 'Another swan of my father's.' + +'Did not you like his looks?' + +'I saw only an angular hobbetyhoy.' + +'But every one at Redclyffe speaks so well of him.' + +'As if the same things were not said of every heir to more acres than +brains! However, I could have swallowed everything but the disposition +to adore Philip. Either it was gammon on his part, or else the work of +my father's imagination.' + +'For shame, Charlie.' + +'Is it within the bounds of probability that he should be willing, at +the bidding of his guardian, to adopt as Mentor his very correct and +sententious cousin, a poor subaltern, and the next in the entail? +Depend upon it, it is a fiction created either by papa's hopes or +Philip's self-complacency, or else the unfortunate youth must have been +brought very low by strait-lacing and milk-and-water.' + +'Mr. Thorndale is willing to look up to Philip,' + +'I don't think the Thorndale swan very--very much better than a tame +goose,' said Charles, 'but the coalition is not so monstrous in his +case, since Philip was a friend of his own picking and choosing, and so +his father's adoption did not succeed in repelling him. But that +Morville should receive this "young man's companion," on the word of a +guardian whom he never set eyes on before, is too incredible--utterly +mythical I assure you, Amy. And how did you get on at dinner?' + +'Oh, the dog is the most delightful creature I ever saw, so sensible +and well-mannered.' + +'It was of the man that I asked.' + +'He said hardly anything, and sometimes started if papa spoke to him +suddenly. He winced as if he could not bear to be called Sir Guy, so +papa said we should call him only by his name, if he would do the same +by us. I am glad of it, for it seems more friendly, and I am sure he +wants to be comforted.' + +'Don't waste your compassion, my dear; few men need it less. With his +property, those moors to shoot over, his own master, and with health to +enjoy it, there are plenty who would change with him for all your pity, +my silly little Amy.' + +'Surely not, with that horrible ancestry.' + +'All very well to plume oneself upon. I rather covet that ghost +myself.' + +'Well, if you watched his face, I think you would be sorry for him.' + +'I am tired of the sound of his name. One fifth of November is enough +in the year. Here, find something to read to me among that trumpery.' + +Amy read till she was summoned to tea, when she found a conversation +going on about Philip, on whose history Sir Guy did not seem fully +informed. Philip was the son of Archdeacon Morville, Mrs. Edmonstone's +brother, an admirable and superior man, who had been dead about five +years. He left three children, Margaret and Fanny, twenty-five and +twenty-three years of age, and Philip, just seventeen. The boy was at +the head of his school, highly distinguished for application and good +conduct; he had attained every honour there open to him, won golden +opinions from all concerned with him, and made proof of talents which +could not have failed to raise him to the highest university +distinctions. He was absent from home at the time of his father's +death, which took place after so short an illness, that there had been +no time to summon him back to Stylehurst. Very little property was +left to be divided among the three; and as soon as Philip perceived how +small was the provision for his sisters, he gave up his hopes of +university honours, and obtained a commission in the army. + +On hearing this, Sir Guy started forward: 'Noble!' he cried, 'and yet +what a pity! If my grandfather had but known it--' + +'Ah! I was convinced of _that_,' broke in Mr. Edmonstone, 'and so, I am +sure, was Philip himself; but in fact he knew we should never have +given our consent, so he acted quite by himself, wrote to Lord +Thorndale, and never said a word, even to his sisters, till the thing +was done. I never was more surprised in my life.' + +'One would almost envy him the opportunity of making such a sacrifice,' +said Sir Guy, yet one must lament it. + +'It was done in a hasty spirit of independence,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; +'I believe if he had got a fellowship at Oxford, it would have answered +much better.' + +'And now that poor Fanny is dead, and Margaret married, there is all +his expensive education thrown away, and all for nothing,' said Mr. +Edmonstone. + +'Ah,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, 'he planned for them to go on living at +Stylehurst, so that it would still have been his home. It is a great +pity, for his talent is thrown away, and he is not fond of his +profession.' + +'You must not suppose, though, that he is not a practical man,' said +Mr. Edmonstone; 'I had rather take his opinion than any one's, +especially about a horse, and there is no end to what I hear about his +good sense, and the use he is of to the other young men.' + +'You should tell about Mr. Thorndale, papa,' said Laura. + +'Ah that is a feather in master Philip's cap; besides, he is your +neighbour--at least, his father is.' + +'I suppose you know Lord Thorndale?' said Mrs. Edmonstone, in +explanation. + +'I have seen him once at the Quarter Sessions,' said Sir Guy; 'but he +lives on the other side of Moorworth, and there was no visiting.' + +'Well, this youth, James Thorndale, the second son, was Philip's fag.' + +'Philip says he was always licking him!' interposed Charlotte.' + +'He kept him out of some scrape or other, continued Mr. Edmonstone. +'Lord Thorndale was very much obliged to him, had him to stay at his +house, took pretty much to him altogether. It was through him that +Philip applied for his commission, and he has put his son into the same +regiment, on purpose to have him under Philip's eye. There he is at +Broadstone, as gentlemanlike a youth as I would wish to see. We will +have him to dinner some day, and Maurice too--eh, mamma? Maurice--he +is a young Irish cousin of my own, a capital fellow at the bottom, but +a regular thoroughgoing rattle. That was my doing. I told his father +that he could not do better than put him into the -th. Nothing like a +steady friend and a good example, I said, and Kilcoran always takes my +advice, and I don't think he has been sorry. Maurice has kept much +more out of scrapes of late.' + +'0 papa,' exclaimed Charlotte, 'Maurice has been out riding on a hired +horse, racing with Mr. Gordon, and the horse tumbled down at the bottom +of East-hill, and broke its knees.' + +'That's the way,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'the instant my back is turned.' + +Thereupon the family fell into a discussion of home affairs, and +thought little more of their silent guest. + + + + +CHAPTER 3 + + + +The hues of bliss more brightly glow +Chastised by sober tints of woe.--GRAY + + +'What use shall I make of him?' said Charles to himself, as he studied +Sir Guy Morville, who sat by the table, with a book in his hand. + +He had the unformed look of a growing boy, and was so slender as to +appear taller than he really was. He had an air of great activity; and +though he sat leaning back, there was no lounging in his attitude, and +at the first summons he roused up with an air of alert attention that +recalled to mind the eager head of a listening greyhound. He had no +pretension to be called handsome; his eyes were his best feature; they +were very peculiar, of a light hazel, darker towards the outside of the +iris, very brilliant, the whites tinted with blue, and the lashes +uncommonly thick and black; the eyebrows were also very dark, and of a +sharply-defined angular shape, but the hair was much lighter, loose, +soft, and wavy; the natural fairness of the complexion was shown by the +whiteness of the upper part of the forehead, though the rest of the +face, as well as the small taper hands, were tanned by sunshine and +sea-breezes, into a fresh, hardy brown, glowing with red on the cheeks. + +'What use shall I make of him?' proceeded Charles's thoughts. 'He +won't be worth his salt if he goes on in this way; he has got a graver +specimen of literature there than I ever saw Philip himself read on a +week-day; he has been puritanized till he is good for nothing; I'll +trouble myself no more about him!' He tried to read, but presently +looked up again. 'Plague! I can't keep my thoughts off him. That +sober look does not sit on that sun-burnt face as if it were native to +it; those eyes don't look as if the Redclyffe spirit was extinguished.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone came in, and looking round, as if to find some +occupation for her guest, at length devised setting him to play at +chess with Charles. Charles gave her an amiable look, expressing that +neither liked it; but she was pretty well used to doing him good +against his will, and trusted to its coming right in time. Charles was +a capital chess-player, and seldom found any one who could play well +enough to afford him much real sport, but he found Sir Guy more nearly +a match than often fell to his lot; it was a bold dashing game, that +obliged him to be on his guard, and he was once so taken by surprise as +to be absolutely check-mated. His ill-humour evaporated, he was +delighted to find an opponent worth playing with, and henceforth there +were games almost every morning or evening, though Sir Guy seemed not +to care much about them, except for the sake of pleasing him. + +When left to himself, Guy spent his time in reading or in walking about +the lanes alone. He used to sit in the bay-window of the drawing-room +with his book; but sometimes, when they least expected it, the girls +would find his quick eyes following them with an air of amused +curiosity, as Amabel waited on Charles and her flowers, or Laura drew, +wrote letters, and strove to keep down the piles of books and +periodicals under which it seemed as if her brother might some day be +stifled--a vain task, for he was sure to want immediately whatever she +put out of his reach. + +Laura and Amabel both played and sung, the former remarkably well, and +the first time they had any music after the arrival of Sir Guy, his +look of delighted attention struck everyone. He ventured nearer, stood +by the piano when they practised, and at last joined in with a few +notes of so full and melodious a voice, that Laura turned round in +surprise, exclaiming, 'You sing better I than any of us!' + +He coloured. 'I beg your pardon,' he said, 'I could not help it; I +know nothing of music.' + +'Really!' said Laura, smiling incredulously. + +'I don't even know the notes.' + +'Then you must have a very good ear. Let us try again.' + +The sisters were again charmed and surprised, and Guy looked gratified, +as people do at the discovery of a faculty which they are particularly +glad to possess. It was the first time he appeared to brighten, and +Laura and her mother agreed that it would do him good to have plenty of +music, and to try to train that fine voice. He was beginning to +interest them all greatly by his great helpfulness and kindness to +Charles, as he learnt the sort of assistance he required, as well as by +the silent grief that showed how much attached he must have been to his +grandfather. + +On the first Sunday, Mrs. Edmonstone coming into the drawing-room at +about half-past five, found him sitting alone by the fire, his dog +lying at his feet. As he started up, she asked if he had been here in +the dark ever since church-time? + +'I have not wanted light,' he answered with a sigh, long, deep, and +irrepressible, and as she stirred the fire, the flame revealed to her +the traces of tears. She longed to comfort him, and said-- + +'This Sunday twilight is a quiet time for thinking.' + +'Yes,' he said; 'how few Sundays ago--' and there he paused. + +'Ah! you had so little preparation.' + +'None. That very morning he had done business with Markham, and had +never been more clear and collected.' + +'Were you with him when he was taken ill?' asked Mrs. Edmonstone, +perceiving that it would be a relief to him to talk. + +'No; it was just before dinner. I had been shooting, and went into the +library to tell him where I had been. He was well then, for he spoke, +but it was getting dark, and I did not see his face. I don't think I +was ten minutes dressing, but when I came down, he had sunk back in his +chair. I saw it was not sleep--I rang--and when Arnaud came, we knew +how it was.' His, voice became low with strong emotion.' + +'Did he recover his consciousness?' + +'Yes, that was _the_ comfort,' said Guy, eagerly. 'It was after he had +been bled that he seemed to wake up. He could not speak or move, but +he looked at me--or--I don't know what I should have done.' The last +words were almost inaudible from the gush of tears that he vainly +struggled to repress, and he was turning away to hide them, when he saw +that Mrs. Edmonstone's were flowing fast. + +'You had great reason to be attached to him!' said she, as soon as she +could speak. + +'Indeed, indeed I had.' And after a long silence-- 'He was everything +to me, everything from the first hour I can recollect. He never let me +miss my parents. How he attended to all my pleasures and wishes, how +he watched and cared for me, and bore with me, even I can never know.' + +He spoke in short half sentences of intense feeling, and Mrs. +Edmonstone was much moved by such affection in one said to have been +treated with an excess of strictness, much compassionating the lonely +boy, who had lost every family tie in one. + +'When the first pain of the sudden parting has passed,' said she, 'you +will like to remember the affection which you knew how to value,' + +'If I had but known!' said Guy; 'but there was I, hasty, reckless, +disregarding his comfort, rebelling against--0, what would I not give +to have those restraints restored!' + +'It is what we all feel in such losses,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'There +is always much to wish otherwise; but I am sure you can have the +happiness of knowing you were his great comfort.' + +'It was what I ought to have been.' + +She knew that nothing could have been more filial and affectionate than +his conduct, and tried to say something of the kind, but he would not +listen. + +'That is worst of all,' he said; 'and you must not trust what they say +of me. They would be sure to praise me, if I was anything short of a +brute.' + +A silence ensued, while Mrs. Edmonstone was trying to think of some +consolation. Suddenly Guy looked up, and spoke eagerly:- + +'I want to ask something--a great favour--but you make me venture. You +see how I am left alone--you know how little I can trust myself. Will +you take me in hand--let me talk to you--and tell me if I am wrong, as +freely as if I were Charles? I know it is asking a great deal, but you +knew my grandfather, and it is in his name.' + +She held out her hand; and with tears answered-- + +'Indeed I will, if I see any occasion.' + +'You will let me trust to you to tell me when I get too vehement? above +all, when you see my temper failing? Thank you; you don't know what a +relief it is!' + +'But you must not call yourself alone. You are one of us now.' + +'Yes; since you have made that promise,' said Guy; and for the first +time she saw the full beauty of his smile--a sort of sweetness and +radiance of which eye and brow partook almost as much as the lips. It +alone would have gained her heart. + +'I must look on you as a kind of nephew,' she added, kindly. 'I used to +hear so much of you from my brother.' + +'Oh!' cried Guy, lighting up, 'Archdeacon Morville was always so kind +to me. I remember him very well!' + +'Ah! I wish--' there she paused, and added,-- tête-à-tête 'it is not +right to wish such things--and Philip is very like his father.' + +'I am very glad his regiment is so near. I want to know him better.' + +'You knew him at Redclyffe, when he was staying there?' + +'Yes,' said Guy, his colour rising; 'but I was a boy then, and a very +foolish, headstrong one. I am glad to meet him again. What a grand- +looking person he is!' + +'We are very proud of him,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. 'I don't +think there has been an hour's anxiety about him since he was born.' + +The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Charles's crutches +slowly crossing the hall. Guy sprang to help him to his sofa, and +then, without speaking, hurried up-stairs. + +'Mamma, tete-a-tete with the silent one!' exclaimed Charles. + +'I will not tell you all I think of him,' said she, leaving the room. + +'Hum!' soliloquised Charles. 'That means that my lady mother has +adopted him, and thinks I should laugh at her, or straightway set up a +dislike to him, knowing my contempt for heroes and hero-worship. It's +a treat to have Philip out of the way, and if it was but possible to +get out of hearing of his perfection, I should have some peace. If I +thought this fellow had one spice of the kind, I'd never trouble my +head about him more; and yet I don't believe he has such a pair of +hawk's eyes for nothing!' + +The hawk's eyes, as Charles called them, shone brighter from that day +forth, and their owner began to show more interest in what passed +around. Laura was much amused by a little conversation she held with +him one day when a party of their younger neighbours were laughing and +talking nonsense round Charles's sofa. He was sitting a little way off +in silence, and she took advantage of the loud laughing to say: + +'You think this is not very satisfactory?' And as he gave a quick +glance of inquiry --'Don't mind saying so. Philip and I often agree +that it is a pity spend so much time in laughing at nothing--at such +nonsense.' + +'It is nonsense?' + +'Listen--no don't, it is too silly.' + +'Nonsense must be an excellent thing if it makes people so happy,' said +Guy thoughtfully. 'Look at them; they are like--not a picture--that +has no life--but a dream--or, perhaps a scene in a play.' + +'Did you never see anything like it?' + +'Oh, no! All the morning calls I ever saw were formal, every one +stiff, and speaking by rote, or talking politics. How glad I used to +be to get on horseback again! But to see these--why, it is like the +shepherd's glimpse at the pixies!--as one reads a new book, or watches +what one only half understands--a rook's parliament, or a gathering of +sea-fowl on the Shag Rock.' + +'A rook's parliament?' + +'The people at home call it a rook's parliament when a whole cloud of +rooks settle on some bare, wide common, and sit there as if they were +consulting, not feeding, only stalking about, with drooping wings, and +solemn, black cloaks.' + +'You have found a flattering simile,' said Laura, 'as you know that +rooks never open their mouths without cause.' + +Guy had never heard the riddle, but he caught the pun instantly, and +the clear merry sound of his hearty laugh surprised Charles, who +instantly noted it as another proof that was some life in him. + +Indeed, each day began to make it evident that he had, on the whole, +rather a superabundance of animation than otherwise. He was quite +confidential with Mrs. Edmonstone, on whom he used to lavish, with +boyish eagerness, all that interested him, carrying her the passages in +books that pleased him, telling her about Redclyffe's affairs, and +giving her his letters from Markham, the steward. His head was full of +his horse, Deloraine, which was coming to him under the charge of a +groom, and the consultations were endless about the means of transport, +Mr. Edmonstone almost as eager about it as he was himself. + +He did not so quickly become at home with the younger portion of the +family, but his spirits rose every day. He whistled as he walked in +the garden, and Bustle, instead of pacing soberly behind him, now +capered, nibbled his pockets, and drew him into games of play which +Charles and Amabel were charmed to overlook from the dressing-room +window. There was Guy leaping, bounding, racing, rolling the dog over, +tripping him up, twitching his ears, tickling his feet, catching at his +tail, laughing at Bustle's springs, contortions, and harmless open- +mouthed attacks, while the dog did little less than laugh too, with his +intelligent amber eyes, and black and red mouth. Charles began to find +a new interest in his listless life in the attempt to draw Guy out, and +make him give one of his merry laughs. In this, however, he failed +when his wit consisted in allusions to the novels of the day, of which +Guy knew nothing. One morning he underwent a regular examination, +ending in-- + +'Have you read anything?' + +'I am afraid I am very ignorant of modern books.' + +'Have you read the ancient ones?' asked Laura. + +'I've had nothing else to read.' + +'Nothing to read but ancient books!' exclaimed Amabel, with a mixture +of pity and astonishment. + +'Sanchoniathon, Manetho, Berosus, and Ocellus Lucanus!' said Guy, +smiling. + +'There, Amy,' said Charles, 'if he has the Vicar of Wakefield among his +ancient books, you need not pity him.' + +'It is like Philip,' said Laura; 'he was brought up on the old standard +books, instead of his time being frittered away on the host of idle +modern ones.' + +'He was free to concentrate his attention on Sir Charles Grandison,' +said Charles. + +'How could any one do so?' said Guy. 'How could any one have any +sympathy with such a piece of self-satisfaction?' + +'Who could? Eh, Laura?' said Charles. + +'I never read it,' said Laura, suspecting malice. + +'What is your opinion of perfect heroes?' continued Charles. + +'Here comes one,' whispered Amy to her brother, blushing at her piece +of naughtiness, as Philip Morville entered the room. + +After the first greetings and inquiries after his sister, whom he had +been visiting, Laura told him what they had been saying of the +advantage of a scanty range of reading. + +'True,' said Philip; 'I have often been struck by finding how ignorant +people are, even of Shakspeare; and I believe the blame chiefly rests +on the cheap rubbish in which Charlie is nearly walled up there.' + +'Ay,' said Charles, 'and who haunts that rubbish at the beginning of +every month? I suppose to act as pioneer, though whether any one but +Laura heeds his warnings, remains to be proved.' + +'Laura does heed?' asked Philip, well pleased. + +'I made her read me the part of Dombey that hurts women's feelings +most, just to see if she would go on--the part about little Paul--and I +declare, I shall think the worse of her ever after--she was so stony +hearted, that to this day she does not know whether he is dead or +alive.' + +'I can't quite say I don't know whether he lived or died,' said Laura, +'for I found Amy in a state that alarmed me, crying in the green-house, +and I was very glad to find it was nothing worse than little Paul.' + +'I wish you would have read it,' said Amy; and looking shyly at Guy, +she added--'Won't you?' + +'Well done, Amy!' said Charles. 'In the very face of the young man's +companion!' + +'Philip does not really think it wrong,' said Amy. + +'No,' said Philip; 'those books open fields of thought, and as their +principles are negative, they are not likely to hurt a person well +armed with the truth.' + +'Meaning,' said Charles, 'that Guy and Laura have your gracious +permission to read Dombey.' + +'When Laura has a cold or toothache.' + +'And I,' said Guy. + +'I am not sure about, the expediency for you,' said Philip 'it would be +a pity to begin with Dickens, when there is so much of a higher grade +equally new to you. I suppose you do not understand Italian?' + +'No,' said Guy, abruptly, and his dark eyebrows contracted. + +Philip went on. 'If you did, I should not recommend you the +translation of "I promessi Sponsi," one of the most beautiful books in +any language. You have it in English, I think, Laura.' + +Laura fetched it; Guy, with a constrained 'thank you,' was going to +take it up rather as if he was putting a force upon himself, when +Philip more quickly took the first volume, and eagerly turned over the +pages--I can't stand this,' he said, 'where is the original?' + +It was soon produced; and Philip, finding the beautiful history of Fra +Cristoforo, began to translate it fluently and with an admirable choice +of language that silenced Charles's attempts to interrupt and +criticise. Soon Guy, who had at first lent only reluctant attention, +was entirely absorbed, his eyebrows relaxed, a look of earnest interest +succeeded, his countenance softened, and when Fra Cristoforo humbled +himself, exchanged forgiveness, and received "il pane del perdono," +tears hung on his eyelashes. + +The chapter was finished, and with a smothered exclamation of +admiration, he joined the others in begging Philip to proceed. The +story thus read was very unlike what it had been to Laura and Amy, when +they puzzled it out as an Italian lesson, or to Charles, when he +carelessly tossed over the translation in search of Don Abbondio's +humours; and thus between reading and conversation, the morning passed +very agreeably. + +At luncheon, Mr. Edmonstone asked Philip to come and spend a day or two +at Hollywell, and he accepted the invitation for the next week. 'I +will make Thorndale drive me out if you will give him a dinner.' + +'Of course, of course,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'we shall be delighted. +We were talking of asking him, a day or two ago; eh, mamma?' + +'Thank you,' said Philip; 'a family party is an especial treat to him,' +laying a particular stress on the word 'family party,' and looking at +his aunt. + +At that moment the butler came in, saying, 'Sir Guy's servant is come, +and has brought the horse, sir.' + +'Deloraine come!' cried Guy, springing up. 'Where?' + +'At the door, sir.' + +Guy darted out, Mr. Edmonstone following. In another instant, however, +Guy put his head into the room again. 'Mrs. Edmonstone, won't you come +and see him? Philip, you have not seen Deloraine.' + +Off he rushed, and the others were just in time to see the cordial look +of honest gladness with which William, the groom, received his young +master's greeting, and the delighted recognition between Guy, Bustle, +and Deloraine. Guy had no attention for anything else till he had +heard how they had prospered on the journey; and then he turned to +claim his friend's admiration for the beautiful chestnut, his +grandfather's birthday present. The ladies admired with earnestness +that compensated for want of knowledge, the gentlemen with greater +science and discrimination; indeed, Philip, as a connoisseur, could not +but, for the sake of his own reputation, discover something to +criticise. Guy's brows drew together again, and his eyes glanced as if +he was much inclined to resent the remarks, as attacks at once on +Deloraine and on his grandfather; but he said nothing, and presently +went to the stable with Mr. Edmonstone, to see about the horse's +accommodations. Philip stood in the hall with the ladies. + +'So I perceive you have dropped the title already,' observed he to +Laura. + +'Yes,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, replying for her daughter, 'it seemed to +give him pain by reminding him of his loss, and he was so strange and +forlorn just at first, that we were glad to do what we could to make +him feel himself more at home.' + +'Then you get on pretty well now?' + +The reply was in chorus with variations--'Oh, excellently!' + +'He is so entertaining,' said Charlotte. + +'He sings so beautifully,' said Amabel. + +'He is so right-minded,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'So very well informed,' said Laura. + +Then it all began again. + +'He plays chess so well,' said Amy. + +'Bustle is such a dear dog,' said Charlotte. + +'He is so attentive to Charlie,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, going into the +drawing-room to her son. + +'Papa says he will make up for the faults of all his ancestors,' said +Amabel. + +'His music! oh, his music!' said Laura. + +'Philip,' said Charlotte, earnestly, 'you really should learn to like +him.' + +'Learn, impertinent little puss?' said Philip, smiling, 'why should I +not like him?' + +'I was sure you would try,' said Charlotte, impressively. + +'Is it hard?' said Amy. 'But, oh, Philip! you could not help liking +his singing.' + +'I never heard such a splendid voice,' said Laura; 'so clear and +powerful, and yet so wonderfully sweet in the low soft notes. And a +very fine ear: he has a real talent for music.' + +'Ah! inherited, poor fellow,' said Philip, compassionately. + +'Do you pity him for it?' said Amy, smiling. + +'Do you forget?' said Philip. 'I would not advise you to make much of +this talent in public; it is too much a badge of his descent.' + +'Mamma did not think so,' said Amy. 'She thought it a pity he should +not learn regularly, with such a talent; so the other day, when Mr. +Radford was giving us a lesson, she asked Guy just to sing up and down +the scale. I never saw anything so funny as old Mr Radford's surprise, +it was almost like the music lesson in "La Figlia del Reggimento"; he +started, and looked at Guy, and seemed in a perfect transport, and now +Guy is to take regular lessons. + +'Indeed.' + +'But do you really mean,' said Laura, 'that if your mother had been a +musician's daughter, and you had inherited her talent, that you would +be ashamed of it.' + +'Indeed, Laura,' said Philip, with a smile, 'I am equally far from +guessing what I should do if my mother had been anything but what she +was, as from guessing what I should do if I had a talent for music.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone here called her daughters to get ready for their walk, +as she intended to go to East-hill, and they might as well walk with +Philip as far as their roads lay together. + +Philip and Laura walked on by themselves, a little in advance of the +others. Laura was very anxious to arrive at a right understanding of +her cousin's opinion of Guy. + +'I am sure there is much to like in him,' she said. + +'There is; but is it the highest praise to say there is much to like? +People are not so cautious when they accept a man in toto.' + +'Then, do you not?' + +Philip's answer was-- + + + 'He who the lion's whelp has nurst, + At home with fostering hand, + Finds it a gentle thing at first, + Obedient to command,' + + +'Do you think him a lion's whelp?' + +'I am afraid I saw the lion just now in his flashing eyes and +contracted brow. There is an impatience of advice, a vehemence of +manner that I can hardly deem satisfactory. I do not speak from +prejudice, for I think highly of his candour, warmth of heart, and +desire to do right; but from all I have seen, I should not venture as +yet to place much dependence on his steadiness of character or command +of temper.' + +'He seems to have been very fond of his grandfather, in spite of his +severity. He is but just beginning to brighten up a little.' + +'Yes; his disposition is very affectionate,--almost a misfortune to one +so isolated from family ties. He showed remarkably well at Redclyffe, +the other day; boyish of course, and without much self-command, but +very amiably. It is very well for him that he is removed from thence, +for all the people idolize him to such a degree that they could not +fail to spoil him.' + +'It would be a great pity if he went wrong.' + +'Great, for he has many admirable qualities, but still they are just +what persons are too apt to fancy compensation for faults. I never +heard that any of his family, except perhaps that unhappy old Hugh, +were deficient in frankness and generosity, and therefore these do not +satisfy me. Observe, I am not condemning him; I wish to be perfectly +just; all I say is, that I do not trust him till I have seen him +tried.' + +Laura did not answer, she was disappointed; yet there was a justice and +guardedness in what Philip said, that made it impossible to gainsay it, +and she was pleased with his confidence. She thought how cool and +prudent he was, and how grieved she should be if Guy justified his +doubts; and so they walked on in such silence as is perhaps the +strongest proof of intimacy. She was the first to speak, led to do so +by an expression of sadness about her cousin's mouth. 'What are you +thinking of, Philip?' + +'Of Locksley Hall. There is nonsense, there is affectation in that, +Laura, there is scarcely poetry, but there is power, for there is +truth.' + +'Of Locksley Hall! I thought you were at Stylehurst.' + +'So I was, but the one brings the other.' + +'I suppose you went to Stylehurst while you were at St. Mildred's? Did +Margaret take you there?' + +'Margaret? Not she; she is too much engaged with her book-club, and +her soirées, and her societies of every sort and kind.' + +'How did you get on with the Doctor?' + +'I saw as little of him as I could, and was still more convinced that +he does not know what conversation is. Hem!' Philip gave a deep sigh. +'No; the only thing to be done at St. Mildred's is to walk across the +moors to Stylehurst. It is a strange thing to leave that tumult of +gossip, and novelty, and hardness, and to enter on that quiet autumnal +old world, with the yellow leaves floating silently down, just as they +used to do, and the atmosphere of stillness round the green +churchyard.' + +'Gossip!' repeated Laura.' Surely not with Margaret?' + +'Literary, scientific gossip is worse than gossip in a primary sense, +without pretension.' + +'I am glad you had Stylehurst to go to. How was the old sexton's +wife?' + +'Very well; trotting about on her pattens as merrily as ever.' + +'Did you go into the garden?' + +'Yes; Fanny's ivy has entirely covered the south wall, and the acacia +is so tall and spreading, that I longed to have the pruning of it. Old +Will keeps everything in its former state.' + +They talked on of the old home, till the stern bitter look of regret +and censure had faded from his brow, and given way to a softened +melancholy expression. + + + + +CHAPTER 4 + + + +A fig for all dactyls, a fig for all spondees, +A fig for all dunces and dominie grandees.--SCOTT + + +'How glad I am!' exclaimed Guy, entering the drawing-room. + +'Wherefore?' inquired Charles. + +'I thought I was too late, and I am very glad to find no one arrived, +and Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone not come down.' + +'But where have you been?' + +'I lost my way on the top of the down; I fancied some one told me there +was a view of the sea to be had there.' + +'And can't you exist without a view of the sea?' + +Guy laughed. 'Everything looks so dull--it is as if the view was dead +or imprisoned--walled up by wood and hill, and wanting that living +ripple, heaving and struggling.' + +'And your fine rocks?' said Laura. + +'I wish you could see the Shag stone,--a great island mass, sloping on +one side, precipitous on the other, with the spray dashing on it. If +you see it from ever so far off, there is still that white foam coming +and going--a glancing speck, like the light in an eye.' + +'Hark! a carriage.' + +'The young man and the young man's companion,' said Charles. + +'How can you?' said Laura. 'What would any one suppose Mr. Thorndale +to be?' + +'Not Philip's valet,' said Charles, 'if it is true that no man is a +hero to his "valley-de-sham"; whereas, what is not Philip to the +Honourable James Thorndale?' + +'Philip, Alexander, and Bucephalus into the bargain,' suggested Amy, in +her demure, frightened whisper, sending all but Laura into a fit of +laughter, the harder to check because the steps of the parties +concerned were heard approaching. + +Mr. Thorndale was a quiet individual, one of those of whom there is +least to be said, so complete a gentleman that it would have been an +insult, to call him gentleman-like; agreeable and clever rather than +otherwise, good-looking, with a high-bred air about him, so that it +always seemed strange that he did not make more impression. + +A ring at the front-door almost immediately followed their arrival. + +'Encore?' asked Philip, looking at Laura with a sort of displeased +surprise. + +'Unfortunately, yes,' said Laura, drawing aside. + +'One of my uncle's family parties,' said Philip. 'I wish I had not +brought Thorndale. Laura, what is to be done to prevent the tittering +that always takes place when Amy and those Harpers are together?' + +'Some game?' said Laura. He signed approval; but she had time to say +no more, for her father and mother came down, and some more guests +entered. + +It was just such a party that continually grew up at Hollywell, for Mr. +Edmonstone was so fond of inviting, that his wife never knew in the +morning how many would assemble at her table in the evening. But she +was used to it, and too good a manager even to be called so. She liked +to see her husband enjoy himself in his good-natured, open-hearted way. +The change was good for Charles, and thus it did very well, and there +were few houses in the neighbourhood more popular than Hollywell. + +The guests this evening were Maurice de Courcy, a wild young Irishman, +all noise and nonsense, a great favourite with his cousin, Mr. +Edmonstone; two Miss Harpers, daughters of the late clergyman, good- +natured, second-rate girls; Dr. Mayerne, Charles's kind old physician, +the friend and much-loved counsellor at Hollywell, and the present +vicar, Mr. Ross with his daughter Mary. + +Mary Ross was the greatest friend that the Miss Edmonstones possessed, +though, she being five-and-twenty, they had not arrived at perceiving +that they were on the equal terms of youngladyhood. + +She had lost her mother early, and had owed a great deal to the +kindness of Mrs. Edmonstone, as she grew up among her numerous elder +brothers. She had no girlhood; she was a boy till fourteen, and then a +woman, and she was scarcely altered since the epoch of that transition, +the same in likings, tastes, and duties. 'Papa' was all the world to +her, and pleasing him had much the same meaning now as then; her +brothers were like playfellows; her delights were still a lesson in +Greek from papa, a school-children's feast, a game at play, a new book. +It was only a pity other people did not stand still too. 'Papa,' +indeed, had never grown sensibly older since the year of her mother's +death: but her brothers were whiskered men, with all the cares of the +world, and no holidays; the school-girls went out to service, and were +as a last year's brood to an old hen; the very children she had fondled +were young ladies, as old, to all intents and purposes, as herself, and +here were even Laura and Amy Edmonstone fallen into that bad habit of +growing up! though little Amy had still much of the kitten in her +composition, and could play as well as Charlotte or Mary herself, when +they had the garden to themselves. + +Mary took great pains to amuse Charles, always walking to see him in +the worst weather, when she thought other visitors likely to fall, and +chatting with him as if she was the idlest person in the world, though +the quantity she did at home and in the parish would be too amazing to +be recorded. Spirited and decided, without superfluous fears and +fineries, she had a firm, robust figure, and a rosy, good-natured face, +with a manner that, though perfectly feminine, had in it an air of +strength and determination. + +Hollywell was a hamlet, two miles from the parish church of East-hill, +and Mary had thus seen very little of the Edmonstone's guest, having +only been introduced to him after church on Sunday. The pleasure on +which Charles chiefly reckoned for that evening was the talking him +over with her when the ladies came in from the dining-room. The Miss +Harpers, with his sisters, gathered round the piano, and Mrs. +Edmonstone sat at Charles's feet, while Mary knitted and talked. + +'So you get on well with him?' + +'He is one of those people who are never in the way, and yet you never +can forgot their presence,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'His manners are quite the pink of courtesy,' said Mary. + +'Like his grandfather's,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'that old-school +deference and attention is very chivalrous, and sits prettily and +quaintly on his high spirits and animation; I hope it will not wear +off.' + +'A vain hope,' said Charles. 'At present he is like that German myth, +Kaspar Hauser, who lived till twenty in a cellar. It is lucky for +mamma that, in his green state, he is courtly instead of bearish.' + +'Lucky for you, too, Charlie; he spoils you finely.' + +'He has the rare perfection of letting me know my own mind. I never +knew what it was to have my own way before.' + +'Is that your complaint, Charlie? What next?' said Mary. + +'So you think I have my way, do you, Mary? That is all envy, you see, +and very much misplaced. Could you guess what a conflict it is every +time I am helped up that mountain of a staircase, or the slope of my +sofa is altered? Last time Philip stayed here, every step cost an +argument, till at last, through sheer exhaustion, I left myself a dead +weight on his hands, to be carried up by main strength. And after all, +he is such a great, strong fellow, that I am afraid he did not mind it; +so next time I _crutched_ myself down alone, and I hope that did +provoke him.' + +'Sir Guy is so kind that I am ashamed,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'It +seems as if we had brought him for the sole purpose of waiting on +Charles.' + +'Half his heart is in his horse,' said Charles. 'Never had man such +delight in the "brute creation."' + +'They have been his chief playfellows,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'The +chief of his time was spent in wandering in the woods or on the beach, +watching them and their ways.' + +'I fairly dreamt of that Elysium of his last night,' said Charles: 'a +swamp half frozen on a winter's night, full of wild ducks. Here, +Charlotte, come and tell Mary the roll of Guy's pets.' + +Charlotte began. 'There was the sea-gull, and the hedgehog, and the +fox, and the badger, and the jay, and the monkey, that he bought +because it was dying, and cured it, only it died the next winter, and a +toad, and a raven, and a squirrel, and--' + +'That will do, Charlotte.' + +'Oh! but Mary has not heard the names of all his dogs. And Mary, he +has cured Bustle of hunting my Puss. We held them up to each other, and +Puss hissed horribly, but Bustle did not mind it a bit; and the other +day, when Charles tried to set him at her, he would not take the least +notice.' + +'Now, Charlotte,' said Charles, waving his hand, with a provoking mock +politeness, 'have the goodness to return to your friends. + +Tea over, Laura proposed the game of definitions. 'You know it. +Philip,' said she, 'you taught us.' + +'Yes I learnt it of your sisters, Thorndale,' said Philip. + +'0 pray let us have it. It must be charming!' exclaimed Miss Harper, +on this recommendation. + +'Definitions!' said Charles, contemptuously. 'Dr. Johnson must be the +hand for them.' + +'They are just the definitions not to be found in Johnson,' said Mr. +Thorndale. 'Our standing specimen is adversity, which may be +differently explained according to your taste, as "a toad with a +precious jewel in its head," or "the test of friendship."' + +'The spirit of words,' said Guy, looking eager and interested. + +'Well, we'll try,' said Charles, 'though I can't say it sounds to me +promising. Come, Maurice, define an Irishman.' + +'No, no, don't let us be personal,' said Laura; 'I had thought of the +word "happiness". We are each to write a definition on a slip of +paper, then compare them.' + +The game was carried on with great spirit for more than an hour. It +was hard to say, which made most fun, Maurice, Charles, or Guy; the +last no longer a spectator, but an active contributor to the sport. +When the break-up came, Mary and Amabel were standing over the table +together, collecting the scattered papers, and observing that it had +been very good fun. 'Some so characteristic,' said Amy, 'such as +Maurice's definition of happiness, - a row at Dublin.' + +'Some were very deep, though,' said Mary; 'if it is not treason, I +should like to make out whose that other was of happiness.' + +'You mean this,' said Amy: '"Gleams from a brighter world, too soon +eclipsed or forfeited." I thought it was Philip's, but it is Sir Guy's +writing. How very sad! I should not like to think so. And he was so +merry all the time! This is his, too, I see; this one about riches +being the freight for which the traveller is responsible.' + +'There is a great deal of character in them,' said Mary. 'I should not +have wondered at any of us, penniless people, philosophizing in the fox +and grapes style, but, for him, and at his age--' + +'He has been brought up so as to make the theory of wisdom come early,' +said Philip, who was nearer than she thought. + +'Is that intended for disparagement?' she asked quickly. + +I think very highly of him; he has a great deal of sense and right +feeling,' was Philip's sedate answer; and he turned away to say some +last words to Mr. Thorndale. + +The Rosses were the last to depart, Mary in cloak and clogs, while Mr. +Edmonstone lamented that it was in vain to offer the carriage; and Mary +laughed, and thanked, and said the walk home with Papa was the greatest +of treats in the frost and star-light. + +'Don't I pity you, who always go out to dinner in a carriage!' were her +last words to Laura. + +'Well, Guy,' said Charlotte, 'how do you like it?' + +'Very much, indeed. It was very pleasant.' + +'You are getting into the fairy ring,' said Laura, smiling. + +'Ay' he said, smiling too; 'but it does not turn to tinsel. Would it +if I saw more of it?' and he looked at Mrs, Edmonstone. + +'It would be no compliment to ourselves to say so,' she answered. + +'I suppose tinsel or gold depends on the using,' said he, thoughtfully; +'there are some lumps of solid gold among those papers, I am sure, one, +in particular, about a trifle. May I see that again? I mean-- + + + 'Little things + On little wings + Bear little souls to heaven.' + + +'Oh! that was only a quotation,' said Amy, turning over the definitions +again with him, and laughing at some of the most amusing; while, in the +mean time, Philip went to help Laura, who was putting some books away +in the ante-room. + +'Yes, Laura,' he said, 'he has thought, mind, and soul; he is no mere +rattle.' + +'No indeed. Who could help seeing his superiority over Maurice?' + +'If only he does not pervert his gifts, and if it is not all talk. I +don't like such excess of openness about his feelings; it is too like +talking for talking's sake.' + +'Mamma says it in the transparency of youthfulness. You know he has +never been at school; so his thoughts come out in security of sympathy, +without fear of being laughed at. But it is very late. Good night.' + + +The frost turned to rain the next morning, and the torrents streamed +against the window, seeming to have a kind of attraction for Philip and +Guy, who stood watching them. + +Guy wondered if the floods would be out at Redclyffe and his cousins +were interested by his description of the sudden, angry rush of the +mountain streams, eddying fiercely along, bearing with them tree and +rock, while the valleys became lakes, and the little mounds islets; and +the trees looked strangely out of proportion when only their branches +were visible. 'Oh! a great flood is famous fun,' said he. + +'Surely,' said Philip, 'I have heard a legend of your being nearly +drowned in some flood. + +'Yes,' said Guy, 'I had a tolerable ducking.' + +'Oh, tell us about it!' said Amy. + +'Ay! I have a curiosity to hear a personal experience of drowning,' +said Charles. 'Come, begin at the beginning.' + +'I was standing watching the tremendous force of the stream, when I saw +an unhappy old ram floating along, bleating so piteously, and making +such absurd, helpless struggles, that I could not help pulling off my +coat and jumping in after him. It was very foolish, for the stream was +too strong--I was two years younger then. Moreover, the beast was very +heavy, and not at all grateful for any kind intentions, and I found +myself sailing off to the sea, with the prospect of a good many rocks +before long; but just then an old tree stretched out its friendly arms +through the water; it stopped the sheep, and I caught hold of the +branches, and managed to scramble up, while my friend got entangled in +them with his wool'-- + + + 'Omne quum Proteus pecus egit altos + Visere montes,' + +quoted Philip. + + + 'Ovium et summa, genus haesit ulmo,' + +added Guy. + +'_Ovium_,' exclaimed Philip, with a face of horror. 'Don't you know +that _0_ in _Ovis_ is short? Do anything but take liberties with +Horace!' + +'Get out of the tree first, Guy,' said Charles, 'for at present your +history seems likely to end with a long ohone!' + +'Well, Triton--not Proteus--came to the rescue at last,' said Guy, +laughing; 'I could not stir, and the tree bent so frightfully with the +current that I expected every minute we should all go together; so I +had nothing for it but to halloo as loud as I could. No one heard but +Triton, the old Newfoundland dog, who presently came swimming up, so +eager to help, poor fellow, that I thought he would have throttled me, +or hurt himself in the branches. I took off my handkerchief and threw +it to him, telling him to take it to Arnaud, who I knew would +understand it as a signal of distress.' + +'Did he? How long had you to wait?' + +'I don't know--it seemed long enough before a most welcome boat +appeared, with some men in it, and Triton in an agony. They would +never have found me but for him, for my voice was gone; indeed the next +thing I remember was lying on the grass in the park, and Markham +saying, 'Well, sir, if you do wish to throw away your life, let it be +for something better worth saving than Farmer Holt's vicious old ram!' + +'In the language of the great Mr. Toots,' said Charles 'I am afraid +you got very wet.' + +'Were you the worse for it?' said Amy. + +'Not in the least. I was so glad to hear it was Holt's! for you must +know that I had behaved very ill to Farmer Holt. I had been very angry +at his beating our old hound, for, as he thought, worrying his sheep; +not that Dart ever did, though. + +'And was the ram saved?' + +'Yes, and next time I saw it, it nearly knocked me down.' + +'Would you do it again?' said Philip. + +'I don't know.' + +'I hope you had a medal from the Humane Society,' said Charles. + +'That would have been more proper for Triton.' + +'Yours should have been an ovation,' said Charles, cutting the o +absurdly short, and looking at Philip. + +Laura saw that the spirit of teasing was strong in Charles this morning +and suspected that he wanted to stir up what he called the deadly feud, +and she hastened to change the conversation by saying, 'You quite +impressed Guy with your translation of Fra Cristoforo.' + +'Indeed I must thank you for recommending the book,' said Guy; 'how +beautiful it is!' + +'I am glad you entered into it,' said Philip; 'it has every quality +that a fiction ought to have.' + +'I never read anything equal to the repentance of the nameless man.' + +'Is he your favourite character?' said Philip, looking at him +attentively. + +'Oh no--of course not--though he is so grand that one thinks most about +him, but no one can be cared about as much as Lucia.' + +'Lucia! She never struck me as more than a well-painted peasant girl,' +said Philip. + +'Oh!' cried Guy, indignantly; then, controlling himself, he continued: +'She pretends to no more than she is, but she shows the beauty of +goodness in itself in a--a--wonderful way. And think of the power of +those words of hers over that gloomy, desperate man.' + +'Your sympathy with the Innominato again,' said Philip. Every subject +seemed to excite Guy to a dangerous extent, as Laura thought, and she +turned to Philip to ask if he would not read to them again. + +'I brought this book on purpose,' said Philip. 'I wished to read you a +description of that print from Raffaelle--you know it--the Madonna di +San Sisto?' + +'The one you brought to show us?' said Amy, 'with the two little +angels?' + +'Yes, here is the description,' and he began to read-- + +'Dwell on the form of the Child, more than human in grandeur, seated on +the arms of the Blessed Virgin as on an august throne. Note the tokens +of divine grace, His ardent eyes, what a spirit, what a countenance is +His; yet His very resemblance to His mother denotes sufficiently that +He is of us and takes care for us. Beneath are two figures adoring, +each in their own manner. On one side is a pontiff, on the other a +virgin each a most sweet and solemn example, the one of aged, the other +of maidenly piety and reverence. Between, are two winged boys, +evidently presenting a wonderful pattern of childlike piety. Their +eyes, indeed, are not turned towards the Virgin, but both in face and +gesture, they show how careless of themselves they are in the presence +of God.' + +All were struck by the description. Guy did not speak at first, but +the solemn expression of his face showed how he felt its power and +reverence. Philip asked if they would like to hear more, and Charles +assented: Amy worked, Laura went on with her perspective, and Guy sat +by her side, making concentric circles with her compasses, or when she +wanted them he tormented her parallel ruler, or cut the pencils, never +letting his fingers rest except at some high or deep passage, or when +some interesting discussion arose. All were surprised when luncheon +time arrived; Charles held out his hand for the book; it was given with +a slight smile, and he exclaimed' Latin! I thought you were +translating. Is it your own property?' + +'Yes.' + +'Is it very tough? I would read it, if any one would read it with me.' + +'Do you mean me?' said Guy; 'I should like it very much, but you have +seen how little Latin I know.' + +'That is the very thing,' said Charles; 'that Ovis of yours was music; +I would have made you a Knight of the Golden Fleece on the spot. +Tutors I could get by shoals, but a fellow-dunce is inestimable.' + +'It is a bargain, then,' said Guy; 'if Philip has done with the book +and will lend it to us.' + +The luncheon bell rang, and they all adjourned to the dining-room. Mr. +Edmonstone came in when luncheon was nearly over, rejoicing that his +letters were done, but then he looked disconsolately from the window, +and pitied the weather. 'Nothing for it but billiards. People might +say it was nonsense to have a billiard-table in such a house, but for +his part he found there was no getting through a wet day without them. +Philip must beat him as usual, and Guy might have one of the young +ladies to make a fourth.' + +'Thank you,' said Guy, 'but I don't play.' + +'Not play--eh?' Well, we will teach you in the spinning of a ball, and +I'll have my little Amy to help me against you and Philip.' + +'No, thank you,' repeated Guy, colouring, 'I am under a promise.' + +'Ha! Eh? What? Your grandfather? He could see no harm in such play +as this. For nothing, you understand. You did not suppose I meant +anything else?' + +'0 no, of course not,' eagerly replied Guy; 'but it is impossible for +me to play, thank you. I have promised never even to look on at a game +at billiards.' + +'Ah, poor man, he had too much reason.' uttered Mr. Edmonstone to +himself, but catching a warning look from his wife, he became suddenly +silent. Guy, meanwhile, sat looking lost in sad thoughts, till, +rousing himself, he exclaimed, 'Don't let me prevent you.' + +Mr. Edmonstone needed but little persuasion, and carried Philip off to +the billiard-table in the front hall. + +'0, I am so glad!' cried Charlotte, who had, within the last week, +learnt Guy's value as a playfellow. 'Now you will never go to those +stupid billiards, but I shall have you always, every rainy day. Come +and have a real good game at ball on the stairs.' + +She already had hold of his hand, and would have dragged him off at +once, had he not waited to help Charles back to his sofa; and in the +mean time she tried in vain to persuade her more constant playmate, +Amabel, to join the game. Poor little Amy regretted the being obliged +to refuse, as she listened to the merry sounds and bouncing balls, +sighing more than once at having turned into a grown-up young lady; +while Philip observed to Laura, who was officiating as billiard-marker, +that Guy was still a mere boy. + +The fates favoured Amy at last for about half after three, the +billiards were interrupted, and Philip, pronouncing the rain to be +almost over, invited Guy to take a walk, and they set out in a very +gray wet mist, while Charlotte and Amy commenced a vigorous game at +battledore and shuttle-cock. + +The gray mist had faded into twilight, and twilight into something like +night, when Charles was crossing the hall, with the aid of Amy's arm, +Charlotte carrying the crutch behind him, and Mrs, Edmonstone helping +Laura with her perspective apparatus, all on their way to dress for +dinner; the door opened and in came the two Morvilles. Guy, without, +even stopping to take off his great coat, ran at once up-stairs, and +the next moment the door of his room was shut with a bang that shook +the house, and made them all start and look at Philip for explanation. + +'Redclyffe temper,' said he, coolly, with a half-smile curling his +short upper lip. + +'What have you been doing to him?' said Charles.' + +'Nothing. At least nothing worthy of such ire. I only entered on the +subject of his Oxford life, and advised him to prepare for it, for his +education has as yet been a mere farce. He used to go two or three +days in the week to one Potts, a self-educated genius--a sort of +superior writing-master at the Moorworth commercial school. Of course, +though it is no fault of his, poor fellow, he is hardly up to the fifth +form, and he must make the most of his time, if he is not to be +plucked. I set all this before him as gently as I could, for I knew +with whom I had to deal, yet you see how it is.' + +'What did he say?' asked Charles. + +'He said nothing; so far I give him credit; but he strode on furiously +for the last half mile, and this explosion is the finale. I am very +sorry for him, poor boy; I beg no further notice may be taken of it. +Don't you want an arm, Charlie?' + +'No thank you,' answered Charles, with a little surliness. + +'You had better. It really is too much for Amy,' said Philip, making a +move as if to take possession of him, as he arrived at the foot of the +stairs. + +'Like the camellia, I suppose,' he replied; and taking his other crutch +from Charlotte, he began determinedly to ascend without assistance, +resolved to keep Philip a prisoner below him as long as he could, and +enjoying the notion of chafing him by the delay. Certainly teasing +Philip was a dear delight to Charles, though it was all on trust, as, +if he succeeded, his cousin never betrayed his annoyance by look or +sign. + +About a quarter of an hour after, there was a knock at the dressing- +room door. 'Come in,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking up from her +letter-writing, and Guy made his appearance, looking very downcast. + +'I am come,' he said, 'to ask pardon for the disturbance I made just +now. I was so foolish as to be irritated at Philip's manner, when he +was giving me some good advice, and I am very sorry.' + +'What has happened to your lip?' she exclaimed. + +He put his handkerchief to it. 'Is it bleeding still? It is a trick +of mine to bite my lip when I am vexed. It seems to help to keep down +words. There! I have given myself a mark of this hateful outbreak.' + +He looked very unhappy, more so, Mrs. Edmonstone thought, than the +actual offence required. 'You have only failed in part,' she said. +'It was a victory to keep down words.' + +'The feeling is the _thing_,' said Guy; 'besides, I showed it plainly +enough, without speaking.' + +'It is not easy to take advice from one so little your elder,' began +Mrs. Edmonstone, but he interrupted her. 'It was not the advice. That +was very good; I--' but he spoke with an effort,--'I am obliged to him. +It was--no, I won't say what,' he added, his eyes kindling, then +changing in a moment to a sorrowful, resolute tone, 'Yes, but I _will_, +and then I shall make myself thoroughly ashamed. It was his veiled +assumption of superiority, his contempt for all I have been taught. +Just as if he had not every right to despise me, with his talent and +scholarship, after such egregious mistakes as I had made in the +morning. I gave him little reason to think highly of my attainments; +but let him slight me as much as he pleases, he must not slight those +who taught me. It was not Mr. Potts' fault.' + +Even the name could not spoil the spirited sound of the speech, and +Mrs. Edmonstone was full of sympathy. 'You must remember,' she said, +'that in the eyes of a man brought up at public school, nothing +compensates for the want of the regular classical education. I have no +doubt it was very provoking.' + +'I don't want to be excused, thank you,' said Guy. 'Oh I am grieved; +for I thought the worst of my temper had been subdued. After all that +has passed--all I felt--I thought it impossible. Is there no hope for- +-' He covered his face with his hands, then recovering and turning to +Mrs. Edmonstone, he said, 'It is encroaching too much on your kindness +to come here and trouble you with my confessions.' + +'No, no, indeed,' said she, earnestly. 'Remember how we agreed that +you should come to me like one of my own children. And, indeed, I do +not see why you need grieve in this despairing way, for you almost +overcame the fit of anger; and perhaps you were off your guard because +the trial came in an unexpected way?' + +'It did, it did,' he said, eagerly; 'I don't, mind being told point +blank that I am a dunce, but that Mr. Potts--nay, by implication--my +grandfather should be set at nought in that cool-- But here I am +again!' said he, checking himself in the midst of his vehemence; 'he +did not mean that, of course. I have no one to blame but myself.' + +'I am sure,' said Mrs, Edmonstone, 'that if you always treat your +failings in this way, you must subdue them at last.' + +'It is all failing, and resolving, and failing again!' said Guy. + +'Yes, but the failures become slighter and less frequent, and the end +is victory.' + +'The end victory!' repeated Guy, in a musing tone, as he stood leaning +against the mantelshelf. + +'Yes, to all who persevere and seek for help,' said Mrs Edmonstone; and +he raised his eyes and fixed them on her with an earnest look that +surprised her, for it was almost as if the hope came home to him as +something new. At that moment, however, she was called away, and +directly after a voice in the next room exclaimed, 'Are you there, Guy? +I want an arm!' while he for the first time perceived that Charles's +door was ajar. + +Charles thought all this a great fuss about nothing, indeed he was glad +to find there was anyone who had no patience with Philip; and in his +usual mischievous manner, totally reckless of the fearful evil of +interfering with the influence for good which it was to be hoped that +Philip might exert over Guy, he spoke thus: 'I begin to think the world +must be more docile than I have been disposed to give it credit for. +How a certain cousin of ours has escaped numerous delicate hints to +mind his own business is to me one of the wonders of the world.' + +'No one better deserves that his advice should be followed,' said Guy, +with some constraint. + +'An additional reason against it,' said Charles. 'Plague on that bell! +I meant to have broken through your formalities and had a candid +opinion of Don Philip before it rang.' + +'Then I am glad of it; I could hardly have given you a candid opinion +just at present.' + +Charles was vexed; but he consoled himself by thinking that Guy did not +yet feel himself out of his leading-strings, and was still on his good +behaviour. After such a flash as this there was no fear, but there was +that in him which would create mischief and disturbance enough. +Charles was well principled at the bottom, and would have shrunk with +horror had it been set before him how dangerous might be the effect of +destroying the chance of a friendship between Guy and the only person +whose guidance was likely to be beneficial to him; but his idle, +unoccupied life, and habit of only thinking of things as they concerned +his immediate amusement, made him ready to do anything for the sake of +opposition to Philip, and enjoy the vague idea of excitement to be +derived from anxiety about his father's ward, whom at the same time he +regarded with increased liking as he became certain that what he called +the Puritan spirit was not native to him. + +At dinner-time, Guy was as silent as on his first arrival, and there +would have been very little conversation had not the other gentleman +talked politics, Philip leading the discussion to bear upon the duties +and prospects of landed proprietors, and dwelling on the extent of +their opportunities for doing good. He tried to get Guy's attention, +by speaking of Redclyffe, of the large circle influenced by the head of +the Morville family, and of the hopes entertained by Lord Thorndale +that this power would prove a valuable support to the rightful cause. +He spoke in vain; the young heir of Redclyffe made answers as brief, +absent, and indifferent, as if all this concerned him no more than the +Emperor of Morocco, and Philip, mentally pronouncing him sullen, turned +to address himself to Laura. + +As soon as the ladies had left the dining-room, Guy roused himself, and +began by saying to his guardian that he was afraid he was very +deficient in classical knowledge; that he found be must work hard +before going to Oxford; and asked whether there was any tutor in the +neighbourhood to whom he could apply. + +Mr. Edmonstone opened his eyes, as much amazed as if Guy had asked if +there was any executioner in the neighbourhood who could cut off his +head. Philip was no less surprised, but he held his peace, thinking it +was well Guy bad sense enough to propose it voluntarily, as he would +have suggested it to his uncle as soon as there was an opportunity of +doing so in private. As soon as Mr. Edmonstone had recollected +himself, and pronounced it to be exceedingly proper, &c., they entered +into a discussion on the neighbouring curates, and came at last to a +resolution that Philip should see whether Mr. Lascelles, a curate of +Broadstone, and an old schoolfellow of his own, would read with Guy a +few hours in every week. + +After this was settled, Guy looked relieved, though he was not himself +all the evening, and sat in his old corner between the plants and the +window, where he read a grave book, instead of talking, singing, or +finishing his volume of 'Ten Thousand a Year.' Charlotte was all this +time ill at ease. She looked from Guy to Philip, from Philip to Guy; +she shut her mouth as if she was forming some great resolve, then +coloured, and looked confused, rushing into the conversation with +something more mal-apropos than usual, as if on purpose to appear at +her ease. At last, just before her bed-time, when the tea was coming +in, Mrs. Edmonstone engaged with that, Laura reading, Amy clearing +Charles's little table, and Philip helping Mr. Edmonstone to unravel +the confused accounts of the late cheating bailiff, Guy suddenly found +her standing by him, perusing his face with all the power of her great +blue eyes. She started as he looked up, and put her face into Amabel's +great myrtle as if she would make it appear that she was smelling to +it. + +'Well, Charlotte?' said he, and the sound of his voice made her speak, +but in a frightened, embarrassed whisper. + +'Guy--Guy--Oh! I beg your pardon, but I wanted to--' + +'Well, what?' said he, kindly. + +'I wanted to make sure that you are not angry with Philip. You don't +mean to keep up the feud, do you?' + +'Feud?--I hope not,' said Guy, too much in earnest to be diverted with +her lecture. 'I am very much obliged to him.' + +'Are you really?' said Charlotte, her head a little on one side. 'I +thought he had been scolding you.' + +Scolding was so very inappropriate to Philip's calm, argumentative way +of advising, that it became impossible not to laugh. + +'Not scolding, then?' said Charlotte. 'You are too nearly grown up for +that, but telling you to learn, and being tiresome.' + +'I was so foolish as to be provoked at first,' answered Guy; 'but I +hope I have thought better of it, and am going to act upon it.' + +Charlotte opened her eyes wider than ever, but in the midst of her +amazement Mrs. Edmonstone called to Guy to quit his leafy screen and +come to tea. + +Philip was to return to Broadstone the next day, and as Mrs. Edmonstone +had some errands there that would occupy her longer than Charles liked +to wait in the carriage, it was settled that Philip should drive her +there in the pony phaeton, and Guy accompany them and drive back, thus +having an opportunity of seeing Philip's print of the 'Madonna di San +Sisto,' returning some calls, and being introduced to Mr. Lascelles, +whilst she was shopping. They appointed an hour and place of meeting, +and kept to it, after which Mrs. Edmonstone took Guy with her to call +on Mrs. Deane, the wife of the colonel. + +It was currently believed among the young Edmonstones that Mamma and +Mrs. Deane never met without talking over Mr. Morville's good +qualities, and the present visit proved no exception. Mrs. Deane, a +kind, open-hearted, elderly lady was very fond of Mr. Morville, and +proud of him as a credit to the regiment; and she told several traits +of his excellent judgment, kindness of heart, and power of leading to +the right course. Mrs. Edmonstone listened, and replied with delight; +and no less pleasure and admiration were seen reflected in her young +friend's radiant face. + +Mrs. Edmonstone's first question, as they set out on their homeward +drive, was, whether they had seen Mr. Lascelles? + +'Yes,' said Guy, 'I am to begin to morrow, and go to him every Monday +and Thursday.' + +'That is prompt.' + +'Ah! I have no time to lose; besides I have been leading too smooth a +life with you. I want something unpleasant to keep me in order. +Something famously horrid,' repeated he, smacking the whip with a +relish, as if he would have applied that if he could have found nothing +else. + +'You think you live too smoothly at Hollywell,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, +hardly able, with all her respect for his good impulses, to help +laughing at this strange boy. + +'Yes. Happy, thoughtless, vehement; that is what your kindness makes +me. Was it not a proof, that I must needs fly out at such a petty +provocation?' + +'I should not have thought it such a very exciting life; certainly not +such as is usually said to lead to thoughtlessness; and we have been +even quieter than usual since you came.' + +'Ah, you don't know what stuff I am made of,' said Guy, gravely, though +smiling; 'your own home party is enough to do me harm; it is so +exceedingly pleasant.' + +'Pleasant things do not necessarily do harm.' + +'Not to you; not to people who are not easily unsettled; but when I go +up-stairs, after a talking, merry evening, such as the night before +last, I find that I have enjoyed it too much; I am all abroad! I can +hardly fix my thoughts, and I don't know what to do, since here I must +be, and I can't either be silent, or sit up in my own room.' + +'Certainly not,' said she, smiling; 'there are duties of society which +you owe even to us dangerous people.' + +'No, no: don't misunderstand me. The fault is in myself. If it was +not for that, I could learn nothing but good,' said Guy, speaking very +eagerly, distressed at her answer. + +'I believe I understand you,' said she, marvelling at the serious, +ascetic temper, coupled with the very high animal spirits. 'For your +comfort, I believe the unsettled feeling you complain of is chiefly the +effect of novelty. You have led so very retired a life, that a lively +family party is to you what dissipation would be to other people: and, +as you must meet with the world some time or other, it is better the +first encounter with should be in this comparatively innocent form. Go +on watching yourself, and it will do you no harm.' + +Yes, but if I find it does me harm? It would be cowardly to run away, +and resistance should be from within. Yet, on the other hand, there is +the duty of giving up, wrenching oneself from all that has temptation +in it.' + +'There is nothing,' said Mrs Edmonstone, 'that has no temptation in it; +but I should think the rule was plain. If a duty such as that of +living among us for the present, and making yourself moderately +agreeable, involves temptations, they must be met and battled from +within. In the same way, your position in society, with all its +duties, could not be laid aside because it is full of trial. Those who +do such things are fainthearted, and fail in trust in Him who fixed +their station, and finds room for them to deny themselves in the +trivial round and common task. It is pleasure involving no duty that +should be given up, if we find it liable to lead us astray.' + +'I see,' answered Guy, musingly; 'and this reading comes naturally, and +is just what I wanted to keep the pleasant things from getting a full +hold of me. I ought to have thought of it sooner, instead of dawdling +a whole month in idleness. Then all this would not have happened. I +hope it will be very tough.' + +'You have no great love for Latin and Greek?' + +'Oh!' cried Guy, eagerly, 'to be sure I delight in Homer and the +Georgics, and plenty more. What splendid things there are in these old +fellows! But, I never liked the drudgery part of the affair; and now +if I am to be set to work to be accurate, and to get up all the grammar +and the Greek roots, it will be horrid enough in all conscience.' + +He groaned as deeply as if he had not been congratulating himself just +before on the difficulty. + +'Who was your tutor?' asked Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Mr. Potts,' said Guy. 'He is a very clever man; he had a common +grammar-school education, but he struggled on--taught himself a great +deal--and at last thought it great promotion to be a teacher at the +Commercial Academy, as they call it, at Moorworth, where Markham's +nephews went to school. He is very clever, I assure you, and very +patient of the hard, wearing life he must have of it there; and oh! so +enjoying a new book, or an afternoon to himself. When I was about +eight or nine, I began with him, riding into Moorworth three times in a +week; and I have gone on ever since. I am sure he has done the best he +could for me; and he made the readings very pleasant by his own +enjoyment. If Philip had known the difficulties that man has struggled +through, and his beautiful temper, persevering in doing his best and +being contented, I am sure he could never have spoken contemptuously of +him.' + +'I am sure he would not,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'all he meant was, that +a person without a university education cannot tell what the +requirements are to which a man must come up in these days.' + +'Ah!' said Guy, laughing, 'how I wished Mr. Potts had been there to +have enjoyed listening to Philip and Mr. Lascelles discussing some new +Lexicon, digging down for roots of words, and quoting passages of +obscure Greek poets at such a rate, that if my eyes had been shut I +could have thought them two withered old students in spectacles and +snuff-coloured coats.' + +'Philip was in his element.' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + +'Really,' proceeded Guy, with animation, 'the more I hear and see of +Philip, the more I wonder. What a choice collection of books he has-- +so many of them school prizes, and how beautifully bound!' + +'Ah! that is one of Philip's peculiar ways. With all his prudence and +his love of books, I believe he would not buy one unless he had a +reasonable prospect of being able to dress it handsomely. Did you see +the print?' + +'Yes that I did. What glorious loveliness! There is nothing that does +it justice but the description in the lecture. Oh I forgot, you have +not heard it. You must let me read it to you by and by. Those two +little angels, what faces they have. Perfect innocence--one full of +reasoning, the other of unreasoning adoration!' + +'I see it!' suddenly exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone; 'I see what you are +like in one of your looks, not by any means, in all--it is to the +larger of those two angels.' + +'Very seldom, I should guess,' said Guy; and sinking his voice, as if +he was communicating a most painful fact, he added, 'My real likeness +is old Sir Hugh's portrait at home. But what were we saying? Oh! +about Philip. How nice those stories were of Mrs. Deane's.' + +'She is very fond of him.' + +'To have won so much esteem and admiration, already from strangers, +with no prejudice in his favour.--It must be entirely his own doing; +and well it may! Every time one hears of him, something comes out to +make him seem more admirable. You are laughing at me, and I own it is +presumptuous to praise; but I did not mean to praise, only to admire.' + +'I like very much to hear my nephew praised; I was only smiling at your +enthusiastic way.' + +'I only wonder I am not more enthusiastic,' said Guy. 'I suppose it is +his plain good sense that drives away that sort of feeling, for he is +as near heroism in the way of self-sacrifice as a man can be in these +days.' + +'Poor Philip! if disappointment can make a hero, it has fallen to his +share. Ah! Guy, you are brightening and looking like one of my young +ladies in hopes of a tale of true love crossed, but it was only love of +a sister.' + +'The sister for whom he gave up so much?' + +'Yes, his sister Margaret. She was eight or nine years older, very +handsome, very clever, a good deal like him--a pattern elder sister; +indeed, she brought him up in great part after his mother died, and he +was devoted to her. I do believe it made the sacrifice of his +prospects quite easy to him, to know it was for her sake, that she +would live on at Stylehurst, and the change be softened to her. Then +came Fanny's illness, and that lead to the marriage with Dr. Henley. +It was just what no one could object to; he is a respectable man in +full practice, with a large income; but he is much older than she is, +not her equal in mind or cultivation, and though I hardly like to say +so, not at all a religious man. At any rate, Margaret Morville was one +of the last people one could bear to see marry for the sake of an +establishment.' + +'Could her brother do nothing?' + +'He expostulated with all his might; but at nineteen he could do little +with a determined sister of twenty-seven; and the very truth and power +of his remonstrance must have made it leave a sting. Poor fellow, I +believe he suffered terribly--just as he had lost Fanny, too, which he +felt very deeply, for she was a very sweet creature, and he was very +fond of her. It was like losing both sisters and home at once.' + +'Has he not just been staying with Mrs. Henley?' + +'Yes. There was never any coolness, as people call it. He is the one +thing she loves and is proud of. They always correspond, and he often +stays with her; but he owns to disliking the Doctor, and I don't think +he has much comfort in Margaret herself, for he always comes back more +grave and stern than he went. Her house, with all her good wishes, can +be no home to him; and so we try to make Hollywell supply the place of +Stylehurst as well as we can.' + +'How glad he must be to have you to comfort him!' + +'Philip? Oh no. He was always reserved; open to no one but Margaret, +not even to his father, and since her marriage he has shut himself up +within himself more than ever. It has, at least I think it is this +that has given him a severity, an unwillingness to trust, which I +believe is often the consequence of a great disappointment either in +love or in friendship.' + +'Thank you for telling me,' said Guy: 'I shall understand him better, +and look up to him more. Oh! it is a cruel thing to find that what one +loves is, or has not been, all one thought. What must he not have gone +through!' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was well pleased to have given so much assistance to +Guy's sincere desire to become attached to his cousin, one of the most +favourable signs in the character that was winning so much upon her. + + + + +CHAPTER 5 + + + +A cloud was o'er my childhood's dream, + I sat in solitude; +I know not how--I know not why, +But round my soul all drearily + There was a silent shroud. + THOUGHTS IN PAST YEARS + + +Mrs. Edmonstone was anxious to hear Mr. Lascelle's opinion of his +pupil, and in time she learnt that he thought Sir Guy had very good +abilities, and a fair amount of general information; but that his +classical knowledge was far from accurate, and mathematics had been +greatly neglected. He had been encouraged to think his work done when +he had gathered the general meaning of a passage, or translated it into +English verse, spirited and flowing, but often further from the +original than he or his tutor could perceive. He had never been taught +to work, at least as other boys study, and great application would be +requisite to bring his attainments to a level with those of far less +clever boys educated at a public school. + +Mr. Lascelles told him so at first; but as there were no reflections on +his grandfather, or on Mr. Potts, Guy's lip did not suffer, and he only +asked how many hours a day he ought to read. 'Three,' said Mr. +Lascelles, with a due regard to a probable want of habits of +application; but then, remembering how much was undone, he added, that +'it ought to be four or more, if possible.' + +'Four it _shall_ be,' said Guy; 'five if I can.' + +His whole strength of will was set to accomplish these four hours, +taking them before and after breakfast, working hard all the morning +till the last hour before luncheon, when he came to read the lectures +on poetry with Charles. Here, for the first time, it appeared that +Charles had so entirely ceased to consider him as company, as to +domineer over him like his own family. + +Used as Guy had been to an active out-of-doors life, and now turned +back to authors he had read long ago, to fight his way through the +construction of their language, not excusing himself one jot of the +difficulty, nor turning aside from one mountain over which his own +efforts could carry him, he found his work as tough and tedious as he +could wish or fear, and by the end of the morning was thoroughly +fagged. Then would have been the refreshing time for recreation in +that pleasant idling-place, the Hollywell drawing-room. Any other time +of day would have suited Charles as well for the reading, but he liked +to take the hour at noon, and never perceived that this made all the +difference to his friend of a toil or a pleasure. Now and then Guy +gave tremendous yawns; and once when Charles told him he was very +stupid, proposed a different time; but as Charles objected, he yielded +as submissively as the rest of the household were accustomed to do. + +To watch Guy was one of Charles's chief amusements, and he rejoiced +greatly in the prospect of hearing his history of his first dinner- +party. Mr., Mrs. and Miss Edmonstone, and Sir Guy Morville, were +invited to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Brownlow. Mr. Edmonstone was +delighted as usual with any opportunity of seeing his neighbours; Guy +looked as if he did not know whether he liked the notion or not; Laura +told him it would be very absurd and stupid, but there would be some +good music, and Charles ordered her to say no more, that he might have +the account, the next morning, from a fresh and unprejudiced mind. + +The next morning's question was, of course, 'How did you like your +party?' + +'O, it was great fun.' Guy's favourite answer was caught up in the +midst, as Laura replied, 'It was just what parties always are.' + +'Come, let us have the history. Who handed who in to dinner? I hope +Guy had Mrs. Brownlow.' + +'Oh no,' said Laura; we had both the honourables.' + +'Not Philip!' + +'No,' said Guy; 'the fidus Achetes was without his pious Aeneas.' + +'Very good, Guy,' said Charles, enjoying the laugh. + +'I could not help thinking of it,' said Guy, rather apologising, 'when +I was watching Thorndale's manner; it is such an imitation of Philip; +looking droller, I think, in his absence, than in his presence. I +wonder if he is conscious of it.' + +'It does not suit him at all,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; because he has no +natural dignity.' + +'A man ought to be six foot one, person and mind, to suit with that +grand, sedate, gracious way of Philip's,' said Guy. + +'There's Guy's measure of Philip's intellect,' said Charles, 'just six +foot one inch.' + +'As much more than other people's twice his height,' said Guy. + +'Who was your neighbour, Laura?' asked Amy. + +'Dr. Mayerne; I was very glad of him, to keep off those hunting friends +of Mr. Brownlow, who never ask anything but if one has been to the +races, and if one likes balls.' + +'And how did Mrs. Brownlow behave?' said Charles. + +'She is a wonderful woman,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, in her quiet way; and +Guy with an expression between drollery and simplicity, said, 'Then +there aren't many like her.' + +'I hope not,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Is she really a lady?' + +'Philip commonly calls her "that woman,"' said Charles. 'He has never +got over her one night classing him with his "young man" and myself, as +three of the shyest monkeys she ever came across.' + +'She won't say so of Maurice,' said Laura, as they recovered the laugh. + +'I heard her deluding some young lady by saying he was the eldest son,' +said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Mamma!' cried Amy, 'could she have thought so?' + +'I put in a gentle hint on Lord de Courcy's existence, to which she +answered, in her quick way, 'O ay, I forgot; but then he is the second, +and that's the next thing.' + +'If you could but have heard the stories she and Maurice were telling +each other!' said Guy. 'He was playing her off, I believe; for +whatever she told, he capped it with something more wonderful. Is she +really a lady?' + +'By birth,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. It is only her high spirits and +small judgment that make her so absurd.' + +'How loud she is, too!' said Laura. 'What was all that about horses, +Guy?' + +'She was saying she drove two such spirited horses, that all the grooms +were afraid of them; and when she wanted to take out her little boy, +Mr. Brownlow said "You may do as you like my dear, but I won't have my +son's neck broken, whatever you do with your own." So Maurice answered +by declaring he knew a lady who drove not two, but four-in-hand, and +when the leaders turned round and looked her in the face, gave a little +nod, and said, 'I'm obliged for your civility.' + +'Oh! I wish I had heard that,' cried Laura. + +'Did you hear her saying she smoked cigars?' + +Everyone cried out with horror or laughter. + +'Of course, Maurice told a story of a lady who had a cigar case hanging +at her chatelaine, and always took one to refresh her after a ball.' + +Guy was interrupted by the announcement of his horse, and rode off at +once to Mr. Lascelles. + +On his return he went straight to the drawing-room, where Mrs. +Edmonstone was reading to Charles, and abruptly exclaimed,-- + +'I told you wrong. She only said she had smoked one cigar.' Then +perceiving that he was interrupting, he added, 'I beg your pardon,' and +went away. + +The next evening, on coming in from a solitary skating, he found the +younger party in the drawing-room, Charles entertaining the Miss +Harpers with the story of the cigars. He hastily interposed-- + +'I told you it was but one.' + +'Ay, tried one, and went on. She was preparing an order for Havannah.' + +'I thought I told you I repeated the conversation incorrectly.' + +'If it is not the letter, it is the spirit,' said Charles, vexed at the +interference with his sport of amazing the Miss Harpers with outrageous +stories of Mrs. Brownlow. + +'It is just like her,' said one of them. 'I could believe anything of +Mrs. Brownlow.' + +'You must not believe this,' said Guy, gently. 'I repeated incorrectly +what had better have been forgotten, and I must beg my foolish +exaggeration to go no further.' + +Charles became sullenly silent; Guy stood thoughtful; and Laura and +Amabel could not easily sustain the conversation till the visitors took +their leave. + +'Here's a pother!' grumbled Charles, as soon as they were gone. + +'I beg your pardon for spoiling your story,' said Guy; but it was my +fault, so I was obliged to interfere.' + +'Bosh!' said Charles. 'Who cares whether she smoked one or twenty? +She is Mrs. Brownlow still.' + +The point is, what was truth?' said Laura. + +'Straining at gnats,' said Charles. + +'Little wings?' said Guy, glancing at Amabel. + +'Have it your won way,' said Charles, throwing his head back; 'they +must be little souls, indeed that stick at such trash.' + +Guy's brows were contracted with vexation, but Laura looked up very +prettily, saying-- + +'Never mind him. We must all honour you for doing such an unpleasant +thing.' + +'You will recommend him favourably to Philip,' growled Charles. + +There was no reply, and presently Guy asked whether he would go up to +dress? Having no other way of showing his displeasure, he refused, and +remained nursing his ill-humour, till he forgot how slight the offence +had been, and worked himself into a sort of insane desire--half +mischievous, half revengeful--to be as provoking as he could in his +turn. + +Seldom had he been more contrary, as his old nurse was wont to call it. +No one could please him, and Guy was not allowed to do anything for +him. Whatever he said was intended to rub on some sore place in Guy's +mind. His mother and Laura's signs made him worse, for he had the +pleasure of teasing them, also; but Guy endured it all with perfect +temper, and he grew more cross at his failure; yet, from force of +habit, at bed-time, he found himself on the stairs with Guy's arm +supporting him. + +'Good night,' said Charles; 'I tried hard to poke up the lion to-night, +but I see it won't do.' + +This plea of trying experiments was neither absolutely true nor false; +but it restored Charles to himself, by saving a confession that he had +been out of temper, and enabling him to treat with him wonted +indifference the expostulations of father, mother, and Laura. + +Now that the idea of 'poking up the lion' had once occurred, it became +his great occupation to attempt it. He wanted to see some evidence of +the fiery temper, and it was a new sport to try to rouse it; one, too, +which had the greater relish, as it kept the rest of the family on +thorns. + +He would argue against his real opinion, talk against his better sense, +take the wrong side, and say much that was very far from his true +sentiments. Guy could not understand at first, and was quite +confounded at some of the views he espoused, till Laura came to his +help, greatly irritating her brother by hints that he was not in +earnest. Next time she could speak to Guy alone, she told him he must +not take all Charles said literally. + +'I thought he could hardly mean it: but why should he talk so?' + +'I can't excuse him; I know it is very wrong, and at the expense of +truth, and it is very disagreeable of him--I wish he would not; but he +always does what he likes, and it is one of his amusements, so we must +bear with him, poor fellow.' + +From that time Guy seemed to have no trouble in reining in his temper +in arguing with Charles, except once, when the lion was fairly roused +by something that sounded like a sneer about King Charles I. + +His whole face changed, his hazel eye gleamed with light like an +eagle's, and he started up, exclaiming-- + +'You did not mean that?' + +'Ask Strafford,' answered Charles, coolly, startled, but satisfied to +have found the vulnerable point. + +'Ungenerous, unmanly,' said Guy, his voice low, but quivering with +indignation; 'ungenerous to reproach him with what he so bitterly +repented. Could not his penitence, could not his own blood'--but as he +spoke, the gleam of wrath faded, the flush deepened on the cheek, and +he left the room. + +'Ha!' soliloquized Charles, 'I've done it! I could fancy his wrath +something terrific when it was once well up. I didn't know what was +coming next; but I believe he has got himself pretty well in hand. It +is playing with edge tools; and now I have been favoured with one flash +of the Morville eye, I'll let him alone; but it _ryled_ me to be +treated as something beneath his anger, like a woman or a child.' + +In about ten minutes, Guy came back: 'I am sorry that I was hasty just +now,' said he. + +'I did not know you had such personal feelings about King Charles.' + +'If you would do me a kindness,' proceeded Guy, 'you would just say you +did not mean it. I know you do not, but if you would only say so.' + +'I am glad you have the wit to see I have too much taste to be a +roundhead.' + +'Thank you,' said Guy; 'I hope I shall know your jest from your earnest +another time. Only if you would oblige me, you would never jest again +about King Charles.' + +His brow darkened into a stern, grave expression, so entirely in +earnest, that Charles, though making no answer, could not do otherwise +than feel compliance unavoidable. Charles had never been so entirely +conquered, yet, strange to say, he was not, as usual, rendered sullen. + +At night, when Guy had taken him to his room, he paused and said--'You +are sure that you have forgiven me?' + +'What! You have not forgotten that yet?' said Charles. + +'Of course not.' + +'I am sorry you bear so much malice,' said Charles, smiling. + +'What are you imagining?' cried Guy. 'It was my own part I was +remembering, as I must, you know.' + +Charles did not choose to betray that he did not see the necessity. + +'I thought King Charles's wrongs were rankling. I only spoke as taking +liberties with a friend.' + +'Yes,' said Guy, thoughtfully, 'it may be foolish, but I do not feel as +if one could do so with King Charles. He is too near home; he suffered +to much from scoffs and railings; his heart was too tender, his +repentance too deep for his friends to add one word even in jest to the +heap of reproach. How one would have loved him!' proceeded Guy, +wrapped up in his own thoughts,--'loved him for the gentleness so +little accordant with the rude times and the part he had to act--served +him with half like a knight's devotion to his lady-love, half like +devotion to a saint, as Montrose did-- + + + 'Great, good, and just, could I but rate + My grief, and thy too rigid fate, + I'd weep the world in such a strain, + As it should deluge once again.' + + +'And, oh!' cried he, with sudden vehemence, 'how one would have fought +for him!' + +'You would!' said Charles. 'I should like to see you and Deloraine +charging at the head of Prince Rupert's troopers.' + +'I beg your pardon,' said Guy, suddenly recalled, and colouring deeply; +'I believe I forgot where I was, and have treated you to one of my old +dreams in my boatings at home. You may quiz me as much as you please +tomorrow. Good night' + +'It was a rhapsody!' thought Charles; 'yes it was. I wonder I don't +laugh at it; but I was naturally carried along. Fancy that! He did it +so naturally; in fact, it was all from the bottom of his heart, and I +could not quiz him--no, no more than Montrose himself. He is a strange +article! But he keeps one awake, which is more than most people do!' + +Guy was indeed likely to keep every one awake just then; for Mr. +Edmonstone was going to take him out hunting for the first time, and he +was half wild about it. The day came, and half an hour before Mr. +Edmonstone was ready, Guy was walking about the hall, checking many an +incipient whistle, and telling every one that he was beforehand with +the world, for he had read one extra hour yesterday, and had got +through the others before breakfast. Laura thought it very true that, +as Philip said, he was only a boy, and moralized to Charlotte on his +being the same age as herself--very nearly eighteen. Mrs. Edmonstone +told Charles it was a treat to see any one so happy, and when he began +to chafe at the delay, did her best to beguile the time, but without +much success. Guy had ever learned to wait patiently, and had a custom +of marching up and down, and listening with his head thrown back, or, +as Charles used to call it, 'prancing in the hall.' + +If Mrs. Edmonstone's patience was tried by the preparation for the hunt +in the morning, it was no less her lot to hear of it in the evening. +Guy came home in the highest spirits, pouring out his delight to every +one, with animation and power of description giving all he said a +charm. The pleasure did not lose by repetition; he was more engrossed +by it every time; and no one could be more pleased with his ardour than +Mr. Edmonstone, who, proud of him and his riding, gave a sigh to past +hopes of poor Charles, and promoted the hunting with far more glee that +he had promoted the reading. + +The Redclyffe groom, William, whose surname of Robinson was entirely +forgotten in the appellation of William of Deloraine, was as proud of +Sir Guy as Mr. Edmonstone could be; but made representations to his +master that he must not hunt Deloraine two days in the week, and ride +him to Broadstone two more. Guy then walked to Broadstone; but William +was no better pleased, for he thought the credit of Redclyffe +compromised, and punished him by reporting Deloraine not fit to be used +next hunting day. Mr. Edmonstone perceived that Guy ought to have +another hunter; Philip heard of one for sale, and after due inspection +all admired--even William, who had begun by remarking that there might +be so many screw-looses about a horse, that a man did not know what to +be at with them. + +Philip, who was conducting the negotiation, came to dine at Hollywell +to settle the particulars. Guy was in a most eager state; and they and +Mr. Edmonstone talked so long about horses, that they sent Charles to +sleep; his mother began to read, and the two elder girls fell into a +low, mysterious confabulation of their own till they were startled by a +question from Philip as to what could engross them so deeply. + +'It was,' said Laura, 'a banshee story in Eveleen de Courcy's last +letter.' + +'I never like telling ghost stories to people who don't believe in +them,' half whispered Amabel to her sister. + +'Do you believe them?' asked Philip, looking full at her. + +'Now I won't have little Amy asked the sort of question she most +dislikes,' interposed Laura; 'I had rather ask if you laugh at us for +thinking many ghost stories inexplicable?' + +'Certainly not.' + +'The universal belief could hardly be kept up without some grounds,' +said Guy. + +'That would apply as well to fairies,' said Philip. + +'Every one has an unexplained ghost story,' said Amy. + +'Yes,' said Philip; 'but I would give something to meet any one whose +ghost story did not rest on the testimony of a friend's cousin's +cousin, a very strong-minded person.' + +'I can't imagine how a person who has seen a ghost could ever speak of +it,' said Amy. + +'Did you not tell us a story of pixies at Redclyffe?' said Laura. + +'O yes; the people there believe in them firmly. Jonas Ledbury heard +them laughing one night when he could not get the gate open,' said Guy. + +'Ah! You are the authority for ghosts,' said Philip. + +'I forgot that,' said Laura: 'I wonder we never asked you about your +Redclyffe ghost.' + +'You look as if you had seen it yourself,' said Philip. + +'You have not?' exclaimed Amy, almost frightened. + +'Come, let us have the whole story,' said Philip. 'Was it your own +reflection in the glass? was it old sir Hugh? or was it the murderer of +Becket? Come, the ladies are both ready to scream at the right moment. +Never mind about giving him a cocked-hat, for with whom may you take a +liberty, if not with an ancestral ghost of your own?' + +Amy could not think how Philip could have gone on all this time; +perhaps it was because he was not watching how Guy's colour varied, how +he bit his lip; and at last his eyes seemed to grow dark in the middle, +and to sparkle with fire, as with a low, deep tone, like distant +thunder, conveying a tremendous force of suppressed passion, he +exclaimed, 'Beware of trifling--' then breaking off hastened out of the +room. + +'What's the matter?' asked Mr. Edmonstone, startled from his nap; and +his wife looked up anxiously, but returned to her book, as her nephew +replied, 'Nothing.' + +'How could you Philip?' said Laura. + +'I really believe he has seen it!' said Amy, in a startled whisper. + +'He has felt it, Amy--the Morville spirit,' said Philip. + +'It is a great pity you spoke of putting a cocked hat to it,' said +Laura; 'he must have suspected us of telling you what happened about +Mrs. Brownlow.' + +'And are you going to do it now?' said her sister in a tone of +remonstrance. + +'I think Philip should hear it!' said Laura; and she proceeded to +relate the story. She was glad to see that her cousin was struck with +it; he admired this care to maintain strict truth, and even opened a +memorandum-book--the sight of which Charles dreaded--and read the +following extract: 'Do not think of one falsity as harmless, and +another as slight, and another as unintended. Cast them all aside. +They may be light and accidental, but they are an ugly soot from the +smoke of the pit, for all that; and it is better that our hearts should +be swept clean of them, without over care as to which is the largest or +blackest.' + +Laura and Amy were much pleased; but he went on to regret that such +excellent dispositions should be coupled with such vehemence of +character and that unhappy temper. Amy was glad that her sister +ventured to hint that he might be more cautious in avoiding collisions. + +'I am cautious', replied he, quickly and sternly; 'I am not to be told +of the necessity of exercising forbearance with this poor boy; but it +is impossible to reckon on all the points on which he is sensitive.' + +'He is sensitive,' said Laura. 'I don't mean only in temper, but in +everything. I wonder if it is part of his musical temperament to be as +keenly alive to all around, as his ear is to every note. A bright day, +a fine view, is such real happiness to him; he dwells on every beauty +of Redclyffe with such affection; and then, when he reads, Charles says +it is like going over the story again himself to watch his face act it +in that unconscious manner.' + +'He makes all the characters so real in talking them over,' said Amy, +'and he does not always know how they will end before they begin.' + +'I should think it hardly safe for so excitable a mind to dwell much on +the world of fiction,' said Philip. + +'Nothing has affected him so much as Sintram,' said Laura. 'I never +saw anything like it. He took it up by chance, and stood reading it +while all those strange expressions began to flit over his face, and at +last he fairly cried over it so much, that he was obliged to fly out of +the room. How often he has read it I cannot tell; I believe he has +bought one for himself, and it is as if the engraving had a fascination +for him; he stands looking at it as if he was in a dream.' + +'He is a great mystery,' said Amy. + +'All men are mysterious,' said Philip 'but he not more than others, +though he may appear so to you, because you have not had much +experience, and also because most of the men you have seen have been +rounded into uniformity like marbles, their sharp angles rubbed off +against each other at school.' + +'Would it be better if there were more sharp angles?' said Laura, thus +setting on foot a discussion on public schools, on which Philip had, of +course, a great deal to say. + +Amy's kind little heart was meanwhile grieving for Guy, and longing to +see him return, but he did not come till after Philip's departure. He +looked pale and mournful, his hair hanging loose and disordered, and +her terror was excited lest he might actually have seen his ancestor's +ghost, which, in spite of her desire to believe in ghosts, in general, +she did not by any means wish to have authenticated. He was surprised +and a good deal vexed to find Philip gone, but he said hardly anything, +and it was soon bedtime. When Charles took his arm, he exclaimed, on +finding his sleeve wet--'What can you have been doing?' + +'Walking up and down under the wall,' replied Guy, with some +reluctance. + +'What, in the rain?' + +'I don't know, perhaps it was.' + +Amy, who was just behind, carrying the crutch, dreaded Charles's making +any allusion to Sintram's wild locks and evening wanderings, but ever +since the outburst about King Charles, the desire to tease and irritate +Guy had ceased. + +They parted at the dressing-room door, and as Guy bade her good night, +he pushed back the damp hair that had fallen across his forehead, +saying, 'I am sorry I disturbed your evening. I will tell you the +meaning of it another time.' + +'He has certainly seen the ghost!' said silly little Amy, as she shut +herself into her own room in such a fit of vague 'eerie' fright, that +it was not till she had knelt down, and with her face hidden in her +hands, said her evening prayer, that she could venture to lift up her +head and look into the dark corners of the room. + +'Another time!' Her heart throbbed at the promise. + +The next afternoon, as she and Laura were fighting with a refractory +branch of wisteria which had been torn down by the wind, and refused to +return to its place, Guy, who had been with his tutor, came in from the +stable-yard, reduced the trailing bough to obedience, and then joined +them in their walk. He looked grave, was silent at first, and then +spoke abruptly--'It is due to you to explain my behaviour last night.' + +'Amy thinks you must have seen the ghost,' said Laura, trying to be +gay. + +'Did I frighten you?' said Guy, turning round, full of compunction. +'No, no. I never saw it. I never even heard of its being seen. I am +very sorry.' + +'I was very silly,' said Amy smiling. + +'But,' proceeded Guy, 'when I think of the origin of the ghost story, I +cannot laugh, and if Philip knew all--' + +'Oh! He does not,' cried Laura; 'he only looks on it as we have always +done, as a sort of romantic appendage to Redclyffe. I should think +better of a place for being haunted.' + +'I used to be proud of it,' said Guy. 'I wanted to make out whether it +was old Sir Hugh or the murderer of Becket, who was said to groan and +turn the lock of Dark Hugh's chamber. I hunted among old papers, and a +horrible story I found. That wretched Sir Hugh,--the same who began +the quarrel with your mother's family--he was a courtier of Charles II, +as bad or worse than any of that crew--' + +'What was the quarrel about?' said Laura. + +'He was believed to have either falsified or destroyed his father's +will, so as to leave his brother, your ancestor, landless; his brother +remonstrated, and he turned him out of doors. The forgery never was +proved, but there was little doubt of it. There are traditions of his +crimes without number, especially his furious anger and malice. He +compelled a poor lady to marry him, though she was in love with another +man; then he was jealous; he waylaid his rival, shut him up in the +turret chamber, committed him to prison, and bribed Judge Jeffries to +sentence him--nay it is even said he carried his wife to see the +execution! He was so execrated that he fled the country; he went to +Holland, curried favour with William of Orange, brought his wealth to +help him, and that is the deserving action which got him the baronetcy! +He served in the army a good many years, and came home when he thought +his sins would be forgotten. But do you remember those lines?' and Guy +repeated them in the low rigid tone, almost of horror, in which he had +been telling the story:-- + + + 'On some his vigorous judgments light, + In that dread pause 'twixt day and night, + Life's closing twilight hour; + Round some, ere yet they meet their doom, + Is shed the silence of the tomb, + The eternal shadows lower.' + + +'It was so with him; he lost his senses, and after many actions of mad +violence, he ended by hanging himself in the very room where he had +imprisoned his victim.' + +'Horrible!' said Laura. 'Yet I do not see why, when it is all past, +you should feel it so deeply.' + +'How should I not feel it?' answered Guy. 'Is it not written that the +sins of the fathers shall be visited on the children? You wonder to +see me so foolish about Sintram. Well, it is my firm belief that such +a curse of sin and death as was on Sintram rests on the descendants of +that miserable man.' + +The girls were silent, struck with awe and dismay at the fearful +reality with which he pronounced the words. At last, Amy whispered, +'But Sintram conquered his doom.' + +At the same time Laura gathered her thoughts together, and said, 'This +must be an imagination. You have dwelt on it and fostered it till you +believe it, but such notions should be driven away or they will work +their own fulfilment.' + +'Look at the history of the Morvilles, and see if it be an +imagination,' said Guy. 'Crime and bloodshed have been the portion of +each--each has added weight and darkness to the doom which he had +handed on. My own poor father, with his early death, was, perhaps, the +happiest!' + +Laura saw the idea was too deeply rooted to be treated as a fancy, and +she found a better argument. 'The doom of sin and death is on us all, +but you should remember that if you are a Morville, you are also a +Christian.' + +'He does remember it!' said Amy, raising her eyes to his face, and then +casting them down, blushing at having understood his countenance, +where, in the midst of the gloomy shades, there rested for an instant +the gleam which her mother had likened to the expression of Raffaelle's +cherub.' + +They walked on for some time in silence. At last Laura exclaimed, 'Are +you really like the portrait of this unfortunate Sir Hugh?' + +Guy made a sign of assent. + +'Oh! It must have been taken before he grew wicked,' said Amy; and +Laura felt the same conviction, that treacherous revenge could never +have existed beneath so open a countenance, with so much of +highmindedness, pure faith and contempt of wrong in every glance of the +eagle eye, in the frank expansion of the smooth forehead. + +They were interrupted by Mr. Edmonstone's hearty voice, bawling across +the garden for one of the men. 'O Guy! are you there?' cried he, as +soon as he saw him. 'Just what I wanted! Your gun, man! We are going +to ferret a rabbit.' + +Guy ran off at full speed in search of his gun, whistling to Bustle. +Mr. Edmonstone found his man, and the sisters were again alone. + +'Poor fellow!' said Laura. + +'You will not tell all this to Philip?' said Amy. + +'It would show why he was hurt, and it can be no secret.' + +'I dare say you are right, but I have a feeling against it. Well, I am +glad he had not seen the ghost!' + +The two girls had taken their walk, and were just going in, when, +looking round, they saw Philip walking fast and determinedly up the +approach, and as they turned back to meet him, the first thing he said +was, 'Where is Guy?' + +'Ferreting rabbits with papa. What is the matter?' + +'And where is my aunt?' + +Driving out with Charles and Charlotte. What is the matter?' + +'Look here. Can you tell me the meaning of this which I found on my +table when I came in this morning?' + +It was a card of Sir Guy Morville, on the back of which was written in +pencil, 'Dear P., I find hunting and reading don't agree, so take no +further steps about the horse. Many thanks for your trouble.--G.M.' + +'There,' said Philip, 'is the result of brooding all night on his +resentment.' +'Oh no!' cried Laura, colouring with eagerness, 'you do not understand +him. He could not bear it last night, because, as he has been +explaining to us, that old Sir Hugh's story was more shocking than we +ever guessed, and he has a fancy that their misfortunes are a family +fate, and he could not bear to hear it spoken of lightly.' + +'Oh! He has been telling you his own story, has he?' + +Laura's colour grew still deeper, 'If you had been there,' she said, +'you would have been convinced. Why will you not believe that he finds +hunting interfere with reading?' + +'He should have thought of that before,' said "Philip. + +'Here have I half bought the horse! I have wasted the whole morning on +it, and now I have to leave it on the man's hands. I had a dozen times +rather take it myself, if I could afford it. Such a bargain as I had +made, and such an animal as you will not see twice in your life.' + +'It is a great pity,' said Laura. 'He should have known his own mind. +I don't like people to give trouble for nothing.' + +'Crazy about it last night, and giving it up this morning! A most +extraordinary proceeding. No, no, Laura, this is not simple +fickleness, it would be too absurd. It is temper, temper, which makes +a man punish himself, in hopes of punishing others. + +Laura still spoke for Guy, and Amy rejoiced; for if her sister had not +taken up the defence of the absent, she must, and she felt too strongly +to be willing to speak. It seemed too absurd for one feeling himself +under such a doom to wrangle about a horse, yet she was somewhat amused +by the conviction that if Guy had really wished to annoy Philip he had +certainly succeeded. + +There was no coming to an agreement. Laura's sense of justice revolted +at the notion of Guy's being guilty of petty spite; while Philip, firm +in his preconceived idea of his character, and his own knowledge of +mankind, was persuaded that he had imputed the true motive, and was +displeased at Laura's attempting to argue the point. He could not wait +to see any one else, as he was engaged to dine out, and he set off +again at his quick, resolute pace. + +'He is very unfair!' exclaimed Amy. + +'He did not mean to be so,' said Laura; 'and though he is mistaken in +imputing such motives, Guy's conduct has certainly been vexatious.' + +They were just turning to go in, when they were interrupted by the +return of the carriage; and before Charles had been helped up the +steps, their father and Guy came in sight. While Guy went to shut up +Bustle, who was too wet for the drawing-room, Mr. Edmonstone came up to +the others, kicking away the pebbles before him, and fidgeting with his +gloves, as he always did when vexed. + +'Here's a pretty go!' said he. 'Here is Guy telling me he won't hunt +any more!' + +'Not hunt!' cried Mrs. Edmonstone and Charles at once; 'and why?' + +'Oh! something about its taking his mind from his reading; but that +can't be it--impossible, you know; I'd give ten pounds to know what has +vexed him. So keen as he was about it last night, and I vow, one of +the best riders in the whole field. Giving up that horse, too--I +declare it is a perfect sin! I told him he had gone too far, and he +said he had left a note with Philip this morning.' + +'Yes,' said Laura; Philip has just been here about it. Guy left a +card, saying, hunting and reading would not agree.' + +'That is an excuse, depend upon it,' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'Something +has nettled him, I am sure. It could not be that Gordon, could it, +with his hail-fellow-well-met manner? I thought Guy did not half like +it the other day, when he rode up with his "Hollo, Morville!" The +Morvilles have a touch of pride of their own; eh, mamma?' + +'I should be inclined to believe his own account of himself,' said she. + +'I tell you, 'tis utterly against reason,' said Mr. Edmonstone, +angrily. 'If he was a fellow like Philip, or James Ross, I could +believe it; but he--he make a book-worm! He hates it, like poison, at +the bottom of his heart, I'll answer for it; and the worst of it is, +the fellow putting forward such a fair reason one can't--being his +guardian, and all--say what one thinks of it oneself. Eh, mamma?' + +'Not exactly,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + +'Well, you take him in hand, mamma. I dare say he will tell you the +rights of it, and if it is only that Gordon, explain it rightly to him, +show him 'tis only the man's way; tell him he treats me so for ever, +and would the Lord-Lieutenant if he was in it.' + +'For a' that and a' that,' said Charles, as Amy led him into the +drawing-room. + +'You are sure the reading is the only reason?' said Amy.' + +'He's quite absurd enough for it,' said Charles; but 'absurd' was +pronounced in a way that made its meaning far from annoying even to +Guy's little champion. + +Guy came in the next moment, and running lightly up-stairs after Mrs. +Edmonstone, found her opening the dressing-room door, and asked if he +might come in. + +'By all means,' she said; 'I am quite ready for one of our twilight +talks.' + +'I am afraid I have vexed Mr. Edmonstone,' began Guy; 'and I am very +sorry.' + +'He was only afraid that something might have occurred to vex you, +which you might not like to mention to him,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, +hesitating a little. + +'Me! What could I have done to make him think so? I am angry with no +one but myself. The fact is only this, the hunting is too pleasant; it +fills up my head all day and all night; and I don't attend rightly to +anything else. If I am out in the morning and try to pay for it at +night, it will not do; I can but just keep awake and that's all; the +Greek letters all seem to be hunting each other, the simplest things +grow difficult, and at last all I can think of, is how near the minute +hand of my watch is near to the hour I have set myself. So, for the +last fortnight, every construing with Mr. Lascelles has been worse than +the last; and as to my Latin verses, they were beyond everything +shocking, so you see there is no making the two things agree, and the +hunting must wait till I grow steadier, if I ever do. Heigho! It is a +great bore to be so stupid, for I thought--But it is of no use to talk +of it!' + +'Mr. Edmonstone would be a very unreasonable guardian, indeed, to be +displeased,' said his friend, smiling. You say you stopped the +purchase of the horse. Why so? Could you not keep him till you are +more sure of yourself?' + +'Do you think I might?' joyously exclaimed Guy. 'I'll write to Philip +this minute by the post. Such a splendid creature: it would do you +good to see it--such action--such a neck--such spirit. It would be a +shame not to secure it. But no--no--' and he checked himself +sorrowfully. 'I have made my mind before that I don't deserve it. If +it was here, it would always have to be tried: if I heard the hounds I +don't know I should keep from riding after them; whereas, now I can't, +for William won't let me take Deloraine. No, I can't trust myself to +keep such a horse, and not hunt. It will serve me right to see Mr. +Brownlow on it, and he will never miss such a chance!' and the depth of +his sigh bore witness to the struggle it cost him. + +'I should not like to use anyone as you use yourself,' said Mrs. +Edmonstone, looking at him with affectionate anxiety, which seemed +suddenly to change the current of his thought, for he exclaimed +abruptly--'Mrs. Edmonstone, can you tell me anything about my mother?' + +'I am afraid not,' said she, kindly; 'you know we had so little +intercourse with your family, that I heard little but the bare facts.' + +'I don't think,' said Guy, leaning on the chimneypiece, 'that I ever +thought much about her till I knew you, but lately I have fancied a +great deal about what might have been if she had but lived.' + +It was not Mrs. Edmonstone's way to say half what she felt, and she +went on--'Poor thing! I believe she was quite a child.' + +'Only seventeen when she died,' said Guy. + +Mrs. Edmonstone went to a drawer, took out two or three bundles of old +letters, and after searching in them by the fire-light, said--'Ah! +here's a little about her; it is in a letter from my sister-in-law, +Philip's mother, when they were staying at Stylehurst.' + +'Who? My father and mother?' cried Guy eagerly. + +'Did you not know they had been there three or four days?' + +'No--I know less about them than anybody,' said he, sadly: but as Mrs. +Edmonstone waited, doubtful as to whether she might be about to make +disclosures for which he was unprepared, he added, hastily--'I do know +the main facts of the story; I was told them last autumn;' and an +expression denoting the remembrance of great suffering came over his +face; then, pausing a moment, he said--'I knew Archdeacon Morville had +been very kind.' + +'He was always interested about your father,' said Mrs, Edmonstone; +'and happening to meet him in London some little time after his +marriage, he--he was pleased with the manner in which he was behaving +then, thought--thought--' And here, recollecting that she must not +speak ill of old Sir Guy, nor palliate his son's conduct, poor Mrs. +Edmonstone got into an inextricable confusion--all the worse because +the fierce twisting of a penwiper in Guy's fingers denoted that he was +suffering a great trial of patience. She avoided the difficulty thus: +'It is hard to speak of such things when there is so much to be +regretted on both sides; but the fact was, my brother thought your +father was harshly dealt with at that time. Of course he had done very +wrong; but he had been so much neglected and left to himself, that it +seemed hardly fair to visit his offence on him as severely as if he had +had more advantages. So it ended in their coming to spend a day or two +at Stylehurst; and this is the letter my sister-in-law wrote at the +time: + +'"Our visitors have just left us, and on the whole I am much better +pleased than I expected. The little Mrs. Morville is a very pretty +creature, and as engaging as long flaxen curls, apple-blossom +complexion, blue eyes, and the sweetest of voices can make her; so full +of childish glee and playfulness, that no one would stop to think +whether she was lady-like any more than you would with a child. She +used to go singing like a bird about the house as soon as the first +strangeness wore off, which was after her first game of play with Fanny +and Little Philip. She made them very fond of her, as indeed she would +make every one who spent a day or two in the same house with her. I +could almost defy Sir Guy not to be reconciled after one sight of her +sweet sunny face. She is all affection and gentleness, and with +tolerable training anything might be made of her; but she is so young +in mind and manners, that one cannot even think of blaming her for her +elopement, for she had no mother, no education but in music; and her +brother seems to have forced it on, thrown her in Mr. Morville's way, +and worked on his excitable temperament, until he hurried them into +marriage. Poor little girl, I suppose she little guesses what she has +done; but it was very pleasant to see how devotedly attached he seemed +to her; and there was something beautiful in the softening of his +impetuous tones when he said, 'Marianne;' and her pride in him was very +pretty, like a child playing at matronly airs."' + +Guy gave a long, heavy sigh, brushed away a tear, and after a long +silence, said, 'Is that all?' + +'All that I like to read to you. Indeed, there is no more about her; +and it would be of no use to read all the reports that were going +about.--Ah! here,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking into another letter, +'she speaks of your father as a very fine young man, with most generous +impulses,'--but here again she was obliged to stop, for the next +sentence spoke of 'a noble character ruined by mismanagement.' 'She +never saw them again,' continued Mrs. Edmonstone; 'Mr. Dixon, your +mother's brother, had great influence with your father, and made +matters worse--so much worse, that my brother did not feel himself +justified in having any more to do with them.' + +'Ah! he went to America,' said Guy; 'I don't know any more about him +except that he came to the funeral and stood with his arms folded, not +choosing to shake hands with my poor grandfather.' After another +silence he said, 'Will you read that again?' and when he had heard it, +he sat shading his brow with his hand, as if to bring the fair, girlish +picture fully before his mind, while Mrs. Edmonstone sought in vain +among her letters for one which did not speak of the fiery passions +ignited on either side, in terms too strong to be fit for his ears. + +When next he spoke it was to repeat that he had not been informed of +the history of his parents till within the last few months. He had, of +course, known the manner of their death, but had only lately become +aware of the circumstances attending it. + +The truth was that Guy had grown up peculiarly shielded from evil, but +ignorant of the cause of the almost morbid solicitude with which he was +regarded by his grandfather. He was a very happy, joyous boy, leading +an active, enterprising life, though so lonely as to occasion greater +dreaminess and thoughtfulness than usual at such an early age. He was +devotedly attached to his grandfather, looking on him as the first and +best of human beings, and silencing the belief that Sir Hugh Morville +had entailed a doom of crime and sorrow on the family, by a reference +to him, as one who had been always good and prosperous. + +When, however, Guy had reached an age at which he must encounter the +influences which had proved so baneful to others of his family, his +grandfather thought it time to give him the warning of his own history. + +The sins, which the repentance of years had made more odious in the +eyes of the old man, were narrated; the idleness and insubordination at +first, then the reckless pursuit of pleasure, the craving for +excitement, the defiance of rule and authority, till folly had become +vice, and vice had led to crime. + +He had fought no fewer than three duels, and only one had been +bloodless. His misery after the first had well-nigh led to a reform; +but time had dulled its acuteness--it had been lost in fresh scenes of +excitement--and at the next offence rage had swept away such +recollections. Indeed, so far had he lost the natural generosity of +his character, that his remorse had been comparatively slight for the +last, which was the worst of all, since he had forced the quarrel on +his victim, Captain Wellwood, whose death had left a wife and children +almost destitute. His first awakening to a sense of what his course +had been, was when he beheld his only child, in the prime of youth, +carried lifeless across his threshold, and attributed his death to his +own intemperance and violence. That hour made Sir Guy Morville an old +and a broken-hearted man; and he repented as vigorously as he had +sinned. + +From the moment he dared to hope that his son's orphan would be spared, +he had been devoted to him, but still mournfully, envying and pitying +his innocence as something that could not last. + +He saw bright blossoms put forth, as the boy grew older; but they were +not yet fruits, and he did not dare to believe they ever would be. The +strength of will which had, in his own case, been the slave of his +passions, had been turned inward to subdue the passions themselves, but +this was only the beginning--the trial was not yet come. He could hope +his grandson might repent, but this was the best that he dared to think +possible. He could not believe that a Morville could pass unscathed +through the world, or that his sins would not be visited on the head of +his only descendant; and the tone of his narration was throughout such +as might almost have made the foreboding cause its own accomplishment. + +The effect was beyond what he had expected; for a soul deeply dyed in +guilt, even though loathing its own stains, had not the power of +conceiving how foul was the aspect of vice, to one hitherto guarded +from its contemplation, and living in a world of pure, lofty day- +dreams. The boy sat the whole time without a word, his face bent down +and hidden by his clasped hands, only now and then unable to repress a +start or shudder at some fresh disclosure; and when it was ended, he +stood up, gazed round, and walked uncertainly, as if he did not know +where he was. His next impulse was to throw himself on his knee beside +his grandfather, and caress him as he used to when a child. The 'good- +night' was spoken, and Guy was shut into his room, with his +overwhelming emotions. + +His grandfather a blood-stained, remorseful man! The doom was +complete, himself heir to the curse of Sir Hugh, and fated to run the +same career; and as he knew full well, with the tendency to the family +character strong within him, the germs of these hateful passions ready +to take root downwards and bear fruit upwards, with the very +countenance of Sir Hugh, and the same darkening, kindling eyes, of +which traditions had preserved the remembrance. + +He was crushed for awhile. The consciousness of strength not his own, +of the still small voice that could subdue the fire, the earthquake, +and the whirlwind, was slow in coming to him; and when it came, he, +like his grandfather, had hope rather of final repentance than of +keeping himself unstained. + +His mind had not recovered the shock when his grandfather died,--died +in faith and fear, with good hope of accepted repentance, but unable to +convey the assurance of such hope to his grandson. Grief for the only +parent he had ever known, and the sensation of being completely alone +in the world, were joined to a vague impression of horror at the +suddenness of the stroke, and it was long before the influence of +Hollywell, or the elasticity of his own youthfulness, could rouse him +from his depression. + +Even then it was almost against his will that he returned to enjoyment, +unable to avoid being amused, but feeling as if joy was not meant for +him, and as if those around were walking 'in a world of light,' where +he could scarcely hope to tread a few uncertain steps. In this +despondency was Guy's chief danger, as it was likely to make him deem a +struggle with temptation fruitless, while his high spirits and powers +of keen enjoyment increased the peril of recklessness in the reaction. + +It was Mrs. Edmonstone who first spoke with him cheerfully of a +successful conflict with evil, and made him perceive that his +temptations were but such as is common to man. She had given him a +clue to discover when and how to trust himself to enjoy; the story of +Sintram had stirred him deeply, and this very day, Amy's words, +seemingly unheeded and unheard, had brought home to him the hope and +encouragement of that marvellous tale. + +They had helped him in standing, looking steadfastly upwards, and +treading down not merely evil, but the first token of coming evil, +regardless of the bruises he might inflict on himself. Well for him if +he was constant. + +Such was Guy's inner life; his outward life, frank and joyous, has been +shown, and the two flowed on like a stream, pure as crystal, but into +which the eye cannot penetrate from its depth. The surface would be +sometimes obscured by cloud or shade, and reveal the sombre wells +beneath; but more often the sunshine would penetrate the inmost +recesses, and make them glance and sparkle, showing themselves as clear +and limpid as the surface itself. + + + + +CHAPTER 6 + + + +Can piety the discord heal, +Or stanch the death-feud's enmity?--Scott + + +It must not be supposed that such a history of Guy's mind was expressed +by himself, or understood by Mrs. Edmonstone; but she saw enough to +guess at his character, perceive the sort of guidance he needed, and be +doubly interested in him. Much did she wish he could have such a +friend as her brother would have been, and hope that nothing would +prevent a friendship with her nephew. + +The present question about the horse was, she thought, unfortunate, +since, though Guy had exercised great self-denial, it was no wonder +Philip was annoyed. Mr. Edmonstone's vexation was soon over. As soon +as she had persuaded him that there had been no offence, he strove to +say with a good grace, that it was very proper, and told Guy he would +be a thorough book-worm and tremendous scholar, which Guy took as an +excellent joke. + +Philip had made up his mind to be forbearing, and to say no more about +it. Laura thought this a pity, as they could thus never come to an +understanding; but when she hinted it, he wore such a dignified air of +not being offended, that she was much ashamed of having tried to direct +one so much better able to judge. On his side Guy had no idea the +trouble he had caused; so, after bestowing his thanks in a gay, off- +hand way, which Philip thought the worst feature of the case, he did +his best to bring Hecuba back into his mind, drive the hunters out of +it, and appease the much-aggrieved William of Deloraine. + +When all William's manoeuvres resulted in his master's not hunting at +all, he was persuaded it was Mr. Edmonstone's fault, compassionated Sir +Guy with all his heart, and could only solace himself by taking +Deloraine to exercise where he was most likely to meet the hounds. He +further chose to demonstrate that he was not Mr. Edmonstone's servant, +by disregarding some of his stable regulations; but as soon as this +came to his master's knowledge, a few words were spoken so sharp and +stern, that William never attempted to disobey again. + +It seemed as if it was the perception that so much was kept back by a +strong force, that made Guy's least token of displeasure so formidable. +A village boy, whom be caught misusing a poor dog, was found a few +minutes after, by Mr. Ross, in a state of terror that was positively +ludicrous, though it did not appear that Sir Guy had said or done much +to alarm him; it was only the light in his eyes, and the strength of +repressed indignation in his short broken words that had made the +impression. + +It appeared as if the force of his anger might be fearful, if once it +broke forth without control; yet at the same time be had a gentleness +and attention, alike to small and great, which, with his high spirit +and good nature, his very sweet voice and pleasant smile, made him a +peculiarly winning and engaging person; and few who saw him could help +being interested in him. + +No wonder he had become in the eyes of the Edmonstones almost a part of +their family. Mrs. Edmonstone had assumed a motherly control over him, +to which he submitted with a sort of affectionate gratitude. + +One day Philip remarked, that he never saw any one so restless as Guy, +who could neither talk nor listen without playing with something. +Scissors, pencil, paper-knife, or anything that came in his way, was +sure to be twisted or tormented; or if nothing else was at hand, he +opened and shut his own knife so as to put all the spectators in fear +for his fingers. + +'Yes,' said Laura, 'I saw how it tortured your eyebrows all the time +you were translating Schiller to us. I wondered you were not put out.' + +'I consider that to be put out--by which you mean to have the intellect +at the mercy of another's folly--is beneath a reasonable creature,' +said Philip; 'but that I was annoyed, I do not deny. It is a token of +a restless, ill-regulated mind.' + +'Restless, perhaps,' said Mrs. Edmonstone 'but not necessarily ill- +regulated. I should think it rather a sign that he had no one to tell +him of the tricks which mothers generally nip in the bud.' + +'I was going to say that I think he fidgets less,' said Laura; 'but I +think his chief contortions of the scissors have been when Philip has +been here.' + +'They have, I believe,' said her mother, I was thinking of giving him a +hint.' + +'Well, aunt, you are a tamer of savage beasts if you venture on such a +subject,' said Philip. + +'Do you dare me?' she asked, smiling. + +'Why, I don't suppose he would do more than give you one of his +lightning glances: but that, I think, is more than you desire.' + +'Considerably,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'for his sake as much as my own.' + +'But,' said Laura, 'mamma has nearly cured him of pawing like a horse +in the hall when he is kept waiting. He said he knew it was +impatience, and begged her to tell him how to cure it. So she treated +him as an old fairy might, and advised him in a grave, mysterious way, +always to go and play the "Harmonious Blacksmith," when he found +himself getting into "a taking", just as if it was a charm. And he +always does it most dutifully.' + +'It has a very good effect,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'for it is apt to +act as a summons to the other party, as well as a sedative to him.' + +'I must say I am curious to see what you will devise this time,' said +Philip; 'since you can't set him to play on the piano; and very few can +bear to be told of a trick of the kind.' + +In the course of that evening, Philip caused the great atlas to be +brought out in order to make investigations on the local habitation of +a certain Khan of Kipchack, who existed somewhere in the dark ages. +Then he came to Marco Polo, and Sir John Mandeville; and Guy, who knew +both the books in the library at Redclyffe, grew very eager in talking +them over, and tracing their adventures--then to the Genoese merchants, +where Guy confessed himself perfectly ignorant. Andrea Doria was the +only Genoese he ever heard of; but he hunted out with great interest +all the localities of their numerous settlements. Then came modern +Italy, and its fallen palaces; then the contrast between the republican +merchant and aristocratic lord of the soil; then the corn laws; and +then, and not till then, did Philip glance at his aunt, to show her Guy +balancing a Venetian weight on as few of his fingers as could support +it. + +'Guy,' said she, smiling, 'does that unfortunate glass inspire you with +any arguments in favour of the Venetians?' + +Guy put it down at once, and Philip proceeded to improved methods of +farming, to enable landlords to meet the exigencies of the times. Guy +had got hold of Mr. Edmonstone's spectacle-case, and was putting its +spring to a hard trial. Mrs. Edmonstone doubted whether to interfere +again; she knew this was not the sort of thing that tried his temper, +yet she particularly disliked playing him off, as it were for Philip's +amusement, and quite as much letting him go on, and lower himself in +her nephew's estimation. The spectacle-case settled the matter--a, +crack was heard, it refused to snap at all; and Guy, much discomfited, +made many apologies. + +Amy laughed; Philip was much too well-bred to do anything but curl his +lip unconsciously. Mrs. Edmonstone waited till he was gone, then, when +she was wishing Guy 'good-night' at Charles's door, she said,-- + +'The spectacle-case forestalled me in giving you a lecture on sparing +our nerves. Don't look so very full of compunction--it is only a trick +which your mother would have stopped at five years old, and which you +can soon stop for yourself.' + +'Thank you, I will!' said Guy; 'I hardly knew I did it, but I am very +sorry it has teased you.' + +Thenceforward it was curious to see how he put down and pushed away all +he had once begun to touch and torture. Mrs. Edmonstone said it was +self command in no common degree; and Philip allowed that to cure so +inveterate a habit required considerable strength of will. + +'However,' he said, 'I always gave the Morvilles credit for an iron +resolution. Yes, Amy, you may laugh; but if a man is not resolute in a +little, he will never be resolute in great matters.' + +'And Guy has been resolute the right way this time,' said Laura. + +'May he always be the same,' said Philip. + +Philip had undertaken, on his way back to Broadstone, to conduct +Charlotte to East-hill, where she was to spend the day with a little +niece of Mary Ross. She presently came down, her bonnet-strings tied +in a most resolute-looking bow, and her little figure drawn up so as to +look as womanly is possible for her first walk alone with Philip. She +wished the party at home 'goodbye;' and as Amy and Laura stood watching +her, they could not help laughing to see her tripping feet striving to +keep step, her blue veil discreetly composed and her little head turned +up, as if she was trying hard to be on equa1 terms with the tall +cousin, who meanwhile looked graciously down from his height, +patronising her like a very small child. After some space, Amy began +to wonder what they could talk about, or whether they would talk at +all; but Laura said there was no fear of Charlotte's tongue ever being +still, and Charles rejoined,-- + +'Don't you know that Philip considers it due to himself that his +audience should never be without conversation suited to their +capacity?' + +'Nonsense, Charlie!' + +'Nay, I give him credit for doing it as well as it is in nature of +things for it to be done. The strongest proof I know of his being a +superior man, is the way he adapts himself to his company. He lays +down the law to us, because he knows we are all born to be his +admirers; he calls Thorndale his dear fellow and conducts him like a +Mentor; but you may observe how different he is with other people--Mr. +Ross, for instance. It is not showing off; it is just what the pattern +hero should be with the pattern clergyman. At a dinner party he is +quite in his place; contents himself with leaving an impression on his +neighbour that Mr. Morville is at home on every subject; and that he is +the right thing with his brother officers is sufficiently proved, since +not even Maurice either hates or quizzes him.' + +'Well, Charlie,' said Laura, well pleased, I am glad you are convinced +at last.' + +'Do you think I ever wanted to be convinced that we were created for no +other end than to applaud Philip? I was fulfilling the object of our +existence by enlarging on a remark of Guy's, that nothing struck him +more than the way in which Philip could adapt his conversation to the +hearers. So the hint was not lost on me; and I came to the conclusion +that it was a far greater proof of his sense than all the maxims he +lavishes on us.' + +'I wonder Guy was the person to make the remark,' said Laura; 'for it +is strange that those two never appear to the best advantage together.' + +'Oh, Laura, that would be the very reason,' said Amy. + +'The very reason?' said Charles. Draw out your meaning, Miss.' + +'Yes,' said Amy, colouring, 'If Guy--if a generous person, I mean--were +vexed with another sometimes, it would be the very reason he would make +the most of all his goodness.' + +'Heigh-ho!' yawned Charles. What o'clock is it? I wonder when Guy is +ever coming back from that Lascelles.' + +'Your wonder need not last long,' said Laura; 'for I see him riding +into the stable yard.' + +In a few minutes he had entered; and, on being asked if he had met +Philip and Charlotte, and how they were getting on, he replied,--'A +good deal like the print of Dignity and Impudence,' at the same time +throwing back his shoulders, and composing his countenance to imitate +Philip's lofty deportment and sedate expression, and the next moment +putting his head on one side with a sharp little nod, and giving a +certain espiegle glance of the eye, and knowing twist of one corner of +the mouth, just like Charlotte. + +'By the by,' added he, 'would Philip have been a clergyman if he had +gone to Oxford?' + +'I don't know; I don't think it was settled,' said Laura, 'Why?' + +'I could never fancy him one' said Guy. 'He would not have been what +he is now if he had gone to Oxford,' said Charles. 'He would have +lived with men of the same powers and pursuits with himself, and have +found his level.' + +'And that would have been a very high one,' said Guy. + +'It would; but there would be all the difference there is between a +feudal prince and an Eastern despot. He would know what it is to live +with his match.' + +'But you don't attempt to call him conceited!' cried Guy, with a sort +of consternation. + +'He is far above that; far too grand,' said Amy. + +'I should as soon think of calling Jupiter conceited,' said Charles; +and Laura did not know how far to be gratified, or otherwise. + +Charles had not over-estimated Philip's readiness of self adaptation. +Charlotte had been very happy with him, talking over the "Lady of the +Lake", which she had just read, and being enlightened, partly to her +satisfaction, partly to her disappointment, as to how much was +historical. He listened good-naturedly to a fit of rapture, and threw +in a few, not too many, discreet words of guidance to the true +principles of taste; and next told her about an island, in a pond at +Stylehurst, which had been by turns Ellen's isle and Robinson Crusoe's. +It was at this point in the conversation that Guy came in sight, riding +slowly, his reins on his horse's neck, whistling a slow, melancholy +tune, his eyes fixed on the sky, and so lost in musings, that he did +not perceive them till Philip arrested him by calling out, 'That is a +very bad plan. No horse is to be trusted in that way, especially such +a spirited one.' + +Guy started, and gathered up his reins, owning it was foolish. + +'You look only half disenchanted yet,' said Philip. 'Has Lascelles put +you into what my father's old gardener used to call a stud?' + +'Nothing so worthy of a stud,' said Guy, smiling and colouring a +little. 'I was only dreaming over a picture of ruin-- + + + 'The steed is vanish'd from the stall, + No serf is seen in Hassan's hall, + The lonely spider's thin grey pall + Waves, slowly widening o'er the wall.' + + +'Byron!' exclaimed Philip. 'I hope you are not dwelling on him?' + +'Only a volume I found in my room.' + +'Oh, the "Giaour"!' said Philip. 'Well, there is no great damage done; +but it is bad food for excitable minds. Don't let it get hold of you.' + +'Very well;' and there was a cloud, but it cleared in a moment, and, +with a few gay words to both, he rode off at a quick pace. + +'Foolish fellow!' muttered Philip, looking after him. + +After some space of silence, Charlotte began in a very grave tone-- + +'Philip.' + +'Well?' + +'Philip.' + +Another 'Well!' and another long pause. + +'Philip, I don't know whether you'll be angry with me.' + +'Certainly not,' said Philip, marvelling at what was coming. + +'Guy says he does not want to keep up the feud, and I wish you would +not.' + +'What do you mean?' + +'The deadly feud!' said Charlotte. + +'What nonsense is this?' said Philip. + +'Surely--Oh Philip, there always was a deadly feud between our +ancestors, and the Redclyffe Morvilles, and it was very wrong, and +ought not to be kept up now.' + +'It is not I that keep it up.' + +'Is it not?' said Charlotte. 'But I am sure you don't like Guy. And I +can't think why not, unless it is the deadly feud, for we are all so +fond of him. Laura says it is a different house since he came.' + +'Hum!' said Philip. 'Charlotte, you did well to make me promise not to +be angry with you, by which, I presume, you mean displeased. I should +like to know what put this notion into your head.' + +'Charlie told me,' almost whispered Charlotte, hanging down her head. +'And--and--' + +'And what? I can't hear.' + +Charlotte was a good deal frightened; but either from firmness, or from +the female propensity to have the last word, or it might be the spirit +of mischief, she got out--'You have made me quite sure of it yourself.' + +She was so alarmed at having said this, that had it not been +undignified, she would have run quite away, and never stopped till she +came to East-hill. Matters were not mended when Philip said +authoritatively, and as if he was not in the least bit annoyed (which +was the more vexatious), 'What do you mean, Charlotte?' + +She had a great mind to cry, by way of getting out of the scrape; but +having begun as a counsellor and peacemaker, it would never do to be +babyish; and on his repeating the question, she said, in a tone which +she could not prevent from being lachrymose, 'You make Guy almost +angry, you tease him, and when people praise him, you answer as if it +would not last! And it is very unfair of you,' concluded she, with +almost a sob. + +'Charlotte,' replied Philip, much more kindly than she thought she +deserved, after the reproach that seemed to her so dreadfully naughty, +'you may dismiss all fear of deadly feud, whatever you may mean by it. +Charles has been playing tricks on you. You know, my little cousin, +that I am a Christian, and we live in the nineteenth century.' + +Charlotte felt as if annihilated at the aspect of her own folly. He +resumed--'You misunderstood me. I do think Guy very agreeable. He is +very attentive to Charles, very kind to you, and so attractive, that I +don't wonder you like him. But those who are older than you see that +he has faults, and we wish to set him on his guard against them. It +may be painful to ourselves, and irritating to him, but depend upon it, +it is the proof of friendship. Are you satisfied, my little cousin?' + +She could only say humbly, 'I beg your pardon.' + +'You need not ask pardon. Since you had the notion, it was right to +speak, as it was to me, one of your own family. When you are older, +you need never fear to speak out in the right place. I am glad you +have so much of the right sort of feminine courage, though in this case +you might have ventured to trust to me.' + +So ended Charlotte's anxieties respecting the deadly feud, and she had +now to make up her mind to the loss of her playfellow, who was to go to +Oxford at Easter, when he would be just eighteen, his birthday being +the 28th of March. Both her playmates were going, Bustle as well as +Guy, and it was at first proposed that Deloraine should go too, but Guy +bethought himself that Oxford would be a place of temptation for +William; and not choosing to trust the horse to any one else, resolved +to leave both at Hollywell. + +His grandfather had left an allowance for Guy, until his coming of age, +such as might leave no room for extravagance, and which even Philip +pronounced to be hardly sufficient for a young man in his position. +'You know,' said Mr. Edmonstone, in his hesitating, good-natured way, +'if ever you have occasion sometimes for a little--a little more--you +need only apply to me. Don't be afraid, anything rather than run into +debt. You know me, and 'tis your own.' + +'This shall do,' said Guy, in the same tone as he had fixed his hours +of study. + +Each of the family made Guy a birthday present, as an outfit for +Oxford; Mr. Edmonstone gave him a set of studs, Mrs. Edmonstone a +Christian Year, Amabel copied some of his favourite songs, Laura made a +drawing of Sintram, Charlotte worked a kettle-holder, with what was +called by courtesy a likeness of Bustle. Charles gave nothing, +professing that he would do nothing to encourage his departure. + +'You don't know what a bore it is to lose the one bit of quicksilver in +the house!' said he, yawning. 'I shall only drag on my existence till +you come back.' + +'You, Charles, the maker of fun!' said Guy, amazed. + +'It is a case of flint and steel,' said Charles; 'but be it owing to +who it will, we have been alive since you came here. You have taken +care to be remembered. We have been studying you, or laughing at you, +or wondering what absurdity was to come next.' + +'I am very sorry--that is, if you are serious. I hoped at least I +appeared like other people.' + +'I'll tell you what you appear like. Just what I would be if I was a +free man.' + +'Never say that, Charlie!' + +'Nay, wait a bit. I would never be so foolish. I would never give my +sunny mornings to Euripides; I would not let the best hunter in the +county go when I had wherewithal to pay for him.' + +'You would not have such an ill-conditioned self to keep in rule.' + +'After all,' continued Charles, yawning, 'it is no great compliment to +say I am sorry you are going. If you were an Ethiopian serenader, you +would be a loss to me. It is something to see anything beyond this old +drawing-room, and the same faces doing the same things every day. +Laura poking over her drawing, and meditating upon the last entry in +Philip's memorandum-book, and Amy at her flowers or some nonsense or +other, and Charlotte and the elders all the same, and a lot of stupid +people dropping in and a lot of stupid books to read, all just alike. +I can tell what they are like without looking in!' Charles yawned +again, sighed, and moved wearily. 'Now, there came some life and +freshness with you. You talk of Redclyffe, and your brute creation +there, not like a book, and still less like a commonplace man; you are +innocent and unsophisticated, and take new points of view; you are +something to interest oneself about; your coming in is something to +look forward to; you make the singing not such mere milk-and-water, +your reading the Praelectiones is an additional landmark to time; +besides the mutton of to-day succeeding the beef of yesterday. Heigh- +ho! I'll tell you what, Guy. Though I may carry it off with a high +hand, 'tis no joke to be a helpless log all the best years of a man's +life,--nay, for my whole life,--for at the very best of the +contingencies the doctors are always flattering me with, I should make +but a wretched crippling affair of it. And if that is the best hope +they give me, you may guess it is likely to be a pretty deal worse. +Hope? I've been hoping these ten years, and much good has it done me. +I say, Guy,' he proceeded, in a tone of extreme bitterness, though with +a sort of smile, 'the only wonder is that I don't hate the very sight +of you! There are times when I feel as if I could bite some men,--that +Tomfool Maurice de Courcy, for instance, when I hear him rattling on, +and think--' + +'I know I have often talked thoughtlessly, I have feared afterwards I +might have given you pain.' + +'No, no, you never have; you have carried me along with you. I like +nothing better than to hear of your ridings, and shootings, and +boatings. It is a sort of life.' + +Charles had never till now alluded seriously to his infirmity before +Guy, and the changing countenance of his auditor showed him to be much +affected, as he stood leaning over the end of the sofa, with his +speaking eyes earnestly fixed on Charles, who went on: + +'And now you are going to Oxford. You will take your place among the +men of your day. You will hear and be heard of. You will be somebody. +And I!--I know I have what they call talent--I could be something. +They think me an idle dog; but where's the good of doing anything? I +only know if I was not--not condemned to--to this--this life,' (had it +not been for a sort of involuntary respect to the gentle compassion of +the softened hazel eyes regarding him so kindly, he would have used the +violent expletive that trembled on his lip;) 'if I was not chained down +here, Master Philip should not stand alone as the paragon of the +family. I've as much mother wit as he.' + +'That you have,' said Guy. 'How fast you see the sense of a passage. +You could excel very much if you only tried.' + +'Tried?' And what am I to gain by it?' + +'I don't know that one ought to let talents rust,' said Guy, +thoughtfully; 'I suppose it is one's duty not; and surely it is a pity +to give up those readings.' + +'I shall not get such another fellow dunce as you,' said Charles, 'as I +told you when we began, and it would be a mere farce to do it alone. I +could not make myself, if I would.' + +'Can't you make yourself do what you please?' said Guy, as if it was +the simplest thing in the world. + +'Not a bit, if the other half of me does not like it. I forget it, or +put it off, and it comes to nothing. I do declare, though, I would get +something to break my mind on, merely as a medical precaution, just to +freshen myself up, if I could find any one to do it with. No, nothing +in the shape of a tutor, against that I protest.' + +'Your sisters,' suggested Guy. + +'Hum'! Laura is too intellectual already, and I don't mean to poach on +Philip's manor; and if I made little Amy cease to be silly, I should do +away with all the comfort I have left me in life. I don't know, +though, if she swallowed learning after Mary Ross's pattern, that it +need do her much harm.' + +Amy came into the room at the moment. 'Amy, here is Guy advising me to +take you to read something awfully wise every day, something that will +make you as dry as a stick, and as blue--' + +'As a gentianella,' said Guy. + +'I should not mind being like a gentianella,' said Amy. 'But what +dreadful thing were you setting him to do?' + +'To make you read all the folios in my uncle's old library,' said +Charles. 'All that Margaret has in keeping against Philip has a house +of his own.' + +'Sancho somebody, and all you talked of when first you came?' said Amy. + +'We were talking of the hour's reading that Charlie and I have had +together lately,' said Guy. + +'I was thinking how Charlie would miss that hour,' said Amy; 'and we +shall be very sorry not to have you to listen to.' + +'Well, then, Amy, suppose you read with me?' + +'Oh, Charlie, thank you! Should you really like it?' cried Amy, +colouring with delight. 