diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:21 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:21 -0700 |
| commit | 657826789e53ef5d98564171750c4e6103feb180 (patch) | |
| tree | 722fe3231cd8106718209170f4abb58b709372d4 /2511-h/2511-h.htm | |
Diffstat (limited to '2511-h/2511-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 2511-h/2511-h.htm | 19740 |
1 files changed, 19740 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/2511-h/2511-h.htm b/2511-h/2511-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f857ee --- /dev/null +++ b/2511-h/2511-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,19740 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> + <title> + The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2511 ***</div> + <h1> + THE HISTORY OF HENRY ESMOND, ESQ. + </h1> + <h2> + A COLONEL IN THE SERVICE OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ANNE WRITTEN BY HIMSELF<br /><br /> + By William Makepeace Thackeray + </h2> + <h4> + Boston, Estes and Lauriat, Publishers + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE WILLIAM BINGHAM, LORD ASHBURTON. <br /> + MY DEAR LORD, + </p> + <p> + The writer of a book which copies the manners and language of Queen Anne's + time, must not omit the Dedication to the Patron; and I ask leave to + inscribe this volume to your Lordship, for the sake of the great kindness + and friendship which I owe to you and yours. + </p> + <p> + My volume will reach you when the Author is on his voyage to a country + where your name is as well known as here. Wherever I am, I shall + gratefully regard you; and shall not be the less welcomed in America + because I am, + </p> + <p> + Your obliged friend and servant, + </p> + <p> + W. M. THACKERAY. + </p> + <p> + LONDON, October 18, 1852. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#linktablecontents"><big><b>TABLE OF CONTENTS</b></big></a> + <a id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <h3> + THE ESMONDS OF VIRGINIA. + </h3> + <p> + The estate of Castlewood, in Virginia, which was given to our ancestors by + King Charles the First, as some return for the sacrifices made in his + Majesty's cause by the Esmond family, lies in Westmoreland county, between + the rivers Potomac and Rappahannock, and was once as great as an English + Principality, though in the early times its revenues were but small. + Indeed, for near eighty years after our forefathers possessed them, our + plantations were in the hands of factors, who enriched themselves one + after another, though a few scores of hogsheads of tobacco were all the + produce that, for long after the Restoration, our family received from + their Virginian estates. + </p> + <p> + My dear and honored father, Colonel Henry Esmond, whose history, written + by himself, is contained in the accompanying volume, came to Virginia in + the year 1718, built his house of Castlewood, and here permanently + settled. After a long stormy life in England, he passed the remainder of + his many years in peace and honor in this country; how beloved and + respected by all his fellow-citizens, how inexpressibly dear to his + family, I need not say. His whole life was a benefit to all who were + connected with him. He gave the best example, the best advice, the most + bounteous hospitality to his friends; the tenderest care to his + dependants; and bestowed on those of his immediate family such a blessing + of fatherly love and protection as can never be thought of, by us, at + least, without veneration and thankfulness; and my sons' children, whether + established here in our Republic, or at home in the always beloved mother + country, from which our late quarrel hath separated us, may surely be + proud to be descended from one who in all ways was so truly noble. + </p> + <p> + My dear mother died in 1736, soon after our return from England, whither + my parents took me for my education; and where I made the acquaintance of + Mr. Warrington, whom my children never saw. When it pleased heaven, in the + bloom of his youth, and after but a few months of a most happy union, to + remove him from me, I owed my recovery from the grief which that calamity + caused me, mainly to my dearest father's tenderness, and then to the + blessing vouchsafed to me in the birth of my two beloved boys. I know the + fatal differences which separated them in politics never disunited their + hearts; and as I can love them both, whether wearing the King's colors or + the Republic's, I am sure that they love me and one another, and him above + all, my father and theirs, the dearest friend of their childhood, the + noble gentleman who bred them from their infancy in the practice and + knowledge of Truth, and Love and Honor. + </p> + <p> + My children will never forget the appearance and figure of their revered + grandfather; and I wish I possessed the art of drawing (which my papa had + in perfection), so that I could leave to our descendants a portrait of one + who was so good and so respected. My father was of a dark complexion, with + a very great forehead and dark hazel eyes, overhung by eyebrows which + remained black long after his hair was white. His nose was aquiline, his + smile extraordinary sweet. How well I remember it, and how little any + description I can write can recall his image! He was of rather low + stature, not being above five feet seven inches in height; he used to + laugh at my sons, whom he called his crutches, and say they were grown too + tall for him to lean upon. But small as he was, he had a perfect grace and + majesty of deportment, such as I have never seen in this country, except + perhaps in our friend Mr. Washington, and commanded respect wherever he + appeared. + </p> + <p> + In all bodily exercises he excelled, and showed an extraordinary quickness + and agility. Of fencing he was especially fond, and made my two boys + proficient in that art; so much so, that when the French came to this + country with Monsieur Rochambeau, not one of his officers was superior to + my Henry, and he was not the equal of my poor George, who had taken the + King's side in our lamentable but glorious war of independence. + </p> + <p> + Neither my father nor my mother ever wore powder in their hair; both their + heads were as white as silver, as I can remember them. My dear mother + possessed to the last an extraordinary brightness and freshness of + complexion; nor would people believe that she did not wear rouge. At sixty + years of age she still looked young, and was quite agile. It was not until + after that dreadful siege of our house by the Indians, which left me a + widow ere I was a mother, that my dear mother's health broke. She never + recovered her terror and anxiety of those days which ended so fatally for + me, then a bride scarce six months married, and died in my father's arms + ere my own year of widowhood was over. + </p> + <p> + From that day, until the last of his dear and honored life, it was my + delight and consolation to remain with him as his comforter and companion; + and from those little notes which my mother hath made here and there in + the volume in which my father describes his adventures in Europe, I can + well understand the extreme devotion with which she regarded him—a + devotion so passionate and exclusive as to prevent her, I think, from + loving any other person except with an inferior regard; her whole thoughts + being centred on this one object of affection and worship. I know that, + before her, my dear father did not show the love which he had for his + daughter; and in her last and most sacred moments, this dear and tender + parent owned to me her repentance that she had not loved me enough: her + jealousy even that my father should give his affection to any but herself: + and in the most fond and beautiful words of affection and admonition, she + bade me never to leave him, and to supply the place which she was + quitting. With a clear conscience, and a heart inexpressibly thankful, I + think I can say that I fulfilled those dying commands, and that until his + last hour my dearest father never had to complain that his daughter's love + and fidelity failed him. + </p> + <p> + And it is since I knew him entirely—for during my mother's life he + never quite opened himself to me—since I knew the value and splendor + of that affection which he bestowed upon me, that I have come to + understand and pardon what, I own, used to anger me in my mother's + lifetime, her jealousy respecting her husband's love. 'Twas a gift so + precious, that no wonder she who had it was for keeping it all, and could + part with none of it, even to her daughter. + </p> + <p> + Though I never heard my father use a rough word, 'twas extraordinary with + how much awe his people regarded him; and the servants on our plantation, + both those assigned from England and the purchased negroes, obeyed him + with an eagerness such as the most severe taskmasters round about us could + never get from their people. He was never familiar, though perfectly + simple and natural; he was the same with the meanest man as with the + greatest, and as courteous to a black slave-girl as to the Governor's + wife. No one ever thought of taking a liberty with him (except once a + tipsy gentleman from York, and I am bound to own that my papa never + forgave him): he set the humblest people at once on their ease with him, + and brought down the most arrogant by a grave satiric way, which made + persons exceedingly afraid of him. His courtesy was not put on like a + Sunday suit, and laid by when the company went away; it was always the + same; as he was always dressed the same, whether for a dinner by ourselves + or for a great entertainment. They say he liked to be the first in his + company; but what company was there in which he would not be first? When I + went to Europe for my education, and we passed a winter at London with my + half-brother, my Lord Castlewood and his second lady, I saw at her + Majesty's Court some of the most famous gentlemen of those days; and I + thought to myself none of these are better than my papa; and the famous + Lord Bolingbroke, who came to us from Dawley, said as much, and that the + men of that time were not like those of his youth:—“Were your + father, Madam,” he said, “to go into the woods, the Indians would elect + him Sachem;” and his lordship was pleased to call me Pocahontas. + </p> + <p> + I did not see our other relative, Bishop Tusher's lady, of whom so much is + said in my papa's memoirs—although my mamma went to visit her in the + country. I have no pride (as I showed by complying with my mother's + request, and marrying a gentleman who was but the younger son of a Suffolk + Baronet), yet I own to A DECENT RESPECT for my name, and wonder how one + who ever bore it, should change it for that of Mrs. THOMAS TUSHER. I pass + over as odious and unworthy of credit those reports (which I heard in + Europe and was then too young to understand), how this person, having LEFT + HER FAMILY and fled to Paris, out of jealousy of the Pretender betrayed + his secrets to my Lord Stair, King George's Ambassador, and nearly caused + the Prince's death there; how she came to England and married this Mr. + Tusher, and became a great favorite of King George the Second, by whom Mr. + Tusher was made a Dean, and then a Bishop. I did not see the lady, who + chose to remain AT HER PALACE all the time we were in London; but after + visiting her, my poor mamma said she had lost all her good looks, and + warned me not to set too much store by any such gifts which nature had + bestowed upon me. She grew exceedingly stout; and I remember my brother's + wife, Lady Castlewood, saying—“No wonder she became a favorite, for + the King likes them old and ugly, as his father did before him.” On which + papa said—“All women were alike; that there was never one so + beautiful as that one; and that we could forgive her everything but her + beauty.” And hereupon my mamma looked vexed, and my Lord Castlewood began + to laugh; and I, of course, being a young creature, could not understand + what was the subject of their conversation. + </p> + <p> + After the circumstances narrated in the third book of these Memoirs, my + father and mother both went abroad, being advised by their friends to + leave the country in consequence of the transactions which are recounted + at the close of the volume of the Memoirs. But my brother, hearing how the + FUTURE BISHOP'S LADY had quitted Castlewood and joined the Pretender at + Paris, pursued him, and would have killed him, Prince as he was, had not + the Prince managed to make his escape. On his expedition to Scotland + directly after, Castlewood was so enraged against him that he asked leave + to serve as a volunteer, and join the Duke of Argyle's army in Scotland, + which the Pretender never had the courage to face; and thenceforth my Lord + was quite reconciled to the present reigning family, from whom he hath + even received promotion. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Tusher was by this time as angry against the Pretender as any of her + relations could be, and used to boast, as I have heard, that she not only + brought back my Lord to the Church of England, but procured the English + peerage for him, which the JUNIOR BRANCH of our family at present enjoys. + She was a great friend of Sir Robert Walpole, and would not rest until her + husband slept at Lambeth, my papa used laughing to say. However, the + Bishop died of apoplexy suddenly, and his wife erected a great monument + over him; and the pair sleep under that stone, with a canopy of marble + clouds and angels above them—the first Mrs. Tusher lying sixty miles + off at Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + But my papa's genius and education are both greater than any a woman can + be expected to have, and his adventures in Europe far more exciting than + his life in this country, which was passed in the tranquil offices of love + and duty; and I shall say no more by way of introduction to his Memoirs, + nor keep my children from the perusal of a story which is much more + interesting than that of their affectionate old mother, + </p> + <p> + RACHEL ESMOND WARRINGTON. CASTLEWOOD, VIRGINIA, + </p> + <p> + November 3, 1778. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a id="linktablecontents"></a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>BOOK I. THE EARLY YOUTH OF HENRY ESMOND</b> </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> <br /><br /><br /> + + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> <b>BOOK II. CONTAINS MR. ESMOND'S MILITARY LIFE</b> </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER I. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER II. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER III. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER IV. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER V. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER VI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER VII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER VIII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER IX. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER X. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XIII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XIV. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XV. </a><br /><br /><br /> + + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> <b>BOOK III. THE END OF MR. ESMOND'S ADVENTURES IN ENGLAND</b> </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER I. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER II. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER III. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER IV. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER V. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER VI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER VII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER VIII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER IX. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER X. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XI. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XII. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE HISTORY OF HENRY ESMOND. + </h1> + <p> + <a id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK I. + </h2> + <h3> + THE EARLY YOUTH OF HENRY ESMOND, UP TO THE TIME OF HIS LEAVING TRINITY + COLLEGE, IN CAMBRIDGE. + </h3> + <p> + The actors in the old tragedies, as we read, piped their iambics to a + tune, speaking from under a mask, and wearing stilts and a great + head-dress. 'Twas thought the dignity of the Tragic Muse required these + appurtenances, and that she was not to move except to a measure and + cadence. So Queen Medea slew her children to a slow music: and King + Agamemnon perished in a dying fall (to use Mr. Dryden's words): the Chorus + standing by in a set attitude, and rhythmically and decorously bewailing + the fates of those great crowned persons. The Muse of History hath + encumbered herself with ceremony as well as her Sister of the Theatre. She + too wears the mask and the cothurnus, and speaks to measure. She too, in + our age, busies herself with the affairs only of kings; waiting on them + obsequiously and stately, as if she were but a mistress of court + ceremonies, and had nothing to do with the registering of the affairs of + the common people. I have seen in his very old age and decrepitude the old + French King Lewis the Fourteenth, the type and model of kinghood—who + never moved but to measure, who lived and died according to the laws of + his Court-marshal, persisting in enacting through life the part of Hero; + and, divested of poetry, this was but a little wrinkled old man, + pock-marked, and with a great periwig and red heels to make him look tall—a + hero for a book if you like, or for a brass statue or a painted ceiling, a + god in a Roman shape, but what more than a man for Madame Maintenon, or + the barber who shaved him, or Monsieur Fagon, his surgeon? I wonder shall + History ever pull off her periwig and cease to be court-ridden? Shall we + see something of France and England besides Versailles and Windsor? I saw + Queen Anne at the latter place tearing down the Park slopes, after her + stag-hounds, and driving her one-horse chaise—a hot, red-faced + woman, not in the least resembling that statue of her which turns its + stone back upon St. Paul's, and faces the coaches struggling up Ludgate + Hill. She was neither better bred nor wiser than you and me, though we + knelt to hand her a letter or a wash-hand basin. Why shall History go on + kneeling to the end of time? I am for having her rise up off her knees, + and take a natural posture: not to be for ever performing cringes and + congees like a court-chamberlain, and shuffling backwards out of doors in + the presence of the sovereign. In a word, I would have History familiar + rather than heroic: and think that Mr. Hogarth and Mr. Fielding will give + our children a much better idea of the manners of the present age in + England, than the Court Gazette and the newspapers which we get thence. + </p> + <p> + There was a German officer of Webb's, with whom we used to joke, and of + whom a story (whereof I myself was the author) was got to be believed in + the army, that he was eldest son of the hereditary Grand Bootjack of the + Empire, and the heir to that honor of which his ancestors had been very + proud, having been kicked for twenty generations by one imperial foot, as + they drew the boot from the other. I have heard that the old Lord + Castlewood, of part of whose family these present volumes are a chronicle, + though he came of quite as good blood as the Stuarts whom he served (and + who as regards mere lineage are no better than a dozen English and + Scottish houses I could name), was prouder of his post about the Court + than of his ancestral honors, and valued his dignity (as Lord of the + Butteries and Groom of the King's Posset) so highly, that he cheerfully + ruined himself for the thankless and thriftless race who bestowed it. He + pawned his plate for King Charles the First, mortgaged his property for + the same cause, and lost the greater part of it by fines and + sequestration: stood a siege of his castle by Ireton, where his brother + Thomas capitulated (afterward making terms with the Commonwealth, for + which the elder brother never forgave him), and where his second brother + Edward, who had embraced the ecclesiastical profession, was slain on + Castlewood Tower, being engaged there both as preacher and artilleryman. + This resolute old loyalist, who was with the King whilst his house was + thus being battered down, escaped abroad with his only son, then a boy, to + return and take a part in Worcester fight. On that fatal field Eustace + Esmond was killed, and Castlewood fled from it once more into exile, and + henceforward, and after the Restoration, never was away from the Court of + the monarch (for whose return we offer thanks in the Prayer-Book) who sold + his country and who took bribes of the French king. + </p> + <p> + What spectacle is more august than that of a great king in exile? Who is + more worthy of respect than a brave man in misfortune? Mr. Addison has + painted such a figure in his noble piece of Cato. But suppose fugitive + Cato fuddling himself at a tavern with a wench on each knee, a dozen + faithful and tipsy companions of defeat, and a landlord calling out for + his bill; and the dignity of misfortune is straightway lost. The + Historical Muse turns away shamefaced from the vulgar scene, and closes + the door—on which the exile's unpaid drink is scored up—upon + him and his pots and his pipes, and the tavern-chorus which he and his + friends are singing. Such a man as Charles should have had an Ostade or + Mieris to paint him. Your Knellers and Le Bruns only deal in clumsy and + impossible allegories: and it hath always seemed to me blasphemy to claim + Olympus for such a wine-drabbled divinity as that. + </p> + <p> + About the King's follower, the Viscount Castlewood—orphan of his + son, ruined by his fidelity, bearing many wounds and marks of bravery, old + and in exile—his kinsmen I suppose should be silent; nor if this + patriarch fell down in his cups, call fie upon him, and fetch passers-by + to laugh at his red face and white hairs. What! does a stream rush out of + a mountain free and pure, to roll through fair pastures, to feed and throw + out bright tributaries, and to end in a village gutter? Lives that have + noble commencements have often no better endings; it is not without a kind + of awe and reverence that an observer should speculate upon such careers + as he traces the course of them. I have seen too much of success in life + to take off my hat and huzzah to it as it passes in its gilt coach: and + would do my little part with my neighbors on foot, that they should not + gape with too much wonder, nor applaud too loudly. Is it the Lord Mayor + going in state to mince-pies and the Mansion House? Is it poor Jack of + Newgate's procession, with the sheriff and javelin-men, conducting him on + his last journey to Tyburn? I look into my heart and think that I sin as + good as my Lord Mayor, and know I am as bad as Tyburn Jack. Give me a + chain and red gown and a pudding before me, and I could play the part of + Alderman very well, and sentence Jack after dinner. Starve me, keep me + from books and honest people, educate me to love dice, gin, and pleasure, + and put me on Hounslow Heath, with a purse before me, and I will take it. + “And I shall be deservedly hanged,” say you, wishing to put an end to this + prosing. I don't say No. I can't but accept the world as I find it, + including a rope's end, as long as it is in fashion. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + AN ACCOUNT OF THE FAMILY OF ESMOND OF CASTLEWOOD HALL. + </h3> + <p> + When Francis, fourth Viscount Castlewood, came to his title, and presently + after to take possession of his house of Castlewood, county Hants, in the + year 1691, almost the only tenant of the place besides the domestics was a + lad of twelve years of age, of whom no one seemed to take any note until + my Lady Viscountess lighted upon him, going over the house with the + housekeeper on the day of her arrival. The boy was in the room known as + the Book-room, or Yellow Gallery, where the portraits of the family used + to hang, that fine piece among others of Sir Antonio Van Dyck of George, + second Viscount, and that by Mr. Dobson of my lord the third Viscount, + just deceased, which it seems his lady and widow did not think fit to + carry away, when she sent for and carried off to her house at Chelsey, + near to London, the picture of herself by Sir Peter Lely, in which her + ladyship was represented as a huntress of Diana's court. + </p> + <p> + The new and fair lady of Castlewood found the sad, lonely, little occupant + of this gallery busy over his great book, which he laid down when he was + aware that a stranger was at hand. And, knowing who that person must be, + the lad stood up and bowed before her, performing a shy obeisance to the + mistress of his house. + </p> + <p> + She stretched out her hand—indeed when was it that that hand would + not stretch out to do an act of kindness, or to protect grief and + ill-fortune? “And this is our kinsman,” she said “and what is your name, + kinsman?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Henry Esmond,” said the lad, looking up at her in a sort of + delight and wonder, for she had come upon him as a Dea certe, and appeared + the most charming object he had ever looked on. Her golden hair was + shining in the gold of the sun; her complexion was of a dazzling bloom; + her lips smiling, and her eyes beaming with a kindness which made Harry + Esmond's heart to beat with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “His name is Henry Esmond, sure enough, my lady,” says Mrs. Worksop, the + housekeeper (an old tyrant whom Henry Esmond plagued more than he hated), + and the old gentlewoman looked significantly towards the late lord's + picture, as it now is in the family, noble and severe-looking, with his + hand on his sword, and his order on his cloak, which he had from the + Emperor during the war on the Danube against the Turk. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the great and undeniable likeness between this portrait and the + lad, the new Viscountess, who had still hold of the boy's hand as she + looked at the picture, blushed and dropped the hand quickly, and walked + down the gallery, followed by Mrs. Worksop. + </p> + <p> + When the lady came back, Harry Esmond stood exactly in the same spot, and + with his hand as it had fallen when he dropped it on his black coat. + </p> + <p> + Her heart melted, I suppose (indeed she hath since owned as much), at the + notion that she should do anything unkind to any mortal, great or small; + for, when she returned, she had sent away the housekeeper upon an errand + by the door at the farther end of the gallery; and, coming back to the + lad, with a look of infinite pity and tenderness in her eyes, she took his + hand again, placing her other fair hand on his head, and saying some words + to him, which were so kind, and said in a voice so sweet, that the boy, + who had never looked upon so much beauty before, felt as if the touch of a + superior being or angel smote him down to the ground, and kissed the fair + protecting hand as he knelt on one knee. To the very last hour of his + life, Esmond remembered the lady as she then spoke and looked, the rings + on her fair hands, the very scent of her robe, the beam of her eyes + lighting up with surprise and kindness, her lips blooming in a smile, the + sun making a golden halo round her hair. + </p> + <p> + As the boy was yet in this attitude of humility, enters behind him a + portly gentleman, with a little girl of four years old in his hand. The + gentleman burst into a great laugh at the lady and her adorer, with his + little queer figure, his sallow face, and long black hair. The lady + blushed, and seemed to deprecate his ridicule by a look of appeal to her + husband, for it was my Lord Viscount who now arrived, and whom the lad + knew, having once before seen him in the late lord's lifetime. + </p> + <p> + “So this is the little priest” says my lord, looking down at the lad; + “welcome, kinsman.” + </p> + <p> + “He is saying his prayers to mamma,” says the little girl, who came up to + her papa's knees; and my lord burst out into another great laugh at this, + and kinsman Henry looked very silly. He invented a half-dozen of speeches + in reply, but 'twas months afterwards when he thought of this adventure: + as it was, he had never a word in answer. + </p> + <p> + “Le pauvre enfant, il n'a que nous,” says the lady, looking to her lord; + and the boy, who understood her, though doubtless she thought otherwise, + thanked her with all his heart for her kind speech. + </p> + <p> + “And he shan't want for friends here,” says my lord in a kind voice, + “shall he, little Trix?” + </p> + <p> + The little girl, whose name was Beatrix, and whom her papa called by this + diminutive, looked at Henry Esmond solemnly, with a pair of large eyes, + and then a smile shone over her face, which was as beautiful as that of a + cherub, and she came up and put out a little hand to him. A keen and + delightful pang of gratitude, happiness, affection, filled the orphan + child's heart, as he received from the protectors, whom heaven had sent to + him, these touching words and tokens of friendliness and kindness. But an + hour since, he had felt quite alone in the world: when he heard the great + peal of bells from Castlewood church ringing that morning to welcome the + arrival of the new lord and lady, it had rung only terror and anxiety to + him, for he knew not how the new owner would deal with him; and those to + whom he formerly looked for protection were forgotten or dead. Pride and + doubt too had kept him within-doors, when the Vicar and the people of the + village, and the servants of the house, had gone out to welcome my Lord + Castlewood—for Henry Esmond was no servant, though a dependant; no + relative, though he bore the name and inherited the blood of the house; + and in the midst of the noise and acclamations attending the arrival of + the new lord (for whom, you may be sure, a feast was got ready, and guns + were fired, and tenants and domestics huzzahed when his carriage + approached and rolled into the court-yard of the hall), no one ever took + any notice of young Henry Esmond, who sat unobserved and alone in the + Book-room, until the afternoon of that day, when his new friends found + him. + </p> + <p> + When my lord and lady were going away thence, the little girl, still + holding her kinsman by the hand, bade him to come too. “Thou wilt always + forsake an old friend for a new one, Trix,” says her father to her + good-naturedly; and went into the gallery, giving an arm to his lady. They + passed thence through the music-gallery, long since dismantled, and Queen + Elizabeth's Rooms, in the clock-tower, and out into the terrace, where was + a fine prospect of sunset and the great darkling woods with a cloud of + rooks returning; and the plain and river with Castlewood village beyond, + and purple hills beautiful to look at—and the little heir of + Castlewood, a child of two years old, was already here on the terrace in + his nurse's arms, from whom he ran across the grass instantly he perceived + his mother, and came to her. + </p> + <p> + “If thou canst not be happy here,” says my lord, looking round at the + scene, “thou art hard to please, Rachel.” + </p> + <p> + “I am happy where you are,” she said, “but we were happiest of all at + Walcote Forest.” Then my lord began to describe what was before them to + his wife, and what indeed little Harry knew better than he—viz., the + history of the house: how by yonder gate the page ran away with the + heiress of Castlewood, by which the estate came into the present family; + how the Roundheads attacked the clock-tower, which my lord's father was + slain in defending. “I was but two years old then,” says he, “but take + forty-six from ninety, and how old shall I be, kinsman Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty,” says his wife, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “A great deal too old for you, Rachel,” answers my lord, looking fondly + down at her. Indeed she seemed to be a girl, and was at that time scarce + twenty years old. + </p> + <p> + “You know, Frank, I will do anything to please you,” says she, “and I + promise you I will grow older every day.” + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't call papa, Frank; you must call papa my lord now,” says Miss + Beatrix, with a toss of her little head; at which the mother smiled, and + the good-natured father laughed, and the little trotting boy laughed, not + knowing why—but because he was happy, no doubt—as every one + seemed to be there. How those trivial incidents and words, the landscape + and sunshine, and the group of people smiling and talking, remain fixed on + the memory! + </p> + <p> + As the sun was setting, the little heir was sent in the arms of his nurse + to bed, whither he went howling; but little Trix was promised to sit to + supper that night—“and you will come too, kinsman, won't you?” she + said. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond blushed: “I—I have supper with Mrs. Worksop,” says he. + </p> + <p> + “D—n it,” says my lord, “thou shalt sup with us, Harry, to-night! + Shan't refuse a lady, shall he, Trix?”—and they all wondered at + Harry's performance as a trencher-man, in which character the poor boy + acquitted himself very remarkably; for the truth is he had had no dinner, + nobody thinking of him in the bustle which the house was in, during the + preparations antecedent to the new lord's arrival. + </p> + <p> + “No dinner! poor dear child!” says my lady, heaping up his plate with + meat, and my lord, filling a bumper for him, bade him call a health; on + which Master Harry, crying “The King,” tossed off the wine. My lord was + ready to drink that, and most other toasts: indeed only too ready. He + would not hear of Doctor Tusher (the Vicar of Castlewood, who came to + supper) going away when the sweetmeats were brought: he had not had a + chaplain long enough, he said, to be tired of him: so his reverence kept + my lord company for some hours over a pipe and a punch-bowl; and went away + home with rather a reeling gait, and declaring a dozen of times, that his + lordship's affability surpassed every kindness he had ever had from his + lordship's gracious family. + </p> + <p> + As for young Esmond, when he got to his little chamber, it was with a + heart full of surprise and gratitude towards the new friends whom this + happy day had brought him. He was up and watching long before the house + was astir, longing to see that fair lady and her children—that kind + protector and patron: and only fearful lest their welcome of the past + night should in any way be withdrawn or altered. But presently little + Beatrix came out into the garden, and her mother followed, who greeted + Harry as kindly as before. He told her at greater length the histories of + the house (which he had been taught in the old lord's time), and to which + she listened with great interest; and then he told her, with respect to + the night before, that he understood French, and thanked her for her + protection. + </p> + <p> + “Do you?” says she, with a blush; “then, sir, you shall teach me and + Beatrix.” And she asked him many more questions regarding himself, which + had best be told more fully and explicitly than in those brief replies + which the lad made to his mistress's questions. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + RELATES HOW FRANCIS, FOURTH VISCOUNT, ARRIVES AT CASTLEWOOD. + </h3> + <p> + 'Tis known that the name of Esmond and the estate of Castlewood, com. + Hants, came into possession of the present family through Dorothea, + daughter and heiress of Edward, Earl and Marquis Esmond, and Lord of + Castlewood, which lady married, 23 Eliz., Henry Poyns, gent.; the said + Henry being then a page in the household of her father. Francis, son and + heir of the above Henry and Dorothea, who took the maternal name which the + family hath borne subsequently, was made Knight and Baronet by King James + the First; and being of a military disposition, remained long in Germany + with the Elector-Palatine, in whose service Sir Francis incurred both + expense and danger, lending large sums of money to that unfortunate + Prince; and receiving many wounds in the battles against the Imperialists, + in which Sir Francis engaged. + </p> + <p> + On his return home Sir Francis was rewarded for his services and many + sacrifices, by his late Majesty James the First, who graciously conferred + upon this tried servant the post of Warden of the Butteries and Groom of + the King's Posset, which high and confidential office he filled in that + king's and his unhappy successor's reign. + </p> + <p> + His age, and many wounds and infirmities, obliged Sir Francis to perform + much of his duty by deputy: and his son, Sir George Esmond, knight and + banneret, first as his father's lieutenant, and afterwards as inheritor of + his father's title and dignity, performed this office during almost the + whole of the reign of King Charles the First, and his two sons who + succeeded him. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Esmond married, rather beneath the rank that a person of his + name and honor might aspire to, the daughter of Thos. Topham, of the city + of London, alderman and goldsmith, who, taking the Parliamentary side in + the troubles then commencing, disappointed Sir George of the property + which he expected at the demise of his father-in-law, who devised his + money to his second daughter, Barbara, a spinster. + </p> + <p> + Sir George Esmond, on his part, was conspicuous for his attachment and + loyalty to the Royal cause and person: and the King being at Oxford in + 1642, Sir George, with the consent of his father, then very aged and + infirm, and residing at his house of Castlewood, melted the whole of the + family plate for his Majesty's service. + </p> + <p> + For this, and other sacrifices and merits, his Majesty, by patent under + the Privy Seal, dated Oxford, Jan., 1643, was pleased to advance Sir + Francis Esmond to the dignity of Viscount Castlewood, of Shandon, in + Ireland: and the Viscount's estate being much impoverished by loans to the + King, which in those troublesome times his Majesty could not repay, a + grant of land in the plantations of Virginia was given to the Lord + Viscount.; part of which land is in possession of descendants of his + family to the present day. + </p> + <p> + The first Viscount Castlewood died full of years, and within a few months + after he had been advanced to his honors. He was succeeded by his eldest + son, the before-named George; and left issue besides, Thomas, a colonel in + the King's army, who afterwards joined the Usurper's Government; and + Francis, in holy orders, who was slain whilst defending the House of + Castlewood against the Parliament, anno 1647. + </p> + <p> + George Lord Castlewood (the second Viscount), of King Charles the First's + time, had no male issue save his one son, Eustace Esmond, who was killed, + with half of the Castlewood men beside him, at Worcester fight. The lands + about Castlewood were sold and apportioned to the Commonwealth men; + Castlewood being concerned in almost all of the plots against the + Protector, after the death of the King, and up to King Charles the + Second's restoration. My lord followed that king's Court about in its + exile, having ruined himself in its service. He had but one daughter, who + was of no great comfort to her father; for misfortune had not taught those + exiles sobriety of life; and it is said that the Duke of York and his + brother the King both quarrelled about Isabel Esmond. She was maid of + honor to the Queen Henrietta Maria; she early joined the Roman Church; her + father, a weak man, following her not long after at Breda. + </p> + <p> + On the death of Eustace Esmond at Worcester, Thomas Esmond, nephew to my + Lord Castlewood, and then a stripling, became heir to the title. His + father had taken the Parliament side in the quarrels, and so had been + estranged from the chief of his house; and my Lord Castlewood was at first + so much enraged to think that his title (albeit little more than an empty + one now) should pass to a rascally Roundhead, that he would have married + again, and indeed proposed to do so to a vintner's daughter at Bruges, to + whom his lordship owed a score for lodging when the King was there, but + for fear of the laughter of the Court, and the anger of his daughter, of + whom he stood in awe; for she was in temper as imperious and violent as my + lord, who was much enfeebled by wounds and drinking, was weak. + </p> + <p> + Lord Castlewood would have had a match between his daughter Isabel and her + cousin, the son of that Francis Esmond who was killed at Castlewood siege. + And the lady, it was said, took a fancy to the young man, who was her + junior by several years (which circumstance she did not consider to be a + fault in him); but having paid his court, and being admitted to the + intimacy of the house, he suddenly flung up his suit, when it seemed to be + pretty prosperous, without giving a pretext for his behavior. His friends + rallied him at what they laughingly chose to call his infidelity; Jack + Churchill, Frank Esmond's lieutenant in the Royal Regiment of Foot-guards, + getting the company which Esmond vacated, when he left the Court and went + to Tangier in a rage at discovering that his promotion depended on the + complaisance of his elderly affianced bride. He and Churchill, who had + been condiscipuli at St. Paul's School, had words about this matter; and + Frank Esmond said to him with an oath, “Jack, your sister may be + so-and-so, but by Jove my wife shan't!” and swords were drawn, and blood + drawn too, until friends separated them on this quarrel. Few men were so + jealous about the point of honor in those days; and gentlemen of good + birth and lineage thought a royal blot was an ornament to their family + coat. Frank Esmond retired in the sulks, first to Tangier, whence he + returned after two years' service, settling on a small property he had of + his mother, near to Winchester, and became a country gentleman, and kept a + pack of beagles, and never came to Court again in King Charles's time. But + his uncle Castlewood was never reconciled to him; nor, for some time + afterwards, his cousin whom he had refused. + </p> + <p> + By places, pensions, bounties from France, and gifts from the King, whilst + his daughter was in favor, Lord Castlewood, who had spent in the Royal + service his youth and fortune, did not retrieve the latter quite, and + never cared to visit Castlewood, or repair it, since the death of his son, + but managed to keep a good house, and figure at Court, and to save a + considerable sum of ready money. + </p> + <p> + And now, his heir and nephew, Thomas Esmond, began to bid for his uncle's + favor. Thomas had served with the Emperor, and with the Dutch, when King + Charles was compelled to lend troops to the States; and against them, when + his Majesty made an alliance with the French King. In these campaigns + Thomas Esmond was more remarked for duelling, brawling, vice, and play, + than for any conspicuous gallantry in the field, and came back to England, + like many another English gentleman who has travelled, with a character by + no means improved by his foreign experience. He had dissipated his small + paternal inheritance of a younger brother's portion, and, as truth must be + told, was no better than a hanger-on of ordinaries, and a brawler about + Alsatia and the Friars, when he bethought him of a means of mending his + fortune. + </p> + <p> + His cousin was now of more than middle age, and had nobody's word but her + own for the beauty which she said she once possessed. She was lean, and + yellow, and long in the tooth; all the red and white in all the toy-shops + in London could not make a beauty of her—Mr. Killigrew called her + the Sybil, the death's-head put up at the King's feast as a memento mori, + &c.—in fine, a woman who might be easy of conquest, but whom + only a very bold man would think of conquering. This bold man was Thomas + Esmond. He had a fancy to my Lord Castlewood's savings, the amount of + which rumor had very much exaggerated. Madame Isabel was said to have + Royal jewels of great value; whereas poor Tom Esmond's last coat but one + was in pawn. + </p> + <p> + My lord had at this time a fine house in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, nigh to the + Duke's Theatre and the Portugal ambassador's chapel. Tom Esmond, who had + frequented the one as long as he had money to spend among the actresses, + now came to the church as assiduously. He looked so lean and shabby, that + he passed without difficulty for a repentant sinner; and so, becoming + converted, you may be sure took his uncle's priest for a director. + </p> + <p> + This charitable father reconciled him with the old lord, his uncle, who a + short time before would not speak to him, as Tom passed under my lord's + coach window, his lordship going in state to his place at Court, while his + nephew slunk by with his battered hat and feather, and the point of his + rapier sticking out of the scabbard—to his twopenny ordinary in Bell + Yard. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Esmond, after this reconciliation with his uncle, very soon began + to grow sleek, and to show signs of the benefits of good living and clean + linen. He fasted rigorously twice a week, to be sure; but he made amends + on the other days: and, to show how great his appetite was, Mr. Wycherley + said, he ended by swallowing that fly-blown rank old morsel his cousin. + There were endless jokes and lampoons about this marriage at Court: but + Tom rode thither in his uncle's coach now, called him father, and having + won could afford to laugh. This marriage took place very shortly before + King Charles died: whom the Viscount of Castlewood speedily followed. + </p> + <p> + The issue of this marriage was one son, whom the parents watched with an + intense eagerness and care; but who, in spite of nurses and physicians, + had only a brief existence. His tainted blood did not run very long in his + poor feeble little body. Symptoms of evil broke out early on him; and, + part from flattery, part superstition, nothing would satisfy my lord and + lady, especially the latter, but having the poor little cripple touched by + his Majesty at his church. They were ready to cry out miracle at first + (the doctors and quack-salvers being constantly in attendance on the + child, and experimenting on his poor little body with every conceivable + nostrum) but though there seemed, from some reason, a notable amelioration + in the infant's health after his Majesty touched him, in a few weeks + afterward the poor thing died—causing the lampooners of the Court to + say, that the King, in expelling evil out of the infant of Tom Esmond and + Isabella his wife, expelled the life out of it, which was nothing but + corruption. + </p> + <p> + The mother's natural pang at losing this poor little child must have been + increased when she thought of her rival Frank Esmond's wife, who was a + favorite of the whole Court, where my poor Lady Castlewood was neglected, + and who had one child, a daughter, flourishing and beautiful, and was + about to become a mother once more. + </p> + <p> + The Court, as I have heard, only laughed the more because the poor lady, + who had pretty well passed the age when ladies are accustomed to have + children, nevertheless determined not to give hope up, and even when she + came to live at Castlewood, was constantly sending over to Hexton for the + doctor, and announcing to her friends the arrival of an heir. This + absurdity of hers was one amongst many others which the wags used to play + upon. Indeed, to the last days of her life, my Lady Viscountess had the + comfort of fancying herself beautiful, and persisted in blooming up to the + very midst of winter, painting roses on her cheeks long after their + natural season, and attiring herself like summer though her head was + covered with snow. + </p> + <p> + Gentlemen who were about the Court of King Charles, and King James, have + told the present writer a number of stories about this queer old lady, + with which it's not necessary that posterity should be entertained. She is + said to have had great powers of invective and, if she fought with all her + rivals in King James's favor, 'tis certain she must have had a vast number + of quarrels on her hands. She was a woman of an intrepid spirit, and, it + appears, pursued and rather fatigued his Majesty with her rights and her + wrongs. Some say that the cause of her leaving Court was jealousy of Frank + Esmond's wife: others, that she was forced to retreat after a great battle + which took place at Whitehall, between her ladyship and Lady Dorchester, + Tom Killigrew's daughter, whom the King delighted to honor, and in which + that ill-favored Esther got the better of our elderly Vashti. But her + ladyship, for her part, always averred that it was her husband's quarrel, + and not her own, which occasioned the banishment of the two into the + country; and the cruel ingratitude of the Sovereign in giving away, out of + the family, that place of Warden of the Butteries and Groom of the King's + Posset, which the two last Lords Castlewood had held so honorably, and + which was now conferred upon a fellow of yesterday, and a hanger-on of + that odious Dorchester creature, my Lord Bergamot;* “I never,” said my + lady, “could have come to see his Majesty's posset carried by any other + hand than an Esmond. I should have dashed the salver out of Lord + Bergamot's hand, had I met him.” And those who knew her ladyship are aware + that she was a person quite capable of performing this feat, had she not + wisely kept out of the way. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Lionel Tipton, created Baron Bergamot, ann. 1686, + Gentleman Usher of the Back Stairs, and afterwards appointed + Warden of the Butteries and Groom of the King's Posset (on + the decease of George, second Viscount Castlewood), + accompanied his Majesty to St. Germain's, where he died + without issue. No Groom of the Posset was appointed by the + Prince of Orange, nor hath there been such an officer in any + succeeding reign. +</pre> + <p> + Holding the purse-strings in her own control, to which, indeed, she liked + to bring most persons who came near her, Lady Castlewood could command her + husband's obedience, and so broke up her establishment at London; she had + removed from Lincoln's-Inn-Fields to Chelsey, to a pretty new house she + bought there; and brought her establishment, her maids, lap-dogs, and + gentlewomen, her priest, and his lordship her husband, to Castlewood Hall, + that she had never seen since she quitted it as a child with her father + during the troubles of King Charles the First's reign. The walls were + still open in the old house as they had been left by the shot of the + Commonwealthmen. A part of the mansion was restored and furbished up with + the plate, hangings, and furniture brought from the house in London. My + lady meant to have a triumphal entry into Castlewood village, and expected + the people to cheer as she drove over the Green in her great coach, my + lord beside her, her gentlewomen, lap-dogs, and cockatoos on the opposite + seat, six horses to her carriage, and servants armed and mounted following + it and preceding it. But 'twas in the height of the No-Popery cry; the + folks in the village and the neighboring town were scared by the sight of + her ladyship's painted face and eyelids, as she bobbed her head out of the + coach window, meaning, no doubt, to be very gracious; and one old woman + said, “Lady Isabel! lord-a-mercy, it's Lady Jezebel!” a name by which the + enemies of the right honorable Viscountess were afterwards in the habit of + designating her. The country was then in a great No-Popery fervor; her + ladyship's known conversion, and her husband's, the priest in her train, + and the service performed at the chapel of Castlewood (though the chapel + had been built for that worship before any other was heard of in the + country, and though the service was performed in the most quiet manner), + got her no favor at first in the county or village. By far the greater + part of the estate of Castlewood had been confiscated, and been parcelled + out to Commonwealthmen. One or two of these old Cromwellian soldiers were + still alive in the village, and looked grimly at first upon my Lady + Viscountess, when she came to dwell there. + </p> + <p> + She appeared at the Hexton Assembly, bringing her lord after her, scaring + the country folks with the splendor of her diamonds, which she always wore + in public. They said she wore them in private, too, and slept with them + round her neck; though the writer can pledge his word that this was a + calumny. “If she were to take them off,” my Lady Sark said, “Tom Esmond, + her husband, would run away with them and pawn them.” 'Twas another + calumny. My Lady Sark was also an exile from Court, and there had been war + between the two ladies before. + </p> + <p> + The village people began to be reconciled presently to their lady, who was + generous and kind, though fantastic and haughty, in her ways; and whose + praises Dr. Tusher, the Vicar, sounded loudly amongst his flock. As for my + lord, he gave no great trouble, being considered scarce more than an + appendage to my lady, who, as daughter of the old lords of Castlewood, and + possessor of vast wealth, as the country folks said (though indeed + nine-tenths of it existed but in rumor), was looked upon as the real queen + of the Castle, and mistress of all it contained. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + WHITHER IN THE TIME OF THOMAS, THIRD VISCOUNT, I HAD PRECEDED HIM AS PAGE + TO ISABELLA. + </p> + <p> + Coming up to London again some short time after this retreat, the Lord + Castlewood despatched a retainer of his to a little Cottage in the village + of Ealing, near to London, where for some time had dwelt an old French + refugee, by name Mr. Pastoureau, one of those whom the persecution of the + Huguenots by the French king had brought over to this country. With this + old man lived a little lad, who went by the name of Henry Thomas. He + remembered to have lived in another place a short time before, near to + London too, amongst looms and spinning-wheels, and a great deal of + psalm-singing and church-going, and a whole colony of Frenchmen. + </p> + <p> + There he had a dear, dear friend, who died, and whom he called Aunt. She + used to visit him in his dreams sometimes; and her face, though it was + homely, was a thousand times dearer to him than that of Mrs. Pastoureau, + Bon Papa Pastoureau's new wife, who came to live with him after aunt went + away. And there, at Spittlefields, as it used to be called, lived Uncle + George, who was a weaver too, but used to tell Harry that he was a little + gentleman, and that his father was a captain, and his mother an angel. + </p> + <p> + When he said so, Bon Papa used to look up from the loom, where he was + embroidering beautiful silk flowers, and say, “Angel! she belongs to the + Babylonish scarlet woman.” Bon Papa was always talking of the scarlet + woman. He had a little room where he always used to preach and sing hymns + out of his great old nose. Little Harry did not like the preaching; he + liked better the fine stories which aunt used to tell him. Bon Papa's wife + never told him pretty stories; she quarrelled with Uncle George, and he + went away. + </p> + <p> + After this, Harry's Bon Papa and his wife and two children of her own that + she brought with her, came to live at Ealing. The new wife gave her + children the best of everything, and Harry many a whipping, he knew not + why. Besides blows, he got ill names from her, which need not be set down + here, for the sake of old Mr. Pastoureau, who was still kind sometimes. + The unhappiness of those days is long forgiven, though they cast a shade + of melancholy over the child's youth, which will accompany him, no doubt, + to the end of his days: as those tender twigs are bent the trees grow + afterward; and he, at least, who has suffered as a child, and is not quite + perverted in that early school of unhappiness, learns to be gentle and + long-suffering with little children. + </p> + <p> + Harry was very glad when a gentleman dressed in black, on horseback, with + a mounted servant behind him, came to fetch him away from Ealing. The + noverca, or unjust stepmother, who had neglected him for her own two + children, gave him supper enough the night before he went away, and plenty + in the morning. She did not beat him once, and told the children to keep + their hands off him. One was a girl, and Harry never could bear to strike + a girl; and the other was a boy, whom he could easily have beat, but he + always cried out, when Mrs. Pastoureau came sailing to the rescue with + arms like a flail. She only washed Harry's face the day he went away; nor + ever so much as once boxed his ears. She whimpered rather when the + gentleman in black came for the boy; and old Mr. Pastoureau, as he gave + the child his blessing, scowled over his shoulder at the strange + gentleman, and grumbled out something about Babylon and the scarlet lady. + He was grown quite old, like a child almost. Mrs. Pastoureau used to wipe + his nose as she did to the children. She was a great, big, handsome young + woman; but, though she pretended to cry, Harry thought 'twas only a sham, + and sprung quite delighted upon the horse upon which the lackey helped + him. + </p> + <p> + He was a Frenchman; his name was Blaise. The child could talk to him in + his own language perfectly well: he knew it better than English indeed, + having lived hitherto chiefly among French people: and being called the + Little Frenchman by other boys on Ealing Green. He soon learnt to speak + English perfectly, and to forget some of his French: children forget + easily. Some earlier and fainter recollections the child had of a + different country; and a town with tall white houses: and a ship. But + these were quite indistinct in the boy's mind, as indeed the memory of + Ealing soon became, at least of much that he suffered there. + </p> + <p> + The lackey before whom he rode was very lively and voluble, and informed + the boy that the gentleman riding before him was my lord's chaplain, + Father Holt—that he was now to be called Master Harry Esmond—that + my Lord Viscount Castlewood was his parrain—that he was to live at + the great house of Castlewood, in the province of ——shire, + where he would see Madame the Viscountess, who was a grand lady. And so, + seated on a cloth before Blaise's saddle, Harry Esmond was brought to + London, and to a fine square called Covent Garden, near to which his + patron lodged. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holt, the priest, took the child by the hand, and brought him to this + nobleman, a grand languid nobleman in a great cap and flowered + morning-gown, sucking oranges. He patted Harry on the head and gave him an + orange. + </p> + <p> + “C'est bien ca,” he said to the priest after eying the child, and the + gentleman in black shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Let Blaise take him out for a holiday,” and out for a holiday the boy and + the valet went. Harry went jumping along; he was glad enough to go. + </p> + <p> + He will remember to his life's end the delights of those days. He was + taken to see a play by Monsieur Blaise, in a house a thousand times + greater and finer than the booth at Ealing Fair—and on the next + happy day they took water on the river, and Harry saw London Bridge, with + the houses and booksellers' shops thereon, looking like a street, and the + Tower of London, with the Armor, and the great lions and bears in the moat—all + under company of Monsieur Blaise. + </p> + <p> + Presently, of an early morning, all the party set forth for the country, + namely, my Lord Viscount and the other gentleman; Monsieur Blaise and + Harry on a pillion behind them, and two or three men with pistols leading + the baggage-horses. And all along the road the Frenchman told little Harry + stories of brigands, which made the child's hair stand on end, and + terrified him; so that at the great gloomy inn on the road where they lay, + he besought to be allowed to sleep in a room with one of the servants, and + was compassionated by Mr. Holt, the gentleman who travelled with my lord, + and who gave the child a little bed in his chamber. + </p> + <p> + His artless talk and answers very likely inclined this gentleman in the + boy's favor, for next day Mr. Holt said Harry should ride behind him, and + not with the French lacky; and all along the journey put a thousand + questions to the child—as to his foster-brother and relations at + Ealing; what his old grandfather had taught him; what languages he knew; + whether he could read and write, and sing, and so forth. And Mr. Holt + found that Harry could read and write, and possessed the two languages of + French and English very well; and when he asked Harry about singing, the + lad broke out with a hymn to the tune of Dr. Martin Luther, which set Mr. + Holt a-laughing; and even caused his grand parrain in the laced hat and + periwig to laugh too when Holt told him what the child was singing. For it + appeared that Dr. Martin Luther's hymns were not sung in the churches Mr. + Holt preached at. + </p> + <p> + “You must never sing that song any more: do you hear, little mannikin?” + says my Lord Viscount, holding up a finger. + </p> + <p> + “But we will try and teach you a better, Harry,” Mr. Holt said; and the + child answered, for he was a docile child, and of an affectionate nature, + “That he loved pretty songs, and would try and learn anything the + gentleman would tell him.” That day he so pleased the gentlemen by his + talk, that they had him to dine with them at the inn, and encouraged him + in his prattle; and Monsieur Blaise, with whom he rode and dined the day + before, waited upon him now. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis well, 'tis well!” said Blaise, that night (in his own language) when + they lay again at an inn. “We are a little lord here; we are a little lord + now: we shall see what we are when we come to Castlewood, where my lady + is.” + </p> + <p> + “When shall we come to Castlewood, Monsieur Blaise?” says Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! my lord does not press himself,” Blaise says, with a grin; and, + indeed, it seemed as if his lordship was not in a great hurry, for he + spent three days on that journey which Harry Esmond hath often since + ridden in a dozen hours. For the last two of the days Harry rode with the + priest, who was so kind to him, that the child had grown to be quite fond + and familiar with him by the journey's end, and had scarce a thought in + his little heart which by that time he had not confided to his new friend. + </p> + <p> + At length, on the third day, at evening, they came to a village standing + on a green with elms round it, very pretty to look at; and the people + there all took off their hats, and made curtsies to my Lord Viscount, who + bowed to them all languidly; and there was one portly person that wore a + cassock and a broad-leafed hat, who bowed lower than any one—and + with this one both my lord and Mr. Holt had a few words. “This, Harry, is + Castlewood church,” says Mr. Holt, “and this is the pillar thereof, + learned Doctor Tusher. Take off your hat, sirrah, and salute Dr. Tusher!” + </p> + <p> + “Come up to supper, Doctor,” says my lord; at which the Doctor made + another low bow, and the party moved on towards a grand house that was + before them, with many gray towers and vanes on them, and windows flaming + in the sunshine; and a great army of rooks, wheeling over their heads, + made for the woods behind the house, as Harry saw; and Mr. Holt told him + that they lived at Castlewood too. + </p> + <p> + They came to the house, and passed under an arch into a court-yard, with a + fountain in the centre, where many men came and held my lord's stirrup as + he descended, and paid great respect to Mr. Holt likewise. And the child + thought that the servants looked at him curiously, and smiled to one + another—and he recalled what Blaise had said to him when they were + in London, and Harry had spoken about his godpapa, when the Frenchman + said, “Parbleu, one sees well that my lord is your godfather;” words + whereof the poor lad did not know the meaning then, though he apprehended + the truth in a very short time afterwards, and learned it, and thought of + it with no small feeling of shame. + </p> + <p> + Taking Harry by the hand as soon as they were both descended from their + horses, Mr. Holt led him across the court, and under a low door to rooms + on a level with the ground; one of which Father Holt said was to be the + boy's chamber, the other on the other side of the passage being the + Father's own; and as soon as the little man's face was washed, and the + Father's own dress arranged, Harry's guide took him once more to the door + by which my lord had entered the hall, and up a stair, and through an + ante-room to my lady's drawing-room—an apartment than which Harry + thought he had never seen anything more grand—no, not in the Tower + of London which he had just visited. Indeed, the chamber was richly + ornamented in the manner of Queen Elizabeth's time, with great stained + windows at either end, and hangings of tapestry, which the sun shining + through the colored glass painted of a thousand lines; and here in state, + by the fire, sat a lady to whom the priest took up Harry, who was indeed + amazed by her appearance. + </p> + <p> + My Lady Viscountess's face was daubed with white and red up to the eyes, + to which the paint gave an unearthly glare: she had a tower of lace on her + head, under which was a bush of black curls—borrowed curls—so + that no wonder little Harry Esmond was scared when he was first presented + to her—the kind priest acting as master of the ceremonies at that + solemn introduction—and he stared at her with eyes almost as great + as her own, as he had stared at the player woman who acted the wicked + tragedy-queen, when the players came down to Ealing Fair. She sat in a + great chair by the fire-corner; in her lap was a spaniel-dog that barked + furiously; on a little table by her was her ladyship's snuff-box and her + sugar-plum box. She wore a dress of black velvet, and a petticoat of + flame-colored brocade. She had as many rings on her fingers as the old + woman of Banbury Cross; and pretty small feet which she was fond of + showing, with great gold clocks to her stockings, and white pantofles with + red heels; and an odor of musk was shook out of her garments whenever she + moved or quitted the room, leaning on her tortoise-shell stick, little + Fury barking at her heels. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Tusher, the parson's wife, was with my lady. She had been + waiting-woman to her ladyship in the late lord's time, and, having her + soul in that business, took naturally to it when the Viscountess of + Castlewood returned to inhabit her father's house. + </p> + <p> + “I present to your ladyship your kinsman and little page of honor, Master + Henry Esmond,” Mr. Holt said, bowing lowly, with a sort of comical + humility. “Make a pretty bow to my lady, Monsieur; and then another little + bow, not so low, to Madame Tusher—the fair priestess of Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + “Where I have lived and hope to die, sir,” says Madame Tusher, giving a + hard glance at the brat, and then at my lady. + </p> + <p> + Upon her the boy's whole attention was for a time directed. He could not + keep his great eyes off from her. Since the Empress of Ealing, he had seen + nothing so awful. + </p> + <p> + “Does my appearance please you, little page?” asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + “He would be very hard to please if it didn't,” cried Madame Tusher. + </p> + <p> + “Have done, you silly Maria,” said Lady Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “Where I'm attached, I'm attached, Madame—and I'd die rather than + not say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Je meurs ou je m'attache,” Mr. Holt said with a polite grin. “The ivy + says so in the picture, and clings to the oak like a fond parasite as it + is.” + </p> + <p> + “Parricide, sir!” cries Mrs. Tusher. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Tusher—you are always bickering with Father Holt,” cried my + lady. “Come and kiss my hand, child;” and the oak held out a BRANCH to + little Harry Esmond, who took and dutifully kissed the lean old hand, upon + the gnarled knuckles of which there glittered a hundred rings. + </p> + <p> + “To kiss that hand would make many a pretty fellow happy!” cried Mrs. + Tusher: on which my lady crying out, “Go, you foolish Tusher!” and tapping + her with her great fan, Tusher ran forward to seize her hand and kiss it. + Fury arose and barked furiously at Tusher; and Father Holt looked on at + this queer scene, with arch, grave glances. + </p> + <p> + The awe exhibited by the little boy perhaps pleased the lady to whom this + artless flattery was bestowed: for having gone down on his knee (as Father + Holt had directed him, and the mode then was) and performed his obeisance, + she said, “Page Esmond, my groom of the chamber will inform you what your + duties are, when you wait upon my lord and me; and good Father Holt will + instruct you as becomes a gentleman of our name. You will pay him + obedience in everything, and I pray you may grow to be as learned and as + good as your tutor.” + </p> + <p> + The lady seemed to have the greatest reverence for Mr. Holt, and to be + more afraid of him than of anything else in the world. If she was ever so + angry, a word or look from Father Holt made her calm: indeed he had a vast + power of subjecting those who came near him; and, among the rest, his new + pupil gave himself up with an entire confidence and attachment to the good + Father, and became his willing slave almost from the first moment he saw + him. + </p> + <p> + He put his small hand into the Father's as he walked away from his first + presentation to his mistress, and asked many questions in his artless + childish way. “Who is that other woman?” he asked. “She is fat and round; + she is more pretty than my Lady Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + “She is Madame Tusher, the parson's wife of Castlewood. She has a son of + your age, but bigger than you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why does she like so to kiss my lady's hand. It is not good to kiss.” + </p> + <p> + “Tastes are different, little man. Madame Tusher is attached to my lady, + having been her waiting-woman before she was married, in the old lord's + time. She married Doctor Tusher the chaplain. The English household + divines often marry the waiting-women.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not marry the French woman, will you? I saw her laughing with + Blaise in the buttery.” + </p> + <p> + “I belong to a church that is older and better than the English church,” + Mr. Holt said (making a sign whereof Esmond did not then understand the + meaning, across his breast and forehead); “in our church the clergy do not + marry. You will understand these things better soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Was not Saint Peter the head of your church?