'I have always thought it would be so very +delightful if you would read with me, as James Ross used with Mary, +only I was afraid of tiring you with my stupidity. Oh, thank you!' + +So it was settled, and Charles declared that he put himself on honour +to give a good account of their doings to Guy, that being the only way +of making himself steady to his resolution; but he was perfectly +determined not to let Philip know anything about the practice he had +adopted, since he would by no means allow him to guess that he was +following his advice. + +Charles had certainly grown very fond of Guy, in spite of his +propensity to admire Philip, satisfying himself by maintaining that, +after all, Guy only tried to esteem his cousin because he thought it a +point of duty, just as children think it right to admire the good boy +in a story book; but that he was secretly fretted and chafed by his +perfection. No one could deny that there were often occasions when +little misunderstandings would arise, and that, but for Philip's +coolness and Guy's readiness to apologise they might often have gone +further; but at the same time no one could regret these things more +than Guy himself, and he was willing and desirous to seek Philip's +advice and assistance when needed. In especial, he listened earnestly +to the counsel which was bestowed on him about Oxford: and Mrs. +Edmonstone was convinced that no one could have more anxiety to do +right and avoid temptation. She had many talks with him in her +dressing-room, promising to write to him, as did also Charles; and he +left Hollywell with universal regrets, most loudly expressed by +Charlotte, who would not be comforted without a lock of Bustle's hair, +which she would have worn round her neck if she had not been afraid +that Laura would tell Philip. + +'He goes with excellent intentions,' said Philip, as they watched him +from the door. + +'I do hope he will do well,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'I wish he may,' said Philip; 'the agreeableness of his whole character +makes one more anxious. It is very dangerous. His name, his wealth, +his sociable, gay disposition, that very attractive manner, all are so +many perils, and he has not that natural pleasure in study that would +be of itself a preservative from temptation. However, he is honestly +anxious to do right, and has excellent principles. I only fear his +temper and his want of steadiness. Poor boy, I hope he may do well!' + + + + + +CHAPTER 7 + + + + --Pray, good shepherd, what +Fair swain is this that dances with your daughter? + * * * * * +He sings several times faster than you'll tell money; +he utters them as he had eaten ballads, and all men's +ears grow to his tunes.--WINTER'S TALE + + +It was a glorious day in June, the sky of pure deep dazzling blue, the +sunshine glowing with brightness, but with cheerful freshness in the +air that took away all sultriness, the sun tending westward in his long +day's career, and casting welcome shadows from the tall firs and horse- +chestnuts that shaded the lawn. A long rank of haymakers--men and +women--proceeded with their rakes, the white shirt-sleeves, straw +bonnets, and ruddy faces, radiant in the bath of sunshine, while in the +shady end of the field were idler haymakers among the fragrant piles, +Charles half lying on the grass, with his back against a tall haycock; +Mrs. Edmonstone sitting on another, book in hand; Laura sketching the +busy scene, the sun glancing through the chequered shade on her glossy +curls; Philip stretched out at full length, hat and neck-tie off, +luxuriating in the cool repose after a dusty walk from Broadstone; and +a little way off, Amabel and Charlotte pretending to make hay, but +really building nests with it, throwing it at each other, and playing +as heartily as the heat would allow. + +They talked and laughed, the rest were too hot, too busy, or too sleepy +for conversation, even Philip being tired into enjoying the "dolce far +niente"; and they basked in the fresh breezy heat and perfumy hay with +only now and then a word, till a cold, black, damp nose was suddenly +thrust into Charles's face, a red tongue began licking him; and at the +same moment Charlotte, screaming 'There he is!' raced headlong across +the swarths of hay, to meet Guy, who had just ridden into the field. +He threw Deloraine's rein to one of the haymakers, and came bounding to +meet her, just in time to pick her up as she put her foot into a hidden +hole, and fell prostrate. + +In another moment he was in the midst of the whole party, who crowded +round and welcomed him as if he had been a boy returning from his first +half-year's schooling; and never did little school-boy look more +holiday-like than he, with all the sunshine of that June day reflected, +as it were, in his glittering eyes and glowing face, while Bustle +escaping from Charles's caressing arm, danced round, wagging his tail +in ecstasy, and claiming his share of the welcome. Then Guy was on the +ground by Charles, rejoicing to find him out there, and then, some +dropping into their former nests on the hay, some standing round, they +talked fast and eagerly in a confusion of sound that did not subside +for the first ten minutes so as to allow anything to be clearly heard. +The first distinct sentence was Charlotte's 'Bustle, darling old +fellow, you are handsomer than ever!' + +'What a delicious day!' next exclaimed Guy, following Philip's example, +by throwing off hat and neck-tie. + +'A spontaneous tribute to the beauty of the day,' said Charles. + +'Really it is so ultra-splendid as to deserve notice!' said Philip, +throwing himself completely back, and looking up. + +'One cannot help revelling in that deep blue!' said Laura. + +'Tomorrow'll be the happiest time of all the glad new year,' hummed +Guy. + +'Ah you will teach us all now,' said Laura, 'after your grand singing +lessons.' + +'Do you know what is in store for you, Guy?' said Amy. 'Oh! haven't +you heard about Lady Kilcoran's ball?' + +'You are to go, Guy,' said Charlotte. 'I am glad I am not. I hate +dancing.' + +'And I know as much about it as Bustle,' said Guy, catching the dog by +his forepaws, and causing him to perform an uncouth dance. + +'Never mind, they will soon teach you,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Must I really go?' + +'He begins to think it serious,' said Charles. + +'Is Philip going?' exclaimed Guy, looking as if he was taken by +surprise. + +'He is going to say something about dancing being a healthful +recreation for young people,' said Charles. + +'You'll be disappointed,' said Philip. 'It is much too hot to +moralize.' + +'Apollo unbends his bow,' exclaimed Charles. 'The captain yields the +field.' + +'Ah! Captain Morville, I ought to have congratulated you,' said Guy. +'I must come to Broadstone early enough to see you on parade.' + +'Come to Broadstone! You aren't still bound to Mr. Lascelles,' said +Charles. + +'If he has time for me,' said Guy. 'I am too far behind the rest of +the world to afford to be idle this vacation.' + +'That's right, Guy,' exclaimed Philip, sitting up, and looking full of +approval. 'With so much perseverance, you must get on at last. How +did you do in collections?' + +'Tolerably, thank you.' + +'You must be able to enter into the thing now,' proceeded Philip. +'What are you reading?' + +'Thucydides.' + +'Have you come to Pericles' oration? I must show you some notes that I +have on that. Don't you get into the spirit of it now?' + +'Up-hill work still,' answered Guy, disentangling some cliders from the +silky curls of Bustle's ear. + +'Which do you like best--that or the ball?' asked Charles. + +'The hay-field best of all,' said Guy, releasing Bustle, and blinding +him with a heap of hay. + +'Of course!' said Charlotte, 'who would not like hay-making better than +that stupid ball?' + +'Poor Charlotte!' said Mrs. Edmonstone; commiseration which irritated +Charlotte into standing up and protesting, + +'Mamma, you know I don't want to go.' + +'No more do I, Charlotte,' said her brother, in a mock consoling tone. +'You and I know what is good for us, and despise sublunary vanities.' + +'But you will go, Guy,' said Laura; 'Philip is really going.' + +'In spite of Lord Kilcoran's folly in going to such an expense as +either taking Allonby or giving the ball,' said Charles. + +'I don't think it is my business to bring Lord Kilcoran to a sense of +his folly,' said Philip. 'I made all my protests to Maurice when first +he started the notion, but if his father chose to take the matter up, +it is no concern of mine.' + +'You will understand, Guy,' said Charles, 'that this ball is specially +got up by Maurice for Laura's benefit.' + +'Believe as little as you please of that speech, Guy,' said Laura; 'the +truth is that Lord Kilcoran is very good-natured, and Eveleen was very +much shocked to hear that Amy had never been to any ball, and I to only +one, and so it ended in their giving one.' + +'When is it to be?' + +'On Thursday week,' said Amy. 'I wonder if you will think Eveleen as +pretty as we do!' + +'She is Laura's great friend, is not she?' + +'I like her very much; I have known her all my life, and she has much +more depth than those would think who only know her manner.' And Laura +looked pleadingly at Philip as she spoke. + +'Are there any others of the family at home?' said Guy. + +'The two younger girls, Mabel and Helen, and the little boys,' said +Amy. 'Lord de Courcy is in Ireland, and all the others are away.' + +'Lord de Courcy is the wisest man of the family, and sets his face +against absenteeism,' said Philip, 'so he is never visible here.' + +'But you aren't going to despise it, I hope, Guy,' said Amy, earnestly; +'it will be so delightful! And what fun we shall have in teaching you +to dance!' + +Guy stretched himself, and gave a quaint grunt. + +'Never mind, Guy,' said Philip, 'very little is required. You may +easily pass in the crowd. I never learnt.' + +'Your ear will guide you,' said Laura. + +'And no one can stay at home, since Mary Ross is going,' said Amy. +'Eveleen was always so fond of her, that she came and forced a promise +from her by telling her she should come with mamma, and have no +trouble.' + +'You have not seen Allonby,' said Laura. 'There are such Vandykes, and +among them, such a King Charles!' + +'Is not that the picture,' said Charles, 'before which Amy--' + +'0 don't, Charlie!' + +'Was found dissolved in tears?' + +'I could not help it,' murmured Amy, blushing crimson. + +'There is all Charles's fate in his face,' said Philip,--'earnest, +melancholy, beautiful! It would stir the feelings--were it an unknown +portrait. No, Amy, you need not be ashamed of your tears.' + +But Amy turned away, doubly ashamed. + +'I hope it is not in the ball-room,' said Guy. + +'No said Laura, 'it is in the library.' + +Charlotte, whose absence had become perceptible from the general +quietness, here ran up with two envelopes, which she put into Guy's +hands. One contained Lady Kilcoran's genuine card of invitation for +Sir Guy Morville, the other Charlotte had scribbled in haste for Mr. +Bustle. + +This put an end to all rationality. Guy rose with a growl and a roar, +and hunted her over half the field, till she was caught, and came back +out of breath and screaming, 'We never had such a haymaking!' + +'So I think the haymakers will say!' answered her mother, rising to go +indoors. 'What ruin of haycocks!' + +'Oh, I'll set all that to rights,' said Guy, seizing a hay-fork. + +'Stop, stop, take care!' cried Charles. 'I don't want to be built up +in the rick, and by and by, when my disconsolate family have had all +the ponds dragged for me, Deloraine will be heard to complain that they +give him very odd animal food.' + +'Who could resist such a piteous appeal!' said Guy, helping him to +rise, and conducting him to his wheeled chair. The others followed, +and when, shortly after, Laura looked out at her window, she saw Guy, +with his coat off, toiling like a real haymaker, to build up the cocks +in all their neat fairness and height, whistling meantime the 'Queen of +the May,' and now and then singing a line. She watched the old cowman +come up, touching his hat, and looking less cross than usual; she saw +Guy's ready greeting, and perceived they were comparing the forks and +rakes, the pooks and cocks of their counties; and, finally, she beheld +her father ride into the field, and Guy spring to meet him. + +No one could have so returned to what was in effect a home, unless his +time had been properly spent; and, in fact, all that Mr. Edmonstone or +Philip could hear of him, was so satisfactory, that Philip pronounced +that the first stage of the trial had been passed irreproachably, and +Laura felt and looked delighted at this sanction to the high estimation +in which she held him. + +His own account of himself to Mrs. Edmonstone would not have been +equally satisfactory if she had not had something else to check it +with. It was given by degrees, and at many different times, chiefly as +they walked round the garden in the twilight of the summer evenings, +talking over the many subjects mentioned in the letters which had +passed constantly. It seemed as if there were very few to whom Guy +would ever give his confidence; but that once bestowed, it was with +hardly any reserve, and that was his great relief and satisfaction to +pour out his whole mind, where he was sure of sympathy. + +To her, then, he confided how much provoked he was with himself, his +'first term,' he said, 'having only shown him what an intolerable fool +he had to keep in order.' By his account, he could do nothing 'without +turning his own head, except study, and that stupefied it.' 'Never was +there a more idle fellow; he could work himself for a given time, but +his sense would not second him; and was it not most absurd in him to +take so little pleasure in what was his duty, and enjoy only what was +bad for him?' + +He had tried boating, but it had distracted him from his work; so he +had been obliged to give it up, and had done so in a hasty vehement +manner, which had caused offence, and for which he blamed himself. It +had been the same with other things, till he had left himself no +regular recreation but walking and music. 'The last,' he said, 'might +engross him in the same way; but he thought (here he hesitated a +little) there were higher ends for music, which made it come under Mrs. +Edmonstone's rule, of a thing to be used guardedly, not disused.' He +had resumed light reading, too, which he had nearly discontinued before +he went to Oxford. 'One wants something,' he said, 'by way of +refreshment, where there is no sea nor rock to look at, and no Laura +and Amy to talk to.' + +He had made one friend, a scholar of his own college, of the name of +Wellwood. This name had been his attraction; Guy was bent on +friendship with him; if, as he tried to make him out to be, he was the +son of that Captain Wellwood whose death had weighed so heavily on his +grandfather's conscience, feeling almost as if it were his duty to ask +forgiveness in his grandfather's name, yet scarcely knowing how to +venture on advances to one to whom his name had such associations. +However, they had gradually drawn together, and at length entered on +the subject, and Guy then found he was the nephew, not the son of +Captain Wellwood; indeed, his former belief was founded on a +miscalculation, as the duel had taken place twenty-eight years ago. He +now heard all his grandfather had wished to know of the family. There +were two unmarried daughters, and their cousin spoke in the highest +terms of their self-devoted life, promising what Guy much wished, that +they should hear what deep repentance had followed the crime which had +made them fatherless. He was to be a clergyman, and Guy admired him +extremely, saying, however, that he was so shy and retiring, it was +hard to know him well. + +From not having been at school, and from other causes, Guy had made few +acquaintance; indeed, he amused Mrs. Edmonstone by fearing he had been +morose. She was ready to tell him he was an ingenious self-tormentor; +but she saw that the struggle to do right was the main spring of the +happiness that beamed round him, in spite of his self-reproach, heart- +felt as it was. She doubted whether persons more contented with +themselves were as truly joyous, and was convinced that, while thus +combating lesser temptations, the very shadow of what are generally +alone considered as real temptations would hardly come near him. + +If it had not been for these talks, and now and then a thoughtful look, +she would have believed him one of the most light-hearted and merriest +of beings. He was more full of glee and high spirits than she had ever +seen him; he seemed to fill the whole house with mirth, and keep every +one alive by his fun and frolic, as blithe and untiring as Maurice de +Courcy himself, though not so wild. + +Very pleasant were those summer days--reading, walking, music, +gardening. Did not they all work like very labourers at the new arbour +in the midst of the laurels, where Charles might sit and see the spires +of Broadstone? Work they did, indeed! Charles looking on from his +wheeled chair, laughing to see Guy sawing as if for his living and Amy +hammering gallantly, and Laura weaving osiers, and Charlotte flying +about with messages. + +One day, they were startled by an exclamation from Charles. 'Ah, ha! +Paddy, is that you?' and beheld the tall figure of a girl, advancing +with a rapid, springing step, holding up her riding habit with one +hand, with the other whisking her coral-handled whip. There was +something distinguished in her air, and her features, though less fine +than Laura's, were very pretty, by the help of laughing dark blue eyes, +and very black hair, under her broad hat and little waving feather. +She threatened Charles with her whip, calling out--'Aunt Edmonstone +said I should find you here. What is the fun now?' + +'Arbour building,' said Charles; 'don't you see the head carpenter!' + +'Sir Guy?' whispered she to Laura, looking up at him, where he was +mounted on the roof, thatching it with reed, the sunshine full on his +glowing face and white shirt sleeves. + +'Here!' said Charles, as Guy swung himself down with a bound, his face +much redder than sun and work had already made it, 'here's another wild +Irisher for you.' + +'Sir Guy Morville--Lady Eveleen de Courcy,' began Laura; but Lady +Eveleen cut her short, frankly holding out her hand, and saying, 'You +are almost a cousin, you know. Oh, don't leave off. Do give me +something to do. That hammer, Amy, pray--Laura, don't you remember how +dearly I always loved hammering?' + +'How did you come?' said Laura. + +'With papa--'tis his visit to Sir Guy. 'No, don't go,' as Guy began to +look for his coat; 'he is only impending. He is gone on to Broadstone, +but he dropped me here, and will pick me up on his way back. Can't you +give me something to do on the top of that ladder? I should like it +mightily; it looks so cool and airy.' + +'How can you, Eva?' whispered Laura, reprovingly; but Lady Eveleen only +shook her head at her, and declaring she saw a dangerous nail sticking +out, began to hammer it in with such good will, that Charles stopped +his ears, and told her it was worse than her tongue. 'Go on about the +ball, do.' + +'0h,' said she earnestly, 'do you think there is any hope of Captain +Morville's coming?' + +'Oh yes,' said Laura. + +'I am so glad! That is what papa is gone to Broadstone about. Maurice +said he had given him such a lecture, that he would not be the one to +think of asking him, and papa must do it himself; for if he sets his +face against it, it will spoil it all.' + +'You may make your mind easy,' said Charles, 'the captain is lenient, +and looks on the ball as a mere development of Irish nature. He has +been consoling Guy on the difficulties of dancing.' + +'Can't you dance?' said Lady Eveleen, looking at him with compassion. + +'Such is my melancholy ignorance,' said Guy. + +'We have been talking of teaching him,' said Laura. + +'Talk! will that do it?' cried Lady Eveleen, springing up. 'We will +begin this moment. Come out on the lawn. Here, Charles,' wheeling him +along, 'No, thank you, I like it,' as Guy was going to help her. +'There, Charles, be fiddler go on, tum-tum, tee! that'll do. Amy, +Laura, be ladies. I'm the other gentleman,' and she stuck on her hat +in military style, giving it a cock. She actually set them quadrilling +in spite of adverse circumstances, dancing better, in her habit, than +most people without one, till Lord Kilcoran arrived. + +While he was making his visit, she walked a little apart, arm-in-arm +with Laura. 'I like him very much,' she said; 'he looks up to anything. +I had heard so much of his steadiness, that it is a great relief to my +mind to see him so unlike his cousin.' + +'Eveleen!' + +'No disparagement to the captain, only I am so dreadfully afraid of +him. I am sure he thinks me such an unmitigated goose. Now, doesn't +he?' + +'If you would but take the right way to make him think otherwise, dear +Eva, and show the sense you really have.' + +'That is just what my fear of him won't let me do. I would not for the +world let him guess it, so there is nothing for it but sauciness to +cover one's weakness. I can't be sensible with those that won't give +me credit for it. But you'll mind and teach Sir Guy to dance; he has +so much spring in him, he deserves to be an Irishman.' + +In compliance with this injunction, there used to be a clearance every +evening; Charles turned into the bay window out of the way, Mrs. +Edmonstone at the piano, and the rest figuring away, the partnerless +one, called 'puss in the corner', being generally Amabel, while +Charlotte, disdaining them all the time, used to try to make them +imitate her dancing-master's graces, causing her father to perform such +caricatures of them, as to overpower all with laughing. + +Mr. Edmonstone was half Irish. His mother, Lady Mabel Edmonstone, had +never thoroughly taken root in England, and on his marriage, had gone +with her daughter to live near her old home in Ireland. The present +Earl of Kilcoran was her nephew, and a very close intercourse had +always been kept up between the families, Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone being +adopted by their younger cousins as uncle and aunt, and always so +called. + +The house at Allonby was in such confusion, that the family there +expected to dine nowhere on the day of the ball, and the Hollywell +party thought it prudent to secure their dinner at home, with Philip +and Mary Ross, who were to go with them. + +By special desire, Philip wore his uniform; and while the sisters were +dressing Charlotte gave him a thorough examination, which led to a talk +between him and Mary on accoutrements and weapons in general; but while +deep in some points of chivalrous armour, Mary's waist was pinched by +two mischievous hands, and a little fluttering white figure danced +around her. + +'0 Amy! what do you want with me?' + +'Come and be trimmed up,' said Amy. + +'I thought you told me I was to have no trouble. I am dressed,' said +Mary, looking complacently at her full folds of white muslin. + +'No more you shall; but you promised to do as you were told.' And Amy +fluttered away with her. + +'Do you remember,' said Philip, 'the comparison of Rose Flammock +dragging off her father, to a little carved cherub trying to uplift a +solid monumental hero?' + +'0, I must tell Mary!' cried Charlotte; but Philip stopped her, with +orders not to be a silly child. + +'It is a pity Amy should not have her share,' said Charles. + +'The comparison to a Dutch cherub?' asked Guy. + +'She is more after the pattern of the little things on little wings, in +your blotting-book,' said Charles; 'certain lines in the predicament of +the cherubs of painters--heads "et proeterea nihil".' + +'0 Guy, do you write verses? cried Charlotte. + +'Some nonsense,' muttered Guy, out of countenance; 'I thought I had +made away with that rubbish; where is it?' + +'In the blotting-book in my room,' said Charles. 'I must explain that +the book is my property, and was put into your room when mamma was +beautifying it for you, as new and strange company. On its return to +me, at your departure, I discovered a great accession of blots and +sailing vessels, beside the aforesaid little things.' + +'I shall resume my own property,' said Guy, departing in haste. + +Charlotte ran after him, to beg for a sight of it; and Philip asked +Charles what it was like. + +'A romantic incident,' said Charles, 'just fit for a novel. A Petrarch +leaving his poems about in blotting-books.' + +Charles used the word Petrarch to stand for a poet, not thinking what +lady's name he suggested; and he was surprised at the severity of +Philip's tone as he inquired, 'Do you mean anything, or do you not?' + +Perceiving with delight that he had perplexed and teased, he rejoiced +in keeping up the mystery: + +'Eh? is it a tender subject with you, too?' + +Philip rose, and standing over him, said, in a low but impressive tone: + +'I cannot tell whether you are trifling or not; but you are no boy now, +and can surely see that this is no subject to be played with. If you +are concealing anything you have discovered, you have a great deal to +answer for. I can hardly imagine anything more unfortunate than that +he should become attached to either of your sisters.' + +'Et pourquoi?' asked Charles, coolly. + +'I see,' said Philip, retreating to his chair, and speaking with great +composure, 'I did you injustice by speaking seriously.' Then, as his +uncle came into the room, he asked some indifferent question, without +betraying a shade of annoyance. + +Charles meanwhile congratulated himself on his valour in keeping his +counsel, in spite of so tall a man in scarlet; but he was much nettled +at the last speech, for if a real attachment to his sister had been in +question, he would never have trifled about it. Keenly alive to his +cousin's injustice, he rejoiced in having provoked and mystified the +impassable, though he little knew the storm he had raised beneath that +serene exterior of perfect self-command. + +The carriages were announced, and Mr. Edmonstone began to call the +ladies, adding tenfold to the confusion in the dressing-room. There +was Laura being completed by the lady's maid, Amabel embellishing Mary, +Mrs. Edmonstone with her arm loaded with shawls, Charlotte flourishing +about. Poor Mary--it was much against her will--but she had no heart +to refuse the wreath of geraniums that Amy's own hands had woven for +her; and there she sat, passive as a doll, though in despair at their +all waiting for her. For Laura's toilette was finished, and every one +began dressing her at once; while Charlotte, to make it better, +screamed over the balusters that all were ready but Mary. Sir Guy was +heard playing the 'Harmonious Blacksmith,' and Captain Morville's step +was heard, fast and firm. At last, when a long chain was put round her +neck, she cried out, 'I have submitted to everything so far; I can bear +no more!' jumped up, caught hold of her shawl, and was putting it on, +when there was a general outcry that they must exhibit themselves to +Charles. + +They all ran down, and Amy, flying up to her brother, made a splendid +sweeping curtsey, and twirled round in a pirouette. + +'Got up, regardless of expense!' cried Charles; 'display yourselves.' + +The young ladies ranged themselves in imitation of the book of +fashions. The sisters were in white, with wreaths of starry jessamine. +It was particularly becoming to Laura's bella-donna lily complexion, +rich brown curls, and classical features, and her brother exclaimed: + +'Laura is exactly like Apollo playing the lyre, outside mamma's old +manuscript book of music.' + +'Has not Amy made beautiful wreaths?' said Laura. 'She stripped the +tree, and Guy had to fetch the ladder, to gather the sprays on the top +of the wall.' + +'Do you see your bit of myrtle, Guy,' said Amy, pointing to it, on +Laura's head, 'that you tried to persuade me would pass for jessamine?' + +'Ah! it should have been all myrtle,' said Guy. + +Philip leant meantime against the door. Laura only once glanced +towards him, thinking all this too trifling for him, and never +imagining the intense interest with which he gave a meaning to each +word and look. + +'Well done, Mary!' cried Charles, 'they have furbished you up +handsomely.' + +Mary made a face, and said she should wonder who was the fashionable +young lady she should meet in the pier-glasses at Allonby. Then Mr. +Edmonstone hurried them away, and they arrived in due time. + +The saloon at Allonby was a beautiful room, one end opening into a +conservatory, full of coloured lamps, fresh green leaves, and hot-house +plants. There they found as yet only the home party, the good-natured, +merry Lord Kilcoran, his quiet English wife, who had bad health, and +looked hardly equal to the confusion of the evening; Maurice, and two +younger boys; Eveleen, and her two little sisters, Mabel and Helen. + +'This makes it hard on Charlotte,' thought Amy, while the two girls +dragged her off to show her the lamps in the conservatory; and the rest +attacked Mrs. Edmonstone for not having brought Charlotte, reproaching +her with hardness of heart of which they had never believed her +capable--Lady Eveleen, in especial, talking with that exaggeration of +her ordinary manner which her dread of Captain Morville made her +assume. Little he recked of her; he was absorbed in observing how far +Laura's conduct coincided with Charles's hints. On the first +opportunity, he asked her to dance, and was satisfied with her pleased +acquiescence; but the next moment Guy came up, and in an eager manner +made the same request. + +'I am engaged,' said she, with a bright, proud glance at Philip; and +Guy pursued Amabel into the conservatory, where he met with better +success. Mr. Edmonstone gallantly asked Mary if he was too old a +partner, and was soon dancing with the step and spring that had once +made him the best dancer in the county. + +Mrs. Edmonstone watched her flock, proud and pleased, thinking how well +they looked and that, in especial, she had never been sensible how much +Laura's and Philip's good looks excelled the rest of the world. They +were much alike in the remarkable symmetry both of figure and feature, +the colour of the deep blue eye, and fairness of complexion. + +'It is curious,' thought Mrs. Edmonstone, 'that, so very handsome as +Philip is, it is never the first thing remarked about him, just as his +height never is observed till he is compared with other people. The +fact is, that his superior sense carries off a degree of beauty which +would be a misfortune to most men. It is that sedate expression and +distinguished air that make the impression. How happy Laura looks, how +gracefully she moves. No, it is not being foolish to think no one +equal to Laura. My other pair!' and she smiled much more; 'you happy +young things, I would not wish to see anything pleasanter than your +merry faces. Little Amy looks almost as pretty as Laura, now she is +lighted up by blush and smile, and her dancing is very nice, it is just +like her laughing, so quiet, and yet so full of glee. I don't think +she is less graceful than her sister, but the complete enjoyment +strikes one more. And as to enjoyment--there are those bright eyes of +her partner's perfectly sparkling with delight; he looks as if it was a +world of enchantment to him. Never had any one a greater capacity for +happiness than Guy.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone might well retain her opinion when, after the +quadrille, Guy came to tell her that he had never seen anything so +delightful; and he entertained Mary Ross with his fresh, joyous +pleasure, through the next dance. + +'Laura,' whispered Eveleen, 'I've one ambition. Do you guess it? +Don't tell him; but if he would, I should have a better opinion of +myself ever after. I'm afraid he'll depreciate me to his friend; and +really with Mr. Thorndale, I was no more foolish than a ball requires.' + +Lady Eveleen hoped in vain. Captain Morville danced with little Lady +Helen, a child of eleven, who was enchanted at having so tall a +partner; then, after standing still for some time, chose his cousin +Amabel. + +'You are a good partner and neighbour,' said he, giving her his arm, +'you don't want young lady talk.' + +'Should you not have asked Mary? She has been sitting down this long +time.' + +'Do you think she cares for such a sport as dancing?' + +Amy made no answer. + +'You have been well off. You were dancing with Thorndale just now.' + +'Yes. It was refreshing to have an old acquaintance among so many +strangers. And he is so delighted with Eveleen; but what is more, +Philip, that Mr. Vernon, who is dancing with Laura, told Maurice he +thought her the prettiest and most elegant person here.' + +'Laura might have higher praise,' said Philip, 'for hers is beauty of +countenance even more than of feature. If only--' + +'If?' said Amy. + +'Look round, Amy, and you will see many a face which speaks of +intellect wasted, or, if cultivated, turned aside from its true +purpose, like the double blossom, which bears leaves alone.' + +'Ah! you forget you are talking to silly little Amy. I can't see all +that. I had rather think people as happy and good as they look.' + +'Keep your child-like temper as long as you can--all your life,' +perhaps, for this is one of the points where it is folly to be wise.' + +'Then you only meant things in general? Nothing about Laura?' + +'Things in general,' repeated Philip; 'bright promises blighted or +thrown away--' + +But he spoke absently, and his eye was following Laura. Amy thought he +was thinking of his sister, and was sorry for him. He spoke no more, +but she did not regret it, for she could not moralize in such a scene, +and the sight and the dancing were pleasure enough. + +Guy, in the meantime, had met an Oxford acquaintance, who introduced +him to his sisters--pretty girls--whose father Mr. Edmonstone knew, but +who was rather out of the Hollywell visiting distance. They fell into +conversation quickly, and the Miss Alstons asked him with some +interest, 'Which was the pretty Miss Edmonstone?' Guy looked for the +sisters, as if to make up his mind, for the fact was, that when he +first knew Laura and Amy, the idea of criticising beauty had not +entered his mind, and to compare them was quite a new notion. 'Nay,' +said he at last, 'if you cannot discover for yourselves when they are +both before your eyes, I will do nothing so invidious as to say which +is _the_ pretty one. I'll tell which is the eldest and which the +youngest, but the rest you must decide for yourself.' + +'I should like to know them,' said Miss Alston. 'Oh! they are both very +nice-looking girls.' + +'There, that is Laura--Miss Edmonstone,' said Guy, 'that tall young +lady, with the beautiful hair and jessamine wreath.' + +He spoke as if he was proud of her, and had a property in her. The +tone did not escape Philip, who at that moment was close to them, with +Amy on his arm; and, knowing the Alstons slightly, stopped and spoke, +and introduced his cousin, Miss Amabel Edmonstone. At the same time +Guy took one of the Miss Alstons away to get some tea. + +'So you knew my cousin at Oxford?' said Philip, to the brother. + +'Yes, slightly. What an amusing fellow he is!' + +'There is something very bright, very unlike other people about him,' +said Miss Alston. + +'How does he get on? Is he liked?' + +'Why, yes, I should say so, on the whole; but it is rather as my sister +says, he is not like other people.' + +'In what respect?' + +'Oh I can hardly tell. He is a very pleasant person, but he ought to +have been at school. He is a man of crotchets.' + +'Hard-working?' + +'Very; he makes everything give way to that. He is a capital companion +when he is to be had, but he lives very much to himself. He is a man +of one friend, and I don't see much of him.' + +Another dance began, Mr. Alston went to look for his partner, Philip +and Amy moved on in search of ice. 'Hum!' said Philip to himself, +causing Amy to gaze up at him, but he was musing too intently for her +to venture on a remark. She was thinking that she did not wonder that +strangers deemed Guy crotchety, since he was so difficult to +understand; and then she considered whether to take him to see King +Charles, in the library, and concluded that she would wait, for she +felt as if the martyr king's face would look on her too gravely to suit +her present tone. + +Philip helped her to ice, and brought her back to her mother's +neighbourhood without many more words. He then stood thoughtful for +some time, entered into conversation with one of the elder gentlemen, +and, when that was interrupted, turned to talk to his aunt. + +Lady Eveleen and her two cousins were for a moment together. 'What is +the matter, Eva?' said Amy, seeing a sort of dissatisfaction on her +bright face. + +'The roc's egg?' said Laura, smiling. 'The queen of the evening can't +be content--' + +'No; you are the queen, if the one thing can make you so--the one thing +wanting to me.' + +'How absurd you are, Eva--when you say you are so afraid of him, too.' + +'That is the very reason. I should get a better opinion of myself! +Besides, there is nobody else so handsome. I declare I'll make a bold +attempt.' + +'Oh! you don't think of such a thing,' cried Laura, very much shocked. + +'Never fear,' said Eveleen, 'faint heart, you know.' And with a nod, a +flourish, of her bouquet, and an arch smile at her cousin's horror, she +moved on, and presently they heard her exclaiming, gaily, 'Captain +Morville, I really must scold you. You are setting a shocking example +of laziness! Aunt Edmonstone, how can you encourage such proceedings! +Indolence is the parent of vice, you know.' + +Philip smiled just as much as the occasion required, and answered, 'I +beg your pardon, I had forgotten my duty. I'll attend to my business +better in future.' And turning to a small, shy damsel, who seldom met +with a partner, he asked her to dance. Eveleen came back to Laura with +a droll disappointed gesture. 'Insult to injury,' said she, +disconsolately. + +'Of course,' said Amy, 'he could not have thought you wanted to dance +with him, or you would not have gone to stir him up.' + +'Well, then, he was very obtuse.' + +'Besides, you are engaged.' + +'0 yes, to Mr. Thorndale! But who would be content with the squire +when the knight disdains her?' + +Mr. Thorndale came to claim Eveleen at that moment. It was the second +time she had danced with him, and it did not pass unobserved by Philip, +nor the long walk up and down after the dance was over. At length his +friend came up to him and said something warm in admiration of her. +'She is very Irish,' was Philip's answer, with a cold smile, and Mr. +Thorndale stood uncomfortable under the disapprobation, attracted by +Eveleen's beauty and grace, yet so unused to trust his own judgment +apart from 'Morville's,' as to be in an instant doubtful whether he +really admired or not. + +'You have not been dancing with her?' he said, presently. + +'No: she attracts too many to need the attention of a nobody like +myself.' + +That 'too many,' seeming to confound him with the vulgar herd, made Mr. +Thorndale heartily ashamed of having been pleased with her. + +Philip was easy about him for the present, satisfied that admiration +had been checked, which, if it had been allowed to grow into an +attachment, would have been very undesirable. + +The suspicions Charles had excited were so full in Philip's mind, +however, that he could not as easily set it at rest respecting his +cousin. Guy had three times asked her to dance, but each time she had +been engaged. At last, just as the clock struck the hour at which the +carriage had been ordered, he came up, and impetuously claimed her. +'One quadrille we must have, Laura, if you are not tired?' + +'No! Oh, no! I could dance till this time to-morrow.' + +'We ought to be going,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'0 pray, Mrs. Edmonstone, this one more,' cried Guy, eagerly. 'Laura +owes me this one.' + +'Yes, this one more, mamma,' said Laura, and they went off together, +while Philip remained, in a reverie, till requested by his aunt to see +if the carriage was ready. + +The dance was over, the carriage was waiting, but Guy and Laura did not +appear till, after two or three minutes spent in wonder and inquiries, +they came quietly walking back from the library, where they had been +looking at King Charles. + +All the way home the four ladies in the carriage never ceased laughing +and talking. The three gentlemen in theirs acted diversely. Mr. +Edmonstone went to sleep, Philip sat in silent thought, Guy whistled +and hummed the tunes, and moved his foot very much as if he was still +dancing. + +They met for a moment, and parted again in the hall at Hollywell, where +the daylight was striving to get in through the closed shutters. +Philip went on to Broadstone, Guy said he could not go to bed by +daylight, called Bustle, and went to the river to bathe, and the rest +crept upstairs to their rooms. And so ended Lord Kilcoran's ball. + + + + +CHAPTER 8 + + + +Like Alexander, I will reign, +And I will reign alone, +My thoughts shall ever more disdain +A rival near my throne. +But I must rule and govern still, +And always give the law, +And have each subject at my will, +And all to stand in awe.--MONTROSE. + + +One very hot afternoon, shortly after the ball, Captain Morville walked +to Hollywell, accelerating his pace under the influence of anxious +reflections. + +He could not determine whether Charles had spoken in jest; but in spite +of Guy's extreme youth, he feared there was ground for the suspicion +excited by the hint, and was persuaded that such an attachment could +produce nothing but unhappiness to his cousin, considering how little +confidence could be placed in Guy. He perceived that there was much to +inspire affection--attractive qualities, amiable disposition, the +talent for music, and now this recently discovered power of versifying, +all were in Guy's favour, besides the ancient name and long ancestry, +which conferred a romantic interest, and caused even Philip to look up +to him with a feudal feeling as head of the family. There was also the +familiar intercourse to increase the danger; and Philip, as he +reflected on these things, trembled for Laura, and felt himself her +only protector; for his uncle was nobody, Mrs. Edmonstone was +infatuated, and Charles would not listen to reason. To make everything +worse, he had that morning heard that there was to be a grand +inspection of the regiment, and a presentation of colours; Colonel +Deane was very anxious; and it was plain that in the interval the +officers would be allowed little leisure. The whole affair was to end +with a ball, which would lead to a repetition of what had already +disturbed him. + +Thus meditating, Philip, heated and dusty, walked into the smooth green +enclosure of Hollywell. Everything, save the dancing clouds of insect +youth which whirled in his face, was drooping in the heat. The house-- +every door and window opened--seemed gasping for breath; the cows +sought refuge in the shade; the pony drooped its head drowsily; the +leaves hung wearily; the flowers were faint and thirsty; and Bustle was +stretched on the stone steps, mouth open, tongue out, only his tail now +and then moving, till he put back his ears and crested his head to +greet the arrival. Philip heard the sounds that had caused the motion +of the sympathizing tail--the rich tones of Guy's voice. Stepping over +the dog, he entered, and heard more clearly-- + + 'Two loving hearts may sever, + For sorrow fails them never.' + +And then another voice-- + + 'Who knows not love in sorrow's night, + He knows not love in light.' + +In the drawing-room, cool and comfortable in the green shade of the +Venetian blinds of the bay window, stood Laura, leaning on the piano, +close to Guy, who sat on the music-stool, looking thoroughly at home in +his brown shooting-coat, and loosely-tied handkerchief. + +Any one but Philip would have been out of temper, but he shook hands as +cordially as usual, and would not even be the first to remark on the +heat. + +Laura told him he looked hot and tired, and invited him to come out to +the others, and cool himself on the lawn. She went for her parasol, +Guy ran for her camp stool, and Philip, going to the piano, read what +they had been singing. The lines were in Laura's writing, corrected, +here and there, in Guy's hand. + + BE STEADFAST. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet love shall fail them never. + Love brightest beams in sorrow's night, + Love is of life the light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet hope shall fail them never. + Hope is a star in sorrow's night, + Forget-me-not of light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + Yet faith may fail them never. + Trust on through sorrow's night, + Faith is of love and hope the light. + + Two loving hearts may sever, + For sorrow fails them never. + Who knows not love in sorrow's night, + He knows not love in light. + +Philip was by no means pleased. However, it was in anything but a +sentimental manner that Guy, looking over him, said, 'For sever, read, +be separated, but "a" wouldn't rhyme.' + +'I translated it into prose, and Guy made it verse,' said Laura; 'I +hope you approve of our performance.' + +'It is that thing of Helmine von Chezy, "Beharre", is it not?' said +Philip, particularly civil, because he was so much annoyed. 'You have +rendered the spirit very well', but you have sacrificed a good deal to +your double rhymes.' + +'Yes; those last lines are not troubled with any equality of feet,' +said Guy; 'but the repetition is half the beauty. It put me in mind of +those lines of Burns-- + + + "Had we never loved so kindly, + Had we never loved so blindly, + Never met and never parted, + We had ne'er been broken hearted;" + +but there is a trust in these that is more touching than that despair.' + +'Yes; the despair is ready, to wish the love had never been,' said +Laura. 'It does not see the star of trust. Why did you use that word +"trust" only once, Guy?' + +'I did not want to lose the three--faith, hope, love,--faith keeping +the other two alive.' + +'My doubt was whether it was right to have that analogy.' + +'Surely,' said Guy, eagerly, 'that analogy must be the best part of +earthly love.' + +Here Charlotte came to see if Guy and Laura meant to sing all the +afternoon; and they went out. They found the others in the arbour, and +Charlotte's histories of its construction, gave Philip little +satisfaction. They next proceeded to talk over the ball. + +'Ah!' said Philip, 'balls are the fashion just now. What do you say, +Amy, [he was more inclined to patronize her than any one else] to the +gaieties we are going to provide for you?' + +'You! Are you going to have your new colours? Oh! you are not going +to give us a ball?' + +'Well! that is fun!' cried Guy. 'What glory Maurice de Courcy must be +in!' + +'He is gone to Allonby,' said Philip, 'to announce it; saying, he must +persuade his father to put off their going to Brighton. Do you think +he will succeed?' + +'Hardly,' said Laura; 'poor Lady Kilcoran was so knocked up by their +ball, that she is the more in want of sea air. Oh, mamma, Eva must +come and stay here.' + +'That she must,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'that will make it easy. She is +the only one who will care about the ball.' + +Philip was obliged to conceal his vexation, and to answer the many +eager questions about the arrangements. He stayed to dinner, and as +the others went in-doors to dress, he lingered near Charlotte, +assuming, with some difficulty, an air of indifference, and said-- +'Well, Charlotte, did you tease Guy into showing you those verses?' + +'Oh yes,' said Charlotte, with what the French call "un air capable".' + +'Well, what were they?' + +'That I mustn't tell. They were very pretty; but I've promised.' + +'Promised what?' + +'Never to say anything about them. He made it a condition with me, and +I assure you, I am to be trusted.' + +'Right,' said Philip; 'I'll ask no more.' + +'It would be of no use,' said Charlotte, shaking her head, as if she +wished he would prove her further. + +Philip was in hopes of being able to speak to Laura after dinner, but +his uncle wanted him to come and look over the plans of an estate +adjoining Redclyffe, which there was some idea of purchasing. Such an +employment would in general have been congenial; but on this occasion, +it was only by a strong force that he could chain his attention, for +Guy was pacing the terrace with Laura and Amabel, and as they passed +and repassed the window, he now and then caught sounds of repeating +poetry. + +In this Guy excelled. He did not read aloud well; he was too rapid, +and eyes and thoughts were apt to travel still faster than the lips, +thus producing a confusion; but no one could recite better when a +passage had taken strong hold of his imagination, and he gave it the +full effect of the modulations of his fine voice, conveying in its +inflections the impressions which stirred him profoundly. He was just +now enchanted with his first reading of 'Thalaba,' where he found all +manner of deep meanings, to which the sisters listened with wonder and +delight. He repeated, in a low, awful, thrilling tone, that made Amy +shudder, the lines in the seventh book, ending with-- + + "Who comes from the bridal chamber! + It is Azrael, angel of death."' + +'You have not been so taken up with any book since Sintram.' said +Laura. + +'It is like Sintram,' he replied. + +'Like it?' + +'So it seems to me. A strife with the powers of darkness; the victory, +forgiveness, resignation, death. + + "Thou know'st the secret wishes of my heart, + Do with me as thou wilt, thy will is best."' + +'I wish you would not speak as if you were Thalaba yourself,' said Amy, +'you bring the whole Domdaniel round us.' + +'I am afraid he is going to believe himself Thalaba as well as +Sintram,' said Laura. 'But you know Southey did not see all this +himself, and did not understand it when it was pointed out.' + +'Don't tell us that,' said Amy. + +'Nay; I think there is something striking in it,' said Guy then, with a +sudden transition, 'but is not this ball famous?' + +And their talk was of balls and reviews till nine o'clock, when they +were summoned to tea. + +On the whole, Philip returned to Broadstone by no means comforted. + +Never had he known so much difficulty in attending with patience to his +duties as in the course of the next fortnight. They became a greater +durance, as he at length looked his feelings full in the face, and +became aware of their true nature. + +He perceived that the loss of Laura would darken his whole existence; +yet he thought that, were he only secure of her happiness, he could +have resigned her in silence. Guy was, however, one of the last men in +the world whom he could bear to see in possession of her; and probably +she was allowing herself to be entangled, if not in heart, at least in +manner. If so, she should not be unwarned. He had been her guide from +childhood, and he would not fail her now. + +Three days before the review, he succeeded in finding time for a walk +to Hollywell, not fully decided on the part he should act, though +resolved on making some remonstrance. He was crossing a stile, about a +mile and a half from Hollywell, when he saw a lady sitting on the stump +of a tree, sketching, and found that fate had been so propitious as to +send Laura thither alone. The rest had gone to gather mushrooms on a +down, and had left her sketching the view of the spires of Broadstone, +in the cleft between the high green hills. She was very glad to see +him, and held up her purple and olive washes to be criticised; but he +did not pay much attention to them. He was almost confused at the +sudden manner in which the opportunity for speaking had presented +itself. + +'It is a long time since I have seen you,' said he, at last. + +'An unheard-of time.' + +'Still longer since we have had any conversation.' + +'I was just thinking so. Not since that hot hay-making, when Guy came +home. Indeed, we have had so much amusement lately that I have hardly +had time for thought. Guy says we are all growing dissipated.' + +'Ah! your German, and dancing, and music, do not agree with thought.' + +'Poor music!' said Laura, smiling. 'But I am ready for a lecture; I +have been feeling more like a butterfly than I like.' + +'I know you think me unjust about music, and I freely confess that I +cannot estimate the pleasure it affords, but I doubt whether it is a +safe pleasure. It forms common ground for persons who would otherwise +have little in common, and leads to intimacies which occasion results +never looked for.' + +'Yes,' said Laura, receiving it as a general maxim. + +'Laura, you complain of feeling like a butterfly. Is not that a sign +that you were made for better things?' + +'But what can I do? I try to read early and at night, but I can't +prevent the fun and gaiety; and, indeed, I don't think I would. It is +innocent, and we never had such a pleasant summer. Charlie is so--so +much more equable, and mamma is more easy about him, and I can't help +thinking it does them all good, though I do feel idle.' + +'It is innocent, it is right for a little while,' said Philip; 'but +your dissatisfaction proves that you are superior to such things. +Laura, what I fear is, that this summer holiday may entangle you, and +so fix your fate as to render your life no holiday. 0 Laura take care; +know what you are doing!' + +'What am I doing?' asked Laura, with an alarmed look of ingenuous +surprise. + +Never had it been so hard to maintain his composure as now, when her +simplicity forced him to come to plainer terms. 'I must speak,' he +continued, 'because no one else will. Have you reflected whither this +may tend? This music, this versifying, this admitting a stranger so +unreservedly into your pursuits?' + +She understood now, and hung her head. He would have given worlds to +judge of the face hidden by her bonnet; but as she did not reply, he +spoke on, his agitation becoming so strong, that the struggle was +perceptible in the forced calmness of his tone. 'I would not say a +word if he were worthy, but Laura--Laura, I have seen Locksley Hall +acted once; do not let me see it again in a way which--which would give +me infinitely more pain.' + +The faltering of his voice, so resolutely subdued, touched, her +extremely, and a thrill of exquisite pleasure glanced through her, on +hearing confirmed what she had long felt, that she had taken Margaret's +place--nay, as she now learnt, that she was even more precious to him. +She only thought of reassuring him. + +'No, you need never fear _that_. He has no such thought, I am sure.' +She blushed deeply, but looked in his face. 'He treats us both alike, +besides, he is so young.' + +'The mischief is not done,' said Philip, trying to resume his usual +tone; 'I only meant to speak in time. You might let your manner go too +far; you might even allow your affections to be involved without +knowing it, if you were not on your guard.' + +'Never!' said Laura. 'Oh, no; I could never dream of that with Guy. I +like Guy very much; I think better of him than you do; but oh no; he +could never be my first and best; I could never care for him in _that_ +way. How could you think so, Philip?' + +'Laura, I cannot but look on you with what may seem over-solicitude. +Since I lost Fanny, and worse than lost Margaret, you have been my +home; my first, my most precious interest. 0 Laura!' and he did not +even attempt to conceal the trembling and tenderness of his voice, +'could I bear to lose you, to see you thrown away or changed--you, +dearest, best of all?' + +Laura did not turn away her head this time, but raising her beautiful +face, glowing with such a look as had never beamed there before, while +tears rose to her eyes, she said, 'Don't speak of my changing towards +you. I never could; for if there is anything to care for in me, it is +you that have taught it to me.' + +If ever face plainly told another that he was her first and best, +Laura's did so now. Away went misgivings, and he looked at her in +happiness too great for speech, at least, he could not speak till he +had mastered his emotion, but his countenance was sufficient reply. +Even then, in the midst of this flood of ecstasy, came the thought, +'What have I done?' + +He had gone further than he had ever intended. It was a positive +avowal of love; and what would ensue? Cessation of intercourse with +her, endless vexations, the displeasure of her family, loss of +influence, contempt, and from Mr. Edmonstone, for the pretensions of a +penniless soldier. His joy was too great to be damped, but it was +rendered cautious. 'Laura, my own!' (what delight the words gave her,) +'you have made me very happy. We know each other now, and trust each +other for ever.' + +'0 yes, yes; nothing can alter what has grown up with us.' + +'It is for ever!' repeated Philip. 'But, Laura, let us be content with +our own knowledge of what we are to each other. Do not let us call in +others to see our happiness.' + +Laura looked surprised, for she always considered any communication +about his private feelings too sacred to be repeated, and wondered he +should think the injunction necessary. 'I never can bear to talk about +the best kinds of happiness,' said she; 'but oh!' and she sprang up, +'here they come.' + +Poor Mrs. Edmonstone, as she walked back from her mushroom-field, she +little guessed that words had been spoken which would give the +colouring to her daughter's whole life--she little guessed that her +much-loved and esteemed nephew had betrayed her confidence! As she and +the girls came up, Philip advanced to meet them, that Laura might have +a few moments to recover, while with an effort he kept himself from +appearing absent in the conversation that ensued. It was brief, for +having answered some questions with regard to the doings on the +important day, he said, that since he had met them he would not come on +to Hollywell, and bade them farewell, giving Laura a pressure of the +hand which renewed the glow on her face. + +He walked back, trying to look through the dazzling haze of joy so as +to see his situation clearly. It was impossible for him not to +perceive that there had been an absolute declaration of affection, and +that he had established a private understanding with his cousin. It +was not, however, an engagement, nor did he at present desire to make +it so. It was impossible for him as yet to marry, and he was content +to wait without a promise, since that could not add to his entire +reliance on Laura. He could not bear to be rejected by her parents: he +knew his poverty would be the sole ground of objection, and he was not +asking her to share it. He believed sincerely that a long, lingering +attachment to himself would be more for her good than a marriage with +one who would have been a high prize for worldly aims, and was +satisfied that by winning her heart he had taken the only sure means of +securing her from becoming attached to Guy, while secrecy was the only +way of preserving his intercourse with her on the same footing, and +exerting his influence over the family. + +It was calmly reflected, for Philip's love was tranquil, though deep +and steady, and the rather sought to preserve Laura as she was than to +make her anything more; and this very calmness contributed to his self- +deception on this first occasion that he had ever actually swerved from +the path of right. + +With an uncomfortable sensation, he met Guy riding home from his tutor, +entirely unsuspicious. He stopped and talked of the preparations at +Broadstone, where he had been over the ground with Maurice de Courcy, +and had heard the band. + +'What did you think of it? said Philip, absently. + +'They _should_ keep better time! Really, Philip, there is one fellow +with a bugle that ought to be flogged every day of his life!' said Guy, +making a droll, excruciated face. + +How a few words can change the whole current of ideas. The band was +connected with Philip, therefore he could not bear to hear it found +fault with, and adduced some one's opinion that the man in question was +one of the best of their musicians. + +Guy could not help shrugging his shoulders, as he laughed, and said,-- +'Then I shall be obliged to take to my heels if I meet the rest. Good- +bye.' + +'How conceited they have made that boy about his fine ear,' thought +Philip. 'I wonder he is not ashamed to parade his music, considering +whence it is derived.' + + + + +CHAPTER 9 + + + + Ah! county Guy, the hour is nigh, + The sun has left the lea, + The orange flower perfumes the bower, + The breeze is on the sea. + The lark, his lay, who thrilled all day, + Sits hushed, his partner nigh, + Breeze, bird, and flower, confess the hour, + But where is county Guy?--SCOTT + + +How was it meantime with Laura? The others were laughing and talking +round her, but all seemed lost in the transcendent beam that had shone +out on her. To be told by Philip that she was all to him that he had +always been to her! This one idea pervaded her--too glorious, too +happy for utterance, almost for distinct thought. The softening of his +voice, and the look with which he had regarded her, recurred again and +again, startling her with a sudden surprise of joy almost as at the +first moment. Of the future Laura thought not. Never had a promise of +love been made with less knowledge of what it amounted to: it seemed +merely an expression of sentiments that she had never been without; for +had she not always looked up to Philip more than any other living +creature, and gloried in being his favourite cousin? Ever since the +time when he explained to her the plates in the Encyclopaedia, and made +her read 'Joyce's Scientific Dialogues,' when Amy took fright at the +first page. That this might lead further did not occur to her; she was +eighteen, she had no experience, not even in novels, she did not know +what she had done; and above all, she had so leant to surrender her +opinions to Philip, and to believe him always right, that she would +never have dreamt of questioning wherever he might choose to lead her. +Even the caution of secrecy did not alarm her, though she wondered that +he thought it required, safe as his confidence always was with her. +Mrs. Edmonstone had been so much occupied by Charles's illness, as to +have been unable to attend to her daughters in their girlish days; and +in the governess's time the habit had been disused of flying at once to +her with every joy or grief. Laura's thoughts were not easy of access, +and Philip had long been all in all to her. She was too ignorant of +life to perceive that it was her duty to make this conversation known; +or, more truly, she did not awaken her mind to consider that anything +could be wrong that Philip desired. + +On coming home, she ran up to her own room, and sitting by the open +window, gave herself up to that delicious dream of new-found joy. + +There she still sat when Amy came in, opening the door softly, and +treading lightly and airily as she entered, bringing two or three roses +of different tints. + +'Laura! not begun to dress?' + +'Is it time?' + +'Shall I answer you according to what Philip calls my note of time, and +tell you the pimpernels are closed, and the tigridias dropping their +leaves? It would be a proper answer for you; you look as if you were +in Fairy Land.' + +'Is papa come home?' + +'Long ago! and Guy too. Why, where could you have been, not to have +heard Guy and Eveleen singing the Irish melodies?' + +'In a trance,' said Laura, starting up, and laughing, with a slight +degree of constraint, which caused Amy, who was helping her to dress, +to exclaim, 'Has anything happened, Laura?' + +'What should have happened?' + +'I can't guess, unless the fairies in the great ring on Ashendown came +to visit you when we were gone. But seriously, dear Laura, are you +sure you are not tired? Is nothing the matter?' + +'Nothing at all, thank you. I was only thinking over the talk I had +with Philip.' + +'Oh!' + +Amy never thought of entering into Philip's talks with Laura, and was +perfectly satisfied. + +By this time Laura was herself again, come back to common life, and +resolved to watch over her intercourse with Guy; since, though she was +convinced that all was safe at present, she had Philip's word for it +that there might be danger in continuing the pleasant freedom of their +behaviour. + +Nothing could be more reassuring than Guy's demeanour. His head seemed +entirely full of the Thursday, and of a plan of his own for enabling +Charles to go to the review. It had darted into his head while he was +going over the ground with Maurice. It was so long since Charles had +thought it possible to attempt any amusement away from home, and former +experiments had been so unsuccessful, that it had never even occurred +to him to think of it; but he caught at the idea with great delight and +eagerness. Mrs. Edmonstone seemed not to know what to say; she had +much rather that it had not been proposed; yet it was very kind of Guy, +and Charles was so anxious about it that she knew not how to oppose +him. + +She could not bear to have Charles in a crowd, helpless as he was; and +she had an unpleasing remembrance of the last occasion when they had +taken him to a flower-show, where they had lost, first Mr, Edmonstone, +next the carriage, and lastly, Amy and Charlotte--all had been +frightened, and Charles laid up for three days from the fatigue. + +Answers, however, met each objection. Charles was much stronger; Guy's +arm would be ready for him; Guy would find the carriage. Philip would +be there to help, besides Maurice; and whenever Charles was tired, Guy +would take him home at once, without spoiling any one's pleasure. + +'Except your own,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'Thank you; but this would be so delightful.' + +'Ah!' said Charles, 'it would be as great a triumph as the dog's that +caught the hare with the clog round his neck--the dog's, I mean.' + +'If you will but trust me with him,' said Guy, turning on her all the +pleading eloquence of his eyes, 'you know he can get in and out of the +pony-carriage quite easily.' + +'As well as walk across the room,' said Charles. + +'I would drive him in it, and tell William to ride in and be at hand to +hold the pony or take it out; and the tent is so near, that you could +get to the breakfast, unless the review had been enough for you. I +paced the distance to make sure, and it is no further than from the +garden-door to the cherry-tree.' + +'That is nothing,' said Charles. + +'And William shall be in waiting to bring the pony the instant you are +ready, and we can go home independently of every one else.' + +'I thought,' interposed Mrs. Edmonstone, 'that you were to go to the +mess-dinner--what is to become of that?' + +'O,' said Charles, 'that will be simply a bore, and he may rejoice to +be excused from going the whole hog.' + +'To be sure, I had rather dine in peace at home.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was not happy, but she had great confidence in Guy; and +her only real scruple was, that she did not think it fair to occupy him +entirely with attendance on her son. She referred it to papa, which, +as every one knew, was the same as yielding the point, and consoled +herself by the certainty that to prevent it would be a great +disappointment to both the youths. Laura was convinced that to achieve +the adventure of Charles at the review, was at present at least a +matter of far more prominence with Guy than anything relating to +herself. + +All but Laura and her mother were wild about the weather, especially on +Wednesday, when there was an attempt at a thunder storm. Nothing was +studied but the sky; and the conversation consisted of +prognostications, reports of rises and falls of the glass, of the way +weather-cocks were turning, or about to turn, of swallows flying high +or low, red sunsets, and halos round the moon, until at last Guy, +bursting into a merry laugh, begged Mrs. Edmonstone's pardon for being +such a nuisance, and made a vow, and kept it, that be the weather what +it might, he would say not another word about it that evening; it +deserved to be neglected, for he had not been able to settle to +anything all day. + +He might have said for many days before; for since the last ball, and +still more since Lady Eveleen had been at Hollywell, it had been one +round of merriment and amusement. Scrambling walks, tea-drinkings out +of doors, dances among themselves, or with the addition of the Harpers, +were the order of the day. Amy, Eveleen, and Guy, could hardly come +into the room without dancing, and the piano was said to acknowledge +nothing but waltzes, polkas, and now and then an Irish jig, for the +special benefit of Mr. Edmonstone's ears. The morning was almost as +much spent in mirth as the afternoon, for the dawdlings after +breakfast, and before luncheon, had a great tendency to spread out and +meet, there was new music and singing to be practised, or preparations +made for evening's diversion, or councils to be held, which Laura's +absence could not break up, though it often made Amy feel how much less +idle and frivolous Laura was than herself. Eveleen said the same, but +she was visiting, and it was a time to be idle; and Mr. Lascelles +seemed to be of the same opinion with regard to his pupil; for, when +Guy was vexed at not having done as much work as usual, he only laughed +at him for expecting to be able to go to balls, and spend a summer of +gaiety, while he studied as much as at Oxford. + +Thursday morning was all that heart could wish, the air cooled by the +thunder, and the clouds looking as if raining was foreign to their +nature. Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, their daughters, and Lady Eveleen, +were packed inside and outside the great carriage, while Guy, carefully +settling Charles in the low phaeton, putting in all that any one +recommended, from an air-cushion to an umbrella, flourished his whip, +and drove off with an air of exultation and delight. + +Everything went off to admiration. No one was more amused than +Charles. The scene was so perfectly new and delightful to one +accustomed to such a monotonous life, that the very sight of people was +a novelty. Nowhere was there so much laughing and talking as in that +little carriage, and whenever Mrs. Edmonstone's anxious eye fell upon +it, she always saw Charles sitting upright, with a face so full of +eager interest as to banish all thought of fatigue. Happy, indeed, he +was. He enjoyed the surprise of his acquaintance at meeting him; he +enjoyed Dr. Mayerne's laugh and congratulation; he enjoyed seeing how +foolish Philip thought him, nodding to his mother and sisters, laughing +at the dreadful faces Guy could not help making at any particularly +discordant note of the offensive bugle; and his capabilities rising +with his spirits, he did all that the others did, walked further than +he had done for years, was lifted up steps without knowing how, sat out +the whole breakfast, talked to all the world, and well earned the being +thoroughly tired, as he certainly was when Guy put him into the +carriage and drove him home, and still more so when Guy all but carried +him up stairs, and laid him on the sofa in the dressing-room. + +However, his mother announced that it would have been so unnatural if +he had not been fatigued, that she should have been more anxious, and +leaving him to repose, they all, except Mr. Edmonstone, who had stayed +to dine at the mess, sat down to dinner. + +Amy came down dressed just as the carriage had been announced, and +found Laura and Eveleen standing by the table, arranging their +bouquets, while Guy, in the dark, behind the piano, was playing--not, +as usual, in such cases, the Harmonious Blacksmith, but a chant. + +'Is mamma ready?' asked Laura. + +'Nearly,' said Amy, 'but I wish she was not obliged to go! I am sure +she cannot bear to leave Charlie.' + +'I hope she is not going on my account,' said Eveleen. + +'No, said Laura, 'we must go; it would so frighten papa if we did not +come. Besides, there is nothing to be uneasy about with Charles.' + +'O no,' said Amy; 'she says so, only she is always anxious, and she is +afraid he is too restless to go to sleep.' + +'We must get home as fast as we can; if you don't mind, Eva,' said +Laura, remembering how her last dance with Guy had delayed them. + +'Can I do any good to Charlie?' said Guy, ceasing his music. I don't +mean to go.' + +'Not go!' cried the girls in consternation. + +'He is joking!' said Eveleen. 'But, I declare!' added she, advancing +towards him, 'he is not dressed! Come, nonsense, this is carrying it +too far; you'll make us all too late, and then I'll set Maurice at +you.' + +'I am afraid it is no joke,' said Guy, smiling. + +'You must go. It will never do for you to stay away,' said Laura, +decidedly. + +'Are you tired? Aren't you well?' asked Amy. + +'Quite well, thank you, but I am sure I had better not.' + +Laura thought she had better not seem anxious to take him, so she left +the task of persuasion, to the others, and Amy went on. + +'Neither Mamma nor Charlie could bear to think you stayed because of +him.' + +'I don't, I assure you, Amy. I meant it before. I have been gradually +finding out that it must come to this.' + +'Oh, you think it a matter of right and wrong! But you don't think +balls wrong?' + +'Oh no; only they won't do for such an absurd person as I am. The last +turned my head for a week, and I am much too unsteady for this.' + +'Well, if you think it a matter of duty, it can't be helped,' said Amy +sorrowfully; 'but I am very sorry.' + +'Thank you,' said Guy, thinking it compassion, not regret; 'but I shall +do very well. I shall be all the happier to-morrow for a quiet hour at +my Greek, and you'll tell me all the fun.' + +'You liked it so much!' said Amy; 'but you have made up your mind and I +ought not to tease you.' + +'That's right Amy; he does it on purpose to be teased,' said Eveleen, +'and I never knew anybody so provoking. Mind, Sir Guy, if you make us +all too late, you shan't have the ghost of a quadrille with me.' + +'I shall console myself by quadrilling with Andromache,' said Guy. + +'Come, no nonsense--off to dress directly! How can you have the +conscience to stand there when the carriage is at the door?' + +'I shall have great pleasure in handing you in when you are ready.' + +'Laura--Amy! Does he really mean it?' + +'I am afraid he does,' said Amy. + +Eveleen let herself fall on the sofa as if fainting. 'Oh,' she said, +'take him away! Let me never see the face of him again! I'm perfectly +overcome! All my teaching thrown away!' + +'I am sorry for you,' said Guy, laughing. + +'And how do you mean to face Maurice?' + +'Tell him his first bugle has so distracted me that I can't answer for +the consequences if I come to-night. + +'Mrs. Edmonstone came in, saying,-- + +'Come, I have kept you waiting shamefully, but I have been consoling +myself by thinking you must be well entertained, as I heard no +Harmonious Blacksmith. Papa will be wondering where we are.' + +'Oh, mamma! Guy won't go.' + +'Guy! is anything the matter?' + +'Nothing, thank you, only idleness.' + +'This will never do. You really must go, Guy.' + +'Indeed! I think not. Pray don't order me, Mrs. Edmonstone.' + +'What o'clock is it, Amy? Past ten! Papa will be in despair! What is +to be done? How long do you take to dress, Guy?' + +'Not under an hour,' said Guy, smiling. + +'Nonsense! But if there was time I should certainly send you. Self- +discipline may be carried too far, Guy. But now it can't be helped--I +don't know how to keep papa waiting any longer. Laura, what shall I +do?' + +'Let me go to Charles,' answered Guy. 'Perhaps I can read him to +sleep.' + +'Thank you; but don't talk, or he will be too excited. Reading would +be the very thing! It will be a pretty story to tell every one who +asks for you that I have left you to nurse my son!' + +'No, for no such good reason,' said Guy; 'only because I am a great +fool.' + +'Well, Sir Guy, I am glad you can say one sensible word,' said Lady +Eveleen. + +'Too true, I assure you,' he answered, as he handed her in. 'Good +night! You will keep the quadrille for me till I am rational.' + +He handed the others in, and shut the door. Mrs. Edmonstone, ruffled +out of her composure, exclaimed,-- + +'Well, this is provoking!' + +'Every one will be vexed,' said Laura. + +'It will be so stupid,' said Amy. + +'I give him up,' said Eveleen. 'I once had hopes of him.' + +'If it was not for papa, I really would turn back this moment and fetch +him,' cried Mrs. Edmonstone, starting forward. 'I'm sure it will give +offence. I wish I had not consented.' + +'He can't be made to see that his presence is of importance to any +living creature,' said Laura. + +'What is the reason of this whim?' said Eveleen. + +'No, Eveleen, it is not whim,' said Laura; 'it is because he thinks +dissipation makes him idle.' + +'Then if he is idle I wonder what the rest of the world is!' said +Eveleen. 'I am sure we all ought to stay at home too.' + +'I think so,' said Amy. 'I know I shall feel all night as if I was +wrong to be there.' + +'I am angry,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'and yet I believe it is a great +sacrifice.' + +'Yes, mamma; after all our looking forward to it,' said Amy. 'Oh! +yes,' and her voice lost its piteous tone, 'it is a real sacrifice.' + +'If he was not a mere boy, I should say a lover's quarrel was at the +bottom of it,' said Eveleen. 'Depend upon it, Laura, it is all your +fault. You only danced once with him at our ball, and all this week +you have played for us, as if it was on purpose to cut him.' + +Laura was glad of the darkness, and her mother, who had a particular +dislike to jokes of this sort, went on,--'If it were only ourselves I +should not care, but there are so many who will fancy it caprice, or +worse.' + +'The only comfort is,' said Amy, 'that it is Charlie's gain.' + +'I hope they will not talk,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'But Charlie will +never hold his tongue. He will grow excited, and not sleep all night.' + +Poor Mrs. Edmonstone! her trials did not end here, for when she replied +to her husband's inquiry for Guy, Mr. Edmonstone said offence had +already been taken at his absence from the dinner; he would not have +had this happen for fifty pounds; she ought not to have suffered it; +but it was all her nonsense about Charles, and as to not being late, +she should have waited till midnight rather than not have brought him. +In short, he said as much more than he meant, as a man in a pet is apt +to say, and nevertheless Mrs. Edmonstone had to look as amiable and +smiling as if nothing was the matter. + +The least untruthful answer she could frame to the inquiries for Sir +Guy Morville was, that young men were apt to be lazy about balls, and +this sufficed for good-natured Mrs. Deane, but Maurice poured out many +exclamations about his ill-behaviour, and Philip contented himself with +the mere fact of his not being there, and made no remark. + +Laura turned her eyes anxiously on Philip. They had not met since the +important conversation on Ashen-down, and she found herself looking +with more pride than ever at his tall, noble figure, as if he was more +her own; but the calmness of feeling was gone. She could not meet his +eye, nor see him turn towards her without a start and tremor for which +she could not render herself a reason, and her heart beat so much that +it was at once a relief and a disappointment that she was obliged to +accept her other cousin as her first partner. Philip had already asked +Lady Eveleen, for he neither wished to appear too eager in claiming +Laura, nor to let his friend think he had any dislike to the Irish +girl. + +Eveleen was much pleased to have him for her partner, and told herself +she would be on her good behaviour. It was a polka, and there was not +much talk, which, perhaps, was all the better for her. She admired the +review, and the luncheon, and spoke of Charles without any sauciness, +and Philip was condescending and agreeable. + +'I must indulge myself in abusing that stupid cousin of yours!' said +she. Did you ever know a man of such wonderful crotchets?' + +'This is a very unexpected one,' said Philip. + +'It came like a thunder clap. I thought till the last moment he was +joking, for he likes dancing so much; he was the life of our ball, and +how could any one suppose he would fly off at the last moment?' + +'He seems rather to enjoy doing things suddenly.' + +'I tell Laura she has affronted him,' said Eveleen, laughing. 'She has +been always busy of late when we have wanted her; and I assure her his +pride has been piqued. Don't you think that is an explanation, Captain +Morville?' + +It was Captain Morvilles belief, but he would not say so. + +'Isn't Laura looking lovely?' Eveleen went on. 'I am sure she is the +beauty of the night!' She was pleased to see Captain Morville's +attention gained. 'She is even better dressed than at our ball--those +Venetian pins suit the form of her head so well. Her beauty is better +than almost any one's, because she has so much countenance.' + +'True,' said Philip. + +'How proud Maurice looks of having her on his arm. Does not he? Poor +Maurice! he is desperately in love with her!' + +'As is shown by his pining melancholy.' + +Eveleen laughed with her clear hearty laugh. 'I see you know what we +mean by being desperately in love! No,' she added more gravely, 'I am +very glad it is only _that_ kind of desperation. One could not think +of Maurice and Laura together. He does not know the best part of +Laura.' + +Eveleen was highly flattered by Captain Morville conducting her a +second time round the room, instead of at once restoring her to her +aunt. + +He secured Laura next, and leading her away from her own party, said, +'Laura, have yon been overdoing it?' + +'It is not that,' said Laura, wishing she could keep from blushing. + +'It is the only motive that could excuse his extraordinary behaviour.' + +'Surely you know he says that he is growing unsettled. It is part of +his rule of self discipline.' + +'Absurd!--exaggerated!--incredible! This is the same story as there +was about the horse. It is either caprice or temper, and I am +convinced that some change in your manner--nay, I say unconscious, and +am far from blaming you--is the cause. Why else did he devote himself +to Charles, and leave you all on my uncle's hands in the crowd?' + +'We could shift for ourselves much better than Charlie.' + +'This confirms my belief that my warning was not mistimed. I wish it +could have been done without decidedly mortifying him and rousing his +temper, because I am sorry others should be slighted; but if he takes +your drawing back so much to heart, it shows that it was time you +should do so.' + +'If I thought I had!' + +'It was visible to others--to another, I should say.' + +'0, that is only Eveleen's nonsense! The only difference I am +conscious of having made, was keeping more up-stairs, and not trying to +persuade him to come here to-night.' + +'I have no doubt it was this that turned the scale, He only waited for +persuasion, and you acted very wisely in not flattering his self-love.' + +'Did I?--I did not know it.' + +'A woman's instinct is often better than reasoning, Laura; to do the +right thing without knowing why. But come, I suppose we must play our +part in the pageant of the night.' + +For that evening Laura, contrary to the evidence of her senses, was +persuaded by her own lover that Guy was falling in love with her; and +after musing all through the dance, she said, 'What do you think of the +scheme that has been started for my going to Ireland with papa?' + +'Your going to Ireland?' + +'Yes; you know none of us, except papa, have seen grandmamma since +Charles began to be ill, and there is some talk of his taking me with +him when he goes this summer.' + +'I knew he was going, but I thought it was not to be till later in the +year--not till after the long vacation.' + +'So he intended, but he finds he must be at home before the end of +October, and it would suit him best to go in August.' + +'Then what becomes of Guy?' + +'He stays at Hollywell. It will be much better for Charles to have him +there while papa is away. I thought when the plan was first mentioned +I should be sorry, except that it is quite right to go to grandmamma; +but if it is so, about Guy, this absence would be a good thing--it +would make a break, and I could begin again on different terms.' + +'Wisely judged, Laura. Yes, on that account it would be very +desirable, though it will be a great loss to me, and I can hardly hope +to be so near you on your return.' + +'Ah! yes, so I feared!' sighed Laura. + +'But we must give up something; and for Guy's own sake, poor fellow, it +will be better to make a break, as you say. It will save him pain by +and by.' + +'I dare say papa will consult you about when his journey is to be. His +only doubt was whether it would do to leave Guy so long alone, and if +you say it would be safe, it would decide him at once.' + +'I see little chance of mischief. Guy has few temptations here, and a +strong sense of honour; besides, I shall be at hand. Taking all things +into consideration, Laura, I think that, whatever the sacrifice to +ourselves, it is expedient to recommend his going at once, and your +accompanying him.' + +All the remainder of the evening Philip was occupied with attentions to +the rest of the world, but Laura's eyes followed him everywhere, and +though she neither expected nor desired him to bestow more time on her, +she underwent a strange restlessness and impatience of feeling. Her +numerous partners teased her by hindering her from watching him moving +about the room, catching his tones, and guessing what he was talking +of;--not that she wanted to meet his eye, for she did not like to +blush, nor did she think it pleased him to see her do so, for he either +looked away immediately or conveyed a glance which she understood as +monitory. She kept better note of his countenance than of her own +partner's. + +Mr. Thorndale, meanwhile, kept aloof from Lady Eveleen de Courcy, but +Captain Morville perceived that his eyes were often turned towards her, +and well knew it was principle, and not inclination, that held him at a +distance. He did indeed once ask her to dance, but she was engaged, and +he did not ask her to reserve a future dance for him, but contented +himself with little Amy. + +Amy was doing her best to enjoy herself, because she thought it +ungrateful not to receive pleasure from those who wished to give it, +but to her it wanted the zest and animation of Lady Kilcoran's ball. +Besides, she knew she had been as idle as Guy, or still more so, and +she thought it wrong she should have pleasure while he was doing +penance. It was on her mind, and damped her spirits, and though she +smiled, and talked, and admired, and danced lightly and gaily, there +was a sensation of weariness throughout, and no one but Eveleen was +sorry when Mrs. Edmonstone sent Maurice to see for the carriage. + +Philip was one of the gentlemen who came to shawl them. As he put +Laura's cloak round her shoulders he was able to whisper, 'Take care; +you must be cautious--self-command.' + +Laura, though blushing and shrinking the moment before was braced by +his words and tone to attempt all he wished. She looked up in what she +meant to be an indifferent manner, and made some observation in a +careless tone--anything rather than let Philip think her silly. After +what he had said, was she not bound more than ever to exert herself to +the utmost, that he might not be disappointed in her? She loved him +only the better for what others might have deemed a stern coldness of +manner, for it made the contrast of his real warmth of affection more +precious. She mused over it, as much as her companions' conversation +would allow, on the road home. They arrived, Mrs. Edmonstone peeped +into Charles's room, announced that he was quietly asleep, and they all +bade each other good night, or good morning, and parted. + + + + +CHAPTER 10 + + + + Leonora. Yet often with respect he speaks of thee. + Tasso. Thou meanest with forbearance, prudent, subtle, + 'Tis that annoys me, for he knows to use + Language so smooth and so conditional, + That seeming praise from him is actual blame. + GOETHE'S Tasso + + +When the Hollywell party met at breakfast, Charles showed himself by no +means the worse for his yesterday's experiment. He said he had gone to +sleep in reasonable time, lulled by some poetry, he knew not what, of +which Guy's voice had made very pretty music, and he was now full of +talk about the amusement he had enjoyed yesterday, which seemed likely +to afford food for conversation for many a week to come. +After all the care Guy had taken of him, Mrs. Edmonstone could not find +it in her heart to scold, and her husband, having spent his vexation +upon her, had none left to bestow on the real culprit. So when Guy, +with his bright morning face, and his hair hanging shining and wet +round it, opened the dining-room door, on his return from bathing in +the river, Mr. Edmonstone's salutation only conveyed that humorous +anger that no one cares for. + +'Good morning to you, Sir Guy Morville! I wonder what you have to say +for yourself.' + +'Nothing,' said Guy, smiling; then, as he took his place by Mrs. +Edmonstone, 'I hope you are not tired after your hard day's work?' + +'Not at all, thank you.' + +'Amy, can you tell me the name of this flower?' + +'Oh! have you really found the arrow-head? How beautiful! Where did +you get it? I didn't know it grew in our river.' + +'There is plenty of it in that reedy place beyond the turn. I thought +it looked like something out of the common way.' + +'Yes! What a purple eye it has! I must draw it. 0, thank you.' + +'And, Charlotte, Bustle has found you a moorhen's nest.' + +'How delightful! Is it where I can go and see the dear little things?' + +'It is rather a swamp; but I have been putting down stepping-stones for +you, and I dare say I can jump you across. It was that which made me +so late, for which I ought to have asked pardon,' said he to Mrs. +Edmonstone, with his look of courtesy. + +Never did man look less like an offended lover, or like a morose self- +tormentor. + +'There are others later,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking at Lady +Eveleen's empty chair. + +'So you think that is all you have to ask pardon for,' said Mr. +Edmonstone. 'I advise you to study your apologies, for you are in +pretty tolerable disgrace.' + +'Indeed, I am very sorry,' said Guy, with such a change of countenance +that Mr. Edmonstone's good nature could not bear to see it. + +'Oh, 'tis no concern of mine! It would be going rather the wrong way, +indeed, for you to be begging my pardon for all the care you've been +taking of Charlie; but you had better consider what you have to say for +yourself before you show your face at Broadstone.' + +'No?' said Guy, puzzled for a moment, but quickly looking relieved, and +laughing, 'What! Broadstone in despair for want of me?' + +'And we perfectly exhausted with answering questions as to what was +become of Sir Guy.' + +'Dreadful,' said Guy, now laughing heartily, in the persuasion that it +was all a joke. + +'0, Lady Eveleen, good morning; you are come in good time to give me +the story of the ball, for no one else tells me one word about it.' + +'Because you don't deserve it,' said she. 'I hope you have repented by +this time.' + +'If you want to make me repent, you should give me a very alluring +description.' + +'I shan't say one word about it; I shall send you to Coventry, as +Maurice and all the regiment mean to do,' said Eveleen, turning away +from him with a very droll arch manner of offended dignity. + +'Hear, hear! Eveleen send any one to Coventry!' cried Charles. 'See +what the regiment say to you.' + +'Ay, when I am sent to Coventry?' + +'0, Paddy, Paddy!' cried Charles, and there was a general laugh. + +'Laura seems to be doing it in good earnest without announcing it,' +added Charles, when the laugh was over, 'which is the worst sign of +all.' + +'Nonsense, Charles,' said Laura, hastily; then afraid she had owned to +annoyance, she blushed and was angry with herself for blushing. + +'Well, Laura, _do_ tell me who your partners were?' + +Very provoking, thought Laura, that I cannot say what is so perfectly +natural and ordinary, without my foolish cheeks tingling. He may think +it is because he is speaking to me. So she hurried on: 'Maurice first, +then Philip,' and then showed, what Amy and Eveleen thought, strange +oblivion of the rest of her partners. + +They proceeded into the history of the ball; and Guy thought no more of +his offences till the following day, when he went to Broadstone. +Coming back, he found the drawing-room full of visitors, and was +obliged to sit down and join in the conversation; but Mrs. Edmonstone +saw he was inwardly chafing, as he betrayed by his inability to remain +still, the twitchings of his forehead and lip, and a tripping and +stumbling of the words on his tongue. She was sure he wanted to talk +to her, and longed to get rid of Mrs. Brownlow; but the door was no +sooner shut on the visitors, than Mr. Edmonstone came in, with a long +letter for her to read and comment upon. Guy took himself out of the +way of the consultation, and began to hurry up and down the terrace, +until, seeing Amabel crossing the field towards the little gate into +the garden, he went to open it for her. + +She looked up at him, and exclaimed--'Is anything the matter?' + +'Nothing to signify,' he said; 'I was only waiting for your mother. I +have got into a mess, that is all.' + +'I am sorry,' began Amy, there resting in the doubt whether she might +inquire further, and intending not to burthen him with her company, any +longer than till she reached the house door; but Guy went on,-- + +'No, you have no occasion to be sorry; it is all my own fault; at +least, if I was clear how it is my fault, I should not mind it so much. +It is that ball. I am sure I had not the least notion any one would +care whether I was there or not.' + +'I am sure we missed you very much.' + +'You are all so kind; beside, I belong in a manner you; but what could +it signify to any one else? And here I find that I have vexed every +one.' + +'Ah!' said Amy, 'mamma said she was afraid it would give offence.' + +'I ought to have attended to her. It was a fit of self-will in +managing myself,' said Guy, murmuring low, as if trying to find the +real indictment; 'yet I thought it a positive duty; wrong every way.' + +'What has happened?' said Amy, turning back with him, though she had +reached the door. + +'Why, the first person I met was Mr. Gordon; and he spoke like your +father, half in joke, and I thought entirely so; he said something +about all the world being in such a rage, that I was a bold man to +venture into Broadstone. Then, while I was at Mr. Lascelles', in came +Dr. Mayerne. 'We missed you at the dinner,' he said; 'and I hear you +shirked the ball, too.' I told him how it was, and he said he was glad +that was all, and advised me to go and call on Colonel Deane and +explain. I thought that the best way--indeed, I meant it before, and +was walking to his lodgings when Maurice de Courcy met me. 'Ha!' he +cries out, 'Morville! I thought at least you would have been laid up +for a month with the typhus fever! As a friend, I advise you to go +home and catch something, for it is the only excuse that will serve +you. I am not quite sure that it will not be high treason for me to be +seen speaking to you.' I tried to get at the rights of it, but he is +such a harum-scarum fellow there was no succeeding. Next I met +Thorndale, who only bowed and passed on the other side of the street-- +sign enough how it was with Philip; so I thought it best to go at once +to the Captain, and get a rational account of what was the matter.' + +'Did you?' said Amy, who, though concerned and rather alarmed, had been +smiling at the humorous and expressive tones with which he could not +help giving effect to his narration. + +'Yes. Philip was at home, and very--very--' + +'Gracious?' suggested Amy, as he hesitated for a word. + +'Just so. Only the vexatious thing was, that we never could succeed in +coming to an understanding. He was ready to forgive; but I could not +disabuse him of an idea--where he picked it up I cannot guess--that I +had stayed away out of pique. He would not even tell me what he +thought had affronted me, though I asked him over and over again to be +only straightforward; he declared I knew.' + +'How excessively provoking!' cried Amy. 'You cannot guess what he +meant?' + +'Not the least in the world. I have not the most distant suspicion. +It was of no use to declare I was not offended with any one; he only +looked in that way of his, as if he knew much better than I did myself, +and told me he could make allowances.' + +'Worse than all! How horrid of him.' + +'No, don't spoil me. No doubt he thinks he has grounds, and my +irritation was unjustifiable. Yes, I got into my old way. He +cautioned me, and nearly made me mad! I never was nearer coming to a +regular outbreak. Always the same! Fool that I am.' + +'Now, Guy, that is always your way; when other people are provoking, +you abuse yourself. I am sure Philip was so, with his calm assertion +of being right.' + +'The more provoking, the more trial for me.' + +'But you endured it. You say it was only _nearly_ an outbreak. You +parted friends? I am sure of that.' + +'Yes, it would have been rather too bad not to do that.' + +'Then why do you scold yourself, when you really had the victory?' + +'The victory will be if the inward feeling as well as the outward token +is ever subdued.' + +'0, that must be in time, of course. Only let me hear how you got on +with Colonel Deane.' + +'He was very good-natured, and would have laughed it off, but Philip +went with me, and looked grand, and begged in a solemn way that no more +might be said. I could have got on better alone; but Philip was very +kind, or, as you say, gracious.' + +'And provoking,' added Amy, 'only I believe you do not like me to say +so.' + +'It is more agreeable to hear you call him so at this moment than is +good for me. I have no right to complain, since I gave the offence.' + +'The offence?' + +'The absenting myself.' + +'Oh! that you did because you thought it right.' + +'I want to be clear that it was right.' + +'What do you mean?' cried she, astonished. 'It was a great piece of +self-denial, and I only felt it wrong not to be doing the same.' + +'Nay, how should such creatures as you need the same discipline as I?' + +She exclaimed to herself how far from his equal she was--how weak, +idle, and self-pleasing she felt herself to be; but she could not say +so--the words would not come; and she only drooped her little head, +humbled by his treating her as better than himself. + +He proceeded:-- + +'Something wrong I have done, and I want the clue. Was it self-will in +choosing discipline contrary to your mother's judgment? Yet she could +not know all. I thought it her kindness in not liking me to lose the +pleasure. Besides, one must act for oneself, and this was only my own +personal amusement.' + +'Yes,' said Amy, timidly hesitating. + +'Well?' said he, with the gentle, deferential tone that contrasted with +his hasty, vehement self-accusations. 'Well?' and he waited, though +not so as to hurry or frighten her, but to encourage, by showing her +words had weight. + +'I was thinking of one thing,' said Amy; 'is it not sometimes right to +consider whether we ought to disappoint people who want us to be +pleased?' + +'There it is, I believe,' said Guy, stopping and considering, then +going on with a better satisfied air, 'that is a real rule. Not to be +so bent on myself as to sacrifice other people's feelings to what seems +best for me. But I don't see whose pleasure I interfered with.' + +Amy could have answered, 'Mine;' but the maidenly feeling checked her +again, and she said, 'We all thought you would like it.' + +'And I had no right to sacrifice your pleasure! I see, I see. The +pleasure of giving pleasure to others is so much the best there is on +earth, that one ought to be passive rather than interfere with it.' + +'Yes,' said Amy, 'just as I have seen Mary Ross let herself be swung +till she was giddy, rather than disappoint Charlotte and Helen, who +thought she liked it.' + +'If one could get to look at everything with as much indifference as +the swinging! But it is all selfishness. It is as easy to be selfish +for one's own good as for one's own pleasure; and I dare say, the first +is as bad as the other.' + +'I was thinking of something else,' said Amy. 'I should think it more +like the holly tree in Southey. Don't you know it? The young leaves +are sharp and prickly, because they have so much to defend themselves +from, but as the tree grows older, it leaves off the spears, after it +has won the victory.' + +'Very kind of you, and very pretty, Amy,' said he, smiling; 'but, in +the meantime, it is surely wrong to be more prickly than is +unavoidable, and there is the perplexity. Selfish! selfish! selfish! +Oneself the first object. That is the root.' + +'Guy, if it is not impertinent to ask, I do wish you would tell me one +thing. Why did you think it wrong to go to that ball?' said Amy, +timidly. + +'I don't know that I thought it wrong to go to that individual ball,' +said Guy; 'but my notion was, that altogether I was getting into a +rattling idle way, never doing my proper quantity of work, or doing it +properly, and talking a lot of nonsense sometimes. I thought, last +Sunday, it was time to make a short turn somewhere and bring myself up. +I could not, or did not get out of the pleasant talks as Laura does, so +I thought giving up this ball would punish me at once, and set me on a +new tack of behaving like a reasonable creature.' + +'Don't call yourself too many names, or you won't be civil to us. We +all, except Laura, have been quite as bad.' + +'Yes; but you had not so much to do.' + +'We ought,' said Amy; 'but I meant to be reasonable when Eveleen is +gone.' + +Perhaps I ought to have waited till then, but I don't know. Lady +Eveleen is so amusing that it leads to farther dawdling, and it would +not do to wait to resist the temptation till it is out of the way.' + +As he spoke, they saw Mrs. Edmonstone coming out, and went to meet her. +Guy told her his trouble, detailing it more calmly than before he had +found out his mistake. She agreed with him that this had been in +forgetting that his attending the ball did not concern only himself, +but he then returned to say that he could not see what difference it +made, except to their own immediate circle. + +'If it was not you, Guy, who made that speech, I should call it fishing +for a compliment. You forget that rank and station make people sought +after.' + +'I suppose there is something in that,' said Guy, thoughtfully; 'at any +rate, it is no bad thing to think so, it is so humiliating.' + +'That is not the way most people would take it.' + +'No? Does not it prevent one from taking any attention as paid to +one's real self? The real flattering thing would be to be made as much +of as Philip is, for one's own merits, and not for the handle to one's +name.' + +'Yes, I think so,' said Amy. + +'Well, then,' as if he wished to gather the whole conversation into one +resolve, the point is to consider whether abstaining from innocent +things that may be dangerous to oneself mortifies other people. If so, +the vexing them is a certain wrong, whereas the mischief of taking the +pleasure is only a possible contingency. But then one must take it out +of oneself some other way, or it becomes an excuse for self- +indulgence.' + +'Hardly with you,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling. + +'Because I had rather go at it at once, and forget all about other +people. You must teach me consideration, Mrs. Edmonstone, and in the +meantime will you tell me what you think I had better do about this +scrape?' + +'Let it alone,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'You have begged every one's +pardon, and it had better be forgotten as fast as possible. They have +made more fuss already than it is worth. Don't torment yourself about +it any more; for, if you have made a mistake, it is on the right side; +and on the first opportunity, I'll go and call on Mrs. Deane, and see +if she is very implacable.' + +The dressing-bell rang, and Amy ran up-stairs, stopping at Laura's +door, to ask how she prospered in the drive she had been taking with +Charles and Eveleen. + +Amy told her of Guy's trouble, and oh! awkward question, inquired if +she could guess what it could be that Philip imagined that Guy had been +offended at. + +'Can't he guess?' said poor Laura, to gain time, and brushing her hair +over her face. + +'No, he has no idea, though Philip protested that he knew, and would +not tell him. Philip must have been most tiresome.' + +'What? Has Guy been complaining?' + +'No, only angry with himself for being vexed. I can't think how Philip +can go on so!' + +'Hush! hush, Amy, you know nothing about it. He has reasons--' + +'I know,' said Amy, indignantly; 'but what right has he to go on +mistrusting? If people are to be judged by their deeds, no one is so +good as Guy, and it is too bad to reckon up against him all his +ancestors have done. It is wolf and lamb, indeed.' + +'He does not!' cried Laura. 'He never is unjust! How can you say so, +Amy?' + +'Then why does he impute motives, and not straightforwardly tell what +he means?' + +'It is impossible in this case,' said Laura. + +'Do you know what it is?' + +'Yes,' said Laura, perfectly truthful, and feeling herself in a +dreadful predicament. + +'And you can't tell me?' + +'I don't think I can.' + +'Nor Guy?' + +'Not for worlds,' cried Laura, in horror. + +'Can't you get Philip to tell him?' + +'Oh no, no! I can't explain it, Amy; and all that can be done is to +let it die away as fast as possible. It is only the rout about it that +is of consequence.' + +'It is very odd,' said Amy, 'but I must dress,' and away she ran, much +puzzled, but with no desire to look into Philip's secrets. + +Laura rested her head on her hand, sighed, and wondered why it was so +hard to answer. She almost wished she had said Philip had been +advising her to discourage any attachment on Guy's part; but then Amy +might have laughed, and asked why. No! no! Philip's confidence was in +her keeping, and cost her what it might, she would be faithful to the +trust. + +There was now a change. The evenings were merry, but the mornings were +occupied. Guy went off to his room, as he used to do last winter; +Laura commenced some complicated perspective, or read a German book +with a great deal of dictionary; Amy had a book of history, and +practised her music diligently; even Charles read more to himself, and +resumed the study with Guy and Amy; Lady Eveleen joined in every one's +pursuits, enjoyed them, and lamented to Laura that it was impossible to +be rational at her own home. + +Laura tried to persuade her that there was no need that she should be +on the level of the society round her, and it ended in her spending an +hour in diligent study every morning, promising to continue it when she +went home, while Laura made such sensible comments that Eveleen admired +her more than ever; and she, knowing that some were second-hand from +Philip, others arising from his suggestions, gave him all the homage +paid to herself, as a tribute to him who reigned over her whole being. + +Yet she was far from happy. Her reserve towards Guy made her feel +stiff and guarded; she had a craving for Philip's presence, with a +dread of showing it, which made her uncomfortable. She wondered he had +not been at Hollywell since the bail, for he must know that she was +going to Ireland in a fortnight, and was not likely to return till his +regiment had left Broadstone. + +An interval passed long enough for her not to be alone in her surprise +at his absenting himself before he at length made his appearance, just +before luncheon, so as to miss the unconstrained morning hours he used +so much to enjoy. He found Guy, Charles, and Amy, deep in Butler's +Analogy. + +'Are you making poor little Amy read that?' said he. + +'Bravo!' cried Charles; 'he is so disappointed that it is not Pickwick +that he does not know what else to say.' + +'I don't suppose I take much in,' said Amy; 'but I like to be told what +it means.' + +'Don't imagine I can do that,' said Guy. + +'I never spent much time over it,' said Philip; 'but I should think you +were out of your depth.' + +'Very well,' said Charles; 'we will return to Dickens to oblige you.' + +'It is your pleasure to wrest my words,' replied Philip, in his own +calm manner, though he actually felt hurt, which he had never done +before. His complacency was less secure, so that there was more need +for self-assertion. + +'Where are the rest?' he asked. + +'Laura and Eveleen are making a dictation lesson agreeable to +Charlotte,' said Amy; 'I found Eva making mistakes on purpose.' + +'How much longer does she stay?' + +'Till Tuesday. Lord Kilcoran is coming to fetch her.' + +Charlotte entered, and immediately ran up-stairs to announce her +cousin's arrival. Laura was glad of this previous notice, and hoped +her blush and tremor were not observed. It was a struggle, through +luncheon time, to keep her colour and confusion within bounds; but she +succeeded better than she fancied she did, and Philip gave her as much +help as he could, by not looking at her. Seeing that he dreaded +nothing so much as her exciting suspicion, she was at once braced and +alarmed. + +Her father was very glad to see him, and reproached him for making +himself a stranger, while her sisters counted up the days of his +absence. + +'There was the time, to be sure, when we met you on Ashen-down, but +that was a regular cheat. Laura had you all to herself.' + +Laura bent down to feed Bustle, and Philip felt _his_ colour deepening. + +Mr. Edmonstone went on to ask him to come and stay at Hollywell for a +week, vowing he would take no refusal. 'A week was out of the +question, said Philip; 'but he could come for two nights.' Amabel +hinted that there was to be a dinner-party on Thursday, thinking it +fair to give him warning of what he disliked, but he immediately chose +that very day. Again he disconcerted all expectations, when it was +time to go out. Mrs. Edmonstone and Charles were going to drive, the +young ladies and Guy to walk, but Philip disposed himself to accompany +his uncle in a survey of the wheat. + +Laura perceived that he would not risk taking another walk with her +when they might be observed. It showed implicit trust to leave her to +his rival; but she was sorry to find that caution must put an end to +the freedom of their intercourse, and would have stayed at home, but +that Eveleen was so wild and unguarded that Mrs. Edmonstone did not +like her to be without Laura as a check on her, especially when Guy was +of the party. There was some comfort in that warm pressure of her hand +when she bade Philip good-bye, and on that she lived for a long time. +He stood at the window watching them till they were out of sight, then +moved towards his aunt, who with her bonnet on, was writing an +invitation for Thursday, to Mr. Thorndale. + +'I was thinking,' said he, in a low voice, 'if it would not be as well, +if you liked, to ask Thorndale here for those two days.' + +'If _you_ think so,' returned Mrs. Edmonstone, looking at him more +inquiringly than he could well bear. + +'You know how he enjoys being here, and I owe them all so much +kindness.' + +'Certainly; I will speak to your uncle,' said she, going in search of +him. She presently returned, saying they should be very glad to see +Mr, Thorndale, asking him at the same time, in her kind tones of +interest, after an old servant for whom he had been spending much +thought and pains. The kindness cut him to the heart, for it evidently +arose from a perception that he was ill at ease, and his conscience +smote him. He answered shortly, and was glad when the carriage came; +he lifted Charles into it, and stood with folded arms as they drove +away. + +'The air is stormy,' said Charles, looking back at him.' + +'You thought so, too?' said Mrs. Edmonstone, eagerly. + +'You did!' + +'I have wondered for some time past.' + +'It was very decided to-day--that long absence--and there was no +provoking him to be sententious. His bringing his young man might be +only to keep him in due subjection; but his choosing the day of the +party, and above all, not walking with the young ladies.' + +'It not like himself,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, in a leading tone. + +'Either the sweet youth is in love, or in the course of some strange +transformation.' + +'In love!' she exclaimed. 'Have you any reason for thinking so?' + +'Only as a solution of phenomena; but you look as if I had hit on the +truth.' + +'I hope it is no such thing; yet--' + +'Yet?' repeated Charles, seriously. 'I think he has discovered the +danger.' + +'The danger of falling in love with Laura? Well, it would be odd if he +was not satisfied with his own work. But he must know how preposterous +that would be.' + +'And you think that would prevent it?' said his mother, smiling. 'He +is just the man to plume himself on making his judgment conquer his +inclination, setting novels at defiance. How magnanimously he would +resolve to stifle a hopeless attachment!' + +'That is exactly what I think he is doing. I think he has found out +the state of his feelings, and is doing all in his power to check them +by avoiding her, especially in tete-a-tetes, and an unconstrained +family party. I am nearly convinced that is his reason for bringing +Mr. Thorndale, and fixing on the day of the dinner. Poor fellow, it +must cost him a great deal, and I long to tell him how I thank him.' + +'Hm! I don't think it unlikely,' said Charles. 'It agrees with what +happened the evening of the Kilcoran ball, when he was ready to eat me +up for saying something he fancied was a hint of a liking of Guy's for +Laura. It was a wild mistake, for something I said about Petrarch, +forgetting that Petrarch suggested Laura; but it put him out to a +degree, and he made all manner of denunciations on the horror of Guy's +falling in love with her. Now, as far as I see, Guy is much more in +love with you, or with Deloraine, and the idea argues far more that the +Captain himself is touched.' + +'Depend upon it, Charlie, it was this that led to his detecting the +true state of the case. Ever since that he has kept away. It is +noble!' + +'And what do you think about Laura?' + +'Poor child! I doubt if it was well to allow so much intimacy; yet I +don't see how it could have been helped.' + +'So you think she is in for it? I hope not; but she has not been +herself of late.' + +'I think she misses what she has been used to from him, and thinks him +estranged, but I trust it goes no further. I see she is out of +spirits; I wish I could help her, dear girl, but the worst of all would +be to let her guess the real name and meaning of all this, so I can't +venture to say a word.' + +'She is very innocent of novels,' said Charles, 'and that is well. It +would be an unlucky business to have our poor beauty either sitting +'like Patience on a monument', or 'cockit up on a baggage-waggon.' But +that will never be. Philip is not the man to have a wife in barracks. +He would have her like his books, in morocco, or not at all.' + +'He would never involve her in discomforts. He may be entirely +trusted, and as long as he goes on as he has begun, there is no harm +done; Laura will cheer up, will only consider him as her cousin and +friend, and never know he has felt more for her.' + +'Her going to Ireland is very fortunate.' + +'It has made me still more glad that the plan should take place at +once.' + +'And you say "nothing to nobody"?' + +'Of course not. We must not let him guess we have observed anything; +there is no need to make your father uncomfortable, and such things +need not dawn on Amy's imagination.' + +It may be wondered at that Mrs. Edmonstone should confide such a +subject to her son, but she knew that in a case really affecting his +sister, and thus introduced, his silence was secure. In fact, +confidence was the only way to prevent the shrewd, unscrupulous +raillery which would have caused great distress, and perhaps led to the +very disclosure to be deprecated. Of late, too, there had been such a +decrease of petulance in Charles, as justified her in trusting him, and +lastly, it must be observed that she was one of those open-hearted +people who cannot make a discovery nor endure an anxiety without +imparting it. Her tact, indeed, led her to make a prudent choice of +confidants, and in this case her son was by far the best, though she +had spoken without premeditation. Her nature would never have allowed +her to act as her daughter was doing; she would have been without the +strength to conceal her feelings, especially when deprived of the +safety-valve of free intercourse with their object. + +The visit took place as arranged, and very uncomfortable it was to all +who looked deeper than the surface. In the first place, Philip found +there the last person he wished his friend to meet--Lady Eveleen, who +had been persuaded to stay for the dinner-party; but Mr. Thorndale was, +as Charles would have said, on his good behaviour, and, ashamed of the +fascination her manners exercised over him, was resolved to resist it, +answered her gay remarks with brief sentences and stiff smiles, and +consorted chiefly with the gentlemen. + +Laura was grave and silent, trying to appear unconscious, and only +succeeding in being visibly constrained. Philip was anxious and stern +in his attempts to appear unconcerned, and even Guy was not quite as +bright and free as usual, being puzzled as to how far he was forgiven +about the ball. + +Amabel could not think what had come to every one, and tried in vain to +make them sociable. In the evening they had recourse to a game, said +to be for Charlotte's amusement, but in reality to obviate some of the +stiffness and constraint; yet even this led to awkward situations. +Each person was to set down his or her favourite character in history +and fiction, flower, virtue, and time at which to have lived, and these +were all to be appropriated to the writers. The first read was-- + +'Lily of the valley--truth--Joan of Arc--Padre Cristoforo--the present +time.' + +'Amy!' exclaimed Guy. + +'I see you are right,' said Charles; 'but tell me your grounds!' + +'Padre Cristoforo,' was the answer. + +'Fancy little Amy choosing Joan of Arc,' said Eveleen, 'she who is +afraid of a tolerable sized grasshopper.' + +'I should like to have been Joan's sister, and heard her tell about her +visions,' said Amy. + +'You would have taught her to believe them,' said Philip. + +'Taught her!' cried Guy. 'Surely you take the high view of her.' + +'I think,' said Philip, 'that she is a much injured person, as much by +her friends as her enemies; but I don't pretend to enter either +enthusiastically or philosophically into her character.' + +What was it that made Guy's brow contract, as he began to strip the +feather of a pen, till, recollecting himself, he threw it from him with +a dash, betraying some irritation, and folded his hands. + +'Lavender,' read Charlotte. + +'What should make any one choose that?' cried Eveleen. + +'I know!' said Mrs. Edmonstone, looking up. 'I shall never forget the +tufts of lavender round the kitchen garden at Stylehurst.' + +Philip smiled. Charlotte proceeded, and Charles saw Laura's colour +deepening as she bent over her work. + +'"Lavender--steadfastness--Strafford--Cordelia in 'King Lear'--the late +war." How funny!' cried Charlotte. 'For hear the next: 'Honeysuckle-- +steadfastness--Lord Strafford--Cordelia--the present time." Why, +Laura, you must have copied it from Philip's.' + +Laura neither looked nor spoke. Philip could hardly command his +countenance as Eveleen laughed, and told him he was much flattered by +those becoming blushes. But here Charles broke in,--'Come, make haste, +Charlotte, don't be all night about it;' and as Charlotte paused, as if +to make some dangerous remark, he caught the paper, and read the next +himself. Nothing so startled Philip as this desire to cover their +confusion. Laura was only sensible of the relief of having attention +drawn from her by the laugh that followed. + +'A shamrock--Captain Rock--the tailor that was "blue moulded for want +of a bating"--Pat Riotism--the time of Malachy with the collar of +gold.' + +'Eva!' cried Charlotte. + +'Nonsense,' said Eveleen; 'I am glad I know your tastes, Charles. They +do you honour.' + +'More than yours do, if these are yours,' said Charles, reading them +contemptuously; 'Rose--generosity--Charles Edward--Catherine Seyton-- +the civil wars.' + +'You had better not have disowned Charlie's, Lady Eveleen,' said Guy. + +'Nay do you think I would put up with such a set as these?' retorted +Charles; 'I am not fallen so low as the essence of young ladyism.' + +'What can you find to say against them?' said Eveleen. + +'Nothing,' said Charles, 'No one ever can find anything to say for or +against young ladies' tastes.' + +'You seem to be rather in the case of the tailor yourself,' said Guy, +'ready to do battle, if you could but get any opposition.' + +'Only tell me,' said Amy, 'how you could wish to live in the civil +wars?' + +'O, because they would be so entertaining.' + +'There's Paddy, genuine Paddy at last!' exclaimed Charles. 'Depend +upon it, the conventional young lady won't do, Eva.' + +After much more discussion, and one or two more papers, came Guy's--the +last. 'Heather--Truth--King Charles--Sir Galahad--the present time.' + +'Sir how much? exclaimed Charles. + +'Don't you know him?' said Guy. 'Sir Galahad--the Knight of the Siege +Perilous--who won the Saint Greal.' + +'What language is that?' said Charles. + +'What! Don't you know the Morte d'Arthur! I thought every one did! +Don't you, Philip!' + +'I once looked into it. It is very curious, in classical English; but +it is a book no one could read through.' + +'0h!' cried Guy, indignantly; then, 'but you only looked into it. If +you had lived with its two fat volumes, you could not help delighting +in it. It was my boating-book for at least three summers.' + +'That accounts for it,' said Philip; 'a book so studied in boyhood +acquires a charm apart from its actual merits.' + +'But it has actual merits. The depth, the mystery, the allegory--the +beautiful characters of some of the knights.' + +'You look through the medium of your imagination,' said Philip; but you +must pardon others for seeing a great sameness of character and +adventure, and for disapproving of the strange mixture of religion and +romance.' + +'You've never read it,' said Guy, striving to speak patiently. + +'A cursory view is sufficient to show whether a book will repay the +time spent in reading it.' + +'A cursory view enable one to judge better than making it your study? +Eh, Philip?' said Charles. + +'It is no paradox. The actual merits are better seen by an +unprejudiced stranger than by an old friend who lends them graces of +his own devising.' + +Charles laughed: Guy pushed back his chair, and went to look out at the +window. Perhaps Philip enjoyed thus chafing his temper; for after all +he had said to Laura, it was satisfactory to see his opinion justified, +so that he might not feel himself unfair. It relieved his uneasiness +lest his understanding with Laura should be observed. It had been in +great peril that evening, for as the girls went up to bed, Eveleen +gaily said, 'Why, Laura, have you quarrelled with Captain Morville?' + +'How can you say such things, Eva? Good night.' And Laura escaped +into her own room. + +'What's the meaning of it, Amy?' pursued Eveleen. + +'Only a stranger makes us more formal,' said Amy. + +'What an innocent you are! It is of no use to talk to you!' said +Eveleen, running away. + +'No; but Eva,' said Amy, pursuing her, 'don't go off with a wrong +fancy. Charles has teased Laura so much about Philip, that of course +it makes her shy of him before strangers; and it would never have done +to laugh about their choosing the same things when Mr. Thorndale was +there.' + +'I must be satisfied, I suppose. I know that is what you think, for +you could not say any other.' + +'But what do you think?' said Amy, puzzled. + +'I won't tell you, little innocence--it would only shock you.' + +'Nothing you _really_ _thought_ about Laura could shock me,' said Amy; +'I don't mean what you might say in play.' + +'Well, then, shall you think me in play or earnest when I say that I +think Laura likes Philip very much?' + +'In play' said Amy; 'for you know that if we had not got our own +Charlie to show us what a brother is, we should think of Philip as just +the same as a brother.' + +'A brother! You are pretending to be more simple than you really are, +Amy! Don't you know what I mean?' + +'O,' said Amy, her cheeks lighting up, 'that must be only play, for he +has never asked her.' + +'Ah, but suppose she was in the state just ready to be asked?' + +'No, that could never be, for he could never ask her,' + +'Why not, little Amy?' + +'Because we are cousins, and everything,' said Amy, confused. 'Don't +talk any more about it, Eva; for though I know it is all play, I don't +like it, and mamma, would not wish me to talk of such things. And +don't you laugh about it, dear Eva, pray; for it only makes every one +uncomfortable. Pray!' + +Amy had a very persuasive way of saying 'pray,' and Eveleen thought she +must yield to it. Besides, she respected Laura and Captain Morville +too much to resolve to laugh at them, whatever she might do when her +fear of the Captain made her saucy. + +Mrs. Edmonstone thought it best on all accounts to sit in the drawing- +room the next morning; but she need not have taken so much pains to +chaperon her young ladies, for the gentlemen did not come near them. + +Laura was more at ease in manner, though very far from happy, for she +was restlessly eager for a talk with Philip; while he was resolved not +to seek a private interview, sure that it would excite suspicion, and +willing to lose the consciousness of his underhand proceedings. + +This was the day of the dinner-party, and Laura's heart leaped as she +calculated that it must fall to Philip's lot to hand her in to dinner. +She was not mistaken, he did give her his arm; and they found +themselves most favourably placed, for Philip's other neighbour was +Mrs. Brownlow, talking at a great rate to Mr. de Courcy, and on Laura's +side was the rather deaf Mr. Hayley, who had quite enough to do to talk +to Miss Brownlow. Charles was not at table, and not one suspicious eye +could rest on them, yet it was not till the second course was in +progress that he said anything which the whole world might not have +heard. Something had passed about Canterbury, and its distance from +Hollywell. + +'I can be here often,' said Philip. + +'I am glad.' + +'If you can only be guarded,--and I think you are becoming so.' + +'Is this a time to speak of--? Oh, don't!' + +'It is the only time. No one is attending, and I have something to say +to you.' + +Overpowering her dire confusion, in obedience to him, she looked at the +epergne, and listened. + +'You have acted prudently. You have checked--' and he indicated Guy-- +'without producing more than moderate annoyance. You have only to +guard your self-possession.' + +'It is very foolish,' she murmured. + +'Ordinary women say so, and rest contented with the folly. You can do +better things.' + +There was a thrill of joy at finding him conversing with her as his +'own;' it overcame her embarrassment and alarm, and wishes he would not +choose such a time for speaking.' + +'How shall I?' said she. + +'Employ yourself. Employ and strengthen your mind!' + +'How shall I, and without you?' + +'Find something to prevent you from dwelling on the future. That +drawing is dreamy work, employing the fingers and leaving the mind +free.' + +'I have been trying to read, but I cannot fix my mind.' + +'Suppose you take what will demand attention. Mathematics, algebra. I +will send you my first book of algebra, and it will help you to work +down many useless dreams and anxieties.' + +'Thank you; pray do; I shall be very glad of it.' + +'You will find it give a power and stability to your mind, and no +longer have to complain of frivolous occupation.' + +'I don't feel frivolous now,' said Laura, sadly; 'I don't know why it +is that everything is so altered, I am really happier, but my light +heart is gone.' + +'You have but now learnt the full powers of your soul, Laura, you have +left the world of childhood, with the gay feelings which have no +depth.' + +'I have what is better,' she whispered. + +'You have, indeed. But those feelings must be regulated, and +strengthening the intellect strengthens the governing power.' + +Philip, with all his sense, was mystifying himself, because he was +departing from right, the only true 'good sense.' His right judgment +in all things was becoming obscured, so he talked metaphysical jargon, +instead of plain practical truth, and thought he was teaching Laura to +strengthen her powers of mind, instead of giving way to dreams, when he +was only leading her to stifle meditation, and thus securing her +complete submission to himself. + +She was happier after this conversation, and better able to pay +attention to the guests, nor did she feel guilty when obliged to play +and sing in the evening--for she knew he must own that she could do no +otherwise. + +Lady Eveleen gave, however, its brilliancy to the party. She had +something wonderfully winning and fascinating about her, and Philip +owned to himself that it took no small resolution on the part of Mr. +Thorndale to keep so steadily aloof from the party in the bay window, +where she was reigning like a queen, and inspiring gaiety like a fairy. +She made Guy sing with her; it was the first time he had ever sung, +except among themselves, as Mrs. Edmonstone had never known whether he +would like to be asked; but Eveleen refused to sing some of the Irish +melodies unless he would join her, and without making any difficulty he +did so. Mrs. Brownlow professed to be electrified, and Eveleen +declaring that she knew she sung like a peacock, told Mrs. Brownlow +that the thing to hear was Sir Guy singing glees with Laura and Amy. +Of course, they were obliged to sing. Mrs. Brownlow was delighted; and +as she had considerable knowledge of music, they all grew eager and +Philip thought it very foolish of Guy to allow so much of his talent +and enthusiasm to display themselves. + +When all the people were gone, and the home party had wished each other +good-night, Philip lingered in the drawing-room to finish a letter. +Guy, after helping Charles up-stairs, came down a few moments after, to +fetch something which he had forgotten. Philip looked up,--'You +contributed greatly to the entertainment this evening,' he said. + +Guy coloured, not quite sure that this was not said sarcastically, and +provoked with himself for being vexed. + +'You think one devoid of the sixth sense has no right to speak,' said +Philip. + +'I can't expect all to think it, as I do, one of the best things in +this world or out of it,' said Guy, speaking quickly. + +'I know it is so felt by those who understand its secrets,' said +Philip. 'I would not depreciate it; so you may hear me patiently, Guy. +I only meant to warn you, that it is often the means of bringing +persons into undesirable intimacies, from which they cannot disentangle +themselves as easily as they enter them.' + +A flush crossed Guy's cheek, but it passed, and he simply said--'I +suppose it may. Good-night.' + +Philip looked after him, and pondered on what it was that had annoyed +him--manner, words, or advice. He ascribed it to Guy's unwillingness +to be advised, since he had observed that his counsel was apt to +irritate him, though his good sense often led him to follow it. In the +present case, Philip thought Mrs. Brownlow and her society by no means +desirable for a youth like Guy; and he was quite right. + +Philip and his friend went the next morning; and in the afternoon Laura +received the book of algebra--a very original first gift from a lover. +It came openly, with a full understanding that she was to use it by his +recommendation; her mother and brother both thought they understood the +motive, which one thought very wise, and the other very characteristic. + +Lord Kilcoran and Lady Eveleen also departed. Eveleen very sorry to +go, though a little comforted by the prospect of seeing Laura so soon +in Ireland, where she would set her going in all kinds of +'rationalities--reading, and school teaching, and everything else.' + +'Ay,' said Charles, when all were out of hearing but his mother; 'and I +shrewdly suspect the comfort would be still greater if it was Sir Guy +Morville who was coming.' + +'It would be no bad thing,' said his mother: 'Eveleen is a nice +creature with great capabilities.' + +'Capabilities! but will they ever come to anything?' + +'In a few years,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; 'and he is a mere boy at +present, so there is plenty of time for both to develop themselves.' + +'Most true, madame mere; but it remains to be proved whether the liking +for Sir Guy, which has taken hold of my lady Eveleen, is strong enough +to withstand all the coquetting with young Irishmen, and all the idling +at Kilcoran.' + +'I hope she has something better to be relied on than the liking for +Sir Guy.' + +'You may well do so, for I think he has no notion of throwing off his +allegiance to you--his first and only love. He liked very well to make +fun with Eva; but he regarded her rather as a siren, who drew him off +from his Latin and Greek.' + +'Yes; I am ashamed of myself for such a fit of match-making! Forget +it, Charlie, as fast as you can.' + + + + +CHAPTER 11 + + + +This warld's wealth, when I think o't, +Its pride, and a' the lave o't, +Fie, fie on silly coward man, +That he should be the slave o't.--BURNS + + +In another week Mr. Edmonstone and his eldest daughter were to depart +on their Irish journey. Laura, besides the natural pain in leaving +home, was sorry to be no longer near Philip, especially as it was not +likely that he would be still at Broadstone on their return; yet she +was so restless and dissatisfied, that any change was welcome, and the +fear of betraying herself almost took away the pleasure of his +presence. + +He met them at the railway station at Broadstone, where Mr. Edmonstone, +finding himself much too early, recollected something he had forgotten +in the town, and left his daughter to walk up and down the platform +under Philip's charge. They felt it a precious interval, but both were +out of spirits, and could hardly profit by it. + +'You will be gone long before we come back,' said Laura. + +'In a fortnight or three weeks, probably.' + +'But you will still be able to come to Hollywell now and then?' + +'I hope so. It is all the pleasure I can look for. We shall never see +such a summer again.' + +'Oh, it has been a memorable one!' + +'Memorable! Yes. It has given me an assurance that compensates for +all I have lost; yet it has made me feel, more than ever before, how +poverty withers a man's hopes.' + +'0 Philip, I always thought your poverty a great, noble thing!' + +'You thought like a generous-tempered girl who has known nothing of its +effects.' + +'And do you know that Guy says the thing to be proud of is of holding +the place you do, without the aid of rank or riches.' + +'I would not have it otherwise--I would not for worlds that my father +had acted otherwise,' said Philip. 'You understand that, Laura.' + +'Of course I do.' + +'But when you speak--when Guy speaks of my holding the place I do, you +little know what it is to feel that powers of usefulness are wasted--to +know I have the means of working my way to honour and distinction, such +as you would rejoice in Laura, to have it all within, yet feel it +thrown away. Locksley Hall, again--"every door is barred with gold, +and opens but to golden keys.'" + +'I wish there was anything to be done,' said Laura. + +'It is my profession that is the bar to everything. I have sold the +best years of my life, and for what? To see my sister degrade herself +by that marriage.' + +'That is the real grief,' said Laura. + +'But for that, I should never have cast a look back on what I +relinquished. However, why do I talk of these things, these vain +regrets? They only occurred because my welfare does not concern myself +alone--and here's your father.' + +Mr. Edmonstone returned, out of breath, in too much bustle remark his +daughter's blushes. Even when the train was moving off, he still had +his head out at the window, calling to Philip that they should expect a +visit from him as soon as ever they returned. Such cordiality gave +Philip a pang; and in bitterness of spirit he walked back to the +barracks. On the way he met Mrs. Deane who wanted to consult him about +inviting his cousin, Sir Guy to a dinner-party she intended to give +next week. 'Such an agreeable, sensible youth, and we feel we owe him +some attention, he took so much pains to make apologies about the +ball.' + +'I dare say he will be very happy to come.' + +'We will write at once. He is a very fine young man, without a shade +of vanity or nonsense.' + +'Yes; he has very pleasant, unaffected manners.' + +'I am sure he will do credit to his estate. It is a very handsome +fortune, is it not?' + +'It is a very large property.' + +'I am glad of it; I have no doubt we shall see him one of the first men +of his time.' + +These words brought into contrast in Philip's mind the difference +between Guy's position and his own. The mere possession of wealth was +winning for Guy, at an age when his merits could only be negative, that +estimation which his own tried character had scarcely achieved, placing +him not merely on a level with himself, but in a situation where +happiness and influence came unbidden. His own talents, attainments, +and equal, if not superior claims, to gentle blood, could not procure +him what seemed to lie at Guy's feet. His own ability and Laura's +heart alone were what wealth could not affect; yet when he thought how +the want of it wasted the one, and injured the hopes of the other, he +recurred to certain visions of his sister Margaret's, in days gone by, +of what he was to do as Sir Philip, lord of Redclyffe. He was +speculating on what would have happened had Guy died in his sickly +infancy, when, suddenly recollecting himself, he turned his mind to +other objects. + +Guy was not much charmed with Mrs. Deane's invitation. He said he knew +he must go to make up for his rudeness about the ball; but he grumbled +enough to make Mrs. Edmonstone laugh at him for being so stupid as to +want to stay hum-drum in the chimney corner. No doubt it was very +pleasant there. There was that peculiar snugness which belongs to a +remnant of a large party, when each member of it feels bound to prevent +the rest from being dull. Guy devoted himself to Charles more than +ever, and in the fear that he might miss the late variety of amusement, +exerted even more of his powers of entertainment than Lady Eveleen had +called forth. + +There were grave readings in the mornings, and long walks in the +afternoons, when he dragged Charles, in his chair, into many a place he +had never expected to see again, and enabled him to accompany his +mother and sisters in many a delightful expedition. In the evening +there was music, or light reading, especially poetry, as this was +encouraged by Mrs. Edmonstone, in the idea that it was better that so +excitable and enthusiastic a person as Guy should have his objects of +admiration tested by Charles's love of ridicule. + +Mr. Edmonstone had left to Guy the office of keeping the 1st of +September, one which he greatly relished. Indeed, when he thought of +his own deserted manors, he was heard to exclaim, in commiseration for +the neglect, 'Poor partridges!' The Hollywell shooting was certainly +not like that at Redclyffe, where he could hardly walk out of his own +grounds, whereas here he had to bear in mind so many boundaries, that +Philip was expecting to have to help him out of some direful scrape. +He had generally walked over the whole extent, and assured himself that +the birds were very wild, and Bustle the best of dogs, before +breakfast, so as to be ready for all the occupations of the day. He +could scarcely be grateful when the neighbours, thinking it must be +very dull for him to be left alone with Mrs. Edmonstone and her +crippled son, used to ask him to shoot or dine. He always lamented at +first, and ended by enjoying himself. + +One night, he came home, in such a state of eagerness, that he must +needs tell his good news; and, finding no one in the drawing-room, he +ran up-stairs, opened Charles's door, and exclaimed--'There's to be a +concert at Broadstone!' Then perceiving that Charles was fast asleep, +he retreated noiselessly, reserving his rejoicings till morning, when +it appeared that Charles had heard, but had woven the announcement into +a dream. + +This concert filled Guy's head. His only grief was that it was to be in +the evening, so that Charles could not go to it; and his wonder was not +repressed at finding that Philip did not mean to favour it with his +presence, since Guy would suffice for squire to Mrs. Edmonstone and her +daughters. + +In fact, Philip was somewhat annoyed by the perpetual conversation +about the concert, and on the day on which it was to take place +resolved on making a long expedition to visit the ruins of an old +abbey, far out of all reports of it. As he was setting out, he was +greeted, in a very loud voice, by Mr. Gordon. + +'Hollo, Morville! how are you? So you have great doings to-night, I +hear!' and he had only just forced himself from him, when he was again +accosted, this time in a hasty, embarrassed manner,-- + +'I beg your pardon, sir, but the ties of relationship--' + +He drew himself up as if he was on parade, faced round, and replied +with an emphatic 'Sir!' as he behold a thin, foreign-looking man, in a +somewhat flashy style of dress, who, bowing low, repeated +breathlessly,-- + +'I beg your pardon--Sir Guy Morville, I believe!' + +'Captain Morville, sir!' + +'I beg your pardon--I mistook. A thousand pardons,' and he retreated; +while Philip, after a moment's wonder, pursued his walk. + +The Hollywell party entered Broadstone in a very different temper, and +greatly did they enjoy the concert, both for themselves and for each +other. In the midst of it, while Amy was intent on the Italian words +of a song, Guy touched her hand, and pointed to a line in the +programme-- + + + Solo on the violin . . . . MR. S. B. DIXON. + + +She looked up in his face with an expression full of inquiry; but it +was no time for speaking, and she only saw how the colour mantled on +his cheek when the violinist appeared, and how he looked down the whole +time of the performance, only now and then venturing a furtive though +earnest glance. + +He did not say anything till they were seated in the carriage, and then +astonished Mrs. Edmonstone by exclaiming-- + +'It must be my uncle!--I am sure it must. I'll ride to Broadstone the +first thing to-morrow, and find him out.' + +'Your uncle!' exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone. 'I never thought of that.' + +S. B. Dixon,' said Guy. 'I know his name is Sebastian. It cannot be +any one else. You know he went to America. How curious it is! I +suppose there is no fear of his being gone before I can come in to- +morrow.' + +'I should think not. Those musical people keep late hours.' + +'I would go before breakfast. Perhaps it would be best to go to old +Redford, he will know all about him; or to the music-shop. I am so +glad! It is the very thing I always wished.' + +'Did you?' said Mrs. Edmonstone to herself. 'I can't say every one +would be of your mind; but I can't help liking you the better for it. +I wish the man had kept further off. I wish Mr. Edmonstone was at +home. I hope no harm will come of it. I wonder what I ought to do. +Shall I caution him? No; I don't think I can spoil his happiness--and +perhaps the man may be improved. He is his nearest relation, and I +have no right to interfere. His own good sense will protect him--but I +wish Mr. Edmonstone was at home.' + +She therefore did not check his expressions of delight, nor object to +his going to Broadstone early the next morning. He had just dismounted +before the inn-yard, when a boy put a note into his hand, and he was so +absorbed in its contents, that he did not perceive Philip till after +two greetings had passed unheard. When at length he was recalled, he +started, and exclaimed, rapturously, as he put the note into his +cousin's hand, + +'See here--it is himself!' + +'Who?' + +'My uncle. My poor mother's own brother.' + +'Sebastian Bach Dixon,' read Philip. 'Ha! it was he who took me for +you yesterday.' + +'I saw him at the concert--I was sure it could be no other. I came in +on purpose to find him, and here he is waiting for me. Is not it a +happy chance?' + +'Happy!' echoed Philip, in a far different tone. + +'How I have longed for this--for any one who could remember and tell me +of her--of my mother--my poor, dear young mother! And her own brother! +I have been thinking of it all night, and he knows I am here, and is as +eager as myself. He is waiting for me,' ended Guy, hurrying off. + +'Stop!' said Philip, gravely. 'Think before acting. I seriously +advise you to have nothing to do with this man, at least personally. +Let me see him, and learn what he wants.' + +'He wants me,' impatiently answered Guy. 'You are not his nephew.' + +'Thank heaven!' thought Philip. 'Do you imagine your relationship is +the sole cause of his seeking you?' + +'I don't know--I don't care!' cried Guy, with vehemence. 'I will not +listen to suspicions of my mother's brother.' + +'It is more than suspicion. Hear me calmly. I speak for your good. I +know this man's influence was fatal to your father. I know he did all +in his power to widen the breach with your grandfather.' + +'That was eighteen years ago,' said Guy, walking on, biting his lip in +a fiery fit of impatience. + +'You will not hear. Remember, that his position and associates render +him no fit companion for you. Nay, listen patiently. You cannot help +the relationship. I would not have you do otherwise than assist him. +Let him not complain of neglect, but be on your guard. He will either +seriously injure you, or be a burden for life.' + +'I have heard you so far--I can hear no more,' said Guy, no longer +restraining his impetuosity. 'He is my uncle, that I know, I care for +nothing else. Position--nonsense! what has that to do with it? I will +not be set against him.' + +He strode off; but in a few moments turned back, overtook Philip, said- +- + +'Thank you for your advice. I beg your pardon for my hastiness. You +mean kindly, but I must see my uncle.' And, without waiting for an +answer, he was gone. + +In short space he was in the little parlour of the music-shop, shaking +hands with his uncle, and exclaiming,-- + +'I am so glad! I hoped it was you!' + +'It is very noble-hearted! I might have known it would be so with the +son of my dearest sister and of my generous friend!' cried Mr. Dixon, +with eagerness that had a theatrical air, though it was genuine feeling +that filled his eyes with tears. + +'I saw your name last night' continued Guy. 'I would have tried to +speak to you at once, but I was obliged to stay with Mrs, Edmonstone, +as I was the only gentleman with her.' + +'Ah! I thought it possible you might not be able to follow the dictate +of your own heart; but this is a fortunate conjuncture, in the absence +of your guardian.' + +Guy recollected Philip's remonstrance, and it crossed him whether his +guardian might be of the same mind; but he felt confident in having +told all to Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'How did you know I was here?' he asked. + +'I learnt it in a most gratifying way. Mr. Redford, without knowing +our connection--for on that I will always be silent--mentioned that the +finest tenor he had ever known, in an amateur, belonged to his pupil, +Sir Guy Morville. You can imagine my feelings at finding you so near, +and learning that you had inherited your dear mother's talent and +taste.' + +The conversation was long, for there was much to hear. Mr. Dixon had +kept up a correspondence at long intervals with Markham, from whom he +heard that his sister's child survived, and was kindly treated by his +grandfather; and inquiring again on the death of old Sir Guy, learnt +that he was gone to live with his guardian, whose name, and residence +Markham had not thought fit to divulge. He had been much rejoiced to +hear his name from the music-master, and he went on to tell how he had +been misled by the name of Morville into addressing the captain, who +had a good deal of general resemblance to Guy's father, a fine tall +young man, of the same upright, proud deportment. He supposed he was +the son of the Archdeacon, and remembering how strongly his own +proceedings had been discountenanced at Stylehurst, had been much +disconcerted, and deeming the encounter a bad omen, had used more +caution in his advances to his nephew. It was from sincere affection +that he sought his acquaintance, though very doubtful as to the +reception he might meet, and was both delighted and surprised at such +unembarrassed, open-hearted affection. + +The uncle and nephew were not made to understand each other. Sebastian +Dixon was a man of little education, and when, in early youth, his +talents had placed him high in his own line, he had led a careless, +extravagant life. Though an evil friend, and fatal counsellor, he had +been truly attached to Guy's father, and the secret engagement, and +runaway marriage with his beautiful sister, had been the romance of his +life, promoted by him with no selfish end. He was a proud and +passionate man, and resenting Sir Guy's refusal to receive his sister +as a daughter, almost as much as Sir Guy was incensed at the marriage, +had led his brother-in-law to act in a manner which cut off the hope of +reconciliation, and obliged Archdeacon Morville to give up his cause. +He had gloried in supporting his sister and her husband, and enabling +them to set the old baronet at defiance. But young Morville's +territorial pride could not brook that he should be maintained, and +especially that his child, the heir of Redclyffe, should be born while +he was living at the expense of a musician. This feeling, aided by a +yearning for home, and a secret love for his father, mastered his +resentment; he took his resolution, quarrelled with Dixon, and carried +off his wife, bent with desperation on forcing his father into +receiving her. + +Sebastian had not surmounted his anger at this step when he learnt its +fatal consequences. Ever since that time, nothing had prospered with +him: he had married and sunk himself lower, and though he had an +excellent engagement, the days were past when he was the fashion, and +his gains and his triumphs were not what they had been. He had a long +list of disappointments and jealousies with which to entertain Guy, +who, on his side, though resolved to like him, and dreading to be too +refined to be friends with his relations, could not feel as thoroughly +pleased as he intended to have been. + +Music was, however, a subject on which they could meet with equal +enthusiasm, and by means of this, together with the aid of his own +imagination, Guy contrived to be very happy. He stayed with his uncle +as long as he could, and promised to spend a day with him in London, on +his way to Oxford, in October. + +The next morning, when Philip knew that Guy would be with his tutor, he +walked to Hollywell, came straight up to his aunt's dressing-room, +asked her to send Charlotte down to practise, and, seating himself +opposite to her, began-- + +'What do you mean to do about this unfortunate rencontre?' + +'Do you mean Guy and his uncle? He is very much pleased, poor boy! I +like his entire freedom from false shame.' + +'A little true shame would be hardly misplaced about such a +connection.' + +'It is not his fault, and I hope it will not be his misfortune,' said +Mrs. Edmonstone. + +'That it will certainly be,' replied Philip, 'if we are not on our +guard; and, indeed, if we are, there is little to be done with one so +wilful. I might as well have interfered with the course of a +whirlwind.' + +'No, no, Philip; he is too candid to be wilful.' + +'I cannot be of your opinion, when I have seen him rushing into this +acquaintance in spite of the warnings he must have had here--to say +nothing of myself.' + +'Nay, there I must defend him, though you will think me very unwise; I +could not feel that I ought to withhold him from taking some notice of +so near a relation.' + +Philip did think her so unwise, that he could only reply, gravely-- + +'We must hope it may produce no evil effects.' + +'How?' she exclaimed, much alarmed. 'Have you heard anything against +him?' + +'You remember, of course, that Guy's father was regularly the victim of +this Dixon.' + +'Yes, yes; hut he has had enough to sober him. Do you know nothing +more?' said Mrs. Edmonstone, growing nervously anxious lest she had +been doing wrong in her husband's absence. + +'I have been inquiring about him from old Redford, and I should judge +him to be a most dangerous companion; as, indeed, I could have told +from his whole air, which is completely that of a roué.' + +'You have seen him, then?' + +'Yes. He paid me the compliment of taking me for Sir Guy, and of +course made off in dismay when he discovered on whom he had fallen. I +have seldom seen a less creditable-looking individual.' + +'But what did Mr. Redford say? Did he know of the connection?' + +'No; I am happy to say he did not. The fellow has decency enough not +to boast of that. Well, Redford did not know much of him personally: +he said he had once been much thought of, and had considerable talent +and execution, but taste changes, or he has lost something, so that, +though he stands tolerably high in his profession, he is not a leader. +So much for his musical reputation. As to his character, he is one of +those people who are called no one's enemy but their own, exactly the +introduction Guy has hitherto happily wanted to every sort of +mischief.' + +'I think,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, trying to console herself, 'that Guy +is too much afraid of small faults to be invited by larger evils. +While he punishes himself for an idle word, he is not likely to go +wrong in greater matters.' + +'Not at present.' + +'Is the man in debt or difficulties? Guy heard nothing of that, and I +thought it a good sign.' + +'I don't suppose he is. He ought not, for he has a fixed salary, +besides what he gets by playing at concerts when it is not the London +season. The wasting money on a spendthrift relation would be a far +less evil than what I apprehend.' + +'I wish I knew what to do! It is very unlucky that your uncle is from +home.' + +'Very.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was frightened by the sense of responsibility, and was +only anxious to catch hold of something to direct her. + +'What would you have me do?' she asked, hopelessly. + +'Speak seriously to Guy. He must attend to you: he cannot fly out with +a woman as he does with me. Show him the evils that must result from +such an intimacy. If Dixon was in distress, I would not say a word, +for he would be bound to assist him but as it is, the acquaintance can +serve no purpose but degrading Guy, and showing him the way to evil. +Above all, make a point of his giving up visiting him in London. That +is the sure road to evil. A youth of his age, under the conduct of a +worn-out roué, connected with the theatres! I can hardly imagine +anything more mischievous.' + +'Yes, yes; I will speak to him,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, perfectly +appalled. + +She promised, but she found the fulfilment difficult, in her dislike of +vexing Guy, her fear of saying what was wrong, and a doubt whether the +appearance of persecuting Mr. Dixon was not the very way to prevent +Guy's own good sense from finding out his true character, so she +waited, hoping Mr. Edmonstone might return before Guy went to Oxford, +or that he might write decisively. + +Mrs. Edmonstone might have known her husband better than to expect him +to write decisively when he had neither herself nor Philip at his +elbow. The same post had brought him a letter from Guy, mentioning his +meeting with his uncle, and frankly explaining his plans for London; +another from Philip, calling on him to use all his authority to prevent +this intercourse, and a third from his wife. Bewildered between them, +he took them to his sister, who, being as puzzle-headed as himself, and +only hearing his involved history of the affair, confused him still +more; so he wrote to Philip, saying he was sorry the fellow had turned +up, but he would guard against him. He told Guy he was sorry to say +that his uncle used to be a sad scamp, and he must take care, or it +would be his poor father's story over again; and to Mrs. Edmonstone he +wrote that it was very odd that everything always did go wrong when he +was away. + +He thought these letters a great achievement, but his wife's perplexity +was not materially relieved. + +After considering a good while, she at length spoke to Guy; but it was +not at a happy time, for Philip, despairing of her, had just taken on +himself to remonstrate, and had angered him to the verge of an +outbreak. + +Mrs. Edmonstone, as mildly as she could, urged on him that such +intercourse could bring him little satisfaction, and might be very +inconvenient; that his uncle was in no distress, and did not require +assistance; and that it was too probable that in seeking him out he +might meet with persons who might unsettle his principles,--in short, +that he had much better give up the visit to London. + +'This is Philip's advice,' said Guy. + +'It is; but--' + +Guy looked impatient, and she paused. + +'You must forgive me,' he said, 'if I follow my own judgment. If Mr. +Edmonstone chose to lay his commands on me, I suppose I must submit; +but I cannot see that I am bound to obey Philip.' + +'Not to obey, certainly; but his advice--' + +'He is prejudiced and unjust,' said Guy. + +'I don't believe that my uncle would attempt to lead me into bad +company; and surely you would not have me neglect or look coldly on one +who was so much attached to my parents. If he is not a gentleman, and +is looked down on by the world, it is not for his sister's son to make +him conscious of it.' + +'I like your feelings, Guy; I can say nothing against it, but that I am +much afraid your uncle is not highly principled.' + +'You have only Philip's account of him.' + +'You are resolved?' + +'Yes. I do not like not to take your advice, but I do believe this is +my duty. I do not think my determination is made in self-will,' said +Guy, thoughtfully; 'I cannot think that I ought to neglect my uncle, +because I happen to have been born in a different station, which is all +I have heard proved against him,' he added, smiling. 