—Dr. Rabbits of Ealing + told us so.” + </p> + <p> + The Father said, “Yes, he was.” + </p> + <p> + “But Saint Peter was married, for we heard only last Sunday that his + wife's mother lay sick of a fever.” On which the Father again laughed, and + said he would understand this too better soon, and talked of other things, + and took away Harry Esmond, and showed him the great old house which he + had come to inhabit. + </p> + <p> + It stood on a rising green hill, with woods behind it, in which were + rooks' nests, where the birds at morning and returning home at evening + made a great cawing. At the foot of the hill was a river, with a steep + ancient bridge crossing it; and beyond that a large pleasant green flat, + where the village of Castlewood stood, and stands, with the church in the + midst, the parsonage hard by it, the inn with the blacksmith's forge + beside it, and the sign of the “Three Castles” on the elm. The London road + stretched away towards the rising sun, and to the west were swelling hills + and peaks, behind which many a time Harry Esmond saw the same sun setting, + that he now looks on thousands of miles away across the great ocean—in + a new Castlewood, by another stream, that bears, like the new country of + wandering AEneas, the fond names of the land of his youth. + </p> + <p> + The Hall of Castlewood was built with two courts, whereof one only, the + fountain-court, was now inhabited, the other having been battered down in + the Cromwellian wars. In the fountain-court, still in good repair, was the + great hall, near to the kitchen and butteries. A dozen of living-rooms + looking to the north, and communicating with the little chapel that faced + eastwards and the buildings stretching from that to the main gate, and + with the hall (which looked to the west) into the court now dismantled. + This court had been the most magnificent of the two, until the Protector's + cannon tore down one side of it before the place was taken and stormed. + The besiegers entered at the terrace under the clock-tower, slaying every + man of the garrison, and at their head my lord's brother, Francis Esmond. + </p> + <p> + The Restoration did not bring enough money to the Lord Castlewood to + restore this ruined part of his house; where were the morning parlors, + above them the long music-gallery, and before which stretched the + garden-terrace, where, however, the flowers grew again which the boots of + the Roundheads had trodden in their assault, and which was restored + without much cost, and only a little care, by both ladies who succeeded + the second viscount in the government of this mansion. Round the + terrace-garden was a low wall with a wicket leading to the wooded height + beyond, that is called Cromwell's Battery to this day. + </p> + <p> + Young Harry Esmond learned the domestic part of his duty, which was easy + enough, from the groom of her ladyship's chamber: serving the Countess, as + the custom commonly was in his boyhood, as page, waiting at her chair, + bringing her scented water and the silver basin after dinner—sitting + on her carriage-step on state occasions, or on public days introducing her + company to her. This was chiefly of the Catholic gentry, of whom there + were a pretty many in the country and neighboring city; and who rode not + seldom to Castlewood to partake of the hospitalities there. In the second + year of their residence, the company seemed especially to increase. My + lord and my lady were seldom without visitors, in whose society it was + curious to contrast the difference of behavior between Father Holt, the + director of the family, and Doctor Tusher, the rector of the parish—Mr. + Holt moving amongst the very highest as quite their equal, and as + commanding them all; while poor Doctor Tusher, whose position was indeed a + difficult one, having been chaplain once to the Hall, and still to the + Protestant servants there, seemed more like an usher than an equal, and + always rose to go away after the first course. + </p> + <p> + Also there came in these times to Father Holt many private visitors, whom, + after a little, Henry Esmond had little difficulty in recognizing as + ecclesiastics of the Father's persuasion, whatever their dresses (and they + adopted all) might be. These were closeted with the Father constantly, and + often came and rode away without paying their devoirs to my lord and lady—to + the lady and lord rather—his lordship being little more than a + cipher in the house, and entirely under his domineering partner. A little + fowling, a little hunting, a great deal of sleep, and a long dine at cards + and table, carried through one day after another with his lordship. When + meetings took place in this second year, which often would happen with + closed doors, the page found my lord's sheet of paper scribbled over with + dogs and horses, and 'twas said he had much ado to keep himself awake at + these councils: the Countess ruling over them, and he acting as little + more than her secretary. + </p> + <p> + Father Holt began speedily to be so much occupied with these meetings as + rather to neglect the education of the little lad who so gladly put + himself under the kind priest's orders. At first they read much and + regularly, both in Latin and French; the Father not neglecting in anything + to impress his faith upon his pupil, but not forcing him violently, and + treating him with a delicacy and kindness which surprised and attached the + child, always more easily won by these methods than by any severe exercise + of authority. And his delight in their walks was to tell Harry of the + glories of his order, of its martyrs and heroes, of its Brethren + converting the heathen by myriads, traversing the desert, facing the + stake, ruling the courts and councils, or braving the tortures of kings; + so that Harry Esmond thought that to belong to the Jesuits was the + greatest prize of life and bravest end of ambition; the greatest career + here, and in heaven the surest reward; and began to long for the day, not + only when he should enter into the one church and receive his first + communion, but when he might join that wonderful brotherhood, which was + present throughout all the world, and which numbered the wisest, the + bravest, the highest born, the most eloquent of men among its members. + Father Holt bade him keep his views secret, and to hide them as a great + treasure which would escape him if it was revealed; and, proud of this + confidence and secret vested in him, the lad became fondly attached to the + master who initiated him into a mystery so wonderful and awful. And when + little Tom Tusher, his neighbor, came from school for his holiday, and + said how he, too, was to be bred up for an English priest, and would get + what he called an exhibition from his school, and then a college + scholarship and fellowship, and then a good living—it tasked young + Harry Esmond's powers of reticence not to say to his young companion, + “Church! priesthood! fat living! My dear Tommy, do you call yours a church + and a priesthood? What is a fat living compared to converting a hundred + thousand heathens by a single sermon? What is a scholarship at Trinity by + the side of a crown of martyrdom, with angels awaiting you as your head is + taken off? Could your master at school sail over the Thames on his gown? + Have you statues in your church that can bleed, speak, walk, and cry? My + good Tommy, in dear Father Holt's church these things take place every + day. You know Saint Philip of the Willows appeared to Lord Castlewood, and + caused him to turn to the one true church. No saints ever come to you.” + And Harry Esmond, because of his promise to Father Holt, hiding away these + treasures of faith from T. Tusher, delivered himself of them nevertheless + simply to Father Holt; who stroked his head, smiled at him with his + inscrutable look, and told him that he did well to meditate on these great + things, and not to talk of them except under direction. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + I AM PLACED UNDER A POPISH PRIEST AND BRED TO THAT RELIGION.—VISCOUNTESS + CASTLEWOOD. + </p> + <p> + Had time enough been given, and his childish inclinations been properly + nurtured, Harry Esmond had been a Jesuit priest ere he was a dozen years + older, and might have finished his days a martyr in China or a victim on + Tower Hill: for, in the few months they spent together at Castlewood, Mr. + Holt obtained an entire mastery over the boy's intellect and affections; + and had brought him to think, as indeed Father Holt thought with all his + heart too, that no life was so noble, no death so desirable, as that which + many brethren of his famous order were ready to undergo. By love, by a + brightness of wit and good-humor that charmed all, by an authority which + he knew how to assume, by a mystery and silence about him which increased + the child's reverence for him, he won Harry's absolute fealty, and would + have kept it, doubtless, if schemes greater and more important than a poor + little boy's admission into orders had not called him away. + </p> + <p> + After being at home for a few months in tranquillity (if theirs might be + called tranquillity, which was, in truth, a constant bickering), my lord + and lady left the country for London, taking their director with them: and + his little pupil scarce ever shed more bitter tears in his life than he + did for nights after the first parting with his dear friend, as he lay in + the lonely chamber next to that which the Father used to occupy. He and a + few domestics were left as the only tenants of the great house: and, + though Harry sedulously did all the tasks which the Father set him, he had + many hours unoccupied, and read in the library, and bewildered his little + brains with the great books he found there. + </p> + <p> + After a while, the little lad grew accustomed to the loneliness of the + place; and in after days remembered this part of his life as a period not + unhappy. When the family was at London the whole of the establishment + travelled thither with the exception of the porter—who was, + moreover, brewer, gardener, and woodman—and his wife and children. + These had their lodging in the gate-house hard by, with a door into the + court; and a window looking out on the green was the Chaplain's room; and + next to this a small chamber where Father Holt had his books, and Harry + Esmond his sleeping closet. The side of the house facing the east had + escaped the guns of the Cromwellians, whose battery was on the height + facing the western court; so that this eastern end bore few marks of + demolition, save in the chapel, where the painted windows surviving Edward + the Sixth had been broke by the Commonwealthmen. In Father Holt's time + little Harry Esmond acted as his familiar and faithful little servitor; + beating his clothes, folding his vestments, fetching his water from the + well long before daylight, ready to run anywhere for the service of his + beloved priest. When the Father was away, he locked his private chamber; + but the room where the books were was left to little Harry, who, but for + the society of this gentleman, was little less solitary when Lord + Castlewood was at home. + </p> + <p> + The French wit saith that a hero is none to his valet-de-chambre, and it + required less quick eyes than my lady's little page was naturally endowed + with, to see that she had many qualities by no means heroic, however much + Mrs. Tusher might flatter and coax her. When Father Holt was not by, who + exercised an entire authority over the pair, my lord and my lady + quarrelled and abused each other so as to make the servants laugh, and to + frighten the little page on duty. The poor boy trembled before his + mistress, who called him by a hundred ugly names, who made nothing of + boxing his ears, and tilting the silver basin in his face which it was his + business to present to her after dinner. She hath repaired, by subsequent + kindness to him, these severities, which it must be owned made his + childhood very unhappy. She was but unhappy herself at this time, poor + soul! and I suppose made her dependants lead her own sad life. I think my + lord was as much afraid of her as her page was, and the only person of the + household who mastered her was Mr. Holt. Harry was only too glad when the + Father dined at table, and to slink away and prattle with him afterwards, + or read with him, or walk with him. Luckily my Lady Viscountess did not + rise till noon. Heaven help the poor waiting-woman who had charge of her + toilet! I have often seen the poor wretch come out with red eyes from the + closet where those long and mysterious rites of her ladyship's dress were + performed, and the backgammon-box locked up with a rap on Mrs. Tusher's + fingers when she played ill, or the game was going the wrong way. + </p> + <p> + Blessed be the king who introduced cards, and the kind inventors of piquet + and cribbage, for they employed six hours at least of her ladyship's day, + during which her family was pretty easy. Without this occupation my lady + frequently declared she should die. Her dependants one after another + relieved guard—'twas rather a dangerous post to play with her + ladyship—and took the cards turn about. Mr. Holt would sit with her + at piquet during hours together, at which time she behaved herself + properly; and as for Dr. Tusher, I believe he would have left a + parishioner's dying bed, if summoned to play a rubber with his patroness + at Castlewood. Sometimes, when they were pretty comfortable together, my + lord took a hand. Besides these my lady had her faithful poor Tusher, and + one, two, three gentlewomen whom Harry Esmond could recollect in his time. + They could not bear that genteel service very long; one after another + tried and failed at it. These and the housekeeper, and little Harry + Esmond, had a table of their own. Poor ladies their life was far harder + than the page's. He was sound asleep, tucked up in his little bed, whilst + they were sitting by her ladyship reading her to sleep, with the “News + Letter” or the “Grand Cyrus.” My lady used to have boxes of new plays from + London, and Harry was forbidden, under the pain of a whipping, to look + into them. I am afraid he deserved the penalty pretty often, and got it + sometimes. Father Holt applied it twice or thrice, when he caught the + young scapegrace with a delightful wicked comedy of Mr. Shadwell's or Mr. + Wycherley's under his pillow. + </p> + <p> + These, when he took any, were my lord's favorite reading. But he was + averse to much study, and, as his little page fancied, to much occupation + of any sort. + </p> + <p> + It always seemed to young Harry Esmond that my lord treated him with more + kindness when his lady was not present, and Lord Castlewood would take the + lad sometimes on his little journeys a-hunting or a-birding; he loved to + play at cards and tric-trac with him, which games the boy learned to + pleasure his lord: and was growing to like him better daily, showing a + special pleasure if Father Holt gave a good report of him, patting him on + the head, and promising that he would provide for the boy. However, in my + lady's presence, my lord showed no such marks of kindness, and affected to + treat the lad roughly, and rebuked him sharply for little faults, for + which he in a manner asked pardon of young Esmond when they were private, + saying if he did not speak roughly, she would, and his tongue was not such + a bad one as his lady's—a point whereof the boy, young as he was, + was very well assured. + </p> + <p> + Great public events were happening all this while, of which the simple + young page took little count. But one day, riding into the neighboring + town on the step of my lady's coach, his lordship and she and Father Holt + being inside, a great mob of people came hooting and jeering round the + coach, bawling out “The Bishops for ever!” “Down with the Pope!” “No + Popery! no Popery! Jezebel, Jezebel!” so that my lord began to laugh, my + lady's eyes to roll with anger, for she was as bold as a lioness, and + feared nobody; whilst Mr. Holt, as Esmond saw from his place on the step, + sank back with rather an alarmed face, crying out to her ladyship, “For + God's sake, madam, do not speak or look out of window; sit still.” But she + did not obey this prudent injunction of the Father; she thrust her head + out of the coach window, and screamed out to the coachman, “Flog your way + through them, the brutes, James, and use your whip!” + </p> + <p> + The mob answered with a roaring jeer of laughter, and fresh cries of + “Jezebel! Jezebel!” My lord only laughed the more: he was a languid + gentleman: nothing seemed to excite him commonly, though I have seen him + cheer and halloo the hounds very briskly, and his face (which was + generally very yellow and calm) grow quite red and cheerful during a burst + over the Downs after a hare, and laugh, and swear, and huzzah at a + cockfight, of which sport he was very fond. And now, when the mob began to + hoot his lady, he laughed with something of a mischievous look, as though + he expected sport, and thought that she and they were a match. + </p> + <p> + James the coachman was more afraid of his mistress than the mob, probably, + for he whipped on his horses as he was bidden, and the post-boy that rode + with the first pair (my lady always rode with her coach-and-six,) gave a + cut of his thong over the shoulders of one fellow who put his hand out + towards the leading horse's rein. + </p> + <p> + It was a market-day, and the country-people were all assembled with their + baskets of poultry, eggs, and such things; the postilion had no sooner + lashed the man who would have taken hold of his horse, but a great cabbage + came whirling like a bombshell into the carriage, at which my lord laughed + more, for it knocked my lady's fan out of her hand, and plumped into + Father Holt's stomach. Then came a shower of carrots and potatoes. + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake be still!” says Mr. Holt; “we are not ten paces from + the 'Bell' archway, where they can shut the gates on us, and keep out this + canaille.” + </p> + <p> + The little page was outside the coach on the step, and a fellow in the + crowd aimed a potato at him, and hit him in the eye, at which the poor + little wretch set up a shout; the man laughed, a great big saddler's + apprentice of the town. “Ah! you d—- little yelling Popish bastard,” + he said, and stooped to pick up another; the crowd had gathered quite + between the horses and the inn door by this time, and the coach was + brought to a dead stand-still. My lord jumped as briskly as a boy out of + the door on his side of the coach, squeezing little Harry behind it; had + hold of the potato-thrower's collar in an instant, and the next moment the + brute's heels were in the air, and he fell on the stones with a thump. + </p> + <p> + “You hulking coward!” says he; “you pack of screaming blackguards! how + dare you attack children, and insult women? Fling another shot at that + carriage, you sneaking pigskin cobbler, and by the Lord I'll send my + rapier through you!” + </p> + <p> + Some of the mob cried, “Huzzah, my lord!” for they knew him, and the + saddler's man was a known bruiser, near twice as big as my lord Viscount. + </p> + <p> + “Make way there,” says he (he spoke in a high shrill voice, but with a + great air of authority). “Make way, and let her ladyship's carriage pass.” + The men that were between the coach and the gate of the “Bell” actually + did make way, and the horses went in, my lord walking after them with his + hat on his head. + </p> + <p> + As he was going in at the gate, through which the coach had just rolled, + another cry begins, of “No Popery—no Papists!” My lord turns round + and faces them once more. + </p> + <p> + “God save the King!” says he at the highest pitch of his voice. “Who dares + abuse the King's religion? You, you d—d psalm-singing cobbler, as + sure as I'm a magistrate of this county I'll commit you!” The fellow + shrank back, and my lord retreated with all the honors of the day. But + when the little flurry caused by the scene was over, and the flush passed + off his face, he relapsed into his usual languor, trifled with his little + dog, and yawned when my lady spoke to him. + </p> + <p> + This mob was one of many thousands that were going about the country at + that time, huzzahing for the acquittal of the seven bishops who had been + tried just then, and about whom little Harry Esmond at that time knew + scarce anything. It was Assizes at Hexton, and there was a great meeting + of the gentry at the “Bell;” and my lord's people had their new liveries + on, and Harry a little suit of blue and silver, which he wore upon + occasions of state; and the gentlefolks came round and talked to my lord: + and a judge in a red gown, who seemed a very great personage, especially + complimented him and my lady, who was mighty grand. Harry remembers her + train borne up by her gentlewoman. There was an assembly and ball at the + great room at the “Bell,” and other young gentlemen of the county families + looked on as he did. One of them jeered him for his black eye, which was + swelled by the potato, and another called him a bastard, on which he and + Harry fell to fisticuffs. My lord's cousin, Colonel Esmond of Walcote, was + there, and separated the two lads—a great tall gentleman, with a + handsome good-natured face. The boy did not know how nearly in after-life + he should be allied to Colonel Esmond, and how much kindness he should + have to owe him. + </p> + <p> + There was little love between the two families. My lady used not to spare + Colonel Esmond in talking of him, for reasons which have been hinted + already; but about which, at his tender age, Henry Esmond could be + expected to know nothing. + </p> + <p> + Very soon afterwards, my lord and lady went to London with Mr. Holt, + leaving, however, the page behind them. The little man had the great house + of Castlewood to himself; or between him and the housekeeper, Mrs. + Worksop, an old lady who was a kinswoman of the family in some distant + way, and a Protestant, but a staunch Tory and king's-man, as all the + Esmonds were. He used to go to school to Dr. Tusher when he was at home, + though the Doctor was much occupied too. There was a great stir and + commotion everywhere, even in the little quiet village of Castlewood, + whither a party of people came from the town, who would have broken + Castlewood Chapel windows, but the village people turned out, and even old + Sieveright, the republican blacksmith, along with them: for my lady, + though she was a Papist, and had many odd ways, was kind to the tenantry, + and there was always a plenty of beef, and blankets, and medicine for the + poor at Castlewood Hall. + </p> + <p> + A kingdom was changing hands whilst my lord and lady were away. King James + was flying, the Dutchmen were coming; awful stories about them and the + Prince of Orange used old Mrs. Worksop to tell to the idle little page. + </p> + <p> + He liked the solitude of the great house very well; he had all the + play-books to read, and no Father Holt to whip him, and a hundred childish + pursuits and pastimes, without doors and within, which made this time very + pleasant. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + MY SUPERIORS ARE ENGAGED IN PLOTS FOR THE RESTORATION OF KING JAMES II. + </h3> + <p> + Not having been able to sleep, for thinking of some lines for eels which + he had placed the night before, the lad was lying in his little bed, + waiting for the hour when the gate would be open, and he and his comrade, + John Lockwood, the porter's son, might go to the pond and see what fortune + had brought them. At daybreak John was to awaken him, but his own + eagerness for the sport had served as a reveillez long since—so + long, that it seemed to him as if the day never would come. + </p> + <p> + It might have been four o'clock when he heard the door of the opposite + chamber, the Chaplain's room, open, and the voice of a man coughing in the + passage. Harry jumped up, thinking for certain it was a robber, or hoping + perhaps for a ghost, and, flinging open his own door, saw before him the + Chaplain's door open, and a light inside, and a figure standing in the + doorway, in the midst of a great smoke which issued from the room. + </p> + <p> + “Who's there?” cried out the boy, who was of a good spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Silentium!” whispered the other; “'tis I, my boy!” and, holding his hand + out, Harry had no difficulty in recognizing his master and friend, Father + Holt. A curtain was over the window of the Chaplain's room that looked to + the court, and Harry saw that the smoke came from a great flame of papers + which were burning in a brazier when he entered the Chaplain's room. After + giving a hasty greeting and blessing to the lad, who was charmed to see + his tutor, the Father continued the burning of his papers, drawing them + from a cupboard over the mantel-piece wall, which Harry had never seen + before. + </p> + <p> + Father Holt laughed, seeing the lad's attention fixed at once on this + hole. “That is right, Harry,” he said; “faithful little famuli, see all + and say nothing. You are faithful, I know.” + </p> + <p> + “I know I would go to the stake for you,” said Harry. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want your head,” said the Father, patting it kindly; “all you + have to do is to hold your tongue. Let us burn these papers, and say + nothing to anybody. Should you like to read them?” + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond blushed, and held down his head; he HAD looked as the fact + was, and without thinking, at the paper before him; and though he had seen + it, could not understand a word of it, the letters being quite clear + enough, but quite without meaning. They burned the papers, beating down + the ashes in a brazier, so that scarce any traces of them remained. + </p> + <p> + Harry had been accustomed to see Father Holt in more dresses than one; it + not being safe, or worth the danger, for Popish ecclesiastics to wear + their proper dress; and he was, in consequence, in no wise astonished that + the priest should now appear before him in a riding-dress, with large buff + leather boots, and a feather to his hat, plain, but such as gentlemen + wore. + </p> + <p> + “You know the secret of the cupboard,” said he, laughing, “and must be + prepared for other mysteries;” and he opened—but not a secret + cupboard this time—only a wardrobe, which he usually kept locked, + and from which he now took out two or three dresses and perruques of + different colors, and a couple of swords of a pretty make (Father Holt was + an expert practitioner with the small-sword, and every day, whilst he was + at home, he and his pupil practised this exercise, in which the lad became + a very great proficient), a military coat and cloak, and a farmer's smock, + and placed them in the large hole over the mantel-piece from which the + papers had been taken. + </p> + <p> + “If they miss the cupboard,” he said, “they will not find these; if they + find them, they'll tell no tales, except that Father Holt wore more suits + of clothes than one. All Jesuits do. You know what deceivers we are, + Harry.” + </p> + <p> + Harry was alarmed at the notion that his friend was about to leave him; + but “No,” the priest said, “I may very likely come back with my lord in a + few days. We are to be tolerated; we are not to be persecuted. But they + may take a fancy to pay a visit at Castlewood ere our return; and, as + gentlemen of my cloth are suspected, they might choose to examine my + papers, which concern nobody—at least not them.” And to this day, + whether the papers in cipher related to politics, or to the affairs of + that mysterious society whereof Father Holt was a member, his pupil, Harry + Esmond, remains in entire ignorance. + </p> + <p> + The rest of his goods, his small wardrobe, &c. Holt left untouched on + his shelves and in his cupboard, taking down—with a laugh, however—and + flinging into the brazier, where he only half burned them, some + theological treatises which he had been writing against the English + divines. “And now,” said he, “Henry, my son, you may testify, with a safe + conscience, that you saw me burning Latin sermons the last time I was here + before I went away to London; and it will be daybreak directly, and I must + be away before Lockwood is stirring.” + </p> + <p> + “Will not Lockwood let you out, sir?” Esmond asked. Holt laughed; he was + never more gay or good-humored than when in the midst of action or danger. + </p> + <p> + “Lockwood knows nothing of my being here, mind you,” he said; “nor would + you, you little wretch! had you slept better. You must forget that I have + been here; and now farewell. Close the door, and go to your own room, and + don't come out till—stay, why should you not know one secret more? I + know you will never betray me.” + </p> + <p> + In the Chaplain's room were two windows; the one looking into the court + facing westwards to the fountain; the other, a small casement strongly + barred, and looking on to the green in front of the Hall. This window was + too high to reach from the ground; but, mounting on a buffet which stood + beneath it, Father Holt showed me how, by pressing on the base of the + window, the whole framework of lead, glass, and iron stanchions descended + into a cavity worked below, from which it could be drawn and restored to + its usual place from without; a broken pane being purposely open to admit + the hand which was to work upon the spring of the machine. + </p> + <p> + “When I am gone,” Father Holt said, “you may push away the buffet, so that + no one may fancy that an exit has been made that way; lock the door; place + the key—where shall we put the key?—under 'Chrysostom' on the + book-shelf; and if any ask for it, say I keep it there, and told you where + to find it, if you had need to go to my room. The descent is easy down the + wall into the ditch; and so, once more farewell, until I see thee again, + my dear son.” And with this the intrepid Father mounted the buffet with + great agility and briskness, stepped across the window, lifting up the + bars and framework again from the other side, and only leaving room for + Harry Esmond to stand on tiptoe and kiss his hand before the casement + closed, the bars fixing as firmly as ever, seemingly, in the stone arch + overhead. When Father Holt next arrived at Castlewood, it was by the + public gate on horseback; and he never so much as alluded to the existence + of the private issue to Harry, except when he had need of a private + messenger from within, for which end, no doubt, he had instructed his + young pupil in the means of quitting the Hall. + </p> + <p> + Esmond, young as he was, would have died sooner than betray his friend and + master, as Mr. Holt well knew; for he had tried the boy more than once, + putting temptations in his way, to see whether he would yield to them and + confess afterwards, or whether he would resist them, as he did sometimes, + or whether he would lie, which he never did. Holt instructing the boy on + this point, however, that if to keep silence is not to lie, as it + certainly is not, yet silence is, after all, equivalent to a negation—and + therefore a downright No, in the interest of justice or your friend, and + in reply to a question that may be prejudicial to either, is not criminal, + but, on the contrary, praiseworthy; and as lawful a way as the other of + eluding a wrongful demand. For instance (says he), suppose a good citizen, + who had seen his Majesty take refuge there, had been asked, “Is King + Charles up that oak-tree?” his duty would have been not to say, Yes—so + that the Cromwellians should seize the king and murder him like his father—but + No; his Majesty being private in the tree, and therefore not to be seen + there by loyal eyes: all which instruction, in religion and morals, as + well as in the rudiments of the tongues and sciences, the boy took eagerly + and with gratitude from his tutor. When, then, Holt was gone, and told + Harry not to see him, it was as if he had never been. And he had this + answer pat when he came to be questioned a few days after. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Orange was then at Salisbury, as young Esmond learned from + seeing Doctor Tusher in his best cassock (though the roads were muddy, and + he never was known to wear his silk, only his stuff one, a-horseback), + with a great orange cockade in his broad-leafed hat, and Nahum, his clerk, + ornamented with a like decoration. The Doctor was walking up and down in + front of his parsonage, when little Esmond saw him, and heard him say he + was going to pay his duty to his Highness the Prince, as he mounted his + pad and rode away with Nahum behind. The village people had orange + cockades too, and his friend the blacksmith's laughing daughter pinned one + into Harry's old hat, which he tore out indignantly when they bade him to + cry “God save the Prince of Orange and the Protestant religion!” but the + people only laughed, for they liked the boy in the village, where his + solitary condition moved the general pity, and where he found friendly + welcomes and faces in many houses. Father Holt had many friends there too, + for he not only would fight the blacksmith at theology, never losing his + temper, but laughing the whole time in his pleasant way; but he cured him + of an ague with quinquina, and was always ready with a kind word for any + man that asked it, so that they said in the village 'twas a pity the two + were Papists. + </p> + <p> + The Director and the Vicar of Castlewood agreed very well; indeed, the + former was a perfectly-bred gentleman, and it was the latter's business to + agree with everybody. Doctor Tusher and the lady's-maid, his spouse, had a + boy who was about the age of little Esmond; and there was such a + friendship between the lads, as propinquity and tolerable kindness and + good-humor on either side would be pretty sure to occasion. Tom Tusher was + sent off early, however, to a school in London, whither his father took + him and a volume of sermons, in the first year of the reign of King James; + and Tom returned but once, a year afterwards, to Castlewood for many years + of his scholastic and collegiate life. Thus there was less danger to Tom + of a perversion of his faith by the Director, who scarce ever saw him, + than there was to Harry, who constantly was in the Vicar's company; but as + long as Harry's religion was his Majesty's, and my lord's, and my lady's, + the Doctor said gravely, it should not be for him to disturb or disquiet + him: it was far from him to say that his Majesty's Church was not a branch + of the Catholic Church; upon which Father Holt used, according to his + custom, to laugh, and say that the Holy Church throughout all the world, + and the noble Army of Martyrs, were very much obliged to the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + It was while Dr. Tusher was away at Salisbury that there came a troop of + dragoons with orange scarfs, and quartered in Castlewood, and some of them + came up to the Hall, where they took possession, robbing nothing however + beyond the hen-house and the beer-cellar: and only insisting upon going + through the house and looking for papers. The first room they asked to + look at was Father Holt's room, of which Harry Esmond brought the key, and + they opened the drawers and the cupboards, and tossed over the papers and + clothes—but found nothing except his books and clothes, and the + vestments in a box by themselves, with which the dragoons made merry, to + Harry Esmond's horror. And to the questions which the gentleman put to + Harry, he replied that Father Holt was a very kind man to him, and a very + learned man, and Harry supposed would tell him none of his secrets if he + had any. He was about eleven years old at this time, and looked as + innocent as boys of his age. + </p> + <p> + The family were away more than six months, and when they returned they + were in the deepest state of dejection, for King James had been banished, + the Prince of Orange was on the throne, and the direst persecutions of + those of the Catholic faith were apprehended by my lady, who said she did + not believe that there was a word of truth in the promises of toleration + that Dutch monster made, or in a single word the perjured wretch said. My + lord and lady were in a manner prisoners in their own house; so her + ladyship gave the little page to know, who was by this time growing of an + age to understand what was passing about him, and something of the + characters of the people he lived with. + </p> + <p> + “We are prisoners,” says she; “in everything but chains, we are prisoners. + Let them come, let them consign me to dungeons, or strike off my head from + this poor little throat” (and she clasped it in her long fingers). “The + blood of the Esmonds will always flow freely for their kings. We are not + like the Churchills—the Judases, who kiss their master and betray + him. We know how to suffer, how even to forgive in the royal cause” (no + doubt it was to that fatal business of losing the place of Groom of the + Posset to which her ladyship alluded, as she did half a dozen times in the + day). “Let the tyrant of Orange bring his rack and his odious Dutch + tortures—the beast! the wretch! I spit upon him and defy him. + Cheerfully will I lay this head upon the block; cheerfully will I + accompany my lord to the scaffold: we will cry 'God save King James!' with + our dying breath, and smile in the face of the executioner.” And she told + her page, a hundred times at least, of the particulars of the last + interview which she had with his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + “I flung myself before my liege's feet,” she said, “at Salisbury. I + devoted myself—my husband—my house, to his cause. Perhaps he + remembered old times, when Isabella Esmond was young and fair; perhaps he + recalled the day when 'twas not I that knelt—at least he spoke to me + with a voice that reminded ME of days gone by. 'Egad!' said his Majesty, + 'you should go to the Prince of Orange; if you want anything.' 'No, sire,' + I replied, 'I would not kneel to a Usurper; the Esmond that would have + served your Majesty will never be groom to a traitor's posset.' The royal + exile smiled, even in the midst of his misfortune; he deigned to raise me + with words of consolation. The Viscount, my husband, himself, could not be + angry at the august salute with which he honored me!” + </p> + <p> + The public misfortune had the effect of making my lord and his lady better + friends than they ever had been since their courtship. My lord Viscount + had shown both loyalty and spirit, when these were rare qualities in the + dispirited party about the King; and the praise he got elevated him not a + little in his wife's good opinion, and perhaps in his own. He wakened up + from the listless and supine life which he had been leading; was always + riding to and fro in consultation with this friend or that of the King's; + the page of course knowing little of his doings, but remarking only his + greater cheerfulness and altered demeanor. + </p> + <p> + Father Holt came to the Hall constantly, but officiated no longer openly + as chaplain; he was always fetching and carrying: strangers, military and + ecclesiastic (Harry knew the latter, though they came in all sorts of + disguises), were continually arriving and departing. My lord made long + absences and sudden reappearances, using sometimes the means of exit which + Father Holt had employed, though how often the little window in the + Chaplain's room let in or let out my lord and his friends, Harry could not + tell. He stoutly kept his promise to the Father of not prying, and if at + midnight from his little room he heard noises of persons stirring in the + next chamber, he turned round to the wall, and hid his curiosity under his + pillow until it fell asleep. Of course he could not help remarking that + the priest's journeys were constant, and understanding by a hundred signs + that some active though secret business employed him: what this was may + pretty well be guessed by what soon happened to my lord. + </p> + <p> + No garrison or watch was put into Castlewood when my lord came back, but a + Guard was in the village; and one or other of them was always on the Green + keeping a look-out on our great gate, and those who went out and in. + Lockwood said that at night especially every person who came in or went + out was watched by the outlying sentries. 'Twas lucky that we had a gate + which their Worships knew nothing about. My lord and Father Holt must have + made constant journeys at night: once or twice little Harry acted as their + messenger and discreet little aide-de-camp. He remembers he was bidden to + go into the village with his fishing-rod, enter certain houses, ask for a + drink of water, and tell the good man, “There would be a horse-market at + Newbury next Thursday,” and so carry the same message on to the next house + on his list. + </p> + <p> + He did not know what the message meant at the time, nor what was + happening: which may as well, however, for clearness' sake, be explained + here. The Prince of Orange being gone to Ireland, where the King was ready + to meet him with a great army, it was determined that a great rising of + his Majesty's party should take place in this country; and my lord was to + head the force in our county. Of late he had taken a greater lead in + affairs than before, having the indefatigable Mr. Holt at his elbow, and + my Lady Viscountess strongly urging him on; and my Lord Sark being in the + Tower a prisoner, and Sir Wilmot Crawley, of Queen's Crawley, having gone + over to the Prince of Orange's side—my lord became the most + considerable person in our part of the county for the affairs of the King. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that the regiment of Scots Grays and Dragoons, then + quartered at Newbury, should declare for the King on a certain day, when + likewise the gentry affected to his Majesty's cause were to come in with + their tenants and adherents to Newbury, march upon the Dutch troops at + Reading under Ginckel; and, these overthrown, and their indomitable little + master away in Ireland, 'twas thought that our side might move on London + itself, and a confident victory was predicted for the King. + </p> + <p> + As these great matters were in agitation, my lord lost his listless manner + and seemed to gain health; my lady did not scold him, Mr. Holt came to and + fro, busy always; and little Harry longed to have been a few inches + taller, that he might draw a sword in this good cause. + </p> + <p> + One day, it must have been about the month of July, 1690, my lord, in a + great horseman's coat, under which Harry could see the shining of a steel + breastplate he had on, called little Harry to him, put the hair off the + child's forehead, and kissed him, and bade God bless him in such an + affectionate way as he never had used before. Father Holt blessed him too, + and then they took leave of my Lady Viscountess, who came from her + apartment with a pocket-handkerchief to her eyes, and her gentlewoman and + Mrs. Tusher supporting her. “You are going to—to ride,” says she. + “Oh, that I might come too—but in my situation I am forbidden horse + exercise.” + </p> + <p> + “We kiss my Lady Marchioness's hand,” says Mr. Holt. + </p> + <p> + “My lord, God speed you!” she said, stepping up and embracing my lord in a + grand manner. “Mr. Holt, I ask your blessing:” and she knelt down for + that, whilst Mrs. Tusher tossed her head up. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holt gave the same benediction to the little page, who went down and + held my lord's stirrups for him to mount; there were two servants waiting + there too—and they rode out of Castlewood gate. + </p> + <p> + As they crossed the bridge, Harry could see an officer in scarlet ride up + touching his hat, and address my lord. + </p> + <p> + The party stopped, and came to some parley or discussion, which presently + ended, my lord putting his horse into a canter after taking off his hat + and making a bow to the officer, who rode alongside him step for step: the + trooper accompanying him falling back, and riding with my lord's two men. + They cantered over the Green, and behind the elms (my lord waving his + hand, Harry thought), and so they disappeared. That evening we had a great + panic, the cow-boy coming at milking-time riding one of our horses, which + he had found grazing at the outer park-wall. + </p> + <p> + All night my Lady Viscountess was in a very quiet and subdued mood. She + scarce found fault with anybody; she played at cards for six hours; little + page Esmond went to sleep. He prayed for my lord and the good cause before + closing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + It was quite in the gray of the morning when the porter's bell rang, and + old Lockwood, waking up, let in one of my lord's servants, who had gone + with him in the morning, and who returned with a melancholy story. The + officer who rode up to my lord had, it appeared, said to him, that it was + his duty to inform his lordship that he was not under arrest, but under + surveillance, and to request him not to ride abroad that day. + </p> + <p> + My lord replied that riding was good for his health, that if the Captain + chose to accompany him he was welcome; and it was then that he made a bow, + and they cantered away together. + </p> + <p> + When he came on to Wansey Down, my lord all of a sudden pulled up, and the + party came to a halt at the cross-way. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” says he to the officer, “we are four to two; will you be so kind as + to take that road, and leave me go mine?” + </p> + <p> + “Your road is mine, my lord,” says the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Then—” says my lord; but he had no time to say more, for the + officer, drawing a pistol, snapped it at his lordship; as at the same + moment Father Holt, drawing a pistol, shot the officer through the head. + It was done, and the man dead in an instant of time. The orderly, gazing + at the officer, looked seared for a moment, and galloped away for his + life. + </p> + <p> + “Fire! fire!” cries out Father Holt, sending another shot after the + trooper, but the two servants were too much surprised to use their pieces, + and my lord calling to them to hold their hands, the fellow got away. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holt, qui pensait a tout,” says Blaise, “gets off his horse, examines + the pockets of the dead officer for papers, gives his money to us two, and + says, 'The wine is drawn, M. le Marquis,'—why did he say Marquis to + M. le Vicomte?—'we must drink it.' + </p> + <p> + “The poor gentleman's horse was a better one than that I rode,” Blaise + continues; “Mr. Holt bids me get on him, and so I gave a cut to Whitefoot, + and she trotted home. We rode on towards Newbury; we heard firing towards + midday: at two o'clock a horseman comes up to us as we were giving our + cattle water at an inn—and says, 'All is done! The Ecossais declared + an hour too soon—General Ginckel was down upon them.' The whole + thing was at an end. + </p> + <p> + “'And we've shot an officer on duty, and let his orderly escape,' says my + lord. + </p> + <p> + “'Blaise,' says Mr. Holt, writing two lines on his table-book, one for my + lady and one for you, Master Harry; 'you must go back to Castlewood, and + deliver these,' and behold me.” + </p> + <p> + And he gave Harry the two papers. He read that to himself, which only + said, “Burn the papers in the cupboard, burn this. You know nothing about + anything.” Harry read this, ran up stairs to his mistress's apartment, + where her gentlewoman slept near to the door, made her bring a light and + wake my lady, into whose hands he gave the paper. She was a wonderful + object to look at in her night attire, nor had Harry ever seen the like. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she had the paper in her hand, Harry stepped back to the + Chaplain's room, opened the secret cupboard over the fireplace, burned all + the papers in it, and, as he had seen the priest do before, took down one + of his reverence's manuscript sermons, and half burnt that in the brazier. + By the time the papers were quite destroyed it was daylight. Harry ran + back to his mistress again. Her gentlewoman ushered him again into her + ladyship's chamber; she told him (from behind her nuptial curtains) to bid + the coach be got ready, and that she would ride away anon. + </p> + <p> + But the mysteries of her ladyship's toilet were as awfully long on this + day as on any other, and, long after the coach was ready, my lady was + still attiring herself. And just as the Viscountess stepped forth from her + room, ready for departure, young John Lockwood comes running up from the + village with news that a lawyer, three officers, and twenty or + four-and-twenty soldiers, were marching thence upon the house. John had + but two minutes the start of them, and, ere he had well told his story, + the troop rode into our court-yard. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + THE ISSUE OF THE PLOTS.—THE DEATH OF THOMAS, THIRD VISCOUNT OF + CASTLEWOOD; AND THE IMPRISONMENT OF HIS VISCOUNTESS. + </p> + <p> + At first my lady was for dying like Mary, Queen of Scots (to whom she + fancied she bore a resemblance in beauty), and, stroking her scraggy neck, + said, “They will find Isabel of Castlewood is equal to her fate.” Her + gentlewoman, Victoire, persuaded her that her prudent course was, as she + could not fly, to receive the troops as though she suspected nothing, and + that her chamber was the best place wherein to await them. So her black + Japan casket, which Harry was to carry to the coach, was taken back to her + ladyship's chamber, whither the maid and mistress retired. Victoire came + out presently, bidding the page to say her ladyship was ill, confined to + her bed with the rheumatism. + </p> + <p> + By this time the soldiers had reached Castlewood. Harry Esmond saw them + from the window of the tapestry parlor; a couple of sentinels were posted + at the gate—a half-dozen more walked towards the stable; and some + others, preceded by their commander, and a man in black, a lawyer + probably, were conducted by one of the servants to the stair leading up to + the part of the house which my lord and lady inhabited. + </p> + <p> + So the Captain, a handsome kind man, and the lawyer, came through the + ante-room to the tapestry parlor, and where now was nobody but young Harry + Esmond, the page. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your mistress, little man,” says the Captain, kindly, “that we must + speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + “My mistress is ill a-bed,” said the page. + </p> + <p> + “What complaint has she?” asked the Captain. + </p> + <p> + The boy said, “The rheumatism!” + </p> + <p> + “Rheumatism! that's a sad complaint,” continues the good-natured Captain; + “and the coach is in the yard to fetch the Doctor, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” says the boy. + </p> + <p> + “And how long has her ladyship been ill?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” says the boy. + </p> + <p> + “When did my lord go away?” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday night.” + </p> + <p> + “With Father Holt?” + </p> + <p> + “With Mr. Holt.” + </p> + <p> + “And which way did they travel?” asks the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “They travelled without me,” says the page. + </p> + <p> + “We must see Lady Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + “I have orders that nobody goes in to her ladyship—she is sick,” + says the page; but at this moment Victoire came out. “Hush!” says she; + and, as if not knowing that any one was near, “What's this noise?” says + she. “Is this gentleman the Doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Stuff! we must see Lady Castlewood,” says the lawyer, pushing by. + </p> + <p> + The curtains of her ladyship's room were down, and the chamber dark, and + she was in bed with a nightcap on her head, and propped up by her pillows, + looking none the less ghastly because of the red which was still on her + cheeks, and which she could not afford to forego. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the Doctor?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “There is no use with this deception, madam,” Captain Westbury said (for + so he was named). “My duty is to arrest the person of Thomas, Viscount + Castlewood, a nonjuring peer—of Robert Tusher, Vicar of Castlewood—and + Henry Holt, known under various other names and designations, a Jesuit + priest, who officiated as chaplain here in the late king's time, and is + now at the head of the conspiracy which was about to break out in this + country against the authority of their Majesties King William and Queen + Mary—and my orders are to search the house for such papers or traces + of the conspiracy as may be found here. Your ladyship will please give me + your keys, and it will be as well for yourself that you should help us, in + every way, in our search.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, sir, that I have the rheumatism, and cannot move,” said the + lady, looking uncommonly ghastly as she sat up in her bed, where, however, + she had had her cheeks painted, and a new cap put on, so that she might at + least look her best when the officers came. + </p> + <p> + “I shall take leave to place a sentinel in the chamber, so that your + ladyship, in case you should wish to rise, may have an arm to lean on,” + Captain Westbury said. “Your woman will show me where I am to look;” and + Madame Victoire, chattering in her half French and half English jargon, + opened while the Captain examined one drawer after another; but, as Harry + Esmond thought, rather carelessly, with a smile on his face, as if he was + only conducting the examination for form's sake. + </p> + <p> + Before one of the cupboards Victoire flung herself down, stretching out + her arms, and, with a piercing shriek, cried, “Non, jamais, monsieur + l'officier! Jamais! I will rather die than let you see this wardrobe.” + </p> + <p> + But Captain Westbury would open it, still with a smile on his face, which, + when the box was opened, turned into a fair burst of laughter. It + contained—not papers regarding the conspiracy—but my lady's + wigs, washes, and rouge-pots, and Victoire said men were monsters, as the + Captain went on with his perquisition. He tapped the back to see whether + or no it was hollow, and as he thrust his hands into the cupboard, my lady + from her bed called out, with a voice that did not sound like that of a + very sick woman, “Is it your commission to insult ladies as well as to + arrest gentlemen, Captain?” + </p> + <p> + “These articles are only dangerous when worn by your ladyship,” the + Captain said, with a low bow, and a mock grin of politeness. “I have found + nothing which concerns the Government as yet—only the weapons with + which beauty is authorized to kill,” says he, pointing to a wig with his + sword-tip. “We must now proceed to search the rest of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not going to leave that wretch in the room with me,” cried my + lady, pointing to the soldier. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do, madam? Somebody you must have to smooth your pillow and + bring your medicine—permit me—” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” screamed out my lady. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, if you are too ill to leave the bed,” the Captain then said, + rather sternly, “I must have in four of my men to lift you off in the + sheet. I must examine this bed, in a word; papers may be hidden in a bed + as elsewhere; we know that very well and * * *.” + </p> + <p> + Here it was her ladyship's turn to shriek, for the Captain, with his fist + shaking the pillows and bolsters, at last came to “burn” as they say in + the play of forfeits, and wrenching away one of the pillows, said, “Look! + did not I tell you so? Here is a pillow stuffed with paper.” + </p> + <p> + “Some villain has betrayed us,” cried out my lady, sitting up in the bed, + showing herself full dressed under her night-rail. + </p> + <p> + “And now your ladyship can move, I am sure; permit me to give you my hand + to rise. You will have to travel for some distance, as far as Hexton + Castle to-night. Will you have your coach? Your woman shall attend you if + you like—and the japan-box?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir! you don't strike a MAN when he is down,” said my lady, with some + dignity: “can you not spare a woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Your ladyship must please to rise, and let me search the bed,” said the + Captain; “there is no more time to lose in bandying talk.” + </p> + <p> + And, without more ado, the gaunt old woman got up. Harry Esmond + recollected to the end of his life that figure, with the brocade dress and + the white night-rail, and the gold-clocked red stockings, and white + red-heeled shoes, sitting up in the bed, and stepping down from it. The + trunks were ready packed for departure in her ante-room, and the horses + ready harnessed in the stable: about all which the Captain seemed to know, + by information got from some quarter or other; and whence Esmond could + make a pretty shrewd guess in after-times, when Dr. Tusher complained that + King William's government had basely treated him for services done in that + cause. + </p> + <p> + And here he may relate, though he was then too young to know all that was + happening, what the papers contained, of which Captain Westbury had made a + seizure, and which papers had been transferred from the japan-box to the + bed when the officers arrived. + </p> + <p> + There was a list of gentlemen of the county in Father Holt's hand writing—Mr. + Freeman's (King James's) friends—a similar paper being found among + those of Sir John Fenwick and Mr. Coplestone, who suffered death for this + conspiracy. + </p> + <p> + There was a patent conferring the title of Marquis of Esmond on my Lord + Castlewood and the heirs-male of his body; his appointment as + Lord-Lieutenant of the County, and Major-General.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * To have this rank of Marquis restored in the family had + always been my Lady Viscountess's ambition; and her old + maiden aunt, Barbara Topham, the goldsmith's daughter, dying + about this time, and leaving all her property to Lady + Castlewood, I have heard that her ladyship sent almost the + whole of the money to King James, a proceeding which so + irritated my Lord Castlewood that he actually went to the + parish church, and was only appeased by the Marquis's title + which his exiled Majesty sent to him in return for the + 15,000L. his faithful subject lent him. +</pre> + <p> + There were various letters from the nobility and gentry, some ardent and + some doubtful, in the King's service; and (very luckily for him) two + letters concerning Colonel Francis Esmond: one from Father Holt, which + said, “I have been to see this Colonel at his house at Walcote, near to + Wells, where he resides since the King's departure, and pressed him very + eagerly in Mr. Freeman's cause, showing him the great advantage he would + have by trading with that merchant, offering him large premiums there as + agreed between us. But he says no: he considers Mr. Freeman the head of + the firm, will never trade against him or embark with any other trading + company, but considers his duty was done when Mr. Freeman left England. + This Colonel seems to care more for his wife and his beagles than for + affairs. He asked me much about young H. E., 'that bastard,' as he called + him; doubting my lord's intentions respecting him. I reassured him on this + head, stating what I knew of the lad, and our intentions respecting him, + but with regard to Freeman he was inflexible.” + </p> + <p> + And another letter was from Colonel Esmond to his kinsman, to say that one + Captain Holton had been with him offering him large bribes to join, YOU + KNOW WHO, and saying that the head of the house of Castlewood was deeply + engaged in that quarter. But for his part he had broke his sword when the + K. left the country, and would never again fight in that quarrel. The P. + of O. was a man, at least, of a noble courage, and his duty, and, as he + thought, every Englishman's, was to keep the country quiet, and the French + out of it: and, in fine, that he would have nothing to do with the scheme. + </p> + <p> + Of the existence of these two letters and the contents of the pillow, + Colonel Frank Esmond, who became Viscount Castlewood, told Henry Esmond + afterwards, when the letters were shown to his lordship, who congratulated + himself, as he had good reason, that he had not joined in the scheme which + proved so fatal to many concerned in it. But, naturally, the lad knew + little about these circumstances when they happened under his eyes: only + being aware that his patron and his mistress were in some trouble, which + had caused the flight of the one and the apprehension of the other by the + officers of King William. + </p> + <p> + The seizure of the papers effected, the gentlemen did not pursue their + further search through Castlewood House very rigorously. They examined Mr. + Holt's room, being led thither by his pupil, who showed, as the Father had + bidden him, the place where the key of his chamber lay, opened the door + for the gentlemen, and conducted them into the room. + </p> + <p> + When the gentlemen came to the half-burned papers in the brazier, they + examined them eagerly enough, and their young guide was a little amused at + their perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “What are these?” says one. + </p> + <p> + “They're written in a foreign language,” says the lawyer. “What are you + laughing at, little whelp?” adds he, turning round as he saw the boy + smile. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holt said they were sermons,” Harry said, “and bade me to burn them;” + which indeed was true of those papers. + </p> + <p> + “Sermons indeed—it's treason, I would lay a wager,” cries the + lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Egad! it's Greek to me,” says Captain Westbury. “Can you read it, little + boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, a little,” Harry said. + </p> + <p> + “Then read, and read in English, sir, on your peril,” said the lawyer. And + Harry began to translate:— + </p> + <p> + “Hath not one of your own writers said, 'The children of Adam are now + laboring as much as he himself ever did, about the tree of the knowledge + of good and evil, shaking the boughs thereof, and seeking the fruit, being + for the most part unmindful of the tree of life.' Oh blind generation! + 'tis this tree of knowledge to which the serpent has led you”—and + here the boy was obliged to stop, the rest of the page being charred by + the fire: and asked of the lawyer—“Shall I go on, sir?” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer said—“This boy is deeper than he seems: who knows that he + is not laughing at us?” + </p> + <p> + “Let's have in Dick the Scholar,” cried Captain Westbury, laughing: and he + called to a trooper out of the window—“Ho, Dick, come in here and + construe.” + </p> + <p> + A thick-set soldier, with a square good-humored face, came in at the + summons, saluting his officer. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us what is this, Dick,” says the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Steele, sir,” says the soldier. “I may be Dick for my friends, + but I don't name gentlemen of your cloth amongst them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, Steele.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Steele, sir, if you please. When you address a gentleman of his + Majesty's Horse Guards, be pleased not to be so familiar.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know, sir,” said the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “How should you? I take it you are not accustomed to meet with gentlemen,” + says the trooper. + </p> + <p> + “Hold thy prate, and read that bit of paper,” says Westbury. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis Latin,” says Dick, glancing at it, and again saluting his officer, + “and from a sermon of Mr. Cudworth's,” and he translated the words pretty + much as Henry Esmond had rendered them. + </p> + <p> + “What a young scholar you are,” says the Captain to the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Depend on't, he knows more than he tells,” says the lawyer. “I think we + will pack him off in the coach with old Jezebel.” + </p> + <p> + “For construing a bit of Latin?” said the Captain, very good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + “I would as lief go there as anywhere,” Harry Esmond said, simply, “for + there is nobody to care for me.” + </p> + <p> + There must have been something touching in the child's voice, or in this + description of his solitude—for the Captain looked at him very + good-naturedly, and the trooper, called Steele, put his hand kindly on the + lad's head, and said some words in the Latin tongue. + </p> + <p> + “What does he say?” says the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, ask Dick himself,” cried Captain Westbury. + </p> + <p> + “I said I was not ignorant of misfortune myself, and had learned to succor + the miserable, and that's not YOUR trade, Mr. Sheepskin,” said the + trooper. + </p> + <p> + “You had better leave Dick the Scholar alone, Mr. Corbet,” the Captain + said. And Harry Esmond, always touched by a kind face and kind word, felt + very grateful to this good-natured champion. + </p> + <p> + The horses were by this time harnessed to the coach; and the Countess and + Victoire came down and were put into the vehicle. This woman, who + quarrelled with Harry Esmond all day, was melted at parting with him, and + called him “dear angel,” and “poor infant,” and a hundred other names. + </p> + <p> + The Viscountess, giving him her lean hand to kiss, bade him always be + faithful to the house of Esmond. “If evil should happen to my lord,” says + she, “his SUCCESSOR, I trust, will be found, and give you protection. + Situated as I am, they will not dare wreak their vengeance on me NOW.” And + she kissed a medal she wore with great fervor, and Henry Esmond knew not + in the least what her meaning was; but hath since learned that, old as she + was, she was for ever expecting, by the good offices of saints and relics, + to have an heir to the title of Esmond. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond was too young to have been introduced into the secrets of + politics in which his patrons were implicated; for they put but few + questions to the boy (who was little of stature, and looked much younger + than his age), and such questions as they put he answered cautiously + enough, and professing even more ignorance than he had, for which his + examiners willingly enough gave him credit. He did not say a word about + the window or the cupboard over the fireplace; and these secrets quite + escaped the eyes of the searchers. + </p> + <p> + So then my lady was consigned to her coach, and sent off to Hexton, with + her woman and the man of law to bear her company, a couple of troopers + riding on either side of the coach. And Harry was left behind at the Hall, + belonging as it were to nobody, and quite alone in the world. The captain + and a guard of men remained in possession there; and the soldiers, who + were very good-natured and kind, ate my lord's mutton and drank his wine, + and made themselves comfortable, as they well might do in such pleasant + quarters. + </p> + <p> + The captains had their dinner served in my lord's tapestry parlor, and + poor little Harry thought his duty was to wait upon Captain Westbury's + chair, as his custom had been to serve his lord when he sat there. + </p> + <p> + After the departure of the Countess, Dick the Scholar took Harry Esmond + under his special protection, and would examine him in his humanities and + talk to him both of French and Latin, in which tongues the lad found, and + his new friend was willing enough to acknowledge, that he was even more + proficient than Scholar Dick. Hearing that he had learned them from a + Jesuit, in the praise of whom and whose goodness Harry was never tired of + speaking, Dick, rather to the boy's surprise, who began to have an early + shrewdness, like many children bred up alone, showed a great deal of + theological science, and knowledge of the points at issue between the two + churches; so that he and Harry would have hours of controversy together, + in which the boy was certainly worsted by the arguments of this singular + trooper. “I am no common soldier,” Dick would say, and indeed it was easy + to see by his learning, breeding, and many accomplishments, that he was + not. “I am of one of the most ancient families in the empire; I have had + my education at a famous school, and a famous university; I learned my + first rudiments of Latin near to Smithfield, in London, where the martyrs + were roasted.” + </p> + <p> + “You hanged as many of ours,” interposed Harry; “and, for the matter of + persecution, Father Holt told me that a young gentleman of Edinburgh, + eighteen years of age, student at the college there, was hanged for heresy + only last year, though he recanted, and solemnly asked pardon for his + errors.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith! there has been too much persecution on both sides: but 'twas you + taught us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, 'twas the Pagans began it,” cried the lad, and began to instance a + number of saints of the Church, from the proto-martyr downwards—“this + one's fire went out under him: that one's oil cooled in the caldron: at a + third holy head the executioner chopped three times and it would not come + off. Show us martyrs in YOUR church for whom such miracles have been + done.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” says the trooper gravely, “the miracles of the first three + centuries belong to my Church as well as yours, Master Papist,” and then + added, with something of a smile upon his countenance, and a queer look at + Harry—“And yet, my little catechiser, I have sometimes thought about + those miracles, that there was not much good in them, since the victim's + head always finished by coming off at the third or fourth chop, and the + caldron, if it did not boil one day, boiled the next. Howbeit, in our + times, the Church has lost that questionable advantage of respites. There + never was a shower to put out Ridley's fire, nor an angel to turn the edge + of Campion's axe. The rack tore the limbs of Southwell the Jesuit and + Sympson the Protestant alike. For faith, everywhere multitudes die + willingly enough. I have read in Monsieur Rycaut's 'History of the Turks,' + of thousands of Mahomet's followers rushing upon death in battle as upon + certain Paradise; and in the great Mogul's dominions people fling + themselves by hundreds under the cars of the idols annually, and the + widows burn themselves on their husbands' bodies, as 'tis well known. 'Tis + not the dying for a faith that's so hard, Master Harry—every man of + every nation has done that—'tis the living up to it that is + difficult, as I know to my cost,” he added with a sigh. “And ah!” he + added, “my poor lad, I am not strong enough to convince thee by my life—though + to die for my religion would give me the greatest of joys—but I had + a dear friend in Magdalen College in Oxford; I wish Joe Addison were here + to convince thee, as he quickly could—for I think he's a match for + the whole College of Jesuits; and what's more, in his life too. In that + very sermon of Dr. Cudworth's which your priest was quoting from, and + which suffered martydom in the brazier,”—Dick added with a smile, “I + had a thought of wearing the black coat (but was ashamed of my life, you + see, and took to this sorry red one); I have often thought of Joe Addison—Dr. + Cudworth says, 'A good conscience is the best looking-glass of heaven'—and + there's serenity in my friend's face which always reflects it—I wish + you could see him, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he do you a great deal of good?” asked the lad, simply. + </p> + <p> + “He might have done,” said the other—“at least he taught me to see + and approve better things. 'Tis my own fault, deteriora sequi.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem very good,” the boy said. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not what I seem, alas!” answered the trooper—and indeed, as it + turned out, poor Dick told the truth—for that very night, at supper + in the hall, where the gentlemen of the troop took their repasts, and + passed most part of their days dicing and smoking of tobacco, and singing + and cursing, over the Castlewood ale—Harry Esmond found Dick the + Scholar in a woful state of drunkenness. He hiccupped out a sermon and his + laughing companions bade him sing a hymn, on which Dick, swearing he would + run the scoundrel through the body who insulted his religion, made for his + sword, which was hanging on the wall, and fell down flat on the floor + under it, saying to Harry, who ran forward to help him, “Ah, little + Papist, I wish Joseph Addison was here!” + </p> + <p> + Though the troopers of the King's Life-Guards were all gentlemen, yet the + rest of the gentlemen seemed ignorant and vulgar boors to Harry Esmond, + with the exception of this good-natured Corporal Steele the Scholar, and + Captain Westbury and Lieutenant Trant, who were always kind to the lad. + They remained for some weeks or months encamped in Castlewood, and Harry + learned from them, from time to time, how the lady at Hexton Castle was + treated, and the particulars of her confinement there. 'Tis known that + King William was disposed to deal very leniently with the gentry who + remained faithful to the old King's cause; and no prince usurping a crown, + as his enemies said he did, (righteously taking it, as I think now,) ever + caused less blood to be shed. As for women-conspirators, he kept spies on + the least dangerous, and locked up the others. Lady Castlewood had the + best rooms in Hexton Castle, and the gaoler's garden to walk in; and + though she repeatedly desired to be led out to execution, like Mary Queen + of Scots, there never was any thought of taking her painted old head off, + or any desire to do aught but keep her person in security. + </p> + <p> + And it appeared she found that some were friends in her misfortune, whom + she had, in her prosperity, considered as her worst enemies. Colonel + Francis Esmond, my lord's cousin and her ladyship's, who had married the + Dean of Winchester's daughter, and, since King James's departure out of + England, had lived not very far away from Hexton town, hearing of his + kinswoman's strait, and being friends with Colonel Brice, commanding for + King William in Hexton, and with the Church dignitaries there, came to + visit her ladyship in prison, offering to his uncle's daughter any + friendly services which lay in his power. And he brought his lady and + little daughter to see the prisoner, to the latter of whom, a child of + great beauty and many winning ways, the old Viscountess took not a little + liking, although between her ladyship and the child's mother there was + little more love than formerly. There are some injuries which women never + forgive one another; and Madam Francis Esmond, in marrying her cousin, had + done one of those irretrievable wrongs to Lady Castlewood. But as she was + now humiliated, and in misfortune, Madam Francis could allow a truce to + her enmity, and could be kind for a while, at least, to her husband's + discarded mistress. So the little Beatrix, her daughter, was permitted + often to go and visit the imprisoned Viscountess, who, in so far as the + child and its father were concerned, got to abate in her anger towards + that branch of the Castlewood family. And the letters of Colonel Esmond + coming to light, as has been said, and his conduct being known to the + King's council, the Colonel was put in a better position with the existing + government than he had ever before been; any suspicions regarding his + loyalty were entirely done away; and so he was enabled to be of more + service to his kinswoman than he could otherwise have been. + </p> + <p> + And now there befell an event by which this lady recovered her liberty, + and the house of Castlewood got a new owner, and fatherless little Harry + Esmond a new and most kind protector and friend. Whatever that secret was + which Harry was to hear from my lord, the boy never heard it; for that + night when Father Holt arrived, and carried my lord away with him, was the + last on which Harry ever saw his patron. What happened to my lord may be + briefly told here. Having found the horses at the place where they were + lying, my lord and Father Holt rode together to Chatteris, where they had + temporary refuge with one of the Father's penitents in that city; but the + pursuit being hot for them, and the reward for the apprehension of one or + the other considerable, it was deemed advisable that they should separate; + and the priest betook himself to other places of retreat known to him, + whilst my lord passed over from Bristol into Ireland, in which kingdom + King James had a court and an army. My lord was but a small addition to + this; bringing, indeed, only his sword and the few pieces in his pocket; + but the King received him with some kindness and distinction in spite of + his poor plight, confirmed him in his new title of Marquis, gave him a + regiment, and promised him further promotion. But titles or promotion were + not to benefit him now. My lord was wounded at the fatal battle of the + Boyne, flying from which field (long after his master had set him an + example) he lay for a while concealed in the marshy country near to the + town of Trim, and more from catarrh and fever caught in the bogs than from + the steel of the enemy in the battle, sank and died. May the earth lie + light upon Thomas of Castlewood! He who writes this must speak in charity, + though this lord did him and his two grievous wrongs: for one of these he + would have made amends, perhaps, had life been spared him; but the other + lay beyond his power to repair, though 'tis to be hoped that a greater + Power than a priest has absolved him of it. He got the comfort of this + absolution, too, such as it was: a priest of Trim writing a letter to my + lady to inform her of this calamity. + </p> + <p> + But in those days letters were slow of travelling, and our priest's took + two months or more on its journey from Ireland to England: where, when it + did arrive, it did not find my lady at her own house; she was at the + King's house of Hexton Castle when the letter came to Castlewood, but it + was opened for all that by the officer in command there. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond well remembered the receipt of this letter, which Lockwood + brought in as Captain Westbury and Lieutenant Trant were on the green + playing at bowls, young Esmond looking on at the sport, or reading his + book in the arbor. + </p> + <p> + “Here's news for Frank Esmond,” says Captain Westbury; “Harry, did you + ever see Colonel Esmond?” And Captain Westbury looked very hard at the boy + as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + Harry said he had seen him but once when he was at Hexton, at the ball + there. + </p> + <p> + “And did he say anything?” + </p> + <p> + “He said what I don't care to repeat,” Harry answered. For he was now + twelve years of age: he knew what his birth was, and the disgrace of it; + and he felt no love towards the man who had most likely stained his + mother's honor and his own. + </p> + <p> + “Did you love my Lord Castlewood?” + </p> + <p> + “I wait until I know my mother, sir, to say,” the boy answered, his eyes + filling with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Something has happened to Lord Castlewood,” Captain Westbury said in a + very grave tone—“something which must happen to us all. He is dead + of a wound received at the Boyne, fighting for King James.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad my lord fought for the right cause,” the boy said. + </p> + <p> + “It was better to meet death on the field like a man, than face it on + Tower-hill, as some of them may,” continued Mr. Westbury. “I hope he has + made some testament, or provided for thee somehow. This letter says he + recommends unicum filium suum dilectissimum to his lady. I hope he has + left you more than that.” + </p> + <p> + Harry did not know, he said. He was in the hands of Heaven and Fate; but + more lonely now, as it seemed to him, than he had been all the rest of his + life; and that night, as he lay in his little room which he still + occupied, the boy thought with many a pang of shame and grief of his + strange and solitary condition: how he had a father and no father; a + nameless mother that had been brought to ruin, perhaps, by that very + father whom Harry could only acknowledge in secret and with a blush, and + whom he could neither love nor revere. And he sickened to think how Father + Holt, a stranger, and two or three soldiers, his acquaintances of the last + six weeks, were the only friends he had in the great wide world, where he + was now quite alone. The soul of the boy was full of love, and he longed + as he lay in the darkness there for some one upon whom he could bestow it. + He remembers, and must to his dying day, the thoughts and tears of that + long night, the hours tolling through it. Who was he, and what? Why here + rather than elsewhere? I have a mind, he thought, to go to that priest at + Trim, and find out what my father said to him on his death-bed confession. + Is there any child in the whole world so unprotected as I am? Shall I get + up and quit this place, and run to Ireland? With these thoughts and tears + the lad passed that night away until he wept himself to sleep. + </p> + <p> + The next day, the gentlemen of the guard, who had heard what had befallen + him, were more than usually kind to the child, especially his friend + Scholar Dick, who told him about his own father's death, which had + happened when Dick was a child at Dublin, not quite five years of age. + “That was the first sensation of grief,” Dick said, “I ever knew. I + remember I went into the room where his body lay, and my mother sat + weeping beside it. I had my battledore in my hand, and fell a-beating the + coffin, and calling Papa; on which my mother caught me in her arms, and + told me in a flood of tears Papa could not hear me, and would play with me + no more, for they were going to put him under ground, whence he could + never come to us again. And this,” said Dick kindly, “has made me pity all + children ever since; and caused me to love thee, my poor fatherless, + motherless lad. And, if ever thou wantest a friend, thou shalt have one in + Richard Steele.” + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond thanked him, and was grateful. But what could Corporal Steele + do for him? take him to ride a spare horse, and be servant to the troop? + Though there might be a bar in Harry Esmond's shield, it was a noble one. + The counsel of the two friends was, that little Harry should stay where he + was, and abide his fortune: so Esmond stayed on at Castlewood, awaiting + with no small anxiety the fate, whatever it was, which was over him. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + I AM LEFT AT CASTLEWOOD AN ORPHAN, AND FIND MOST KIND PROTECTORS THERE. + </h3> + <p> + During the stay of the soldiers in Castlewood, honest Dick the Scholar was + the constant companion of the lonely little orphan lad Harry Esmond: and + they read together, and they played bowls together, and when the other + troopers or their officers, who were free-spoken over their cups, (as was + the way of that day, when neither men nor women were over-nice,) talked + unbecomingly of their amours and gallantries before the child, Dick, who + very likely was setting the whole company laughing, would stop their jokes + with a maxima debetur pueris reverentia, and once offered to lug out + against another trooper called Hulking Tom, who wanted to ask Harry Esmond + a ribald question. + </p> + <p> + Also, Dick seeing that the child had, as he said, a sensibility above his + years, and a great and praiseworthy discretion, confided to Harry his love + for a vintner's daughter, near to the Tollyard, Westminster, whom Dick + addressed as Saccharissa in many verses of his composition, and without + whom he said it would be impossible that he could continue to live. He + vowed this a thousand times in a day, though Harry smiled to see the + love-lorn swain had his health and appetite as well as the most + heart-whole trooper in the regiment: and he swore Harry to secrecy too, + which vow the lad religiously kept, until he found that officers and + privates were all taken into Dick's confidence, and had the benefit of his + verses. And it must be owned likewise that, while Dick was sighing after + Saccharissa in London, he had consolations in the country; for there came + a wench out of Castlewood village who had washed his linen, and who cried + sadly when she heard he was gone: and without paying her bill too, which + Harry Esmond took upon himself to discharge by giving the girl a silver + pocket-piece, which Scholar Dick had presented to him, when, with many + embraces and prayers for his prosperity, Dick parted from him, the + garrison of Castlewood being ordered away. Dick the Scholar said he would + never forget his young friend, nor indeed did he: and Harry was sorry when + the kind soldiers vacated Castlewood, looking forward with no small + anxiety (for care and solitude had made him thoughtful beyond his years) + to his fate when the new lord and lady of the house came to live there. He + had lived to be past twelve years old now; and had never had a friend, + save this wild trooper, perhaps, and Father Holt; and had a fond and + affectionate heart, tender to weakness, that would fain attach itself to + somebody, and did not seem at rest until it had found a friend who would + take charge of it. + </p> + <p> + The instinct which led Henry Esmond to admire and love the gracious + person, the fair apparition of whose beauty and kindness had so moved him + when he first beheld her, became soon a devoted affection and passion of + gratitude, which entirely filled his young heart, that as yet, except in + the case of dear Father Holt, had had very little kindness for which to be + thankful. O Dea certe, thought he, remembering the lines out of the AEneas + which Mr. Holt had taught him. There seemed, as the boy thought, in every + look or gesture of this fair creature, an angelical softness and bright + pity—in motion or repose she seemed gracious alike; the tone of her + voice, though she uttered words ever so trivial, gave him a pleasure that + amounted almost to anguish. It cannot be called love, that a lad of twelve + years of age, little more than a menial, felt for an exalted lady, his + mistress: but it was worship. To catch her glance, to divine her errand + and run on it before she had spoken it; to watch, follow, adore her; + became the business of his life. Meanwhile, as is the way often, his idol + had idols of her own, and never thought of or suspected the admiration of + her little pigmy adorer. + </p> + <p> + My lady had on her side her three idols: first and foremost, Jove and + supreme ruler, was her lord, Harry's patron, the good Viscount of + Castlewood. All wishes of his were laws with her. If he had a headache, + she was ill. If he frowned, she trembled. If he joked, she smiled and was + charmed. If he went a-hunting, she was always at the window to see him + ride away, her little son crowing on her arm, or on the watch till his + return. She made dishes for his dinner: spiced wine for him: made the + toast for his tankard at breakfast: hushed the house when he slept in his + chair, and watched for a look when he woke. If my lord was not a little + proud of his beauty, my lady adored it. She clung to his arm as he paced + the terrace, her two fair little hands clasped round his great one; her + eyes were never tired of looking in his face and wondering at its + perfection. Her little son was his son, and had his father's look and + curly brown hair. Her daughter Beatrix was his daughter, and had his eyes—were + there ever such beautiful eyes in the world? All the house was arranged so + as to bring him ease and give him pleasure. She liked the small gentry + round about to come and pay him court, never caring for admiration for + herself; those who wanted to be well with the lady must admire him. Not + regarding her dress, she would wear a gown to rags, because he had once + liked it: and, if he brought her a brooch or a ribbon, would prefer it to + all the most costly articles of her wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + My lord went to London every year for six weeks, and the family being too + poor to appear at Court with any figure, he went alone. It was not until + he was out of sight that her face showed any sorrow: and what a joy when + he came back! What preparation before his return! The fond creature had + his arm-chair at the chimney-side—delighting to put the children in + it, and look at them there. Nobody took his place at the table; but his + silver tankard stood there as when my lord was present. + </p> + <p> + A pretty sight it was to see, during my lord's absence, or on those many + mornings when sleep or headache kept him a-bed, this fair young lady of + Castlewood, her little daughter at her knee, and her domestics gathered + round her, reading the Morning Prayer of the English Church. Esmond long + remembered how she looked and spoke, kneeling reverently before the sacred + book, the sun shining upon her golden hair until it made a halo round + about her. A dozen of the servants of the house kneeled in a line opposite + their mistress; for a while Harry Esmond kept apart from these mysteries, + but Doctor Tusher showing him that the prayers read were those of the + Church of all ages, and the boy's own inclination prompting him to be + always as near as he might to his mistress, and to think all things she + did right, from listening to the prayers in the ante-chamber, he came + presently to kneel down with the rest of the household in the parlor; and + before a couple of years my lady had made a thorough convert. Indeed, the + boy loved his catechiser so much that he would have subscribed to anything + she bade him, and was never tired of listening to her fond discourse and + simple comments upon the book, which she read to him in a voice of which + it was difficult to resist the sweet persuasion and tender appealing + kindness. This friendly controversy, and the intimacy which it occasioned, + bound the lad more fondly than ever to his mistress. The happiest period + of all his life was this; and the young mother, with her daughter and son, + and the orphan lad whom she protected, read and worked and played, and + were children together. If the lady looked forward—as what fond + woman does not?—towards the future, she had no plans from which + Harry Esmond was left out; and a thousand and a thousand times, in his + passionate and impetuous way, he vowed that no power should separate him + from his mistress; and only asked for some chance to happen by which he + might show his fidelity to her. Now, at the close of his life, as he sits + and recalls in tranquillity the happy and busy scenes of it, he can think, + not ungratefully, that he has been faithful to that early vow. Such a life + is so simple that years may be chronicled in a few lines. But few men's + life-voyages are destined to be all prosperous; and this calm of which we + are speaking was soon to come to an end. + </p> + <p> + As Esmond grew, and observed for himself, he found of necessity much to + read and think of outside that fond circle of kinsfolk who had admitted + him to join hand with them. He read more books than they cared to study + with him; was alone in the midst of them many a time, and passed nights + over labors, futile perhaps, but in which they could not join him. His + dear mistress divined his thoughts with her usual jealous watchfulness of + affection: began to forebode a time when he would escape from his + home-nest; and, at his eager protestations to the contrary, would only + sigh and shake her head. Before those fatal decrees in life are executed, + there are always secret previsions and warning omens. When everything yet + seems calm, we are aware that the storm is coming. Ere the happy days were + over, two at least of that home-party felt that they were drawing to a + close; and were uneasy, and on the look-out for the cloud which was to + obscure their calm. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas easy for Harry to see, however much his lady persisted in obedience + and admiration for her husband, that my lord tired of his quiet life, and + grew weary, and then testy, at those gentle bonds with which his wife + would have held him. As they say the Grand Lama of Thibet is very much + fatigued by his character of divinity, and yawns on his altar as his + bonzes kneel and worship him, many a home-god grows heartily sick of the + reverence with which his family-devotees pursue him, and sighs for freedom + and for his old life, and to be off the pedestal on which his dependants + would have him sit for ever, whilst they adore him, and ply him with + flowers, and hymns, and incense, and flattery;—so, after a few years + of his marriage my honest Lord Castlewood began to tire; all the + high-flown raptures and devotional ceremonies with which his wife, his + chief priestess, treated him, first sent him to sleep, and then drove him + out of doors; for the truth must be told, that my lord was a jolly + gentleman, with very little of the august or divine in his nature, though + his fond wife persisted in revering it—and, besides, he had to pay a + penalty for this love, which persons of his disposition seldom like to + defray: and, in a word, if he had a loving wife, had a very jealous and + exacting one. Then he wearied of this jealousy; then he broke away from + it; then came, no doubt, complaints and recriminations; then, perhaps, + promises of amendment not fulfilled; then upbraidings not the more + pleasant because they were silent, and only sad looks and tearful eyes + conveyed them. Then, perhaps, the pair reached that other stage which is + not uncommon in married life, when the woman perceives that the god of the + honeymoon is a god no more; only a mortal like the rest of us—and so + she looks into her heart, and lo! vacuae sedes et inania arcana. And now, + supposing our lady to have a fine genius and a brilliant wit of her own, + and the magic spell and infatuation removed from her which had led her to + worship as a god a very ordinary mortal—and what follows? They live + together, and they dine together, and they say “my dear” and “my love” as + heretofore; but the man is himself, and the woman herself: that dream of + love is over as everything else is over in life; as flowers and fury, and + griefs and pleasures, are over. + </p> + <p> + Very likely the Lady Castlewood had ceased to adore her husband herself + long before she got off her knees, or would allow her household to + discontinue worshipping him. To do him justice, my lord never exacted this + subservience: he laughed and joked and drank his bottle, and swore when he + was angry, much too familiarly for any one pretending to sublimity; and + did his best to destroy the ceremonial with which his wife chose to + surround him. And it required no great conceit on young Esmond's part to + see that his own brains were better than his patron's, who, indeed, never + assumed any airs of superiority over the lad, or over any dependant of + his, save when he was displeased, in which case he would express his mind + in oaths very freely; and who, on the contrary, perhaps, spoiled “Parson + Harry,” as he called young Esmond, by constantly praising his parts and + admiring his boyish stock of learning. + </p> + <p> + It may seem ungracious in one who has received a hundred favors from his + patron to speak in any but a reverential manner of his elders; but the + present writer has had descendants of his own, whom he has brought up with + as little as possible of the servility at present exacted by parents from + children (under which mask of duty there often lurks indifference, + contempt, or rebellion): and as he would have his grandsons believe or + represent him to be not an inch taller than Nature has made him: so, with + regard to his past acquaintances, he would speak without anger, but with + truth, as far as he knows it, neither extenuating nor setting down aught + in malice. + </p> + <p> + So long, then, as the world moved according to Lord Castlewood's wishes, + he was good-humored enough; of a temper naturally sprightly and easy, + liking to joke, especially with his inferiors, and charmed to receive the + tribute of their laughter. All exercises of the body he could perform to + perfection—shooting at a mark and flying, breaking horses, riding at + the ring, pitching the quoit, playing at all games with great skill. And + not only did he do these things well, but he thought he did them to + perfection; hence he was often tricked about horses, which he pretended to + know better than any jockey; was made to play at ball and billiards by + sharpers who took his money, and came back from London wofully poorer each + time than he went, as the state of his affairs testified when the sudden + accident came by which his career was brought to an end. + </p> + <p> + He was fond of the parade of dress, and passed as many hours daily at his + toilette as an elderly coquette. A tenth part of his day was spent in the + brushing of his teeth and the oiling of his hair, which was curling and + brown, and which he did not like to conceal under a periwig, such as + almost everybody of that time wore. (We have the liberty of our hair back + now, but powder and pomatum along with it. When, I wonder, will these + monstrous poll-taxes of our age be withdrawn, and men allowed to carry + their colors, black, red, or gray, as Nature made them?) And as he liked + her to be well dressed, his lady spared no pains in that matter to please + him; indeed, she would dress her head or cut it off if he had bidden her. + </p> + <p> + It was a wonder to young Esmond, serving as page to my lord and lady, to + hear, day after day, to such company as came, the same boisterous stories + told by my lord, at which his lady never failed to smile or hold down her + head, and Doctor Tusher to burst out laughing at the proper point, or cry, + “Fie, my lord, remember my cloth!” but with such a faint show of + resistance, that it only provoked my lord further. Lord Castlewood's + stories rose by degrees, and became stronger after the ale at dinner and + the bottle afterwards; my lady always taking flight after the very first + glass to Church and King, and leaving the gentlemen to drink the rest of + the toasts by themselves. + </p> + <p> + And, as Harry Esmond was her page, he also was called from duty at this + time. “My lord has lived in the army and with soldiers,” she would say to + the lad, “amongst whom great license is allowed. You have had a different + nurture, and I trust these things will change as you grow older; not that + any fault attaches to my lord, who is one of the best and most religious + men in this kingdom.” And very likely she believed so. 'Tis strange what a + man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel. + </p> + <p> + And as Esmond has taken truth for his motto, it must be owned, even with + regard to that other angel, his mistress, that she had a fault of + character which flawed her perfections. With the other sex perfectly + tolerant and kindly, of her own she was invariably jealous; and a proof + that she had this vice is, that though she would acknowledge a thousand + faults that she had not, to this which she had she could never be got to + own. But if there came a woman with even a semblance of beauty to + Castlewood, she was so sure to find out some wrong in her, that my lord, + laughing in his jolly way, would often joke with her concerning her + foible. Comely servant-maids might come for hire, but none were taken at + Castlewood. The housekeeper was old; my lady's own waiting-woman squinted, + and was marked with the small-pox; the housemaids and scullion were + ordinary country wenches, to whom Lady Castlewood was kind, as her nature + made her to everybody almost; but as soon as ever she had to do with a + pretty woman, she was cold, retiring, and haughty. The country ladies + found this fault in her; and though the men all admired her, their wives + and daughters complained of her coldness and aims, and said that + Castlewood was pleasanter in Lady Jezebel's time (as the dowager was + called) than at present. Some few were of my mistress's side. Old Lady + Blenkinsop Jointure, who had been at court in King James the First's time, + always took her side; and so did old Mistress Crookshank, Bishop + Crookshank's daughter, of Hexton, who, with some more of their like, + pronounced my lady an angel: but the pretty women were not of this mind; + and the opinion of the country was that my lord was tied to his wife's + apron-strings, and that she ruled over him. + </p> + <p> + The second fight which Harry Esmond had, was at fourteen years of age, + with Bryan Hawkshaw, Sir John Hawkshaw's son, of Bramblebrook, who, + advancing this opinion, that my lady was jealous and henpecked my lord, + put Harry in such a fury, that Harry fell on him and with such rage, that + the other boy, who was two years older and by far bigger than he, had by + far the worst of the assault, until it was interrupted by Doctor Tusher + walking out of the dinner-room. + </p> + <p> + Bryan Hawkshaw got up bleeding at the nose, having, indeed, been + surprised, as many a stronger man might have been, by the fury of the + assault upon him. + </p> + <p> + “You little bastard beggar!” he said, “I'll murder you for this!” + </p> + <p> + And indeed he was big enough. + </p> + <p> + “Bastard or not,” said the other, grinding his teeth, “I have a couple of + swords, and if you like to meet me, as a man, on the terrace to-night—” + </p> + <p> + And here the Doctor coming up, the colloquy of the young champions ended. + Very likely, big as he was, Hawkshaw did not care to continue a fight with + such a ferocious opponent as this had been. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + AFTER GOOD FORTUNE COMES EVIL. + </h3> + <p> + Since my Lady Mary Wortley Montagu brought home the custom of inoculation + from Turkey (a perilous practice many deem it, and only a useless rushing + into the jaws of danger), I think the severity of the small-pox, that + dreadful scourge of the world, has somewhat been abated in our part of it; + and remember in my time hundreds of the young and beautiful who have been + carried to the grave, or have only risen from their pillows frightfully + scarred and disfigured by this malady. Many a sweet face hath left its + roses on the bed on which this dreadful and withering blight has laid + them. In my early days, this pestilence would enter a village and destroy + half its inhabitants: at its approach, it may well be imagined, not only + the beautiful but the strongest were alarmed, and those fled who could. + One day in the year 1694 (I have good reason to remember it), Doctor + Tusher ran into Castlewood House, with a face of consternation, saying + that the malady had made its appearance at the blacksmith's house in the + village, and that one of the maids there was down in the small-pox. + </p> + <p> + The blacksmith, besides his forge and irons for horses, had an ale-house + for men, which his wife kept, and his company sat on benches before the + inn-door, looking at the smithy while they drank their beer. Now, there + was a pretty girl at this inn, the landlord's men called Nancy + Sievewright, a bouncing, fresh-looking lass, whose face was as red as the + hollyhocks over the pales of the garden behind the inn. At this time Harry + Esmond was a lad of sixteen, and somehow in his walks and rambles it often + happened that he fell in with Nancy Sievewright's bonny face; if he did + not want something done at the blacksmith's he would go and drink ale at + the “Three Castles,” or find some pretext for seeing this poor Nancy. Poor + thing, Harry meant or imagined no harm; and she, no doubt, as little, but + the truth is they were always meeting—in the lanes, or by the brook, + or at the garden-palings, or about Castlewood: it was, “Lord, Mr. Henry!” + and “how do you do, Nancy?” many and many a time in the week. 'Tis + surprising the magnetic attraction which draws people together from ever + so far. I blush as I think of poor Nancy now, in a red bodice and buxom + purple cheeks and a canvas petticoat; and that I devised schemes, and set + traps, and made speeches in my heart, which I seldom had courage to say + when in presence of that humble enchantress, who knew nothing beyond + milking a cow, and opened her black eyes with wonder when I made one of my + fine speeches out of Waller or Ovid. Poor Nancy! from the midst of far-off + years thine honest country face beams out; and I remember thy kind voice + as if I had heard it yesterday. + </p> + <p> + When Doctor Tusher brought the news that the small-pox was at the “Three + Castles,” whither a tramper, it was said, had brought the malady, Henry + Esmond's first thought was of alarm for poor Nancy, and then of shame and + disquiet for the Castlewood family, lest he might have brought this + infection; for the truth is that Mr. Harry had been sitting in a back room + for an hour that day, where Nancy Sievewright was with a little brother + who complained of headache, and was lying stupefied and crying, either in + a chair by the corner of the fire, or in Nancy's lap, or on mine. + </p> + <p> + Little Lady Beatrix screamed out at Dr. Tusher's news; and my lord cried + out, “God bless me!” He was a brave man, and not afraid of death in any + shape but this. He was very proud of his pink complexion and fair hair—but + the idea of death by small-pox scared him beyond all other ends. “We will + take the children and ride away to-morrow to Walcote:” this was my lord's + small house, inherited from his mother, near to Winchester. + </p> + <p> + “That is the best refuge in case the disease spreads,” said Dr. Tusher. + “'Tis awful to think of it beginning at the ale-house; half the people of + the village have visited that to-day, or the blacksmith's, which is the + same thing. My clerk Nahum lodges with them—I can never go into my + reading-desk and have that fellow so near me. I WON'T have that man near + me.” + </p> + <p> + “If a parishioner dying in the small-pox sent to you, would you not go?” + asked my lady, looking up from her frame of work, with her calm blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “By the Lord, I wouldn't,” said my lord. + </p> + <p> + “We are not in a popish country; and a sick man doth not absolutely need + absolution and confession,” said the Doctor. “'Tis true they are a comfort + and a help to him when attainable, and to be administered with hope of + good. But in a case where the life of a parish priest in the midst of his + flock is highly valuable to them, he is not called upon to risk it (and + therewith the lives, future prospects, and temporal, even spiritual + welfare of his own family) for the sake of a single person, who is not + very likely in a condition even to understand the religious message + whereof the priest is the bringer—being uneducated, and likewise + stupefied or delirious by disease. If your ladyship or his lordship, my + excellent good friend and patron, were to take it . . .” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” cried my lord. + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” continued Dr. Tusher. “Amen to that prayer, my very good lord! for + your sake I would lay my life down”—and, to judge from the alarmed + look of the Doctor's purple face, you would have thought that that + sacrifice was about to be called for instantly. + </p> + <p> + To love children, and be gentle with them, was an instinct, rather than a + merit, in Henry Esmond; so much so, that he thought almost with a sort of + shame of his liking for them, and of the softness into which it betrayed + him; and on this day the poor fellow had not only had his young friend, + the milkmaid's brother, on his knee, but had been drawing pictures and + telling stories to the little Frank Castlewood, who had occupied the same + place for an hour after dinner, and was never tired of Henry's tales, and + his pictures of soldiers and horses. As luck would have it, Beatrix had + not on that evening taken her usual place, which generally she was glad + enough to have, upon her tutor's lap. For Beatrix, from the earliest time, + was jealous of every caress which was given to her little brother Frank. + She would fling away even from the maternal arms, if she saw Frank had + been there before her; insomuch that Lady Esmond was obliged not to show + her love for her son in the presence of the little girl, and embraced one + or the other alone. She would turn pale and red with rage if she caught + signs of intelligence or affection between Frank and his mother: would sit + apart, and not speak for a whole night, if she thought the boy had a + better fruit or a larger cake than hers; would fling away a ribbon if he + had one; and from the earliest age, sitting up in her little chair by the + great fireplace opposite to the corner where Lady Castlewood commonly sat + at her embroidery, would utter infantine sarcasms about the favor shown to + her brother. These, if spoken in the presence of Lord Castlewood, tickled + and amused his humor; he would pretend to love Frank best, and dandle and + kiss him, and roar with laughter at Beatrix's jealousy. But the truth is, + my lord did not often witness these scenes, nor very much trouble the + quiet fireside at which his lady passed many long evenings. My lord was + hunting all day when the season admitted; he frequented all the + cock-fights and fairs in the country, and would ride twenty miles to see a + main fought, or two clowns break their heads at a cudgelling-match; and he + liked better to sit in his parlor drinking ale and punch with Jack and + Tom, than in his wife's drawing-room: whither, if he came, he brought only + too often bloodshot eyes, a hiccupping voice, and a reeling gait. The + management of the house, and the property, the care of the few tenants and + the village poor, and the accounts of the estate, were in the hands of his + lady and her young secretary, Harry Esmond. My lord took charge of the + stables, the kennel, and the cellar—and he filled this and emptied + it too. + </p> + <p> + So it chanced that upon this very day, when poor Harry Esmond had had the + blacksmith's son, and the peer's son, alike upon his knee, little Beatrix, + who would come to her tutor willingly enough with her book and her + writing, had refused him, seeing the place occupied by her brother, and, + luckily for her, had sat at the further end of the room, away from him, + playing with a spaniel dog which she had, (and for which, by fits and + starts, she would take a great affection,) and talking at Harry Esmond + over her shoulder, as she pretended to caress the dog, saying that Fido + would love her, and she would love Fido, and nothing but Fido all her + life. + </p> + <p> + When, then, the news was brought that the little boy at the “Three + Castles” was ill with the small-pox, poor Harry Esmond felt a shock of + alarm, not so much for himself as for his mistress's son, whom he might + have brought into peril. Beatrix, who had pouted sufficiently, (and who, + whenever a stranger appeared, began, from infancy almost, to play off + little graces to catch his attention,) her brother being now gone to bed, + was for taking her place upon Esmond's knee: for, though the Doctor was + very obsequious to her, she did not like him, because he had thick boots + and dirty hands (the pert young miss said), and because she hated learning + the catechism. + </p> + <p> + But as she advanced towards Esmond from the corner where she had been + sulking, he started back and placed the great chair on which he was + sitting between him and her—saying in the French language to Lady + Castlewood, with whom the young lad had read much, and whom he had + perfected in this tongue—“Madam, the child must not approach me; I + must tell you that I was at the blacksmith's to-day, and had his little + boy upon my lap.” + </p> + <p> + “Where you took my son afterwards,” Lady Castlewood said, very angry, and + turning red. “I thank you, sir, for giving him such company. Beatrix,” she + said in English, “I forbid you to touch Mr. Esmond. Come away, child—come + to your room. Come to your room—I wish your Reverence good-night—and + you, sir, had you not better go back to your friends at the ale-house?” + her eyes, ordinarily so kind, darted flashes of anger as she spoke; and + she tossed up her head (which hung down commonly) with the mien of a + princess. + </p> + <p> + “Hey-day!” says my lord, who was standing by the fireplace—indeed he + was in the position to which he generally came by that hour of the evening—“Hey-day! + Rachel, what are you in a passion about? Ladies ought never to be in a + passion. Ought they, Doctor Tusher? though it does good to see Rachel in a + passion—Damme, Lady Castlewood, you look dev'lish handsome in a + passion.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, my lord, because Mr. Henry Esmond, having nothing to do with his + time here, and not having a taste for our company, has been to the + ale-house, where he has SOME FRIENDS.” + </p> + <p> + My lord burst out, with a laugh and an oath—“You young slyboots, + you've been at Nancy Sievewright. D—- the young hypocrite, who'd + have thought it in him? I say, Tusher, he's been after—” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, my lord,” said my lady, “don't insult me with this talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” said poor Harry, ready to cry with shame and + mortification, “the honor of that young person is perfectly unstained for + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course, of course,” says my lord, more and more laughing and + tipsy. “Upon his HONOR, Doctor—Nancy Sieve— . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Take Mistress Beatrix to bed,” my lady cried at this moment to Mrs. + Tucker her woman, who came in with her ladyship's tea. “Put her into my + room—no, into yours,” she added quickly. “Go, my child: go, I say: + not a word!” And Beatrix, quite surprised at so sudden a tone of authority + from one who was seldom accustomed to raise her voice, went out of the + room with a scared countenance, and waited even to burst out a-crying + until she got to the door with Mrs. Tucker. + </p> + <p> + For once her mother took little heed of her sobbing, and continued to + speak eagerly—“My lord,” she said, “this young man—your + dependant—told me just now in French—he was ashamed to speak + in his own language—that he had been at the ale-house all day, where + he has had that little wretch who is now ill of the small-pox on his knee. + And he comes home reeking from that place—yes, reeking from it—and + takes my boy into his lap without shame, and sits down by me, yes, by ME. + He may have killed Frank for what I know—killed our child. Why was + he brought in to disgrace our house? Why is he here? Let him go—let + him go, I say, to-night, and pollute the place no more.” + </p> + <p> + She had never once uttered a syllable of unkindness to Harry Esmond; and + her cruel words smote the poor boy, so that he stood for some moments + bewildered with grief and rage at the injustice of such a stab from such a + hand. He turned quite white from red, which he had been. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot help my birth, madam,” he said, “nor my other misfortune. And as + for your boy, if—if my coming nigh to him pollutes him now, it was + not so always. Good-night, my lord. Heaven bless you and yours for your + goodness to me. I have tired her ladyship's kindness out, and I will go;” + and, sinking down on his knee, Harry Esmond took the rough hand of his + benefactor and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “He wants to go to the ale-house—let him go,” cried my lady. + </p> + <p> + “I'm d—d if he shall,” said my lord. “I didn't think you could be so + d—d ungrateful, Rachel.” + </p> + <p> + Her reply was to burst into a flood of tears, and to quit the room with a + rapid glance at Harry Esmond,—as my lord, not heeding them, and + still in great good-humor, raised up his young client from his kneeling + posture (for a thousand kindnesses had caused the lad to revere my lord as + a father), and put his broad hand on Harry Esmond's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “She was always so,” my lord said; “the very notion of a woman drives her + mad. I took to liquor on that very account, by Jove, for no other reason + than that; for she can't be jealous of a beer-barrel or a bottle of rum, + can she, Doctor? D—- it, look at the maids—just look at the + maids in the house” (my lord pronounced all the words together—just-look-at-the-maze-in-the-house: + jever-see-such-maze?) “You wouldn't take a wife out of Castlewood now, + would you, Doctor?” and my lord burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, who had been looking at my Lord Castlewood from under his + eyelids, said, “But joking apart, and, my lord, as a divine, I cannot + treat the subject in a jocular light, nor, as a pastor of this + congregation, look with anything but sorrow at the idea of so very young a + sheep going astray.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said young Esmond, bursting out indignantly, “she told me that you + yourself were a horrid old man, and had offered to kiss her in the dairy.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Henry,” cried Doctor Tusher, turning as red as a turkey-cock, + while my lord continued to roar with laughter. “If you listen to the + falsehoods of an abandoned girl—” + </p> + <p> + “She is as honest as any woman in England, and as pure for me,” cried out + Henry, “and, as kind, and as good. For shame on you to malign her!” + </p> + <p> + “Far be it from me to do so,” cried the Doctor. “Heaven grant I may be + mistaken in the girl, and in you, sir, who have a truly PRECOCIOUS genius; + but that is not the point at issue at present. It appears that the + small-pox broke out in the little boy at the 'Three Castles;' that it was + on him when you visited the ale-house, for your OWN reasons; and that you + sat with the child for some time, and immediately afterwards with my young + lord.” The Doctor raised his voice as he spoke, and looked towards my + lady, who had now come back, looking very pale, with a handkerchief in her + hand. + </p> + <p> + “This is all very true, sir,” said Lady Esmond, looking at the young man. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis to be feared that he may have brought the infection with him.” + </p> + <p> + “From the ale-house—yes,” said my lady. + </p> + <p> + “D—- it, I forgot when I collared you, boy,” cried my lord, stepping + back. “Keep off, Harry my boy; there's no good in running into the wolf's + jaws, you know.” + </p> + <p> + My lady looked at him with some surprise, and instantly advancing to Henry + Esmond, took his hand. “I beg your pardon, Henry,” she said; “I spoke very + unkindly. I have no right to interfere with you—with your—” + </p> + <p> + My lord broke out into an oath. “Can't you leave the boy alone, my lady?” + She looked a little red, and faintly pressed the lad's hand as she dropped + it. + </p> + <p> + “There is no use, my lord,” she said; “Frank was on his knee as he was + making pictures, and was running constantly from Henry to me. The evil is + done, if any.” + </p> + <p> + “Not with me, damme,” cried my lord. “I've been smoking,”—and he + lighted his pipe again with a coal—“and it keeps off infection; and + as the disease is in the village—plague take it—I would have + you leave it. We'll go to-morrow to Walcote, my lady.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no fear,” said my lady; “I may have had it as an infant: it broke + out in our house then; and when four of my sisters had it at home, two + years before our marriage, I escaped it, and two of my dear sisters died.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't run the risk,” said my lord; “I'm as bold as any man, but I'll + not bear that.” + </p> + <p> + “Take Beatrix with you and go,” said my lady. “For us the mischief is + done; and Tucker can wait upon us, who has had the disease.” + </p> + <p> + “You take care to choose 'em ugly enough,” said my lord, at which her + ladyship hung down her head and looked foolish: and my lord, calling away + Tusher, bade him come to the oak parlor and have a pipe. The Doctor made a + low bow to her ladyship (of which salaams he was profuse), and walked off + on his creaking square-toes after his patron. + </p> + <p> + When the lady and the young man were alone, there was a silence of some + moments, during which he stood at the fire, looking rather vacantly at the + dying embers, whilst her ladyship busied herself with the tambour-frame + and needles. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” she said, after a pause, in a hard, dry voice,—“I + REPEAT I am sorry that I showed myself so ungrateful for the safety of my + son. It was not at all my wish that you should leave us, I am sure, unless + you found pleasure elsewhere. But you must perceive, Mr. Esmond, that at + your age, and with your tastes, it is impossible that you can continue to + stay upon the intimate footing in which you have been in this family. You + have wished to go to the University, and I think 'tis quite as well that + you should be sent thither. I did not press this matter, thinking you a + child, as you are, indeed, in years—quite a child; and I should + never have thought of treating you otherwise until—until these + CIRCUMSTANCES came to light. And I shall beg my lord to despatch you as + quick as possible: and will go on with Frank's learning as well as I can, + (I owe my father thanks for a little grounding, and you, I'm sure, for + much that you have taught me,)—and—and I wish you a + good-night, Mr. Esmond.” + </p> + <p> + And with this she dropped a stately curtsy, and, taking her candle, went + away through the tapestry door, which led to her apartments. Esmond stood + by the fireplace, blankly staring after her. Indeed, he scarce seemed to + see until she was gone; and then her image was impressed upon him, and + remained for ever fixed upon his memory. He saw her retreating, the taper + lighting up her marble face, her scarlet lip quivering, and her shining + golden hair. He went to his own room, and to bed, where he tried to read, + as his custom was; but he never knew what he was reading until afterwards + he remembered the appearance of the letters of the book (it was in + Montaigne's Essays), and the events of the day passed before him—that + is, of the last hour of the day; for as for the morning, and the poor + milkmaid yonder, he never so much as once thought. And he could not get to + sleep until daylight, and woke with a violent headache, and quite + unrefreshed. + </p> + <p> + He had brought the contagion with him from the “Three Castles” sure + enough, and was presently laid up with the smallpox, which spared the hall + no more than it did the cottage. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + I HAVE THE SMALL-POX, AND PREPARE TO LEAVE CASTLEWOOD. + </h3> + <p> + When Harry Esmond passed through the crisis of that malady, and returned + to health again, he found that little Frank Esmond had also suffered and + rallied after the disease, and the lady his mother was down with it, with + a couple more of the household. “It was a Providence, for which we all + ought to be thankful,” Doctor Tusher said, “that my lady and her son were + spared, while Death carried off the poor domestics of the house;” and + rebuked Harry for asking, in his simple way, For which we ought to be + thankful—that the servants were killed, or the gentlefolks were + saved? Nor could young Esmond agree in the Doctor's vehement protestations + to my lady, when he visited her during her convalescence, that the malady + had not in the least impaired her charms, and had not been churl enough to + injure the fair features of the Viscountess of Castlewood; whereas, in + spite of these fine speeches, Harry thought that her ladyship's beauty was + very much injured by the small-pox. When the marks of the disease cleared + away, they did not, it is true, leave furrows or scars on her face (except + one, perhaps, on her forehead over her left eyebrow); but the delicacy of + her rosy color and complexion was gone: her eyes had lost their + brilliancy, her hair fell, and her face looked older. It was as if a + coarse hand had rubbed off the delicate tints of that sweet picture, and + brought it, as one has seen unskilful painting-cleaners do, to the dead + color. Also, it must be owned, that for a year or two after the malady, + her ladyship's nose was swollen and redder. + </p> + <p> + There would be no need to mention these trivialities, but that they + actually influenced many lives, as trifles will in the world, where a gnat + often plays a greater part than an elephant, and a mole-hill, as we know + in King William's case, can upset an empire. When Tusher in his courtly + way (at which Harry Esmond always chafed and spoke scornfully) vowed and + protested that my lady's face was none the worse—the lad broke out + and said, “It IS worse and my mistress is not near so handsome as she + was;” on which poor Lady Castlewood gave a rueful smile, and a look into a + little Venice glass she had, which showed her, I suppose, that what the + stupid boy said was only too true, for she turned away from the glass, and + her eyes filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + The sight of these in Esmond's heart always created a sort of rage of + pity, and seeing them on the face of the lady whom he loved best, the + young blunderer sank down on his knees, and besought her to pardon him, + saying that he was a fool and an idiot, that he was a brute to make such a + speech, he who had caused her malady; and Doctor Tusher told him that a + bear he was indeed, and a bear he would remain, at which speech poor young + Esmond was so dumbstricken that he did not even growl. + </p> + <p> + “He is MY bear, and I will not have him baited, Doctor,” my lady said, + patting her hand kindly on the boy's head, as he was still kneeling at her + feet. “How your hair has come off! And mine, too,” she added with another + sigh. + </p> + <p> + “It is not for myself that I cared,” my lady said to Harry, when the + parson had taken his leave; “but AM I very much changed? Alas! I fear 'tis + too true.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, you have the dearest, and kindest, and sweetest face in the world, + I think,” the lad said; and indeed he thought and thinks so. + </p> + <p> + “Will my lord think so when he comes back?” the lady asked with a sigh, + and another look at her Venice glass. “Suppose he should think as you do, + sir, that I am hideous—yes, you said hideous—he will cease to + care for me. 'Tis all men care for in women, our little beauty. Why did he + select me from among my sisters? 'Twas only for that. We reign but for a + day or two: and be sure that Vashti knew Esther was coming.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said Mr. Esmond, “Ahasuerus was the Grand Turk, and to change was + the manner of his country, and according to his law.” + </p> + <p> + “You are all Grand Turks for that matter,” said my lady, “or would be if + you could. Come, Frank, come, my child. You are well, praised be Heaven. + YOUR locks are not thinned by this dreadful small-pox: nor your poor face + scarred—is it, my angel?” + </p> + <p> + Frank began to shout and whimper at the idea of such a misfortune. From + the very earliest time the young lord had been taught to admire his beauty + by his mother: and esteemed it as highly as any reigning toast valued + hers. + </p> + <p> + One day, as he himself was recovering from his fever and illness, a pang + of something like shame shot across young Esmond's breast, as he + remembered that he had never once during his illness given a thought to + the poor girl at the smithy, whose red cheeks but a month ago he had been + so eager to see. Poor Nancy! her cheeks had shared the fate of roses, and + were withered now. She had taken the illness on the same day with Esmond—she + and her brother were both dead of the small-pox, and buried under the + Castlewood yew-trees. There was no bright face looking now from the + garden, or to cheer the old smith at his lonely fireside. Esmond would + have liked to have kissed her in her shroud (like the lass in Mr. Prior's + pretty poem); but she rested many a foot below the ground, when Esmond + after his malady first trod on it. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Tusher brought the news of this calamity, about which Harry Esmond + longed to ask, but did not like. He said almost the whole village had been + stricken with the pestilence; seventeen persons were dead of it, among + them mentioning the names of poor Nancy and her little brother. He did not + fail to say how thankful we survivors ought to be. It being this man's + business to flatter and make sermons, it must be owned he was most + industrious in it, and was doing the one or the other all day. + </p> + <p> + And so Nancy was gone; and Harry Esmond blushed that he had not a single + tear for her, and fell to composing an elegy in Latin verses over the + rustic little beauty. He bade the dryads mourn and the river-nymphs + deplore her. As her father followed the calling of Vulcan, he said that + surely she was like a daughter of Venus, though Sievewright's wife was an + ugly shrew, as he remembered to have heard afterwards. He made a long + face, but, in truth, felt scarcely more sorrowful than a mute at a + funeral. These first passions of men and women are mostly abortive; and + are dead almost before they are born. Esmond could repeat, to his last + day, some of the doggerel lines in which his muse bewailed his pretty + lass; not without shame to remember how bad the verses were, and how good + he thought them; how false the grief, and yet how he was rather proud of + it. 'Tis an error, surely, to talk of the simplicity of youth. I think no + persons are more hypocritical, and have a more affected behavior to one + another, than the young. They deceive themselves and each other with + artifices that do not impose upon men of the world; and so we get to + understand truth better, and grow simpler as we grow older. + </p> + <p> + When my lady heard of the fate which had befallen poor Nancy, she said + nothing so long as Tusher was by, but when he was gone, she took Harry + Esmond's hand and said— + </p> + <p> + “Harry, I beg your pardon for those cruel words I used on the night you + were taken ill. I am shocked at the fate of the poor creature, and am sure + that nothing had happened of that with which, in my anger, I charged you. + And the very first day we go out, you must take me to the blacksmith, and + we must see if there is anything I can do to console the poor old man. + Poor man! to lose both his children! What should I do without mine?” + </p> + <p> + And this was, indeed, the very first walk which my lady took, leaning on + Esmond's arm, after her illness. But her visit brought no consolation to + the old father; and he showed no softness, or desire to speak. “The Lord + gave and took away,” he said; and he knew what His servant's duty was. He + wanted for nothing—less now than ever before, as there were fewer + mouths to feed. He wished her ladyship and Master Esmond good morning—he + had grown tall in his illness, and was but very little marked; and with + this, and a surly bow, he went in from the smithy to the house, leaving my + lady, somewhat silenced and shamefaced, at the door. He had a handsome + stone put up for his two children, which may be seen in Castlewood + churchyard to this very day; and before a year was out his own name was + upon the stone. In the presence of Death, that sovereign ruler, a woman's + coquetry is seared; and her jealousy will hardly pass the boundaries of + that grim kingdom. 'Tis entirely of the earth, that passion, and expires + in the cold blue air, beyond our sphere. + </p> + <p> + At length, when the danger was quite over, it was announced that my lord + and his daughter would return. Esmond well remembered the day. The lady + his mistress was in a flurry of fear: before my lord came, she went into + her room, and returned from it with reddened cheeks. Her fate was about to + be decided. Her beauty was gone—was her reign, too, over? A minute + would say. My lord came riding over the bridge—he could be seen from + the great window, clad in scarlet, and mounted on his gray hackney—his + little daughter ambled by him in a bright riding-dress of blue, on a + shining chestnut horse. My lady leaned against the great mantel-piece, + looking on, with one hand on her heart—she seemed only the more pale + for those red marks on either cheek. She put her handkerchief to her eyes, + and withdrew it, laughing hysterically—the cloth was quite red with + the rouge when she took it away. She ran to her room again, and came back + with pale cheeks and red eyes—her son in her hand—just as my + lord entered, accompanied by young Esmond, who had gone out to meet his + protector, and to hold his stirrup as he descended from horseback. + </p> + <p> + “What, Harry, boy!” my lord said, good-naturedly, “you look as gaunt as a + greyhound. The small-pox hasn't improved your beauty, and your side of the + house hadn't never too much of it—ho, ho!” + </p> + <p> + And he laughed, and sprang to the ground with no small agility, looking + handsome and red, within a jolly face and brown hair, like a Beef-eater; + Esmond kneeling again, as soon as his patron had descended, performed his + homage, and then went to greet the little Beatrix, and help her from her + horse. + </p> + <p> + “Fie! how yellow you look,” she said; “and there are one, two, red holes + in your face;” which, indeed, was very true; Harry Esmond's harsh + countenance bearing, as long as it continued to be a human face, the marks + of the disease. + </p> + <p> + My lord laughed again, in high good-humor. + </p> + <p> + “D—- it!” said he, with one of his usual oaths, “the little slut + sees everything. She saw the Dowager's paint t'other day, and asked her + why she wore that red stuff—didn't you, Trix? and the Tower; and St. + James's; and the play; and the Prince George, and the Princess Anne—didn't + you, Trix?” + </p> + <p> + “They are both very fat, and smelt of brandy,” the child said. + </p> + <p> + Papa roared with laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Brandy!” he said. “And how do you know, Miss Pert?” + </p> + <p> + “Because your lordship smells of it after supper, when I embrace you + before you go to bed,” said the young lady, who, indeed, was as pert as + her father said, and looked as beautiful a little gipsy as eyes ever gazed + on. + </p> + <p> + “And now for my lady,” said my lord, going up the stairs, and passing + under the tapestry curtain that hung before the drawing-room door. Esmond + remembered that noble figure, handsomely arrayed in scarlet. Within the + last few months he himself had grown from a boy to be a man, and with his + figure his thoughts had shot up, and grown manly. + </p> + <p> + My lady's countenance, of which Harry Esmond was accustomed to watch the + changes, and with a solicitous affection to note and interpret the signs + of gladness or care, wore a sad and depressed look for many weeks after + her lord's return: during which it seemed as if, by caresses and + entreaties, she strove to win him back from some ill humor he had, and + which he did not choose to throw off. In her eagerness to please him she + practised a hundred of those arts which had formerly charmed him, but + which seemed now to have lost their potency. Her songs did not amuse him; + and she hushed them and the children when in his presence. My lord sat + silent at his dinner, drinking greatly, his lady opposite to him, looking + furtively at his face, though also speechless. Her silence annoyed him as + much as her speech; and he would peevishly, and with an oath, ask her why + she held her tongue and looked so glum; or he would roughly check her when + speaking, and bid her not talk nonsense. It seemed as if, since his + return, nothing she could do or say could please him. + </p> + <p> + When a master and mistress are at strife in a house, the subordinates in + the family take the one side or the other. Harry Esmond stood in so great + fear of my lord, that he would run a league barefoot to do a message for + him; but his attachment for Lady Esmond was such a passion of grateful + regard, that to spare her a grief, or to do her a service, he would have + given his life daily: and it was by the very depth and intensity of this + regard that he began to divine how unhappy his adored lady's life was, and + that a secret care (for she never spoke of her anxieties) was weighing + upon her. + </p> + <p> + Can any one, who has passed through the world and watched the nature of + men and women there, doubt what had befallen her? I have seen, to be sure, + some people carry down with them into old age the actual bloom of their + youthful love, and I know that Mr. Thomas Parr lived to be a hundred and + sixty years old. But, for all that, threescore and ten is the age of men, + and few get beyond it; and 'tis certain that a man who marries for mere + beaux yeux, as my lord did, considers this part of the contract at an end + when the woman ceases to fulfil hers, and his love does not survive her + beauty. I know 'tis often otherwise, I say; and can think (as most men in + their own experience may) of many a house, where, lighted in early years, + the sainted lamp of love hath never been extinguished; but so there is Mr. + Parr, and so there is the great giant at the fair that is eight feet high—exceptions + to men—and that poor lamp whereof I speak, that lights at first the + nuptial chamber, is extinguished by a hundred winds and draughts down the + chimney, or sputters out for want of feeding. And then—and then it + is Chloe, in the dark, stark awake, and Strephon snoring unheeding; or + vice versa, 'tis poor Strephon that has married a heartless jilt, and + awoke out of that absurd vision of conjugal felicity, which was to last + for ever, and is over like any other dream. One and other has made his + bed, and so must lie in it, until that final day when life ends, and they + sleep separate. + </p> + <p> + About this time young Esmond, who had a knack of stringing verses, turned + some of Ovid's Epistles into rhymes, and brought them to his lady for her + delectation. Those which treated of forsaken women touched her immensely, + Harry remarked; and when Oenone called after Paris, and Medea bade Jason + come back again, the lady of Castlewood sighed, and said she thought that + part of the verses was the most pleasing. Indeed, she would have chopped + up the Dean, her old father, in order to bring her husband back again. But + her beautiful Jason was gone, as beautiful Jasons will go, and the poor + enchantress had never a spell to keep him. + </p> + <p> + My lord was only sulky as long as his wife's anxious face or behavior + seemed to upbraid him. When she had got to master these, and to show an + outwardly cheerful countenance and behavior, her husband's good-humor + returned partially, and he swore and stormed no longer at dinner, but + laughed sometimes, and yawned unrestrainedly; absenting himself often from + home, inviting more company thither, passing the greater part of his days + in the hunting-field, or over the bottle as before; but with this + difference, that the poor wife could no longer see now, as she had done + formerly, the light of love kindled in his eyes. He was with her, but that + flame was out: and that once welcome beacon no more shone there. + </p> + <p> + What were this lady's feelings when forced to admit the truth whereof her + foreboding glass had given her only too true warning, that within her + beauty her reign had ended, and the days of her love were over? What does + a seaman do in a storm if mast and rudder are carried away? He ships a + jurymast, and steers as he best can with an oar. What happens if your roof + falls in a tempest? After the first stun of the calamity the sufferer + starts up, gropes around to see that the children are safe, and puts them + under a shed out of the rain. If the palace burns down, you take shelter + in the barn. What man's life is not overtaken by one or more of these + tornadoes that send us out of the course, and fling us on rocks to shelter + as best we may? + </p> + <p> + When Lady Castlewood found that her great ship had gone down, she began as + best she might after she had rallied from the effects of the loss, to put + out small ventures of happiness; and hope for little gains and returns, as + a merchant on 'Change, indocilis pauperiem pati, having lost his + thousands, embarks a few guineas upon the next ship. She laid out her all + upon her children, indulging them beyond all measure, as was inevitable + with one of her kindness of disposition; giving all her thoughts to their + welfare—learning, that she might teach them; and improving her own + many natural gifts and feminine accomplishments, that she might impart + them to her young ones. To be doing good for some one else, is the life of + most good women. They are exuberant of kindness, as it were, and must + impart it to some one. She made herself a good scholar of French, Italian, + and Latin, having been grounded in these by her father in her youth; + hiding these gifts from her husband out of fear, perhaps, that they should + offend him, for my lord was no bookman—pish'd and psha'd at the + notion of learned ladies, and would have been angry that his wife could + construe out of a Latin book of which he could scarce understand two + words. Young Esmond was usher, or house tutor, under her or over her, as + it might happen. During my lord's many absences, these school-days would + go on uninterruptedly: the mother and daughter learning with surprising + quickness; the latter by fits and starts only, and as suited her wayward + humor. As for the little lord, it must be owned that he took after his + father in the matter of learning—liked marbles and play, and the + great horse and the little one which his father brought him, and on which + he took him out a-hunting, a great deal better than Corderius and Lily; + marshalled the village boys, and had a little court of them, already + flogging them, and domineering over them with a fine imperious spirit, + that made his father laugh when he beheld it, and his mother fondly warn + him. The cook had a son, the woodman had two, the big lad at the porter's + lodge took his cuffs and his orders. Doctor Tusher said he was a young + nobleman of gallant spirit; and Harry Esmond, who was his tutor, and eight + years his little lordship's senior, had hard work sometimes to keep his + own temper, and hold his authority over his rebellious little chief and + kinsman. + </p> + <p> + In a couple of years after that calamity had befallen which had robbed + Lady Castlewood of a little—a very little—of her beauty, and + her careless husband's heart (if the truth must be told, my lady had found + not only that her reign was over, but that her successor was appointed, a + Princess of a noble house in Drury Lane somewhere, who was installed and + visited by my lord at the town eight miles off—pudet haec opprobria + dicere nobis)—a great change had taken place in her mind, which, by + struggles only known to herself, at least never mentioned to any one, and + unsuspected by the person who caused the pain she endured—had been + schooled into such a condition as she could not very likely have imagined + possible a score of months since, before her misfortunes had begun. + </p> + <p> + She had oldened in that time as people do who suffer silently great mental + pain; and learned much that she had never suspected before. She was taught + by that bitter teacher Misfortune. A child the mother of other children, + but two years back her lord was a god to her; his words her law; his smile + her sunshine; his lazy commonplaces listened to eagerly, as if they were + words of wisdom—all his wishes and freaks obeyed with a servile + devotion. She had been my lord's chief slave and blind worshipper. Some + women bear farther than this, and submit not only to neglect but to + unfaithfulness too—but here this lady's allegiance had failed her. + Her spirit rebelled, and disowned any more obedience. First she had to + bear in secret the passion of losing the adored object; then to get + further initiation, and to find this worshipped being was but a clumsy + idol: then to admit the silent truth, that it was she was superior, and + not the monarch her master: that she had thoughts which his brains could + never master, and was the better of the two; quite separate from my lord + although tied to him, and bound, as almost all people (save a very happy + few), to work all her life alone. My lord sat in his chair, laughing his + laugh, cracking his joke, his face flushing with wine—my lady in her + place over against him—he never suspecting that his superior was + there, in the calm resigned lady, cold of manner, with downcast eyes. When + he was merry in his cups, he would make jokes about her coldness, and, “D—- + it, now my lady is gone, we will have t'other bottle,” he would say. He + was frank enough in telling his thoughts, such as they were. There was + little mystery about my lord's words or actions. His Fair Rosamond did not + live in a Labyrinth, like the lady of Mr. Addison's opera, but paraded + with painted cheeks and a tipsy retinue in the country town. Had she a + mind to be revenged, Lady Castlewood could have found the way to her + rival's house easily enough; and, if she had come with bowl and dagger, + would have been routed off the ground by the enemy with a volley of + Billingsgate, which the fair person always kept by her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, it has been said, that for Harry Esmond his benefactress's + sweet face had lost none of its charms. It had always the kindest of looks + and smiles for him—smiles, not so gay and artless perhaps as those + which Lady Castlewood had formerly worn, when, a child herself, playing + with her children, her husband's pleasure and authority were all she + thought of; but out of her griefs and cares, as will happen I think when + these trials fall upon a kindly heart, and are not too unbearable, grew up + a number of thoughts and excellences which had never come into existence, + had not her sorrow and misfortunes engendered them. Sure, occasion is the + father of most that is good in us. As you have seen the awkward fingers + and clumsy tools of a prisoner cut and fashion the most delicate little + pieces of carved work; or achieve the most prodigious underground labors, + and cut through walls of masonry, and saw iron bars and fetters; 'tis + misfortune that awakens ingenuity, or fortitude, or endurance, in hearts + where these qualities had never come to life but for the circumstance + which gave them a being. + </p> + <p> + “'Twas after Jason left her, no doubt,” Lady Castlewood once said with one + of her smiles to young Esmond (who was reading to her a version of certain + lines out of Euripides), “that Medea became a learned woman and a great + enchantress.” + </p> + <p> + “And she could conjure the stars out of heaven,” the young tutor added, + “but she could not bring Jason back again.