'You will forgive +me, will you not, for not following your advice? for really and truly, +if you will let me say so, I think you would not have given it if +Philip had not been talking to you.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone confessed, with a smile, that perhaps it was so; but +said she trusted much to Philip's knowledge of the world. Guy agreed +to this; though still declaring Philip had no right to set him against +his uncle, and there the discussion ended. + +Guy went to London. Philip thought him very wilful, and his aunt very +weak; and Mr. Edmonstone, on coming home, said it could not be helped, +and he wished to hear no more about the matter. + + + + + +CHAPTER 12 + + + +Her playful smile, her buoyance wild, +Bespeak the gentle, mirthful child; +But in her forehead's broad expanse, +Her chastened tones, her thoughtful glance, +Is mingled, with the child's light glee, +The modest maiden's dignity. + + +One summer's day, two years after the ball and review, Mary Ross and +her father were finishing their early dinner, when she said,-- + +'If you don't want me this afternoon, papa, I think I shall walk to +Hollywell. You know Eveleen de Courcy is there.' + +'No, I did not. What has brought her?' + +'As Charles expresses it, she has over-polked herself in London, and is +sent here for quiet and country air. I want to call on her, and to ask +Sir Guy to give me some idea as to the singing the children should +practise for the school-feast?' + +'Then you think Sir Guy will come to the feast?' + +'I reckon on him to conceal all the deficiencies in the children's +singing.' + +'He won't desert you, as he did Mrs. Brownlow?' + +'0 papa! you surely did not think him to blame in that affair?' + +'Honestly, Mary, if I thought about the matter at all, I thought it a +pity he should go so much to the Brownlows.' + +'I believe I could tell you the history, if you thought it worth while; +and though it may be gossip, I should like you to do justice to Sir +Guy.' + +'Very well; though I don't think there is much danger of my doing +otherwise. I only wondered he should become intimate there at all.' + +'I believe Mrs. Edmonstone thinks it right he should see as much of the +world as possible, and not be always at home in their own set.' + +'Fair and proper.' + +'You know she has shown him all the people she could,--had Eveleen +staying there, and the Miss Nortons, and hunted him out to parties, +when he had rather have been at home.' + +'I thought he was fond of society. I remember your telling me how +amused you were with his enjoyment of his first ball.' + +'Ah! he was two years younger then, and all was new. He seems to me +too deep and sensitive not to find more pain than pleasure in +commonplace society. I have sometimes seen that he cannot speak either +lightly or harshly of what he disapproves, and people don't understand +him. I was once sitting next him, when there was some talking going on +about an elopement; he did not laugh, looked almost distressed, and at +last said in a very low voice, to me, "I wish people would not laugh +about such things."' + +'He is an extraordinary mixture of gaiety of heart, and seriousness.' + +'Well, when Mrs. Brownlow had her nieces with her, and was giving those +musical parties, his voice made him valuable; and Mrs. Edmonstone told +him he ought to go to them. I believe he liked it at first, but he +found there was no end to it; it took up a great deal of time, and was +a style of thing altogether that was not desirable. Mrs Edmonstone +thought at first his reluctance was only shyness and stay-at-home +nonsense, that ought to be overcome; but when she had been there, and +saw how Mrs. Brownlow beset him, and the unpleasant fuss they made +about his singing, she quite came round to his mind, and was very sorry +she had exposed him to so much that was disagreeable.' + +'Well, Mary, I am glad to hear your account. My impression arose from +something Philip Morville said.' + +'Captain Morville never can approve of anything Sir Guy does! It is +not like Charles.' + +'How improved Charles Edmonstone is. He has lost that spirit of +repining and sarcasm, and lives as if he had an object.' + +'Yes; he employs himself now, and teaches Amy to do the same. You +know, after the governess went, we were afraid little Amy would never +do anything but wait on Charles, and idle in her pretty gentle way; but +when he turned to better things so did she, and her mind has been +growing all this time. Perhaps you don't see it, for she has not lost +her likeness to a kitten, and looks all demure silence with the elders, +but she takes in what the wise say.' + +'She is a very good little thing; and I dare say will not be the worse +for growing up slowly.' + +'Those two sisters are specimens of fast and slow growth. Laura has +always seemed to be so much more than one year older than Amy, +especially of late. She is more like five-and-twenty than twenty. I +wonder if she overworks herself. But how we have lingered over our +dinner!' + +By half-past three, Mary was entering a copse which led into Mr. +Edmonstone's field, when she heard gay tones, and a snatch of one of +the sweetest of old songs,-- + + Weep no more, lady; lady, weep no more, + Thy sorrow is in vain; + For violets pluck'd, the sweetest showers + Will ne'er make grow again. + +A merry, clear laugh followed, and a turn in the path showed her Guy, +Amy, and Charlotte, busy over a sturdy stock of eglantine. Guy, little +changed in these two years,--not much taller, and more agile than +robust,--was lopping vigorously with his great pruning-knife, Amabel +nursing a bundle of drooping rose branches, Charlotte, her bonnet in a +garland of wild sweet-brier, holding the matting and continually +getting entangled in the long thorny wreaths. + +'And here comes the "friar of orders gray," to tell you so,' exclaimed +Guy, as Mary, in her gray dress, came on them. + +'Oh, that is right, dear good friar,' cried Amy. + +'We are so busy,' said Charlotte; 'Guy has made Mr. Markham send all +these choice buds from Redclyffe.' + +'Not from the park,' said Guy, 'we don't deal much in gardening; but +Markham is a great florist, and these are his bounties.' + +'And are you cutting that beautiful wild rose to pieces?' + +'Is it not a pity?' said Amy. 'We have used up all the stocks in the +garden, and this is to be transplanted in the autumn.' + +'She has been consoling it all the time by telling it it is for its +good,' said Guy; 'cutting off wild shoots, and putting in better +things.' + +'I never said anything so pretty; and, after all, I don't know that the +grand roses will be equal to these purple shoots and blushing buds with +long whiskers.' + +'So Sir Guy was singing about the violets plucked to comfort you. But +you must not leave off, I want to see how you do it. I am gardener +enough to like to look on.' + +'We have only two more to put in.' + +Knife and fingers were busy, and Mary admired the dexterity with which +the slit was made in the green bark, well armed with firm red thorns, +and the tiny scarlet gem inserted, and bound with cotton and matting. +At the least critical parts of the work, she asked after the rest of +the party, and was answered that papa had driven Charles out in the +pony carriage, and that Laura and Eveleen were sitting on the lawn, +reading and working with mamma. Eveleen was better, but not strong, or +equal to much exertion in the heat. Mary went on to speak of her +school feast and ask her questions. + +'0 Guy, you must not go before that!' cried Charlotte. + +'Are you going away?' + +'He is very naughty, indeed,' said Charlotte. 'He is going, I don't +know where all, to be stupid, and read mathematics.' + +'A true bill, I am sorry to say,' said Guy; 'I am to join a reading- +party for the latter part of the vacation.' + +'I hope not before Thursday week, though we are not asking you to +anything worth staying for.' + +'Oh, surely you need not go before that!' said Amy, 'need you?' + +'No; I believe I may stay till Friday, and I should delight in the +feast, thank you, Miss Ross,--I want to study such things. A bit more +matting, Amy, if you please. There, I think that will do.' + +'Excellently. Here is its name. See how neatly Charlie has printed +it, Mary. Is it not odd, that he prints so well when he writes so +badly?' + +'"The Seven Sisters." There, fair sisterhood, grow and thrive, till I +come to transplant you in the autumn. Are there any more?' + +'No, that is the last. Now, Mary, let us come to mamma.' + +Guy waited to clear the path of the numerous trailing briery branches, +and the others walked on, Amy telling how sorry they were to lose Guy's +vacation, but that he thought he could not give time enough to his +studies here, and had settled, at Oxford, to make one of a reading- +party, under the tutorship of his friend, Mr. Wellwood. + +'Where do they go?' + +'It is not settled. Guy wished it to be the sea-side; but Philip has +been recommending a farmhouse in Stylehurst parish, rather nearer St. +Mildred's Wells than Stylehurst, but quite out in the moor, and an +immense way from both.' + +'Do you think it will be the place?' + +'Yes; Guy thinks it would suit Mr. Wellwood, because he has friends at +St. Mildred's, so he gave his vote for it. He expects to hear how it +is settled to-day or to-morrow.' + +Coming out on the lawn, they found the three ladies sitting under the +acacia, with their books and work. Laura did, indeed, look older than +her real age, as much above twenty as Amy looked under nineteen. She +was prettier than ever; her complexion exquisite in delicacy, her fine +figure and the perfect outline of her features more developed; but the +change from girl to woman had passed over her, and set its stamp on the +anxious blue eye, and almost oppressed brow. Mary thought it would be +hard to define where was that difference. It was not want of bloom, +for of that Laura had more than any of the others, fresh, healthy, and +bright, while Amy was always rather pale, and Lady Eveleen was +positively wan and faded by London and late hours; nor was it loss of +animation, for Laura talked and laughed with interest and eagerness; +nor was it thought, for little Amy, when at rest, wore a meditative, +pensive countenance; but there was something either added or taken +away, which made it appear that the serenity and carelessness of early +youth had fled from her, and the air of the cares of life had come over +her. + +Mary told her plans,--Church service at four, followed by a tea- +drinking in the fields; tea in the garden for the company, and play for +the school children and all who liked to join them. Every one likes +such festivals, which have the recommendation of permitting all to do +as they please, bringing friends together in perfect ease and freedom, +with an object that raises them above the rank of mere gatherings for +the pleasure of rich neighbours. + +Mrs. Edmonstone gladly made the engagement and Lady Eveleen promised to +be quite well, and to teach the children all manner of new games, +though she greatly despised the dullness of English children, and had +many droll stories of the stupidity of Laura's pupils, communicated to +her, with perhaps a little exaggeration, by Charles, and still further +embellished by herself, for the purpose of exciting Charlotte's +indignation. + +Mary proceeded to her consultation about the singing, and was conducted +by Guy and Amy to the piano, and when her ears could not be +indoctrinated by their best efforts, they more than half engaged to +walk to East-hill, and have a conversation with the new school-master, +whom Mary pitied for having fallen on people so unable to appreciate +his musical training as herself and her father. The whole party walked +back with her as far as the shade lasted; and at the end of the next +field she turned, saw them standing round the stile, thought what happy +people they were, and then resumed her wonder whither Laura's +youthfulness had flown. + +The situation of Philip and Laura had not changed. His regiment had +never been at any great distance from Hollywell, and he often came, +venturing more as Laura learnt to see him with less trepidation. He +seldom or never was alone with her; but his influence was as strong as +ever, and look, word, and gesture, which she alone could understand, +told her what she was to him, and revealed his thoughts. To him she +was devoted, all her doings were with a view to please him, and deserve +his affection; he was her world, and sole object. Indeed, she was +sometimes startled by perceiving that tenderly as she loved her own +family, all were subordinate to him. She had long since known the true +name of her feelings for him; she could not tell when or how the +certainty had come, but she was conscious that it was love that they +had acknowledged for one another and that she only lived in the light +of his love. Still she did not realize the evil of concealment; it was +so deep a sensation of her innermost heart, that she never could +imagine revealing it to any living creature, and she had besides so +surrendered her judgment to her idol, that no thought could ever cross +her that he had enjoined what was wrong. Her heart and soul were his +alone, and she left the future to him without an independent desire or +reflection. All the embarrassments and discomforts which her secret +occasioned her were met willingly for his sake, and these were not a +few, though time had given her more self-command, or, perhaps, more +properly speaking, had hardened her. + +She always had a dread of tete-a-tetes and conversations over novels, +and these were apt to be unavoidable when Eveleen was at Hollywell. +The twilight wanderings on the terrace were a daily habit, and Eveleen +almost always paired with her. On this evening in particular, Laura +was made very uncomfortable by Eveleen's declaring that it was +positively impossible and unnatural that the good heroine of some novel +should have concealed her engagement from her parents. Laura could not +help saying that there might be many excuses; then afraid that she was +exciting suspicion, changed the subject in great haste, and tried to +make Eveleen come indoors, telling her she would tire herself to death, +and vexed by her cousin's protestations that the fresh cool air did her +good. Besides, Eveleen was looking with attentive eyes at another pair +who were slowly walking up and down the shady walk that bordered the +grass-plot, and now and then standing still to enjoy the subdued +silence of the summer evening, and the few distant sounds that marked +the perfect lull. + +'How calm--how beautiful!' murmured Amabel. + +'It only wants the low solemn surge and ripple of the tide, and its +dash on the rocks,' said Guy. 'If ever there was music, it is there; +but it makes one think what the ear must be that can take in the whole +of those harmonics.' + +'How I should like to hear it!' + +'And see it. 0 Amy! to show you the sunny sea,--the sense of breadth +and vastness in that pale clear horizon line, and the infinite number +of fields of light between you and it,--and the free feelings as you +stand on some high crag, the wind blowing in your face across half the +globe, and the waves dashing far below! I am growing quite thirsty for +the sea.' + +'You know, papa said something about your taking your reading-party to +Redclyffe.' + +'True, but I don't think Markham would like it, and it would put old +Mrs. Drew into no end of a fuss.' + +'Not like to have you?' + +'0 yes, I should be all very well; but if they heard I was bringing +three or four men with me, they would think them regular wild beasts. +They would be in an awful fright. Besides, it is so long since I have +been at home, that I don't altogether fancy going there till I settle +there for good.' + +'Ah! it will be sad going there at first.' + +'And it has not been my duty yet.' + +'But you will be glad when you get there?' + +'Sha'n't I? I wonder if any one has been to shoot the rabbits on the +shag rock. They must have quite overrun it by this time. But I don't +like the notion of the first day. There is not only the great change, +but a stranger at the vicarage.' + +'Do you know anything about the new clergyman? I believe Mrs. Ashford +is a connection of Lady Thorndale's?' + +'Yes; Thorndale calls them pattern people, and I have no doubt they +will do great good in the parish. I am sure we want some +enlightenment, for we are a most primitive race, and something beyond +Jenny Robinson's dame school would do us no harm.' + +Here Mr. Edmonstone called from the window that they must come in. + +Mrs. Edmonstone thought deeply that night. She had not forgotten her +notion that Eveleen was attracted by Guy's manners, and had been +curious to see what would happen when Eveleen was sent to Hollywell for +country air. + +She had a very good opinion of Lady Eveleen. Since the former visit, +she had shown more spirit of improvement, and laid aside many little +follies; she had put herself under Laura's guidance, and tamed down +into what gave the promise of a sensible woman, more than anything that +had hitherto been observed in her; and little addicted to match-making +as Mrs. Edmonstone was, she could not help thinking that Eva was almost +worthy of her dear Guy (she never could expect to find anyone she +should think quite worthy of him, he was too like one of her own +children for that), and on the other hand, how delighted Lord and Lady +Kilcoran would be. It was a very pretty castle in the air; but in the +midst of it, the notion suddenly darted into Mrs. Edmonstone's head, +that while she was thinking of it, it was Amy, not Eveleen, who was +constantly with Guy. Reading and music, roses, botany, and walks on +the terrace! She looked back, and it was still the same. Last Easter +vacation, how they used to study the stars in the evening, to linger in +the greenhouse in the morning nursing the geraniums, and to practise +singing over the school-room piano; how, in a long walk, they always +paired together; and how they seemed to share every pursuit or +pleasure. + +Now Mrs. Edmonstone was extremely fond of Guy, and trusted him +entirely; but she thought she ought to consider how far this should be +allowed. Feeling that he ought to see more of the world, she had sent +him as much as she could into society, but it had only made him cling +closer to home. Still he was but twenty, it was only a country +neighbourhood, and there was much more for him to see before he could +fairly be supposed to know his own mind. She knew he would act +honourably; but she had a horror of letting him entangle himself with +her daughter before he was fairly able to judge of his own feelings. +Or, if this was only behaving with a brother's freedom and confidence, +Mrs. Edmonstone felt it was not safe for her poor little Amy, who might +learn so to depend on him as to miss him grievously when this intimacy +ceased, as it must when he settled at his own home. It would be right, +while it was still time, to make her remember that they were not +brother and sister, and by checking their present happy, careless, +confidential intercourse, to save her from the chill which seemed to +have been cast on Laura. Mrs. Edmonstone was the more anxious, because +she deeply regretted not having been sufficiently watchful in Laura's +case, and perhaps she felt an unacknowledged conviction that if there +was real love on Guy's part, it would not be hurt by a little reserve +on Amy's. Yet to have to speak to her little innocent daughter on such +a matter disturbed her so much, that she could hardly have set about +it, if Amy had not, at that very moment, knocked at her door. + +'My dear, what has kept you up so late?' + +'We have been sitting in Eveleen's room, mamma, hearing about her +London life; and then we began to settle our plans for to-morrow, and I +came to ask what you think of them. You know Guy has promised to go +and hear the East-hill singing, and we were proposing, if you did not +mind it, to take the pony-carriage and the donkey, and go in the +morning to East-hill, have luncheon, and get Mary to go with us to the +top of the great down, where we have never been. Guy has been wanting +us, for a long time past, to go and see the view, and saying there is a +track quite smooth enough to drive Charlie to the top.' + +Amy wondered at her mother's look of hesitation. In fact, the scheme +was so accordant with their usual habits that it was impossible to find +any objection; yet it all hinged on Guy, and the appointment at East- +hill might lead to a great many more. + +'Do you wish us to do anything else, mamma? We don't care about it.' + +'No, my dear,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, 'I see no reason against it. But- +-' and she felt as if she was making a desperate plunge, 'there is +something I want to say to you.' + +Amy stood ready to hear, but Mrs. Edmonstone paused. Another effort, +and she spoke:- + +'Amy, my dear, I don't wish to find fault, but I thought of advising +you to take care. About Guy--' + +The very brilliant pink which instantly overspread Amy's face made her +mother think her warning more expedient. + +'You have been spending a great deal of time with him of late, very +sensibly and pleasantly, I know; I don't blame you at all, my dear, so +you need not look distressed. I only want you to be careful. You +know, though we call him cousin, he is scarcely a relation at all.' + +'0 mamma, don't go on,' said poor little Amy, hurriedly; 'indeed I am +very sorry!' + +For Amy understood that it was imputed to her that she had been forward +and unmaidenly. Mrs. Edmonstone saw her extreme distress, and, grieved +at the pain she had inflicted, tried to reassure her as much as might +be safe. + +'Indeed, my dear, you have done nothing amiss. I only intended to tell +you to be cautious for fear you should get into a way of going on which +might not look well. Don't make any great difference, I only meant +that there should not be quite so much singing and gardening alone with +him, or walking in the garden in the evening. You can manage to draw +back a little, so as to keep more with me or with Laura, and I think +that will be the best way.' + +Every word, no matter what, increased the burning of poor Amy's cheeks. +A broad accusation of flirting would have been less distressing to many +girls than this mild and delicate warning was to one of such shrinking +modesty and maidenly feeling. She had a sort of consciousness that she +enjoyed partaking in his pursuits, and this made her sense of confusion +and shame overwhelming. What had she been thoughtlessly doing? She +could not speak, she could not look. Her mother put her arm round her, +and Amy hid her head on her shoulder, and held her fast. Mrs. +Edmonstone kissed and caressed the little fluttering bird, then saying, +'Good night, my own dear child,' unloosed her embrace. + +'Good night, dear mamma,' whispered Amy. 'I am very sorry.' + +'You need not be sorry, my dear, only be careful. Good night.' And it +would be hard to say whether the mother or the daughter had the hottest +cheeks. + +Poor little Amy! what was her dismay as she asked herself, again and +again, what she had been doing and what she was to do? The last was +plain,--she knew what was right, and do it she must. There would be an +end of much that was pleasant, and a fresh glow came over her as she +owned how very, very pleasant; but if it was not quite the thing,--if +mamma did not approve, so it must be. True, all her doings received +their zest from Guy,--her heart bounded at the very sound of his +whistle, she always heard his words through all the din of a whole +party,--nothing was complete without him, nothing good without his +without his approval,--but so much the more shame for her. It was a +kind of seeking him which was of all things the most shocking. So +there should be an end of it,--never mind the rest! Amy knelt down, +and prayed that she might keep her resolution. + +She did not know how much of her severity towards herself was learned +from the example that had been two years before her. Nor did she think +whether the seeking had been mutual; she imagined it all her own doing, +and did not guess that she would give pain to Guy by withdrawing +herself from him. + +The morning gave vigour to her resolution, and when Laura came to ask +what mamma thought of their project, Amy looked confused--said she did +not know--she believed it would not do. But just then in came her +mother, to say she had been considering of the expedition, and meant to +join it herself. Amy understood, blushed, and was silently grateful. + +When Laura wanted to alter her demeanour towards Guy, being perfectly +cool, and not in the least conscious, she had acted with great +judgment, seen exactly what to do, and what to leave undone, so as to +keep up appearances. But it was not so with Amy. She was afraid of +herself, and was in extremes. She would not come down till the last +moment, that there might be no talking in the window. She hardly spoke +at breakfast-time, and adhered closely to Laura and Eveleen when they +wandered in the garden. Presently Charles looked out from the +dressing-room window, calling,-- + +'Amy, Guy is ready to read.' + +'I can't come. Read without me,' she answered, hoping Charlie would +not be vexed, and feeling her face light up again. + +The hour for the expedition came, and Amy set off walking with Laura, +because Guy was with Mrs. Edmonstone; but presently, after holding open +a gate for Charlotte, who was on the donkey, he came up to the sisters, +and joined in the conversation. Amy saw something in the hedge--a +foxglove, she believed--it would have done as well if it had been a +nettle--she stopped to gather it, hoping to fall behind them, but they +waited for her. She grew silent, but Guy appealed to her. She ran on +to Charlotte and her donkey, but at the next gate Guy had joined +company again. At last she put herself under her mother's wing, and by +keeping with her did pretty well all the time she was at East-hill. +But when they went on, she was riding the donkey, and it, as donkeys +always are, was resolved on keeping a-head of the walkers, so that as +Guy kept by her side, it was a more absolute tete-a-tete than ever. + +At the top of the hill they found a fine view, rich and extensive, +broad woods, fields waving with silvery barley, trim meadows, fair hazy +blue distance, and a dim line of sea beyond. This, as Amy knew, was +Guy's delight, and further, what she would not tell herself, was that +he chiefly cared for showing it to her. It was so natural to call him +to admire everything beautiful, and ask if it was equal to Redclyffe, +that she found herself already turning to him to participate in his +pleasure, as he pointed out all that was to be seen; but she +recollected, blushed, and left her mother to speak. He had much to +show. There was a hanging wood on one side of the hill, whence he had +brought her more than one botanical prize, and she must now visit their +native haunts. It was too great a scramble for Mrs. Edmonstone, with +all her good will; Eveleen was to be kept still, and not to tire +herself; Laura did not care for botany, nor love brambles, and Amy was +obliged to stand and look into the wood, saying, 'No, thank you, I +don't think I can,' and then run back to Mary and Charles; while +Charlotte was loudly calling out that it was delightful fun, and that +she was very stupid. In another minute Guy had overtaken her, and in +his gentle, persuasive voice, was telling her it was very easy, and she +must come and see the bird's-nest orchises. She would have liked it +above all things, but she thought it very kind of Guy not to seem angry +when she said, 'No, thank you.' + +Mary, after what she had seen yesterday, could not guess at the real +reason, or she would have come with her; but she thought Amy was tired, +and would rather not. Poor Amy was tired, very tired, before the walk +was over, but her weary looks made it worse, for Guy offered her his +arm. 'No thank you,' she said, 'I am getting on very well;' and she +trudged on resolutely, for her mother was in the carriage, and to lag +behind the others would surely make him keep with her. + +Mrs. Edmonstone was very sorry for her fatigue, but Amy found it a good +excuse for not wandering in the garden, or joining in the music. It +had been a very uncomfortable day; she hoped she had done right; at any +rate, she had the peaceful conviction of having tried to do so. + +The next day, Amy was steady to her resolution. No reading with the +two youths, though Charles scolded her; sitting in her room till Guy +was gone out, going indoors as soon as she heard him return, and in the +evening staying with Charles when her sisters and cousins went out; but +this did not answer, for Guy came and sat by them. She moved away as +soon as possible, but the more inclined she was to linger, the more she +thought she ought to go; so murmuring something about looking for +Laura, she threw on her scarf, and sprung to the window. Her muslin +caught on the bolt, she turned, Guy was already disentangling it, and +she met his eye. It was full of anxious, pleading inquiry, which to +her seemed upbraiding, and, not knowing what to do, she exclaimed, +hurriedly, 'Thank you; no harm done!' and darted into the garden, +frightened to feel her face glowing and her heart throbbing. She could +not help looking back to see if he was following. No, he was not +attempting it; he was leaning against the window, and on she hastened, +the perception dawning on her that she was hurting him; he might think +her rude, unkind, capricious, he who had always been so kind to her, +and when he was going away so soon. 'But it is right; it must be +done,' said little Amy to herself, standing still, now that she was out +of sight. 'If I was wrong before, I must bear it now, and he will see +the rights of it sooner or later. The worst of all would be my not +doing the very _most_ _right_ to please any body. Besides he can't +really care for missing silly little Amy when he has mamma and Charlie. +And he is going away, so it will be easier to begin right when he comes +back. Be that as it may, it must be done. I'll get Charlie to tell me +what he was saying about the painted glass.' + + + + +CHAPTER 13 + + + +Oh, thou child of many prayers! +Life hath quicksands--life hath snares-- +Care and age come unawares. + +Like the swell of some sweet tune, +Morning rises into noon, +May glides onward into June.--Longfellow + + +'What is the matter with Amy? What makes her so odd?' asked Charles, +as his mother came to wish him good night. + +'Poor little dear! don't take any notice,' was all the answer he +received; and seeing that he was to be told no more, he held his peace. + +Laura understood without being told. She, too, had thought Guy and Amy +were a great deal together, and combining various observations, she +perceived that her mother must have given Amy a caution. She therefore +set herself, like a good sister, to shelter Amy as much as she could, +save her from awkward situations, and, above all, to prevent her +altered manner from being remarked. This was the less difficult, as +Eveleen was subdued and languid, and more inclined to lie on the sofa +and read than to look out for mirth. + +As to poor little Amy, her task was in one way become less hard, for +Guy had ceased to haunt her, and seemed to make it his business to +avoid all that could cause her embarrassment; but in another way it +hurt her much more, for she now saw the pain she was causing. If +obliged to do anything for her, he would give a look as if to ask +pardon, and then her rebellious heart would so throb with joy as to +cause her dismay at having let herself fall into so hateful a habit as +wishing to attract attention. What a struggle it was not to obey the +impulse of turning to him for the smile with which he would greet +anything in conversation that interested them both, and how wrong she +thought it not to be more consoled when she saw him talking to Eveleen, +or to any of the others, as if he was doing very well without her. +This did not often happen; he was evidently out of spirits, and +thoughtful, and Amy was afraid some storm might be gathering respecting +Mr. Sebastian Dixon, about whom there always seemed to be some +uncomfortable mystery. + +Mrs. Edmonstone saw everything, and said nothing. She was very sorry +for them both, but she could not interfere, and could only hope she had +done right, and protected Amy as far as she was able. She was vexed +now and then to see Eveleen give knowing smiles and significant +glances, feared that she guessed what was going on, and wondered +whether to give her a hint not to add to Amy's confusion; but her great +dislike to enter on such a subject prevailed, and she left things to +take their course, thinking that, for once, Guy's departure would be a +relief. + +The approach of anything in the shape of a party of pleasure was one of +the best cures for Eveleen's ailments, and the evening before Mary's +tea-drinking, she was in high spirits, laughing and talking a great +deal, and addressing herself chiefly to Guy. He exerted himself to +answer, but it did not come with life and spirit, his countenance did +not light up, and at last Eveleen said, 'Ah! I see I am a dreadful +bore. I'll go away, and leave you to repose.' + +'Lady Eveleen!' he exclaimed, in consternation; 'what have I been +doing--what have I been thinking of?' + +'Nay, that is best known to yourself, though I think perhaps I could +divine,' said she, with that archness and grace that always seemed to +remove the unfavourable impression that her proceedings might have +given. 'Shall I?' + +'No, no,' he answered, colouring crimson, and then trying to laugh off +his confusion, and find some answer, but without success; and Eveleen, +perceiving her aunt's eyes were upon her, suddenly recollected that she +had gone quite as far as decorum allowed, and made as masterly a +retreat as the circumstances permitted. + +'Well, I have always thought a "penny for your thoughts" the boldest +offer in the world, and now it is proved.' + +This scene made Mrs. Edmonstone doubly annoyed, the next morning, at +waking with a disabling headache, which made it quite impossible for +her to attempt going to Mary Ross's fete. With great sincerity, Amy +entreated to be allowed to remain at home, but she thought it would +only be making the change more remarkable; she did not wish Mary to be +disappointed; among so many ladies, Amy could easily avoid getting into +difficulties; while Laura would, she trusted, be able to keep Eveleen +in order. + +The day was sunny, and all went off to admiration. The gentlemen +presided over the cricket, and the ladies over 'blind man's buff' and +'thread my needle;' but perhaps Mary was a little disappointed that, +though she had Sir Guy's bodily presence, the peculiar blitheness and +animation which he usually shed around him were missing. He sung at +church, he filled tiny cups from huge pitchers of tea, he picked up and +pacified a screaming child that had tumbled off a gate--he was as good- +natured and useful as possible, but he was not his joyous and brilliant +self. + +Amy devoted herself to the smallest fry, played assiduously for three +quarters of an hour with a fat, grave boy of three, who stood about a +yard-and-a-half from her, solemnly throwing a ball into her lap, and +never catching it again, took charge of many caps and bonnets, and +walked about with Louisa Harper, a companion whom no one envied her. + +In conclusion, the sky clouded over, it became chilly, and a shower +began to fall. Laura pursued Eveleen, and Amy hunted up Charlotte from +the utmost parts of the field, where she was the very centre of +'winding up the clock,' and sorely against her will, dragged her off +the wet grass. About sixty yards from the house, Guy met them with an +umbrella, which, without speaking, he gave to Charlotte. Amy said, +'Thank you,' and again came that look. Charlotte rattled on, and hung +back to talk to Guy, so that Amy could not hasten on without leaving +her shelterless. It may be believed that she had the conversation to +herself. At the door they met Mary and her father, going to dismiss +their flock, who had taken refuge in a cart-shed at the other end of +the field. Guy asked if he could be of any use; Mr. Ross said no, and +Mary begged Amy and Charlotte to go up to her room, and change their +wet shoes. + +There, Amy would fain have stayed, flushed and agitated as those looks +made her; but Charlotte was in wild spirits, delighted at having been +caught in the rain, and obliged to wear shoes a mile too large, and +eager to go and share the fun in the drawing-room. There, in the +twilight, they found a mass of young ladies herded together, making a +confused sound of laughter, and giggling, while at the other end of the +room, Amy could just see Guy sitting alone in a dark corner. + +Charlotte's tongue was soon the loudest in the medley, to which Amy did +not at first attend, till she heard Charlotte saying-- + +'Ah! you should hear Guy sing that.' + +'What?' she whispered to Eveleen. + +'"The Land of the Leal,"' was the answer. + +'I wish he would sing it now,' said Ellen Harper. + +'This darkness would be just the time for music,' said Eveleen; 'it is +quite a witching time.' + +'Why don't you ask him?' said Ellen. 'Come, Charlotte, there's a good +girl, go and ask him.' + +'Shall I?' said Charlotte, whispering and giggling with an affectation +of shyness. + +'No, no, Charlotte,' said Laura. + +'No! why not?' said Eveleen. 'Don't be afraid, Charlotte.' + +'He is so grave,' said Charlotte. + +Eveleen had been growing wilder and less guarded all day, and now, +partly liking to tease and surprise the others, and partly emboldened +by the darkness, she answered,-- + +'It will do him all manner of good. Here, Charlotte, I'll tell you how +to make him. Tell him Amy wants him to do it.' + +'Ay! tell him so,' cried Ellen, and they laughed in a manner that +overpowered Amy with horror and shyness. She sprung to seize +Charlotte, and stop her; she could not speak, but Louisa Harper caught +her arm, and Laura's grave orders were drowned in a universal titter, +and suppressed exclamation,--'Go, Charlotte, go; we will never forgive +you if you don't!' + +'Stop!' Amy struggled to cry, breaking from Louisa, and springing up in +a sort of agony. Guy, who had such a horror of singing anything deep +in pathos or religious feeling to mixed or unfit auditors, asked to do +so in her name! 'Stop! oh, Charlotte!' It was too late; Charlotte, +thoughtless with merriment, amused at vexing Laura, set up with +applause, and confident in Guy's good nature, had come to him, and was +saying,--'Oh, Guy! Amy wants you to come and sing us the "Land of the +Leal."' + +Amy saw him start up. What, did he think of her? Oh, what! He +stepped towards them. The silly girls cowered as if they had roused a +lion. His voice was not loud--it was almost as gentle as usual; but it +quivered, as if it was hard to keep it so, and, as well as she could +see, his face was rigid and stern as iron. 'Did you wish it?' he said, +addressing himself to her, as if she was the only person present. + +Her breath was almost gone. 'Oh! I beg your pardon,' she faltered. +She could not exculpate herself, she saw it looked like an idle, almost +like an indecorous trick, unkind, everything abhorrent to her and to +him, especially in the present state of things. His eyes were on her, +his head bent towards her; he waited for an answer. 'I beg your +pardon,' was all she could say. + +There was--yes, there was--one of those fearful flashes of his kindling +eye. She felt as if she was shrinking to nothing; she heard him say, +in a low, hoarse tone, 'I am afraid I cannot;' then Mr. Ross, Mary, +lights came in; there was a bustle and confusion, and when next she was +clearly conscious, Laura was ordering the carriage. + +When it came, there was an inquiry for Sir Guy. + +'He is gone home,' said Mr. Ross. 'I met him in the passage, and +wished him good night.' + +Mr. Ross did not add what he afterwards told his daughter, that Guy +seemed not to know whether it was raining or not; that he had put an +umbrella into his hand, and seen him march off at full speed, through +the pouring rain, with it under his arm. + +The ladies entered the carriage. Amy leant back in her corner, Laura +forbore to scold either Eveleen or Charlotte till she could have them +separately; Eveleen was silent, because she was dismayed at the effect +she had produced, and Charlotte, because she knew there was a scolding +impending over her. + +They found no one in the drawing-room but Mr. Edmonstone and Charles, +who said they had heard the door open, and Guy run up-stairs, but they +supposed he was wet through, as he had not made his appearance. It was +very inhospitable in the girls not to have made room for him in the +carriage. + +Amy went to see how her mother was, longing to tell her whole trouble, +but found her asleep, and was obliged to leave it till the morrow. +Poor child, she slept very little, but she would not go to her mother +before breakfast, lest she should provoke the headache into staying +another day. Guy was going by the train at twelve o'clock, and she was +resolved that something should be done; so, as soon as her father had +wished Guy goodbye, and ridden off to his justice meeting, she +entreated her mother to come into the dressing-room, and hear what she +had to say. + +'Oh, mamma! the most dreadful thing has happened!' and, hiding her +face, she told her story, ending with a burst of weeping as she said +how Guy was displeased. 'And well he might be! That after all that +has vexed him this week, I should tease him with such a trick. Oh, +mamma, what must he think?' + +'My dear, there was a good deal of silliness; but you need not treat it +as if it was so very shocking.' + +'Oh, but it hurt him! He was angry, and now I know how it is, he is +angry with himself for being angry. Oh, how foolish I have been! What +shall I do?' + +'Perhaps we can let him know it was not your fault,' said Mrs. +Edmonstone, thinking it might be very salutary for Charlotte to send +her to confess. + +'Do you think so?' cried Amy, eagerly. 'Oh! that would make it all +comfortable. Only it was partly mine, for not keeping Charlotte in +better order, and we must not throw it all on her and Eveleen. You +think we may tell him?' + +'I think he ought not to be allowed to fancy you let your name be so +used.' + +A message came for Mrs. Edmonstone, and while she was attending to it, +Amy hastened away, fully believing that her mother had authorized her +to go and explain it to Guy, and ask his pardon. It was what she +thought the natural thing to do, and she was soon by his side, as she +saw him pacing, with folded arms, under the wall. + +Much had lately been passing in Guy's mind. He had gone on floating on +the sunny stream of life at Hollywell, too happy to observe its +especial charm till the change in Amy's manner cast a sudden gloom over +all. Not till then did he understand his own feelings, and recognize +in her the being he had dreamt of. Amy was what made Hollywell +precious to him. Sternly as he was wont to treat his impulses, he did +not look on his affection as an earthborn fancy, liable to draw him +from higher things, and, therefore, to be combated; he deemed her +rather a guide and guard whose love might arm him, soothe him, and +encourage him. Yet he had little hope, for he did not do justice to +his powers of inspiring affection; no one could distrust his temper and +his character as much as he did himself, and with his ancestry and the +doom he believed attached to his race, with his own youth and untried +principles, with his undesirable connections, and the reserve he was +obliged to exercise regarding them, he considered himself as +objectionable a person as could well be found, as yet untouched by any +positive crime, and he respected the Edmonstones too much to suppose +that these disadvantages could be counterbalanced for a moment by his +position; indeed, he interpreted Amy's coolness by supposing that there +was a desire to discourage his attentions. No poor tutor or penniless +cousin ever felt he was doing a more desperate thing in confessing an +attachment, than did Sir Guy Morville when he determined that all +should be told, at the risk of losing her for ever, and closing against +himself the doors of his happy home. It was not right and fair by her +parents, he thought, so to regard their daughter, and live in the same +house with his sentiments unavowed, and as to Amy herself, if his +feelings had reached such a pitch of sensitiveness that he must needs +behave like an angry lion, because her name had been dragged into an +idle joke, it was high time it should be explained, unpropitious as the +moment might be for declaring his attachment, when he had manifested +such a temper as any woman might dread. Thus he made up his mind that, +come of it what might, he would not leave Hollywell that day till the +truth was told. Just as he was turning to find Mrs. Edmonstone and +'put his fate to the touch,' a little figure stood beside him, and +Amy's own sweet, low tones were saying, imploringly,-- + +'Guy, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am you were so teased last +night.' + +'Don't think of it!' said he, taken extremely by surprise + +'It was our fault, I could not stop it; I should have kept Charlotte in +better order, but they would not let her hear me. I knew it was what +you dislike particularly, and I was very sorry.' + +'You--I was--I was. But no matter now. Amy,' he added earnestly, 'may +I ask you to walk on with me a little way? I must say something to +you.' + +Was this what 'mamma' objected to? Oh no! Amy felt she must stay now, +and, in truth, she was glad it was right, though her heart beat fast, +fast, faster, as Guy, pulling down a long, trailing branch of Noisette +rose, and twisting it in his hand, paused for a few moments, then spoke +collectedly, and without hesitation, though with the tremulousness of +subdued agitation, looking the while not at her, but straight before +him. + +'You ought to be told why your words and looks have such effect on me +as to make me behave as I did last night. Shame on me for such +conduct! I know its evil, and how preposterous it must make what I +have to tell you. I don't know now long it has been, but almost ever +since I came here, a feeling has been growing up in me towards you, +such as I can never have for any one else.' + +The flame rushed into Amy's cheeks, and no one could have told what she +felt, as he paused again, and then went on speaking more quickly, as if +his emotion was less under control. + +'If ever there is to be happiness for me on earth, it must be through +you; as you, for the last three years, have been all my brightness +here. What I feel for you is beyond all power of telling you, Amy! +But I know full well all there is against me--I know I am untried, and +how can I dare to ask one born to brightness and happiness to share the +doom of my family?' + +Amy's impulse was that anything shared with him would be welcome; but +the strength of the feeling stifled the power of expression, and she +could not utter a word. + +'It seems selfish even to dream of it,' he proceeded, 'yet I must,--I +cannot help it. To feel that I had your love to keep me safe, to know +that you watched for me, prayed for me, were my own, my Verena,--oh +Amy! it would be more joy than I have ever dared to hope for. But +mind,' he added, after another brief pause, 'I would not even ask you +to answer me now, far less to bind yourself, even if--if it were +possible. I know my trial is not come; and were I to render myself, by +positive act, unworthy even to think of you, it would be too dreadful +to have entangled you, and made you unhappy. No. I speak now, because +I ought not to remain here with such feelings unknown to your father +and mother.' + +At that moment, close on the other side of the box-tree clump, were +heard the wheels of Charles's garden-chair, and Charlotte's voice +talking to him, as he made his morning tour round the garden. Amy flew +off, like a little bird to its nest, and never stopped till, breathless +and crimson, she darted into the dressing room, threw herself on her +knees, and with her face hidden in her mother's lap, exclaimed in +panting, half-smothered, whispers, which needed all Mrs. Edmonstone's +intuition to make them intelligible,-- + +'0 mamma, mamma, he says--he says he loves me!' + +Perhaps Mrs. Edmonstone was not so very much surprised; but she had no +time to do more than raise and kiss the burning face, and see, at a +moment's glance, how bright was the gleam of frightened joy, in the +downcast eye and troubled smile; when two knocks, given rapidly, were +heard, and almost at the same moment the door opened, and Guy stood +before her, his face no less glowing than that which Amy buried again +on her mother's knee. + +'Come in, Guy,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, as he stood doubtful for a moment +at the door, and there was a sweet smile of proud, joyful affection on +her face, conveying even more encouragement than her tone. Amy raised +her head, and moved as if to leave the room. + +'Don't go,' he said, earnestly, 'unless you wish it.' + +Amy did not wish it, especially now that she had her mother to save her +confusion, and she sat on a footstool, holding her mother's hand, +looking up to Guy, whenever she felt bold enough, and hanging down her +head when he said what showed how much more highly he prized her than +silly little Amy could deserve. + +'You know what I am come to say,' he began, standing by the mantel- +shelf, as was his wont in his conferences with Mrs. Edmonstone; and he +repeated the same in substance as he had said to Amy in the garden, +though with less calmness and coherence, and far more warmth of +expression, as if, now that she was protected by her mother's presence, +he exercised less force in self-restraint. + +Never was anyone happier than was Mrs. Edmonstone; loving Guy so +heartily, seeing the beauty of his character in each word, rejoicing +that such affection should be bestowed on her little Amy, exulting in +her having won such a heart, and touched and gratified by the free +confidence with which both had at once hastened to pour out all to her, +not merely as a duty, but in the full ebullition of their warm young +love. The only difficulty was to bring herself to speak with prudence +becoming her position, whilst she was sympathizing with them as +ardently as if she was not older than both of them put together. When +Guy spoke of himself as unproved, and undeserving of trust, it was all +she could do to keep from declaring there was no one whom she thought +so safe. + +'While you go on as you have begun, Guy?' + +'If you tell me to hope! Oh, Mrs. Edmonstone, is it wrong that an +earthly incentive to persevere should have power which sometimes seems +greater than the true one?' + +'There is the best and strongest ground of all for trusting you,' said +she. 'If you spoke keeping right only for Amy's sake, then I might +fear; but when she is second, there is confidence indeed.' + +'If speaking were all!' said Guy. + +'There is one thing I ought to say,' she proceeded; 'you know you are +very young, and though--though I don't know that I can say so in my own +person, a prudent woman would say, that you have seen so little of the +world, that you may easily meet a person you would like better than +such a quiet little dull thing as your guardian's daughter.' + +The look that he cast on Amy was worth seeing, and then, with a smile, +he answered-- + +'I am glad you don't say it in your own person.' + +'It is very bold and presumptuous in me to say anything at all in +papa's absence' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling; 'but I am sure he will +think in the same way, that things ought to remain as they are, and +that it is our duty not to allow you to be, or to feel otherwise than +entirely at liberty.' + +'I dare say it may be right in you,' said Guy, grudgingly. 'However, I +must not complain. It is too much that you should not reject me +altogether.' + +To all three that space was as bright a gleam of sunshine as ever +embellished life, so short as to be free from a single care, a +perfectly serenely happy present, the more joyous from having been +preceded by vexations, each of the two young things learning that there +was love where it was most precious. Guy especially, isolated and +lonely as he stood in life, with his fear and mistrust of himself, was +now not only allowed to love, and assured beyond his hopes that Amy +returned his affection, but found himself thus welcomed by the mother, +and gathered into the family where his warm feelings had taken up their +abode, while he believed himself regarded only as a guest and a +stranger. + +They talked on, with happy silences between, Guy standing all the time +with his branch of roses in his hand, and Amy looking up to him, and +trying to realize it, and to understand why she was so very, very +happy. + +No one thought of time till Charlotte rushed in like a whirlwind, +crying-- + +'Oh, here you are! We could not think what had become of you. There +has Deloraine been at the door these ten minutes, and Charlie sent me +to find you, for he says if you are too late for Mrs. Henley's dinner, +she will write such an account of you to Philip as you will never get +over.' + +Very little of this was heard, there was only the instinctive +consternation of being too late. They started up, Guy threw down his +roses, caught Amy's hand and pressed it, while she bent down her head, +hiding the renewed blush; he dashed out of the room, and up to his own, +while Mrs. Edmonstone and Charlotte hurried down. In another second, +he was back again, and once more Amy felt the pressure of his hand on +hers-- + +'Good-bye!' he said; and she whispered another 'Good-bye!' the only +words she had spoken. + +One moment more he lingered,-- + +'My Verena!' said he; but the hurrying sounds in the hall warned him-- +he sprang down to the drawing-room. Even Charles was on the alert, +standing, leaning against the table, and looking eager; but Guy had not +time to let him speak, he only shook hands, and wished good-bye, with a +sort of vehement agitated cordiality, concealed by his haste. + +'Where's Amy?' cried Charlotte. 'Amy! Is not she coming to wish him +good-bye?' + +He said something, of which 'up-stairs' was the only audible word; held +Mrs. Edmonstone's hand fast, while she said, in a low voice--'You shall +hear from papa to-morrow,' then sprung on his horse, and looked up. +Amy was at the window, he saw her head bending forward, under its veil +of curls, in the midst of the roses round the lattice; their eyes met +once more, he gave one beamy smile, then rode off at full speed, with +Bustle racing after him, while Amy threw herself on her knees by her +bed, and with hands clasped over her face, prayed that she might be +thankful enough, and never be unworthy of him. + +Every one wanted to get rid of every one else except Mrs. Edmonstone; +for all but Charlotte guessed at the state of the case, and even she +perceived that something was going on. Lady Eveleen was in a state of +great curiosity; but she had mercy, she knew that they must tell each +other before it came to her turn, and very good-naturedly she invited +Charlotte to come into the garden with her, and kept her out of the way +by a full account of her last fancy ball, given with so much spirit and +humour that Charlotte could not help attending. + +Charles and Laura gained little by this kind manoeuvre, for their +mother was gone up again to Amy, and they could only make a few +conjectures. Charles nursed his right hand, and asked Laura how hers +felt? She looked up from her work, to which she had begun to apply +herself diligently, and gazed at him inquiringly, as if to see whether +he intended anything. + +'For my part,' he added, 'I certainly thought he meant to carry off the +hands of some of the family.' + +'I suppose we shall soon hear it explained,' said Laura, quietly. + +'Soon! If I had an many available 1egs as you, would I wait for other +people's soon?' + +'I should think she had rather be left to mamma,' said Laura, going on +with her work. + +'Then you do think there is something in it?' said Charles, peering up +in her face; but he saw he was teasing her, recollected that she had +long seemed out of spirits, and forbore to say any more. He was, +however, too impatient to remain longer quiet, and presently Laura saw +him adjusting his crutches. + +'O Charlie! I am sure it will only be troublesome.' + +'I am going to my own room,' said Charles, hopping off. 'I presume you +don't wish to forbid that.' + +His room had a door into the dressing-room, so that it was an excellent +place for discovering all from which they did not wish to exclude him, +and he did not believe he should be unwelcome; for though he might +pretend it was all fun and curiosity, he heartily loved his little Amy. + +The tap of his crutches, and the slow motion with which he raised +himself from step to step, was heard, and Amy, who was leaning against +her mother, started up, exclaiming-- + +'0 mamma, here comes Charlie! May I tell him? I am sure I can't meet +him without.' + +'I suspect he has guessed it already,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, going to +open the door, just as he reached the head of the stairs, and then +leaving them. + +'Well, Amy,' said he, looking full at her carnation cheeks, 'are you +prepared to see me turn lead-coloured, and fall into convulsions, like +the sister with the spine complaint?' + +'0 Charlie! You know it. But how?' + +Amy was helping him to the sofa, laid him down, and sat by him on the +old footstool; he put his arm round her neck, and she rested her head +on his shoulder. + +'Well, Amy,' I give you joy, my small woman,' said he, talking the more +nonsense because of the fullness in his throat; 'and I hope you give me +credit for amazing self-denial in so doing.' + +'0 Charlie--dear Charlie!' and she kissed him, she could not blush +more, poor little thing, for she had already reached her utmost +capability of redness--'it is no such thing.' + +'No such thing? What has turned you into a turkey-cock all at once or +what made him nearly squeeze off my unfortunate fingers? No such +thing, indeed!' + +'I mean--I mean, it is not _that_. We are so very young, and I am so +silly.' + +'Is that his reason?' + +'You must make me so much better and wiser. Oh, if I could but be good +enough!' + +For that matter, I don't think any one else would be good enough to +take care of such a silly little thing. But what is the that, that it +is, or is not?' + +'Nothing now, only when we are older. At least, you know papa has not +heard it.' + +'Provided my father gives his consent, as the Irish young lady added to +all her responses through the marriage service. But tell me all--all +you like, I mean--for you will have lovers' secrets now, Amy.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone had, meantime, gone down to Laura. Poor Laura, as soon +as her brother had left the room, she allowed the fixed composure of +her face to relax into a restless, harassed, almost miserable +expression, and walked up and down with agitated steps. + +'0 wealth, wealth!'--her lips formed the words, without uttering them-- +'what cruel differences it makes! All smooth here! Young, not to be +trusted, with strange reserves, discreditable connections,--that +family,--that fearful temper, showing itself even to her! All will be +overlooked! Papa will be delighted, I know he will! And how is it +with us? Proved, noble, superior, owned as such by all, as Philip is, +yet, for that want of hateful money, he would be spurned. And. for +this--for this--the love that has grown up with our lives must be +crushed down and hidden--our life is wearing out in wearying self- +watching!' + +The lock of the door turned, and Laura had resumed her ordinary +expression before it opened, and her mother came in: but there was +anything but calmness beneath, for the pang of self-reproach had come-- +'Was it thus that she prepared to hear these tidings of her sister?' + +'Well, Laura,' began Mrs. Edmonstone, with the eager smile of one +bringing delightful news, and sure of sympathy. + +'It is so, then?' said Laura. 'Dear, dear, little Amy! I hope--' and +her eyes filled with tears; but she had learnt to dread any outbreak of +feeling, conquered it in a minute, and said-- + +'What has happened? How does it stand?' + +'It stands, at least as far as I can say without papa, as the dear Guy +very rightly and wisely wished it to stand. There is no positive +engagement, they are both too young; but he thought it was not right to +remain here without letting us know his sentiments towards her.' + +A pang shot through Laura; but it was but for a moment. Guy might +doubt where Philip need never do so. Her mother went on,-- + +'Their frankness and confidence are most beautiful. We know dear +little Amy could not help it; but there was something very sweet, very +noble, in his way of telling all.' + +Another pang for Laura. But no! it was only poverty that was to blame. +Philip would speak as plainly if his prospects were as fair. + +'Oh, I hope it will do well,' said she. + +'It must,--it will!' cried Mrs. Edmonstone, giving way to her joyful +enthusiasm of affection. 'It is nonsense to doubt, knowing him as we +do. There is not a man in the world with whom I could be so happy to +trust her.' + +Laura could not hear Guy set above all men in the world, and she +remembered Philip's warning to her, two years ago. + +'There is much that is very good and very delightful about him,' she +said, hesitatingly. + +'You are thinking of the Morville temper,' said her mother; 'but I am +not afraid of it. A naturally hot temper, controlled like his by +strong religious principle, is far safer than a cool easy one, without +the principle.' + +Laura thought this going too far, but she felt some compensation due to +Guy, and acknowledged how strongly he was actuated by principle. +However--and it was well for her--they could not talk long, for Eveleen +and Charlotte were approaching, and she hastily asked what was to be +done about telling Eva, who could not fail to guess something. + +'We must tell her, and make her promise absolute secrecy,' said Mrs. +Edmonstone. 'I will speak to her myself; but I must wait till I have +seen papa. There is no doubt of what he will say, but we have been +taking quite liberties enough in his absence.' + +Laura did not see her sister till luncheon, when Amy came down, with a +glow on her cheeks that made her so much prettier than usual, that +Charles wished Guy could have seen her. She said little, and ran up +again as soon as she could. Laura followed her; and the two sisters +threw their arms fondly round each other, and kissed repeatedly. + +'Mamma has told you? said Amy. 'Oh, it has made me so very happy; and +every one is so kind.' + +'Dear, dear Amy!' + +'I'm only afraid--' + +'He has begun so well--' + +'Oh, nonsense! You cannot think I could be so foolish as to be afraid +for him! Oh no! But if he should take me for more than I am worth. 0 +Laura, Laura! What shall I do to be as good and sensible as you! I +must not be silly little Amy any more.' + +'Perhaps he likes you best as you are?' + +'I don't mean cleverness: I can't help that,--and he knows how stupid I +am,--but I am afraid he thinks there is more worth in me. Don't you +know, he has a sort of sunshine in his eyes and mind, that makes all he +cares about seem to him brighter and better than it really is. I am +afraid he is only dressing me up with that sunshine.' + +'It must be strange sunshine that you want to make you better and +brighter than you are,' said Laura, kissing her. + +'I'll tell you what it is,' said Amy folding her hands, and standing +with her face raised, 'it won't do now, as you told me once, to have no +bones in my character. I must learn to be steady and strong, if I can; +for if this is to be, he will depend on me, I don't mean, to advise +him, for he knows better than anybody, but to be--you know what--if +vexation, or trouble was to come! And Laura, think if he was to depend +on me, and I was to fail! Oh, do help me to have firmness and self- +command, like you!' + +'It was a long time ago that we talked of your wanting bones.' + +'Yes, before he came; but I never forget it.' + +Laura was obliged to go out with Eveleen. All went their different +ways; and Amy had the garden to herself to cool her cheeks in. But +this was a vain operation, for a fresh access of burning was brought on +while Laura was helping her to dress for dinner, when her father's +quick step sounded in the passage. He knocked at her door, and as she +opened it, he kissed her on each cheek; and throwing his arm round her, +exclaimed,-- + +'Well, Miss Amy, you have made a fine morning's work of it! A pretty +thing, for young ladies to be accepting offers while papa is out of the +way. Eh, Laura?' + +Amy knew this was a manifestation of extreme delight; but it was not +very pleasant to Laura. + +'So you have made a conquest!' proceeded Mr. Edmonstone; 'and I +heartily wish you joy of it, my dear. He is as amiable and good- +natured a youth as I would wish to see; and I should say the same if he +had not a shilling in the world.' + +Laura's heart bounded; but she knew, whatever her father might fancy, +the reality would be very different if Guy were as poor as Philip. + +'I shall write to him this very evening,' he continued, 'and tell him, +if he has the bad taste to like such a silly little white thing, I am +not the man to stand in his way. Eh, Amy? Shall I tell him so?' + +'Tell him what you please, dear papa.' + +'Eh? What I please? Suppose I say we can't spare our little one, and +he may go about his business?' + +'I'm not afraid of you, papa.' + +'Come, she's a good little thing--sha'n't be teased. Eh, Laura? what +do you think of it, our beauty, to see your younger sister impertinent +enough to set up a lover, while your pink cheeks are left in the +lurch?' + +Laura not being wont to make playful repartees, her silence passed +unnoticed. Her feelings were mixed; but perhaps the predominant one +was satisfaction that it was not for her pink cheeks that she was +valued. + +It had occurred to Mrs. Edmonstone that it was a curious thing, after +her attempt at scheming for Eveleen, to have to announce to her that +Guy was attached to her own daughter; nay, after the willingness +Eveleen had manifested to be gratified with any attention Guy showed +her, it seemed doubtful for a moment whether the intelligence would be +pleasing to her. However, Eveleen was just the girl to like men better +than women, and never to be so happy as when on the verge of flirting; +it would probably have been the same with any other youth that came in +her, way, and Guy might fully be acquitted of doing more than paying +her the civilities which were requisite from him to any young lady +visitor. He had, two years ago, when a mere boy, idled, laughed, and +made fun with her, but his fear of trifling away his time had made him +draw back, before he had involved himself in what might have led to +anything further; and during the present visit, no one could doubt that +he was preoccupied with Amy. At any rate, it was right that Eveleen +should know the truth, in confidence, if only to prevent her from +talking of any surmises she might have. + +Mrs. Edmonstone was set at ease in a moment. Eveleen was enchanted, +danced round and round the room, declared they would be the most +charming couple in the world; she had seen it all along; she was so +delighted they had come to an understanding at last, poor things, they +were so miserable all last week; and she must take credit to herself +for having done it all. Was not her aunt very much obliged to her? + +'My dear Eva,' exclaimed Mrs. Edmonstone, into whose mind the notion +never entered that any one could boast of such a proceeding as hers +last night; but the truth was that Eveleen, feeling slightly culpable, +was delighted that all had turned out so well, and resolved to carry it +off with a high hand. + +'To be sure! Poor little Amy! when she looked ready to sink into the +earth, she little knew her obligations to me! Was not it the cleverest +thing in the world? It was just the touch they wanted--the very +thing!' + +'My dear, I am glad I know that you are sometimes given to talking +nonsense,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, laughing. + +'And you won't believe me serious? You won't be grateful to me for my +lucky hit' said Eveleen, looking comically injured. 'Oh auntie, that +is very hard, when I shall believe to my dying day that I did it!' + +'Why, Eva, if I thought it had been done by design, I should find it +very hard to forgive you for it at all, rather hard even to accept Guy, +so you had better not try to disturb my belief that it was only that +spirit of mischief that makes you now and then a little mad.' + +'Oh dear! what a desperate scolding you must have given poor little +Charlotte!' exclaimed Eveleen, quaintly. + +Mrs. Edmonstone could not help laughing as she confessed that she had +altogether forgotten Charlotte. + +'Then you will. You'll go on forgetting her,' cried Eveleen. 'She +only did what she was told, and did not know the malice of it. There, +you're relenting! There's a good aunt! And now, if you won't be +grateful, as any other mamma in the world would have been, and as I +calculated on, when I pretended to have been a prudent, designing +woman, instead of a wild mischievous monkey at least you'll forgive me +enough to invite me to the wedding. Oh! what a beauty of a wedding it +will be! I'd come from Kilcoran all the way on my bare knees to see +it. And you'll let me be bridesmaid, and have a ball after it?' + +'There is no saying what I may do, if you'll only be a good girl, and +hold your tongue. I don't want to prevent your telling anything to +your mamma, of course, but pray don't let it go any further. Don't let +Maurice hear it, I have especial reasons for wishing it should not be +known. You know it is not even an engagement, and nothing must be done +which can make Guy feel in the least bound?' + +Eveleen promised, and Mrs. Edmonstone knew that she had sense and +proper feeling enough for her promise to deserve trust. + + + + +CHAPTER 14 + + + +For falsehood now doth flow, +And subject faith doth ebbe, +Which would not be, if reason ruled, +Or wisdom weav'd the webbe. + +The daughter of debate, +That eke discord doth sowe, +Shal reape no gaine where former rule +Hath taught stil peace to growe.--QUEEN ELIZABETH + + + 'ATHENAEUM TERRACE, + ST MILDRED'S, + August 4th, +'MY DEAR PHILIP,-- +Thank you for returning the books, which were brought safely by Sir +Guy. I am sorry you do not agree in my estimate of them. I should +have thought your strong sense would have made you perceive that +reasoning upon fact, and granting nothing without tangible proof, were +the best remedy for a dreamy romantic tendency to the weakness and +credulity which are in the present day termed poetry and faith. It is +curious to observe how these vague theories reduce themselves to the +absurd when brought into practice. There are two Miss Wellwoods here, +daughters of that unfortunate man who fell in a duel with old Sir Guy +Morville, who seem to make it their business to become the general +subject of animadversion, taking pauper children into their house, +where they educate them in a way to unfit them for their station, and +teach them to observe a sort of monastic rule, preaching the poor +people in the hospital to death, visiting the poor at all sorts of +strange hours. Dr Henley actually found one of them, at twelve o'clock +at night, in a miserable lodging-house, filled with the worst +description of inmates. Quite young women, too, and with no mother or +elder person to direct them; but it is the fashion among the attendants +at the new chapel to admire them. This subject has diverted me from +what I intended to say with respect to the young baronet. Your +description agrees with all I have hitherto seen, though I own I +expected a Redclyffe Morville to have more of the "heros de roman", or +rather of the grand tragic cast of figure, as, if I remember right, was +the case with this youth's father, a much finer and handsomer young +man. Sir Guy is certainly gentlemanlike, and has that sort of +agreeability which depends on high animal spirits. I should think him +clever, but superficial; and with his mania for music, he can hardly +fail to be merely an accomplished man. In spite of all you said of the +Redclyffe temper, I was hardly prepared to find it so ready to flash +forth on the most inexplicable provocations. It is like walking on a +volcano. I have seen him two or three times draw himself up, bite his +lip, and answer with an effort and a sharpness that shows how thin a +crust covers the burning lava; but I acknowledge that he has been very +civil and attentive, and speaks most properly of what he owes to you. +I only hope he will not be hurt by the possession of so large a +property so early in life, and I have an idea that our good aunt at +Hollywell has done a good deal to raise his opinion of himself. We +shall, of course, show him every civility in our power, and give him +the advantage of intellectual society at our house. His letters are +directed to this place, as you know South Moor Farm is out of the +cognizance of the post. They seem to keep up a brisk correspondence +with him from Hollywell. Few guardians' letters are, I should guess, +honoured with such deepening colour as his while reading one from my +uncle. He tells me he has been calling at Stylehurst; it is a pity, +for his sake, that Colonel Harewood is at home, for the society of +those sons is by no means advisable for him. I can hardly expect to +offer him what is likely to be as agreeable to him as the conversation +and amusements of Edward and Tom Harewood, who are sure to be at home +for the St. Mildred's races. I hear Tom has been getting into fresh +scrapes at Cambridge. + + 'Your affectionate sister, + 'MARGARET HENLEY.' + + + 'ATHENAEUM TERRACE. + ST. MILDRED'S, + Sept. 6th. +'MY DEAR PHILIP, +--No one can have a greater dislike than myself to what is called +mischief-making; therefore I leave it entirely to you to make what use +you please of the following facts, which have fallen under my notice. +Sir Guy Morville has been several times at St. Mildred's, in company +with Tom Harewood, and more than once alone with some strange +questionable-looking people; and not many days ago, my maid met him +coming out of a house in one of the low streets, which it is hard to +assign a motive for his visiting. This, however, might be accident, +and I should never have thought of mentioning it, but for a +circumstance that occurred this morning. I had occasion to visit +Grey's Bank, and while waiting in conversation with Mr. Grey, a person +came in whom I knew to be a notorious gambler, and offered a cheque to +be changed. As it lay on the counter, my eye was caught by the +signature. It was my uncle's. I looked again, and could not be +mistaken. It was a draft for £3O on Drummond, dated the 12th of +August, to Sir Guy Morville, signed C. Edmonstone, and endorsed in Sir +Guy's own writing, with the name of John White. In order that I might +be certain that I was doing the poor young man no injustice, I +outstayed the man, and asked who he was, when Mr. Grey confirmed me in +my belief that it was one Jack White, a jockeying sort of man who +attends all the races in the country, and makes his livelihood by +betting and gambling. And now, my dear brother, make what use of this +fact you think fit, though I fear there is little hope of rescuing the +poor youth from the fatal habits which are hereditary in his family, +and must be strong indeed not to have been eradicated by such careful +training as you say he has received. I leave it entirely to you, +trusting in your excellent judgment, and only hoping you will not bring +my name forward. Grieving much at having to be the first to +communicate such unpleasant tidings, which will occasion so much +vexation at Hollywell.' + + 'Your affectionate sister, + 'MARGARET HENLEY.' + + +Captain Morville was alone when he received the latter of these +letters. At first, a look divided between irony and melancholy passed +over his face, as he read his sister's preface and her hearsay +evidence, but, as he went farther, his upper lip curled, and a sudden +gleam, as of exultation in a verified prophecy, lighted his eye, +shading off quickly, however, and giving place to an iron expression of +rigidity and sternness, the compressed mouth, coldly-fixed eye, and +sedate brow, composed into a grave severity that might have served for +an impersonation of stern justice. He looked through the letter a +second time, folded it up, put it in his pocket, and went about his +usual affairs; but the expression did not leave his face all day; and +the next morning he took a day-ticket by the railway to Broadstone, +where, as it was the day of the petty sessions, he had little doubt of +meeting Mr. Edmonstone. Accordingly, he had not walked far down the +High Street, before he saw his uncle standing on the step of the post- +office, opening a letter he had just received. + +'Ha! Philip, what brings you here? The very man I wanted. Coming to +Hollywell?' + +'No, thank you, I go back this evening,' said Philip, and, as he spoke, +he saw that the letter which Mr. Edmonstone held, and twisted with a +hasty, nervous movement, was in Guy's writing. + +'Well, I am glad you are here, at any rate. Here is the most +extraordinary thing! What possesses the boy I cannot guess. Here's +Guy writing to me for--What do you think? To send him a thousand +pounds!' + +'Hem!' said Philip in an expressive tone; yet, as if he was not very +much amazed; 'no explanation, I suppose?' + +'No, none at all. Here, see what he says yourself. No! Yes, you +may,' added Mr. Edmonstone, with a rapid glance at the end of the +letter,--a movement, first to retain it, and then following his first +impulse, with an unintelligible murmuring. + +Philip read,-- + + + 'SOUTH MOOR, SEPT. 7th. + +'MY DEAR MR, EDMONSTONE, +--You will be surprised at the request I have to make you, after my +resolution not to exceed my allowance. However, this is not for my own +expenses, and it will not occur again. I should be much obliged to you +to let me have £1000, in what manner you please, only I should be glad +if it were soon. I am sorry I am not at liberty to tell you what I +want it for, but I trust to your kindness. Tell Charlie I will write +to him in a day or two, but, between our work, and walking to St. +Mildred's for the letters, which we cannot help doing every day, the +time for writing is short. Another month, however, and what a holiday +it will be! Tell Amy she ought to be here to see the purple of the +hills in the early morning; it almost makes up for having no sea. The +races have been making St. Mildred's very gay; indeed, we laugh at +Wellwood for having brought us here, by way of a quiet place. I never +was in the way of so much dissipation in my life. + + 'Yours very affectionately, + 'GUY MORVILLE.' + +'Well, what do you think of it? What would you do in my place--eh, +Philip! What can he want of it, eh?' said Mr. Edmonstone, tormenting +his riding-whip, and looking up to study his nephew's face, which, with +stern gravity in every feature, was bent over the letter, as if to +weigh every line. 'Eh, Philip?' repeated Mr. Edmonstone, several +times, without obtaining an answer. + +'This is no place for discussion,' at last said Philip, deliberately +returning the letter. 'Come into the reading-room. We shall find no +one there at this hour. Here we are.' + +'Well--well--well,' began Mr. Edmonstone, fretted by his coolness to +the extreme of impatience, 'what do you think of it? He can't be after +any mischief; 'tis not in the boy; when--when he is all but--Pooh! what +am I saying? Well, what do you think?' + +'I am afraid it confirms but too strongly a report which I received +yesterday.' + +'From your sister? Does she know anything about it?' + +'Yes, from my sister. But I was very unwilling to mention it, because +she particularly requests that her name may not be used. I came here +to see whether you had heard of Guy lately, so as to judge whether it +was needful to speak of it. This convinces me; but I must beg, in the +first instance, that you will not mention her, not even to my aunt.' + +'Well, yes; very well. I promise. Only let me hear.' + +'Young Harewood has, I fear, led him into bad company. There can now +be no doubt that he has been gambling.' + +Philip was not prepared for the effect of these words. His uncle +started up, exclaiming--'Gambling! Impossible! Some confounded +slander! I don't believe one word of it! I won't hear such things +said of him,' he repeated, stammering with passion, and walking +violently about the room. This did not last long; there was something +in the unmoved way in which Philip waited till he had patience to +listen, which gradually mastered him; his angry manner subsided, and, +sitting down, he continued the argument, in a would-be-composed voice. + +'It is utterly impossible! Remember, he thinks himself bound not so +much as to touch a billiard cue.' + +'I could have thought it impossible, but for what I have seen of the +way in which promises are eluded by persons too strictly bound,' said +Philip. 'The moral force of principle is the only efficient pledge.' + +'Principle! I should like to see who has better principles than Guy!' +cried Mr. Edmonstone. 'You have said so yourself, fifty times, and +your aunt has said so, and Charles. I could as soon suspect myself.' +He was growing vehement, but again Philip's imperturbability repressed +his violence, and he asked, 'Well, what evidence have you? Mind, I am +not going to believe it without the strongest. I don't know that I +would believe my own eyes against him.' + +'It is very sad to find such confidence misplaced,' said Philip. 'Most +sincerely do I wish this could be proved to be a mistake; but this +extraordinary request corroborates my sister's letter too fully.' + +'Let me hear,' said Mr. Edmonstone feebly. Philip produced his letter, +without reading the whole of it; for he could not bear the appearance +of gossip and prying, and would not expose his sister; so he pieced it +out with his own words, and made it sound far less discreditable to +her. It was quite enough for Mr. Edmonstone; the accuracy of the +details seemed to strike him dumb; and there was a long silence, which +he broke by saying, with a deep sigh,-- + +'Who could have thought it? Poor little Amy!' + +'Amy?' exclaimed Philip. + +'Why, ay. I did not mean to have said anything of it, I am sure; but +they did it among them,' said Mr. Edmonstone, growing ashamed, under +Philip's eye, as of a dreadful piece of imprudence. 'I was out of the +way at the time, but I could not refuse my consent, you know, as things +stood then.' + +'Do you mean to say that Amy is engaged to him?' + +'Why, no--not exactly engaged, only on trial, you understand, to see if +he will be steady. I was at Broadstone; 'twas mamma settled it all. +Poor little thing, she is very much in love with him, I do believe, but +there's an end of everything now.' + +'It is very fortunate this has been discovered in time,' said Philip. +'Instead of pitying her, I should rejoice in her escape.' + +'Yes,' said Mr. Edmonstone, ruefully. 'Who could have thought it?' + +'I am afraid the mischief is of long standing,' proceeded Philip, +resolved, since he saw his uncle so grieved, to press him strongly, +thinking that to save Amy from such a marriage was an additional +motive. 'He could hardly have arrived at losing as much as a thousand +pounds, all at once, in this month at St. Mildred's. Depend upon it, +that painful as it may be at present, there is great reason, on her +account, to rejoice in the discovery. You say he has never before +applied, to you for money?' + +'Not a farthing beyond his allowance, except this unlucky thirty +pounds, for his additional expense of the tutor and the lodging.' + +'You remember, however, that he has always seemed short of money, never +appeared able to afford himself any little extra expense. You have +noticed it, I know. You remember, too, how unsatisfactory his reserve +about his proceedings in London has been, and how he has persisted in +delaying there, in spite of all warnings. The work, no doubt, began +there, under the guidance of his uncle; and now the St. Mildred's races +and Tom Harewood have continued it.' + +'I wish he had never set foot in the place!' + +'Nay; for Amy's sake, the exposure is an advantage, if not for his own. +The course must have been long since begun; but he contrived to avoid +what could lead to inquiry, till he has at length involved himself in +some desperate scrape. You see, he especially desires to have the +money _soon_, and he never even attempts to say you would approve of +the object. + +'Yes; he has the grace not to say that.' + +'Altogether, it is worse than I could have thought possible,' said +Philip. I could have believed him unstable and thoughtless; but the +concealment, and the attempting to gain poor Amy's affections in the +midst of such a course--' + +'Ay, ay!' cried Mr. Edmonstone, now fully provoked; 'there is the +monstrous part. He thought I was going to give up my poor little girl +to a gambler, did he? but he shall soon see what I think of him,-- +riches, Redclyffe, title, and all!' + +'I knew that would be your feeling.' + +'Feel! Yes; and he shall feel it, too. So, Sir Guy, you thought you +had an old fool of a guardian, did you, whom you could blind as you +pleased? but you shall soon see the difference!' + +'Better begin cautiously,' suggested Philip. 'Remember his unfortunate +temper, and write coolly.' + +'Coolly? You may talk of coolness; but 'tis enough to make one's blood +boil to be served in such a way. With the face to be sending her +messages in the very same letter! That is a pass beyond me, to stand +coolly to see my daughter so treated.' + +'I would only give him the opportunity of saying what he can for +himself. He may have some explanation.' + +'I'll admit of no explanation! Passing himself off for steadiness +itself; daring to think of my daughter, and all the time going on in +this fashion! I hate underhand ways! I'll have no explanation. He +may give up all thoughts of her. I'll write and tell him so before I'm +a day older; nay, before I stir from this room. My little Amy, +indeed!' + +Philip put no obstacles in the way of this proposal, for he knew that +his uncle's displeasure, though hot at first, was apt to evaporate in +exclamations; and he thought it likely that his good nature, his +partiality for his ward, his dislike to causing pain to his daughter, +and, above all, his wife's blind confidence in Guy, would, when once at +home, so overpower his present indignation as to prevent the salutary +strictness which was the only hope of reclaiming Guy. Beside, a letter +written under Philip's inspection was likely to be more guarded, as +well as more forcible, than an unassisted composition of his own, as +was, indeed, pretty well proved by the commencement of his first +attempt. + +'My dear Guy,--I am more surprised than I could have expected at your +application.' + +Philip read this aloud, so as to mark its absurdity, and he began +again. + +'I am greatly astonished, as well as concerned, at your application, +which confirms the unpleasant reports--' + +'Why say anything of reports?' said Philip. 'Reports are nothing. A +man is not forced to defend himself from reports.' + +'Yes,--hum--ha,--the accounts I have received. No. You say there is +not to be a word of Mrs. Henley.' + +'Not a word that can lead her to be suspected.' + +'Confirms--confirms--' sighed Mr. Edmonstone. + +'Don't write as if you went on hearsay evidence. Speak of proofs-- +irrefragable proofs--and then you convict him at once, without power of +eluding you.' + +So Mr. Edmonstone proceeded to write, that the application confirmed +the irrefragable proofs, then laughed at himself, and helplessly begged +Philip to give him a start. It now stood thus:-- + +'Your letter of this morning has caused me more concern than surprise, +as it unhappily only adds confirmation to the intelligence already in +my possession; that either from want of resolution to withstand the +seductions of designing persons, or by the impetuosity and instability +of your own character, you have been led into the ruinous and degrading +practice of gambling; and that from hence proceed the difficulties that +occasion your application to me for money. I am deeply grieved at thus +finding that neither the principles which have hitherto seemed to guide +you, nor the pledges which you used to hold sacred, nor, I may add, the +feelings you have so recently expressed towards a member of my family, +have been sufficient to preserve you from yielding to a temptation +which could never be presented to the mind of any one whose time was +properly occupied in the business of his education.' + +'Is that all I am to say about her,' exclaimed Mr. Edmonstone, 'after +the atrocious way the fellow has treated her in?' + +'Since it is, happily, no engagement, I cannot see how you can, with +propriety, assume that it is one, by speaking of breaking it off. +Besides, give him no ground for complaint, or he will take refuge in +believing himself ill-used. Ask him if he can disprove it, and when he +cannot, it will be time enough to act further. But wait--wait, sir,' +as the pen was moving over the paper, impatient to dash forward. 'You +have not told him yet of what you accuse him.' + +Philip meditated a few moments, then produced another sentence. + +'I have no means of judging how long you have been following this +unhappy course; I had rather believe it is of recent adoption, but I do +not know how to reconcile this idea with the magnitude of your demand, +unless your downward progress has been more rapid than usual in such +beginnings. It would, I fear, be quite vain for me to urge upon you +all the arguments and reasons that ought to have been present to your +mind, and prevented you from taking the first fatal step. I can only +entreat you to pause, and consider the ruin and degradation to which +this hateful vice almost invariably conducts its victims, and +consistently with my duty as your guardian, everything in my power +shall be done to extricate you from the embarrassments in which you +have involved yourself. But, in the first place, I make it a point +that you treat me with perfect confidence, and make a full, unequivocal +statement of your proceedings; above all, that you explain the +circumstances, occasioning your request for this large sum. Remember, +I say, complete candour on your part will afford the only means of +rescuing you from difficulties, or of in any degree restoring you to my +good opinion.' + +So far the letter had proceeded slowly, for Philip was careful and +deliberate in composition, and while he was weighing his words, Mr. +Edmonstone rushed on with something unfit to stand, so as to have to +begin over again. At last, the town clock struck five; Philip started, +declaring that if he was not at the station in five minutes, he should +lose the train; engaged to come to Hollywell on the day an answer might +be expected, and hastened away, satisfied by having seen two sheets +nearly filled, and having said there was nothing more but to sign, +seal, and send it. + +Mr. Edmonstone had, however, a page of note-paper more, and it was with +a sensation of relief that he wrote,-- + +'I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that you could clear yourself. +If a dozen men had sworn it till they were black in the face, I would +not have believed it of you that you could serve us in such a manner, +after the way you have been treated at home, and to dare to think of my +daughter with such things on your mind. I could never have believed +it, but for the proofs Philip has brought; and I am sure he is as sorry +as myself. Only tell the whole truth, and I will do my best to get you +out of the scrape. Though all else must be at an end between us, I am +your guardian still, and I will not be harsh with you.' + +He posted his letter, climbed up his tall horse, and rode home, rather +heavy-hearted; but his wrath burning out as he left Broadstone behind +him. He saw his little Amy gay and lively, and could not bear to +sadden her; so he persuaded himself that there was no need to mention +the suspicions till he had heard what Guy had to say for himself. +Accordingly, he told no one but his wife; and she, who thought Guy as +unlikely to gamble as Amy herself, had not the least doubt that he +would be able to clear himself, and agreed that it was much better to +keep silence for the present. + + + + +CHAPTER 15 + + + +'Tis not unknown to you, Antonio, +How much I have disabled mine estate, +By something showing a more swelling port +Than my faint means would grant continuance. Merchant of Venice + + +St. Mildred's was a fashionable summer resort, which the virtues of a +mineral spring, and the reputation of Dr. Henley, had contributed to +raise to a high degree of prosperity. It stood at the foot of a +magnificent range of beautifully formed hills, where the crescents and +villas, white and smart, showed their own insignificance beneath the +purple peaks that rose high above them. + +About ten miles distant, across the hills, was Stylehurst, the parish +of the late Archdeacon Morville, and the native place of Philip and his +sister Margaret. It was an extensive parish, including a wide tract of +the hilly country; and in a farm-house in the midst of the moorland, +midway between St. Mildred's and the village of Stylehurst, had Mr. +Wellwood fixed himself with his three pupils. + +Guy's first visit was of course to Mrs. Henley, and she was, on her +side, prepared by her brother to patronize him as Philip would have +done in her place. Her patronage was valuable in her own circle; her +connections were good; the Archdeacon's name was greatly respected; she +had a handsome and well-regulated establishment, and this, together +with talents which, having no family, she had cultivated more than most +women have time to do, made her a person of considerable distinction at +St. Mildred's. She was, in fact, the leading lady of the place--the +manager of the book-club, in the chair at all the charitable +committees, and the principal person in society, giving literary +parties, with a degree of exclusiveness that made admission to them a +privilege. + +She was a very fine woman, handsomer at two-and-thirty than in her +early bloom; her height little less than that of her tall brother, and +her manner and air had something very distinguished. The first time +Guy saw her, he was strongly reminded both of Philip and of Mrs. +Edmonstone, but not pleasingly. She seemed to be her aunt, without the +softness and motherly affection, coupled with the touch of naivete that +gave Mrs. Edmonstone her freshness, and loveableness; and her likeness +to her brother included that decided, self-reliant air, which became +him well enough, but which did not sit as appropriately on a woman. + +Guy soon discovered another resemblance--for the old, unaccountable +impatience of Philip's conversation, and relief in escaping from it, +haunted him before he had been a quarter of an hour in Mrs. Henley's +drawing-room. She asked after the Hollywell party; she had not seen +her cousins since her marriage, and happily for his feelings, passed +over Laura and Amy as if they were nonentities; but they were all too +near his heart for him to be able with patience to hear 'poor +Charles's' temper regretted, and still less the half-sarcastic, half- +compassionate tone in which she implied that her aunt spoilt him +dreadfully, and showed how cheap she hold both Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone. + +Two years ago, Guy could not have kept down his irritation; but now he +was master of himself sufficiently to give a calm, courteous reply, so +conveying his own respect for them, that Mrs. Henley was almost +disconcerted. + +Stylehurst had great interest for Guy, both for the sake of Archdeacon +Morville's kindness, and as the home which Philip regarded with +affection, that seemed the one softening touch in his character. So +Guy visited the handsome church, studied the grave-yard, and gathered +the traditions of the place from the old sexton's wife, who rejoiced in +finding an auditor for her long stories of the good Archdeacon, Miss +Fanny, and Mr. Philip. She shook her head, saying times were changed, +and 'Miss Morville that was, never came neist the place.' + +The squire, Colonel Harewood, was an old friend of his grandfather's, +and therefore was to be called on. He had never been wise, and had +been dissipated chiefly from vacancy of mind; he was now growing old, +and led a quieter life, and though Guy did not find him a very +entertaining companion, he accepted, his civilities, readily, for his +grandfather's sake. When his sons came home, Guy recognized in them +the description of men he was wont to shun at Oxford, as much from +distaste as from principle; but though he did not absolutely avoid +them, he saw little of them, being very busy, and having pleasant +companions in his fellow pupils. It was a very merry party at South +Moor, and Guy's high spirits made him the life of everything. + +The first time Mr. Wellwood went to call on his cousins at St. +Mildred's, the daughters of that officer who had fallen by the hand of +old Sir Guy, he began repeating, for the twentieth time, what an +excellent fellow Morville was; then said he should not have troubled +them with any of his pupils, but Morville would esteem their receiving +him as an act of forgiveness, and besides, he wished them to know one +whom he valued so highly. Guy thus found himself admitted into an +entirely new region. There were two sisters, together in everything. +Jane, the younger, was a kind-hearted, commonplace person, who would +never have looked beyond the ordinary range of duties and charities; +but Elizabeth was one of those who rise up, from time to time, as +burning and shining lights. It was not spending a quiet, easy life, +making her charities secondary to her comforts, but devoting time, +strength, and goods; not merely giving away what she could spare, but +actually sharing all with the poor, reserving nothing for the future. +She not only taught the young, and visited the distressed, but she +gathered orphans into her house, and nursed the sick day and night. +Neither the means nor the strength of the two sisters could ever have +been supposed equal to what they were known to have achieved. It +seemed as if the power grew with the occasion, and as if they had some +help which could not fail them. Guy venerated them more and more, and +many a long letter about them was written to Mrs. Edmonstone for Amy to +read. There is certainly a 'tyrannous hate' in the world for unusual +goodness, which is a rebuke to it, and there was a strong party against +the sisters. At the head of it was Mrs. Henley, who had originally +been displeased at their preferring the direction of the clergyman to +that of the ladies' committee, though the secret cause of her dislike +was, perhaps, that Elizabeth Wellwood was just what Margaret Morville +might have been. So she blamed them, not, indeed for their charity, +but for slight peculiarities which might well have been lost in the +brightness of the works of mercy. She spoke as with her father's +authority, though, if she had been differently disposed, she might have +remembered that his system and principles were the same as theirs, and +that, had he been alive, he would probably have fully approved of their +proceedings. Archdeacon Morville's name was of great weight, and +justified many persons, in their own opinion, in the opposition made to +Miss Wellwood, impeding her usefulness, and subjecting her to endless +petty calumnies. + +These made Guy very angry. He knew enough of the Archdeacon through +Mrs. Edmonstone, and the opinions held by Philip, to think his daughter +was ascribing to him what he had never held but, be that as it might, +Guy could not bear to hear good evil spoken of, and his indignation was +stirred as he heard these spiteful reports uttered by people who sat at +home at ease, against one whose daily life was only too exalted for +their imitation. His brow contracted, his eye kindled, his lip was +bitten, and now and then, when he trusted himself to reply, it was with +a keen, sharp power of rebuke that made people look round, astonished +to hear such forcible words from one so young. Mrs. Henley was afraid +of him, without knowing it; she thought she was sparing the Morville +temper when she avoided the subject, but as she stood in awe of no one +else, except her brother, she disliked him accordingly. + +One evening Guy had been dining at Dr. Henley's, and was setting out, +enjoying his escape from Mrs. Henley and her friends, and rejoicing in +the prospect of a five miles' walk over the hills by moonlight. He had +only gone the length of two streets, when he saw a dark figure at a +little distance from him, and a voice which he had little expected to +hear, called out,-- + +'Sir Guy himself! No one else could whistle that Swedish air so +correctly!' + +'My uncle!' exclaimed Guy. 'I did not know that you were here!' + +Mr. Dixon laughed, said something about a fortunate rencontre, and +began an account about a concert somewhere or other, mixed up with +something about his wife and child, all so rambling and confused, that +Guy, beginning to suspect he had been drinking, was only anxious to get +rid of him, asked where he lodged, and talked of coming to see him in +the morning. He soon found, however, that this had not been the case, +at least not to any great extent. Dixon was only nervous and excited, +either about something he had done, or some request he had to make, and +he went on walking by his nephew's side, talking in a strange, +desultory way of open, generous-hearted fellows overlooking a little +indiscretion, and of Guy's riches, which he seemed to think +inexhaustible. + +'If there is anything that you want me to do for you, tell me plainly +what it is,' said Guy, at last. + +Mr. Dixon began to overwhelm him with thanks, but he cut them short. +'I promise nothing. Let me hear what you want, and I can judge whether +I can do it.' + +Sebastian broke out into exclamations at the words 'if I can,' as if he +thought everything in the power of the heir of Redclyffe. + +'Have I not told you,' said Guy, 'that for the present I have very +little command of money? Hush! no more of that,' he added, sternly, +cutting off an imprecation which his uncle was commencing on those who +kept him so short. + +'And you are content to bear it? Did you never hear of ways and means? +If you were to say but one word of borrowing, they would go down on +their knees to you, and offer you every farthing you have to keep you +in their own hands.' + +'I am quite satisfied,' said Guy, coldly. + +'The greater fool are you!' was on Dixon's lips, but he did not utter +it, because he wanted to propitiate him; and after some more +circumlocution, Guy succeeded in discovering that he had been gambling, +and had lost an amount which, unless he could obtain immediate +assistance, would become known, and lead to the loss of his character +and situation. Guy stood and considered. He had an impulse, but he +did not think it a safe one, and resolved to give himself time. + +'I do not say that I cannot help you,' he answered, 'but I must have +time to consider.' + +'Time! would you see me ruined while you are considering?' + +'I suppose this must be paid immediately. Where do you lodge?' + +Mr. Dixon told him the street and number. + +'You shall hear from me to-morrow morning. I cannot trust my present +thoughts. Good night!' + +Mr. Dixon would fain have guessed whether the present thoughts were +favourable, but all his hope in his extremity was in his nephew; it +might be fatal to push him too far, and, with a certain trust in his +good-nature, Sebastian allowed him to walk away without further +remonstrance. + +Guy knew his own impetuous nature too well to venture to act on impulse +in a doubtful case. He had now first to consider what he was able to +do, and secondly what he would do; and this was not as clear to his +mind as in the earlier days of his acquaintance with his uncle. + +Their intercourse had never been on a comfortable footing. It would +perhaps have been better if Philip's advice had been followed, and no +connection kept up. Guy had once begged for some definite rule, since +there was always vexation when he was known to have been with his +uncle, and yet Mr. Edmonstone would never absolutely say he ought not +to see him. As long as his guardian permitted it, or rather winked at +it, Guy did not think it necessary to attend to Philip's marked +disapproval. Part of it was well founded, but part was dislike to all +that might be considered as vulgar, and part was absolute injustice to +Sebastian Dixon, there was everything that could offend in his line of +argument, and in the very circumstance of his interfering; and Guy had +a continual struggle, in which he was not always successful, to avoid +showing the affront he had taken, and to reason down his subsequent +indignation. The ever-recurring irritation which Philip's conversation +was apt to cause him, made him avoid it as far as he could, and retreat +in haste from the subjects on which they were most apt to disagree, and +so his manner had assumed an air of reserve, and almost of distrust, +with his cousin, that was very unlike its usual winning openness. + +This had been one unfortunate effect of his intercourse with his uncle, +and another was a certain vague, dissatisfied feeling which his +silence, and Philip's insinuations respecting the days he spent in +London, left on Mr. Edmonstone's mind, and which gained strength from +their recurrence. The days were, indeed, not many; it was only that in +coming from and going to Oxford, he slept a night at an hotel in London +(for his uncle never would take him to his lodgings, never even would +tell him where they were, but always gave his address at the place of +his engagement), was conducted by him to some concert in the evening, +and had him to breakfast in the morning. He could not think there was +any harm in this; he explained all he had done to Mr. Edmonstone the +first time, but nothing was gained by it: his visits to London +continued to be treated as something to be excused or overlooked--as +something not quite correct. + +He would almost have been ready to discontinue them, but that he saw +that his uncle regarded him with affection, and he could not bear the +thought of giving up a poor relation for the sake of the opinion of his +rich friends. These meetings were the one pure pleasure to which +Sebastian looked, recalling to him the happier days of his youth, and +of his friendship with Guy's father; and when Guy perceived how he +valued them, it would have seemed a piece of cruel neglect to gratify +himself by giving the time to Hollywell. + +Early in the course of their acquaintance, the importunity of a +creditor revealed that, in spite of his handsome salary, Sebastian +Dixon was often in considerable distress for money. In process of +time, Guy discovered that at the time his uncle had been supporting his +sister and her husband in all the luxury he thought befitted their +rank, he had contracted considerable debts, and he had only been able +to return to England on condition of paying so much a-year to his +creditors. This left him very little on which to maintain his family, +but still his pride made him bent on concealing his difficulties, and +it was not without a struggle that he would at first consent to receive +assistance from his nephew. + +Guy resolved that these debts, which he considered as in fact his +father's own, should be paid as soon as he had the command of his +property; but, in the meantime, he thought himself bound to send his +uncle all the help in his power, and when once the effort of accepting +it at all was over, Dixon's expectations extended far beyond his power. +His allowance was not large, and the constant requests for a few pounds +to meet some pressing occasion were more than he could well meet. They +kept him actually a great deal poorer than men without a tenth part of +his fortune, and at the end of the term he would look back with +surprise at having been able to pay his way; but still he contrived +neither to exceed his allowance, nor to get into debt. This was, +indeed, only done by a rigid self-denial of little luxuries such as +most young men look on nearly as necessaries; but he had never been +brought up to think self-indulgence a consequence of riches, he did not +care what was said of him, he had no expensive tastes, for he did not +seek after society, so that he was not ill-prepared for such a course, +and only thought of it as an assistance in abstaining from the time- +wasting that might have tempted him if he had had plenty of money to +spend. + +The only thing that concerned him was a growing doubt lest he might be +feeding extravagance instead of doing good; and the more he disliked +himself for the suspicion, the more it would return. There was no +doubt much distress, the children were sickly; several of them died; +the doctor's bills, and other expenses, pressed heavily, and Guy blamed +himself for having doubted. Yet, again, he could not conceal from +himself traces that his uncle was careless and imprudent. He had once, +indeed, in a violent fit of self-reproach, confessed as much, allowed +that what ought to have been spent in the maintenance of his family, +had gone in gambling, but immediately after, he had been seized with a +fit of terror, and implored Guy to guard the secret, since, if once it +came to the knowledge of his creditors, it would be all over with him. +Concealment of his present difficulties was therefore no less necessary +than assistance in paying the sum he owed. Indeed, as far as Guy was +able to understand his confused statement, what he wanted was at once +to pay a part of his debt, before he could go on to a place where he +was engaged to perform, and where he would earn enough to make up the +rest. + +Guy had intended to have sent for Deloraine, but had since given up the +idea, in order to be able to help forward some plans of Miss +Wellwood's, and resigning this project would enable him to place thirty +pounds at his uncle's disposal, leaving him just enough to pay his +expenses at South Moor, and carry him back to Hollywell. It was sorely +against his inclination that, instead of helping a charity, his savings +should go to pay gaming debts, and his five-miles walk was spent in +self-debate on the right and wrong of the matter, and questions what +should be done for the future--for he was beginning to awaken to the +sense of his responsibility, and feared lest he might be encouraging +vice. + +Very early next morning Guy put his head into his tutor's room, +announced that he must walk into St. Mildred's on business, but should +be back by eleven at the latest, ran down-stairs, called Bustle, and +made interest with the farmer's wife for a hunch of dry bread and a cup +of new milk. + +Then rejoicing that he had made up his mind, though not light-hearted +enough to whistle, he walked across the moorland, through the white +morning mist, curling on the sides of the hills in fantastic forms, and +now and then catching his lengthened shadow, so as to make him smile by +reminding him of the spectre of the Brocken. + +Not without difficulty, he found a back street, and a little shop, +where a slovenly maid was sweeping the steps, and the shutters were not +yet taken down. He asked if Mr. Dixon lodged there. 'Yes,' the woman +said, staring in amazement that such a gentleman could be there at that +time in the morning, asking for Mr. Dixon. + +'Is he at home?' + +'Yes, sir but he is not up yet. He was very late last night. Did you +want to speak to him? I'll tell Mrs. Dixon.' + +'Is Mrs. Dixon here? Then tell her Sir Guy Morville would be glad to +speak to her.' + +The maid curtseyed, hurried off, and returned with a message from Mrs. +Dixon to desire he would walk in. She conducted him through a dark +passage, and up a still darker stair, into a dingy little parlour, with +a carpet of red and green stripes, a horsehair sofa, a grate covered +with cut paper, and a general perfume of brandy and cigars. There were +some preparations for breakfast, but no one was in the room but a +little girl, about seven years old, dressed in shabby-genteel mourning. + +She was pale and sickly-looking, but her eyes were of a lovely deep +blue, with a very sweet expression, and a profusion of thick flaxen +curls hung round her neck and shoulders. She said in a soft, little, +shy voice,-- + +'Mamma says she will be here directly, if you will excuse her a +moment.' + +Having made this formal speech, the little thing was creeping off on +tip-toe, so as to escape before the maid shut the door, but Guy held +out his hand, sat down so as to be on a level with her, and said,-- + +'Don't go, my little maid. Won't you come and speak to your cousin +Guy?' + +Children never failed to be attracted, whether by the winning beauty of +his smile, or the sweetness of the voice in which he spoke to anything +small or weak, and the little girl willingly came up to him, and put +her hand into his. He stroked her thick, silky curls, and asked her +name. + +'Marianne,' she answered. + +It was his mother's name, and this little creature had more resemblance +to his tenderly-cherished vision of his young mother than any +description Dixon could have given. He drew her closer to him, took +the other small, cold hand, and asked her how she liked St. Mildred's. + +'Oh! much better than London. There are flowers!' and she proudly +exhibited a cup holding some ragged robins, dead nettles, and other +common flowers which a country child would have held cheap. He admired +and gained more of her confidence, so that she had begun to chatter +away quite freely about 'the high, high hills that reached up to the +sky, and the pretty stones,' till the door opened, and Mrs. Dixon and +Bustle made their entrance. + +Marianne was so much afraid of the dog, Guy so eager to console, and +her mother to scold her, and protest that it should not be turned out, +that there was nothing but confusion, until Guy had shown her that +Bustle was no dangerous wild beast, induced her to accept his offered +paw, and lay a timid finger on his smooth, black head, after which the +transition was short to dog and child sitting lovingly together on the +floor, Marianne stroking his ears, and admiring him with a sort of +silent ecstasy. + +Mrs. Dixon was a great, coarse, vulgar woman, and Guy perceived why his +uncle had been so averse to taking him to his home, and how he must +have felt the contrast between such a wife and his beautiful sister. +She had a sort of broad sense, and absence of pretension, but her +manner of talking was by no means pleasant, as she querulously accused +her husband of being the cause of all their misfortunes, not even +restrained by the presence of her child from entering into a full +account of his offences. + +Mrs. Dixon said she should not say a word, she should not care if it +was not for the child, but she could not see her wronged by her own +father, and not complain; poor little dear! she was the last, and she +supposed she should not keep her long. + +It then appeared that on her husband's obtaining an engagement for a +series of concerts at the chief county town, Mrs. Dixon had insisted on +coming with him to St. Mildred's in the hope that country air might +benefit Marianne, who, in a confined lodging in London, was pining and +dwindling as her brothers and sisters had done before her. Sebastian, +who liked to escape from his wife's grumbling and rigid supervision, +and looked forward to amusement in his own way at the races, had +grudgingly allowed her to come, and, as she described it, had been +reluctant to go to even so slight an expense in the hope of saving his +child's life. She had watched him as closely as she could; but he had +made his escape, and the consequences Guy already knew. + +If anything could have made it worse, it was finding that after parting +last night, he had returned, tried to retrieve his luck, had involved +himself further, had been drinking more; and at the very hour when his +nephew was getting up to see what could be done for him, had come home +in a state, which made it by no means likely that he would be +presentable, if his wife called him, as she offered to do. + +Guy much preferred arranging with her what was to be done on the +present emergency. She was disappointed at finding thirty pounds was +all the help he could give; but she was an energetic woman, full of +resources, and saw her way, with this assistance, through the present +difficulty. The great point was to keep the gambling propensities out +of sight of the creditors; and as long as this was done, she had hope. +Dixon would go the next morning to the town where the musical meeting +was to be held, and there he would be with his employers, where he had +a character to preserve, so that she was in no fear of another +outbreak. + +It ended, therefore, in his leaving with her Mr. Edmonstone's draft, +securing its destination by endorsing it to the person who was to +receive it; and wishing her good morning, after a few more kind words +to little Marianne, who had sat playing with Bustle all the time, +sidling continually nearer and nearer to her new cousin, her eyes bent +down, and no expression on her face which could enable him to guess how +far she listened to or comprehended the conversation so unfit for her +ear. When he rose to go, and stooped to kiss her, she looked wistfully +in his face, and held up a small sparkling bit of spar, the most +precious of all her hoards, gleaned from the roadsides of St. +Mildred's. + +'What, child, do you want to give it to Sir Guy?' said her mother. 'He +does not want such trumpery, my dear, though you make such a work with +it.' + +'Did you mean to give it to me, my dear?' said Guy, as the child hung +her head, and, crimsoned with blushes, could scarcely whisper her timid +'Yes.' + +He praised it, and let her put it in his waistcoat pocket, and promised +he would always keep it; and kissed her again, and left her a happy +child, confident in his promise of always keeping it, though her mother +augured that he would throw it over the next hedge. + +He was at South Moor by eleven o'clock, in time for his morning's +business, and made up for the troubles of the last few hours by a long +talk with Mr. Wellwood in the afternoon, while the other two pupils +were gone to the races, for which he was not inclined, after his two +ten-mile walks. + +The conversation was chiefly on Church prospects in general, and in +particular on Miss Wellwood and her plans; how they had by degrees +enlarged and developed as the sin, and misery, and ignorance around had +forced themselves more plainly on her notice, and her means had +increased and grown under her hand in the very distribution. Other +schemes were dawning on her mind, of which the foremost was the +foundation of a sort of school and hospital united, under the charge of +herself, her sister, and several other ladies, who were desirous of +joining her, as a sisterhood. But at present it was hoping against +hope, for there were no funds with which to make a commencement. All +this was told at unawares, drawn forth by different questions and +remarks, till Guy inquired how much it would take to give them a +start?' + +'It is impossible to say. Anything, I suppose, between one thousand +and twenty. But, by the bye, this design of Elizabeth's is an absolute +secret. If you had not almost guessed it, I should never have said one +word to you about it. You are a particularly dangerous man, with your +connection with Mrs. Henley. You must take special good care nothing +of it reaches her.' + +Guy's first impression was, that he was the last person to mention it +to Mrs. Henley; but when he remembered how often her brother was at +Hollywell, he perceived that there might be a train for carrying the +report back again to her, and recognized the absolute necessity of +silence. + +He said nothing at the time, but a bright scheme came into his head, +resulting in the request for a thousand pounds, which caused so much +astonishment. He thought himself rather shabby to have named no more, +and was afraid it was an offering that cost him nothing; but he much +enjoyed devising beforehand the letter with which he would place the +money at the disposal of Miss Wellwood's hospital. + + + + +CHAPTER 16 + + + +Yet burns the sun on high beyond the cloud; +Each in his southern cave, +The warm winds linger, but to be allowed +One breathing o'er the wave, +One flight across the unquiet sky; +Swift as a vane may turn on high, +The smile of heaven comes on. +So waits the Lord behind the veil, +His light on frenzied cheek, or pale, +To shed when the dark hour is gone.--LYRA INNOCENTIUM + + +On the afternoon on which Guy expected an answer from Mr. Edmonstone, +he walked with his fellow pupil, Harry Graham, to see if there were any +letters from him at Dr. Henley's. + +The servant said Mrs. Henley was at home, and asked them to come in and +take their letters. These were lying on a marble table, in the hall; +and while the man looked in the drawing-room for his mistress, and sent +one of the maids up-stairs in quest of her, Guy hastily took up one, +bearing his address, in the well-known hand of Mr. Edmonstone. + +Young Graham, who had taken up a newspaper, was startled by Guy's loud, +sudden exclamation,--' + +'Ha! What on earth does this mean?' + +And looking up, saw his face of a burning, glowing red, the features +almost convulsed, the large veins in the forehead and temples swollen +with the blood that rushed through them, and if ever his eyes flashed +with the dark lightning of Sir Hugh's, it was then. + +'Morville! What's the matter?' + +'Intolerable!--insulting! Me? What does he mean?' continued Guy, his +passion kindling more and more. 'Proofs? I should like to see them! +The man is crazy! I to confess! Ha!' as he came towards the end, 'I +see it,--I see it. It is Philip, is it, that I have to thank. +Meddling coxcomb! I'll make him repent it,' added he, with a grim +fierceness of determination. Slandering me to them! And that,'-- +looking at the words with regard to Amy,--'that passes all. He shall +see what it is to insult me!' + +'What is it? Your guardian out of humour?' asked his companion. + +'My guardian is a mere weak fool. I don't blame him,--he can't help +it; but to see him made a tool of! He twists him round his finger, +abuses his weakness to insult--to accuse. But he shall give me an +account!' + +Guy's voice had grown lower and more husky; but though the sound sunk, +the force of passion rather increased than diminished; it was like the +low distant sweep of the tempest as it whirls away, preparing to return +with yet more tremendous might. His colour, too, had faded to +paleness, but the veins were still swollen, purple, and throbbing, and +there was a stillness about him that made his wrath more than fierce, +intense, almost appalling. + +Harry Graham was dumb with astonishment; but while Guy spoke, Mrs. +Henley had come down, and was standing before them, beginning a +greeting. The blood rushed back into Guy's cheeks, and, controlling +his voice with powerful effort, he said,-- + +'I have had an insulting--an unpleasant letter,' he added, catching +himself up. 'You must excuse me;' and he was gone. + +'What has happened?' exclaimed Mrs. Henley, though, from her brother's +letter, as well as from her observations during a long and purposely +slow progress, along a railed gallery overhanging the hall, and down a +winding staircase, she knew pretty well the whole history of his anger. + +'I don't know,' said young Graham. 'Some absurd, person interfering +between him and his guardian. I should be sorry to be him to fall in +his way just now. It must be something properly bad. I never saw a +man in such a rage. I think I had better go after him, and see what he +has done with himself.' + +'You don't think,' said Mrs. Henley, detaining him, 'that his guardian +could have been finding fault with him with reason?' + +'Who? Morville? His guardian must have a sharp eye for picking holes, +if he can find any in Morville. Not a steadier fellow going,--only too +much so.' + +'Ah!' thought Mrs. Henley, 'these young men always hang together;' and +she let him escape without further question. But, when he emerged from +the house, Guy was already out of sight, and he could not succeed in +finding him. + +Guy had burst out of the house, feeling as if nothing could relieve him +but free air and rapid motion; and on he hurried, fast, faster, +conscious alone of the wild, furious tumult of rage and indignation +against the maligner of his innocence, who was knowingly ruining him +with all that was dearest to him, insulting him by reproaches on his +breaking a most sacred, unblemished word, and, what Guy felt scarcely +less keenly, forcing kind-hearted Mr. Edmonstone into a persecution so +foreign to his nature. The agony of suffering such an accusation, and +from such a quarter,--the violent storm of indignation and pride,-- +wild, undefined ideas of a heavy reckoning,--above all, the dreary +thought of Amy denied to him for ever,--all these swept over him, and +swayed him by turns, with the dreadful intensity belonging to a nature +formed for violent passions, which had broken down, in the sudden +shock, all the barriers imposed on them by a long course of self- +restraint. + +On he rushed, reckless whither he went, or what he did, driven forward +by the wild impulse of passion, far over moor and hill, up and down, +till at last, exhausted at once by the tumult within, and by the +violent bodily exertion, a stillness--a suspension of thought and +sensation--ensued; and when this passed, he found himself seated on a +rock which crowned the summit of one of the hills, his handkerchief +loosened, his waistcoat open, his hat thrown off, his temples burning +and throbbing with a feeling of distraction, and the agitated beatings +of his heart almost stifling his panting breath. + +'Yes,' he muttered to himself, 'a heavy account shall he pay me for +this crowning stroke of a long course of slander and ill-will! Have I +not seen it? Has not he hated me from the first, misconstrued every +word and deed, though I have tried, striven earnestly, to be his +friend,--borne, as not another soul would have done, with his +impertinent interference and intolerable patronizing airs! But he has +seen the last of it! anything but this might be forgiven; but sowing +dissension between me and the Edmonstones--maligning me there. Never! +Knowing, too, as he seems to do, how I stand, it is the very ecstasy of +malice! Ay! this very night it shall be exposed, and he shall be +taught to beware--made to know with whom he has to deal.' + +Guy uttered this last with teeth clenched, in an excess of deep, +vengeful ire. Never had Morville of the whole line felt more deadly +fierceness than held sway over him, as he contemplated his revenge, +looked forward with a dire complacency to the punishment he would +wreak, not for this offence alone, but for a long course of enmity. He +sat, absorbed in the plan of vengeance, perfectly still, for his +physical exhaustion was complete; but as the pulsations of his heart +grew less wild, his purpose became sterner and more fixed. He devised +its execution, planned his sudden journey, saw himself bursting on +Philip early next morning, summoning him to answer for his falsehoods. +The impulse to action seemed to restore his power over his senses. He +looked round, to see where he was, raising his head from his hands. + +The sun was setting opposite to him, in a flood of gold,--a ruddy ball, +surrounded with its pomp of clouds, on the dazzling sweep of horizon. +That sight recalled him not only to himself, but to his true and better +self; the good angel so close to him for the twenty years of his life, +had been driven aloof but for a moment, and now, either that, or a +still higher and holier power, made the setting sun bring to his mind, +almost to his ear, the words,-- + + Let not the sun go down upon your wrath, + Neither give place to the devil. + +Guy had what some would call a vivid imagination, others a lively +faith. He shuddered, then, his elbows on his knees, and his hands +clasped over his brow, he sat, bending forward, with his eyes closed, +wrought up in a fearful struggle; while it was to him as if he saw the +hereditary demon of the Morvilles watching by his side, to take full +possession of him as a rightful prey, unless the battle was fought and +won before that red orb had passed out of sight. Yes, the besetting +fiend of his family--the spirit of defiance and resentment--that was +driving him, even now, while realizing its presence, to disregard all +thoughts save of the revenge for which he could barter everything-- +every hope once precious to him. + +It was horror at such wickedness that first checked him, and brought +him back to the combat. His was not a temper that was satisfied with +half measures. He locked his hands more rigidly together, vowing to +compel himself, ere he left the spot, to forgive his enemy--forgive him +candidly--forgive him, so as never again to have to say, 'I forgive +him!' He did not try to think, for reflection only lashed up his sense +of the wrong: but, as if there was power in the words alone, he forced +his lips to repeat,-- + +'Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against +us.' + +Coldly and hardly were they spoken at first; again he pronounced them, +again, again,--each time the tone was softer, each time they came more +from the heart. At last the remembrance of greater wrongs, and worse +revilings came upon him, his eyes filled with tears, the most subduing +and healing of all thoughts--that of the great Example--became present +to him; the foe was driven back. + +Still he kept his hands over his face. The tempter was not yet +defeated without hope. It was not enough to give up his first +intention (no great sacrifice, as he perceived, now that he had time to +think how Philip would be certain to treat a challenge), it was not +enough to wish no ill to his cousin, to intend no evil measure, he must +pardon from the bottom of his heart, regard him candidly, and not +magnify his injuries. + +He sat long, in deep thought, his head bent down, and his countenance +stern with inward conflict. It was the hardest part of the whole +battle, for the Morville disposition was as vindictive as passionate; +but, at last, he recovered clearness of vision. His request might well +appear unreasonable, and possibly excite suspicion, and, for the rest, +it was doing a man of honour, like Philip, flagrant injustice to +suspect him of originating slanders. He was, of course, under a +mistake, had acted, not perhaps kindly, but as he thought, rightly and +judiciously, in making his suspicions known. If he had caused his +uncle to write provokingly, every one knew that was his way, he might +very properly wish, under his belief, to save Amabel; and though the +manner might have been otherwise, the proceeding itself admitted +complete justification. Indeed, when Guy recollected the frenzy of his +rage, and his own murderous impulse, he was shocked to think that he +had ever sought the love of that pure and gentle creature, as if it had +been a cruel and profane linking of innocence to evil. He was appalled +at the power of his fury, he had not known he was capable of it, for +his boyish passion, even when unrestrained, had never equalled this, in +all the strength of early manhood. + +He looked up, and saw that the last remnant of the sun's disk was just +disappearing beneath the horizon. The victory was won! + +But Guy's feeling was not the rejoicing of the conquest, it was more +the relief which is felt by a little child, weary of its fit of +naughtiness, when its tearful face is raised, mournful yet happy, in +having won true repentance, and it says, 'I _am_ sorry now.' + +He rose, looked at his watch, wondered to find it so late; gazed round, +and considered his bearings, perceiving, with a sense of shame, how far +he had wandered; then retraced his steps slowly and wearily, and did +not reach South Moor till long after dark. + + + + +CHAPTER 17 + + + +My blood hath been too cold and temperate, +Unapt to stir at these indignities; +But you have found me.--KING HENRY IV + + +Philip, according to promise, appeared at Hollywell, and a volume of +awful justice seemed written on his brow. Charles, though ignorant of +its cause, perceived this at a glance, and greeted him thus:-- + +'Enter Don Philip II, the Duke of Alva, alguazils, corregidors, and +executioners.' + +'Is anything the matter, Philip?' said Amy; a question which took him +by surprise, as he could not believe her in ignorance. He was sorry +for her, and answered gravely,-- + +'Nothing is amiss with me, thank you, Amy,' + +She knew he meant that he would tell no more, and would have thought no +more about it, but that she saw her mother was very uneasy. + +'Did you ask whether there were any letters at the post?' said Charles. +'Guy is using us shamefully--practising self-denial on us, I suppose. +Is there no letter from him?' + +'There is,' said Philip, reluctantly. + +'Well, where is it?' + +'It is to your father.' + +'Oh!' said Charles, with a disappointed air. 'Are you sure? Depend on +it, you overlooked my M. He has owed me a letter this fortnight. Let +me see.' + +'It is for my uncle,' repeated Philip, as if to put an end to the +subject. + +'Then he has been so stupid as to forget my second name. Come, give it +me. I shall have it sooner or later.' + +'I assure you, Charles, it is not for you.' + +'Would not any one suppose he had been reading it?' exclaimed Charles. + +'Did you know Mary Ross was gone to stay with her brother John?' broke +in Mrs. Edmonstone, in a nervous, hurried manner. + +'No is she?' replied Philip. + +'Yes; his wife is ill.' + +The universal feeling was that something was amiss, and mamma was in +the secret. Amy looked wistfully at her, but Mrs. Edmonstone only +gazed at the window, and so they continued for some minutes, while an +uninteresting exchange of question and answer was kept up between her +and her nephew until at length the dressing-bell rang, and cleared the +room. Mrs. Edmonstone lingered till her son and daughters were gone, +and said,-- + +'You have heard from St. Mildred's?' + +'Yes,' said Philip, as if he was as little inclined to be communicative +to her as to his cousins. + +'From Guy, or from Margaret?' + +'From Margaret.' + +'But you say there is a letter from him?' + +'Yes, for my uncle.' + +'Does she say nothing more satisfactory?' asked his aunt, her anxiety +tortured by his composure. 'Has she learnt no more?' + +'Nothing more of his proceedings. I see Amy knows nothing of the +matter?' + +'No; her papa thought there was no need to distress her till we had +seen whether he could explain.' + +'Poor little thing!' said Philip; 'I am very sorry for her. + +Mrs. Edmonstone did not choose to discuss her daughter's affairs with +him, and she turned the conversation to ask if Margaret said much of +Guy. + +'She writes to tell the spirit in which he received my uncle's letter. +It is only the Morville temper, again, and, of course, whatever you may +think of that on Amy's account, I should never regard it, as concerns +myself, as other than his misfortune. I hope he may be able to explain +the rest.' + +'Ah! there comes your uncle!' and Mr. Edmonstone entered. + +'How d'ye do, Philip? Brought better news, eh?' + +'Here is a letter to speak for itself.' + +'Eh? From Guy? Give it me. What does he say? Let me see. Here, +mamma, read it; your eyes are best.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone read as follows:-- + + +'MY DEAR MR. EDMONSTONE, +--Your letter surprised and grieved me very much. I cannot guess what +proofs Philip may think he has, of what I never did, and, therefore, I +cannot refute them otherwise than by declaring that I never gamed in my +life. Tell me what they are, and I will answer them. As to a full +confession, I could of course tell you of much in which I have done +wrongly, though not in the way which he supposes. On that head, I have +nothing to confess. I am sorry I am prevented from satisfying you +about the £1000, but I am bound in honour not to mention the purpose +for which I wanted it. I am sure you could never believe I could have +said what I did to Mrs. Edmonstone if I had begun on a course which I +detest from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much for the +kindness of the latter part of your letter. I do not know how I could +have borne it, if it had ended as it began. I hope you will soon send +me these proofs of Philip's. Ever your affectionate, 'G. M.' + + +Not a little surprised was Philip to find that he was known to be Guy's +accuser; but the conclusion revealed that his style had betrayed him, +and that Mr. Edmonstone had finished with some mention of him, and he +resolved that henceforth he would never leave a letter of his own +dictation till he had seen it signed and sealed. + +'Well!' cried Mr. Edmonstone, joyfully beating his own hand with his +glove, 'that is all right. I knew it would be so. He can't even guess +what we are at. I am glad we did not tease poor little Amy. Eh, +mamma?--eh, Philip?' the last eh being uttered much more doubtfully, +and less triumphantly than the first. + +'I wonder you think it right,' said Philip. + +'What more would you have?' said Mr. Edmonstone, hastily. + +'Confidence.' + +'Eh? Oh, ay, he says he can't tell--bound in honour.' + +'It is easy to write off-hand, and say I cannot satisfy you, I am bound +in honour; but that is not what most persons would think a full +justification, especially considering the terms on which you stand.' + +'Why, yes, he might have said more. It would have been safe enough +with me.' + +'It is his usual course of mystery, reserve, and defiance.' + +'The fact is,' said Mr. Edmonstone, turning away, 'that it is a very +proper letter; right sense, proper feeling--and if he never gamed in +his life, what would you have more?' + +'There are different ways of understanding such a denial as this,' said +Philip. 'See, he says not in the way in which I suppose.' He held up +his hand authoritatively, as his aunt was about to interpose. 'It was +against gaming that his vow was made. I never thought he had played, +but he never says he has not betted.' + +'He would never be guilty of a subterfuge!' exclaimed Mr. Edmonstone, +indignantly. + +'I should not have thought so, without the evidence of the payment of +the cheque, my uncle had just given him, to this gambling fellow,' said +Philip; 'yet it is only the natural consequence of the habit of eluding +inquiry into his visits to London.' + +'I can't see any reason for so harsh an accusation,' said she. + +'I should hardly want more reason than his own words. He refuses to +answer the question on which my uncle's good opinion depends; he owns +he has been to blame, and thus retracts his full denial. In my +opinion, his letter says nothing so plainly as, "While I can stand fair +with you I do not wish to break with you."' + +'He will not find that quite so easy.' cried Mr. Edmonstone. 'I am no +fool to be hoodwinked, especially where my little Amy is concerned. +I'll see all plain and straight before he says another word of her. +But you see what comes of their settling it while I was out of the +way.' + +Mrs, Edmonstone was grieved to see him so hurt at this. It could not +have been helped, and if all had been smooth, he never would have +thought of it again; but it served to keep up his dignity in his own +eyes, and, as he fancied, to defend him from Philip's censure, and he +therefore made the most of it, which so pained her that she did not +venture to continue her championship of Guy. + +'Well, well,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'the question is what to do next-- +eh, Philip?' I wish he would have spoken openly. I hate mysteries. +I'll write and tell him this won't do; he must be explicit--eh, +Philip?' + +'We will talk it over by and by,' said Philip. + +His aunt understood that it was to be in her absence, and left the +room, fearing it would be impossible to prevent Amy from being +distressed, though she had no doubt that Guy would be able to prove his +innocence of the charges. She found Amy waiting for her in her room. + +'Don't, ring, mamma, dear. I'll fasten your dress,' said she; then +pausing--'Oh! mamma, I don't know whether I ought to ask, but if you +would only tell me if there is nothing gone wrong.' + +'I don't believe there is anything really wrong, my dear,' said Mrs. +Edmonstone, kissing her, as she saw how her colour first deepened and +then faded. + +'Oh! no,' said she. + +'But there is some mystery about his money-matters, which has vexed +your papa.' + +'And what has Philip to do with it?' + +'I cannot quite tell, my dear. I believe Margaret Henley has heard +something, but I do not know the whole.' + +'Did you see his letter, mamma? said Amy, in a low, trembling voice. + +'Yes, it is just like himself, and absolutely denies the accusations.' + +Amy did not say 'then they are false,' but she held up her head. + +'Then papa is satisfied?' she said. + +'I have no doubt all will be made clear in time,' said her mother; 'but +there is still something unexplained, and I am afraid things may not go +smoothly just now. I am very sorry, my little Amy, that such a cloud +should have come over you, she added, smoothing fondly the long, soft +hair, sad at heart to see the cares and griefs of womanhood gathering +over her child's bright, young life. + +'I said I must learn to bear things!' murmured Amy to herself. 'Only,' +and the tears filled her eyes, and she spoke with almost childish +simplicity of manner, 'I can't bear them to vex him. I wish Philip +would let papa settle it alone. Guy will be angry, and grieved +afterwards.' + +They were interrupted by the dinner-bell, but Amy ran into her own room +for one moment. + +'I said I would learn to bear,' said she to herself, 'or I shall never +be fit for him. Yes, I will, even though it is the thinking he is +unhappy. He said I must be his Verena; I know what that means; I ought +not to be uneasy, for he will bear it beautifully, and say he is glad +of it afterwards. And I will try not to seem cross to Philip.' + +Mr. Edmonstone was fidgety and ill at ease, found fault with the +dinner, and was pettish with his wife. Mrs. Edmonstone set Philip off +upon politics, which lasted till the ladies could escape into the +drawing-room. In another minute Philip brought in Charles, set him +down, and departed. Amy, who was standing by the window, resting her +forehead against the glass, and gazing into the darkness, turned round +hastily, and left the room, but in passing her brother, she put her +hand into his, and received a kind pressure. Her mother followed her, +and the other three all began to wonder. Charles said he had regularly +been turned out of the dining-room by Philip, who announced that he +wanted to speak to his uncle, and carried him off. + +They conjectured, and were indignant at each other's conjectures, till +their mother returned, and gave them as much information as she could; +but this only made them very anxious. Charles was certain that Mrs. +Henley had laid a cockatrice egg, and Philip was hatching it; and Laura +could not trust herself to defend Philip, lest she should do it too +vehemently. They could all agree in desire to know the truth, in hope +that Guy was not culpable, and, above all, in feeling for Amy; but by +tacit consent they were silent on the three shades of opinion in their +minds. Laura was confident that Philip was acting for the best; Mrs. +Edmonstone thought he might be mistaken in his premises, but desirous +of Guy's real good; and Charles, though sure he would allege nothing +which he did not believe to be true, also thought him ready to draw the +worst conclusions from small grounds, and to take pleasure in driving +Mr. Edmonstone to the most rigorous measures. + +Philip, meanwhile, was trying to practise great moderation and +forbearance, not bringing forward at first what was most likely to +incense Mr. Edmonstone, and without appearance of animosity in his +cool, guarded speech. There was no design in this, he meant only to be +just; yet anything less cool would have had far less effect. + +When he shut the dining-room door, he found his uncle wavering, touched +by the sight of his little Amy, returning to his first favourable view +of Guy's letter, ready to overlook everything, accept the +justification, and receive his ward on the same footing as before, +though he was at the same time ashamed that Philip should see him +relent, and desirous of keeping up his character for firmness, little +guessing how his nephew felt his power over him, and knew that he could +wield him at will. + +Perceiving and pitying his feebleness, and sincerely believing strong +measures the only rescue for Amy, the only hope for Guy, Philip found +himself obliged to work on him by the production of another letter from +his sister. He would rather, if possible, have kept this back, so much +did his honourable feeling recoil from what had the air of slander and +mischief-making; but he regarded firmness on his uncle's part as the +only chance for Guy or for his cousin, and was resolved not to let him +swerve from strict justice. + +Mrs. Henley had written immediately after Guy's outburst in her house, +and, taking it for granted that her brother would receive a challenge, +she wrote in the utmost alarm, urging him to remember how precious he +was to her, and not to depart from his own principles. + +'You would not be so mad as to fight him, eh?' said Mr. Edmonstone, +anxiously. 'You know better--besides, for poor Amy's sake.' + +'For the sake of right,' replied Philip, 'no. I have reassured my +sister. I have told her that, let the boy do what he will, he shall +never make me guilty of his death.' + +'You have heard from him, then?' + +'No; I suppose a night's reflection convinced him that he had no +rational grounds for violent proceedings, and he had sense enough not +to expose himself to such an answer as I should have given. What +caused his wrath to be directed towards me especially, I cannot tell, +nor can my sister,' said Philip, looking full at his uncle; 'but I seem +to have come in for a full share of it.' + +He proceeded to read the description of Guy's passion, and the +expressions he had used. Violent as it had been, it did not lose in +Mrs. Henley's colouring; and what made the effect worse was that she +had omitted to say she had overheard his language, so that it appeared +as if he had been unrestrained even by gentlemanly feeling, and had +thus spoken of her brother and uncle in her presence. + +Mr. Edmonstone was resentful now, really displeased, and wounded to the +quick. The point on which he was especially sensitive was his +reputation for sense and judgment; and that Guy, who had shown him so +much respect and affection, whom he had treated with invariable +kindness, and received into his family like a son, that he should thus +speak of him shocked him extremely. He was too much overcome even to +break out into exclamations at first, he only drank off his glass of +wine hastily, and said, 'I would never have thought it!' + +With these words, all desire for forbearance and toleration departed. +If Guy could speak thus of him, he was ready to believe any accusation, +to think him deceitful from the first, to say he had been trifling with +Amy, to imagine him a confirmed reprobate, and cast him off entirely. +Philip had some difficulty to restrain him from being too violent; and +to keep him to the matter in hand, he defended Guy from the +exaggerations of his imagination in a manner which appeared highly +noble, considering how Guy had spoken of him. Before they parted that +night, another letter had been written, which stood thus,-- + + +'DEAR SIR GUY, +--Since you refuse the confidence which I have a right to demand, since +you elude the explanation I asked, and indulge yourself in speaking in +disrespectful terms of me and my family, I have every reason to suppose +that you have no desire to continue on the same footing as heretofore +at Hollywell. As your guardian, I repeat that I consider myself bound +to keep a vigilant watch over your conduct, and, if possible, to +recover you from the unhappy course in which you have involved +yourself: but all other intercourse between you and this family must +cease. +'Your horse shall be sent to Redclyffe to-morrow. + 'Yours faithfully, + 'C. EDMONSTONE.' + + +This letter was more harsh than Philip wished; but Mr. Edmonstone would +hardly be prevailed on to consent to enter on no further reproaches. +He insisted on banishing Deloraine, as well as on the mention of Guy's +disrespect, both against his nephew's opinion; but it was necessary to +let him have his own way on these points, and Philip thought himself +fortunate in getting a letter written which was in any degree rational +and moderate. + +They had been so busy, and Mr, Edmonstone so excited, that Philip +thought it best to accept the offer of tea being sent them in the +dining-room, and it was not till nearly midnight that their conference +broke up, when Mr. Edmonstone found his wife sitting up by the +dressing-room fire, having shut Charles's door, sorely against his +will. + +'There,' began Mr. Edmonstone, 'you may tell Amy she may give him up, +and a lucky escape she has had. But this is what comes of settling +matters in my absence.' So he proceeded with the narration, mixing the +facts undistinguishably with his own surmises, and overwhelming his +wife with dismay. If a quarter of this was true, defence of Guy was +out of the question; and it was still more impossible to wish Amy's +attachment to him to continue; and though much was incredible, it was +no time to say so. She could only hope morning would soften her +husband's anger, and make matters explicable. + +Morning failed to bring her comfort. Mr. Edmonstone repeated that Amy +must be ordered to give up all thoughts of Guy, and she perceived that +the words ascribed to him stood on evidence which could not be doubted. +She could believe he might have spoken them in the first shock of an +unjust imputation, and she thought he might have been drawn into some +scrape to serve a friend; but she could never suppose him capable of +all Mr. Edmonstone imagined. + +The first attempt to plead his cause, however, brought on her an angry +reply; for Philip, by a hint, that she never saw a fault in Guy, had +put it into his uncle's head that she would try to lead him, and made +him particularly inaccessible to her influence. + +There was no help for it, then; poor little Amy must hear the worst; +and it was not long before Mrs. Edmonstone found her waiting in the +dressing-room. Between obedience to her husband, her conviction of +Guy's innocence, and her tenderness to her daughter, Mrs. Edmonstone +had a hard task, and she could scarcely check her tears as Amy nestled +up for her morning kiss. + +'0 mamma! what is it?' + +'Dearest, I told you a cloud was coming. Try to bear it. Your papa is +not satisfied with Guy's answer, and it seems he spoke some hasty words +of papa and Philip; they have displeased papa very much, and, my dear +child, you must try to bear it, he has written to tell Guy he must not +think any more of you.' + +'He has spoken hasty words of papa!' repeated Amy, as if she had not +heard the rest. 'How sorry he must be!' + +As she spoke, Charles's door was pushed open, and in he came, half +dressed, scrambling on, with but one crutch, to the chair near which +she stood, with drooping head and clasped hands. + +'Never mind, little Amy, he said; 'I'll lay my life 'tis only some +monstrous figment of Mrs. Henley's. Trust my word, it will right +itself; it is only a rock to keep true love from running too smooth. +Come, don't cry, as her tears began to flow fast, 'I only meant to +cheer you up.' + +'I am afraid, Charlie, said his mother, putting a force on her own +feeling, 'it is not the best or kindest way to do her good by telling +her to dwell on hopes of him.' + +'Mamma one of Philip's faction!' exclaimed Charles. + +'Of no faction at all, Charles, but I am afraid it is a bad case;' and +Mrs, Edmonstone related what she knew; glad to address herself to any +one but Amy, who stood still, meanwhile, her hands folded on the back +of her brother's chair. + +Charles loudly protested that the charges were absurd and preposterous, +and would be proved so in no time. He would finish dressing instantly, +go to speak to his father, and show him the sense of the thing. Amy +heard and hoped, and his mother, who had great confidence in his clear +sight, was so cheered as almost to expect that today's post might carry +a conciliatory letter. + +Meantime, Laura and Philip met in the breakfast-room, and in answer to +her anxious inquiry, he had given her an account of Guy, which, though +harsh enough, was far more comprehensible than what the rest had been +able to gather. + +She was inexpressibly shocked, 'My poor dear little Amy!' she +exclaimed. 'O Philip, now I see all you thought to save me from!' + +'It is an unhappy business that it ever was permitted!' + +'Poor little dear! She was so happy, so very happy and sweet in her +humility and her love. Do you know, Philip, I was almost jealous for a +moment that all should be so easy for them; and I blamed poverty; but +oh! there are worse things than poverty!' + +He did not speak, but his dark blue eye softened with the tender look +known only to her; and it was one of the precious moments for which she +lived. She was happy till the rest came down, and then a heavy cloud +seemed to hang on them at breakfast time. + +'Charles, who found anxiety on Guy's account more exciting, though +considerably less agreeable, than he had once expected, would not go +away with the womankind; but as soon as the door was shut, exclaimed, + +'Now then, Philip, let me know the true grounds of your persecution.' + +It was not a conciliating commencement. His father was offended, and +poured out a confused torrent of Guy's imagined misdeeds, while Philip +explained and modified his exaggerations. + +'So the fact is,' said Charles, at length, 'that Guy has asked for his +own money, and when in lieu of it he received a letter full of unjust +charges, he declared Philip was a meddling coxcomb. I advise you not +to justify his opinion.' + +Philip disdained to reply, and after a few more of Mr. Edmonstone's +exclamations Charles proceeded, + +'This is the great sum total.' + +'No,' said Philip; 'I have proof of his gambling.' + +'What is it?' + +'I have shown it to your father, and he is satisfied.' + +'Is it not proof enough that he is lost to all sense of propriety, that +he should go and speak in that fashion of us, and to Philip's own +sister?' cried Mr. Edmonstone. 