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked my lady, very angry. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I mean nothing,” said the other, “save what I've read in books. + What should I know about such matters? I have seen no woman save you and + little Beatrix, and the parson's wife and my late mistress, and your + ladyship's woman here.” + </p> + <p> + “The men who wrote your books,” says my lady, “your Horaces, and Ovids, + and Virgils, as far as I know of them, all thought ill of us, as all the + heroes they wrote about used us basely. We were bred to be slaves always; + and even of our own times, as you are still the only lawgivers, I think + our sermons seem to say that the best woman is she who bears her master's + chains most gracefully. 'Tis a pity there are no nunneries permitted by + our church: Beatrix and I would fly to one, and end our days in peace + there away from you.” + </p> + <p> + “And is there no slavery in a convent?” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “At least if women are slaves there, no one sees them,” answered the lady. + “They don't work in street gangs with the public to jeer them: and if they + suffer, suffer in private. Here comes my lord home from hunting. Take away + the books. My lord does not love to see them. Lessons are over for to-day, + Mr. Tutor.” And with a curtsy and a smile she would end this sort of + colloquy. + </p> + <p> + Indeed “Mr. Tutor,” as my lady called Esmond, had now business enough on + his hands in Castlewood house. He had three pupils, his lady and her two + children, at whose lessons she would always be present; besides writing my + lord's letters, and arranging his accompts for him—when these could + be got from Esmond's indolent patron. + </p> + <p> + Of the pupils the two young people were but lazy scholars, and as my lady + would admit no discipline such as was then in use, my lord's son only + learned what he liked, which was but little, and never to his life's end + could be got to construe more than six lines of Virgil. Mistress Beatrix + chattered French prettily, from a very early age; and sang sweetly, but + this was from her mother's teaching—not Harry Esmond's, who could + scarce distinguish between “Green Sleeves” and “Lillibullero;” although he + had no greater delight in life than to hear the ladies sing. He sees them + now (will he ever forget them?) as they used to sit together of the summer + evenings—the two golden heads over the page—the child's little + hand, and the mother's beating the time, with their voices rising and + falling in unison. + </p> + <p> + But if the children were careless, 'twas a wonder how eagerly the mother + learnt from her young tutor—and taught him too. The happiest + instinctive faculty was this lady's—a faculty for discerning latent + beauties and hidden graces of books, especially books of poetry, as in a + walk she would spy out field-flowers and make posies of them, such as no + other hand could. She was a critic, not by reason but by feeling; the + sweetest commentator of those books they read together; and the happiest + hours of young Esmond's life, perhaps, were those passed in the company of + this kind mistress and her children. + </p> + <p> + These happy days were to end soon, however; and it was by the Lady + Castlewood's own decree that they were brought to a conclusion. It + happened about Christmas-time, Harry Esmond being now past sixteen years + of age, that his old comrade, adversary, and friend, Tom Tusher, returned + from his school in London, a fair, well-grown, and sturdy lad, who was + about to enter college, with an exhibition from his school, and a prospect + of after promotion in the church. Tom Tusher's talk was of nothing but + Cambridge now; and the boys, who were good friends, examined each other + eagerly about their progress in books. Tom had learned some Greek and + Hebrew, besides Latin, in which he was pretty well skilled, and also had + given himself to mathematical studies under his father's guidance, who was + a proficient in those sciences, of which Esmond knew nothing; nor could he + write Latin so well as Tom, though he could talk it better, having been + taught by his dear friend the Jesuit Father, for whose memory the lad ever + retained the warmest affection, reading his books, keeping his swords + clean in the little crypt where the Father had shown them to Esmond on the + night of his visit; and often of a night sitting in the chaplain's room, + which he inhabited, over his books, his verses, and rubbish, with which + the lad occupied himself, he would look up at the window, thinking he + wished it might open and let in the good Father. He had come and passed + away like a dream; but for the swords and books Harry might almost think + the Father was an imagination of his mind—and for two letters which + had come to him, one from abroad, full of advice and affection, another + soon after he had been confirmed by the Bishop of Hexton, in which Father + Holt deplored his falling away. But Harry Esmond felt so confident now of + his being in the right, and of his own powers as a casuist, that he + thought he was able to face the Father himself in argument, and possibly + convert him. + </p> + <p> + To work upon the faith of her young pupil, Esmond's kind mistress sent to + the library of her father the Dean, who had been distinguished in the + disputes of the late king's reign; and, an old soldier now, had hung up + his weapons of controversy. These he took down from his shelves willingly + for young Esmond, whom he benefited by his own personal advice and + instruction. It did not require much persuasion to induce the boy to + worship with his beloved mistress. And the good old nonjuring Dean + flattered himself with a conversion which, in truth, was owing to a much + gentler and fairer persuader. + </p> + <p> + Under her ladyship's kind eyes (my lord's being sealed in sleep pretty + generally), Esmond read many volumes of the works of the famous British + Divines of the last age, and was familiar with Wake and Sherlock, with + Stillingfleet and Patrick. His mistress never tired to listen or to read, + to pursue the texts with fond comments, to urge those points which her + fancy dwelt on most, or her reason deemed most important. Since the death + of her father the Dean, this lady hath admitted a certain latitude of + theological reading which her orthodox father would never have allowed; + his favorite writers appealing more to reason and antiquity than to the + passions or imaginations of their readers, so that the works of Bishop + Taylor, nay, those of Mr. Baxter and Mr. Law, have in reality found more + favor with my Lady Castlewood than the severer volumes of our great + English schoolmen. + </p> + <p> + In later life, at the University, Esmond reopened the controversy, and + pursued it in a very different manner, when his patrons had determined for + him that he was to embrace the ecclesiastical life. But though his + mistress's heart was in this calling, his own never was much. After that + first fervor of simple devotion, which his beloved Jesuit priest had + inspired in him, speculative theology took but little hold upon the young + man's mind. When his early credulity was disturbed, and his saints and + virgins taken out of his worship, to rank little higher than the + divinities of Olympus, his belief became acquiescence rather than ardor; + and he made his mind up to assume the cassock and bands, as another man + does to wear a breastplate and jack-boots, or to mount a merchant's desk, + for a livelihood, and from obedience and necessity, rather than from + choice. There were scores of such men in Mr. Esmond's time at the + universities, who were going to the church with no better calling than + his. + </p> + <p> + When Thomas Tusher was gone, a feeling of no small depression and disquiet + fell upon young Esmond, of which, though he did not complain, his kind + mistress must have divined the cause: for soon after she showed not only + that she understood the reason of Harry's melancholy, but could provide a + remedy for it. Her habit was thus to watch, unobservedly, those to whom + duty or affection bound her, and to prevent their designs, or to fulfil + them, when she had the power. It was this lady's disposition to think + kindnesses, and devise silent bounties and to scheme benevolence, for + those about her. We take such goodness, for the most part, as if it was + our due; the Marys who bring ointment for our feet get but little thanks. + Some of us never feel this devotion at all, or are moved by it to + gratitude or acknowledgment; others only recall it years after, when the + days are past in which those sweet kindnesses were spent on us, and we + offer back our return for the debt by a poor tardy payment of tears. Then + forgotten tones of love recur to us, and kind glances shine out of the + past—oh so bright and clear!—oh so longed after!—because + they are out of reach; as holiday music from withinside a prison wall—or + sunshine seen through the bars; more prized because unattainable—more + bright because of the contrast of present darkness and solitude, whence + there is no escape. + </p> + <p> + All the notice, then, which Lady Castlewood seemed to take of Harry + Esmond's melancholy, upon Tom Tusher's departure, was, by a gayety unusual + to her, to attempt to dispel his gloom. She made his three scholars + (herself being the chief one) more cheerful than ever they had been + before, and more docile, too, all of them learning and reading much more + than they had been accustomed to do. “For who knows,” said the lady, “what + may happen, and whether we may be able to keep such a learned tutor long?” + </p> + <p> + Frank Esmond said he for his part did not want to learn any more, and + cousin Harry might shut up his book whenever he liked, if he would come + out a-fishing; and little Beatrix declared she would send for Tom Tusher, + and HE would be glad enough to come to Castlewood, if Harry chose to go + away. + </p> + <p> + At last comes a messenger from Winchester one day, bearer of a letter, + with a great black seal, from the Dean there, to say that his sister was + dead, and had left her fortune of 2,000L. among her six nieces, the Dean's + daughters; and many a time since has Harry Esmond recalled the flushed + face and eager look wherewith, after this intelligence, his kind lady + regarded him. She did not pretend to any grief about the deceased + relative, from whom she and her family had been many years parted. + </p> + <p> + When my lord heard of the news, he also did not make any very long face. + “The money will come very handy to furnish the music-room and the cellar, + which is getting low, and buy your ladyship a coach and a couple of horses + that will do indifferent to ride or for the coach. And, Beatrix, you shall + have a spinnet: and, Frank, you shall have a little horse from Hexton + Fair; and, Harry, you shall have five pounds to buy some books,” said my + lord, who was generous with his own, and indeed with other folk's money. + “I wish your aunt would die once a year, Rachel; we could spend your + money, and all your sisters', too.” + </p> + <p> + “I have but one aunt—and—and I have another use for the money, + my lord,” says my lady, turning very red. + </p> + <p> + “Another use, my dear; and what do you know about money?” cries my lord. + “And what the devil is there that I don't give you which you want!” + </p> + <p> + “I intend to give this money—can't you fancy how, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + My lord swore one of his large oaths that he did not know in the least + what she meant. + </p> + <p> + “I intend it for Harry Esmond to go to college. Cousin Harry,” says my + lady, “you mustn't stay longer in this dull place, but make a name to + yourself, and for us too, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “D—n it, Harry's well enough here,” says my lord, for a moment + looking rather sulky. + </p> + <p> + “Is Harry going away? You don't mean to say you will go away?” cry out + Frank and Beatrix at one breath. + </p> + <p> + “But he will come back: and this will always be his home,” cries my lady, + with blue eyes looking a celestial kindness: “and his scholars will always + love him; won't they?” + </p> + <p> + “By G-d, Rachel, you're a good woman!” says my lord, seizing my lady's + hand, at which she blushed very much, and shrank back, putting her + children before her. “I wish you joy, my kinsman,” he continued, giving + Harry Esmond a hearty slap on the shoulder. “I won't balk your luck. Go to + Cambridge, boy, and when Tusher dies you shall have the living here, if + you are not better provided by that time. We'll furnish the dining-room + and buy the horses another year. I'll give thee a nag out of the stable: + take any one except my hack and the bay gelding and the coach-horses; and + God speed thee, my boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Have the sorrel, Harry; 'tis a good one. Father says 'tis the best in the + stable,” says little Frank, clapping his hands, and jumping up. “Let's + come and see him in the stable.” And the other, in his delight and + eagerness, was for leaving the room that instant to arrange about his + journey. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Castlewood looked after him with sad penetrating glances. “He + wishes to be gone already, my lord,” said she to her husband. + </p> + <p> + The young man hung back abashed. “Indeed, I would stay for ever, if your + ladyship bade me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “And thou wouldst be a fool for thy pains, kinsman,” said my lord. “Tut, + tut, man. Go and see the world. Sow thy wild oats; and take the best luck + that Fate sends thee. I wish I were a boy again, that I might go to + college, and taste the Trumpington ale.” + </p> + <p> + “Ours, indeed, is but a dull home,” cries my lady, with a little of + sadness and, maybe, of satire, in her voice: “an old glum house, half + ruined, and the rest only half furnished; a woman and two children are but + poor company for men that are accustomed to better. We are only fit to be + your worship's handmaids, and your pleasures must of necessity lie + elsewhere than at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse me, Rachel, if I know now whether thou art in earnest or not,” said + my lord. + </p> + <p> + “In earnest, my lord!” says she, still clinging by one of her children. + “Is there much subject here for joke?” And she made him a grand curtsy, + and, giving a stately look to Harry Esmond, which seemed to say, + “Remember; you understand me, though he does not,” she left the room with + her children. + </p> + <p> + “Since she found out that confounded Hexton business,” my lord said—“and + be hanged to them that told her!—she has not been the same woman. + She, who used to be as humble as a milkmaid, is as proud as a princess,” + says my lord. “Take my counsel, Harry Esmond, and keep clear of women. + Since I have had anything to do with the jades, they have given me nothing + but disgust. I had a wife at Tangier, with whom, as she couldn't speak a + word of my language, you'd have thought I might lead a quiet life. But she + tried to poison me, because she was jealous of a Jew girl. There was your + aunt, for aunt she is—aunt Jezebel, a pretty life your father led + with HER! and here's my lady. When I saw her on a pillion, riding behind + the Dean her father, she looked and was such a baby, that a sixpenny doll + might have pleased her. And now you see what she is—hands off, + highty-tighty, high and mighty, an empress couldn't be grander. Pass us + the tankard, Harry my boy. A mug of beer and a toast at morn, says my + host. A toast and a mug of beer at noon, says my dear. D—n it, Polly + loves a mug of ale, too, and laced with brandy, by Jove!” Indeed, I + suppose they drank it together; for my lord was often thick in his speech + at mid-day dinner; and at night at supper, speechless altogether. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond's departure resolved upon, it seemed as if the Lady + Castlewood, too, rejoiced to lose him; for more than once, when the lad, + ashamed perhaps at his own secret eagerness to go away (at any rate + stricken with sadness at the idea of leaving those from whom he had + received so many proofs of love and kindness inestimable), tried to + express to his mistress his sense of gratitude to her, and his sorrow at + quitting those who had so sheltered and tended a nameless and houseless + orphan, Lady Castlewood cut short his protests of love and his + lamentations, and would hear of no grief, but only look forward to Harry's + fame and prospects in life. “Our little legacy will keep you for four + years like a gentleman. Heaven's Providence, your own genius, industry, + honor, must do the rest for you. Castlewood will always be a home for you; + and these children, whom you have taught and loved, will not forget to + love you. And, Harry,” said she (and this was the only time when she spoke + with a tear in her eye, or a tremor in her voice), “it may happen in the + course of nature that I shall be called away from them: and their father—and—and + they will need true friends and protectors. Promise me that you will be + true to them—as—as I think I have been to you—and a + mother's fond prayer and blessing go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “So help me God, madam, I will,” said Harry Esmond, falling on his knees, + and kissing the hand of his dearest mistress. “If you will have me stay + now, I will. What matters whether or no I make my way in life, or whether + a poor bastard dies as unknown as he is now? 'Tis enough that I have your + love and kindness surely; and to make you happy is duty enough for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy!” says she; “but indeed I ought to be, with my children, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Not happy!” cried Esmond (for he knew what her life was, though he and + his mistress never spoke a word concerning it). “If not happiness, it may + be ease. Let me stay and work for you—let me stay and be your + servant.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you are best away,” said my lady, laughing, as she put her hand + on the boy's head for a moment. “You shall stay in no such dull place. You + shall go to college and distinguish yourself as becomes your name. That is + how you shall please me best; and—and if my children want you, or I + want you, you shall come to us; and I know we may count on you.” + </p> + <p> + “May heaven forsake me if you may not!” Harry said, getting up from his + knee. + </p> + <p> + “And my knight longs for a dragon this instant that he may fight,” said my + lady, laughing; which speech made Harry Esmond start, and turn red; for + indeed the very thought was in his mind, that he would like that some + chance should immediately happen whereby he might show his devotion. And + it pleased him to think that his lady had called him “her knight,” and + often and often he recalled this to his mind, and prayed that he might be + her true knight, too. + </p> + <p> + My lady's bed-chamber window looked out over the country, and you could + see from it the purple hills beyond Castlewood village, the green common + betwixt that and the Hall, and the old bridge which crossed over the + river. When Harry Esmond went away for Cambridge, little Frank ran + alongside his horse as far as the bridge, and there Harry stopped for a + moment, and looked back at the house where the best part of his life had + been passed. It lay before him with its gray familiar towers, a pinnacle + or two shining in the sun, the buttresses and terrace walls casting great + blue shades on the grass. And Harry remembered, all his life after, how he + saw his mistress at the window looking out on him in a white robe, the + little Beatrix's chestnut curls resting at her mother's side. Both waved a + farewell to him, and little Frank sobbed to leave him. Yes, he WOULD be + his lady's true knight, he vowed in his heart; he waved her an adieu with + his hat. The village people had Good-by to say to him too. All knew that + Master Harry was going to college, and most of them had a kind word and a + look of farewell. I do not stop to say what adventures he began to + imagine, or what career to devise for himself before he had ridden three + miles from home. He had not read Monsieur Galland's ingenious Arabian + tales as yet; but be sure that there are other folks who build castles in + the air, and have fine hopes, and kick them down too, besides honest + Alnaschar. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <h3> + I GO TO CAMBRIDGE, AND DO BUT LITTLE GOOD THERE. + </h3> + <p> + Mr lord, who said he should like to revisit the old haunts of his youth, + kindly accompanied Harry Esmond in his first journey to Cambridge. Their + road lay through London, where my Lord Viscount would also have Harry stay + a few days to show him the pleasures of the town before he entered upon + his university studies, and whilst here Harry's patron conducted the young + man to my Lady Dowager's house at Chelsey near London: the kind lady at + Castlewood having specially ordered that the young gentleman and the old + should pay a respectful visit in that quarter. + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship the Viscountess Dowager occupied a handsome new house in + Chelsey, with a garden behind it, and facing the river, always a bright + and animated sight with its swarms of sailors, barges, and wherries. Harry + laughed at recognizing in the parlor the well-remembered old piece of Sir + Peter Lely, wherein his father's widow was represented as a virgin + huntress, armed with a gilt bow-and-arrow, and encumbered only with that + small quantity of drapery which it would seem the virgins in King + Charles's day were accustomed to wear. + </p> + <p> + My Lady Dowager had left off this peculiar habit of huntress when she + married. But though she was now considerably past sixty years of age, I + believe she thought that airy nymph of the picture could still be easily + recognized in the venerable personage who gave an audience to Harry and + his patron. + </p> + <p> + She received the young man with even more favor than she showed to the + elder, for she chose to carry on the conversation in French, in which my + Lord Castlewood was no great proficient, and expressed her satisfaction at + finding that Mr. Esmond could speak fluently in that language. “'Twas the + only one fit for polite conversation,” she condescended to say, “and + suitable to persons of high breeding.” + </p> + <p> + My lord laughed afterwards, as the gentlemen went away, at his kinswoman's + behavior. He said he remembered the time when she could speak English fast + enough, and joked in his jolly way at the loss he had had of such a lovely + wife as that. + </p> + <p> + My Lady Viscountess deigned to ask his lordship news of his wife and + children; she had heard that Lady Castlewood had had the small-pox; she + hoped she was not so VERY much disfigured as people said. + </p> + <p> + At this remark about his wife's malady, my Lord Viscount winced and turned + red; but the Dowager, in speaking of the disfigurement of the young lady, + turned to her looking-glass and examined her old wrinkled countenance in + it with such a grin of satisfaction, that it was all her guests could do + to refrain from laughing in her ancient face. + </p> + <p> + She asked Harry what his profession was to be; and my lord, saying that + the lad was to take orders, and have the living of Castlewood when old Dr. + Tusher vacated it, she did not seem to show any particular anger at the + notion of Harry's becoming a Church of England clergyman, nay, was rather + glad than otherwise, that the youth should be so provided for. She bade + Mr. Esmond not to forget to pay her a visit whenever he passed through + London, and carried her graciousness so far as to send a purse with twenty + guineas for him, to the tavern at which my lord put up (the “Greyhound,” + in Charing Cross); and, along with this welcome gift for her kinsman, she + sent a little doll for a present to my lord's little daughter Beatrix, who + was growing beyond the age of dolls by this time, and was as tall almost + as her venerable relative. + </p> + <p> + After seeing the town, and going to the plays, my Lord Castlewood and + Esmond rode together to Cambridge, spending two pleasant days upon the + journey. Those rapid new coaches were not established, as yet, that + performed the whole journey between London and the University in a single + day; however, the road was pleasant and short enough to Harry Esmond, and + he always gratefully remembered that happy holiday which his kind patron + gave him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond was entered a pensioner of Trinity College in Cambridge, to + which famous college my lord had also in his youth belonged. Dr. Montague + was master at this time, and received my Lord Viscount with great + politeness: so did Mr. Bridge, who was appointed to be Harry's tutor. Tom + Tusher, who was of Emanuel College, and was by this time a junior soph, + came to wait upon my lord, and to take Harry under his protection; and + comfortable rooms being provided for him in the great court close by the + gate, and near to the famous Mr. Newton's lodgings, Harry's patron took + leave of him with many kind words and blessings, and an admonition to him + to behave better at the University than my lord himself had ever done. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis needless in these memoirs to go at any length into the particulars of + Harry Esmond's college career. It was like that of a hundred young + gentlemen of that day. But he had the ill fortune to be older by a couple + of years than most of his fellow-students; and by his previous solitary + mode of bringing up, the circumstances of his life, and the peculiar + thoughtfulness and melancholy that had naturally engendered, he was, in a + great measure, cut off from the society of comrades who were much younger + and higher-spirited than he. His tutor, who had bowed down to the ground, + as he walked my lord over the college grass-plats, changed his behavior as + soon as the nobleman's back was turned, and was—at least Harry + thought so—harsh and overbearing. When the lads used to assemble in + their greges in hall, Harry found himself alone in the midst of that + little flock of boys; they raised a great laugh at him when he was set on + to read Latin, which he did with the foreign pronunciation taught to him + by his old master, the Jesuit, than which he knew no other. Mr. Bridge, + the tutor, made him the object of clumsy jokes, in which he was fond of + indulging. The young man's spirit was chafed, and his vanity mortified; + and he found himself, for some time, as lonely in this place as ever he + had been at Castlewood, whither he longed to return. His birth was a + source of shame to him, and he fancied a hundred slights and sneers from + young and old, who, no doubt, had treated him better had he met them + himself more frankly. And as he looks back, in calmer days, upon this + period of his life, which he thought so unhappy, he can see that his own + pride and vanity caused no small part of the mortifications which he + attributed to other's ill will. The world deals good-naturedly with + good-natured people, and I never knew a sulky misanthropist who quarrelled + with it, but it was he, and not it, that was in the wrong. Tom Tusher gave + Harry plenty of good advice on this subject, for Tom had both good sense + and good humor; but Mr. Harry chose to treat his senior with a great deal + of superfluous disdain and absurd scorn, and would by no means part from + his darling injuries, in which, very likely, no man believed but himself. + As for honest Doctor Bridge, the tutor found, after a few trials of wit + with the pupil, that the young man was an ugly subject for wit, and that + the laugh was often turned against him. This did not make tutor and pupil + any better friends; but had, so far, an advantage for Esmond, that Mr. + Bridge was induced to leave him alone; and so long as he kept his chapels, + and did the college exercises required of him, Bridge was content not to + see Harry's glum face in his class, and to leave him to read and sulk for + himself in his own chamber. + </p> + <p> + A poem or two in Latin and English, which were pronounced to have some + merit, and a Latin oration, (for Mr. Esmond could write that language + better than pronounce it,) got him a little reputation both with the + authorities of the University and amongst the young men, with whom he + began to pass for more than he was worth. A few victories over their + common enemy, Mr. Bridge, made them incline towards him, and look upon him + as the champion of their order against the seniors. Such of the lads as he + took into his confidence found him not so gloomy and haughty as his + appearance led them to believe; and Don Dismallo, as he was called, became + presently a person of some little importance in his college, and was, as + he believes, set down by the seniors there as rather a dangerous + character. + </p> + <p> + Don Dismallo was a staunch young Jacobite, like the rest of his family; + gave himself many absurd airs of loyalty; used to invite young friends to + Burgundy, and give the King's health on King James's birthday; wore black + on the day of his abdication; fasted on the anniversary of King William's + coronation; and performed a thousand absurd antics, of which he smiles now + to think. + </p> + <p> + These follies caused many remonstrances on Tom Tusher's part, who was + always a friend to the powers that be, as Esmond was always in opposition + to them. Tom was a Whig, while Esmond was a Tory. Tom never missed a + lecture, and capped the proctor with the profoundest of bows. No wonder he + sighed over Harry's insubordinate courses, and was angry when the others + laughed at him. But that Harry was known to have my Lord Viscount's + protection, Tom no doubt would have broken with him altogether. But honest + Tom never gave up a comrade as long as he was the friend of a great man. + This was not out of scheming on Tom's part, but a natural inclination + towards the great. 'Twas no hypocrisy in him to flatter, but the bent of + his mind, which was always perfectly good-humored, obliging, and servile. + </p> + <p> + Harry had very liberal allowances, for his dear mistress of Castlewood not + only regularly supplied him, but the Dowager of Chelsey made her donation + annual, and received Esmond at her house near London every Christmas; but, + in spite of these benefactions, Esmond was constantly poor; whilst 'twas a + wonder with how small a stipend from his father Tom Tusher contrived to + make a good figure. 'Tis true that Harry both spent, gave, and lent his + money very freely, which Thomas never did. I think he was like the famous + Duke of Marlborough in this instance, who, getting a present of fifty + pieces, when a young man, from some foolish woman who fell in love with + his good looks, showed the money to Cadogan in a drawer scores of years + after, where it had lain ever since he had sold his beardless honor to + procure it. I do not mean to say that Tom ever let out his good looks so + profitably, for nature had not endowed him with any particular charms of + person, and he ever was a pattern of moral behavior, losing no opportunity + of giving the very best advice to his younger comrade; with which article, + to do him justice, he parted very freely. Not but that he was a merry + fellow, too, in his way; he loved a joke, if by good fortune he understood + it, and took his share generously of a bottle if another paid for it, and + especially if there was a young lord in company to drink it. In these + cases there was not a harder drinker in the University than Mr. Tusher + could be; and it was edifying to behold him, fresh shaved and with smug + face, singing out “Amen!” at early chapel in the morning. In his reading, + poor Harry permitted himself to go a-gadding after all the Nine Muses, and + so very likely had but little favor from any one of them; whereas Tom + Tusher, who had no more turn for poetry than a ploughboy, nevertheless, by + a dogged perseverance and obsequiousness in courting the divine Calliope, + got himself a prize, and some credit in the University, and a fellowship + at his college, as a reward for his scholarship. In this time of Mr. + Esmond's life, he got the little reading which he ever could boast of, and + passed a good part of his days greedily devouring all the books on which + he could lay hand. In this desultory way the works of most of the English, + French, and Italian poets came under his eyes, and he had a smattering of + the Spanish tongue likewise, besides the ancient languages, of which, at + least of Latin, he was a tolerable master. + </p> + <p> + Then, about midway in his University career, he fell to reading for the + profession to which worldly prudence rather than inclination called him, + and was perfectly bewildered in theological controversy. In the course of + his reading (which was neither pursued with that seriousness or that + devout mind which such a study requires) the youth found himself at the + end of one month a Papist, and was about to proclaim his faith; the next + month a Protestant, with Chillingworth; and the third a sceptic, with + Hobbes and Bayle. Whereas honest Tom Tusher never permitted his mind to + stray out of the prescribed University path, accepted the Thirty-nine + Articles with all his heart, and would have signed and sworn to other + nine-and-thirty with entire obedience. Harry's wilfulness in this matter, + and disorderly thoughts and conversation, so shocked and afflicted his + senior, that there grew up a coldness and estrangement between them, so + that they became scarce more than mere acquaintances, from having been + intimate friends when they came to college first. Politics ran high, too, + at the University; and here, also, the young men were at variance. Tom + professed himself, albeit a high-churchman, a strong King William's-man; + whereas Harry brought his family Tory politics to college with him, to + which he must add a dangerous admiration for Oliver Cromwell, whose side, + or King James's by turns, he often chose to take in the disputes which the + young gentlemen used to hold in each other's rooms, where they debated on + the state of the nation, crowned and deposed kings, and toasted past and + present heroes and beauties in flagons of college ale. + </p> + <p> + Thus, either from the circumstances of his birth, or the natural + melancholy of his disposition, Esmond came to live very much by himself + during his stay at the University, having neither ambition enough to + distinguish himself in the college career, nor caring to mingle with the + mere pleasures and boyish frolics of the students, who were, for the most + part, two or three years younger than he. He fancied that the gentlemen of + the common-room of his college slighted him on account of his birth, and + hence kept aloof from their society. It may be that he made the ill will, + which he imagined came from them, by his own behavior, which, as he looks + back on it in after life, he now sees was morose and haughty. At any rate, + he was as tenderly grateful for kindness as he was susceptible of slight + and wrong; and, lonely as he was generally, yet had one or two very warm + friendships for his companions of those days. + </p> + <p> + One of these was a queer gentleman that resided in the University, though + he was no member of it, and was the professor of a science scarce + recognized in the common course of college education. This was a French + refugee-officer, who had been driven out of his native country at the time + of the Protestant persecutions there, and who came to Cambridge, where he + taught the science of the small-sword, and set up a saloon-of-arms. Though + he declared himself a Protestant, 'twas said Mr. Moreau was a Jesuit in + disguise; indeed, he brought very strong recommendations to the Tory + party, which was pretty strong in that University, and very likely was one + of the many agents whom King James had in this country. Esmond found this + gentleman's conversation very much more agreeable and to his taste than + the talk of the college divines in the common-room; he never wearied of + Moreau's stories of the wars of Turenne and Conde, in which he had borne a + part; and being familiar with the French tongue from his youth, and in a + place where but few spoke it, his company became very agreeable to the + brave old professor of arms, whose favorite pupil he was, and who made Mr. + Esmond a very tolerable proficient in the noble science of escrime. + </p> + <p> + At the next term Esmond was to take his degree of Bachelor of Arts, and + afterwards, in proper season, to assume the cassock and bands which his + fond mistress would have him wear. Tom Tusher himself was a parson and a + fellow of his college by this time; and Harry felt that he would very + gladly cede his right to the living of Castlewood to Tom, and that his own + calling was in no way to the pulpit. But as he was bound, before all + things in the world, to his dear mistress at home, and knew that a refusal + on his part would grieve her, he determined to give her no hint of his + unwillingness to the clerical office: and it was in this unsatisfactory + mood of mind that he went to spend the last vacation he should have at + Castlewood before he took orders. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + I COME HOME FOR A HOLIDAY TO CASTLEWOOD, AND FIND A SKELETON IN THE HOUSE. + </p> + <p> + At his third long vacation, Esmond came as usual to Castlewood, always + feeling an eager thrill of pleasure when he found himself once more in the + house where he had passed so many years, and beheld the kind familiar eyes + of his mistress looking upon him. She and her children (out of whose + company she scarce ever saw him) came to greet him. Miss Beatrix was grown + so tall that Harry did not quite know whether he might kiss her or no; and + she blushed and held back when he offered that salutation, though she took + it, and even courted it, when they were alone. The young lord was shooting + up to be like his gallant father in look, though with his mother's kind + eyes: the lady of Castlewood herself seemed grown, too, since Harry saw + her—in her look more stately, in her person fuller, in her face + still as ever most tender and friendly, a greater air of command and + decision than had appeared in that guileless sweet countenance which Harry + remembered so gratefully. The tone of her voice was so much deeper and + sadder when she spoke and welcomed him, that it quite startled Esmond, who + looked up at her surprised as she spoke, when she withdrew her eyes from + him; nor did she ever look at him afterwards when his own eyes were gazing + upon her. A something hinting at grief and secret, and filling his mind + with alarm undefinable, seemed to speak with that low thrilling voice of + hers, and look out of those clear sad eyes. Her greeting to Esmond was so + cold that it almost pained the lad, (who would have liked to fall on his + knees, and kiss the skirt of her robe, so fond and ardent was his respect + and regard for her,) and he faltered in answering the questions which she, + hesitating on her side, began to put to him. Was he happy at Cambridge? + Did he study too hard? She hoped not. He had grown very tall, and looked + very well. + </p> + <p> + “He has got a moustache!” cries out Master Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Why does he not wear a peruke like my Lord Mohun?” asked Miss Beatrix. + “My lord says that nobody wears their own hair.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you will have to occupy your old chamber,” says my lady. “I + hope the housekeeper has got it ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mamma, you have been there ten times these three days yourself!” + exclaims Frank. + </p> + <p> + “And she cut some flowers which you planted in my garden—do you + remember, ever so many years ago? when I was quite a little girl,” cries + out Miss Beatrix, on tiptoe. “And mamma put them in your window.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember when you grew well after you were ill that you used to like + roses,” said the lady, blushing like one of them. They all conducted Harry + Esmond to his chamber; the children running before, Harry walking by his + mistress hand-in-hand. + </p> + <p> + The old room had been ornamented and beautified not a little to receive + him. The flowers were in the window in a china vase; and there was a fine + new counterpane on the bed, which chatterbox Beatrix said mamma had made + too. A fire was crackling on the hearth, although it was June. My lady + thought the room wanted warming; everything was done to make him happy and + welcome: “And you are not to be a page any longer, but a gentleman and + kinsman, and to walk with papa and mamma,” said the children. And as soon + as his dear mistress and children had left him to himself, it was with a + heart overflowing with love and gratefulness that he flung himself down on + his knees by the side of the little bed, and asked a blessing upon those + who were so kind to him. + </p> + <p> + The children, who are always house tell-tales, soon made him acquainted + with the little history of the house and family. Papa had been to London + twice. Papa often went away now. Papa had taken Beatrix to Westlands, + where she was taller than Sir George Harper's second daughter, though she + was two years older. Papa had taken Beatrix and Frank both to Bellminster, + where Frank had got the better of Lord Bellminster's son in a boxing-match—my + lord, laughing, told Harry afterwards. Many gentlemen came to stop with + papa, and papa had gotten a new game from London, a French game, called a + billiard—that the French king played it very well: and the Dowager + Lady Castlewood had sent Miss Beatrix a present; and papa had gotten a new + chaise, with two little horses, which he drove himself, beside the coach, + which mamma went in; and Dr. Tusher was a cross old plague, and they did + not like to learn from him at all; and papa did not care about them + learning, and laughed when they were at their books, but mamma liked them + to learn, and taught them; and “I don't think papa is fond of mamma,” said + Miss Beatrix, with her great eyes. She had come quite close up to Harry + Esmond by the time this prattle took place, and was on his knee, and had + examined all the points of his dress, and all the good or bad features of + his homely face. + </p> + <p> + “You shouldn't say that papa is not fond of mamma,” said the boy, at this + confession. “Mamma never said so; and mamma forbade you to say it, Miss + Beatrix.” + </p> + <p> + 'Twas this, no doubt, that accounted for the sadness in Lady Castlewood's + eyes, and the plaintive vibrations of her voice. Who does not know of + eyes, lighted by love once, where the flame shines no more?—of lamps + extinguished, once properly trimmed and tended? Every man has such in his + house. Such mementoes make our splendidest chambers look blank and sad; + such faces seen in a day cast a gloom upon our sunshine. So oaths mutually + sworn, and invocations of heaven, and priestly ceremonies, and fond + belief, and love, so fond and faithful that it never doubted but that it + should live for ever, are all of no avail towards making love eternal: it + dies, in spite of the banns and the priest; and I have often thought there + should be a visitation of the sick for it, and a funeral service, and an + extreme unction, and an abi in pace. It has its course, like all mortal + things—its beginning, progress, and decay. It buds and it blooms out + into sunshine, and it withers and ends. Strephon and Chloe languish apart; + join in a rapture: and presently you hear that Chloe is crying, and + Strephon has broken his crook across her back. Can you mend it so as to + show no marks of rupture? Not all the priests of Hymen, not all the + incantations to the gods, can make it whole! + </p> + <p> + Waking up from dreams, books, and visions of college honors, in which for + two years, Harry Esmond had been immersed, he found himself, instantly, on + his return home, in the midst of this actual tragedy of life, which + absorbed and interested him more than all his tutor had taught him. The + persons whom he loved best in the world, and to whom he owed most, were + living unhappily together. The gentlest and kindest of women was suffering + ill usage and shedding tears in secret: the man who made her wretched by + neglect, if not by violence, was Harry's benefactor and patron. In houses + where, in place of that sacred, inmost flame of love, there is discord at + the centre, the whole household becomes hypocritical, and each lies to his + neighbor. The husband (or it may be the wife) lies when the visitor comes + in, and wears a grin of reconciliation or politeness before him. The wife + lies (indeed, her business is to do that, and to smile, however much she + is beaten), swallows her tears, and lies to her lord and master; lies in + bidding little Jackey respect dear papa; lies in assuring grandpapa that + she is perfectly happy. The servants lie, wearing grave faces behind their + master's chair, and pretending to be unconscious of the fighting; and so, + from morning till bedtime, life is passed in falsehood. And wiseacres call + this a proper regard of morals, and point out Baucis and Philemon as + examples of a good life. + </p> + <p> + If my lady did not speak of her griefs to Harry Esmond, my lord was by no + means reserved when in his cups, and spoke his mind very freely, bidding + Harry in his coarse way, and with his blunt language, beware of all women + as cheats, jades, jilts, and using other unmistakable monosyllables in + speaking of them. Indeed, 'twas the fashion of the day, as I must own; and + there's not a writer of my time of any note, with the exception of poor + Dick Steele, that does not speak of a woman as of a slave, and scorn and + use her as such. Mr. Pope, Mr. Congreve, Mr. Addison, Mr. Gay, every one + of 'em, sing in this key, each according to his nature and politeness, and + louder and fouler than all in abuse is Dr. Swift, who spoke of them as he + treated them, worst of all. + </p> + <p> + Much of the quarrels and hatred which arise between married people come in + my mind from the husband's rage and revolt at discovering that his slave + and bedfellow, who is to minister to all his wishes, and is church-sworn + to honor and obey him—is his superior; and that HE, and not she, + ought to be the subordinate of the twain; and in these controversies, I + think, lay the cause of my lord's anger against his lady. When he left + her, she began to think for herself, and her thoughts were not in his + favor. After the illumination, when the love-lamp is put out that anon we + spoke of, and by the common daylight we look at the picture, what a daub + it looks! what a clumsy effigy! How many men and wives come to this + knowledge, think you? And if it be painful to a woman to find herself + mated for life to a boor, and ordered to love and honor a dullard; it is + worse still for the man himself perhaps, whenever in his dim comprehension + the idea dawns that his slave and drudge yonder is, in truth, his + superior; that the woman who does his bidding, and submits to his humor, + should be his lord; that she can think a thousand things beyond the power + of his muddled brains; and that in yonder head, on the pillow opposite to + him, lie a thousand feelings, mysteries of thought, latent scorns and + rebellions, whereof he only dimly perceives the existence as they look out + furtively from her eyes: treasures of love doomed to perish without a hand + to gather them; sweet fancies and images of beauty that would grow and + unfold themselves into flower; bright wit that would shine like diamonds + could it be brought into the sun: and the tyrant in possession crushes the + outbreak of all these, drives them back like slaves into the dungeon and + darkness, and chafes without that his prisoner is rebellious, and his + sworn subject undutiful and refractory. So the lamp was out in Castlewood + Hall, and the lord and lady there saw each other as they were. With her + illness and altered beauty my lord's fire for his wife disappeared; with + his selfishness and faithlessness her foolish fiction of love and + reverence was rent away. Love!—who is to love what is base and + unlovely? Respect!—who is to respect what is gross and sensual? Not + all the marriage oaths sworn before all the parsons, cardinals, ministers, + muftis, and rabbins in the world, can bind to that monstrous allegiance. + This couple was living apart then; the woman happy to be allowed to love + and tend her children (who were never of her own good-will away from her), + and thankful to have saved such treasures as these out of the wreck in + which the better part of her heart went down. + </p> + <p> + These young ones had had no instructors save their mother, and Doctor + Tusher for their theology occasionally, and had made more progress than + might have been expected under a tutor so indulgent and fond as Lady + Castlewood. Beatrix could sing and dance like a nymph. Her voice was her + father's delight after dinner. She ruled over the house with little + imperial ways, which her parents coaxed and laughed at. She had long + learned the value of her bright eyes, and tried experiments in coquetry, + in corpore vili, upon rustics and country squires, until she should + prepare to conquer the world and the fashion. She put on a new ribbon to + welcome Harry Esmond, made eyes at him, and directed her young smiles at + him, not a little to the amusement of the young man, and the joy of her + father, who laughed his great laugh, and encouraged her in her thousand + antics. Lady Castlewood watched the child gravely and sadly: the little + one was pert in her replies to her mother, yet eager in her protestations + of love and promises of amendment; and as ready to cry (after a little + quarrel brought on by her own giddiness) until she had won back her + mamma's favor, as she was to risk the kind lady's displeasure by fresh + outbreaks of restless vanity. From her mother's sad looks she fled to her + father's chair and boozy laughter. She already set the one against the + other: and the little rogue delighted in the mischief which she knew how + to make so early. + </p> + <p> + The young heir of Castlewood was spoiled by father and mother both. He + took their caresses as men do, and as if they were his right. He had his + hawks and his spaniel dog, his little horse and his beagles. He had + learned to ride, and to drink, and to shoot flying: and he had a small + court, the sons of the huntsman and woodman, as became the heir-apparent, + taking after the example of my lord his father. If he had a headache, his + mother was as much frightened as if the plague were in the house: my lord + laughed and jeered in his abrupt way—(indeed, 'twas on the day after + New Year's Day, and an excess of mince-pie)—and said with some of + his usual oaths—“D—n it, Harry Esmond—you see how my + lady takes on about Frank's megrim. She used to be sorry about me, my boy + (pass the tankard, Harry), and to be frightened if I had a headache once. + She don't care about my head now. They're like that—women are—all + the same, Harry, all jilts in their hearts. Stick to college—stick + to punch and buttery ale: and never see a woman that's handsomer than an + old cinder-faced bed-maker. That's my counsel.” + </p> + <p> + It was my lord's custom to fling out many jokes of this nature, in + presence of his wife and children, at meals—clumsy sarcasms which my + lady turned many a time, or which, sometimes, she affected not to hear, or + which now and again would hit their mark and make the poor victim wince + (as you could see by her flushing face and eyes filling with tears), or + which again worked her up to anger and retort, when, in answer to one of + these heavy bolts, she would flash back with a quivering reply. The pair + were not happy; nor indeed was it happy to be with them. Alas that + youthful love and truth should end in bitterness and bankruptcy! To see a + young couple loving each other is no wonder; but to see an old couple + loving each other is the best sight of all. Harry Esmond became the + confidant of one and the other—that is, my lord told the lad all his + griefs and wrongs (which were indeed of Lord Castlewood's own making), and + Harry divined my lady's; his affection leading him easily to penetrate the + hypocrisy under which Lady Castlewood generally chose to go disguised, and + see her heart aching whilst her face wore a smile. 'Tis a hard task for + women in life, that mask which the world bids them wear. But there is no + greater crime than for a woman who is ill used and unhappy to show that + she is so. The world is quite relentless about bidding her to keep a + cheerful face; and our women, like the Malabar wives, are forced to go + smiling and painted to sacrifice themselves with their husbands; their + relations being the most eager to push them on to their duty, and, under + their shouts and applauses, to smother and hush their cries of pain. + </p> + <p> + So, into the sad secret of his patron's household, Harry Esmond became + initiated, he scarce knew how. It had passed under his eyes two years + before, when he could not understand it; but reading, and thought, and + experience of men, had oldened him; and one of the deepest sorrows of a + life which had never, in truth, been very happy, came upon him now, when + he was compelled to understand and pity a grief which he stood quite + powerless to relieve. + </p> + <p> + It hath been said my lord would never take the oath of allegiance, nor his + seat as a peer of the kingdom of Ireland, where, indeed, he had but a + nominal estate; and refused an English peerage which King William's + government offered him as a bribe to secure his loyalty. + </p> + <p> + He might have accepted this, and would doubtless, but for the earnest + remonstrances of his wife, who ruled her husband's opinions better than + she could govern his conduct, and who being a simple-hearted woman, with + but one rule of faith and right, never thought of swerving from her + fidelity to the exiled family, or of recognizing any other sovereign but + King James; and though she acquiesced in the doctrine of obedience to the + reigning power, no temptation, she thought, could induce her to + acknowledge the Prince of Orange as rightful monarch, nor to let her lord + so acknowledge him. So my Lord Castlewood remained a nonjuror all his life + nearly, though his self-denial caused him many a pang, and left him sulky + and out of humor. + </p> + <p> + The year after the Revolution, and all through King William's life, 'tis + known there were constant intrigues for the restoration of the exiled + family; but if my Lord Castlewood took any share of these, as is probable, + 'twas only for a short time, and when Harry Esmond was too young to be + introduced into such important secrets. + </p> + <p> + But in the year 1695, when that conspiracy of Sir John Fenwick, Colonel + Lowick, and others, was set on foot, for waylaying King William as he came + from Hampton Court to London, and a secret plot was formed, in which a + vast number of the nobility and people of honor were engaged, Father Holt + appeared at Castlewood, and brought a young friend with him, a gentleman + whom 'twas easy to see that both my lord and the Father treated with + uncommon deference. Harry Esmond saw this gentleman, and knew and + recognized him in after life, as shall be shown in its place; and he has + little doubt now that my Lord Viscount was implicated somewhat in the + transactions which always kept Father Holt employed and travelling hither + and thither under a dozen of different names and disguises. The Father's + companion went by the name of Captain James; and it was under a very + different name and appearance that Harry Esmond afterwards saw him. + </p> + <p> + It was the next year that the Fenwick conspiracy blew up, which is a + matter of public history now, and which ended in the execution of Sir John + and many more, who suffered manfully for their treason, and who were + attended to Tyburn by my lady's father Dean Armstrong, Mr. Collier, and + other stout nonjuring clergymen, who absolved them at the gallows-foot. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis known that when Sir John was apprehended, discovery was made of a + great number of names of gentlemen engaged in the conspiracy; when, with a + noble wisdom and clemency, the Prince burned the list of conspirators + furnished to him, and said he would know no more. Now it was after this + that Lord Castlewood swore his great oath, that he would never, so help + him heaven, be engaged in any transaction against that brave and merciful + man; and so he told Holt when the indefatigable priest visited him, and + would have had him engage in a farther conspiracy. After this my lord ever + spoke of King William as he was—as one of the wisest, the bravest, + and the greatest of men. My Lady Esmond (for her part) said she could + never pardon the King, first, for ousting his father-in-law from his + throne, and secondly, for not being constant to his wife, the Princess + Mary. Indeed, I think if Nero were to rise again, and be king of England, + and a good family man, the ladies would pardon him. My lord laughed at his + wife's objections—the standard of virtue did not fit him much. + </p> + <p> + The last conference which Mr. Holt had with his lordship took place when + Harry was come home for his first vacation from college (Harry saw his old + tutor but for a half-hour, and exchanged no private words with him), and + their talk, whatever it might be, left my Lord Viscount very much + disturbed in mind—so much so, that his wife, and his young kinsman, + Henry Esmond, could not but observe his disquiet. After Holt was gone, my + lord rebuffed Esmond, and again treated him with the greatest deference; + he shunned his wife's questions and company, and looked at his children + with such a face of gloom and anxiety, muttering, “Poor children—poor + children!” in a way that could not but fill those whose life it was to + watch him and obey him with great alarm. For which gloom, each person + interested in the Lord Castlewood, framed in his or her own mind an + interpretation. + </p> + <p> + My lady, with a laugh of cruel bitterness said, “I suppose the person at + Hexton has been ill, or has scolded him” (for my lord's infatuation about + Mrs. Marwood was known only too well). Young Esmond feared for his money + affairs, into the condition of which he had been initiated; and that the + expenses, always greater than his revenue, had caused Lord Castlewood + disquiet. + </p> + <p> + One of the causes why my Lord Viscount had taken young Esmond into his + special favor was a trivial one, that hath not before been mentioned, + though it was a very lucky accident in Henry Esmond's life. A very few + months after my lord's coming to Castlewood, in the winter time—the + little boy, being a child in a petticoat, trotting about—it happened + that little Frank was with his father after dinner, who fell asleep over + his wine, heedless of the child, who crawled to the fire; and, as good + fortune would have it, Esmond was sent by his mistress for the boy just as + the poor little screaming urchin's coat was set on fire by a log; when + Esmond, rushing forward, tore the dress off the infant, so that his own + hands were burned more than the child's, who was frightened rather than + hurt by this accident. But certainly 'twas providential that a resolute + person should have come in at that instant, or the child had been burned + to death probably, my lord sleeping very heavily after drinking, and not + waking so cool as a man should who had a danger to face. + </p> + <p> + Ever after this the father, loud in his expressions of remorse and + humility for being a tipsy good-for-nothing, and of admiration for Harry + Esmond, whom his lordship would style a hero for doing a very trifling + service, had the tenderest regard for his son's preserver, and Harry + became quite as one of the family. His burns were tended with the greatest + care by his kind mistress, who said that heaven had sent him to be the + guardian of her children, and that she would love him all her life. + </p> + <p> + And it was after this, and from the very great love and tenderness which + had grown up in this little household, rather than from the exhortations + of Dean Armstrong (though these had no small weight with him), that Harry + came to be quite of the religion of his house and his dear mistress, of + which he has ever since been a professing member. As for Dr. Tusher's + boasts that he was the cause of this conversion—even in these young + days Mr. Esmond had such a contempt for the Doctor, that had Tusher bade + him believe anything (which he did not—never meddling at all), Harry + would that instant have questioned the truth on't. + </p> + <p> + My lady seldom drank wine; but on certain days of the year, such as + birthdays (poor Harry had never a one) and anniversaries, she took a + little; and this day, the 29th December, was one. At the end, then, of + this year, '96, it might have been a fortnight after Mr. Holt's last + visit, Lord Castlewood being still very gloomy in mind, and sitting at + table—my lady bidding a servant bring her a glass of wine, and + looking at her husband with one of her sweet smiles, said— + </p> + <p> + “My lord, will you not fill a bumper too, and let me call a toast?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Rachel?” says he, holding out his empty glass to be filled. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the 29th of December,” says my lady, with her fond look of + gratitude: “and my toast is, 'Harry—and God bless him, who saved my + boy's life!'” + </p> + <p> + My lord looked at Harry hard, and drank the glass, but clapped it down on + the table in a moment, and, with a sort of groan, rose up, and went out of + the room. What was the matter? We all knew that some great grief was over + him. + </p> + <p> + Whether my lord's prudence had made him richer, or legacies had fallen to + him, which enabled him to support a greater establishment than that frugal + one which had been too much for his small means, Harry Esmond knew not; + but the house of Castlewood was now on a scale much more costly than it + had been during the first years of his lordship's coming to the title. + There were more horses in the stable and more servants in the hall, and + many more guests coming and going now than formerly, when it was found + difficult enough by the strictest economy to keep the house as befitted + one of his lordship's rank, and the estate out of debt. And it did not + require very much penetration to find that many of the new acquaintances + at Castlewood were not agreeable to the lady there: not that she ever + treated them or any mortal with anything but courtesy; but they were + persons who could not be welcome to her; and whose society a lady so + refined and reserved could scarce desire for her children. There came + fuddling squires from the country round, who bawled their songs under her + windows and drank themselves tipsy with my lord's punch and ale: there + came officers from Hexton, in whose company our little lord was made to + hear talk and to drink, and swear too, in a way that made the delicate + lady tremble for her son. Esmond tried to console her by saying what he + knew of his College experience; that with this sort of company and + conversation a man must fall in sooner or later in his course through the + world: and it mattered very little whether he heard it at twelve years old + or twenty—the youths who quitted mother's apron-strings the latest + being not uncommonly the wildest rakes. But it was about her daughter that + Lady Castlewood was the most anxious, and the danger which she thought + menaced the little Beatrix from the indulgences which her father gave her, + (it must be owned that my lord, since these unhappy domestic differences + especially, was at once violent in his language to the children when + angry, as he was too familiar, not to say coarse, when he was in a good + humor,) and from the company into which the careless lord brought the + child. + </p> + <p> + Not very far off from Castlewood is Sark Castle, where the Marchioness of + Sark lived, who was known to have been a mistress of the late King Charles—and + to this house, whither indeed a great part of the country gentry went, my + lord insisted upon going, not only himself, but on taking his little + daughter and son, to play with the children there. The children were + nothing loth, for the house was splendid, and the welcome kind enough. But + my lady, justly no doubt, thought that the children of such a mother as + that noted Lady Sark had been, could be no good company for her two; and + spoke her mind to her lord. His own language when he was thwarted was not + indeed of the gentlest: to be brief, there was a family dispute on this, + as there had been on many other points—and the lady was not only + forced to give in, for the other's will was law—nor could she, on + account of their tender age, tell her children what was the nature of her + objection to their visit of pleasure, or indeed mention to them any + objection at all—but she had the additional secret mortification to + find them returning delighted with their new friends, loaded with presents + from them, and eager to be allowed to go back to a place of such delights + as Sark Castle. Every year she thought the company there would be more + dangerous to her daughter, as from a child Beatrix grew to a woman, and + her daily increasing beauty, and many faults of character too, expanded. + </p> + <p> + It was Harry Esmond's lot to see one of the visits which the old Lady of + Sark paid to the Lady of Castlewood Hall: whither she came in state with + six chestnut horses and blue ribbons, a page on each carriage step, a + gentleman of the horse, and armed servants riding before and behind her. + And, but that it was unpleasant to see Lady Castlewood's face, it was + amusing to watch the behavior of the two enemies: the frigid patience of + the younger lady, and the unconquerable good-humor of the elder—who + would see no offence whatever her rival intended, and who never ceased to + smile and to laugh, and to coax the children, and to pay compliments to + every man, woman, child, nay dog, or chair and table, in Castlewood, so + bent was she upon admiring everything there. She lauded the children, and + wished as indeed she well might—that her own family had been brought + up as well as those cherubs. She had never seen such a complexion as dear + Beatrix's—though to be sure she had a right to it from father and + mother—Lady Castlewood's was indeed a wonder of freshness, and Lady + Sark sighed to think she had not been born a fair woman; and remarking + Harry Esmond, with a fascinating superannuated smile, she complimented him + on his wit, which she said she could see from his eyes and forehead; and + vowed that she would never have HIM at Sark until her daughter were out of + the way. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + MY LORD MOHUN COMES AMONG US FOR NO GOOD. + </h3> + <p> + There had ridden along with this old Princess's cavalcade, two gentlemen: + her son, my Lord Firebrace, and his friend, my Lord Mohun, who both were + greeted with a great deal of cordiality by the hospitable Lord of + Castlewood. My Lord Firebrace was but a feeble-minded and weak-limbed + young nobleman, small in stature and limited in understanding to judge + from the talk young Esmond had with him; but the other was a person of a + handsome presence, with the bel air, and a bright daring warlike aspect, + which, according to the chronicle of those days, had already achieved for + him the conquest of several beauties and toasts. He had fought and + conquered in France, as well as in Flanders; he had served a couple of + campaigns with the Prince of Baden on the Danube, and witnessed the rescue + of Vienna from the Turk. And he spoke of his military exploits pleasantly, + and with the manly freedom of a soldier, so as to delight all his hearers + at Castlewood, who were little accustomed to meet a companion so + agreeable. + </p> + <p> + On the first day this noble company came, my lord would not hear of their + departure before dinner, and carried away the gentlemen to amuse them, + whilst his wife was left to do the honors of her house to the old + Marchioness and her daughter within. They looked at the stables where my + Lord Mohun praised the horses, though there was but a poor show there: + they walked over the old house and gardens, and fought the siege of + Oliver's time over again: they played a game of rackets in the old court, + where my Lord Castlewood beat my Lord Mohun, who said he loved ball of all + things, and would quickly come back to Castlewood for his revenge. After + dinner they played bowls and drank punch in the green alley; and when they + parted they were sworn friends, my Lord Castlewood kissing the other lord + before he mounted on horseback, and pronouncing him the best companion he + had met for many a long day. All night long, over his tobacco-pipe, + Castlewood did not cease to talk to Harry Esmond in praise of his new + friend, and in fact did not leave off speaking of him until his lordship + was so tipsy that he could not speak plainly any more. + </p> + <p> + At breakfast next day it was the same talk renewed; and when my lady said + there was something free in the Lord Mohun's looks and manner of speech + which caused her to mistrust him, her lord burst out with one of his + laughs and oaths; said that he never liked man, woman, or beast, but what + she was sure to be jealous of it; that Mohun was the prettiest fellow in + England; that he hoped to see more of him whilst in the country; and that + he would let Mohun know what my Lady Prude said of him. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” Lady Castlewood said, “I liked his conversation well enough. + 'Tis more amusing than that of most people I know. I thought it, I own, + too free; not from what he said, as rather from what he implied.” + </p> + <p> + “Psha! your ladyship does not know the world,” said her husband; “and you + have always been as squeamish as when you were a miss of fifteen.” + </p> + <p> + “You found no fault when I was a miss at fifteen.” + </p> + <p> + “Begad, madam, you are grown too old for a pinafore now; and I hold that + 'tis for me to judge what company my wife shall see,” said my lord, + slapping the table. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Francis, I never thought otherwise,” answered my lady, rising and + dropping him a curtsy, in which stately action, if there was obedience, + there was defiance too; and in which a bystander, deeply interested in the + happiness of that pair as Harry Esmond was, might see how hopelessly + separated they were; what a great gulf of difference and discord had run + between them. + </p> + <p> + “By G-d! Mohun is the best fellow in England; and I'll invite him here, + just to plague that woman. Did you ever see such a frigid insolence as it + is, Harry? That's the way she treats me,” he broke out, storming, and his + face growing red as he clenched his fists and went on. “I'm nobody in my + own house. I'm to be the humble servant of that parson's daughter. By + Jove! I'd rather she should fling the dish at my head than sneer at me as + she does. She puts me to shame before the children with her d—d + airs; and, I'll swear, tells Frank and Beaty that papa's a reprobate, and + that they ought to despise me.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed and indeed, sir, I never heard her say a word but of respect + regarding you,” Harry Esmond interposed. + </p> + <p> + “No, curse it! I wish she would speak. But she never does. She scorns me, + and holds her tongue. She keeps off from me, as if I was a pestilence. By + George! she was fond enough of her pestilence once. And when I came + a-courting, you would see miss blush—blush red, by George! for joy. + Why, what do you think she said to me, Harry? She said herself, when I + joked with her about her d—d smiling red cheeks: ''Tis as they do at + St. James's; I put up my red flag when my king comes.' I was the king, you + see, she meant. But now, sir, look at her! I believe she would be glad if + I was dead; and dead I've been to her these five years—ever since + you all of you had the small-pox: and she never forgave me for going + away.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, my lord, though 'twas hard to forgive, I think my mistress + forgave it,” Harry Esmond said; “and remember how eagerly she watched your + lordship's return, and how sadly she turned away when she saw your cold + looks.” + </p> + <p> + “Damme!” cries out my lord; “would you have had me wait and catch the + small-pox? Where the deuce had been the good of that? I'll bear danger + with any man—but not useless danger—no, no. Thank you for + nothing. And—you nod your head, and I know very well, Parson Harry, + what you mean. There was the—the other affair to make her angry. But + is a woman never to forgive a husband who goes a-tripping? Do you take me + for a saint?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir, I do not,” says Harry, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Since that time my wife's as cold as the statue at Charing Cross. I tell + thee she has no forgiveness in her, Henry. Her coldness blights my whole + life, and sends me to the punch-bowl, or driving about the country. My + children are not mine, but hers, when we are together. 'Tis only when she + is out of sight with her abominable cold glances, that run through me, + that they'll come to me, and that I dare to give them so much as a kiss; + and that's why I take 'em and love 'em in other people's houses, Harry. + I'm killed by the very virtue of that proud woman. Virtue! give me the + virtue that can forgive; give me the virtue that thinks not of preserving + itself, but of making other folks happy. Damme, what matters a scar or two + if 'tis got in helping a friend in ill fortune?” + </p> + <p> + And my lord again slapped the table, and took a great draught from the + tankard. Harry Esmond admired as he listened to him, and thought how the + poor preacher of this self-sacrifice had fled from the small-pox, which + the lady had borne so cheerfully, and which had been the cause of so much + disunion in the lives of all in this house. “How well men preach,” thought + the young man, “and each is the example in his own sermon. How each has a + story in a dispute, and a true one, too, and both are right or wrong as + you will!” Harry's heart was pained within him, to watch the struggles and + pangs that tore the breast of this kind, manly friend and protector. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir,” said he, “I wish to God that my mistress could hear you + speak as I have heard you; she would know much that would make her life + the happier, could she hear it.” But my lord flung away with one of his + oaths, and a jeer; he said that Parson Harry was a good fellow; but that + as for women, all women were alike—all jades and heartless. So a man + dashes a fine vase down, and despises it for being broken. It may be + worthless—true: but who had the keeping of it, and who shattered it? + </p> + <p> + Harry, who would have given his life to make his benefactress and her + husband happy, bethought him, now that he saw what my lord's state of mind + was, and that he really had a great deal of that love left in his heart, + and ready for his wife's acceptance if she would take it, whether he could + not be a means of reconciliation between these two persons, whom he + revered the most in the world. And he cast about how he should break a + part of his mind to his mistress, and warn her that in his, Harry's + opinion, at least, her husband was still her admirer, and even her lover. + </p> + <p> + But he found the subject a very difficult one to handle, when he ventured + to remonstrate, which he did in the very gravest tone, (for long + confidence and reiterated proofs of devotion and loyalty had given him a + sort of authority in the house, which he resumed as soon as ever he + returned to it,) and with a speech that should have some effect, as, + indeed, it was uttered with the speaker's own heart, he ventured most + gently to hint to his adored mistress that she was doing her husband harm + by her ill opinion of him, and that the happiness of all the family + depended upon setting her right. + </p> + <p> + She, who was ordinarily calm and most gentle, and full of smiles and soft + attentions, flushed up when young Esmond so spoke to her, and rose from + her chair, looking at him with a haughtiness and indignation that he had + never before known her to display. She was quite an altered being for that + moment; and looked an angry princess insulted by a vassal. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever heard me utter a word in my lord's disparagement?” she + asked hastily, hissing out her words, and stamping her foot. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, no,” Esmond said, looking down. + </p> + <p> + “Are you come to me as his ambassador—YOU?” she continued. + </p> + <p> + “I would sooner see peace between you than anything else in the world,” + Harry answered, “and would go of any embassy that had that end.” + </p> + <p> + “So YOU are my lord's go-between?” she went on, not regarding this speech. + “You are sent to bid me back into slavery again, and inform me that my + lord's favor is graciously restored to his handmaid? He is weary of Covent + Garden, is he, that he comes home and would have the fatted calf killed?” + </p> + <p> + “There's good authority for it, surely,” said Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “For a son, yes; but my lord is not my son. It was he who cast me away + from him. It was he who broke our happiness down, and he bids me to repair + it. It was he who showed himself to me at last, as he was, not as I had + thought him. It is he who comes before my children stupid and senseless + with wine—who leaves our company for that of frequenters of taverns + and bagnios—who goes from his home to the City yonder and his + friends there, and when he is tired of them returns hither, and expects + that I shall kneel and welcome him. And he sends YOU as his chamberlain! + What a proud embassy! Monsieur, I make you my compliment of the new + place.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a proud embassy, and a happy embassy too, could I bring you + and my lord together,” Esmond replied. + </p> + <p> + “I presume you have fulfilled your mission now, sir. 'Twas a pretty one + for you to undertake. I don't know whether 'tis your Cambridge philosophy, + or time, that has altered your ways of thinking,” Lady Castlewood + continued, still in a sarcastic tone. “Perhaps you too have learned to + love drink, and to hiccup over your wine or punch;—which is your + worship's favorite liquor? Perhaps you too put up at the 'Rose' on your + way to London, and have your acquaintances in Covent Garden. My services + to you, sir, to principal and ambassador, to master and—and lackey.” + </p> + <p> + “Great heavens! madam,” cried Harry. “What have I done that thus, for a + second time, you insult me? Do you wish me to blush for what I used to be + proud of, that I lived on your bounty? Next to doing you a service (which + my life would pay for), you know that to receive one from you is my + highest pleasure. What wrong have I done you that you should wound me so, + cruel woman?” + </p> + <p> + “What wrong?” she said, looking at Esmond with wild eyes. “Well, none—none + that you know of, Harry, or could help. Why did you bring back the + small-pox,” she added, after a pause, “from Castlewood village? You could + not help it, could you? Which of us knows whither fate leads us? But we + were all happy, Henry, till then.” And Harry went away from this colloquy, + thinking still that the estrangement between his patron and his beloved + mistress was remediable, and that each had at heart a strong attachment to + the other. + </p> + <p> + The intimacy between the Lords Mohun and Castlewood appeared to increase + as long as the former remained in the country; and my Lord of Castlewood + especially seemed never to be happy out of his new comrade's sight. They + sported together, they drank, they played bowls and tennis: my Lord + Castlewood would go for three days to Sark, and bring back my Lord Mohun + to Castlewood—where indeed his lordship made himself very welcome to + all persons, having a joke or a new game at romps for the children, all + the talk of the town for my lord, and music and gallantry and plenty of + the beau langage for my lady, and for Harry Esmond, who was never tired of + hearing his stories of his campaigns and his life at Vienna, Venice, + Paris, and the famous cities of Europe which he had visited both in peace + and war. And he sang at my lady's harpsichord, and played cards or + backgammon, or his new game of billiards with my lord (of whom he + invariably got the better) always having a consummate good-humor, and + bearing himself with a certain manly grace, that might exhibit somewhat of + the camp and Alsatia perhaps, but that had its charm, and stamped him a + gentleman: and his manner to Lady Castlewood was so devoted and + respectful, that she soon recovered from the first feelings of dislike + which she had conceived against him—nay, before long, began to be + interested in his spiritual welfare, and hopeful of his conversion, + lending him books of piety, which he promised dutifully to study. With her + my lord talked of reform, of settling into quiet life, quitting the court + and town, and buying some land in the neighborhood—though it must be + owned that, when the two lords were together over their Burgundy after + dinner, their talk was very different, and there was very little question + of conversion on my Lord Mohun's part. When they got to their second + bottle, Harry Esmond used commonly to leave these two noble topers, who, + though they talked freely enough, heaven knows, in his presence (Good + Lord, what a set of stories, of Alsatia and Spring Garden, of the taverns + and gaming-houses, of the ladies of the court, and mesdames of the + theatres, he can recall out of their godly conversation!)—although, + I say, they talked before Esmond freely, yet they seemed pleased when he + went away, and then they had another bottle, and then they fell to cards, + and then my Lord Mohun came to her ladyship's drawing-room; leaving his + boon companion to sleep off his wine. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas a point of honor with the fine gentlemen of those days to lose or + win magnificently at their horse-matches, or games of cards and dice—and + you could never tell, from the demeanor of these two lords afterwards, + which had been successful and which the loser at their games. And when my + lady hinted to my lord that he played more than she liked, he dismissed + her with a “pish,” and swore that nothing was more equal than play betwixt + gentlemen, if they did but keep it up long enough. And these kept it up + long enough, you may be sure. A man of fashion of that time often passed a + quarter of his day at cards, and another quarter at drink: I have known + many a pretty fellow, who was a wit too, ready of repartee, and possessed + of a thousand graces, who would be puzzled if he had to write more than + his name. + </p> + <p> + There is scarce any thoughtful man or woman, I suppose, but can look back + upon his course of past life, and remember some point, trifling as it may + have seemed at the time of occurrence, which has nevertheless turned and + altered his whole career. 'Tis with almost all of us, as in M. Massillon's + magnificent image regarding King William, a grain de sable that perverts + or perhaps overthrows us; and so it was but a light word flung in the air, + a mere freak of perverse child's temper, that brought down a whole heap of + crushing woes upon that family whereof Harry Esmond formed a part. + </p> + <p> + Coming home to his dear Castlewood in the third year of his academical + course, (wherein he had now obtained some distinction, his Latin Poem on + the death of the Duke of Gloucester, Princess Anne of Denmark's son, + having gained him a medal, and introduced him to the society of the + University wits,) Esmond found his little friend and pupil Beatrix grown + to be taller than her mother, a slim and lovely young girl, with cheeks + mantling with health and roses: with eyes like stars shining out of azure, + with waving bronze hair clustered about the fairest young forehead ever + seen: and a mien and shape haughty and beautiful, such as that of the + famous antique statue of the huntress Diana—at one time haughty, + rapid, imperious, with eyes and arrows that dart and kill. Harry watched + and wondered at this young creature, and likened her in his mind to + Artemis with the ringing bow and shafts flashing death upon the children + of Niobe; at another time she was coy and melting as Luna shining tenderly + upon Endymion. This fair creature, this lustrous Phoebe, was only young as + yet, nor had nearly reached her full splendor: but crescent and brilliant, + our young gentleman of the University, his head full of poetical fancies, + his heart perhaps throbbing with desires undefined, admired this rising + young divinity; and gazed at her (though only as at some “bright + particular star,” far above his earth) with endless delight and wonder. + She had been a coquette from the earliest times almost, trying her freaks + and jealousies, her wayward frolics and winning caresses, upon all that + came within her reach; she set her women quarrelling in the nursery, and + practised her eyes on the groom as she rode behind him on the pillion. + </p> + <p> + She was the darling and torment of father and mother. She intrigued with + each secretly; and bestowed her fondness and withdrew it, plied them with + tears, smiles, kisses, cajolements;—when the mother was angry, as + happened often, flew to the father, and sheltering behind him, pursued her + victim; when both were displeased, transferred her caresses to the + domestics, or watched until she could win back her parents' good graces, + either by surprising them into laughter and good-humor, or appeasing them + by submission and artful humility. She was saevo laeta negotio, like that + fickle goddess Horace describes, and of whose “malicious joy” a great poet + of our own has written so nobly—who, famous and heroic as he was, + was not strong enough to resist the torture of women. + </p> + <p> + It was but three years before that the child, then but ten years old, had + nearly managed to make a quarrel between Harry Esmond and his comrade, + good-natured, phlegmatic Thomas Tusher, who never of his own seeking + quarrelled with anybody: by quoting to the latter some silly joke which + Harry had made regarding him—(it was the merest idlest jest, though + it near drove two old friends to blows, and I think such a battle would + have pleased her)—and from that day Tom kept at a distance from her; + and she respected him, and coaxed him sedulously whenever they met. But + Harry was much more easily appeased, because he was fonder of the child: + and when she made mischief, used cutting speeches, or caused her friends + pain, she excused herself for her fault, not by admitting and deploring + it, but by pleading not guilty, and asserting innocence so constantly, and + with such seeming artlessness, that it was impossible to question her + plea. In her childhood, they were but mischiefs then which she did; but + her power became more fatal as she grew older—as a kitten first + plays with a ball, and then pounces on a bird and kills it. 'Tis not to be + imagined that Harry Esmond had all this experience at this early stage of + his life, whereof he is now writing the history—many things here + noted were but known to him in later days. Almost everything Beatrix did + or undid seemed good, or at least pardonable, to him then, and years + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + It happened, then, that Harry Esmond came home to Castlewood for his last + vacation, with good hopes of a fellowship at his college, and a contented + resolve to advance his fortune that way. 'Twas in the first year of the + present century, Mr. Esmond (as far as he knew the period of his birth) + being then twenty-two years old. He found his quondam pupil shot up into + this beauty of which we have spoken, and promising yet more: her brother, + my lord's son, a handsome high-spirited brave lad, generous and frank, and + kind to everybody, save perhaps his sister, with whom Frank was at war + (and not from his but her fault)—adoring his mother, whose joy he + was: and taking her side in the unhappy matrimonial differences which were + now permanent, while of course Mistress Beatrix ranged with her father. + When heads of families fall out, it must naturally be that their + dependants wear the one or the other party's color; and even in the + parliaments in the servants' hall or the stables, Harry, who had an early + observant turn, could see which were my lord's adherents and which my + lady's, and conjecture pretty shrewdly how their unlucky quarrel was + debated. Our lackeys sit in judgment on us. My lord's intrigues may be + ever so stealthily conducted, but his valet knows them; and my lady's + woman carries her mistress's private history to the servants' scandal + market, and exchanges it against the secrets of other abigails. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + MY LORD LEAVES US AND HIS EVIL BEHIND HIM. + </h3> + <p> + My Lord Mohun (of whose exploits and fame some of the gentlemen of the + University had brought down but ugly reports) was once more a guest at + Castlewood, and seemingly more intimately allied with my lord even than + before. Once in the spring those two noblemen had ridden to Cambridge from + Newmarket, whither they had gone for the horse-racing, and had honored + Harry Esmond with a visit at his rooms; after which Doctor Montague, the + master of the College, who had treated Harry somewhat haughtily, seeing + his familiarity with these great folks, and that my Lord Castlewood + laughed and walked with his hand on Harry's shoulder, relented to Mr. + Esmond, and condescended to be very civil to him; and some days after his + arrival, Harry, laughing, told this story to Lady Esmond, remarking how + strange it was that men famous for learning and renowned over Europe, + should, nevertheless, so bow down to a title, and cringe to a nobleman + ever so poor. At this Mistress Beatrix flung up her head, and said it + became those of low origin to respect their betters; that the parsons made + themselves a great deal too proud, she thought; and that she liked the way + at Lady Sark's best, where the chaplain, though he loved pudding, as all + parsons do, always went away before the custard. + </p> + <p> + “And when I am a parson,” says Mr. Esmond, “will you give me no custard, + Beatrix?” + </p> + <p> + “You—you are different,” Beatrix answered. “You are of our blood.” + </p> + <p> + “My father was a parson, as you call him,” said my lady. + </p> + <p> + “But mine is a peer of Ireland,” says Mistress Beatrix, tossing her head. + “Let people know their places. I suppose you will have me go down on my + knees and ask a blessing of Mr. Thomas Tusher, that has just been made a + curate and whose mother was a waiting-maid.” + </p> + <p> + And she tossed out of the room, being in one of her flighty humors then. + </p> + <p> + When she was gone, my lady looked so sad and grave, that Harry asked the + cause of her disquietude. She said it was not merely what he said of + Newmarket, but what she had remarked, with great anxiety and terror, that + my lord, ever since his acquaintance with the Lord Mohun especially, had + recurred to his fondness for play, which he had renounced since his + marriage. + </p> + <p> + “But men promise more than they are able to perform in marriage,” said my + lady, with a sigh. “I fear he has lost large sums; and our property, + always small, is dwindling away under this reckless dissipation. I heard + of him in London with very wild company. Since his return, letters and + lawyers are constantly coming and going: he seems to me to have a constant + anxiety, though he hides it under boisterousness and laughter. I looked + through—through the door last night, and—and before,” said my + lady, “and saw them at cards after midnight; no estate will bear that + extravagance, much less ours, which will be so diminished that my son will + have nothing at all, and my poor Beatrix no portion!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could help you, madam,” said Harry Esmond, sighing, and wishing + that unavailingly, and for the thousandth time in his life. + </p> + <p> + “Who can? Only God,” said Lady Esmond—“only God, in whose hands we + are.” And so it is, and for his rule over his family, and for his conduct + to wife and children—subjects over whom his power is monarchical—any + one who watches the world must think with trembling sometimes of the + account which many a man will have to render. For in our society there's + no law to control the King of the Fireside. He is master of property, + happiness—life almost. He is free to punish, to make happy or + unhappy—to ruin or to torture. He may kill a wife gradually, and be + no more questioned than the Grand seignior who drowns a slave at midnight. + He may make slaves and hypocrites of his children; or friends and freemen; + or drive them into revolt and enmity against the natural law of love. I + have heard politicians and coffee-house wiseacres talking over the + newspaper, and railing at the tyranny of the French King, and the Emperor, + and wondered how these (who are monarchs, too, in their way) govern their + own dominions at home, where each man rules absolute. When the annals of + each little reign are shown to the Supreme Master, under whom we hold + sovereignty, histories will be laid bare of household tyrants as cruel as + Amurath, and as savage as Nero, and as reckless and dissolute as Charles. + </p> + <p> + If Harry Esmond's patron erred, 'twas in the latter way, from a + disposition rather self-indulgent than cruel; and he might have been + brought back to much better feelings, had time been given to him to bring + his repentance to a lasting reform. + </p> + <p> + As my lord and his friend Lord Mohun were such close companions, Mistress + Beatrix chose to be jealous of the latter; and the two gentlemen often + entertained each other by laughing, in their rude boisterous way, at the + child's freaks of anger and show of dislike. “When thou art old enough, + thou shalt marry Lord Mohun,” Beatrix's father would say: on which the + girl would pout and say, “I would rather marry Tom Tusher.” And because + the Lord Mohun always showed an extreme gallantry to my Lady Castlewood, + whom he professed to admire devotedly, one day, in answer to this old joke + of her father's, Beatrix said, “I think my lord would rather marry mamma + than marry me; and is waiting till you die to ask her.” + </p> + <p> + The words were said lightly and pertly by the girl one night before + supper, as the family party were assembled near the great fire. The two + lords, who were at cards, both gave a start; my lady turned as red as + scarlet, and bade Mistress Beatrix go to her own chamber; whereupon the + girl, putting on, as her wont was, the most innocent air, said, “I am sure + I meant no wrong; I am sure mamma talks a great deal more to Harry Esmond + than she does to papa—and she cried when Harry went away, and she + never does when papa goes away! and last night she talked to Lord Mohun + for ever so long, and sent us out of the room, and cried when we came + back, and—” + </p> + <p> + “D—n!” cried out my Lord Castlewood, out of all patience. “Go out of + the room, you little viper!” and he started up and flung down his cards. + </p> + <p> + “Ask Lord Mohun what I said to him, Francis,” her ladyship said, rising up + with a scared face, but yet with a great and touching dignity and candor + in her look and voice. “Come away with me, Beatrix.” Beatrix sprung up + too; she was in tears now. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest mamma, what have I done?” she asked. “Sure I meant no harm.” And + she clung to her mother, and the pair went out sobbing together. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you what your wife said to me, Frank,” my Lord Mohun cried. + “Parson Harry may hear it; and, as I hope for heaven, every word I say is + true. Last night, with tears in her eyes, your wife implored me to play no + more with you at dice or at cards, and you know best whether what she + asked was not for your good.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it was, Mohun,” says my lord in a dry hard voice. “Of course + you are a model of a man: and the world knows what a saint you are.” + </p> + <p> + My Lord Mohun was separated from his wife, and had had many affairs of + honor: of which women as usual had been the cause. + </p> + <p> + “I am no saint, though your wife is—and I can answer for my actions + as other people must for their words,” said my Lord Mohun. + </p> + <p> + “By G—, my lord, you shall,” cried the other, starting up. + </p> + <p> + “We have another little account to settle first, my lord,” says Lord + Mohun. Whereupon Harry Esmond, filled with alarm for the consequences to + which this disastrous dispute might lead, broke out into the most vehement + expostulations with his patron and his adversary. “Gracious heavens!” he + said, “my lord, are you going to draw a sword upon your friend in your own + house? Can you doubt the honor of a lady who is as pure as heaven, and + would die a thousand times rather than do you a wrong? Are the idle words + of a jealous child to set friends at variance? Has not my mistress, as + much as she dared do, besought your lordship, as the truth must be told, + to break your intimacy with my Lord Mohun; and to give up the habit which + may bring ruin on your family? But for my Lord Mohun's illness, had he not + left you?” + </p> + <p> + “'Faith, Frank, a man with a gouty toe can't run after other men's wives,” + broke out my Lord Mohun, who indeed was in that way, and with a laugh and + a look at his swathed limb so frank and comical, that the other dashing + his fist across his forehead was caught by that infectious good-humor, and + said with his oath, “—— it, Harry, I believe thee,” and so + this quarrel was over, and the two gentlemen, at swords drawn but just + now, dropped their points, and shook hands. + </p> + <p> + Beati pacifici. “Go, bring my lady back,” said Harry's patron. Esmond went + away only too glad to be the bearer of such good news. He found her at the + door; she had been listening there, but went back as he came. She took + both his hands, hers were marble cold. She seemed as if she would fall on + his shoulder. “Thank you, and God bless you, my dear brother Harry,” she + said. She kissed his hand, Esmond felt her tears upon it: and leading her + into the room, and up to my lord, the Lord Castlewood, with an outbreak of + feeling and affection such as he had not exhibited for many a long day, + took his wife to his heart, and bent over and kissed her and asked her + pardon. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis time for me to go to roost. I will have my gruel a-bed,” said my + Lord Mohun: and limped off comically on Harry Esmond's arm. “By George, + that woman is a pearl!” he said; “and 'tis only a pig that wouldn't value + her. Have you seen the vulgar traipsing orange-girl whom Esmond”—but + here Mr. Esmond interrupted him, saying, that these were not affairs for + him to know. + </p> + <p> + My lord's gentleman came in to wait upon his master, who was no sooner in + his nightcap and dressing-gown than he had another visitor whom his host + insisted on sending to him: and this was no other than the Lady Castlewood + herself with the toast and gruel, which her husband bade her make and + carry with her own hands in to her guest. + </p> + <p> + Lord Castlewood stood looking after his wife as she went on this errand, + and as he looked, Harry Esmond could not but gaze on him, and remarked in + his patron's face an expression of love, and grief, and care, which very + much moved and touched the young man. Lord Castlewood's hands fell down at + his sides, and his head on his breast, and presently he said,— + </p> + <p> + “You heard what Mohun said, parson?” + </p> + <p> + “That my lady was a saint?” + </p> + <p> + “That there are two accounts to settle. I have been going wrong these five + years, Harry Esmond. Ever since you brought that damned small-pox into the + house, there has been a fate pursuing me, and I had best have died of it, + and not run away from it like a coward. I left Beatrix with her relations, + and went to London; and I fell among thieves, Harry, and I got back to + confounded cards and dice, which I hadn't touched since my marriage—no, + not since I was in the Duke's Guard, with those wild Mohocks. And I have + been playing worse and worse, and going deeper and deeper into it; and I + owe Mohun two thousand pounds now; and when it's paid I am little better + than a beggar. I don't like to look my boy in the face; he hates me, I + know he does. And I have spent Beaty's little portion: and the Lord knows + what will come if I live; the best thing I can do is to die, and release + what portion of the estate is redeemable for the boy.” + </p> + <p> + Mohun was as much master at Castlewood as the owner of the Hall itself; + and his equipages filled the stables, where, indeed, there was room and + plenty for many more horses than Harry Esmond's impoverished patron could + afford to keep. He had arrived on horseback with his people; but when his + gout broke out my Lord Mohun sent to London for a light chaise he had, + drawn by a pair of small horses, and running as swift, wherever roads were + good, as a Laplander's sledge. When this carriage came, his lordship was + eager to drive the Lady Castlewood abroad in it, and did so many times, + and at a rapid pace, greatly to his companion's enjoyment, who loved the + swift motion and the healthy breezes over the downs which lie hard upon + Castlewood, and stretch thence towards the sea. As this amusement was very + pleasant to her, and her lord, far from showing any mistrust of her + intimacy with Lord Mohun, encouraged her to be his companion—as if + willing by his present extreme confidence to make up for any past mistrust + which his jealousy had shown—the Lady Castlewood enjoyed herself + freely in this harmless diversion, which, it must be owned, her guest was + very eager to give her; and it seemed that she grew the more free with + Lord Mohun, and pleased with his company, because of some sacrifice which + his gallantry was pleased to make in her favor. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the two gentlemen constantly at cards still of evenings, Harry + Esmond one day deplored to his mistress that this fatal infatuation of her + lord should continue; and now they seemed reconciled together, begged his + lady to hint to her husband that he should play no more. + </p> + <p> + But Lady Castlewood, smiling archly and gayly, said she would speak to him + presently, and that, for a few nights more at least, he might be let to + have his amusement. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, madam,” said Harry, “you know not what it costs you; and 'tis + easy for any observer who knows the game, to see that Lord Mohun is by far + the stronger of the two.” + </p> + <p> + “I know he is,” says my lady, still with exceeding good-humor; “he is not + only the best player, but the kindest player in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, madam!” Esmond cried, transported and provoked. “Debts of honor + must be paid some time or other; and my master will be ruined if he goes + on.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry, shall I tell you a secret?” my lady replied, with kindness and + pleasure still in her eyes. “Francis will not be ruined if he goes on; he + will be rescued if he goes on. I repent of having spoken and thought + unkindly of the Lord Mohun when he was here in the past year. He is full + of much kindness and good; and 'tis my belief that we shall bring him to + better things. I have lent him 'Tillotson' and your favorite 'Bishop + Taylor,' and he is much touched, he says; and as a proof of his repentance—(and + herein lies my secret)—what do you think he is doing with Francis? + He is letting poor Frank win his money back again. He hath won already at + the last four nights; and my Lord Mohun says that he will not be the means + of injuring poor Frank and my dear children.” + </p> + <p> + “And in God's name, what do you return him for the sacrifice?” asked + Esmond, aghast; who knew enough of men, and of this one in particular, to + be aware that such a finished rake gave nothing for nothing. “How, in + heaven's name, are you to pay him?” + </p> + <p> + “Pay him! With a mother's blessing and a wife's prayers!” cries my lady, + clasping her hands together. Harry Esmond did not know whether to laugh, + to be angry, or to love his dear mistress more than ever for the obstinate + innocency with which she chose to regard the conduct of a man of the + world, whose designs he knew better how to interpret. He told the lady, + guardedly, but so as to make his meaning quite clear to her, what he knew + in respect of the former life and conduct of this nobleman; of other women + against whom he had plotted, and whom he had overcome; of the conversation + which he, Harry himself, had had with Lord Mohun, wherein the lord made a + boast of his libertinism, and frequently avowed that he held all women to + be fair game (as his lordship styled this pretty sport), and that they + were all, without exception, to be won. And the return Harry had for his + entreaties and remonstrances was a fit of anger on Lady Castlewood's part, + who would not listen to his accusations; she said and retorted that he + himself must be very wicked and perverted to suppose evil designs where + she was sure none were meant. “And this is the good meddlers get of + interfering,” Harry thought to himself with much bitterness; and his + perplexity and annoyance were only the greater, because he could not speak + to my Lord Castlewood himself upon a subject of this nature, or venture to + advise or warn him regarding a matter so very sacred as his own honor, of + which my lord was naturally the best guardian. + </p> + <p> + But though Lady Castlewood would listen to no advice from her young + dependant, and appeared indignantly to refuse it when offered, Harry had + the satisfaction to find that she adopted the counsel which she professed + to reject; for the next day she pleaded a headache, when my Lord Mohun + would have had her drive out, and the next day the headache continued; and + next day, in a laughing gay way, she proposed that the children should + take her place in his lordship's car, for they would be charmed with a + ride of all things; and she must not have all the pleasure for herself. My + lord gave them a drive with a very good grace, though, I dare say, with + rage and disappointment inwardly—not that his heart was very + seriously engaged in his designs upon this simple lady: but the life of + such men is often one of intrigue, and they can no more go through the day + without a woman to pursue, than a fox-hunter without his sport after + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Under an affected carelessness of demeanor, and though there was no + outward demonstration of doubt upon his patron's part since the quarrel + between the two lords, Harry yet saw that Lord Castlewood was watching his + guest very narrowly; and caught sight of distrust and smothered rage (as + Harry thought) which foreboded no good. On the point of honor Esmond knew + how touchy his patron was; and watched him almost as a physician watches a + patient, and it seemed to him that this one was slow to take the disease, + though he could not throw off the poison when once it had mingled with his + blood. We read in Shakspeare (whom the writer for his part considers to be + far beyond Mr. Congreve, Mr. Dryden, or any of the wits of the present + period,) that when jealousy is once declared, nor poppy, nor mandragora, + nor all the drowsy syrups of the East, will ever soothe it or medicine it + away. + </p> + <p> + In fine, the symptoms seemed to be so alarming to this young physician + (who, indeed, young as he was, had felt the kind pulses of all those dear + kinsmen), that Harry thought it would be his duty to warn my Lord Mohun, + and let him know that his designs were suspected and watched. So one day, + when in rather a pettish humor his lordship had sent to Lady Castlewood, + who had promised to drive with him, and now refused to come, Harry said—“My + lord, if you will kindly give me a place by your side I will thank you; I + have much to say to you, and would like to speak to you alone.” + </p> + <p> + “You honor me by giving me your confidence, Mr. Henry Esmond,” says the + other, with a very grand bow. My lord was always a fine gentleman, and + young as he was there was that in Esmond's manner which showed that he was + a gentleman too, and that none might take a liberty with him—so the + pair went out, and mounted the little carriage, which was in waiting for + them in the court, with its two little cream-colored Hanoverian horses + covered with splendid furniture and champing at the bit. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” says Harry Esmond, after they were got into the country, and + pointing to my Lord Mohun's foot, which was swathed in flannel, and put up + rather ostentatiously on a cushion—“my lord, I studied medicine at + Cambridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Parson Harry,” says he; “and are you going to take out a diploma: + and cure your fellow-students of the—” + </p> + <p> + “Of the gout,” says Harry, interrupting him, and looking him hard in the + face; “I know a good deal about the gout.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you may never have it. 'Tis an infernal disease,” says my lord, + “and its twinges are diabolical. Ah!” and he made a dreadful wry face, as + if he just felt a twinge. + </p> + <p> + “Your lordship would be much better if you took off all that flannel—it + only serves to inflame the toe,” Harry continued, looking his man full in + the face. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it only serves to inflame the toe, does it?” says the other, with an + innocent air. + </p> + <p> + “If you took off that flannel, and flung that absurd slipper away, and + wore a boot,” continues Harry. + </p> + <p> + “You recommend me boots, Mr. Esmond?” asks my lord. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, boots and spurs. I saw your lordship three days ago run down the + gallery fast enough,” Harry goes on. “I am sure that taking gruel at night + is not so pleasant as claret to your lordship; and besides it keeps your + lordship's head cool for play, whilst my patron's is hot and flustered + with drink.” + </p> + <p> + “'Sdeath, sir, you dare not say that I don't play fair?” cries my lord, + whipping his horses, which went away at a gallop. + </p> + <p> + “You are cool when my lord is drunk,” Harry continued; “your lordship gets + the better of my patron. I have watched you as I looked up from my books.” + </p> + <p> + “You young Argus!” says Lord Mohun, who liked Harry Esmond—and for + whose company and wit, and a certain daring manner, Harry had a great + liking too—“You young Argus! you may look with all your hundred eyes + and see we play fair. I've played away an estate of a night, and I've + played my shirt off my back; and I've played away my periwig and gone home + in a nightcap. But no man can say I ever took an advantage of him beyond + the advantage of the game. I played a dice-cogging scoundrel in Alsatia + for his ears and won 'em, and have one of 'em in my lodging in Bow Street + in a bottle of spirits. Harry Mohun will play any man for anything—always + would.” + </p> + <p> + “You are playing awful stakes, my lord, in my patron's house,” Harry said, + “and more games than are on the cards.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, sir?” cries my lord, turning round, with a flush on his + face. + </p> + <p> + “I mean,” answers Harry, in a sarcastic tone, “that your gout is well—if + ever you had it.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” cried my lord, getting hot. + </p> + <p> + “And to tell the truth I believe your lordship has no more gout than I + have. At any rate, change of air will do you good, my Lord Mohun. And I + mean fairly that you had better go from Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + “And were you appointed to give me this message?” cries the Lord Mohun. + “Did Frank Esmond commission you?” + </p> + <p> + “No one did. 'Twas the honor of my family that commissioned me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are prepared to answer this?” cries the other, furiously lashing + his horses. + </p> + <p> + “Quite, my lord: your lordship will upset the carriage if you whip so + hotly.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, you have a brave spirit!” my lord cried out, bursting into a + laugh. “I suppose 'tis that infernal botte de Jesuite that makes you so + bold,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the peace of the family I love best in the world,” Harry Esmond said + warmly—“'tis the honor of a noble benefactor—the happiness of + my dear mistress and her children. I owe them everything in life, my lord; + and would lay it down for any one of them. What brings you here to disturb + this quiet household? What keeps you lingering month after month in the + country? What makes you feign illness, and invent pretexts for delay? Is + it to win my poor patron's money? Be generous, my lord, and spare his + weakness for the sake of his wife and children. Is it to practise upon the + simple heart of a virtuous lady? You might as well storm the Tower + single-handed. But you may blemish her name by light comments on it, or by + lawless pursuits—and I don't deny that 'tis in your power to make + her unhappy. Spare these innocent people, and leave them.” + </p> + <p> + “By the Lord, I believe thou hast an eye to the pretty Puritan thyself, + Master Harry,” says my lord, with his reckless, good-humored laugh, and as + if he had been listening with interest to the passionate appeal of the + young man. “Whisper, Harry. Art thou in love with her thyself? Hath tipsy + Frank Esmond come by the way of all flesh?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord,” cried Harry, his face flushing and his eyes filling as + he spoke, “I never had a mother, but I love this lady as one. I worship + her as a devotee worships a saint. To hear her name spoken lightly seems + blasphemy to me. Would you dare think of your own mother so, or suffer any + one so to speak of her? It is a horror to me to fancy that any man should + think of her impurely. I implore you, I beseech you, to leave her. Danger + will come out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Danger, psha!” says my lord, giving a cut to the horses, which at this + minute—for we were got on to the Downs—fairly ran off into a + gallop that no pulling could stop. The rein broke in Lord Mohun's hands, + and the furious beasts scampered madly forwards, the carriage swaying to + and fro, and the persons within it holding on to the sides as best they + might, until seeing a great ravine before them, where an upset was + inevitable, the two gentlemen leapt for their lives, each out of his side + of the chaise. Harry Esmond was quit for a fall on the grass, which was so + severe that it stunned him for a minute; but he got up presently very + sick, and bleeding at the nose, but with no other hurt. The Lord Mohun was + not so fortunate; he fell on his head against a stone, and lay on the + ground, dead to all appearance. + </p> + <p> + This misadventure happened as the gentlemen were on their return + homewards; and my Lord Castlewood, with his son and daughter, who were + going out for a ride, met the ponies as they were galloping with the car + behind, the broken traces entangling their heels, and my lord's people + turned and stopped them. It was young Frank who spied out Lord Mohun's + scarlet coat as he lay on the ground, and the party made up to that + unfortunate gentleman and Esmond, who was now standing over him. His large + periwig and feathered hat had fallen off, and he was bleeding profusely + from a wound on the forehead, and looking, and being, indeed, a corpse. + </p> + <p> + “Great God! he's dead!” says my lord. “Ride, some one: fetch a doctor—stay. + I'll go home and bring back Tusher; he knows surgery,” and my lord, with + his son after him, galloped away. + </p> + <p> + They were scarce gone when Harry Esmond, who was indeed but just come to + himself, bethought him of a similar accident which he had seen on a ride + from Newmarket to Cambridge, and taking off a sleeve of my lord's coat, + Harry, with a penknife, opened a vein of his arm, and was greatly + relieved, after a moment, to see the blood flow. He was near half an hour + before he came to himself, by which time Doctor Tusher and little Frank + arrived, and found my lord not a corpse indeed, but as pale as one. + </p> + <p> + After a time, when he was able to bear motion, they put my lord upon a + groom's horse, and gave the other to Esmond, the men walking on each side + of my lord, to support him, if need were, and worthy Doctor Tusher with + them. Little Frank and Harry rode together at a foot pace. + </p> + <p> + When we rode together home, the boy said: “We met mamma, who was walking + on the terrace with the doctor, and papa frightened her, and told her you + were dead . . .” + </p> + <p> + “That I was dead!” asks Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Papa says: 'Here's poor Harry killed, my dear;' on which mamma gives + a great scream; and oh, Harry! she drops down; and I thought she was dead + too. And you never saw such a way as papa was in: he swore one of his + great oaths: and he turned quite pale; and then he began to laugh somehow, + and he told the Doctor to take his horse, and me to follow him; and we + left him. And I looked back, and saw him dashing water out of the fountain + on to mamma. Oh, she was so frightened!” + </p> + <p> + Musing upon this curious history—for my Lord Mohun's name was Henry + too, and they called each other Frank and Harry often—and not a + little disturbed and anxious, Esmond rode home. His dear lady was on the + terrace still, one of her women with her, and my lord no longer there. + There are steps and a little door thence down into the road. My lord + passed, looking very ghastly, with a handkerchief over his head, and + without his hat and periwig, which a groom carried, but his politeness did + not desert him, and he made a bow to the lady above. + </p> + <p> + “Thank heaven, you are safe,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “And so is Harry too, mamma,” says little Frank,—“huzzay!” + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond got off the horse to run to his mistress, as did little + Frank, and one of the grooms took charge of the two beasts, while the + other, hat and periwig in hand, walked by my lord's bridle to the front + gate, which lay half a mile away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my boy! what a fright you have given me!” Lady Castlewood said, when + Harry Esmond came up, greeting him with one of her shining looks, and a + voice of tender welcome; and she was so kind as to kiss the young man + ('twas the second time she had so honored him), and she walked into the + house between him and her son, holding a hand of each. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + WE RIDE AFTER HIM TO LONDON. + </h3> + <p> + After a repose of a couple of days, the Lord Mohun was so far recovered of + his hurt as to be able to announce his departure for the next morning; + when, accordingly, he took leave of Castlewood, proposing to ride to + London by easy stages, and lie two nights upon the road. His host treated + him with a studied and ceremonious courtesy, certainly different from my + lord's usual frank and careless demeanor; but there was no reason to + suppose that the two lords parted otherwise than good friends, though + Harry Esmond remarked that my Lord Viscount only saw his guest in company + with other persons, and seemed to avoid being alone with him. Nor did he + ride any distance with Lord Mohun, as his custom was with most of his + friends, whom he was always eager to welcome and unwilling to lose; but + contented himself, when his lordship's horses were announced, and their + owner appeared, booted for his journey, to take a courteous leave of the + ladies of Castlewood, by following the Lord Mohun down stairs to his + horses, and by bowing and wishing him a good-day, in the court-yard. “I + shall see you in London before very long, Mohun,” my lord said, with a + smile, “when we will settle our accounts together.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not let them trouble you, Frank,” said the other good-naturedly, and + holding out his hand, looked rather surprised at the grim and stately + manner in which his host received his parting salutation; and so, followed + by his people, he rode away. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond was witness of the departure. It was very different to my + lord's coming, for which great preparation had been made (the old house + putting on its best appearance to welcome its guest), and there was a + sadness and constraint about all persons that day, which filled Mr. Esmond + with gloomy forebodings, and sad indefinite apprehensions. Lord Castlewood + stood at the door watching his guest and his people as they went out under + the arch of the outer gate. When he was there, Lord Mohun turned once + more, my Lord Viscount slowly raised his beaver and bowed. His face wore a + peculiar livid look, Harry thought. He cursed and kicked away his dogs, + which came jumping about him—then he walked up to the fountain in + the centre of the court, and leaned against a pillar and looked into the + basin. As Esmond crossed over to his own room, late the chaplain's, on the + other side of the court, and turned to enter in at the low door, he saw + Lady Castlewood looking through the curtains of the great window of the + drawing-room overhead, at my lord as he stood regarding the fountain. + There was in the court a peculiar silence somehow; and the scene remained + long in Esmond's memory:—the sky bright overhead; the buttresses of + the building and the sun-dial casting shadow over the gilt memento mori + inscribed underneath; the two dogs, a black greyhound and a spaniel nearly + white, the one with his face up to the sun, and the other snuffing amongst + the grass and stones, and my lord leaning over the fountain, which was + bubbling audibly. 'Tis strange how that scene, and the sound of that + fountain, remain fixed on the memory of a man who has beheld a hundred + sights of splendor, and danger too, of which he has kept no account. + </p> + <p> + It was Lady Castlewood—she had been laughing all the morning, and + especially gay and lively before her husband and his guest—who as + soon as the two gentlemen went together from her room, ran to Harry, the + expression of her countenance quite changed now, and with a face and eyes + full of care, and said, “Follow them, Harry, I am sure something has gone + wrong.” And so it was that Esmond was made an eavesdropper at this lady's + orders and retired to his own chamber, to give himself time in truth to + try and compose a story which would soothe his mistress, for he could not + but have his own apprehension that some serious quarrel was pending + between the two gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + And now for several days the little company at Castlewood sat at table as + of evenings: this care, though unnamed and invisible, being nevertheless + present alway, in the minds of at least three persons there. My lord was + exceeding gentle and kind. Whenever he quitted the room, his wife's eyes + followed him. He behaved to her with a kind of mournful courtesy and + kindness remarkable in one of his blunt ways and ordinary rough manner. He + called her by her Christian name often and fondly, was very soft and + gentle with the children, especially with the boy, whom he did not love, + and being lax about church generally, he went thither and performed all + the offices (down even to listening to Dr. Tusher's sermon) with great + devotion. + </p> + <p> + “He paces his room all night; what is it? Henry, find out what it is,” + Lady Castlewood said constantly to her young dependant. “He has sent three + letters to London,” she said, another day. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, madam, they were to a lawyer,” Harry answered, who knew of these + letters, and had seen a part of the correspondence, which related to a new + loan my lord was raising; and when the young man remonstrated with his + patron, my lord said, “He was only raising money to pay off an old debt on + the property, which must be discharged.” + </p> + <p> + Regarding the money, Lady Castlewood was not in the least anxious. Few + fond women feel money-distressed; indeed you can hardly give a woman a + greater pleasure than to bid her pawn her diamonds for the man she loves; + and I remember hearing Mr. Congreve say of my Lord Marlborough, that the + reason why my lord was so successful with women as a young man, was + because he took money of them. “There are few men who will make such a + sacrifice for them,” says Mr. Congreve, who knew a part of the sex pretty + well. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond's vacation was just over, and, as hath been said, he was + preparing to return to the University for his last term before taking his + degree and entering into the Church. He had made up his mind for this + office, not indeed with that reverence which becomes a man about to enter + upon a duty so holy, but with a worldly spirit of acquiescence in the + prudence of adopting that profession for his calling. But his reasoning + was that he owed all to the family of Castlewood, and loved better to be + near them than anywhere else in the world; that he might be useful to his + benefactors, who had the utmost confidence in him and affection for him in + return; that he might aid in bringing up the young heir of the house and + acting as his governor; that he might continue to be his dear patron's and + mistress's friend and adviser, who both were pleased to say that they + should ever look upon him as such; and so, by making himself useful to + those he loved best, he proposed to console himself for giving up of any + schemes of ambition which he might have had in his own bosom. Indeed, his + mistress had told him that she would not have him leave her; and whatever + she commanded was will to him. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Castlewood's mind was greatly relieved in the last few days of + this well-remembered holiday time, by my lord's announcing one morning, + after the post had brought him letters from London, in a careless tone, + that the Lord Mohun was gone to Paris, and was about to make a great + journey in Europe; and though Lord Castlewood's own gloom did not wear + off, or his behavior alter, yet this cause of anxiety being removed from + his lady's mind, she began to be more hopeful and easy in her spirits, + striving too, with all her heart, and by all the means of soothing in her + power, to call back my lord's cheerfulness and dissipate his moody humor. + </p> + <p> + He accounted for it himself, by saying that he was out of health; that he + wanted to see his physician; that he would go to London, and consult + Doctor Cheyne. It was agreed that his lordship and Harry Esmond should + make the journey as far as London together; and of a Monday morning, the + 11th of October, in the year 1700, they set forwards towards London on + horseback. The day before being Sunday, and the rain pouring down, the + family did not visit church; and at night my lord read the service to his + family very finely, and with a peculiar sweetness and gravity—speaking + the parting benediction, Harry thought, as solemn as ever he heard it. And + he kissed and embraced his wife and children before they went to their own + chambers with more fondness than he was ordinarily wont to show, and with + a solemnity and feeling of which they thought in after days with no small + comfort. + </p> + <p> + They took horse the next morning (after adieux from the family as tender + as on the night previous), lay that night on the road, and entered London + at nightfall; my lord going to the “Trumpet,” in the Cockpit, Whitehall, a + house used by the military in his time as a young man, and accustomed by + his lordship ever since. + </p> + <p> + An hour after my lord's arrival (which showed that his visit had been + arranged beforehand), my lord's man of business arrived from Gray's Inn; + and thinking that his patron might wish to be private with the lawyer, + Esmond was for leaving them: but my lord said his business was short; + introduced Mr. Esmond particularly to the lawyer, who had been engaged for + the family in the old lord's time; who said that he had paid the money, as + desired that day, to my Lord Mohun himself, at his lodgings in Bow Street; + that his lordship had expressed some surprise, as it was not customary to + employ lawyers, he said, in such transactions between men of honor; but + nevertheless, he had returned my Lord Viscount's note of hand, which he + held at his client's disposition. + </p> + <p> + “I thought the Lord Mohun had been in Paris!” cried Mr. Esmond, in great + alarm and astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “He is come back at my invitation,” said my Lord Viscount. “We have + accounts to settle together.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray heaven they are over, sir,” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, quite,” replied the other, looking hard at the young man. “He was + rather troublesome about that money which I told you I had lost to him at + play. And now 'tis paid, and we are quits on that score, and we shall meet + good friends again.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” cried out Esmond, “I am sure you are deceiving me, and that + there is a quarrel between the Lord Mohun and you.” + </p> + <p> + “Quarrel—pish! We shall sup together this very night, and drink a + bottle. Every man is ill-humored who loses such a sum as I have lost. But + now 'tis paid, and my anger is gone with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall we sup, sir?” says Harry. + </p> + <p> + “WE! Let some gentlemen wait till they are asked,” says my Lord Viscount + with a laugh. “You go to Duke Street, and see Mr. Betterton. You love the + play, I know. Leave me to follow my own devices: and in the morning we'll + breakfast together, with what appetite we may, as the play says.” + </p> + <p> + “By G—! my lord, I will not leave you this night,” says Harry + Esmond. “I think I know the cause of your dispute. I swear to you 'tis + nothing. On the very day the accident befell Lord Mohun, I was speaking to + him about it. I know that nothing has passed but idle gallantry on his + part.” + </p> + <p> + “You know that nothing has passed but idle gallantry between Lord Mohun + and my wife,” says my lord, in a thundering voice—“you knew of this + and did not tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “I knew more of it than my dear mistress did herself, sir—a thousand + times more. How was she, who was as innocent as a child, to know what was + the meaning of the covert addresses of a villain?” + </p> + <p> + “A villain he is, you allow, and would have taken my wife away from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, she is as pure as an angel,” cried young Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Have I said a word against her?” shrieks out my lord. “Did I ever doubt + that she was pure? It would have been the last day of her life when I did. + Do you fancy I think that SHE would go astray? No, she hasn't passion + enough for that. She neither sins nor forgives. I know her temper—and + now I've lost her, by heaven I love her ten thousand times more than ever + I did—yes, when she was as young and as beautiful as an angel—when + she smiled at me in her old father's house, and used to lie in wait for me + there as I came from hunting—when I used to fling my head down on + her little knees and cry like a child on her lap—and swear I would + reform, and drink no more and play no more, and follow women no more; when + all the men of the Court used to be following her—when she used to + look with her child more beautiful, by George, than the Madonna in the + Queen's Chapel. I am not good like her, I know it. Who is—by heaven, + who is? I tired and wearied her, I know that very well. I could not talk + to her. You men of wit and books could do that, and I couldn't—I + felt I couldn't. Why, when you was but a boy of fifteen I could hear you + two together talking your poetry and your books till I was in such a rage + that I was fit to strangle you. But you were always a good lad, Harry, and + I loved you, you know I did. And I felt she didn't belong to me: and the + children don't. And I besotted myself, and gambled and drank, and took to + all sorts of deviltries out of despair and fury. And now comes this Mohun, + and she likes him, I know she likes him.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, and on my soul, you are wrong, sir,” Esmond cried. + </p> + <p> + “She takes letters from him,” cries my lord—“look here, Harry,” and + he pulled out a paper with a brown stain of blood upon it. “It fell from + him that day he wasn't killed. One of the grooms picked it up from the + ground and gave it me. Here it is in their d—d comedy jargon. + 'Divine Gloriana—Why look so coldly on your slave who adores you? + Have you no compassion on the tortures you have seen me suffering? Do you + vouchsafe no reply to billets that are written with the blood of my + heart.' She had more letters from him.” + </p> + <p> + “But she answered none,” cries Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “That's not Mohun's fault,” says my lord, “and I will be revenged on him, + as God's in heaven, I will.” + </p> + <p> + “For a light word or two, will you risk your lady's honor and your + family's happiness, my lord?” Esmond interposed beseechingly. + </p> + <p> + “Psha—there shall be no question of my wife's honor,” said my lord; + “we can quarrel on plenty of grounds beside. If I live, that villain will + be punished; if I fall, my family will be only the better: there will only + be a spendthrift the less to keep in the world: and Frank has better + teaching than his father. My mind is made up, Harry Esmond, and whatever + the event is, I am easy about it. I leave my wife and you as guardians to + the children.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that my lord was bent upon pursuing this quarrel, and that no + entreaties would draw him from it, Harry Esmond (then of a hotter and more + impetuous nature than now, when care, and reflection, and gray hairs have + calmed him) thought it was his duty to stand by his kind, generous patron, + and said, “My lord, if you are determined upon war, you must not go into + it alone. 'Tis the duty of our house to stand by its chief; and I should + neither forgive myself nor you if you did not call me, or I should be + absent from you at a moment of danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Harry, my poor boy, you are bred for a parson,” says my lord, taking + Esmond by the hand very kindly; “and it were a great pity that you should + meddle in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Your lordship thought of being a churchman once,” Harry answered, “and + your father's orders did not prevent him fighting at Castlewood against + the Roundheads. Your enemies are mine, sir; I can use the foils, as you + have seen, indifferently well, and don't think I shall be afraid when the + buttons are taken off 'em.” And then Harry explained, with some blushes + and hesitation (for the matter was delicate, and he feared lest, by having + put himself forward in the quarrel, he might have offended his patron), + how he had himself expostulated with the Lord Mohun, and proposed to + measure swords with him if need were, and he could not be got to withdraw + peaceably in this dispute. “And I should have beat him, sir,” says Harry, + laughing. “He never could parry that botte I brought from Cambridge. Let + us have half an hour of it, and rehearse—I can teach it your + lordship: 'tis the most delicate point in the world, and if you miss it, + your adversary's sword is through you.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, Harry, you ought to be the head of the house,” says my lord, + gloomily. “You had been a better Lord Castlewood than a lazy sot like me,” + he added, drawing his hand across his eyes, and surveying his kinsman with + very kind and affectionate glances. + </p> + <p> + “Let us take our coats off and have half an hour's practice before + nightfall,” says Harry, after thankfully grasping his patron's manly hand. + </p> + <p> + “You are but a little bit of a lad,” says my lord, good-humoredly; “but, + in faith, I believe you could do for that fellow. No, my boy,” he + continued, “I'll have none of your feints and tricks of stabbing: I can + use my sword pretty well too, and will fight my own quarrel my own way.” + </p> + <p> + “But I shall be by to see fair play?” cries Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, God bless you—you shall be by.” + </p> + <p> + “When is it, sir?” says Harry, for he saw that the matter had been + arranged privately and beforehand by my lord. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis arranged thus: I sent off a courier to Jack Westbury to say that I + wanted him specially. He knows for what, and will be here presently, and + drink part of that bottle of sack. Then we shall go to the theatre in Duke + Street, where we shall meet Mohun; and then we shall all go sup at the + 'Rose' or the 'Greyhound.' Then we shall call for cards, and there will be + probably a difference over the cards—and then, God help us!—either + a wicked villain and traitor shall go out of the world, or a poor + worthless devil, that doesn't care to remain in it. I am better away, Hal—my + wife will be all the happier when I am gone,” says my lord, with a groan, + that tore the heart of Harry Esmond, so that he fairly broke into a sob + over his patron's kind hand. + </p> + <p> + “The business was talked over with Mohun before he left home—Castlewood + I mean”—my lord went on. “I took the letter in to him, which I had + read, and I charged him with his villainy, and he could make no denial of + it, only he said that my wife was innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “And so she is; before heaven, my lord, she is!” cries Harry. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, no doubt. They always are,” says my lord. “No doubt, when she + heard he was killed, she fainted from accident.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my lord, MY name is Harry,” cried out Esmond, burning red. “You told + my lady, 'Harry was killed!'” + </p> + <p> + “Damnation! shall I fight you too?” shouts my lord in a fury. “Are you, + you little serpent, warmed by my fire, going to sting—YOU?—No, + my boy, you're an honest boy; you are a good boy.” (And here he broke from + rage into tears even more cruel to see.) “You are an honest boy, and I + love you; and, by heavens, I am so wretched that I don't care what sword + it is that ends me. Stop, here's Jack Westbury. Well, Jack! Welcome, old + boy! This is my kinsman, Harry Esmond.” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought your bowls for you at Castlewood, sir?” says Harry, bowing; + and the three gentlemen sat down and drank of that bottle of sack which + was prepared for them. + </p> + <p> + “Harry is number three,” says my lord. “You needn't be afraid of him, + Jack.” And the Colonel gave a look, as much as to say, “Indeed, he don't + look as if I need.” And then my lord explained what he had only told by + hints before. When he quarrelled with Lord Mohun he was indebted to his + lordship in a sum of sixteen hundred pounds, for which Lord Mohun said he + proposed to wait until my Lord Viscount should pay him. My lord had raised + the sixteen hundred pounds and sent them to Lord Mohun that morning, and + before quitting home had put his affairs into order, and was now quite + ready to abide the issue of the quarrel. + </p> + <p> + When we had drunk a couple of bottles of sack, a coach was called, and the + three gentlemen went to the Duke's Playhouse, as agreed. The play was one + of Mr. Wycherley's—“Love in a Wood.” + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond has thought of that play ever since with a kind of terror, + and of Mrs. Bracegirdle, the actress who performed the girl's part in the + comedy. She was disguised as a page, and came and stood before the + gentlemen as they sat on the stage, and looked over her shoulder with a + pair of arch black eyes, and laughed at my lord, and asked what ailed the + gentleman from the country, and had he had bad news from Bullock fair? + </p> + <p> + Between the acts of the play the gentlemen crossed over and conversed + freely. There were two of Lord Mohun's party, Captain Macartney, in a + military habit, and a gentleman in a suit of blue velvet and silver in a + fair periwig, with a rich fall of point of Venice lace—my Lord the + Earl of Warwick and Holland. My lord had a paper of oranges, which he ate + and offered to the actresses, joking with them. And Mrs. Bracegirdle, when + my Lord Mohun said something rude, turned on him, and asked him what he + did there, and whether he and his friends had come to stab anybody else, + as they did poor Will Mountford? My lord's dark face grew darker at this + taunt, and wore a mischievous, fatal look. They that saw it remembered it, + and said so afterward. + </p> + <p> + When the play was ended the two parties joined company; and my Lord + Castlewood then proposed that they should go to a tavern and sup. + Lockit's, the “Greyhound,” in Charing Cross, was the house selected. All + six marched together that way; the three lords going a-head, Lord Mohun's + captain, and Colonel Westbury, and Harry Esmond, walking behind them. As + they walked, Westbury told Harry Esmond about his old friend Dick the + Scholar, who had got promotion, and was Cornet of the Guards, and had + wrote a book called the “Christian Hero,” and had all the Guards to laugh + at him for his pains, for the Christian Hero was breaking the commandments + constantly, Westbury said, and had fought one or two duels already. And, + in a lower tone, Westbury besought young Mr. Esmond to take no part in the + quarrel. “There was no need for more seconds than one,” said the Colonel, + “and the Captain or Lord Warwick might easily withdraw.” But Harry said + no; he was bent on going through with the business. Indeed, he had a plan + in his head, which, he thought, might prevent my Lord Viscount from + engaging. + </p> + <p> + They went in at the bar of the tavern, and desired a private room and wine + and cards, and when the drawer had brought these, they began to drink and + call healths, and as long as the servants were in the room appeared very + friendly. + </p> + <p> + Harry Esmond's plan was no other than to engage in talk with Lord Mohun, + to insult him, and so get the first of the quarrel. So when cards were + proposed he offered to play. “Psha!” says my Lord Mohun (whether wishing + to save Harry, or not choosing, to try the botte de Jesuite, it is not to + be known)—“Young gentlemen from college should not play these + stakes. You are too young.” + </p> + <p> + “Who dares say I am too young?” broke out Harry. “Is your lordship + afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “Afraid!” cries out Mohun. + </p> + <p> + But my good Lord Viscount saw the move—“I'll play you for ten + moidores, Mohun,” says he. “You silly boy, we don't play for groats here + as you do at Cambridge.” And Harry, who had no such sum in his pocket (for + his half-year's salary was always pretty well spent before it was due), + fell back with rage and vexation in his heart that he had not money enough + to stake. + </p> + <p> + “I'll stake the young gentleman a crown,” says the Lord Mohun's captain. + </p> + <p> + “I thought crowns were rather scarce with the gentlemen of the army,” says + Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Do they birch at College?” says the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “They birch fools,” says Harry, “and they cane bullies, and they fling + puppies into the water.