'What would you have more?' + +'That little epithet applied to Captain Morville is hardly, to my mind, +proof sufficient that a man is capable of every vice,' said Charles, +who, in the pleasure of galling his cousin, did not perceive the harm +he did his friend's cause, by recalling the affront which his father, +at least, felt most deeply. Mr. Edmonstone grew angry with him for +disregarding the insulting term applied to himself; and Charles, who, +though improved in many points, still sometimes showed the effects of +early habits of disrespect to his father, answered hastily, that no one +could wonder at Guy's resenting such suspicions; he deserved no blame +at all, and would have been a blockhead to bear it tamely. + +This was more than Charles meant, but his temper was fairly roused, and +he said much more than was right or judicious, so that his advocacy +only injured the cause. He had many representations to make on the +injustice of condemning Guy unheard, of not even laying before him the +proofs on which the charges were founded, and on the danger of actually +driving him into mischief, by shutting the doors of Hollywell against +him. 'If you wanted to make him all you say he is, you are taking the +very best means.' + +Quite true; but Charles had made his father too angry to pay attention. +This stormy discussion continued for nearly two hours, with no effect +save inflaming the minds of all parties. At last Mr. Edmonstone was +called away; and Charles, rising, declared he should go at that moment, +and write to tell Guy that there was one person at least still in his +senses. + +'You will do as you please,' said Philip. + +'Thank you for the permission,' said Charles, proudly. + +'It is not to me that your submission is due,' said Philip. + +'I'll tell you what, Philip, I submit to my own father readily, but I +do not submit to Captain Morville's instrument.' + +'We have had enough of unbecoming retorts for one day,' said Philip, +quietly, and offering his arm. + +Much as Charles disliked it, he was in too great haste not to accept +it; and perceiving that there were visitors in the drawing-room, he +desired to go up-stairs. + +'People who always come when they are not wanted!' he muttered, as he +went up, pettish with them as with everything else. + +'I do not think you in a fit mood to be advised, Charles,' said Philip; +'but to free my own conscience, let me say this. Take care how you +promote this unfortunate attachment.' + +'Take care what you say!' exclaimed Charles, flushing with anger, as he +threw himself forward, with an impatient movement, trusting to his +crutch rather than retain his cousin's arm; but the crutch slipped, he +missed his grasp at the balusters, and would have fallen to the bottom +of the flight if Philip had not been close behind. Stretching out his +foot, he made a barrier, receiving Charles's weight against his breast, +and then, taking him in his arms, carried him up the rest of the way as +easily as if he had been a child. The noise brought Amy out of the +dressing-room, much frightened, though she did not speak till Charles +was deposited on the sofa, and assured them he was not in the least +hurt, but he would hardly thank his cousin for having so dexterously +saved him; and Philip, relieved from the fear of his being injured, +viewed the adventure as a mere ebullition of ill-temper, and went away. + +'A fine helpless log am I,' exclaimed Charles, as he found himself +alone with Amy. 'A pretty thing for me to talk of being of any use, +when I can't so much as show my anger at an impertinence about my own +sister, without being beholden for not breaking my neck to the very +piece of presumption that uttered it.' + +'Oh, don't speak so' began Amy; and at that moment Philip was close to +them, set down the crutch that had been dropped, and went without +speaking. + +'I don't care who hears,' said Charles; 'I say there is no greater +misery in this world than to have the spirit of a man and the limbs of +a cripple. I know if I was good for anything, things would not long be +in this state. I should be at St. Mildred's by this time, at the +bottom of the whole story, and Philip would be taught to eat his words +in no time, and make as few wry faces as suited his dignity. But what +is the use of talking? This sofa'--and be struck his fist against it-- +'is my prison, and I am a miserable cripple, and it is mere madness in +me to think of being attended to.' + +'O Charlie!' cried Amy, caressingly, and much distressed, 'don't talk +so. Indeed, I can't bear it! You know it is not so.' + +'Do I? Have not I been talking myself hoarse, showing up their +injustice, saying all a man could say to bring them to reason, and not +an inch could I move them. I do believe Philip has driven my father +stark mad with these abominable stories of his sister's, which I verily +believe she invented herself.' + +'0 no, she could not. Don't say so.' + +'What! Are you going to believe them, too?' + +'Never!' + +'It is that which drives me beyond all patience,' proceeded Charles, +'to see Philip lay hold of my father, and twist him about as he +chooses, and set every one down with his authority.' + +'Philip soon goes abroad,' said Amy, who could not at the moment say +anything more charitable. + +'Ay! there is the hope. My father will return to his natural state +provided they don't drive Guy, in the meantime, to do something +desperate.' + +'No, they won't,' whispered Amy. + +'Well, give me the blotting-book. I'll write to him this moment, and +tell him we are not all the tools of Philip's malice.' + +Amy gave the materials to her brother, and then turning away, busied +herself in silence as best she might, in the employment her mother had +recommended her, of sorting some garden-seeds for the cottagers. After +an interval, Charles said, + +'Well, Amy, what shall I say to him for you?' + +There was a little silence, and presently Amy whispered, 'I don't think +I ought.' + +'What?' asked Charles, not catching her very low tones, as she sat +behind him, with her head bent down. + +'I don't think it would be right,' she repeated, more steadily. + +'Not right for you to say you don't think him a villain?' + +'Papa said I was to have no--'and there her voice was stopped with +tears. + +'This is absurd, Amy,' said Charles; 'when it all was approved at +first, and now my father is acting on a wrong impression; what harm can +there be in it? Every one would do so.' + +'I am sure he would not think it right,' faltered Amy. + +'He? You'll never have any more to say to him, if you don't take care +what you are about.' + +'I can't help it,' said Amy, in a broken voice. 'It is not right.' + +'Nonsense! folly!' said Charles. 'You are as bad as the rest. When +they are persecuting, and slandering, and acting in the most outrageous +way against him, and you know one word of yours would carry him through +all, you won't say it, to save him from distraction, and from doing all +my father fancies he has done. Then I believe you don't care a rush +for him, and never want to see him again, and believe the whole +monstrous farrago. I vow I'll say so.' + +'0 Charles, you are very cruel!' said Amy, with an irrepressible burst +of weeping. + +'Then, if you don't believe it, why can't you send one word to comfort +him?' + +She wept in silence for some moments; at last she said,-- + +'It would not comfort him to think me disobedient. He will trust me +without, and he will know what you think. You are very kind, dear +Charlie; but don't persuade me any more, for I can't bear it. I am +going away now; but don't fancy I am angry, only I don't think I can +sit by while you write that letter.' + +Poor little Amy, she seldom knew worse pain than at that moment, when +she was obliged to go away to put it out of her power to follow the +promptings of her heart to send the few kind words which might prove +that nothing could shake her love and trust. + +A fresh trial awaited her when she looked from her own window. She saw +Deloraine led out, his chestnut neck glossy in the sun and William +prepared for a journey, and the other servants shaking hands, and +bidding him good-bye. She saw him ride off, and could hardly help +flying back to her brother to exclaim, '0 Charlie, they have sent +Deloraine away!' while the longing to send one kind greeting became +more earnest than ever; but she withstood it, and throwing herself on +the bed, exclaimed,-- + +'He will never come back--never, never!' and gave way, unrestrainedly, +to a fit of weeping; nor was it till this had spent itself that she +could collect her thoughts. + +She was sitting on the side of her bed trying to compose herself, when +Laura, came in. + +'My own Amy--my poor, dearest,--I am very sorry!' + +'Thank you, dear Laura,' and Amy gladly rested her aching head on her +shoulder. + +'I wish I knew what to do for you!' proceeded Laura. 'You cannot, +cease to think about him, and yet you ought.' + +'If I ought, I suppose I can,' said Amy in a voice exhausted with +crying. + +'That's right, darling. You will not be weak, and pine for one who is +not worthy.' + +'Not worthy, Laura?' said Amy, withdrawing her arm, and holding up her +head. + +'Ah! my poor Amy, we thought--' + +'Yes; and it is so still. I know it is so. I know he did not do it.' + +'Then what do you think of Margaret and Philip?' + +'There is some mistake.' + +And how can you defend what he said of papa?' + +'I don't,' said Amy, hiding her face. 'That is the worst; but I am +sure it was only a moment's passion, and that he must be very unhappy +about it now. I don't think papa would mind it, at least not long, if +it was not for this other dreadful misapprehension. 0, Laura! why +cannot something be done to clear it up?' + +'Everything will be done,' said Laura. Papa has written to Mr. +Wellwood, and Philip means to go and make inquiries at Oxford and St. +Mildred's.' + +'When?' asked Amy. + +'Not till term begins. You know he is to have a fortnight's leave +before the regiment goes to Ireland.' + +'Oh, I hope it will come right then. People must come to an +understanding when they meet; it is so different from writing.' + +'He will do everything to set things on a right footing. You may be +confident of that, Amy, for your sake as much as anything else.' + +'I can't think why he should know I have anything to do with it,' said +Amy, blushing. 'I had much rather he did not.' + +'Surely, Amy, you think be can be trusted with your secret; and there +is no one who can take more care for you. You must look on him as one +of ourselves.' + +Amy made no answer, and Laura, was annoyed. + +'You are vexed with him for having told this to papa; but that is not +reasonable of you, Amy; your better sense must tell you that it is the +only truly kind course, both towards Guy and yourself.' + +It was said in Philip's manner, which perhaps made it harder to bear; +and Amy could scarcely answer,-- + +'He means it for the best.' + +'You would not have had him be silent?' + +'I don't know,' said Amy, sadly. 'No; he should have done something, +but he might have done it more kindly.' + +Laura endeavoured to persuade her that nothing could have been more +kind and judicious, and Amy sat dejectedly owning the good intention, +and soothed by the affection of her family; with the bitter suffering +of her heart unallayed, with all her fond tender feelings torn at the +thought of what Guy must be enduring, and with the pain of knowing it +was her father's work. She had one comfort, in the certainty that Guy +would bear it nobly. She was happy to find her confidence confirmed by +her mother and Charles; and one thing she thought she need not give up, +though she might no longer think of him as her lover, she might be his +Verena still, whether he knew it or not. It could not be wrong to +remember any one in her prayers, and to ask that he might not be led +into temptation, but have strength to abide patiently. That helped her +to feel that he was in the hands of One to whom the secrets of all +hearts are known; and a line of poetry seemed to be whispered in her +ears, in his own sweet tones,-- + + Wait, and the cloud shall roll away. + +So, after the first day, she went on pretty well. She was indeed +silent and grave, and no longer the sunbeam of Hollywell; but she took +her share in what was passing, and a common observer would hardly have +remarked the submissive melancholy of her manner. Her father was very +affectionate, and often called her his jewel of good girls; but he was +too much afraid of women's tears to talk to her about Guy, he left that +to her mother: and Mrs. Edmonstone, having seen her submit to her +father's will, was unwilling to say more. + +She doubted whether it was judicious to encourage her in dwelling on +Guy; for, even supposing his character clear, they had offended him +deeply, and released him from any engagement to her, so that there was +nothing to prevent him from forming an attachment elsewhere. Mrs. +Edmonstone did not think he would; but it was better to say nothing +about him, lest she should not speak prudently, and only keep up the +subject in Amy's mind. + +Charles stormed and wrangled, told Mr. Edmonstone 'he was breaking his +daughter's heart, that was all;' and talked of unfairness and +injustice, till Mr. Edmonstone vowed it was beyond all bearing, that +his own son should call him a tyrant, and accused Guy of destroying all +peace in his family. + +The replies to the letters came; some thought them satisfactory, and +the others wondered that they thought so. Mr. Wellwood gave the +highest character of his pupil, and could not imagine how any +irregularities could be laid to his charge; but when asked in plain +terms how he disposed of his time, could only answer in general, that +he had friends and engagements of his own at St. Mildred's and its +neighbourhood, and had been several times at Mrs. Henley's and at +Colonel Harewood's. The latter place, unfortunately, was the very +object of Philip's suspicions; and thus the letter was anything but an +exculpation. + +Guy wrote to Charles in the fulness of his heart, expressing gratitude +for his confidence and sympathy. He again begged for the supposed +evidence of his misconduct, declaring he could explain it, whatever it +might be, and proceeded to utter deep regrets for his hasty +expressions. + +'I do not know what I may have said,' he wrote; 'I have no doubt it was +unpardonable, for I am sure my feelings were so, and that I deserve +whatever I have brought on myself. I can only submit to Mr. +Edmonstone's sentence, and trust that time will bring to his knowledge +that I am innocent of what I am accused of. He has every right to be +displeased with me. + +Charles pronounced this to be only Guy's way of abusing himself; but +his father saw in it a disguised admission of guilt. It was thought, +also, to be bad sign that Guy intended to remain at South Moor till the +end of the vacation, though Charles argued that he must be somewhere; +and if they wished to keep him out of mischief, why exile him from +Hollywell! He would hardly listen to his mother's representation, that +on Amy's account it would not be right to have him there till the +mystery was cleared up. + +He tried to stir his father up to go and see Guy at St. Mildred's, and +investigate matters for himself; but, though Mr. Edmonstone would have +liked the appearance of being important, this failed, because Philip +declared it to be unadvisable, knowing that it would be no +investigation at all, and that his uncle would be talked over directly. +Next, Charles would have persuaded Philip himself to go, but the +arrangements about his leave did not make this convenient; and it was +put off till he should pay his farewell visit to his sister, in +October. Lastly, Charles wrote to Mrs. Henley, entreating her to give +him some information about this mysterious evidence which was wanting, +but her reply was a complete 'set down' for interference in a matter +with which he had no concern. + +He was very angry. In fact, the post seldom came in without +occasioning a fresh dispute, which only had the effect of keeping up +the heat of Mr. Edmonstone's displeasure, and making the whole house +uncomfortable. + +Fretfulness and ill-humour seemed to have taken possession of Charles +and his father. Such a state of things had not prevailed since Guy's +arrival: Hollywell was hardly like the same house; Mrs. Edmonstone and +Laura could do nothing without being grumbled at or scolded by one or +other of the gentlemen; even Amy now and then came in for a little +petulance on her father's part, and Charles could not always forgive +her for saying in her mournful, submissive tome,--'It is of no use to +talk about it!' + + + + +CHAPTER 18 + + + +This just decree alone I know, +Man must be disciplined by woe, +To me, whate'er of good or ill +The future brings, since come it will, +I'll bow my spirit, and be still. + AESCHYLUS, (Anstice's Translation.) + + +Guy, in the meantime, was enduring the storm in loneliness, for he was +unwilling to explain the cause of his trouble to his companions. The +only occasion of the suspicions, which he could think of, was his +request for the sum of money; and this he could not mention to Mr. +Wellwood, nor was he inclined to make confidants of his other +companions, though pleasant, right-minded youths. + +He had only announced that he had had a letter which had grieved him +considerably, but of which he could not mention the contents; and as +Harry Graham, who knew something of the Broadstone neighbourhood, had +picked up a report that Sir Guy Morville was to marry Lady Eveleen de +Courcy, there was an idea among the party that there was some trouble +in the way of his attachment. He had once before been made, by some +joke, to colour and look conscious; and now this protected him from +inconvenient questions, and accounted for his depression. He was like +what he had been on first coming to Hollywell--grave and silent, +falling into reveries when others were talking, and much given to long, +lonely wanderings. Accustomed as he had been in boyhood to a solitary +life in beautiful scenery, there was something in a fine landscape that +was to him like a friend and companion; and he sometimes felt that it +would have been worse if he had been in a dull, uniform country, +instead of among mountain peaks and broad wooded valleys. Working +hard, too, helped him not a little, and conic sections served him +almost as well as they served Laura. + +A more real help was the neighbourhood of Stylehurst. On the first +Sunday after receiving Mr. Edmonstone's letter, he went to church +there, instead of with the others, to St. Mildred's. They thought it +was for the sake of the solitary walk; but he had other reasons for the +preference. In the first place it was a Communion Sunday, and in the +next, he could feel more kindly towards Philip there, and he knew he +needed all that could strengthen such a disposition. + +Many a question did he ask himself, to certify whether he wilfully +entertained malice or hatred, or any uncharitableness. It was a long, +difficult examination; but at its close, he felt convinced that, if +such passions knocked at the door of his heart, it was not at his own +summons, and that he drove them away without listening to them. And +surely he might approach to gain the best aid in that battle, +especially as he was certain of his strong and deep repentance for his +fit of passion, and longing earnestly for the pledge of forgiveness. + +The pardon and peace he sought came to him, and in such sort that the +comfort of that day, when fresh from the first shock, and waiting in +suspense for some new blow, was such as never to be forgotten. They +linked themselves with the grave shade of the clustered gray columns, +and the angel heads on roof of that old church; with the long grass and +tall yellow mullens among its churchyard graves, and with the tints of +the elm-trees that closed it in, their leaves in masses either of green +or yellow, and opening here and there to show the purple hills beyond. + +He wandered in the churchyard between the services. All enmity to +Philip was absent now; and he felt as if it would hardly return when he +stood by the graves of the Archdeacon and of the two Frances Morvilles, +and thought what that spot was to his cousin. There were a few flowers +planted round Mrs. Morville's grave, but they showed that they had long +been neglected, and no such signs of care marked her daughter Fanny's. +And when Guy further thought of Mrs. Henley, and recollected how Philip +had sacrificed all his cherished prospects and hopes of distinction, +and embraced an irksome profession, for the sake of these two sisters, +he did not find it difficult to excuse the sternness, severity, and +distrust which were an evidence how acutely a warm heart had suffered. + +Though he suffered cruelly from being cut off from Amy, yet his +reverence for her helped him to submit. He had always felt as if she +was too far above him; and though he had, beyond his hopes, been +allowed to aspire to the thought of her, it was on trial, and his +failure, his return to his old evil passions, had sunk him beneath her. +He shuddered to think of her being united to anything so unlike +herself, and which might cause her so much misery; it was wretchedness +to think that even now she might he suffering for him; and yet not for +worlds would he have lost the belief that she was so feeling, or the +remembrance of the looks which had shone on him so sweetly and timidly +as she sat at her mother's feet; though that remembrance was only +another form of misery. But Amy would be tranquil, pure and good, +whatever became of him, and he should always be able to think of her, +looking like one of those peaceful spirits, with bending head, folded +hands, and a star on its brow, in the "Paradiso" of Flaxman. Her +serenity would be untouched; and though she might be lost to him, he +could still be content while he could look up at it through his turbid +life. Better she were lost to him than that her peace should be +injured. + +He still, of course, earnestly longed to prove his innocence, though +his hopes lessened, for as long as the evidence was withheld, he had no +chance. After writing as strongly as he could, he could do no more, +except watch for something that might unravel the mystery; and +Charles's warm sympathy and readiness to assist him were a great +comfort. + +He had not seen his uncle again; perhaps Sebastian was ashamed to meet +him after their last encounter, and was still absent on his engagement; +but the wife and child were still at St. Mildred's, and one afternoon, +when Guy had rather unwillingly gone thither with Mr. Wellwood, he saw +Mrs. Dixon sitting on one of the benches which were placed on the paths +cut out on the side of the hill, looking very smart and smiling, among +several persons of her own class. + +To be ashamed to recognise her was a weakness beneath him; he spoke to +her, and was leaving her, pluming herself on his notice, when he saw +little Marianne's blue eyes fixed wistfully upon him, and held out his +hand to her. She ran up to him joyfully, and he led her a few steps +from her mother's party. 'Well, little one, how are you? I have your +piece of spar quite safe. Have you said how d'ye do to Bustle?' + +'Bustle! Bustle!' called the soft voice but it needed a whistle from +his master to bring him to be caressed by the little girl. + +'Have you been taking any more pleasant walks?' + +'Oh yes. We have been all round these pretty paths. And I should like +to go to the top of this great high hill, and see all round; but mamma +says she has got a bone in her leg, and cannot go.' + +'Do you think mamma would give you leave to go up with me? Should you +like it?' + +She coloured all over; too happy even to thank him. + +'Then,' said Guy to his tutor, 'I will meet you here when you have done +your business in the town, in an hour or so. Poor little thing, she +has not many pleasures.' + +Mrs. Dixon made no difficulty, and was so profuse in thanks that Guy +got out of her way as fast as he could, and was soon on the soft thymy +grass of the hill-side, the little girl frisking about him in great +delight, playing with Bustle, and chattering merrily. + +Little Marianne was a delicate child, and her frolic did not last long. +As the ascent became steeper, her breath grew shorter, and she toiled +on in a resolute uncomplaining manner after his long, vigorous steps, +till he looked round, and seeing her panting far behind, turned to help +her, lead her, and carry her, till the top was achieved, and the little +girl stood on the topmost stone, gazing round at the broad sunny +landscape, with the soft green meadows, the harvest fields, the woods +in their gorgeous autumn raiment, and the moorland on the other side, +with its other peaks and cairns, brown with withered bracken, and +shadowed in moving patches by the floating clouds. The exhilarating +wind brought a colour into her pale cheeks, and her flossy curls were +blowing over her face. + +He watched her in silence, pleased and curious to observe how beautiful +a scene struck the childish eye of the little Londoner. The first +thing she said, after three or four minutes' contemplation--a long time +for such a child--was, 'Oh! I never saw anything so pretty!' then +presently after, 'Oh! I wish little brother Felix was here!' + +'This is a pleasant place to think about your little brother,' said +Guy, kindly; and she looked up in his face, and exclaimed, 'Oh! do you +know about Felix?' + +'You shall tell me' said Guy. 'Here, sit on my knee, and rest after +your scramble.' + +'Mamma never lets me talk of Felix, because it makes her cry,' said +Marianne; but I wish it sometimes.' + +Her little heart was soon open. It appeared that Felix was the last +who had died, the nearest in age to Marianne, and her favourite +playfellow. She told of some of their sports in their London home, +speaking of them with eagerness and fondness that showed what joys they +had been, though to Guy they seemed but the very proof of dreariness +and dinginess. She talked of walks to school, when Felix would tell +what he would do when he was a man, and how he took care of her at the +crossings, and how rude boys used to drive them, and how they would +look in at the shop windows and settle what they would buy if they were +rich. Then she talked of his being ill--ill so very long; how he sat +in his little chair, and could not play, and then always lay in bed, +and she liked to sit by him, there; but at last he died, and they +carried him away in a great black coffin, and he would never come back +again. But it was so dull now, there was no one to play with her. + +Though the little girl did not cry, she looked very mournful, and Guy +tried to comfort her, but she did not understand him. 'Going to +heaven' only conveyed to her a notion of death and separation, and this +phrase, together with a vague idea who had made her, and that she ought +to be good, seemed to be the extent of the poor child's religious +knowledge. She hardly ever had been at church and though she had read +one or two Bible stories, it seemed to have been from their having been +used as lessons at school. She had a dim notion that good people read +the Bible, and there was one on the little table at home, with the +shell-turkey-cock standing upon it, and mamma read it when Felix died; +but it was a big book, and the shell-turkey-cock always stood upon it; +in short, it seemed only connected with mamma's tears, and the loss of +her brother. + +Guy was very much shocked, and so deep in thought that he could hardly +talk to the child in their progress down the hill; but she was just so +tired as to be inclined to silence, and quite happy clinging to his +hand, till he delivered her over to her mother at the foot of the hill, +and went to join his tutor, at the place appointed. + +'Wellwood,' said he, breaking silence, when they had walked about half +way back to the farm, 'do you think your cousin would do me a great +kindness? You saw that child? Well, if the parents consent, it would +be the greatest charity on earth if Miss Wellwood would receive her +into her school.' + +'On what terms? What sort of an education is she to have?' + +'The chief thing she wants is to be taught Christianity, poor child; +the rest Miss Wellwood may settle. She is my first cousin. I don't +know whether you are acquainted with our family history?' and he went +on to explain as much as was needful. It ended in a resolution that if +Miss Wellwood would undertake the charge, the proposal should be made +to Mrs. Dixon. + +It was a way of assisting his relations likely to do real good, and on +the other hand, he would be able, under colour of the payment for the +child, to further Miss Wellwood's schemes, and give her the interest of +the thousand pounds, until his five and twentieth year might put his +property in his own power. + +Miss Wellwood readily consented, much pleased with the simplicity and +absence of false shame he showed in the whole transaction, and very +anxious for the good of a child in a class so difficult to reach. He +next went to Mrs. Dixon, expecting more difficulty with her, but he +found none. She thought it better Marianne should live at St. +Mildred's than die in London, and was ready to catch at the prospect of +her being fitted for a governess. Indeed, she was so strongly persuaded +that the rich cousin might make Marianne's fortune, that she would have +been very unwilling to interfere with the fancy he had taken for her. + +Little Marianne was divided between fear of leaving mamma and liking +for St. Mildred's, but her first interview with Miss Wellwood, and Miss +Jane's showing her a little white bed, quite turned the scale in their +favour. Before the time came for Guy's return to Oxford, he had seen +her settled, heard her own account of her happy life, and had listened +to Miss Jane Wellwood's delight in her sweet temper and good +disposition. + +Those thousand pounds; Guy considered again and again whether he could +explain their destination, and whether this would clear him. It seemed +to him only a minor charge, and besides his repugnance to mention such +a design, he saw too many obstacles in his way. Captain Morville and +his sister were the very persons from whom Miss Wellwood's project was +to be kept secret. Besides, what would be gained? It was evident that +Guy's own assertions were doubted, and he could bring no confirmation +of them; he had never spoken of his intention to his tutor, and Mr. +Wellwood could, therefore, say nothing in his favour. If Mr. +Edmonstone alone had been concerned, or if this had been the only +accusation, Guy might have tried to explain it; but with Philip he knew +it would be useless, and therefore would not enter on the subject. He +could only wait patiently. + + + + +CHAPTER 19 + + + +Most delicately, hour by hour, +He canvassed human mysteries, +And stood aloof from other minds. +Himself unto himself he sold, +Upon himself, himself did feed, +Quiet, dispassionate, and cold, +With chiselled features clear and sleek.--TENNYSON + + +Guy had been about a week at Oxford, when one evening, as he was +sitting alone in his rooms, he received an unexpected visit from +Captain Morville. He was glad, for he thought a personal interview +would remove all misconstructions, and held out his hand cordially, +saying:-- + +'You here, Philip! When did you come?' + +'Half an hour ago. I am on my way to spend a week with the Thorndales. +I go on to-morrow to my sister's.' + +While speaking, Philip was surveying the apartment, for he held that a +man's room is generally an indication of his disposition, and assuredly +there was a great deal of character in his own, with the scrupulous +neatness and fastidious taste of its arrangements. Here, he thought, +he could not fail to see traces of his cousin's habits, but he was +obliged to confess to himself that there was very little to guide him. +The furniture was strictly as its former occupant had left it, only +rather the worse for wear, and far from being in order. The chairs +were so heaped with books and papers, that Guy had to make a clearance +of one before his visitor could sit down, but there was nothing else to +complain of, not even a trace of cigars; but knowing him to be a great +reader and lover of accomplishments, Philip wondered that the only +decorations were Laura's drawing of Sintram, and a little print of +Redclyffe, and the books were chiefly such as were wanted for his +studies, the few others having for the most part the air of old library +books, as if he had sent for them from Redclyffe. Was this another +proof that he had some way of frittering away his money with nothing to +show for it? A Sophocles and a lexicon were open before him on the +table, and a blotting-book, which he closed, but not before Philip had +caught sight of what looked like verses. + +Neither did his countenance answer Philip's expectations. It had not +his usual bright lively expression; there was a sadness which made him +smile like a gleam on a showery day, instead of constant sunshine; but +there was neither embarrassment nor defiance, and the gleam-like smile +was there, as with a frank, confiding tone, he said,-- + +'This is very kind of you, to come and see what you can do for me.' + +Philip was by no means prepared to be thus met half-way, but he thought +Guy wanted to secure him as an intercessor, and hardened himself into +righteous severity. + +'No one can be more willing to help you than I, but you must, in the +first place, help yourself.' + +Instantly the sedate measured tone made Guy's heart and head throb with +impatience, awakening all the former memories so hardly battled down; +but with the impulse of anger came the thought, 'Here it is again! If +I don't keep it down now, I am undone! The enemy will seize me again!' +He forced himself not to interrupt, while Philip went calmly on. + +'While you are not open, nothing can be done.' + +'My only wish, my only desire, is to be open,' said Guy, speaking fast +and low, and repressing the feeling, which, nevertheless, affected his +voice; 'but the opportunity of explanation has never been given me.' + +'You need complain of that no longer. I am here to convey to my uncle +any explanation you may wish to address to him. I will do my best to +induce him to attend to it favourably, but he is deeply offended and +hurt by what has passed.' + +'I know--I know,' said Guy, colouring deeply, and all irritation +disappearing from voice and manner; 'I know there is no excuse for me. +I can only repeat that I am heartily sorry for whatever I may have +said, either of him or of you.' + +'Of course,' returned Philip, 'I should never think of resenting what +you may have said in a moment of irritation, especially as you express +regret for it. Consider it as entirely overlooked on my part.' + +Guy was nearly choked in uttering a 'Thank you,' which did not sound, +after all, much like acceptance of forgiveness. + +'Now to the real matter at issue,' said Philip: 'the application for +the money, which so amazed Mr. Edmonstone.' + +'I do not see that it is the point,' said Guy, 'I wanted it for a +scheme of my own: he did not think fit to let me have it, so there is +an end of the matter.' + +'Mr Edmonstone does not think so. He wishes to be convinced that you +have not spent it beforehand.' + +'What would you have beyond my word and honour that I have not?' +exclaimed Guy. + +Far be it from me to say that he doubts it,' said Philip; and as at +those words the flash of the Morville eye darted lightning, he expected +that the next moment, 'Do you?' would be thundered forth, and he could +not, with truth, answer ' No;' but it was one of his maxims that a man +need never be forced into an open quarrel, and he tranquilly continued- +-'but it is better not to depend entirely on assertion. Why do you not +bring him full proofs of your good intention, and thus restore yourself +to his confidence?' + +'I have said that I am bound not to mention the purpose.' + +'Unfortunate!' said Philip; then, while Guy bit his lip till it bled, +the pain really a relief, by giving some vent to his anger at the +implied doubt, he went on,--'If it is impossible to clear this up, the +next advice I would give is, that you should show what your expenditure +has been; lay your accounts before him, and let them justify you.' + +Most people would have resented this as an impertinent proposal, were +it only that doing so would have served to conceal the awkward fact +that the accounts had not been kept at all. Guy had never been taught +to regard exactness in this respect as a duty, had no natural taste for +precision, and did not feel responsible to any person; nor if he had +kept any, could he have shown them, without exposing his uncle. To +refuse, would, however, be a subterfuge, and after a moment, he made an +effort, and confessed he had none to show, though he knew Philip would +despise him for it as a fool, and probably take it as positive evidence +against him. + +It would have been more bearable if Philip would but have said 'How +foolish,' instead of drily repeating 'Unfortunate!' + +After a pause, during which Guy was not sufficiently master of himself +to speak, Philip added--'Then this matter of the thousand pounds is to +be passed over? You have no explanation to offer?' + +'No:' and again he paused. 'When my word is not accepted, I have no +more to say. But this is not the point. What I would know is, what +are the calumnies that accuse me of having gamed? If you really wish +to do me a service, you will give me an opportunity of answering these +precious proofs.' + +'I will' answered Philip; who could venture on doing so himself, +though, for his sister's sake, it was unsafe to trust Mr. Edmonstone, +with whom what was not an absolute secret was not a secret at all. 'My +uncle knows that a thirty pound cheque of his, in your name, was paid +by you to a notorious gamester.' + +Guy did not shrink, as he simply answered--'It is true.' + +'Yet you have neither played, nor betted, nor done anything that could +come under the definition of gambling?' + +'No.' + +'Then why this payment?' + +'I cannot explain that. I know appearances are against me,' replied +Guy steadily, and with less irritation than he had hitherto shown. I +once thought my simple word would have sufficed, but, since it seems +that will not do, I will not again make what you call assertions.' + +'In fact, while you profess a desire to be open and sincere, a mystery +appears at every turn. What would you have us do?' + +'As you think fit,' he answered proudly. + +Philip had been used to feel men's wills and characters bend and give +way beneath his superior force of mind. They might, like Charles, +chafe and rage, but his calmness always gave him the ascendant almost +without exertion, and few people had ever come into contact with him +without a certain submission of will or opinion. With Guy alone it was +not so; he had been sensible of it once or twice before; he had no +mastery, and could no more bend that spirit than a bar of steel. This +he could not bear, for it obliged him to be continually making efforts +to preserve his own sense of superiority. + +'Since this is your ultimatum,' he said--'since you deny your +confidence, and refuse any reply to these charges, you have no right to +complain of suspicion. I shall do my best, both as your true friend, +and as acting with your guardian's authority, to discover all that may +lead to the elucidation of the mystery. In the first place, I am +desired to make every inquiry here as to your conduct and expenditure. +I hope they will prove satisfactory.' + +'I am very much obliged to you,' answered Guy, his voice stern and +dignified, and the smile that curled his lip was like Philip's own. + +Philip was positively annoyed, and desirous to say something to put him +down, but he had not committed himself by any vehemence, and Philip was +too cool and wise to compromise his own dignity, so he rose to go, +saying, 'Good night! I am sorry I cannot induce you to act in the only +way that can right you.' + +'Good night!' replied Guy, in the same dignified manner in which he had +spoken ever since his passion had been surmounted. + +They parted, each feeling that matters were just where they were +before. Philip went back to his inn, moralizing on the pride and +perverseness which made it impossible to make any impression on a +Redclyffe Morville, whom not even the fear of detection could lead to +submission. + +Next morning, while Philip was hastily breakfasting, the door opened, +and Guy entered, pale and disturbed, as if he had been awake all night. + +'Philip!' said he, in his frank, natural voice, 'I don't think we +parted last night as your good intentions deserved.' + +'0, ho!' thought Philip; 'the fear of an investigation has brought him +to reason;' and he said, 'Well, I am very glad you see things in a +truer light this morning;' then asked if he had breakfasted. He had; +and his cousin added, + +'Have you anything to say on the matter we discussed last night?' + +'No. I can only repeat that I am not guilty, and wait for time to show +my innocence. I only came to see you once more, that I might feel we +parted friends.' + +'I shall always hope to be a true friend.' + +'I did not come here for altercation,' said Guy (an answer rather to +the spirit than the words), 'so I will say no more. If you wish to see +me again, you will find me in my rooms. Good-bye.' + +Philip was puzzled. He wondered whether Guy had come wishing to +propitiate him, but had found pride indomitable at the last moment; or +whether he had been showing himself too severely just to admit +entreaty. He would be able to judge better after he had made his +inquiries, and he proceeded with them at once. He met with no such +replies as he expected. Every one spoke of Sir Guy Morville in high +terms, as strict in his habits of application, and irreproachable in +conduct. He was generally liked, and some regret was expressed that he +lived in so secluded a manner, forming so few intimacies; but no one +seemed to think it possible that anything wrong could be imputed to +him. Philip could even perceive that there was some surprise that such +inquiries should be made at all, especially by so young a man as +himself. Mr. Wellwood, the person whom he most wished to see, was not +at Oxford, but was at home preparing for his ordination. + +Nor could Philip get nearer to the solution of the mystery when he went +to the tradesmen, who were evidently as much surprised as the tutors, +and said he always paid in ready money. Captain Morville felt like a +lawyer whose case is breaking down, no discoveries made, nothing done; +but he was not one whit convinced of his cousin's innocence, thinking +the college authorities blind and careless, and the tradesmen combined +to conceal their extortions, or else that the mischief had been done at +St. Mildred's. He was particularly provoked when he remembered Guy's +invitation to him to come to his rooms, knowing, as he must have done, +what would be the result of his inquiry. + +Philip was conscious that it would have been kind to have gone to say +that, so far, he had found nothing amiss, but he did not like giving +Guy this passing triumph. It made no difference in his real opinion; +and why renew a useless discussion? He persuaded himself that he had +left himself no time, and should miss the train, and hastened off to +the station, where he had to wait a quarter of an hour, consoling +himself with reflecting-- + +'After all, though I might have gone to him, it would have been +useless. He is obstinate, and occasions of irritating his unfortunate +temper are above all to be avoided.' + +One short year after, what would not Philip have given for that quarter +of an hour! + +By six o'clock he was at St. Mildred's, greeted with delight by his +sister, and with cordiality by Dr. Henley. They were both proud of +him, and every tender feeling his sister had was for Philip, her pet, +and her pupil in his childhood, and her most valued companion and +counsellor through her early womanhood. + +She had a picked dinner-party to meet him, for she knew the doctor's +conversation was not exactly the thing to entertain him through a whole +evening, and the guests might well think they had never seen a +handsomer or more clever brother and sister than Mrs. Henley and +Captain Morville. The old county families, if they did wonder at her +marriage, were always glad to meet her brother, and it was a great +pleasure to him to see old friends. + +Only once did his sister, in the course of the evening, make him feel +the difference of their sentiments, and that was about Miss Wellwood. +Philip defended her warmly; and when he heard that there was a plan +getting up for excluding her from the hospital, he expressed strong +disapprobation at the time; and after the guests were gone, spoke upon +the subject with his sister and her husband. The doctor entered into +no party questions, and had only been stirred up to the opposition by +his wife; he owned that the Miss Wellwoods had done a great deal of +good, and made the nurses do their duty better than he had ever known, +and was quite ready to withdraw his opposition. Mrs. Henley argued +about opinions, but Philip was a match for her in her own line; and the +end of it was, that though she would not allow herself to be convinced, +and shook her head at her brother's way of thinking, he knew he had +prevailed, and that Miss Wellwood would be unmolested. + +There was not another person in the world to whom Margaret would have +yielded; and it served to restore him to the sense of universal +dominion which had been a little shaken by his conversation with Guy. + +'Sir Guy was a great deal with the Wellwoods,' said Mrs. Henley. + +'Was he, indeed?' + +'0, you need not think of _that_. It would be too absurd. The +youngest must be twice his age.' + +'I was not thinking of any such thing,' said Philip, smiling, as he +thought of the very different course Guy's affections had taken. + +'I did hear he was to marry Lady Eveleen de Courcy. Is there anything +in that report?' + +'No; certainly not.' + +'I should pity the woman who married him, after the specimen I saw of +his temper.' + +'Poor boy!' said Philip. + +'Lady Eveleen has been a great deal at Hollywell, has she not? I +rather wondered my aunt should like to have her there, considering all +things.' + +'What things, sister?' + +'Considering what a catch he would be for one of the Edmonstone girls.' + +'I thought you had just been pitying the woman who should marry him. +Perhaps my aunt had Lady Eveleen there to act as a screen for her own +daughters.' + +'That our good-natured aunt should have acted with such ultra- +prudence!' said Margaret, laughing at his grave ironical tone. 'Lady +Eveleen is very pretty, is she not? A mere beauty, I believe?' + +'Just so; she is much admired; but Guy is certainly not inclined to +fall in love with her.' + +'I should have thought him the very man to fall in love young, like his +father. Do you think there is any chance for either of the +Edmonstones? Laura's beauty he spoke of, but it was not in a very +lover-like way. Do you admire Laura so much?' + +'She is very pretty.' + +'And little Amy?' + +'She is a mere child, and will hardly ever be anything more; but she is +a very good little amiable thing.' + +'I wish poor Charles's temper was improved.' + +'So do I; but it is very far from improvement at present, in +consequence of his zeal for Guy. Guy has been very attentive and good +natured to him, and has quite won his heart; so that I should +positively honour him for his championship if it was not in great +degree out of opposition to his father and myself. To-morrow, +Margaret, you must give me some guide to the most probable quarters for +learning anything respecting this poor boy's follies.' + +Mrs. Henley did her best in that way, and Philip followed up his +inquiries with great ardour, but still unsuccessfully. Jack White, the +hero of the draft, was not at St. Mildred's, nor likely to be heard of +again till the next races; and whether Sir Guy had been on the race- +ground at all was a doubtful point. Next, Philip walked to Stylehurst, +to call on Colonel Harewood, and see if he could learn anything in +conversation with him; but the Colonel did not seem to know anything, +and his sons were not at home. Young Morville was, he thought, a +spirited lad, very good natured; he had been out shooting once or twice +with Tom, and had a very fine spaniel. If he had been at the races, +the Colonel did not know it; he had some thoughts of asking him to join +their party, but had been prevented. + +This was no reason, thought Philip, why Guy might not have been with +Tom Harewood without the Colonel's knowledge. Tom was just the man to +lead him amongst those who were given to betting; he might have been +drawn in, and, perhaps, he had given some pledge of payment when he was +of age, or, possibly, obtained an immediate supply of money from the +old steward at Redclyffe, who was devotedly attached to him. If so, +Philip trusted to be able to detect it from the accounts; on the other +supposition, there was no hope of discovery. + +The conversation with Colonel Harewood kept him so late that he had no +time for going, as usual, to his old haunts, at Stylehurst; nor did he +feel inclined just then to revive the saddening reflections they +excited. He spent the evening in talking over books with his sister, +and the next day proceeded on his journey to Thorndale Park. + +This was one of the places where he was always the most welcome, ever +since he had been a school-boy, received in a way especially +flattering, considering that the friendship was entirely owing to the +uncompromising good sense and real kindness with which he had kept in +order the follies of his former fag. + +Charles might laugh, and call them the young man and young man's +companion, and Guy more classically term them the pious Aeneas and his +fidus Achates, but it was a friendship that did honour to both; and the +value that the Thorndales set upon Captain Morville was not misplaced, +and scarcely over-rated. Not particularly clever themselves, they the +more highly appreciated his endowments, and were proud that James had +been able to make such a friend, for they knew, as well as the rest of +the world, that Captain Morville was far from seeking the acquaintance +for the sake of their situation in life, but that it was from real +liking and esteem. How far this esteem was gained by the deference the +whole family paid to his opinion, was another question; at any rate, +the courting was from them. + +The Miss Thorndales deemed Captain Morville the supreme authority in +drawing, literature, and ecclesiastical architecture; and whenever a +person came in their way who was thought handsome, always pronounced +that he was not by any means equal to James's friend. Lady Thorndale +delighted to talk over James with him, and thank him for his kindness; +and Lord Thorndale, rather a pompous man himself, liked his somewhat +stately manners, and talked politics with him, sincerely wishing he was +his neighbour at Redclyffe, and calculating how much good he would do +there. Philip listened with interest to accounts of how the Thorndale +and Morville influence had always divided the borough of Moorworth, +and, if united, might dispose of it at will, and returned evasive +answers to questions what the young heir of Redclyffe might be likely +to do. + +James Thorndale drove his friend to Redclyffe, as Philip had authority +from Mr. Edmonstone to transact any business that might be required +with Markham, the steward; and, as has been said before, he expected to +discover in the accounts something that might explain why Guy had +ceased to press for the thousand pounds. However, he could find +nothing amiss in them, though--bearing in mind that it is less easy to +detect the loss of a score of sheep than of one--he subjected them to a +scrutiny which seemed by no means agreeable to the gruff old grumbling +steward. He also walked about the park, saw to the marking of certain +trees that were injuring each other; and finding that there was a +misunderstanding between Markham and the new rector, Mr. Ashford, about +certain parish matters, where the clergyman was certainly right, he +bore down Markham's opposition with Mr. Edmonstone's weight, and felt +he was doing good service. + +He paused at the gate, and looked back at the wide domain and fine old +house. He pitied them, and the simple-hearted, honest tenantry, for +being the heritage of such a family, and the possession of one so +likely to misuse them, instead of training them into the means of +conferring benefits on them, on his country. What would not Philip +himself do if those lands were his,--just what was needed to give his +talents free scope? and what would it be to see his beautiful Laura +their mistress? + + + + +CHAPTER 20 + + + +The longing for ignoble things, +The strife for triumph more than truth, +The hardening of the heart, that brings +Irreverence for the dreams of youth.--LONGFELLOW + + +After his week at Thorndale Park, Captain Morville returned to make his +farewell visit at Hollywell, before joining his regiment at Cork, +whence it was to sail for the Mediterranean. He reckoned much on this +visit, for not even Laura herself could fathom the depth of his +affection for her, strengthening in the recesses where he so sternly +concealed it, and viewing her ever as more faultless since she had been +his own. While she was his noble, strong-minded, generous, fond Laura, +he could bear with his disappointment in his sister, with the loss of +his home, and with the trials that had made him a grave, severe man. +She had proved the strength of her mind by the self-command he had +taught her, and for which he was especially grateful to her, as it made +him safer and more unconstrained, able to venture on more demonstration +than in those early days when every look had made her blush and +tremble. + +Mr. Edmonstone brought the carriage to fetch him from the station, and +quickly began,-- + +'I suppose, as you have not written, you have found nothing out?' + +'Nothing.' + +'And you could do nothing with him. Eh?' + +'No; I could not get a word of explanation, nor break through the fence +of pride and reserve. I must do him the justice to say that he bears +the best of characters at Oxford; and if there were any debts I could +not get at them from the tradesmen.' + +'Well, well, say no more about it; he is an ungrateful young dog, and I +am sick of it. I only wish I could wash my hands of him altogether. +It was mere folly to expect any of that set could ever come to good. +There's everything going wrong all at once now; poor little Amy +breaking her heart after him, and, worse than all, there's poor Charlie +laid up again,' said Mr. Edmonstone, one of the most affectionate +people in the world; but his maundering mood making him speak of +Charles's illness as if he only regarded it as an additional +provocation for himself. + +'Charles ill!' exclaimed Philip. + +'Yes; another, of those formations in the joint. I hoped and trusted +that was all over now; but he is as bad as ever,--has not been able to +move for a week, and goodness knows when he will again.' + +'Indeed! I am very sorry. Is there as much pain as before?' + +'Oh, yes. He has not slept a wink these four nights. Mayerne talks of +opium; but he says he won't have it till he has seen you, he is so +anxious about this unlucky business. If anything could persuade me to +have Guy back again it would be that this eternal fretting after him is +so bad for poor Charlie.' + +'It is on Amy's account that it is impossible to have him here,' said +Philip. + +'Ay! He shall never set eyes on Amy again unless all this is cleared +up, which it never will be, as I desire mamma to tell her. By the bye, +Philip, Amy said something of your having a slip with Charles on the +stairs.' + +There was very nearly an accident; but I believed he was not hurt. I +hope it has nothing to do with this illness?' + +'He says it was all his own fault,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'and that he +should have been actually down but for you.' + +'But is it really thought it can have caused this attack?' + +'I can hardly suppose so; but Thompson fancies there may have been some +jar. However, don't distress yourself; I dare say it would have come +on all the same.' + +Philip did not like to be forgiven by Mr. Edmonstone, and there was +something very annoying in having this mischance connected with his +name, though without his fault; nor did he wish Charles to have the +kind of advantage over him that might be derived from seeming to pass +over his share in the misfortune. + +When they arrived at Hollywell, it was twilight, but no one was in the +drawing-room, generally so cheerful at that time of day; the fire had +lately been smothered with coals, and looked gloomy and desolate. Mr. +Edmonstone left Philip there, and ran up to see how Charles was, and +soon after Laura came in, sprang to his side, and held his hand in both +hers. + +'You bring no good news?' said she, sadly, as she read the answer in +his face. '0! how I wish you had. It would be such a comfort now. +You have heard about poor Charlie?' + +'Yes; and very sorry I am. But, Laura, is it really thought that +accident could have occasioned it?' + +'Dr. Mayerne does not think so, only Mr. Thompson talked of remote +causes, when Amy mentioned it. I don't believe it did any harm, and +Charlie himself says you saved him from falling down-stairs.' + +Philip had begun to give Laura his version of the accident, as he had +already done to her father, when Mrs. Edmonstone came down, looking +harassed and anxious. She told her nephew that Charles was very +desirous to see him, and sent him up at once. + +There was a fire in the dressing-room, and the door was open into the +little room, which was only lighted by a lamp on a small table, where +Amy was sitting at work. After shaking hands, she went away, leaving +him alone with Charles, who lay in his narrow bed against the wall, +fixed in one position, his forehead contracted with pain, his eyelids +red and heavy from sleeplessness, his eyes very quick and eager, and +his hands and arms thrown restlessly outside the coverings. + +'I am very sorry to find you here,' said Philip, coming up to him, and +taking, rather than receiving, his hot, limp hand. 'Is the pain very +bad?' + +'That is a matter of course,' said Charles, in a sharp, quick manner, +his voice full of suffering. 'I want to hear what you have been doing +at Oxford and St. Mildred's.' + +'I am sorry I do not bring the tidings you wish.' + +'I did not expect you would. I know you too well; but I want to hear +what you have been doing--what he said,' answered Charles, in short, +impatient sentences. + +'It can be of no use, Charlie. You are not in a state to enter on +agitating subjects.' + +'I tell you I will hear all,' returned Charles, with increased +asperity. 'I know you will say nothing to his advantage that you can +help, but still I know you will speak what you think the truth, and I +want to judge for myself.' + +'You speak as if I was not acting for his good.' + +'Palaver!' cried Charles, fully sensible of the advantage his illness +gave him. 'I want the facts. Begin at the beginning. Sit down-- +there's a chair by you. Now tell me, where did you find him?' + +Philip could not set Charles down in his present state, and was obliged +to submit to a cross-examination, in which he showed no abatement of +his natural acuteness, and, unsparing as he always was, laid himself +under no restraint at all. Philip was compelled to give a full history +of his researches; and if he had afforded no triumph to Guy, Charles +revenged him. + +'Pray, what did Guy say when he heard the result of this fine voyage of +discovery?' + +'I did not see him again.' + +'Not see him! not tell him he was so far justified!' + +'I had no time--at least I thought not. It would have been useless, +for while these mysteries continue, my opinion is unchanged, and there +was no benefit in renewing vain disputes.' + +'Say no more!' exclaimed Charles. 'You have said all I expected, and +more too. I gave you credit for domineering and prejudice, now I see +it is malignity.' + +As he spoke, Laura entered from the dressing-room, and stood aghast at +the words, and then looked imploringly at her cousin. Dr. Mayerne was +following her, and Charles called out,-- + +'Now, doctor, give me as much opium as you please. I only want to be +stupefied till the world has turned round, and then you may wake me.' + +Philip shook hands with Dr. Mayerne, and, without betraying a shade of +annoyance, wished Charles good night; but Charles had drawn the +coverings over his head, and would not hear him. + +'Poor fellow!' said Philip to Laura, when they were out of the room. +'He is a very generous partisan, and excitement and suffering make him +carry his zeal to excess.' + +'I knew you could not be angry with him.' + +'I could not be angry at this time at far more provocation given by any +one belonging to you, Laura.' + +Laura's heart had that sensation which the French call "se serrer", as +she heard him allude to the long separation to which there seemed no +limit; but they could say no more. + +'Amy,' said Charles, when she returned to him after dinner, 'I am more +than ever convinced that things will right themselves. I never saw +prejudice more at fault.' + +'Did he tell you all about it?' + +'I worked out of him all I could, and it is my belief Guy had the best +of it. I only wonder he did not horsewhip Philip round the quadrangle. +I wish he had.' + +'Oh, no, no! But he controlled himself?' + +'If he had not we should have heard of it fast enough;' and Charles +told what he had been able to gather, while she sat divided between joy +and pain. + +Philip saw very little more of Charles. He used to come to ask him how +he was once a day, but never received any encouragement to lengthen his +visit. These gatherings in the diseased joint were always excessively +painful, and were very long in coming to the worst, as well as +afterwards in healing; and through the week of Philip's stay at +Hollywell, Charles was either in a state of great suffering, or else +heavy and confused with opiates. His mother's whole time and thoughts +were absorbed in him; she attended to him day and night, and could +hardly spare a moment for anything else. Indeed, with all her +affection and anxiety for the young lovers, Charles was so entirely her +engrossing object, that her first feeling of disappointment at the +failure of Philip's journey of investigation was because it would +grieve Charlie. She could not think about Guy just then, and for Amy +there was nothing for it but patience; and, good little creature, it +was very nice to see her put her own troubles aside, and be so cheerful +a nurse to her brother. She was almost always in his room, for he +liked to have her there, and she could not conquer a certain shrinking +from Philip. + +Laura had once pleaded hard and earnestly for Guy with Philip, but all +in vain; she was only taught to think the case more hopeless than +before. Laura was a very kind nurse and sister, but she could better +be spared than her mother and Amy, so that it generally fell to her lot +to be down-stairs, making the drawing-room habitable. Dr. Mayerne, +whenever Charles was ill, used to be more at Hollywell than at his own +house, and there were few days that he did not dine there. When Amy +was out of the way, Philip used to entertain them with long accounts of +Redclyffe, how fine a place it was, how far the estate reached on the +Moorworth road, of its capacities for improvement, wastes of moorland +to be enclosed or planted, magnificent timber needing nothing but +thinning. He spoke of the number of tenantry, and the manorial rights, +and the influence in both town and county, which, in years gone by, had +been proved to the utmost in many a fierce struggle with the house of +Thorndale. Sir Guy Morville might be one of the first men in England +if he were not wanting to himself. Mr. Edmonstone enjoyed such talk, +for it made him revel in the sense of his own magnanimity in refusing +his daughter to the owner of all this; and Laura sometimes thought how +Philip would have graced such a position, yet how much greater it was +to rest entirely on his own merits. + +'Ah, my fine fellow!' muttered Dr. Mayerne to himself one day, when +Philip and his uncle had left the room, just after a discourse of this +kind, 'I see you have not forgotten you are the next heir.' + + Laura coloured with indignation, exclaimed, 'Oh!' then checked +herself, as if such an aspersion was not worthy of her taking the +trouble to refute it. + +'Ah! Miss Edmonstone, I did not know you were there.' + +'Yes, you were talking to yourself, just as if you were at home,' said +Charlotte, who was specially pert to the old doctor, because she knew +herself to be a great pet. 'You were telling some home truths to make +Laura angry.' + +'Well, he would make a very good use of it if he had it,' said the +doctor. + +'Now you'll make me angry,' said Charlotte; 'and you have not mended +matters with Laura. She thinks nothing short of four-syllabled words +good enough for Philip.' + +'Hush! nonsense, Charlotte!' said Laura, much annoyed. + +'There Charlotte, she is avenging herself on you because she can't +scold me' said the doctor, pretending to whisper. + +'Charlotte is only growing more wild than ever for want of mamma,' said +Laura, trying to laugh it off, but there was so much annoyance evident +about her, that Dr. Mayerne said,-- + +'Seriously, I must apologize for my unlucky soliloquy; not that I +thought I was saying much harm, for I did not by any means say or think +the Captain wished Sir Guy any ill, and few men who stood next in +succession to such a property would be likely to forget it.' + +'Yes, but Philip is not like other men,' said Charlotte, who, at +fourteen, had caught much of her brother's power of repartee, and could +be quite as provoking, when unrestrained by any one whom she cared to +obey. + +Laura felt it was more for her dignity not to notice this, and replied, +with an effort for a laugh,-- + +'It must be your guilty conscience that sets you apologizing, for you +said no harm, as you observe.' + +'Yes,' said Dr. Mayerne, good-humouredly. 'He does very well without +it, and no doubt he would be one of the first men in the country if he +had it; but it is in very good hands now, on the whole. I don't think, +even if the lad has been tempted into a little folly just now, that he +can ever go very far wrong.' + +'No, indeed,' said Charlotte; 'but Charlie and I don't believe he has +done anything wrong.' + +She spoke in a little surly decided tone, as if her opinion put an end +to the matter, and Philip's return closed the discussion. + +Divided as the party were between up-stairs and down-stairs, and in the +absence of Charles's shrewd observation, Philip and Laura had more +opportunity of intercourse than usual, and now that his departure would +put an end to suspicion, they ventured on more openly seeking each +other. It never could be the perfect freedom that they had enjoyed +before the avowal of their sentiments, but they had many brief +conversations, giving Laura feverish, but exquisite, delight at each +renewal of his rare expressions of tenderness. + +'What are you going to do to-day?' he asked, on the last morning before +he was to leave Hollywell. 'I must see you alone before I go.' + +She looked down, and he kept his eyes fixed on her rather sternly, for +he had never before made a clandestine appointment, and he did not like +feeling ashamed of it. At last she said,-- + +'I go to East-hill School this afternoon. I shall come away at half- +past three.' + +Mary Ross was still absent; her six nephews and nieces having taken +advantage of her visit to have the measles, not like reasonable +children, all at once, so as to be one trouble, but one after the +other, so as to keep Aunt Mary with them as long as possible; and Mr. +Ross did not know what would have become of the female department of +his parish but for Laura, who worked at school-keeping indefatigably. + +Laura had some difficulty in shaking off Charlotte's company this +afternoon, and was obliged to make the most of the probability of rain, +and the dreadful dirt of the roads. Indeed, she represented it as so +formidable, that Mrs. Edmonstone, who had hardly time to look out of +window, much less to go out of doors, strongly advised her to stay at +home herself; and Charlotte grew all the more eager for the fun. +Luckily, however, for Laura, Dr. Mayerne came in, laughing at the +reports of the weather; and as he was wanted to prescribe for a poor +old man in an opposite direction, he took Charlotte with him to show +the way, and she was much better pleased to have him for a companion +than the grave Laura. + +Philip, in the meantime, had walked all the way to Broadstone, timing +his return exactly, that he might meet Laura as she came out of the +school, and feel as if it had been by chance. It was a gray, misty +November day, and the leaves of the elm-trees came floating round them, +yellow and damp. + +'You have had a wet walk,' said Laura, as they met. + +'It is not quite raining,' he answered; and they proceeded for some +minutes in silence, until he said,--'It is time we should come to an +understanding.' + +She looked at him in alarm, and his voice was immediately gentler; +indeed, at times it was almost inaudible from his strong emotion. 'I +believe that no affection has ever been stronger or truer than ours.' + +'Has been!' repeated Laura, in a wondering, bewildered voice. + +'And is, if you are satisfied to leave things as they are.' + +'I must be, if you are.' + +'I will not say I am satisfied with what must be, as I am situated; but +I felt it due to you to set the true state of the case before you. Few +would venture their love as I do mine with you, bound in reality, +though not formally, with no promise sought or given; yet I am not more +assured that I stand here than I am that our love is for ever.' + +'I am sure it is!' she repeated fervently. '0 Philip, there never was +a time I did not love you: and since that day on Ashen Down, I have +loved you with my whole heart. I am sometimes afraid it has left no +proper room for the rest, when I find how much more I think of your +going away than of poor Charles.' + +'Yes,' he said, 'you have understood me as none but you would have +done, through coldness and reserve, apparently, even towards yourself, +and when to others I have seemed grave and severe beyond my years. You +have never doubted, you have recognized the warmth within; you have +trusted your happiness to me, and it shall be safe in my keeping, for, +Laura, it is all mine.' + +'There is only one thing,' said Laura, timidly; 'would it not be better +if mamma knew?' + +'Laura, I have considered that, but remember you are not bound; I have +never asked you to bind yourself. You might marry to-morrow, and I +should have no right to complain. There is nothing to prevent you.' + +She exclaimed, as if with pain. + +'True,' he answered; 'you could not, and that certainty suffices me. I +ask no more without your parents' consent; but it would be giving them +and you useless distress and perplexity to ask it now. They would +object to my poverty, and we should gain nothing; for I would never be +so selfish as to wish to expose you to such a life as that of the wife +of a poor officer; and an open engagement could not add to our +confidence in each other. We must be content to wait for my promotion. +By that time'--he smiled gravely--'our attachment will have lasted so +many years as to give it a claim to respect.' + +'It is no new thing.' + +'No newer than our lives; but remember, my Laura, that you are but +twenty.' + +'You have made me feel much older,' sighed Laura, 'not that I would be +a thoughtless child again. That cannot last long, not even for poor +little Amy' + +'No one would wish to part with the deeper feelings of elder years to +regain the carelessness of childhood, even to be exempted from the +suffering that has brought them.' + +'No, indeed.' + +'For instance, these two years have scarcely been a time of great +happiness to you.' + +'Sometimes,' whispered Laura, 'sometimes beyond all words, but often +dreary and oppressive.' + +'Heaven knows how unwillingly I have rendered it so. Rather than dim +the brightness of your life, I would have repressed my own sentiments +for ever.' + +'But, then, where would have been my brightness?' + +'I would, I say, but for a peril to you. I see my fears were +unfounded. You were safe; but in my desire to guard you from what has +come on poor Amy, my feelings, though not wont to overpower me, carried +me further than I intended.' + +'Did they?' + +'Do not suppose I regret it. No, no, Laura; those were the most +precious moments in my life, when I drew from you those words and looks +which have been blessed in remembrance ever since; and doubly, knowing, +as I do, that you also prize that day.' + +'Yes--yes;--' + +'In the midst of much that was adverse, and with a necessity for a +trust and self-control of which scarce a woman but yourself would have +been capable, you have endured nobly--' + +'I could bear anything, if you were not going so far away,' + +'You will bear that too, Laura, and bravely. It will not be for ever.' + +'How long do you think?' + +'I cannot tell. Several years may pass before I have my promotion. It +may be that I shall not see that cheek in its fresh bloom again, but I +shall find the same Laura that I left, the same in love, and strength, +and trust.' + +'Ah; I shall grow faded and gray, and you will be a sun-burnt old +soldier,' said Laura, smiling, and looking, half sadly, half proudly, +up to his noble features; 'but hearts don't change like faces!' + +After they came near the house, they walked up and down the lane for a +long time, for Philip avoided a less public path, in order to keep up +his delusion that he was doing nothing in an underhand way. It grew +dark, and the fog thickened, straightening Laura's auburn ringlets, and +hanging in dew-drops on Philip's rough coat, but little recked they; it +was such an hour as they had never enjoyed before. Philip had never so +laid himself open, or assured her so earnestly of the force of his +affection; and her thrills of ecstasy overcame the desolate expectation +of his departure, and made her sensible of strength to bear seven, ten, +twenty years of loneliness and apparent neglect. She knew him, and he +would never fail her. + +Yet, when at last they went in-doors, and Amy followed her to her room, +wondering to find her so wet, and so late, who could have seen the two +sisters without reading greater peace and serenity in the face of the +younger. + +Philip felt an elder brother's interest for poor little Amy. He did +not see much of her; but he compassionated her as a victim to her +mother's imprudence, hoping she would soon be weaned from her +attachment. He thought her a good, patient little thing, so soft and +gentle as probably not to have the strength and depth that would make +the love incurable; and the better he liked her, the more unfit he +thought her for Guy. It would have been uniting a dove and a tiger; +and his only fear was, that when he was no longer at hand, Mr. +Edmonstone's weak good-nature might be prevailed on to sacrifice her. +He did his best for her protection, by making his uncle express a +resolution never to admit Guy into his family again, unless the +accusation of gambling was completely disproved. + +The last morning came, and Philip went to take leave of Charles. Poor +Charles was feebler by this time, and too much subdued by pain and +languor to receive him as at first, but the spirit was the same; and +when Philip wished him good-bye, saying he hoped soon to hear he was +better, he returned for answer, + +'Good-bye, Philip, I hope soon to hear you are better. I had rather +have my hip than your mind.' + +He was in no condition to be answered, and Philip repeated his good- +bye, little thinking how they were to meet again. + +The others were assembled in the hall. His aunt's eyes were full of +tears, for she loved him dearly, her brother's only son, early left +motherless, whom she had regarded like her own child, and who had so +nobly fulfilled all the fondest hopes. All his overbearing ways and +uncalled-for interference were forgotten, and her voice gave way as she +embraced him, saying, + +'God bless you, Philip, wherever you may be. We shall miss you very +much!' + +Little Amy's hand was put into his, and he squeezed it kindly; but she +could hardly speak her 'good-bye,' for the tears that came, because she +was grieved not to feel more sorry that her highly-esteemed cousin, so +kind and condescending to her, was going away for so very long a time. + +'Good-bye, Philip,' said Charlotte; 'I shall be quite grown up by the +time you come home.' + +'Don't make such uncivil auguries, Puss,' said her father; but Philip +heard her not, for he was holding Laura's hand in a grasp that seemed +as if it never would unclose. + + + + +CHAPTER 21 + + + +I will sing, for I am sad, +For many my misdeeds; +It is my sadness makes me glad, +For love for sorrow pleads.--WILLIAMS. + + +After his last interview with Philip, Guy returned to his rooms to +force himself into occupation till his cousin should come to +acknowledge that here, at least, there was nothing amiss. He trusted +that when it was proved all was right in this quarter, the prejudice +with regard to the other might be diminished, though his hopes were +lower since he had found out the real grounds of the accusation, +reflecting that he should never be able to explain without betraying +his uncle. + +He waited in vain. The hour passed at which Philip's coming was +possible; Guy was disappointed, but looked for a letter; but post after +post failed to bring him one. Perhaps Philip would write from +Hollywell, or else Mr. Edmonstone would write, or at least he was sure +that Charles would write--Charles, whose confidence and sympathy, +expressed in almost daily letters, had been such a comfort. But not a +line came. He reviewed in memory his last letter to Charles, wondering +whether it could have offended him; but it did not seem possible; he +thought over all that Philip could have learnt in his visit, to see if +it could by any means have been turned to his disadvantage. But he +knew he had done nothing to which blame could be attached; he had never +infringed the rules of college discipline; and though still backward, +and unlikely to distinguish himself, he believed that was the worst +likely to have been said of him. He only wished his true character was +as good as what would be reported of him. + +As he thought and wondered, he grew more and more restless and unhappy. +He could imagine no reason for the silence, unless Mr. Edmonstone had +absolutely forbidden any intercourse, and it did not seem probable that +he would issue any commands in a manner to bind a grown-up son, more +especially as there had been no attempt at communication with Amy. It +was terrible thus, without warning, to be cut off from her, and all +besides that he loved. As long as Charles wrote, he fancied her +sitting by, perhaps sealing the letter, and he could even tell by the +kind of paper and envelope, whether they were sitting in the dressing- +room or down-stairs; but now there was nothing, no assurance of +sympathy, no word of kindness; they might all have given him up; those +unhappy words were like a barrier, cutting him off for ever from the +happiness of which he had once had a glimpse. Was the Redclyffe doom +of sin and sorrow really closing in upon him? + +If it had not been for chapel and study, he hardly knew how he should +have got through that term; but as the end of it approached, a feverish +impatience seized on him whenever the post came in, for a letter, if +only to tell him not to come to Hollywell. None came, and he saw +nothing for it but to go to Redclyffe; and if he dreaded seeing it in +its altered state when his spirits were high and unbroken, how did he +shrink from it now! He did, however, make up his mind, for he felt +that his reluctance almost wronged his own beloved home. Harry Graham +wanted to persuade him to come and spend Christmas at his home, with +his lively family, but Guy felt as if gaiety was not for him, even if +he could enjoy it. He did not wish to drown his present feelings, and +steadily, though gratefully, refused this as well as one or two other +friendly invitations. + +After lingering in vain till the last day of term, he wrote to desire +that his own room and the library might be made ready for him, and that +'something' might be sent to meet him at Moorworth. + +Railroads had come a step nearer, even to his remote comer of the +world, in the course of the last three years; but there was still +thirty miles of coach beyond, and these lay through a part of the +country he had never seen before. It was for the most part bleak, +dreary moor, such as, under the cold gray wintry sky, presented nothing +to rouse him from his musings on the welcome he might have been at that +very moment receiving at Hollywell. + +A sudden, dip in the high ground made it necessary for the coach to put +on the drag, and thus it slowly entered a village, which attracted +attention from its wretched appearance. The cottages, of the rough +stone of the country, were little better than hovels; slates were torn +off, windows broken. Wild-looking uncombed women, in garments of +universal dirt colour, stood at the doors; ragged children ran and +shrieked after the coach, the church had a hole in the roof, and stood +tottering in spite of rude repairs; the churchyard was trodden down by +cattle, and the whole place only resembled the pictures of Irish +dilapidation. + +'What miserable place is this?' asked a passenger. 'Yes, that's what +all gentlemen ask,' replied the coachman; 'and well you may. There's +not a more noted place for thieves and vagabonds. They call it Coombe +Prior.' + +Guy well knew the name, though he had never been there. It was a +distant offset of his own property, and a horrible sense of +responsibility for all the crime and misery there came over him. + +'Is there no one to look; after it?' continued the traveller. 'No +squire, no clergyman?' + +'A fox-hunting parson,' answered the coachman; 'who lives half-a-dozen +miles off, and gallops over for the service.' + +Guy knew that the last presentation had been sold in the days of his +grandfather's extravagance, and beheld another effect of ancestral sin. + +'Do you know who is the owner of the place?' + +'Yes, sir; 'tis Sir Guy Morville. You have heard tell of the old Sir +Guy Morville, for he made a deal of noise in the world.' + +'What! The noted--' + +'I ought not to allow you to finish your sentence,' said Guy, very +courteously, 'without telling you that I am his grandson.' + +'I beg your pardon!' exclaimed the traveller. + +'Nay,' said Guy, with a smile; 'I only thought it was fair to tell +you.' + +'Sir Guy himself!' said the coachman, turning round, and touching his +hat, anxious to do the honours of his coach. 'I have not seen you on +this road before, sir, for I never forget a face; I hope you'll often +be this way.' + +After a few more civilities, Guy was at liberty to attend to the fresh +influx of sad musings on thoughtless waste affecting not only the +destiny of the individual himself, but whole generations besides. How +many souls might it not have ruined? 'These sheep, what had they +done!' His grandfather had repented, but who was to preach repentance +unto these? He did not wonder now that his own hopes of happiness had +been blighted; he only marvelled that a bright present or future had +ever been his-- + + + While souls were wandering far and wide, + And curses swarmed on every side. + + +The traveller was, meanwhile, observing the heir of Redclyffe, +possessor of wealth and wide lands. Little did he guess how that +bright-eyed youth looked upon his riches. + +Miles were passed in one long melancholy musing, till Guy was roused by +the sight of familiar scenes, and found himself rattling over the +stones of the little borough of Moorworth, with the gray, large- +windowed, old-fashioned houses, on each side, looking at him with +friendly eyes. There, behind those limes cut out in arches, was the +commercial school, where he had spent many an hour in construing with +patient Mr. Potts; and though he had now a juster appreciation of his +old master's erudition, which he had once thought so vast, he +recollected with veneration his long and patient submission to an +irksome, uncongenial life. Rumbling on, the coach was in the square +market-place, the odd-looking octagon market-house in the middle, and +the inn--the respectable old 'George'--with its long rank of stables +and out-buildings forming one side. It was at this inn that Guy had +been born, and the mistress having been the first person who had him in +her arms, considered herself privileged to have a great affection for +him, and had delighted in the greetings he always exchanged with her +when he put up his pony at her stable, and went to his tutor. + +There was a certainty of welcome here that cheered him, as he swung +himself from the roof of the coach, lifted Bustle down, and called out +to the barmaid that he hoped Mrs. Lavers was well. + +The next moment Mrs. Lavers was at the door herself, with her broad, +good-humoured face, close cap, bright shawl, and black gown, just as +Guy always recollected, and might, if he could, have recollected, when +he was born. If she had any more guests she neither saw nor cared for +them; her welcome was all for him; and he could not but smile and look +cheerful, if only that he might not disappoint her, feeling, in very +truth, cheered and gratified by her cordiality. If he was in a hurry, +he would not show it; and he allowed her to seat him in her own +peculiar abode, behind the glass-cases of tongue and cold chicken, told +her he came from Oxford, admired her good fire, and warmed his hands +over it, before he even asked if the 'something' had arrived which was +to take him home. It was coming to the door at the moment, and proved +to be Mr. Markham's tall, high-wheeled gig, drawn by the old white- +faced chestnut, and driven by Markham himself--a short, sturdy, brown- +red, honest-faced old man, with frosted hair and whiskers, an air more +of a yeoman than of a lawyer; and though not precisely gentlemanlike, +yet not ungentlemanlike, as there was no pretension about him. + +Guy darted out to meet him, and was warmly shaken by the hand, though +the meeting was gruff. + +'So, Sir Guy! how d'ye do? I wonder what brings you here on such short +notice? Good morning, Mrs. Lavers. Bad roads this winter.' + +'Good morning, Mr. Markham. It is a treat, indeed, to have Sir Guy +here once more; so grown, too.' + +'Grown--hum!' said Markham, surveying him; 'I don't see it. He'll +never be as tall as his father. Have you got your things, Sir Guy? +Ay, that's the way,--care for nothing but the dog. Gone on by the +coach, most likely.' + +They might have been, for aught Guy knew to the contrary, but Boots had +been more attentive, and they were right. Mrs. Lavers begged he would +walk in, and warm himself; but Markham answered,-- + +'What do you say, Sir Guy? The road is shocking, and it will be as +dark as a pit by the time we get home.' + +'Very well; we won't keep old Whiteface standing,' said Guy. 'Good- +bye, Mrs. Lavers thank you. I shall see you again before long.' + +Before Markham had finished a short private growl on the shocking state +of the Moorworth pavement, and a protest that somebody should be called +over the coals, Guy began,--' + +'What a horrible place Coombe Prior is!' + +'I only know I wish you had more such tenants as Todd,' was Markham's +answer. 'Pays his rent to a day, and improves his land.' + +'But what sort of man is he?' + +'A capital farmer. A regular screw, I believe; but that is no concern +of mine.' + +'There are all the cottages tumbling down.' + +'Ay? Are they? I shouldn't wonder, for they are all in his lease; and +he would not lay out an unproductive farthing. And a precious bad lot +they are there, too! There were actually three of them poaching in +Cliffstone hanger this autumn; but we have them in jail. A pretty pass +of impudence to be coming that distance to poach.' + +Guy used to be kindled into great wrath by the most distant hint of +poachers; but now he cared for men, not for game; and instead of +asking, as Markham expected, the particulars of their apprehension, +continued-- + +'The clergyman is that Halroyd, is he not?' + +'Yes; every one knows what he is. I declare it went against me to take +his offer for the living; but it could not be helped. Money must be +had; but there! least said, soonest mended.' + +'We must mend it,' said Guy, so decidedly, that Markham looked at him +with surprise. + +'I don't see what's to be done till Halroyd dies; and then you may give +the living to whom you please. He lives so hard he can't last long, +that is one comfort.' + +Guy sighed and pondered; and presently Markham resumed the +conversation. + +'And what has brought you home at a moment's notice? You might as well +have written two or three days before, at least.' + +'I was waiting in hopes of going to Hollywell,' said Guy sorrowfully. + +'Well, and what is the matter? You have not been quarrelling with your +guardian, I hope and trust! Going the old way, after all!' exclaimed +Markham, not in his usual gruff, grumbling note, but with real anxiety, +and almost mournfulness. + +'He took up some unjust suspicion of me. I could not bear it +patiently, and said something that has offended him.' + +'Oh, Sir Guy! hot and fiery as ever. I always told you that hasty +temper would be the ruin of you.' + +'Too true!' said Guy, so dejectedly, that the old man instantly grew +kinder, and was displeased with Mr, Edmonstone. + +'What could he have taken into his head to suspect you of?' + +'Of gaming at St. Mildred's.' + +'You have not?' + +'Never!' + +'Then why does not he believe you?' + +'He thinks he has proof against me. I can't guess how he discovered +it; but I was obliged to pay some money to a gambling sort of man, and +he thinks I lost it.' + +'Then why don't you show him your accounts?' + +'For one reason--because I have kept none.' + +As if it was an immense relief to his mind, Markham launched out into a +discourse on the extreme folly, imprudence, and all other evils of such +carelessness. He was so glad to find this was the worst, that his +lecture lasted for two miles and a half, during which Guy, though +attentive at first, had ample space for all the thrills of recognition +at each well-known spot. + +There was the long green-wooded valley between the hills where he had +shot his first woodcock; there was the great stone on which he had +broken his best knife in a fit of geological research; there was the +pool where he used to skate; there the sudden break in the lulls that +gave the first view of the sea. He could not help springing up at the +sight--pale, leaden, and misty as it was; and though Markham forthwith +rebuked him for not listening, his heart was still beating as at the +first sight of a dear old friend, when that peep was far behind. More +black heaths, with stacks of peat and withered ferns. Guy was +straining his eyes far off in the darkness to look for the smoke of the +old keeper's cottage chimney, and could with difficulty refrain from +interrupting Markham to ask after the old man. + +Another long hill, and then began a descent into a rich valley, +beautiful fields of young wheat, reddish soil, full of fatness, large +spreading trees with noble limbs, cottages, and cottage gardens, very +unlike poor Coombe Prior; Markham's house--a perfect little snuggery +covered all over with choice climbing plants, the smart plastered +doctor's house, the Morville Arms, looking honest and venerable, the +church, with its disproportionately high tower, the parsonage rather +hidden behind it; and, on the opposite side of the road, the park-wall +and the gate, where old Sarah stood, in an ecstasy of curtsies. + +Guy jumped out to meet her, and to spare Whiteface; for there was a +sharp, steep bit of hill, rising from the lodge, trying to horses, in +spite of the road being cut out in long spirals. On he ran, leaving +the road to Markham, straight up the high, steep, slippery green slope. +He came in sight at the great dark-red sandstone pile of building; but +he passed it, and ran on to where the ground rose on one side of it +still more abruptly, and at the highest point was suddenly broken away +and cut off into a perpendicular crag, descending in some parts sheer +down to the sea, in others a little broken, and giving space for the +growth of stunted brushwood. He stood at the highest point, where the +precipice was most abrupt. The sea was dashing far beneath; the +ripple, dash, and roar were in his ears once more; the wind--such wind +as only blows over the sea--was breathing on his face; the broad, free +horizon far before him; the field of waves, in gray and brown shade +indeed, but still his own beloved waves; the bay, shut in with rocks, +and with Black Shag Island and its train of rocks projecting far out to +the west, and almost immediately beneath him, to the left, the little +steep street of the fishing part of the village, nestled into the cove, +which was formed by the mouth of a little mountain-stream, and the +dozen boats it could muster rocking on the water. + +Guy stood and looked as if he could never cease looking, or enjoying +the sea air and salt breeze. It was real pleasure at first, for there +were his home, his friends, and though there was a throb and tightness +of heart at thinking how all was changed but such as this, and how all +must change; how he had talked with Amy of this very thing, and had +longed to have her standing beside him there; yet there was more of +soothing than suffering in the sensation. + +So many thoughts rushed through his mind, that he fancied he had stood +there a long time, when he turned and hastened down again, but he had +been so rapid as to meet Markham before the servants had had time to +miss him. + +The servants were indeed few. There was, alas! William of Deloraine, +waiting to hold Whiteface; there was Arnaud, an old Swiss, first +courier and then butler to old Sir Guy; there was Mrs. Drew, the +housekeeper, also a very old servant; and these were all; but their +welcome was of the heartiest, in feeling, if not in demonstration as +the gig went with an echoing, thundering sound under the deep archway +that led into the paved quadrangle; round which the house was built, +that court where, as Philip had truly averred, the sun hardly ever +shone, so high were the walls on each side. + +Up the stone steps into the spacious dark hall, and into the large, +gloomy library, partially lighted by a great wood fire, replying to +Mrs. Drew's questions about his dinner and his room, and asking Markham +to stay and dine with him, Guy at length found himself at home, in the +very room where he had spent every evening of his boyhood, with the +same green leather arm-chair, in the very place where his grandfather +used to sit. + +Markham consented to dine with him, and the evening was spent in +talking over the news of Redclyffe. Markham spoke with much bitterness +of the way in which Captain Morville had taken upon him; his looking +into the accounts, though any one was welcome to examine them, was, he +thought, scarcely becoming in so young a man--the heir-at-law, too. + +'He can't help doing minutely whatever he undertakes,' said Guy. If +you had him here, you would never have to scold him like me.' + +'Heaven forbid!' said Markham, hastily. 'I know the same place would +not hold him and me long.' + +'You have told me nothing of our new vicar. How do you get on with +him?' + +'None the better for that same Captain Morville,' replied Markham, +plunging forthwith into his list of grievances, respecting which he was +waging a petty warfare, in the belief that he was standing up for his +master's rights. + +Mr. Bernard, the former clergyman, had been a quiet, old-fashioned man, +very kind-hearted, but not at all active, and things had gone on in a +sleepy, droning, matter-of-fact way, which Markham being used to, +thought exactly what ought to be. Now, Mr. Ashford was an energetic +person, desirous to do his utmost for the parish, and whatever he did +was an offence to Markham, from the daily service, to the objecting to +the men going out fishing on Sunday. He opposed every innovation with +all his might, and Captain Morville's interference, which had borne +Markham down with Mr. Edmonstone's authority, had only made him more +determined not to bate an inch. He growled every time Guy was inclined +to believe Mr. Ashford in the right, and brought out some fresh +complaint. The grand controversy was at present about the school. +There was a dame's school in the cove or fishing part of the parish, +maintained at the expense of the estate, in a small cottage far from +the church, and Mr. and Mrs. Ashford had fixed their eyes on a house in +the village, and so near the church as to be very convenient for a +Sunday School. It only wanted to be floored, and to have a partition +taken down, but to this Markham would not consent, treating it as a +monstrous proposal to take away the school from old Jenny Robinson. + +'I suppose Mr. Ashford meant to pension her off?' said Guy. + +'He did say something about it; but who is to do it, I should like to +know?' + +'We are, I suppose.' + +'Pay two schoolmistresses mistresses at once! One for doing nothing! +A pretty tolerable proposal for Mr. Ashford to be making?' + +'I don't see why. Of course it is my business!' + +'Besides, I don't see that she is not as fit to keep school as ever she +was.' + +'That may well be,' said Guy, smiling. 'We never used to be noted for +our learning.' + +'Don't you be for bringing new lights into the parish, Sir Guy, or we +shall never have any more peace.' + +'I shall see about old Jenny,' answered Guy. 'As to the house, that +must be done directly. Her cottage is not fit to keep school in.' + +Grunt, grunt; but though a very unbending viceroy, a must from the +reigning baronet had a potent effect on Markham, whether it was for +good or evil. He might grumble, but he never disobeyed, and the boy he +was used to scold and order had found that Morville intonation of the +must, which took away all idea of resistance. He still, however +remonstrated. + +'As you please, Sir Guy, but we shall have the deer frightened, and the +plantations cut to pieces, if the boys from the Cove are to be crossing +the park.' + +'I'll be answerable for all the damage. If they are once properly +spoken to, they will be on honour to behave well. I have seen a little +of what a village school ought to be at East-hill, and I should like to +see Redclyffe like it.' + +Grunt again; and Guy found that to make Markham amiable, he must +inquire after all his nephews and nieces. + +All the evening he had much to occupy him, and the dreaded sense of +solitude and bereavement did not come on till he had parted with +Markham, and stood alone before the fire in the large, gloomy room, +where the light of the lamp seemed absorbed in the darkness of the +distant corners, and where he had scarcely been since the moment when +he found his grandfather senseless in that very chair. How different +had that room once been in his eyes, when his happy spirits defied +every association of gloom, and the bookshelves, the carved chairs, the +heavy dark-green curtains and deep windows were connected with merry +freaks, earnest researches, delightful achievements or discoveries! +How long ago that time seemed! and how changed was he! + +There was a certain tendency to melancholy in Guy's mind. High +spirits, prosperity, and self-discipline, had kept it from developing +itself until the beginning of his troubles, but since that time it had +been gradually gaining ground, and this was a time of great suffering, +as he stood alone in his forefathers' house, and felt himself, in his +early youth, a doomed man, destined to bear the penalty of their crimes +in the ruin of his dearest hopes, as if his heirloom of misery had but +waited to seize on him till the very moment when it would give him the +most to endure. + +'But bear it, I must and will!' said he, lifting his head from the +carved chimney-piece, where he had been resting it. 'I have been in +will a murderer myself, and what right have I to repine like the +Israelites, with their self-justifying proverb? No; let me be thankful +that I was not given up even then, but have been able to repent, and do +a little better next time. It will be a blessing as yet ungranted to +any of us, if indeed I should bear to the full the doom of sorrow, so +that it may be vouchsafed me only to avoid actual guilt. Yes, Amy, +your words are still with me--"Sintram conquered his doom,"--and it was +by following death! Welcome, then, whatever may be in store for me, +were it even a long, cheerless life without you, Amy. There is another +world!' + +With the energy of freshened resolution, he lighted his candle, and +walked, with echoing steps, up the black oak staircase, along the broad +gallery, up another flight, down another passage, to his own room. He +had expressly written 'his own room,' and confirmed it on his arrival, +or Mrs. Drew would have lodged him as she thought more suitably for the +master of the house. Nothing had been done to alter its old familiar +aspect, except lighting a fire, which he had never seen there before. +There were all his boyish treasures, his bows and arrows, his +collection of birds' wings, his wonderful weapons and contrivances, +from his fire-balloon down to the wren's-egg, all just as he left them, +their good condition attesting the care that Mrs. Drew had taken for +his sake. + +He renewed his acquaintance with them with a sort of regretful +affection and superiority; but there was a refreshment in these old +memories which aided the new feeling of life imparted to him by his +resolution to bear. Nor had he only to bear, he had also to do; and +before the late hour at which he fell asleep, he had made up his mind +what was the first step to be taken about Coombe Priory, and had +remembered with rejoicing that whereas he had regretted leaving the +chapel at college which had so comforted and helped him, there was now +daily service at Redclyffe Church. The last thing in his mind, before +reflection was lost in sleep, was this stanza-- + + +Gales from Heaven, if so He will, +Sweeter melodies may wake +On the lowly mountain rill +Than the meeting waters make. +Who hath the Father and the Son, +May be left, but not alone. + + + + +CHAPTER 22 + + + +And when the solemn deep church-bell +Entreats the soul to pray, +The midnight phantoms feel the spell, +The shadows sweep away. + +Down the broad Vale of Tears afar, +The spectral camp is fled; +Faith shineth as a morning star, +Our ghastly fears are dead.--LONGFELLOW + + +Mr. Ashford was a connection of Lady Thorndale's, and it was about a +year since the living of Redclyffe had been presented to him. Mr. and +Mrs. Ashford were of course anxious to learn all they could about their +young squire, on whom the welfare of the parish depended, even more +than in most cases, as the whole was his property. Their expectations +were not raised by Mr. Markham's strenuous opposition to all their +projects, and his constant appeals to the name of 'Sir Guy'; but, on +the other +hand, they were pleased by the strong feeling of affection that all the +villagers manifested for their landlord. + +The inhabitants of Redclyffe were a primitive race, almost all related +to each other, rough and ignorant, and with a very strong feudal +feeling for 'Sir Guy,' who was king, state, supreme authority, in their +eyes; and Mrs. Ashford further found that 'Master Morville,' as the old +women called him in his individual character, was regarded by them with +great personal affection. + +On the occasion when Captain Morville came to Redclyffe, and left James +Thorndale to spend a couple of hours at the parsonage, they +interrogated the latter anxiously on his acquaintance with Sir Guy. He +had not the least idea of creating prejudice, indeed, he liked him as a +companion, but he saw everything through the medium of his friend, and +spoke something to this effect: He was very agreeable; they would like +his manners; he was tolerably clever, but not to be named in the same +day with his cousin for abilities, far less in appearance. Very +pleasant, generally liked, decidedly a taking man; but there was some +cloud over him just now--debts, probably. Morville had been obliged to +go to Oxford about it; but Mr. Thorndale did not profess to understand +it, as of course Morville said as little of it as he could. Thereupon +all began to admire the aforesaid Morville, already known by report, +and whose fine countenance and sensible conversation confirmed all that +had been said of him. + +And as, after his interference, Mr. Markham's opposition became surly, +as well as sturdy, and Sir Guy's name was sure to stand arrayed against +them whichever way they turned, the younger part of the family learnt +to regard him somewhat in the light of an enemy, and their elders +awaited his majority with more of fear than of hope. + +'Mamma!' cried Edward Ashford, rushing in, so as to bring the first +news to his mother, who had not been to the early service, 'I do +believe Sir Guy is come!' + +'Sir Guy was at church!' shouted Robert, almost at the same moment. + +Mr. Ashford confirmed the intelligence. + +'I saw him speaking, after church, to some of the old men, so +afterwards I went to ask old John Barton, and found him with tears in +his eyes, positively trembling with delight, for he said he never +thought to have heard his cheery voice again, and that he was coming +down by and by to see the last letter from Ben, at sea.' + +'That is very nice! Shall you call?' + +'Yes. Even if he is only here for a day or two, it will be better to +have made the acquaintance.' + +Mr. Ashford went to the Park at two in the afternoon, and did not +return till near four. + +'Well,' said he, 'it is as James Thorndale says, there is something +very prepossessing about him.' + +'Have you been there all this time?' + +'Yes. He was not at home; so I left my card, and was coming away, when +I met him at the turn leading to the Cove. He need not have seen me +unless he had liked, but he came up in a good-natured cordial way, and +thanked me for coming to call.' + +'Is he like his cousin?' + +'Not in the least; not nearly so tall or so handsome, but with a very +pleasant face, and seeming made up of activity, very slight, as if he +was all bone and sinew. He said he was going to see the Christmas ox +at the farm, and asked me to come with him. Presently we came to a +high gate, locked up. He was over it in an instant, begged me to wait +while he ran on to the farm for the key, and was back in a second with +it.' + +'Did he enter on any of the disputed subjects!' + +'He began himself about the school, saying the house should be altered +directly; and talked over the whole matter very satisfactorily; +undertook himself to speak to Jenny Robinson; and was very glad to hear +you meant her still to keep the infants at the Cove; so I hope that +matter is in a right train.' + +'If Mr. Markham will but let him.' + +'0, he is king or more here! We met Markham at the farm; and the first +thing, after looking at the cattle, Sir Guy found some planks lying +about, and said they were the very thing for flooring the school. +Markham mentioned some barn they were intended for, but Sir Guy said +the school must be attended to at once, and went with us to look at it. +That was what kept me so long, measuring and calculating; and I hope it +may be begun in a week.' + +'This is delightful! What more could we wish?' + +'I don't think he will give trouble in parish matters, and in personal +intercourse he will be sure to be most agreeable. I wish I knew there +was nothing amiss. It seems strange for him to come here for the +vacation, instead of going to his guardian's, as usual, and altogether +he had an air of sadness and depression, not like a youth, especially +such an active one. I am afraid something is wrong; those engaging +people are often unstable. One thing I forgot to tell you. We were +walking through that belt of trees on the east side of the hill, when +he suddenly called out to ask how came the old ash-tree to be marked. +Markham answered in his gruff way, it was not his doing, but the +Captain's. He turned crimson, and began some angry exclamation, but as +Markham was going on to tell something else about it, he stopped him +short, saying, 'Never mind! I dare say it's all right. I don't want +to hear any more!' And I don't think he spoke much again till we got +into the village. I am afraid there is some misunderstanding between +the cousins.' + +'Or more likely Mr. Markham is teaching him some jealousy of his heir. +We could not expect two Captain Morvilles in one family, and I am glad +it is no worse.' + +All that the Ashfords further saw of their young baronet made an +impression in his favour; every difficulty raised by the steward +disappeared; their plans were forwarded, and they heard of little but +his good-nature to the poor people; but still they did not know how far +to trust these appearances, and did not yet venture to form an opinion +on him, or enter into intimacy. + +'So the singers will not come to us on Christmas Eve, because they say +they must go to the Park,' said Edward, rather savagely. + +'I was thinking,' said Mrs. Ashford, 'how forlorn it will be for that +poor youth to spend his Christmas-day alone in that great house. Don't +you think we might ask him to dinner?' + +Before Mr. Ashford could answer, the boys made such an uproar at the +proposal of bringing a stranger to spoil their Christmas, that their +parents gave up the idea. + +It was that Christmas-day that Guy especially dreaded, as recalling so +many contrasts both with those passed here and at Hollywell. Since his +return, he had been exerting himself to attend to what he felt to be +his duty, going about among his people, arranging for their good or +pleasure, and spending a good deal of time over his studies. He had +written to Mr. Ross, to ask his advice about Coombe Prior, and had set +Markham, much against his will, to remonstrate with Farmer Todd about +the repairs; but though there was a sort of satisfaction in doing these +things--though the attachment of his dependants soothed him, and +brought a new sense of the relation between himself and them--though +views of usefulness were on each side opening before him--yet there was +a dreariness about everything; he was weary even while he undertook and +planned energetically; each new project reminding him that there was no +Amy to plan with him. He could not sufficiently care for them. + +Still more dreary was his return to his old haunts, and to the scenery +which he loved so devotedly--the blue sea and purple hills, which had +been like comrades and playfellows, before he had known what it was to +have living companions. They used to be everything to him, and he had +scarcely a wish beyond; afterwards his dreams had been of longing +affection for them, and latterly the idea of seeing Amy love them and +admire them had been connected with every vision of them; and now the +sight of the reality did but recall the sense that their charm had +departed; they could no longer suffice to him as of old; and their +presence brought back to him, with fresh pangs of disappointment, the +thought of lost happiness and ruined hopes, as if Amy alone could +restore their value. + +The depression of his spirits inclined him to dwell at present more on +the melancholy history of his parents than on anything else. He had +hitherto only heard the brief narration of his grandfather, when he +could ask no questions; but he now obtained full particulars from +Markham, who, when he found him bent on hearing all, related +everything, perhaps intending it as a warning against the passions +which, when once called into force, he dreaded to find equally +ungovernable in his present master. + +Mr. Morville had been his great pride and glory, and, in fact, had been +so left to his care, as to have been regarded like a son of his own. +He had loved him, if possible, better than Guy, because he had been +more his own; he had chosen his school, and given him all the reproofs +which had ever been bestowed on him with his good in view, and how he +had grieved for him was never known to man. It was the first time he +had ever talked it over, and he described, with strong, deep feeling, +the noble face and bearing of the dark-eyed, gallant-looking stripling, +his generosity and high spirit tainted and ruined by his wild temper +and impatience of restraint. There seemed to have been a great +sweetness of disposition, excellent impulses, and so strong a love of +his father, in spite of early neglect and present resentment, as showed +what he might have been with only tolerable training, which gave Guy's +idea of him more individuality than it had ever had before, and made +him better understand what his unhappy grandfather's remorse had been. +Guy doubted for a moment whether it had not been selfish to make +Markham narrate the history of the time when be had suffered so much; +and Markham, when he had been led into telling it, and saw the +deepening sadness on his young master's countenance, wished it had not +been told, and ended by saying it was of no use to stir up what was +better forgotten. + +He would have regretted the telling it still more if he had known how +Guy acted it all over in his solitude; picturing his father standing an +outcast at the door of his own home, yielding his pride and resentment +for the sake of his wife, ready to do anything, yearning for +reconciliation, longing to tread once more the friendly, familiar hall, +and meeting only the angry repulse and cruel taunt! He imagined the +headlong passion, the despair, the dashing on his horse in whirlwind- +like swiftness, then the blow--the fall--the awful stillness of the +form carried back to his father's house, and laid on that table a dead +man! Fierce wrath--then another world! Guy worked himself up in +imagining the horror of the scene, till it was almost as if he had been +an actor in it. + +Yet he had never cared so much for the thought of his father as for his +mother. His yearning for her which he had felt in early days at +Hollywell, had returned in double force, as he now fancied that she +would have been here to comfort him, and to share his grief, to be a +Mrs. Edmonstone, whose love no fault and no offence could ever cancel. + +He rode to Moorworth, and made Mrs. Lavers tell him all she remembered. +She was nothing loath, and related how she had been surprised by Mr. +Morville arriving with his fair, shrinking young wife, and how she had +rejoiced in his coming home again. She described Mrs. Morville with +beautiful blue eyes and flaxen hair, looking pale and delicate, and +with clinging caressing ways like a little child afraid to be left. + +'Poor thing!' said Mrs. Lavers, wiping her eyes; 'when he was going, +she clung about him, and cried, and was so timid about being left, that +at last he called me, and begged me to stay with her, and take care of +her. It was very pretty to see how gentle and soft he was to her, +sharp and hasty as he was with most; and she would not let him go, +coaxing him not to stay away long; till at last he put her on the sofa, +saying, "There, there, Marianne, that will do. Only be a good child, +and I'll come for you." I never forget those words, for they were the +last I ever heard him speak.' + +'Well?' + +'Poor dear! she cried heartily at first; but after a time she cheered +up, and quite made friends with me. I remember she told me which were +Mr. Morville's favourite songs, and sang little scraps of them.' + +'Can you remember what they were?' eagerly exclaimed Guy. + +'Law, no, air; I never had no head for music. And she laughed about +her journey to Scotland, and got into spirits, only she could not bear +I should go out of the room; and after a time she grew very anxious for +him to come back. I made her some tea, and tried to get her to bed, +but she would not go, though she seemed very tired; for she said Mr. +Morville would come to take her to Redclyffe, and she wanted to hear +all about the great house, listening for him all the time, and I trying +to quiet her, and telling her the longer he stayed the better chance +there was. Then came a call for me, and down-stairs I found everything +in confusion; the news had come--I never knew how. I had not had time +to hear it rightly myself, when there was a terrible cry from up- +stairs. Poor thing! whether she thought he was come, or whether her +mind misgave her, she had come after me to the head of the stairs, and +heard what they were saying. I don't believe she ever rightly knew +what had happened, for before I could get to her she had fainted; and +she was very ill from that moment.' + +'And it was the next day she died!' said Guy, looking up, after a long +silence. 'Did she--could she take any notice of me?' + +'No, sir; she lived but half an hour, or hardly that, after you were +born.' I told her it was a son; but she was not able to hear or mind +me, and sank away, fainting like. I fancied I heard her say something +like "Mr. Morville," but I don't know; and her breath was very soon +gone. Poor dear!' added Mrs. Lavers, wiping away her tears. 'I +grieved for her as if she had been my own child; but then I thought of +her waking up to hear he was dead. I little thought then, Sir Guy, +that I should ever see you stand there,--strong and well grown. I +almost thought you were dead already when I sent for Mr. Harrison to +baptize you.' + +'Was it you that did so?' said Guy, his face, mournful before, lighting +up in a sudden beam of gratitude. 'Then I have to thank you for more +than all the world besides.' + +'Law, sir!' said Mrs. Lavers. smiling, and looking pleased, though as +if but half entering into his meaning. 'Yes, it was in that very +china bowl; I have kept it choice ever since, and never let it be used +for anything. I thought it was making very bold, but the doctor and +all thought you could not live, and Mr. Harrison might judge. I was +very glad just before he came that Mr. Markham came from Redclyffe. He +had not been able to leave poor Sir Guy before.' + +Guy soon after set out on his homeward ride. His yearning to hear of +his mother had been satisfied; but though he could still love the fair, +sweet vision summoned up by her name, he was less disposed to feel that +it had been hard upon him that she died. It was not Amy. In spite of +his tender compassion and affection, he knew that he had not lost a +Verena in her. None could occupy that place save Amy; and his mind, +from custom, reverted to Amy as still his own, thrilled like a freshly- +touched wound, and tried to realize the solace that even yet she might +be praying for him. + +It was dreariness and despondency by day, and he struggled with it by +energy and occupation; but it was something even worse in the evening, +in the dark, solitary library, where the very size of the room gave an +additional sense of loneliness; and in the silence he could hear, +through the closed shutters, the distant plash and surge of the tide,-- +a sound, of which, in former years, he had never been sensible. There, +evening after evening, he sat,--his attention roaming from his +employment to feed on his sad reflections. + +One evening he went to the large dark dining-room, unlocked the door, +which echoed far through the house, and found his way through the +packed-up furniture to a picture against the wall, to which he held up +his light. It was a portrait by Lely, a half-length of a young man, +one hand on his sword, the other holding his plumed hat. His dark +chestnut hair fell on each side of a bright youthful face, full of life +and health, and with eyes which, even in painting, showed what their +vividness must have been. The countenance was full of spirit and joy; +but the mouth was more hard and stern than suited the rest; and there +was something in the strong, determined grasp of the sword, which made +it seem as if the hand might be a characteristic portrait. In the +corner of the picture was the name--'Hugo Morville. AEt. 20, 1671.' + +Guy stood holding up his light, and looking fixedly at it for a +considerable time. Strange thoughts passed through his mind as the +pictured eyes seemed to gaze piercingly down into his own. When he +turned away, he muttered aloud,-- + +'He, too, would have said--"Is thy servant a dog, that he should do +this?"' + +It seemed to him as if he had once been in a happier, better world, +with the future dawning brightly on him; but as if that once yielding +to the passions inherited from that wretched man, had brought on him +the doom of misery. He had opened the door to the powers of evil, and +must bear the penalty. + +These feelings might partly arise from its having been only now that, +had all been well, he could have been with Amabel; so that it seemed as +if he had never hitherto appreciated the loss. He had at first +comforted himself by thinking it was better to be without her than to +cause her distress; but now he found how hard it was to miss her--his +bright angel. Darkness was closing on him; a tedious, aimless life +spread out before him; a despair of doing good haunted him, and with it +a sense of something like the presence of an evil spirit, triumphing in +his having once put himself within its grasp. + +It was well for Guy that he was naturally active, and had acquired +power over his own mind. He would not allow himself to brood over +these thoughts by day, and in the evening he busied himself as much as +possible with his studies, or in going over with Markham matters that +would be useful to him to know when he came to the management of his +property. Yet still these thoughts would thicken on him, in spite of +himself, every evening when he sat alone in the library. + +The late hours of Christmas Eve was the time when he had most to +suffer. The day had been gloomy and snowy, and he had spent it almost +entirely in solitude, with no companion or diversion to restore the +tone of his mind, when he had tried it with hard study. He tried to +read, but it would not do; and he was reduced to sit looking at the +fire, recalling this time last year, when he had been cutting holly, +helping the sisters to deck the house, and in the evening enjoying a +merry Christmas party, full of blitheness and glee, where there were, +of course, special recollections of Amabel. + +As usual, he dwelt on the contrast, mused on the estrangement of Mrs. +Edmonstone, and tormented himself about Charles's silence, till he fell +into the more melancholy train of thought of the destiny of his race. + +Far better for him to bear all alone than to bring on Amy grief and +horror, such as had fallen on his own mother, but it was much to bear +that loneliness and desolation for a lifetime. The brow was +contracted, and the lip drawn into a resolute expression of keeping +down suffering, like that of a man enduring acute bodily pain; as Guy +was not yielding, he was telling himself--telling the tempter, who +would have made him give up the struggle--that it was only for a life, +and that it was shame and ingratitude to be faint-hearted, on the very +night when he ought to be rejoicing that One had come to ruin the power +of the foe, and set him free. But where was his rejoicing? Was he +cheered,--was he comforted? Was not the lone, blank despondency that +had settled on him more heavily than ever, a token that he was shut out +from all that was good,--nay, that in former years there had been no +true joy in him, only enjoyment of temporal pleasure? Had his best +days of happiness been, then, nothing but hollowness and self- +deception? + +At that moment the sound of a Christmas carol came faintly on his ear. +It was one of those tunes which, when the village choir were the only +musicians he knew, he had thought, unrivalled; and now, even to his +tutored, delicate ear, softened as it was by distance, and endeared by +association, it was full of refreshing, soothing harmony. He undrew +the curtain, opened the shutter, and looked into the court, where he +saw some figures standing. As soon as the light shone from the window, +the carol was resumed, and the familiar tones were louder and harsher, +but he loved them, with all their rudeness and dissonance, and throwing +up the window, called the singers by name, asking why they stood out in +the snow, instead of coming into the hall, as usual. + +The oldest of the set came to the window to answer,--so old a man that +his voice was cracked, and his performance did more harm than good in +the psalms at church. + +'You see, Sir Guy,' said he, 'there was some of us thought you might +not like to have us coming and singing like old times, 'cause 'tis not +all as it used to be here with you. Yet we didn't like not to come at +all, when you had been away so long, so we settled just to begin, and +see whether you took any notice.' + +'Thank you. It was a very kind thought, James,' said Guy, touched by +the rough delicacy of feeling manifested by these poor men; 'I had +rather hear the carols than anything. Come to the front door; I'll let +you in.' + +'Thank you, sir,' with a most grateful touch of the hat; and Guy +hastened to set things in order, preferring the carols to everything at +that moment, even though disabused of his pristine admiration for James +Robinson's fiddle, and for Harry Ray's grand shake. A long space was +spent in listening, and a still longer in the endeavour to show what +Mr. Ashford meant by suggesting some improvements which they were +regarding with dislike and suspicion, till they found Sir Guy was of +the same mind. In fact, when he had sung a verse or two to illustrate +his meaning, the opinion of the choir was, that, with equal advantages, +Sir Guy might sing quite as well as Harry Ray. + +It was the first time he had heard his own voice, except at church, +since the earlier days of St. Mildred's, but as he went up the long +stairs and galleries to bed, he found himself still singing. It was, + + Who lives forlorn, + On God's own word doth rest, + His path is bright + With heavenly light, + His lot among the blest. + +He wondered, and remembered finding music for it with Amy's help. He +sighed heavily, but the anguish of feeling, the sense of being in the +power of evil, had insensibly left him, and though sad and oppressed, +the unchangeable joy and hope of Christmas were shedding a beam on him. + +They were not gone when he awoke, and rose to a solitary breakfast +without one Christmas greeting. The light of the other life was +beginning to shine out, and make him see how to do and to bear, with +that hope before him. The hope was becoming less vague; the +resolution, though not more firm, yet less desponding, that he would go +on to grapple with temptation, and work steadfastly; and with that hope +before him, he now felt that even a lifetime without Amy would be +endurable. + +The power of rejoicing came more fully at church, and the service +entered into his soul as it never had done before. It had never been +such happiness, though repentance and mournful feelings were ever +present with him; nor was his 'Verena' absent from his mind. He walked +about between the services, saw the poor people dining in their holly- +decked houses, exchanging Christmas wishes with them, and gave his old, +beautiful, bright smile as he received demonstrations of their +attachment, or beheld their enjoyment. He went home in the dark, +allowed Mrs. Drew to have her own way, and serve him and Bustle with a +dinner sufficient for a dozen people, and was shut up for the solitary +Christmas evening which he had so much dreaded, and which would have +been esteemed a misfortune even by those who had no sad thoughts to +occupy them. + +Yet when the clock struck eleven he was surprised, and owned that it +had been more than not being unhappy. The dark fiends of remorse and +despair had not once assaulted him, yet it had not been by force of +employment that they had been averted. He had read and written a +little, but very little, and the time had chiefly been spent in a sort +of day-dream, though not of a return to Hollywell, nor of what +Redclyffe might be with Amy. It had been of a darkened and lonely +course, yet, in another sense, neither dark nor lonely, of a cheerless +home and round of duties, with a true home beyond; and still it had +been a happy, refreshing dream, and he began the next morning with the +fresh brightened spirit of a man who felt that such an evening was sent +him to reinvigorate his energies, and fit him for the immediate duties +that lay before him. + +On the breakfast-table was what he had not seen for a long time--a +letter directed to him. It was from Mr. Ross, in answer to his +question about Coombe Prior, entering readily into the subject, and +advising him to write to the Bishop, altogether with a tone of friendly +interest which, especially as coming from one so near Hollywell, was a +great pleasure, a real Christmas treat. There was the wonted wish of +the season--a happy Christmas--which he took gratefully, and lastly +there was a mention that Charles Edmonstone was better, the suffering +over, though he was not yet allowed to move. + +It was a new light that Charles's silence had been occasioned by +illness, and his immediate resolution was to write at once to Mr. Ross, +to beg for further particulars. In the meantime, the perception that +there had been no estrangement was such a ray as can hardly be imagined +without knowing the despondency it had enlivened. The truth was, +perhaps, that the tone of mind was recovering, and after having fixed +himself in his resolution to endure, he was able to receive comfort and +refreshment from without as well as from within. + +He set to work to write at once to the Bishop, as Mr. Ross advised. He +said he could not bear to lose time, and therefore wrote at once. He +should be of age on the 28th of March, and he hoped then to be able to +arrange for a stipend for a curate, if the Bishop approved, and would +kindly enter into communication on the appointment with Mr. Halroyd, +the incumbent. After considering his letter a little while, and +wishing he was sufficiently intimate with Mr. Ashford to ask him if it +would do, he wrote another to Mr. Ross, to inquire after Charles; then +he worked for an hour at mathematics, till a message came from the +gamekeeper to ask whether he would go out shooting, whereat Bustle, +evidently understanding, jumped about, and wagged his tail so +imploringly, that Guy could not resist, so he threw his books upon the +top of the great pile on the sofa, and, glad that at least he could +gratify dog and man, he sent word that he should be ready in five +minutes. + +He could not help enjoying the ecstasy of all the dogs, and, indeed he +was surprised to find himself fully alive to the delight of forcing his +way through a furze-brake, hearing the ice in the peaty bogs crackle +beneath his feet; getting a good shot, bringing down his bird, finding +snipe, and diving into the depths of the long, winding valleys and +dingles, with the icicle-hung banks of their streamlets. He came home +through the village at about half-past three o'clock, sending the +keeper to leave some of his game at the parsonage, while he went +himself to see how the work was getting on at the school. Mr. and Mrs. +Ashford and the boys were come on the same errand, in spite of the +cloud of dust rising from the newly-demolished lath-and-plaster +partition. The boys looked with longing eyes at the gun in his hand, +and the half-frozen compound of black and red mud on his gaiters; but +they were shy, and their enmity added to their shyness, so that even +when he shook hands with them, and spoke good-naturedly, they did not +get beyond a monosyllable. + +Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, feeling some compunction for having left him to +his solitude so long, asked him to dinner for one of the ensuing days, +with some idea of getting some one to meet him, and named six o'clock. + +'Won't that put you out? Don't you always dine early?' said he. 'If +you would let me, I should like to join you at your tea-time.' + +'If you will endure a host of children,' said Mr. Ashford, 'I should +like it of all things,' said Guy. 'I want to make acquaintance very +much,' and he put his hand on Robert's shoulder. 'Besides, I want to +talk to you about the singing, and how we are to get rid of that fiddle +without breaking James Robinson's heart.' + +The appointment was made, and Guy went home to his hasty dinner, his +Greek, and a little refreshing return afterwards to the books which had +been the delight of younger days. There was no renewal of the burthen +of despair that had so long haunted his evenings. Employments +thickened on his hands as the days passed on. There was further +correspondence about Coombe Prior and the curate, and consultations +with Markham about farmer Todd, who was as obstinate and troublesome as +possible. Guy made Markham come to Coombe Prior with him, examine and +calculate about the cottages, and fairly take up the subject, though +without much apparent chance of coming to any satisfactory result. A +letter came from Mr. Ross, telling him even more than he had ventured +to hope, for it brought a message from Charles himself. Charles had +been delighted to hear of him, and had begged that he might be told how +very sorry he had been not to write; and how incapable he had been, and +still was; but that he hoped Guy would write to him, and believe him in +the same mind. Mr. Ross added an account of Charles's illness, saying +the suffering had been more severe than usual, and had totally disabled +him for many weeks; that they had since called in a London surgeon, who +had given him hope that he might be better now than ever before, but +had prescribed absolute rest for at least six weeks longer, so that +Charles was now flat on his back all day, beginning to be able to be +amused, and very cheerful and patient. + +The pleasure of entering into communication with Hollywell again, and +knowing that Charles at least would be glad to hear from him, was so +exquisite, that he was almost surprised, considering that in essentials +he was where he was before, and even Charles could not be Amy. + + + + +CHAPTER 23 + + + +They hadna sailed a league, a league, +A league, but barely three, +When the lift grew dark, and the wind grew loud, +And gurly grew the sea.--SIR PATRICK SPENS.--(Old Ballad.) + + +Guy's evening with the Ashfords threw down many of the barriers in the +way of intimacy. He soon made friends with the children, beginning +with the two years old baby, and ending with gaining even the shy and +sturdy Robin, who could not hold out any longer, when it appeared that +Sir Guy could tell him the best place for finding sea-urchins, the +present objects of his affections. + +'But we should have to go through the park,' said Edward, +disconsolately, when Guy had described the locality. + +'Well, why not?' + +'We must not go into the park!' cried the children, in chorus. + +'Not go into the park!' exclaimed Guy, looking at Mrs. Ashford, in +amazement; then, as it flashed on him that it was his part to give +leave, he added,--'I did not know I was such a dog in the manger. I +thought all the parish walked naturally in the park. I don't know what +else it is good for. If Markham will lock it up, I must tell him to +give you a key.' + +The boys were to come the next day--to be shown the way to the bay of +urchins, and thenceforth they became his constant followers to such a +degree, that their parents feared they were very troublesome, but he +assured them to the contrary; and no mother in the world could have +found it in her heart to keep them away from so much happiness. There +was continually a rushing home with a joyous outcry,--'Mamma! Sir Guy +gave me a ride on his horse!' 'Mamma! Sir Guy helped us to the top of +that great rock!' 'Oh, papa! Sir Guy says we may come out shooting +with him to-morrow, if you will let us!' 'Mamma! papa! look! Do you +see? I shot this rabbit my own self with Sir Guy's gun!' 'Papa! papa! +Sir Guy showed us his boat, and he says he will take us out to the Shag +Rock, if you will give us leave!' + +This was beyond what papa, still further beyond what mamma, could like, +since the sea was often very rough in parts near the Shag; there were a +good many sunken rocks, and boys, water, and rocks, did not appear by +any means a safe conjunction, so Mrs. Ashford put the matter off for +the present by the unseasonableness of the weather; and Mr. Ashford +asked one or two of the fishermen how far they thought landing on the +Shag a prudent attempt. + +They did not profess to have often tried, they always avoided those +rocks; but it could hardly be very dangerous, they said, for when Sir +Guy was a boy, he used to be about there for ever, at first with an old +boatman, and afterwards alone in his little boat. They had often +wondered he was trusted there; but if any one knew the rocks, he did. + +Still, Mrs. Ashford could not make up her mind to like the idea, and +the boys came to Sir Guy in a state of great discomposure. + +'Never mind' he said, 'perhaps we shall manage it in the summer. We +will get your father to go out with us himself; and, in the meantime, +who likes to come with me after the rabbits in Cliffstone Copse? +Farmer Holt will thank Robin for killing a dozen or so, for he makes +grievous complaints of them.' + +Guy conducted the boys out of sight of the sea, and, to console them, +gave them so much more use of the gun than usual, that it might be +considered as a wonder that he escaped being shot. Yet it did not +prevent a few sighs being spent on the boating. + +'Can't you forget it?' said Guy, smiling. 'You have no loss, after +all, for we are likely to have no boating weather this long time. +Hark! don't you hear the ground-swell?' + +'What's that?' said the boys, standing still to listen to the distant +surge, like a continuous low moan, or roar, far, far away, though there +was no wind, and the sea was calm. + +'It is the sound that comes before stormy weather,' said Guy. 'It is +as if the sea was gathering up its forces for the tempest.' + +'But what?--how? Tell me what it really is,' said Robin. + +'I suppose it is the wind on the sea before it has reached us,' said +Guy. 'How solemn it is!' + +Too solemn for the boys, who began all manner of antics and noises, by +way of silencing the impression of awfulness. Guy laughed, and joined +in their fun; but as soon as they were gone home, he stood in silence +for a long time, listening to the sound, and recalling the mysterious +dreams and fancies with which it was connected in his boyhood, and +which he had never wished thus to drive away. + +The storm he had predicted came on; and by the evening of the following +day, sea and wind were thundering, in their might, against the foot of +the crags. Guy looked from the window, the last thing at night, and +saw the stars twinkling overhead, with that extreme brilliancy which is +often seen in the intervals of fitful storms, and which suggested +thoughts that sent him to sleep in a vague, soothing dream. + +He was wakened by one tremendous continued roar of sea, wind, and +thunder combined. Such was the darkness, that he could not see the +form of the window, till a sheet of pale blue lightning brought it +fully out for the moment. He sat up, and listened to the 'glorious +voice' that followed it, thought what an awful night at sea, and +remembered when he used to fancy it would be the height of felicity to +have a shipwreck at Redclyffe, and shocked Mrs. Bernard by inhuman +wishes that a ship would only come and be wrecked. How often had he +watched, through sounds like these, for a minute gun! Nay, he had once +actually called up poor Arnaud in the middle of the night for an +imaginary signal. Redclyffe Bay was a very dangerous one; a fine place +for a wreck, with its precipitous crags, its single safe landing-place, +and the great Shag Stone, on the eastern side, with a whole progeny of +nearly sunken rocks, dreaded in rough weather by the fishermen +themselves; but it was out of the ordinary track of vessels, and there +were only a few traditions of terrible wrecks long before his time. + +It seemed as if he had worked up his fancy again, for the sound of a +gun was for a moment in his ear. It was lost in the rush of hail +against the window, and the moaning of the wind round the old house; +but presently it returned too surely to be imaginary. He sprang to the +window, and the broad, flickering glare of lightning revealed the black +cliff and pale sea-line; then all was dark and still, while the storm +was holding its breath for the thunder-burst which in a few more +seconds rolled overhead, shaking door and window throughout the house. +As the awful sound died away, in a moment's lull, came the gun again. +He threw up the window, and as the blast of wind and rain swept howling +into the room, it brought another report. + +To close the window, light his candle, throw on his clothes, and hasten +down-stairs, was the work of a very few seconds. Luckily, the key of +the boat-house was lying on the table in the hall, where he had left +it, after showing the boat to the Ashford boys; he seized it, caught up +the pocket telescope, put on a rough coat, and proceeded to undo the +endless fastenings of the hall-door, a very patience-trying occupation; +and, when completed, the gusts that were eddying round the house, ready +to force their way in everywhere, took advantage of the first opening +to blow out his candle. + +However, they had in one way done good service, for the shower had been +as brief as it was violent, and the inky cloud was drifting away +furiously towards the east, leaving the moon visible, near her setting, +and allowing her white cold light to shine forth, contrasting with the +distant sheets of pale lightning, growing fainter and fainter. + +Guy ran across the court, round to the west side of the house, and +struggled up the slope in the face of the wind, which almost swept him +down again; and when at length he had gained the summit, came rushing +against him with such force that he could hardly stand. He did, +however, keep his ground, and gazed out over the sea. The swell was +fearful; marked by the silver light on one side, where it caught the +moonbeams, and the black shade on the other, ever alternating, so that +the eye could, not fix on them for a moment; the spray leapt high in +its whiteness, and the Shag stood up hard, bold, and black. The waves +thundered, bursting on the cliff and, high as he stood, the spray +dashed almost blinding in his face, while the wind howled round him, as +if gathering its might for the very purpose of wrenching him from the +cliff; but he stood firm, and looked out again, to discern clearly what +he thought he had seen. It was the mast of a vessel, seen plainly +against the light silvery distance of sea on the reef west of the Shag. +It was in a slanting direction, and did not move; he could not doubt +that the ship had struck on the dangerous rocks at the entrance of the +bay; and as his eyes became more accustomed to the unusual light, and +made out what objects were or were not familiar, he could perceive the +ship herself. He looked with the glass, but could see no one on board, +nor were any boats in sight; but observing some of the lesser rocks, he +beheld some moving figures on them. Help!--instant help!--was his +thought; and he looked towards the Cove. Lights were in the cottage +windows, and a few sounds came up to him, as if the fishing population +were astir. + +He hastened to the side of the cliff, which was partly clothed with +brushwood. There was a descent--it could hardly be called a path-- +which no one ventured to attempt but himself and a few of the boldest +birds'-nesting boys of the village; but he could lose no time, and +scrambling, leaping, swinging himself by the branches, he reached the +foot of the cliff in safety, and in five minutes more was on the little +quay at the end of the steep street of the Cove. + +The quay was crowded with the fisher-people, and there was a strange +confusion of voices; some saying all was lost; some that the crew had +got to the rock; others, that some one ought to put off and help them; +others, that a boat would never live in such a sea; and an old +telescope was in great requisition. + +Ben Robinson, a tall, hardy young man, of five-and-twenty, wild, +reckless, high-spirited and full of mischief and adventure, was +standing on a pile at the extreme verge above the foaming water, daring +the others to go with him to the rescue; and, though Jonas Ledbury, a +feeble old man, was declaring, in a piteous tone, it was a sin and a +shame to let so many poor creatures be lost in sight, without one man +stirring to help them; yet all stood irresolute, watching the white +breakers dashing on the Shag, and the high waves that swelled and +rolled between. + +'Do you know where the crew are?' exclaimed Guy, shouting as loud as he +could, for the noise of the winds and waves was tremendous. + +'There, sir, on the flat black stone,' said the fortunate possessor of +the telescope. 'Some ten or eleven of them, I fancy, all huddled +together.' + +'Ay, ay!' said old Ledbury. 'Poor creatures! there they be; and what +is to be done, I can't say! I never saw a boat in such a sea, since +the night poor Jack, my brother, was lost, and Will Ray with him.' + +'I see them,' said Guy, who had in the meantime looked through his +glass. 'How soon is high water?' + +It was an important question, for the rocks round the Shag were covered +before full tide, even when the water was still. There was a looking +up at the moon, and then Guy and the fishermen simultaneously +exclaimed, that it would be in three hours; which gave scarcely an hour +to spare. + +Without another word, Guy sprang from the quay to the boat-house, +unlocked it, and, by example, showed that the largest boat was to be +brought out. The men helped him vigorously, and it stood on the narrow +pebbly beach, the only safe landing-place in the whole bay; he threw +into it a coil of rope, and called out in his clear commanding voice-- +'Five to go with me!' + +Hanging back was at an end. They were brave men, who had wanted +nothing but a leader, and with Sir Guy at their head, were ready for +anything. Not five, but five-and-twenty were at his command; and even +in the hurry of the moment, a strong, affectionate feeling filled his +eyes with tears as he saw these poor fellows ready to trust their lives +in his hands. + +'Thank you--thank you!' he exclaimed. 'Not all, though; you, Ben +Robinson, Harry Ray, Charles Ray, Ben Ledbury, Wat Green.' + +They were all young men, without families, such as could best be +spared; and each, as his name was called, answered, 'Here, Sir Guy!' +and came forward with a resolute satisfied air. + +'It would be best to have a second boat,' said Guy. 'Mr. Brown,' to +the owner of the telescope, 'will you lend yours? 'tis the strongest +and lightest. Thank you. Martin had best steer it, he knows the +rocks;' and he went on to name the rest of the crew; but at the last +there was a moment's pause, as if he doubted. + +A tall athletic young fisherman took advantage of it to press forward. + +'Please your honour, Sir Guy, may not I go?' + +'Better not, Jem,' answered Guy. 'Remember,' in a lower voice, 'your +mother has no one but you. Here!' he called, cheerfully, 'Jack Horn, +you pull a good oar! Now, then, are we ready?' + +'All ready,--yes, sir!' + +The boat was launched, not without great difficulty, in the face of +such a sea. The men stoutly took their oars, casting a look forward at +the rocks, then at the quay, and on the face of their young steersman. +Little they guessed the intense emotion that swelled in his breast as +he took the helm, to save life or to lose it; enjoying the enterprise, +yet with the thought that his lot might be early death; glad it was +right thus to venture, earnest to save those who had freely trusted to +him, and rapidly, though most earnestly, recalling his own repentance. +All this was in his mind, though nothing was on his face but cheerful +resolution. + +Night though it was, tidings of the wreck had reached the upper part of +the village; and Mr. Ashford, putting his head out of his window to +learn the cause of the sounds in the street, was informed by many +voices that a ship was on the Shag reef, and that all were lost. To +hasten to the Cove to learn the truth, and see if any assistance could +yet be afforded, was his instant thought; and he had not taken many +steps before he was overtaken by a square, sturdy figure, wrapped in an +immense great-coat. + +'So, Mr. Markham, you are on your way to see about this wreck.' + +'Why, ay,' said Markham, roughly, though not with the repellent manner +usual with him towards Mr. Ashford, 'I must be there, or that boy will +be in the thickest of it. Wherever is mischief, there is he. I only +wonder he has not broken his neck long ago.' + +'By mischief, you mean danger?' + +'Yes. I hope he has not heard of this wreck, for if he has, no power +on earth would keep him back from it.' + +Comparing the reports they had heard, the clergyman and steward walked +on, Markham's anxiety actually making him friendly. They reached the +top of the steep street of the Cove; but though there was a good view +of the sea from thence, they could distinguish nothing, for another +cloud was rising, and had obscured the moon. They were soon on the +quay, now still more crowded, and heard the exclamations of those who +were striving to keep their eyes on the boats. + +'There's one!' 'No!' 'Yes, 'tis!' 'That's Sir Guy's!' + +'Sir Guy!' exclaimed Markham. 'You don't mean he is gone? Then I am +too late! What could you be thinking of, you old fool, Jonas, to let +that boy go? You'll never see him again, I can tell you. Mercy! Here +comes another squall! There's an end of it, then!' + +Markham seemed to derive some relief from railing at the fishermen, +singly and collectively, while Mr. Ashford tried to learn the real +facts, and gather opinions as to the chance of safety. The old +fishermen held that there was frightful risk, though the attempt was +far from hopeless; they said the young men were all good at their oars, +Sir Guy knew the rocks very well, and the chief fear was, that he might +not know how to steer in such a sea; but they had seen that, though +daring, he was not rash. They listened submissively to Mr. Markham, +but communicated in an under-tone to the vicar, how vain it would have +been to attempt to restrain Sir Guy. + +'Why, sir,' said old James Robinson, 'he spoke just like the captain of +a man-of-war, and for all Mr. Markham says, I don't believe he'd have +been able to gainsay him.' + +'Your son is gone with him?' + +'Ay, sir; and I would not say one word to stop him. I know Sir Guy +won't run him into risk for nothing; and I hope, please God, if Ben +comes back safe, it may be the steadying of him.' + +''Twas he that volunteered to go before Sir Guy came, they say?' + +'Yes, sir,' said the old man, with a pleased yet melancholy look. +'Ben's brave enough; but there's the difference. He'd have done it for +the lark, and to dare the rest; but Sir Guy does it with thought, and +because it is right. I wish it may be the steadying of Ben!' + +The shower rushed over them again, shorter and less violent than the +former one, but driving in most of the crowd, and only leaving on the +quay the vicar, the steward, and a few of the most anxious fishermen. +They could see nothing; for the dark slanting line of rain swept over +the waves, joining together the sea and thick low cloud; and the +roaring of the sea and moaning of the wind were fearful. No one spoke, +till at last the black edges of the Shag loomed clearer, the moon began +to glance through the skirts of the cloud, and the heaving and tossing +of the sea, became more discernible. + +'There!--there!' shouted young Jem, the widow's son. + +'The boats?' + +'One!' + +'Where?--where?--for heaven's sake! That's nothing!' cried Markham. + +'Yes--yes! I see both,' said Jem. 'The glass! Where's Mr, Brown's +glass!' + +Markham was trying to fix his own, but neither hand nor eye were steady +enough; he muttered,--'Hang the glass!' and paced up and down in +uncontrollable anxiety. Mr. Ashford turned with him, trying to speak +consolingly, and entirely liking the old man. Markham was not +ungrateful, but he was almost in despair. + +'It is the same over again!' said he. 'He is the age his father was, +though Mr. Morville never was such as he--never--how should he? He is +the last of them--the best--he would have been--he was. Would to +heaven I were with him, that, if he is lost, we might all go together.' + +'There, sir,' called Jem, who, being forbidden to do anything but +watch, did so earnestly; 'they be as far now as opposite West Cove. +Don't you see them, in that light place?' + +The moon had by this time gone down, but the first great light of dawn +was beginning to fall on the tall Shag, and show its fissures and dark +shades, instead of leaving it one hard, unbroken mass. Now and then +Jem thought he saw the boats; but never so distinctly as to convince +the watchers that they had not been swamped among the huge waves that +tumbled and foamed in that dangerous tract. + +Mr. Ashford had borrowed Markham's telescope, and was looking towards +the rock, where the shipwrecked crew had taken refuge. + +'There is some one out of the boat, climbing on the rocks. Can you +make him out, Jem?' + +'I see--I see,' said Mr. Brown; 'there are two of them. They are +climbing along the lee-side of the long ridge of rocks.' + +'Ay, ay,' said old Ledbury; 'they can't get in a boat close to the flat +rocks, they must take out a line. Bold fellows!' + +'Where are the boats?' asked Mr. Ashford. + +'I can tell that,' said Ledbury; 'they must have got under the lee of +the lesser Shag. There's a ring there that Sir Guy had put in to moor +his boat to. They'll be made fast there, and those two must be taking +the rope along that ledge, so as for the poor fellows on the rock to +have a hold of, as they creep along to where the boats are.' + +'Those broken rocks!' said Mr. Ashford. 'Can there be a footing, and +in such a sea?' + +'Can you give a guess who they be, sir?' asked Robinson, earnestly. +'If you'd only let Jem have a look, maybe he could guess.' + +Markham's glass was at his service. + +'Hullo! what a sea! I see them now. That's Ben going last--I know his +red cap. And the first--why, 'tis Sir Guy himself!' + +'Don't be such a fool, Jem' cried Markham, angrily. 'Sir Guy knows +better. Give me the glass.' + +But when it was restored, Markham went on spying in silence, while +Brown, keeping fast possession of his own telescope, communicated his +observations. + +'Ay, I see them. Where are they? He's climbing now. There's a +breaker just there, will wash them off, as sure as they're alive! I +don't see 'em. Yes, I do--there's Redcap! There's something stirring +on the rock!' + +So they watched till, after an interval, in which the boats disappeared +behind the rocks, they were seen advancing over the waters again--one-- +yes--both, and loaded. They came fast, they were in sight of all, +growing larger each moment, mounting on the crest of the huge rolling +waves, then plunged in the trough so long as to seem as if they were +lost, then rising--rising high as mountains. Over the roaring waters +came at length the sound of voices, a cheer, pitched in a different key +from the thunder of wind and wave; they almost fancied they knew the +voice that led the shout. Such a cheer as rose in answer, from all the +Redclyffe villagers, densely crowded on quay, and beach, and every +corner of standing ground! + +The sun was just up, his beams gilded the crests of the leaping waves, +and the spray danced up, white and gay, round the tall rocks, whose +shadow was reflected in deep green, broken by the ever-moving swell. +The Shag and its attendant rocks, and the broken vessel, were bathed in +the clear morning light; the sky was of a beautiful blue, with +magnificent masses of dark cloud, the edges, where touched by the +sunbeams, of a pearly white; and across the bay, tracing behind them +glittering streams of light, came up the two boats with their freight +of rescued lives. Martin's boat was the first to touch the landing- +place. + +'All saved,' he said; 'all owing to him,' pointing back to Sir Guy. + +There was no time for questions; the wan, drenched sailors had to be +helped on shore, and the boat hauled up out of the way. In the +meantime, Guy, as he steered in past the quay, smiled and nodded to Mr. +Ashford and Markham, and renewed the call, 'All safe!' Mr. Ashford +thought that he had never seen anything brighter than his face--the +eyes radiant in the morning sun, the damp hair hanging round it, and +life, energy, and promptitude in every feature and movement. + +The boat came in, the sailors were assisted out, partly by their +rescuers, partly by the spectators. Guy stood up, and, with one foot +on the seat, supported on his knee and against his arm a little boy, +round whom his great-coat was wrapped. + +'Here, Jem!' he shouted, to his rejected volunteer, who had been very +active in bringing in the boat, 'here's something for you to do. This +poor little fellow has got a broken arm. Will you ask your mother to +take him in? She's the best nurse in the parish. And send up for Mr. +Gregson.' + +Jem received the boy as tenderly as he was given; and, with one bound, +Guy was by the side of his two friends. Mr. Ashford shook hands with +heartfelt gratulation; Markham exclaimed,-- + +'There, Sir Guy, after the old fashion! Never was man so mad in this +world! I've done talking! You'll never be content till you have got +your death. As if no one could do anything without you.' + +'Was it you who carried out the line on the rock?' said Mr. Ashford. + +'Ben Robinson and I. I had often been there, after sea anemones and +weeds, and I had a rope round me, so don't be angry, Markham.' + +'I have no more to say,' answered Markham, almost surly. 