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, then, there's some escapes drowning,” says the Captain, who was an + Irishman; and all the gentlemen began to laugh, and made poor Harry only + more angry. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Mohun presently snuffed a candle. It was when the drawers brought + in fresh bottles and glasses and were in the room on which my Lord + Viscount said—“The Deuce take you, Mohun, how damned awkward you + are. Light the candle, you drawer.” + </p> + <p> + “Damned awkward is a damned awkward expression, my lord,” says the other. + “Town gentlemen don't use such words—or ask pardon if they do.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a country gentleman,” says my Lord Viscount. + </p> + <p> + “I see it by your manner,” says my Lord Mohun. “No man shall say damned + awkward to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I fling the words in your face, my lord,” says the other; “shall I send + the cards too?” + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, gentlemen! before the servants?” cry out Colonel Westbury and + my Lord Warwick in a breath. The drawers go out of the room hastily. They + tell the people below of the quarrel up stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Enough has been said,” says Colonel Westbury. “Will your lordships meet + to-morrow morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Will my Lord Castlewood withdraw his words?” asks the Earl of Warwick. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Castlewood will be —— first,” says Colonel Westbury. + </p> + <p> + “Then we have nothing for it. Take notice, gentlemen, there have been + outrageous words—reparation asked and refused.” + </p> + <p> + “And refused,” says my Lord Castlewood, putting on his hat. “Where shall + the meeting be? and when?” + </p> + <p> + “Since my Lord refuses me satisfaction, which I deeply regret, there is no + time so good as now,” says my Lord Mohun. “Let us have chairs and go to + Leicester Field.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your lordship and I to have the honor of exchanging a pass or two?” + says Colonel Westbury, with a low bow to my Lord of Warwick and Holland. + </p> + <p> + “It is an honor for me,” says my lord, with a profound congee, “to be + matched with a gentleman who has been at Mons and Namur.” + </p> + <p> + “Will your Reverence permit me to give you a lesson?” says the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, gentlemen, two on a side are plenty,” says Harry's patron. + “Spare the boy, Captain Macartney,” and he shook Harry's hand—for + the last time, save one, in his life. + </p> + <p> + At the bar of the tavern all the gentlemen stopped, and my Lord Viscount + said, laughing, to the barwoman, that those cards set people sadly + a-quarrelling; but that the dispute was over now, and the parties were all + going away to my Lord Mohun's house, in Bow Street, to drink a bottle more + before going to bed. + </p> + <p> + A half-dozen of chairs were now called, and the six gentlemen stepping + into them, the word was privately given to the chairmen to go to Leicester + Field, where the gentlemen were set down opposite the “Standard Tavern.” + It was midnight, and the town was abed by this time, and only a few lights + in the windows of the houses; but the night was bright enough for the + unhappy purpose which the disputants came about; and so all six entered + into that fatal square, the chairmen standing without the railing and + keeping the gate, lest any persons should disturb the meeting. + </p> + <p> + All that happened there hath been matter of public notoriety, and is + recorded, for warning to lawless men, in the annals of our country. After + being engaged for not more than a couple of minutes, as Harry Esmond + thought (though being occupied at the time with his own adversary's point, + which was active, he may not have taken a good note of time), a cry from + the chairmen without, who were smoking their pipes, and leaning over the + railings of the field as they watched the dim combat within, announced + that some catastrophe had happened, which caused Esmond to drop his sword + and look round, at which moment his enemy wounded him in the right hand. + But the young man did not heed this hurt much, and ran up to the place + where he saw his dear master was down. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Mohun was standing over him. + </p> + <p> + “Are you much hurt, Frank?” he asked in a hollow voice. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I am a dead man,” my lord said from the ground. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, not so,” says the other; “and I call God to witness, Frank + Esmond, that I would have asked your pardon, had you but given me a + chance. In—in the first cause of our falling out, I swear that no + one was to blame but me, and—and that my lady—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” says my poor Lord Viscount, lifting himself on his elbow and + speaking faintly. “'Twas a dispute about the cards—the cursed cards. + Harry my boy, are you wounded, too? God help thee! I loved thee, Harry, + and thou must watch over my little Frank—and—and carry this + little heart to my wife.” + </p> + <p> + And here my dear lord felt in his breast for a locket he wore there, and, + in the act, fell back fainting. + </p> + <p> + We were all at this terrified, thinking him dead; but Esmond and Colonel + Westbury bade the chairmen come into the field; and so my lord was carried + to one Mr. Aimes, a surgeon, in Long Acre, who kept a bath, and there the + house was wakened up, and the victim of this quarrel carried in. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Viscount was put to bed, and his wound looked to by the surgeon, + who seemed both kind and skilful. When he had looked to my lord, he + bandaged up Harry Esmond's hand (who, from loss of blood, had fainted too, + in the house, and may have been some time unconscious); and when the young + man came to himself, you may be sure he eagerly asked what news there were + of his dear patron; on which the surgeon carried him to the room where the + Lord Castlewood lay; who had already sent for a priest; and desired + earnestly, they said, to speak with his kinsman. He was lying on a bed, + very pale and ghastly, with that fixed, fatal look in his eyes, which + betokens death; and faintly beckoning all the other persons away from him + with his hand, and crying out “Only Harry Esmond,” the hand fell powerless + down on the coverlet, as Harry came forward, and knelt down and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art all but a priest, Harry,” my Lord Viscount gasped out, with a + faint smile, and pressure of his cold hand. “Are they all gone? Let me + make thee a death-bed confession.” + </p> + <p> + And with sacred Death waiting, as it were, at the bed-foot, as an awful + witness of his words, the poor dying soul gasped out his last wishes in + respect of his family;—his humble profession of contrition for his + faults;—and his charity towards the world he was leaving. Some + things he said concerned Harry Esmond as much as they astonished him. And + my Lord Viscount, sinking visibly, was in the midst of these strange + confessions, when the ecclesiastic for whom my lord had sent, Mr. + Atterbury, arrived. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman had reached to no great church dignity as yet, but was only + preacher at St. Bride's, drawing all the town thither by his eloquent + sermons. He was godson to my lord, who had been pupil to his father; had + paid a visit to Castlewood from Oxford more than once; and it was by his + advice, I think, that Harry Esmond was sent to Cambridge, rather than to + Oxford, of which place Mr. Atterbury, though a distinguished member, spoke + but ill. + </p> + <p> + Our messenger found the good priest already at his books at five o'clock + in the morning, and he followed the man eagerly to the house where my poor + Lord Viscount lay—Esmond watching him, and taking his dying words + from his mouth. + </p> + <p> + My lord, hearing of Mr. Atterbury's arrival, and squeezing Esmond's hand, + asked to be alone with the priest; and Esmond left them there for this + solemn interview. You may be sure that his own prayers and grief + accompanied that dying benefactor. My lord had said to him that which + confounded the young man—informed him of a secret which greatly + concerned him. Indeed, after hearing it, he had had good cause for doubt + and dismay; for mental anguish as well as resolution. While the colloquy + between Mr. Atterbury and his dying penitent took place within, an immense + contest of perplexity was agitating Lord Castlewood's young companion. + </p> + <p> + At the end of an hour—it may be more—Mr. Atterbury came out of + the room, looking very hard at Esmond, and holding a paper. + </p> + <p> + “He is on the brink of God's awful judgment,” the priest whispered. “He + has made his breast clean to me. He forgives and believes, and makes + restitution. Shall it be in public? Shall we call a witness to sign it?” + </p> + <p> + “God knows,” sobbed out the young man, “my dearest lord has only done me + kindness all his life.” + </p> + <p> + The priest put the paper into Esmond's hand. He looked at it. It swam + before his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a confession,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis as you please,” said Mr. Atterbury. + </p> + <p> + There was a fire in the room where the cloths were drying for the baths, + and there lay a heap in a corner saturated with the blood of my dear + lord's body. Esmond went to the fire, and threw the paper into it. 'Twas a + great chimney with glazed Dutch tiles. How we remember such trifles at + such awful moments!—the scrap of the book that we have read in a + great grief—the taste of that last dish that we have eaten before a + duel, or some such supreme meeting or parting. On the Dutch tiles at the + Bagnio was a rude picture representing Jacob in hairy gloves, cheating + Isaac of Esau's birthright. The burning paper lighted it up. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis only a confession, Mr. Atterbury,” said the young man. He leaned his + head against the mantel-piece: a burst of tears came to his eyes. They + were the first he had shed as he sat by his lord, scared by this calamity, + and more yet by what the poor dying gentleman had told him, and shocked to + think that he should be the agent of bringing this double misfortune on + those he loved best. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go to him,” said Mr. Esmond. And accordingly they went into the + next chamber, where by this time, the dawn had broke, which showed my + lord's poor pale face and wild appealing eyes, that wore that awful fatal + look of coming dissolution. The surgeon was with him. He went into the + chamber as Atterbury came out thence. My Lord Viscount turned round his + sick eyes towards Esmond. It choked the other to hear that rattle in his + throat. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Viscount,” says Mr. Atterbury, “Mr. Esmond wants no witnesses, + and hath burned the paper.” + </p> + <p> + “My dearest master!” Esmond said, kneeling down, and taking his hand and + kissing it. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Viscount sprang up in his bed, and flung his arms round Esmond. + “God bl—bless—” was all he said. The blood rushed from his + mouth, deluging the young man. My dearest lord was no more. He was gone + with a blessing on his lips, and love and repentance and kindness in his + manly heart. + </p> + <p> + “Benedicti benedicentes,” says Mr. Atterbury, and the young man, kneeling + at the bedside, groaned out an “Amen.” + </p> + <p> + “Who shall take the news to her?” was Mr. Esmond's next thought. And on + this he besought Mr. Atterbury to bear the tidings to Castlewood. He could + not face his mistress himself with those dreadful news. Mr. Atterbury + complying kindly, Esmond writ a hasty note on his table-book to my lord's + man, bidding him get the horses for Mr. Atterbury, and ride with him, and + send Esmond's own valise to the Gatehouse prison, whither he resolved to + go and give himself up. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <p> + CONTAINS MR. ESMOND'S MILITARY LIFE, AND OTHER MATTERS APPERTAINING TO THE + ESMOND FAMILY. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + I AM IN PRISON, AND VISITED, BUT NOT CONSOLED THERE. + </h3> + <p> + Those may imagine, who have seen death untimely strike down persons + revered and beloved, and know how unavailing consolation is, what was + Harry Esmond's anguish after being an actor in that ghastly midnight scene + of blood and homicide. He could not, he felt, have faced his dear + mistress, and told her that story. He was thankful that kind Atterbury + consented to break the sad news to her; but, besides his grief, which he + took into prison with him, he had that in his heart which secretly cheered + and consoled him. + </p> + <p> + A great secret had been told to Esmond by his unhappy stricken kinsman, + lying on his death-bed. Were he to disclose it, as in equity and honor he + might do, the discovery would but bring greater grief upon those whom he + loved best in the world, and who were sad enough already. Should he bring + down shame and perplexity upon all those beings to whom he was attached by + so many tender ties of affection and gratitude? degrade his father's + widow? impeach and sully his father's and kinsman's honor? and for what? + for a barren title, to be worn at the expense of an innocent boy, the son + of his dearest benefactress. He had debated this matter in his conscience, + whilst his poor lord was making his dying confession. On one side were + ambition, temptation, justice even; but love, gratitude, and fidelity, + pleaded on the other. And when the struggle was over in Harry's mind, a + glow of righteous happiness filled it; and it was with grateful tears in + his eyes that he returned thanks to God for that decision which he had + been enabled to make. + </p> + <p> + “When I was denied by my own blood,” thought he, “these dearest friends + received and cherished me. When I was a nameless orphan myself, and needed + a protector, I found one in yonder kind soul, who has gone to his account + repenting of the innocent wrong he has done.” + </p> + <p> + And with this consoling thought he went away to give himself up at the + prison, after kissing the cold lips of his benefactor. + </p> + <p> + It was on the third day after he had come to the Gatehouse prison, (where + he lay in no small pain from his wound, which inflamed and ached + severely,) and with those thoughts and resolutions that have been just + spoke of, to depress, and yet to console him, that H. Esmond's keeper came + and told him that a visitor was asking for him, and though he could not + see her face, which was enveloped in a black hood, her whole figure, too, + being veiled and covered with the deepest mourning, Esmond knew at once + that his visitor was his dear mistress. + </p> + <p> + He got up from his bed, where he was lying, being very weak; and advancing + towards her as the retiring keeper shut the door upon him and his guest in + that sad place, he put forward his left hand (for the right was wounded + and bandaged), and he would have taken that kind one of his mistress, + which had done so many offices of friendship for him for so many years. + </p> + <p> + But the Lady Castlewood went back from him, putting back her hood, and + leaning against the great stanchioned door which the gaoler had just + closed upon them. Her face was ghastly white, as Esmond saw it, looking + from the hood; and her eyes, ordinarily so sweet and tender, were fixed on + him with such a tragic glance of woe and anger, as caused the young man, + unaccustomed to unkindness from that person, to avert his own glances from + her face. + </p> + <p> + “And this, Mr. Esmond,” she said, “is where I see you; and 'tis to this + you have brought me!” + </p> + <p> + “You have come to console me in my calamity, madam,” said he (though, in + truth, he scarce knew how to address her, his emotions at beholding her so + overpowered him). + </p> + <p> + She advanced a little, but stood silent and trembling, looking out at him + from her black draperies, with her small white hands clasped together, and + quivering lips and hollow eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Not to reproach me,” he continued after a pause. “My grief is sufficient + as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Take back your hand—do not touch me with it!” she cried. “Look! + there's blood on it!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish they had taken it all,” said Esmond; “if you are unkind to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is my husband?” she broke out. “Give me back my husband, Henry. Why + did you stand by at midnight and see him murdered? Why did the traitor + escape who did it? You, the champion of your house, who offered to die for + us! You that he loved and trusted, and to whom I confided him—you + that vowed devotion and gratitude, and I believed you—yes, I + believed you—why are you here, and my noble Francis gone? Why did + you come among us? You have only brought us grief and sorrow; and + repentance, bitter, bitter repentance, as a return for our love and + kindness. Did I ever do you a wrong, Henry? You were but an orphan child + when I first saw you—when HE first saw you, who was so good, and + noble, and trusting. He would have had you sent away, but, like a foolish + woman, I besought him to let you stay. And you pretended to love us, and + we believed you—and you made our house wretched, and my husband's + heart went from me: and I lost him through you—I lost him—the + husband of my youth, I say. I worshipped him: you know I worshipped him—and + he was changed to me. He was no more my Francis of old—my dear, dear + soldier. He loved me before he saw you; and I loved him. Oh, God is my + witness how I loved him! Why did he not send you from among us? 'Twas only + his kindness, that could refuse me nothing then. And, young as you were—yes, + and weak and alone—there was evil, I knew there was evil in keeping + you. I read it in your face and eyes. I saw that they boded harm to us—and + it came, I knew it would. Why did you not die when you had the small-pox—and + I came myself and watched you, and you didn't know me in your delirium—and + you called out for me, though I was there at your side? All that has + happened since, was a just judgment on my wicked heart—my wicked + jealous heart. Oh, I am punished—awfully punished! My husband lies + in his blood—murdered for defending me, my kind, kind, generous lord—and + you were by, and you let him die, Henry!” + </p> + <p> + These words, uttered in the wildness of her grief, by one who was + ordinarily quiet, and spoke seldom except with a gentle smile and a + soothing tone, rung in Esmond's ear; and 'tis said that he repeated many + of them in the fever into which he now fell from his wound, and perhaps + from the emotion which such passionate, undeserved upbraidings caused him. + It seemed as if his very sacrifices and love for this lady and her family + were to turn to evil and reproach: as if his presence amongst them was + indeed a cause of grief, and the continuance of his life but woe and + bitterness to theirs. As the Lady Castlewood spoke bitterly, rapidly, + without a tear, he never offered a word of appeal or remonstrance: but sat + at the foot of his prison-bed, stricken only with the more pain at + thinking it was that soft and beloved hand which should stab him so + cruelly, and powerless against her fatal sorrow. Her words as she spoke + struck the chords of all his memory, and the whole of his boyhood and + youth passed within him; whilst this lady, so fond and gentle but + yesterday—this good angel whom he had loved and worshipped—stood + before him, pursuing him with keen words and aspect malign. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I were in my lord's place,” he groaned out. “It was not my fault + that I was not there, madam. But Fate is stronger than all of us, and + willed what has come to pass. It had been better for me to have died when + I had the illness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Henry,” said she—and as she spoke she looked at him with a + glance that was at once so fond and so sad, that the young man, tossing up + his arms, wildly fell back, hiding his head in the coverlet of the bed. As + he turned he struck against the wall with his wounded hand, displacing the + ligature; and he felt the blood rushing again from the wound. He + remembered feeling a secret pleasure at the accident—and thinking, + “Suppose I were to end now, who would grieve for me?” + </p> + <p> + This hemorrhage, or the grief and despair in which the luckless young man + was at the time of the accident, must have brought on a deliquium + presently; for he had scarce any recollection afterwards, save of some + one, his mistress probably, seizing his hand—and then of the buzzing + noise in his ears as he awoke, with two or three persons of the prison + around his bed, whereon he lay in a pool of blood from his arm. + </p> + <p> + It was now bandaged up again by the prison surgeon, who happened to be in + the place; and the governor's wife and servant, kind people both, were + with the patient. Esmond saw his mistress still in the room when he awoke + from his trance; but she went away without a word; though the governor's + wife told him that she sat in her room for some time afterward, and did + not leave the prison until she heard that Esmond was likely to do well. + </p> + <p> + Days afterwards, when Esmond was brought out of a fever which he had, and + which attacked him that night pretty sharply, the honest keeper's wife + brought her patient a handkerchief fresh washed and ironed, and at the + corner of which he recognized his mistress's well-known cipher and + viscountess's crown. “The lady had bound it round his arm when he fainted, + and before she called for help,” the keeper's wife said. “Poor lady! she + took on sadly about her husband. He has been buried to-day, and a many of + the coaches of the nobility went with him—my Lord Marlborough's and + my Lord Sunderland's, and many of the officers of the Guards, in which he + served in the old King's time; and my lady has been with her two children + to the King at Kensington, and asked for justice against my Lord Mohun, + who is in hiding, and my Lord the Earl of Warwick and Holland, who is + ready to give himself up and take his trial.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the news, coupled with assertions about her own honesty and that + of Molly her maid, who would never have stolen a certain trumpery gold + sleeve-button of Mr. Esmond's that was missing after his fainting fit, + that the keeper's wife brought to her lodger. His thoughts followed to + that untimely grave, the brave heart, the kind friend, the gallant + gentleman, honest of word and generous of thought, (if feeble of purpose, + but are his betters much stronger than he?) who had given him bread and + shelter when he had none; home and love when he needed them; and who, if + he had kept one vital secret from him, had done that of which he repented + ere dying—a wrong indeed, but one followed by remorse, and + occasioned by almost irresistible temptation. + </p> + <p> + Esmond took his handkerchief when his nurse left him, and very likely + kissed it, and looked at the bauble embroidered in the corner. “It has + cost thee grief enough,” he thought, “dear lady, so loving and so tender. + Shall I take it from thee and thy children? No, never! Keep it, and wear + it, my little Frank, my pretty boy. If I cannot make a name for myself, I + can die without one. Some day, when my dear mistress sees my heart, I + shall be righted; or if not here or now, why, elsewhere; where Honor doth + not follow us, but where Love reigns perpetual.” + </p> + <p> + 'Tis needless to relate here, as the reports of the lawyers already have + chronicled them, the particulars or issue of that trial which ensued upon + my Lord Castlewood's melancholy homicide. Of the two lords engaged in that + sad matter, the second, my Lord the Earl of Warwick and Holland, who had + been engaged with Colonel Westbury, and wounded by him, was found not + guilty by his peers, before whom he was tried (under the presidence of the + Lord Steward, Lord Somers); and the principal, the Lord Mohun, being found + guilty of the manslaughter, (which, indeed, was forced upon him, and of + which he repented most sincerely,) pleaded his clergy, and so was + discharged without any penalty. The widow of the slain nobleman, as it was + told us in prison, showed an extraordinary spirit; and, though she had to + wait for ten years before her son was old enough to compass it, declared + she would have revenge of her husband's murderer. So much and suddenly had + grief, anger, and misfortune appeared to change her. But fortune, good or + ill, as I take it, does not change men and women. It but develops their + characters. As there are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he + does not know till he takes up the pen to write, so the heart is a secret + even to him (or her) who has it in his own breast. Who hath not found + himself surprised into revenge, or action, or passion, for good or evil, + whereof the seeds lay within him, latent and unsuspected, until the + occasion called them forth? With the death of her lord, a change seemed to + come over the whole conduct and mind of Lady Castlewood; but of this we + shall speak in the right season and anon. + </p> + <p> + The lords being tried then before their peers at Westminster, according to + their privilege, being brought from the Tower with state processions and + barges, and accompanied by lieutenants and axe-men, the commoners engaged + in that melancholy fray took their trial at Newgate, as became them; and, + being all found guilty, pleaded likewise their benefit of clergy. The + sentence, as we all know in these cases, is, that the culprit lies a year + in prison, or during the King's pleasure, and is burned in the hand, or + only stamped with a cold iron; or this part of the punishment is + altogether remitted at the grace of the Sovereign. So Harry Esmond found + himself a criminal and a prisoner at two-and-twenty years old; as for the + two colonels, his comrades, they took the matter very lightly. Duelling + was a part of their business; and they could not in honor refuse any + invitations of that sort. + </p> + <p> + But the case was different with Mr. Esmond. His life was changed by that + stroke of the sword which destroyed his kind patron's. As he lay in + prison, old Dr. Tusher fell ill and died; and Lady Castlewood appointed + Thomas Tusher to the vacant living; about the filling of which she had a + thousand times fondly talked to Harry Esmond: how they never should part; + how he should educate her boy; how to be a country clergyman, like saintly + George Herbert or pious Dr. Ken, was the happiest and greatest lot in + life; how (if he were obstinately bent on it, though, for her part, she + owned rather to holding Queen Bess's opinion, that a bishop should have no + wife, and if not a bishop why a clergyman?) she would find a good wife for + Harry Esmond: and so on, with a hundred pretty prospects told by fireside + evenings, in fond prattle, as the children played about the hall. All + these plans were overthrown now. Thomas Tusher wrote to Esmond, as he lay + in prison, announcing that his patroness had conferred upon him the living + his reverend father had held for many years; that she never, after the + tragical events which had occurred (whereof Tom spoke with a very edifying + horror), could see in the revered Tusher's pulpit, or at her son's table, + the man who was answerable for the father's life; that her ladyship bade + him to say that she prayed for her kinsman's repentance and his worldly + happiness; that he was free to command her aid for any scheme of life + which he might propose to himself; but that on this side of the grave she + would see him no more. And Tusher, for his own part, added that Harry + should have his prayers as a friend of his youth, and commended him whilst + he was in prison to read certain works of theology, which his Reverence + pronounced to be very wholesome for sinners in his lamentable condition. + </p> + <p> + And this was the return for a life of devotion—this the end of years + of affectionate intercourse and passionate fidelity! Harry would have died + for his patron, and was held as little better than his murderer: he had + sacrificed, she did not know how much, for his mistress, and she threw him + aside; he had endowed her family with all they had, and she talked about + giving him alms as to a menial! The grief for his patron's loss; the pains + of his own present position, and doubts as to the future: all these were + forgotten under the sense of the consummate outrage which he had to + endure, and overpowered by the superior pang of that torture. + </p> + <p> + He writ back a letter to Mr. Tusher from his prison, congratulating his + Reverence upon his appointment to the living of Castlewood: sarcastically + bidding him to follow in the footsteps of his admirable father, whose gown + had descended upon him; thanking her ladyship for her offer of alms, which + he said he should trust not to need; and beseeching her to remember that, + if ever her determination should change towards him, he would be ready to + give her proofs of a fidelity which had never wavered, and which ought + never to have been questioned by that house. “And if we meet no more, or + only as strangers in this world,” Mr. Esmond concluded, “a sentence + against the cruelty and injustice of which I disdain to appeal; hereafter + she will know who was faithful to her, and whether she had any cause to + suspect the love and devotion of her kinsman and servant.” + </p> + <p> + After the sending of this letter, the poor young fellow's mind was more at + ease than it had been previously. The blow had been struck, and he had + borne it. His cruel goddess had shaken her wings and fled: and left him + alone and friendless, but virtute sua. And he had to bear him up, at once + the sense of his right and the feeling of his wrongs, his honor and his + misfortune. As I have seen men waking and running to arms at a sudden + trumpet, before emergency a manly heart leaps up resolute; meets the + threatening danger with undaunted countenance; and, whether conquered or + conquering, faces it always. Ah! no man knows his strength or his + weakness, till occasion proves them. If there be some thoughts and actions + of his life from the memory of which a man shrinks with shame, sure there + are some which he may be proud to own and remember; forgiven injuries, + conquered temptations (now and then) and difficulties vanquished by + endurance. + </p> + <p> + It was these thoughts regarding the living, far more than any great + poignancy of grief respecting the dead, which affected Harry Esmond whilst + in prison after his trial: but it may be imagined that he could take no + comrade of misfortune into the confidence of his feelings, and they + thought it was remorse and sorrow for his patron's loss which affected the + young man, in error of which opinion he chose to leave them. As a + companion he was so moody and silent that the two officers, his + fellow-sufferers, left him to himself mostly, liked little very likely + what they knew of him, consoled themselves with dice, cards, and the + bottle, and whiled away their own captivity in their own way. It seemed to + Esmond as if he lived years in that prison: and was changed and aged when + he came out of it. At certain periods of life we live years of emotion in + a few weeks—and look back on those times, as on great gaps between + the old life and the new. You do not know how much you suffer in those + critical maladies of the heart, until the disease is over and you look + back on it afterwards. During the time, the suffering is at least + sufferable. The day passes in more or less of pain, and the night wears + away somehow. 'Tis only in after days that we see what the danger has been—as + a man out a-hunting or riding for his life looks at a leap, and wonders + how he should have survived the taking of it. O dark months of grief and + rage! of wrong and cruel endurance! He is old now who recalls you. Long + ago he has forgiven and blest the soft hand that wounded him: but the mark + is there, and the wound is cicatrized only—no time, tears, caresses, + or repentance, can obliterate the scar. We are indocile to put up with + grief, however. Reficimus rates quassas: we tempt the ocean again and + again, and try upon new ventures. Esmond thought of his early time as a + novitiate, and of this past trial as an initiation before entering into + life—as our young Indians undergo tortures silently before they pass + to the rank of warriors in the tribe. + </p> + <p> + The officers, meanwhile, who were not let into the secret of the grief + which was gnawing at the side of their silent young friend, and being + accustomed to such transactions, in which one comrade or another was daily + paying the forfeit of the sword, did not, of course, bemoan themselves + very inconsolably about the fate of their late companion in arms. This one + told stories of former adventures of love, or war, or pleasure, in which + poor Frank Esmond had been engaged; t'other recollected how a constable + had been bilked, or a tavern-bully beaten: whilst my lord's poor widow was + sitting at his tomb worshipping him as an actual saint and spotless hero—so + the visitors said who had news of Lady Castlewood; and Westbury and + Macartney had pretty nearly had all the town to come and see them. + </p> + <p> + The duel, its fatal termination, the trial of the two peers and the three + commoners concerned, had caused the greatest excitement in the town. The + prints and News Letters were full of them. The three gentlemen in Newgate + were almost as much crowded as the bishops in the Tower, or a highwayman + before execution. We were allowed to live in the Governor's house, as hath + been said, both before trial and after condemnation, waiting the King's + pleasure; nor was the real cause of the fatal quarrel known, so closely + had my lord and the two other persons who knew it kept the secret, but + every one imagined that the origin of the meeting was a gambling dispute. + Except fresh air, the prisoners had, upon payment, most things they could + desire. Interest was made that they should not mix with the vulgar + convicts, whose ribald choruses and loud laughter and curses could be + heard from their own part of the prison, where they and the miserable + debtors were confined pell-mell. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + I COME TO THE END OF MY CAPTIVITY, BUT NOT OF MY TROUBLE. + </h3> + <p> + Among the company which came to visit the two officers was an old + acquaintance of Harry Esmond; that gentleman of the Guards, namely, who + had been so kind to Harry when Captain Westbury's troop had been quartered + at Castlewood more than seven years before. Dick the Scholar was no longer + Dick the Trooper now, but Captain Steele of Lucas's Fusiliers, and + secretary to my Lord Cutts, that famous officer of King William's, the + bravest and most beloved man of the English army. The two jolly prisoners + had been drinking with a party of friends (for our cellar and that of the + keepers of Newgate, too, were supplied with endless hampers of Burgundy + and Champagne that the friends of the Colonels sent in); and Harry, having + no wish for their drink or their conversation, being too feeble in health + for the one and too sad in spirits for the other, was sitting apart in his + little room, reading such books as he had, one evening, when honest + Colonel Westbury, flushed with liquor, and always good-humored in and out + of his cups, came laughing into Harry's closet and said, “Ho, young + Killjoy! here's a friend come to see thee; he'll pray with thee, or he'll + drink with thee; or he'll drink and pray turn about. Dick, my Christian + hero, here's the little scholar of Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + Dick came up and kissed Esmond on both cheeks, imparting a strong perfume + of burnt sack along with his caress to the young man. + </p> + <p> + “What! is this the little man that used to talk Latin and fetch our bowls? + How tall thou art grown! I protest I should have known thee anywhere. And + so you have turned ruffian and fighter; and wanted to measure swords with + Mohun, did you? I protest that Mohun said at the Guard dinner yesterday, + where there was a pretty company of us, that the young fellow wanted to + fight him, and was the better man of the two.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish we could have tried and proved it, Mr. Steele,” says Esmond, + thinking of his dead benefactor, and his eyes filling with tears. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of that one cruel letter which he had from his + mistress, Mr. Esmond heard nothing from her, and she seemed determined to + execute her resolve of parting from him and disowning him. But he had news + of her, such as it was, which Mr. Steele assiduously brought him from the + Prince's and Princess's Court, where our honest Captain had been advanced + to the post of gentleman waiter. When off duty there, Captain Dick often + came to console his friends in captivity; a good nature and a friendly + disposition towards all who were in ill-fortune no doubt prompting him to + make his visits, and good-fellowship and good wine to prolong them. + </p> + <p> + “Faith,” says Westbury, “the little scholar was the first to begin the + quarrel—I mind me of it now—at Lockit's. I always hated that + fellow Mohun. What was the real cause, of the quarrel betwixt him and poor + Frank? I would wager 'twas a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twas a quarrel about play—on my word, about play,” Harry said. “My + poor lord lost great sums to his guest at Castlewood. Angry words passed + between them; and, though Lord Castlewood was the kindest and most pliable + soul alive, his spirit was very high; and hence that meeting which has + brought us all here,” says Mr. Esmond, resolved never to acknowledge that + there had ever been any other cause but cards for the duel. + </p> + <p> + “I do not like to use bad words of a nobleman,” says Westbury; “but if my + Lord Mohun were a commoner, I would say, 'twas a pity he was not hanged. + He was familiar with dice and women at a time other boys are at school + being birched; he was as wicked as the oldest rake, years ere he had done + growing; and handled a sword and a foil, and a bloody one, too, before he + ever used a razor. He held poor Will Mountford in talk that night, when + bloody Dick Hill ran him through. He will come to a bad end, will that + young lord; and no end is bad enough for him,” says honest Mr. Westbury: + whose prophecy was fulfilled twelve years after, upon that fatal day when + Mohun fell, dragging down one of the bravest and greatest gentlemen in + England in his fall. + </p> + <p> + From Mr. Steele, then, who brought the public rumor, as well as his own + private intelligence, Esmond learned the movements of his unfortunate + mistress. Steele's heart was of very inflammable composition; and the + gentleman usher spoke in terms of boundless admiration both of the widow + (that most beautiful woman, as he said) and of her daughter, who, in the + Captain's eyes, was a still greater paragon. If the pale widow, whom + Captain Richard, in his poetic rapture compared to a Niobe in tears—to + a Sigismunda—to a weeping Belvidera, was an object the most lovely + and pathetic which his eyes had ever beheld, or for which his heart had + melted, even her ripened perfections and beauty were as nothing compared + to the promise of that extreme loveliness which the good Captain saw in + her daughter. It was matre pulcra filia pulcrior. Steele composed sonnets + whilst he was on duty in his Prince's ante-chamber, to the maternal and + filial charms. He would speak for hours about them to Harry Esmond; and, + indeed, he could have chosen few subjects more likely to interest the + unhappy young man, whose heart was now as always devoted to these ladies; + and who was thankful to all who loved them, or praised them, or wished + them well. + </p> + <p> + Not that his fidelity was recompensed by any answering kindness, or show + of relenting even, on the part of a mistress obdurate now after ten years + of love and benefactions. The poor young man getting no answer, save + Tusher's, to that letter which he had written, and being too proud to + write more, opened a part of his heart to Steele, than whom no man, when + unhappy, could find a kinder hearer, or more friendly emissary; described + (in words which were no doubt pathetic, for they came imo pectore, and + caused honest Dick to weep plentifully) his youth, his constancy, his fond + devotion to that household which had reared him; his affection, how + earned, and how tenderly requited until but yesterday, and (as far as he + might) the circumstances and causes for which that sad quarrel had made of + Esmond a prisoner under sentence, a widow and orphans of those whom in + life he held dearest. In terms that might well move a harder-hearted man + than young Esmond's confidant—for, indeed, the speaker's own heart + was half broke as he uttered them—he described a part of what had + taken place in that only sad interview which his mistress had granted him; + how she had left him with anger and almost imprecation, whose words and + thoughts until then had been only blessing and kindness; how she had + accused him of the guilt of that blood, in exchange for which he would + cheerfully have sacrificed his own (indeed, in this the Lord Mohun, the + Lord Warwick, and all the gentlemen engaged, as well as the common rumor + out of doors—Steele told him—bore out the luckless young man); + and with all his heart, and tears, he besought Mr. Steele to inform his + mistress of her kinsman's unhappiness, and to deprecate that cruel anger + she showed him. Half frantic with grief at the injustice done him, and + contrasting it with a thousand soft recollections of love and confidence + gone by, that made his present misery inexpressibly more bitter, the poor + wretch passed many a lonely day and wakeful night in a kind of powerless + despair and rage against his iniquitous fortune. It was the softest hand + that struck him, the gentlest and most compassionate nature that + persecuted him. “I would as lief,” he said, “have pleaded guilty to the + murder, and have suffered for it like any other felon, as have to endure + the torture to which my mistress subjects me.” + </p> + <p> + Although the recital of Esmond's story, and his passionate appeals and + remonstrances, drew so many tears from Dick who heard them, they had no + effect upon the person whom they were designed to move. Esmond's + ambassador came back from the mission with which the poor young gentleman + had charged him, with a sad blank face and a shake of the head, which told + that there was no hope for the prisoner; and scarce a wretched culprit in + that prison of Newgate ordered for execution, and trembling for a + reprieve, felt more cast down than Mr. Esmond, innocent and condemned. + </p> + <p> + As had been arranged between the prisoner and his counsel in their + consultations, Mr. Steele had gone to the dowager's house in Chelsey, + where it has been said the widow and her orphans were, had seen my Lady + Viscountess, and pleaded the cause of her unfortunate kinsman. “And I + think I spoke well, my poor boy,” says Mr. Steele; “for who would not + speak well in such a cause, and before so beautiful a judge? I did not see + the lovely Beatrix (sure her famous namesake of Florence was never half so + beautiful), only the young Viscount was in the room with the Lord + Churchill, my Lord of Marlborough's eldest son. But these young gentlemen + went off to the garden; I could see them from the window tilting at each + other with poles in a mimic tournament (grief touches the young but + lightly, and I remember that I beat a drum at the coffin of my own + father). My Lady Viscountess looked out at the two boys at their game and + said—'You see, sir, children are taught to use weapons of death as + toys, and to make a sport of murder;' and as she spoke she looked so + lovely, and stood there in herself so sad and beautiful, an instance of + that doctrine whereof I am a humble preacher, that had I not dedicated my + little volume of the 'Christian Hero'—(I perceive, Harry, thou hast + not cut the leaves of it. The sermon is good, believe me, though the + preacher's life may not answer it)—I say, hadn't I dedicated the + volume to Lord Cutts, I would have asked permission to place her + ladyship's name on the first page. I think I never saw such a beautiful + violet as that of her eyes, Harry. Her complexion is of the pink of the + blush-rose, she hath an exquisite turned wrist and dimpled hand, and I + make no doubt—” + </p> + <p> + “Did you come to tell me about the dimples on my lady's hand?” broke out + Mr. Esmond, sadly. + </p> + <p> + “A lovely creature in affliction seems always doubly beautiful to me,” + says the poor Captain, who indeed was but too often in a state to see + double, and so checked he resumed the interrupted thread of his story. “As + I spoke my business,” Mr. Steele said, “and narrated to your mistress what + all the world knows, and the other side hath been eager to acknowledge—that + you had tried to put yourself between the two lords, and to take your + patron's quarrel on your own point; I recounted the general praises of + your gallantry, besides my Lord Mohun's particular testimony to it; I + thought the widow listened with some interest, and her eyes—I have + never seen such a violet, Harry—looked up at mine once or twice. But + after I had spoken on this theme for a while she suddenly broke away with + a cry of grief. 'I would to God, sir,' she said, 'I had never heard that + word gallantry which you use, or known the meaning of it. My lord might + have been here but for that; my home might be happy; my poor boy have a + father. It was what you gentlemen call gallantry came into my home, and + drove my husband on to the cruel sword that killed him. You should not + speak the word to a Christian woman, sir, a poor widowed mother of + orphans, whose home was happy until the world came into it—the + wicked godless world, that takes the blood of the innocent, and lets the + guilty go free.' + </p> + <p> + “As the afflicted lady spoke in this strain, sir,” Mr. Steele continued, + “it seemed as if indignation moved her, even more than grief. + 'Compensation!' she went on passionately, her cheeks and eyes kindling; + 'what compensation does your world give the widow for her husband, and the + children for the murderer of their father? The wretch who did the deed has + not even a punishment. Conscience! what conscience has he, who can enter + the house of a friend, whisper falsehood and insult to a woman that never + harmed him, and stab the kind heart that trusted him? My Lord—my + Lord Wretch's, my Lord Villain's, my Lord Murderer's peers meet to try + him, and they dismiss him with a word or two of reproof and send him into + the world again, to pursue women with lust and falsehood, and to murder + unsuspecting guests that harbor him. That day, my Lord—my Lord + Murderer—(I will never name him)—was let loose, a woman was + executed at Tyburn for stealing in a shop. But a man may rob another of + his life, or a lady of her honor, and shall pay no penalty! I take my + child, run to the throne, and on my knees ask for justice, and the King + refuses me. The King! he is no king of mine—he never shall be. He, + too, robbed the throne from the king his father—the true king—and + he has gone unpunished, as the great do.' + </p> + <p> + “I then thought to speak for you,” Mr. Steele continued, “and I interposed + by saying, 'There was one, madam, who, at least, would have put his own + breast between your husband's and my Lord Mohun's sword. Your poor young + kinsman, Harry Esmond, hath told me that he tried to draw the quarrel on + himself.' + </p> + <p> + “'Are you come from HIM?' asked the lady (so Mr. Steele went on) rising up + with a great severity and stateliness. 'I thought you had come from the + Princess. I saw Mr. Esmond in his prison, and bade him farewell. He + brought misery into my house. He never should have entered it.' + </p> + <p> + “'Madam, madam, he is not to blame,' I interposed,” continued Mr. Steele. + </p> + <p> + “'Do I blame him to you, sir?' asked the widow. 'If 'tis he who sent you, + say that I have taken counsel, where'—she spoke with a very pallid + cheek now, and a break in her voice—'where all who ask may have it;—and + that it bids me to part from him, and to see him no more. We met in the + prison for the last time—at least for years to come. It may be, in + years hence, when—when our knees and our tears and our contrition + have changed our sinful hearts, sir, and wrought our pardon, we may meet + again—but not now. After what has passed, I could not bear to see + him. I wish him well, sir; but I wish him farewell, too; and if he has + that—that regard towards us which he speaks of, I beseech him to + prove it by obeying me in this.' + </p> + <p> + “'I shall break the young man's heart, madam, by this hard sentence,'” Mr. + Steele said. + </p> + <p> + “The lady shook her head,” continued my kind scholar. “'The hearts of + young men, Mr. Steele, are not so made,' she said. 'Mr. Esmond will find + other—other friends. The mistress of this house has relented very + much towards the late lord's son,' she added, with a blush, 'and has + promised me, that is, has promised that she will care for his fortune. + Whilst I live in it, after the horrid horrid deed which has passed, + Castlewood must never be a home to him—never. Nor would I have him + write to me—except—no—I would have him never write to + me, nor see him more. Give him, if you will, my parting—Hush! not a + word of this before my daughter.' + </p> + <p> + “Here the fair Beatrix entered from the river, with her cheeks flushing + with health, and looking only the more lovely and fresh for the mourning + habiliments which she wore. And my Lady Viscountess said— + </p> + <p> + “'Beatrix, this is Mr. Steele, gentleman-usher to the Prince's Highness. + When does your new comedy appear, Mr. Steele?' I hope thou wilt be out of + prison for the first night, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + The sentimental Captain concluded his sad tale, saying, “Faith, the beauty + of Filia pulcrior drove pulcram matrem out of my head; and yet as I came + down the river, and thought about the pair, the pallid dignity and + exquisite grace of the matron had the uppermost, and I thought her even + more noble than the virgin!” + </p> + <p> + The party of prisoners lived very well in Newgate, and with comforts very + different to those which were awarded to the poor wretches there (his + insensibility to their misery, their gayety still more frightful, their + curses and blasphemy, hath struck with a kind of shame since—as + proving how selfish, during his imprisonment, his own particular grief + was, and how entirely the thoughts of it absorbed him): if the three + gentlemen lived well under the care of the Warden of Newgate, it was + because they paid well: and indeed the cost at the dearest ordinary or the + grandest tavern in London could not have furnished a longer reckoning, + than our host of the “Handcuff Inn”—as Colonel Westbury called it. + Our rooms were the three in the gate over Newgate—on the second + story looking up Newgate Street towards Cheapside and Paul's Church. And + we had leave to walk on the roof, and could see thence Smithfield and the + Bluecoat Boys' School, Gardens, and the Chartreux, where, as Harry Esmond + remembered, Dick the Scholar, and his friend Tom Tusher, had had their + schooling. + </p> + <p> + Harry could never have paid his share of that prodigious heavy reckoning + which my landlord brought to his guests once a week: for he had but three + pieces in his pockets that fatal night before the duel, when the gentlemen + were at cards, and offered to play five. But whilst he was yet ill at the + Gatehouse, after Lady Castlewood had visited him there, and before his + trial, there came one in an orange-tawny coat and blue lace, the livery + which the Esmonds always wore, and brought a sealed packet for Mr. Esmond, + which contained twenty guineas, and a note saying that a counsel had been + appointed for him, and that more money would be forthcoming whenever he + needed it. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas a queer letter from the scholar as she was, or as she called + herself: the Dowager Viscountess Castlewood, written in the strange + barbarous French which she and many other fine ladies of that time—witness + her Grace of Portsmouth—employed. Indeed, spelling was not an + article of general commodity in the world then, and my Lord Marlborough's + letters can show that he, for one, had but a little share of this part of + grammar:— + </p> + <p> + “MONG COUSSIN,” my Lady Viscountess Dowager wrote, “je scay que vous vous + etes bravement batew et grievement blessay—du coste de feu M. le + Vicomte. M. le Compte de Varique ne se playt qua parlay de vous: M. de + Moon aucy. Il di que vous avay voulew vous bastre avecque luy—que + vous estes plus fort que luy fur l'ayscrimme—quil'y a surtout + certaine Botte que vous scavay quil n'a jammay sceu pariay: et que c'en + eut ete fay de luy si vouseluy vous vous fussiay battews ansamb. Aincy ce + pauv Vicompte est mort. Mort et pontayt—Mon coussin, mon coussin! + jay dans la tayste que vous n'estes quung pety Monst—angcy que les + Esmonds ong tousjours este. La veuve est chay moy. J'ay recuilly cet' + pauve famme. Elle est furieuse cont vous, allans tous les jours chercher + ley Roy (d'icy) demandant a gran cri revanche pour son Mary. Elle ne veux + voyre ni entende parlay de vous: pourtant elle ne fay qu'en parlay milfoy + par jour. Quand vous seray hor prison venay me voyre. J'auray soing de + vous. Si cette petite Prude veut se defaire de song pety Monste (Helas je + craing quil ne soy trotar!) je m'on chargeray. J'ay encor quelqu interay + et quelques escus de costay. + </p> + <p> + “La Veuve se raccommode avec Miladi Marlboro qui est tout puicante avecque + la Reine Anne. Cet dam senteraysent pour la petite prude; qui pourctant a + un fi du mesme asge que vous savay. + </p> + <p> + “En sortant de prisong venez icy. Je ne puy vous recevoir chaymoy a cause + des mechansetes du monde, may pre du moy vous aurez logement. + </p> + <p> + “ISABELLE VICOMTESSE D'ESMOND” + </p> + <p> + Marchioness of Esmond this lady sometimes called herself, in virtue of + that patent which had been given by the late King James to Harry Esmond's + father; and in this state she had her train carried by a knight's wife, a + cup and cover of assay to drink from, and fringed cloth. + </p> + <p> + He who was of the same age as little Francis, whom we shall henceforth + call Viscount Castlewood here, was H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, born in + the same year and month with Frank, and just proclaimed at Saint Germains, + King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <h3> + I TAKE THE QUEEN'S PAY IN QUIN'S REGIMENT. + </h3> + <p> + The fellow in the orange-tawny livery with blue lace and facings was in + waiting when Esmond came out of prison, and, taking the young gentleman's + slender baggage, led the way out of that odious Newgate, and by Fleet + Conduit, down to the Thames, where a pair of oars was called, and they + went up the river to Chelsey. Esmond thought the sun had never shone so + bright; nor the air felt so fresh and exhilarating. Temple Garden, as they + rowed by, looked like the garden of Eden to him, and the aspect of the + quays, wharves, and buildings by the river, Somerset House, and + Westminster (where the splendid new bridge was just beginning), Lambeth + tower and palace, and that busy shining scene of the Thames swarming with + boats and barges, filled his heart with pleasure and cheerfulness—as + well such a beautiful scene might to one who had been a prisoner so long, + and with so many dark thoughts deepening the gloom of his captivity. They + rowed up at length to the pretty village of Chelsey, where the nobility + have many handsome country-houses; and so came to my Lady Viscountess's + house, a cheerful new house in the row facing the river, with a handsome + garden behind it, and a pleasant look-out both towards Surrey and + Kensington, where stands the noble ancient palace of the Lord Warwick, + Harry's reconciled adversary. + </p> + <p> + Here in her ladyship's saloon, the young man saw again some of those + pictures which had been at Castlewood, and which she had removed thence on + the death of her lord, Harry's father. Specially, and in the place of + honor, was Sir Peter Lely's picture of the honorable Mistress Isabella + Esmond as Diana, in yellow satin, with a bow in her hand and a crescent in + her forehead; and dogs frisking about her. 'Twas painted about the time + when royal Endymions were said to find favor with this virgin huntress; + and, as goddesses have youth perpetual, this one believed to the day of + her death that she never grew older: and always persisted in supposing the + picture was still like her. + </p> + <p> + After he had been shown to her room by the groom of the chamber, who + filled many offices besides in her ladyship's modest household, and after + a proper interval, his elderly goddess Diana vouchsafed to appear to the + young man. A blackamoor in a Turkish habit, with red boots and a silver + collar, on which the Viscountess's arms were engraven, preceded her and + bore her cushion; then came her gentlewoman; a little pack of spaniels + barking and frisking about preceded the austere huntress—then, + behold, the Viscountess herself “dropping odors.” Esmond recollected from + his childhood that rich aroma of musk which his mother-in-law (for she may + be called so) exhaled. As the sky grows redder and redder towards sunset, + so, in the decline of her years, the cheeks of my Lady Dowager blushed + more deeply. Her face was illuminated with vermilion, which appeared the + brighter from the white paint employed to set it off. She wore the + ringlets which had been in fashion in King Charles's time; whereas the + ladies of King William's had head-dresses like the towers of Cybele. Her + eyes gleamed out from the midst of this queer structure of paint, dyes, + and pomatums. Such was my Lady Viscountess, Mr. Esmond's father's widow. + </p> + <p> + He made her such a profound bow as her dignity and relationship merited, + and advanced with the greatest gravity, and once more kissed that hand, + upon the trembling knuckles of which glittered a score of rings—remembering + old times when that trembling hand made him tremble. “Marchioness,” says + he, bowing, and on one knee, “is it only the hand I may have the honor of + saluting?” For, accompanying that inward laughter, which the sight of such + an astonishing old figure might well produce in the young man, there was + good will too, and the kindness of consanguinity. She had been his + father's wife, and was his grandfather's daughter. She had suffered him in + old days, and was kind to him now after her fashion. And now that + bar-sinister was removed from Esmond's thought, and that secret opprobrium + no longer cast upon his mind, he was pleased to feel family ties and own + them—perhaps secretly vain of the sacrifice he had made, and to + think that he, Esmond, was really the chief of his house, and only + prevented by his own magnanimity from advancing his claim. + </p> + <p> + At least, ever since he had learned that secret from his poor patron on + his dying bed, actually as he was standing beside it, he had felt an + independency which he had never known before, and which since did not + desert him. So he called his old aunt Marchioness, but with an air as if + he was the Marquis of Esmond who so addressed her. + </p> + <p> + Did she read in the young gentleman's eyes, which had now no fear of hers + or their superannuated authority, that he knew or suspected the truth + about his birth? She gave a start of surprise at his altered manner: + indeed, it was quite a different bearing to that of the Cambridge student + who had paid her a visit two years since, and whom she had dismissed with + five pieces sent by the groom of the chamber. She eyed him, then trembled + a little more than was her wont, perhaps, and said, “Welcome, cousin,” in + a frightened voice. + </p> + <p> + His resolution, as has been said before, had been quite different, namely, + so to bear himself through life as if the secret of his birth was not + known to him; but he suddenly and rightly determined on a different + course. He asked that her ladyship's attendants should be dismissed, and + when they were private—“Welcome, nephew, at least, madam, it should + be,” he said. “A great wrong has been done to me and to you, and to my + poor mother, who is no more.” + </p> + <p> + “I declare before heaven that I was guiltless of it,” she cried out, + giving up her cause at once. “It was your wicked father who—” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought this dishonor on our family,” says Mr. Esmond. “I know it + full well. I want to disturb no one. Those who are in present possession + have been my dearest benefactors, and are quite innocent of intentional + wrong to me. The late lord, my dear patron, knew not the truth until a few + months before his death, when Father Holt brought the news to him.” + </p> + <p> + “The wretch! he had it in confession! he had it in confession!” cried out + the Dowager Lady. + </p> + <p> + “Not so. He learned it elsewhere as well as in confession,” Mr. Esmond + answered. “My father, when wounded at the Boyne, told the truth to a + French priest, who was in hiding after the battle, as well as to the + priest there, at whose house he died. This gentleman did not think fit to + divulge the story till he met with Mr. Holt at Saint Omer's. And the + latter kept it back for his own purpose, and until he had learned whether + my mother was alive or no. She is dead years since, my poor patron told me + with his dying breath, and I doubt him not. I do not know even whether I + could prove a marriage. I would not if I could. I do not care to bring + shame on our name, or grief upon those whom I love, however hardly they + may use me. My father's son, madam, won't aggravate the wrong my father + did you. Continue to be his widow, and give me your kindness. 'Tis all I + ask from you; and I shall never speak of this matter again.” + </p> + <p> + “Mais vous etes un noble jeune homme!” breaks out my lady, speaking, as + usual with her when she was agitated, in the French language. + </p> + <p> + “Noblesse oblige,” says Mr. Esmond, making her a low bow. “There are those + alive to whom, in return for their love to me, I often fondly said I would + give my life away. Shall I be their enemy now, and quarrel about a title? + What matters who has it? 'Tis with the family still.” + </p> + <p> + “What can there be in that little prude of a woman that makes men so + raffoler about her?” cries out my Lady Dowager. “She was here for a month + petitioning the King. She is pretty, and well conserved; but she has not + the bel air. In his late Majesty's Court all the men pretended to admire + her, and she was no better than a little wax doll. She is better now, and + looks the sister of her daughter; but what mean you all by bepraising her? + Mr. Steele, who was in waiting on Prince George, seeing her with her two + children going to Kensington, writ a poem about her, and says he shall + wear her colors, and dress in black for the future. Mr. Congreve says he + will write a 'Mourning Widow,' that shall be better than his 'Mourning + Bride.' Though their husbands quarrelled and fought when that wretch + Churchill deserted the King (for which he deserved to be hung), Lady + Marlborough has again gone wild about the little widow; insulted me in my + own drawing-room, by saying 'twas not the OLD widow, but the young + Viscountess, she had come to see. Little Castlewood and little Lord + Churchill are to be sworn friends, and have boxed each other twice or + thrice like brothers already. 'Twas that wicked young Mohun who, coming + back from the provinces last year, where he had disinterred her, raved + about her all the winter; said she was a pearl set before swine; and + killed poor stupid Frank. The quarrel was all about his wife. I know 'twas + all about her. Was there anything between her and Mohun, nephew? Tell me + now—was there anything? About yourself, I do not ask you to answer + questions.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond blushed up. “My lady's virtue is like that of a saint in + heaven, madam,” he cried out. + </p> + <p> + “Eh!—mon neveu. Many saints get to heaven after having a deal to + repent of. I believe you are like all the rest of the fools, and madly in + love with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I loved and honored her before all the world,” Esmond answered. + “I take no shame in that.” + </p> + <p> + “And she has shut her door on you—given the living to that horrid + young cub, son of that horrid old bear, Tusher, and says she will never + see you more. Monsieur mon neveu—we are all like that. When I was a + young woman, I'm positive that a thousand duels were fought about me. And + when poor Monsieur de Souchy drowned himself in the canal at Bruges + because I danced with Count Springbock, I couldn't squeeze out a single + tear, but danced till five o'clock the next morning. 'Twas the Count—no, + 'twas my Lord Ormond that played the fiddles, and his Majesty did me the + honor of dancing all night with me.—How you are grown! You have got + the bel air. You are a black man. Our Esmonds are all black. The little + prude's son is fair; so was his father—fair and stupid. You were an + ugly little wretch when you came to Castlewood—you were all eyes, + like a young crow. We intended you should be a priest. That awful Father + Holt—how he used to frighten me when I was ill! I have a comfortable + director now—the Abbe Douillette—a dear man. We make meagre on + Fridays always. My cook is a devout pious man. You, of course, are of the + right way of thinking. They say the Prince of Orange is very ill indeed.” + </p> + <p> + In this way the old Dowager rattled on remorselessly to Mr. Esmond, who + was quite astounded with her present volubility, contrasting it with her + former haughty behavior to him. But she had taken him into favor for the + moment, and chose not only to like him, as far as her nature permitted, + but to be afraid of him; and he found himself to be as familiar with her + now as a young man, as, when a boy, he had been timorous and silent. She + was as good as her word respecting him. She introduced him to her company, + of which she entertained a good deal—of the adherents of King James + of course—and a great deal of loud intriguing took place over her + card-tables. She presented Mr. Esmond as her kinsman to many persons of + honor; she supplied him not illiberally with money, which he had no + scruple in accepting from her, considering the relationship which he bore + to her, and the sacrifices which he himself was making in behalf of the + family. But he had made up his mind to continue at no woman's + apron-strings longer; and perhaps had cast about how he should distinguish + himself, and make himself a name, which his singular fortune had denied + him. A discontent with his former bookish life and quietude,—a + bitter feeling of revolt at that slavery in which he had chosen to confine + himself for the sake of those whose hardness towards him make his heart + bleed,—a restless wish to see men and the world,—led him to + think of the military profession: at any rate, to desire to see a few + campaigns, and accordingly he pressed his new patroness to get him a pair + of colors; and one day had the honor of finding himself appointed an + ensign in Colonel Quin's regiment of Fusileers on the Irish establishment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond's commission was scarce three weeks old when that accident + befell King William which ended the life of the greatest, the wisest, the + bravest, and most clement sovereign whom England ever knew. 'Twas the + fashion of the hostile party to assail this great prince's reputation + during his life; but the joy which they and all his enemies in Europe + showed at his death, is a proof of the terror in which they held him. + Young as Esmond was, he was wise enough (and generous enough too, let it + be said) to scorn that indecency of gratulation which broke out amongst + the followers of King James in London, upon the death of this illustrious + prince, this invincible warrior, this wise and moderate statesman. Loyalty + to the exiled king's family was traditional, as has been said, in that + house to which Mr. Esmond belonged. His father's widow had all her hopes, + sympathies, recollections, prejudices, engaged on King James's side; and + was certainly as noisy a conspirator as ever asserted the King's rights, + or abused his opponent's, over a quadrille table or a dish of bohea. Her + ladyship's house swarmed with ecclesiastics, in disguise and out; with + tale-bearers from St. Germains; and quidnuncs that knew the last news from + Versailles; nay, the exact force and number of the next expedition which + the French king was to send from Dunkirk, and which was to swallow up the + Prince of Orange, his army and his court. She had received the Duke of + Berwick when he landed here in '96. She kept the glass he drank from, + vowing she never would use it till she drank King James the Third's health + in it on his Majesty's return; she had tokens from the Queen, and relics + of the saint who, if the story was true, had not always been a saint as + far as she and many others were concerned. She believed in the miracles + wrought at his tomb, and had a hundred authentic stories of wondrous cures + effected by the blessed king's rosaries, the medals which he wore, the + locks of his hair, or what not. Esmond remembered a score of marvellous + tales which the credulous old woman told him. There was the Bishop of + Autun, that was healed of a malady he had for forty years, and which left + him after he said mass for the repose of the king's soul. There was M. + Marais, a surgeon in Auvergne, who had a palsy in both his legs, which was + cured through the king's intercession. There was Philip Pitet, of the + Benedictines, who had a suffocating cough, which wellnigh killed him, but + he besought relief of heaven through the merits and intercession of the + blessed king, and he straightway felt a profuse sweat breaking out all + over him, and was recovered perfectly. And there was the wife of Mons. + Lepervier, dancing-master to the Duke of Saxe-Gotha, who was entirely + eased of a rheumatism by the king's intercession, of which miracle there + could be no doubt, for her surgeon and his apprentice had given their + testimony, under oath, that they did not in any way contribute to the + cure. Of these tales, and a thousand like them, Mr. Esmond believed as + much as he chose. His kinswoman's greater faith had swallow for them all. + </p> + <p> + The English High Church party did not adopt these legends. But truth and + honor, as they thought, bound them to the exiled king's side; nor had the + banished family any warmer supporter than that kind lady of Castlewood, in + whose house Esmond was brought up. She influenced her husband, very much + more perhaps than my lord knew, who admired his wife prodigiously though + he might be inconstant to her, and who, adverse to the trouble of thinking + himself, gladly enough adopted the opinions which she chose for him. To + one of her simple and faithful heart, allegiance to any sovereign but the + one was impossible. To serve King William for interest's sake would have + been a monstrous hypocrisy and treason. Her pure conscience could no more + have consented to it than to a theft, a forgery, or any other base action. + Lord Castlewood might have been won over, no doubt, but his wife never + could: and he submitted his conscience to hers in this case as he did in + most others, when he was not tempted too sorely. And it was from his + affection and gratitude most likely, and from that eager devotion for his + mistress, which characterized all Esmond's youth, that the young man + subscribed to this, and other articles of faith, which his fond + benefactress set him. Had she been a Whig, he had been one; had she + followed Mr. Fox, and turned Quaker, no doubt he would have abjured + ruffles and a periwig, and have forsworn swords, lace-coats, and clocked + stockings. In the scholars' boyish disputes at the University, where + parties ran very high, Esmond was noted as a Jacobite, and very likely + from vanity as much as affection took the side of his family. + </p> + <p> + Almost the whole of the clergy of the country and more than a half of the + nation were on this side. Ours is the most loyal people in the world + surely; we admire our kings, and are faithful to them long after they have + ceased to be true to us. 'Tis a wonder to any one who looks back at the + history of the Stuart family to think how they kicked their crowns away + from them; how they flung away chances after chances; what treasures of + loyalty they dissipated, and how fatally they were bent on consummating + their own ruin. If ever men had fidelity, 'twas they; if ever men + squandered opportunity, 'twas they; and, of all the enemies they had, they + themselves were the most fatal. + </p> + <p> + When the Princess Anne succeeded, the wearied nation was glad enough to + cry a truce from all these wars, controversies, and conspiracies, and to + accept in the person of a Princess of the blood royal a compromise between + the parties into which the country was divided. The Tories could serve + under her with easy consciences; though a Tory herself, she represented + the triumph of the Whig opinion. The people of England, always liking that + their Princes should be attached to their own families, were pleased to + think the Princess was faithful to hers; and up to the very last day and + hour of her reign, and but for that fatality which he inherited from his + fathers along with their claims to the English crown, King James the Third + might have worn it. But he neither knew how to wait an opportunity, nor to + use it when he had it; he was venturesome when he ought to have been + cautious, and cautious when he ought to have dared everything. 'Tis with a + sort of rage at his inaptitude that one thinks of his melancholy story. Do + the Fates deal more specially with kings than with common men? One is apt + to imagine so, in considering the history of that royal race, in whose + behalf so much fidelity, so much valor, so much blood were desperately and + bootlessly expended. + </p> + <p> + The King dead then, the Princess Anne (ugly Anne Hyde's daughter, our + Dowager at Chelsey called her) was proclaimed by trumpeting heralds all + over the town from Westminster to Ludgate Hill, amidst immense jubilations + of the people. + </p> + <p> + Next week my Lord Marlborough was promoted to the Garter, and to be + Captain-General of her Majesty's forces at home and abroad. This + appointment only inflamed the Dowager's rage, or, as she thought it, her + fidelity to her rightful sovereign. “The Princess is but a puppet in the + hands of that fury of a woman, who comes into my drawing-room and insults + me to my face. What can come to a country that is given over to such a + woman?” says the Dowager: “As for that double-faced traitor, my Lord + Marlborough, he has betrayed every man and every woman with whom he has + had to deal, except his horrid wife, who makes him tremble. 'Tis all over + with the country when it has got into the clutches of such wretches as + these.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond's old kinswoman saluted the new powers in this way; but some good + fortune at last occurred to a family which stood in great need of it, by + the advancement of these famous personages who benefited humbler people + that had the luck of being in their favor. Before Mr. Esmond left England + in the month of August, and being then at Portsmouth, where he had joined + his regiment, and was busy at drill, learning the practice and mysteries + of the musket and pike, he heard that a pension on the Stamp Office had + been got for his late beloved mistress, and that the young Mistress + Beatrix was also to be taken into court. So much good, at least, had come + of the poor widow's visit to London, not revenge upon her husband's + enemies, but reconcilement to old friends, who pitied, and seemed inclined + to serve her. As for the comrades in prison and the late misfortune, + Colonel Westbury was with the Captain-General gone to Holland; Captain + Macartney was now at Portsmouth, with his regiment of Fusileers and the + force under command of his Grace the Duke of Ormond, bound for Spain it + was said; my Lord Warwick was returned home; and Lord Mohun, so far from + being punished for the homicide which had brought so much grief and change + into the Esmond family, was gone in company of my Lord Macclesfield's + splendid embassy to the Elector of Hanover, carrying the Garter to his + Highness, and a complimentary letter from the Queen. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <h3> + RECAPITULATIONS. + </h3> + <p> + From such fitful lights as could be cast upon his dark history by the + broken narrative of his poor patron, torn by remorse and struggling in the + last pangs of dissolution, Mr. Esmond had been made to understand so far, + that his mother was long since dead; and so there could be no question as + regarded her or her honor, tarnished by her husband's desertion and + injury, to influence her son in any steps which he might take either for + prosecuting or relinquishing his own just claims. It appeared from my poor + lord's hurried confession, that he had been made acquainted with the real + facts of the case only two years since, when Mr. Holt visited him, and + would have implicated him in one of those many conspiracies by which the + secret leaders of King James's party in this country were ever endeavoring + to destroy the Prince of Orange's life or power: conspiracies so like + murder, so cowardly in the means used, so wicked in the end, that our + nation has sure done well in throwing off all allegiance and fidelity to + the unhappy family that could not vindicate its right except by such + treachery—by such dark intrigue and base agents. There were designs + against King William that were no more honorable than the ambushes of + cut-throats and footpads. 'Tis humiliating to think that a great Prince, + possessor of a great and sacred right, and upholder of a great cause, + should have stooped to such baseness of assassination and treasons as are + proved by the unfortunate King James's own warrant and sign manual given + to his supporters in this country. What he and they called levying war + was, in truth, no better than instigating murder. The noble Prince of + Orange burst magnanimously through those feeble meshes of conspiracy in + which his enemies tried to envelop him: it seemed as if their cowardly + daggers broke upon the breast of his undaunted resolution. After King + James's death, the Queen and her people at St. Germains—priests and + women for the most part—continued their intrigues in behalf of the + young Prince, James the Third, as he was called in France and by his party + here (this Prince, or Chevalier de St. George, was born in the same year + with Esmond's young pupil Frank, my Lord Viscount's son); and the Prince's + affairs, being in the hands of priests and women, were conducted as + priests and women will conduct them, artfully, cruelly, feebly, and to a + certain bad issue. The moral of the Jesuits' story I think as wholesome a + one as ever was writ: the artfullest, the wisest, the most toilsome, and + dexterous plot-builders in the world—there always comes a day when + the roused public indignation kicks their flimsy edifice down, and sends + its cowardly enemies a-flying. Mr. Swift hath finely described that + passion for intrigue, that love of secrecy, slander, and lying, which + belongs to weak people, hangers-on of weak courts. 'Tis the nature of such + to hate and envy the strong, and conspire their ruin; and the conspiracy + succeeds very well, and everything presages the satisfactory overthrow of + the great victim; until one day Gulliver rouses himself, shakes off the + little vermin of an enemy, and walks away unmolested. Ah! the Irish + soldiers might well say after the Boyne, “Change kings with us and we will + fight it over again.” Indeed, the fight was not fair between the two. + 'Twas a weak, priest-ridden, woman-ridden man, with such puny allies and + weapons as his own poor nature led him to choose, contending against the + schemes, the generalship, the wisdom, and the heart of a hero. + </p> + <p> + On one of these many coward's errands then, (for, as I view them now, I + can call them no less,) Mr. Holt had come to my lord at Castlewood, + proposing some infallible plan for the Prince of Orange's destruction, in + which my Lord Viscount, loyalist as he was, had indignantly refused to + join. As far as Mr. Esmond could gather from his dying words, Holt came to + my lord with a plan of insurrection, and offer of the renewal, in his + person, of that marquis's title which King James had conferred on the + preceding viscount; and on refusal of this bribe, a threat was made, on + Holt's part, to upset my Lord Viscount's claim to his estate and title of + Castlewood altogether. To back this astounding piece of intelligence, of + which Henry Esmond's patron now had the first light, Holt came armed with + the late lord's dying declaration, after the affair of the Boyne, at Trim, + in Ireland, made both to the Irish priest and a French ecclesiastic of + Holt's order, that was with King James's army. Holt showed, or pretended + to show, the marriage certificate of the late Viscount Esmond with my + mother, in the city of Brussels, in the year 1677, when the viscount, then + Thomas Esmond, was serving with the English army in Flanders; he could + show, he said, that this Gertrude, deserted by her husband long since, was + alive, and a professed nun in the year 1685, at Brussels, in which year + Thomas Esmond married his uncle's daughter, Isabella, now called + Viscountess Dowager of Castlewood; and leaving him, for twelve hours, to + consider this astounding news (so the poor dying lord said), disappeared + with his papers in the mysterious way in which he came. Esmond knew how, + well enough: by that window from which he had seen the Father issue:—but + there was no need to explain to my poor lord, only to gather from his + parting lips the words which he would soon be able to utter no more. + </p> + <p> + Ere the twelve hours were over, Holt himself was a prisoner, implicated in + Sir John Fenwick's conspiracy, and locked up at Hexton first, whence he + was transferred to the Tower; leaving the poor Lord Viscount, who was not + aware of the others being taken, in daily apprehension of his return, when + (as my Lord Castlewood declared, calling God to witness, and with tears in + his dying eyes) it had been his intention at once to give up his estate + and his title to their proper owner, and to retire to his own house at + Walcote with his family. “And would to God I had done it,” the poor lord + said. “I would not be here now, wounded to death, a miserable, stricken + man!” + </p> + <p> + My lord waited day after day, and, as may be supposed, no messenger came; + but at a month's end Holt got means to convey to him a message out of the + Tower, which was to this effect: that he should consider all unsaid that + had been said, and that things were as they were. + </p> + <p> + “I had a sore temptation,” said my poor lord. “Since I had come into this + cursed title of Castlewood, which hath never prospered with me, I have + spent far more than the income of that estate, and my paternal one, too. I + calculated all my means down to the last shilling, and found I never could + pay you back, my poor Harry, whose fortune I had had for twelve years. My + wife and children must have gone out of the house dishonored, and beggars. + God knows, it hath been a miserable one for me and mine. Like a coward, I + clung to that respite which Holt gave me. I kept the truth from Rachel and + you. I tried to win money of Mohun, and only plunged deeper into debt; I + scarce dared look thee in the face when I saw thee. This sword hath been + hanging over my head these two years. I swear I felt happy when Mohun's + blade entered my side.” + </p> + <p> + After lying ten months in the Tower, Holt, against whom nothing could be + found except that he was a Jesuit priest, known to be in King James's + interest, was put on shipboard by the incorrigible forgiveness of King + William, who promised him, however, a hanging if ever he should again set + foot on English shore. More than once, whilst he was in prison himself, + Esmond had thought where those papers could be, which the Jesuit had shown + to his patron, and which had such an interest for himself. They were not + found on Mr. Holt's person when that Father was apprehended, for had such + been the case my Lords of the Council had seen them, and this family + history had long since been made public. However, Esmond cared not to seek + the papers. His resolution being taken; his poor mother dead; what matter + to him that documents existed proving his right to a title which he was + determined not to claim, and of which he vowed never to deprive that + family which he loved best in the world? Perhaps he took a greater pride + out of his sacrifice than he would have had in those honors which he was + resolved to forego. Again, as long as these titles were not forthcoming, + Esmond's kinsman, dear young Francis, was the honorable and undisputed + owner of the Castlewood estate and title. The mere word of a Jesuit could + not overset Frank's right of occupancy, and so Esmond's mind felt actually + at ease to think the papers were missing, and in their absence his dear + mistress and her son the lawful Lady and Lord of Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + Very soon after his liberation, Mr. Esmond made it his business to ride to + that village of Ealing where he had passed his earliest years in this + country, and to see if his old guardians were still alive and inhabitants + of that place. But the only relique which he found of old M. Pastoureau + was a stone in the churchyard, which told that Athanasius Pastoureau, a + native of Flanders, lay there buried, aged 87 years. The old man's + cottage, which Esmond perfectly recollected, and the garden (where in his + childhood he had passed many hours of play and reverie, and had many a + beating from his termagant of a foster-mother), were now in the occupation + of quite a different family; and it was with difficulty that he could + learn in the village what had come of Pastoureau's widow and children. The + clerk of the parish recollected her—the old man was scarce altered + in the fourteen years that had passed since last Esmond set eyes on him. + It appeared she had pretty soon consoled herself after the death of her + old husband, whom she ruled over, by taking a new one younger than + herself, who spent her money and ill-treated her and her children. The + girl died; one of the boys 'listed; the other had gone apprentice. Old Mr. + Rogers, the clerk, said he had heard that Mrs. Pastoureau was dead too. + She and her husband had left Ealing this seven year; and so Mr. Esmond's + hopes of gaining any information regarding his parentage from this family + were brought to an end. He gave the old clerk a crown-piece for his news, + smiling to think of the time when he and his little playfellows had slunk + out of the churchyard or hidden behind the gravestones, at the approach of + this awful authority. + </p> + <p> + Who was his mother? What had her name been? When did she die? Esmond + longed to find some one who could answer these questions to him, and + thought even of putting them to his aunt the Viscountess, who had + innocently taken the name which belonged of right to Henry's mother. But + she knew nothing, or chose to know nothing, on this subject, nor, indeed, + could Mr. Esmond press her much to speak on it. Father Holt was the only + man who could enlighten him, and Esmond felt he must wait until some fresh + chance or new intrigue might put him face to face with his old friend, or + bring that restless indefatigable spirit back to England again. + </p> + <p> + The appointment to his ensigncy, and the preparations necessary for the + campaign, presently gave the young gentleman other matters to think of. + His new patroness treated him very kindly and liberally; she promised to + make interest and pay money, too, to get him a company speedily; she bade + him procure a handsome outfit, both of clothes and of arms, and was + pleased to admire him when he made his first appearance in his laced + scarlet coat, and to permit him to salute her on the occasion of this + interesting investiture. “Red,” says she, tossing up her old head, “hath + always been the color worn by the Esmonds.” And so her ladyship wore it on + her own cheeks very faithfully to the last. She would have him be dressed, + she said, as became his father's son, and paid cheerfully for his + five-pound beaver, his black buckled periwig, and his fine holland shirts, + and his swords, and his pistols, mounted with silver. Since the day he was + born, poor Harry had never looked such a fine gentleman: his liberal + step-mother filled his purse with guineas, too, some of which Captain + Steele and a few choice spirits helped Harry to spend in an entertainment + which Dick ordered (and, indeed, would have paid for, but that he had no + money when the reckoning was called for; nor would the landlord give him + any more credit) at the “Garter,” over against the gate of the Palace, in + Pall Mall. + </p> + <p> + The old Viscountess, indeed, if she had done Esmond any wrong formerly, + seemed inclined to repair it by the present kindness of her behavior: she + embraced him copiously at parting, wept plentifully, bade him write by + every packet, and gave him an inestimable relic, which she besought him to + wear round his neck—a medal, blessed by I know not what pope, and + worn by his late sacred Majesty King James. So Esmond arrived at his + regiment with a better equipage than most young officers could afford. He + was older than most of his seniors, and had a further advantage which + belonged but to very few of the army gentlemen in his day—many of + whom could do little more than write their names—that he had read + much, both at home and at the University, was master of two or three + languages, and had that further education which neither books nor years + will give, but which some men get from the silent teaching of adversity. + She is a great schoolmistress, as many a poor fellow knows, that hath held + his hand out to her ferule, and whimpered over his lesson before her awful + chair. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + I GO ON THE VIGO BAY EXPEDITION, TASTE SALT-WATER AND SMELL POWDER. + </h3> + <p> + The first expedition in which Mr. Esmond had the honor to be engaged, + rather resembled one of the invasions projected by the redoubted Captain + Avory or Captain Kidd, than a war between crowned heads, carried on by + generals of rank and honor. On the 1st day of July, 1702, a great fleet, + of a hundred and fifty sail, set sail from Spithead, under the command of + Admiral Shovell, having on board 12,000 troops, with his Grace the Duke of + Ormond as the Capt.-General of the expedition. One of these 12,000 heroes + having never been to sea before, or, at least, only once in his infancy, + when he made the voyage to England from that unknown country where he was + born—one of those 12,000—the junior ensign of Colonel Quin's + regiment of Fusileers—was in a quite unheroic state of corporal + prostration a few hours after sailing; and an enemy, had he boarded the + ship, would have had easy work of him. From Portsmouth we put into + Plymouth, and took in fresh reinforcements. We were off Finisterre on the + 31st of July, so Esmond's table-book informs him: and on the 8th of August + made the rock of Lisbon. By this time the Ensign was grown as bold as an + admiral, and a week afterwards had the fortune to be under fire for the + first time—and under water, too,—his boat being swamped in the + surf in Toros Bay, where the troops landed. The ducking of his new coat + was all the harm the young soldier got in this expedition, for, indeed, + the Spaniards made no stand before our troops, and were not in strength to + do so. + </p> + <p> + But the campaign, if not very glorious, was very pleasant. New sights of + nature, by sea and land—a life of action, beginning now for the + first time—occupied and excited the young man. The many accidents, + and the routine of shipboard—the military duty—the new + acquaintances, both of his comrades in arms, and of the officers of the + fleet—served to cheer and occupy his mind, and waken it out of that + selfish depression into which his late unhappy fortunes had plunged him. + He felt as if the ocean separated him from his past care, and welcomed the + new era of life which was dawning for him. Wounds heal rapidly in a heart + of two-and-twenty; hopes revive daily; and courage rallies in spite of a + man. Perhaps, as Esmond thought of his late despondency and melancholy, + and how irremediable it had seemed to him, as he lay in his prison a few + months back, he was almost mortified in his secret mind at finding himself + so cheerful. + </p> + <p> + To see with one's own eyes men and countries, is better than reading all + the books of travel in the world: and it was with extreme delight and + exultation that the young man found himself actually on his grand tour, + and in the view of people and cities which he had read about as a boy. He + beheld war for the first time—the pride, pomp, and circumstance of + it, at least, if not much of the danger. He saw actually, and with his own + eyes, those Spanish cavaliers and ladies whom he had beheld in imagination + in that immortal story of Cervantes, which had been the delight of his + youthful leisure. 'Tis forty years since Mr. Esmond witnessed those + scenes, but they remain as fresh in his memory as on the day when first he + saw them as a young man. A cloud, as of grief, that had lowered over him, + and had wrapped the last years of his life in gloom, seemed to clear away + from Esmond during this fortunate voyage and campaign. His energies seemed + to awaken and to expand under a cheerful sense of freedom. Was his heart + secretly glad to have escaped from that fond but ignoble bondage at home? + Was it that the inferiority to which the idea of his base birth had + compelled him, vanished with the knowledge of that secret, which though, + perforce, kept to himself, was yet enough to cheer and console him? At any + rate, young Esmond of the army was quite a different being to the sad + little dependant of the kind Castlewood household, and the melancholy + student of Trinity Walks; discontented with his fate, and with the + vocation into which that drove him, and thinking, with a secret + indignation, that the cassock and bands, and the very sacred office with + which he had once proposed to invest himself, were, in fact, but marks of + a servitude which was to continue all his life long. For, disguise it as + he might to himself, he had all along felt that to be Castlewood's + chaplain was to be Castlewood's inferior still, and that his life was but + to be a long, hopeless servitude. So, indeed, he was far from grudging his + old friend Tom Tusher's good fortune (as Tom, no doubt, thought it). Had + it been a mitre and Lambeth which his friends offered him, and not a small + living and a country parsonage, he would have felt as much a slave in one + case as in the other, and was quite happy and thankful to be free. + </p> + <p> + The bravest man I ever knew in the army, and who had been present in most + of King William's actions, as well as in the campaigns of the great Duke + of Marlborough, could never be got to tell us of any achievement of his, + except that once Prince Eugene ordered him up a tree to reconnoitre the + enemy, which feat he could not achieve on account of the horseman's boots + he wore; and on another day that he was very nearly taken prisoner because + of these jack-boots, which prevented him from running away. The present + narrator shall imitate this laudable reserve, and doth not intend to dwell + upon his military exploits, which were in truth not very different from + those of a thousand other gentlemen. This first campaign of Mr. Esmond's + lasted but a few days; and as a score of books have been written + concerning it, it may be dismissed very briefly here. + </p> + <p> + When our fleet came within view of Cadiz, our commander sent a boat with a + white flag and a couple of officers to the Governor of Cadiz, Don Scipio + de Brancaccio, with a letter from his Grace, in which he hoped that as Don + Scipio had formerly served with the Austrians against the French, 'twas to + be hoped that his Excellency would now declare himself against the French + King, and for the Austrian in the war between King Philip and King + Charles. But his Excellency, Don Scipio, prepared a reply, in which he + announced that, having served his former king with honor and fidelity, he + hoped to exhibit the same loyalty and devotion towards his present + sovereign, King Philip V.; and by the time this letter was ready, the two + officers had been taken to see the town, and the alameda, and the theatre, + where bull-fights are fought, and the convents, where the admirable works + of Don Bartholomew Murillo inspired one of them with a great wonder and + delight—such as he had never felt before—concerning this + divine art of painting; and these sights over, and a handsome refection + and chocolate being served to the English gentlemen, they were accompanied + back to their shallop with every courtesy, and were the only two officers + of the English army that saw at that time that famous city. + </p> + <p> + The general tried the power of another proclamation on the Spaniards, in + which he announced that we only came in the interest of Spain and King + Charles, and for ourselves wanted to make no conquest nor settlement in + Spain at all. But all this eloquence was lost upon the Spaniards, it would + seem: the Captain-General of Andalusia would no more listen to us than the + Governor of Cadiz; and in reply to his Grace's proclamation, the Marquis + of Villadarias fired off another, which those who knew the Spanish thought + rather the best of the two; and of this number was Harry Esmond, whose + kind Jesuit in old days had instructed him, and now had the honor of + translating for his Grace these harmless documents of war. There was a + hard touch for his Grace, and, indeed, for other generals in her Majesty's + service, in the concluding sentence of the Don: “That he and his council + had the generous example of their ancestors to follow, who had never yet + sought their elevation in the blood or in the flight of their kings. 'Mori + pro patria' was his device, which the Duke might communicate to the + Princess who governed England.” + </p> + <p> + Whether the troops were angry at this repartee or no, 'tis certain + something put them in a fury; for, not being able to get possession of + Cadiz, our people seized upon Port Saint Mary's and sacked it, burning + down the merchants' storehouses, getting drunk with the famous wines + there, pillaging and robbing quiet houses and convents, murdering and + doing worse. And the only blood which Mr. Esmond drew in this shameful + campaign, was the knocking down an English sentinel with a half-pike, who + was offering insult to a poor trembling nun. Is she going to turn out a + beauty? or a princess? or perhaps Esmond's mother that he had lost and + never seen? Alas no, it was but a poor wheezy old dropsical woman, with a + wart upon her nose. But having been early taught a part of the Roman + religion, he never had the horror of it that some Protestants have shown, + and seem to think to be a part of ours. + </p> + <p> + After the pillage and plunder of St. Mary's and an assault upon a fort or + two, the troops all took shipping, and finished their expedition, at any + rate, more brilliantly than it had begun. Hearing that the French fleet + with a great treasure was in Vigo Bay, our Admirals, Rooke and Hopson, + pursued the enemy thither; the troops landed and carried the forts that + protected the bay, Hopson passing the boom first on board his ship the + “Torbay,” and the rest of the ships, English and Dutch, following him. + Twenty ships were burned or taken in the Port of Redondilla, and a vast + deal more plunder than was ever accounted for; but poor men before that + expedition were rich afterwards, and so often was it found and remarked + that the Vigo officers came home with pockets full of money, that the + notorious Jack Shafto, who made such a figure at the coffeehouses and + gaming-tables in London, and gave out that he had been a soldier at Vigo, + owned, when he was about to be hanged, that Bagshot Heath had been HIS + Vigo, and that he only spoke of La Redondilla to turn away people's eyes + from the real place where the booty lay. Indeed, Hounslow or Vigo—which + matters much? The latter was a bad business, though Mr. Addison did sing + its praises in Latin. That honest gentleman's muse had an eye to the main + chance; and I doubt whether she saw much inspiration in the losing side. + </p> + <p> + But though Esmond, for his part, got no share of this fabulous booty, one + great prize which he had out of the campaign was, that excitement of + action and change of scene, which shook off a great deal of his previous + melancholy. He learnt at any rate to bear his fate cheerfully. He brought + back a browned face, a heart resolute enough, and a little pleasant store + of knowledge and observation, from that expedition, which was over with + the autumn, when the troops were back in England again; and Esmond giving + up his post of secretary to General Lumley, whose command was over, and + parting with that officer with many kind expressions of good will on the + General's side, had leave to go to London, to see if he could push his + fortunes any way further, and found himself once more in his dowager + aunt's comfortable quarters at Chelsey, and in greater favor than ever + with the old lady. He propitiated her with a present of a comb, a fan, and + a black mantle, such as the ladies of Cadiz wear, and which my Lady + Viscountess pronounced became her style of beauty mightily. And she was + greatily edified at hearing of that story of his rescue of the nun, and + felt very little doubt but that her King James's relic, which he had + always dutifully worn in his desk, had kept him out of danger, and averted + the shot of the enemy. My lady made feasts for him, introduced him to more + company, and pushed his fortunes with such enthusiasm and success, that + she got a promise of a company for him through the Lady Marlborough's + interest, who was graciously pleased to accept of a diamond worth a couple + of hundred guineas, which Mr. Esmond was enabled to present to her + ladyship through his aunt's bounty, and who promised that she would take + charge of Esmond's fortune. He had the honor to make his appearance at the + Queen's drawing-room occasionally, and to frequent my Lord Marlborough's + levees. That great man received the young one with very especial favor, so + Esmond's comrades said, and deigned to say that he had received the best + reports of Mr. Esmond, both for courage and ability, whereon you may be + sure the young gentleman made a profound bow, and expressed himself eager + to serve under the most distinguished captain in the world. + </p> + <p> + Whilst his business was going on thus prosperously, Esmond had his share + of pleasure too, and made his appearance along with other young gentlemen + at the coffee-houses, the theatres, and the Mall. He longed to hear of his + dear mistress and her family: many a time, in the midst of the gayeties + and pleasures of the town, his heart fondly reverted to them; and often as + the young fellows of his society were making merry at the tavern, and + calling toasts (as the fashion of that day was) over their wine, Esmond + thought of persons—of two fair women, whom he had been used to adore + almost, and emptied his glass with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + By this time the elder Viscountess had grown tired again of the younger, + and whenever she spoke of my lord's widow, 'twas in terms by no means + complimentary towards that poor lady: the younger woman not needing her + protection any longer, the elder abused her. Most of the family quarrels + that I have seen in life (saving always those arising from money disputes, + when a division of twopence halfpenny will often drive the dearest + relatives into war and estrangement,) spring out of jealousy and envy. + Jack and Tom, born of the same family and to the same fortune, live very + cordially together, not until Jack is ruined when Tom deserts him, but + until Tom makes a sudden rise in prosperity, which Jack can't forgive. Ten + times to one 'tis the unprosperous man that is angry, not the other who is + in fault. 'Tis Mrs. Jack, who can only afford a chair, that sickens at + Mrs. Tom's new coach-and-sick, cries out against her sister's airs, and + sets her husband against his brother. 'Tis Jack who sees his brother + shaking hands with a lord (with whom Jack would like to exchange + snuff-boxes himself), that goes home and tells his wife how poor Tom is + spoiled, he fears, and no better than a sneak, parasite, and beggar on + horse back. I remember how furious the coffee-house wits were with Dick + Steele when he set up his coach and fine house in Bloomsbury: they began + to forgive him when the bailiffs were after him, and abused Mr. Addison + for selling Dick's country-house. And yet Dick in the sponging-house, or + Dick in the Park, with his four mares and plated harness, was exactly the + same gentle, kindly, improvident, jovial Dick Steele: and yet Mr. Addison + was perfectly right in getting the money which was his, and not giving up + the amount of his just claim, to be spent by Dick upon champagne and + fiddlers, laced clothes, fine furniture, and parasites, Jew and Christian, + male and female, who clung to him. As, according to the famous maxim of + Monsieur de Rochefoucault, “in our friends' misfortunes there's something + secretly pleasant to us;” so, on the other hand, their good fortune is + disagreeable. If 'tis hard for a man to bear his own good luck, 'tis + harder still for his friends to bear it for him and but few of them + ordinarily can stand that trial: whereas one of the “precious uses” of + adversity is, that it is a great reconciler; that it brings back averted + kindness, disarms animosity, and causes yesterday's enemy to fling his + hatred aside, and hold out a hand to the fallen friend of old days. + There's pity and love, as well as envy, in the same heart and towards the + same person. The rivalry stops when the competitor tumbles; and, as I view + it, we should look at these agreeable and disagreeable qualities of our + humanity humbly alike. They are consequent and natural, and our kindness + and meanness both manly. + </p> + <p> + So you may either read the sentence, that the elder of Esmond's two + kinswomen pardoned the younger her beauty, when that had lost somewhat of + its freshness, perhaps; and forgot most her grievances against the other, + when the subject of them was no longer prosperous and enviable; or we may + say more benevolently (but the sum comes to the same figures, worked + either way,) that Isabella repented of her unkindness towards Rachel, when + Rachel was unhappy; and, bestirring herself in behalf of the poor widow + and her children, gave them shelter and friendship. The ladies were quite + good friends as long as the weaker one needed a protector. Before Esmond + went away on his first campaign, his mistress was still on terms of + friendship (though a poor little chit, a woman that had evidently no + spirit in her, &c.) with the elder Lady Castlewood; and Mistress + Beatrix was allowed to be a beauty. + </p> + <p> + But between the first year of Queen Anne's reign, and the second, sad + changes for the worse had taken place in the two younger ladies, at least + in the elder's description of them. Rachel, Viscountess Castlewood, had no + more face than a dumpling, and Mrs. Beatrix was grown quite coarse, and + was losing all her beauty. Little Lord Blandford—(she never would + call him Lord Blandford; his father was Lord Churchill—the King, + whom he betrayed, had made him Lord Churchill, and he was Lord Churchill + still)—might be making eyes at her; but his mother, that vixen of a + Sarah Jennings, would never hear of such a folly. Lady Marlborough had got + her to be a maid of honor at Court to the Princess, but she would repent + of it. The widow Francis (she was but Mrs. Francis Esmond) was a scheming, + artful, heartless hussy. She was spoiling her brat of a boy, and she would + end by marrying her chaplain. + </p> + <p> + “What, Tusher!” cried Mr. Esmond, feeling a strange pang of rage and + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—Tusher, my maid's son; and who has got all the qualities of his + father the lackey in black, and his accomplished mamma the waiting-woman,” + cries my lady. “What do you suppose that a sentimental widow, who will + live down in that dingy dungeon of a Castlewood, where she spoils her boy, + kills the poor with her drugs, has prayers twice a day and sees nobody but + the chaplain—what do you suppose she can do, mon Cousin, but let the + horrid parson, with his great square toes and hideous little green eyes, + make love to her? Cela c'est vu, mon Cousin. When I was a girl at + Castlewood, all the chaplains fell in love with me—they've nothing + else to do.” + </p> + <p> + My lady went on with more talk of this kind, though, in truth, Esmond had + no idea of what she said further, so entirely did her first words occupy + his thought. Were they true? Not all, nor half, nor a tenth part of what + the garrulous old woman said, was true. Could this be so? No ear had + Esmond for anything else, though his patroness chatted on for an hour. + </p> + <p> + Some young gentlemen of the town, with whom Esmond had made acquaintance, + had promised to present him to that most charming of actresses, and lively + and agreeable of women, Mrs. Bracegirdle, about whom Harry's old adversary + Mohun had drawn swords, a few years before my poor lord and he fell out. + The famous Mr. Congreve had stamped with his high approval, to the which + there was no gainsaying, this delightful person: and she was acting in + Dick Steele's comedies, and finally, and for twenty-four hours after + beholding her, Mr. Esmond felt himself, or thought himself, to be as + violently enamored of this lovely brunette, as were a thousand other young + fellows about the city. To have once seen her was to long to behold her + again; and to be offered the delightful privilege of her acquaintance, was + a pleasure the very idea of which set the young lieutenant's heart on + fire. A man cannot live with comrades under the tents without finding out + that he too is five-and-twenty. A young fellow cannot be cast down by + grief and misfortune ever so severe but some night he begins to sleep + sound, and some day when dinner-time comes to feel hungry for a beefsteak. + Time, youth and good health, new scenes and the excitement of action and a + campaign, had pretty well brought Esmond's mourning to an end; and his + comrades said that Don Dismal, as they called him, was Don Dismal no more. + So when a party was made to dine at the “Rose,” and go to the playhouse + afterward, Esmond was as pleased as another to take his share of the + bottle and the play. + </p> + <p> + How was it that the old aunt's news, or it might be scandal, about Tom + Tusher, caused such a strange and sudden excitement in Tom's old + playfellow? Hadn't he sworn a thousand times in his own mind that the Lady + of Castlewood, who had treated him with such kindness once, and then had + left him so cruelly, was, and was to remain henceforth, indifferent to him + for ever? Had his pride and his sense of justice not long since helped him + to cure the pain of that desertion—was it even a pain to him now? + Why, but last night as he walked across the fields and meadows to Chelsey + from Pall Mall, had he not composed two or three stanzas of a song, + celebrating Bracegirdle's brown eyes, and declaring them a thousand times + more beautiful than the brightest blue ones that ever languished under the + lashes of an insipid fair beauty! But Tom Tusher! Tom Tusher, the + waiting-woman's son, raising up his little eyes to his mistress! Tom + Tusher presuming to think of Castlewood's widow! Rage and contempt filled + Mr. Harry's heart at the very notion; the honor of the family, of which he + was the chief, made it his duty to prevent so monstrous an alliance, and + to chastise the upstart who could dare to think of such an insult to their + house. 'Tis true Mr. Esmond often boasted of republican principles, and + could remember many fine speeches he had made at college and elsewhere, + with WORTH and not BIRTH for a text: but Tom Tusher to take the place of + the noble Castlewood—faugh! 'twas as monstrous as King Hamlet's + widow taking off her weeds for Claudius. Esmond laughed at all widows, all + wives, all women; and were the banns about to be published, as no doubt + they were, that very next Sunday at Walcote Church, Esmond swore that he + would be present to shout No! in the face of the congregation, and to take + a private revenge upon the ears of the bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + Instead of going to dinner then at the “Rose” that night, Mr. Esmond bade + his servant pack a portmanteau and get horses, and was at Farnham, + half-way on the road to Walcote, thirty miles off, before his comrades had + got to their supper after the play. He bade his man give no hint to my + Lady Dowager's household of the expedition on which he was going; and as + Chelsey was distant from London, the roads bad, and infested by footpads, + and Esmond often in the habit, when engaged in a party of pleasure, of + lying at a friend's lodging in town, there was no need that his old aunt + should be disturbed at his absence—indeed, nothing more delighted + the old lady than to fancy that mon cousin, the incorrigible young sinner, + was abroad boxing the watch, or scouring St. Giles's. When she was not at + her books of devotion, she thought Etheridge and Sedley very good reading. + She had a hundred pretty stories about Rochester, Harry Jermyn, and + Hamilton; and if Esmond would but have run away with the wife even of a + citizen, 'tis my belief she would have pawned her diamonds (the best of + them went to our Lady of Chaillot) to pay his damages. + </p> + <p> + My lord's little house of Walcote—which he inhabited before he took + his title and occupied the house of Castlewood—lies about a mile + from Winchester, and his widow had returned to Walcote after my lord's + death as a place always dear to her, and where her earliest and happiest + days had been spent, cheerfuller than Castlewood, which was too large for + her straitened means, and giving her, too, the protection of the ex-dean, + her father. The young Viscount had a year's schooling at the famous + college there, with Mr. Tusher as his governor. So much news of them Mr. + Esmond had had during the past year from the old Viscountess, his own + father's widow; from the young one there had never been a word. + </p> + <p> + Twice or thrice in his benefactor's lifetime, Esmond had been to Walcote; + and now, taking but a couple of hours' rest only at the inn on the road, + he was up again long before daybreak, and made such good speed that he was + at Walcote by two o'clock of the day. He rid to the end of the village, + where he alighted and sent a man thence to Mr. Tusher, with a message that + a gentleman from London would speak with him on urgent business. The + messenger came back to say the Doctor was in town, most likely at prayers + in the Cathedral. My Lady Viscountess was there, too; she always went to + Cathedral prayers every day. + </p> + <p> + The horses belonged to the post-house at Winchester. Esmond mounted again + and rode on to the “George;” whence he walked, leaving his grumbling + domestic at last happy with a dinner, straight to the Cathedral. The organ + was playing: the winter's day was already growing gray: as he passed under + the street-arch into the Cathedral yard, and made his way into the ancient + solemn edifice. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + THE 29TH DECEMBER. + </h3> + <p> + There was scarce a score of persons in the Cathedral beside the Dean and + some of his clergy, and the choristers, young and old, that performed the + beautiful evening prayer. But Mr. Tusher was one of the officiants, and + read from the eagle in an authoritative voice, and a great black periwig; + and in the stalls, still in her black widow's hood, sat Esmond's dear + mistress, her son by her side, very much grown, and indeed a noble-looking + youth, with his mother's eyes, and his father's curling brown hair, that + fell over his point de Venise—a pretty picture such as Van Dyck + might have painted. Mons. Rigaud's portrait of my Lord Viscount, done at + Paris afterwards, gives but a French version of his manly, frank, English + face. When he looked up there were two sapphire beams out of his eyes such + as no painter's palette has the color to match, I think. On this day there + was not much chance of seeing that particular beauty of my young lord's + countenance; for the truth is, he kept his eyes shut for the most part, + and, the anthem being rather long, was asleep. + </p> + <p> + But the music ceasing, my lord woke up, looking about him, and his eyes + lighting on Mr. Esmond, who was sitting opposite him, gazing with no small + tenderness and melancholy upon two persons who had so much of his heart + for so many years, Lord Castlewood, with a start, pulled at his mother's + sleeve (her face had scarce been lifted from her book), and said, “Look, + mother!” so loud, that Esmond could hear on the other side of the church, + and the old Dean on his throned stall. Lady Castlewood looked for an + instant as her son bade her, and held up a warning finger to Frank; Esmond + felt his whole face flush, and his heart throbbing, as that dear lady + beheld him once more. The rest of the prayers were speedily over; Mr. + Esmond did not hear them; nor did his mistress, very likely, whose hood + went more closely over her face, and who never lifted her head again until + the service was over, the blessing given, and Mr. Dean, and his procession + of ecclesiastics, out of the inner chapel. + </p> + <p> + Young Castlewood came clambering over the stalls before the clergy were + fairly gone, and running up to Esmond, eagerly embraced him. “My dear, + dearest old Harry!” he said, “are you come back? Have you been to the + wars? You'll take me with you when you go again? Why didn't you write to + us? Come to mother.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond could hardly say more than a “God bless you, my boy,” for his + heart was very full and grateful at all this tenderness on the lad's part; + and he was as much moved at seeing Frank as he was fearful about that + other interview which was now to take place: for he knew not if the widow + would reject him as she had done so cruelly a year ago. + </p> + <p> + “It was kind of you to come back to us, Henry,” Lady Esmond said. “I + thought you might come.” + </p> + <p> + “We read of the fleet coming to Portsmouth. Why did you not come from + Portsmouth?” Frank asked, or my Lord Viscount, as he now must be called. + </p> + <p> + Esmond had thought of that too. He would have given one of his eyes so + that he might see his dear friends again once more; but believing that his + mistress had forbidden him her house, he had obeyed her, and remained at a + distance. + </p> + <p> + “You had but to ask, and you know I would be here,” he said. + </p> + <p> + She gave him her hand, her little fair hand; there was only her marriage + ring on it. The quarrel was all over. The year of grief and estrangement + was passed. They never had been separated. His mistress had never been out + of his mind all that time. No, not once. No, not in the prison; nor in the + camp; nor on shore before the enemy; nor at sea under the stars of solemn + midnight; nor as he watched the glorious rising of the dawn: not even at + the table, where he sat carousing with friends, or at the theatre yonder, + where he tried to fancy that other eyes were brighter than hers. Brighter + eyes there might be, and faces more beautiful, but none so dear—no + voice so sweet as that of his beloved mistress, who had been sister, + mother, goddess to him during his youth—goddess now no more, for he + knew of her weaknesses; and by thought, by suffering, and that experience + it brings, was older now than she; but more fondly cherished as woman + perhaps than ever she had been adored as divinity. What is it? Where lies + it? the secret which makes one little hand the dearest of all? Whoever can + unriddle that mystery? Here she was, her son by his side, his dear boy. + Here she was, weeping and happy. She took his hand in both hers; he felt + her tears. It was a rapture of reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + “Here comes Squaretoes,” says Frank. “Here's Tusher.” + </p> + <p> + Tusher, indeed, now appeared, creaking on his great heels. Mr. Tom had + divested himself of his alb or surplice, and came forward habited in his + cassock and great black periwig. How had Esmond ever been for a moment + jealous of this fellow? + </p> + <p> + “Give us thy hand, Tom Tusher,” he said. The chaplain made him a very low + and stately bow. “I am charmed to see Captain Esmond,” says he. “My lord + and I have read the Reddas incolumem precor, and applied it, I am sure, to + you. You come back with Gaditanian laurels; when I heard you were bound + thither, I wished, I am sure, I was another Septimius. My Lord Viscount, + your lordship remembers Septimi, Gades aditure mecum?” + </p> + <p> + “There's an angle of earth that I love better than Gades, Tusher,” says + Mr. Esmond. “'Tis that one where your reverence hath a parsonage, and + where our youth was brought up.” + </p> + <p> + “A house that has so many sacred recollections to me,” says Mr. Tusher + (and Harry remembered how Tom's father used to flog him there)—“a + house near to that of my respected patron, my most honored patroness, must + ever be a dear abode to me. But, madam, the verger waits to close the + gates on your ladyship.” + </p> + <p> + “And Harry's coming home to supper. Huzzay! huzzay!” cries my lord. + “Mother, I shall run home and bid Beatrix put her ribbons on. Beatrix is a + maid of honor, Harry. Such a fine set-up minx!” + </p> + <p> + “Your heart was never in the Church, Harry,” the widow said, in her sweet + low tone, as they walked away together. (Now, it seemed they never had + been parted, and again, as if they had been ages asunder.) “I always + thought you had no vocation that way; and that 'twas a pity to shut you + out from the world. You would but have pined and chafed at Castlewood: and + 'tis better you should make a name for yourself. I often said so to my + dear lord. How he loved you! 'Twas my lord that made you stay with us.” + </p> + <p> + “I asked no better than to stay near you always,” said Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “But to go was best, Harry. When the world cannot give peace, you will + know where to find it; but one of your strong imagination and eager + desires must try the world first before he tires of it. 'Twas not to be + thought of, or if it once was, it was only by my selfishness, that you + should remain as chaplain to a country gentleman and tutor to a little + boy. You are of the blood of the Esmonds, kinsman; and that was always + wild in youth. Look at Francis. He is but fifteen, and I scarce can keep + him in my nest. His talk is all of war and pleasure, and he longs to serve + in the next campaign. Perhaps he and the young Lord Churchill shall go the + next. Lord Marlborough has been good to us. You know how kind they were in + my misfortune. And so was your—your father's widow. No one knows how + good the world is, till grief comes to try us. 'Tis through my Lady + Marlborough's goodness that Beatrix hath her place at Court; and Frank is + under my Lord Chamberlain. And the dowager lady, your father's widow, has + promised to provide for you—has she not?” + </p> + <p> + Esmond said, “Yes. As far as present favor went, Lady Castlewood was very + good to him. And should her mind change,” he added gayly, “as ladies' + minds will, I am strong enough to bear my own burden, and make my way + somehow. Not by the sword very likely. Thousands have a better genius for + that than I, but there are many ways in which a young man of good parts + and education can get on in the world; and I am pretty sure, one way or + other, of promotion!” Indeed, he had found patrons already in the army, + and amongst persons very able to serve him, too; and told his mistress of + the flattering aspect of fortune. They walked as though they had never + been parted, slowly, with the gray twilight closing round them. + </p> + <p> + “And now we are drawing near to home,” she continued, “I knew you would + come, Harry, if—if it was but to forgive me for having spoken + unjustly to you after that horrid—horrid misfortune. I was half + frantic with grief then when I saw you. And I know now—they have + told me. That wretch, whose name I can never mention, even has said it: + how you tried to avert the quarrel, and would have taken it on yourself, + my poor child: but it was God's will that I should be punished, and that + my dear lord should fall.” + </p> + <p> + “He gave me his blessing on his death-bed,” Esmond said. “Thank God for + that legacy!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen, amen! dear Henry,” said the lady, pressing his arm. “I knew it. Mr. + Atterbury, of St. Bride's, who was called to him, told me so. And I + thanked God, too, and in my prayers ever since remembered it.” + </p> + <p> + “You had spared me many a bitter night, had you told me sooner,” Mr. + Esmond said. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, I know it,” she answered, in a tone of such sweet humility, as + made Esmond repent that he should ever have dared to reproach her. “I know + how wicked my heart has been; and I have suffered too, my dear. I + confessed to Mr. Atterbury—I must not tell any more. He—I said + I would not write to you or go to you—and it was better even that + having parted, we should part. But I knew you would come back—I own + that. That is no one's fault. And to-day, Henry, in the anthem, when they + sang it, 'When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion, we were like them + that dream,' I thought, yes, like them that dream—them that dream. + And then it went, 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy; and he that + goeth forth and weepeth, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, + bringing his sheaves with him;' I looked up from the book, and saw you. I + was not surprised when I saw you. I knew you would come, my dear, and saw + the gold sunshine round your head.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled an almost wild smile as she looked up at him. The moon was up + by this time, glittering keen in the frosty sky. He could see, for the + first time now clearly, her sweet careworn face. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what day it is?” she continued. “It is the 29th of December—it + is your birthday! But last year we did not drink it—no, no. My lord + was cold, and my Harry was likely to die: and my brain was in a fever; and + we had no wine. But now—now you are come again, bringing your + sheaves with you, my dear.” She burst into a wild flood of weeping as she + spoke; she laughed and sobbed on the young man's heart, crying out wildly, + “bringing your sheaves with you—your sheaves with you!” + </p> + <p> + As he had sometimes felt, gazing up from the deck at midnight into the + boundless starlit depths overhead, in a rapture of devout wonder at that + endless brightness and beauty—in some such a way now, the depth of + this pure devotion (which was, for the first time, revealed to him) quite + smote upon him, and filled his heart with thanksgiving. Gracious God, who + was he, weak and friendless creature, that such a love should be poured + out upon him? Not in vain—not in vain has he lived—hard and + thankless should he be to think so—that has such a treasure given + him. What is ambition compared to that, but selfish vanity? To be rich, to + be famous? What do these profit a year hence, when other names sound + louder than yours, when you lie hidden away under the ground, along with + idle titles engraven on your coffin? But only true love lives after you—follows + your memory with secret blessing—or precedes you, and intercedes for + you. Non omnis moriar—if dying, I yet live in a tender heart or two; + nor am lost and hopeless living, if a sainted departed soul still loves + and prays for me. + </p> + <p> + “If—if 'tis so, dear lady,” Mr. Esmond said, “why should I ever + leave you? If God hath given me this great boon—and near or far from + me, as I know now, the heart of my dearest mistress follows me, let me + have that blessing near me, nor ever part with it till death separate us. + Come away—leave this Europe, this place which has so many sad + recollections for you. Begin a new life in a new world. My good lord often + talked of visiting that land in Virginia which King Charles gave us—gave + his ancestor. Frank will give us that. No man there will ask if there is a + blot on my name, or inquire in the woods what my title is.” + </p> + <p> + “And my children—and my duty—and my good father, Henry?” she + broke out. “He has none but me now! for soon my sister will leave him, and + the old man will be alone. He has conformed since the new Queen's reign; + and here in Winchester, where they love him, they have found a church for + him. When the children leave me, I will stay with him. I cannot follow + them into the great world, where their way lies—it scares me. They + will come and visit me; and you will, sometimes, Henry—yes, + sometimes, as now, in the Holy Advent season, when I have seen and blessed + you once more.” + </p> + <p> + “I would leave all to follow you,” said Mr. Esmond; “and can you not be as + generous for me, dear lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, boy!” she said, and it was with a mother's sweet plaintive tone and + look that she spoke. “The world is beginning for you. For me, I have been + so weak and sinful that I must leave it, and pray out an expiation, dear + Henry. Had we houses of religion as there were once, and many divines of + our Church would have them again, I often think I would retire to one and + pass my life in penance. But I would love you still—yes, there is no + sin in such a love as mine now; and my dear lord in heaven may see my + heart; and knows the tears that have washed my sin away—and now—now + my duty is here, by my children whilst they need me, and by my poor old + father, and—” + </p> + <p> + “And not by me?” Henry said. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” she said again, and raised her hand up to his lip. “I have been + your nurse. You could not see me, Harry, when you were in the small-pox, + and I came and sat by you. Ah! I prayed that I might die, but it would + have been in sin, Henry. Oh, it is horrid to look back to that time. It is + over now and past, and it has been forgiven me. When you need me again, I + will come ever so far. When your heart is wounded, then come to me, my + dear. Be silent! let me say all. You never loved me, dear Henry—no, + you do not now, and I thank heaven for it. I used to watch you, and knew + by a thousand signs that it was so. Do you remember how glad you were to + go away to college? 'Twas I sent you. I told my papa that, and Mr. + Atterbury too, when I spoke to him in London. And they both gave me + absolution—both—and they are godly men, having authority to + bind and to loose. And they forgave me, as my dear lord forgave me before + he went to heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “I think the angels are not all in heaven,” Mr. Esmond said. And as a + brother folds a sister to his heart; and as a mother cleaves to her son's + breast—so for a few moments Esmond's beloved mistress came to him + and blessed him. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + I AM MADE WELCOME AT WALCOTE. + </h3> + <p> + As they came up to the house at Walcote, the windows from within were + lighted up with friendly welcome; the supper-table was spread in the + oak-parlor; it seemed as if forgiveness and love were awaiting the + returning prodigal. Two or three familiar faces of domestics were on the + look-out at the porch—the old housekeeper was there, and young + Lockwood from Castlewood in my lord's livery of tawny and blue. His dear + mistress pressed his arm as they passed into the hall. Her eyes beamed out + on him with affection indescribable. “Welcome,” was all she said, as she + looked up, putting back her fair curls and black hood. A sweet rosy smile + blushed on her face; Harry thought he had never seen her look so charming. + Her face was lighted with a joy that was brighter than beauty—she + took a hand of her son who was in the hall waiting his mother—she + did not quit Esmond's arm. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, Harry!” my young lord echoed after her. “Here, we are all come + to say so. Here's old Pincot, hasn't she grown handsome?” and Pincot, who + was older, and no handsomer than usual, made a curtsy to the Captain, as + she called Esmond, and told my lord to “Have done, now.” + </p> + <p> + “And here's Jack Lockwood. He'll make a famous grenadier, Jack; and so + shall I; we'll both 'list under you, Cousin. As soon as I'm seventeen, I + go to the army—every gentleman goes to the army. Look! who comes + here—ho, ho!” he burst into a laugh. “'Tis Mistress Trix, with a new + ribbon; I knew she would put one on as soon as she heard a captain was + coming to supper.” + </p> + <p> + This laughing colloquy took place in the hall of Walcote House: in the + midst of which is a staircase that leads from an open gallery, where are + the doors of the sleeping chambers: and from one of these, a wax candle in + her hand, and illuminating her, came Mistress Beatrix—the light + falling indeed upon the scarlet ribbon which she wore, and upon the most + brilliant white neck in the world. + </p> + <p> + Esmond had left a child and found a woman, grown beyond the common height; + and arrived at such a dazzling completeness of beauty, that his eyes might + well show surprise and delight at beholding her. In hers there was a + brightness so lustrous and melting, that I have seen a whole assembly + follow her as if by an attraction irresistible: and that night the great + Duke was at the playhouse after Ramillies, every soul turned and looked + (she chanced to enter at the opposite side of the theatre at the same + moment) at her, and not at him. She was a brown beauty: that is, her eyes, + hair, and eyebrows and eyelashes were dark: her hair curling with rich + undulations, and waving over her shoulders; but her complexion was as + dazzling white as snow in sunshine; except her cheeks, which were a bright + red, and her lips, which were of a still deeper crimson. Her mouth and + chin, they said, were too large and full, and so they might be for a + goddess in marble, but not for a woman whose eyes were fire, whose look + was love, whose voice was the sweetest low song, whose shape was perfect + symmetry, health, decision, activity, whose foot as it planted itself on + the ground was firm but flexible, and whose motion, whether rapid or slow, + was always perfect grace—agile as a nymph, lofty as a queen,—now + melting, now imperious, now sarcastic—there was no single movement + of hers but was beautiful. As he thinks of her, he who writes feels young + again, and remembers a paragon. + </p> + <p> + So she came holding her dress with one fair rounded arm, and her taper + before her, tripping down the stair to greet Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “She hath put on her scarlet stockings and white shoes,” says my lord, + still laughing. “Oh, my fine mistress! is this the way you set your cap at + the Captain?” She approached, shining smiles upon Esmond, who could look + at nothing but her eyes. She advanced holding forward her head, as if she + would have him kiss her as he used to do when she was a child. + </p> + <p> + “Stop,” she said, “I am grown too big! Welcome, cousin Harry,” and she + made him an arch curtsy, sweeping down to the ground almost, with the most + gracious bend, looking up the while with the brightest eyes and sweetest + smile. Love seemed to radiate from her. Harry eyed her with such a rapture + as the first lover is described as having by Milton. + </p> + <p> + “N'est-ce pas?” says my lady, in a low, sweet voice, still hanging on his + arm. + </p> + <p> + Esmond turned round with a start and a blush, as he met his mistress's + clear eyes. He had forgotten her, rapt in admiration of the filia + pulcrior. + </p> + <p> + “Right foot forward, toe turned out, so: now drop the curtsy, and show the + red stockings, Trix. They've silver clocks, Harry. The Dowager sent 'em. + She went to put 'em on,” cries my lord. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, you stupid child!” says Miss, smothering her brother with kisses; + and then she must come and kiss her mamma, looking all the while at Harry, + over his mistress's shoulder. And if she did not kiss him, she gave him + both her hands, and then took one of his in both hands, and said, “Oh, + Harry, we're so, SO glad you're come!” + </p> + <p> + “There are woodcocks for supper,” says my lord. “Huzzay! It was such a + hungry sermon.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is the 29th of December; and our Harry has come home.” + </p> + <p> + “Huzzay, old Pincot!” again says my lord; and my dear lady's lips looked + as if they were trembling with a prayer. She would have Harry lead in + Beatrix to the supper-room, going herself with my young Lord Viscount; and + to this party came Tom Tusher directly, whom four at least out of the + company of five wished away. Away he went, however, as soon as the + sweetmeats were put down, and then, by the great crackling fire, his + mistress or Beatrix, with her blushing graces, filling his glass for him, + Harry told the story of his campaign, and passed the most delightful night + his life had ever known. The sun was up long ere he was, so deep, sweet, + and refreshing was his slumber. He woke as if angels had been watching at + his bed all night. I dare say one that was as pure and loving as an angel + had blessed his sleep with her prayers. + </p> + <p> + Next morning the chaplain read prayers to the little household at Walcote, + as the custom was; Esmond thought Mistress Beatrix did not listen to + Tusher's exhortation much: her eyes were wandering everywhere during the + service, at least whenever he looked up he met them. Perhaps he also was + not very attentive to his Reverence the Chaplain. “This might have been my + life,” he was thinking; “this might have been my duty from now till old + age. Well, were it not a pleasant one to be with these dear friends and + part from 'em no more? Until—until the destined lover comes and + takes away pretty Beatrix”—and the best part of Tom Tusher's + exposition, which may have been very learned and eloquent, was quite lost + to poor Harry by this vision of the destined lover, who put the preacher + out. + </p> + <p> + All the while of the prayers, Beatrix knelt a little way before Harry + Esmond. The red stockings were changed for a pair of gray, and black + shoes, in which her feet looked to the full as pretty. All the roses of + spring could not vie with the brightness of her complexion; Esmond thought + he had never seen anything like the sunny lustre of her eyes. My Lady + Viscountess looked fatigued, as if with watching, and her face was pale. + </p> + <p> + Miss Beatrix remarked these signs of indisposition in her mother and + deplored them. “I am an old woman,” says my lady, with a kind smile; “I + cannot hope to look as young as you do, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “She'll never look as good as you do if she lives till she's a hundred,” + says my lord, taking his mother by the waist, and kissing her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Do I look very wicked, cousin?” says Beatrix, turning full round on + Esmond, with her pretty face so close under his chin, that the soft + perfumed hair touched it. She laid her finger-tips on his sleeve as she + spoke; and he put his other hand over hers. + </p> + <p> + “I'm like your looking-glass,” says he, “and that can't flatter you.” + </p> + <p> + “He means that you are always looking at him, my dear,” says her mother, + archly. Beatrix ran away from Esmond at this, and flew to her mamma, whom + she kissed, stopping my lady's mouth with her pretty hand. + </p> + <p> + “And Harry is very good to look at,” says my lady, with her fond eyes + regarding the young man. + </p> + <p> + “If 'tis good to see a happy face,” says he, “you see that.” My lady said, + “Amen,” with a sigh; and Harry thought the memory of her dear lord rose up + and rebuked her back again into sadness; for her face lost the smile, and + resumed its look of melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Harry, how fine we look in our scarlet and silver, and our black + periwig,” cries my lord. “Mother, I am tired of my own hair. When shall I + have a peruke? Where did you get your steenkirk, Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “It's some of my Lady Dowager's lace,” says Harry; “she gave me this and a + number of other fine things.” + </p> + <p> + “My Lady Dowager isn't such a bad woman,” my lord continued. + </p> + <p> + “She's not so—so red as she's painted,” says Miss Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + Her brother broke into a laugh. “I'll tell her you said so; by the Lord, + Trix, I will,” he cries out. + </p> + <p> + “She'll know that you hadn't the wit to say it, my lord,” says Miss + Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + “We won't quarrel the first day Harry's here, will we, mother?” said the + young lord. “We'll see if we can get on to the new year without a fight. + Have some of this Christmas pie. And here comes the tankard; no, it's + Pincot with the tea.” + </p> + <p> + “Will the Captain choose a dish?” asked Mistress Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Harry,” my lord goes on, “I'll show thee my horses after + breakfast; and we'll go a bird-netting to-night, and on Monday there's a + cock-match at Winchester—do you love cock-fighting, Harry?—between + the gentlemen of Sussex and the gentlemen of Hampshire, at ten pound the + battle, and fifty pound the odd battle to show one-and-twenty cocks.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will you do, Beatrix, to amuse our kinsman?” asks my lady. + </p> + <p> + “I'll listen to him,” says Beatrix. “I am sure he has a hundred things to + tell us. And I'm jealous already of the Spanish ladies. Was that a + beautiful nun at Cadiz that you rescued from the soldiers? Your man talked + of it last night in the kitchen, and Mrs. Betty told me this morning as + she combed my hair. And he says you must be in love, for you sat on deck + all night, and scribbled verses all day in your tablebook.” Harry thought + if he had wanted a subject for verses yesterday, to-day he had found one: + and not all the Lindamiras and Ardelias of the poets were half so + beautiful as this young creature; but he did not say so, though some one + did for him. + </p> + <p> + This was his dear lady, who, after the meal was over, and the young people + were gone, began talking of her children with Mr. Esmond, and of the + characters of one and the other, and of her hopes and fears for both of + them. “'Tis not while they are at home,” she said, “and in their mother's + nest, I fear for them—'tis when they are gone into the world, + whither I shall not be able to follow them. Beatrix will begin her service + next year. You may have heard a rumor about—about my Lord Blandford. + They were both children; and it is but idle talk. I know my kinswoman + would never let him make such a poor marriage as our Beatrix would be. + There's scarce a princess in Europe that she thinks is good enough for him + or for her ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “There's not a princess in Europe to compare with her,” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “In beauty? No, perhaps not,” answered my lady. “She is most beautiful, + isn't she? 