'I might as +well talk to a sea-gull at once. As if you had any right to throw away +your life!' + +'I enjoyed it too much to have anything to say for myself,' said Guy; +'besides, we must see after these poor men. There were two or three +nearly drowned. Is no one gone for Mr. Gregson?' + +Mr. Gregson, the doctor, was already present, and no one who had any +authority could do anything but attend to the disposal of the +shipwrecked crew. Mr. Ashford went one way, Markham another, Guy a +third; but, between one cottage and another, Mr. Ashford learnt some +particulars. The crew had been found on a flat rock and the fishermen +had at first thought all their perils in vain, for it was impossible to +bring the boats up, on account of the rocks, which ran out in a long +reef. Sir Guy, who knew the place, steered to the sheltered spot where +he had been used to make fast his own little boat, and undertook to +make his way from thence to the rock where the crew had taken refuge, +carrying a rope to serve as a kind of hand-rail, when fastened from one +rock to the other. Ben insisted on sharing his peril, and they had +crept along the slippery, broken reefs, lashed by the surge, for such a +distance, that the fishermen shuddered as they spoke of the danger of +being torn off by the force of the waves, and dashed against the rocks. +Nothing else could have saved the crew. They had hardly accomplished +the passage through the rising tide, even with the aid of the rope and +the guidance of Sir Guy and Ben, and, before the boats had gone half a +mile on their return, the surge was tumbling furiously over the stones +where they had been found. + +The sailors were safely disposed of, in bed, or by the fireside, the +fishers vying in services to them. Mr. Ashford went to the cottage of +Charity Ledbury, Jem's mother, to inquire for the boy with the broken +arm. As he entered the empty kitchen, the opposite door of the stairs +was opened, and Guy appeared, stepping softly, and speaking low. + +'Poor little fellow!' he said; 'he is just going to sleep. He bore it +famously!' + +'The setting his arm?' + +'Yes. He was quite sensible, and very patient, and that old Charity +Ledbury is a capital old woman. She and Jem are delighted to have him, +and will nurse him excellently. How are all the others? Has that poor +man come to his senses?' + +'Yes. I saw him safe in bed at old Robinson's. The captain is at the +Browns'.' + +'I wonder what time of day it is?' + +'Past eight. Ah! there is the bell beginning. I was thinking of going +to tell Master Ray we are not too much excited to remember church-going +this morning; but I am glad he has found it out only ten minutes too +late. I must make haste. Good-bye!' + +'May not I come, too, or am I too strange a figure?' said Guy, looking +at his dress, thrown on in haste, and saturated with sea-water. + +'May you?' said Mr. Ashford, smiling. 'Is it wise, with all your wet +things?' + +'I am not given to colds,' answered Guy, and they walked on quickly for +some minutes; after which he said, in a low voice and hurried manner,-- +'would you make some mention of it in the Thanksgiving?' + +'Of course I will' said Mr. Ashford, with much emotion. 'The danger +must have been great.' + +'It was,' said Guy, as if the strong feeling would show itself. 'It +was most merciful. That little boat felt like a toy at the will of the +winds and waves, till one recollected who held the storm in His hand.' + +He spoke very simply, as if he could not help it, with his eye fixed on +the clear eastern sky, and with a tone of grave awe and thankfulness +which greatly struck Mr. Ashford, from the complete absence of self- +consciousness, or from any attempt either to magnify or depreciate his +sense of the danger. + +'You thought the storm a more dangerous time than your expedition on +the rock?' + +'It was not. The fishermen, who were used to such things, did not +think much of it; but I am glad to have been out on such a night, if +only for the magnificent sensation it gives to realize one's own +powerlessness and His might. As for the rock, there was something to +do to look to one's footing, and cling on; no time to think.' + +'It was a desperate thing!' + +'Not so bad as it looked. One step at a time is all one wants, you +know, and that there always was. But what a fine fellow Ben Robinson +is! He behaved like a regular hero--it was the thorough contempt and +love of danger one reads of. There must be a great deal of good in +him, if one only knew how to get hold of it.' + +'Look there!' was Mr. Ashford's answer, as he turned his head at the +church wicket; and, at a short distance behind, Guy saw Ben himself +walking up the path, with his thankful, happy father, a sight that had +not been seen for months, nay, for years. + +'Ay,' he said, 'such a night as this, and such a good old man as the +father, could not fail to bring out all the good in a man.' + +'Yes,' thought Mr. Ashford, 'such a night, under such a leader! The +sight of so much courage based on that foundation is what may best +touch and save that man.' + +After church, Guy walked fast away; Mr. Ashford went home, made a long +breakfast, having the whole story to tell, and was on to the scene of +action again, where he found the master, quite restored, and was +presently joined by Markham. Of Sir Guy, there was no news, except +that Jem Ledbury said he had looked in after church to know how the +cabin boy was going on, and the master, understanding that he had been +the leader in the rescue, was very anxious to thank him, and walked up +to the house with Markham and Mr. Ashford. + +Markham conducted them straight to the library, the door of which was +open. He crossed the room, smiled, and made a sign to Mr. Ashford, who +looked in some surprise and amusement. It has been already said that +the room was so spacious that the inhabited part looked like a little +encampment by the fire, though the round table was large, and the green +leather sofa and arm chair were cumbrous. + +However, old Sir Guy's arm-chair was never used by his grandson; +Markham might sit there, and Bustle did sometimes, but Guy always used +one of the unpretending, unluxurious chairs, which were the staple of +the room. This, however, was vacant, and on the table before it stood +the remains of breakfast, a loaf reduced to half its dimensions, an +empty plate and coffee-cup. The fire was burnt down to a single log, +and on the sofa, on all the various books with which it was strewed, +lay Guy, in anything but a comfortable position, his head on a great +dictionary, fairly overcome with sleep, his very thick, black eyelashes +resting on his fresh, bright cheek, and the relaxation of the grave +expression of his features making him look even younger than he really +was. He was so sound asleep that it was not till some movement of +Markham's that he awoke, and started up, exclaiming,-- + +'What a horrid shame! I am very sorry!' + +'Sorry! what for?' said Markham. 'I am glad, at any rate, you have +been wise enough to change your things, and eat some breakfast.' + +'I meant to have done so much,' said Guy; 'but sea-wind makes one so +sleepy!' Then, perceiving the captain, he came forward, hoping he was +quite recovered. + +The captain stood mystified, for he could not believe this slim youth +could be the Sir Guy of whose name he had heard so much, and, after +answering the inquiry, he began,-- + +'If I could have the honour of seeing Sir Guy--' + +'Well?' said Guy. + +'I beg your pardon, sir!' said the captain, while they all laughed, 'I +did not guess you could be so young a gentleman. I am sure, sir, 'tis +what any man might be proud of having done, and--I never saw anything +like it!' he added, with a fresh start, 'and it will do you honour +everywhere. All our lives are owing to you, sir.' + +Guy did not cut him short, though very glad when it was over. He felt +he should not, in the captain's place, like to have his thanks +shortened, and besides, if ever there was happiness or exultation, it +was in the glistening eyes of old Markham, the first time he had ever +been able to be justly proud of one of the family, whom he loved with +so much faithfulness and devotion. + + + + +CHAPTER 24 + + + +Is there a word, or jest, or game, +But time encrusteth round +With sad associate thoughts the same? + ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING. + + +Among the persons who spent a forlorn autumn was Mr. Ross, though his +troubles were not quite of the same description as those of his young +parishioners. He missed his daughter very much; all his household +affairs got out of order; the school-girls were naughty, and neither +he, nor Miss Edmonstone, nor the mistress, could discover the culprits; +their inquiries produced nothing but a wild confusion of mutual +accusations, where the truth was undistinguishable. The cook never +could find anything to make broth of, Mr. Ross could, never lay his +hands on the books he wanted for himself or anybody else; and, lastly, +none of his shirts ever had their buttons on. + +Mary, meanwhile, had to remain through a whole course of measles, then +to greet the arrival of a new nephew, and to attend his christening: +but she had made a vow that she would be at home by Christmas, and she +kept it. + +Mr. Ross had the satisfaction of fetching her home from the station the +day before Christmas Eve, and of seeing her opposite to him, on her own +side of the table, in the evening, putting on the buttons, and +considering it an especial favour and kindness, for which to be for +ever grateful, that he had written all his Christmas sermons +beforehand, so as to have a whole evening clear before her. He was +never a great letter-writer, and Mary had a great deal to hear, for all +that had come to her were the main facts, with very few details. + +'I have had very few letters, even from Hollywell,' said she. 'I +suppose it is on account of Charles's illness. You think him really +better?' + +'Yes, much better. I forgot to tell you, you are wanted for their +Christmas party to-morrow night.' + +'Oh! he is well enough for them not to put it off! Is he able to be +out of bed?' + +'No, he lies perfectly flat, and looks very thin. It has been a very +severe illness. I don't think I ever knew him suffer so much; but, at +the same time, I never knew him behave so well, or show so much +patience, and consideration for other people, I was the more surprised, +because at first he seemed to have relapsed into all the ways he +thought he had shaken off; he was so irritable and fretful, that poor +Mrs. Edmonstone looked worn out; but it seems to have been only the +beginning of the illness; it was very different after he was laid up.' + +'Has he had you to see him?' + +'Yes, he asked for it, which he never did before, and Amabel reads to +him every morning. There is certainly much more that is satisfactory +about those young Edmonstones than there once seemed reason to expect.' + +'And now tell me about Sir Guy. What is the matter? Why does he not +come home this winter!' + +'I cannot tell you the rights of it, Mary. Mr. Edmonstone is very much +offended about something he is reported to have said, and suspects him +of having been in mischief at St. Mildred's; but I am not at all +persuaded that it is not one of Mr. Edmonstone's affronts.' + +'Where is he?' + +'At Redclyffe. I have a letter from him which I am going to answer to- +night. I shall tell the Edmonstones about it, for I cannot believe +that, if he had been guilty of anything very wrong, his mind would be +occupied in this manner;' and he gave Mary the letter. + +'Oh, no!' exclaimed Mary, as she read. 'I am sure he cannot be in any +mischief. What an admirable person he is! I am very sorry this cloud +has arisen! I was thinking last summer how happy they all were +together.' + +'Either this or Charles's illness has cast a gloom over the whole +house. The girls are both grown much graver.' + +'Amy graver?' said Mary, quickly. + +'I think so. At least she did not seem to cheer up as I should have +expected when her brother grew better. She looks as if she had been +nursing him too closely, and yet I see her walking a good deal.' + +'Poor little Amy!' said Mary, and she asked no more questions, but was +anxious to make her own observations. + +She did not see the Edmonstones till the next evening, as the day was +wet, and she only received a little note telling her that one carriage +would be sent to fetch her and Mr. Ross. The whole of the family, +except Charles, were in the drawing-room, but Mary looked chiefly at +Amy. She was in white, with holly in her hair, and did not look +sorrowful; but she was paler and thinner than last summer, and though +she spoke, smiled, and laughed when she ought, it was without the gay, +childish freedom of former times. She was a small, pale, quiet girl +now, not a merry, caressing kitten. Mary recollected what she had been +in the wood last summer, and was sure it was more than Charles's +illness that had altered her; yet still Amy had not Laura's harassed +look. + +Mary had not much talk with Amy, for it was a large party, with a good +many young ladies and children, and Amy had a great deal of work in the +way of amusing them. She had a wearied look, and was evidently +exerting herself to the utmost. + +'You look tired,' said Mary, kindly. + +'No, it is only stupidity,' said Amy, smiling rather sadly. 'We can't +be entertaining without Charlie.' + +'It has been a melancholy winter,' began Mary, but she was surprised, +for Amy's face and neck coloured in a moment; then, recovering herself, +with some hesitation, she said,-- + +'Oh! but Charlie is much better, and that is a great comfort. I am +glad you are come home, Mary.' + +'We are going to have some magic music,' was said at the other end of +the room. 'Who will play?' + +'Little Amy!' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'Where is she? She always does it +to admiration. Amy, come and be a performer.' + +Amy rose, and came forward, but the colour had flushed into her cheeks +again, and the recollection occurred to Mary, that her fame as a +performer, in that way, arose from the very amusing manner in which she +and Sir Guy had conducted the game last year. At the same moment her +mother met her, and whispered,-- + +'Had you rather not, my dear?' + +'I can do it, mamma, thank you--never mind.' + +'I should like to send you up to Charlie--he has been so long alone.' + +'Oh! thank you, dear mamma,' with a look of relief. + +'Here is Charlotte wild to be a musician,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. +'Perhaps you will see how she can manage; for I think Charles must want +a visit from his little nurse.' + +Amy moved quietly away, and entered Charles's room, full of warm +gratitude for the kindness which was always seeking how to spare her. + +Charles was asleep, and throwing a shawl round her, she sat down in the +dim light of the lamp, relieved by the stillness, only broken by now +and then a louder note of the music down-stairs. It was very +comfortable, after all that buzz of talk, and the jokes that seemed so +nonsensical and tiresome. There were but two people who could manage +to make a party entertaining, and that was the reason it was so +different last year. Then Amy wondered if she was the only person who +felt sick at heart and dreary; but she only wondered for a moment--she +murmured half aloud to herself, 'I said I never would think of him +except at my prayers! Here I am doing it again, and on Christmas +night. I won't hide my eyes and moan over my broken reed; for +Christmas is come, and the circles of song are widening round! Glory! +good will, peace on earth! How he sang it last year, the last thing, +when the people were gone, before we went up to bed. But I am breaking +my resolution again. I must do something.' + +She took up a book of sacred poetry, and began to learn a piece which +she already nearly knew; but the light was bad, and it was dreamy work; +and probably she was half asleep, for her thoughts wandered off to +Sintram and the castle on the Mondenfelsen, which seemed to her like +what she had pictured the Redclyffe crags, and the castle itself was +connected in her imagination with the deep, echoing porch, while Guy's +own voice seemed to be chanting-- + + + Who lives forlorn, + On God's own word doth rest; + His path is bright + With heavenly light, + His lot among the blest. + + +'Are you there, Amy?' said Charles, waking. 'What are you staying here +for? Don't they want you?' + +'Mamma was so kind as to send me up.' + +'I am glad you are come, for I have something to tell you. Mr. Ross +has been up to see me, you know, and he has a letter from Guy.' + +Amy's heart beat fast, and, with eyes fixed on the ground, she listened +as Charles continued to give an account of Guy's letter about Coombe +Prior. 'Mr. Ross is quite satisfied about him, Amy,' he concluded. 'I +wish you could have heard the decided way in which he said, "He will +_live_ it down."' + +Amy's answer was to stoop down and kiss her brother's forehead. + +Another week brought Guy's renewal of the correspondence. + +'Amy, here is something for you to read,' said Charles, holding up the +letter as she came into the room. + +She knew the writing. 'Wait one moment, Charlie, dear;' and she ran +out of the room, found her mother fortunately alone, and said, averting +her face,--'Mamma, dear, do you think I ought to let Charlie show me +that letter?' + +Mrs. Edmonstone took hold of her hand, and drew her round so as to look +into the face through its veiling curls. The hand shook, and the face +was in a glow of eagerness. 'Yes, dearest!' said she, for she could +not help it; and then, as Amy ran back again, she asked herself whether +it was foolish, and bad for her sweet little daughter, then declared to +herself that it must--it should--it would come right. + +There was not a word of Amy in the letter, but it, or something else, +made her more bright and cheerful than she had been for some time past. +It seemed as if the lengthening days of January were bringing renewed +comfort with them, when Charles, who ever since October had been +confined to bed, was able to wear the Chinese dressing-gown, be lifted +to a couch, and wheeled into the dressing-room, still prostrate, but +much enjoying the change of scene, which he called coming into the +world. + +These were the events at quiet Hollywell, while Redclyffe was still +engrossed with the shipwreck, which seemed to have come on purpose to +enliven and occupy this solitary winter. It perplexed the Ashfords +about their baronet more than ever. Mr. Ashford said that no one whose +conscience was not clear could have confronted danger as he had done; +and yet the certainty that he was under a cloud, and the sadness, so +inconsistent with his age and temperament still puzzled them. Mrs. +Ashford thought she had made a discovery. The second day after the +wreck, the whole crew, except the little cabin-boy, were going to set +off to the nearest sea-port; and the evening preceding their departure, +they were to meet their rescuers, the fishermen, at a supper in the +great servants' hall at the park. Edward and Robert were in great +glory, bringing in huge branches of evergreens to embellish the clean, +cold place; and Mr. and Mrs. Ashford and Grace were to come to see the +entertainment, after having some coffee in the library. + +Guy prepared it for his company by tumbling his books headlong from the +sofa to a more remote ottoman, sticking a bit of holly on the mantel- +shelf, putting out his beloved old friend, Strutt's 'Sports and +Pastimes,' to amuse Grace, and making up an immense fire; and then, +looking round, thought the room was uncommonly comfortable; but the +first thing that struck Mrs, Ashford, when, with face beaming welcome, +he ushered her in from the great hall, was how forlorn rooms looked +that had not a woman to inhabit them. + +The supper went off with great eclat. Arnaud at the head of the table +carved with foreign courtesies, contrasted with the downright bluff way +of the sailors. As soon as Sir Guy brought Mrs. Ashford to look in on +them, old James Robinson proposed his health, with hopes he would soon +come and live among them for good, and Jonas Ledbury added another +wish, that 'Lady Morville' might soon be there too. At these words, an +expression of pain came upon Guy's face; his lips were rigidly pressed +together; he turned hastily away, and paced up and down before he could +command his countenance. All were so busy cheering, that no one heeded +his change of demeanour save Mrs. Ashford; and though, when he returned +to the place where he had been standing, his complexion was deepened, +his lip quivered, and his voice trembled in returning thanks, Mr. +Ashford only saw the emotion naturally excited by his people's +attachment. + +The lady understood it better; and when she talked it over with her +husband in the evening, they were convinced the cause of his trouble +must be some unfortunate attachment, which he might think it his duty +to overcome; and having settled this, they became very fond of him, and +anxious to make Redclyffe agreeable to him. + +Captain and crew departed; the little boy was better, and his hosts, +Charity and Jem Ledbury, only wished to keep him for ever; the +sensation at Redclyffe was subsiding, when one morning Markham came, in +a state of extreme satisfaction and importance, to exhibit the county +paper, with a full account of the gallant conduct of the youthful +baronet. Two or three days after, on coming home from a ride to Coombe +Prior, Guy found Lord Thorndale's card, and heard from Arnaud that 'my +lord had made particular inquiries how long he would be in the country, +and had been to the cliff to see where the wreck was.' + +Markham likewise attached great importance to this visit, and went off +into a long story about his influence, and the representation of +Moorworth, or even of the county. As soon as Guy knew what he was +talking about, he exclaimed, 'Oh, I hope all that is not coming on me +yet! Till I can manage Todd and Coombe Prior, I am sure I am not fit +to manage the country!' + +A few mornings after, he found on the table an envelope, which he +studied, as if playing with his eagerness. It had an East-hill post- +mark, and a general air of Hollywell writing, but it was not in the +hand of either of the gentlemen, nor was the tail of the y such as Mrs. +Edmonstone was wont to make. It had even a resemblance to Amabel's own +writing that startled him. He opened it at last, and within found the +hand he could not doubt--Charles's, namely--much more crooked than +usual, and the words shortened and blotted:-- + + +'DEAR G.,--I ought not to do this, but I must; I have tyrannized over +Charlotte, and obtained the wherewithal. Write me a full account of +your gallant conduct. I saw it first in A.'s face. It has done you +great good with my father. I will write more when I can. I can't get +on now. 'C. M. E.' + + +He might well say he had first seen it in his sister's face. She had +brought him the paper, and was looking for something he wanted her to +read to him, when 'Redclyffe Bay' met her eye, and then came the whole +at one delightful glance. He saw the heightened colour, the exquisite +smile, the tear-drop on the eyelash. + +'Amy! what have you there?' + +She pointed to the place, gave the paper into his hand, and burst into +tears, the gush of triumphant feeling. Not one was shed because she +was divided from the hero of the shipwreck; they were pure unselfish +tears of joy, exultation, and thankfulness. Charles read the history, +and she listened in silence; then looked it over again with him, and +betrayed how thoroughly she had been taught the whole geography of +Redclyffe Bay. The next person who came in was Charlotte; and as soon +as she understood what occupied them, she went into an ecstasy, and +flew away with the paper, rushing with it straight into her father's +room, where she broke into the middle of his letter-writing, by reading +it in a voice of triumph. + +Mr. Edmonstone was delighted. He was just the person who would be far +more taken with an exploit of this kind, such as would make a figure in +the world, than by steady perseverance in well-doing, and his heart was +won directly. His wrath at the hasty words had long been diminishing, +and now was absolutely lost in his admiration. 'Fine fellow! noble +fellow!' he said. 'He is the bravest boy I ever heard of, but I knew +what was in him from the first. I wish from my heart there was not +this cloud over him. I am sure the whole story has not a word of truth +in it, but he won't say a word to clear himself, or else we would have +him here again to-morrow.' + +This was the first time Mr. Edmonstone had expressed anything of real +desire to recall Guy, and it was what Charles meant in his letter. + +The tyranny over Charlotte was exercised while the rest were at dinner, +and they were alone together. They talked over the adventure for the +tenth time that day, and Charles grew so excited that he vowed that he +must at once write to Guy, ordered her to give him the materials, and +when she hesitated, forced her into it, by declaring that he should get +up and reach the things himself, which would be a great deal worse. +She wanted to write from his dictation, but he would not consent, +thinking that his mother might not consider it proper, and he began +vigorously; but though long used to writing in a recumbent posture, he +found himself less capable now than he had expected, and went on +soliloquizing thus: 'What a pen you've given me, Charlotte. There goes +a blot! Here, another dip, will you! and take up that with the +blotting paper before it becomes more like a spider.' + +'Won't you make a fresh beginning?' + +'No, that has cost me too much already. I've got no more command over +my fingers. Here we go into the further corner of the paper. Well! +C. M. E. There 'tis--do it up, will you? If he can read it he'll be +lucky. How my arms ache!' + +'I hope it has not hurt you, Charlie; but I am sure he will be very +glad of it. Oh! I am glad you said that about Amy.' + +'Who told you to read it, Puss?' + +'I could not help it, 'tis so large.' + +'I believe I _didn't_ _ought_ to have said it. Don't tell her I did,' +said Charles; 'but I couldn't for the life of me--or what is more to +the purpose, for the trouble of it--help putting it. He is too true a +knight not to hear that his lady, not exactly smiled, but cried.' + +'He is a true knight,' said Charlotte, emphatically, as with her best +pen, and with infinite satisfaction, she indited the 'Sir Guy Morville, +Bart., Redclyffe Park, Moorworth,' only wishing she could lengthen out +the words infinitely. + +'Do you remember, Charlie, how we sat here the first evening he came, +and you took me in about the deadly feud?' + +'It was no take-in,' said Charles; 'only the feud is all on one side.' + +'Oh, dear! it has been such a stupid winter without Guy,' sighed +Charlotte; 'if this won't make papa forgive him, I don't know what +will.' + +'I wish it would, with all my heart,' said Charles; 'but logically, if +you understand the word, Charlotte, it does not make much difference to +the accusation. It would not exactly be received as exculpatory +evidence in a court of justice.' + +'You don't believe the horrid stories?' + +'I believe that Guy has gamed quite as much as I have myself; but I +want to see him cleared beyond the power of Philip to gainsay or +disbelieve it. I should like to have such a force of proof as would +annihilate Philip, and if I was anything but what I am, I would have +it. If you could but lend me a leg for two days, Charlotte.' + +'I wish I could.' + +'One thing shall be done,' proceeded Charles: 'my father shall go and +meet him in person when he comes of age. Now Don Philip is out of the +way, I trust I can bring that about.' + +'If he would but come here!' + +'No, that must not be, as mamma says, till there is some explanation; +but if I was but in my usual state, I would go with papa and meet him +in London. I wonder if there is any chance of it. The 28th of March-- +ten weeks off! If I can but get hold of those trusty crutches of mine +by that time I'll do, and I'll do, and I'll do. We will bring back +Amy's knight with flying colours.' + +'Oh how happy we should be!' + +'If I only knew what sort of sense that Markham of his may have, I +would give him a hint, and set him to ferret out at St. Mildred's. Or +shall I get Dr. Mayerne to order me there for change of air?' + +So schemed Charles; while Guy, on his side, busied himself at Redclyffe +as usual; took care and thought for the cabin-boy--returned Lord +Thorndale's call without finding him at home--saw the school finished, +and opened--and became more intimate with the Ashfords. + +He said he should not come home at Easter, as he should be very busy +reading for his degree; and as his birthday this year fell in Holy +Week, there could be no rejoicings; besides, as he was not to have his +property in his own hands till he was five-and-twenty, it would make no +difference to the people. The Ashfords agreed they had rather he was +safe at home for the vacation, and were somewhat anxious when he spoke +of coming home to settle, after he had taken his degree. + +For his own part he was glad the season would prevent any rejoicings, +for he was in no frame of mind to enter into them and his birthday had +been so sad a day for his grandfather, that he had no associations of +pleasure connected with it. + +Markham understood the feeling, liked it, and shared it, only saying +that they would have their day of rejoicing when he married. Guy could +not answer, and the old steward remarked the look of pain. + +'Sir Guy,' said he, 'is it that which is wrong with you? Don't be +angry with an old man for asking the question, but I only would hope +and trust you are not getting into any scrape.' + +'Thank you, Markham,' said Guy, after an effort; 'I cannot tell you +about it. I will only set you at rest by saying it is nothing you +could think I ought to be ashamed of.' + +'Then why--what has come between? What could man or woman object to in +you?' said Markham, regarding him proudly. + +'These unhappy suspicions,' said Guy. + +I can't make it out,' said Markham. 'You must have been doing something +foolish to give rise to them.' + +Guy told nearly what he had said on the first day of his return, but +nothing could be done towards clearing up the mystery, and he returned +to Oxford as usual. + +March commenced, and Charles, though no longer absolutely recumbent, +and able to write letters again, could not yet attempt to use his +crutches, so that all his designs vanished, except that of persuading +his father to go to London to meet Guy and Markham there, and transact +the business consequent on his ward's attaining his majority. He +trusted much to Guy's personal influence, and said to his father, 'You +know no one has seen him yet but Philip, and he would tell things to +you that he might not to him.' + +It was an argument that delighted Mr. Edmonstone. + +'Of course I have more weight and experience, and--and poor Guy is very +fond of us. Eh, Charlie?' + +So Charles wrote to make an appointment for Guy to meet his guardian +and Markham in London on Easter Tuesday. 'If you will clear up the +gambling story,' he wrote, 'all may yet be well.' + +Guy sighed as he laid aside the letter. 'All in vain, kind Charlie,' +said he to himself, 'vain as are my attempts to keep my poor uncle from +sinking himself further! Is it fair, though,' continued he, with +vehemence, 'that the happiness of at least one life should be +sacrificed to hide one step in the ruin of a man who will not let +himself be saved? Is it not a waste of self-devotion? Have I any +right to sacrifice hers? Ought I not rather'--and a flash of joy came +over him--'to make my uncle give me back my promise of concealment? I +can make it up to him. It cannot injure him, since only the +Edmonstones will know it! But'--and he pressed his lips firmly +together--'is this the spirit I have been struggling for this whole +winter? Did I not see that patient waiting and yielding is fit penance +for my violence. It would be ungenerous. I will wait and bear, +contented that Heaven knows my innocence at least in this. For her, +when at my best I dreaded that my love might bring sorrow on her--how +much more now, when I have seen my doom face to face, and when the +first step towards her would be what I cannot openly and absolutely +declare to be right? That would be the very means of bringing the +suffering on her, and I should deserve it.' + +Guy quitted these thoughts to write to Markham to make the appointment, +finishing his letter with a request that Markham would stop at St. +Mildred's on his way to London, and pay Miss Wellwood, the lady with +whom his uncle's daughter was placed, for her quarter's board. 'I hope +this will not be a very troublesome request,' wrote Guy; 'but I know +you had rather I did it in this way, than disobey your maxims, as to +not sending money by the post.' + +The time before the day of meeting was spent in strengthening himself +against the pain it would be to refuse his confidence to Mr. +Edmonstone, and thus to throw away the last chance of reconciliation, +and of Amy. This would be the bitterest pang of all--to see them ready +to receive him, and he forced to reject their kindness. + +So passed the preceding week, and with it his twenty-first birthday, +spent very differently from the way in which it would ordinarily be +passed by a youth in his position. It went by in hard study and sad +musings, in bracing himself to a resolution that would cost him all he +held dear, and, as the only means of so bracing himself, in trying to +fix his gaze more steadily beyond the earth. + +Easter day steadied the gaze once more for him, and as the past week +had nerved him in the spirit of self-sacrifice, the feast day brought +him true unchanging joy, shining out of sadness, and enlightening the +path that would lead him to keep his resolution to the utmost, and +endure the want of earthly hope. + + + + +CHAPTER 25 + + + +Already in thy spirit thus divine, +Whatever weal or woe betide, +Be that high sense of duty still thy guide, +And all good powers will aid a soul like thine.--SOUTHEY + + +'Now for it!' thought Guy, as he dismissed his cab, and was shown up- +stairs in the hotel. 'Give me the strength to withstand!' + +The door was opened, and he beheld Mr. Edmonstone, Markham, and +another--it surely was Sebastian Dixon! All sprung up to receive him; +and Mr. Edmonstone, seizing him by both hands, exclaimed-- + +'Here he is himself! Guy, my boy, my dear boy, you are the most +generous fellow in the world! You have been used abominably. I wish +my two hands had been cut off before I was persuaded to write that +letter, but it is all right now. Forget and forgive--eh, Guy? You'll +come home with me, and we will write this very day for Deloraine.' + +Guy was almost giddy with surprise. He held one of Mr. Edmonstone's +hands, and pressed it hard; his other hand he passed over his eyes, as +if in a dream. 'All right?' he repeated. + +'All right!' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'I know where your money went, and I +honour you for it, and there stands the man who told me the whole +story. I said, from the first, it was a confounded slander. It was +all owing to the little girl.' + +Guy turned his face in amazement towards his uncle, who was only +waiting to explain. 'Never till this morning had I the least +suspicion that I had been the means of bringing you under any +imputation. How could you keep me in ignorance?' + +'You have told--' + +'Of the cheque,' broke in Mr. Edmonstone, 'and of all the rest, and of +your providing for the little girl. How could you do it with that +pittance of an allowance of yours? And Master Philip saying you never +had any money! No wonder, indeed!' + +'If I had known you were pinching yourself,' said Dixon, 'my mind would +have revolted--' + +'Let me understand it,' said Guy, grasping the back of a chair. 'Tell +me, Markham. Is it really so? Am I cleared? Has Mr. Edmonstone a +right to be satisfied?' + +'Yes, Sir Guy,' was Markham's direct answer. 'Mr. Dixon has accounted +for your disposal of the thirty pound cheque, and there is an end of +the matter.' + +Guy drew a long breath, and the convulsive grasp of his fingers +relaxed. + +'I cannot thank you enough!' said he to his uncle; then to Mr. +Edmonstone, 'how is Charles?' + +'Better--much better, you shall see him to-morrow--eh, Guy?' + +'But I cannot explain about the one thousand pounds.' + +'Never mind--you never had it, so you can't have misspent it. That's +neither here nor there.' + +'And you forgive my language respecting you?' + +'Nonsense about that! If you never said anything worse than that +Philip was a meddling coxcomb, you haven't much to repent of; and I am +sure I was ten old fools when I let him bore me into writing that +letter.' + +'No, no; you did right under your belief; and circumstances were strong +against me. And is it clear? Are we where we were before?' + +'We are--we are in everything, only we know better what you are worth, +Guy. Shake hands once more. There's an end of all misunderstanding +and vexation, and we shall be all right at home again!' + +The shake was a mighty one. Guy shaded his face for a moment or two, +and then said-- + +'It is too much. I don't understand it. How did you know this matter +wanted explanation?' said he, turning to his uncle. + +'I learnt it from Mr. Markham, and you will do me the justice to +believe, that I was greatly shocked to find that your generosity--' + +'The truth of the matter is this,' said Markham. 'You sent me to Miss +Wellwood's, at St. Mildred's. The principal was not within, and while +waiting for her to make the payment, I got into conversation with her +sister, Miss Jane. She told me that the child, Mr. Dixon's daughter, +was always talking of your kindness, especially of a morning at St. +Mildred's, when you helped him in some difficulty. I thought this +threw some light on the matter, found out Mr. Dixon this morning, and +you see the result.' + +'I do, indeed,' said Guy; 'I wish I could attempt to thank you all.' + +'Thanks enough for me to see you look like yourself,' said Markham. +'Did you think I was going to sit still and leave you in the mess you +had got yourself into, with your irregularity about keeping your +accounts?' + +'And to you,' said Guy, looking at his uncle, as if it was especially +pleasant to be obliged to him. 'You never can guess what I owe to +you!' + +'Nay, I deserve no thanks at all,' said Sebastian, 'since I was the +means of bringing the imputation on you; and I am sure it is enough for +a wretch like me, not to have brought only misery wherever I turn--to +have done something to repair the evil I have caused. Oh, could I but +bring back your father to what he was when first I saw him as you are +now!' + +He was getting into one of those violent fits of self-reproach, at once +genuine and theatrical, of which Guy had a sort of horror, and it was +well Mr. Edmonstone broke in, like comedy into tragedy. + +'Come, what's past can't be helped, and I have no end of work to be +done, so there's speechifying enough for once. Mr. Dixon, you must not +be going. Sit down and look over the newspaper, while we sign these +papers. You must dine with us, and drink your nephew's health, though +it is not his real birthday.' + +Guy was much pleased that Mr. Edmonstone should have given this +invitation, as well as with the consideration Markham had shown for +Dixon in his narration. Mr. Dixon, who had learnt to consider parents +and guardians as foes and tyrants, stammered and looked confused and +enraptured; but it appeared that he could not stay, for he had a +professional engagement. He gave them an exhortation to come to the +concert where he was employed, and grew so ardent in his description of +it, that Guy could have wished to go; but his companions were in haste +to say there was far too much to do. And the next moment Guy told +himself, that Mr. Edmonstone's good-natured face and joyous 'eh, Guy?' +were more to him than any music he could hear nearer than Hollywell. + +He went down-stairs with his uncle, who all the way raved about the +music, satisfied to find ears that could comprehend, and was too full +of it even to attend or respond to the parting thanks, for his last +words were something about a magnificent counter-tenor. + +Guy walked up slowly, trying to gather his thoughts: but when it came +back to him that Amy was his again, his brain seemed to reel with +ecstasy, and it would have taken far more time than he could spare to +recall his sober senses, so he opened the door, to convince himself at +least of Mr. Edmonstone's presence, and was received with another shake +of the hand. + +'So here you are again. I was afraid he was carrying you off to his +concert after all! I believe you have half a mind for it. Do you +like to stay in London for the next? Eh, Guy?' and it was good to hear +Mr. Edmonstone's hearty laugh, as he patted his ward on the shoulder, +saw his blushing, smiling shake of the head, and gave a knowing look, +which let in a fresh light on Markham, and luckily was unseen by Guy. + +'Well,' continued Mr. Edmonstone, 'the man is more gentlemanlike than I +expected. A good sort of fellow at the bottom, I dare say. He was +pretty considerably shocked to find he had brought you into such a +scrape.' + +'He is very generous,' said Guy. 'Oh, there is much of a noble +character in him.' + +'Noble! humph!' put in Markham. 'He has gone down-hill fast enough, +since I used to see him in your father's time; but I am glad he had the +decency not to be the undoing of you.' + +'His feeling is his great point,' said Guy, 'when you can once get at +it. I wish--' But breaking off short, 'I can't make it out. What did +little Marianne tell you? Or was it Miss Wellwood?' + +'It was first the youngest sister,' said Markham. 'I sat there talking +to her some little time; she said you had been very kind to the family, +and the child was very grateful to you--was always talking of some +morning when you and your dog came, and helped her mother. Her father +had been out all night, and her mother was crying, she said, and +declaring he would be sent to prison, till you came and helped them.' + +'Yes, that's it,' said Guy. + +'Well, I remembered what you had told me of the mystery of the draft, +and guessed that this might be the clue to it. I begged to see the +child, and in she came, the very image of your mother, and a sharp +little thing that knew what she meant, but had not much idea of the +shame, poor child, about her father. She told me the story of his +coming home in the morning, and her mother being in great distress, and +saying they were ruined, till you came and talked to her mother, and +gave her something. I asked if it was money, and she said it was +paper. I showed her a draft, and she knew it was like that. So then I +made her tell me where to find her father, whom I used to know in old +times, and had to write to, now and then. I hunted him up, and a +creditable figure he was, to be sure; but I got the truth out of him at +last, and when he heard you had got into disgrace on his account, he +raved like a tragedy hero, and swore he would come and tell your +guardian the whole story. I put him into a cab for fear he should +repent, and he had just got to the end of it when you came in.' + +'It is of no use to thank you again, Markham!' + +'Why, I have been getting your family out of scrapes these forty years +or thereabouts,' said Markham; ''tis all I am good for; and if they had +been no worse than this one it would be better for all of us. But time +is getting on, and there is enough to do.' + +To the accounts they went at once. There was a good deal to be +settled; and though Guy had as yet no legal power, according to his +grandfather's will, he was of course consulted about everything. He +was glad that, since he could not be alone to bring himself to the +realization of his newly-recovered happiness, he should have this +sobering and engrossing occupation. There he sat, coolly discussing +leases and repairs, and only now and then allowing himself a sort of +glimpse at the treasury of joy awaiting him whenever he had time to +dwell on it. The Coombe Prior matters were set in a better train, the +preliminary arrangements about the curacy were made, and Guy had hopes +it would be his friend Mr. Wellwood's title for Orders. + +There was no time to write to Hollywell, or rather Mr. Edmonstone +forgot to do so till it was too late, and then consoled himself by +observing that it did not signify if his family were taken by surprise, +since joy killed no one. + +His family were by no means of opinion that it did not signify when the +next morning's post brought them no letter. Mrs Edmonstone and Charles +had hoped much, and Amy did not know how much she hoped until the +melancholy words, 'no letter,' passed from one to the other. + +To make it worse, by some of those mismanagements of Mr. Edmonstone's +which used to run counter to his wife's arrangements, a dinner-party +had been fixed for this identical Wednesday, and the prospect was +agreeable to no one, especially when the four o'clock train did not +bring Mr. Edmonstone, who, therefore, was not to be expected till +seven, when all the world would be arrived. + +Laura helped Amy to dress, put the flowers in her hair, kissed her, and +told her it was a trying day; and Amy sighed wearily, thanked her, and +went down with arms twined in hers, whispering, 'If I could help being +so foolish as to let myself have a little hope!' + +Laura thought the case so hopeless, that she was sorry Amy could not +cease from the foolishness, and did not answer. Amy sat down at the +foot of the sofa, whither Charles was now carried down every day, and +without venturing to look at him, worked at her netting. A carriage-- +her colour came and went, but it was only some of the guests; another-- +the Brownlows. Amy was speaking to Miss Brownlow when she heard more +greetings; she looked up, caught by the arm of the sofa, and looked +again. Her father was pouring out apologies and welcomes, and her +mother was shaking hands with Guy. + +Was it a dream? She shut her eyes, then looked again. He was close to +her by this time, she felt his fingers close on her white glove for one +moment, but she only heard his voice in the earnest 'How are you, +Charlie?' Her father came to her, gave her first his usual kiss of +greeting, then, not letting her go, looked at her for a moment, and, as +if he could not help it, kissed her on both cheeks, and said, 'How d'ye +do, my little Amy?' in a voice that meant unutterable things. All the +room was swimming round; there was nothing for it but to run away, and +she ran, but from the ante-room she heard the call outside, 'Sir Guy's +bag to his room,' and she could not rush out among the servants. At +that moment, however, she spied Mary Ross and her father; she darted up +to them, said something incoherent about Mary's bonnet, and took her up +to her own room. + +'Amy, my dear, you look wild. What has come to you?' + +'Papa is come home, and--' the rest failed, and Amy was as red as the +camellia in her hair. + +'And?' repeated Mary, 'and the mystery is explained?' + +'Oh! I don't know; they are only just come, and I was so silly, I ran +away,--I did not know what to do.' + +'_They_ are come, are they?' thought Mary. 'My little Amy, I see it +all.' + +She made the taking off her bonnet and the settling her lace as +elaborate an operation as she could, and Amy flitted about as if she +did not by any means know what she was doing. A springy, running step +was heard on the stairs and in the passage, and Mary, though she could +not see her little friend's face, perceived her neck turn red for a +moment, after which Amy took her arm, pressed it affectionately, and +they went down. + +Mrs. Edmonstone was very glad to see Amabel looking tolerably natural. +'Mamma' was of course burning to hear all, but she was so confident +that the essentials were safe, that her present care was to see how her +two young lovers would be able to comport themselves, and to be on her +guard against attending to them more than to her guests. + +Amy, after passing by Charles, and getting a squeeze from his ever- +sympathizing hand, put herself away behind Mary, while Laura talked to +every one, hoping to show that there was some self-possession in the +family. Guy reappeared, but, after one glance to see if Amy was +present, he did not look at her again, but went and leant over the +lower end of Charles's sofa, just as he used to do; and Charles lay +gazing at him, and entirely forgetting what he had been trying to say +just before to Mrs. Brownlow, professing to have come from London that +morning, and making the absent mistakes likely to be attributed to the +lovers themselves. + +Mr. Edmonstone came, and dinner followed. As Mrs. Edmonstone paired +off her company, she considered what to do with her new arrival. + +'If you had come two hours ago,' said she, within herself, 'I would +have let you be at home. Now you must be a great man, and be content +with me. It will be better for Amy.' + +Accordingly Guy was between her and Mrs. Gresham. She did not try to +speak to him, and was amused by his fitful attempts at making +conversation with Mrs. Gresham, when it struck him that he ought to be +taking notice of her. Amy (very fortunately, in her own opinion) was +out of sight of him, on the same side of the table, next to Mr. Ross, +who, like his daughter, guessed enough about the state of things to let +her alone. + +Charles was enjoying all manner of delightful conjectures with +Charlotte, till the ladies returned to the drawing-room, and then he +said as much as he dared to Mary Ross, far more than she had gained +from Laura, who, as they came out of the dining-room, had said,-- + +'Don't ask me any questions, for I know nothing at all about it.' + +Amy was talked to by Mrs. Gresham about club-books, and new flowers, to +which she was by this time able to attend very well, satisfied that his +happiness had returned, and content to wait till the good time for +knowing how. She could even be composed when the gentlemen came in, +Guy talking to Mr. Ross about Coombe Prior, and then going to Charles; +but presently she saw no more, for a request for music was made, and +she was obliged to go and play a duet with Laura. She did not dislike +this, but there followed a persecution for some singing. Laura would +have spared her, but could not; and while she was turning over the book +to try to find something that was not impossible to begin, and Laura +whispering encouragingly, 'This--try this--your part is almost nothing; +or can't you do this?' another hand turned over the leaves, as if +perfectly at home in them, and, without speaking, as if it was natural +for him to spare Amy, found a song which they had often sung together, +where she might join as much or as little as she chose, under cover of +his voice. She had not a thought or sensation beyond the joy of +hearing it again, and she stood, motionless, as if in a trance. When +it was over, he said to Laura, 'I beg your pardon for making such bad +work. I am so much out of practice.' + +Mrs. Brownlow was seen advancing on them; Amy retreated, leaving Guy +and Laura to fulfil all that was required of them, which they did with +a very good grace, and Laura's old familiar feeling began to revive, so +much that she whispered while he was finding the place, 'Don't you +dislike all this excessively?' + +'It does as well as anything else, thank you,' was the answer. 'I can +do it better than talking.' + +At last they were released, and the world was going away. Mary could +not help whispering to Mrs. Edmonstone, 'How glad you must be to get +rid of us!' and, as Mrs. Edmonstone answered with a smile, she ventured +further to say,--'How beautifully Amy has behaved!' + +Little Amy, as soon as she had heard the last carriage roll off, wished +every one good night, shook hands with Guy, holding up the lighted +candle between him and her face as a veil, and ran away to her own +room. The others remained in a sort of embarrassed silence, Mr. +Edmonstone rubbing his hands; Laura lighted the candles, Charlotte +asked after Bustle, and was answered that he was at Oxford, and +Charles, laying hold of the side of the sofa, pulled himself by it into +a sitting posture. + +'Shall I help you?' said Guy. + +'Thank you, but I am not ready yet; besides, I am an actual log now, +and am carried as such, so it is of no use to wait for me. Mamma shall +have the first turn, and I won't even leave my door open.' + +'Yes, yes, yes; go and have it out with mamma, next best to Amy +herself, as she is run away--eh, Guy?' said Mr. Edmonstone. + +Guy and Mrs. Edmonstone had not hitherto trusted themselves to speak to +each other, but they looked and smiled; then, wishing the rest good +night, they disappeared. Then there was a simultaneous outbreak of +'Well?' + +'All right!' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'Every word was untrue. He is the +noblest fellow in the world, as I knew all the time, and I was an old +fool for listening to a pack of stories against him.' + +'Hurrah!' cried Charles, drumming on the back of his sofa. 'Let us +hear how the truth came out, and what it was.' + +'It was that Dixon. There has he been helping that man for ever, +sending his child to school, giving him sums upon sums, paying his +gaming debts with that cheque!' + +'Oh, oh!' cried Charles. + +'Yes that was it! The child told Markham of it, and Markham brought +the father to tell me. It puts me in a rage to think of the monstrous +stories Philip has made me believe!' + +'I was sure of it!' cried Charles. 'I knew it would come out that he +had only been so much better than other people that nobody could +believe it. Cleared! cleared! Why, Charlotte, Mr. Ready-to-halt will +be for footing it cleverly enough!' as she was wildly curvetting round +him. + +'I was always sure,' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'I knew it was not in him to +go wrong. It was only Philip, who would persuade me black was white.' + +'I never believed one word of it,' said Charles; 'still less after I +saw Philip's animosity.' + +'"Les absens ont toujours tort,"' interrupted Laura; then, afraid of +saying too much, she added,--'Come, Charlotte, it is very late.' + +'And I shall be the first to tell Amy!' cried Charlotte. 'Good night, +papa!--good night, Charlie!' + +She rushed up-stairs, afraid of being forestalled. Laura lingered, +putting some books away in the ante-room, trying to overcome the weary +pain at her heart. She did not know how to be confident. Her father's +judgment was worthless in her eyes, and Philip had predicted that Amy +would be sacrificed after all. To see them happy made her sigh at the +distance of her own hopes, and worse than all was self-reproach for +unkindness in not rejoicing with the rest, in spite of her real +affection for Guy himself. When she thought of him, she could not +believe him guilty; when she thought of Philip's belief, she could not +suppose him innocent, and she pitied her sister for enjoying a delusive +happiness. With effort, however, she went to her room, and, finding +her a little overpowered by Charlotte's tumultuous joy, saw that peace +and solitude were best for her till she could have more certain +intelligence, and, after very tender good-nights, carried off +Charlotte. + +It would be hard to describe Mrs. Edmonstone's emotion, as she preceded +Guy to the dressing-room, and sat down, looking up to him as he stood +in his old place by the fire. She thought he did not look well, though +it might be only that the sun-burnt colour had given place to his +natural fairness; his eyes, though bright as ever, did not dance and +sparkle; a graver expression sat on his brow; and although he still +looked very young, a change there certainly was, which made him man +instead of boy--a look of having suffered, and conquered suffering. +She felt even more motherly affection for him now than when he last +stood there in the full tide of his first outburst of his love for her +daughter, and her heart was almost too full for speech; but he seemed +to be waiting for her, and at last she said,--'I am very glad to have +you here again.' + +He smiled a little, then said, 'May I tell you all about it?' + +'Sit down here. I want very much to hear it. I am sure you have gone +through a good deal.' + + I have, indeed,' said he, simply and gravely; and there was a silence, +while she was certain that, whatever he might have endured, he did not +feel it to have been in vain. + +' But it is at an end,' said she. 'I have scarcely seen Mr. Edmonstone, +but he tells me he is perfectly satisfied.' + +'He is so kind as to be satisfied, though you know I still cannot +explain about the large sum I asked him for.' + +'We will trust you,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, smiling, 'but I am very +anxious to hear how you came to an understanding.' + +Guy went over the story in detail, and very much affected she was to +hear how entirely unfounded had been the suspicion, and how thankful he +was for Mr. Edmonstone's forgiveness. + +'You had rather to forgive us!' said she. + +'You forget how ill I behaved,' said Guy, colouring. 'If you knew the +madness of those first moments of provocation, you would think that the +penance of a lifetime, instead of only one winter, would scarce have +been sufficient.' + +'You would not say, as Charles does, that the suspicion justified your +anger?' + +'No, indeed!' He paused, and spoke again. 'Thank Heaven, it did not +last long; but the insight it gave me into the unsubdued evil about me +was a fearful thing.' + +'But you conquered it. They were the unguarded exclamations of the +first shock. Your whole conduct since, especially the interview with +Philip, has shown that your anger has not been abiding, and that you +have learnt to subdue it.' + +'It could not abide, for there was no just cause of offence. Of course +such a dreadful outburst warned me to be on my guard; and you know the +very sight of Philip is a warning that there is danger in that way! I +mean,' said Guy, becoming conscious that he had been very severe, 'I +mean that I know of old that I am apt to be worried by his manner, and +that ought to make me doubly cautious.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was struck by the soberer manner in which he spoke of +his faults. He was as ready to take full blame, but without the +vehemence which he used to expend in raving at himself instead of at +the offender. It seemed as if he had brought himself to the tone he +used to desire so earnestly. + +'I am very glad to be able to explain all to Philip,' he said. + +'I will write as soon as possible. Oh, Mrs. Edmonstone! if you knew +what it is to be brought back to such unhoped-for happiness, to sit +here once more, with you,'--his voice trembled, and the tears were in +her eyes,--'to have seen _her_, to have all overlooked, and return to +all I hoped last year. I want to look at you all, to believe that it +is true,' he finished, smiling. + +'You both behaved very well this evening,' said she, laughing, because +she could do so better than anything else at that moment. + +'You both!' murmured Guy to himself. + +'Ah! little Amy has been very good this winter.' + +He answered her with a beautiful expression of his eyes, was silent a +little while, and suddenly exclaimed, in a candid, expostulating tone, +'But now, seriously, don't you think it a very bad thing for her?' + +'My dear Guy,' said she, scarcely repressing a disposition to laugh, 'I +told you last summer what I thought of it, and you must settle the rest +with Amy to-morrow. I hear the drawing-room bell, which is a sign I +must send you to bed. Good night!' + +'Good night!' repeated Guy, as he held her hand. 'It is so long since +I have had any one to wish me good night! Good night, mamma!' + +She pressed his hand, then as he ran down to lend a helping hand in +carrying Charles, she, the tears in her eyes, crossed the passage to +see how it was with her little Amy, and to set her at rest for the +night. Amy's candle was out, and she was in bed, lying full in the +light of the Easter moon, which poured in glorious whiteness through +her window. She started up as the door opened. 'Oh, mamma! how kind +of you to come!' + +'I can only stay a moment, my dear; your papa is coming up; but I must +just tell you that I have been having such a nice talk with dear Guy. +He has behaved beautifully, and papa is quite satisfied. Now, darling, +I hope you will not lie awake all night, or you won't be fit to talk to +him to-morrow.' + +Amy sat up in bed, and put her arms round her mother's neck. 'Then he +is happy again,' she whispered. 'I should like to hear all.' + +'He shall tell you himself to-morrow, my dear. Now, good night! you +have been a very good child. Now, go to sleep, my dear one.' + +Amy lay down obediently. 'Thank you for coming to tell me, dear +mamma,' she said. 'I am very glad; good night.' + +She shut her eyes, and there was something in the sweet, obedient, +placid look of her face, as the white moonlight shone upon it, that +made her mother pause and gaze again with the feeling, only tenderer, +left by a beautiful poem. Amy looked up to see why she delayed; she +gave her another kiss, and left her in the moonlight. + +Little Amy's instinct was to believe the best and do as she was bidden, +and there was a quietness and confidence in the tone of her mind which +gave a sort of serenity of its own even to suspense. A thankful, happy +sensation that all was well, mamma said so, and Guy was there, had +taken possession of her, and she did not agitate herself to know how or +why, for mamma, had told her to put herself to sleep; so she thought of +all the most thanksgiving verses of her store of poetry, and before the +moon had passed away from her window, Amabel Edmonstone was wrapped in +a sleep dreamless and tranquil as an infant's. + + + + +CHAPTER 26 + + + +Hence, bashful cunning, +And prompt me, plain and holy innocence. +I am your wife if you will marry me.--TEMPEST + + +Amabel awoke to such a sense of relief and repose that she scarcely +liked to ask herself the cause, lest it might ruffle her complete +peace. Those words 'all right,' seemed to be enough to assure her that +the cloud was gone. + +Her mother came in, told her one or two of the main facts, and took her +down under her wing, only stopping by the way for a greeting to +Charles, who could not rise till after breakfast. He held her fast, +and gazed up in her face, but she coloured so deeply, cast down her +eyes, and looked so meek and submissive, that he let her go, and said +nothing. + +The breakfast party were for the most part quiet, silent, and happy. +Even Charlotte was hushed by the subdued feeling of the rest, and Mr. +Edmonstone's hilarity, though replied to in turn by each, failed to +wake them into mirth. Guy ran up and down-stairs continually, to wait +upon Charles; and thus the conversation was always interrupted as fast +as it began, so that the only fact that came out was the cause of the +lateness of their arrival yesterday. Mr. Edmonstone had taken it for +granted that Guy, like Philip, would watch for the right time, and warn +him, while Guy, being excessively impatient, had been so much afraid of +letting himself fidget, as to have suffered the right moment to pass, +and then borne all the blame. + +'How you must have wanted to play the Harmonious Blacksmith,' said +Charlotte. + +'I caught myself going through the motions twice,' said Guy. + +Mrs. Edmonstone said to herself that he might contest the palm of +temper with Amy even; the difference being, that hers was naturally +sweet, his a hasty one, so governed that the result was the same. When +breakfast was over, as they were rising, Guy made two steps towards +Amabel, at whom he had hitherto scarcely looked, and said, very low, in +his straightforward way: 'Can I speak to you a little while?' + +Amy's face glowed as she moved towards him, and her mother said +something about the drawing-room, where the next moment she found +herself. She did not use any little restless arts to play with her +embarrassment; she did not torment the flowers or the chimney +ornaments, nor even her own rings, she stood with her hands folded and +her head a little bent down, like a pendant blossom, ready to listen to +whatever might be said to her. + +He did not speak at first, but moved uneasily about. At last he came +nearer, and began speaking fast and nervously. + +'Amabel, I want you to consider--you really ought to think whether this +is not a very bad thing for you.' + +The drooping head was raised, the downcast lids lifted up, and the blue +eyes fixed on him with a look at once confiding and wondering. He +proceeded-- + +'I have brought you nothing but unhappiness already. So far as you +have taken any interest in me, it could cause you only pain, and the +more I think of it, the more unfit it seems that one so formed for +light, and joy, and innocent mirth, should have anything to do with the +darkness that is round me. Think well of it. I feel as if I had done +a selfish thing by you, and now, you know, you are not bound. You are +quite free! No one knows anything about it, or if they did, the blame +would rest entirely with me. I would take care it should. So, Amy, +think, and think well, before you risk your happiness.' + +'As to that,' replied Amy, in a soft, low voice, with _such_ a look of +truth in her clear eyes, 'I must care for whatever happens to you, and +I had rather it was with you, than without you,' she said, casting them +down again. + +'My Amy!--my own!--my Verena!'--and he held fast one of her hands, as +they sat together on the sofa--'I had a feeling that so it might be +through the very worst, yet I can hardly believe it now.' + +'Guy,' said Amy, looking up, with the gentle resolution that had lately +grown on her, 'you must not take me for more than I am worth, and I +should like to tell you fairly. I did not speak last time, because it +was all so strange and so delightful, and I had no time to think, +because I was so confused. But that is a long time ago, and this has +been a very sad winter, and I have thought a great deal. I know, and +you know, too, that I am a foolish little thing; I have been silly +little Amy always; you and Charlie have helped me to all the sense I +have, and I don't think I could ever be a clever, strong-minded woman, +such as one admires.' + +'Heaven forbid!' ejaculated Guy; moved, perhaps, by a certain +remembrance of St. Mildred's. + +'But,' continued Amy, 'I believe I do really wish to be good, and I +know you have helped me to wish it much more, and I have been trying to +learn to bear things, and so'--out came something, very like a sunny +smile, though some tears followed--'so if you do like such a silly +little thing, it can't be helped, and we will try to make the best of +her. Only don't say any more about my being happier without you, for +one thing I am very sure of, Guy, I had rather bear anything with you, +than know you were bearing it alone. I am only afraid of being foolish +and weak, and making things worse for you.' + +'So much worse! But still,' he added, 'speak as you may, my Amy, I +cannot, must not, feel that I have a right to think of you as my own, +till you have heard all. You ought to know what my temper is before +you risk yourself in its power. Amy, my first thought towards Philip +was nothing short of murder.' + +She raised her eyes, and saw how far entirely he meant what he said. + +'The first--not the second,' she murmured. + +'Yes, the second--the third. There was a moment when I could have +given my soul for my revenge!' + +'Only a moment!' + +'Only a moment, thank Heaven! and I have not done quite so badly since. +I hope I have not suffered quite in vain; but if that shock could +overthrow all my wonted guards, it might, though I pray Heaven it may +not, it might happen again.' + +'I think you conquered yourself then, and that you will again,' said +Amy. + +'And suppose I was ever to be mad enough to be angry with you?' + +Amy smiled outright here. 'Of course, I should deserve it; but I think +the trouble would be the comforting you afterwards. Mamma said'--she +added, after a long silence, during which Guy's feeling would not let +him speak--'mamma said, and I think, that you are much safer and better +with such a quick temper as yours, because you are always struggling +and fighting with it, on the real true religious ground, than a person +more even tempered by nature, but not so much in earnest in doing +right.' + +'Yes, if I did not believe myself to be in earnest about that, I could +never dare to speak to you at all.' + +'We will help each other,' said Amy; 'you have always helped me, long +before we knew we cared for each other!' + +'And, Amy, if you knew how the thought of you helped me last winter, +even when I thought I had forfeited you for ever.' + +Their talk only ceased when, at one o'clock, Mrs. Edmonstone, who had +pronounced in the dressing-room that three hours was enough for them at +once, came in, and asked Guy to go and help to carry Charles down- +stairs. + +He went, and Amy nestled up to her mother, raising her face to be +kissed. + +'It is very nice!' she whispered; and then arranged her brother's sofa, +as she heard his progress down-stairs beginning. He was so light and +thin as to be very easily carried, and was brought in between Guy and +one of the servants. When he was settled on the sofa, he began thus,-- +'There was a grand opportunity lost last winter. I was continually +rehearsing the scene, and thinking what waste it was to go through such +a variety of torture without the dignity of danger. If I could but +have got up ever so small an alarm, I would have conjured my father to +send for Guy, entreated pathetically that the reconciliation might be +effected, and have drawn my last breath clasping their hands, thus! +The curtain falls!' + +He made a feint of joining their hands, put his head back, and shut his +eyes with an air and a grace that put Charlotte into an ecstasy, and +made even Amy laugh, as she quitted the room, blushing. + +'But if it had been your last breath,' said Charlotte, 'you would not +have been much the wiser.' + +'I would have come to life again in time to enjoy the "coup de +theatre". I had some thoughts of trying an overdose of opium; but I +thought Dr. Mayerne would have found me out. I tell you, because it is +fair I should have the credit; for, Guy, if you knew what she was to me +all the winter, you would perceive my superhuman generosity in not +receiving you as my greatest enemy.' + +'I shall soon cease to be surprised at any superhuman generosity,' said +Guy. 'But how thin you are, Charlie; you are a very feather to carry; +I had no notion it had been such a severe business.' + +'Most uncommon!' said Charles, shaking his head, with a mock solemnity. + +'It was the worst of all,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, 'six weeks of constant +pain.' + +'How very sorry Philip must have been!' exclaimed Guy. + +'Philip?' said Charlotte. + +'Why, was it not owing to him? Surely, your father told me so. Did +not he let you fall on the stairs?' + +'My dear father!' exclaimed Charles, laughing; every disaster that +happens for the next twelvemonth will be imputed to Philip.' + +'How was it, then?' said Guy. + +'The fact was this,' said Charles; 'it was in the thick of the +persecution of you, and I was obliged to let Philip drag me upstairs, +because I was in a hurry. He took the opportunity of giving me some +impertinent advice which I could not stand. I let go his arm, +forgetting what a dependent mortal I am, and down I should assuredly +have gone, if he had not caught me, and carried me off, as a fox does a +goose, so it was his fault, as one may say, in a moral, though not in a +physical sense.' + +'Then,' said his mother, 'you do think your illness was owing to that +accident?' + +'I suppose the damage was brewing, and that the shake brought it into +an active state. There's a medical opinion for you!' + +'Well, I never knew what you thought of it before,' said Mrs. +Edmonstone. + +'Why, when I had a condor to pick on Guy's account with Philip, I was +not going to pick a crow on my own,' said Charles. 'Oh! is luncheon +ready; and you all going? I never see anybody now. I want the story +of the shipwreck, though, of course, Ben What's-his-name was the hero, +and Sir Guy Morville not a bit of it.' + +Laura wanted to walk to East Hill, and the other young people agreed to +go thither, too. + +'It will be nice to go to church there to-day' said Amy, in a half- +whisper, heard only by Guy, and answered by a look that showed how well +he understood and sympathized. + +'Another thing,' said Amy, colouring a good deal; 'shall you mind my +telling Mary? I behaved so oddly last night, and she was so kind to me +that I think I ought.' + +Mary had seen enough last night to be very curious to-day, though +hardly expecting her curiosity to be gratified. However, as she was +putting on her bonnet for church, she looked out of her window, and saw +the four coming across the fields from Hollywell. Guy and Amy did not +walk into the village arm-in-arm; but, as they came under the church +porch, Guy, unseen by all held out his hand, sought hers, and, for one +moment, pressed it fervently. Amy knew he felt this like their +betrothal. + +After the service, they stood talking with Mr. Ross and Mary, for some +little time. Amy held apart, and Mary saw how it was. As they were +about to turn homewards, Amy said quickly, 'Come and walk a little way +home with me.' + +She went on with Mary before the rest, and when out of sight of them +all, said, 'Mary!' and then stopped short. + +'I guess something, Amy,' said Mary. + +'Don't tell any one but Mr. Ross.' + +'Then I have guessed right. My dear little Amy, I am very glad! So +that was the reason you flew out of the room last evening, and looked +so bright and glowing!' + +'It was so good of you to ask no questions!' + +'I don't think I need ask any now, Amy; for I see in your face how +right and happy it all is.' + +'I can't tell you all, Mary, but I must one thing,--that the whole +terrible story arose from his helping a person in distress. I like you +to know that.' + +'Papa was always sure that he had not been to blame,' said Mary. + +'Yes; so Charlie told me, and that is the reason I wanted you to know.' + +'Then, Amy, something of this had begun last summer?' + +'Yes; but not as it is now. I did not half know what it was then.' + +'Poor dear little Amy,' said Mary; 'what a very sad winter it must have +been for you!' + +'Oh, very!' said Amy; 'but it was worse for him, because he was quite +alone; and here every one was so kind to me. Mamma and Laura, and poor +Charlie, through all his illness and pain, he was so very kind. And do +you know, Mary, now it is all over, I am very glad of this dismal time; +for I think that it has taught me how to bear things better.' + +She looked very happy. Yet it struck Mary that it was strange to hear +that the first thought of a newly-betrothed maiden was how to brace +herself in endurance. She wondered, however, whether it was not a more +truly happy and safe frame than that of most girls, looking forward to +a life of unclouded happiness, such as could never be realized. At +least, so it struck Mary, though she owned to herself that her +experience of lovers was limited. + +Mary walked with Amy almost to the borders of Hollywell garden; and +when the rest came up with them, though no word passed, there was a +great deal of congratulation in her warm shake of Guy's hand, and no +lack of reply in his proud smile and reddening cheek. Charlotte could +not help turning and going back with her a little way, to say, 'Are not +you delighted, Mary? Is not Amy the dearest thing in the world? And +you don't know, for it is a secret, and I know it, how very noble Guy +has been, while they would suspect him.' + +'I am very, very glad, indeed! It is everything delightful.' + +'I never was so happy in my life,' said Charlotte; 'nor Charlie, +either. Only think of having Guy for our brother; and he is going to +send for Bustle to-morrow.' + +Mary laughed, and parted with Charlotte, speculating on the cause of +Laura's graver looks. Were they caused by the fear of losing her +sister, or by a want of confidence in Guy? + +That evening, how happy was the party at Hollywell, when Charles put +Guy through a cross-examination on the shipwreck, from the first puff +of wind to the last drop of rain; and Guy submitted very patiently, +since he was allowed the solace of praising his Redclyffe fishermen. + +Indeed, this time was full of tranquil, serene happiness. It was like +the lovely weather only to be met with in the spring, and then but +rarely, when the sky is cloudless, and intensely blue,--the sunshine +one glow of clearness without burning,--not a breath of wind checks the +silent growth of the expanding buds of light exquisite green. Such +days as these shone on Guy and Amabel, looking little to the future, or +if they did so at all, with a grave, peaceful awe, reposing in the +present, and resuming old habits,--singing, reading, gardening, walking +as of old, and that intercourse with each other that was so much more +than ever before. + +It was more, but it was not quite the same; for Guy was a very +chivalrous lover; the polish and courtesy that sat so well on his +frank, truthful manners, were even more remarkable in his courtship. +His ways with Amy had less of easy familiarity than in the time of +their brother-and-sister-like intimacy, so that a stranger might have +imagined her wooed, not won. It was as if he hardly dared to believe +that she could really be his own, and treated her with a sort of +reverential love and gentleness, while she looked up to him with ever- +increasing honour. She was better able to understand him now than in +her more childish days last summer; and she did not merely see, as +before, that she was looking at the upper surface of a mystery. He +had, at the same time, grown in character, his excitability and over- +sensitiveness seemed to have been smoothed away, and to have given +place to a calmness of tone, that was by no means impassibility. + +When alone with Amy, he was generally very grave, often silent and +meditative, or else their talk was deep and serious; and even with the +family he was less merry and more thoughtful than of old, though very +bright and animated, and showing full, free affection to them all, as +entirely accepted and owned as one of them. + +So, indeed, he was. Mr. Edmonstone, with his intense delight in +lovers, patronized them, and made commonplace jokes, which they soon +learnt to bear without much discomposure. Mrs. Edmonstone was all that +her constant appellation of 'mamma' betokened, delighting in Guy's +having learnt to call her so. Charles enjoyed the restoration of his +friend, the sight of Amy's happiness, and the victory over Philip, and +was growing better every day. Charlotte was supremely happy, watching +the first love affair ever conducted in her sight, and little less so +in the return of Bustle, who resumed his old habits as regularly as if +he had only left Hollywell yesterday. + +Laura alone was unhappy. She did not understand her own feelings; but +sad at heart she was; with only one who could sympathize with her, and +he far away, and the current of feeling setting against him. She could +not conceal her depression, and was obliged to allow it to be +attributed to the grief that one sister must feel in parting with +another; and as her compassion for her little Amy, coupled with her +dread of her latent jealousy, made her particularly tender and +affectionate, it gave even more probability to the supposition. This +made Guy, who felt as if he was committing a robbery on them all, +particularly kind to her, as if he wished to atone for the injury of +taking away her sister; and his kindness gave her additional pain at +entertaining such hard thoughts of him. + +How false she felt when she was pitied! and how she hated the +congratulations, of which she had the full share! She thought, +however, that she should be able to rejoice when she had heard Philip's +opinion; and how delightful it would be for him to declare himself +satisfied with Guy's exculpation. + + + + +CHAPTER 27 + + + +I forgave thee all the blame, +I could not forgive the praise.--TENNYSON + + +'If ever there was a meddlesome coxcomb on this earth!' Such was the +exclamation that greeted the ears of Guy as he supported Charles into +the breakfast-room; and, at the same time, Mr. Edmonstone tossed a +letter into Guy's plate, saying,-- + +'There's something for you to read.' + +Guy began; his lips were tightly pressed together; his brows made one +black line across his forehead, and his eye sparkled even through his +bent-down eyelashes; but this lasted only a few moments; the forehead +smoothed, again, and there was a kind of deliberate restraint and force +upon himself, which had so much power, that no one spoke till he had +finished, folded it up with a sort of extra care, and returned it, only +saying, + +'You should not show one such letters, Mr. Edmonstone.' + +'Does not it beat everything?' cried Mr. Edmonstone. 'If that is not +impertinence, I should like to know what is! But he has played my Lord +Paramount rather too long, as I can tell him! I ask his consent, +forsooth! Probation, indeed! You might marry her to-morrow, and +welcome. There, give it to mamma. See if she does not say the same. +Mere spite and malice all along.' + +Poor Laura! would no one refute such cruel injustice? Yes, Guy spoke, +eagerly,-- + +'No no; that it never was. He was quite right under his belief.' + +'Don't tell me! Not a word in his favour will I hear!' stormed on Mr. +Edmonstone. 'Mere envy and ill-will.' + +'I always told him so,' said Charles. 'Pure malignity!' + +'Nonsense, Charlie!' said Guy, sharply; 'there is no such thing about +him.' + +'Come, Guy; I can't stand this,' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'I won't have +him defended; I never thought to be so deceived; but you all worshipped +the boy as if every word that came out of his mouth was Gospel truth, +and you've set him up till he would not condescend to take an advice of +his own father, who little thought what an upstart sprig he was +rearing; but I tell him he has come to the wrong shop for domineering-- +eh, mamma?' + +'Well!' cried Mrs. Edmonstone, who had read till near the end with +tolerable equanimity; this really is too bad!' + +'Mamma and all!' thought poor Laura, while her mother continued,--'It +is wilful prejudice, to say the least,--I never could have believed him +capable of it!' + +Charles next had the letter, and was commenting on it in a style of +mingled sarcasm and fury; while Laura longed to see it justify itself, +as she was sure it would. + +'Read it, all of you--every bit,' said Mr. Edmonstone, 'that you may +see this paragon of yours!' + +'I had rather not,' said Amy, shrinking as it came towards her. + +'I should like you to do so, if you don't dislike it very much,' said +Guy. + +She read in silence; and then came the turn of Laura, who marvelled at +the general injustice as she read. + + + 'CORK, April 8th. +'MY DEAR UNCLE,--I am much obliged to you for the communication of your +intention with regard to Amabel; but, indeed, I must say I am a good +deal surprised that you should have so hastily resolved on so important +a step, and have been satisfied with so incomplete an explanation of +circumstances which appeared to you, as well as to myself, to show that +Guy's character was yet quite unsettled, and his conduct such as to +create considerable apprehension that he was habitually extremely +imprudent, to say the least of it, in the management of his own +affairs. How much more unfit, therefore, to have the happiness of +another intrusted to him? I believe--indeed, I understood you to have +declared to me that you were resolved never to allow the engagement to +be renewed, unless he should, with the deference which is only due to +you as his guardian, consent to clear up the mystery with which he has +thought fit to invest all his pecuniary transactions, and this, it +appears, he refuses, as he persists in denying all explanation of his +demand for that large sum of money. As to the cheque, which certainly +was applied to discreditable uses, though I will not suffer myself to +suppose that Guy was in collusion with his uncle, yet it is not at all +improbable that Dixon, not being a very scrupulous person, may, on +hearing of the difficulties in which his nephew has been placed, come +forward to relieve him from his embarrassment, in the hope of further +profit, by thus establishing a claim on his gratitude. In fact, this +proof of secretly renewed intercourse with Dixon rather tends to +increase the presumption that there is something wrong. I am not +writing this in the expectation that the connection should be entirely +broken off, for that, indeed, would be out of the question as things +stand at present, but for my little cousin's sake, as well as his own, +I entreat of you to pause. They are both extremely young--so young, +that if there was no other ground, many persons would think it +advisable to wait a few years; and why not wait until the time fixed by +his grandfather for his coming into possession of his property? If the +character of his attachment to Amabel is firm and true, the probation +may be of infinite service to him, as keeping before him, during the +most critical period of his life, a powerful motive for restraining the +natural impetuosity of his disposition; while, on the other hand, if +this should prove to have been a mere passing fancy for the first young +lady into whose society he has been thrown on terms of easy familiar +intercourse, you will then have the satisfaction of reflecting that +your care and caution have preserved your daughter from a life of +misery. My opinion has never altered respecting him, that he is brave +and generous, with good feelings and impulses, manners peculiarly +attractive, and altogether a character calculated to inspire affection, +but impetuous and unsteady, easily led into temptation, yet obstinate +in reserve, and his temper of unchecked violence. I wish him happiness +of every kind; and, as you well know, would, do my utmost for his +welfare; but my affection for your whole family, and my own +conscientious conviction, make me feel it my duty to offer this +remonstrance, which I hope will be regarded as by no means the result +of any ill-will, but simply of a sincere desire for the good of all +parties, such as can only be evinced by plain speaking. + 'Yours affectionately, + 'P. MORVILLE.' + + +Ail the time Laura was reading, Guy was defending Philip against the +exaggerated abuse that Mr. Edmonstone and Charles were pouring out, +till at last, Mrs. Edmonstone, getting out of patience, said,-- + +'My dear Guy, if we did not know you so well, we should almost accuse +you of affectation.' + +'Then I shall go away,' said Guy, laughing as he rose. 'Can you come +out with me?' said he, in a lower tone, leaning over the back of Amy's +chair. + +'No; wait a bit,' interposed Mr. Edmonstone; 'don't take her out, or +you won't be to be found, anywhere, and I want to speak to you before I +write my letter, and go to the Union Meeting. I want to tell Master +Philip, on the spot, that the day is fixed, and we snap our fingers at +him and his probation. Wait till twenty-five! I dare say!' + +At 'I want to speak to you,' the ladies had made the first move towards +departure, but they were not out of hearing at the conclusion. Guy +looked after Amy, but she would not look round, and Charles lay +twisting Bustle's curls round his fingers, and smiling to himself at +the manner in which the letter was working by contraries. The +overthrow of Philip's influence was a great triumph for him, apart from +the way in which it affected his friend and his sister. + +Mr. Edmonstone was disappointed that Guy would not set about fixing the +day, in time for him to announce it in a letter to be written in the +course of an hour. Guy said he had not begun on the subject with Amy, +and it would never do to hurry her. Indeed, it was a new light to +himself that Mr. Edmonstone would like it to take place so soon. + +'Pray, when did you think it was to be?' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'Upon my +word, I never in all my days saw a lover like you, Guy!' + +'I was too happy to think about the future; besides, I did not know +whether you had sufficient confidence in me.' + +'Confidence, nonsense! I tell you if I had a dozen daughters, I would +trust them all to you.' + +Guy smiled, and was infected by Charles's burst of laughing, but Mr. +Edmonstone went on unheeding--'I have the most absolute confidence in +you! I am going to write to Philip this minute, to tell him he has +played three-tailed Bashaw rather too long. I shall tell him it is to +be very soon, at any rate; and that if he wishes to see how I value his +pragmatical advice, he may come and dance at the wedding. I declare, +your mamma and that colonel of his have perfectly spoilt him with their +flattery! I knew what would come of it; you all would make a prodigy +of him, till he is so puffed up, that he entirely forgets who he is!' + +'Not I' said Charles; 'that can't be laid to my door.' + +'But I'll write him such a letter this instant as shall make him +remember what he is, and show him who he has to deal with. Eh, +Charlie?' + +'Don't you think,' said Guy, preparing to go, 'that it might be better +to wait a day or two, till we see our way clearer, and are a little +cooler?' + +'I tell you, Guy, there is no one that puts me out of patience now, but +yourself. You are as bad as Philip himself. Cool? I am coolness +itself, all but what's proper spirit for a man to show when his family +is affronted, and himself dictated to, by a meddling young jackanapes. +I'll serve him out properly!' + +A message called him away. Guy stood looking perplexed and sorrowful. + +'Never mind,' said Charles, 'I'll take care the letter is moderate. +Besides, it is only Philip, and he knows that letter-writing is not his +forte.' + +'I am afraid things will be said in irritation, which you will both +regret. There are justice and reason in the letter.' + +'There shall be more in the answer, as you will see.' + +'No, I will not see. It is Mr. Edmonstone's concern, not mine. I am +the last person who should have anything to do with it.' + +'Just what the individual in question would not have said.' + +'Would you do one thing to oblige me, Charlie?' + +'Anything but not speaking my mind to, or of, the captain.' + +'That is the very thing, unluckily. Try to get the answer put off till +to-morrow, and that will give time to look at this letter candidly.' + +'All the candour in the world will not make me think otherwise than +that he is disappointed at being no longer able to make us the puppets +of his malevolence. Don't answer, or if you do, tell me what you say +in favour of that delicate insinuation of his.' + +Guy made a step towards the window, and a step back again. ''Tis not +fair to ask such questions,' he replied, after a moment. 'It is +throwing oil on the fire. I was trying to forget it. He neither knows +my uncle nor the circumstances.' + +'Well, I am glad there is a point on which you can't even pretend to +stand up for him, or I should have thought you crazed with Quixotism. +But I am keeping you when you want to be off to Amy. Never mind Mr. +Ready-to-halt; I shall wait till my father comes back. If you want the +letter put off you had better give some hopes of--Oh! he is gone, and +disinterested advice it is of mine, for what is to become of me without +Amy remains to be proved. Laura, poor thing, looks like Patience on a +monument. I wonder whether Philip's disgrace has anything to do with +it. Hum! If mamma's old idea was right, the captain has been more +like moth and candle than consistent with his prudence, unless he +thought it "a toute epreuve". I wonder what came to pass last autumn, +when I was ill, and mamma's head full of me. He may not intend it, and +she may not know it, but I would by no means answer for Cupid's being +guiltless of that harassed look she has had ever since that ball-going +summer. Oh! there go that pretty study, Amy and her true knight. As +to Guy, he is more incomprehensible than ever; yet there is no avoiding +obeying him, on the principle on which that child in the "Moorland +cottage" said she should obey Don Quixote.' + +So when his father came in, Charles wiled him into deferring the letter +till the next day, by giving him an indistinct hope that some notion +when the marriage would be, might be arrived at by that time. He +consented the more readily, because he was in haste to investigate a +complaint that had just been made of the union doctor; but his last +words to his wife and son before he went, were--'Of course, they must +marry directly, there is nothing on earth to wait for. Live at +Redclyffe alone? Not to be thought of. No, I'll see little Amy my +Lady Morville, before Philip goes abroad, if only to show him I am not +a man to be dictated to.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone sighed; but when he was gone, she agreed with Charles +that there was nothing to wait for, and that it would be better for Guy +to take his wife at once with him, when he settled at Redclyffe. So it +must be whenever Amy could make up her mind to it; and thereupon they +made plans for future meetings, Charles announcing that the Prince of +the Black Isles would become locomotive, and Charlotte forming grand +designs upon Shag Island. + +In the meantime, Guy and Amy were walking in the path through the wood, +where he began: 'I would not have asked you to do anything so +unpleasant as reading that letter, but I thought you ought to consider +of it.' + +'It was just like himself! How could he?' said Amy, indignantly. + +'I wonder whether he will ever see his own harshness?' said Guy. 'It +is very strange, that with all his excellence and real kindness, there +should be some distortion in his view of all that concerns me. I +cannot understand it.' + +'You must let me call it prejudice, Guy, in spite of your protest. It +is a relief to say something against him.' + +'Amy, don't be venomous!' said Guy, in a playful tone of reproach. + +'Yes; but you know it is not _me_ whom he has been abusing.' + +'Well,' said Guy, musingly, 'I suppose it is right there should be this +cloud, or it would be too bright for earth. It has been one of my +chief wishes to have things straight with Philip, ever since the time +he stayed at Redclyffe as a boy. I saw his superiority then; but it +fretted me, and I never could make a companion of him. Ever since, I +have looked to his approval as one of the best things to be won. It +shows his ascendancy of character; yet, do what I will, the mist has +gone on thickening between us; and with reason, for I have never been +able to give him the confidence he required, and his conduct about my +uncle has so tried my patience, that I never have been quite sure +whether I ought to avoid him or not.' + +'And now you are the only person who will speak for him. I don't +wonder papa is provoked with you,' said she, pretending to be wilful. +'I only hope you don't want to make me do the same. I could bear +anything better than his old saying about your attractive manners and +good impulses, and his opinion that has never altered. 0 Guy, he is +the most provoking person in all the world. Don't try to make me +admire him, nor be sorry for him.' + +'Not when you remember how he was looked on here? and how, without +doing anything worthy of blame, nay, from his acting unsparingly, as he +thought right, every one has turned against him? even mamma, who used +to be so fond of him?' + +'Not Laura.' + +'No, not Laura, and I am thankful to her for it; for all this makes me +feel as if I had supplanted him.' + +'Yes, yes, yes, it is like you; but don't ask me to feel that yet,' +said Amy, with tears in her eyes,' or I shall be obliged to tell you +what you won't like to hear, about his tone of triumph that terrible +time last year. It was so very different, I don't think I could ever +forgive him, if it had not made me so miserable too.' + +Guy pressed her arm. 'Yes; but he thought himself right. He meant to +do the kindest thing by you,' said he, so entirely without effort, that +no one could doubt it came straight from his heart. 'So he thinks +still, Amy; there is fairness, justice, good sense in his letter, and +we must not blind our eyes to it, though there is injustice, at least, +harshness. I did fail egregiously in my first trial.' + +'Fail!' + +'In temper.' + +'Oh!' + +'And, Amy, I wanted to ask what you think about the four years he +speaks of. Do you think, as he says, my habits might be more fixed, +and altogether you might have more confidence?' + +'I don't look on you quite as he does now,' said Amy, with a very +pretty smile. 'Do you think his opinion of you will ever alter?' + +'But what do you think? Is there not some reason in what he says?' + +'The only use I can see is, that perhaps I should be wiser at twenty- +four, and fitter to take care of such a great house; but then you have +been always helping me to grow wiser, and I am not much afraid but that +you will be patient with me. Indeed, Guy, I don't know whether it is a +thing I ought to say,' she added, blushing, 'but I think it would be +dismal for you to go and live all alone at Redclyffe.' + +'Honestly, Amy,' replied he, after a little pause, 'if you feel so, and +your father approves, I don't think it will be better to wait. I know +your presence is a safeguard, and if the right motives did not suffice +to keep me straight, and I was only apparently so from hopes of you, +why then I should be so utterly good for nothing at the bottom, if not +on the surface, that you had better have nothing to say to me.' + +Amy laughed incredulously. + +'That being settled,' proceeded Guy, 'did you hear what your father +said as you left the breakfast-room?' + +She coloured all over, and there was silence. 'What did you answer?' +said she, at length. + +'I said, whatever happened, you must not be taken by surprise in having +to decide quickly. Do you wish to have time to think? I'll go in and +leave you to consider, if you like.' + +'I only want to know what you wish,' said Amy, not parting with his +arm. + +'I had rather you did just as suits you best. Of course, you know what +my wish must be.' + +Amy walked on a little way in silence. 'Very well,' said she, +presently, 'I think you and mamma had better settle it. The worst'-- +she had tears in her eyes--'the going away--mamma--Charlie--all that +will be as bad at one time as at another.' The tears flowed faster. +'It had better be as you all like best.' + +'0 Amy! I wonder at myself for daring to ask you to exchange your +bright cheerful home for my gloomy old house.' + +'No, your home,' said Amy, softly. + +'I used to wonder why it was called gloomy; but it will be so no more +when you are there. Yet there is a shadow hanging over it, which makes +it sometimes seem too strange that you and it should be brought +together.' + +'I have read somewhere that there is no real gloom but what people +raise for themselves.' + +'True. Gloom is in sin, not sorrow. Yes, there would be no comfort if +I were not sure that if aught of grief or pain should come to you +through me, it will not, cannot really hurt you, my Amy.' + +'No, unless by my own fault, and you will help me to meet it. Hark! +was that a nightingale?' + +'Yes, the first! How beautiful! There--don't you see it? Look on +that hazel, you may see its throat moving. Well!' when they had +listened for a long time,--'after all, that creature and the sea will +hardly let one speak of gloom, even in this world, to say nothing of +other things. + +'The sea! I am glad I have never seen it, because now you will show it +to me for the first time.' + +'You will never, can never imagine it, Amy! and he sung,-- + + + 'With all tones of waters blending, + Glorious is the breaking deep, + Glorious, beauteous, without ending, + Songs of ocean never sleep.' + + +A silence followed, only broken by the notes of the birds, and +presently by the strokes of the great clock. Guy looked at his watch. + +'Eleven, Amy! I must go to my reading, or you will have to be very +much ashamed of me.' + +For, after the first few days, Guy had returned to study regularly +every day. He said it was a matter of necessity, not at all of merit, +for though he did not mean to try for honours, Amy must not marry a +plucked man. His whole career at Oxford had been such a struggle with +the disadvantages of his education, that all his diligence had, he +thought, hardly raised him to a level with his contemporaries. +Moreover, courtship was not the best preparation for the schools, so +that though he knew he had done his best, he expected no more than to +pass respectably, and told Amy it was very good of her to be contented +with a dunce, whereat she laughed merrily. But she knew him too well +to try to keep him lingering in the April sunshine, and in they went, +Guy to his Greek, and Amy to her mother. Charlotte's lessons had been +in abeyance, or turned over to Laura of late, and Mrs. Edmonstone and +her dressing-room were always ready for the confidences of the family, +who sought her there in turn--all but one, and that the one whose need +was the sorest. + +Amy and her mother comforted themselves with a good quiet cry, that was +not exactly sorrowful, and came to the conclusion that Guy was the most +considerate person in the world, and they would do whatever best suited +him and papa. So, when Mr. Edmonstone came home, he was rewarded for +putting off the letter by finding every one willing to let the marriage +take place whenever he pleased. There were various conferences in the +dressing-room, and Guy and Amy both had burning faces when they came +down to dinner. Laura beheld them with a throbbing heart, while she +mechanically talked to Dr. Mayerne, as if nothing was going on. She +was glad there was no singing that evening, for she felt incapable of +joining; and when at night Charles and his father talked of sitting up +to write to Philip, the misery was such that she had no relief till she +had shut herself in her room, to bear or to crush the suffering as best +she might. + +She was still sitting helpless in her wretchedness when Amy knocked at +the door, and came in glowing with blushes and smiles, though her +eyelashes were dewy with tears. + +'Laura, dearest! if you would not be so very unhappy! I wish I knew +what to do for you.' + +Laura laid her head on her shoulder, and cried. It was a great +comfort, little as Amy could understand her trouble. Amy kissed her, +soothed her caressingly, cried too, and said, in broken sentences, how +often they would be together, and how comfortable it was that Charlie +was so much better, and Charlotte quite a companion. + +'Then you have fixed the day?' whispered Laura, at last. + +'The Tuesday in Whitsun-week,' returned Amy, resting her forehead on +Laura's shoulder. 'They all thought it right.' + +Laura flung her arms round her, and wept too much to speak. + +'Dear, dear Laura!' said Amy, after a time, 'it is very kind of you, +but--' + +'Oh, Amy! you don't know. You must not think so much better of me than +I deserve. It is not only--No, I would not be so selfish, if but--but- +-' Never had her self-command so given way. + +'Ah! you are unhappy about Philip,' said Amy; and Laura, alarmed lest +she might have betrayed him, started, and tried to recover herself; but +she saw Amy was quite unsuspicious, and the relief from this fright +helped her through what her sister was saying,-- 'Yes, you, who were so +fond of him, must be vexed at this unkindness on his part.' + +'I am sure it is his real wish for your good,' murmured Laura. + +'I dare say!' said Amy, with displeasure. Then changing her tone, 'I +beg your pardon, dear Laura, but I don't think I can quite bear to hear +any one but Guy defend him.' + +'It is very generous.' + +'Oh, is not it, Laura? and he says he is so grieved to see us turned +against Philip, after being so fond of him; he says it makes him feel +as if he had supplanted him, and that he is quite thankful to you for +taking his part still.' + +'How shall I bear it?' sighed Laura, to herself. + +'I wonder whether he will come?' said Amy, thoughtfully. + +'He will,' said Laura. + +'You think so?' said Amy. 'Well, Guy would be glad. Yes. 0 Laura, if +Philip would learn to do Guy justice, I don't think there would be any +more to wish!' + +'He will in time,' said Laura. 'He is too generous not to be won by +such generosity as Guy's; and when all this is forgotten, and all these +accusations have been lived down, he will be the warmest of friends.' + +'Yes,' said Amy, as if she wished to be convinced; 'but if he would +only leave off saying his opinion has never altered, I think I could +bring myself to look on him as Guy wants me to do. Good night! dear +Laura, and don't be unhappy. Oh! one thing I must tell you; Guy made +Charles promise to do all he could not to let it be a hasty letter. +Now, good night!' + +Poor Laura, she knew not whether gratitude to Guy was not one of her +most painful sensations. She wished much to know what had been said in +the letter; but only one sentence transpired, and that was, that Mr. +Edmonstone had never heard it was necessary to apply to a nephew for +consent to a daughter's marriage. It seemed as if it must have been as +cutting as Charles could make it; but Laura trusted to Philip's +knowledge of the family, and desire for their good, to make him forgive +it, and the expectation of seeing him again at the wedding, cheered +her. Indeed, a hope of still greater consequences began to rise in her +mind, after Charles one day said to her, 'I think you ought to be much +obliged to Guy. This morning, he suddenly exclaimed, "I say, Charlie, +I wish you would take care Amy's fortune is not settled on her so that +it can't be got rid of." I asked how he meant to make ducks and drakes +of it; and he explained, that if either of you two did not happen to +marry for money, like Amy, it might do you no harm.' + +'We are very much obliged to him,' said Laura, more earnestly than +Charles had expected. 'Do you know what it is, Charlie?' + +'Oh! you want to calculate the amount of your obligation! Somewhere +about five thousand pounds, I believe.' + +Charles watched Laura, and the former idea recurred, as he wondered +whether there was any particular meaning in her inquiry. + +Meaning, indeed, there was. Laura knew nothing about the value of +money; she did not know what Philip had of his own; how far five, or +even ten, thousand would go in enabling them to marry, or whether it +was available in her father's lifetime; but she thought this prospect +might smooth the way to the avowal of their attachment, as effectually +as his promotion; she reckoned on relief from the weary oppression of +secrecy, and fully expected that it would all be told in the favourable +juncture, when her parents were full of satisfaction in Amy's marriage. +Gratitude to Guy would put an end to all doubt, dislike, and prejudice, +and Philip would receive him as a brother. + +These hopes supported Laura, and enabled her to take part with more +appearance of interest in the consultations and arrangements for the +marriage, which were carried on speedily, as the time was short, and +Mr. Edmonstone's ideas were on a grand scale. It seemed as if he meant +to invite all the world, and there were no limits to his views of +breakfast, carriages, and splendours. His wife let him run on without +contradiction, leaving the plans either to evaporate or condense, as +time might prove best. Guy took Amy out walking, and asked what she +thought of it. + +'Do you dislike it very much?' she said. + +'I can hardly tell. Of course, as a general rule, the less parade and +nonsense the better; but if your father wishes it, and if people do +find enjoyment in that way, it seems hard they should not have all they +can out of it.' + +'Oh, yes; the school children and poor people,' said Amy. + +'How happy the Ashford children will be, feasting the poor people at +Redclyffe! Old Jonas Ledbury will be in high glory.' + +'To be sure it does not seem like merit to feast one's poor neighbours +rather than the rich. It is so much pleasanter.' + +'However, since the poor will be feasted, I don't think the rich ones +will do us much harm.' + +'I am sure I shall know very little about them,' said Amy. + +'The realities are so great to us, that they will swallow up the +accessories. There must be the church, and all that; and for the rest, +Amy, I don't think I shall find out whether you wear lace or grogram.' + +'There's encouragement for me!' said Amy, laughing. 'However, what I +mean is, that I don't care about it, if I am not obliged to attend, and +give my mind, to those kind of things just then, and that mamma will +take care of.' + +'Is it not a great trouble for her? I forgot that. It was selfish; +for we slip out of the fuss, and it all falls on her.' + +'Yes,' said Amy; 'but don't you think it would tease her more to have +to persuade papa out of what he likes, and alter every little matter? +That would be worry, the rest only exertion; and, do you know, I +think,' said she, with a rising tear, 'that it will be better for her, +to keep her from thinking about losing me.' + +'I see. Very well, we will take the finery quietly. Only one thing, +Amy, we will not be put out of,--we will not miss the full holy-day +service.' + +'Oh, yes; that will be the comfort.' + +'One other thing, Amy. You know I have hardly a friend of my own; but +there is one person I should like to ask,--Markham. He has been so +kind, and so much attached to me; he loved my father so devotedly, and +suffered so much at his death, that it is a pity he should not be made +happy; and very happy he will be.' + +'And there is one person I should like to ask, Guy, if mamma thinks we +can do it. I am sure little Marianne ought to be one of my +bridesmaids. Charlotte would take care of her, and it would be very +nice to have her.' + + + + +CHAPTER 28 + + + +But no kind influence deign they shower, +Till pride be quelled and love be free.--SCOTT + + +Kilcoran was about twenty miles from Cork, and Captain Morville was +engaged to go and spend a day or two there. Maurice de Courcy drove +him thither, wishing all the way for some other companion, since no one +ever ventured to smoke a cigar in the proximity of 'Morville'; and, +besides, Maurice's conversational powers were obliged to be entirely +bestowed on his horse and dog, for the captain, instead of, as usual, +devoting himself to suit his talk to his audience, was wrapped in the +deepest meditation, now and then taking out a letter and referring to +it. + +This letter was the reply jointly compounded by Mr. Edmonstone and +Charles, and the subject of his consideration was, whether he should +accept the invitation to the wedding. Charles had taken care fully to +explain how the truth respecting the cheque had come out, and Philip +could no longer suspect that it had been a fabrication of Dixon's; but +while Guy persisted in denial of any answer about the thousand pounds, +he thought the renewal of the engagement extremely imprudent. He was +very sorry for poor little Amy, for her comfort and happiness were, he +thought, placed in the utmost jeopardy, with such a hot temper, under +the most favourable circumstances; and there was the further peril, +that when the novelty of the life with her at Redclyffe had passed off, +Guy might seek for excitement in the dissipation to which his uncle had +probably already introduced him. In the four years' probation, he saw +the only hope of steadying Guy, or of saving Amy, and he was much +concerned at the rejection of his advice, entirely for their sakes, for +he could not condescend to be affronted at the scornful, satirical tone +towards himself, in which Charles's little spitefulness was so fully +apparent. + +The wedding was a regular sacrifice, and Amabel was nothing but a +victim; but an invitation to Hollywell had a charm for him that he +scarcely could resist. To see Laura again, after having parted, as he +thought, for so many years, delighted him in anticipation; and it would +manifest his real interest in his young cousins, and show that he was +superior to taking offence at the folly of Charles or his father. + +These were his first thoughts and inclinations; his second were, that +it was contrary to his principles to sanction so foolish and hasty a +marriage by his presence; that he should thus be affording a triumph to +Guy, and to one who would use it less moderately--to Charles. It would +be more worthy of himself, more consistent with his whole course of +conduct, to refuse his presence, instead of going amongst them when +they were all infatuated, and unable to listen to sober counsel. If he +stayed away now, when Guy should have justified his opinion, they would +all own how wisely he had acted, and would see the true dignity which +had refused, unlike common minds, to let his complaisance draw him into +giving any sanction to what he so strongly disapproved. Laura, too, +would pass through this trying time better if she was not distracted by +watching him; she would understand the cause of his absence, and he +could trust her to love and comprehend him at a distance, better than +he could trust her to hear the marriage-service in his presence without +betraying herself. Nor did he wish to hear her again plead for the +confession of their engagement; and, supposing any misadventure should +lead to its betrayal, what could be more unpleasant than for it to be +revealed at such a time, when Charles would so turn it against him, +that all his influence and usefulness would be for ever at an end? + +Love drew him one way, and consistency another. Captain Morville had +never been so much in the condition of Mahomet's coffin in his life; +and he grew more angry with his uncle, Charles, and Guy, for having put +him in so unpleasant a predicament. So the self-debate lasted all the +way to Kilcoran and he only had two comforts--one, that he had sent the +follower who was always amenable to good advice, safe out of the way of +Lady Eveleen, to spend his leave of absence at Thorndale--the other, +that Maurice de Courcy was, as yet, ignorant of the Hollywell news, and +did not torment him by talking about it. + +This satisfaction, however, lasted no longer than till their arrival at +Kilcoran; for, the instant they entered the drawing-room, Lady Eveleen +exclaimed, '0 Maurice, I have been so longing for you to come! Captain +Morville, I hope you have not told him, for I can't flatter myself to +be beforehand with you, now at least.' + +'He has told me nothing,' said Maurice; 'indeed, such bad company has +seldom been seen as he has been all the way.' + +'You don't mean that you don't know it? How delightful! 0, mamma! +think of knowing something Captain Morville does not!' + +'I am afraid I cannot flatter you so far,' said Philip, knowing this +was no place for allowing his real opinion to be guessed. + +'Then you do know?' said Lady Kilcoran, sleepily; 'I am sure it is a +subject of great rejoicing.' + +'But what is it, Eva? Make haste and tell,' said Maurice. + +'No; you must guess!' + +'Why, you would not be in such a way about it if it was not a wedding.' + +'Right, Maurice; now, who is it?' + +'One of the Edmonstones, I suppose. 'Tis Laura?' + +'Wrong!' + +'What, not Laura! I thought she would have been off first. Somebody's +got no taste, then, for Laura is the prettiest girl I know.' + +'Ah! your heart has escaped breaking this time, Maurice. It is that +little puss, Amy, that has made a great conquest. Now guess.' + +'Oh! young Morville, of course. But what possessed him to take Amy, +and leave Laura?' + +'Perhaps Laura was not to be had. Men are so self-sufficient, that +they always think they may pick and choose. Is it not so, Captain +Morville? I like Sir Guy better than most men, but Laura is too good +for any one I know. If I could make a perfect hero, I would at once, +only Charles would tell me all the perfect heroes in books are bores. +How long have you known of it, Captain Morville?' + +'For the last ten days.' + +'And you never mentioned it?' + +'I did not know whether they intended to publish it.' + +'Now, Captain Morville, I hope to make some progress in your good +opinion. Of course, you believe I can't keep a secret; but what do you +think of my having known it ever since last summer, and held my tongue +all that time?' + +'A great effort, indeed,' said Philip, smiling. 'It would have been +greater, I suppose, if the engagement had been positive, not +conditional.' + +'Oh! every one knew what it must come to. No one could have the least +fear of Sir Guy. Yes; I saw it all. I gave my little aid, and I am +sure I have a right to be bridesmaid, as I am to be. Oh! won't it be +charming? It is to be the grandest wedding that ever was seen. It is +to be on Whit-Tuesday; and papa is going to take me and Aunt Charlotte; +for old Aunt Mabel says Aunt Charlotte must go. There are to be six +bridesmaids, and a great party at the breakfast; everything as splendid +as possible; and I made Mrs. Edmonstone promise from the first that we +should have a ball. You must go, Maurice.' + +'I shall be on the high seas!' + +'Oh yes, that is horrid! But you don't sail with the regiment, I +think, Captain Morville. You surely go?' + +'I am not certain,' said Philip; especially disgusted by hearing of the +splendour, and thinking that he had supposed Guy would have had more +sense; and it showed how silly Amy really was, since she was evidently +only anxious to enjoy the full paraphernalia of a bride. + +'Not certain!' exclaimed Maurice and Eveleen, in a breath. + +'I am not sure that I shall have time. You know I have been intending +to make a walking tour through Switzerland before joining at Corfu.' + +'And you really would prefer going by yourself--"apart, unfriended, +melancholy, slow."' + +'Very slow, indeed,' said Maurice. + +'A wedding is a confused melancholy affair,' said Philip. 'You know I +am no dancing man, Lady Eveleen; one individual like myself can make +little difference to persons engrossed with their own affairs; I can +wish my cousins well from a distance as well as at hand; and though +they have been kind enough to ask me, I think that while their house is +overflowing with guests of more mark, my room will be preferred to my +company.' + +'Then you do not mean to go?' said Lady Kilcoran. 'I do not,' she +continued, 'for my health is never equal to so much excitement, and it +would only be giving poor Mrs. Edmonstone additional trouble to have to +attend to me.' + +'So you really mean to stay away?' said Eveleen. + +'I have not entirely decided.' + +'At any rate you must go and tell old Aunt Mabel all about them,' said +Eveleen. 'She is so delighted. You will be quite worshipped, at the +cottage, for the very name of Morville. I spend whole hours in +discoursing on Sir Guy's perfections.' + +Philip could not refuse; but his feelings towards Guy were not warmed +by the work he had to go through, when conducted to the cottage, where +lived old Lady Mabel Edmonstone and her daughter, and there required to +dilate on Guy's excellence. He was not wanted to speak of any of the +points where his conscience would not let him give a favourable report; +it was quite enough for him to tell of Guy's agreeable manners and +musical talents, and to describe the beauty and extent of Redclyffe. +Lady Mabel and Miss Edmonstone were transported; and the more Philip +saw of the light and superficial way in which the marriage was +considered, the more unwilling he became to confound himself with such +people by eagerness to be present at it, and to join in the +festivities. Yet he exercised great forbearance in not allowing one +word of his disapproval or misgivings to escape him; no censure was +uttered, and Lady Eveleen herself could not make out whether he +rejoiced or not. He was grave and philosophical, superior to +nonsensical mirth, that was all that she saw; and he made himself very +agreeable throughout his visit, by taking condescending interest in all +that was going on, and especially to Lady Eveleen, by showing that he +thought her worthy of rational converse. + +He made himself useful, as usual. Lord Kilcoran wanted a tutor for his +two youngest boys, and it had been proposed to send them to Mr. +Wellwood, at his curacy at Coombe Prior. He wished to know what +Captain Morville thought of the plan; and Philip, thinking that Mr. +Wellwood had been very inattentive to Guy's proceedings at St. +Mildred's, though he would not blame him, considered it very fortunate +that he had a different plan to recommend. One of the officers of his +regiment had lately had staying with him a brother who had just left +Oxford, and was looking out for a tutorship, a very clever and +agreeable young man, whom he liked particularly, and he strongly +advised Lord Kilcoran to keep his sons under his own eye, and place +them under the care of this gentleman. His advice, especially when +enforced by his presence, was almost sure to prevail, and thus it was +in the present case. + +The upshot of his visit was, that he thought worse and worse of the +sense of the whole Edmonstone connection,--considered that it would be +of no use for him to go to Hollywell,--adhered to his second +resolution, and wrote to his uncle a calm and lofty letter, free from +all token of offence, expressing every wish for the happiness of Guy +and Amabel, and thanking his uncle for the invitation, which, however, +he thought it best to decline, much as he regretted losing the +opportunity of seeing Hollywell and its inhabitants again. His +regiment would sail for Corfu either in May or June; but he intended, +himself, to travel on foot through Germany and Italy, and would write +again before quitting Ireland. + +'So,' said Charles, 'there were at the marriage the Picanninies, and +the Joblillies, and the Garryulies, but not the grand Panjandrum +himself.' + +'Nor the little round button at top!' rejoined Charlotte. + +'Well, it's his own look out,' said Mr. Edmonstone. 'It is of a piece +with all the rest.' + +'I am sure we don't want him,' said Charlotte. + +'Not in this humour,' said her mother. + +Amy said nothing; and if she did not allow herself to avow that his +absence was a relief, it was because she saw it was a grief and +disappointment to Guy. + +Laura was, of course, very much mortified,--almost beyond the power of +concealment. She thought he would have come for the sake of seeing +her, and she had reckoned so much on this meeting that it was double +vexation. He did not know what he was missing by not coming; and she +could not inform him, for writing to him was impossible, without the +underhand dealings to which they would never, either of them, have +recourse. So much for herself; and his perseverance in disapproval, in +spite of renewed explanation, made her more anxious and sorry on Amy's +account. Very mournful were poor Laura's sensations; but there was no +remedy but to try to bewilder and drive them away in the bustle of +preparation. + +Guy had to go and take his degree, and then return to make his own +preparations at Redclyffe. Amy begged him, as she knew he would like, +to leave things alone as much as possible; for she could not bear old +places to be pulled to pieces to suit new-comers; and she should like +to find it just as he had been used to it. + +He smiled, and said, 'It should only be made habitable.' She must have +a morning-room, about which he would consult Mrs. Ashford: and he would +choose her piano himself. The great drawing-room had never been +unpacked since his grandmother's time, so that must be in repair; and, +as for a garden, they would lay it out together. There could not be +much done; for though they did not talk of it publicly, lest they +should shock Mr. Edmonstone, they meant to go home directly after their +marriage. + +To Oxford, then, went Guy; his second letter announced that he had done +tolerably well on his examination; and it came round to the +Edmonstones, that it was a great pity he had not gone up for honours, +as he would certainly have distinguished himself. + +Redclyffe was, of course, in a state of great excitement at the news +that Sir Guy was going to be married. Markham was very grand with the +letter that announced it, and could find nothing to grumble about but +that the lad was very young, and it was lucky it was no worse. + +Mrs. Ashford was glad it was so good a connection, and obtained all the +intelligence she could from James Thorndale, who spoke warmly of the +Hollywell family in general; and, in particular, said that the young +ladies looked after schools and poor people,--that Miss Edmonstone was +very handsome and clever--a very superior person; but as to Miss +Amabel, he did not know that there was anything to say about her. She +was just like other young ladies, and very attentive to her invalid +brother. + +Markham's enmity to Mr. Ashford had subsided at the bidding of his +master; and he informed him one day, with great cordiality, that Sir +Guy would be at home the next. He was to sleep that night at Coombe +Prior, and ride to Redclyffe in the morning; and, to the great delight +of the boys, it was at the parsonage door that he dismounted. + +Mrs. Ashford looked up in his bright face, and saw no more of the shade +that had perplexed her last winter. His cheeks were deeper red as she +warmly shook hands with him; and then the children sprung upon him for +their old games,--the boys claiming his promise, with all their might, +to take them out to the Shag. She wondered when she should venture to +talk to him about Miss Amabel. He next went to find Markham, and met +him before he reached his house. Markham was too happy not to grant +and grumble more than ever. + +'Well, Sir Guy; so here you are! You've lost no time about it, +however. A fine pair of young housekeepers, and a pretty example of +early marriages for the parish!' + +Guy laughed. 'You must come and see the example, Markham. I have a +message from Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, to ask you to come to Hollywell +at Whitsuntide.' + +Grunt! 'You are making a fool of me, Sir Guy. What's a plain old man +like me to do among all your lords and ladies, and finery and flummery? +I'll do no such thing.' + +'Not to oblige me?' + +'Oblige you? Nonsense! Much you'll care for me!' + +'Nay, Markham, you must not stay away. You, my oldest and best +friend,--my only home friend. I owe all my present happiness to you, +and it would really be a great disappointment to me if you did not +come. She wishes it, too.' + +'Well, Sir Guy,' and the grunt was of softer tone, 'if you do choose to +make a fool of me, I can't help it. You must have your own way; though +you might have found a friend that would do you more credit.' + +'Then I may say that you will come?' + +'Say I am very much obliged to Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone for their +invitation. It is very handsome of them.' + +'Then you will have the settlements ready by that time. You must, +Markham.' + +'I'll see about it.' + +'And the house must be ready to come home to at once.' + +'You don't know what you are talking of, Sir Guy!' exclaimed Markham, +at once aghast and angry. + +'Yes, I do. We don't intend to turn the house upside down with new +furniture.' + +'You may talk as you please, Sir Guy, but I know what's what; and it is +mere nonsense to talk of bringing a lady to a house in this condition. +A pretty notion you have of what is fit for your bride! I hope she +knows what sort of care you mean to take of her!' + +'She will be satisfied,' said Guy. 'She particularly wishes not to +have everything disarranged, I only must have two rooms furnished for +her.' + +'But the place wants painting from head to foot, and the roof is in +such a state--' + +'The roof? That's serious!' + +'Serious; I believe so. You'll have it about your ears in no time, if +you don't look sharp.' + +'I'll look this minute,' said Guy, jumping up. 'Will you come with +me?' + +Up he went, climbing about in the forest of ancient timbers, where he +could not but be convinced that there was more reason than he could +wish in what Markham said, and that his roof was in no condition to +bring his bride to. Indeed it was probable that it had never been +thoroughly repaired since the time of old Sir Hugh, for the Morvilles +had not been wont to lay out money on what did not make a display. Guy +was in dismay, he sent for the builder from Moorworth; calculated times +and costs; but, do what he would, he could not persuade himself that +when once the workmen were in Redclyffe, they would be out again before +the autumn. + +Guy was very busy during the fortnight he spent at home. There were +the builder and his plans, and Markham and the marriage settlements, +and there were orders to be given about the furniture. He came to Mrs. +Ashford about this, conducted her to the park, and begged her to be so +kind as to be his counsellor, and to superintend the arrangement. He +showed her what was to be Amy's morning-room--now bare and empty, but +with the advantages of a window looking south, upon the green wooded +slope of the park, with a view of the church tower, and of the moors, +which were of very fine form. He owned himself to be profoundly +ignorant about upholstery matters, and his ideas of furniture seemed to +consist in prints for the walls, a piano, a bookcase, and a couch for +Charles. + +'You have heard about Charles?' said he, raising his bright face from +the list of needful articles which he was writing, using the window- +seat as a table. + +'Not much,' said Mrs. Ashford. 'Is he entirely confined to the sofa?' + +'He cannot move without crutches; but no one could guess what he is +without seeing him. He is so patient, his spirits never flag; and it +is beautiful to see how considerate he is, and what interest he takes +in all the things he never can share, poor fellow. I don't know what +Hollywell would be without Charlie! I wonder how soon he will be able +to come here! Hardly this year, I am afraid, for things must be +comfortable for him, and I shall never get them so without Amy, and +then it will be autumn. Well, what next? Oh, you said window- +curtains. Some blue sort of stuff, I suppose, like the drawing-room +ones at Hollywell. What's the name of it?' + +In fact, Mrs. Ashford was much of his opinion, that he never would make +things comfortable without Amy, though he gave his best attention to +the inquiries that were continually made of him; and where he had an +idea, carried it out to the utmost. He knew much better what he was +about in the arrangements for Coombe Prior, where he had installed his +friend, Mr. Wellwood, and set on foot many plans for improvements, +giving them as much attention as if he had nothing else to occupy his +mind. Both the curate and Markham were surprised that he did not leave +these details till his return home; but he answered,-- + +'Better do things while we may. The thought of this unhappy place is +enough to poison everything; and I don't think I could rest without +knowing that the utmost was being done for it.' + +He was very happy making arrangements for a village feast on the +wedding-day. The Ashfords asked if he would not put it off till his +return, and preside himself. + +'It won't hurt them to have one first. Let them make sure of all the +fun they can,' he answered; and the sentiment was greatly applauded by +Edward and Robert, who followed him about more than ever, and grew so +fond of him, that it made them very angry to be reminded of the spirit +of defiance in which their acquaintance had begun. Nevertheless they +seemed to be preparing the same spirit for his wife, for when their +mother told them they must not expect to monopolize him thus when he +was married, they declared, that they did not want a Lady Morville at +all, and could not think why he was so stupid as to want a wife. + +Their father predicted that he would never have time to fulfil his old +engagement of taking them out to the Shag Rock, but the prediction was +not verified, for he rowed both them and Mr. Ashford thither one fine +May afternoon, showed them all they wanted to see, and let them +scramble to their heart's content. He laughed at their hoard of scraps +of the wood of the wreck, which they said their mamma had desired them +to fetch for her. + +So many avocations came upon Guy at once,--so many of the neighbours +came to call on him,--such varieties of people wanted to speak to him,- +-the boys followed him so constantly,--and he had so many invitations +from Mr. Wellwood and the Ashfords, that he never had any time for +himself, except what must be spent in writing to Amabel. There was a +feeling upon him, that he must have time to commune with himself, and +rest from this turmoil of occupation, in the solitude of which +Redclyffe had hitherto been so full. He wanted to be alone with his +old home, and take leave of it, and of the feelings of his boyhood, +before beginning on this new era of his life; but whenever he set out +for a solitary walk, before he could even get to the top of the crag, +either Markham marched up to talk over some important question,--a +farmer waylaid him to make some request,--some cottager met him, to +tell of a grievance,--Mr. Wellwood rode over,--or the Ashford boys +rushed up, and followed like his shadow. + +At length, on Ascension day, the last before he was to leave Redclyffe, +with a determination that he would escape for once from his pursuers, +he walked to the Cove as soon as he returned from morning service, +launched his little boat and pushed off into the rippling whispering +waters. It was a resumption of the ways of his boyhood; it seemed like +a holiday to have left all these cares behind him, just as it used to +be when all his lessons were prepared, and he had leave to disport +himself, by land or water, the whole afternoon, provided he did not go +out beyond the Shag Rock. He took up his sculls and rowed merrily, +singing and whistling to keep time with their dash, the return to the +old pleasure quite enough at first, the salt breeze, the dashing waves, +the motion of the boat. So he went on till he had come as far as his +former boundary, then he turned and gazed back on the precipitous +rocks, cleft with deep fissures, marbled with veins of different shades +of red, and tufted here and therewith clumps of samphire, grass, and a +little brushwood, bright with the early green of spring. The white +foam and spray were leaping against their base, and roaring in their +hollows; the tract of wavelets between glittered in light, or heaved +green under the shadow of the passing clouds; the sea-birds floated +smoothly in sweeping undulating lines, + + + As though life's only call and care + Were graceful motion; + + +the hawks poised themselves high in air near the rocks. The Cove lay +in sunshine, its rough stone chimneys and rude slate roofs overgrown +with moss and fern, rising rapidly, one above the other, in the fast +descending hollow, through which a little stream rushed to the sea,-- +more quietly than its brother, which, at some space distant, fell sheer +down over the crag in a white line of foam, brawling with a tone of its +own, distinguishable among all the voices of the sea contending with +the rocks. Above the village, in the space where the outline of two +hills met and crossed, rose the pinnacled tower of the village church, +the unusual height of which was explained by the old custom of lighting +a beacon-fire on its summit, to serve as a guide to the boats at sea. +Still higher, apparently on the very brow of the beetling crag that +frowned above, stood the old Gothic hall, crumbling and lofty, a fit +eyrie for the eagles of Morville. The sunshine was indeed full upon +it; but it served to show how many of the dark windows were without the +lining of blinds and curtains, that alone gives the look of life and +habitation to a house. How crumbled by sea-wind were the old walls, +and the aspect altogether full of a dreary haughtiness, suiting with +the whole of the stories connected with its name, from the time when it +was said the very dogs crouched and fled from the presence of the +sacrilegious murderer of the Archbishop, to the evening when the heir +of the line lay stretched a corpse before his father's gate. + +Guy sat resting on his oars, gazing at the scene, full of happiness, +yet with a sense that it might be too bright to last, as if it scarcely +befitted one like himself. The bliss before him, though it was surely +a beam from heaven, was so much above him, that he hardly dared to +believe it real: like a child repeating, 'Is it my own, my very own?' +and pausing before it will venture to grasp at a prize beyond its +hopes. He feared to trust himself fully, lest it should carry him away +from his self-discipline, and dazzle him too much to let him keep his +gaze on the light beyond; and he rejoiced in this time of quiet, to +enable him to strive for power over his mind, to prevent himself from +losing in gladness the balance he had gained in adversity. + +It was such a check as he might have wished for, to look at that grim +old castle, recollect who he was, and think of the frail tenure of all +earthly joy, especially for one of the house of Morville. Could that +abode ever be a home for a creature like Amy, with the bright innocent +mirth that seemed too soft and sweet ever to be overshadowed by gloom +and sorrow? Perhaps she might be early taken from him in the undimmed +beauty of her happiness and innocence, and he might have to struggle +through a long lonely life with only the remembrance of a short-lived +joy to lighten it; and when he reflected that this was only a +melancholy fancy, the answer came from within, that there was nothing +peculiar to him in the perception that earthly happiness was fleeting. +It was best that so it should be, and that he should rest in the trust +that brightened on him through all,--that neither life nor death, +sorrow nor pain, could separate, for ever, him and his Amy. + +And he looked up into the deep blue sky overhead, murmuring to himself, +'In heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell,' and +gazed long and intently as he rocked on the green waters, till he again +spoke to himself,--'Why stand ye here gazing up into heaven?' then +pulled vigorously back to the shore, leaving a shining wake far behind +him. + + + + +CHAPTER 29 + + + +Hark, how the birds do sing, +And woods do ring! +All creatures have their joy, and man hath his; +Yet if we rightly measure, +Man's joy and pleasure +Rather hereafter than in present is: + +Not that he may not here +Taste of the cheer, +But as birds drink and straight lift up the head, +So must he sip and think +Of better drink +He may attain to after he is dead.--HERBERT + + +Guy returned to Hollywell on the Friday, there to spend a quiet week +with them all, for it was a special delight to Amy that Hollywell and +her family were as precious to him for their own sakes as for hers. It +was said that it was to be a quiet week--but with all the best efforts +of Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura to preserve quiet, there was an amount, of +confusion that would have been very disturbing, hut for Amy's +propensity never to be ruffled or fluttered. + +What was to be done in the honeymoon was the question for +consideration. Guy and Amy would have liked to make a tour among the +English cathedrals, pay a visit at Hollywell, and then go home and live +in a corner of the house till the rest was ready; for Amy could not see +why she should take up so much more room than old Sir Guy, and Guy +declared he could not see that happiness was a reason for going +pleasure-hunting; but Charles pronounced this very stupid, and Mr. +Edmonstone thought a journey on the Continent was the only proper thing +for them to do. Mrs. Edmonstone wished Amy to see a little of the +world. Amy was known to have always desired to see Switzerland; it +occurred to Guy that it would be a capital opportunity of taking Arnaud +to see the relations he had been talking for the last twenty years of +visiting, and so they acquiesced; for as Guy said, when they talked it +over together, it did not seem to him to come under the denomination of +pleasure-hunting, since they had not devised it for themselves; they +had no house to go to; they should do Arnaud a service, and perhaps +they should meet Philip. + +'That will not be pleasure-hunting, certainly,' said Amy; then, +remembering that he could not bear to hear Philip under-rated, she +added, 'I mean, unless you could convince him, and then it would be +more than pleasure.' + +'It would be my first of unattained wishes,' said Guy. 'Then we will +enjoy the journey.' + +'No fear on that score,' + +'And for fear we should get too much into the stream of enjoyment, as +people abroad forget home-duties, let us stick to some fixed time for +coming back.' + +'You said Redclyffe would be ready by Michaelmas.' + +'I have told the builder it must be. So, Amy, as far as it depends on +ourselves, we are determined to be at home by Michaelmas.' + +All seemed surprised to find the time for the wedding so near at hand. +Charles's spirits began to flag, Amy was a greater loss to him than to +anybody else; she could never again be to him what she had been, and +unable as he was to take part in the general bustle and occupation, he +had more time for feeling this, much more than his mother and Laura, +who were employed all day. He and Guy were exemplary in their +civilities to each other in not engrossing Amy, and one who had only +known him three years ago, when he was all exaction and selfishness, +could have hardly believed him to he the same person who was now only +striving to avoid giving pain, by showing how much it cost him to yield +up his sister. He could contrive to be merry, but the difficulty was +to be cheerful; he could make them all laugh in spite of themselves, +but when alone with Amy, or when hearing her devolve on her sisters the +services she had been wont to perform for him, it was almost more than +he could endure; but then he dreaded setting Amy off into one of her +silent crying-fits, for which the only remedy was the planning a grand +visit to Redclyffe, and talking overall the facilities of railroads and +carriages. + +The last day had come, and a long strange one it was; not exactly +joyful to any, and very sad to some, though Amy, with her sweet pensive +face, seemed to have a serenity of her own that soothed them whenever +they looked at her. Charlotte, though inclined to be wild and flighty, +was checked and subdued in her presence; Laura could not be entirely +wretched about her; Charles lay and looked at her without speaking; her +father never met her without kissing her on each side of her face, and +calling her his little jewel; her mother--but who could describe Mrs. +Edmonstone on that day, so full of the present pain, contending with +the unselfish gladness. + +Guy kept out of the way, thinking Amy ought to be left to them. He sat +in his own room a good while, afterwards rode to Broadstone, in coming +home made a long visit to Mr. Ross; and when he returned, he found +Charles in his wheeled chair on the lawn, with Amy sitting on the grass +by his side. He sat down by her and there followed a long silence,-- +one of those pauses full of meaning. + +'When shall we three meet again?' at length said Charles, in a would-be +lively tone. + +'And where?' said Amy. + +'Here,' said Charles; 'you will come here to tell your adventures, and +take up Bustle.' + +'I hope so,' said Guy. 'We could not help it. The telling you about +it will be a treat to look forward to all the time.' + +'Yes; your sight-seeing is a public benefit. You have seen many a +thing for me.' + +'That is the pleasure of seeing and hearing, the thing that is not +fleeting,' said Guy. + +'The unselfish part, you mean,' said Charles; and mused again, till +Guy, starting up, exclaimed-- + +'There are the people!' as a carriage came in view in the lane. 'Shall +I wheel you home, Charlie?' + +'Yes, do.' + +Guy leant over the back, and pushed him along; and as he did so +murmured in a low tremulous tone, 'Wherever or whenever we may be +destined to meet, Charlie, or if never again, I must thank you for a +great part of my happiness here--for a great deal of kindness and +sympathy.' + +Charles looked straight before him, and answered--'The kindness was all +on your part. I had nothing to give in return but ill-temper and +exactions. But, Guy, you must not think I have not felt all you have +done for me. You have made a new man of me, instead of a wretched +stick, laughing at my misery, to persuade myself and others that I did +not feel it. I hope you are proud of it.' + +'As if I had anything to do with it!' + +'Hadn't, you, that's all! I know what you won't deny, at any rate-- +what a capital man-of-all-work you have been to me, when I had no right +to ask it, as now we have,' he added, smiling, because Amy was looking +at him, but not making a very successful matter of the smile. 'When +you come back, you'll see me treat you as indeed "a man and a +brother."' + +This talk retarded them a little, and they did not reach the house till +the guests were arriving. The first sight that met the eyes of Aunt +Charlotte and Lady Eveleen as they entered, was, in the frame of the +open window, Guy's light agile figure, assisting Charles up the step, +his brilliant hazel eyes and glowing healthy complexion contrasting +with Charles's pale, fair, delicate face, and features sharpened and +refined by suffering. Amy, her deep blushes and downcast eyes almost +hidden by her glossy curls, stood just behind, carrying her brother's +crutch. + +'There they are,' cried Miss Edmonstone, springing forward from her +brother and his wife, and throwing her arms round Amy in a warm +embrace. 'My dear, dear little niece, I congratulate you with all my +heart, and that I do,' + +'I'll spare your hot cheeks, Amy dearest!' whispered Eveleen, as Amy +passed to her embrace, while Aunt Charlotte hastily kissed Charles, and +proceeded--'I don't wait for an introduction;' and vehemently shook +hands with Guy. + +'Ay, did I say a word too much in his praise?' said Mr. Edmonstone. +'Isn't he all out as fine a fellow as I told you?' + +Guy was glad to turn away to shake hands with Lord Kilcoran, and the +next moment he drew Amy out of the group eagerly talking round +Charles's sofa, and holding her hand, led her up to a sturdy, ruddy- +brown, elderly man, who had come in at the same time, but after the +first reception had no share in the family greetings. 'You know him, +already,' said Guy; and Amy held out her hand, saying-- + +'Yes, I am sure I do.' + +Markham was taken by surprise, he gave a most satisfied grunt, and +shook hands as heartily as if she had been his favourite niece. + +'And the little girl?' said Amy. + +'0 yes.--I picked her up at St. Mildred's: one of the servants took +charge of her in the hall.' + +'I'll fetch her,' cried Charlotte, as Amy was turning to the door, and +the next moment she led in little Marianne Dixon, clinging to her hand. +Amy kissed her, and held her fast in her arms, and Marianne looked up, +consoled in her bewilderment, by the greeting of her dear old friend, +Sir Guy. + +Mr. Edmonstone patted her head; and when the others had spoken kindly +to her, Charlotte, under whose especial charge Guy and Amy had placed +her, carried her off to the regions up-stairs. + +The rest of the evening was hurry and confusion. Mrs. Edmonstone was +very busy, and glad to be so, as she must otherwise have given way; and +there was Aunt Charlotte to be talked to, whom they had not seen since +Charles's illness. She was a short, bustling, active person, with a +joyous face, inexhaustible good-humour, a considerable touch of Irish, +and referring everything to her mother,--her one thought. Everything +was to be told to her, and the only drawback to her complete pleasure +was the anxiety lest she should be missed at home. + +Mrs. Edmonstone was occupied with her, telling her the history of the +engagement, and praising Guy; Amy went up as soon as dinner was over, +to take leave of old nurse, and to see little Marianne; and Eveleen sat +between Laura and Charlotte, asking many eager questions, which were +not all convenient to answer. + +Why Sir Guy had not been at home at Christmas was a query to which it +seemed as if she should never gain a reply; for that Charles had been +ill, and Guy at Redclyffe, was no real answer; and finding she should +not be told, she wisely held her tongue. Again she made an awkward +inquiry-- + +'Now tell me, is Captain Morville pleased about this or not?' + +Laura would have been silent, trusting to Eveleen's propensity for +talking, for bringing her to some speech that it might be easier to +answer, but Charlotte exclaimed, 'What has he been saying about it?' + +'Saying? 0 nothing. But why does not he come?' + +'You have seen him more lately than we have,' said Laura. + +'That is an evasion,' said Eveleen; 'as if you did not know more of his +mind than I could ever get at, if I saw him every day of my life.' + +'He is provoking, that is all,' answered Charlotte. 'I am sure we +don't want him; but Laura and Guy will both of them take his part.' + +A call came at that moment,--the box of white gloves was come, and +Laura must come and count them. She would fain have taken Charlotte +with her; but neither Charlotte nor Eveleen appeared disposed to move, +and she was obliged to leave them. Eva had already guessed that there +was more chance of hearing the facts from Charlotte, and presently she +knew a good deal. Charlotte had some prudence, but she thought she +might tell her own cousin what half the neighbourhood knew--that Philip +had suspected Guy falsely, and had made papa very angry with him, that +the engagement had been broken off, and Guy had been banished, while +all the time he was behaving most gloriously. Now it was all +explained; but in spite of the fullest certainty, Philip would not be +convinced, and wanted them to have waited five years. + +Eveleen agreed with Charlotte that this was a great deal too bad, +admired Guy, and pitied Amy to her heart's content. + +'So, he was banished, regularly banished!' said she. 'However of +course Amy never gave him up.' + +'Oh, she never mistrusted him one minute.' + +'And while he had her fast, it was little he would care for the rest.' + +'Yes, if he had known it, but she could not tell him.' + +Eveleen looked arch. + +'But I am sure she did not,' said Charlotte, rather angrily. + +'You know nothing about it, my dear.' + +'Yes, but I do; for mamma said to Charlie how beautifully she did +behave, and he too,--never attempting any intercourse.' + +'Very good of you to believe it.' + +'I am sure of it, certain sure,' said Charlotte. 'How could you +venture to think they would either of them do anything wrong?' + +'I did not say they would.' + +'What, not to write to each other when papa had forbidden it, and do it +in secret, too?' + +'My dear, don't look so innocently irate. Goodness has nothing to do +with it, it would be only a moderate constancy. You know nothing at +all of lovers.' + +'If I know nothing of lovers, I know a great deal of Amy and Guy, and I +am quite sure that nothing on earth would tempt them to do anything in +secret that they were forbidden.' + +'Wait till you are in love, and you'll change your mind.' + +'I never mean to be in love,' said Charlotte indignantly. Eveleen +laughed the more, Charlotte grew more angry and uncomfortable at the +tone of the conversation, and was heartily glad that it was broken off +by the entrance of the gentlemen. Guy helped Charles to the sofa, and +then turned away to continue his endless talk on Redclyffe business +with Markham. Charlotte flew up to the sofa, seized an interval when +no one was in hearing, and kneeling down to bring her face on a level +with her brother's whispered--'Charlie, Eva won't believe but that Guy +and Amy kept up some intercourse last winter.' + +'I can't help it, Charlotte.' + +'When I tell her they did not, she only laughs at me. Do tell her they +did not.' + +'I have too much self-respect to lay myself open to ridicule.' + +'Charlie, you don't think it possible yourself?' exclaimed Charlotte, +in consternation. + +'Possible--no indeed.' + +'She _will_ say it is not wrong, and that I know nothing of lovers.' + +'You should have told her that ours are not commonplace lovers, but far +beyond her small experience.' + +'I wish I had! Tell her so, Charlie; she will believe you.' + +'I sha'n't say one word about it.' + +'Why not?' + +'Because she is not worthy. If she can't appreciate them, I would let +her alone. I once thought better of Eva, but it is very bad company +she keeps when she is not here.' + +Charles, however, was not sorry when Eveleen came to sit by him, for a +bantering conversation with her was the occupation of which he was moat +capable. Amy, returning, came and sat in her old place beside him, +with her hand in his, and her quiet eyes fixed on the ground. + +The last evening for many weeks that she would thus sit with him,--the +last that she would ever be a part of his home. She had already ceased +to belong entirely to him; she who had always been the most precious to +him, except his mother. + +Only his mother could have been a greater loss,--he could not dwell on +the anticipation; and still holding her hand, he roused himself to +listen, and answer gaily to Eveleen's description of the tutor, Mr. +Fielder, 'a thorough gentleman, very clever and agreeable, who had read +all the books in the world; the ugliest, yes, without exaggeration, the +most quaintly ugly man living,--little, and looking just as if he was +made of gutta percha, Eveleen said, 'always moving by jerks,--so +Maurice advised the boys not to put him near the fire, lest he should +melt.' + +'Only when he gives them some formidable lesson, and they want to melt +his heart,' said Charles, talking at random, in hopes of saying +something laughable. + +'Then his eyes--'tis not exactly a squint, but a cast there is, and one +set of eyelashes are black and the other light, and that gives him just +the air of a little frightful terrier of Maurice's named Venus, with a +black spot over one eye. The boys never call him anything but Venus.' + +'And you encourage them in respect for their tutor?' + +'Oh, he holds his own at lessons, I trow; but he pretends to have such +a horror of us wild Irish, and to wonder not to find us eating potatoes +with our fingers, and that I don't wear a petticoat over my head +instead of a bonnet, in what he calls the classical Carthaginian Celto- +Hibernian fashion.' + +'Dear me,' said Charlotte, 'no wonder Philip recommended him.' + +'0, I assure you he has the gift, no one else but Captain Morville +talks near as well.' + +So talked on Eveleen, and Charles answered her as much in her own +fashion as he could, and when at last the evening came to an end, every +one felt relieved. + +Laura lingered long in Amy's room, perceiving that hitherto she had +known only half the value of her sister her sweet sister. It would be +worse than ever now, when left with the others, all so much less +sympathizing, all saying sharp things of Philip, none to cling to her +with those winsome ways that had been unnoted till the time when they +were no more to console her, and she felt them to have been the only +charm that had softened her late dreary desolation. + +So full was her heart, that she must have told Amy all her grief but +for the part that Philip had acted towards Guy, and her doubts of Guy +would not allow her the consolation of dwelling on Amy's happiness, +which cheered the rest. She could only hang about her in speechless +grief, and caress her fondly, while Amy cried, and tried to comfort +her, till her mother came to wish her good night. + +Mrs. Edmonstone did not stay long, because she wished Amy, if possible +to rest. + +'Mamma' said Amy, as she received her last kiss, 'I can't think why I +am not more unhappy.' + +'It is all as it should be,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. + +Amabel slept, and awakened to the knowledge that it was her wedding- +day. She was not to appear at the first breakfast, but she came to +meet Charles in the dressing-room; and as they sat together on the +sofa, where she had watched and amused so many of his hours of +helplessness, he clasped round her arm his gift,--a bracelet of his +mother's hair. His fingers trembled and his eyes were hazy, but he +would not let her help him. Her thanks were obliged to be all kisses, +no words would come but 'Charlie; Charlie! how could I ever have +promised to leave you?' + +'Nonsense! who ever dreamt that my sisters were to be three monkeys +tied to a dog?' + +It was impossible not to smile, though it was but for a moment,-- +Charles's mirth was melancholy. + +'And, dear Charlie, you will not miss me so very much; do pray let +Charlotte wait upon you.' + +'After the first, perhaps, I may not hate her. Oh, Amy, I little knew +what I was doing when I tried to get him back again for you. I was +sawing off the bough I was sitting on. But there! I will not flatter +you, you've had enough to turn that head of yours. Stand up, and let +me take a survey. Very pretty, I declare,--you do my education credit. +There, if it will be for your peace, I'll do my best to wear on without +you. I've wanted a brother all my life, and you are giving me the very +one I would have picked out of a thousand--the only one I could forgive +for presuming to steal you, Amy. Here he is. Come in,' he added, as +Guy knocked at his door, to offer to help him down-stairs. + +Guy hardly spoke, and Amy could not look in his face. It was late, and +he took down Charles at once. After this, she had very little quiet, +every one was buzzing about her, and putting the last touches to her +dress; at last, just as she was quite finished, Charlotte exclaimed, +'Oh, there is Guy's step; may I call him in to have one look?' + +Mrs. Edmonstone did not say no; and Charlotte, opening the dressing- +room door, called to him. He stood opposite to Amy for some moments, +then said, with a smile, 'I was wrong about the grogram. I would not +for anything see you look otherwise than you do.' + +It seemed to Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura that these words made them lose +sight of the details of lace and silk that had been occupying them, so +that they only saw the radiance, purity, and innocence of Amy's bridal +appearance. No more was said, for Mr. Edmonstone ran up to call Guy, +who was to drive Charles in the pony-carriage. + +Amabel, of course, went with her parents. Poor child! her tears flowed +freely on the way, and Mr. Edmonstone, now that it had really come to +the point of parting with his little Amy, was very much overcome, while +his wife, hardly refraining from tears, could only hold her daughter's +hand very close. + +The regular morning service was a great comfort, by restoring their +tranquillity, and by the time it was ended, Amabel's countenance had +settled into its own calm expression of trust and serenity. She +scarcely even trembled when her father led her forward; her hand did +not shake, and her voice, though very low, was firm and audible, while +Guy's deep, sweet tones had a sort of thrill and quiver of intense +feeling. + +No one could help observing that Laura was the most agitated person +present; she trembled so much that she was obliged to lean on +Charlotte, and her tears gave the infection to the other bridesmaids-- +all but Mary Ross, who could never cry when other people did, and +little Marianne, who did nothing but look and wonder. + +Mary was feeling a great deal, both of compassion for the bereaved +family and of affectionate admiring joy for the young pair who knelt +before the altar. It was a showery day, with gleams of vivid sunshine, +and one of these suddenly broke forth, casting a stream of colour from +a martyr's figure in the south window, so as to shed a golden glory on +the wave of brown hair over Guy's forehead, then passing on and tinting +the bride's white veil with a deep glowing shade of crimson and purple. + +Either that golden light, or the expression of the face on which it +beamed, made Mary think of the lines-- + + + Where is the brow to wear in mortal's sight, + The crown of pure angelic light? + + +Charles stood with his head leaning against a pillar as if he could not +bear to look up; Mr. Edmonstone was restless and almost sobbing; Mrs. +Edmonstone alone collected, though much flushed and somewhat trembling, +while the only person apparently free from excitement was the little +bride, as there she knelt, her hand clasped in his, her head bent down, +her modest, steadfast face looking as if she was only conscious of the +vow she exchanged, the blessing she received, and was, as it were, +lifted out of herself. + +It was over now. The feast, in its fullest sense, was held, and the +richest of blessings had been called down on them. + +The procession came out of the vestry in full order, and very pretty it +was; the bride and bridegroom in the fresh bright graciousness of their +extreme youth, and the six bridesmaids following; Laura and Lady +Eveleen, two strikingly handsome and elegant girls; Charlotte, with the +pretty little fair Marianne; Mary Ross, and Grace Harper. The village +people who stood round might well say that such a sight as that was +worth coming twenty miles to see. + +The first care, after the bridal pair had driven off, was to put +Charles into his pony-carriage. Charlotte, who had just pinned on his +favour, begged to drive him, for she meant to make him her especial +charge, and to succeed to all Amy's rights. Mrs. Edmonstone asked +whether Laura would not prefer going with him, but she hastily +answered, + +'No, thank you, let Charlotte;' for with her troubled feelings, she +could better answer talking girls than parry the remarks of her shrewd, +observant brother. + +Some one said it would rain, but Charlotte still pleaded earnestly. + +'Come, then, puss,' said Charles, rallying his spirits, 'only don't +upset me, or it will spoil their tour.' + +Charlotte drove off with elaborate care,--then came a deep sigh, and +she exclaimed, 'Well! he is our brother, and all is safe.' + +'Yes,' said Charles; 'no more fears for them.' + +'Had you any? I am very glad if you had.' + +'Why?' + +'Because it was so like a book. I had a sort of feeling, all the time, +that Philip would come in quite grand and terrible.' + +'As if he must act Ogre. I am not sure that I had not something of the +same notion,--that he might appear suddenly, and forbid the banns, +entirely for Amy's sake, and as the greatest kindness to her.' + +'Oh!' + +'However, he can't separate them now; let him do his worst, and while +Amy is Guy's wife, I don't think we shall easily be made to quarrel. I +am glad the knot is tied, for I had a fatality notion that the feud was +so strong, that it was nearly a case of the mountains bending and the +streams ascending, ere she was to be our foeman's bride.' + +'No,' said Charlotte, 'it ought to be like that story of Rosaura and +her kindred, don't you remember? The fate would not be appeased by the +marriage, till Count Julius had saved the life of one of the hostile +race. That would be _it_,--perhaps they will meet abroad, and Guy will +_do_ _it_.' + +'That won't do. Philip will never endanger his precious life, nor ever +forgive Guy the obligation. Well, I suppose there never was a prettier +wedding--how silly of me to say so, I shall be sick of hearing it +before night.' + +'I do wish all these people were gone; I did not know it would be so +horrid. I should like to shut myself up and cry, and think what I +could ever do to wait on you. Indeed, Charlie, I know I never can be +like Amy but if you--' + +'Be anything but sentimental; I don't want to make a fool of myself' +said Charles, with a smile and tone as if he was keeping sorrow at bay. +'Depend upon it if we were left to ourselves this evening, we should be +so desperately savage that we should quarrel furiously, and there would +be no Amy to set us to rights.' + +'How Aunt Charlotte did cry! What a funny little woman she is.' + +'Yes, I see now who you take after, puss. You'll be just like her when +you are her age.' + +'So I mean to be,--I mean to stay and take care of you all my life, as +she does of grandmamma.' + +'You do, do you?' + +'Yes. I never mean to marry, it is so disagreeable. 0 dear! But how +lovely dear Amy did look.' + +'Here's the rain!' exclaimed Charles, as some large drops began to fall +in good time to prevent them from being either savage or sentimental, +though at the expense of Charlotte's pink and white; for they had no +umbrella, and she would not accept a share of Charles's carriage-cloak. +She laughed, and drove on fast through the short cut, and arrived at +the house-door, just as the pelting hail was over, having battered her +thin sleeves, and made her white bonnet look very deplorable. The +first thing they saw was Guy, with Bustle close to him, for Bustle had +found out that something was going on that concerned his master, and +followed him about more assiduously than ever, as if sensible of the +decree, that he was to be left behind to Charlotte's care. + +'Charlotte, how wet you are.' + +'Never mind, Charlie is not.' She sprung out, holding his hand, and +felt as if she could never forget that moment when her new brother +first kissed her brow. + +'Where's Amy?' + +'Here!' and while Guy lifted Charles out, Charlotte was clasped in her +sister's arms. + +'Are you wet, Charlie?' + +'No, Charlotte would not be wise, and made me keep the cloak to +myself.' + +'You are wet through, poor child; come up at once, and change,' said +Amy, flying nimbly up the stairs,--up even to Charlotte's own room, the +old nursery, and there she was unfastening the drenched finery. + +'0 Amy, don't do all this. Let me ring.' + +'No, the servants are either not come home or are too busy. Charles +won't want me, he has Guy. Can I find your white frock?' + +'Oh, but Amy--let me see!' Charlotte made prisoner the left hand, and +looked up with an arch smile at the face where she had called up a +blush. 'Lady Morville must not begin by being lady's-maid.' + +'Let me--let me, Charlotte, dear, I sha'n't be able to do anything for +you this long time.' Amy's voice trembled, and Charlotte held her fast +to kiss her again. + +'We must make haste,' said Amy, recovering herself. 'There are the +carriages.' + +While the frock was being fastened, Charlotte looked into the Prayer- +book Amy had laid down. There was the name, Amabel Frances Morville, +and the date. + +'Has he just written it?' said Charlotte. + +'Yes; when we came home.' + +'0 Amy! dear, dear Amy; I don't know whether I am glad or sorry!' + +'I believe I am both,' said Amy. + +At that moment Mrs. Edmonstone and Laura hastened in. Then was the +time for broken words, tears and smiles, as Amy leant against her +mother, who locked her in a close embrace, and gazed on her in a sort +of trance, at once of maternal pride and of pain, at giving up her +cherished nestling. Poor Laura! how bitter were her tears, and how +forced her smiles,--far unlike the rest! + +No one would care to hear the details of the breakfast, and the +splendours of the cake; how Charlotte recovered her spirits while +distributing the favours: and Lady Eveleen set up a flirtation with +Markham, and forced him into wearing one, though he protested, with +many a grunt, that she was making a queer fool of him; how often +Charles was obliged to hear it had been a pretty wedding; and how well +Lord Kilcoran made his speech proposing the health of Sir Guy and Lady +Morville. All the time, Laura was active and useful,--feeling as if +she was acting a play, sustaining the character of Miss Edmonstone, the +bridesmaid at her sister's happy marriage; while the true Laura, +Philip's Laura, was lonely, dejected, wretched; half fearing for her +sister, half jealous of her happiness, forced into pageantry with an +aching heart,--with only one wish, that it was over, and that she might +be again alone with her burden. + +She was glad when her mother rose, and the ladies moved into the +drawing-room,--glad to escape from Eveleen's quick eye, and to avoid +Mary's clear sense,--glad to talk to comparative strangers,--glad of +the occupation of going to prepare Amabel for her journey. This lasted +a long time,--there was so much to be said, and hearts were so full, +and Amy over again explained to Charlotte how to perform all the little +services to Charles which she relinquished; while her mother had so +many affectionate last words, and every now and then stopped short to +look at her little daughter, saying, she did not know if it was not a +dream. + +At length Amabel was dressed in her purple and white shot silk, her +muslin mantle, and white bonnet. Mrs. Edmonstone left her and Laura to +have a few words together, and went to the dressing-room. There she +found Guy, leaning on the mantelshelf, as he used to do when he brought +his troubles to her. He started as she entered. + +'Ought I not to be here? he said. 'I could not help coming once more. +This room has always been the kernel of my home, my happiness here.' + +'Indeed, it has been a very great pleasure to have you here.' + +'You have been very kind to me,' he proceeded, in a low, reflecting +tone. 'You have helped me very much, very often; even when-- Do you +remember the day I begged you to keep me in order, as if I were +Charles? I did not think then--' + +He was silent; and Mrs. Edmonstone little able to find words, smiling, +tried to say,--'I little thought how truly and how gladly I should be +able to call you my son;' and ended by giving him a mother's kiss. + +'I wish I could tell you half,' said Guy,--'half what I feel for the +kindness that made a home to one who had no right to any. Coming as a +stranger, I found--' + +'We found one to love with all our hearts,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'I +have often looked back, and seen that you brought a brightness to us +all--especially to poor Charles. Yes, it dates from your coming; and I +can only wish and trust, Guy, that the same brightness will rest on +your own home.' + +'There must be brightness where she is,' said Guy. + +'I need not tell you to take care of her,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, +smiling. 'I think I can trust you; but I feel rather as I did when +first I sent her and Laura to a party of pleasure by themselves.' + +Laura at this moment, came in. Alone with Amy, she could not speak, +she could only cry; and fearful of distressing her sister, she came +away; but here, with Guy, it was worse, for it was unkind not to speak +one warm word to him. Yet what could she say! He spoke first-- + +'Laura, you must get up your looks again, now this turmoil is over. +Don't do too much mathematics, and wear yourself down to a shadow.' + +Laura gave her sad, forced smile. + +'Will you do one thing for me, Laura? I should like to have one of +your perspective views of the inside of the church. Would it be too +troublesome to do?' + +'Oh, no; I shall be very glad.' + +'Don't set about it till you quite like it, and have plenty of time. +Thank you. I shall think it is a proof that you can forgive me for all +the pain I am causing you. I am very sorry. + +'You are so very kind,' said Laura, bursting into tears; and, as her +mother was gone, she could not help adding, 'but don't try to comfort +me, Guy; don't blame yourself,--'tisn't only that,--but I am so very, +very unhappy.' + +'Amy told me you were grieved for Philip. I wish I could help it, +Laura. I want to try to meet him in Switzerland, and, if we can, +perhaps it may be set right. At any rate he will be glad to know you +see the rights of it.' + +Laura wept still more; but she could never again lose the sisterly +feeling those kind words had awakened. If Philip had but known what he +missed! + +Charlotte ran in. 'Oh, I am glad to find you here, Guy; I wanted to +put you in mind of your promise. You must write me the first letter +you sign "Your affectionate brother!"' + +'I won't forget, Charlotte.' + +'Guy! Where's Guy?' called Mr. Edmonstone. 'The rain's going off. +You must come down, both of you, or you'll be too late.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone hastened to call Amabel. Those moments that she had +been alone, Amabel had been kneeling in an earnest supplication that +all might be forgiven that she had done amiss in the home of her +childhood, that the blessings might be sealed on her and her husband, +and that she might go forth from her father's house in strength sent +from above. Her mother summoned her; she rose, came calmly forth, met +Guy at the head of the stairs, put her arm in his, and they went down. + +Charles was on the sofa in the ante-room, talking fast, and striving +for high spirits. + +'Amy, woman, you do us credit! Well, write soon, and don't break your +heart for want of me.' + +There was a confusion of good-byes, and then all came out to the hall +door; even Charles, with Charlotte's arm. One more of those fast- +locked embraces between the brother and sister, and Mr. Edmonstone put +Amabel into the carriage. + +'Good-bye, good-bye, my own dearest little one! Bless you, bless you! +and may you be as happy as a Mayflower! Guy, goodbye. I've given you +the best I had to give,--and 'tis you that are welcome to her. Take +care what you do with her, for she's a precious little jewel! Good- +bye, my boy!' + +Guy's face and grasping hand were the reply. As he was about to spring +into the carriage, he turned again. 'Charlotte, I have shut Bustle up +in my room. Will you let him out in half an hour? I've explained it +all to him, and he will be very good. Good-bye.' + +'I'll take care of him. I'll mention him in every letter.' + +'And, Markham, mind, if our house is not ready by Michaelmas, we shall +be obliged to come and stay with you.' + +Grunt! + +Lastly, as if he could not help it, Guy dashed up the step once more, +pressed Charles's hand, and said, 'God bless you, Charlie!' + +In an instant he was beside Amabel, and they drove off,--Amabel leaning +forward, and gazing wistfully at her mother and Charles, till she was +startled by a long cluster of laburnums, their yellow bloom bent down +and heavy with wet, so that the ends dashed against her bonnet, and the +crystal drops fell on her lap. + +'Why, Amy, the Hollywell flowers are weeping for the loss of you! + +She gave a sweet, sunny smile through her tears. At that moment they +came beyond the thick embowering shrubs, while full before them was the +dark receding cloud, on which the sunbeams were painting a wide-spanned +rainbow. The semicircle was perfect, and full before them, like an +arch of triumph under which they were to pass. + +'How beautiful!' broke from them both. + +'Guy,' said the bride, after a few minutes had faded the rainbow, and +turned them from its sight, 'shall I tell you what I was thinking? I +was thinking, that if there is a doom on us, I am not afraid, if it +will only bring a rainbow.' + +'The rainbow will come after, if not with it,' said Guy. + + + + +CHAPTER 30 + + + +She's a winsome wee thing, +She's a handsome wee thing, +She's a bonnie wee thing, +This sweet wee wifie of mine.--BURNS + + +'Look here, Amy,' said Guy, pointing to a name in the traveller's book +at Altdorf. + +'Captain Morville!' she exclaimed, 'July 14th. That was only the day +before yesterday.' + +'I wonder whether we shall overtake him! Do you know what was this +gentleman's route?' inquired Guy, in French that was daily becoming +more producible. + +The gentleman having come on foot, with nothing but his knapsack, had +not made much sensation. There was a vague idea that he had gone on to +the St. Gothard; but the guide who was likely to know, was not +forthcoming, and all Guy's inquiries only resulted in, 'I dare say we +shall hear of him elsewhere.' + +To tell the truth, Amabel was not much disappointed, and she could see, +though he said nothing, that Guy was not very sorry. These two months +had been so very happy, there had been such full enjoyment, such +freedom from care and vexation, or aught that could for a moment ruffle +the stream of delight. Scenery, cathedrals music, paintings, +historical association, had in turn given unceasing interest and +pleasure; and, above all, Amabel had been growing more and more into +the depths of her husband's mind, and entering into the grave, noble +thoughts inspired by the scenes they were visiting. It had been a sort +of ideal happiness, so exquisite, that she could hardly believe it +real. A taste of society, which they had at Munich, though very +pleasant, had only made them more glad to be alone together again; any +companion would have been an interruption, and Philip, so intimate, yet +with his carping, persecuting spirit towards Guy, was one of the last +persons she could wish to meet; but knowing that this was by no means a +disposition Guy wished to encourage, she held her peace. + +For the present, no more was said about Philip; and they proceeded to +Interlachen, where they spent a day or two, while Arnaud was with his +relations; and they visited the two beautiful lakes of Thun and +Brientz. On first coming among mountains, Amabel had been greatly +afraid of the precipices, and had been very much alarmed at the way in +which Guy clambered about, with a sureness of foot and steadiness of +head acquired long ago on the crags of Redclyffe, and on which the +guides were always complimenting him; but from seeing him always come +down safe, and from having been enticed by him to several heights, +which had at first seemed to her most dizzy and dangerous, she had +gradually laid aside her fears, and even become slightly, very +slightly, adventurous herself. + +One beautiful evening, they were wandering on the side of the +Beatenberg, in the little narrow paths traced by the tread of the goats +and their herdsmen. Amabel sat down to try to sketch the outline of +the white-capped Jung Frau and her attendant mountains, wishing she +could draw as well as Laura, but intending her outline to aid in +describing the scene to those whose eyes she longed to have with her. +While she was drawing, Guy began to climb higher, and was soon out of +sight, though she still heard him whistling. The mountains were not +easy to draw, or rather she grew discontented with her black lines and +white paper, compared with the dazzling snow against the blue sky, +tinged by the roseate tints of the setting sun, and the dark fissures +on the rocky sides, still blacker from the contrast. + +She put up her sketching materials, and began to gather some of the +delightful treasury of mountain flowers. A gentle slope of grass was +close to her, and on it grew, at some little distance from her, a tuft +of deep purple, the beautiful Alpine saxifrage, which she well knew by +description. She went to gather it, but the turf was slippery, and +when once descending, she could not stop herself; and what was the +horror of finding herself half slipping, half running down a slope, +which became steeper every moment, till it was suddenly broken off into +a sheer precipice! She screamed, and grasped with both hands at some +low bushes, that grew under a rock at the side of the treacherous turf. +She caught a branch, and found herself supported, by clinging to it +with her hands, while she rested on the slope, now so nearly +perpendicular, that to lose her hold would send her instantly down the +precipice. Her whole weight seemed to depend on that slender bough, +and those little hands that clenched it convulsively,--her feet felt in +vain for some hold. 'Guy! Guy!' she shrieked again. Oh, where was +he? His whistle ceased,--he heard her,--he called, + +'Here!' + +'Oh, help me!' she answered. But with that moment's joy came the +horror, he could not help her--he would only fall himself. 'Take care! +don't come on the grass!' she cried. She must let go the branch in a +short, time then a slip, the precipice,--and what would become of him? +Those moments were hours. + +'I am coming--hold fast!' She heard his voice above her, very near. +To find him so close made the agony of dread and of prayer even more +intense. To be lost, with her husband scarcely a step from her! Yet +how could he stand on the slippery turf, and so as to be steady enough +to raise her up? + +'Now, then!' he said, speaking from the rock under which the brushwood +grew, 'I cannot reach you unless you raise up your hand to me--your +left hand--straight up. Let go. Now!' + +It was a fearful moment. Amabel could not see him, and felt as if +relinquishing her grasp of the tree was certain destruction. The +instinct of self-preservation had been making her cling desperately +with that left hand, especially as it held by the thicker part of the +bough. But the habit of implicit confidence and obedience was stronger +still; she did not hesitate, and tightening her hold with the other +hand, she unclasped the left and stretched it upwards. + +Joy unspeakable to feel his fingers close over her wrist, like iron, +even while the bush to which she had trusted was detaching itself, +almost uprooted by her weight! If she had waited a second she would +have been lost, but her confidence had been her safety. A moment or +two more, and with closed eyes she was leaning against him; his arm was +round her, and he guided her steps, till, breathless, she found herself +on the broad well-trodden path, out of sight of the precipice. + +'Thank heaven!' he said, in a very low voice, as he stood still. +'Thank God! my Amy, I have you still.' + +She looked up and saw how pale he was, though his voice had been so +steady throughout. She leant on his breast, and rested her head on his +shoulder again in silence, for her heart was too full of awe and +thankfulness for words, even had she not been without breath or power +to speak, and needing his support in her giddiness and trembling. + +More than a minute passed thus. Then, beginning to recover, she looked +up to him again, and said, 'Oh, it was dreadful! I did not think you +could have saved me.' + +'I thought so too for a moment!' said Guy, in a stifled voice. 'You +are better now? You are not hurt? are you sure?' + +'Quite sure! I did not fall, you know, only slipped. No, I have +nothing the matter with me, thank you.' + +She tried to stand alone, but the trembling returned. He made her sit +down, and she rested against him, while he still made her assure him +that she was unhurt. 'Yes, quite unhurt--quite well; only this wrist +is a little strained, and no wonder. Oh, I am sure it was Providence +that made those bushes grow just there!' + +'How did it happen?' + +'It was my fault. I went after a flower; my foot slipped on the turf, +and I could not stop myself. I thought I should have run right down +the precipice.' + +She shut her eyes and shuddered again. 'It was frightful!' he said, +holding her fast. 'It was a great mercy, indeed. Thank heaven, it is +over! You are not giddy now.' + +'Oh, no; not at all!' + +'And your wrist?' + +'Oh, that's nothing. I only told you to show you what was the worst,' +said Amy, smiling with recovered playfulness, the most re-assuring of +all. + +'What flower was it?' + +'A piece of purple saxifrage. I thought there was no danger, for it +did not seem steep at first.' + +'No, it was not your fault. You had better not move just yet; sit +still a little while.' + +'0 Guy, where are you going?' + +'Only for your sketching tools and my stick. I shall not be gone an +instant. Sit still and recover.' + +In a few seconds he came back with her basket, and in it a few of the +flowers. + +'Oh, I am sorry,' she said, coming to meet him; 'I wish I had told you +I did not care for them. Why did you?' + +'I did not put myself in any peril about them. I had my trusty staff, +you know.' + +'I am glad I did not guess what you were doing. I thought it so +impossible, that I did not think of begging you not. I shall keep them +always. It is a good thing for us to be put in mind how frail all our +joy is.' + +'All?' asked Guy, scarcely as if replying to her, while, though his arm +pressed hers, his eye was on the blue sky, as he answered himself, +'Your joy no man taketh from you.' + +Amabel was much impressed, as she thought what it would have been for +him if his little wife bad been snatched from him so suddenly and +frightfully. His return--his meeting her mother--his desolate home and +solitary life. She could almost have wept for him. Yet, at the moment +of relief from the fear of such misery, he could thus speak. He could +look onward to the joy beyond, even while his cheek was still blanched +with the horror and anguish of the apprehension; and how great they had +been was shown by the broken words he uttered in his sleep, for several +nights afterwards, while by day he was always watching and cautioning +her. Assuredly his dependence on the joy that could not be lost did +not make her doubt his tenderness; it only made her feel how far behind +him she was, for would it have been the same with her, had the danger +been his? + +In a couple of days they arrived at the beautiful Lugano, and, as +usual, their first walk was to the post-office, but disappointment +awaited them. There had been some letters addressed to the name of +Morville, but the Signor Inglese had left orders that such should be +forwarded to Como. Amabel, in her best Italian, strove hard to explain +the difference between the captain and Sir Guy, the Cavaliere Guido, as +she translated him, who stood by looking much amused by the +perplexities of his lady's construing; while the post-master, though +very polite and sorry for the Signora's disappointment, stuck to the +address being Morville, poste restante. + +'There is one good thing,' said the cavaliere, as they walked away, 'we +can find the captain now. I'll write and ask him--shall I say to meet +us at Varenna or at Bellagio?' + +'Whichever suits him best, I should think. It can't make much +difference to us.' + +'Your voice has a disconsolate cadence,' said Guy, looking at her with +a smile. + +'I did not mean it,' she answered; 'I have not a word to say against +it. It is quite right, and I am sure I don't wish to do otherwise.' + +'Only it is the first drawback in our real day-dream.' + +'Just so, and that is all,' said Amy; 'I am glad you feel the same, not +that I want you to change your mind.' + +'Don't you remember our resolution against mere pleasure-hunting? That +adventure at Interlachen seemed to be meant to bring us up short just +as we were getting into that line.' + +'You think we were?' + +'I was, at least; for I know it was a satisfaction not to find a +letter, to say Redclyffe was ready for us.' + +'I had rather it was Redclyffe than Philip.' + +'To be sure, I would not change my own dancing leaping waves for this +clear blue looking-glass of a lake, or even those white peaks. I want +you to make friends with those waves, Amy. But it is a more real +matter to make friends with Philip, the one wish of my life. Not that +I exactly expect to clear matters up, but if some move is not made now, +when it may, we shall stand aloof for life, and there will be the feud +where it was before.' + +'It is quite right,' said Amy; 'I dare say that, meeting so far from +home, he will be glad to see us, and to hear the Hollywell news. I +little thought last autumn where I should meet him again.' + +On the second evening from that time, Philip Morville was walking, hot +and dusty, between the high stone walls bordering the road, and +shutting out the beautiful view of the lake, at the entrance of +Ballagio, meditating on the note he bad received from Guy, and +intending to be magnanimous, and overlook former offences for Amabel's +sake. He would show that he considered the marriage to have cleared +off old scores, and that as long as she was happy, poor little thing, +her husband should be borne with, though not to the extent of the +spoiling the Edmonstones gave him. + +Thus reflecting, he entered the town, and walked on in search of the +hotel. He presently found himself on a terrace, looking out on the +deep blue lake, there divided by the promontory of Bellagio, into two +branches, the magnificent mountain forms rising opposite to him. A +little boat was crossing, and as it neared the landing-place, he saw +that it contained a gentleman and lady, English--probably his cousins +themselves. They looked up, and in another moment had waved their +recognition. Gestures and faces were strangely familiar, like a bit of +Hollywell transplanted into that Italian scene. He hastened to the +landing-place, and was met by a hearty greeting from Guy, who seemed +full of eagerness to claim their closer relationship, and ready to be +congratulated. + +'How d'ye do, Philip? I am glad we have caught you at last. Here she +is.' + +If he had wished to annoy Philip, he could hardly have done so more +effectually than by behaving as if nothing was amiss, and disconcerting +his preparations for a reconciliation. But the captain's ordinary +manner was calculated to cover all such feelings; and as he shook +hands, he felt much kindness for Amabel, as an unconscious victim, +whose very smiles were melancholy, and plenty of them there were, for +she rejoiced sincerely in the meeting, as Guy was pleased, and a home +face was a welcome sight. + +'I have your letters in my knapsack; I will unpack them as soon as we +get to the hotel. I thought it safer not to send them in search of you +again, as we were to meet so soon.' + +'Certainly. Are there many?' + +'One for each of you, both from Hollywell. I was very sorry to have +engrossed them; but not knowing you were so near, I only gave my +surname.' + +'It was lucky for us,' said Guy, 'otherwise we could not have traced +you. We saw your name at Altdorf, and have been trying to come up with +you ever since.' + +'I am glad we have met. What accounts have you from home?' + +'Excellent,' said Amy; 'Charlie is uncommonly well, he has been out of +doors a great deal, and has even dined out several times.' + +'I am very glad.' + +'You know he has been improving ever since his great illness.' + +'You would be surprised to see how much better he moves,' said Guy; 'he +helps himself so much more.' + +'Can he set his foot to the ground?' + +'No,' said Amy, 'there is no hope of that; but he is more active, +because his general health is improved; he can sleep and eat more.' + +'I always thought exertion would do more for him than anything else.' + +Amabel was vexed, for she thought exertion depended more on health, +than health on exertion; besides, she thought Philip ought to take some +blame to himself for the disaster on the stairs. She made no answer, +and Guy asked what Philip had been doing to-day. + +'Walking over the hills from Como. Do you always travel in this +fashion, "impedimentis relictis"?' + +'Not exactly,' said Guy; 'the "impedimenta" are, some at Varenna, some +at the inn with Arnaud.' + +'So you have Arnaud with you?' + +'Yes, and Anne Trower,' said Amy, for her maid was a Stylehurst person, +who had lived at Hollywell ever since she had been fit for service. +'She was greatly pleased to hear we were going to meet the captain.' + +'We amuse ourselves with thinking how she gets on with Arnaud,' said +Guy. 'Their introduction took place only two days before we were +married, since which, they have had one continued tete-a-tete, which +must have been droll at first.' + +'More so at last,' said Amy. 'At first Anne thought Mr. Arnaud so fine +a gentleman, that she hardly dared to speak to him. I believe nothing +awed her so much as his extreme courtesy; but lately he has been quite +fatherly to her, and took her to dine at his sister's chalet, where I +would have given something to see her. She tells me he wants her to +admire the country, but she does not like the snow, and misses our +beautiful clover-fields very much.' + +'Stylehurst ought to have been better training for mountains,' said +Philip. + +They were fast losing the stiffness of first meeting. Philip could not +but acknowledge to himself that Amy was looking very well, and so happy +that Guy must be fulfilling the condition on which he was to be borne +with. However, these were early days, and of course Guy must be kind +to her at least in the honeymoon, before the wear and tear of life +began. They both looked so young, that having advised them to wait +four years, he was ready to charge them with youthfulness, if not as a +fault, at least as a folly; indeed, the state of his own affairs made +him inclined to think it a foible, almost a want of patience, in any +one to marry before thirty. It was a conflict of feeling. Guy was so +cordial and good-humoured, that he could not help being almost gained; +but, on the other hand, he had always thought Guy's manners eminently +agreeable; and as happiness always made people good-humoured, this was +no reason for relying on him. Besides, the present ease and openness +of manner might only result from security. + +Other circumstances combined, more than the captain imagined, in what +is popularly called putting him out. He had always been hitherto on +equal terms with Guy; indeed, had rather the superiority at Hollywell, +from his age and assumption of character, but here Sir Guy was +somebody, the captain nobody, and even the advantage of age was lost, +now that Guy was married and head of a family, while Philip was a stray +young man and his guest. Far above such considerations as he thought +himself, and deeming them only the tokens of the mammon worship of the +time, Philip, nevertheless, did not like to be secondary to one to whom +he had always been preferred; and this, and perhaps the being half +ashamed of it, made him something more approaching to cross than ever +before; but now and then, the persevering amiability of both would +soften him, and restore him to his most gracious mood. + +He gave them their letters when they reached the inn, feeling as if he +had a better right than they, to one which was in Laura's writing, and +when left in solitary possession of the sitting-room--a very pleasant +one, with windows opening on the terrace just above the water--paced up +and down, chafing at his own perplexity of feeling. + +Presently they came back; Guy sat down to continue their joint journal- +like letter to Charles, while Amabel made an orderly arrangement of +their properties, making the most of their few books, and taking out +her work as if she had been at home. Philip looked at the books. + +'Have you a "Childe Harold" here?' said he. 'I want to look at +something in it.' + +'No, we have not.' + +'Guy, you never forget poetry; I dare say you can help me out with +those stanzas about the mists in the valley.' + +'I have never read it,' said Guy. 'Don't you remember warning me +against Byron?' + +'You did not think that was for life! Besides,' he continued, feeling +this reply inconsistent with his contempt for Guy's youth, 'that +applied to his perversions of human passions, not to his descriptions +of scenery.' + +'I think,' said Guy, looking up from his letter, 'I should be more +unwilling to take a man like that to interpret nature than anything +else, except Scripture. It is more profane to attempt it.' + +'I see what you mean,' said Amabel, thoughtfully. + +'More than I do,' said Philip. 'I never supposed you would take my +advice "au pied de la lettre",' he had almost added, 'perversely.' + +'I have felt my obligations for that caution ever since I have come to +some knowledge of what Byron was,' said Guy. + +'The fascination of his "Giaour" heroes has an evil influence on some +minds,' said Philip. 'I think you do well to avoid it. The half +truth, resulting from its being the effect of self-contemplation, makes +it more dangerous.' + +'True,' said Guy, though he little knew how much he owed to having +attended to that caution, for who could have told where the mastery +might have been in the period of fearful conflict with his passions, if +he had been feeding his imagination with the contemplation of revenge, +dark hatred, and malice, and identifying himself with Byron's brooding +and lowering heroes! + +'But,' continued Philip, 'I cannot see why you should shun the fine +descriptions which are almost classical--the Bridge of Sighs, the +Gladiator.' + +'He may describe the gladiator as much as he pleases,' said Guy; +'indeed there is something noble in that indignant line-- + + + Butchered to make a Roman holiday; + + +but that is not like his meddling with these mountains or the sea.' + +'Fine description is the point in both. You are over-drawing.' + +'My notion is this,' said Guy,--'there is danger in listening to a man +who is sure to misunderstand the voice of nature,--danger, lest by +filling our ears with the wrong voice we should close them to the true +one. I should think there was a great chance of being led to stop +short at the material beauty, or worse, to link human passions with the +glories of nature, and so distort, defile, profane them.' + +'You have never read the poem, so you cannot judge,' said Philip, +thinking this extremely fanciful and ultra-fastidious. 'Your rule would +exclude all descriptive poetry, unless it was written by angels, I +suppose?' + +'No; by men with minds in the right direction.' + +'Very little you would leave us.' + +'I don't think so,' said Amabel. 'Almost all the poetry we really care +about was written by such men.' + +'Shakspeare, for instance?' + +'No one can doubt of the bent of his mind from the whole strain of his +writings,' said Guy. 'So again with Spenser; and as to Milton, though +his religion was not quite the right sort, no one can pretend to say he +had it not. Wordsworth, Scott--' + +'Scott?' said Philip. + +'Including the descriptions of scenery in his novels,' said Amy, +'where, I am sure, there is the spirit and the beauty.' + +'Or rather, the spirit is the beauty,' said Guy. + +'There is a good deal in what you say,' answered Philip, who would not +lay himself open to the accusation of being uncandid, 'but you will +forgive me for thinking it rather too deep an explanation of the +grounds of not making Childe Harold a hand-book for Italy, like other +people.' + +Amabel thought this so dogged and provoking, that she was out of +patience; but Guy only laughed, and said, 'Rather so, considering that +the fact was that we never thought of it.' + +There were times when, as Philip had once said, good temper annoyed him +more than anything, and perhaps he was unconsciously disappointed at +having lost his old power of fretting and irritating Guy, and watching +him champ the bit, so as to justify his own opinion of him. Every +proceeding of his cousins seemed to give him annoyance, more especially +their being at home together, and Guy's seeming to belong more to +Hollywell than himself. He sat by, with a book, and watched them, as +Guy asked for Laura's letter, and Amy came to look over his half- +finished answer, laughing over it, and giving her commands and +messages, looking so full of playfulness and happiness, as she stood +with one hand on the back of her husband's chair, and the other holding +the letter, and Guy watching her amused face, and answering her remarks +with lively words and bright smiles. 'People who looked no deeper than +the surface would, say, what a well-matched pair,' thought Philip; 'and +no doubt they were very happy, poor young things, if it would but +last.' Here Guy turned, and asked him a question about the line of +perpetual snow, so much in his own style, that he was almost ready to +accuse them of laughing at him. Next came what hurt him most of all, +as they talked over Charles's letter, and a few words passed about +Laura, and the admiration of some person she had met at Allonby. The +whole world was welcome to admire her: nothing could injure his hold on +her heart, and no joke of Charles could shake his confidence; but it +was hard that he should be forced to hear such things, and ask no +questions, for they evidently thought him occupied with his book, and +did not intend him to listen. The next thing they said, however, +obliged him to show that he was attending, for it was about her being +better. + +'Who? Laura!' he said, in a tone that, in spite of himself, had a +startled sound. 'You did not say she had been ill?' + +'No, she has not,' said Amy. 'Dr. Mayerne said there was nothing +really the matter: but she has been worried and out of spirits lately; +and mamma thought it would be good for her to go out more.' + +Philip would not let himself sigh, in spite of the oppressing +consciousness of having brought the cloud over her, and of his own +inability to do aught but leave her to endure it in silence and +patience. Alas! for how long! Obliged, meanwhile, to see these young +creatures, placed, by the mere factitious circumstance of wealth, in +possession of happiness which they had not had time either to earn or +to appreciate. He thought it shallow, because of their mirth and +gaiety, as if they were only seeking food for laughter, finding it in +mistakes, for which he was ready to despise them. + +Arnaud had brought rather antiquated notions to the renewal of his +office as a courier: his mind had hardly opened to railroads and +steamers, and changes had come over hotels since his time. Guy and +Amabel, both young and healthy, caring little about bad dinners, and +unwilling to tease the old man by complaints, or alterations of his +arrangements, had troubled themselves little about the matter; took +things as they found them, ate dry bread when the cookery was bad, +walked if the road was 'shocking'; went away the sooner, if the inns +were 'intolerable'; made merry over every inconvenience, and turned it +into an excellent story for Charles. They did not even distress +themselves about sights which they had missed seeing. + +Philip thought all this very foolish and absurd, showing that they were +unfit to take care of themselves, and that Guy was neglectful of his +wife's comforts: in short, establishing his original opinion of their +youth and folly. + +So passed the first evening; perhaps the worst because, besides what he +had heard about Laura, he had been somewhat over-fatigued by various +hot days' walks. + +Certain it is, that next morning he was not nearly so much inclined to +be displeased with them for laughing, when, in speaking to Anne, he +inadvertently called her mistress Miss Amabel. + +'Never mind,' said Amy, as Anne departed--and he looked disconcerted, +as a precise man always does when catching himself in a mistake--'Anne +is used to it, Guy is always doing it, and puzzles poor Arnaud sorely +by sending him for Miss Amabel's parasol.' + +'And the other day,' said Guy, 'when Thorndale's brother, at Munich, +inquired after Lady Morville, I had to consider who she was.' + +'Oh! you saw Thorndale's brother, did you?' + +'Yes; he was very obliging. Guy had to go to him about our passports: +and when he found who we were, he brought his wife to call on us, and +asked us to an evening party.' + +'Did you go?' + +'Guy thought we must, and it was very entertaining. We had a curious +adventure there. In the morning, we had been looking at those +beautiful windows of the great church, when I turned round, and saw a +gentleman--an Englishman--gazing with all his might at Guy. We met +again in the evening, and presently Mr. Thorndale came and told us it +was Mr. Shene.' + +'Shene, the painter?' + +'Yes. He had been very much struck with Guy's face: it was exactly +what he wanted for a picture he was about, and he wished of all things +just to be allowed to make a sketch.' + +'Did you submit?' + +'Yes' said Guy; 'and we were rewarded. I never saw a more agreeable +person, or one who gave so entirely the impression of genius. The next +day he took us through the gallery, and showed us all that was worth +admiring.' + +'And in what character is he to make you appear?' + +'That is the strange part of it,' said Amabel. 'Don't you remember how +Guy once puzzled us by choosing Sir Galahad for his favourite hero? It +is that very Sir Galahad, when he kneels to adore the Saint Greal.' + +'Mr. Shene said he had long been dreaming over it, and at last, as he +saw Guy's face looking upwards, it struck him that it was just what he +wanted: it would be worth anything to him to catch the expression.' + +'I wonder what I was looking like!' ejaculated Guy. + +'Did he take you as yourself, or as Sir Galahad?' + +'As myself, happily.' + +'How did he succeed?' + +'Amy likes it; but decidedly I should never have known myself.' + +'Ah,' said his wife-- + + + 'Could some fay the giftie gie us, + To see ourselves as others see us.' + + +'As far as the sun-burnt visage is concerned, the glass does that every +morning.' + +'Yes, but you don't look at yourself exactly as you do at a painted +window,' said Amy, in her demure way. + +'I cannot think how you found time for sitting,' said Philip. + +'0, it is quite a little thing, a mere sketch, done in two evenings and +half an hour in the morning. He promises it to me when he has done +with Sir Galahad,' said Amy. + +'Two--three evenings. You must have been a long time at Munich.' + +'A fortnight,' said Guy, 'there is a great deal to see there.' + +Philip did not quite understand this, nor did he think it very +satisfactory that they should thus have lingered in a gay town, but he +meant to make the best of them to-day, and returned to his usual +fashion of patronizing and laying down the law. They were so used to +this that they did not care about it; indeed, they had reckoned on it +as the most amiable conduct to be expected on his part. + +The day was chiefly spent in an excursion on the lake, landing at the +most beautiful spots, walking a little way and admiring, or while in +the boat, smoothly moving over the deep blue waters, gaining lovely +views of the banks, and talking over the book with which their +acquaintance had begun, "I Promessi Sposi". Never did tourists spend a +more serene and pleasant day. + +On comparing notes as to their plans, it appeared that each party had +about a week or ten days to spare; the captain before he must embark +for Corfu, and Sir Guy and Lady Morville before the time they had fixed +for returning home. Guy proposed to go together somewhere, spare the +post-office further blunders, and get the Signor Capitano to be their +interpreter. Philip thought it would be an excellent thing for his +young cousins for him to take charge of them, and show them how people +ought to travel; so out came his little pocket map, marked with his +route, before he left Ireland, whereas they seemed to have no fixed +object, but to be always going 'somewhere.' It appeared that they had +thought of Venice, but were easily diverted from it by his design of +coasting the eastern bank of the Lago di Como, and so across the +Stelvio into the Tyrol, all together as far as Botzen, whence Philip +would turn southward by the mountain paths, while they would proceed to +Innsbruck on their return home. + +Amabel was especially pleased to stay a little longer on the banks of +the lake, and to trace out more of Lucia's haunts; and if she secretly +thought it would have been pleasanter without a third person, she was +gratified to see how much Guy's manner had softened Philip's injustice +and distrust, making everything so smooth and satisfactory, that at the +end of the day, she told her husband that she thought his experiment +had not failed. + +She was making the breakfast the next morning, when the captain came +into the room, and she told him Guy was gone to settle their plans with +Arnaud. After lingering a little by the window, Philip turned, and +with more abruptness than was usual with him, said-- + +'You don't think there is any cause of anxiety about Laura?' + +'No; certainly not!' said Amy, surprised. 'She has not been looking +well lately, but Dr. Mayerne says it is nothing, and you know'--she +blushed and looked down--'there were many things to make this a trying +time.' + +'Is she quite strong? Can she do as much as usual?' + +'She does more than ever: mamma is only afraid of her overworking +herself, but she never allows that she is tired. She goes to school +three days in the week, besides walking to East-hill on Thursday, to +help in the singing; and she is getting dreadfully learned. Guy gave +her his old mathematical books, and Charlie always calls her Miss +Parabola.' + +Philip was silent, knowing too well why she sought to stifle care in +employment; and feeling embittered against the whole world, against her +father, against his own circumstances, against the happiness of others; +nay, perhaps, against the Providence which had made him what he was. + +Presently Guy came in, and the first thing he said was, 'I am afraid we +must give up our plan.' + +'How?' exclaimed both Philip and Amy. + +'I have just heard that there is a fever at Sondrio, and all that +neighbourhood, and every one says it would be very foolish to expose +ourselves to it.' + +'What shall we do instead?' said Amy. + +'I told Arnaud we would let him know in an hour's time; I thought of +Venice.' + +'Venice, oh, yes, delightful.' + +'What do you say, Philip?' said Guy. + +'I say that I cannot see any occasion for our being frightened out of +our original determination. If a fever prevails among the half-starved +peasantry, it need not affect well-fed healthy persons, merely passing +through the country.' + +'You see we could hardly manage without sleeping there,' said Guy: 'we +must sleep either at Colico, or at Madonna. Now Colico, they say, is a +most unhealthy place at this time of year, and Madonna is the very +heart of the fever--Sondrio not much better. I don't see how it is to +be safely done; and though very likely we might not catch the fever, I +don't see any use in trying.' + +'That is making yourself a slave to the fear of infection.' + +'I don't know what purpose would be answered by running the risk,' said +Guy. + +'If you chose to give it so dignified a name as a risk,' said Philip. + +'I don't, then,' said Guy, smiling. 'I should not care if there was +any reason for going there, but, as there is not, I shall face Mr. +Edmonstone better if I don't run Amy into any more chances of +mischief.' + +'Is Amy grateful for the care,' said Philip, 'after all her wishes for +the eastern bank?' + +'Amy is a good wife,' said Guy. 'For Venice, then. I'll ring for +Arnaud. You will come with us, won't you, Philip?' + +'No, I thank you; I always intended to see the Valtelline, and an +epidemic among the peasantry does not seem to me to be sufficient to +deter.' + +'0 Philip, you surely will not?' said Amy. + +'My mind is made up, Amy, thank you.' + +'I wish you would be persuaded,' said Guy. 'I should like particularly +to have you to lionize us there; and I don't fancy your running into +danger.' + +The argument lasted long. Philip by no means approved of Venice, +especially after the long loitering at Munich, thinking that in both +places there was danger of Guy's being led into mischief by his musical +connections. Therefore he did his best, for Amabel's sake, to turn +them from their purpose, persuaded in his own mind that the fever was a +mere bugbear, raised up by Arnaud; and, perhaps, in his full health and +strength, almost regarding illness itself as a foible, far more the +dread of it. He argued, therefore, in his most provoking strain, +becoming more vexatious as the former annoyance was revived at finding +the impossibility of making Guy swerve from his purpose, while +additional mists of suspicion arose before him, making him imagine that +the whole objection was caused by Guy's dislike to submit to him, and a +fit of impatience of which Amy was the victim; nay, that his cousin +wanted to escape from his surveillance, and follow the beat of his +inclinations; and the whole heap of prejudices and half-refuted +accusations resumed their full ascendancy. Never had his manner been +more vexatious, though without departing from the coolness which always +characterized it; but all the time, Guy, while firm and unmoved in +purpose, kept his temper perfectly, and apparently without effort. +Even Amabel glowed with indignation, at the assumption with which he +was striving to put her husband down, though she rejoiced to see its +entire failure: for some sensible argument, or some gay, lively, good- +humoured reply, was the utmost he could elicit. Guy did not seem to be +in the least irritated or ruffled by the very behaviour which used to +cause him so many struggles. Having once seriously said that he did +not think it right to run into danger, without adequate cause, he held +his position with so much ease, that he could afford to be playful, and +laugh at his own dread of infection, his changeableness, and credulity. +Never had temper been more entirely subdued; for surely if he could +bear this, he need never fear himself again. + +So passed the hour; and Amabel was heartily glad when the debate was +closed by Arnaud's coming for orders. Guy went with him; Amabel began +to collect her goods; and Philip, after a few moments' reflection, +spoke in the half-compassionate, half-patronizing manner with which he +used, now and then, to let fall a few crumbs of counsel or commendation +for silly little Amy. + +'Well, Amy, you yielded very amiably, and that is the only way. You +will always find it best to submit.' + +He got no further in his intended warning against the dissipations of +Venice, for her eyes were fixed on him at first with a look of extreme +wonder. Then her face assumed an expression of dignity, and gently, +but gravely, she said, 'I think you forget to whom you are speaking.' + +The gentlemanlike instinct made him reply, 'I beg your pardon'--and +there he stopped, as much taken by surprise as if a dove had flown in +his face. He actually was confused; for in very truth, he had, after a +fashion, forgotten that she was Lady Morville, not the cousin Amy with +whom Guy's character might be freely discussed. He had often presumed +as far with his aunt; but she, though always turning the conversation, +had never given him a rebuff. Amabel had not done; and in her soft +voice, firmly, though not angrily, she spoke on. 'One thing I wish to +say, because we shall never speak on this subject again, and I was +always afraid of you before. You have always misunderstood him, I +might almost say, chosen to misunderstand him. You have tried his +temper more than any one, and never appreciated the struggles that have +subdued it. It is not because I am his wife that I say this--indeed I +am not sure it becomes me to say it; yet I cannot bear that you should +not be told of it, because you think he acts out of enmity to you. You +little know how your friendship has been his first desire--how he has +striven for it--how, after all you have done and written, he defended +you with all his might when those at home were angry--how he sought you +out on purpose to try to be real cordial friends' + +Philip's face had grown rigid, and chiefly at the words, 'those at home +were angry.' 'It is not I that prevent that friendship,' said he: 'it +is his own want of openness. My opinion has never changed.' + +'No; I know it has never changed' said Amy, in a tone of sorrowful +displeasure. 'Whenever it does, you will be sorry you have judged him +so harshly.' + +She left the room, and Philip held her in higher esteem. He saw there +was spirit and substance beneath that soft girlish exterior, and hoped +she would better be able to endure the troubles which her precipitate +marriage was likely to cause her; but as to her husband, his combined +fickleness and obstinacy had only become more apparent than ever-- +fickleness in forsaking his purpose, obstinacy in adherence to his own +will. + +Displeased and contemptuous, Philip was not softened by Guy's freedom +and openness of manner and desire to help him as far as their roads lay +together. He was gracious only to Lady Morville, whom he treated with +kindness, intended to show that he was pleased with her for a reproof +which became her position well, though it could not hurt him. Perhaps +she thought this amiability especially insufferable: for when she +arrived at Varenna her chief thought was that here they should be free +of him. + +'Come, Philip,' said Guy, at that last moment, 'I wish you would think +better of it after all, and come with us to Milan.' + +'Thank you, my mind is made up.' + +'Well, mind you don't catch the fever: for I don't want the trouble of +nursing you.' + +'Thank you; I hope to require no such services of my friends,' said +Philip, with a proud stem air, implying, 'I don't want you.' + +'Good-bye, then,' said Guy. Then remembering his promise to Laura, he +added, 'I wish we could have seen more of you. They will be glad to +hear of you at Hollywell. You have had one warm friend there all +along.' + +He was touched for a moment by this kind speech, and his tone was less +grave and dignified. 'Remember me to them when you write,' he +answered, 'and tell Laura she must not wear herself out with her +studies. Good-bye, Amy, I hope you will have a pleasant journey.' + +The farewells were exchanged and the carriage drove off. 'Poor little +Amy!' said Philip to himself, 'how she is improved. He has a sweet +little wife in her. The fates have conspired to crown him with all man +can desire, and little marvel if he should abuse his advantages. Poor +little Amy! I have less hope than ever, since even her evident wishes +could not bend his determination in this trifle; but she is a good +little creature, happy in her blindness. May it long continue! It is +my uncle and aunt who are to be blamed.' + +He set himself to ascend the mountain path, and they looked back, +watching the firm vigorous steps with which he climbed the hill side, +then stood to wave his hand to Amabel looking a perfect specimen of +health and activity. + +'Just like himself,' said Amy, drawing so long a breath that Guy +smiled, but did not speak. + +'Are you much vexed?' said she. + +'I don't feel as if I had made the most of my opportunities.' + +'Then if you have not, I can tell you who has. What do you think of +his beginning to give me a lecture how to behave to you?' + +'Did he think you wanted it very much?' + +'I don't know: for of course I could not let him go on.' + +Guy was so much diverted at the idea of her wanting a lecture on wife- +like deportment, that he had no time to be angry at the impertinence, +and he made her laugh also by his view that was all force of habit. + +'Now, Guido--good Cavaliere Guido--do grant me one satisfaction,' said +she, coaxingly. 'Only say you are very glad he is gone his own way.' + +On the contrary, I am sorry he is running his head into a fever,' said +Guy, pretending to be provoking. + +'I don't want you to be glad of that, I only want you to be glad he is +not sitting here towering over us.' Guy smiled, and began to whistle-- + + + 'Cock up your beaver, and cock it fu' sprush!' + + + + +CHAPTER 31 + + + +And turned the thistles of a curse +To types beneficent.--WORDSWORTH + + +It was about three weeks after the rendezvous at Bellagio, that Sir Guy +and Lady Morville arrived at Vicenza, on their way from Venice. They +were in the midst of breakfast when Arnaud entered, saying,-- + +'It was well, Sir Guy, that you changed your intention of visiting the +Valtelline with Captain Morville.' + +'What! Have you heard anything of him?' + +'I fear that his temerity has caused him to suffer. I have just heard +that an Englishman of your name is severely ill at Recoara.' + +'Where?' + +'At "la badia di Recoara". It is what in English we call a watering- +place, on the mountains to the north, where the Vicentini do go in +summer for "fraicheur", but they have all returned in the last two days +for fear of the infection.' + +'I'll go and make inquiries' said Guy, rising in haste. Returning in a +quarter of an hour, he said,--'It is true. It can be no other than +poor Philip. I have seen his doctor, an Italian, who, when he saw our +name written, said it was the same. He calls it "una febbre molto +grave".' + +'Very heavy! Did he only know the name in writing?' + +'Only from seeing it on his passport. He has been unable to give any +directions.' + +'How dreadfully ill he must be! And alone! What shall we do? You +won't think of leaving me behind you, whatever you do?' exclaimed +Amabel, imploringly. + +'It is at no great distance, and--' + +'0, don't say that. Only take me with you. I will try to bear it, if +you don't think it right; but it will be very hard.' + +Her eyes were full of tears, but she struggled to repress them, and was +silent in suspense as she saw him considering. + +'My poor Amy!' said he, presently; 'I believe the anxiety would be +worse for you if I were to leave you here.' + +'Oh, thank you!' exclaimed she. + +'You will have nothing to do with the nursing. No, I don't think there +is much risk; so we will go together.' + +'Thank you! thank you! and perhaps I may be of some use. But is it +very infectious?' + +'I hope not: caught at Colico, and imported to a fresh place. I should +think there was little fear of its spreading. However, we must soon be +off: I am afraid he is very ill, and almost deserted. In the first +place, I had better send an express to the Consul at Venice, to ask him +to recommend us a doctor, for I have not much faith in this Italian.' + +They were soon on the way to Recoara, a road bordered on one side by +high rocks, on the other by a little river flowing down a valley, shut +in by mountains. The valley gradually contracted in the ascent, till +it became a ravine, and further on a mere crevice marked by the thick +growth of the chestnut-trees; but before this greater narrowing, they +saw the roofs of the houses in the little town. The sun shone clear, +the air had grown fresh as they mounted higher; Amabel could hardly +imagine sickness and sorrow in so fair a spot, and turned to her +husband to say so, but he was deep in thought, and she would not +disturb him. + +The town was built on the bank of the stream, and very much shut in by +the steep crags, which seemed almost to overhang the inn, to which they +drove, auguring favourably of the place from its fresh, clean aspect. + +Guy hastened to the patient; while Amabel was conducted to a room with +a polished floor, and very little furniture, and there waited anxiously +until he returned. There was a flush on his face, and almost before he +spoke, he leant far out of the window to try to catch a breath of air. + +'We must find another room for him directly,' said he. 'He cannot +possibly exist where he is--a little den--such an atmosphere of fever-- +enough to knock one down! Will you have one got ready for him?' + +'Directly,' said Amabel, ringing. 'How is he?' + +'He is in a stupor; it is not sleep. He is frightfully ill, I never +felt anything like the heat of his skin. But that stifling hole would +account for much; very likely he may revive, when we get him into a +better atmosphere. No one has attended to him properly. It is a +terrible thing to be ill in a foreign country without a friend!' + +Arnaud came, and Amabel sent for the hostess, while Guy returned to his +charge. Little care had been taken for the solitary traveller on foot, +too ill to exact attention, and whose presence drove away custom; but +when his case was taken up by a Milord Inglese, the people of the inn +were ready to do their utmost to cause their neglect to be forgotten, +and everything was at the disposal of the Signora. The rooms were +many, but very small, and the best she could contrive was to choose +three rooms on the lower floor, rather larger than the rest, and +opening into each other, as well as into the passage, so that it was +possible to produce a thorough draught. Under her superintendence, +Anne made the apartment look comfortable, and almost English, and +sending word that all was ready, she proceeded to establish herself in +the corresponding rooms on the floor above. + +Philip was perfectly unconscious when he was carried to his new room. +His illness had continued about a week, and had been aggravated first +by his incredulous and determined resistance of it, and then by the +neglect with which he had been treated. It was fearful to see how his +great strength had been cut down, as there he lay with scarcely a sign +of life, except his gasping, labouring breath. Guy stood over him, let +the air blow in from the open window, sprinkled his face with vinegar, +and moistened his lips, longing for the physician, for whom, however, +he knew he must wait many hours. Perplexed, ignorant of the proper +treatment, fearing to do harm, and extremely anxious, he still was +almost rejoiced: for there was no one to whom he was so glad to do a +service, and a hope arose of full reconciliation. + +The patient was somewhat revived by the fresh air, he breathed more +freely, moved, and made a murmuring sound, as if striving painfully for +a word. + +'"Da bere",' at last he said; and if Guy had not known its meaning, it +would have been plain from the gasping, parched manner in which it was +uttered. + +'Some water?' said Guy, holding it to his lips, and on hearing the +English, Philip opened his eyes, and, as he drank, gazed with a heavy +sort of wonder. 'Is that enough? Do you like some on your forehead?' + +'Thank you.' + +'Is that more comfortable? We only heard to-day you were ill.' + +He turned away restlessly, as if hardly glad to see Guy, and not awake +to the circumstances, in a dull, feverish oppression of the senses. +Delirium soon came on, or, more properly, delusion. He was distressed +by thinking himself deserted, and struggling to speak Italian, and when +Guy replied in English, though the native tongue seemed to fall kindly +on his ear, yet, to Guy's great grief, the old dislike appeared to +prevent all comfort in his presence, though he could not repel his +attentions. At night the wandering increased, till it became +unintelligible raving, and strength was required to keep him in bed. + +Amabel seldom saw her husband this evening. He once came up to see +her, when she made him drink some coffee, but he soon went, telling her +he should wait up, and begging her to go to rest quietly, as she looked +pale and tired. The night was a terrible one, and morning only brought +insensibility. The physician arrived, a sharp-looking Frenchman, who +pronounced it to be a very severe and dangerous case, more violent than +usual in malaria fever, and with more affection of the brain. Guy was +glad to be set to do something, instead of standing by in inaction; but +ice and blisters were applied without effect, and they were told that +it was likely to be long before the fever abated. + +Day after day passed without improvement, and with few gleams of +consciousness, and even these were not free from wandering; they were +only intervals in the violent ravings, or the incoherent murmurs, and +were never clear from some torturing fancy that he was alone and ill at +Broadstone, and neither the Edmonstones nor his brother-officers would +come to him, or else that he was detained from Stylehurst. 'Home' was +the word oftenest on his lips. 'I would not go home,' the only +expression that could sometimes be distinctly heard. He was obliged to +depend on Guy as the only Englishman at hand; but whenever he +recognized him, the traces of repugnance were evident, and in his +clearer intervals, he always showed a preference for Arnaud's +attendance. Still Guy persevered indefatigably, sitting up with him +every night, and showing himself an invaluable nurse, with his tender +hand, modulated voice, quick eye, and quiet activity. His whole soul +was engrossed: he never appeared to think of himself, or to be sensible +of fatigue; but was only absorbed in the one thought of his patient's +comfort! He seldom came to Amabel except at meals, and now and then +for a short visit to her sitting-room to report on Philip's condition. +If he could spare a little more time when Philip was in a state of +stupor, she used to try to persuade him to take some rest; and if it +was late, or in the heat of noon, she could sometimes get him, as a +favour to her, to lie down on the sofa, and let her read to him; but it +did not often end in sleep, and he usually preferred taking her out +into the fresh air, and wandering about among the chestnut-trees and +green hillocks higher up in the ravine. + +Very precious were these walks, with the quiet grave talk that the +scene and the circumstances inspired--when he would tell the thoughts +that had occupied him in his night-watches, and they shared the subdued +and deep reflection suited to this period of apprehension. These were +her happiest times, but they were few and uncertain. She had in the +meantime to wait, to watch, and hope alone, though she had plenty of +employment; for besides writing constant bulletins, all preparations +for the sickroom fell to her share. She had to send for or devise +substitutes for all the conveniences that were far from coming readily +to hand in a remote Italian inn--to give orders, send commissions to +Vicenza, or even to Venice, and to do a good deal, with Anne's' +assistance, by her own manual labour. Guy said she did more for Philip +outside his room than he did inside, and often declared how entirely at +a loss he should have been if she had not been there, with her ready +resources, and, above all, with her sweet presence, making the short +intervals he spent out of the sick chamber so much more than repose, +such refreshment at the time, and in remembrance. + +Thus it had continued for more than a fortnight, when one evening as +the French physician was departing, he told Guy that he would not fail +to come the next night, as he saw every reason to expect a crisis. Guy +sat intently marking every alteration in the worn, flushed, suffering +face that rested helplessly on the pillows, and every unconscious +movement of the wasted, nerveless limbs stretched out in pain and +helplessness, contrasting his present state with what he was when last +they parted, in the full pride of health, vigour, and intellect. He +dwelt on all that had passed between them from the first, the strange +ancestral enmity that nothing had as yet overcome, the +misunderstandings, the prejudices, the character whose faultlessness he +had always revered, and the repeated failure of all attempts to be +friends, as if his own impatience and passion had borne fruit in the +merited distrust of the man whom of all others he respected, and whom +he would fain love as a brother. He earnestly hoped that so valuable a +life might be spared; but if that might not be, his fervent wish was, +that at least a few parting words of goodwill and reconciliation might +be granted to be his comfort in remembrance. + +So mused Guy during the night, as he watched the heavy doze between +sleep and stupor, and tried to catch the low, indistinct mutterings +that now and then seemed to ask for something. Towards morning Philip +awoke more fully, and as Guy was feeling his pulse, he faintly asked,-- + +'How many?' while his eyes had more of their usual expression. + +'I cannot count,' returned Guy; 'but it is less than in the evening. +Some drink?' + +Philip took some, then making an effort to look round, said,--'What day +is it?' + +'Saturday morning, the 23rd of August.' + +'I have been ill a long time!' + +'You have indeed, full three weeks; but you are better to-night.' + +He was silent for some moments; then, collecting himself, and looking +fixedly at Guy, he said, in his own steady voice, though very feeble,-- +'I suppose, humanly speaking, it is an even chance between life and +death?' + +'Yes,' said Guy, firmly, the low sweet tones of his voice full of +tenderness. 'You are very ill; but not without hope.' Then, after a +pause, during which Philip looked thoughtful, but calm, he added,--'I +have tried to bring a clergyman here, but I could not succeed. Would +you like me to read to you?' + +'Thank you-presently--but I have something to say. Some more water;-- +thank you.' Then, after pausing, 'Guy, you have thought I judged you +harshly; I meant to act for the best.' + +'Don't think of that,' said Guy, with a rush of joy at hearing the +words of reconciliation he had yearned for so long. + +'And now you have been most kind. If I live, you shall see that I am +sensible of it;' and he feebly moved his hand to his cousin, who +pressed it, hardly less happy than on the day he stood before Mrs. +Edmonstone in the dressing-room. Presently, Philip went on. 'My +sister has my will. My love to her, and to--to--to poor Laura.' His +voice suddenly failed; and while Guy was again moistening his lips, he +gathered strength, and said,--'You and Amy will do what you can for +her. Do not let the blow come suddenly. Ah! you do not know. We have +been engaged this long time.' + +Guy did not exclaim, but Philip saw his amazement. 'It was very wrong; +it was not her fault,' he added. 'I can't tell you now; but if I live +all shall be told. If not, you will be kind to her?' + +'Indeed we will.' + +'Poor Laura!' again said Philip, in a much weaker voice, and after +lying still a little longer, he faintly whispered,--'Read to me.' + +Guy read till he fell into a doze, which lasted till Arnaud came in the +morning, and Guy went up to his wife. + +'Amy,' said he, entering with a quiet bright look, 'he has spoken to me +according to my wish.' + +'Then it is all right,' said Amabel, answering his look with one as +calm and sweet. 'Is he better?' + +'Not materially; his pulse is still very high; but there was a gleam of +perfect consciousness; he spoke calmly and clearly, fully understanding +his situation. Come what will, it is a thing to be infinitely thankful +for! I am very glad! Now for our morning reading.' + +As soon as it was over, and when Guy had satisfied himself that the +patient was still quiet, they sat down to breakfast. Guy considered a +little while, and said,-- + +'I have been very much surprised. Had you any idea of an attachment +between him and Laura?' + +'I know she is very fond of him, and she has always been his favourite. +What? Has he been in love with her all this time, poor fellow?' + +'He says they are engaged.' + +'Laura? Our sister! Oh, Guy, impossible! He must have been +wandering.' + +'I could have almost thought so; but his whole manner forbade me to +think there was any delusion. He was too weak to explain; but he said +it was not her fault, and was overcome when speaking of her. He begged +us to spare her from suddenly hearing of his death. He was as calm and +reasonable as I am at this moment. No, Amy, it was not delirium.' + +'I don't know how to believe it!' said Amabel. 'It is so impossible +for Laura, and for him too. Don't you know how, sometimes in fevers, +people take a delusion, and are quite rational about everything else, +and that, too; if only it was true; and don't you think it very likely, +that if he really has been in love with her all this time, (how much he +must have gone through!) he may fancy he has been secretly engaged, and +reproach himself?' + +'I cannot tell,' said Guy; 'there was a reality in his manner of +speaking that refuses to let me disbelieve him. Surely it cannot be +one of the horrors of death that we should be left to reproach +ourselves with the fancied sins we have been prone to, as well as with +our real ones. Then'--and he rose, and walked about the room--'if so, +more than ever, in the hour of death, good Lord, deliver us!' + +Amabel was silent, and presently he sat down, saying,--'Well, time will +show!' + +'I cannot think it' said Amy. 'Laura! How could she help telling +mamma!' And as Guy smiled at the recollection of their own simultaneous +coming to mamma, she added,--'Not only because it was right, but for +the comfort of it.' + +'But, Amy, do you remember what I told you of poor Laura's fears, and +what she said to me, on our wedding-day?' + +'Poor Laura!' said Amy. 'Yet--' She paused, and Guy presently said,-- + +'Well, I won't believe it, if I can possibly help it. I can't afford +to lose my faith in my sister's perfection, or Philip's, especially +now. But I must go; I have loitered too long, and Arnaud ought to go +to his breakfast.' + +Amabel sat long over the remains of her breakfast. She did not puzzle +herself over Philip's confession, for she would not admit it without +confirmation; and she could not think of his misdoings, even those of +which she was certain, on the day when his life was hanging in the +balance. All she could bear to recollect was his excellence; nay, in +the tenderness of her heart, she nearly made out that she had always +been very fond of him, overlooking that even before Guy came to +Hollywell, she had always regarded him with more awe than liking, been +disinclined to his good advice, shrunk from his condescension, and +regularly enjoyed Charles's quizzing of him. All this, and all the +subsequent injuries were forgotten, and she believed, as sincerely as +her husband, that Philip had been free from any unkind intention. But +she chiefly dwelt on her own Guy, especially that last speech, so +unlike some of whom she had heard, who were rather glad to find a flaw +in a faultless model, if only to obtain a fellow-feeling for it. + +'Yes,' thought she, 'he might look far without finding anything better +than himself, though he won't believe it. If ever he could make me +angry, it will be by treating me as if I was better than he. Such +nonsense! But I suppose his goodness would not be such if he was +conscious of it, so I must be content with him as he is. I can't be so +unwifelike after all; for I am sure nothing makes me feel so small and +foolish as that humility of his! Come, I must see about some dinner +for the French doctor.' + +She set to work on her housewifery cares; but when these were +despatched, it was hard to begin anything else on such a day of +suspense, when she was living on reports from the sick room. The +delirium had returned, more violent than ever; and as she sat at her +open window she often heard the disconnected words. She could do +nothing but listen--she could neither read nor draw, and even letter- +writing failed her to-day, for it seemed cruel to send a letter to his +sister, and if Philip was not under a delusion, it was still worse to +write to Hollywell; it made her shudder to think of the misery she +might have inflicted in the former letters, where she had not spared +the detail of her worst fears and conjectures, and by no means softened +the account, as she had done to his sister. + +Late in the afternoon the physician came, and she heard of his being +quieter; indeed, there were no sounds below. It grew dark; Arnaud +brought lights, and told her Captain Morville had sunk into stupor. +After another long space, the doctor came to take some coffee, and said +the fever was lessening, but that strength was going with it, and if +"le malade" was saved, it would be owing to the care and attention of +"le chevalier". + +Of Guy she saw no more that evening. The last bulletin was pencilled +by him on a strip of paper, and sent to her at eleven at night: + +'Pulse almost nothing; deadly faintness; doctor does not give him up; +it may be many hours: don't sit up; you shall hear when there is +anything decisive.' + +Amy submitted, and slowly put herself to bed, because she thought Guy +would not like to find her up; but she had little sleep, and that was +dreamy, full of the same anxieties as her waking moments, and perhaps +making the night seem longer than if she had been awake the whole time. + +At last she started from a somewhat sounder doze than usual, and saw it +was becoming light, the white summits of the mountains were beginning +to show themselves, and there was twilight in the room. Just then she +heard a light, cautious tread in the passage; the lock of Guy's +dressing-room was gently, slowly turned. It was over then! Life or +death? Her heart beat as she heard her husband's step in the next +room, and her suspense would let her call out nothing but--'I am not +asleep!' + +Guy came forward, and stood still, while she looked up to the outline +of his figure against the window. With a kind of effort he said, with +forced calmness--'He'll do now! and came to the bedside. His face was +wet with tears, and her eyes were over-flowing. After a few moments he +murmured a few low words of deep thanksgivings, and again there was a +silence. + +'He is asleep quietly and comfortably,' said Guy, presently, 'and his +pulse is steadier. The faintness and sinking have been dreadful; the +doctor has been sitting with his hand on his pulse, telling me when to +put the cordial into his mouth. Twice I thought him all but gone; and +till within the last hour, I did not think he could have revived; but +now, the doctor says we may almost consider the danger as over.' + +'Oh, how glad I am! Was he sensible? Could he speak?' + +'Sensible at least when not fainting; but too weak to speak, or often, +to look up. When he did though, it was very kindly, very pleasantly. +And now! This is joy coming in the morning, Amy!' + +'I wonder if you are happier now than after the shipwreck,' said Amy, +after a silence. + +'How can you ask? The shipwreck was a gleam, the first ray that came +to cheer me in those penance hours, when I was cut off from all; and +now, oh, Amy! I cannot enter into it. Such richness and fullness of +blessing showered on me, more than I ever dared to wish for or dream +of, both in the present and future hopes. It seems more than can +belong to man, at least to me, so unlike what I have deserved, that I +can hardly believe it. It must be sent as a great trial.' + +Amabel thought this so beautiful, that she could not answer; and he +presently gave her some further particulars. He went back in spite of +her entreaties that he would afford himself a little rest, saying that +the doctor was obliged to go away, and Philip still needed the most +careful watching. Amy could not sleep any more, but lay musing over +that ever-brightening goodness which had lately at all times almost +startled her from its very unearthliness. + + + + + +CHAPTER 32 + + + +Sure all things wear a heavenly dress, +Which sanctifies their loveliness, +Types of that endless resting day, +When we shall be as changed as they.--HYMN FOR SUNDAY + + +From that time there was little more cause for anxiety. Philip was, +indeed, exceedingly reduced, unable to turn in bed, to lift his head, +or to speak except now and then a feeble whisper; but the fever was +entirely gone, and his excellent constitution began rapidly to repair +its ravages. Day by day, almost hour by hour, he was rallying, +spending most of his time profitably in sleep, and looking very +contented in his short intervals of waking. These became each day +rather longer, his voice became stronger, and he made more remarks and +inquiries. His first care, when able to take heed of what did not +concern his immediate comfort, was that Colonel Deane should be written +to, as his leave of absence was expired; but he said not a word about +Hollywell, and Amabel therefore hoped her surmise was right, that his +confession had been prompted by a delirious fancy, though Guy thought +something was implied by his silence respecting the very persons of +whom it would have been natural to have talked. + +He was very patient of his weakness and dependence, always thankful and +willing to be pleased, and all that had been unpleasant in his manner +to Guy was entirely gone. He liked to be waited on by him, and +received his attentions without laborious gratitude, just in the way +partly affectionate, partly matter of course, that was most agreeable; +showing himself considerate of his fatigue, though without any of his +old domineering advice. + +One evening Guy was writing, when Philip, who had been lying still, as +if asleep, asked, 'Are you writing to Hollywell?' + +'Yes, to Charlotte; but there is no hurry, it won't go till tomorrow. +Have you any message? + +'No, thank you.' + +Guy fancied he sighed; and there was a long silence, at the end of +which he asked, 'Guy, have I said anything about Laura?' + +'Yes,' said Guy, putting down the pen. + +'I thought so; but I could not remember,' said Philip, turning round, +and settling himself for conversation, with much of his ordinary +deliberate preparation; 'I hope it was not when I had no command of +myself?' + +'No, you were seldom intelligible, you were generally trying to speak +Italian, or else talking about Stylehurst. The only time you mentioned +her was the night before the worst.' + +'I recollect,' said Philip. 'I will not draw back from the resolution +I then made, though I did not know whether I had spoken it, let the +consequences be what they may. The worst is, that they will fall the +most severely on her: and her implicit reliance on me was her only +error.' + +His voice was very low, and so full of painful feeling that Guy doubted +whether to let him enter on such a subject at present; but remembering +the relief of free confession, he thought it best to allow him to +proceed, only now and then putting in some note of sympathy or of +interrogation, in word or gesture. + +'I must explain,' said Philip, 'that you may see how little blame can +be imputed to her. It was that summer, three years ago, the first +after you came. I had always been her chief friend. I saw, or thought +I saw, cause for putting her on her guard. The result has shown that +the danger was imaginary; but no matter--I thought it real. In the +course of the conversation, more of my true sentiments were avowed than +I was aware of; she was very young, and before we, either of us, knew +what we were doing, it had been equivalent to a declaration. Well! I +do not speak to excuse the concealment, but to show you my motive. If +it had been known, there would have been great displeasure and +disturbance; I should have been banished; and though time might have +softened matters, we should both have had a great deal to go through. +Heaven knows what it may be now! And, Guy,' he added, breaking off +with trembling eagerness, 'when did you hear from Hollywell? Do you +know how she has borne the news of my illness?' + +'We have heard since they knew of it,' said Guy; 'the letter was from +Mrs. Edmonstone to Amy; but she did not mention Laura.' + +'She has great strength; she would endure anything rather than give +way; but how can she have borne the anxiety and silence? You are sure +my aunt does not mention her?' + +'Certain. I will ask Amy for the letter, if you like.' + +'No, do not go; I must finish, since I have begun. We did not speak of +an engagement; it was little more than an avowal of preference; I doubt +whether she understood what it amounted to, and I desired her to be +silent. I deceived myself all along, by declaring she was free; and I +had never asked for her promise; but those things will not do when we +see death face to face, and a resolve made at such a moment must be +kept, let it bring what it may.' + +'True.' + +'She will be relieved; she wished it to be known; but I thought it best +to wait for my promotion--the only chance of our being able to marry. +However, it shall be put into her father's hands as soon as I can hold +a pen. All I wish is, that she should not have to bear the brunt of +his anger.' + +'He is too kind and good-natured to keep his displeasure long.' + +'If it would only light on the right head, instead of on the head of +the nearest. You say she was harassed and out of spirits. I wish you +were at home; Amy would comfort her and soften them.' + +'We hope to go back as soon as you are in travelling condition. If you +will come home with us, you will be at hand when Mr. Edmonstone is +ready to forgive, as I am sure he soon will be. No one ever was so +glad to forget his displeasure.' + +'Yes; it will be over by the time I meet him, for she will have borne +it all. There is the worst! But I will not put off the writing, as +soon as I have the power. Every day the concealment continues is a +further offence.' + +'And present suffering is an especial earnest and hope of forgiveness,' +said Guy. 'I have no doubt that much may be done to make Mr. +Edmonstone think well of it.' + +'If any suffering of mine would spare hers!' sighed Philip. 'You +cannot estimate the difficulties in our way. You know nothing of +poverty,--the bar it is to everything; almost a positive offence in +itself !' + +'This is only tiring yourself with talking,' said Guy, perceiving how +Philip's bodily weakness was making him fall into a desponding strain. +'You must make haste to get well, and come home with us, and I think we +shall find it no such bad case after all. There's Amy's fortune to +begin with, only waiting for such an occasion. No, I can't have you +answer; you have talked, quite long enough.' + +Philip was in a state of feebleness that made him willing to avoid the +trouble of thinking, by simply believing what he was told, 'that it was +no bad case.' He was relieved by having confessed, though to the +person whom, a few weeks back, he would have thought the last to whom +he could have made such a communication, over whom he had striven to +assume superiority, and therefore before whom he could have least borne +to humble himself--nay, whose own love he had lately traversed with an +arrogance that was rendered positively absurd by this conduct of his +own. Nevertheless, he had not shrunk from the confession. His had +been real repentance, so far as he perceived his faults; and he would +have scorned to avail himself of the certainty of Guy's silence on what +he had said at the time of his extreme danger. He had resolved to +speak, and had found neither an accuser nor a judge, not even one +consciously returning good for evil, but a friend with honest, simple, +straightforward kindness, doing the best for him in his power, and +dreading nothing so much as hurting his feelings. It was not the way +in which Philip himself could have received such a confidence. + +As soon as Guy could leave him, he went up to his wife. 'Amy,' said +he, rather sadly, 'we have had it out. It is too true.' + +Her first exclamation surprised him: 'Then Charlie really is the +cleverest person in the world.' + +'How? Had he any suspicion?' + +'Not that I know of; but, more than once, lately, I have been alarmed +by recollecting how he once said that poor Laura was so much too wise +for her age, that Nature would some day take her revenge, and make her +do something very foolish. But has Philip told you all about it?' + +'Yes; explained it all very kindly. It must have cost him a great +deal; but he spoke openly and nobly. It is the beginning of a full +confession to your father.' + +'So, it is true!' exclaimed Amabel, as if she heard it for the first +time. 'How shocked mamma will be! I don't know how to think it +possible! And poor Laura! Imagine what she must have gone through, +for you know I never spared the worst accounts. Do tell me all.' + +Guy told what he had just heard, and she was indignant. + +'I can't be as angry with him as I should like,' said she, 'now that he +is sorry and ill; but it was a great deal too bad! I can't think how +he could look any of us in the face, far less expect to rule us all, +and interfere with you!' + +'I see I never appreciated the temptations of poverty,' said Guy, +thoughtfully. 'I have often thought of those of wealth, but never of +poverty.' + +'I wish you would not excuse him. I don't mind your doing it about +ourselves, because, though he made you unhappy, he could not make you +do wrong. Ah! I know what you mean; but that was over after the first +minute; and he only made you better for all his persecution; but I +don't know how to pardon his making poor Laura so miserable, and +leading her to do what was not right. Poor, dear girl! no wonder she +looked so worn and unhappy! I cannot help being angry with him, +indeed, Guy!' said she, her eyes full of tears. + +'The best pleading is his own repentance, Amy. I don't think you can +be very unrelenting when you see how subdued and how altered he is. +You know you are to make him a visit to-morrow, now the doctor says all +fear of infection is over.' + +'I shall be thinking of poor Laura the whole time.' + +'And how she would like to see him in his present state? What shall +you do if I bring him home to Redclyffe? Shall you go to Hollywell, to +comfort Laura?' + +'I shall wait till you send me. Besides, how can you invite company +till we know whether we have a roof over our house or not? What is he +doing now?' + +'As usual, he has an unlimited capacity for sleep.' + +'I wish you had. I don't think you have slept two hours together since +you left off sitting up.' + +'I am beginning to think it a popular delusion. I do just as well +without it.' + +'So you say; but Mr. Shene would never have taken such a fancy to you, +if you always had such purple lines as those under your eyes. Look! +Is that a face for Sir Galahad, or Sir Guy, or any of the Round Table? +Come, I wish you would lie down, and be read to sleep.' + +'I should like a walk much better. It is very cool and bright. Will +you come?' + +They walked for some time, talking over the conduct of Philip and +Laura. Amabel seemed quite oppressed by the thought of such a burthen +of concealment. She said she did not know what she should have done in +her own troubles without mamma and Charlie; and she could not imagine +Laura's keeping silence through the time of Philip's danger; more +especially as she recollected how appalling some of her bulletins had +been. The only satisfaction was in casting as much of the blame on him +as possible. + +'You know he never would let her read novels; and I do believe that was +the reason she did not understand what it meant.' + +'I think there is a good deal in that,' said Guy, laughing, 'though +Charlie would say it is a very _novel_ excuse for a young lady falling +imprudently in love.' + +'I do believe, if it was any one but Laura, Charlie would be very glad +of it. He always fully saw through Philip's supercilious shell.' + +'Amy!' + +'No; let me go on, Guy, for you must allow that it was much worse in +such a grave, grand, unromantic person, who makes a point of thinking +before he speaks, than if it had been a hasty, hand-over-head man like +Maurice de Courcy, who might have got into a scrape without knowing it. + +'That must have made the struggle to confess all the more painful; and +a most free, noble, open-hearted confession it was.' + +They tried to recollect all that had passed during that summer, and to +guess against whom he had wished to warn her; but so far were they from +divining the truth, that they agreed it must either have been Maurice, +or some other wild Irishman. + +Next, they considered what was to be done. Philip must manage his +confession his own way; but they had it in their power greatly to +soften matters; and there was no fear that, after the first shock, Mr. +Edmonstone would insist on the engagement being broken off, Philip +should come to recover his health at Redclyffe, where he would be ready +to meet the first advance towards forgiveness,--and Amabel thought it +would soon be made. Papa's anger was sharp, but soon over; he was very +fond of Philip, and delighted in a love affair, but she was afraid +mamma would not get over it so soon, for she would be excessively hurt +and grieved. 'And when I was naughty,' said Amy, 'nothing ever made me +so sorry as mamma's kindness.' + +Guy launched out into more schemes for facilitating their marriage than +ever he had made for himself; and the walk ended with extensive castle +building on Philip's account, in the course of which Amy was obliged to +become much less displeased. Guy told her, in the evening, that she +would have been still more softened if she could have heard him talk +about Stylehurst and his father. Guy had always wished to hear him +speak of the Archdeacon, though they had never been on terms to enter +on such a subject. And now Philip had been much pleased by Guy's +account of his walks to Stylehurst, and taken pleasure in telling which +were his old haunts, making out where Guy had been, and describing his +father's ways. + +The next day was Sunday, and Amabel was to pay her cousin a visit. Guy +was very eager about it, saying it was like a stage in his recovery; +and though the thought of her mother and Laura could not be laid aside, +she would not say a word to damp her husband's pleasure in the +anticipation. It seemed as if Guy, wanting to bestow all he could upon +his cousin in gratitude for his newly-accorded friendship, thought the +sight of his little wife the very best thing he had to give. + +It was a beautiful day, early in September, with a little autumnal +freshness in the mountain breezes that they enjoyed exceedingly. +Philip's convalescence, and their own escape, might be considered as so +far decided, that they might look back on the peril as past. Amabel +felt how much cause there was for thankfulness; and, after all, Philip +was not half as bad now as when he was maintaining his system of +concealment; he had made a great effort, and was about to do his best +by way of reparation; but it was so new to her to pity him, that she +did not know how to begin. + +She tried to make the day seem as Sunday-like as she could, by putting +on her white muslin dress and white ribbons, with Charles's hair +bracelet, and a brooch of beautiful silver workmanship, which Guy had +bought for her at Milan, the only ornament he had ever given to her. +She sat at her window, watching the groups of Italians in their holiday +costume, and dwelling on the strange thoughts that had passed through +her mind often before in her lonely Sundays in this foreign land, +thinking much of her old home and East-hill Church, wondering whether +the letter had yet arrived which was to free them from anxiety, and +losing herself in a maze of uncomfortable marvels about Laura. + +'Now, then,' at length said Guy, entering, 'I only hope he has not +knocked himself up with his preparations, for he would make such a +setting to rights, that I told him I could almost fancy he expected the +queen instead of only Dame Amabel Morville.' + +He led her down, opened the door, and playfully announced, 'Lady +Morville! I have done it right this time. Here she is'! + +She had of course expected to see Philip much altered, but she was +startled by the extent of the change; for being naturally fair and +high-coloured, he was a person on whom the traces of illness were +particularly visible. The colour was totally gone, even from his lips; +his cheeks were sunken, his brow looked broader and more massive from +the thinness of his face and the loss of his hair, and his eyes +themselves appeared unlike what they used to be in the hollows round +them. He seemed tranquil, and comfortable, but so wan, weak, and +subdued, and so different from himself, that she was very much shocked, +as smiling and holding out a hand, where the white skin seemed hardly +to cover the bone and blue vein, he said, in a tone, slow, feeble, and +languid, though cheerful,-- + +'Good morning, Amy. You see Guy was right, after all. I am sorry to +have made your wedding tour end so unpleasantly.' + +'Nay, most pleasantly, since you are better,' said Amabel, laughing, +because she was almost ready to cry, and her displeasure went straight +out of her head. + +'Are you doing the honours of my room, Guy?' said Philip, raising his +head from the pillow, with a becoming shade of his ceremonious +courtesy. 'Give her a chair.' + +Amy smiled and thanked him, while he lay gazing at her as a sick person +is apt to do at a flower, or the first pretty enlivening object from +which he is able to derive enjoyment, and as if he could not help +expressing the feeling, he said-- + +'Is that your wedding-dress, Amy?' + +'Oh, no; that was all lace and finery.' + +'You look so nice and bridal--' + +'There's a compliment that such an old wife ought to make the most of, +Amy,' said Guy, looking at her with a certain proud satisfaction in +Philip's admiration. 'It is high time to leave off calling you a +bride, after your splendid appearance at the party at Munich, in all +your whiteness and orange-flowers.' + +'That was quite enough of it,' said Amy, smiling. + +'Not at all,' said Philip; 'you have all your troubles in the visiting +line to come, when you go home.' + +'Ah! you know the people, and will be a great help to us,' said Amy, +and Guy was much pleased to hear her taking a voluntary share in the +invitation, knowing as he did that she only half liked it. + +'Thank you; we shall see,' replied Philip. + +'Yes; we shall see when you are fit for the journey, and it will not be +long before we can begin, by short stages. You have got on wonderfully +in the last few days. How do you think he is looking, Amy?' finished +Guy, with an air of triumph, that was rather amusing, considering what +a pale skeleton face he was regarding with so much satisfaction. + +'I dare say he is looking much mended,' said Amy; 'but you must not +expect me to see it.' + +'You can't get a compliment for me, Guy,' said Philip. 'I was a good +deal surprised when Arnaud brought me the glass this morning.' + +'It is a pity you did not see yourself a week ago,' said Guy, shaking +his head drolly. + +'It is certain, as the French doctor says, that monsieur has a very +vigorous constitution.' + +'Charles says, having a good constitution is only another name for +undergoing every possible malady,' said Amy. + +'Rather good' said Guy; 'for I certainly find it answer very well to +have none at all.' + +'Haven't you?' said Amy, rather startled. + +'Or how do you know?' said Philip; 'especially as you never were ill.' + +'It is a dictum of old Walters, the Moorworth doctor, the last time I +had anything to do with him, when I was a small child. I suppose I +remembered it for its oracular sound, and because I was not intended to +listen. He was talking over with Markham some illness I had just got +through, and wound up with, "He may be healthy and active now; but he +has no constitution, there is a tendency to low fever, and if he meets +with any severe illness, it will go hard with him."' + +'How glad I am I did not know that before' cried Amy. + +'Did you remember it when you came here?' said Philip. + +'Yes,' said Guy, not in the least conscious of the impression his words +made on the others. 'By the bye, Philip, I wish you would tell us how +you fared after we parted, and how you came here.' + +'I went on according to my former plan,' said Philip, 'walking through +the Valtelline, and coming down by a mountain path. I was not well at +Bolzano, but I thought it only fatigue, which a Sunday's rest would +remove, so on I went for the next two days, in spite of pain in head +and limbs.' + +'Not walking!' said Amy. + +'Yes, walking. I thought it was stiffness from mountain climbing, and +that I could walk it off; but I never wish to go through anything like +what I did the last day, between the up and downs of that mountain +path, and the dazzle of the snow and heat of the sun. I meant to have +reached Vicenza, but I must have been quite knocked up when I arrived +here, though I cannot tell. My head grew so confused, that my dread, +all the way, was that I should forget my Italian; I can just remember +conning a phrase over and over again, lest I should lose it. I suppose +I was able to speak when I came here, but the last thing I remember was +feeling very ill in some room, different from this, quite alone, and +with a horror of dying deserted. The next is a confused recollection +of the relief of hearing English again, and seeing my excellent nurse +here.' + +There was a little more talk, but a little was enough for Philip's +feeble voice, and Guy soon told him he was tired, and ordered in his +broth. He begged that Amy would stay, and it was permitted on +condition that he would not talk, Guy even cutting short a quotation +of,--'As Juno had been sick and he her dieter,'--appropriate to the +excellence of the broths, which Amabel and her maid, thanks to their +experience of Charles's fastidious tastes, managed to devise and +execute, in spite of bad materials. It was no small merit in Guy to +stop the compliment, considering how edified he had been by his wife's +unexpected ingenuity, and what a comical account he had written of it +to her mother, such, as Amy told him, deserved to be published in a +book of good advice to young ladies, to show what they might come to if +they behaved well. However, she was glad to have ocular demonstration +of the success of the cookery, which she had feared might turn out +uneatable; and her gentle feelings towards Philip were touched, by +seeing one wont to be full of independence and self-assertion, now meek +and helpless, requiring to be lifted, and propped up with pillows, and +depending entirely and thankfully upon Guy. + +When he had been settled and made comfortable, they read the service; +and she thought her husband's tones had never been so sweet as now, +modulated to the pitch best suited to the sickroom, and with the +peculiarly beautiful expression he always gave such reading. It was +the lesson from Jeremiah, on the different destiny of Josiah and his +sons, and he read that verse, 'Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan +him, but weep sore for him that goeth away; for he shall return no +more, nor see his native country;' with so remarkable a melancholy and +beauty in his voice, that she could hardly refrain from tears, and it +also greatly struck Philip, who had been so near 'returning no more, +neither seeing his native country.' + +When the reading was over, and they were leaving him to rest, while +they went to dinner, he said, as he wished Amy good-bye, 'Till now I +never discovered the practical advantage of such a voice as Guy's. +There never was such a one for a sick-room. Last week, I could not +bear any one else to speak at all; and even now, no one else could have +read so that I could like it.' + +'Your voice; yes,' said Amy, after they had returned to their own +sitting-room. 'I want to hear it very much. I wonder when you will +sing to me again.' + +'Not till he has recovered strength to bear the infliction with +firmness,' said Guy; 'but, Amy, I'll tell you what we will do, if you +are sure it is good for you. He will have a good long sleep, and we +will have a walk on the green hillocks.' + +Accordingly they wandered in the cool of the evening on the grassy +slopes under the chestnut-trees, making it a Sunday walk, calm, bright +and meditative, without many words, but those deep and grave, 'such as +their walks had been before they were married,' as Amabel said. + +'Better,' he answered. + +A silence, broken by her asking, 'Do you recollect your melancholy +definition of happiness, years ago?' + +'What was it?' + +'Gleams from another world, too soon eclipsed or forfeited. It made me +sad then. Do you hold to it now?' + +'Don't you?' + +'I want to know what you would say now?' + +'Gleams from another world, brightening as it gets nearer.' + +Amabel repeated-- + + + Ever the richest, tenderest glow, + Sets round the autumnal sun; + But their sight fails, no heart may know + The bliss when life is done. + + +'Old age,' she added; 'that seems very far off.' + +'Each day is a step,' he answered, and then came a silence while both +were thinking deeply. + +They sat down to rest under a tree, the mountains before them with +heavy dark clouds hanging on their sides, and the white crowns clear +against the blue sky, a perfect stillness on all around, and the red +glow of an Italian sunset just fading away. + +'There is only one thing wanting,' said Amy. 'You may sing now. You +are far from Philip's hearing. Suppose we chant this afternoon's +psalms.' + +It was the fifth day of the month, and the psalms seemed especially +suitable to their thoughts. Before the 29th was finished, it was +beginning to grow dark. There were a few pale flashes of lightning in +the mountains, and at the words 'The voice of the Lord shaketh the +wilderness,' a low but solemn peal of thunder came as an accompaniment. + +'The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.' + +The full sweet melody died away, but the echo caught it up and answered +like the chant of a spirit in the distance--'The blessing of peace.' + +The effect was too solemn and mysterious to be disturbed by word or +remark. Guy drew her arm into his, and they turned homewards. + +They had some distance to walk, and night had closed in before they +reached the village, but was only more lovely. The thunder rolled +solemnly among the hills, but the young moon shone in marvellous +whiteness on the snowy crowns, casting fantastic shadows from the +crags, while whole showers of fire-flies were falling on them from the +trees, floating and glancing in the shade. + +'It is a pity to go in,' said Amy. But Arnaud did not seem to be of +the same opinion: he came out to meet them very anxiously, +expostulating on the dangers of the autumnal dew; and Guy owned that +though it had been the most wonderful and delightful evening he had +ever known, he was rather fatigued. + + + + +CHAPTER 33 + + + +From darkness here and dreariness, +We ask not full repose.--CHRISTIAN YEAR + + +It seemed as if the fatigue which Guy had undergone was going to make +itself felt at last, for he had a slight headache the next morning, and +seemed dull and weary. Both he and Amabel sat for some time with +Philip, and when she went away to write her letters, Philip began +discussing a plan which had occurred to him of offering himself as +chief of the constabulary force in the county where Redclyffe was +situated. It was an office which would suit him very well, and opened +a new hope of his marriage, and he proceeded to reckon on Lord +Thorndale's interest, counting up all the magistrates he knew, and +talking them over with Guy, who, however, did not know enough of his +own neighbourhood to be of much use; and when he came up-stairs a +little after, said he was vexed at having been so stupid. He was +afraid he had seemed unkind and indifferent. But the truth was that he +was so heavy and drowsy, that he had actually fallen twice into a doze +while Philip was talking. + +'Of course,' said Amy, 'gentle sleep will take her revenge at last for +your calling her a popular delusion. Lie down, let her have her own +way, and you will be good for something by and by.' + +He took her advice, slept for a couple of hours, and awoke a good deal +refreshed, so that though his head still ached, he was able to attend +as usual to Philip in the evening. + +He did not waken the next morning till so late, that he sprung up in +consternation, and began to dress in haste to go to Philip; but +presently he came back from his dressing-room with a hasty uncertain +step, and threw himself down on the bed. Amabel came to his side in an +instant, much frightened at his paleness, but he spoke directly. 'Only +a fit of giddiness--it is going off;' and he raised himself, but was +obliged to lie down again directly. + +'You had better keep quiet' said she. 'Is it your headache?' + +'It is aching,' said Guy, and she put her hand over it. + +'How hot and throbbing!' said she. ' You must have caught cold in that +walk. No, don't try to move; it is only making it worse.' + +'I must go to Philip,' he answered, starting up; but this +brought on such a sensation of dizziness and faintness, that he sunk +back on the pillow. + +'No; it is of no use to fight against it,' said Amy, as soon as he was +a little better. 'Never mind Philip, I'll go to him. You must keep +quiet, and I will get you a cup of hot tea.' + +As he lay still, she had the comfort of seeing him somewhat revived, +but he listened to her persuasions not to attempt to move. It was +later than she had expected, and she found that breakfast was laid out +in the next room. She brought him some tea; but he did not seem +inclined to lift his head to drink it; and begged her to go at once to +Philip, fearing he must be thinking himself strangely forgotten, and +giving her many directions about the way he liked to be waited on at +breakfast. + +Very much surprised was Philip to see her instead, of her husband, and +greatly concerned to hear that Guy was not well. + +'Over-fatigue,' said he. 'He could not but feel the effects of such +long-continued exertion.' Then, after an interval, during which he had +begun breakfast, with many apologies for letting her wait on him, he +said, with some breaks, 'Never was there such a nurse as he, Amy; I +have felt much more than I can express, especially now. You will never +have to complain of my harsh judgment again!' + +'It is too much for you to talk of these things,' said Amabel, moved by +the trembling of his feeble voice, but too anxious to return to her +husband to like to wait even to hear that Philip's opinion _had_ +altered. It required much self-command not to hurry, even by manner, +her cousin's tardy, languid movements; but she had been well trained by +Charles in waiting on sick breakfasts. + +When at length she was able to escape, she found that Guy had +undressed, and gone to bed again. He said he was more comfortable, and +desired her to go and take her own breakfast before coming back to him, +and she obeyed as well as she could, but very soon was again with him. +He looked flushed and oppressed, and when she put her cool hand across +his forehead, she was frightened at the increased throbbing of his +temples. + +'Amy,' said he, looking steadily at her, 'this is the fever.' + +Without answering, she drew his hand into hers, and felt his pulse, +which did indeed plainly respond fever. Each knew that the other was +recollecting what he had said, on Sunday, of the doctor's prediction, +and Amy knew he was thinking of death; but all that passed was a +proposal to send at once for the French physician. Amabel wrote her +note with steadiness, derived from the very force of the shock. She +could not think; she did not know whether she feared or hoped. To act +from one moment to another was all she attempted, and it was well that +her imagination did not open to be appalled at her own situation--so +young, alone with the charge of two sick men in a foreign country; her +cousin, indeed, recovering, but helpless, and not even in a state to +afford her counsel; her husband sickening for this frightful fever, and +with more than ordinary cause for apprehension, even without the +doctor's prophecy, when she thought of his slight frame, and excitable +temperament, and that though never as yet tried by a day's illness, he +certainly had more spirit than strength, while all the fatigue he had +been undergoing was likely to tell upon him now. She did not look +forward, she did not look round; she did not hope or fear; she +_trusted_, and did her best for each, as she was wanted, trying not to +make herself useless to both, by showing that she wished to be in two +places at once. + +It was a day sufficiently distressing in itself had there been no +further apprehension, for there was the restlessness of illness, +working on a character too active and energetic to acquiesce without a +trial in the certainty that there was no remedy for present discomfort. +There was no impatience nor rebellion against the illness itself, but a +wish to try one after another the things that had been effective in +relieving Philip during his recovery. At the same time, he could not +bear that Amabel should do anything to tire herself, and was very +anxious that Philip should not be neglected. He tossed from one side +to the other in burning oppression or cold chills; Amy saw him looking +wistful, suggested something by way of alleviation, then found he had +been wishing for it, but refraining from asking in order to spare her, +and that he was sorry when she procured it. Again and again this +happened; she smoothed the coverings, and shook up the pillow: he would +thank her, look at her anxiously, beg her not to exert herself, but +soon grew restless, and the whole was repeated. + +At last, as she was trying to arrange the coverings, he exclaimed,-- + +'I see how it is. This is impatience. Now, I will not stir for an +hour,' and as he made the resolution, he smiled at treating himself so +like a child. His power of self-restraint came to his aid, and long +before the hour was over he had fallen asleep. + +This was a relief; yet that oppressed, flushed, discomposed slumber, +and heavy breathing only confirmed her fears that the fever had gained +full possession of him. She had not the heart to write such tidings, +at least till the physician should have made them too certain, nor +could she even bear to use the word 'feverish,' in her answers to the +anxious inquiries Philip made whenever she went into his room, though +when he averted his face with a heavy sigh, she knew his conclusion was +the same as her own. + +The opinion of the physician was the only thing wanting to bring home +the certainty, and that fell on her like lead in the evening; with one +comfort, however, that he thought it a less severe case than the former +one. It was a great relief, too, that there was no wandering of mind, +only the extreme drowsiness and oppression; and when Guy was roused by +the doctor's visit, he was as clear and collected as possible, making +inquiries and remarks, and speaking in a particularly calm and quiet +manner. As soon as the doctor was gone, he looked up to Amabel, +saying, with his own smile, only very dim,-- + +'It would be of no use, and it would not be true, to say I had rather +you did not nurse me. The doctor hopes there is not much danger of +infection, and it is too late for precautions.' + +'I am very glad,' said Amy. + +'But you must be wise, and not hurt yourself. Will you promise me not +to sit up?' + +'It is very kind of you to tell me nothing worse,' said she, with a sad +submissiveness. + +He smiled again. 'I am very sorry for you,' he said, looking very +tenderly at her. 'To have us both on your hands at once! But it comes +straight from Heaven, that is one comfort, and you made up your mind to +such things when you took me.' + +Sadness in his eye, a sweet smile on his lip, and serenity on his brow, +joined with the fevered cheek, the air of lassitude, and the panting, +oppressed breath, there was a strange, melancholy beauty about him; and +while Amy felt an impulse of ardent, clinging affection to one so +precious to her, there was joined with it a sort of awe and veneration +for one who so spoke, looked, and felt. She hung over him, and +sprinkled him with Eau-de-Cologne; then as his hair teased him by +falling into his eyes, he asked her to cut the front lock off. There +was something sad in doing this, for that 'tumble-down wave,' as +Charlotte called it, was rather a favourite of Amy's; it always seemed +to have so much sympathy with his moods, and it was as if parting with +it was resigning him to a long illness. However, it was too +troublesome not to go, and he looked amused at the care with which she +folded up the glossy, brown wave, and treasured it in her dressing- +case, then she read to him a few verses of a psalm, and he soon fell +into another doze. + +There was little more of event, day after day. The fever never ran as +high as in Philip's case, and there was no delirium. There was almost +constant torpor, but when for any short space he was thoroughly +awakened, his mind was perfectly clear, though he spoke little, and +then only on the subject immediately presented to him. There he lay +for one quiet hour after another, while Amy sat by him, with as little +consciousness of time as he had himself, looking neither forward nor +backward, only to the present, to give him drink, bathe his face and +hands, arrange his pillows, or read or repeat some soothing verse. It +always was a surprise when meal times summoned her to attend to Philip, +when she was asked for the letters for the post, when evening twilight +gathered in, or when she had to leave the night-watch to Arnaud, and go +to bed in the adjoining room. + +This was a great trial, but he would not allow her to sit up; and her +own sense showed her that if this was to be a long illness, it would +not do to waste her strength. She knew he was quiet at night, and her +trustful temper so calmed and supported her, that she was able to +sleep, and thus was not as liable to be overworked as might have been +feared, and as Philip thought she must be. + +She always appeared in his room with her sweet face mournful and +anxious, but never ruffled, or with any air of haste or discomfiture, +desirous as she was to return to her husband; for, though he frequently +sent her to take care of herself or of Philip, she knew that while she +was away he always grew more restless and uncomfortable, and his look +of relief at her re-entrance said as much to her as a hundred +complaints of her absence would have done. + +Philip was in the meantime sorely tried by being forced to be entirely +inactive and dependent, while he saw Amabel in such need of assistance; +and so far from being able to requite Guy's care, he could only look on +himself as the cause of their distress, and an addition to it--a +burthen instead of a help. If he had been told a little while ago what +would be the present state of things, he would almost have laughed the +speaker to scorn. He would never have thought a child as competent as +Amy to the sole management of two sick persons, and he not able either +to advise or cheer her. Yet he could not see anything went wrong that +depended on her. His comforts were so cared for, that he was often +sorry she should have troubled herself about them; and though he could +have little of her company, he never was allowed to feel himself +deserted. Anne, Arnaud, the old Italian nurse, or Amy herself, were +easily summoned, and gave him full care and attention. + +He was, however, necessarily a good deal alone; and though his cousin's +books were at his disposal, eyes and head were too weak for reading, +and he was left a prey to his own thoughts. His great comfort was, +that Guy was less ill than he had been himself, and that there was no +present danger; otherwise, he could never have endured the conviction +that all had been caused by his own imprudence. Imprudence! Philip +was brought very low to own that such a word applied to him, yet it +would have been well for him had that been the chief burthen on his +mind. Was it only an ordinary service of friendship and kindred that +Guy had, at the peril of his own life, rendered him? Was it not a +positive return of good for evil? Yes, evil! He now called that evil, +or at least harshness and hastiness in judgment, which he had hitherto +deemed true friendship and consideration for Guy and Amy. Every +feeling of distrust and jealousy had been gradually softening since his +recovery began; gratitude had done much, and dismay at Guy's illness +did more. It would have been noble and generous in Guy to act as he +had done, had Philip's surmises been correct, and this he began to +doubt, though it was his only justification, and even to wish to lose +it. He had rather believe Guy blameless. He would do so, if possible; +and he resolved, on the first opportunity, to beg him to give him one +last assurance that all was right, and implicitly believe him. But how +was it possible again to assume to be a ruler and judge over Guy after +it was known how egregiously he himself had erred? There was shame, +sorrow, self-humiliation, and anxiety wherever he turned, and it was no +wonder that depression of spirits retarded his recovery. + +It was not till the tenth day after Guy's illness had begun that Philip +was able to be dressed, and to come into the next room, where Amabel +had promised to dine with him. As he lay on the sofa, she thought he +looked even more ill than in bed, the change from his former appearance +being rendered more visible, and his great height making him look the +more thin. He was apparently exhausted with the exertion of dressing, +for he was very silent all dinner-time, though Amabel could have better +talked to-day than for some time past, since Guy had had some +refreshing sleep, was decidedly less feverish, seemed better for +nourishing food, and said that he wanted nothing but a puff of +Redclyffe wind to make him well. He was pleased to hear of Philip's +step in recovery, and altogether, Amy was cheered and happy. + +She left her cousin as soon as dinner was over, and did not come to him +again for nearly an hour and a half. She was then surprised to find +him finishing a letter, resting his head on one hand, and looking wan, +weary, and very unhappy. + +'Have you come to letter writing?' + +'Yes,' he answered, in a worn, dejected tone, 'I must ask you to direct +this, I can't make it legible,' + +No wonder, so much did his hand tremble, as he held out the envelope. + +'To your sister?' she asked. + +'No; to yours. I never wrote to her before. There's one enclosed to +your father, to tell all.' + +'I am glad you have done it,' answered Amy, in a quiet tone of sincere +congratulation. 'You will be better now it is off your mind. But how +tired you are. You must go back to bed. Shall I call Arnaud?' + +'I must rest first'--and his voice failing, he laid back on the sofa, +closed his eyes, turned ashy pale, and became so faint that she could +not leave him, and was obliged to apply every restorative within reach +before she could bring him back to a state of tolerable comfort. + +The next minute her work was nearly undone, when Anne came in to ask +for the letters for the post. 'Shall I send yours?' asked Amy. + +He muttered an assent. But when she looked back to him after speaking +to Anne, she saw a tremulous, almost convulsed working of the closed +eyes and mouth, while the thin hands were clenched together with a +force contrasting with the helpless manner in which they had hung a +moment before. She guessed at the intensity of anguish it mast cost a +temper so proud, a heart of so strong a mould, and feelings so deep, to +take the first irrevocable step in self-humiliation, giving up into the +hands of others the engagement that had hitherto been the cherished +treasure of his life; and above all, in exposing Laura to bear the +brunt of the penalty of the fault into which he had led her. 'Oh, for +Guy to comfort him,' thought she, feeling herself entirely incompetent, +dreading to intrude on his feelings, yet thinking it unkind to go away +without one sympathizing word when he was in such distress. + +'You will be glad, in time,' at last she said. He made no answer. + +She held the stimulants to him again, and tried to arrange him more +comfortably. + +'Thank you,' at last he said. 'How is Guy?' + +'He has just had another nice quiet sleep, and is quite refreshed.' + +'That is a blessing, at least. But does not he want you? I have been +keeping you a long time?' + +'Thank you, as he is awake, I should like to go back. You are better +now.' + +'Yes, while I don't move.' + +'Don't try. I'll send Arnaud, and as soon as you can, you had better +go to bed again.' + +Guy was still awake, and able to hear what she had to tell him about +Philip. + +'Poor fellow!' said he. 'We must try to soften it.' + +'Shall I write?' said Amy. 'Mamma will be pleased to hear of his +having told you, and they must be sorry for him, when they hear how +much the letter cost him.' + +'Ah! they will not guess at half his sorrow.' + +'I will write to papa, and send it after the other letters, so that he +may read it before he hears of Philip's.' + +'Poor Laura!' said Guy. 'Could not you write a note to her too? I +want her to be told that I am very sorry, if I ever gave her pain by +speaking thoughtlessly of him.' + +'Nay,' said Amy, smiling, 'you have not much to reproach yourself with +in that way. It was I that always abused him.' + +'You can never do so again ' + +'No, I don't think I can, now I have seen his sorrow.' + +Amabel was quite in spirits, as she brought her writing to his bed- +side, and read her sentences to him as she composed the letter to her +father, while he suggested and approved. It was a treat indeed to have +him able to consult with her once more, and he looked so much relieved +and so much better, that she felt as if it was the beginning of real +improvement, though still his pulse was fast, and the fever, though +lessened, was not gone. + +The letter was almost as much his as her own, and he ended his +dictation thus: 'Say that I am sure that if I get better we may make +arrangements for their marriage.' + +Then, as Amy was finishing the letter with her hopes of his amendment, +he added, speaking to her, and not dictating-- 'If not,'--she shrank +and shivered, but did not exclaim, for he looked so calm and happy that +she did not like to interrupt him-- 'If not, you know, it will be very +easy to put the money matters to rights, whatever may happen.' + + + + +CHAPTER 34 + + + +Sir, +It is your fault I have loved Posthumus; +You bred him as my playfellow; and he is +A man worth any woman, over-buys me +Almost the sum he pays.--CYMBELINE + + +The first tidings of Philip's illness arrived at Hollywell one morning +at breakfast, and were thus announced by Charles-- + +'There! So he has been and gone and done it.' + +'What? Who? Not Guy?' + +'Here has the Captain gone and caught a regular bad fever, in some +malaria hole; delirious, and all that sort of thing, and of course our +wise brother and sister must needs go and nurse him, by way of a pretty +little interlude in their wedding tour!' + +Laura's voice alone was unheard in the chorus of inquiry. She sat +cold, stiff, and silent, devouring with her ears each reply, that fell +like a death-blow, while she was mechanically continuing the +occupations of breakfast. When all was told, she hurried to her own +room, but the want of sympathy was becoming intolerable. If Amabel had +been at home, she must have told her all. There was no one else; and +the misery to be endured in silence was dreadful. Her dearest--her +whole joy and hope--suffering, dying, and to hear all round her +speaking of him with kindness, indeed, but what to her seemed +indifference; blaming him for wilfulness, saying he had drawn it on +himself,--it seemed to drive her wild. She conjured up pictures of his +sufferings, and dreaded Guy's inexperience, the want of medical advice, +imagining everything that was terrible. Her idol, to whom her whole +soul was devoted, was passing from her, and no one pitied her; while +the latent consciousness of disobedience debarred her from gaining +solace from the only true source. All was blank desolation--a, wild +agony, untempered by resignation, uncheered by prayer; for though she +did pray, it was without trust, without hope, while her wretchedness +was rendered more overwhelming by her efforts to conceal it. These +were so far ineffectual that no one could help perceiving that she was +extremely unhappy, but then all the family knew she was very fond of +Philip, and neither her mother nor brother could be surprised at her +distress, though it certainly appeared to them excessive. Mrs. +Edmonstone was very sorry for her, and very affectionate and +considerate; but Laura was too much absorbed, in her own feelings to +perceive or to be grateful for her kindness; and as each day brought a +no better report, her despair became so engrossing that she could not +attempt any employment. She wandered in the garden, sat in dreamy fits +of silence in the house, and at last, after receiving one of the worst +accounts, sat up in her dressing-gown the whole of one night, in one +dull, heavy, motionless trance of misery. + +She recollected that she must act her part, dressed in the morning and +came down; but her looks were ghastly; she tasted no food, and as soon +as possible left the breakfast-room. Her mother was going in quest of +her when old nurse came with an anxious face to say,--'Ma'am, I am +afraid Miss Edmonstone must be very ill, or something. Do you know, +ma'am, her bed has not been slept in all night?' + +'You don't say so, nurse!' + +'Yes, ma'am, Jane told me so, and I went to look myself. Poor child, +she is half distracted about Master Philip, and no wonder, for they +were always together; but I thought you ought to know, ma'am, for she +will make herself ill, to a certainty.' + +'I am going to see about her this moment, nurse,' said Mrs. Edmonstone; +and presently she found Laura wandering up and down the shady walk, in +the restlessness of her despair. + +'Laura, dearest,' said she, putting her arm round her, 'I cannot bear +to see you so unhappy.' + +Laura did not answer; for though solitude was oppressive, every one's +presence was a burthen. + +'I cannot think it right to give way thus,' continued her mother. 'Did +you really sit up all night, my poor child?' + +'I don't know. They did so with him!' + +'My dear, this will never do. You are making yourself seriously +unwell.' + +'I wish--I wish I was ill; I wish I was dying!' broke from Laura, +almost unconsciously, in a hoarse, inward voice. + +'My dear! You don't know what you are saying. You forget that this +self-abandonment, and extravagant grief would be wrong in any one; and, +if nothing else, the display is unbecoming in you.' + +Laura's over-wrought feelings could bear no more, and in a tone which, +though too vehement to be addressed to a parent, had in it an agony +which almost excused it, by showing how unable she was to restrain +herself, she broke forth:-- 'Unbecoming! Who has a right to grieve for +him but me?--his own, his chosen,--the only one who can love him, or +understand him. Her voice died away in a sob, though without tears. + +Her mother heard the words, but did not take in their full meaning; +and, believing that Laura's undeveloped affection had led her to this +uncontrolled grief, she spoke again, with coldness, intended to rouse +her to a sense that she was compromising her womanly dignity. + +'Take care, Laura; a woman has no right to speak in such a manner of a +man who has given her no reason to believe in his preference of her.' + +'Preference! It is his love!--his love! His whole heart! The one +thing that was precious to me in this world! Preference! You little +guess what we have felt for each other!' + +'Laura!' Mrs. Edmonstone stood still, overpowered. 'What do you +mean?' She could not put the question more plainly. + +'What have I done?' cried Laura. 'I have betrayed him!' she answered +herself in a tone of despair, as she hid her face in her hands; +'betrayed him when he is dying!' + +Her mother was too much shocked to speak in the soft reluctant manner +in which she was wont to reprove. + +'Laura,' said she, 'I must understand this. What has passed between +you and Philip?' + +Laura only replied by a flood of tears, ungovernable from the +exhaustion of sleeplessness and want of food. Mrs. Edmonstone's +kindness returned; she soothed her, begged her to control herself, and +at length brought her into the house, and up to the dressing-room, +where she sank on the sofa, weeping violently. It was the reaction of +the long restraint she had been exercising on herself, and the silence +she had been maintaining. She was not feeling the humiliation, her own +acknowledgement of disobedience, but of the horror of being forced to +reveal the secret he had left in her charge. + +Long did she weep, breaking out more piteously at each attempt of her +mother to lead her to explain. Poor Mrs. Edmonstone was alarmed and +perplexed beyond measure; this half confession had so overthrown all +her ideas that she was ready to apprehend everything most improbable, +and almost expected to hear of a private marriage. Her presence seemed +only to make Laura worse, and at length she said,--'I shall leave you +for half an hour, in hopes that by that time you may have recovered +yourself, and be able to give the explanation which I _require_.' + +She went into her own room, and waited, with her eyes on her watch, a +prey to every strange alarm and anticipation, grievously hurt at this +want of confidence, and wounded, where she least expected it, by both +daughter and nephew. She thought, guessed, recollected, wondered, +tormented herself, and at the last of the thirty minutes, hastily +opened the door into the dressing-room. Laura sat as before, crouched +up in the corner of the wide sofa; and when she raised her face, at her +mother's entrance, it was bewildered rather than embarrassed. + +'Well, Laura?' She waited unanswered; and the wretchedness of the look +so touched her, that, kissing her, she said, 'Surely, my dear, you need +not be afraid to tell me anything?' + +Laura did not respond to the kindness, but asked, looking perplexed, +'What have I said? Have I told it?' + +'What you have given me reason to believe,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, +trying to bring herself to speak it explicitly, 'that you think Philip +is attached to you. You do not deny it. Let me know on what terms you +stand.' + +Without looking up, she murmured, 'If you would not force it from me at +such a time.' + +'Laura, it is for your own good. You are wretched now, my poor child; +why not relieve yourself by telling all? If you have not acted openly, +can you have any comfort till you have confessed? It may be a painful +effort, but relief will come afterwards.' + +'I have nothing to confess,' said Laura. 'There is no such thing as +you think.' + +'No engagement?' + +'No.' + +'Then what am I to understand by your exclamations?' + +'It is no engagement,' repeated Laura. 'He would never have asked that +without papa's consent. We are only bound by our own hearts.' + +'And you have a secret understanding with him?' + +'We have never written to each other; we have never dreamed of any +intercourse that could be called clandestine. He would scorn it. He +waited only for his promotion to declare it to papa.' + +'And how long has it been declared to you?' + +'Ever since the first summer Guy was here.' + +'Three years!' exclaimed her mother. 'You have kept this from me three +years! 0 Laura!' + +'It was of no use to speak!' said Laura, faintly. + +If she had looked up, she would have seen those words, 'no use,' cut +her mother more deeply than all; but there was only coldness in the +tone of the answer, 'No use to inform your parents, before you pledged +your affections!' + +'Indeed, mamma,' said Laura, 'I was sure that you knew his worth.' + +'Worth! when he was teaching you to live in a course of insincerity? +Your father will be deeply hurt.' + +'Papa! Oh, you must not tell him! Now, I have betrayed him, indeed! +Oh, my weakness!' and another paroxysm of tears came on. + +'Laura, you seem to think you owe nothing to any one but Philip. You +forget you are a daughter! that you have been keeping up a system of +disobedience and concealment, of which I could not have believed a +child of mine could be capable. 0 Laura, how you have abused our +confidence!' + +Laura was touched by the sorrow of her tone; and, throwing her arms +round her neck, sobbed out, 'You will forgive me, only forgive him!' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was softened in a moment. 'Forgive you, my poor child! +You have been very unhappy!' and she kissed her, with many tears. + +'Must you tell papa?' whispered Laura. + +'Judge for yourself, Laura. Could I know such a thing, and hide it +from him?' + +Laura ceased, seeing her determined, and yielded to her pity, allowing +herself to be nursed as she required, so exhausted was she. She was +laid on the sofa, and made comfortable with pillows, in her mother's +gentlest way. When Mrs. Edmonstone was called away, Laura held her +dress, saying, 'You are kind to me, but you must forgive him. Say you +have forgiven him, mamma, dearest!' + +'My dear, in the grave all things are forgiven.' + +She could not help saying so; but, feeling as if she had been cruel, +she added, 'I mean, while he is so ill, we cannot enter on such a +matter. I am very sorry for you,' proceeded she, still arranging for +Laura's ease; then kissing her, hoped she would sleep, and left her. + +Sympathy was a matter of necessity to Mrs. Edmonstone; and as her +husband was out, she went at once to Charles, with a countenance so +disturbed, that he feared some worse tidings had come from Italy. + +'No, no, nothing of that sort; it is poor Laura.' + +'Eh?' said Charles, with a significant though anxious look, that caused +her to exclaim,-- + +'Surely you had no suspicion!' + +Charlotte, who was reading in the window, trembled lest she should be +seen, and sent away. + +'I suspected poor Laura had parted with her heart. But what do you +mean? What has happened?' + +'Could you have guessed? but first remember how ill he is; don't be +violent, Charlie. Could you have guessed that they have been engaged, +ever since the summer we first remarked them?' + +She had expected a great storm; but Charles only observed, very coolly, +'Oh! it is come out at last!' + +'You don't mean that you knew it?' + +'No, indeed, you don't think they would choose me for their confidant!' + +'Not exactly,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, with the odd sort of laugh with +which even the most sensitive people, in the height of their troubles, +reply to anything ludicrous; 'but really,' she continued, 'every idea +of mine is so turned upside-down, that I don't know what to think of +anybody.' + +'We always knew Laura to be his slave and automaton. He is so +infallible in her eyes, that no doubt she thought her silence an act of +praiseworthy resolution.' + +'She was a mere child, poor dear,' said her mother; 'only eighteen! +Yet Amy was but a year older last summer. How unlike! She must have +known what she was doing.' + +'Not with her senses surrendered to him, without volition of her own. +I wonder by what magnetism he allowed her to tell?' + +'She has gone through a great deal, poor child, and I am afraid there +is much more for her to suffer, whether he recovers or not.' + +'He will recover' said Charles, with the decided manner in which people +prophesy the restoration of those they dislike, probably from a feeling +that they must not die, till there is more charity in their opinion of +them. + +'Your father will be so grieved.' + +'Well, I suppose we must begin to make the best of it,' said Charles. +'She has been as good as married to him these four years, for any use +she has been to us; it has been only the name of the thing, so he had +better--' + +'My dear Charlie, what are you talking of? You don't imagine they can +marry?' + +'They will some time or other, for assuredly neither will marry any one +else. You will see if Guy does not take up the cause, and return +Philip's meddling--which, by the bye, is now shown to have been more +preposterous still--by setting their affairs in order for them.' + +'Dear Guy, it is a comfort not to have been deceived in him!' + +'Except when you believed Philip,' said Charles. + +'Could anything have been more different?' proceeded Mrs. Edmonstone; +'yet the two girls had the same training.' + +'With an important exception,' said Charles; 'Laura is Philip's pupil, +Amy mine; and I think her little ladyship is the best turned out of +hand.' + +'How shocked Amy will be! If she was but here, it would be much +better, for she always had more of Laura's confidence than I. Oh, +Charlie, there has been the error!' and Mrs. Edmonstone's eyes were +full of tears. 'What fearful mistake have I made to miss my daughter's +confidence!' + +'You must not ask me, mother,' said Charles, face and voice full of +affectionate emotion. 'I know too well that I have been exacting and +selfish, taking too much advantage of your anxieties for me, and that +if you were not enough with my sisters when they were young girls, it +was my fault as much as my misfortune. But, after all, it has not hurt +Amy in the least; nor do I think it will hurt Charlotte.' + +Charlotte did not venture to give way to her desire to kiss her mother, +and thank Charles, lest she should be exiled as an intruder. + +'And,' proceeded Charles, serious, though somewhat roguish, 'I suspect +that no attention would have made much difference. You were always too +young, and Laura too much addicted to the physical sciences to get on +together.' + +'A weak, silly mother, sighed Mrs. Edmonstone. + +This was too much for Charlotte, who sprang forward, and flung her arms +round her neck, sobbing out,-- + +'Mamma! dear mamma! don't say such horrid things! No one is half so +wise or so good,--I am sure Guy thinks so too!' + +At the same time Bustle, perceiving a commotion, made a leap, planted +his fore-feet on Mrs. Edmonstone's lap, wagging his tail vehemently, +and trying to lick her face. It was not in human nature not to laugh; +and Mrs. Edmonstone did so as heartily as either of the young ones; +indeed, Charlotte was the first to resume her gravity, not being sure +of her ground, and being hurt at her impulse of affection being thus +reduced to the absurd. She began to apologize,-- + +'Dear mamma, I could not help it. I thought you knew I wad in the +room.' + +'My dear child,' and her mother kissed her warmly, 'I don't want to +hide anything from you. You are my only home-daughter now.' Then +recollecting her prudence, she proceeded,--'You are old enough to +understand the distress this insincerity of poor Laura's has +occasioned,--and now that Amy is gone, we must look to you to comfort +us.' + +Did ever maiden of fourteen feel more honoured, and obliged to be very +good and wise than Charlotte, as she knelt by her mother's side? +Happily tact was coming with advancing years, and she did not attempt +to mingle in the conversation, which was resumed by Charles observing +that the strangest part of the affair was the incompatibility of so +novelish and imprudent a proceeding with the cautious, thoughtful +character of both parties. It was, he said, analogous to a pentagon +flirting with a hexagon; whereas Guy, a knight of the Round Table, in +name and nature, and Amy, with her little superstitions, had been +attached in the most matter-of-fact, hum-drum way, and were in a course +of living very happy ever after, for which nature could never have +designed them. Mrs. Edmonstone smiled, sighed, hoped they were +prudent, and wondered whether camphor and chloride of lime were +attainable at Recoara. + +Laura came down no more that day, for she was worn out with agitation, +and it was a relief to be sufficiently unwell to be excused facing her +father and Charles. She had little hope that Charlotte had not heard +all; but she might seem to believe her ignorant, and could, therefore, +endure her waiting on her, with an elaborate kindness and compassion, +and tip-toe silence, far beyond the deserts of her slight +indisposition. + +In the evening, Charles and his mother broke the tidings to Mr. +Edmonstone as gently as they could, Charles feeling bound to be the +cool, thinking head in the family. Of course Mr. Edmonstone stormed, +vowed that he could not have believed it, then veered round, and said +he could have predicted it from the first. It was all mamma's fault +for letting him be so intimate with the girls--how was a poor lad to be +expected not to fall in love? Next he broke into great wrath at the +abuse of his confidence, then at the interference with Guy, then at the +intolerable presumption of Philip's thinking of Laura. He would soon +let him know what he thought of it! When reminded of Philip's present +condition, he muttered an Irish imprecation on the fever for +interfering with his anger, and abused the 'romantic folly' that had +carried Guy to nurse him at Recoara. He was not so much displeased +with Laura; in fact he thought all young ladies always ready to be +fallen in love with, and hardly accountable for what their lovers might +make them do, and he pitied her heartily, when he heard of her sitting +up all night. Anything of extravagance in love met with sympathy from +him, and there was no effort in his hearty forgiveness of her. He +vowed that she should give the fellow up, and had she been present, +would have tried to make her do so at a moment's warning; but in +process of time he was convinced that he must not persecute her while +Philip was in extremity, and though, like Charles, he scorned the +notion of his death, and, as if it was an additional crime, pronounced +him to be as strong as a horse, he was quite ready to put off all +proceedings till his recovery, being glad to defer the evil day of +making her cry. + +So when Laura ventured out, she met with nothing harsh; indeed, but for +the sorrowful kindness of her family towards her, she could hardly have +guessed that they knew her secret. + +Her heart leapt when Amabel's letter was silently handed to her, and +she saw the news of Philip's amendment, but a sickening feeling +succeeded, that soon all forbearance would be at an end, and he must +hear that her weakness had betrayed his secret. For the present, +however, nothing was said, and she continued in silent dread of what +each day might bring forth, till one afternoon, when the letters had +been fetched from Broadstone, Mrs. Edmonstone, with an exclamation of +dismay, read aloud:-- + + + 'Recoara, September 8th. + +'DEAREST MAMMA,--Don't be very much frightened when I tell you that Guy +has caught the fever. He has been ailing since Sunday, and yesterday +became quite ill; but we hope it will not be so severe an illness as +Philip's was. He sleeps a great deal, and is in no pain, quite +sensible when he is awake. Arnaud is very useful, and so is Anne; and +he is so quiet at night, that he wants no one but Arnaud, and will not +let me sit up with him. Philip is better. + + 'Your most affectionate, + 'A.F.M.' + + +The reading was followed by a dead silence, then Mr. Edmonstone said he +had always known how it would be, and what would poor Amy do? + +Mrs. Edmonstone was too unhappy to answer, for she could see no means +of helping them. Mr. Edmonstone was of no use in a sick-room, and she +had never thought it possible to leave Charles. It did not even occur +to her that she could do so till Charles himself suggested that she +must go to Amy. + +'Can you spare me?' said she, as if it was a new light. + +'Why not? Who can be thought of but Amy? She ought not to be a day +longer without you.' + +'Dr. Mayerne would look in on you,' said she, considering, 'and Laura +can manage for you.' + +'Oh, I shall do very well. Do you think I could bear to keep you from +her?' + +'Some one must go,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, 'and even if I could think of +letting Laura run the risk, this unhappy affair about Philip puts her +going out of the question.' + +'No one but you can go, said Charles; 'it is of no use to talk of +anything else.' + +It was settled that if the next account was not more favourable, Mr. +and Mrs. Edmonstone should set off for Recoara. Laura heard, in +consternation at the thought of her father's meeting Philip, still weak +and unwell, without her, and perhaps with Guy too ill to be consulted. +And oh! what would Philip think of her? Her weakness had disclosed his +secret, and sunk her beneath him, and he must hear it from others. She +felt as if she could have thrown herself at her mother's feet as she +implored her to forbear, to spare him, to spare her. Her mother pitied +her incoherent distress, but it did not make her feel more in charity +with Philip. She would not promise that the subject should, not be +discussed, but she tried to reassure Laura by saying that nothing +should be done that could retard his recovery. + +With this Laura was obliged to content herself; and early the second +morning, after the letter arrived, she watched the departure of her +father and mother. + +She had expected to find the care of Charles very anxious work, but she +prospered beyond her hopes. He was very kind and considerate, and both +he and Charlotte were so sobered by anxiety, that there was no fear of +their spirits overpowering her. + +Mary Ross used to come almost every afternoon to inquire. One day she +found Charles alone, crutching himself slowly along the terrace, and +she thought nothing showed the forlorn state of the family so much as +to see him out of doors with no one for a prop. + +'Mary! Just as I wanted you!' + +'What account?' said she, taking the place of one of the crutches. + +'Excellent; the fever and drowsiness seem to be going off. It must +have been a light attack, and the elders will hardly come in time for +mamma to have any nursing. So there's Guy pretty well off one's mind.' + +'And Amy?' + +'This was such a long letter, and so cheerful, that she must be all +right. What I wanted to speak to you about was Laura. You know the +state of things. Well, the captain--I wish he was not so sorry, it +deprives one of the satisfaction of abusing him--the captain, it seems, +was brought to his senses by his illness, confessed all to Guy, and now +has written to tell the whole truth to my father.' + +'Has he? That is a great relief!' + +'Not that I have seen his letter; Laura ran away with it, and has not +said a word of it. I know it from one to papa from Amy, trying to make +the best of it, and telling how thoroughly he is cut up. She says he +all but fainted after writing. Fancy that poor little thing with a +great man, six foot one, fainting away on her hands!' + +'I thought he was pretty well again.' + +'He must be to have written at all, and a pretty tolerably bitter pill +it must have been to set about it. What a thing for him to have had to +tell Guy, of all people--I do enjoy that! So, of course, Guy takes up +his cause, and sends a message, that is worth anything, as showing he +is himself better, though in any one else it would be a proof of +delirium. My two brothers-in-law might sit for a picture of the +contrast.' + +'Then you think Mr. Edmonstone will consent?' + +'To be sure; we shall have him coming home, saying-- + + + It is a fine thing to be father in-law + To a very magnificent three-tailed bashaw. + + +He will never hold out against Guy and Amy, and Philip will soon set up +a patent revolver, to be turned by the little god of love on the newest +scientific principles.' + +'Where is Laura?' said Mary, smiling. + +'I turned her out to walk with Charlotte, and I want some counsel, as +mamma says I know nothing of lovers.' + +'Because I know so much?' + +'You know feminine nature I want to know what is the best thing to do +for Laura. Poor thing! I can't bear to see her look so wretched, +worrying herself with care of me. I have done the best I could by +taking Charlotte's lessons, and sending her out to mope alone, as she +likes best; but I wish you would tell me how to manage her.' + +'I know nothing better for her than waiting on you.' + +'That's hard,' said Charles, 'that having made the world dance +attendance on me for my pleasure, I must now do it for theirs. But +what do you think about telling her of this letter, or showing it, +remembering that not a word about her troubles has passed between us?' + +'By all means tell her. You must judge about showing it, but I should +think the opening for talking to her on the subject a great gain.' + +'Should you? What, thinking as I do of the man? Should I not be +between the horns of a dilemma if I had to speak the honest truth, yet +not hurt her feelings?' + +'She has been so long shut up from sympathy, that any proof of kindness +must be a comfort.' + +'Well, I should like to do her some good, but it will be a mercy, if +she does not make me fall foul of Philip! I can get up a little +Christian charity, when my father or Charlotte rave at him, but I can't +stand hearing him praised. I take the opportunity of saying so while I +can, for I expect he will come home as her betrothed, and then we shall +not be able to say one word.' + +'No, I dare say he will be so altered and subdued that you will not be +so disposed to rail. This confession is a grand thing. Good-bye I +must get back to church. Poor Laura! how busy she has been about her +sketch there lately.' + +'Yes, she has been eager about finishing it ever since Guy began to be +ill. Good-bye. Wish me well through my part of confidant to-night. +It is much against the grain, though I would give something to cheer up +my poor sister.' + +'I am sure you would,' thought Mary to herself, as she looked back at +him: 'what a quantity of kind, right feeling there in under that odd, +dry manner, that strives to appear to love nothing but a joke.' + +As soon as Charlotte was gone to bed, Charles, in accordance with his +determination, said to Laura,-- + +'Have you any fancy for seeing Amy's letter?' + +'Thank you;' and, without speaking, Laura took it. He forbore to watch +her expression as she read. When she had finished, her face was fixed +in silent unhappiness. + +'He has been suffering a great deal, I am sure,' said Charles, kindly. +It was the first voluntary word of compassion towards Philip that Laura +had heard, and it was as grateful as unexpected. Her face softened, +and tears gushed from her eyes as she said,-- + +'You do not know how much. There he is grieving for me! thinking they +will be angry with me, and hurting himself with that! Oh! if this had +but come before they set off!' + +'Guy and Amy will tell them of his having written.' + +'Dear, dear Guy and Amy! He speaks so earnestly of their kindness. I +don't fear it so much now he and Guy understand each other.' + +Recollecting her love, Charles refrained, only saying, 'You can rely on +their doing everything to make it better.' + +'I can hardly bear to think of what we owe to them,' said Laura. 'How +glad I am that Amy was there after he wrote, when he was so much +overcome! Amy has written me such a very kind note; I think you must +see that--it is so like her own dear self.' + +She gave it to him, and he read:-- + + +'MY DEAREST,--I never could tell you before how we have grieved for you +ever since we knew it. I am so sorry I wrote such dreadful accounts; +and Guy says he wants to ask your pardon, if he ever said anything that +pained you about Philip. I understand all your unhappiness now, my +poor dear; but it will be better now it is known. Don't be reserved, +with Charlie, pray; for if he sees you are unhappy, he will be so very +kind. I have just seen Philip again, and found him rested and better. +He is only anxious about you; but I tell him I know you will be glad it +is told. + + 'Your most affectionate sister, + 'A. F. M.' + + +'Laura' said Charles, finishing the letter, 'Amy gives you very good +advice, as far as I am concerned. I do want to be of as much use to +you as I can--I mean as kind.' + +'I know--I know; thank you,' said Laura, struggling with her tears. +'You have been--you are; but--' + +'Ay,' thought Charles, 'I see, she won't be satisfied, if my kindness +includes her alone. What will my honesty let me say to please her? +Oh! I know.--You must not expect me to say that Philip has, behaved +properly, Laura, nothing but being in love could justify such a +delusion; but I do say that there is greatness of mind in his +confessing it, especially at a time when he could put it off, and is so +unequal to agitation.' + +It was the absence of any tone of satire that made this speech come +home to Laura as it was meant. There was no grudging in the praise, +and she answered, in a very low, broken voice,-- + +'You will think so still more when you see this note, which he sent +open, inside mine, to be given to papa when I had told my own story. +Oh, his considerateness for me!' + +She gave it to him. The address, 'C. Edmonstone, Esq.,' was a mere +scrawl, and within the writing was very trembling and weak. Charles +remarked it, and she answered by saying that her own letter began in +his own strong hand, but failed and grew shaky at the end, as if from +fatigue and agitation. The words were few, brief, and simple, very +unlike his usual manner of letter-writing. + + +'MY DEAR UNCLE,--My conduct has been unjustifiable--I feel it. Do not +visit it on Laura--I alone should suffer. I entreat your pardon, and +my aunt's, and leave all to you. I will write more at length. Be kind +to her.--Yours affectionately, + 'PH. M.' + + +'Poor Philip!' said Charles, really very much touched. From that +moment, Laura no longer felt completely isolated, and deprived of +sympathy. She sat by Charles till late that night, and told him the +whole history of her engagement, much relieved by the outpouring of her +long-hidden griefs, and comforted by his kindness, though he could not +absolutely refrain from words and gestures of censure. It was as +strange that Charles should be the first person to whom Laura told this +history, as that Guy should have been Philip's first confidant. + + + + +CHAPTER 35 + + + +There is a Rock, and nigh at hand, +A shadow in a weary land, +Who in that stricken Rock hath rest, +Finds water gushing from its breast.--NEALE + + +In the meantime the days passed at Recoara without much change for the +better or worse. After the first week, Guy's fever had diminished; his +pulse was lower, the drowsiness ceased, and it seemed as if there was +nothing to prevent absolute recovery. But though each morning seemed +to bring improvement, it never lasted; the fever, though not high, +could never be entirely reduced, and strength was perceptibly wasting, +in spite of every means of keeping it up. + +There was not much positive suffering, very little even of headache, +and he was cheerful, though speaking little, because he was told not to +excite or exhaust himself. Languor and lassitude were the chief causes +of discomfort; and as his strength failed, there came fits of +exhaustion and oppression that tried him severely. At first, these +were easily removed by stimulants; but remedies seemed to lose their +effect, and the sinking was almost death-like. + +'I think I could bear acute pain better!' he said one day; and more +than once the sigh broke from him almost unconsciously,--'Oh for one +breath of Redclyffe sea-wind!' Indeed, it seemed as if the close air +of the shut-in-valley, at the end of a long hot day was almost enough +to overwhelm him, weak as he had become. Every morning, when Amabel +let in the fresh breeze at the window, she predicted it would be a cool +day, and do him good; every afternoon the wind abated, the sun shone +full in, the room was stifling, the faintness came on, and after a few +vain attempts at relieving it, Guy sighed that there was nothing for it +but quiet, and Amy was obliged to acquiesce. As the sun set, the +breeze sprung up, it became cooler, he fell asleep, awoke revived, was +comfortable all the evening, and Amy left him at eleven or twelve, with +hopes of his having a good night. + +It seemed to her as if ages had passed in this way, when one evening +two letters were brought in. + +'From mamma!' said she; 'and this one,' holding it up, 'is for you. It +must have been hunting us everywhere. How many different directions!' + +'From Markham,' said Guy. 'It must be the letter we were waiting for.' + +The letter to tell them Redclyffe was ready to receive them! Amabel +put it down with a strange sensation, and opened her mother's. With a +start of joy she exclaimed-- + +'They are coming--mamma and papa!' + +'Then all is right!' + +'If we do not receive a much better account,' read Amy, 'we shall set +off early on Wednesday, and hope to be with you not long after you +receive this letter.' + +'Oh I am so glad! I wonder how Charlie gets on without her.' + +'It is a great comfort,' said Guy. + +'Now you will see what a nurse mamma is!' + +'Now you will be properly cared for.' + +'How nice it will be! She will take care of you all night, and never +be tired, and devise everything I am too stupid for, and make you so +comfortable!' + +'Nay, no one could do that better than you, Amy. But it is joy indeed- +-to see mamma again--to know you are safe with her. Everything comes +to make it easy!' The last words were spoken very low; and she did not +disturb him by saying anything till he asked about the rest of the +letter, and desired her to read Markham's to him. + +This cost her some pain, for it had been written in ignorance of even +Philip's illness, and detailed triumphantly the preparations at +Redclyffe, hinting that they must send timely notice of their return, +or they would disappoint the tenantry, who intended grand doings, and +concluding with a short lecture on the inexpediency of lingering in +foreign parts. + +'Poor Markham,' said Guy. + +She understood; but these things did not come on her like a shock now, +for he had been saying them more or less ever since the beginning of +his illness; and fully occupied as she was, she never opened her mind +to the future. After a long silence, Guy said-- + +'I am very sorry for him. I have been making Arnaud write to him for +me.' + +'Oh, have you?' + +'It was better for you not to do it, Arnaud has written for me at +night. You will send it, Amy, and another to my poor uncle.' + +'Very well,' said she, as he looked at her. + +'I have told Markham,' said he presently, 'to send you my desk. There +are all sorts of things in it, just as I threw them in when I cleared +out my rooms at Oxford. I had rather nobody but you saw some of them. +There is nothing of any importance, so you may look at them when you +please, or not at all.' + +She gazed at him without answering. If there had been any struggle to +retain him, it would have been repressed by his calmness; but the +thought had not come on her suddenly, it was more like an inevitable +fate seen at first at a distance, and gradually advancing upon her. +She had never fastened on the hope of his recovery, and it had dwindled +in an almost imperceptible manner. She kept watch over him, and +followed his thoughts, without stretching her mind to suppose herself +living without him; and was supported by the forgetfulness of self, +which gave her no time to realize her feelings. + +'I should like to have seen Redclyffe bay again,' said Guy, after a +space. 'Now that mamma is coming, that is the one thing. I suppose I +had set my heart on it, for it comes back to me how I reckoned on +standing on that rock with you, feeling the wind, hearing the surge, +looking at the meeting of earth and sky, and the train of sunlight.' +He spoke slowly, pausing between each recollection,--'You will see it +some day,' he added. 'But I must give it up; it is earth after all, +and looking back.' + +Through the evening, he seemed to be dwelling on thoughts of his own, +and only spoke to tell her of some message to friends at Redclyffe, or +Hollywell, to mention little Marianne Dixon, or some other charge that +he wished to leave. She thought he had mentioned almost every one with +whom he had had any interchange of kindness at either of his homes, +even to old nurse at Hollywell, remembering them all with quiet +pleasure. At half-past eleven, he sent her to bed, and she went +submissively, cheered by thinking him likely to sleep. + +As soon as she could conscientiously call the night over, she returned +to him, and was received with one of the sweet, sunny, happy looks that +had always been his peculiar charm, and, of late, had acquired an +expression almost startling from their very beauty and radiance. It +was hardly to be termed a smile, for there was very little, if any, +movement of the lips, it was more like the reflection of some glory +upon the whole countenance. + +'You have had a good night?' she said. + +'I have had my wish, I have seen Redclyffe;' then, seeing her look +startled, 'Of course, it was a sort of wandering; but I never quite +lost the consciousness of being here, and it was very delightful. I +saw the waves, each touched with light,--the foam--the sea-birds, +floating in shade and light,--the trees--the Shag--the sky--oh! such a +glory as I never knew--themselves--but so intensely glorious!' + +'I am glad' said Amabel, with a strange participation of the delight it +had given him. + +'I don't understand such goodness!' he continued. 'As if it were not +enough to look to heaven beyond, to have this longing gratified, which +I thought I ought to conquer. Oh, Amy! is not that being Fatherly!' + +'Yes, indeed.' + +'Now after that, and with mamma's coming (for you will have her if I +don't see her), I have but one wish unfulfilled.' + +'Ah! a clergyman.' + +'Yes, but if that is withheld, I must believe it is rightly ordered. +We must think of that Sunday at Stylehurst and Christmas-day, and that +last time at Munich.' + +'Oh, I am so glad we stayed at Munich for that!' + +'Those were times, indeed! and many more. Yes; I have been a great +deal too much favoured already, and now to be allowed to die just as I +should have chosen--' + +He broke off to take what Amabel was preparing for him, and she felt +his pulse. There was fever still, which probably supplied the place of +strength, for he said he was very comfortable, and his eyes were as +bright as ever; but the beats were weak and fluttering, and a thrill +crossed her that it might be near; but she must attend to him, and +could not think. + +When it was time for her to go down to breakfast with Philip, Guy said, +'Do you think Philip could come to me to-day? I want much to speak to +him.' + +'I am sure he could.' + +'Then pray ask him to come, if it will not tire him very much.' + +Philip had, the last two mornings, risen in time to breakfast with +Amabel, in the room adjoining his own; he was still very weak, and +attempted no more than crossing the room, and sitting in the balcony to +enjoy the evening air. He had felt the heat of the weather severely, +and had been a good deal thrown back by his fatigue and agitation the +day he wrote the letter, while also anxiety for Guy was retarding his +progress, though he only heard the best side of his condition. Besides +all this, his repentance both for his conduct with regard to Laura and +the hard measure he had dealt to Guy was pressing on him increasingly; +and the warm feelings, hardened and soured by early disappointment, +regained their force, and grew into a love and admiration that made it +still more horrible to perceive that he had acted ungenerously towards +his cousin. + +When he heard of Guy's desire to see him, he was pleased, said he was +quite able to walk up-stairs, had been thinking of offering to help her +by sitting with him, and was very glad to hear he was well enough to +wish for a visit. She saw she must prepare him for what the +conversation was likely to be. + +'He is very anxious to see you,' she said. 'He is wishing to set all +in order. And if he does speak about--about dying, will you be so kind +as not to contradict him?' + +'There is no danger?' cried Philip, startling, with a sort of agony. +'He is no worse? You said the fever was lower.' + +'He is rather better, I think; but he wishes so much to have everything +arranged, that I am sure it will be better for him to have it off his +mind. So, will you bear it, please, Philip?' ended she, with an +imploring look, that reminded him of her childhood. + +'How do you bear it?' he asked. + +'I don't know--I can't vex him.' + +Philip said no more, and only asked when he should come. + +'In an hour's time, perhaps, or whenever he was ready,' she said, 'for +he could rest in the sitting-room before coming in to Guy.' + +He found mounting the stairs harder than he had expected, and, with +aching knees and gasping breath, at length reached the sitting-room, +where Amabel was ready to pity him, and made him rest on the sofa till +he had fully recovered. She then conducted him in; and his first +glance gave him infinite relief, for he saw far less change than was +still apparent in himself. Guy's face was at all times too thin to be +capable of losing much of its form, and as he was liable to be very +much tanned, the brown, fixed on his face by the sunshine of his +journey had not gone off, and a slight flush on his cheeks gave him his +ordinary colouring; his beautiful hazel eyes were more brilliant than +ever; and though the hand he held out was hot and wasted, Philip could +not think him nearly as ill as he had been himself, and was ready to +let him talk as he pleased. He was reassured, too, by his bright +smile, and the strength of his voice, as he spoke a few playful words +of welcome and congratulation. Amy set a chair, and with a look to +remind Philip to be cautious, glided into her own room, leaving the +door open, so as to see and hear all that passed, for they were not fit +to be left absolutely alone together. + +Philip sat down; and after a little pause Guy began: + +'There were a few things I wanted to say, in case you should be my +successor at Redclyffe.' + +A horror came over Philip; but he saw Amy writing at her little table, +and felt obliged to refrain. + +'I don't think of directing you,' said Guy, 'You will make a far better +landlord than I; but one or two things I should like.' + +'Anything you wish!' + +'Old Markham. He has old-world notions and prejudices, but his soul is +in the family and estate. His heart will be half broken, for me, and +if he loses his occupation, he will be miserable. Will you bear with +him, and be patient while he lives, even if he is cross and absurd in +his objections, and jealous of all that is not me?' + +'Yes--yes--if--' + +'Thank you. Then there is Coombe Prior. I took Wellwood's pay on +myself. Will you? And I should like him to have the living. Then +there is the school to be built; and I thought of enclosing that bit of +waste, to make gardens for the people; but that you'll do much better. +Well; don't you remember when you were at Redclyffe last year' (Philip +winced) 'telling Markham that bit of green by Sally's gate ought to be +taken into the park? I hope you won't do that, for it is the only +place the people have to turn out their cows and donkeys. And you +won't cut them off from the steps from the Cove, for it saves the old +people from being late for church? Thank you. As to the rest, it is +pleasant to think it will be in such hands if--' + +That 'if' gave Philip some comfort, though it did not mean what he +fancied. He thought of Guy's recovery; Guy referred to the possibility +of Amabel's guardianship. + +'Amy has a list of the old people who have had so much a week, or their +cottages rent-free,' said Guy. 'If it comes to you, you will not let +them feel the difference? And don't turn off the old keeper Brown; he +is of no use, but it would kill him. And Ben Robinson, who was so +brave in the shipwreck, a little notice now and then would keep him +straight. Will you tell him I hope he will never forget that morning- +service after the wreck? He may be glad to think of it when he is as I +am now. You tell him, for he will mind more what comes from a man.' + +All this had been spoken with pauses for recollection, and for Philip's +signs of assent. Amabel came to give him some cordial; and as soon as +she had retreated he went on:-- + +'My poor uncle; I have written--that is, caused Arnaud to write to him. +I hope this may sober him; but one great favour I have to ask of you. +I can't leave him money, it would only be a temptation; but will you +keep an eye on him, and let Amy rely on you to tell her when to help +him I can't ask any one else, and she cannot do it for herself; but +you would do it well. A little kindness might save him; and you don't +know how generous a character it is, run to waste. Will you undertake +this?' + +'To be sure I will!' + +'Thank you very much. You will judge rightly; but he has delicate +feelings. Yes, really; and take care you don't run against them.' + +Another silence followed; after which Guy said, smiling with his +natural playfulness, 'One thing more. You are the lawyer of the +family, and I want a legal opinion. I have been making Arnaud write my +will. I have wished Miss Wellwood of St. Mildred's to have some money +for a sisterhood she wants to establish. Now, should I leave it to +herself or name trustees?' + +Philip heard as if a flash of light was blinding him, and he +interrupted, with an exclamation:-- + +'Tell me one thing! Was that the thousand pounds?' + +'Yes. I was not at liberty to--' + +He stopped, for he was unheard. At the first word Philip had sunk on +his knees, hiding his face on the bed-clothes, in an agony of self- +abasement, before the goodness he had been relentlessly persecuting. + +'It was that?' he said, in a sort of stifled sob. 'Oh, can you forgive +me?' + +He could not look up; but he felt Guy's hand touch his head, and heard +him say, 'That was done long ago. Even as you pardoned my fierce rage +against you, which I trust is forgiven above. It has been repented!' + +As he spoke there was a knock at the door, and, with the instinctive +dread of being found in his present posture, Philip sprang to his feet. +Amabel went to the door, and was told that the physician was down- +stairs with two gentlemen; and a card was given her, on which she read +the name of an English clergyman. + +'There, again!' said Guy. 'Everything comes to me. Now it is all +quite right.' + +Amabel was to go and speak to them, and Guy would see Mr. Morris, the +clergyman, as soon as the physician had made his visit. 'You must not +go down,' he then said to Philip. 'You will wait in the sitting-room, +won't you? We shall want you again, you know,' and his calm brightness +was a contrast to Philip's troubled look. 'All is clear between us +now,' he added, as Philip turned away. + +Long ago, letters had been written to Venice, begging that if an +English clergyman should travel that way he might be told how earnestly +his presence was requested; this was the first who had answered the +summons. He was a very young man, much out of health, and travelling +under the care of a brother, who was in great dread of his doing +anything to injure himself. Amabel soon perceived that, though kind +and right-minded, he could not help them, except as far as his office +was concerned. He was very shy, only just in priest's orders; he told +her he had never had this office to perform before, and seemed almost +to expect her to direct him; while his brother was so afraid of his +over-exerting himself, that she could not hope he would take charge of +Philip. + +However, after the physician had seen Guy, she brought Mr. Morris to +him, and came forward, or remained in her room, according as she was +wanted. She thought her husband's face was at each moment acquiring +more unearthly beauty, and feeling with him, she was raised above +thought or sensation of personal sorrow. + +When the first part of the service was over, and she exchanged a few +words, out of Guy's hearing, with Mr. Morris, he said to her, as from +the very fullness of his heart, 'One longs to humble oneself to him. +How it puts one to shame to hear such repentance with such a +confession!' + +The time came when Philip was wanted. Amabel had called in Anne and +the clergyman's brother, and went to fetch her cousin. He was where +she had left him in the sitting-room, his face hidden in his arms, +crossed on the table, the whole man crushed, bowed down, overwhelmed +with remorse. + +'We are ready. Come, Philip.' + +'I cannot; I am not worthy,' he answered, not looking up. + +'Nay, you are surely in no uncharitableness with him now,' said she, +gently. + +A shudder expressed his no. + +'And if you are sorry--that is repentance--more fit now than ever-- +Won't you come? Would you grieve him now?' + +'You take it on yourself, then,' said Philip, almost sharply, raising +his haggard face. + +She did not shrink, and answered, 'A broken and contrite heart, 0 God, +Thou wilt not despise.' + +It was a drop of balm, a softening drop. He rose, and trembling from +head to foot, from the excess of his agitation, followed her into Guy's +room. + +The rite was over, and stillness succeeded the low tones, while all +knelt in their places. Amabel arose first, for Guy, though serene, +looked greatly exhausted, and as she sprinkled him with vinegar, the +others stood up. Guy looked for Philip, and held out his hand. +Whether it was his gentle force, or of Philip's own accord Amabel could +not tell; but as he lay with that look of perfect peace and love, +Philip bent down over him and kissed his forehead. + +'Thank you!' he faintly whispered. 'Good night. God bless you and my +sister.' + +Philip went, and he added to Amy, 'Poor fellow! It will be worse for +him than for you. You must take care of him.' + +She hardly heard the last words, for his head sunk on one side in a +deathlike faintness, the room was cleared of all but herself, and Anne +fetched the physician at once. + +At length it passed off, and Guy slept. The doctor felt his pulse, and +she asked his opinion of it. Very low and unequal, she was told: his +strength was failing, and there seemed to be no power of rallying it, +but they must do their best to support him with cordials, according to +the state of his pulse. The physician could not remain all night +himself, but would come as soon as he could on the following day. + +Amabel hardly knew when it was that he went away; the two Mr. Morrises +went to the other hotel; and she made her evening visit to Philip. It +was all like a dream, which she could afterwards scarcely remember, +till night had come on, and for the first time she found herself +allowed to keep watch over her husband. + +He had slept quietly for some time, when she roused him to give him +some wine, as she was desired to do constantly. He smiled, and said, +'Is no one here but you?' + +'No one.' + +'My own sweet wife, my Verena, as you have always been. We have been +very happy together.' + +'Indeed we have,' said she, a look of suffering crossing her face, as +she thought of their unclouded happiness. 'It will not be so long +before we meet again.' + +'A few months, perhaps'--said Amabel, in a stifled voice, 'like your +mother--' + +'No, don't wish that, Amy. You would not wish it to have no mother.' + +'You will pray--' She could say no more, but struggled for calmness. + +'Yes,' he answered, 'I trust you to it and to mamma for comfort. And +Charlie--I shall not rob him any longer. I only borrowed you for a +little while,' he added, smiling. 'In a little while we shall meet. +Years and months seem alike now. I am sorry to cause you so much +grief, my Amy, but it is all as it should be, and we have been very +happy.' + +Amy listened, her eyes intently fixed on him, unable to repress her +agitation, except by silence. After some little time, he spoke again. +'My love to Charlie--and Laura--and Charlotte, my brother and sisters. +How kindly they have made me one of them! I need not ask Charlotte to +take care of Bustle, and your father will ride Deloraine. My love to +him, and earnest thanks, for you above all, Amy. And dear mamma! I +must look now to meeting her in a brighter world; but tell her how I +have felt all her kindness since I first came in my strangeness and +grief. How kind she was! how she helped me and led me, and made me +know what a mother was. Amy, it will not hurt you to hear it was your +likeness to her that first taught me to love you. I have been so very +happy, I don't understand it.' + +He was again silent, as in contemplation, and Amabel's overcoming +emotion had been calmed and chastened down again, now that it was no +longer herself that was spoken of. Both were still, and he seemed to +sleep a little. When next he spoke, it was to ask if she could repeat +their old favourite lines in "Sintram". They came to her lips, and she +repeated them in a low, steady voice. + + + When death, is coming near, + And thy heart shrinks in fear, + And thy limbs fail, + Then raise thy hands and pray + To Him who smooths the way + Through the dark vale. + + Seest thou the eastern dawn! + Hear'st thou, in the red morn, + The angel's song? + Oh! lift thy drooping head, + Thou, who in gloom and dread + Hast lain so long. + + Death comes to set thee free, + Oh! meet him cheerily, + As thy true friend + And all thy fears shall cease, + And In eternal peace + Thy penance end. + + +'In eternal peace,' repeated Guy; 'I did not think it would have been +so soon. I can't think where the battle has been. I never thought my +life could be so bright. It was a foolish longing, when first I was +ill, for the cool waves of Redclyffe bay and that shipwreck excitement, +if I was to die. This is far better. Read me a psalm, Amy, "Out of +the deep."' + +There was something in his perfect happiness that would not let her +grieve, though a dull heavy sense of consternation was growing on her. +So it went on through the night--not a long, nor a dreary one--but more +like a dream. He dozed and woke, said a few tranquil words, and +listened to some prayer, psalm, or verse, then slept again, apparently +without suffering, except when he tried to take the cordials, and this +he did with such increasing difficulty, that she hardly knew how to +bear to cause him so much pain, though it was the last lingering hope. +He strove to swallow them, each time with the mechanical 'Thank you,' +so affecting when thus spoken; but at last he came to, 'It is of no +use; I cannot.' + +Then she knew all hope was gone, and sat still, watching him. The +darkness lessened, and twilight came. He slept, but his breath grew +short, and unequal; and as she wiped the moisture on his brow, she knew +it was the death-damp. + +Morning light came on--the church bell rang out matins--the white hills +were tipped with rosy light. His pulse was almost gone--his hand was +cold. At last he opened his eyes. 'Amy! he said, as if bewildered, or +in pain. + +'Here, dearest!' + +'I don't see.' + +At that moment the sun was rising, and the light streamed in at the +open window, and over the bed; but it was "another dawn than ours" that +he beheld as his most beautiful of all smiles beamed over his face, and +he said, 'Glory in the Highest!--peace--goodwill'--A struggle for +breath gave an instant's look of pain, then he whispered so that she +could but just hear--'The last prayer.' She read the Commendatory +Prayer. She knew not the exact moment, but even as she said 'Amen' she +perceived it was over. The soul was with Him with whom dwell the +spirits of just men made perfect; and there lay the earthly part with a +smile on the face. She closed the dark fringed eyelids--saw him look +more beautiful than in sleep--then, laying her face down on the bed, +she knelt on. She took no heed of time, no heed of aught that was +earthly. How long she knelt she never knew, but she was roused by +Anne's voice in a frightened sob--'My lady, my lady--come away! Oh, +Miss Amabel, you should not be here.' + +She lifted her head, and Anne afterwards told Mary Ross, 'she should +never forget how my lady looked. It was not grief: it was as if she +had been a little way with her husband, and was just called back.' + +She rose--looked at his face again--saw Arnaud was at hand--let Anne +lead her into the next room, and shut the door. + + + + +CHAPTER 36 + + + +The matron who alone has stood +When not a prop seemed left below, +The first lorn hour of widowhood, +Yet, cheered and cheering all the while, +With sad but unaffected, smile.--CHRISTIAN YEAR + + +The four months' wife was a widow before she was twenty-one, and there +she sat in her loneliness, her maid weeping, seeking in vain for +something to say that might comfort her, and struck with fear at seeing +her thus composed. It might be said that she had not yet realized her +situation, but the truth was, perhaps, that she was in the midst of the +true realities. She felt that her Guy was perfectly happy--happy +beyond thought or comparison--and she was so accustomed to rejoice with +him, that her mind had not yet opened to understand that his joy left +her mourning and desolate. + +Thus she remained motionless for some minutes, till she was startled by +a sound of weeping--those fearful overpowering sobs, so terrible in a +strong man forced to give way. + +'Philip!' thought she; and withal Guy's words returned-- 'It will be +worse for him than for you. Take care of him.' + +'I must go to him,' said she at once. + +She took up a purple prayer-book that she had unconsciously brought in +her hand from Guy's bed, and walked down-stairs, without pausing to +think what she should say or do, or remembering how she would naturally +have shrunk from the sight of violent grief. + +Philip had retired to his own room the night before, overwhelmed by the +first full view of the extent of the injuries he had inflicted, the +first perception that pride and malevolence had been the true source of +his prejudice and misconceptions, and for the first time conscious of +the long-fostered conceit that had been his bane from boyhood. All had +flashed on him with the discovery of the true purpose of the demand +which he thought had justified his persecution. He saw the glory of +Guy's character and the part he had acted,--the scales of self- +admiration fell from his eyes, and he knew both himself and his cousin. + +His sole comfort was in hope for the future, and in devising how his +brotherly affection should for the rest of his life testify his altered +mind, and atone for past ill-will. This alone kept him from being +completely crushed,--for he by no means imagined how near the end was, +and the physician, willing to spare himself pain, left him in hopes, +though knowing how it would be. He slept but little, and was very +languid in the morning; but he rose as soon as Arnaud came to him, in +order not to occupy Arnaud's time, as well as to be ready in case Guy +should send for him again, auguring well from hearing that there was +nothing stirring above, hoping this was a sign that Guy was asleep. So +hoped the two servants for a long time, but at length, growing alarmed, +after many consultations, they resolved to knock at the door, and learn +what was the state of things. + +Philip likewise was full of anxiety, and coming to his room door to +listen for intelligence, it was the "e morto" of the passing Italians +that first revealed to him the truth. Guy dead, Amy widowed, himself +the cause--he who had said he would never be answerable for the death +of this young man. + +Truly had Guy's threat, that he would make him repent, been fulfilled. +He tottered back to his couch, and sank down, in a burst of anguish +that swept away all the self-control that had once been his pride. +There Amabel found him stretched, face downwards, quivering and +convulsed by frightful sobs. + +'Don't--don't, Philip,' said she, in her gentle voice. 'Don't cry so +terribly!' + +Without looking up, he made a gesture with his hand, as if to drive her +away. 'Don't come here to reproach me!' he muttered. + +'No, no; don't speak so. I want you to hear me; I have something for +you from him. If you would only listen, I want to tell you how happy +and comfortable it was.' She took a chair and sat down by him, +relieved on perceiving that the sobs grew a little less violent. + +'It was very peaceful, very happy,' repeated she. 'We ought to be very +glad.' + +He turned round, and glanced at her for a moment; but he could not bear +to see her quiet face. 'You don't know what you say,' he gasped. 'No; +take care of yourself, don't trouble yourself for such as me!' + +'I must; he desired me,' said Amabel. 'You will be happier, indeed, +Philip, if you would only think what glory it is, and that he is all +safe, and has won the victory, and will have no more of those hard, +hard struggles, and bitter repentance. It has been such a night, that +it seems wrong to be sorry.' + +'Did you say he spoke of me again?' + +'Yes; here is his Prayer-book. Your father gave it to him, and he +meant to have told you about it himself, only he could not talk +yesterday evening, and could not part with it till--' + +Amy broke off by opening the worn purple cover, and showing the name, +in the Archdeacon's writing. 'He's very fond of it,' she said; 'it is +the one he always uses.' (Alas! she had not learnt to speak of him in +the past tense.) + +Philip held out his hand, but the agony of grief returned the next +moment. 'My father, my father! He would have done him justice. If he +had lived, this would never have been!' + +'That is over, you do him justice now,' said Amy. 'You did, indeed you +did, make him quite happy. He said so, again and again. I never saw +him so happy as when you began to get better. I don't think any one +ever had so much happiness and it never ceased, it was all quiet, and +peace, and joy, till it brightened quite into perfect day--and the +angel's song! Don't you remember yesterday, how clear and sweet his +voice came out in that? and it was the last thing almost he said. I +believe'--she lowered her voice--'I believe he finished it among them.' + +The earnest placid voice, speaking thus, in calmness and simplicity, +could not fail in soothing him; but he was so shaken and exhausted, +that she had great difficulty in restoring him. After a time, he lay +perfectly still on the sofa, and she was sitting by, relieved by the +tranquillity, when there was a knock at the door, and Arnaud came in, +and stood hesitating, as if he hardly knew how to begin. The present +fear of agitating her charge helped her now, when obliged to turn her +thoughts to the subjects on which she knew Arnaud was come. She went +to the door, and spoke low, hoping her cousin might not hear or +understand. + +'How soon must it be?' + +'My lady, to-morrow,' said Arnaud, looking down. 'They say that so it +must be; and the priest consents to have it in the churchyard here. +The brother of the clergyman is here, and would know if your ladyship +would wish--' + +'I will speak to him,' said Amabel, reluctant to send such messages +through servants. + +'Let me,' said Philip, who understood what was going on, and was of +course impelled to spare her as much as possible. + +'Thank you' said she, 'if you are able!' + +'Oh, yes; I'll go at once!' + +'Stop,' said she, as he was setting forth; 'you don't know what you are +going to say.' + +He put his hand to his head in confusion. + +'He wished to be buried here,' said Amabel, 'and--' + +But this renewal of the assurance of the death was too much; and +covering his face with his hands, he sank back in another paroxysm of +violent sobs. Amabel could not leave him. + +'Ask Mr. Morris to be so good as to wait, and I will come directly,' +said she, then returned to her task of comfort till she again saw +Philip lying, with suspended faculties, in the repose of complete +exhaustion. + +She then went to Mr. Morris, with a look and tone of composure that +almost startled him, thanking him for his assistance in the +arrangements. The funeral was to be at sunrise the next day, before +the villagers began to keep the feast of St. Michael, and the rest was +to be settled by Arnaud and Mr. Morris. He then said, somewhat +reluctantly, that his brother had desired to know whether Lady Morville +wished to see him to-day, and begged to be sent for; but Amy plainly +perceived that he thought it very undesirable for his brother to have +any duties to perform to-day. She questioned herself whether she might +not ask him to read to her, and whether it might be better for Philip; +but she thought she ought not to ask what might injure him merely for +her own comfort; and, besides, Philip was entirely incapable of self- +command, and it would not be acting fairly to expose him to the chance +of discovering to a stranger, feelings that he would ordinarily guard +so scrupulously. + +She therefore gratefully refused the offer, and Mr. Morris very nearly +thanked her for doing so. He took his leave, and she knew she must +return to her post; but first she indulged herself with one brief visit +to the room where all her cares and duties had lately centred. A look- +-a thought--a prayer. The beauteous expression there fixed was a help, +as it had ever been in life and she went back again cheered and +sustained. + +Throughout that day she attended on her cousin, whose bodily +indisposition required as much care as his mind needed soothing. She +talked to him, read to him, tried to set him the example of taking +food, took thought for him as if he was the chief sufferer, as if it +was the natural thing for her to do, working in the strength her +husband had left her, and for him who had been his chief object of +care. She had no time to herself, except the few moments that she +allowed herself now and then to spend in gazing at the dear face that +was still her comfort and joy; until, at last, late in the evening, she +succeeded in reading Philip to sleep. Then, as she sat in the dim +candle-light, with everything in silence, a sense of desolation came +upon her, and she knew that she was alone. + +At that moment a carriage thundered at the door, and she remembered for +the first time that she was expecting her father and mother. She +softly left the room and closed the door; and finding Anne in the nest +room, sent her down. + +'Meet mamma, Anne,' said she; 'tell her I am quite well. Bring them +here.' + +They entered; and there stood Amabel, her face a little flushed, just +like, only calmer, the daughter they had parted with on her bridal day, +four months ago. She held up her hand as a sign of silence, and said,- +- + +'Hush! don't wake Philip.' + +Mr. Edmonstone was almost angry, and actually began an impatient +exclamation, but broke it off with a sob, caught her in his arms, +kissed her, and then buried his face in his handkerchief. Mrs. +Edmonstone, still aghast at the tidings they had met at Vicenza, and +alarmed at her unnatural composure, embraced her; held her for some +moments, then looked anxiously to see her weep. But there was not a +tear, and her voice was itself, though low and weak, as, while her +father began pacing up and down, she repeated,-- + +'Pray don't, papa; Philip has been so ill all day.' + +'Philip--pshaw!' said Mr. Edmonstone, hastily. 'How are you, yourself, +my poor darling?' + +'Quite well, thank you,' said Amy. 'There is a room ready for you.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was extremely alarmed, sure that this was a grief too +deep for outward tokens, and had no peace till she had made Amabel +consent to come up with her, and go at once to bed. To this she +agreed, after she had rung for Arnaud, and stood with him in the +corridor, to desire him to go at once to Captain Morville, as softly as +he could, and when he waked, to say Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone were come, +but she thought he had better not see them to-night; to tell him from +her that she wished him good night, and hoped he would, sleep quietly. +'And, Arnaud, take care you do not let him know the hour tomorrow. +Perhaps, as he is so tired, he may sleep till afterwards.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was very impatient of this colloquy, and glad when +Amabel ended it, and led the way up-stairs. She entered her little +room, then quietly opened another door, and Mrs. Edmonstone found +herself standing by the bed, where that which was mortal lay, with its +face bright with the impress of immortality. + +The shock was great, for he was indeed as a son to her; but her fears +for Amabel would not leave room for any other thought. + +'Is not he beautiful?' said Amy, with a smile like his own. + +'My dear, my dear, you ought not to be here,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, +trying to lead her away. + +'If you would let me say my prayers here!' said she, submissively. + +'I think not. I don't know how to refuse, if it would be a comfort,' +said Mrs. Edmonstone, much distressed, 'but I can't think it right. +The danger is greater after. And surely, my poor dear child, you have +a reason for not risking yourself!' + +'Go, mamma, I ought not to have brought you here; I forgot about +infection,' said Amabel, with the tranquillity which her mother had +hoped to shake by her allusion. 'I am coming.' + +She took up Guy's watch and a book from the table by the bed-side, and +came back to her sleeping-room. She wound up the watch, and then +allowed her mother to undress her, answering all her inquiries about +her health in a gentle, indifferent, matter-of-fact way. She said +little of Guy, but that little was without agitation, and in due time +she lay down in bed. Still, whenever Mrs. Edmonstone looked at her, +there was no sleep in her eyes, and at last she persuaded her to leave +her, on the plea that being watched made her more wakeful, as she did +not like to see mamma sitting up. + +Almost as soon as it was light, Mrs. Edmonstone returned, and was +positively frightened, for there stood Amabel, dressed in her white +muslin, her white bonnet, and her deep lace wedding-veil. All her +glossy hair was hidden away, and her face was placid as ever, though +there was a red spot on each cheek. She saw her mother's alarm, and +reassured her by speaking calmly. + +'You know I have nothing else but colours; I should like to wear this, +if you will let me.' + +'But, dearest, you must not--cannot go.' + +'It is very near. We often walked there together. I would not if I +thought it would hurt me, but I wish it very much indeed. At home by +Michaelmas!' + +Mrs. Edmonstone yielded, though her mind misgave her, comforted by +hoping for the much-desired tears. But Amabel, who used to cry so +easily for a trifle, had now not a tear. Her grief was as yet too +deep, or perhaps more truly sorrow and mourning had not begun while the +influence of her husband's spirit was about her still. + +It was time to set forth, and the small party of mourners met in the +long corridor. Mr. Edmonstone would have given his daughter his arm, +but she said-- + +'I beg your pardon, dear papa, I don't think I can;' and she walked +alone and firmly. + +It was a strange sight that English funeral, so far from England. The +bearers were Italian peasants. There was a sheet thrown over the +coffin instead of a pall, and this, with the white dress of the young +widow, gave the effect of the emblematic whiteness of a child's +funeral; and the impression was heightened by the floating curling +white clouds of vapour rising in strange shrouded shadowy forms, like +spirit mourners, from the narrow ravines round the grave-yard, and the +snowy mountains shining in the morning light against the sky. + +Gliding almost like one of those white wreaths of mist, Amabel walked +alone, tearless and calm, her head bent down, and her long veil falling +round her in full light folds, as when it had caught the purple light +on her wedding-day. Her parents were close behind, weeping more for +the living than the dead, though Guy had a fast hold of their hearts; +and his own mother could scarce have loved him better than Mrs. +Edmonstone did. Lastly, were Anne and Arnaud, sincere mourners, +especially Arnaud, who had loved and cherished his young master from +childhood. + +They went to the strangers' corner of the grave-yard, for, of course +the church did not open to a member of another communion of the visible +church; but around them were the hills in which he had read many a +meaning, and which had echoed a response to his last chant with the +promise of the blessing of peace. + +The blessing of peace came in the precious English burial-service, as +they laid him to rest in the earth, beneath the spreading chestnut- +tree, rendered a home by those words of his Mother Church--the mother +who had guided each of his steps in his orphaned life. It was a +distant grave, far from his home and kindred, but in a hallowed spot, +and a most fair one; and there might his mortal frame meetly rest till +the day when he should rise, while from their ancestral tombs should +likewise awaken the forefathers whose sins were indeed visited on him +in his early death; but, thanks to Him who giveth the victory, in death +without the sting. + +Amabel, in obedience to a sign from her mother, sat on a root of the +tree while the Lesson was read, and afterwards she moved forward and +stood at the edge of the grave, her hands tightly clasped, and her head +somewhat raised, as if her spirit was following her husband to his +repose above, rather than to his earthly resting-place. + +The service was ended, and she was taking a last long gaze, while her +mother, in the utmost anxiety, was striving to make up her mind to draw +her away, when suddenly a tall gaunt figure was among them--his face +ghastly pale, and full of despair and bewilderment--his step uncertain- +-his dress disordered. + +Amabel turned, went up to him, laid her hand on his arm, and said, +softly, and quietly looking up in his face, 'It is over now, Philip; +you had better come home.' + +Not attempting to withstand her, he obeyed as if it was his only +instinct. It was like some vision of a guiding, succouring spirit, as +she moved on, slowly gliding in her white draperies. Mrs. Edmonstone +watched her in unspeakable awe and amazement, almost overpowering her +anxieties. It seemed as impossible that the one should be Amy as that +the other should be Philip, her gentle little clinging daughter, or her +proud, imperturbable, self-reliant nephew. + +But it was Amy's own face, when they entered the corridor and she +turned back her veil, showing her flushed and heated cheeks, at the +same time opening Philip's door and saying, 'Now you must rest, for you +ought not to have come out. Lie down, and let mamma read to you.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone was reluctant, but Amy looked up earnestly and said, +'Yes, dear mamma, I should like to be alone a little while.' + +She then conducted her father to the sitting-room up-stairs. + +'I will give you the papers,' she said; and leaving him, returned +immediately. + +'This is his will,' she said. 'You will tell me if there is anything I +must do at once. Here is a letter to Mr. Markham, and another to Mr. +Dixon, if you will be so kind as to write and enclose them. Thank you, +dear papa.' + +She drew a blotting-book towards him, saw that there was ink and pen, +and left him too much appalled at her ways to say anything. + +His task was less hard than the one she had set her mother. Strong +excitement had carried Philip to the grave-yard as soon as he learnt +what was passing. He could hardly return even with Arnaud's support, +and he had only just reached the sofa before he fell into a fainting- +fit. + +It was long before he gave any sign of returning life, and when he +opened his eyes and saw Mrs. Edmonstone, he closed them almost +immediately, as if unable to meet her look. It was easier to treat him +in his swoon than afterwards. She knew nothing of his repentance and +confession; she only knew he had abused her confidence, led Laura to +act insincerely, and been the cause of Guy's death. She did not know +how bitterly he accused himself, and though she could not but see he +was miserable, she could by no means fathom his wretchedness, nor guess +that her very presence made him conscious how far he was fallen. He +was so ill that she could not manifest her displeasure, nor show +anything but solicitude for his relief; but her kindness was entirely +to his condition, not to himself; and perceiving this, while he thought +his confession had been received, greatly aggravated his distress, +though he owned within himself that he well deserved it. + +She found that he was in no state for being read to; he was completely +exhausted, and suffering from violent headache. So when she could +conscientiously say that to be left quiet was the best thing for him, +she went to her daughter. + +Amabel was lying on her bed, her Bible open by her; not exactly +reading, but as if she was now and then finding a verse and dwelling on +it. Gentle and serene she looked; but would she never weep? would +those quiet blue eyes be always sleepless and tearless? + +She asked anxiously for Philip, and throughout the day he seemed to be +her care. She did not try to get up and go to him, but she was +continually begging her mother to see about him. It was a harassing +day for poor Mrs. Edmonstone. She would have been glad to have sat by +Amabel all the time, writing to Charles, or hearing her talk. Amy had +much to say, for she wished to make her mother share the perfect peace +and thankfulness that had been breathed upon her during those last +hours with her husband, and she liked to tell the circumstances of his +illness and his precious sayings, to one who would treasure them almost +like herself. She spoke with her face turned away, so as not to see +her mother's tears, but her mild voice unwavering, as if secure in the +happiness of these recollections. This was the only comfort of Mrs. +Edmonstone's day, but when she heard her husband's boots creaking in +the corridor, it was a sure sign that he was in some perplexity, and +that she must go and help him to write a letter, or make some +arrangement. Philip, too, needed attention; but excellent nurse as +Mrs. Edmonstone was, she only made him worse. The more he felt she was +his kind aunt still, the more he saw how he had wounded her, and that +her pardon was an effort. The fond, spontaneous, unreserved affection- +-almost petting--which he had well-nigh dared to contemn, was gone; her +manner was only that of a considerate nurse. Much as he longed for a +word of Laura, he did not dare to lead to it,--indeed, he was so far +from speaking to her of any subject which touched him, that he did not +presume even to inquire for Amabel, he only heard of her through +Arnaud. + +At night sheer exhaustion worked its own cure; he slept soundly, and +awoke in the morning revived. He heard from Arnaud that Lady Morville +was pretty well, but had not slept; and presently Mrs. Edmonstone came +in and took pains to make him comfortable, but with an involuntary +dryness of manner. She told him his uncle would come to see him as +soon as he was up, if he felt equal to talking over some business. +Philip's brain reeled with dismay and consternation, for it flashed on +him that he was heir of Redclyffe. He must profit by the death he had +caused; he had slain, and he must take possession of the lands which, +with loathing and horror, he remembered that he had almost coveted. +Nothing more was wanting. There was little consolation in remembering +that the inheritance would clear away all difficulties in the way of +his marriage. He had sinned; wealth did not alter his fault, and his +spirit could not brook that if spurned in poverty, he should be +received for his riches. He honoured his aunt for being cold and +reserved, and could not bear the idea of seeing his uncle ready to meet +him half-way. + +After the first shock he became anxious to have the meeting over, know +the worst, and hear on what ground he stood with Laura. As soon as he +was dressed, he sent a message to announce that he was ready, and lay +on the sofa awaiting his uncle's arrival, as patiently as he could. +Mr. Edmonstone, meantime, was screwing up his courage--not that he +meant to say a word of Laura,--Philip was too unwell to be told his +opinion of him, but now he had ceased to rely on his nephew, he began +to dread him and his overbearing ways; and besides he had a perfect +horror of witnessing agitation. + +At last he came, and Philip rose to meet him with a feeling of shame +and inferiority most new to him. + +'Don't, don't, I beg,' said Mr. Edmonstone, with what was meant for +dignity. 'Lie still; you had much better. My stars! how ill you +look!' he exclaimed, startled by Philip's altered face and figure. +'You have had a sharpish touch; but you are better, eh?' + +'Yes, thank you.' + +'Well; I thought I had better come and speak to you, if you felt up to +it. Here is--here is--I hope it is all right and legal; but that you +can tell better than I; and you are concerned in it anyhow. Here is +poor Guy's will, which we thought you had better look over, if you +liked, and felt equal, eh?' + +'Thank you,' said Philip, holding out his hand; but Mr. Edmonstone +withheld it, trying his patience by an endless quantity of discursive +half-sentences, apparently without connection with each other, about +disappointment, and hopes, and being sorry, and prospects, and its +'being an unpleasant thing,' and 'best not raise his expectations:' +during all which time Philip, expecting to hear of Laura, and his heart +beating so fast as to renew the sensation of faintness, waited in vain, +and strove to gather the meaning, and find out whether he was forgiven, +almost doubting whether the confusion was in his own mind or in his +uncle's words. However, at last the meaning bolted out in one +comprehensive sentence, when Mr. Edmonstone thought he had sufficiently +prepared him for his disappointment,--'Poor Amy is to be confined in +the spring.' + +There Mr. Edmonstone stopped short, very much afraid of the effect; but +Philip raised himself, his face brightened, as if he was greatly +relieved, and from his heart he exclaimed, 'Thank Heaven!' + +'That's right! that is very well said!' answered Mr. Edmonstone, very +much pleased. 'It would be a pity it should go out of the old line +after all; and it's a very generous thing in you to say so.' + +'Oh no!' said Philip, shrinking into himself at even such praise as +this. + +'Well, well,' said his uncle, 'you will see he has thought of you, be +it how it may. There! I only hope it is right; though it does seem +rather queer, appointing poor little Amy executor rather than me. If I +had but been here in time! But 'twas Heaven's will; and so-- It does +not signify, after all, if it is not quite formal. We understand each +other.' + +The will was on a sheet of letter-paper, in Arnaud's stiff French +handwriting; it was witnessed by the two Mr. Morrises, and signed on +the 27th of September, in very frail and feeble characters. Amabel and +Markham were the executors, and Amabel was to be sole guardian, in case +of the birth of a child. If it was a son, £10,000 was left to Philip +himself; if not, he was to have all the plate, furniture, &c., of +Redclyffe, with the exception of whatever Lady Morville might choose +for herself. + +Philip scarcely regarded the legacy (though it smoothed away his chief +difficulties) as more than another of those ill-requited benefits which +were weighing him to the earth. He read on to a sentence which +reproached him so acutely, that he would willingly have hidden from it, +as he had done from Guy's countenance. It was the bequest of £5000 to +Elizabeth Wellwood. Sebastian Dixon's debts were to be paid off; £1000 +was left to Marianne Dixon, and the rest of the personal property was +to be Amabel's. + +He gave back the paper, with only the words 'Thank you.' He did not +feel as if it was for him to speak; and Mr. Edmonstone hesitated, made +an attempt at congratulating him, broke down, and asked if it was +properly drawn up. He glanced at the beginning and end, said it was +quite correct, and laid his head down, as if the examination had been a +great deal of trouble. + +'And what do you think of Amy's being under age?' fidgeted on Mr. +Edmonstone. 'How is she to act, poor dear! Shall I act for her?' + +'She will soon be of age,' said Philip, wearily. + +'In January, poor darling. Who would have thought how it would have +been with her? I little thought, last May--but, holloa! what have I +been at?' cried he, jumping up in a great fright, as Philip, so weak as +to be overcome by the least agitation, changed countenance, covered his +face with his hands, and turned away with a suppressed sob. 'I didn't +mean it, I am sure! Here! mamma!' + +'No, no,' said Philip, recovering, and sitting up; 'don't call her, I +beg. There is nothing the matter.' + +Mr. Edmonstone obeyed, but he was too much afraid of causing a renewal +of agitation to continue the conversation; and after walking about the +room a little while, and shaking it more than Philip could well bear, +he went away to write his letters. + +In the meantime, Amabel had been spending her morning in the same quiet +way as the former day. She wrote part of a letter to Laura, and walked +to the graveyard, rather against her mother's wish; but she was so good +and obedient, it was impossible to thwart her, though Mrs. Edmonstone +was surprised at her proposal to join her father and Philip at tea. +'Do you like it, my dear?' + +'He told me to take care of him,' said Amabel. + +'I cannot feel that he deserves you should worry yourself about him,' +said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'If you knew all--' + +'I do know all, mamma,--if you mean about Laura. Surely you must +forgive. Think how he repents. What, have you not had his letter? +Then how did you know?' + +'I learned it from Laura herself. Her trouble at his illness revealed +it. Do you say he has written?' + +'Yes, mamma; he told Guy all about it, and was very sorry, and wrote as +soon as he was able. Guy sent you a long message. He was so anxious +about it.' + +Amabel showed more eagerness to understand the state of the case, than +she had about anything else. She urged that Philip should be spoken +to, as soon as possible, saying the suspense must be grievous, and +dwelling on his repentance. Mrs. Edmonstone promised to speak to papa, +and this satisfied her; but she held her resolution of meeting Philip +that evening, looking on him as a charge left her by her husband, and +conscious that, as she alone understood how deep was his sorrow, she +could make the time spent with her parents less embarrassing. + +Her presence always soothed him, and regard for her kept her father +quiet; so that the evening passed off very well. Mrs. Edmonstone +waited on both; and, in Amy's presence, was better able to resume her +usual manner towards her nephew, and he sat wondering at the placidity +of Amy's pale face. Her hair was smoothed back, and she wore a cap,-- +the loss of her long shady curls helping to mark the change from the +bright days of her girlhood; but the mournfulness of her countenance +did not mar the purity and serenity that had always been its great +characteristic; and in the faint sweet smile with which she received a +kind word or attention, there was a likeness to that peculiar and +beautiful expression of her husband's, so as, in spite of the great +difference of feature and colouring, to give her a resemblance to him. + +All this day had been spent by Mr. Edmonstone in a fret to get away +from Recoara, and his wife was hardly less desirous to leave it than +himself, for she could have no peace or comfort about Amabel, till she +had her safely at home. Still she dreaded proposing the departure, and +even more the departure itself; and, in spite of Mr. Edmonstone's +impatience, she let her alone till she had her mourning; but when, +after two days of hard work, Anne had nearly managed to complete it, +she made up her mind to tell her daughter that they ought to set out. + +Amabel replied by mentioning Philip. She deemed him a sort of trust, +and had been reposing in the thought of making him a reason for +lingering in the scene where the brightness of her life had departed +from her. Mrs. Edmonstone would not allow that she ought to remain for +his sake, and told her it was her duty to resolve to leave the place. +She said, 'Yes, but for him;' and it ended in Mrs. Edmonstone going, +without telling her, to inform him that she thought Amy ought to be at +home as soon as possible; but that it was difficult to prevail on her, +because she thought him as yet not well enough to be left. He was, of +course, shocked at being thus considered, and as soon as he next saw +Amabel, told her, with great earnestness, that he could not bear to see +her remaining there on his account; that he was almost well, and meant +to leave Recoara very soon; the journey was very easy, the sea voyage +would be the best thing for him, and he should be glad to get to the +regimental doctor at Corfu. + +Amabel sighed, and knew she ought to be convinced. The very pain it +gave her to lose sight of that green, grave, the chestnut-tree, and the +white mountain; to leave the rooms and passages which still, to her +ears, were haunted by Guy's hushed step and voice, and to part with the +window where she used each wakeful night to retrace his profile as he +had stood pausing before telling her of his exceeding happiness; that +very pain made her think that opposition would be selfish. She must go +some time or other, and it was foolish to defer the struggle; she must +not detain her parents in an infected place, nor keep her mother from +Charles. She therefore consented, and let them do what they pleased,-- +only insisting on Arnaud's being left with Philip. + +Philip did not think this necessary, but yielded, when she urged it as +a relief to her own mind; and Arnaud, though unwilling, and used to his +own way, could make no objection when she asked it as a personal +favour. Arnaud was, at his own earnest wish, to continue in her +service; and, as soon as Philip was able to embark, was to follow her +to Hollywell. + +All this time nothing passed about Laura. Amabel asked several times +whether papa had spoken, but was always answered, 'Not yet;' and at +last Mrs. Edmonstone, after vainly trying to persuade him, was obliged +to give it up. The truth was, he could not begin; he was afraid of his +nephew, and so unused to assume superiority over him that he did not +know what to do, and found all kinds of reasons for avoiding the +embarrassing scene. Since Philip still must be dealt with cautiously, +better not enter on the subject at all. When reminded that the +suspense was worse than anything, he said, no one could tell how things +would, turn out, and grew angry with his wife for wishing him to make +up a shameful affair like that, when poor Guy had not been dead a week, +and he had been the death of him; but it was just like mamma, she +always spoilt him. He had a great mind to vow never to consent to his +daughter's marrying such an overbearing, pragmatical fellow; she ought +to be ashamed of even thinking of him, when he was no better than her +brother's murderer. + +After this tirade, Mrs. Edmonstone might well feel obliged to tell +Amabel, that papa must not be pressed any further; and, of course, if +he would not speak, she could not (nor did she wish it). + +'Then, mamma,' said Amabel, with the air of decision that had lately +grown on her, 'I must tell him. I beg your pardon,' she added, +imploringly; 'but indeed I must. It is hard on him not to hear that +you had not his letter, and that Laura has told. I know Guy would wish +me, so don't be displeased, dear mamma.' + +'I can't be displeased with anything you do.' + +'And you give me leave?' + +'To be sure I do,--leave to do anything but hurt yourself.' + +'And would it be wrong for me to offer to write to him? No one else +will, and it will be sad for him not to hear. It cannot be wrong, can +it?' said she, as the fingers of her right hand squeezed her wedding- +ring, a habit she had taken up of late. + +'Certainly not, my poor darling. Do just as you think fit. I am sorry +for him, for I am sure he is in great trouble, and I should like him to +be comforted--if he can. But, Amy, you must not ask me to do it. He +has disappointed me too much.' + +Mrs. Edmonstone left the room in tears. + +Amabel went up to the window, looked long at the chestnut-tree, then up +into the sky, sat down, and leant her forehead on her hand in +meditation, until she rose up, cheered and sustained, as if she had +been holding council with her husband. + +She did not over-estimate Philip's sufferings from suspense and +anxiety. He had not heard a word of Laura; how she had borne his +illness, nor how much displeasure his confession had brought upon her; +nor could he learn what hope there was that his repentance was +accepted. He did not venture to ask; for after engaging to leave all +to them, could he intrude his own concerns on them at such a time? It +was but a twelvemonth since he had saddened and shadowed Guy's short +life and love with the very suffering from uncertainty that he found so +hard to bear. As he remembered this, he had a sort of fierce +satisfaction in enduring this retributive justice; though there were +moods when he felt the torture so acutely, that it seemed to him as if +his brain would turn if he saw them depart, and was left behind to this +distracting doubt. + +The day had come, on which they were to take their first stage, as far +as Vicenza, and his last hopes were fading. He tried to lose the sense +of misery by bestirring himself in the preparations; but he was too +weak, and Mrs. Edmonstone, insisting on his attempting no more, sent +him back: to his own sitting-room. + +Presently there was a knock, and in came Amabel, dressed, for the first +time, in her weeds, the blackness and width of her sweeping crape +making her young face look smaller and paler, while she held in her +hand some leaves of chestnut, that showed where she had been. She +smiled a little as she came in, saying, 'I am come to you for a little +quiet, out of the bustle of packing up. I want you to do something for +me.' + +'Anything for you.' + +'It is what you will like to do,' said she, with _that_ smile, 'for it +is more for _him_ than for me. Could you, without teasing yourself, +put that into Latin for me, by and by? I think it should be in Latin, +as it is in a foreign country.' + +She gave him a paper in her own writing. + + +GUY MORVILLE, +OF REDCLYFFE, ENGLAND. +DIED THE EVE OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, 18-- +AGED 21 1/2. +I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. + +'Will you be so kind as to give it to Arnaud when it is done?' she +continued; 'he will send it to the man who is making the cross. I +think the kind people here will respect it.' + +'Yes,' said Philip,' it is soon done, and thank you for letting me do +it. But, Amy, I would not alter your choice; yet there is one that +seems to me more applicable "Greater love hath no man--"' + +'I know what you mean,' said Amy; 'but that has so high a meaning that +he could not bear it to be applied to him.' + +'Or rather, what right have I to quote it?' said Philip, bitterly. +'His friend! No, Amy; you should rather choose, "If thine enemy +thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire +on his head." I am sure they are burning on mine,' and he pressed his +hand on his forehead. + +'Don't say such things. We both know that, at the worst of times, he +looked on you as a sincere friend.' + +Philip groaned, and she thought it best to go on to something else. 'I +like this best,' she said. 'It will be nice to think of far away. I +should like, too, for these Italians to see the stranger has the same +creed as themselves.' + +After a moment's pause, during which he looked at the paper, he said, +'Amy, I have one thing to ask of you. Will you write my name in the +Prayer-book?' + +'That I will,' said she, and Philip drew it from under the sofa +cushion, and began putting together his pocket gold pen. While he was +doing this, she said, 'Will you write to me sometimes? I shall be so +anxious to know how you get on.' + +'Yes, thank you,' said he; with a sigh, as if he would fain have said +more. + +She paused; then said, abruptly, 'Do you know they never had your +letter?' + +'Ha! Good heavens!' cried he, starting up in consternation; 'then they +don't know it!' + +'They do. Sit down, Philip, and hear. I wanted to tell you about it. +They know it. Poor Laura was so unhappy when you were ill, that mamma +made it out from her.' + +He obeyed the hand that invited him back to his seat, and turned his +face earnestly towards her. He must let her be his comforter, though a +moment before his mind would have revolted at troubling the newly-made +widow with his love affairs. Amabel told him, as fully and clearly as +she could, how the truth had come out, how gently Laura had been dealt +with, how Charles had been trying to soften his father, and papa had +not said one angry word to her. + +'They forgive her. Oh, Amy, thanks indeed! You have taken away one of +the heaviest burdens. I am glad, indeed, that she spoke first. For my +own part, I see through all their kindness and consideration how they +regard me.' + +'They know how sorry you are, and that you wrote to tell all,' said +Amabel. 'They forgive, indeed they do; but they cannot bear to speak +about it just yet.' + +'If you forgive, Amy,' said he, in a husky voice, 'I may hope for +pardon from any.' + +'Hush! don't say that. You have been so kind, all this time, and we +have felt together so much, that no one could help forgetting anything +that went before. Then you will write to me; and will you tell me how +to direct to you?' + +'You will write to me?' cried Philip, brightening for a moment with +glad surprise. 'Oh, Amy, you will quite overpower me with your +goodness! --The coals of fire,' he finished, sinking his voice, and +again pressing his hand to his brow. + +'You must not speak so, Philip,' then looking at him, 'Is your head +aching?' + +'Not so much aching as--' he paused, and exclaimed, as if carried away +in spite of himself, 'almost bursting with the thoughts of--of you, +Amy,--of him whom I knew too late,--wilfully misunderstood, envied, +persecuted; who,--oh! Amy, Amy, if you could guess at the anguish of +but one of my thoughts, you would know what the first murderer meant +when he said, "My punishment is greater than I can bear."' + +'I can't say don't think,' said Amy, in her sweet, calm tone; 'for I +have seen how happy repentance made him, but I know it must be +dreadful. I suppose the worse it is at the time, the better it must be +afterwards. And I am sure this Prayer-book'--she had her hand on it +all the time, as if it was a pleasure to her to touch it again--'must +be a comfort to you. Did you not see that he made me give it to you to +use that day, when, if ever, there was pardon and peace--' + +'I remember,' said Philip, in a low, grave, heartfelt tone; and as she +took the pen, and was writing his name below the old inscription, he +added, 'And the date, Amy, and--yes,' as he saw her write 'From G. M.'- +-'but put from A. F. M. too. Thank you! One thing more;' he +hesitated, and spoke very low, 'You _must_ write in it what you said +when you came to fetch me that day,--"A broken"'-- + +As she finished writing, Mrs. Edmonstone came in. ' My Amy, all is +ready. We must go. Good-bye, Philip,' said she, in the tone of one so +eager for departure as to fancy farewells would hasten it. However, +she was not more eager than Mr. Edmonstone, who rushed in to hurry them +on, shaking hands cordially with Philip, and telling him to make haste +and recover his good looks. Amabel held out her hand. She would fain +have said something cheering, but the power failed her. A deep colour +came into her cheeks; she drew her thick black veil over her face, and +turned away. + +Philip came down-stairs with them, saw her enter the carriage followed +by her mother, Mr. Edmonstone outside. He remembered the gay smile +with which he last saw her seated in that carriage, and the active +figure that had sprung after her; he thought of the kind bright eyes +that had pleaded with him for the last time, and recollected the +suspicions and the pride with which he had plumed himself on his +rejection, and thrown away the last chance. + +Should he ever see Amabel again? He groaned and went back to the +deserted rooms. + + + + +CHAPTER 37 + + + + And see +If aught of sprightly, fresh, or free, +With the calm sweetness may compare +Of the pale form half slumbering there. +Therefore this one dear couch about +We linger hour by hour: +The love that each to each we bear, +All treasures of enduring care, +Into her lap we pour.--LYRA INNOCENTUM + + +The brother and sisters, left at home together, had been a very sad and +silent party, unable to attempt comforting each other. Charlotte's +grief was wild and ungovernable; breaking out into fits of sobbing, and +attending to nothing till she was abashed first by a reproof from Mr. +Ross, and next by the description of Amabel's conduct; when she grew +ashamed and set herself to atone, by double care, for her neglect of +Charles's comforts. + +Charles, however, wanted her little. He had rather be let alone. +After one exclamation of, 'My poor Amy!' he said not a word of +lamentation, but lay hour after hour without speaking, dwelling on the +happy days he had spent with Guy,--companion, friend, brother,--the +first beam that had brightened his existence, and taught him to make it +no longer cheerless; musing on the brilliant promise that had been cut +off; remembering his hopes for his most beloved sister, and feeling his +sorrow with imagining hers. It was his first grief, and a very deep +one. He seemed to have no comfort but in Mr. Ross, who contrived to +come to him every day, and would tell him how fully he shared his +affection and admiration for Guy, how he had marvelled at his whole +character, as it had shown itself more especially at the time of his +marriage, when his chastened temper had been the more remarkable in so +young a man, with the world opening on him so brightly. As to the +promise lost, that, indeed, Mr. Ross owned, and pleased Charles by +saying how he had hoped to watch its fulfilment; but he spoke of its +having been, in truth, no blight, only that those fair blossoms were +removed where nothing could check their full development or mar their +beauty. 'The hope in earthly furrows sown, would ripen in the sky;' +Charles groaned, saying it was hard not to see it, and they might speak +as they would, but that would not comfort him in thinking of his +sister. What was his sorrow to hers? But Mr. Ross had strong trust in +Amabel's depth and calm resignation. He said her spirit of yielding +would support her, that as in drowning or falling, struggling is fatal, +when quietness saves, so it would be with her: and that even in this +greatest of all trials she would rise instead of being crushed, with +all that was good and beautiful in her purified and refined. Charles +heard, strove to believe and be consoled, and brought out his letters, +trying, with voice breaking down, to show Mr. Ross how truly he had +judged of Amy, then listened with a kind of pleasure to the reports of +the homely but touching laments of all the village. + +Laura did not, like her brother and sister, seek for consolation from +Mr. Ross or Mary. She went on her own way, saying little, fulfilling +her household cares, writing all the letters that nobody else would +write, providing for Charles's ease, and looking thoroughly cast down +and wretched, but saying nothing; conscious that her brother and sister +did not believe her affection for Guy equal to theirs; and Charles was +too much dejected, and too much displeased with Philip, to try to +console her. + +It was a relief to hear, at length, that the travellers had landed, and +would be at home in the evening, not till late, wrote Mrs. Edmonstone, +because she thought it best for Amabel to go at once to her room, her +own old room, for she particularly wished not to be moved from it. + +The evening had long closed in; poor Bustle had been shut up in +Charlotte's room, and the three sat together round the fire, unable to +guess how they should meet her, and thinking how they had lately been +looking forward to greeting their bride, as they used proudly to call +her. Charles dwelt on that talk on the green, and his 'when shall we +three meet again?' and spoke not a word; Laura tried to read; and +Charlotte heard false alarms of wheels; but all were so still, that +when the wheels really came, they were heard all down the turnpike +road, and along the lane, before they sounded on the gravel drive. + +Laura and Charlotte ran into the hall, Charles reached his crutches, +but his hands shook so much that he could not adjust them, and was +obliged to sit down, rising the next minute as the black figures +entered together. Amy's sweet face was pressed to his, but neither +spoke. That agitated 'My dear, dear Charlie!' was his mother's, as she +threw her arms around him, with redoubled kisses and streaming tears; +and there was a trembling tone in his father's 'Well, Charlie boy, how +have you got on without us?' + +They sat down, Charles with his sister beside him, and holding a hand +steadier than his own, but hot and feverish to the touch. He leant +forward to look at her face, and, as if in answer, she turned it on +him. It was the old face, paler and thinner, and the eyelids had a +hard reddened look, from want of sleep: but Charles, like his mother at +first, was almost awed by the melancholy serenity of the expression. +'Have you been quite well?' she asked, in a voice which sounded +strangely familiar, in its fond, low tones. + +'Yes, quite.' + +There was a pause, followed by an interchange of question and answer +between the others, on the journey, and on various little home +circumstances. Presently Mrs. Edmonstone said Amy had better come up- +stairs. + +'I have not seen Bustle,' said Amy, looking at Charlotte. + +'He is in my room,' faltered Charlotte. + +'I should like to see him.' + +Charlotte hastened away, glad to wipe her tears when outside the door. +Poor Bustle had been watching for his master ever since his departure, +and hearing the sounds of arrival, was wild to escape from his prison. +He rushed out the moment the door was open, and was scratching to be +let into the drawing-room before Charlotte could come up with him. He +dashed in, laid his head on Amabel's knee, and wagged his tail for +welcome; gave the same greeting to Mr. and Mrs. Edmonstone, but only +for a moment, for he ran restlessly seeking round the room, came to the +door, and by his wistful looks made Charlotte let him out. She +followed him, and dropping on her knees as soon as she was outside, +pressed her forehead to his glossy black head, whispered that it was of +no use, he would never come back. The dog burst from her, and the next +moment was smelling and wagging his tail at a portmanteau, which he +knew as well as she did, and she could hardly refrain from a great +outburst of sobbing as she thought what joy its arrival had hitherto +been. + +Suddenly Bustle bounded away, and as Charlotte stood trying to compose +herself enough to return to the drawing-room, she heard the poor fellow +whining to be let in at Guy's bed-room door. At the same time the +drawing-room door opened, and anxious that Amy should neither see nor +hear him, she ran after him, admitted him, and shut herself in with him +in the dark, where, with her hands in his long silky curls, and sitting +on the ground, she sobbed over him as long as he would submit to her +caresses. + +Amabel meantime returned to her room, and looked round on its well- +known aspect with a sad smile, as she thought of the prayer with which +she had quitted it on her bridal day, and did not feel as if it had +been unanswered; for surely the hand of a Father had been with her to +support her through her great affliction. + +Though she said she was very well, her mother made her go to bed at +once, and Laura attended on her with a sort of frightened, respectful +tenderness, hardly able to bear her looks of gratitude. The first time +the two sisters were alone, Amabel said, 'Philip is much better.' + +Laura, who was settling some things on the table, started back and +coloured, then, unable to resist the desire of hearing of him, looked +earnestly at her sister. + +'He is gone to Corfu,' continued Amabel. 'He only kept Arnaud three +days after we were gone, and Arnaud overtook us at Geneva, saying his +strength had improved wonderfully. Will you give me my basket? I +should like to read you a piece of a note he sent me.' + +Laura brought it, and Amabel, holding her hand, looked up at her face, +which she vainly tried to keep in order. 'Dearest, I have been very +sorry for you, and so has Guy.' + +'Amy!' and Laura found herself giving way to her tears, in spite of all +her previous exhortations to Charlotte, about self-control; 'my own, +own sister!' To have Amy at home was an unspeakable comfort. + +'Papa and mamma were both as kind as possible to Philip,' continued +Amabel; 'but they could not bear to enter on _that_. So I told him you +had told all, and he was very glad.' + +'He was not displeased at my betraying him?' exclaimed Laura. 'Oh, no! +he was glad; he said it was a great relief, for he was very anxious +about you, Laura. He has been so kind to me,' said Amabel, so +earnestly, that Laura received another comfort, that of knowing that +her sister's indignation against him had all passed by. 'Now I will +read you what he says. You see his writing is quite itself again.' + +But Laura observed that Amabel only held towards her the 'Lady +Morville' on the outside, keeping the note to herself, and reading, 'I +have continued to gain strength since you went; so that there is no +further need of detaining Arnaud. I have twice been out of doors, and +am convinced that I am equal to the journey; indeed, it is hardly +possible for me to endure remaining here any longer.' She read no +more, but folded it up, saying, 'I had rather no one saw the rest. He +makes himself so unhappy about that unfortunate going to Sondrio, that +he says what is only painful to hear. I am glad he is able to join his +regiment, for a change will be the best thing for him.' + +She laid her head on the pillow as if she had done with the subject, +and Laura did not venture to pursue it, but went down to hear her +mother's account of her. + +Mrs. Edmonstone was feeling it a great comfort to have her son to talk +to again, and availed herself of it to tell him of Philip, while Laura +was absent, and then to return to speak of Amy on Laura's re-entrance. +She said, all through the journey, Amy had been as passive and tranquil +as possible, chiefly leaning back in the carriage in silence, excepting +that when they finally left the view of the snowy mountains, she gazed +after them as long as the least faint cloud-like summit was visible. +Still she could not sleep, except that now and then she dozed a little +in the carriage, but at night she heard every hour strike in turn, and +lay awake through all, nor had she shed one tear since her mother had +joined her. Mrs. Edmonstone's anxiety was very great, for she said she +knew Amy must pay for that unnatural calmness, and the longer it was +before it broke down, the worse it would be for her. However, she was +at home, that was one thing to be thankful for, and happen what might, +it could not be as distressing as if it had been abroad. + +Another night of 'calm unrest,' and Amabel rose in the morning, at her +usual hour, to put on the garments of her widowhood, where she had last +stood as a bride. Charles was actually startled by her entering the +dressing-room, just as she used to do, before breakfast, to read with +him, and her voice was as steady as ever. She breakfasted with the +family, and came up afterwards with Laura, to unpack her dressing-case, +and take out the little treasures that she and her husband had enjoyed +buying in the continental towns, as presents for the home party. + +All this, for which she had previously prepared herself, she underwent +as quietly as possible; but something unexpected came on her. +Charlotte, trying to pet and comfort her in every possible way, brought +in all the best flowers still lingering in the garden, and among them a +last blossom of the Noisette rose, the same of which Guy had been +twisting a spray, while he first told her of his love. + +It was too much. It recalled his perfect health and vigour, his light +activity, and enjoyment of life, and something came on her of the +sensation we feel for an insect, one moment full of joyous vitality, +the next, crushed and still. She had hitherto thought of his feverish +thirst and fainting weariness being at rest, and felt the relief, or +else followed his spirit to its repose, and rejoiced; but now the whole +scene brought back what he once was; his youthful, agile frame, his +eyes dancing in light, his bounding step, his gay whistle, the strong +hand that had upheld her on the precipice, the sure foot that had +carried aid to the drowning sailors, the arm that was to have been her +stay for life, all came on her in contrast with--death! The thought +swept over her, carrying away every other, and she burst into tears. + +The tears would have their course; she could not restrain them when +once they began, and her struggles to check them only brought an +increase of them. Her sobs grew so violent that Laura, much alarmed, +made a sign to Charlotte to fetch her mother; and Mrs. Edmonstone, +coming in haste, found it was indeed the beginning of a frightful +hysterical attack. The bodily frame had been overwrought to obey the +mental firmness and composure, and now nature asserted her rights; the +hysterics returned again and again, and when it seemed as if exhaustion +had at length produced quiet, the opening of a door, or a sound in the +distance, would renew all again. + +It was not till night had closed in that Mrs. Edmonstone was at all +satisfied about her, and had at length the comfort of seeing her fall +into a sound deep sleep; such an unbroken dreamless sleep as had +scarcely visited her since she first went to Recoara. Even this sleep +did not restore her; she became very unwell, and both Dr. Mayerne and +her mother insisted on her avoiding the least exertion or agitation. +She was quite submissive, only begging earnestly to be allowed to see +Mr. Ross, saying she knew it would do her good rather than harm, and +promising to let him leave her the instant she found it too much for +her; and though Mrs. Edmonstone was reluctant and afraid, they agreed +that as she was so reasonable and docile, she ought to be allowed to +judge for herself. + +She begged that he might come after church on All Saints' day. He +came, and after his first greeting of peace, Mrs. Edmonstone signed to +him to read at once, instead of speaking to her. The beautiful lesson +for the day overcame Mrs. Edmonstone so much that she was obliged to go +out of Amabel's sight, but as the words were read, Amy's face recovered +once more the serenity that had been swept away by the sight of the +flowers. Peace had returned, and when the calm every-day words of the +service were over, she held out her hand to Mr. Ross, and said, 'Thank +you, that was very nice. Now talk to me.' + +It was a difficult request, but Mr. Ross understood her, and talked to +her as she sought, in a gentle, deep, high strain of hope and faith, +very calm and soothing, and with a fatherly kindness that was very +pleasant from him who had baptized her, taught her, and whom she had +last seen blessing her and her husband. It ended by her looking up to +him when it was time for him to go, and saying, 'Thank you. You will +come again when you have time, I hope. My love to dear Mary, I should +like to see her soon, but I knew you would do me more good than +anybody, and know better how it feels.' + +Mr. Ross knew she meant that he must better understand her loss, +because he was a widower, and was greatly touched, though he only +answered by a blessing, a farewell, and a promise to come very soon to +see her again. + +Amabel was right, the peace which he had recalled, and the power of +resignation that had returned, had a better effect on her than all her +mother's precautions; she began to improve, and in a few days more was +able to leave her bed, and lie on the sofa in the dressing-room, though +she was still so weak and languid that this was as much as she could +attempt. Any exertion was to be carefully guarded against, and her +tears now flowed so easily, that she was obliged to keep a check on +them lest they might again overpower her. Mr. Ross came again and +again, and she was able to tell him much of the grounds for her great +happiness in Guy, hear how entirely he had understood him, and be +assured that she had done right, and not taken an undue responsibility +on herself by the argument she had used to summon Philip, that last +evening. She had begun to make herself uneasy about this; for she said +she believed she was thinking of nothing but Guy, and had acted on +impulse; and she was very glad Mr. Ross did not think it wrong, while +Mr. Ross meanwhile was thinking how fears and repentance mingle with +the purest sweetest, holiest deeds. + +She was able now to take pleasure in seeing Mary Ross; she wrote to +Philip at Corfu, and sent for Markham to begin to settle the executor's +business. Poor Markham! the Edmonstones thought he looked ten years +older when he arrived, and after his inquiry for Lady Morville, his +grunt almost amounted to a sob. The first thing he did was to give +Mrs. Edmonstone a note, and a little box sent from Mrs. Ashford. The +note was to say that Mrs. Ashford had intended for her wedding present, +a little cross made out of part of the wood of the wreck, which she now +thought it beat to send to Mrs. Edmonstone, that she might judge +whether Lady Morville would like to see it. + +Mrs. Edmonstone's judgment was to carry it at once to Amabel, and she +was right, for the pleasure she took in it was indescribable. She +fondled it, set it up by her on her little table, made Charlotte put it +in different places that she might see what point of view suited it +best, had it given back to her, held it in her hands caressingly, and +said she must write at once to Mrs. Ashford to thank her for +understanding her so well. There was scarcely one of the mourners to +be pitied more than Markham, for the love he had set on Sir Guy had +been intense, compounded of feudal affection, devoted admiration, and +paternal care--and that he, the very flower of the whole race, should +thus have been cut down in the full blossom of his youth and hopes, was +almost more than the old man could bear or understand. It was a great +sorrow, too, that he should be buried so far away from his forefathers; +and the hearing it was by his own desire, did not satisfy him, he +sighed over it still, and seemed to derive a shade of comfort only when +he was told there was to be a tablet in Redclyffe church to the memory +of Guy, sixth baronet. + +In the evening Markham became very confidential with Charles; telling +him about the grievous mourning and lamentation at Redclyffe, when the +bells rung a knell instead of greeting the young master and his bride, +and how there was scarcely one in the parish that did not feel as if +they had lost a son or a brother. He also told more and more of Sir +Guy's excellence, and talked of fears of his own, especially last +Christmas; that the boy was too unlike other people, too good to live; +and lastly, he indulged in a little abuse of Captain Morville, which +did Charles's heart good, at the same time as it amused him to think +how Markham would recollect it, when he came to hear of Laura's +engagement. + +In the course of the next day, Markham had his conference with Lady +Morville in the dressing-room, and brought her two or three precious +parcels, which he would not, for the world, have given into any other +hands. He could hardly bear to look at her in her widow's cap, and +behaved to her with a manner varying between his deference and respect +to the Lady of Redclyffe, and his fatherly fondness for the wife of +'his boy.' As to her legal powers, he would have thought them +foolishly bestowed, if they had been conferred by any one save his own +Sir Guy, and he began by not much liking to act with her; but he found +her so clear-headed, that he was much surprised to find a woman could +have so much good sense, and began to look forward with some +satisfaction to being her prime minister. They understood each other +very well; Amabel's good sense and way of attending to the one matter +in hand, kept her from puzzling and alarming herself by thinking she +had more to do than she could ever understand or accomplish; she knew +it was Guy's work, and a charge he had given her,--a great proof of his +confidence,--and she did all that was required of her very well, so +that matters were put in train to be completed when she should be of +age, in the course of the next January. + +When Markham left her she was glad to be alone, and to open her +parcels. There was nothing here to make her hysterical, for she was +going to contemplate the living soul, and felt almost, as if it was +again being alone with her husband. There were his most prized and +used books, covered with marks and written notes; there was Laura's +drawing of Sintram, which had lived with him in his rooms at Oxford; +there was a roll of music, and there was his desk. The first thing +when she opened it was a rough piece of spar, wrapped in paper, on +which was written, 'M. A. D., Sept. 18.' She remembered what he had +told her of little Marianne's gift. The next thing made her heart +thrill, for it was a slip of pencilling in her own writing, 'Little +things, on little wings, bear little souls to heaven.' + +Her own letters tied up together, those few that she had written in the +short time they were separated just before their marriage! Could that +be only six months ago? A great bundle of Charles's and of Mrs. +Edmonstone's; those she might like to read another time, but not now. +Many other papers letters signed S. B. Dixon, which she threw aside, +notes of lectures, and memoranda, only precious for the handwriting; +but when she came to the lower division; she found it full of verses, +almost all the poetry he had ever written. + +There were the classical translations that used to make him inaccurate, +a scrap of a very boyish epic about King Arthur, beginning with a storm +at Tintagel, sundry half ballads, the verses he was suspected of, and +never would show, that first summer at Hollywell, and a very touching +vision of his fair young mother. Except a translation or two, some +words written to suit their favourite airs (a thing that used to seem +to come as easily to him as singing to a bird), and a few lively mock +heroic accounts of walks or parties, which had all been public +property, there was no more that she could believe to have been +composed till last year, for he was more disposed to versify in sorrow +than in joy. There were a good many written during his loneliness, for +his reflections had a tendency to flow into verse, and pouring them out +thus had been a great solace. The lines were often imperfect and +irregular, but not one that was not deep, pure, and genuine, and here +and there scattered with passages of exquisite beauty and harmony, and +full of power and grace. No one could have looked at them without +owning in them the marks of a thorough poet, but this was not what the +wife was seeking, and when she perceived it, though it made her face +beam with a sort of satisfied pride, it was a secondary thing. She was +studying not his intellect, but his soul; she did not care whether he +would have been a poet, what she looked for was the record of the +sufferings and struggles of the sad six months when his character was +established, strengthened, and settled. + +She found it. There was much to which she alone had the clue, too +deep, and too obscurely hinted, to be understood at a glance. She met +with such evidence of suffering as made her shudder and weep, tokens of +the dark thoughts that had gathered round him, of the manful spirit of +penitence and patience that had been his stay, and of the gleams that +lighted his darkest hours, and showed he had never been quite forsaken. +Now and then came a reference which brought home what he had told her; +how the thought of his Verena had cheered him when he dared not hope +she would be restored. Best of all were the lines written when the +radiance of Christmas was, once for all, dispersing the gloom, and the +vision opening on him, which he was now realizing. In reading them, +she felt the same marvellous sympathy of subdued wondering joy in the +victory of which she had partaken as she knelt beside his death-bed. +These were the last. He had been too happy for poetry, except one or +two scraps in Switzerland, and these had been hers from the time she +had detected them. + +No wonder Amabel almost lived on those papers! It would not be too +much to say she was very happy in her own way when alone with them; the +desk on a chair by her sofa. They were too sacred for any one else; +she did not for many weeks show one even to her mother; but to her they +were like a renewal of his presence, soothing the craving after him +that had been growing on her ever since the first few days when his +sustaining power had not passed away. As she sorted them, and made out +their dates, finding fresh stores of meaning at each fresh perusal she +learnt through them, as well as through her own trial, so patiently +borne, to enter into his character even more fully than when he was in +her sight. Mrs. Edmonstone, who had at first been inclined to dread +her constant dwelling on them, soon perceived that they were her great +aids through this sad winter. + +She had much pleasure in receiving the portrait, which was sent her by +Mr. Shene. It was a day or two before she could resolve to look at it, +or feel that she could do so calmly. It was an unfinished sketch, +taken more with a view to the future picture than to the likeness; but +Guy's was a face to be better represented by being somewhat idealized, +than by copying merely the material form of the features. An ordinary +artist might have made him like a Morville, but Mr. Shene had shown all +that art could convey of his individual self, with almost one of his +unearthly looks. The beautiful eyes, with somewhat of their peculiar +lightsomeness, the flexible look of the lip, the upward pose of the +head, the set of that lock of hair that used to wave in the wind, the +animated position, 'just ready for a start,' as Charles used to call +it, were recalled as far as was in the power of chalk and crayon, but +so as to remind Amabel of him more as one belonging to heaven than to +earth. The picture used to be on her mantel-shelf all night, the +shipwreck cross before it, and Sintram and Redclyffe on each side; and +she brought it into the dressing-room with her in the morning, setting +it up opposite to the sofa, before settling herself. + +Her days were much alike. She felt far from well, or capable of +exertion, and was glad it was thought right to keep her entirely +upstairs; she only wished to spare her mother anxiety, by being +submissive to her care, in case these cares should be the last for her. +She did not dwell on the future, nor ask herself whether she looked for +life or death. Guy had bidden her not desire the last, and she +believed she did not form a wish; but there was repose to her in the +belief that she ought not to conceal from herself that there was more +than ordinary risk, and that it was right to complete all her affairs +in this world, and she was silent when her mother tried to interest her +in prospects that might cheer her; as if afraid to fasten on them, and +finding more peace in entire submission, than in feeding herself on +hope that must be coupled with fear. + +Christmas-day was not allowed to pass without being a festival for her, +in her quiet room, where she lay, full of musings on his lonely +Christmas night last year, his verses folded among her precious books, +and the real joy of the season more within her grasp than in the +turmoil of last year. She was not afraid now to let herself fancy his +voice in the Angel's Song, and the rainbow was shining on her cloud. + + + + +CHAPTER 38 + + + +The coldness from my heart is gone, +But still the weight is there, +And thoughts which I abhor will come +To tempt me to despair.--SOUTHEY + + +Amabel's one anxiety was for Philip. For a long time nothing was heard +of him at Hollywell, and she began to fear that he might have been less +fit to take care of himself than he had persuaded her to believe. When +at length tidings reached them, it was through the De Courcys. 'Poor +Morville,' wrote Maurice, 'had been carried ashore at Corfu, in the +stupor of a second attack of fever. He had been in extreme danger for +some time, and though now on the mend, was still unable to give any +account of himself.' + +In effect, it was a relapse of the former disease, chiefly affecting +the brain, and his impatience to leave Recoara, and free himself from +Arnaud, had been a symptom of its approach, though it fortunately did +not absolutely overpower him till after he had embarked for Corfu, and +was in the way to be tended with the greatest solicitude. Long after +the fever was subdued, and his strength returning, his mind was astray, +and even when torturing delusions ceased, and he resumed the perception +of surrounding objects, memory and reflection wavered in dizzy +confusion, more distressing than either his bodily weakness, or the +perpetual pain in his head, which no remedy could relieve. + +The first date to which he could afterwards recur, though for more than +a week he had apparently been fully himself, was a time when he was +sitting in an easy-chair by the window, obliged to avert his heavy eyes +from the dazzling waters of the Corcyran bay, where Ulysses' +transformed ship gleamed in the sunshine, and the rich purple hills of +Albania sloped upwards in the distance. James Thorndale was, as usual, +with him, and was explaining that there had been a consultation between +the doctor and the colonel, and they had decided that as there was not +much chance of restoring his health in that climate in the spring. + +'Spring!' he interrupted, with surprise and eagerness, 'Is it spring?' + +'Hardly--except that there is no winter here. This is the 8th of +January.' + +He let his head fall on his hand again, and listened with indifference +when told he was to be sent to England at once, under the care of his +servant, Bolton, and Mr. Thorndale himself, who was resolved to see him +safe in his sister's hands. He made no objection; he had become used +to be passive, and one place was much the same to him as another; so he +merely assented, without a question about the arrangements. Presently, +however, he looked up, and inquired for his letters. Though he had +done so before, the request had always been evaded, until now he spoke +in a manner which decided his friend on giving him all except one with +broad black edges, and Broadstone post-mark; the effect of which, it +was thought, might be very injurious to his shattered nerves and +spirits. + +However, he turned over the other letters without interest, just +glancing languidly through them, looked disappointed, and exclaimed-- + +'None from Hollywell! Has nothing been heard from them? Thorndale, I +insist on knowing whether De Courcy has heard anything of Lady +Morville.' + +'He has heard of her arrival in England.' + +'My sister mentions that--more than two months ago--I can hardly +believe she has not written, if she was able. She promised, yet how +can I expect--' then interrupting himself, he added, authoritatively, +'Thorndale, is there no letter for me? I see there is. Let me have +it.' + +His friend could not but comply, and had no reason to regret having +done so; for after reading it twice, though he sighed deeply, and the +tears were in his eyes, he was more calm and less oppressed than he had +been at any time since his arrival in Corfu. He was unable to write, +but Colonel Deane had undertaken to write to Mrs. Henley to announce +his coming; and as the cause of his silence must be known at Hollywell, +he resolved to let Amabel's letter wait for a reply till his arrival in +England. + +It was on a chilly day in February that Mrs. Henley drove to the +station to meet her brother, looking forward with a sister's +satisfaction to nursing his recovery, and feeling (for she had a heart, +after all) as if it was a renewal of the days, which she regarded with +a tenderness mixed with contempt, when all was confidence between the +brother and sister, the days of nonsense and romance. She hoped that +now poor Philip, who had acted hastily on his romance, and ruined his +own prospects for her sake in his boyish days, had a chance of having +it all made up to him, and reigning at Redclyffe according to her +darling wish. + +As she anxiously watched the arrival of the train, she recognized Mr. +Thorndale, whom she had known in his school-days as Philip's protege-- +but could that be her brother? It was his height, indeed; but his slow +weary step as he crossed the platform, and left the care of his baggage +to others, was so unlike his prompt, independent air, that she could +hardly believe it to be himself, till, with his friend, he actually +advanced to the carriage, and then she saw far deeper traces of illness +than she was prepared for. A confusion of words took place; greetings +on one hand, and partings on the other, for James Thorndale was going +on by the train, and made only a few minutes' halt in which to assure +Mrs. Henley that though the landing and the journey had knocked up his +patient to-day, he was much better since leaving Corfu, and to beg +Philip to write as soon as possible. The bell rang, he rushed back, +and was whirled away. + +'Then you are better,' said Mrs. Henley, anxiously surveying her +brother. 'You are sadly altered! You must let us take good care of +you.' + +'Thank you! I knew you would be ready to receive me, though I fear I +am not very good company.' + +'Say no more, my dearest brother. You know both Dr. Henley and myself +have made it our first object that our house should be your home.' + +'Thank you.' + +'This salubrious air must benefit you,' she added. 'How thin you are! +Are you very much fatigued?' + +'Rather,' said Philip, who was leaning back wearily; but the next +moment he exclaimed, 'What do you hear from Hollywell?' + +'There is no news yet.' + +'Do you know how she is? When did you hear of her?' + +'About a week ago; when she wrote to inquire for you.' + +'She did? What did she say of herself?' + +'Nothing particular, poor little thing; I believe she is always on the +sofa. My aunt would like nothing so well as making a great fuss about +her.' + +'Have you any objection to show me her letter?' said Philip, unable to +bear hearing Amabel thus spoken of, yet desirous to learn all he could +respecting her. + +'I have not preserved it,' was the answer. 'My correspondence is so +extensive that there would be no limit to the accumulation if I did not +destroy the trivial letters.' + +There was a sudden flush on Philip's pale face that caused his sister +to pause in her measured, self-satisfied speech, and ask if he was in +pain. + +'No,' he replied, shortly, and Margaret pondered on his strange manner, +little guessing what profanation her mention of Amabel's letter had +seemed to him, or how it jarred on him to hear this exaggerated +likeness of his own self-complacent speeches. + +She was much shocked and grieved to see him so much more unwell than +she had expected. He was unfit for anything but to go to bed on his +arrival. Dr. Henley said the system had received a severe shock, and +it would be long before the effects would be shaken off; but that there +was no fear but his health would be completely restored if he would +give himself entire rest. + +There was no danger that Margaret would not lavish care enough on her +brother. She waited on him in his room all the next day, bringing him +everything he could want, and trying to make him come down-stairs, for +she thought sitting alone there very bad for his spirits; but he said +he had a letter to write, and very curious she was to know why he was +so long doing it, and why he did not tell her to whom it was addressed. +However, she saw when it was put into the post-bag, that it was for +Lady Morville. + +At last, too late to see any of the visitors who had called to inquire, +when the evening had long closed in, she had the satisfaction of seeing +Philip enter the drawing-room, and settling him in the most comfortable +of her easy-chairs on one side of the fire to wait till the Doctor +returned for dinner. The whole apartment was most luxurious, spacious, +and richly furnished; the fire, in its brilliant steel setting, +glancing on all around, and illuminating her own stately presence, and +rich glace silk, as she sat opposite her brother cutting open the +leaves of one of the books of the club over which she presided. She +felt that this was something like attaining one of the objects for +which she used to say and think she married,--namely, to be able to +receive her brother in a comfortable home. If only he would but look +more like himself. + +'Do you like a cushion for your head, Philip? Is it better?' + +'Better since morning, thank you.' + +'Did those headaches come on before your second illness?' + +'I can't distinctly remember.' + +'Ah! I cannot think how the Edmonstones could leave you. I shall +always blame them for that relapse.' + +'It had nothing to do with it. Their remaining was impossible.' + +'On Amabel's account? No, poor thing, I don't blame her, for she must +have been quite helpless; but it was exactly like my aunt, to have but +one idea at a time. Charles used to be the idol, and now it is Amy, I +suppose.' + +'If anything could have made it more intolerable for me, it would have +been detaining them there for my sake, at such a time.' + +'Ah! I felt a great deal for you. You must have been very sorry for +that poor little Amy. She was very kind in writing while you were ill. +How did she contrive, poor child? I suppose you took all the head work +for her?' + +'I? I was nothing but a burden.' + +'Were you still so very ill?' said Margaret, tenderly. 'I am sure you +must have been neglected.' + +'Would that I had!' muttered Philip, so low that she did not catch the +words. Then aloud,--'No care could have been greater than was taken +for me. It was as if no one had been ill but myself, and the whole +thought of every one had been for me.' + +'Then Amabel managed well, poor thing! We do sometimes see those weak +soft characters--' + +'Sister!' he interrupted.' + +'Have not you told me so yourself?' + +'I was a fool, or worse,' said he, in a tone of suffering. 'No words +can describe what she proved herself.' + +'Self-possessed? energetic?' asked Mrs. Henley, with whom those were +the first of qualities; and as her brother paused from repugnance to +speak of Amabel to one so little capable of comprehending her, she +proceeded: 'No doubt she did the best she could, but she must have been +quite inexperienced. It was a very young thing in the poor youth to +make her executrix. I wonder the will was valid; but I suppose you +took care of that.' + +'I did nothing.' + +'Did you see it?' + +'My uncle showed it to me.' + +'Then you can tell me what I want to hear, for no one has told me +anything. I suppose my uncle is to be guardian?' + +'No; Lady Morville.' + +'You don't mean it? Most lover-like indeed. That poor girl to manage +that great property? Everything left to her!' said Mrs. Henley, +continuing her catechism in spite of the unwillingness of his replies. +'Were there any legacies? I know of Miss Wellwood's.' + +'That to Dixon's daughter, and my own,' he answered. + +'Yours? How was it that I never heard of it? What is it?' + +'Ten thousand,' said Philip, sadly. + +'I am delighted to hear it!' cried Margaret. 'Very proper of Sir Guy-- +very proper indeed, poor youth. It is well thought of to soften the +disappointment.' + +Philip started forward. 'Disappointment!' exclaimed he, with horror. + +'You need not look as if I wished to commit murder,' said his sister, +smiling. 'Have you forgotten that it depends on whether it is a son or +daughter?' + +His dismay was not lessened. 'Do you mean to say that this is to come +on me if the child is a daughter?' + +'Ah! you were so young when the entail was made, that you knew nothing +of it. Female heirs were expressly excluded. There was some aunt whom +old Sir Guy passed over, and settled the property on my father and you, +failing his own male heirs.' + +'No one would take advantage of such a chance,' said Philip. + +'Do not make any rash resolutions, my dear brother, whatever you do,' +said Margaret. 'You have still the same fresh romantic generous spirit +of self-sacrifice that is generally so soon worn out, but you must not +let it allow you--' + +'Enough of this,' said Philip, hastily, for every word was a dagger. + +'Ah! you are right not to dwell on the uncertainty. I am almost sorry +I told you,' said Margaret. 'Tell me about Miss Wellwood's legacy,' +she continued, desirous of changing the subject. 'I want to know the +truth of it, for every one is talking of it.''How comes the world to +know of it?' + +'There have been reports ever since his death, and now it has been +paid, whatever it is, on Lady Morville's coming of age. Do you know +what it is? The last story I was told was, that it was £20,000, to +found a convent to pray for his grand--' + +'Five thousand for her hospital,' interrupted Philip. 'Sister!' he +added; speaking with effort, 'it was for that hospital that he made the +request for which we persecuted him.' + +'Ah! I thought so, I could have told you so!' cried Margaret, +triumphant in her sagacity, but astonished, as her brother started up +and stood looking at her, as if he could hardly resolve to give credit +to her words. + +'You--thought--so,' he repeated slowly. + +'I guessed it from the first. He was always with that set, and I +thought it a very bad thing for him; but as it was only a guess, it was +not worth while to mention it: besides, the cheque seemed full +evidence. It was the general course, not the individual action.' + +'If you thought so, why not mention it to me? Oh! sister, what would +you not have spared me!' + +'I might have done so if it had appeared that it might lead to his +exculpation, but you were so fully convinced that his whole course +confirmed the suspicions, that a mere vague idea was not worth dwelling +on. Your general opinion, of him satisfied me.' + +'I cannot blame you,' was all his reply, as he sat down again, with his +face averted from the light. + +And Mrs. Henley was doubtful whether he meant that she had been +judicious! She spoke again, unconscious of the agony each word +inflicted. + +'Poor youth! we were mistaken in those facts, and of course, all is +forgiven and forgotten now; but he certainly had a tremendous temper. +I shall never forget that exhibition. Perhaps poor Amabel is saved +much unhappiness.' + +'Once for all,' said Philip, sternly, 'let me never hear you speak of +him thus. We were both blind to a greatness of soul and purity of +heart that we shall never meet again. Yours was only prejudice; mine I +must call by a darker name. Remember, that he and his wife are only to +be spoken of with reverence.' + +He composed himself to silence; and Margaret, after looking at him for +some moments in wonder, began in a sort of exculpatory tone: + +'Of course we owe him a great deal of gratitude. It was very kind and +proper to come to you when you were ill, and his death must have been a +terrible shock. He was a fine young man; amiable, very attractive in +manner.' + +'No more!' muttered Philip. + +'That, you always said of him,' continued she, not hearing, 'but you +have no need to reproach yourself. You always acted the part of a true +friend, did full justice to his many good qualities, and only sought +his real good.' + +'Every word you speak is the bitterest satire on me,' said Philip, +goaded into rousing himself for a moment. 'Say no more, unless you +would drive me distracted!' + +Margaret was obliged to be silent, and marvel, while her brother sat +motionless, leaning back in his chair, till Dr. Henley came in; and +after a few words to him, went on talking to his wife, till dinner was +announced. Philip went with them into the dining-room, but had +scarcely sat down before he said he could not stay, and returned to the +drawing-room sofa. He said he only wanted quiet and darkness, and sent +his sister and her husband back to their dinner. + +'What has he been doing?' said the Doctor; 'here is his pulse up to a +hundred again. How can he have raised it?' + +'He only came down an hour ago, and has been sitting still ever since.' + +'Talking?' + +'Yes; and there, perhaps, I was rather imprudent. I did not know he +could so little bear to hear poor Sir Guy's name mentioned; and, +besides, he did not know, till I told him, that he had so much chance +of Redclyffe. He did not know the entail excluded daughters.' + +'Did he not! That accounts for it. I should like to see the man who +could hear coolly that he was so near such a property. This suspense +is unlucky just now; very much against him. You must turn his thoughts +from it as much as possible.' + +All the next day, Mrs. Henley wondered why her brother's spirits were +so much depressed, resisting every attempt to amuse or cheer them; but, +on the third, she thought some light was thrown on the matter. She was +at breakfast with the Doctor when the post came in, and there was a +black-edged letter for Captain Morville, evidently from Amabel. She +took it up at once to his room. He stretched out his hand for it +eagerly, but laid it down, and would not open it while she was in the +room. The instant she was gone, however, he broke the seal and read:-- + + + 'Hollywell, February 20th. + +'MY DEAR PHILIP,--Thank you much for writing to me. It was a great +comfort to see your writing again, and to hear of your being safe in +our own country. We had been very anxious about you, though we did not +hear of your illness till the worst was over. I am very glad you are +at St. Mildred's, for I am sure Margaret must be very careful of you, +and Stylehurst air must be good for you. Every one here is well; +Charles growing almost active, and looking better than I ever saw him. +I wish I could tell you how nice and quiet a winter it has been; it has +been a great blessing to me in every way, so many things have come to +me to enjoy. Mr. Ross has come to me every Sunday, and often in the +week, and has been so very kind. I think talking to him will be a +great pleasure to you when you are here again. You will like to hear +that Mr. Shene has sent me the picture, and the pleasure it gives me +increases every day. Indeed, I am so well off in every way, that you +must not grieve yourself about me, though I thank you very much for +what you say. Laura reads to me all the evening from dinner to tea. I +am much better than I was in the winter, and am enjoying the soft +spring air from the open window, making it seem as if it was much later +in the year. +'Good-bye, my dear cousin; may God bless and comfort you. Remember, +that after all, it was God's will, not your doing; and therefore, as he +said himself, all is as it should be, and so it will surely be. + + 'Your affectionate cousin, + 'AMABEL F. MORVILLE.' + + +Childishly simple as this letter might be called, with its set of facts +without comment, and the very commonplace words of consolation, it +spoke volumes to Philip of the spirit in which it was written-- +resignation, pardon, soothing, and a desire that her farewell, perhaps +her last, should carry with it a token of her perfect forgiveness. +Everything from Amabel did him good; and he was so perceptibly better, +that his sister exclaimed, when she was next alone with Dr. Henley, 'I +understand it all, poor fellow; I thought long ago, he had some secret +attachment; and now I see it was to Amabel Edmonstone.' + +'To Lady Morville?' + +'Yes. You know how constantly he was at Hollywell, my aunt so fond of +him? I don't suppose Amy knew of it; and, of course, she could not be +blamed for accepting such an offer as Sir Guy's; besides, she never had +much opinion of her own.' + +'How? No bad speculation for him. She must have a handsome jointure; +but what are your grounds?' + +'Everything. Don't you remember he would not go to the marriage? He +mentions her almost like a saint; can't hear her name from any one +else--keeps her letter to open alone, is more revived by it than +anything else. Ah! depend upon it, it was to avoid her, poor fellow, +that he refused to go to Venice with them.' + +'Their going to nurse him is not as if Sir Guy suspected it.' + +'I don't suppose he did, nor Amy either. No one ever had so much power +over himself.' + +Philip would not have thanked his sister for her surmise, but it was so +far in his favour that it made her avoid the subject, and he was thus +spared from hearing much of Amabel or of Redclyffe. It was bad enough +without this. Sometimes in nursery tales, a naughty child, under the +care of a fairy, is chained to an exaggeration of himself and his own +faults, and rendered a slave to this hateful self. The infliction he +underwent in his sister's house was somewhat analogous, for Mrs. +Henley's whole character, and especially her complacent speeches, were +a strong resemblance of his own in the days he most regretted. He had +ever since her marriage regarded her as a man looks at a fallen idol, +but never had her alteration been so clear to him, as he had not spent +much time with her, making her short visits, and passing the chief of +each day at Stylehurst. Now, he was almost entirely at her mercy, and +her unvarying kindness to him caused her deterioration to pain him all +the more; while each self-assertion, or harsh judgment, sounded on his +ear like a repetition of his worst and most hateful presumption. She +little guessed what she made him endure, for he had resumed his wonted +stoicism of demeanour, though the hardened crust that had once grown +over his feelings had been roughly torn away, leaving an extreme +soreness and tenderness to which an acute pang was given whenever he +was reminded, not only of his injuries to Guy, but of the pride and +secret envy that had been their root. + +At the same time he disappointed her by his continued reserve and +depression. The confidence she had forfeited was never to be restored, +and she was the last person to know how incapable she was of receiving +it, or how low she had sunk in her self-exaltation. + +He was soon able to resume the hours of the family, but was still far +from well; suffering from languor, pain in the head, want of sleep and +appetite; and an evening feverishness. He was unequal to deep reading, +and was in no frame for light books; he could not walk far, and his +sister's literary coteries, which he had always despised, were at +present beyond his powers of endurance. She hoped that society would +divert his thoughts and raise his spirits, and arranged her parties +with a view to him; but he never could stay long in the room, and Dr. +Henley, who, though proud of his wife and her talents, had little +pleasure in her learned circle, used to aid and abet his escape. + +Thus Philip got through the hours as best he might, idly turning the +pages of new club-books, wandering on the hills till he tired himself, +sitting down to rest in the damp air, coming home chilled and fatigued, +and lying on the sofa with his eyes shut, to avoid conversation, all +the evening. Neither strength, energy, nor intellect would, serve him +for more; and this, with the load and the stings of a profound +repentance, formed his history through the next fortnight. + +He used often to stand gazing at the slowly-rising walls of Miss +Wellwood's buildings, and the only time he exerted himself in his old +way to put down any folly in conversation, was when he silenced some of +the nonsense talked about her, and evinced his own entire approval of +her proceedings. + + + + +CHAPTER 39 + + + +Beneath a tapering ash-tree's shade +Three graves are by each other laid. +Around the very place doth brood +A strange and holy quietude.--BAPTISTERY + + +Late on the afternoon of the 6th of March, Mary Ross entered by the +half-opened front door at Hollywell, just as Charles appeared slowly +descending the stairs. + +'Well! how is she?' asked Mary eagerly. + +'Poor little dear!' he answered, with a sigh; 'she looks very nice and +comfortable.' + +'What, you have seen her?' + +'I am at this moment leaving her room.' + +'She is going on well, I hope?' + +'Perfectly well. There is one comfort at least,' said Charles, drawing +himself down the last step. + +'Dear Amy! And the babe--did you see it?' + +'Yes; the little creature was lying by her, and she put her hand on it, +and gave one of those smiles that are so terribly like his; but I could +not have spoken about it for the world. Such fools we be!' concluded +Charles, with an attempt at a smile. + +'It is healthy?' + +'All a babe ought to be, they say, all that could be expected of it, +except the not being of the right sort, and if Amy does not mind that, +I don't know who should,' and Charles deposited himself on the sofa, +heaving a deep sigh, intended to pass for the conclusion of the +exertion. + +'Then you think she is not disappointed?' + +'Certainly not. The first thing she said when she was told it was a +girl, was, "I am so glad!" and she does seem very happy with it, poor +little thing! In fact, mamma thinks she had so little expected that it +would go well with herself, or with it, that now it is all like a +surprise.' + +There was a silence, first broken by Charles saying, 'You must be +content with me--I can't send for anyone. Bustle has taken papa and +Charlotte for a walk, and Laura is on guard over Amy, for we have made +mamma go and lie down. It was high time, after sitting up two nights, +and meaning to sit up a third.' + +'Has she really--can she bear it?' + +'Yes; I am afraid I have trained her in sitting up, and Amy and all of +us know that anxiety hurts her more than fatigue. She would only lie +awake worrying herself, instead of sitting peaceably by the fire, +holding the baby, or watching Amy, and having a quiet cry when she is +asleep. For, after all, it is very sad!' Charles was trying to brave +his feelings, but did not succeed very well. 'Yesterday morning I was +properly frightened. I came into the dressing-room, and found mamma +crying so, that I fully believed it was all wrong, but she was just +coming to tell us, and was only overcome by thinking of not having him +to call first, and how happy he would have been.' + +'And the dear Amy herself!' + +'I can't tell. She is a wonderful person for keeping herself composed +when she ought. I see she has his picture in full view, but she says +not a word, except that mamma saw her to-day, when she thought no one +was looking, fondling the little thing, and whispering to it--"Guy's +baby!" and "Guy's little messenger!"' Charles gave up the struggle, +and fairly cried, but in a moment rallying his usual tone, he went on, +half laughing,--'To be sure, what a morsel of a creature it is! It is +awful to see anything so small calling itself a specimen of humanity!' + +'It is your first acquaintance with infant humanity, I suppose? Pray, +did you ever see a baby?' + +'Not to look at. In fact, Mary, I consider it a proof of your being a +rational woman that you have not asked me whether it is pretty.' + +'I thought you no judge of the article.' + +'No, it was not to inspect it that Amy sent for me; though after all it +was for a business I would almost as soon undertake, a thing I would +not do for any other living creature.' + +'Then I know what it is. To write some kind message to Captain +Morville. Just like the dear Amy!' + +'Just like her, and like no one else, except-- Of course my father +wrote him an official communication yesterday, very short; but the fact +must have made it sweet enough, savage as we all were towards him, as +there was no one else to be savage to, unless it might be poor Miss +Morville, who is the chief loser by being of the feminine gender,' said +Charles, again braving what he was pleased to call sentimentality. +'Well, by and by, my lady wants to know if any one has written to "poor +Philip," as she will call him, and, by no means contented by hearing +papa had, she sends to ask me to come to her when I came in from +wheeling in the garden; and receives me with a request that I would +write and tell him how well she is, and how glad, and so on. There's a +piece of work for me!' + +'Luckily you are not quite so savage as you pretend, either to him, or +your poor little niece.' + +'Whew! I should not care whether she was niece or nephew but for him; +at least not much, as long as she comforted Amy; but to see him at +Redclyffe, and be obliged to make much of him at the same time, is more +than I can very well bear; though I may as well swallow it as best I +can, for she will have me do it, as well as on Laura's account. Amy +believes, you know, that he will think the inheritance a great +misfortune; but that is only a proof that she is more amiable than any +one else.' + +'I should think he would not rejoice.' + +'Not exactly; but I have no fear that he will not console himself by +thinking of the good he will do with it. I have no doubt that he was +thoroughly cut up, and I could even go the length of believing that +distress of mind helped to bring on the relapse, but it is some time +ago. And as to his breaking his heart after the first ten minutes at +finding himself what he has all his life desired to be, in a situation +where the full influence of his talents may be felt,' said Charles, +with a shade of imitation of his measured tones, 'why that, no one but +silly little Amy would ever dream of.' + +'Well, I dare say you will grow merciful as you write.' + +'No, that is not the way to let my indignation ooze out at my fingers' +ends. I shall begin by writing to condole with Markham. Poor man! +what a state he must be in; all the more pitiable because he evidently +had entirely forgotten that there could ever be a creature of the less +worthy gender born to the house of Morville; so it will take him quite +by surprise. What will he do, and how will he ever forgive Mrs. +Ashford, who, I see in the paper, has a son whom nobody wants, as if +for the express purpose of insulting Markham's feelings! Well-a-day! +I should have liked to have had the sound of Sir Guy Morville still in +my ears, and yet I don't know that I could have endured its being +applied to a little senseless baby! And, after all, we are the +gainers; for it would have been a forlorn thing to have seen Amy go off +to reign queen-mother at Redclyffe,--and most notably well would she +have reigned, with that clear little head. I vow 'tis a talent thrown +away! However, I can't grumble. She is much happier without greatness +thrust on her, and for my own part, I have my home-sister all to +myself, with no rival but that small woman--and how she will pet her!' + +'And how you will! What a spoiling uncle you will be! But now, having +heard you reason yourself into philosophy, I'll leave you to write. We +were so anxious, that I could not help coming. I am so glad that +little one thrives! I should like to leave my love for Amy, if you'll +remember it,' + +'The rarity of such a message from you may enable me. I was lying here +alone, and received the collected love of five Harpers to convey up- +stairs, all which I forgot; though in its transit by Arnaud and his +French, it had become "that they made their friendships to my lady and +Mrs. Edmonstone."' + +Charles had not talked so like himself for months; and Mary felt that +Amabel's child, if she had disappointed some expectations, had come +like a spring blossom, to cheer Hollywell, after its long winter of +sorrow and anxiety. She seemed to have already been received as a +messenger to comfort them for the loss, greatest of all to her, poor +child, though she would never know how great. Next Mary wondered what +kind of letter Charles would indite, and guessed it would be all the +kinder for the outpouring he had made to her, the only person with whom +he ventured to indulge in a comfortable abuse of Philip, since his good +sense taught him that, ending as affairs must, it was the only wise way +to make the best of it, with father, mother, and Charlotte, all quite +sufficiently disposed to regard Philip with aversion without his help. + +Philip was at breakfast with the Henleys, on the following morning, a +Sunday,--or rather, sitting at the breakfast-table, when the letters +were brought in. Mrs. Henley, pretending to be occupied with her own, +had an eager, watchful eye on her brother, as one was placed before +him. She knew Mr. Edmonstone's writing, but was restrained from +exclaiming by her involuntary deference for her brother. He flushed +deep red one moment, then turned deadly pale, his hand, when first he +raised it, trembled, but then became firm, as if controlled by the +force of his resolution. He broke the black seal, drew out the letter, +paused another instant, unfolded it, glanced at it, pushed his chair +from the table, and hastened to me door. + +'Tell me, tell me, Philip, what is it?' she exclaimed, rising to follow +him. + +He turned round, threw the letter on the table, and with a sign that +forbade her to come with him, left the room. + +'Poor fellow! how he feels it! That poor young creature!' said she, +catching up the letter for explanation. + +'Ha! No! Listen to this, Dr. Henley. Why, he must have read it +wrong!' + + + 'Hollywell, March 5th. + +'DEAR PHILIP,--I have to announce to you that Lady Morville was safely +confined this morning with a daughter. I shall be ready to send all +the papers and accounts of the Redclyffe estate to any place you may +appoint as soon as she is sufficiently recovered to transact business. +Both she and the infant are as well as can be expected. + + + --Yours sincerely, + 'C. EDMONSTONE.' + + +'A daughter!' cried Dr. Henley. 'Well, my dear, I congratulate you! +It is as fine a property as any in the kingdom. We shall see him pick +up strength now.' + +'I must go and find him. He surely has mistaken!' said Margaret, +hastening in search of him; but he was not to be found, and she saw him +no more till she found him in the seat at church. + +She hardly waited to be in the churchyard, after the service, before +she said, 'Surely you mistook the letter!' + +'No, I did not.' + +'You saw that she is doing well, and it is a girl.' + +'I--' + +'And will you not let me congratulate you?' + +She was interrupted by some acquaintance; but when she looked round he +was nowhere to be seen, and she was obliged to be content with telling +every one the news. One or two of her many tame gentlemen came home +with her to luncheon, and she had the satisfaction of dilating on the +grandeur of Redclyffe. Her brother was not in the drawing-room, but +answered when she knocked at his door. + +'Luncheon is ready. Will you come down?' + +'Is any one there?' + +'Mr. Brown and Walter Maitland. Shall I send you anything, or do you +like to come down?' + +'I'll come, thank you,' said he, thus secured from a tete-a-tete. + +'Had you better come? Is not your head too bad?' + +'It will not be better for staying here; I'll come.' + +She went down, telling her visitors that, since his illness, her +brother always suffered so much from excitement that he was too unwell +to have derived much pleasure from the tidings: and when he appeared +his air corresponded with her account, for his looks were of the +gravest and sternest. He received the congratulations of the gentlemen +without the shadow of a smile, and made them think him the haughtiest +and most dignified landed proprietor in England. + +Mrs. Henley advised strongly against his going to church, but without +effect, and losing him in the crowd coming out, saw him no more till +just before dinner-time. He had steeled himself to endure all that she +and the Doctor could inflict on him that evening, and he had a hope of +persuading Amabel that it would be only doing justice to her child to +let him restore her father's inheritance, which had come to him through +circumstances that could not have been foreseen. He was determined to +do nothing like an act of possession of Redclyffe till he had implored +her to accept the offer; and it was a great relief thus to keep it in +doubt a little longer, and not absolutely feel himself profiting by +Guy's death and sitting in his seat. Not a word, however, must be said +to let his sister guess at his resolution, and he must let her torture +him in the meantime. He was vexed at having been startled into +betraying his suffering, and was humiliated at the thought of the +change from that iron imperturbability, compounded of strength, pride, +and coldness in which he had once gloried. + +Dr. Henley met him with a shake of the hand, and hearty exclamation:-- + +'I congratulate you, Sir Philip Morville.' + +'No; that is spared me,' was his answer. + +'Hem! The baronetcy?' + +'Yes,' said Margaret, 'I thought you knew that only goes to the direct +heir of old Sir Hugh. But you must drop the "captain" at least. You +will sell out at once?' + +He patiently endured the conversation on the extent and beauty of +Redclyffe, wearing all the time a stern, resolute aspect, that his +sister knew to betoken great unhappiness. She earnestly wished to +understand him, but at last, seeing how much her conversation increased +his headache, she desisted, and left him to all the repose his thoughts +could give him. He was very much concerned at the tone of the note +from his uncle, as if it was intended to show that all connection with +the family was to be broken off. He supposed it had been concerted +with some one; with Charles, most likely,--Charles, who had judged him +too truly, and with his attachment to Guy, and aversion to himself, was +doubtless strengthening his father's displeasure, all the more for this +hateful wealth. And Laura? What did she feel? + +Monday morning brought another letter. At first, he was struck with +the dread of evil tidings of Amabel or her babe, especially when he +recognized Charles's straggling handwriting; and, resolved not to be +again betrayed, he carried it up to read in his own room before his +sister had noticed it. He could hardly resolve to open it, for surely +Charles would not write to him without necessity; and what, save +sorrow, could cause that necessity? He saw that his wretchedness might +be even more complete! At length he read it, and could hardly believe +his own eyes as he saw cheering words, in a friendly style of interest +and kindliness such as he would never have expected from Charles, more +especially now. + + + 'Hollywell, March 6th. + +'MY DEAR PHILIP,--I believe my father wrote to you in haste yesterday, +but I am sure you will be anxious for further accounts, and when there +is good news there is satisfaction in conveying it. I know you will be +glad to hear our affairs are very prosperous; and Amy, whom I have just +been visiting, is said by the authorities to be going on as well as +possible. She begs me to tell you of her welfare, and to assure you +that she is particularly pleased to have a daughter; or, perhaps, it +will be more satisfactory to have her own words. "You must tell him +how well I am, Charlie, and how very glad. And tell him that he must +not vex himself about her being a girl, for that is my great pleasure; +and I do believe, the very thing I should have chosen if I had set to +work to wish." You know Amy never said a word but in all sincerity, so +you must trust her, and I add my testimony that she is in placid +spirits, and may well be glad to escape the cares of Redclyffe. My +father says he desired Markham to write to you on the business matters. +I hope the sea-breezes may do you good. All the party here are well; +but I see little of them now, all the interest of the house is +upstairs. + --Your affectionate, + 'C. M, EDMONSTONE. + +P. S. The baby is very small, but so plump and healthy, that no one +attempts to be uneasy about her.' + + +Never did letter come in better time to raise a desponding heart. Of +Amabel's forgiveness he was already certain; but that she should have +made Charles his friend was a wonder beyond all others. It gave him +more hope for the future than he had yet been able to entertain, and +showed him that the former note was no studied renunciation of him, but +only an ebullition of Mr. Edmonstone's disappointment. + +It gave him spirit enough to undertake what he had long been +meditating, but without energy to set about it--an expedition to +Stylehurst. Hitherto it had been his first walk on coming to St. +Mildred's, but now the distance across the moor was far beyond his +powers; and even that length of ride was a great enterprise. It was +much further by the carriage road, and his sister never liked going +there. He had never failed to visit his old home till last year, and +he felt almost glad that he had not carried his thoughts, at that time, +to his father's grave. It was strange that, with so many more +important burdens on his mind, it had been this apparent trivial +omission, this slight to Stylehurst, that, in both his illnesses, had +been the most frequently recurring idea that had tormented him in his +delirium. So deeply, securely fixed is the love of the home of +childhood in men of his mould, in whom it is perhaps the most deeply +rooted of all affections. + +Without telling his sister his intention, he hired a horse, and pursued +the familiar moorland tracks. He passed South Moor Farm; it gave him +too great a pang to look at it; he rode on across the hills where he +used to walk with his sisters, and looked down into narrow valleys +where he had often wandered with his fishing-rod, lost in musings on +plans for attaining distinction, and seeing himself the greatest man of +his day. Little had he then guessed the misery which would place him +in the way to the coveted elevation, or how he would loathe it when it +lay within his grasp. + +There were the trees round the vicarage, the church spire, the +cottages, whose old rough aspect, he knew so well, the whole scene, +once 'redolent of joy and youth:' but how unable to breathe on him a +second spring! He put up his horse at the village inn, and went to +make his first call on Susan, the old clerk's wife, and one of the +persons in all the world who loved him best. He knocked, opened the +door, and saw her, startled from her tea-drinking, looking at him as a +stranger. + +'Bless us! It beant never Master Philip!' she exclaimed, her head +shaking very fast, as she recognized his voice. 'Why, sir, what a turn +you give me! How bad you be looking, to be sure!' + +He sat down and talked with her, with feelings of comfort. Tidings of +Sir Guy's death had reached the old woman, and she was much grieved for +the nice, cheerful-spoken young gentleman, whom she well remembered; +for she, like almost every one who had ever had any intercourse with +him, had an impression left of him, as of something winning, engaging, +brightening, like a sunbeam. It was a refreshment to meet with one who +would lament him for his own sake, and had no congratulations for +Philip himself; and the 'Sure, sure, it must have been very bad for +you,' with which old Susan heard of the circumstances, carried more of +the comfort of genuine sympathy than all his sister's attempts at +condolence. + +She told him how often Sir Guy had been at Stylehurst, how he had +talked to her about the archdeacon; and especially she remembered his +helping her husband one day when he found him trimming the ash over the +archdeacon's grave. He used to come very often to church there, more +in the latter part of his stay; there was one Sunday--it was the one +before Michaelmas--he was there all day, walking in the churchyard, and +sitting in the porch between services. + +'The Sunday before Michaelmas!' thought Philip, the very time when he +had been most earnest in driving his uncle to persecute, and delighting +himself in having triumphed over Guy at last, and obtained tangible +demonstration of his own foresight, and his cousin's vindictive spirit. +What had he been throwing away? Where had, in truth, been the hostile +spirit? + +He took the key of the church, and walked thither alone, standing for +several minutes by the three graves, with a sensation as if his father +was demanding of him an account of the boy he had watched, and brought +to his ancestral home, and cared for through his orphaned childhood. +But for the prayer-book, the pledge that there had been peace at the +last, how could he have borne it? + +Here was the paved path he had trodden in early childhood, holding his +mother's hand, where, at each recurring vacation during his school +days, he had walked between his admiring sisters, in the consciousness +that he was the pride of his family and of all the parish. Of his +family? Did he not remember his return home for the last time before +that when he was summoned thither by his father's death? He had come +with a whole freight of prizes, and letters full of praises; and as he +stood, in expectation of the expression of delighted satisfaction, his +father laid his hand on his trophy, the pile of books, saying, +gravely,--' All this would I give, Philip, for one evidence of humility +of mind.' + +It had been his father's one reproof. He had thought it unjust and +unreasonable, and turned away impatiently to be caressed and admired by +Margaret. His real feelings had been told to her, because she +flattered them and shared them, he had been reserved and guarded with +the father who would have perceived and repressed that ambition and the +self-sufficiency which he himself had never known to exist, nor +regarded as aught but sober truth. It had been his bane, that he had +been always too sensible to betray outwardly his self-conceit, in any +form that could lead to its being noticed. + +He opened the church door, closed it behind him, and locked himself in. + +He came up to the communion rail, where he had knelt for the first time +twelve years ago, confident in himself, and unconscious of the fears +with which his father's voice was trembling in the intensity of his +prayer for one in whom there was no tangible evil, and whom others +thought a pattern of all that could be desired by the fondest hopes. + +He knelt down, with bowed head, and hands clasped. Assuredly, if his +father could have beheld him then, it would have been with rejoicing. +He would not have sorrowed that robust frame was wasted, and great +strength brought low; that the noble features were worn, the healthful +cheek pale, and the powerful intellect clouded and weakened; he would +hardly have mourned for the cruel grief and suffering, such would have +been his joy that the humble, penitent, obedient heart had been won at +last. Above all, he would have rejoiced that the words that most +soothed that wounded spirit were,--'A broken and contrite heart, 0 God, +Thou wilt not despise.' + +There was solace in that solemn silence; the throbs of head and heart +were stilled in the calm around. It was as if the influences of the +prayers breathed for him by his father, and the forgiveness and loving +spirit there won by Guy, had been waiting for him there till he came to +take them up, for thenceforth the bitterest of his despair was over, +and he could receive each token of Amabel's forgiveness, not as heaped +coals of fire, but as an earnest of forgiveness sealed in heaven. + +The worst was over, and though he still had much to suffer, he was +becoming open to receive comfort; the blank dark remorse in which he +had been living began to lighten, and the tone of his mind to return. + +He spoke more cheerfully to Susan when he restored the key; but she had +been so shocked at his appearance, that when, the next day, a report +reached her that Mr. Philip was now a grand gentleman, and very rich, +she answered,-- + +'Well, if it be so, I am glad of it, but he said never a word of it to +me, and it is my belief he would give all the money as ever was coined, +to have the poor young gentleman back again. Depend upon it, he hates +the very sound of it.' + +At the cost of several sheets of paper, Philip at length completed a +letter to Mr. Edmonstone, which, when he had sent it, made his suspense +more painful. + + + 'St. Mildred's, March 12th. + +'MY DEAR MR. Edmonstone,--It is with a full sense of the unfitness of +intruding such a subject upon you in the present state of the family, +that I again address you on the same topic as that on which I wrote to +you from Italy, at the first moment at which I have felt it possible to +ask your attention. I was then too ill to be able to express my +contrition for all that has passed; in fact, I doubt whether it was +even then so deep as at present, since every succeeding week has but +added to my sense of the impropriety of my conduct, and my earnest +desire for pardon. I can hardly venture at such a time to ask anything +further, but I must add that my sentiments towards your daughter are +unaltered, and can never cease but with my life, and though I know I +have rendered myself unworthy of her, and my health, both mental and +bodily, is far from being re-established, I cannot help laying my +feelings before you, and entreating that you will put an end to the +suspense which has endured for so many months, by telling me to hope +that I have not for ever forfeited your consent to my attachment. At +least, I trust to your kindness for telling me on what terms I am for +the present to stand with your family. I am glad to hear such +favourable reports of Lady Morville, and with all my heart I thank +Charles for his letter. + + 'Yours ever affectionately, + 'P. H. MORVILLE.' + + +He ardently watched for a reply. He could not endure the idea of +receiving it where Margaret's eyes could scan the emotion he could now +only conceal by a visible rigidity of demeanour, and he daily went +himself to the post-office, but in vain. He received nothing but +business letters, and among them one from Markham, with as much +defiance and dislike in its style as could be shown, in a perfectly +formal, proper letter. Till he had referred to Lady Morville, he would +not make any demonstration towards Redclyffe, and evaded all his +sister's questions as to what he was doing about it, and when he should +take measures for leaving the army, or obtaining a renewal of the +baronetcy. + +Anxiety made him look daily more wretchedly haggard; the Doctor was at +fault, Mrs. Henley looked sagacious, while his manner became so dry and +repellent that visitors went away moralizing on the absurdity of +"nouveaux riches" taking so much state on them. + +He wondered how soon he might venture to write to Amabel, on whom alone +he could depend; but he felt it a sort of profanity to disturb her. + +He had nearly given up his visits to the post in despair, when one +morning he beheld what never failed to bring some soothing influence, +namely, the fair pointed characters he had not dared to hope for. He +walked quickly into the promenade, sat down, and read:-- + + + 'Hollywell, March 22nd. + +'MY DEAR PHILIP,--Papa does not answer your letter, because he says +speaking is better than writing, and we hope you are well enough to +come to us before Sunday week. I hope to take our dear little girl to +be christened on that day, and I want you to be so kind as to be her +godfather. I ask it of you, not only in my own name, but in her +father's, for I am sure it is what he would choose. Her Aunt Laura and +Mary Ross are to be her godmothers, I hope you will not think me very +foolish and fanciful for naming her Mary Verena, in remembrance of our +old readings of Sintram. She is a very healthy, quiet creature, and I +am getting on very well. I am writing from the dressing-room, and I +expect to be down-stairs in a few days. If you do not dislike it very +much, could you be so kind as to call upon Miss Wellwood, and pay +little Marianne Dixon's quarter for me? It is £10, and it will save +trouble if you would do it; besides that, I should like to hear of her +and the little girl. I am sorry to hear you are not better,--perhaps +coming here may do you good.--Four o'clock. I have been keeping my +letter in hopes of persuading papa to put in a note, but he says he had +rather send a message that he is quite ready to forgive and forget, and +it will be best to talk it over when you come." + + 'Your affectionate cousin, + 'A. F. MORVILLE.' + + +It was well he was not under his sister's eye, for he could not read +this letter calmly, and he was obliged to take several turns along the +walk before he could recover his composure enough to appear in the +breakfast-room, where he found his sister alone, dealing her letters +into separate packets of important and unimportant. + +'Good morning, Philip. Dr. Henley is obliged to go to Bramshaw this +morning, and has had an early breakfast. Have you been out?' + +'Yes, it is very fine--I mean it will be--the haze is clearing.' + +Margaret saw that he was unusually agitated, and not by grief; applied +herself to tea-making, and hoped his walk had given him an appetite; +but there seemed little chance of this so long were his pauses between +each morsel, and so often did he lean back in his chair. + +'I am going to leave you on--on Friday,' he said at length, abruptly. + +'Oh, are you going to Redclyffe?' + +'No; to Hollywell. Lady Morville wishes me to be her little girl's +sponsor; I shall go to London on Friday, and on, the next day.' + +'I am glad they have asked you. Does she write herself? Is she pretty +well? + +'Yes; she is to go down-stairs in a day or two.' + +'I am rejoiced that she is recovering so well. Do you know whether she +is in tolerable spirits?' + +'She writes cheerfully.' + +'How many years is it since I saw her? She was quite a child, but very +sweet-tempered and attentive to poor Charles,' said Mrs. Henley, +feeling most amiably disposed towards her future sister-in-law. + +'Just so. Her gentleness and sweet temper were always beautiful; and +she has shown herself under her trials what it would be presumptuous to +praise.' + +Margaret had no doubt now, and thought he was ready for more open +sympathy. + +'You must let me congratulate you now on this unexpected dawn of hope, +after your long trial, my dear brother. It is a sort of unconscious +encouragement you could hardly hope for.' + +'I did not know you knew anything of it,' said Philip. + +'Ah! my dear brother, you betrayed yourself. You need not be +disconcerted; only a sister could see the real cause of your want of +spirits. Your manner at each mention of her, your anxiety, coupled +with your resolute avoidance of her--' + +'Of whom? Do you know what you are talking of, sister!' said Philip, +sternly. + +'Of Amabel, of course.' + +Philip rose, perfectly awful in his height and indignation. + +'Sister!' he said--paused, and began again. 'I have been attached to +Laura Edmonstone for years past, and Lady Morville knows it.' + +'To Laura!' cried Mrs. Henley, in amaze. 'Are you engaged?' and, as he +was hardly prepared to answer, she continued, 'If you have not gone too +far to recede, only consider before you take any rash step. You come +into this property without ready money, you will find endless claims, +and if you marry at once, and without fortune, you will never be clear +from difficulties.' + +'I have considered,' he replied, with cold loftiness that would have +silenced any one, not of the same determined mould. + +'You are positively committed, then!' she said, much vexed. 'Oh, +Philip! I did not think you would have married for mere beauty.' + +'I can hear no more discussion on this point,' answered Philip, in the +serious, calm tone that showed so much power over himself and every one +else. + +It put Margaret to silence, though she was excessively disappointed to +find him thus involved just at his outset, when he might have married +so much more advantageously. She was sorry, too, that she had shown +her opinion so plainly, since it was to be, and hurt his feelings just +as he seemed to be thawing. She would fain have learned more; but he +was completely shut up within himself, and never opened again to her. +She had never before so grated on every delicate feeling in his mind; +and he only remained at her house because in his present state of +health, he hardly knew where to bestow himself till it was time for him +to go to Hollywell. + +He went to call on Miss Wellwood, to whom his name was no slight +recommendation, and she met him eagerly, asking after Lady Morville, +who, she said, had twice written to her most kindly about little +Marianne. + +It was a very pleasant visit, and a great relief. He looked at the +plans, heard the fresh arrangements, admired, was interested, and took +pleasure in having something to tell Amabel. He asked for Marianne, +and heard that she was one of the best of children--amiable, well- +disposed, only almost too sensitive. Miss Wellwood said it was +remarkable how deep an impression Sir Guy had made upon her, and how +affectionately she remembered his kindness; and her distress at hearing +of his death had been far beyond what such a child could have been +supposed to feel, both in violence and in duration. + +Philip asked to see her, knowing it would please Amabel, and in she +came--a long, thin, nine-year-old child, just grown into the +encumbering shyness, that is by no means one of the graces of "la +vieillesse de l'enfance". + +He wished to be kind and encouraging; but melancholy, added to his +natural stateliness, made him very formidable; and poor Marianne was +capable of nothing beyond 'yes' or 'no.' + +He told her he was going to see Lady Morville and her little girl, +whereat she eagerly raised her eyes, then shrank in affright at +anything so tall, and so unlike Sir Guy. He said the baby was to be +christened next Sunday, and Miss Wellwood helped him out by asking the +name. + +'Mary,' he said, for he was by no means inclined to explain the Verena, +though he knew not half what it conveyed to Amabel. + +Lastly, he asked if Marianne had any message; when she hung down her +head, and whispered to Miss Wellwood, what proved to be 'My love to +dear little cousin Mary.' + +He promised to deliver it, and departed, wishing he could more easily +unbend. + + + + +CHAPTER 40 + + + +Blest, though every tear that falls +Doth in its silence of past sorrow tell, +And makes a meeting seem most like a dear farewell.--WORDSWORTH + + +On Saturday afternoon, about half-past five, Philip Morville found +himself driving up to the well-known front door of Hollywell. At the +door he heard that every one was out excepting Lady Morville, who never +came down till the evening, save for a drive in the carriage. + +He entered the drawing-room, and gazed on the scene where he had spent +so many happy hours, only darkened by that one evil spot, that had +grown till it not only poisoned his own mind, but cast a gloom over +that bright home. + +All was as usual. Charles's sofa, little table, books, and inkstand, +the work-boxes on the table, the newspaper in Mr. Edmonstone's old +folds. Only the piano was closed, and an accumulation of books on the +hinge told how long it had been so; and the plants in the bay window +were brown and dry, not as when they were Amabel's cherished nurslings. +He remembered Amabel's laughing face and abundant curls, when she +carried in the camellia, and thought how little he guessed then that he +should be the destroyer of the happiness of her young life. How should +he meet her--a widow in her father's house--or look at her fatherless +child? He wondered how he had borne to come thither at all, and shrank +at the thought that this very evening, in a few hours, he must see her. + +The outer door opened, there was a soft step, and Amabel stood before +him, pale, quiet, and with a smile of welcome. Her bands of hair +looked glossy under her widow's cap, and the deep black of her dress +was relieved by the white robes of the babe that lay on her arm. She +held out her hand, and he pressed it in silence. + +'I thought you would like just to see baby,' said she, in a voice +something like apology. + +He held out his arms to take it, for which Amy was by no means +prepared. She was not quite happy even in trusting it in her sister's +arms, and she supposed he had never before touched an infant. But that +was all nonsense, and she would not vex him with showing any +reluctance; so she laid the little one on his arm, and saw his great +hand holding it most carefully, but the next moment he turned abruptly +from her. Poor silly little Amy, her heart beat not a little till he +turned back, restored the babe, and while he walked hastily to the +window, she saw that two large tear-drops had fallen on the white folds +of its mantle. She did not speak; she guessed how much he must feel in +thus holding Guy's child, and, besides, her own tears would now flow so +easily that she must be on her guard. She sat down, settled the little +one on her knee, and gave him time to recover himself. + +Presently he came and stood by her saying, in a most decided tone, +'Amabel, you must let me do this child justice.' + +She looked up, wondering what he could mean. + +'I will not delay in taking steps for restoring her inheritance,' said +he, hoping by determination to overpower Amabel, and make her believe +it a settled and a right thing. + +'0 Philip, you are not thinking of that!' + +'It is to be done.' + +'You would not be so unkind to this poor little girl,' said Amy, with a +persuasive smile, partaking of her old playfulness, adding, very much +in earnest, 'Pray put it out of your head directly, for it would be +very wrong.' + +The nurse knocked at the door to fetch the baby, as Amabel had desired. +When this interruption was over, Philip came and sat down opposite to +her, and began with his most decided manner:-- + +'You must listen to me, Amy, and not allow any scruples to prevent you +from permitting your child to be restored to her just rights. You must +see that the estate has come to me by circumstances such that no honest +man can be justified in retaining it. The entail was made to exclude +females, only because of the old Lady Granard. It is your duty to +consent.' + +'The property has always gone in the male line,' replied Amabel. + +'There never was such a state of things. Old Sir Guy could never have +thought of entailing it away from his own descendant on a distant +cousin. It would be wrong of me to profit by these unforeseen +contingencies, and you ought not, in justice to your child, to object.' + +He spoke so forcibly and decidedly that he thought he must have +prevailed. But not one whit convinced, Amabel answered, in her own +gentle voice, but beginning with a business-like argument:--'Such a +possibility was contemplated. It was all provided for in the marriage +settlements. Indeed, I am afraid that, as it is, she will be a great +deal too rich. Besides, Philip, I am sure this is exactly what Guy +would have chosen,' and the tears rose in her eyes. 'The first thing +that came into my head when she was born, was, that it was just what he +wished, that I should have her for myself, and that you should take +care of Redclyffe. I am certain now that he hoped it would be so. I +know--indeed I do--that he took great pleasure in thinking of its being +in your hands, and of your going on with all he began. You can't have +forgotten how much he left in your charge? If you were to give it up, +it would be against his desire; and with that knowledge, how could I +suffer it? Then think what a misfortune to her, poor little thing, to +be a great heiress, and how very bad for Redclyffe to have no better a +manager than me! Oh, Philip, can you not see it is best as it is, and +just as he wished?' + +He almost groaned-- 'If you could guess what a burden it is.' + +'Ah! but you must carry it, not throw it down on such hands as mine and +that tiny baby's,' said she, smiling. + +'It would have been the same if it had been a boy.' + +'Yes; then I must have done the best I could, and there would have been +an end to look to, but I am so glad to be spared. And you are so fit +for it, and will make it turn to so much use to every one.' + +'I don't feel as if I should ever be of use to any one,' said Philip, +in a tone of complete dejection. + +'Your head is aching,' said she, kindly. + +'It always does, more or less,' replied he, resting it on his hand. + +'I am so sorry. Has it been so ever since you were ill? But you are +better? You look better than when I saw you last.' + +'I am better on the whole, but I doubt whether I shall ever be as +strong as I used to be. That ought to make me hesitate, even if--' +then came a pause, while he put his hand over his face, and seemed +struggling with irrepressible emotion; and after all he was obliged to +take two walks to the window before he could recover composure, and +could ask in a voice which he tried to make calm and steady, though his +face was deeply flushed-- 'Amy, how is Laura?' + +'She is very well,' answered Amabel. 'Only you must not be taken by +surprise if you see her looking thinner.' + +'And she has trusted--she has endured through all?' said he, with +inquiring earnestness. + +'O yes!' + +'And they--your father and mother--can forgive?' + +'They do--they have. But, Philip, it was one of the things I came down +to say to you. I don't think you must expect papa to begin about it +himself. You know he does not like awkwardness, though he will be very +glad when once it is done, and ready to meet you half way.' He did not +answer, and after a silence Amabel added, 'Laura is out of doors. She +and Charlotte take very long walks.' + +'And is she really strong and well, or is it that excited overdoing of +employment that I first set her upon?' he asked, anxiously. + +'She is perfectly well, and to be busy has been a great help to her,' +said Amabel. 'It was a great comfort that we did not know how ill you +had been at Corfu, till the worst was over. Eveleen only mentioned it +when you were better. I was very anxious, for I had some fears from +the note that you sent by Arnaud. I am very glad to see you safe here, +for I have felt all along that we forsook you; but I could not help +it.' + +'I am very glad you did not stay. The worst of all would have been +that you should have run any risk.' + +'There is the carriage,' said Amy. 'Mamma and Charlie have been to +Broadstone. They thought they might meet you by the late train.' + +Philip's colour rose. He stood up--sat down; then rising once more, +leant on the mantel-piece, scarcely knowing how to face either of them- +-his aunt, with her well-merited displeasure, and Charles, who when he +parted with him had accused him so justly--Charles, who had seen +through him and had been treated with scorn. + +A few moments, and Charles came in, leaning on his mother. They both +shook hands, exclaimed at finding Amabel downstairs, and Mrs. +Edmonstone asked after Philip's health in her would-be cordial manner. +The two ladies then went up-stairs together, and thus ended that +conference, in which both parties had shown rare magnanimity, of which +they were perfectly unconscious; and perhaps the most remarkable part +of all was that Philip quietly gave up the great renunciation and so- +called sacrifice, with which he had been feeding his hopes, at the +simple bidding of the gentle-spoken Amabel--not even telling her that +he resigned it. He kept the possessions which he abhorred, and gave up +the renunciation he had longed to make, and in this lay the true +sacrifice, the greater because the world would think him the gainer. + +When the mother and daughter were gone, the cousins were silent, Philip +resting his elbow on the mantel-shelf and his head on his hand, and +Charles sitting at the end of the sofa, warming first one hand, then +the other, while he looked up to the altered face, and perceived in it +grief and humiliation almost as plainly as illness. His keen eyes read +that the sorrow was indeed more deeply rooted than he had hitherto +believed, and that Amabel's pity had not been wasted; and he was also +struck by the change from the great personal strength that used to make +nothing of lifting his whole weight. + +'I am sorry to see you so pulled down,' said he. 'We must try if we +can doctor you better than they did at St. Mildred's. Are you getting +on, do you think?' + +He had hardly ever spoken to Philip, so entirely without either +bitterness or sarcasm, and his manner hardly seemed like that of the +same person. + +'Thank you, I am growing stronger; but as long as I cannot get rid of +this headache, I am good for nothing.' + +'You have had a long spell of illness indeed,' said Charles. 'You +can't expect to shake off two fevers in no time. Now all the anxiety +is over, you will brighten like this house.' + +'But tell me, what is thought of Amabel? Is she as well as she ought +to be?' + +'Yes, quite, they say--has recovered her strength very fast, and is in +just the right spirits. She was churched yesterday, and was not the +worse for it. It was a trial, for she had not been to East-hill since- +-since last May.' + +'It is a blessing, indeed,' said Philip, earnestly. + +'She has been so very happy with the baby,' said Charles. 'You hear +what its name is to be?' + +'Yes, she told me in her letter.' + +'To avoid having to tell you here, I suppose. Mary is for common wear, +Verena is for ourselves. She asked if it would be too foolish to give +such a name, and mamma said the only question was, whether she would +like indifferent people to ask the reason of it.' + +Philip lapsed into thought, and presently said, abruptly, 'When last +we parted you told me I was malignant. You were right.' + +'Shake hands!' was all Charles's reply, and no more was said till +Charles rose, saying it was time to dress. Philip was about to help +him, but he answered, 'No, thank you, I am above trusting to anything +but my own crutches now; I am proud to show you what feats I can +perform.' + +Charles certainly did get on with less difficulty than heretofore, but +it was more because he wanted to spare Philip fatigue than because he +disdained assistance, that he chose to go alone. Moreover, he did what +he had never done for any one before--he actually hopped the whole +length of the passage, beyond his own door to do the honours of +Philip's room, and took a degree of pains for his comfort that seemed +too marvellous to be true in one who had hitherto only lived to be +attended on. + +By the time he had settled Philip, the rest of the party had come home, +and he found himself wanted in the dressing-room, to help his mother to +encourage his father to enter on the conversation with Philip in the +evening, for poor Mr. Edmonstone was in such a worry and perplexity, +that the whole space till the dinner-bell rang was insufficient to +console him in. Laura, meanwhile, was with Amabel, who was trying to +cheer her fluttering spirits and nerves, which, after having been so +long harassed, gave way entirely at the moment of meeting Philip again. +How would he regard her after her weakness in betraying him for want of +self-command? Might he not be wishing to be free of one who had so +disappointed him, and only persisting in the engagement from a sense of +honour! The confidence in his affection, which had hitherto sustained +her, was failing; and not all Amabel could say would reassure her. No +one could judge of him but herself, his words were so cautious, and he +had so much command over himself, that nobody could guess. Of course +he felt bound to her; but if she saw one trace of his being only +influenced by honour and pity, she would release him, and he should +never see the struggle. + +She had worked herself up into almost a certainty that so it would be, +and Amabel was afraid she would not be fit to go down to dinner; but +the sound of the bell, and the necessity of moving, seemed to restore +the habit of external composure in a moment. She settled her +countenance, and left the room. + +Charlotte, meantime, had been dressing alone, and raging against +Philip, declaring she could never bear to speak to him, and that if she +was Amy she would never have chosen him for a godfather. And to think +of his marrying just like a good hero in a book, and living very happy +ever after! To be sure she was sorry for poor Laura; but it was all +very wrong, and now they would be rewarded! How could Charlie be so +provoking as to talk about his sorrow! She hoped he was sorry; and as +to his illness, it served him right. + +All this Charlotte communicated to Bustle; but Bustle had heard some +mysterious noise, and insisted on going to investigate the cause; and +Charlotte, finding her own domain dark and cold, and private +conferences going on in Amabel's apartment and the dressing-room, was +fain to follow him down-stairs, as soon as her toilet was complete, +only hoping Philip would keep out of the way. + +But, behold, there he was; and even Bustle was propitiated, for she +found him, his nose on Philip's knee, looking up in his face, and +wagging his tail, while Philip stroked and patted him, and could hardly +bear the appealing expression of the eyes, that, always wistful, now +seemed to every one to be looking for his master. + +To see this attention to Bustle won Charlotte over in a moment. 'How +are you, Philip? Good dog, dear old Bustle!' came in a breath, and +they were both making much of the dog, when she amicably asked if he +had seen the baby, and became eager in telling about the christening. + +The dinner-bell brought every one down but Amabel. The trembling hands +of Philip and Laura met for a moment, and they were in the dining-room. + +Diligently and dutifully did Charles and Mrs. Edmonstone keep up the +conversation; the latter about her shopping, the former about the +acquaintances who had come to speak to him as he sat in the carriage. +As soon as possible, Mrs. Edmonstone left the dining-room, then Laura +flew up again to the dressing-room, sank down on a footstool by +Amabel's side, and exclaiming, '0 Amy, he is looking so ill!' burst +into a flood of tears. + +The change had been a shock for which Laura had not been prepared. +Amy, who had seen him look so much worse, had not thought of it, and it +overcame Laura more than all her anxieties, lest his love should be +forfeited. She sobbed inconsolably over the alteration, and it was +long before Amabel could get her to hear that his face was much less +thin now, and that he was altogether much stronger; it was fatigue and +anxiety to-night, and to-morrow he would be better. Laura proceeded to +brood over her belief that his altered demeanour, his settled +melancholy, his not seeking her eye, his cold shake of the hand, all +arose from the diminution of his love, and his dislike to be encumbered +with a weak, foolish wife, with whom he had entangled himself when he +deemed her worthy of him. She dwelt on all this in silence, as she sat +at her sister's feet, and Amy left her to think, only now and then +giving some caress to her hair or cheek, and at each touch the desolate +waste of life that poor Laura was unfolding before herself was rendered +less dreary by the thought, 'I have my sister still, and she knows +sorrow too.' Then she half envied Amy, who had lost her dearest by +death, and held his heart fast to the last; not, like herself, doomed +to see the love decay for which she had endured so long--decay at the +very moment when the suspense was over. + +Laura might justly have envied Amabel, though for another reason; it +was because in her cup there was no poison of her own infusing. + +There she stayed till Charlotte came to summon her to tea, saying the +gentlemen, except Charles, were still in the dining-room. + +They had remained sitting over the fire for a considerable space, +waiting for each other to begin, Mr. Edmonstone irresolute, Philip +striving to master his feelings, and to prevent increasing pain and +confusion from making him forget what he intended, to say. At last, +Mr. Edmonstone started up, pulled out his keys, took a candle, and +said, 'Come to the study--I'll give you the Redclyffe papers.' + +'Thank you,' said Philip, also rising, but only because he could not +sit while his uncle stood. 'Not to-night, if you please. I could not +attend to them.' + +'What, your head? Eh?' + +'Partly. Besides, there is another subject on which I hope you will +set me at rest before I can enter on any other.' + +'Yes--yes--I know,' said Mr. Edmonstone, moving uneasily. + +'I am perfectly conscious how deeply I have offended.' + +Mr. Edmonstone could not endure the apology. + +'Well, well,' he broke in nervously, 'I know all that, and it can't be +helped. Say no more about it. Young people will be foolish, and I +have been young and in love myself.' + +That Captain Morville should live to be thankful for being forgiven in +consideration of Mr. Edmonstone's having been young! + +'May I then consider myself as pardoned, and as having obtained your +sanction?' + +'Yes, yes, yes; and I hope it will cheer poor Laura up again a little. +Four years has it gone on? Constancy, indeed! and it is time it should +be rewarded. We little thought what you were up to, so grave and +demure as you both were. So you won't have the papers to-night? I +can't say you do look fit for business. Perhaps Laura may suit you +better--eh, Philip?' + +Love-making was such a charming sight to Mr. Edmonstone, that having +once begun to look on Philip and Laura as a pair of lovers, he could +not help being delighted, and forgetting, as well as forgiving, all +that had been wrong. + +They did not, however, exactly answer his ideas; Laura did not once +look up, and Philip, instead of going boldly to take the place next +her, sat down, holding his hand to his forehead, as if too much +overpowered by indisposition to think of anything else. Such was in +great measure the case; he was very much fatigued with the journey, and +these different agitating scenes had increased the pain in his head to +a violent degree; besides which, feeling that his aunt still regarded +him as she did at Recoara, he could not bear to make any demonstration +towards Laura before her, lest she might think it a sort of triumphant +disregard of her just displeasure. + +Poor Laura saw in it both severe suffering and dislike to her; and the +more she understood from her father's manner what had passed in the +other room, the more she honoured him for the sacrifice he was making +of himself. + +Mrs. Edmonstone waited on the headache with painful attention, but they +all felt that the only thing to be done for the two poor things was to +let them come to an explanation; so Charlotte was sent to bed, her +mother went up to Amy, Charles carried off his father to the study, and +they found themselves alone. + +Laura held down her face, and struggled to make her palpitating heart +and dry tongue suffer her to begin the words to which she had wound +herself up. Philip raised his hands from his eyes as the door shut, +then rose up, and fixed them on Laura. She, too, looked up, as if to +begin; their eyes met, and they understood all. He stepped towards +her, and held out his hands. The next moment both hers were clasped in +his--he had bent down and kissed her brow. + +No words of explanation passed between them. Laura knew he was her +own, and needed no assurance that her misgivings had been vain. There +was a start of extreme joy, such as she had known twice before, but it +could be only for a moment while he looked so wretchedly unwell. It +did but give her the right to attend to him. The first thing she said +was to beg him to lie down on the sofa; her only care was to make him +comfortable with cushions, and he was too entirely worn out to say +anything he had intended, capable only of giving himself up to the +repose of knowing her entirely his own, and of having her to take care +of him. There he lay on the sofa, with his eyes shut, and Laura's hand +in his, while she sat beside him, neither of them speaking; and, +excepting that she withdrew her hand, neither moved when the others +returned. + +Mrs. Edmonstone compassionated him, and showed a great deal of +solicitude about him, trying hard to regard him as she used to do, yet +unable to bring back the feeling, and therefore, do what she would, +failing to wear its semblance. + +Laura, sad, anxious, and restless, had no relief till she went to wish +her sister good night. Amabel, who was already in bed, stretched out +her hand with a sweet look, beaming with affection and congratulation. + +'You don't want to be convinced now that all is right!' said she. + +'His head is so dreadfully bad!' said Laura. + +'Ah! it will get better now his mind is at rest.' + +'If it will but do so!' + +'And you know you must be happy to-morrow, because of baby.' + +'My dear,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, coming in, 'I am sorry to prevent your +talk, but Amy must not be kept awake. She must keep her strength for +to-morrow' + +'Good night, then, dear, dear Laura. I am so glad your trouble is +over, and you have him again!' whispered Amabel, with her parting kiss; +and Laura went away, better able to hope, to pray, and to rest, than +she could have thought possible when she left the drawing-room. + +'Poor dear Laura,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, sighing; 'I hope he will soon +be better.' + +'Has it been very uncomfortable?' + +'I can't say much for it, my dear. He was suffering terribly with his +head, so that I should have been quite alarmed if he had not said it +was apt to get worse in the evening; and she, poor thing, was only +watching him. However, it is a comfort to have matters settled; and +papa and Charlie are well pleased with him. But I must not keep you +awake after driving Laura away. You are not over-tired to-night I +hope, my dear?' + +'Oh, no; only sleepy. Good night, dearest mamma.' + +'Good night, my own Amy;' then, as Amy put back the coverings to show +the little face nestled to sleep on her bosom, 'good night, you little +darling! don't disturb your mamma. How comfortable you look! Good +night, my dearest!' + +Mrs. Edmonstone looked for a moment, while trying to check the tears +that came at the thought of the night, one brief year ago, when she +left Amy sleeping in the light of the Easter moon. Yet the sense of +peace and serenity that had then given especial loveliness to the +maiden's chamber on that night, was there still with the young widow. +It was dim lamplight now that beamed on the portrait of her husband, +casting on it the shade of the little wooden cross in front, while she +was shaded by the white curtains drawn from her bed round the infant's +little cot, so as to shut them both into the quiet twilight, where she +lay with an expression of countenance that, though it was not sorrow, +made Mrs. Edmonstone more ready to weep than if it had been; so with +her last good night she left her. + +And Amabel always liked to be shut in by herself, dearly as she loved +them all, and mamma especially; there was always something pleasant in +being able to return to her own world, to rest in the thoughts of her +husband, and in the possession of the little unconscious creature that +had come to inhabit that inner world of hers, the creature that was +only his and hers. + +She had from the first always felt herself less lonely when quite +alone, before with his papers, and now with his child; and could Mrs. +Edmonstone have seen her face, she would have wept and wondered more, +as Amy fondled and hushed her babe, whispering to it fond words which +she could never have uttered in the presence of any one who could +understand them, and which had much of her extreme youthfulness in +them. Not one was so often repeated or so endearing as 'Guy's baby! +Guy's own dear little girl!' It did not mean half so much when she +called it her baby; and she loved to tell the little one that her +father had been the best and the dearest, but he was gone away, and +would she be contented to be loving and good with only her mother to +take care of her, and tell her, as well as she could, what a father +hers was, when she was old enough to know about him? + +To-night, Amy told her much in that soft, solemn, murmuring tone, about +what was to befall her to-morrow, and the great blessings to be given +to her, and how the poor little fatherless one would be embraced in the +arms of His mercy, and received by her great Father in heaven:--'Ay, +and brought nearer to your own papa, and know him in some inner way, +and he will know his little child then, for you will be as good and +pure and bright as he, and you will belong to the great communion of +saints to-morrow, you precious little one, and be so much nearer to him +as you will be so much better than I. Oh! baby, if we can but both +endure to the end!' + +With such half-uttered words, Amabel Morville slept the night before +her babe's christening. + + + + +CHAPTER 41 + + + +A stranger's roof to hold thy head, +A stranger's foot thy grave to tread; +Desert and rock, and Alp and sea, +Spreading between thy home and thee.--SEWELL + + +Mary Ross was eager for the first report from Hollywell the next +morning, and had some difficulty in keeping her attention fixed on her +class at school. Laura and Charlotte came in together in due time, and +satisfied her so far as to tell her that Amy was very well. + +'Is Captain Morville come?' thought Mary. 'No, I cannot guess by +Laura's impressive face. Never mind, Charles will tell me all between +services.' + +The first thing she saw on coming out of school was the pony carriage, +with Charles and Captain Morville himself. Charlotte, who was all +excitement, had time to say, while her sister was out of hearing,-- + +'It is all made up now, Mary, and I really am very sorry for Philip.' + +It was fortunate that Mary understood the amiable meaning this speech +was intended to convey, and she began to enter into its grounds in the +short conference after church, when she saw the alteration in the whole +expression of countenance. + +'Yes,' said Charles, who as usual remained at the vicarage during the +two services, and who perceived what passed in her mind, 'if it is any +satisfaction to you to have a good opinion of your fellow-sponsor, I +assure you that I am converted to Amy's opinion. I do believe the +black dog is off his back for good and all.' + +'I never saw any one more changed,' said Mary. + +'Regularly tamed,' said Charles. He is something more like his old +self to-day than last night, and yet not much. He was perfectly +overpowered then--so knocked up that there was no judging of him. To- +day he has all his sedateness and scrupulous attention, but all like a +shadow of former time--not a morsel of sententiousness, and seeming +positively grateful to be treated in the old fashion.' + +'He looks very thin and pale. Do you think him recovered?' + +'A good way from it,' said Charles. 'He is pretty well to-day, +comparatively, though that obstinate headache hangs about him. If this +change last longer than that and his white looks, I shall not even +grudge him the sponsorship Amy owed me.' + +'Very magnanimous!' said Mary. 'Poor Laura! I am glad her suspense is +over. I wondered to see her at school.' + +'They are very sad and sober lovers, and it is the best way of not +making themselves unbearable, considering--Well, that was a different +matter. How little we should have believed it, if any one had told us +last year what would be the state of affairs to-day. By the bye, Amy's +godson is christened to-day.' + +'Who?' + +'Didn't you hear that the Ashfords managed to get Amy asked if she +would dislike their calling their boy by that name we shall never hear +again, and she was very much pleased, and made offer in her own pretty +way to be godmother. I wonder how Markham endures it! I believe he is +nearly crazy. He wrote me word he should certainly have given up all +concern with Redclyffe, but for the especial desire of--.What a state +of mind he will be in, when he remembers how he has been abusing the +captain to me!' + +The afternoon was fresh and clear, and there was a spring brightness in +the sunshine that Amabel took as a greeting to her little maiden, as +she was carried along the churchyard path. Many an eye was bent on the +mother and child, especially on the slight form, unseen since she had +last walked down the aisle, her arm linked in her bridegroom's. + +'Little Amy Edmonstone,' as they had scarcely learnt to cease from +calling her, before she was among them again, the widowed Lady +Morville; and with those kind looks of compassion for her, were joined +many affectionate mourning thoughts of the young husband and father, +lying far away in his foreign grave, and endeared by kindly +remembrances to almost all present. There was much of pity for his +unconscious infant, and tears were shed at the thought of what the wife +must be suffering; but if the face could have been seen beneath the +thick crape folds of her veil, it would have shown no tears--only a +sweet, calm look of peace, and almost gladness. + +The babe was on her knees when the time for the christening came; she +was awake, and now and then making a little sound and as she was +quieter with her than any one else, Amabel thought she might herself +carry her to the font. + +It was deep, grave happiness to stand there, with her child in her +arms, and with an undefined sense that she was not alone as if in some +manner her husband was present with her; praying with her prayers, and +joining in offering up their treasure; when the babe was received into +Mr. Ross's arms, and Amy, putting back her veil, gazed up with a +wistful but serene look. + +'To her life's end?' Therewith came a vision of the sunrise at +Recoara, and the more glorious dawn that had shone in Guy's dying +smile, and Amabel knew what would be her best prayer for his little +Mary Verena, as she took her back, the drops glistening on her brow, +her eyes open, and arms outspread. It was at that moment that Amabel +was first thrilled with a look in her child that was like its father. +She had earnestly and often sought a resemblance without being able +honestly to own that she perceived any; but now, though she knew not in +what it consisted, there was something in that baby face that recalled +him more vividly than picture or memory. + +'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace.' + +Those words seemed to come from her own heart. She had brought Guy's +daughter to be baptized, and completed his work of pardon, and she had +a yearning to be departing in peace, whither her sunshine was gone. +But he had told her not to wish that his child should be motherless; +she had to train her to be fit to meet him. The sunshine was past, but +she had plenty to do in the shade, and it was for his sake. She would, +therefore, be content to remain to fulfil her duties among the dear +ones to whom he had trusted her for comfort, and with the sense of +renewed communion with him that she had found in returning again to +church. + +So felt Amabel, as she entered into the calm that followed the one year +in which she had passed through the great events of life, and known the +chief joy and deepest grief that she could ever experience. + +It was far otherwise with her sister. Laura's term of trouble seemed +to be ending, and the spring of life beginning to dawn on her. + +Doubt and fear were past, she and Philip were secure of each other, he +was pardoned, and they could be together without apprehension, or +playing tricks with their consciences; but she had as yet scarcely been +able to spend any time with him; and as Charles said, their ways were +far more grave and less lover-like than would have seemed natural after +their long separation. + +In truth, romantic and uncalculating as their attachment was, they +never had been lover-like. They had never had any fears or doubts; her +surrender of her soul had been total, and every thought, feeling, and +judgment had taken its colour from him as entirely as if she had been a +wife of many years' standing. She never opened her mind to perceive +that he had led her to act wrongly, and all her unhappiness had been +from anxiety for him, not repentance on her own account; for so +complete was her idolatry, that she entirely overlooked her failure in +duty to her parents. + +It took her by surprise when, as they set out together that evening to +walk home from East-hill, he said, as soon as they were apart from the +village-- + +'Laura, you have more to forgive than all.' + +'Don't, speak so, Philip, pray don't. Do you think I would not have +borne far more unhappiness willingly for your sake? Is it not all +forgotten as if it had not been?' + +'It is not unhappiness I meant,' he replied, 'though I cannot bear to +think of what you have undergone. Unhappiness enough have I caused +indeed. But I meant, that you have to forgive the advantage I took of +your reliance on me to lead you into error, when you were too young to +know what it amounted to.' + +'It was not an engagement,' faltered Laura. + +'Laura, don't, for mercy's sake, recall my own hateful sophistries,' +exclaimed Philip, as if unable to control the pain it gave him; 'I have +had enough of that from my sister;' then softening instantly: 'it was +self-deceit; a deception first of myself, then of you. You had not +experience enough to know whither I was leading you, till I had +involved you; and when the sight of death showed me the fallacy of the +salve to my conscience, I had nothing for it but to confess, and leave +you to bear the consequences. 0 Laura! when I think of my conduct +towards you, it seems even worse than that towards--towards your +brother-in-law!' + +His low, stern tone of bitter suffering and self-reproach was something +new and frightful to Laura. She clung to his arm and tried to say--'0, +don't speak in that way! You know you meant the best. You could not +help being mistaken.' + +'If I did know any such thing, Laura! but the misery of perceiving that +my imagined anxiety for his good,--his good, indeed! was but a cloak +for my personal enmity--you can little guess it.' + +Laura tried to say that appearances were against Guy, but he would not +hear. + +'If they were, I triumphed in them. I see now that a shade of honest +desire to see him exculpated would have enabled me to find the clue. +If I had gone to St. Mildred's at once--interrogated him as a friend-- +seen Wellwood--but dwelling on the _ifs_ of the last two years can +bring nothing but distraction,' he added, pausing suddenly. + +'And remember,' said Laura, 'that dear Guy himself was always grateful +to you. He always upheld that you acted for his good. Oh! the way he +took it was the one comfort I had last year.' + +'The acutest sting, and yet the only balm,' murmured Philip; 'see, +Laura,' and he opened the first leaf of Guy's prayer-book, which he had +been using at the christening. + +A whispered 'Dear Guy!' was the best answer she could make, and the +tears were in her eyes. 'He was so very kind to me, when he saw me +that unhappy wedding-day.' + +'Did Amy tell you his last words to me?' + +'No,' said Laura. + +'God bless you and my sister!' he repeated, so low that she could +hardly hear. + +'Amy left that for you to tell,' said Laura, as her tears streamed +fast. How can we speak of her, Philip?' + +'Only as an angel of pardon and peace!' he answered. + +'I don't know how to tell you of all her kindness,' said Laura; 'half +the bitterness of it seemed to be over when once she was in the house +again, and, all the winter, going into her room was like going into +some peaceful place where one must find comfort.' + +'"Spirits of peace, where are ye" I could have said, when I saw her +drive away at Recoara, and carry all good angels with her except those +that could not but hover round that grave.' + +'How very sad it must have been! Did--' + +'Don't speak of it; don't ask me of it' said Philip, hastily. 'There +is nothing in my mind but a tumult of horror and darkness that it is +madness to remember. Tell me of yourself--tell me that you have not +been hurt by all that I have brought on you.' + +'Oh, no!' said Laura 'besides, that is all at an end.' + +'All an end! Laura, I fear in joining your fate to mine, you will find +care and grief by no means at an end. You must be content to marry a +saddened, remorseful man, broken down in health and spirits, his whole +life embittered by that fatal remembrance, forced to endure an +inheritance that seems to have come like the prosperity of the wicked. +Yet you are ready to take all this? Then, Laura, that precious, most +precious love, that has endured through all, will be the one drop of +comfort through the rest of my life. + +She could but hear such words with thrills of rejoicing affection; and +on they walked, Laura trembling and struck with sorrow at the depth of +repentance he now and then disclosed, though not in the least able to +fathom it, thinking it all his nobleness of mind, justifying him to +herself, idolizing him too much to own he had ever been wrong; yet the +innate power of tact and sympathy teaching her no longer to combat his +self-reproaches, and repeat his former excuses, but rather to say +something soothing and caressing, or put in some note of thankfulness +and admiration of Amy and Guy. This was the best thing she could do +for him, as she was not capable, like Amy, of acknowledging that his +repentance was well-founded. She was a nurse, not a physician, to the +wounded spirit; but a very good and gentle nurse she was, and the +thorough enjoyment of her affection and sympathy, the opening into +confidence, and the freedom from doubt and suspense, were comforts that +were doing him good every hour. + +The christening party consisted only of the Rosses, and Dr. Mayerne, +who had joined them at East-hill church, and walked home with Mr. +Edmonstone. They could not have been without him, so grateful were +they for his kindness all through their anxious winter, and Mr. +Edmonstone was well pleased to tell him on the way home that they might +look to having a wedding in the family; it had been a very long +attachment, constancy as good as a story, and he could all along have +told what was the matter, when mamma was calling in the doctor to +account for Laura's looking pale. + +The doctor was not surprised at the news, for perhaps he, too, had had +some private theory about those pale looks; but, knowing pretty well +the sentiments Charles had entertained the winter before last, he was +curious to find out how he regarded this engagement. Charles spoke of +it in the most ready cordial way. 'Well, doctor, so you have heard our +news! I flatter myself we have as tall and handsome a pair of lovers +to exhibit here, as any in the United Kingdom, when we have fattened +him a little into condition.' + +'Never was there a better match,' said Dr. Mayerne. 'Made for each +other all along. One could not see them without feeling it was the +first chapter of a novel.' + +When Mrs. Edmonstone came in, the doctor was a little taken aback. He +thought her mind must be with poor Sir Guy, and was afraid the lovers +had been in such haste as to pain Lady Morville; for there was a +staidness and want of "epanchement du coeur" of answering that was very +unlike her usual warm manner. At dinner, Mr. Edmonstone was in high +spirits, delighted at Amy's recovery, happy to have a young man about +the house again, charmed to see two lovers together, pleased that Laura +should be mistress of Redclyffe, since it could not belong to Amy's +child; altogether, as joyous as ever. His wife, being at ease about +Amy, did her best to smile, and even laugh, though sad at heart all the +time, as she missed the father from the christening feast, and thought +how happy she had been in that far different reunion last year. It +might be the same with Charles; but the outward effect was exhibited in +lively nonsense; Charlotte's spirits were rising fast, and only Philip +and Laura themselves were grave and silent, she, the more so, because +she was disappointed to find that the one walk back from East-hill, +much as he had enjoyed it, had greatly tired Philip. However, the +others talked enough without them; and Mr. Edmonstone was very happy, +drinking the health of Miss Morville, and himself carrying a bit of the +christening cake to the mamma in the drawing-room. + +There sat Amabel by the fire, knowing that from henceforth she must +exert herself to take part in the cheerfulness of the house, and +willing to join the external rejoicing in her child's christening, or +at least not to damp it by remaining up-stairs. Yet any one but Mr. +Edmonstone would have seen more sadness than pleasure in the sweet +smile with which she met and thanked him; but they were cheerful tones +in which she replied, and in her presence everything was hushed and +gentle, subdued, yet not mournful. The spirit of that evening was only +recognized after it was past, and then it ever grew fairer and sweeter +in recollection, so as never to be forgotten by any of those who shared +it. + + + + +CHAPTER 42 + + + +She was not changed when sorrow came, + That awed the sternest men; +It rather seemed she kept her flame + To comfort us till then. + +But sorrow passed, and others smiled + With happiness once more; +And she drew back the spirit mild + She still had been before.--S. R. + + +Philip's marriage could not take place at once. No one said, but every +one felt, that it must not be talked of till the end of Amabel's first +year of widowhood; and in the meantime Philip remained at Hollywell, +gaining strength every day, making more progress in one week than he +had done in six at St. Mildred's, finding that, as his strength +returned, his mind and memory regained their tone, and he was as +capable as ever of applying to business, and, above all, much settled +and comforted by some long conversations with Mr. Ross. + +Still he could not endure the thought of being at Redclyffe. The +business connected with it was always performed with pain and dislike, +and he shrank with suffering at every casual mention of his going +thither. Mrs. Edmonstone began to wonder whether he could mean to +linger at Hollywell all the summer, and Amabel had some fears that it +would end in his neglecting Redclyffe, till a letter arrived from Lord +Thorndale, saying that his brother, the member for Moorworth, had long +been thinking of giving up his seat, and latterly had only waited in +hopes that the succession at Redclyffe might come to Philip Morville. +Moorworth was entirely under the Thorndale and Morville interest, and +Lord Thorndale wrote to propose that Philip should come forward at +once, inviting him to Thorndale instead of going to his own empty +house. + +To be in parliament had been one of the favourite visions of Philip's +youth, and for that very reason he hesitated, taking it as one of the +strange fulfilments of his desires that had become punishments. He +could not but feel that as this unhappy load of wealth had descended on +him, he was bound to make it as beneficial as he could to others, and +not seeking for rest or luxury, to stand in the gap where every good +man and true was needed. But still he dreaded his old love of +distinction. He disliked a London life for Laura, and he thought that, +precarious as his health had become, it might expose her to much +anxiety, since he was determined that if he undertook it at all, he +would never be an idle member. + +It ended in his referring the decision to Laura, who, disliking London, +fearful for his health, eager for his glory, and reluctant to keep back +such a champion from the battle, was much perplexed, only desirous to +say what he wished, yet not able to make out what that might be. She +carried her doubts to Charles and Amabel, who both pronounced that the +thought of going to Redclyffe seemed far worse for him than any degree +of employment--that occupation of the mind was the best thing for his +spirits; and ended by recommending that Dr. Mayerne should be +consulted. + +He was of the same opinion. He said a man could hardly have two fevers +following, and one of them upon the brain, without having reason to +remember them. That his constitution had been seriously weakened, and +there was an excitability of brain and nerves which made care +requisite; but depression of spirits was the chief thing to guard +against, and a London life, provided he did not overwork himself, was +better for him than solitude at Redclyffe. + +Accordingly Philip went to Thorndale, and was returned for Moorworth +without opposition. Markham sent his nephew to transact business with +him at Thorndale, for he could not bear to meet him himself, and while +there was any prospect of his coming to Redclyffe, walked about in +paroxysms of grunting and ill-humour. The report that Mr. Morville was +engaged to the other Miss Edmonstone did but render him more furious, +for he regarded it as a sort of outrage to Lady Morville's feelings +that a courtship should be carried on in the house with her. She was +at present the object of all his devoted affection for the family, and +he would not believe, but that she had been as much disappointed at the +birth of her daughter, as he was himself. He would not say one word +against Mr. Morville, but looked and growled enough to make Mr. Ashford +afraid that the new squire would find him very troublesome. + +The Ashfords were in a state of mind themselves to think that Mr. +Morville ought to be everything excellent to make up for succeeding Sir +Guy; but having a very high opinion of him to begin with, they were +very sorry to find all Redclyffe set against him. In common with the +parish, they were very anxious for the first report of his arrival and +at length he came. James Thorndale, as before, drove him thither, +coming to the Ashfords while he was busy with Markham. He would not go +up to the Park, he only went through some necessary business with +Markham, and then walked down to the Cove, afterwards sitting for about +ten minutes in Mrs. Ashford's drawing-room. + +The result of the visit was that old James Robinson reported that the +new squire took on as much about poor Sir Guy as any one could do, and +turned as pale as if he had been going into a swoon, when he spoke his +name and gave Ben his message. And as to poor Ben, the old man said, +he regularly did cry like a child, and small blame to him, to hear that +Sir Guy had took thought of him at such a time and so far away; and he +verily believed Ben could never take again to his bad ways, after such +a message as that. + +Markham was gruff with the Robinsons for some time after and was even +heard to mutter something about worshipping the rising sun, an act of +idolatry of which he could not be accused, since it was in the most +grudging manner that he allowed, that Mr. Morville's sole anxiety +seemed to be to continue all Sir Guy had undertaken; while Mrs. +Ashford, on the other hand was much affected by the account her cousin +James had been giving her of the grief that he had suffered at Sir +Guy's death, his long illness, his loss of spirits, the reluctance he +had shown to come here at all, and his present unconquerable dread of +going to the Park. + +He was soon after in London, where, as far as could be judged in such +early days, he seemed likely to distinguish himself according to the +fondest hopes that Margaret or Laura could ever have entertained. +Laura was only afraid he was overworking himself, especially as, having +at present little command of ready money, he lived in a small lodging, +kept no horse, and did not enter into society; but she was reassured +when he came to Hollywell for a day or two at Whitsuntide, not having +indeed regained flesh or colour, but appearing quite well, in better +spirits, and very eager about political affairs. + +All would have been right that summer, but that, as Philip observed, +the first evening of his arrival, Amabel was not looking as well as she +had done at the time of the christening. She had, just after it, tried +her strength and spirits too much, and had ever since been not exactly +unwell, but sad and weary, more dejected than ever before, unable to +bear the sight of flowers or the sound of music, and evidently +suffering much under the recurrence of the season, which had been that +of her great happiness--the summer sunshine, the long evenings, the +nightingale's songs. She was fatigued by the most trifling exertion, +and seemed able to take interest in nothing but her baby, and a young +widow in the village, who was in a decline; and though she was willing +to do all that was asked of her, it was in a weary, melancholy manner, +as if she had no peace but in being allowed to sit alone, drooping over +her child. + +From society she especially shrunk, avoiding every chance of meeting +visitors, and distressed and harassed when her father brought home some +of his casual dinner guests, and was vexed not to see her come into the +drawing-room in the evening. If she did make the effort of coming, to +please him, she was so sure to be the worse for it, that her mother +would keep her up-stairs the next time, and try to prevent her from +knowing that her father was put out, and declared it was nonsense to +expect poor Amy to get up her spirits, while she never saw a living +soul, and only sat moping in the dressing-room. + +A large dinner-party did not interfere with her, for even he could not +expect her to appear at it, and one of these he gave during Philip's +visit, for the pleasure of exhibiting such company as the M.P. for +Moorworth. After dinner, Charlotte told Mary Ross to go and see Amy. +Not finding her in the dressing-room, she knocked at her own door. +'Come in,' answered the low soft voice; and in the window, overhung by +the long shoots of the roses, Amabel's close cap and small head were +seen against the deep-blue evening sky, as she sat in the summer +twilight, her little one asleep in her cot. + +'Thank you for coming,' said she. 'I thought you would not mind +sitting here with baby and me. I have sent Anne out walking.' + +'How pretty she looks!' said Mary, stooping over the infant. 'Sleep is +giving her quite a colour; and how fast she grows!' + +'Poor little woman!' said Amy, sighing. + +'Tired, Amy?' said Mary, sitting down, and taking up the little +lambswool shoe, that Amy had been knitting. + +'N--no, thank you,' said Amy, with another sigh. + +'I am afraid you are. You have been walking to Alice Lamsden's again.' + +'I don't think that tires me. Indeed, I believe the truth is,' and her +voice sounded especially sad in the subdued tone in which she spoke, +that she might not disturb the child, 'I am not so much tired with what +I do, which is little enough, as of the long, long life that is before +me.' + +Mary's heart was full, but she did not show her thought otherwise than +by a look towards the babe. + +'Yes, poor little darling,' said Amabel, 'I know there is double +quantity to be done for her, but I am so sorry for her, when I think +she must grow up without knowing him.' + +'She has you, though,' Mary could not help saying, as she felt that +Amabel was superior to all save her husband. + +Perhaps Amy did not hear; she went up to the cot, and went on:--'If he +had but once seen her, if she had but had one kiss, one touch that I +could tell her of by and by, it would not seem as if she was so very +fatherless. Oh no, baby, I must wait, that you may know something +about, him; for no one else can tell you so well what he was, though I +can't tell much!' She presently returned to her seat. 'No, I don't +believe I really wish I was like poor Alice,' said she; 'I hope not; I +am sure I don't for her sake. But, Mary, I never knew till I was well +again how much I had reckoned on dying when she was born. I did not +think I was wishing it, but it seemed likely, and I was obliged to +arrange things in case of it. Then somehow, as he came back last +spring, after that sad winter, it seemed as if this spring, though he +would not come back to me, I might be going to him.' + +'But then she comforted you.' + +'Yes, that she did, my precious one; I was so glad of her, it was a +sort of having him again, and so it is still sometimes, and will be +more so, I dare say. I am very thankful for her, indeed I am; and I +hope I am not repining, for it does not signify after all, in the end, +if I am weary and lonely sometimes. I wish I was sure it was not +wrong. I know I don't wish to alter things.' + +'No, I am sure you don't.' + +'Ah!' said Amabel, smiling, 'it is only the old, silly little Amy that +does feel such a heart-aching and longing for one glance of his eye, or +touch of his hand, or sound of his foot in the passage. Oh, Mary, the +worst of all is to wake up, after dreaming I have heard his voice. +There is nothing for it but to take our baby and hold her very tight.' + +'Dearest Amy! But you are not blaming yourself for these feelings. It +might be wrong to indulge them and foster them; but while you struggle +with them, they can't in themselves be wrong.' + +'I hope not,' said Amabel pausing to think. 'Yes, I have "the joy" at +the bottom still; I know it is all quite right, and it came straight +from heaven, as he said. I can get happy very often when I am by +myself, or at church, with him; it is only when I miss his bright +outside and can't think myself into the inner part, that it is so +forlorn and dreary. I can do pretty well alone. Only I wish I could +help being so troublesome and disagreeable to everybody' said Amy, +concluding in a matter-of-fact tone. + +'My dear!' said Mary, almost laughing. + +'It is so stupid of me to be always poorly, and making mamma anxious +when there's nothing the matter with me. And I know I am a check on +them down-stairs--papa, and Charlotte, and all--they are very kind, +considerate, and yet'--she paused--'and it is a naughty feeling; but +when I feel all those dear kind eyes watching me always, and wanting me +to be happy, it is rather oppressive, especially when I can't; but if I +try not to disappoint them, I do make such a bad hand of it, and am +sure to break down afterwards, and that grieves mamma all the more.' + +'It will be better when this time of year is over,' said Mary. + +'Perhaps, yes. He always seemed to belong to summer days, and to come +with them. Well, I suppose trials always come in a different shape +from what one expects; for I used to think I could bear all the doom +with him, but, I did not know it would be without him, and yet that is +the best. Oh, baby!' + +'I should not have come to disturb her.' + +'No--never mind; she never settles fairly to sleep till we are shut in +by ourselves. Hush! hush, darling--No? Will nothing do but being +taken up? Well, then, there! Come, and show your godmamma what a +black fringe those little wakeful eyes are getting.' + +And when Mary went down it was with the conviction that those black +eyelashes, too marked to he very pretty in so young a babe, were more +of a comfort to Amabel than anything she could say. + +The evening wore on, and at length Laura came into her sister's room. +She looked fagged and harassed, the old face she used to wear in the +time of disguise and secrecy, Amabel asked if it had been a tiresome +party. + +'Yes--no--I don't know. Just like others,' said Laura. + +'You are tired, at any rate,' said Amabel. 'You took too long a ride +with Philip. I saw you come in very late.' + +'I am not in the least tired, thank you.' + +'Then he is,' said Amabel. 'I hope he has not one of his headaches +again.' + +'No,' said Laura, still in a dissatisfied, uncomfortable tone. + +'No? Dear Laura, I am sure there is something wrong;' and with a +little more of her winning, pleading kindness, she drew from Laura that +Philip had told her she idolized him. He had told her so very gently +and kindly, but he had said she idolized him in a manner that was +neither good for herself nor him; and he went on to blame himself for +it, which was what she could not bear. It had been rankling in her +mind ever since that he had found fault with her for loving him so +well, and it had made her very unhappy. She _could_ not love him less, +and how should she please him? She had much rather he had blamed her +than himself. + +'I think I see what he means' said Amy, thoughtfully. 'He has grown +afraid of himself, and afraid of being admired now.' + +'But how am I to help that, Amy?' said Laura, with tears in her eyes: +'he cannot help being the first, the very first of all with me--' + +'No, no,' said Amy, quickly, 'not the very first, or what would you do +if you were to be--like me? Don't turn away, dear Laura; I don't think +I over could bear this at all, if dear Guy had not kept it always +before my eyes from the very first that we were to look to something +else besides each other.' + +'Of course I meant the first earthly thing,' said Laura; but it was not +heartfelt--she knew she ought, therefore she thought she did. + +'And so,' proceeded Amy, 'I think if that other is first, it would make +you have some other standard of right besides himself, then you would +be a stay and help to him. I think that is what he means.' + +'Amy! let me ask you,' said Laura, a little entreatingly, yet as if she +must needs put the question--'surely, you never thought Guy had +faults?' + +Her colour deepened. 'Yes, Laura,' she answered, firmly. 'I could not +have understood his repentance if I had not thought so. And, dear +Laura, if you will forgive me for saying it, it would be much better +for yourself and Philip if you would see the truth.' + +'I thought you forgave him,' murmured Laura. + +'Oh, Laura! but does not that word "forgive" imply something? I could +not have done anything to comfort him that day, if I had not believed +he had something to be comforted for. It can't be pleasant to him to +see you think his repentance vain.' + +'It is noble and great.' + +'But if it was not real, it would be thrown away. Besides, dear Laura, +do let me say this for once. If you would but understand that you let +him lead you into what was not right, and be really sorry for that, and +show mamma that you are, I do think it would all begin much more +happily when you are married.' + +'I could never have told, till I was obliged to betray myself,' said +Laura. 'You know, Amy, it was no engagement. We never wrote to each +other, we had but one walk; it was no business of his to speak till he +could hope for papa's consent to our marriage. It would have been all +confusion if he had told, and that would have been only that we had +always loved each other with all our hearts, which every one knew +before.' + +'Yet, Laura, it was what preyed on him when he thought he was dying.' + +'Because it was the only thing like a fault he could think of,' said +Laura, excited by this shade of blame to defend him vehemently-- +'because his scruples are high and noble and generous.' + +She spoke so eagerly, that the baby's voice again broke on the +conversation, and she was obliged to go away; but though her idolatry +was complete, it did not seem to give full satisfaction or repose. As +to Philip, though his love for her was unchanged, it now and then was +felt, though not owned by him, that she was not fully a helpmeet, only +a 'Self'; not such a 'Self' as he had left at St. Mildred's, but still +reflecting on him his former character, instead of aiding him to a new +one. + + + + +CHAPTER 43 + + + +But nature to its inmost part +Faith had refined; and to her heart + A peaceful cradle given, +Calm as the dew drops free to rest +Within a breeze-fanned rose's breast + Till it exhales to heaven.--WORDSWORTH + + +It had long been a promise that Mr. Edmonstone should take Charlotte to +visit her grandmamma, in Ireland. They would have gone last autumn, +but for Guy's illness, and now Aunt Charlotte wrote to hasten the +performance of the project. Lady Mabel was very anxious to see them, +she said; and having grown much more infirm of late, seemed to think it +would be the last meeting with her son. She talked so much of Mrs. +Edmonstone and Laura, that it was plain that she wished extremely for a +visit from them, though she did not like to ask it, in the present +state of the family. + +A special invitation was sent to Bustle; indeed, Charles said Charlotte +could not have gone without his permission, for he reigned like a +tyrant over her, evidently believing her created for no purpose but to +wait on him, and take him to walk. + +Laura was a great favourite at the cottage of Kilcoran, and felt she +ought to offer to go. Philip fully agreed, and held out home hopes of +following as soon as the session, was over, and he had been to +Redclyffe about some business that had been deferred too long. + +And now it appeared that Mr. Edmonstone had a great desire to take his +wife, and she herself said, that under any other circumstances she +should have been very desirous of going. She had not been to Ireland +for fifteen years, and was sorry to have seen so little of her mother- +in-law; and now that it had been proved that Charles could exist +without her, she would not have hesitated to leave him, but for +Amabel's state of health and spirits, which made going from home out of +the question. + +Charles and Amabel did not think so. It was not to be endured, that +when grandmamma wished for her, she should stay at home for them +without real necessity; besides, the fatigue, anxiety, and sorrow she +had undergone of late, had told on her, and had made her alter +perceptibly, from being remarkably fresh and youthful, to be somewhat +aged; and the change to a new scene, where she could not be distressing +herself at every failure in cheerfulness of poor Amy's, was just the +thing to do her good. + +Amabel was not afraid of the sole charge of Charles or of the baby, for +she had been taught but too well to manage for herself, she understood +Charles very well, and had too much quiet good sense to be fanciful +about her very healthy baby. Though she was inexperienced, with old +nurse hard by, and Dr. Mayerne at Broadstone, there was no fear of her +not having good counsel enough. She was glad to be of some use, by +enabling her mother to leave Charles, and her only fear was of being +dull company for him; but as he was so kind as to bear it, she would do +her best, and perhaps their neighbours would come and enliven him +sometimes. + +Charles threw his influence into the same scale. His affectionate +observation had shown him that it oppressed Amabel's spirits to be the +object of such constant solicitude, and be was convinced it would be +better for her, both to have some necessary occupation and to be free +from that perpetual mournful watching of her mother's that caused her +to make the efforts to be cheerful which did her more harm than +anything else. + +To let her alone to look and speak as she pleased without the fear of +paining and disappointing those she loved, keep the house quiet, and +give her the employment of household cares and attending on himself, +was, he thought, the best thing for her; and he was full of eagerness +and pleasure at the very notion of being of service to her, if only by +being good for nothing but to be waited on. He thought privately that +the spring of his mother's mind had been so much injured by the grief +she had herself suffered for 'her son Guy,' her cruel disappointment in +Laura, and the way in which she threw herself into all Amy's +affliction, that there was a general depression in her way of observing +and attending Amy, which did further harm; and that to change the +current of her thoughts, and bring her home refreshed and inspirited, +would be the beginning of improvement in all. Or, as he expressed it +to Dr. Mayerne, 'We shall set off on a new tack.' + +His counsel and Mr. Edmonstone's wishes at length decided mamma, on +condition that Mary Ross and Dr. Mayerne would promise to write on +alternate weeks a full report, moral and physical, as Charles called +it. So in due time the goods were packed, Mrs. Edmonstone cried +heartily over the baby, advised Amabel endlessly about her, and finally +looked back through her tears, as she drove away, to see Charles +nodding and waving his hand at the bay-window, and Amabel standing with +her parting smile and good-bye on the steps. + +The reports, moral and physical, proved that Charles had judged wisely. +Amabel was less languid as she had more cause for exertion, and seemed +relieved by the absence of noise and hurry, spending more time down- +stairs, and appearing less weary in the evening. She still avoided the +garden, but she began to like short drives with her brother in the +pony-carriage, when he drove on in silence, and let her lean back and +gaze up into the sky, or into the far distance, undisturbed. Now and +then he would be rejoiced by a bright, genuine smile, perfectly +refreshing, at some of the pretty ways of the babe, a small but plump +and lively creature, beginning to grasp with her hands, laugh and gaze +about with eyes that gave promise of the peculiar colour and brilliancy +of her father's. Amabel was afraid she might be tempted into giving +Charles too much of the little lady's society; but he was very fond of +her, regarding her with an odd mixture of curiosity and amusement, much +entertained with watching what he called her unaccountable manners, and +greatly flattered when he could succeed in attracting her notice. +Indeed, the first time she looked full at him with a smile on the verge +of a laugh, it completely overcame him, by the indescribably forcible +manner in which it suddenly recalled the face which had always shone on +him like a sunbeam. Above all, it was worth anything to see the looks +she awoke in her mother, for which he must have loved her, even had she +not been Guy's child. + +In the evening, especially on Sunday, Amabel would sometimes talk to +him as she had never yet been able to do, about her last summer's +journey, and her stay at Recoara, and his way of listening and +answering had in it something that gave her great pleasure; while, on +his side, he deemed each fresh word of Guy's a sort of treasure for +which to be grateful to her. The brother and sister were a great help +and happiness to each other; Amabel found herself restored to Charles, +as Guy had liked to think of her, and Charles felt as if the old +childish fancies were fulfilled, in which he and Amy were always to +keep house together. He was not in the least dull; and though his +good-natured visitors in the morning were welcome, and received with +plenty of his gay lively talk, he did not by any means stand in need of +the compassion they felt for him, and could have done very well without +them; while the evenings alone with Amy had in them something so +pleasant that they were almost better than those when Mr. Ross and Mary +came to tea. He wrote word to his mother that she might be quite at +ease about them, and he thought Amy would get through the anniversaries +of September better while the house was quiet, so that she need not +think of trying to hurry home. + +He was glad to have done so, for the letters, which scarcely missed a +day in being written by his mother and Charlotte, seemed to show that +their stay was likely to be long. Lady Mabel was more broken than they +had expected, and claimed a long visit, as she was sure it would be +their last, while the Kilcoran party had taken possession of Laura and +Charlotte, as if they never meant to let them go. Charlotte wrote her +brother very full and very droll accounts of the Iricisms around her +which she enjoyed thoroughly, and Charles, declaring he never expected +to see little Charlotte come out in the character of the facetious +correspondent, used to send Mary Ross into fits of laughing by what he +read to her. Mr. Fielder, the tutor, wrote Charlotte, was very nearly +equal to Eveleen's description of him, but very particularly agreeable, +in fact, the only man who had any conversation, whom she had seen since +she had been at Kilcoran. + +'Imagine,' said Charles, 'the impertinent little puss setting up for +intellectual conversation, forsooth!' + +'That's what comes of living with good company,' said Mary. + +The brother and sister used sometimes to drive to Broadstone to fetch +their letters by the second post. + +'Charlotte, of course,' said Charles, as he opened one. 'My Lady +Morville, what's yours?' + +'Only Mr. Markham,' said Amabel, 'about the winding up of our business +together, I suppose. What does Charlotte say?' + +'Charlotte is in a fit of impudence, for which she deserves +chastisement,' said Charles, unable to help laughing, as he read,-- + +'Our last event was a call from the fidus Achates, who, it seems, can +no longer wander up and down the Mediterranean without his pius Aeneas, +and so has left the army, and got a diplomatic appointment somewhere in +Germany. Lord Kilcoran has asked him to come and stay here, and Mabel +and I are quite sure he comes for a purpose. Of course he has chosen +this time, in order that he may be able to have his companion before +his eyes, as a model for courtship, and I wish I had you to help me +look on whenever Philip comes, as that laugh I must enjoy alone with +Bustle. However, when Philip will come we cannot think, for we have +heard nothing of him this age, not even Laura, and she is beginning to +look very anxious about him. Do tell us if you know anything about +him. The last letter was when parliament was prorogued, and he was +going to Redclyffe, at least three weeks ago.' + +'I wonder if Mr. Markham mentions him,' said Amabel, hastily unfolding +her letter, which was, as she expected, about the executors' business, +but glancing on to the end, she exclaimed,-- + +'Ah! here it is. Listen, Charlie. "Mr. Morville has been here for the +last few weeks, and is, I fear, very unwell. He has been entirely +confined to the house, almost ever since his arrival, by violent +headache, which has completely disabled him from attending to business; +but he will not call in any advice. I make a point of going to see him +every day, though I believe my presence is anything but acceptable, as +in his present state of health and spirits, I cannot think it right +that he should be left to servants." Poor fellow! Redclyffe has been +too much for him.' + +'Over-worked, I suppose,' said Charles. 'I thought he was coming it +pretty strong these last few weeks.' + +'Not even writing to Laura! How very bad he must be! I will write at +once to ask Mr. Markham for more particulars.' + +She did so, and on the third day they drove again to fetch the answer. +It was a much worse account. Mr. Morville was, said Markham, suffering +dreadfully from headache, and lay on the sofa all day, almost unable to +speak or move, but resolved against having medical advice, though his +own treatment of himself did not at all succeed in relieving him. +There was extreme depression of spirits, and an unwillingness to see +any one. He had positively refused to admit either Lord Thorndale or +Mr. Ashford, and would hardly bear to see Markham himself, who, indeed, +only forced his presence on him from thinking it unfit to leave him +entirely to the servants, and would be much relieved if some of Mr. +Morville's friends were present to free him from the responsibility. + +'Hem!' said Charles. 'I can't say it sounds comfortable.' + +'It is just as I feared!' said Amy. 'Great excitability of brain and +nerve, Dr. Mayerne said. All the danger of a brain fever again! Poor +Laura! What is to be done?' + +Charles was silent. + +'It is for want of some one to talk to him,' said Amabel. 'I know how +he broods over his sad recollections, and Redclyffe must make it so +much worse. If mamma and Laura were but at home to go to him, it might +save him, and it would be fearful for him to have another illness, +reduced as he is. How I wish he was here!' + +'He cannot come, I suppose,' said Charles, 'or he would be in Ireland.' + +'Yes. How well Guy knew when he said it would be worse for him than +for me! How I wish I could do something now to make up for running +away from him in Italy. If I was but at Redclyffe!' + +'Do you really wish it?' said Charles, surprised. + +'Yes, if I could do him any good.' + +'Would you go there?' + +'If I had but papa or mamma to go with me.' + +'Do you think I should do as well?' + +'Charlie!' + +'If you think there would be any use in it, and choose to take the +trouble of lugging me about the country, I don't see why you should +not.' + +'Oh! Charlie, how very, kind! How thankful poor Laura will be to you! +I do believe it will save him!' cried Amabel, eagerly. + +'But, Amy,'--he paused--'shall you like to see Redclyffe?' + +'Oh! that is no matter,' said she, quickly. 'I had rather see after +Philip than anything. I told you how he was made my charge, you know. +And Laura! Only will it not be too tiring for you?' + +'I can't see how it should hurt me. But I forget, what is to be done +about your daughter?' + +'I don't know what harm it could do her,' said Amy, considering. 'Mrs. +Gresham brought a baby of only three months old from Scotland the other +day, and she is six. It surely cannot hurt her, but we will ask Dr. +Mayerne.' + +'Mamma will never forgive us if we don't take the doctor into our +councils.' + +'Arnaud can manage for us. We would sleep in London, and go on by an +early train, and we can take our--I mean my--carriage, for the journey +after the railroad. It would not be too much for you. How soon could +we go?' + +'The sooner the better,' said Charles. 'If we are to do him any good, +it must be speedily, or it will be a case of shutting the stable-door. +Why not to-morrow?' + +The project was thoroughly discussed that evening, but still with the +feeling as if it could not be real, and when they parted at night they +said,--'We will see how the scheme looks in the morning.' + +Charles was still wondering whether it was a dream, when the first +thing he heard in the court below his window was-- + +'Here, William, here's a note from my lady for you to take to Dr. +Mayerne.' + +'They be none of them ill?' answered William's voice. + +'0 no; my lady has been up this hour, and Mr. Charles has rung his +bell. Stop, William, my lady said you were to call at Harris's and +bring home a "Bradshaw".' + +Reality, indeed, thought Charles, marvelling at his sister, and his +elastic spirits throwing him into the project with a sort of enjoyment, +partaking of the pleasure of being of use, the spirit of enterprise, +and the 'fun' of starting independently on an expedition unknown to all +the family. + +He met Amabel with a smile that showed both were determined. He +undertook to announce the plan to his mother, and she said she would +write to tell Mr. Markham that as far as could be reckoned on two such +frail people, they would be at Redclyffe the next evening, and he must +use his own discretion about giving Mr. Morville the note which she +enclosed. + +Dr. Mayerne came in time for breakfast, and the letter from Markham was +at once given to him. + +'A baddish state of things, eh, doctor!' said Charles. 'Well, what do +you think this lady proposes? To set off forthwith, both of us, to +take charge of him. What do you think of that, Dr. Mayerne?' + +'I should say it was the only chance for him,' said the doctor, looking +only at the latter. 'Spirits and health reacting on each other, I see +it plain enough. Over-worked in parliament, doing nothing in +moderation, going down to that gloomy old place, dreaming away by +himself, going just the right way to work himself into another attack +on the brain, and then he is done for. I don't know that you could do +a wiser thing than go to him, for he is no more fit to tell what is +good for him than a child.' So spoke the doctor, thinking only of the +patient till looking up at the pair he was dismissing to such a charge, +the helpless, crippled Charles, unable to cross the room without +crutches, and Amabel, her delicate face and fragile figure in her +widow's mourning, looking like a thing to be pitied and nursed with the +tenderest care, with that young child, too, he broke off and said--'But +you don't mean you are in earnest?' + +'Never more so in our lives,' said Charles; on which Dr. Mayerne looked +so wonderingly and inquiringly at Amabel, that she answered,-- + +'Yes that we are, if you think it safe for Charles and baby.' + +'Is there no one else to go? What's become of his sister?' + +'That would never do,' said Charles, 'that is not the question;' and he +detailed their plan. + +'Well, I don't see why it should not succeed,' said the doctor, 'or how +you can any of you damage yourselves.' + +'And baby?' said Amy. + +'What should happen to her, do you think?' said the doctor with his +kind, reassuring roughness. 'Unless you leave her behind in the +carriage, I don't see what harm she could come to, and even then, if +you direct her properly, she will come safe to hand.' +Amabel smiled, and saying she would fetch her to be inspected, ran up- +stairs with the light nimble step of former days. + +'There goes one of the smallest editions of the wonders of the world!' +said Charles, covering a sigh with a smile. 'You don't think it will +do her any harm?' + +'Not if she wishes it. I have long thought a change, a break, would be +the best thing for her--poor child!--I should have sent her to the sea- +side if you had been more movable, and if I had not seen every fuss +about her made it worse.' + +'That's what I call being a reasonable and valuable doctor,' said +Charles. 'If you had routed the poor little thing out to the sea, she +would have only pined the more. But suppose the captain turns out too +bad for her management, for old Markham seems in a proper taking?' + +'Hem! No, I don't expect it is come to that.' + +'Be that as it may, I have a head, if nothing else, and some one is +wanted. I'll write to you according as we find Philip.' + +The doctor was wanted for another private interview, in which to assure +Amabel that there was no danger for Charles, and then, after promising +to come to Redclyffe if there was occasion, and engaging to write and +tell Mrs. Edmonstone they had his consent, he departed to meet them by +and by at the station, and put Charles into the carriage. + +A very busy morning followed; Amabel arranged household affairs as +befitted the vice-queen; took care that Charles's comforts were +provided for; wrote many a note; herself took down Guy's picture, and +laid it in her box, before Anne commenced her packing; and lastly, +walked down to the village to take leave of Alice Lamsden. + + +Just as the last hues of sunset were fading, on the following evening, +Lady Morville and Charles Edmonstone were passing from the moor into +the wooded valley of Redclyffe. Since leaving Moorworth not a word had +passed. Charles sat earnestly watching his sister; though there was +too much crape in the way for him to see her face, and she was +perfectly still, so that all he could judge by was the close, rigid +clasping together of the hands, resting on the sleeping infant's white +mantle. Each spot recalled to him some description of Guy's, the +church-tower, the school with the two large new windows, the park wall, +the rising ground within. What was she feeling? He did not dare to +address her, till, at the lodge-gate, he exclaimed--'There's Markham;' +and, at the same time, was conscious of a feeling between hope and +fear, that this might after all be a fool's errand, and a wonder how +they and the master of the house would meet if it turned out that they +had taken fright without cause. + +At his exclamation, Amy leant forward, and beckoned. Markham came up +to the window, and after the greeting on each side, walked along with +his hand on the door, as the carriage slowly mounted the steep hill, +answering her questions: 'How is he?' + +'No better. He has been putting on leeches, and made himself so giddy, +that yesterday he could hardly stand.' + +'And they have not relieved him?' + +'Not in the least. I am glad you are come, for it has been an absurd +way of going on.' + +'Is he up?' + +'Yes; on the sofa in the library.' + +'Did you give him my note? Does he expect us?' + +'No, I went to see about telling him this morning, but found him so low +and silent, I thought it was better not. He has not opened a letter +this week, and he might have refused to see you, as he did Lord +Thorndale. Besides, I didn't know how he would take my writing about +him, though if you had not written, I believe I should have let Mrs. +Henley know by this time.' + +'There is an escape for him,' murmured Charles to his sister. + +'We have done the best in our power to receive you' proceeded Markham; +'I hope you will find it comfortable, Lady Morville, but--' + +'Thank you, I am not afraid,' said Amy, smiling a little. Markham's +eye was on the little white bundle in her lap, but he did not speak of +it, and went on with explanations about Mrs. Drew and Bolton and the +sitting-room, and tea being ready. + +Charles saw the great red pile of building rise dark, gloomy, and +haunted-looking before them. The house that should have been Amabel's! +Guy's own beloved home! How could she bear it? But she was eagerly +asking Markham how Philip should be informed of their arrival, and +Markham was looking perplexed, and saying, that to drive under the +gateway, into the paved court, would make a thundering sound, that he +dreaded for Mr. Morville. Could Mr. Charles Edmonstone cross the court +on foot? Charles was ready to do so; the carriage stopped, Amabel gave +the baby to Anne, saw Arnaud help Charles out; and turning to Markham, +said, 'I had better go to him at once. Arnaud will show my brother the +way.' + +'The sitting-room, Arnaud' said Markham, and walked on fast with her, +while Charles thought how strange to see her thus pass the threshold of +her husband's house, come thither to relieve and comfort his enemy. + +She entered the dark-oak hall. On one side the light shone cheerfully +from the sitting-room, the other doors were all shut. Markham +hesitated, and stood reluctant. + +'Yes, you had better tell him I am here,' said she, in the voice, so +gentle, that no one perceived its resolution. + +Markham knocked at one of the high heavy doors, and softly opened it. +Amabel stood behind it, and looked into the room, more than half dark, +without a fire, and very large, gloomy, and cheerless, in the gray +autumn twilight, that just enabled her to see the white pillows on the +sofa, and Philip's figure stretched out on it. Markham advanced and +stood doubtful for an instant, then in extremity, began--'Hem! Lady +Morville is come, and--' + +Without further delay she came forward, saying--'How are you, Philip?' + +He neither moved nor seemed surprised, he only said, 'So you are come +to heap more coals on my head.' + +A thrill of terror came over her, but she did not show it, as she said, +'I am sorry to find you so poorly.' + +It seemed as if before he had taken her presence for a dream; for, +entirely roused, he exclaimed, in a tone of great surprise, 'Is it you, +Amy?' Then sitting up, 'Why? When did you come here?' + +'Just now. We were afraid you were ill, we heard a bad account of you, +so we have taken you by storm: Charles, your goddaughter, and I, are +come to pay you a visit.' + +'Charles! Charles here?' cried Philip, starting up. 'Where is he?' + +'Coming in,' said Amy; and Philip, intent only on hospitality, hastened +into the hall, and met him at the door, gave him his arm and conducted +him where the inviting light guided them to the sitting-room. The full +brightness of lamp and fire showed the ashy paleness of his face; his +hair, rumpled with lying on the sofa, had, on the temples, acquired a +noticeable tint of gray, his whole countenance bore traces of terrible +suffering; and Amabel thought that even at Recoara she had never seen +him look more wretchedly ill. + +'How did you come?' he asked. 'It was very kind. I hope you will be +comfortable.' + +'We have taken good care of ourselves,' said Amy. 'I wrote to Mr. +Markham, for I thought you were not well enough to be worried with +preparations. We ought to beg your pardon for breaking on you so +unceremoniously.' + +'If any one should be at home here--' said Philip, earnestly;--then +interrupting himself, he shaded his eyes from the light, 'I don't know +how to make you welcome enough. When did you set off?' + +'Yesterday afternoon,' said Charles; 'we slept in London, and came on +to-day.' + +'Have you dined?' said Philip, looking perplexed to know where the +dinner could come from. + +'Yes; at K---, thank you.' + +'What will you have? I'll ring for Mrs. Drew.' + +'No, thank you; don't tease yourself. Mrs. Drew will take care of us. +Never mind; but how bad your head is!' said Amabel, as he sat down on +the sofa, leaning his elbow on his knee, and pressing his hand very +hard on his forehead. 'You must lie down and keep quiet, and never +mind us. We only want a little tea. I am just going to take off my +bonnet, and see what they have done with baby, and then I'll come down. +Pray lie still till then. Mind he does, Charlie.' + +They thought she was gone; but the next moment there she was with the +two pillows from the library sofa, putting them under Philip's head, +and making him comfortable; while he, overpowered by a fresh access of +headache, had neither will nor power to object. She rang, asked for +Mrs. Drew, and went. + +Philip lay, with closed eyes, as if in severe pain: and Charles, afraid +to disturb him, sat feeling as if it was a dream. That he, with Amy +and her child, should be in Guy's home, so differently from their old +plans, so very differently from the way she should have arrived. He +looked round the room, and everywhere knew what Guy's taste had +prepared for his bride--piano, books, prints, similarities to +Hollywell, all with a fresh new bridal effect, inexpressibly +melancholy. They brought a thought of the bright eye, sweet voice, +light step, and merry whistle; and as he said to himself 'gone for +ever,' he could have hated Philip, but for the sight of his haggard +features, gray hairs, and the deep lines which, at seven-and-twenty, +sorrow had traced on his brow. At length Philip turned and looked up. + +'Charles,' he said, 'I trust you have not let her run any risk.' + +'No: we got Dr. Mayerne's permission.' + +'It is like all the rest,' said Philip, closing his eyes again. +Presently he asked: 'How did you know I was not well?' + +'Markham said something in a business letter that alarmed Amy. She +wrote to inquire, and on his second letter we thought we had better +come and see after you ourselves.' + +No more was said till Amabel returned. She had made some stay up- +stairs, talking to Mrs. Drew, who was bewildered between surprise, joy, +and grief; looking to see that all was comfortable in Charles's room, +making arrangements for the child, and at last relieving herself by a +short space of calm, to feel where she was, realize that this was +Redclyffe, and whisper to her little girl that it was her father's own +home. She knew it was the room he had destined for her; she tried, +dark as it was, to see the view of which he had told her, and looked +up, over the mantel-piece, at Muller's engraving of St. John. Perhaps +that was the hardest time of all her trial, and she felt as if, without +his child in her arms, she could never have held up under the sense of +desolation that came over her, left behind, while he was in his true +home. Left, she told herself, to finish the task he had begun, and to +become fit to follow him. Was she not in the midst of fulfilling his +last charge, that Philip should be taken, care of? It was no time for +giving way, and here was his own little messenger of comfort looking up +with her sleepy eyes to tell her so. Down she must go, and put off +'thinking herself into happiness' till the peaceful time of rest; and +presently she softly re-entered the sitting-room, bringing to both its +inmates in her very presence such solace as she little guessed, in her +straightforward desire to nurse Philip, and take care Charles was not +made uncomfortable. + +That stately house had probably never, since its foundation, seen +anything so home-like as Amabel making tea and waiting on her two +companions; both she and Charles pleasing each other by enjoying the +meal, and Philip giving his cup to be filled again and again, and +wondering why one person's tea should taste so unlike another's. + +He was not equal to conversation, and Charles and Amabel were both +tired, so that tea was scarcely over before they parted for the night; +and Amy, frightened at the bright and slipperiness of the dark-oak +stairs, could not be at peace till she had seen Arnaud help Charles +safely up them, and made him promise not to come down without +assistance in the morning. + +She was in the sitting-room soon after nine next morning, and found +breakfast on one table, and Charles writing a letter on the other. + +'Well,' said he, as she kissed him, 'all right with you and little +miss?' + +'Quite, thank you. And are you rested?' + +'Slept like a top; and what did you do? Did you sleep like a sensible +woman?' + +'Pretty well, and baby was very good. Have you heard anything of +Philip?' + +'Bolton thinks him rather better, and says he is getting up.' + +'How long have you been up?' + +'A long time. I told Arnaud to catch Markham when he came up, as he +always does in a morning to see after Philip, and I have had a +conference with him and Bolton, so that I can lay the case before Dr. +Mayerne scientifically.' + +'What do you think of it?' + +'I think we came at the right time. He has been getting more and more +into work in London, taking no exercise, and so was pretty well knocked +up when he came here; and this place finished it. He tried to attend +to business about the property, but it always ended in his head growing +so bad, he had to leave all to Markham, who, by the way, has been +thoroughly propitiated by his anxiety for him. Then he gave up +entirely; has not been out of doors, written a note, nor seen a +creature the last fortnight, but there he has lain by himself in the +library, given up to all manner of dismal thoughts without a break.' + +'How dreadful!' said Annabel, with tears in her eyes. 'Then he would +not see Mr. Ashford? Surely, he could have done something for him.' + +'I'll tell you what,' said Charles, lowering his voice,' from what +Bolton says, I think he had a dread of worse than brain fever.' + +She shuddered, and was paler, but did not speak. + +'I believe,' continued Charles, 'that it is one half nervous and the +oppression of this place, and the other half, the over-straining of a +head that was already in a ticklish condition. I don't think there was +any real danger of more than such a fever as he had at Corfu, which +would probably have been the death of him; but I think he dreaded still +worse, and that his horror of seeing any one, or writing to Laura, +arose from not knowing how far he could control his words.' + +'0! I am glad we came,' repeated Amabel, pressing her hands together. + +'He has been doctoring himself,' proceeded Charles; 'and probably has +kept off the fever by strong measures, but, of course, the more he +reduced his strength, the greater advantage he gave to what was simply +low spirits. He must have had a terrible time of it, and where it +would have ended I cannot guess, but it seems to me that most likely, +now that he is once roused, he will come right again.' + +Just as Charles had finished speaking, he came down, looking extremely +ill, weak, and suffering; but calmed, and resting on that entire +dependence on Amabel which had sprung up at Recoara. + +She would not let him go back to his gloomy library, but made him lie +on the sofa in the sitting-room, and sat there herself, as she thought +a little quiet conversation between her and Charles would be the best +thing for him. She wrote to Laura, and he sent a message, for he could +not yet attempt to write; and Charles wrote reports to his mother and +Dr. Mayerne; a little talk now and then going on about family matters. + +Amabel asked Philip if he knew that Mr. Thorndale was at Kilcoran. + +'Yes,' he said, 'he believed there was a letter from him, but his eyes +had ached too much of late to read.' + +Mrs. Ashford sent in to ask whether Lady Morville would like to see +her. Amabel's face flushed, and she proposed going to her in the +library; but Philip, disliking Amy's absence more than the sight of a +visitor, begged she might come to the sitting-room. + +The Ashfords had been surprised beyond measure at the tidings that Lady +Morville had actually come to Redclyffe, and had been very slow to +believe it; but when convinced by Markham's own testimony, Mrs. +Ashford's first idea had been to go and see if she could be any help to +the poor young thing in that great desolate house, whither Mrs. Ashford +had not been since, just a year ago, Markham had conducted her to +admire his preparations. There was much anxiety, too, about Mr. +Morville, of whose condition, Markham had been making a great mystery, +and on her return, Mr. Ashford was very eager for her report. + +Mr. Morville, she said, did look and seem very far from well, but Lady +Morville had told her they hoped it was chiefly from over fatigue, and +that rest would soon restore him. Lady Morville herself was a fragile +delicate creature, very sweet looking, but so gentle and shrinking, +apparently, that it gave the impression of her having no character at +all, not what Mrs. Ashford would have expected Sir Guy to choose. She +had spoken very little, and the chief of the conversation had been +sustained by her brother. + +'I was very much taken with that young Mr. Edmonstone,' said Mrs. +Ashford; 'he is about three-and-twenty, sadly crippled, but with such a +pleasing, animated face, and so extremely agreeable and sensible, I do +not wonder at Sir Guy's enthusiastic way of talking of him. I could +almost fancy it was admiration of the brother transferred to the +sister.' + +'Then after all you are disappointed in her, and don't lament, like +Markham, that she is not mistress here?' + +'No: I won't say I am disappointed; she is a very sweet creature. 0 +yes, very! but far too soft and helpless for such a charge as this +property, unless she had her father or brother to help her. But I must +tell you that she took me to see her baby, a nice little lively thing, +poor little dear! and when we were alone, she spoke rather more, begged +me to send her godson to see her, thanked me for coming, but crying +stopped her from saying more. I could grow very fond of her. No, I +don't wonder at him, for there is a great charm in anything so soft and +dependent. + +Decidedly, Mary Ross had been right when she said, that except Sir Guy, +there was no one so difficult to know as Amy. + +In the afternoon, Charles insisted on Amabel's going out for fresh air +and exercise, and she liked the idea of a solitary wandering; but +Philip, to her surprise, offered to come with her, and she was too glad +to see him exert himself, to regret the musings she had hoped for; so +out they went, after opening the window to give Charles what he called +an airing, and he said, that in addition he should 'hirple about a +little to explore the ground-floor of the house.' + +'We must contrive some way for him to drive out,' said Philip, as he +crossed the court with Amabel; 'and you too. There is no walk here, +but up hill or down.' + +Up-hill they went, along the path leading up the green slope, from +which the salt wind blew refreshingly. In a few minutes, Amabel found +herself on a spot which thrilled her all over. + +There lay before her Guy's own Redclyffe bay; the waves lifting their +crests and breaking, the surge resounding, the sea-birds skimming +round, the Shag Rock dark and rugged, the scene which seemed above all +the centre of his home affections, which he had so longed to show her, +that it had cost him an effort on his death-bed to resign the hope; the +leaping waves that he said he would not change for the white-headed +mountains. And now he was lying among those southern mountains, and +she stood in the spot where he had loved to think of seeing her; and +with Philip by her side. His sea, his own dear sea, the vision of +which had cheered, his last day, like the face of a dear old friend; +his sea, rippling and glancing on, unknowing that the eyes that had +loved it so well would gaze on it no more; the wind that he had longed +for to cool his fevered brow, the rock which had been like a playmate +in his boyhood, and where he had perilled his life, and rescued so +many. It was one of the seasons when a whole gush of fresh perceptions +of his feelings, like a new meeting with himself, would come on her, +her best of joys; and there she stood, gazing fixedly, her black veil +fluttering in the wind, and her hands pressed close together, till +Philip, little knowing what the sight was to her, shivered, saying it +was very cold and windy, and without hesitation she turned away, +feeling that now Redclyffe was precious indeed. + +She brought her mind back to listen, while Philip was considering of +means of taking Charles out of doors; he supposed there might be some +vehicle about the place; but he thought there was no horse. Very +unlike was this to the exact Philip. The great range of stables was +before them, where the Morvilles had been wont to lodge their horses as +sumptuously as themselves, and Amabel proposed to go and see what they +could find; but nothing was there but emptiness, till they came to a +pony in one stall, a goat in another, and one wheelbarrow in the coach- +house. + +On leaving it, under the long-sheltered sunny wall, they came in sight +of a meeting between the baby taking the air in Anne's arms, and +Markham, who had been hovering about all day, anxious to know how +matters were going on. His back was towards them, so that he was +unconscious of their approach, and they saw how he spoke to Anne, +looked fixedly at the child, made her laugh, and finally took her in +his arms, as he had so often carried her father, studying earnestly her +little face. As soon as he saw them coming, he hastily gave her back +to Anne, as if ashamed to be thus caught, but he was obliged to grunt +and put his hand up to his shaggy eyelashes, before he could answer +Amabel's greeting. + +He could hardly believe his eyes, that here was Mr. Morville, who +yesterday was scarcely able to raise his head from the pillow, and +could attend to nothing. He could not think what Lady Morville had +done to him, when he heard him inquiring and making arrangements about +sending for a pony carriage, appearing thoroughly roused, and the dread +of being seen or spoken to entirely passed away, Markham was greatly +rejoiced, for Mr. Morville's illness, helplessness, and dependence upon +himself, had softened and won him to regard him kindly as nothing else +would have done; and his heart was entirely gained when, after they had +wished him good-bye, he saw Philip and Amabel walk on, overtake Anne, +Amy take the baby and hold her up to Philip, who looked at her with the +same earnest interest. From thenceforward Markham knew that Redclyffe +was nothing but a burden to Mr. Morville, and he could bear to see it +in his possession since like himself, he seemed to regard Sir Guy's +daughter like a disinherited princess. + +This short walk fatigued Philip thoroughly. He slept till dinner-time, +and when he awoke said it was the first refreshing dreamless sleep he +had had for weeks. His head was much better, and at dinner he had +something like an appetite. + +It was altogether a day of refreshment, and so were the ensuing ones. +Each day Philip became stronger, and resumed more of his usual habits. +From writing a few lines in Amabel's daily letter to Laura, he +proceeded to filling the envelope, and from being put to sleep by +Charles's reading, to reading aloud the whole evening himself. The +pony carriage was set up, and he drove Charles out every day, Amabel +being then released from attending him, and free to enjoy herself in +her own way in rambles about the house and park, and discoveries of the +old haunts she knew so well by description. + +She early found her way to Guy's own room, where she would walk up and +down with her child in her arms, talking to her, and holding up to her, +to be admired, the treasures of his boyhood, that Mrs. Drew delighted +to keep in order. One day, when alone in the sitting-room, she thought +of trying the piano he had chosen for her. It was locked, but the key +was on her own split-ring, where he had put it for her the day he +returned from London. She opened it, and it so happened, that the +first note she struck reminded her of one of the peculiarly sweet and +deep tones of Guy's voice. It was like awaking its echo again, and as +it died away, she hid her face and wept. But from that time the first +thing she did when her brother and cousin were out, was always to bring +down her little girl, and play to her, watching how she enjoyed the +music. + +Little Mary prospered in the sea air, gained colour, took to springing +and laughing; and her intelligent lively way of looking about brought +out continually more likeness to her father. Amabel herself was no +longer drooping and pining, her step grew light and elastic, a shade of +pink returned to her cheek, and the length of walk she could take was +wonderful, considering her weakness in the summer. Every day she stood +on the cliff and looked at 'Guy's sea,' before setting out to visit the +cottages, and hear the fond rough recollections of Sir Guy, or to +wander far away into the woods or on the moor, and find the way to the +places he had loved. One day, when Philip and Charles came in from a +drive, they overtook her in the court, her cloak over her arm, her +crape limp with spray, her cheeks brightened to a rosy glow by the +wind, and a real smile as she looked up to them. When Charles was on +his sofa, she stooped over him and whispered, 'James and Ben Robinson +have taken me out to the Shag!' + +She saw Mr. Wellwood, and heard a good account of Coombe Prior. She +made great friends with the Ashfords, especially little Lucy and the +baby. She delighted in visits to the cottages, and Charles every day +wondered where was the drooping dejection that she could not shake off +at home. She would have said that in Guy's own home, 'the joy' had +come to her, no longer in fitful gleams and held by an effort for a +moment, but steadily brightening. She missed him indeed, but the power +of finding rest in looking forward to meeting him, the pleasure of +dwelling on the days he had been with her, and the satisfaction of +doing his work for the present, had made a happiness for her, and still +in him, quiet, grave, and subdued, but happiness likely to bloom more +and more brightly throughout her life. The anniversary of his death +was indeed a day of tears, but the tears were blessed ones, and she was +more full of the feeling that had sustained her on that morning, than +she had been through all the year before. + +Charles and Philip, meanwhile, proceeded excellently together, each +very anxious for the comfort of the other. Philip was a good deal +overwhelmed at first by the quantity of business on his hands, and +setting about it while his head was still weak, would have seriously +hurt himself again, if Charles had not come to his help, worked with a +thorough good will, great clearness and acuteness, and surprised Philip +by his cleverness and perseverance. He was elated at being of so much +use; and begged to be considered for the future as Philip's private +secretary, to which the only objection was, that his handwriting was as +bad as Philip's was good; but it was an arrangement so much to the +benefit of both parties, that it was gladly made. Philip was very +grateful for such valuable assistance; and Charles amused himself with +triumphing in his importance, when he should sit in state on his sofa +at Hollywell, surrounded with blue-books, getting up the statistics for +some magnificent speech of the honourable member for Moorworth. + +In the meantime, Charles and Amabel saw no immediate prospect of their +party returning from Ireland, and thought it best to remain at +Redclyffe, since Philip had so much to do there; and besides, events +were occurring at Kilcoran which would have prevented his visit, even +without his illness. + +One of the first drives that Charles and Philip took, after the latter +was equal to any exertion, was to Thorndale. There Charles was much +amused by the manner in which Philip was received, and he himself, for +his sake; and as he said to Amabel on his return, there was no question +now, that the blame of spoiling Philip did not solely rest at +Hollywell. + +Finding only Lady Thorndale at home, and hearing that Lord Thorndale +was in the grounds, Philip went out to look for him, leaving Charles on +the sofa, under her ladyship's care. Charles, with a little +exaggeration, professed that he had never been so flattered in his +whole life, as he was by the compliments that reflected on him as the +future brother-in-law of Philip; and that he had really begun to think +even Laura not half sensible enough of her own happiness. Lady +Thorndale afterwards proceeded to inquiries about the De Courcy family, +especially Lady Eveleen; and Charles, enlightened by Charlotte, took +delight in giving a brilliant description of his cousin's charms, for +which he was rewarded by very plain intimations of the purpose for +which her son James was gone to Kilcoran. + +On talking the visit over, as they drove home, Charles asked Philip if +he had guessed at his friend's intentions. 'Yes,' he answered. + +'Then you never took the credit of it. Why did you not tell us?' + +'I knew it from himself, in confidence.' + +'Oh!' said Charles, amusing himself with the notion of the young man's +dutifully asking the permission of his companion, unshaken in +allegiance though the staff might be broken, and the book drowned +deeper than did ever plummet sound. Philip spoke no more, and Charles +would ask no more, for Philip's own affairs of the kind were not such +as to encourage talking of other people's. No explanation was needed +why he should now promote an attachment which he had strongly +disapproved while James Thorndale was still in the army. + +A day or two after, however, came a letter from Charlotte, bringing +further news, at which Charles was so amazed, that he could not help +communicating it at once to his companions. + +'So! Eveleen won't have him!' + +'What?' exclaimed both. + +'You don't mean that she has refused Thorndale?' said Philip. + +'Even so!' said Charles. 'Charlotte says he is gone. "Poor Mr. +Thorndale left us this morning, after a day of private conferences, in +which he seems to have had no satisfaction, for his resolute dignity +and determination to be agreeable all the evening were"--ahem--"were +great. Mabel cannot get at any of the real reasons from Eveleen, +though I think I could help her, but I can't tell you."' + +'Charlotte means mischief.' said Charles, as he concluded. + +'I am very sorry!' said Philip. 'I did think Lady Eveleen would have +been able to estimate Thorndale. It will be a great disappointment-- +the inclination has been of long standing. Poor Thorndale!' + +'It would have been a very good thing for Eva,' said Amabel. 'Mr. +Thorndale is such a sensible man.' + +'And I thought his steady sense just what was wanting to bring out all +her good qualities that are running to waste in that irregular home,' +said Philip. 'What can have possessed her?' + +'Ay! something must have possessed her,' said Charles. 'Eva was always +ready to be fallen in love with on the shortest notice, and if there +was not something prior in her imagination, Thorndale would not have +had much difficulty. By the bye, depend upon it, 'tis the tutor.' + +Philip looked a little startled, but instantly reassuring himself, +said,-- + +'George Fielder! Impossible! You have never seen him!' + +'Ah! don't you remember her description!' said Amy, in a low voice, +rather sadly. + +The very reason, Amy,' said Charles; 'it showed that he had attracted +her fancy.' + +Philip smiled a little incredulously. + +'Ay!' said Charles, 'you may smile, but you handsome men can little +appreciate the attractiveness of an interesting ugliness. It is the +way to be looked at in the end. Mark my words, it is the tutor.' + +'I hope not!' said Philip, as if shaken in his confidence. 'Any way it +is a bad affair. I am very much concerned for Thorndale.' + +So sincerely concerned, that his head began to ache in the midst of +some writing. He was obliged to leave it to Charles to finish, and go +out to walk with Amy. + +Amabel came in before him, and began to talk to Charles about his great +vexation at his friend's disappointment. + +'I am almost sorry you threw out that hint about Mr. Fielder,' said +she. 'Don't you remember how he was recommended?' + +'Ah! I had forgotten it was Philip's doing; a bit of his spirit of +opposition,' said Charles. 'Were not the boys to have gone to Coombe +Prior?' + +'Yes' said Amabel, 'that is the thing that seems to have made him so +unhappy about it. I am sure I hope it is not true,' she added, +considering, 'for, Charlie, you must know that Guy had an impression +against him.' + +'Had he?' said Charles, anxiously. + +'It was only an impression, nothing he could accuse him of, or mention +to Lord Kilcoran. He would have told no one but me, but he had seen +something of him at Oxford, and thought him full of conversation, very +clever, only not the sort of talk he liked.' +'I don't like that. Charlotte concurs in testifying to his +agreeableness; and in the dearth of intellect, I should not wonder at +Eva's taking up with him. He would be a straw to the drowning. It +looks dangerous.' + +They were very anxious for further intelligence, but received none, +except that Philip had a letter from his friend, on which his only +comment was a deep sigh, and 'Poor Thorndale! She little knows what +she has thrown away!' Letters from Kilcoran became rare; Laura +scarcely wrote at all to Philip, and though Mrs. Edmonstone wrote as +usual, she did not notice the subject; while Charlotte's gravity and +constraint, when she did achieve a letter to Charles, were in such +contrast to her usual free and would-be satirical style, that such eyes +as her brother's could hardly fail to see that something was on her +mind. + +So it went on week after week, Charles and Amabel wondering when they +should ever have any notice to go home, and what their family could be +doing in Ireland. October had given place to November, and more than a +week of November had passed, and here they still were, without anything +like real tidings. + +At last came a letter from Mrs. Edmonstone, which Amabel could not read +without one little cry of surprise and dismay, and then had some +difficulty in announcing its contents to Philip. + + + 'Kilcoran, Nov. 8th. + +'My Dearest Amy,--You will be extremely surprised at what I have to +tell you, and no less grieved. It has been a most unpleasant, +disgraceful business from beginning to end, and the only comfort in it +to us is the great discretion and firmness that Charlotte has shown. I +had better, however, begin at the beginning, and tell you the history +as far as I understand it myself. You know that Mr. James Thorndale +has been here, and perhaps you know it was for the purpose of making an +offer to Eveleen. Every one was much surprised at her refusing him, +and still more when, after much prevarication, it came out that the +true motive was her attachment to Mr. Fielder, the tutor. It appeared +that they had been secretly engaged for some weeks, ever since they had +perceived Mr. Thorndale's intentions, and not, as it was in poor +Laura's case, an unavowed attachment, but an absolute engagement. And +fancy Eva justifying it by Laura's example! There was of course great +anger and confusion. Lord Kilcoran was furious, poor Lady Kilcoran had +nervous attacks, the gentleman was dismissed from the house, and +supposed to be gone to England, Eva shed abundance of tears, but after +a great deal of vehemence she appeared subdued and submissive. We were +all very sorry for her, as there is much that is very agreeable and +likely to attract her in Mr. Fielder, and she always had too much mind +to be wasted in such a life as she leads here. It seemed as if Laura +was a comfort to her, and Lady Kilcoran was very anxious we should stay +as long as possible. This was all about three weeks or a month ago; +Eva was recovering her spirits, and I was just beginning a letter to +tell you we hoped to be at home in another week, when Charlotte came +into my room in great distress to tell me that Eveleen and Mr. Fielder +were on the verge of a run-away marriage. Charlotte had been coming +back alone from a visit to grandmamma, and going down a path out of the +direct way to recall Bustle, who had run on, she said, as if he scented +mischief, came, to her great astonishment, on Eveleen walking arm-in- +arm with Mr. Fielder! Charlie will fancy how Charlotte looked at them! +They shuffled, and tried to explain it away, but Charlotte was too +acute for them, or rather, she held steadily to "be that as it may, +Lord Kilcoran ought to know it." They tried to frighten her with the +horrors of betraying secrets, but she said none had been confided to +her, and mamma would judge. They tried to persuade her it was the way +of all lovers, and appealed to Laura s example, but there little +Charlotte was less to be shaken than on any point. "I did not think +them worthy to hear their names," she said to me, "but I told them, +that I had seen that the truest and deepest of love had a horror of all +that was like wrong, and as to Philip and Laura, they little knew what +they had suffered; besides, theirs was not half so bad." I verily +believe these were the very words she used to them. At last Eva threw +herself on her mercy, and begged so vehemently that she would only wait +another day, that she suspected, and, with sharpness very like +Charlie's, forced from Eva that they were to marry the next morning. +Then she said it would be a great deal better that they should abuse +her and call her a spy than do what they would repent of all their +lives; she begged Eva's pardon, and cried so much that Eva was in hopes +she would relent, and then came straight to me, very unhappy, and not +in the least triumphant in her discovery. You can guess what a +dreadful afternoon we had, I don't think any one was more miserable +than poor Charlotte, who stayed shut up in my room all day, dreading +the sight of any one, and expecting to be universally called a traitor. +The end was, that after much storming, Lord Kilcoran, finding Eveleen +determined, and anxious to save her the discredit of an elopement, has +agreed to receive Mr. Fielder, and they are to be married from this +house on the 6th of December, though what they are to live upon no one +can guess. The Kilcorans are very anxious to put the best face on the +matter possible, and have persuaded us, for the sake of the family, to +stay for the wedding; indeed, poor Lady Kilcoran is so completely +overcome, that I hardly like to leave her till this is over. How +unpleasant the state of things in the house is no one can imagine, and +very, very glad shall I be to get back to Hollywell and my Amy and +Charlie. Dearest Amy, + + 'Your most affectionate. + 'L. EDMONSTONE.' + + +The news was at length told, and Philip was indeed thunder-struck at +this fresh consequence of his interference. It threatened at first to +overthrow his scarcely recovered spirits, and but for the presence of +his guests, it seemed as if it might have brought on a renewal of the +state from which they had restored him. + +'Yes,' said Charles to Amy, when they talked it over alone, 'It seems +as if good people could do wrong with less impunity than others. It is +rather like the saying about fools and angels. Light-minded people see +the sin, but not the repentance, so they imitate the one without being +capable of the other. Here are Philip and Laura finishing off like the +end of a novel, fortune and all, and setting a very bad example to the +world in general.' + +'As the world cannot see below the surface,' said Amy, 'how distressed +Laura, must be! You see, mamma does not say one word about her.' + +Philip had not much peace till he had written to Mr. Thorndale, who was +going at once to Germany, not liking to return home to meet the +condolences. Mrs. Edmonstone had nearly the whole correspondence of +the family on her hands; for neither of her daughters liked to write, +and she gave the description of the various uncomfortable scenes that +took place. Lord de Courcy's stern and enduring displeasure, and his +father's fast subsiding violence; Lady Kilcoran's distress, and the +younger girls' excitement and amusement; but she said she thought the +very proper and serious way in which Charlotte viewed it, would keep it +from doing them much harm, provided, as was much to be feared, Lord +Kilcoran did not end by keeping the pair always at home, living upon +him till Mr. Fielder could get a situation. In fact, it was difficult +to know what other means there were of providing for them. + +At last the wedding took place, and Mrs. Edmonstone wrote a letter, +divided between indignation at the foolish display that had attended +it, and satisfaction at being able at length to fix the day for the +meeting at Hollywell. No one could guess how she longed to be at home +again, and to be once more with Charlie. + +Nor were Charles and Amabel less ready to go home, though they could +both truly say that they had much enjoyed their stay at Redclyffe. +Philip was to come with them, and it was privately agreed that he +should return to Redclyffe no more till he could bring Laura with him. +Amabel had talked of her sister to Mrs. Ashford, and done much to +smooth the way; and even on the last day or two, held a few +consultations with Philip, as to the arrangements that Laura would +like. One thing, however, she must ask for her own pleasure. +'Philip,' said she, 'you must let me have this piano.' + +His answer was by look and gesture. + +'And I want very much to ask a question, Philip. Will you tell me +which is Sir Hugh's picture?' + +'You have been sitting opposite to it every day at dinner.' + +'That!' exclaimed Amy. 'From what I heard, I fully expected to have +known Sir Hugh's in a moment, and I often looked at that one, but I +never could see more likeness than there is in almost all the pictures +about the house.' + +She went at once to study it again, and wondered more. + +'I have seen him sometimes look like it; but it is not at all the +strong likeness I expected.' + +Philip stood silently gazing, and certainly the countenance he +recalled, pleading with him to desist from his wilfulness, and bending +over him in his sickness, was far unlike in expression to the fiery +youth before him. In a few moments more, Amabel had run up-stairs, and +brought down Mr. Shene's portrait. There was proved to be more +resemblance than either of them had at first sight credited. The form +of the forehead, nose, and short upper lip were identical, so were the +sharply-defined black eyebrows, the colour of the eyes; and the way of +standing in both had a curious similarity; but the expression was so +entirely different, that strict comparison alone proved, that Guy's +animated, contemplative, and most winning countenance, was in its +original lineaments entirely the same with that of his ancestor. +Although Sir Hugh's was then far from unprepossessing, and bore as yet +no trace of his unholy passions, it bought to Amabel's mind the shudder +with which Guy had mentioned his likeness to that picture, and seemed +to show her the nature he had tamed. + +Philip, meanwhile, after one glance at Mr. Shene's portrait, which he +had not before seen, had turned away, and stood leaning against the +window-frame. When Amy had finished her silent comparison, and was +going to take her treasure back, he looked up, and said, 'Do you +dislike leaving that with me for a few minutes?' + +'Keep it as long as you like,' said she, going at once, and she saw him +no more till nearly an hour after; when, as she was coming out of her +own room, he met her, and gave it into her hands, saying nothing except +a smothered 'Thank you;' but his eyelids were so swollen and heavy, +that Charles feared his head was bad again, while Amy was glad to +perceive that he had had the comfort of tears. + +Every one was sorry to wish Lady Morville and her brother good-bye, +only consoling themselves with hoping that their sister might be like +them; and as to little Mary, the attention paid to her was so devoted +and universal, that her mamma thought it very well she should receive +the first ardour of it while she was too young to have her head turned. + +They again slept a night in London, and in the morning Philip took +Charles for a drive through the places he had heard of, and was much +edified by actually beholding. They were safely at home the same +evening, and on the following, the Hollywell party was once more +complete, gathered round Charles's sofa in a confusion of welcomes and +greetings. + +Mrs. Edmonstone could hardly believe her eyes, so much had Charles's +countenance lost its invalid look, and his movements were so much more +active; Amabel, too, though still white and thin, had a life in her eye +and an air of health most unlike her languor and depression. + +Every one looked well and happy but Laura, and she had a worn, faded, +harassed aspect, which was not cheered even by Philip's presence; +indeed, she seemed almost to shrink from speaking to him. She was the +only silent one of the party that evening, as they gathered round the +dinner or tea-table, or sat divided into threes or pairs, talking over +the subjects that would not do to be discussed in public. Charlotte +generally niched into Amy's old corner by Charles, hearing about +Redclyffe, or telling about Ireland. Mrs. Edmonstone and Amy on the +opposite sides of the ottoman, their heads meeting over the central +cushion, talking in low, fond, inaudible tones; Mr. Edmonstone going in +and out of the room, and joining himself to one or other group, telling +and hearing news, and sometimes breaking up the pairs; and then Mrs. +Edmonstone came to congratulate Charles on Amy's improved looks, or +Charlotte pressed up close to Amy to tell her about grandmamma. For +Charlotte could not talk about Eveleen, she had been so uncomfortable +at the part she had had to act, that all the commendation she received +was only like pain and shame, and her mother was by no means +dissatisfied that it should be so, since a degree of forwardness had +been her chief cause of anxiety in Charlotte; and it now appeared that +without losing her high spirit and uncompromising sense of right, her +sixteenth year was bringing with it feminine reserve. + +Laura lingered late in Amabel's room, and when her mother had wished +them good night, and left them together, she exclaimed, 'Oh, Amy! I am +so glad to be come back to you. I have been so very miserable!' + +'But you see he is quite well,' said Amy. 'We think him looking better +than in the summer.' + +'0 yes! Oh, Amy, what have you not done? If you could guess the +relief of hearing you were with him, after that suspense!' But as if +losing that subject in one she was still more eager about, 'What did he +think of me?' + +'My dear,' said Amabel, 'I don't think I am the right person to tell +you that.' + +'You saw how it struck him when he heard of my share in it.' + +'Yours? Mamma never mentioned you.' + +'Always kind!' said Laura. 'Oh, Amy! what will you think of me when I +tell I knew poor Eva's secret all the time? What could I do, when Eva +pleaded my own case? It was very different, but she would not see it, +and I felt as if I was guilty of all. Oh, how I envied Charlotte.' + +'Dear Laura, no wonder you were unhappy!' + +'Nothing hitherto has been equal to it! said Laura. 'There was the +misery of his silence, and the anxiety that you, dearest, freed me +from, then no sooner was that over than this was confided to me. Think +what I felt when Eva put me in mind of a time when I argued in favour +of some such concealment in a novel! No, you can never guess what I +went through, knowing that he would think me weak, blameable, +unworthy!' + +'Nay, he blames himself too much to blame you.' + +'No, that he must not do! It was my fault from the beginning. If I +had but gone at once to mamma!' + +'Oh, I am so glad!' exclaimed Amy, suddenly. + +'Glad?'' + +'I mean,' said Amy, looking down, 'now you have said that, I am sure +you will be happier.' + +'Happier, now I feel and see how I have lowered myself even in his +sight?' said Laura, drooping her head and hiding her face in her hands, +as she went on in so low a tone that Amy could hardly hear her. 'I +know it all now. He loves me still, as he must whatever he has once +taken, into that deep, deep heart of his: he will always; but he cannot +have that honouring, trusting, confiding love that--you enjoyed and +deserved, Amy--that he would have had if I had cared first for what +became me. If I had only at first told mamma, he would not even have +been blamed; he would have been spared half this suffering and self- +reproach; he would have loved me more; Eva might not have been led +astray, at least she could not have laid it to my charge,--and I could +lift up my head,' she finished, as she hung it almost to her knees. + +Her sister raised the head, laid it on her own bosom, and kissed, the +cheeks and brow again and again. 'Dearest, dearest Laura, I am so +sorry for you; but I am sure you must feel freer and happier now you +know it all, and see the truth.' + +'I don't know!' said Laura, sadly. + +'And at least you will be better able to comfort him.' + +'No, no, I shall only add to his self-reproach. He will see more +plainly what a wretched weak creature he fancied had firmness and +discretion. Oh, what a broken reed I have been to him!' + +'There is strength and comfort for us all to lean upon,' said Amy. +'But you ought to go to bed. Shall I read to you, Laura? you are so +tired, I should like to come and read you to sleep.' + +Laura was not given to concealments; that fatal one had been her only +insincerity, and she never thought of doing otherwise than telling the +whole of her conduct in Ireland to Philip. She sat alone with him the +next morning, explained all, and entreated his pardon, humiliating +herself so much, that he could not bear to hear her. + +'It was the fault of our whole lifetime, Laura,' said he, recovering +himself, when a few agitated words had passed on either side. 'I +taught you to take my dictum for law, and abused your trusty and +perverted all the best and most precious qualities. It is I who stand +first to bear the blame, and would that I could bear all the suffering! +But as it is, Laura, we must look to enduring the consequence all our +lives, and give each other what support we may.' + +Laura could hardly brook his self-accusation, but she could no longer +argue the point; and there was far more peace and truth before them +than when she believed him infallible, and therefore justified herself +for all she had done in blind obedience to him. + + + + +CHAPTER 44 + + + +Thus souls by nature pitched too high, + By sufferings plunged too low, +Meet in the church's middle sky, + Halfway 'twixt joy and woe; + +To practise there the soothing lay, + That sorrow best relieves, +Thankful for all God takes away, + Humbled by all He gives.--CHRISTIAN YEAR + + +One Afternoon, late in April, Charles opened the dressing-room door, +and paused a moment, smiling. There sat Amabel on the floor before the +fire, her hand stretched out, playfully holding back the little one, +who, with scanty, flossy, silken curls, hazel eyes and jet-black +lashes, plump, mottled arms, and tiny tottering feet, stood crowing and +shouting in exulting laughter, having just made a triumphant clutch at +her mamma's hair, and pulled down all the light, shining locks, while +under their shade the reddening, smiling face recalled the Amy of days +long gone by. + +'That's right! cried Charles, delighted, 'pull it all down. Out with +mamma's own curls again!' + +'No, I can never wear my curls again,' said Amy, so mournfully, that he +was sorry he had referred to them; and perceiving this, she smiled +sweetly, and pulling a tress to its full length, showed how much too +short it was for anything but being put plainly under the cap, to which +she restored it. + +'Is Mrs. Henley come?' she asked. + +'As large as life, and that is saying a good deal. She would make two +of Philip. As tall and twice as broad. I thought Juno herself was +advancing on me from the station.' + +'How did you get on with her?' + +'Famously; I told her all about everything, and how the affair is to be +really quiet, which she had never believed. She could hardly believe +my word, when I told her there was to be absolutely no one but +ourselves and Mary Ross. She supposed it was for your sake, and I did +not tell her it was for their own. It really was providential that the +Kilcoran folk disgusted my father with grand weddings, for Philip never +could endure one.' + +'Oh, Miss Mischief, there goes my hair again! You know Philip is +exceedingly worried about Mr. Fielder. Lord Kilcoran has been writing +to ask him to find him a situation.' + +'That is an article they will be seeking all the rest of their lives,' +said Charles. 'A man is done for when he begins to look for a +situation! Yes, those Fielders will be a drag on Philip and Laura for +ever; for they don't quite like to cast them off, feeling as he does +that he led to her getting into the scrape, by recommending him; and +poor Laura thinking she set the example.' + +'I wish Eva was away from home,' said Amy, 'for Aunt Charlotte's +accounts of her vex Laura so much.' + +'Ay! trying to eat her cake and have it, expecting to be Mr. Fielder's +wife, and reign as the earl's daughter all the same. Poor thing! the +day they get the situation will be a sad one for her. She does not +know what poortith cauld will be like.' + +'Poor Eva!' said Amy. 'I dare say she will shine and be all the better +for trouble. There is much that is so very nice in her.' + +'Ay, if she has not spoilt it all by this time,--as that creature is +doing with your hair! You little monkey, what have you to say to me?' + +'Only to wish you good night. Come, baby, we must go to Anne. Good +night, Uncle Charles.' + +Just as Amabel had borne off her little girl, Mrs. Edmonstone and +Charlotte came in, after conducting Mrs. Henley to her room. Charlotte +made a face of wonder and dismay, and Mrs. Edmonstone asked where Amy +was. + +'She carried the baby to the nursery just before you came. I wish you +had seen her. The little thing had pulled down her hair and made her +look so pretty and like herself.' + +'How well her spirits keep up! She has been running up and down stairs +all day, helping about everything. Well! we little thought how things +would turn out.' + +'And that after all Amy would be the home-bird,' said Charles. 'I +don't feel as if it was wrong to rejoice in having her in this sweet, +shady brightness, as she is now.' + +'Do you know whether she means to go to church to-morrow? I don't like +to ask.' + +'Nor I.' + +'I know she does,' said Charlotte. 'She told me so.' + +'I hope it will not be too much for her! Dear Amy.' + +'She would say it was wrong to have our heads fuller of her than of our +bride,' said Charles. + +'Poor Laura!' said Mrs. Edmonstone. 'I am glad it is all right at +last. They have both gone through a great deal.' + +'And not in vain,' added Charles. 'Philip is--' + +'Oh, I say not a word against him !' cried Mrs. Edmonstone. 'He is +most excellent; he will be very distinguished,--he will make her very +happy. Yes.' + +'In fact,' said Charles, 'he is made to be one of the first in this +world, and to be first by being above it; and the only reason we are +almost discontented is, that we compare him with one who was too good +for this world.' + +'It is not only that.' + +'Ah! you did not see him at Redclyffe, or you would do more than simply +forgiving him as a Christian.' + +'I am very sorry for him.' + +'That is not quite enough,' said Charles, smiling, with a mischievous +air, though fully in earnest. 'Is it, Charlotte? She must take him +home to her mamma's own heart.' + +'No, no, that is asking too much, Charlie,' said Mrs. Edmonstone. +'Only one ever was--' then breaking off--'and I can never think of +Philip as I used to do.' + +'I like him much better now,' said Charlotte. + +'For my part,' said Charles, 'I never liked him--nay, that's too mild, +I could not abide him, I rebelled against him, heart, soul, and taste. +If it had not been for Guy, his fashion of goodness would have made me +into an extract of gall and wormwood, at the very time you admired him, +and yet a great deal of it was genuine. But it is only now that I have +liked him. Nay, I look up to him, I think him positively noble and +grand, and when I see proofs of his being entirely repentant, I +perceive he is a thorough great man. If I had not seen one greater, I +should follow his young man's example and take him for my hero model.' + +'As if you wanted a hero model,' whispered Charlotte, in a tone between +caressing and impertinence. + +'I've had one!' returned Charles, also aside. + +'Yes,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, going on with her own thoughts, 'unless +there had been a great fund of real goodness, he would never have felt +it so deeply. Indeed, even when I best liked Philip, I never thought +him capable of such repentance as he has shown.' + +'If mamma wants to like him very much,' said Charlotte, 'I think she +has only to look at our other company.' + +'Ay!' said Charles, 'we want no more explanation of the tone of the +"Thank you," with which he answered the offer to invite his sister.' + +'One comfort is, she can't stay long. She has got a committee meeting +for the Ladies' Literary and Scientific Association, and must go home +for it the day after to-morrow,' said Charlotte. + +'If you are very good, perhaps she will give you a ticket, Charlotte,' +said her brother, 'and another for Bustle.' + +Mrs. Henley was, meanwhile, highly satisfied with the impression she +thought she was making on her aunt's family, especially on Charles and +Charlotte. The latter she patronized, to her extreme though suppressed +indignation, as a clever, promising girl; the former, she discovered to +be a very superior young man, a most valuable assistant to her brother +in his business, and her self-complacency prevented her from finding +out how he was playing her off, whenever neither Philip nor Laura were +at hand to be hurt by it. + +She thought Laura a fine-looking person, like her own family, and fit +to be an excellent lady of the house; and in spite of the want of +fortune, she perceived that her brother's choice had been far better +than if he had married that poor pale little Amabel, go silent and +quiet that she never could make a figure anywhere, and had nothing like +the substantive character that her brother must have in a wife. + +Could Mrs. Henley have looked behind the scenes she would have +marvelled. + +'One kiss for mamma; and one for papa,' was Amy's half-uttered morning +greeting, as she lifted from her cot her little one, with cheeks +flushed by sleep. Morning and evening Amy spoke those words, and was +happy in the double kiss that Mary had learnt to connect with them; +happy too in holding her up to the picture, and saying 'papa,' so that +his child might never recollect a time when he had not been a familiar +and beloved idea. + +A little play with the merry child, then came Anne to take her away; +and with a suppressed sigh, Amabel dressed for the first time without +her weeds, which she had promised to leave off on Laura's wedding-day. + +'No, I will not sigh!' then she thought, 'it does not put me further +from him. He would be more glad than any one this day, and so I must +show some sign of gladness.' + +So she put on such a dress as would be hers for life--black silk, and +face cap over her still plain hair, then with real pleasure she put on +Charles's bracelet, and the silver brooch, which she had last worn the +evening when the echoes of Recoara had answered Guy's last chant. Soon +she was visiting Laura, cheering her, soothing her agitation, helping +her to dress in her bridal array, much plainer than Amy's own had been, +for it had been the especial wish of both herself and Philip that their +wedding should be as quiet and unlike Guy's as possible. Then Amabel +was running down-stairs to see that all was right, thinking the +breakfast-table looked dull and forlorn, and calling Charlotte to help +her to make it appear a little more festal, with the aid of some +flowers. Charlotte wondered to see that she had forgotten how she +shunned flowers last summer, for there she was flitting from one old +familiar plant to another in search of the choicest, arranging little +bouquets with her own peculiar grace and taste, and putting them by +each person's place, in readiness to receive them. + +It was as if no one else could smile that morning, except Mr. +Edmonstone, who was so pleased to see her looking cheerful, in her +altered dress, that he kissed her repeatedly, and confidentially told +Mrs. Henley that his little Amy was a regular darling, the sweetest +girl in the world, poor dear, except Laura. + +Mrs. Henley, in the richest of all silks, looked magnificent and +superior. Mrs. Edmonstone had tears in her eyes, and attended to every +one softly and kindly, without a word; Charlotte was grave, helpful, +and thoughtful; Charles watching every one, and intent on making things +smooth; Laura looked fixed in the forced composure which she had long +ago learnt, and Philip,--it was late before he appeared at all, and +when he came down, there was nothing so plainly written on his face as +headache. + +It was so severe that the most merciful thing was to send him to lie on +the sofa in the dressing-room. Amabel said she would fetch him some +camphor, and disappeared, while Laura sat still with her forced +composure. Her father fidgeted, only restrained by her presence from +expressing his fears that Philip was too unwell for the marriage to +take place to-day, and Charles talked cheerfully of the great +improvement in his general health, saying this was but a chance thing, +and that on the whole he might be considered as quite restored. + +Mrs. Henley listened and answered, but could not comprehend the state +of things. Breakfast was over, when she heard Amabel speaking to Laura +in the ante-room. + +'It will go off soon. Here is a cup of hot coffee for you to take him. +I'll call you when it is time to go.' + +Amabel and Charlotte were very busy looking after Laura's packing up, +and putting all that was wanted into the carriage, in which the pair +were to set off at once from church, without returning to Hollywell. + +At the last moment she went to warn Philip it was time to go, if he +meant to walk to church alone, the best thing for his head. + +'It is better,' said Laura, somewhat comforted. + +'Much better for your bathing it, thank you,' said Philip, rising; +then, turning to Amy,--'Do I wish you good-bye now?' + +'No, I shall see you at church, unless you don't like to have my +blackness there.' + +'Would we not have our guardian angel, Laura?' said Philip. + +'You know _he_ would have been there,' said Amy. 'No one would have +been more glad, so thank you for letting me come.' + +'Thank you for coming,' said Laura, earnestly. 'It is a comfort.' + +They left her, and she stood a few minutes to enjoy the solitude, and +to look from the window at her little girl, whom she had sent out with +Anne. She was just about to open the window to call to her, and make +her look up with one of her merry shouts of 'Mamma!' when Philip came +out at the garden-door, and was crossing the lawn. Mary was very fond +of him, flattered by the attention of the tallest person in the house, +and she stretched her arms, and gave a cry of summons. Amabel watched +him turn instantly, take her from her nurse, and hold her in a close +embrace, whilst her little round arms met round his neck. She was +unwilling to be restored to Anne, and when he left she looked up in his +face, and unprompted, held up to him the primroses and violets in her +hand. + +Those flowers were in his coat when Amabel saw him again at church, and +she knew that this spontaneous proof of affection from Guy's little +unconscious child was more precious to him than all the kindnesses she +could bestow. + +Little space was there for musing, for it was high time to set off for +church. Mary Ross met the party at the wicket of the churchyard, took +Charles on her arm, and by look and sign inquired for Amy. + +'Bright outwardly,' he answered, 'and I think so inwardly. Nothing +does her so much good as to represent him. Did you wonder to see her?' + +'No' said Mary. 'I thought she would come. It is the crowning point +of his forgiveness.' + +'Such forgiveness that she has forgotten there is anything to forgive,' +said Charles. + +Philip Morville and Laura Edmonstone stood before Mr. Ross. It was not +such a wedding as the last. There was more personal beauty, but no +such air of freshness, youth, and peace. He was, indeed, a very fine- +looking man, his countenance more noble than it had ever been, though +pale and not only betraying the present suffering of the throbbing, +burning brow, but with the appearance of a care-worn, harassed man, +looking more as if his age was five-and-thirty than eight-and-twenty. +And she, in her plain white muslin and quiet bonnet, was hardly bridal- +looking in dress, and so it was with her face, still beautiful and +brilliant in complexion, but with the weight of care permanent on it, +and all the shades of feeling concealed by a fixed command of +countenance, unable, however, to hide the oppression of dejection and +anxiety. + +Yet to the eyes that only beheld the surface, there was nothing but +prosperity and happiness in a marriage between a pair who had loved so +long and devotedly, and after going through so much for each other's +sake, were united at length, with wealth, honour, and distinction +before them. His health was re-established, and the last spring had +proved that his talents would place him in such a position as had been +the very object of his highest hopes. Was not everything here for +which the fondest and most aspiring wishes could seek? Yet for the +very reason that there was sadness at almost every heart, not one tear +was shed. Mrs. Edmonstone's thoughts were less engrossed with the +bride than with the young slender figure in black, standing in her own +drooping way, her head bent down, and the fingers of her right hand +clasping tight her wedding-ring, through her white glove. + +The service was over. Laura hung round her mother's neck in an ardent +embrace. + +'Your pardon! 0, mamma, I see it all now!' + +Poor thing! she had too much failed in a daughter's part to go forth +from her home with the clear, loving, hopeful heart her sister had +carried from it! Mrs. Edmonstone's kiss was a full answer, however, a +kiss unlike what it had been with all her efforts for many and many a +month. + +'Amy, pray that it may not be visited!' were the last words breathed to +her sister, as they were pressed in each other's arms. + +Philip scarcely spoke, only met their kindnesses with grateful gestures +and looks, and brief replies, and the parting was hastened that he +might as soon as possible be at rest. His only voluntary speech was as +he bade farewell to Amabel,-- + +'My sister now!' + +'And _his_ brother,' she answered. 'Good-bye!' + +As soon as Amabel was alone in the carriage with Charles, she leant +back, and gave way to a flood of tears. + +'Amy, has it been too much?' + +'No,' she said, recovering herself; 'but I am so glad! It was _his_ +chief desire. Now everything he wished is fulfilled.' + +'And you are free of your great charge. He has been a considerable +care to you, but now he is safe on Laura's hands, and well and +satisfactory; so you have no care but your daughter, and we settle into +our home life.' + +Amabel smiled. + +'Amy, I do wish I was sure you are happy.' + +'Yes, dear Charlie, indeed I am. You are all so very kind to me, and +it is a blessing, indeed, that my own dear home can open to take in me +and baby. You know _he_ liked giving me back to you.' + +'And it is happiness, not only thinking it ought to be! Don't let me +tease you, Amy, don't answer if you had rather not.' + +'Thank you, Charlie, it _is_ happiness. It must be when I remember how +very happy he used to be, and there can be nothing to spoil it. When I +see how all the duties of his station worry and perplex Philip, I am +glad he was spared from it, and had all his freshness and brightness +his whole life. It beams out on me more now, and it was such perfect +happiness while I had him here, and it is such a pleasure and honour to +be called by his name; besides, there is baby. Oh! Charlie, I must be +happy--I am; do believe it! Indeed, you know I have you and mamma and +all too. And, Charlie, I think he made you all precious to me over +again by the way he loved you all, and sent me back, to you especially. +Yes, Charlie, you must not fancy I grieve. I am very happy, for he is, +and all I have is made bright and precious by him.' + +'Yes,' said he, looking at her, as the colour had come into her face, +and she looked perfectly lovely with eager, sincere happiness; one of +her husband's sweetest looks reflected on her face; altogether, such a +picture of youth, joy, and love, as had not been displayed by the bride +that morning. 'Amy, I don't believe anything could make you long +unhappy!' + +'Nothing but my own fault. Nothing else can part me from him,' she +whispered almost to herself. + +'Yes; no one else had such a power of making happy,' said Charles, +thoughtfully. 'Amy, I really don't know whether even you owe as much +to your husband as I do. You were good for something before, but when +I look back on what I was when first he came, I know that his leading, +unconscious as it was, brought out the stifled good in me. What a +wretch I should have been; what a misery to myself and to you all by +this time, and now, I verily believe, that since he let in the sunlight +from heaven on me, I am better off than if I had as many legs as other +people.' + +'Better off?' + +'Yes. Nobody else lives in such an atmosphere of petting, and has so +little to plague them. Nobody else has such a "mamma," to say nothing +of silly little Amy, or Charlotte, or Miss Morville. And as to being +of no use, which I used to pine about--why, when the member for +Moorworth governs the country, I mean to govern him.' + +'I am sure you are of wonderful use to every one,' said Amabel; +'neither Philip nor papa could get on without you to do their writing +for them. Besides, I want you to help me when baby grows older.' + +'Is that the laudable result of that great book on education I saw you +reading the other day?' said Charles. 'Why don't you borrow a few +hints from Mrs. Henley?' + +Amy's clear, playful laugh was just what it used to be. + +'It is all settled, then, that you go on with us! Not that I ever +thought you were going to do anything so absurd as to set up for +yourself, you silly little woman: but it seems to be considered right +to come to a formal settlement about such a grand personage as my Lady +Morville.' + +'Yes; it was better to come to an understanding,' said Amabel. 'It was +better that papa should make up his mind to see that I can't turn into +a young lady again. You see Charlotte will go out with him and be the +Miss Edmonstone for company, and he is so proud of her liveliness and-- +how pretty she is growing--so that will keep him from being vexed. So +now you see I can go on my own way, attend to baby, and take Laura's +business about the school, and keep out of the way of company, so that +it is very nice and comfortable. It is the very thing that Guy +wished!' + +Amabel's life is here pretty well shown. That of Philip and Laura may +be guessed at. He was a distinguished man, one of the most honoured +and respected in the country, admired for his talents and excellence, +and regarded universally as highly prosperous and fortunate, the pride +of all who had any connection with him. Yet it was a harassed, anxious +life, with little of repose or relief; and Laura spent her time between +watching him and tending his health, and in the cares and +representation befitting her station, with little space for domestic +pleasure and home comfort, knowing her children more intimately through +her sister's observation than through her own. + +Perfect and devoted as ever was their love, and they were thought most +admirable and happy people. There was some wonder at his being a +grave, melancholy man, when he had all before him so richly to enjoy, +contrary to every probability when he began life. Still there was one +who never could understand why others should think him stern and +severe, and why even his own children should look up to him with love +that partook of distant awe and respect, one to whom he never was +otherwise than indulgent, nay, almost reverential, in the gentleness of +his kindness, and that was Mary Verena Morville. + + + THE END. + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Heir of Redclyffe by +Charlotte M Yonge. diff --git a/old/redcl10.zip b/old/redcl10.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9bd0f7c --- /dev/null +++ b/old/redcl10.zip |