'Tis not a mother's partiality that deceives me. I marked you + yesterday when she came down the stair: and read it in your face. We look + when you don't fancy us looking, and see better than you think, dear + Harry: and just now when they spoke about your poems—you writ pretty + lines when you were but a boy—you thought Beatrix was a pretty + subject for verse, did not you, Harry?” (The gentleman could only blush + for a reply.) “And so she is—nor are you the first her pretty face + has captivated. 'Tis quickly done. Such a pair of bright eyes as hers + learn their power very soon, and use it very early.” And, looking at him + keenly with hers, the fair widow left him. + </p> + <p> + And so it is—a pair of bright eyes with a dozen glances suffice to + subdue a man; to enslave him, and inflame him; to make him even forget; + they dazzle him so that the past becomes straightway dim to him; and he so + prizes them that he would give all his life to possess 'em. What is the + fond love of dearest friends compared to this treasure? Is memory as + strong as expectancy? fruition, as hunger? gratitude, as desire? I have + looked at royal diamonds in the jewel-rooms in Europe, and thought how + wars have been made about 'em; Mogul sovereigns deposed and strangled for + them, or ransomed with them; millions expended to buy them; and daring + lives lost in digging out the little shining toys that I value no more + than the button in my hat. And so there are other glittering baubles (of + rare water too) for which men have been set to kill and quarrel ever since + mankind began; and which last but for a score of years, when their sparkle + is over. Where are those jewels now that beamed under Cleopatra's + forehead, or shone in the sockets of Helen? + </p> + <p> + The second day after Esmond's coming to Walcote, Tom Tusher had leave to + take a holiday, and went off in his very best gown and bands to court the + young woman whom his Reverence desired to marry, and who was not a + viscount's widow, as it turned out, but a brewer's relict at Southampton, + with a couple of thousand pounds to her fortune: for honest Tom's heart + was under such excellent control, that Venus herself without a portion + would never have caused it to flutter. So he rode away on his heavy-paced + gelding to pursue his jog-trot loves, leaving Esmond to the society of his + dear mistress and her daughter, and with his young lord for a companion, + who was charmed, not only to see an old friend, but to have the tutor and + his Latin books put out of the way. + </p> + <p> + The boy talked of things and people, and not a little about himself, in + his frank artless way. 'Twas easy to see that he and his sister had the + better of their fond mother, for the first place in whose affections, + though they fought constantly, and though the kind lady persisted that she + loved both equally, 'twas not difficult to understand that Frank was his + mother's darling and favorite. He ruled the whole household (always + excepting rebellious Beatrix) not less now than when he was a child + marshalling the village boys in playing at soldiers, and caning them + lustily too, like the sturdiest corporal. As for Tom Tusher, his Reverence + treated the young lord with that politeness and deference which he always + showed for a great man, whatever his age or his stature was. Indeed, with + respect to this young one, it was impossible not to love him, so frank and + winning were his manners, his beauty, his gayety, the ring of his + laughter, and the delightful tone of his voice. Wherever he went, he + charmed and domineered. I think his old grandfather the Dean, and the grim + old housekeeper, Mrs. Pincot, were as much his slaves as his mother was: + and as for Esmond, he found himself presently submitting to a certain + fascination the boy had, and slaving it like the rest of the family. The + pleasure which he had in Frank's mere company and converse exceeded that + which he ever enjoyed in the society of any other man, however delightful + in talk, or famous for wit. His presence brought sunshine into a room, his + laugh, his prattle, his noble beauty and brightness of look cheered and + charmed indescribably. At the least tale of sorrow, his hands were in his + purse, and he was eager with sympathy and bounty. The way in which women + loved and petted him, when, a year or two afterwards, he came upon the + world, yet a mere boy, and the follies which they did for him (as indeed + he for them), recalled the career of Rochester, and outdid the successes + of Grammont. His very creditors loved him; and the hardest usurers, and + some of the rigid prudes of the other sex too, could deny him nothing. He + was no more witty than another man, but what he said, he said and looked + as no man else could say or look it. I have seen the women at the comedy + at Bruxelles crowd round him in the lobby: and as he sat on the stage more + people looked at him than at the actors, and watched him; and I remember + at Ramillies, when he was hit and fell, a great big red-haired Scotch + sergeant flung his halbert down, burst out a-crying like a woman, seizing + him up as if he had been an infant, and carrying him out of the fire. This + brother and sister were the most beautiful couple ever seen; though after + he winged away from the maternal nest this pair were seldom together. + </p> + <p> + Sitting at dinner two days after Esmond's arrival (it was the last day of + the year), and so happy a one to Harry Esmond, that to enjoy it was quite + worth all the previous pain which he had endured and forgot, my young + lord, filling a bumper, and bidding Harry take another, drank to his + sister, saluting her under the title of “Marchioness.” + </p> + <p> + “Marchioness!” says Harry, not without a pang of wonder, for he was + curious and jealous already. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, my lord,” says Beatrix, with a toss of her head. My Lady + Viscountess looked up for a moment at Esmond, and cast her eyes down. + </p> + <p> + “The Marchioness of Blandford,” says Frank. “Don't you know—hath not + Rouge Dragon told you?” (My lord used to call the Dowager of Chelsey by + this and other names.) “Blandford has a lock of her hair: the Duchess + found him on his knees to Mistress Trix, and boxed his ears, and said Dr. + Hare should whip him.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish Mr. Tusher would whip you too,” says Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + My lady only said: “I hope you will tell none of these silly stories + elsewhere than at home, Francis.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis true, on my word,” continues Frank: “look at Harry scowling, mother, + and see how Beatrix blushes as red as the silver-clocked stockings.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we had best leave the gentlemen to their wine and their talk,” + says Mistress Beatrix, rising up with the air of a young queen, tossing + her rustling flowing draperies about her, and quitting the room, followed + by her mother. + </p> + <p> + Lady Castlewood again looked at Esmond, as she stooped down and kissed + Frank. “Do not tell those silly stories, child,” she said: “do not drink + much wine, sir; Harry never loved to drink wine.” And she went away, too, + in her black robes, looking back on the young man with her fair, fond + face. + </p> + <p> + “Egad! it's true,” says Frank, sipping his wine with the air of a lord. + “What think you of this Lisbon—real Collares? 'Tis better than your + heady port: we got it out of one of the Spanish ships that came from Vigo + last year: my mother bought it at Southampton, as the ship was lying there—the + 'Rose,' Captain Hawkins.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I came home in that ship,” says Harry. + </p> + <p> + “And it brought home a good fellow and good wine,” says my lord. “I say, + Harry, I wish thou hadst not that cursed bar sinister.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not the bar sinister?” asks the other. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I go to the army and am killed—every gentleman goes to the + army—who is to take care of the women? Trix will never stop at home; + mother's in love with you,—yes, I think mother's in love with you. + She was always praising you, and always talking about you; and when she + went to Southampton, to see the ship, I found her out. But you see it is + impossible: we are of the oldest blood in England; we came in with the + Conqueror; we were only baronets,—but what then? we were forced into + that. James the First forced our great grandfather. We are above titles; + we old English gentry don't want 'em; the Queen can make a duke any day. + Look at Blandford's father, Duke Churchill, and Duchess Jennings, what + were they, Harry? Damn it, sir, what are they, to turn up their noses at + us? Where were they when our ancestor rode with King Henry at Agincourt, + and filled up the French King's cup after Poictiers? 'Fore George, sir, + why shouldn't Blandford marry Beatrix? By G—! he SHALL marry + Beatrix, or tell me the reason why. We'll marry with the best blood of + England, and none but the best blood of England. You are an Esmond, and + you can't help your birth, my boy. Let's have another bottle. What! no + more? I've drunk three parts of this myself. I had many a night with my + father; you stood to him like a man, Harry. You backed your blood; you + can't help your misfortune, you know,—no man can help that.” + </p> + <p> + The elder said he would go in to his mistress's tea-table. The young lad, + with a heightened color and voice, began singing a snatch of a song, and + marched out of the room. Esmond heard him presently calling his dogs about + him, and cheering and talking to them; and by a hundred of his looks and + gestures, tricks of voice and gait, was reminded of the dead lord, Frank's + father. + </p> + <p> + And so, the sylvester night passed away; the family parted long before + midnight, Lady Castlewood remembering, no doubt, former New Years' Eves, + when healths were drunk, and laughter went round in the company of him, to + whom years, past, and present, and future, were to be as one; and so cared + not to sit with her children and hear the Cathedral bells ringing the + birth of the year 1703. Esmond heard the chimes as he sat in his own + chamber, ruminating by the blazing fire there, and listened to the last + notes of them, looking out from his window towards the city, and the great + gray towers of the Cathedral lying under the frosty sky, with the keen + stars shining above. + </p> + <p> + The sight of these brilliant orbs no doubt made him think of other + luminaries. “And so her eyes have already done execution,” thought Esmond—“on + whom?—who can tell me?” Luckily his kinsman was by, and Esmond knew + he would have no difficulty in finding out Mistress Beatrix's history from + the simple talk of the boy. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + FAMILY TALK. + </h3> + <p> + What Harry admired and submitted to in the pretty lad his kinsman was (for + why should he resist it?) the calmness of patronage which my young lord + assumed, as if to command was his undoubted right, and all the world + (below his degree) ought to bow down to Viscount Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “I know my place, Harry,” he said. “I'm not proud—the boys at + Winchester College say I'm proud: but I'm not proud. I am simply Francis + James Viscount Castlewood in the peerage of Ireland. I might have been (do + you know that?) Francis James Marquis and Earl of Esmond in that of + England. The late lord refused the title which was offered to him by my + godfather, his late Majesty. You should know that—you are of our + family, you know you cannot help your bar sinister, Harry, my dear fellow; + and you belong to one of the best families in England, in spite of that; + and you stood by my father, and by G—! I'll stand by you. You shall + never want a friend, Harry, while Francis James Viscount Castlewood has a + shilling. It's now 1703—I shall come of age in 1709. I shall go back + to Castlewood; I shall live at Castlewood; I shall build up the house. My + property will be pretty well restored by then. The late viscount + mismanaged my property, and left it in a very bad state. My mother is + living close, as you see, and keeps me in a way hardly befitting a peer of + these realms; for I have but a pair of horses, a governor, and a man that + is valet and groom. But when I am of age, these things will be set right, + Harry. Our house will be as it should be. You will always come to + Castlewood, won't you? You shall always have your two rooms in the court + kept for you; and if anybody slights you, d—- them! let them have a + care of ME. I shall marry early—Trix will be a duchess by that time, + most likely; for a cannon ball may knock over his grace any day, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” says Harry. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my dear!” says my Lord Viscount. “You are of the family—you + are faithful to us, by George, and I tell you everything. Blandford will + marry her—or”—and here he put his little hand on his sword—“you + understand the rest. Blandford knows which of us two is the best weapon. + At small-sword, or back-sword, or sword and dagger if he likes; I can beat + him. I have tried him, Harry; and begad he knows I am a man not to be + trifled with.” + </p> + <p> + “But you do not mean,” says Harry, concealing his laughter, but not his + wonder, “that you can force my Lord Blandford, the son of the first man of + this kingdom, to marry your sister at sword's point?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to say that we are cousins by the mother's side, though that's + nothing to boast of. I mean to say that an Esmond is as good as a + Churchill; and when the King comes back, the Marquis of Esmond's sister + may be a match for any nobleman's daughter in the kingdom. There are but + two marquises in all England, William Herbert Marquis of Powis, and + Francis James Marquis of Esmond; and hark you, Harry,—now swear you + will never mention this. Give me your honor as a gentleman, for you ARE a + gentleman, though you are a—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well?” says Harry, a little impatient. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, when after my late viscount's misfortune, my mother went up + with us to London, to ask for justice against you all (as for Mohun, I'll + have his blood, as sure as my name is Francis Viscount Esmond)—we + went to stay with our cousin my Lady Marlborough, with whom we had + quarrelled for ever so long. But when misfortune came, she stood by her + blood:—so did the Dowager Viscountess stand by her blood,—so + did you. Well, sir, whilst my mother was petitioning the late Prince of + Orange—for I will never call him king—and while you were in + prison, we lived at my Lord Marlborough's house, who was only a little + there, being away with the army in Holland. And then . . . I say, Harry, + you won't tell, now?” + </p> + <p> + Harry again made a vow of secrecy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there used to be all sorts of fun, you know: my Lady Marlborough + was very fond of us, and she said I was to be her page; and she got Trix + to be a maid of honor, and while she was up in her room crying, we used to + be always having fun, you know; and the Duchess used to kiss me, and so + did her daughters, and Blandford fell tremendous in love with Trix, and + she liked him; and one day he—he kissed her behind a door—he + did though,—and the Duchess caught him, and she banged such a box of + the ear both at Trix and Blandford—you should have seen it! And then + she said that we must leave directly, and abused my mamma who was + cognizant of the business; but she wasn't—never thinking about + anything but father. And so we came down to Walcote. Blandford being + locked up, and not allowed to see Trix. But I got at him. I climbed along + the gutter, and in through the window, where he was crying. + </p> + <p> + “'Marquis,' says I, when he had opened it and helped me in, 'you know I + wear a sword,' for I had brought it. + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, viscount,' says he—'oh, my dearest Frank!' and he threw + himself into my arms and burst out a-crying. 'I do love Mistress Beatrix + so, that I shall die if I don't have her.' + </p> + <p> + “'My dear Blandford,' says I, 'you are young to think of marrying;' for he + was but fifteen, and a young fellow of that age can scarce do so, you + know. + </p> + <p> + “'But I'll wait twenty years, if she'll have me,' says he. 'I'll never + marry—no, never, never, never, marry anybody but her. No, not a + princess, though they would have me do it ever so. If Beatrix will wait + for me, her Blandford swears he will be faithful.' And he wrote a paper + (it wasn't spelt right, for he wrote 'I'm ready to SINE WITH MY BLODE,' + which, you know, Harry, isn't the way of spelling it), and vowing that he + would marry none other but the Honorable Mistress Gertrude Beatrix Esmond, + only sister of his dearest friend Francis James, fourth Viscount Esmond. + And so I gave him a locket of her hair.” + </p> + <p> + “A locket of her hair?” cries Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Trix gave me one after the fight with the Duchess that very day. I + am sure I didn't want it; and so I gave it him, and we kissed at parting, + and said—'Good-by, brother.' And I got back through the gutter; and + we set off home that very evening. And he went to King's College, in + Cambridge, and I'M going to Cambridge soon; and if he doesn't stand to his + promise (for he's only wrote once),—he knows I wear a sword, Harry. + Come along, and let's go see the cocking-match at Winchester. + </p> + <p> + “. . . . But I say,” he added, laughing, after a pause, “I don't think + Trix will break her heart about him. La bless you! whenever she sees a + man, she makes eyes at him; and young Sir Wilmot Crawley of Queen's + Crawley, and Anthony Henley of Airesford, were at swords drawn about her, + at the Winchester Assembly, a month ago.” + </p> + <p> + That night Mr. Harry's sleep was by no means so pleasant or sweet as it + had been on the first two evenings after his arrival at Walcote. “So the + bright eyes have been already shining on another,” thought he, “and the + pretty lips, or the cheeks at any rate, have begun the work which they + were made for. Here's a girl not sixteen, and one young gentleman is + already whimpering over a lock of her hair, and two country squires are + ready to cut each other's throats that they may have the honor of a dance + with her. What a fool am I to be dallying about this passion, and singeing + my wings in this foolish flame. Wings!—why not say crutches? 'There + is but eight years' difference between us, to be sure; but in life I am + thirty years older. How could I ever hope to please such a sweet creature + as that, with my rough ways and glum face? Say that I have merit ever so + much, and won myself a name, could she ever listen to me? She must be my + Lady Marchioness, and I remain a nameless bastard. Oh! my master, my + master!” (here he fell to thinking with a passionate grief of the vow + which he had made to his poor dying lord.) “Oh! my mistress, dearest and + kindest, will you be contented with the sacrifice which the poor orphan + makes for you, whom you love, and who so loves you?” + </p> + <p> + And then came a fiercer pang of temptation. “A word from me,” Harry + thought, “a syllable of explanation, and all this might be changed; but + no, I swore it over the dying bed of my benefactor. For the sake of him + and his; for the sacred love and kindness of old days; I gave my promise + to him, and may kind heaven enable me to keep my vow!” + </p> + <p> + The next day, although Esmond gave no sign of what was going on in his + mind, but strove to be more than ordinarily gay and cheerful when he met + his friends at the morning meal, his dear mistress, whose clear eyes it + seemed no emotion of his could escape, perceived that something troubled + him, for she looked anxiously towards him more than once during the + breakfast, and when he went up to his chamber afterwards she presently + followed him, and knocked at his door. + </p> + <p> + As she entered, no doubt the whole story was clear to her at once, for she + found our young gentleman packing his valise, pursuant to the resolution + which he had come to over-night of making a brisk retreat out of this + temptation. + </p> + <p> + She closed the door very carefully behind her, and then leant against it, + very pale, her hands folded before her, looking at the young man, who was + kneeling over his work of packing. “Are you going so soon?” she said. + </p> + <p> + He rose up from his knees, blushing, perhaps, to be so discovered, in the + very act, as it were, and took one of her fair little hands—it was + that which had her marriage ring on—and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “It is best that it should be so, dearest lady,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you were going, at breakfast. I—I thought you might stay. + What has happened? Why can't you remain longer with us? What has Frank + told you—you were talking together late last night?” + </p> + <p> + “I had but three days' leave from Chelsey,” Esmond said, as gayly as he + could. “My aunt—she lets me call her aunt—is my mistress now! + I owe her my lieutenancy and my laced coat. She has taken me into high + favor; and my new General is to dine at Chelsey to-morrow—General + Lumley, madam—who has appointed me his aide-de-camp, and on whom I + must have the honor of waiting. See, here is a letter from the Dowager; + the post brought it last night; and I would not speak of it, for fear of + disturbing our last merry meeting.” + </p> + <p> + My lady glanced at the letter, and put it down with a smile that was + somewhat contemptuous. “I have no need to read the letter,” says she—(indeed, + 'twas as well she did not; for the Chelsey missive, in the poor Dowager's + usual French jargon, permitted him a longer holiday than he said. “Je vous + donne,” quoth her ladyship, “oui jour, pour vous fatigay parfaictement de + vos parens fatigans”)—“I have no need to read the letter,” says she. + “What was it Frank told you last night?” + </p> + <p> + “He told me little I did not know,” Mr. Esmond answered. “But I have + thought of that little, and here's the result: I have no right to the name + I bear, dear lady; and it is only by your sufferance that I am allowed to + keep it. If I thought for an hour of what has perhaps crossed your mind + too—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did, Harry,” said she; “I thought of it; and think of it. I would + sooner call you my son than the greatest prince in Europe—yes, than + the greatest prince. For who is there so good and so brave, and who would + love her as you would? But there are reasons a mother can't tell.” + </p> + <p> + “I know them,” said Mr. Esmond, interrupting her with a smile. “I know + there's Sir Wilmot Crawley of Queen's Crawley, and Mr. Anthony Henley of + the Grange, and my Lord Marquis of Blandford, that seems to be the favored + suitor. You shall ask me to wear my Lady Marchioness's favors and to dance + at her ladyship's wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Harry, Harry, it is none of these follies that frighten me,” cried + out Lady Castlewood. “Lord Churchill is but a child, his outbreak about + Beatrix was a mere boyish folly. His parents would rather see him buried + than married to one below him in rank. And do you think that I would stoop + to sue for a husband for Francis Esmond's daughter; or submit to have my + girl smuggled into that proud family to cause a quarrel between son and + parents, and to be treated only as an inferior? I would disdain such a + meanness. Beatrix would scorn it. Ah! Henry, 'tis not with you the fault + lies, 'tis with her. I know you both, and love you: need I be ashamed of + that love now? No, never, never, and 'tis not you, dear Harry, that is + unworthy. 'Tis for my poor Beatrix I tremble—whose headstrong will + frightens me; whose jealous temper (they say I was jealous too, but, pray + God, I am cured of that sin) and whose vanity no words or prayers of mine + can cure—only suffering, only experience, and remorse afterwards. + Oh! Henry, she will make no man happy who loves her. Go away, my son: + leave her: love us always, and think kindly of us: and for me, my dear, + you know that these walls contain all that I love in the world.” + </p> + <p> + In after life, did Esmond find the words true which his fond mistress + spoke from her sad heart? Warning he had: but I doubt others had warning + before his time, and since: and he benefited by it as most men do. + </p> + <p> + My young Lord Viscount was exceeding sorry when he heard that Harry could + not come to the cock-match with him, and must go to London, but no doubt + my lord consoled himself when the Hampshire cocks won the match; and he + saw every one of the battles, and crowed properly over the conquered + Sussex gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + As Esmond rode towards town his servant, coming up to him, informed him + with a grin, that Mistress Beatrix had brought out a new gown and blue + stockings for that day's dinner, in which she intended to appear, and had + flown into a rage and given her maid a slap on the face soon after she + heard he was going away. Mistress Beatrix's woman, the fellow said, came + down to the servants' hall crying, and with the mark of a blow still on + her cheek: but Esmond peremptorily ordered him to fall back and be silent, + and rode on with thoughts enough of his own to occupy him—some sad + ones, some inexpressibly dear and pleasant. + </p> + <p> + His mistress, from whom he had been a year separated, was his dearest + mistress again. The family from which he had been parted, and which he + loved with the fondest devotion, was his family once more. If Beatrix's + beauty shone upon him, it was with a friendly lustre, and he could regard + it with much such a delight as he brought away after seeing the beautiful + pictures of the smiling Madonnas in the convent at Cadiz, when he was + despatched thither with a flag; and as for his mistress, 'twas difficult + to say with what a feeling he regarded her. 'Twas happiness to have seen + her; 'twas no great pang to part; a filial tenderness, a love that was at + once respect and protection, filled his mind as he thought of her; and + near her or far from her, and from that day until now, and from now till + death is past and beyond it, he prays that sacred flame may ever burn. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + I MAKE THE CAMPAIGN OF 1704. + </h3> + <p> + Mr. Esmond rode up to London then, where, if the Dowager had been angry at + the abrupt leave of absence he took, she was mightily pleased at his + speedy return. + </p> + <p> + He went immediately and paid his court to his new general, General Lumley, + who received him graciously, having known his father, and also, he was + pleased to say, having had the very best accounts of Mr. Esmond from the + officer whose aide-de-camp he had been at Vigo. During this winter Mr. + Esmond was gazetted to a lieutenancy in Brigadier Webb's regiment of + Fusileers, then with their colonel in Flanders; but being now attached to + the suite of Mr. Lumley, Esmond did not join his own regiment until more + than a year afterwards, and after his return from the campaign of + Blenheim, which was fought the next year. The campaign began very early, + our troops marching out of their quarters before the winter was almost + over, and investing the city of Bonn, on the Rhine, under the Duke's + command. His Grace joined the army in deep grief of mind, with crape on + his sleeve, and his household in mourning; and the very same packet which + brought the Commander-in-Chief over, brought letters to the forces which + preceded him, and one from his dear mistress to Esmond, which interested + him not a little. + </p> + <p> + The young Marquis of Blandford, his Grace's son, who had been entered in + King's College in Cambridge, (whither my Lord Viscount had also gone, to + Trinity, with Mr. Tusher as his governor,) had been seized with small-pox, + and was dead at sixteen years of age, and so poor Frank's schemes for his + sister's advancement were over, and that innocent childish passion nipped + in the birth. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's mistress would have had him return, at least her letters hinted + as much; but in the presence of the enemy this was impossible, and our + young man took his humble share in the siege, which need not be described + here, and had the good luck to escape without a wound of any sort, and to + drink his general's health after the surrender. He was in constant + military duty this year, and did not think of asking for a leave of + absence, as one or two of his less fortunate friends did, who were cast + away in that tremendous storm which happened towards the close of + November, that “which of late o'er pale Britannia past” (as Mr. Addison + sang of it), and in which scores of our greatest ships and 15,000 of our + seamen went down. + </p> + <p> + They said that our Duke was quite heart-broken by the calamity which had + befallen his family; but his enemies found that he could subdue them, as + well as master his grief. Successful as had been this great General's + operations in the past year, they were far enhanced by the splendor of his + victory in the ensuing campaign. His Grace the Captain-General went to + England after Bonn, and our army fell back into Holland, where, in April + 1704, his Grace again found the troops, embarking from Harwich and landing + at Maesland Sluys: thence his Grace came immediately to the Hague, where + he received the foreign ministers, general officers, and other people of + quality. The greatest honors were paid to his Grace everywhere—at + the Hague, Utrecht, Ruremonde, and Maestricht; the civil authorities + coming to meet his coaches: salvos of cannon saluting him, canopies of + state being erected for him where he stopped, and feasts prepared for the + numerous gentlemen following in his suite. His Grace reviewed the troops + of the States-General between Liege and Maestricht, and afterwards the + English forces, under the command of General Churchill, near Bois-le-Duc. + Every preparation was made for a long march; and the army heard, with no + small elation, that it was the Commander-in-Chief's intention to carry the + war out of the Low Countries, and to march on the Mozelle. Before leaving + our camp at Maestricht, we heard that the French, under the Marshal + Villeroy, were also bound towards the Mozelle. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of May, the army reached Coblentz; and next day, his + Grace, and the generals accompanying him, went to visit the Elector of + Treves at his Castle of Ehrenbreitstein, the horse and dragoons passing + the Rhine whilst the Duke was entertained at a grand feast by the Elector. + All as yet was novelty, festivity, and splendor—a brilliant march of + a great and glorious army through a friendly country, and sure through + some of the most beautiful scenes of nature which I ever witnessed. + </p> + <p> + The foot and artillery, following after the horse as quick as possible, + crossed the Rhine under Ehrenbreitstein, and so to Castel, over against + Mayntz, in which city his Grace, his generals, and his retinue were + received at the landing-place by the Elector's coaches, carried to his + Highness's palace amidst the thunder of cannon, and then once more + magnificently entertained. Gidlingen, in Bavaria, was appointed as the + general rendezvous of the army, and thither, by different routes, the + whole forces of English, Dutch, Danes, and German auxiliaries took their + way. The foot and artillery under General Churchill passed the Neckar, at + Heidelberg; and Esmond had an opportunity of seeing that city and palace, + once so famous and beautiful (though shattered and battered by the French, + under Turenne, in the late war), where his grandsire had served the + beautiful and unfortunate Electress-Palatine, the first King Charles's + sister. + </p> + <p> + At Mindelsheim, the famous Prince of Savoy came to visit our commander, + all of us crowding eagerly to get a sight of that brilliant and intrepid + warrior; and our troops were drawn up in battalia before the Prince, who + was pleased to express his admiration of this noble English army. At + length we came in sight of the enemy between Dillingen and Lawingen, the + Brentz lying between the two armies. The Elector, judging that Donauwort + would be the point of his Grace's attack, sent a strong detachment of his + best troops to Count Darcos, who was posted at Schellenberg, near that + place, where great intrenchments were thrown up, and thousands of pioneers + employed to strengthen the position. + </p> + <p> + On the 2nd of July his Grace stormed the post, with what success on our + part need scarce be told. His Grace advanced with six thousand foot, + English and Dutch, thirty squadrons, and three regiments of Imperial + Cuirassiers, the Duke crossing the river at the head of the cavalry. + Although our troops made the attack with unparalleled courage and fury—rushing + up to the very guns of the enemy, and being slaughtered before their works—we + were driven back many times, and should not have carried them, but that + the Imperialists came up under the Prince of Baden, when the enemy could + make no head against us: we pursued them into the trenches, making a + terrible slaughter there, and into the very Danube, where a great part of + his troops, following the example of their generals, Count Darcos and the + Elector himself, tried to save themselves by swimming. Our army entered + Donauwort, which the Bavarians evacuated; and where 'twas said the Elector + purposed to have given us a warm reception, by burning us in our beds; the + cellars of the houses, when we took possession of them, being found + stuffed with straw. But though the links were there, the link-boys had run + away. The townsmen saved their houses, and our General took possession of + the enemy's ammunition in the arsenals, his stores, and magazines. Five + days afterwards a great “Te Deum” was sung in Prince Lewis's army, and a + solemn day of thanksgiving held in our own; the Prince of Savoy's + compliments coming to his Grace the Captain-General during the day's + religious ceremony, and concluding, as it were, with an Amen. + </p> + <p> + And now, having seen a great military march through a friendly country; + the pomps and festivities of more than one German court; the severe + struggle of a hotly contested battle, and the triumph of victory, Mr. + Esmond beheld another part of military duty: our troops entering the + enemy's territory, and putting all around them to fire and sword; burning + farms, wasted fields, shrieking women, slaughtered sons and fathers, and + drunken soldiery, cursing and carousing in the midst of tears, terror, and + murder. Why does the stately Muse of History, that delights in describing + the valor of heroes and the grandeur of conquest, leave out these scenes, + so brutal, mean, and degrading, that yet form by far the greater part of + the drama of war? You, gentlemen of England, who live at home at ease, and + compliment yourselves in the songs of triumph with which our chieftains + are bepraised—you pretty maidens, that come tumbling down the stairs + when the fife and drum call you, and huzzah for the British Grenadiers—do + you take account that these items go to make up the amount of the triumph + you admire, and form part of the duties of the heroes you fondle? Our + chief, whom England and all Europe, saving only the Frenchmen, worshipped + almost, had this of the godlike in him, that he was impassible before + victory, before danger, before defeat. Before the greatest obstacle or the + most trivial ceremony; before a hundred thousand men drawn in battalia, or + a peasant slaughtered at the door of his burning hovel; before a carouse + of drunken German lords, or a monarch's court or a cottage table, where + his plans were laid, or an enemy's battery, vomiting flame and death, and + strewing corpses round about him;—he was always cold, calm, + resolute, like fate. He performed a treason or a court-bow, he told a + falsehood as black as Styx, as easily as he paid a compliment or spoke + about the weather. He took a mistress, and left her; he betrayed his + benefactor, and supported him, or would have murdered him, with the same + calmness always, and having no more remorse than Clotho when she weaves + the thread, or Lachesis when she cuts it. In the hour of battle I have + heard the Prince of Savoy's officers say, the Prince became possessed with + a sort of warlike fury; his eyes lighted up; he rushed hither and thither, + raging; he shrieked curses and encouragement, yelling and harking his + bloody war-dogs on, and himself always at the first of the hunt. Our duke + was as calm at the mouth of the cannon as at the door of a drawing-room. + Perhaps he could not have been the great man he was, had he had a heart + either for love or hatred, or pity or fear, or regret or remorse. He + achieved the highest deed of daring, or deepest calculation of thought, as + he performed the very meanest action of which a man is capable; told a + lie, or cheated a fond woman, or robbed a poor beggar of a halfpenny, with + a like awful serenity and equal capacity of the highest and lowest acts of + our nature. + </p> + <p> + His qualities were pretty well known in the army, where there were parties + of all politics, and of plenty of shrewdness and wit; but there existed + such a perfect confidence in him, as the first captain of the world, and + such a faith and admiration in his prodigious genius and fortune, that the + very men whom he notoriously cheated of their pay, the chiefs whom he used + and injured—(for he used all men, great and small, that came near + him, as his instruments alike, and took something of theirs, either some + quality or some property)—the blood of a soldier, it might be, or a + jewelled hat, or a hundred thousand crowns from a king, or a portion out + of a starving sentinel's three-farthings; or (when he was young) a kiss + from a woman, and the gold chain off her neck, taking all he could from + woman or man, and having, as I have said, this of the godlike in him, that + he could see a hero perish or a sparrow fall, with the same amount of + sympathy for either. Not that he had no tears; he could always order up + this reserve at the proper moment to battle; he could draw upon tears or + smiles alike, and whenever need was for using this cheap coin. He would + cringe to a shoeblack, as he would flatter a minister or a monarch; be + haughty, be humble, threaten, repent, weep, grasp your hand, (or stab you + whenever he saw occasion)—but yet those of the army, who knew him + best and had suffered most from him, admired him most of all: and as he + rode along the lines to battle or galloped up in the nick of time to a + battalion reeling from before the enemy's charge or shot, the fainting men + and officers got new courage as they saw the splendid calm of his face, + and felt that his will made them irresistible. + </p> + <p> + After the great victory of Blenheim the enthusiasm of the army for the + Duke, even of his bitterest personal enemies in it, amounted to a sort of + rage—nay, the very officers who cursed him in their hearts were + among the most frantic to cheer him. Who could refuse his meed of + admiration to such a victory and such a victor? Not he who writes: a man + may profess to be ever so much a philosopher; but he who fought on that + day must feel a thrill of pride as he recalls it. + </p> + <p> + The French right was posted near to the village of Blenheim, on the + Danube, where the Marshal Tallard's quarters were; their line extending + through, it may be a league and a half, before Lutzingen and up to a woody + hill, round the base of which, and acting against the Prince of Savoy, + were forty of his squadrons. + </p> + <p> + Here was a village that the Frenchmen had burned, the wood being, in fact, + a better shelter and easier of guard than any village. + </p> + <p> + Before these two villages and the French lines ran a little stream, not + more than two foot broad, through a marsh (that was mostly dried up from + the heats of the weather), and this stream was the only separation between + the two armies—ours coming up and ranging themselves in line of + battle before the French, at six o'clock in the morning; so that our line + was quite visible to theirs; and the whole of this great plain was black + and swarming with troops for hours before the cannonading began. + </p> + <p> + On one side and the other this cannonading lasted many hours. The French + guns being in position in front of their line, and doing severe damage + among our horse especially, and on our right wing of Imperialists under + the Prince of Savoy, who could neither advance his artillery nor his + lines, the ground before him being cut up by ditches, morasses, and very + difficult of passage for the guns. + </p> + <p> + It was past mid-day when the attack began on our left, where Lord Cutts + commanded, the bravest and most beloved officer in the English army. And + now, as if to make his experience in war complete, our young aide-de-camp + having seen two great armies facing each other in line of battle, and had + the honor of riding with orders from one end to other of the line, came in + for a not uncommon accompaniment of military glory, and was knocked on the + head, along with many hundred of brave fellows, almost at the very + commencement of this famous day of Blenheim. A little after noon, the + disposition for attack being completed with much delay and difficulty, and + under a severe fire from the enemy's guns, that were better posted and + more numerous than ours, a body of English and Hessians, with + Major-General Wilkes commanding at the extreme left of our line, marched + upon Blenheim, advancing with great gallantry, the Major-General on foot, + with his officers, at the head of the column, and marching, with his hat + off, intrepidly in the face of the enemy, who was pouring in a tremendous + fire from his guns and musketry, to which our people were instructed not + to reply, except with pike and bayonet when they reached the French + palisades. To these Wilkes walked intrepidly, and struck the woodwork with + his sword before our people charged it. He was shot down at the instant, + with his colonel, major, and several officers; and our troops cheering and + huzzaing, and coming on, as they did, with immense resolution and + gallantry, were nevertheless stopped by the murderous fire from behind the + enemy's defences, and then attacked in flank by a furious charge of French + horse which swept out of Blenheim, and cut down our men in great numbers. + Three fierce and desperate assaults of our foot were made and repulsed by + the enemy; so that our columns of foot were quite shattered, and fell + back, scrambling over the little rivulet, which we had crossed so + resolutely an hour before, and pursued by the French cavalry, slaughtering + us and cutting us down. + </p> + <p> + And now the conquerors were met by a furious charge of English horse under + Esmond's general, General Lumley, behind whose squadrons the flying foot + found refuge, and formed again, whilst Lumley drove back the French horse, + charging up to the village of Blenheim and the palisades where Wilkes, and + many hundred more gallant Englishmen, lay in slaughtered heaps. Beyond + this moment, and of this famous victory, Mr. Esmond knows nothing; for a + shot brought down his horse and our young gentleman on it, who fell + crushed and stunned under the animal, and came to his senses he knows not + how long after, only to lose them again from pain and loss of blood. A dim + sense, as of people groaning round about him, a wild incoherent thought or + two for her who occupied so much of his heart now, and that here his + career, and his hopes, and misfortunes were ended, he remembers in the + course of these hours. When he woke up, it was with a pang of extreme + pain, his breastplate was taken off, his servant was holding his head up, + the good and faithful lad of Hampshire* was blubbering over his master, + whom he found and had thought dead, and a surgeon was probing a wound in + the shoulder, which he must have got at the same moment when his horse was + shot and fell over him. The battle was over at this end of the field, by + this time: the village was in possession of the English, its brave + defenders prisoners, or fled, or drowned, many of them, in the neighboring + waters of Donau. But for honest Lockwood's faithful search after his + master, there had no doubt been an end of Esmond here, and of this his + story. The marauders were out riffling the bodies as they lay on the + field, and Jack had brained one of these gentry with the club-end of his + musket, who had eased Esmond of his hat and periwig, his purse, and fine + silver-mounted pistols which the Dowager gave him, and was fumbling in his + pockets for further treasure, when Jack Lockwood came up and put an end to + the scoundrel's triumph. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * My mistress, before I went this campaign, sent me John + Lockwood out of Walcote, who hath ever since remained with + me.—H. E. +</pre> + <p> + Hospitals for our wounded were established at Blenheim, and here for + several weeks Esmond lay in very great danger of his life; the wound was + not very great from which he suffered, and the ball extracted by the + surgeon on the spot where our young gentleman received it; but a fever set + in next day, as he was lying in hospital, and that almost carried him + away. Jack Lockwood said he talked in the wildest manner during his + delirium; that he called himself the Marquis of Esmond, and seizing one of + the surgeon's assistants who came to dress his wounds, swore that he was + Madam Beatrix, and that he would make her a duchess if she would but say + yes. He was passing the days in these crazy fancies, and vana somnia, + whilst the army was singing “Te Deum” for the victory, and those famous + festivities were taking place at which our Duke, now made a Prince of the + Empire, was entertained by the King of the Romans and his nobility. His + Grace went home by Berlin and Hanover, and Esmond lost the festivities + which took place at those cities, and which his general shared in company + of the other general officers who travelled with our great captain. When + he could move, it was by the Duke of Wurtemberg's city of Stuttgard that + he made his way homewards, revisiting Heidelberg again, whence he went to + Manheim, and hence had a tedious but easy water journey down the river of + Rhine, which he had thought a delightful and beautiful voyage indeed, but + that his heart was longing for home, and something far more beautiful and + delightful. + </p> + <p> + As bright and welcome as the eyes almost of his mistress shone the lights + of Harwich, as the packet came in from Holland. It was not many hours ere + he, Esmond, was in London, of that you may be sure, and received with open + arms by the old Dowager of Chelsey, who vowed, in her jargon of French and + English, that he had the air noble, that his pallor embellished him, that + he was an Amadis and deserved a Gloriana; and oh! flames and darts! what + was his joy at hearing that his mistress was come into waiting, and was + now with her Majesty at Kensington! Although Mr. Esmond had told Jack + Lockwood to get horses and they would ride for Winchester that night, when + he heard this news he countermanded the horses at once; his business lay + no longer in Hants; all his hope and desire lay within a couple of miles + of him in Kensington Park wall. Poor Harry had never looked in the glass + before so eagerly to see whether he had the bel air, and his paleness + really did become him; he never took such pains about the curl of his + periwig, and the taste of his embroidery and point-lace, as now, before + Mr. Amadis presented himself to Madam Gloriana. Was the fire of the French + lines half so murderous as the killing glances from her ladyship's eyes? + Oh! darts and raptures, how beautiful were they! + </p> + <p> + And as, before the blazing sun of morning, the moon fades away in the sky + almost invisible, Esmond thought, with a blush perhaps, of another sweet + pale face, sad and faint, and fading out of sight, with its sweet fond + gaze of affection; such a last look it seemed to cast as Eurydice might + have given, yearning after her lover, when Fate and Pluto summoned her, + and she passed away into the shades. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <h3> + AN OLD STORY ABOUT A FOOL AND A WOMAN. + </h3> + <p> + Any taste for pleasure which Esmond had (and he liked to desipere in loco, + neither more nor less than most young men of his age) he could now gratify + to the utmost extent, and in the best company which the town afforded. + When the army went into winter quarters abroad, those of the officers who + had interest or money easily got leave of absence, and found it much + pleasanter to spend their time in Pall Mall and Hyde Park, than to pass + the winter away behind the fortifications of the dreary old Flanders + towns, where the English troops were gathered. Yachts and packets passed + daily between the Dutch and Flemish ports and Harwich; the roads thence to + London and the great inns were crowded with army gentlemen; the taverns + and ordinaries of the town swarmed with red-coats; and our great Duke's + levees at St. James's were as thronged as they had been at Ghent and + Brussels, where we treated him, and he us, with the grandeur and ceremony + of a sovereign. Though Esmond had been appointed to a lieutenancy in the + Fusileer regiment, of which that celebrated officer, Brigadier John + Richmond Webb, was colonel, he had never joined the regiment, nor been + introduced to its excellent commander, though they had made the same + campaign together, and been engaged in the same battle. But being + aide-de-camp to General Lumley, who commanded the division of horse, and + the army marching to its point of destination on the Danube by different + routes, Esmond had not fallen in, as yet, with his commander and future + comrades of the fort; and it was in London, in Golden Square, where + Major-General Webb lodged, that Captain Esmond had the honor of first + paying his respects to his friend, patron, and commander of after days. + </p> + <p> + Those who remember this brilliant and accomplished gentleman may recollect + his character, upon which he prided himself, I think, not a little, of + being the handsomest man in the army; a poet who writ a dull copy of + verses upon the battle of Oudenarde three years after, describing Webb, + says:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “To noble danger Webb conducts the way, + His great example all his troops obey; + Before the front the general sternly rides, + With such an air as Mars to battle strides: + Propitious heaven must sure a hero save, + Like Paris handsome, and like Hector brave.” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Webb thought these verses quite as fine as Mr. Addison's on the + Blenheim Campaign, and, indeed, to be Hector a la mode de Paris, was part + of this gallant gentleman's ambition. It would have been difficult to find + an officer in the whole army, or amongst the splendid courtiers and + cavaliers of the Maison du Roy, that fought under Vendosme and Villeroy in + the army opposed to ours, who was a more accomplished soldier and perfect + gentleman, and either braver or better-looking. And if Mr. Webb believed + of himself what the world said of him, and was deeply convinced of his own + indisputable genius, beauty, and valor, who has a right to quarrel with + him very much? This self-content of his kept him in general good-humor, of + which his friends and dependants got the benefit. + </p> + <p> + He came of a very ancient Wiltshire family, which he respected above all + families in the world: he could prove a lineal descent from King Edward + the First, and his first ancestor, Roaldus de Richmond, rode by William + the Conqueror's side on Hastings field. “We were gentlemen, Esmond,” he + used to say, “when the Churchills were horse-boys.” He was a very tall + man, standing in his pumps six feet three inches (in his great jack-boots, + with his tall fair periwig, and hat and feather, he could not have been + less than eight feet high). “I am taller than Churchill,” he would say, + surveying himself in the glass, “and I am a better made man; and if the + women won't like a man that hasn't a wart on his nose, faith, I can't help + myself, and Churchill has the better of me there.” Indeed, he was always + measuring himself with the Duke, and always asking his friends to measure + them. And talking in this frank way, as he would do, over his cups, wags + would laugh and encourage him; friends would be sorry for him; schemers + and flatterers would egg him on, and tale-bearers carry the stories to + headquarters, and widen the difference which already existed there, + between the great captain and one of the ablest and bravest lieutenants he + ever had. + </p> + <p> + His rancor against the Duke was so apparent, that one saw it in the first + half-hour's conversation with General Webb; and his lady, who adored her + General, and thought him a hundred times taller, handsomer, and braver + than a prodigal nature had made him, hated the great Duke with such an + intensity as it becomes faithful wives to feel against their husbands' + enemies. Not that my Lord Duke was so yet; Mr. Webb had said a thousand + things against him, which his superior had pardoned; and his Grace, whose + spies were everywhere, had heard a thousand things more that Webb had + never said. But it cost this great man no pains to pardon; and he passed + over an injury or a benefit alike easily. + </p> + <p> + Should any child of mine take the pains to read these his ancestor's + memoirs, I would not have him judge of the great Duke* by what a + contemporary has written of him. No man hath been so immensely lauded and + decried as this great statesman and warrior; as, indeed, no man ever + deserved better the very greatest praise and the strongest censure. If the + present writer joins with the latter faction, very likely a private pique + of his own may be the cause of his ill-feeling. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This passage in the Memoirs of Esmond is written on a leaf + inserted into the MS. book, and dated 1744, probably after + he had heard of the Duchess's death. +</pre> + <p> + On presenting himself at the Commander-in-Chief's levee, his Grace had not + the least remembrance of General Lumley's aide-de-camp, and though he knew + Esmond's family perfectly well, having served with both lords (my Lord + Francis and the Viscount Esmond's father) in Flanders, and in the Duke of + York's Guard, the Duke of Marlborough, who was friendly and serviceable to + the (so-styled) legitimate representatives of the Viscount Castlewood, + took no sort of notice of the poor lieutenant who bore their name. A word + of kindness or acknowledgment, or a single glance of approbation, might + have changed Esmond's opinion of the great man; and instead of a satire, + which his pen cannot help writing, who knows but that the humble historian + might have taken the other side of panegyric? We have but to change the + point of view, and the greatest action looks mean; as we turn the + perspective-glass, and a giant appears a pigmy. You may describe, but who + can tell whether your sight is clear or not, or your means of information + accurate? Had the great man said but a word of kindness to the small one + (as he would have stepped out of his gilt chariot to shake hands with + Lazarus in rags and sores, if he thought Lazarus could have been of any + service to him), no doubt Esmond would have fought for him with pen and + sword to the utmost of his might; but my lord the lion did not want master + mouse at this moment, and so Muscipulus went off and nibbled in + opposition. + </p> + <p> + So it was, however, that a young gentleman, who, in the eyes of his + family, and in his own, doubtless, was looked upon as a consummate hero, + found that the great hero of the day took no more notice of him than of + the smallest drummer in his Grace's army. The Dowager at Chelsey was + furious against this neglect of her family, and had a great battle with + Lady Marlborough (as Lady Castlewood insisted on calling the Duchess). Her + Grace was now Mistress of the Robes to her Majesty, and one of the + greatest personages in this kingdom, as her husband was in all Europe, and + the battle between the two ladies took place in the Queen's drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + The Duchess, in reply to my aunt's eager clamor, said haughtily, that she + had done her best for the legitimate branch of the Esmonds, and could not + be expected to provide for the bastard brats of the family. + </p> + <p> + “Bastards!” says the Viscountess, in a fury. “There are bastards among the + Churchills, as your Grace knows, and the Duke of Berwick is provided for + well enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” says the Duchess, “you know whose fault it is that there are no + such dukes in the Esmond family too, and how that little scheme of a + certain lady miscarried.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond's friend, Dick Steele, who was in waiting on the Prince, heard the + controversy between the ladies at court. “And faith,” says Dick, “I think, + Harry, thy kinswoman had the worst of it.” + </p> + <p> + He could not keep the story quiet; 'twas all over the coffee-houses ere + night; it was printed in a News Letter before a month was over, and “The + reply of her Grace the Duchess of M-rlb-r-gh to a Popish Lady of the + Court, once a favorite of the late K—- J-m-s,” was printed in half a + dozen places, with a note stating that “this duchess, when the head of + this lady's family came by his death lately in a fatal duel, never rested + until she got a pension for the orphan heir, and widow, from her Majesty's + bounty.” The squabble did not advance poor Esmond's promotion much, and + indeed made him so ashamed of himself that he dared not show his face at + the Commander-in-Chief's levees again. + </p> + <p> + During those eighteen months which had passed since Esmond saw his dear + mistress, her good father, the old Dean, quitted this life, firm in his + principles to the very last, and enjoining his family always to remember + that the Queen's brother, King James the Third, was their rightful + sovereign. He made a very edifying end, as his daughter told Esmond, and + not a little to her surprise, after his death (for he had lived always + very poorly) my lady found that her father had left no less a sum than + 3,000L. behind him, which he bequeathed to her. + </p> + <p> + With this little fortune Lady Castlewood was enabled, when her daughter's + turn at Court came, to come to London, where she took a small genteel + house at Kensington, in the neighborhood of the Court, bringing her + children with her, and here it was that Esmond found his friends. + </p> + <p> + As for the young lord, his university career had ended rather abruptly. + Honest Tusher, his governor, had found my young gentleman quite + ungovernable. My lord worried his life away with tricks; and broke out, as + home-bred lads will, into a hundred youthful extravagances, so that Dr. + Bentley, the new master of Trinity, thought fit to write to the + Viscountess Castlewood, my lord's mother, and beg her to remove the young + nobleman from a college where he declined to learn, and where he only did + harm by his riotous example. Indeed, I believe he nearly set fire to + Nevil's Court, that beautiful new quadrangle of our college, which Sir + Christopher Wren had lately built. He knocked down a proctor's man that + wanted to arrest him in a midnight prank; he gave a dinner-party on the + Prince of Wales's birthday, which was within a fortnight of his own, and + the twenty young gentlemen then present sallied out after their wine, + having toasted King James's health with open windows, and sung cavalier + songs, and shouted “God save the King!” in the great court, so that the + master came out of his lodge at midnight, and dissipated the riotous + assembly. + </p> + <p> + This was my lord's crowning freak, and the Rev. Thomas Tusher, domestic + chaplain to the Right Honorable the Lord Viscount Castlewood, finding his + prayers and sermons of no earthly avail to his lordship, gave up his + duties of governor; went and married his brewer's widow at Southampton, + and took her and her money to his parsonage house at Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + My lady could not be angry with her son for drinking King James's health, + being herself a loyal Tory, as all the Castlewood family were, and + acquiesced with a sigh, knowing, perhaps, that her refusal would be of no + avail to the young lord's desire for a military life. She would have liked + him to be in Mr. Esmond's regiment, hoping that Harry might act as a + guardian and adviser to his wayward young kinsman; but my young lord would + hear of nothing but the Guards, and a commission was got for him in the + Duke of Ormond's regiment; so Esmond found my lord, ensign and lieutenant, + when he returned from Germany after the Blenheim campaign. + </p> + <p> + The effect produced by both Lady Castlewood's children when they appeared + in public was extraordinary, and the whole town speedily rang with their + fame: such a beautiful couple, it was declared, never had been seen; the + young maid of honor was toasted at every table and tavern, and as for my + young lord, his good looks were even more admired than his sister's. A + hundred songs were written about the pair, and as the fashion of that day + was, my young lord was praised in these Anacreontics as warmly as + Bathyllus. You may be sure that he accepted very complacently the town's + opinion of him, and acquiesced with that frankness and charming good-humor + he always showed in the idea that he was the prettiest fellow in all + London. + </p> + <p> + The old Dowager at Chelsey, though she could never be got to acknowledge + that Mistress Beatrix was any beauty at all, (in which opinion, as it may + be imagined, a vast number of the ladies agreed with her), yet, on the + very first sight of young Castlewood, she owned she fell in love with him: + and Henry Esmond, on his return to Chelsey, found himself quite superseded + in her favor by her younger kinsman. The feat of drinking the King's + health at Cambridge would have won her heart, she said, if nothing else + did. “How had the dear young fellow got such beauty?” she asked. “Not from + his father—certainly not from his mother. How had he come by such + noble manners, and the perfect bel air? That countrified Walcote widow + could never have taught him.” Esmond had his own opinion about the + countrified Walcote widow, who had a quiet grace and serene kindness, that + had always seemed to him the perfection of good breeding, though he did + not try to argue this point with his aunt. But he could agree in most of + the praises which the enraptured old dowager bestowed on my Lord Viscount, + than whom he never beheld a more fascinating and charming gentleman. + Castlewood had not wit so much as enjoyment. “The lad looks good things,” + Mr. Steele used to say; “and his laugh lights up a conversation as much as + ten repartees from Mr. Congreve. I would as soon sit over a bottle with + him as with Mr. Addison; and rather listen to his talk than hear Nicolini. + Was ever man so gracefully drunk as my Lord Castlewood? I would give + anything to carry my wine” (though, indeed, Dick bore his very kindly, and + plenty of it, too), “like this incomparable young man. When he is sober he + is delightful; and when tipsy, perfectly irresistible.” And referring to + his favorite, Shakspeare (who was quite out of fashion until Steele + brought him back into the mode), Dick compared Lord Castlewood to Prince + Hal, and was pleased to dub Esmond as ancient Pistol. + </p> + <p> + The Mistress of the Robes, the greatest lady in England after the Queen, + or even before her Majesty, as the world said, though she never could be + got to say a civil word to Beatrix, whom she had promoted to her place as + maid of honor, took her brother into instant favor. When young Castlewood, + in his new uniform, and looking like a prince out of a fairy tale, went to + pay his duty to her Grace, she looked at him for a minute in silence, the + young man blushing and in confusion before her, then fairly burst out + a-crying, and kissed him before her daughters and company. “He was my + boy's friend,” she said, through her sobs. “My Blandford might have been + like him.” And everybody saw, after this mark of the Duchess's favor, that + my young lord's promotion was secure, and people crowded round the + favorite's favorite, who became vainer and gayer, and more good-humored + than ever. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Madam Beatrix was making her conquests on her own side, and + amongst them was one poor gentleman, who had been shot by her young eyes + two years before, and had never been quite cured of that wound; he knew, + to be sure, how hopeless any passion might be, directed in that quarter, + and had taken that best, though ignoble, remedium amoris, a speedy retreat + from before the charmer, and a long absence from her; and not being + dangerously smitten in the first instance, Esmond pretty soon got the + better of his complaint, and if he had it still, did not know he had it, + and bore it easily. But when he returned after Blenheim, the young lady of + sixteen, who had appeared the most beautiful object his eyes had ever + looked on two years back, was now advanced to a perfect ripeness and + perfection of beauty, such as instantly enthralled the poor devil, who had + already been a fugitive from her charms. Then he had seen her but for two + days, and fled; now he beheld her day after day, and when she was at Court + watched after her; when she was at home, made one of the family party; + when she went abroad, rode after her mother's chariot; when she appeared + in public places, was in the box near her, or in the pit looking at her; + when she went to church was sure to be there, though he might not listen + to the sermon, and be ready to hand her to her chair if she deigned to + accept of his services, and select him from a score of young men who were + always hanging round about her. When she went away, accompanying her + Majesty to Hampton Court, a darkness fell over London. Gods, what nights + has Esmond passed, thinking of her, rhyming about her, talking about her! + His friend Dick Steele was at this time courting the young lady, Mrs. + Scurlock, whom he married; she had a lodging in Kensington Square, hard by + my Lady Castlewood's house there. Dick and Harry, being on the same + errand, used to meet constantly at Kensington. They were always prowling + about that place, or dismally walking thence, or eagerly running thither. + They emptied scores of bottles at the “King's Arms,” each man prating of + his love, and allowing the other to talk on condition that he might have + his own turn as a listener. Hence arose an intimacy between them, though + to all the rest of their friends they must have been insufferable. + Esmond's verses to “Gloriana at the Harpsichord,” to “Gloriana's Nosegay,” + to “Gloriana at Court,” appeared this year in the Observator.—Have + you never read them? They were thought pretty poems, and attributed by + some to Mr. Prior. + </p> + <p> + This passion did not escape—how should it?—the clear eyes of + Esmond's mistress: he told her all; what will a man not do when frantic + with love? To what baseness will he not demean himself? What pangs will he + not make others suffer, so that he may ease his selfish heart of a part of + its own pain? Day after day he would seek his dear mistress, pour insane + hopes, supplications, rhapsodies, raptures, into her ear. She listened, + smiled, consoled, with untiring pity and sweetness. Esmond was the eldest + of her children, so she was pleased to say; and as for her kindness, who + ever had or would look for aught else from one who was an angel of + goodness and pity? After what has been said, 'tis needless almost to add + that poor Esmond's suit was unsuccessful. What was a nameless, penniless + lieutenant to do, when some of the greatest in the land were in the field? + Esmond never so much as thought of asking permission to hope so far above + his reach as he knew this prize was and passed his foolish, useless life + in mere abject sighs and impotent longing. What nights of rage, what days + of torment, of passionate unfulfilled desire, of sickening jealousy can he + recall! Beatrix thought no more of him than of the lackey that followed + her chair. His complaints did not touch her in the least; his raptures + rather fatigued her; she cared for his verses no more than for Dan + Chaucer's, who's dead these ever so many hundred years; she did not hate + him; she rather despised him, and just suffered him. + </p> + <p> + One day, after talking to Beatrix's mother, his dear, fond, constant + mistress—for hours—for all day long—pouring out his + flame and his passion, his despair and rage, returning again and again to + the theme, pacing the room, tearing up the flowers on the table, twisting + and breaking into bits the wax out of the stand-dish, and performing a + hundred mad freaks of passionate folly; seeing his mistress at last quite + pale and tired out with sheer weariness of compassion, and watching over + his fever for the hundredth time, Esmond seized up his hat, and took his + leave. As he got into Kensington Square, a sense of remorse came over him + for the wearisome pain he had been inflicting upon the dearest and kindest + friend ever man had. He went back to the house, where the servant still + stood at the open door, ran up the stairs, and found his mistress where he + had left her in the embrasure of the window, looking over the fields + towards Chelsey. She laughed, wiping away at the same time the tears which + were in her kind eyes; he flung himself down on his knees, and buried his + head in her lap. She had in her hand the stalk of one of the flowers, a + pink, that he had torn to pieces. “Oh, pardon me, pardon me, my dearest + and kindest,” he said; “I am in hell, and you are the angel that brings me + a drop of water.” + </p> + <p> + “I am your mother, you are my son, and I love you always,” she said, + holding her hands over him: and he went away comforted and humbled in + mind, as he thought of that amazing and constant love and tenderness with + which this sweet lady ever blessed and pursued him. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + THE FAMOUS MR. JOSEPH ADDISON. + </h3> + <p> + The gentlemen ushers had a table at Kensington, and the Guard a very + splendid dinner daily at St. James's, at either of which ordinaries Esmond + was free to dine. Dick Steele liked the Guard-table better than his own at + the gentlemen ushers', where there was less wine and more ceremony; and + Esmond had many a jolly afternoon in company of his friend, and a hundred + times at least saw Dick into his chair. If there is verity in wine, + according to the old adage, what an amiable-natured character Dick's must + have been! In proportion as he took in wine he overflowed with kindness. + His talk was not witty so much as charming. He never said a word that + could anger anybody, and only became the more benevolent the more tipsy he + grew. Many of the wags derided the poor fellow in his cups, and chose him + as a butt for their satire: but there was a kindness about him, and a + sweet playful fancy, that seemed to Esmond far more charming than the + pointed talk of the brightest wits, with their elaborate repartees and + affected severities. I think Steele shone rather than sparkled. Those + famous beaux-esprits of the coffee-houses (Mr. William Congreve, for + instance, when his gout and his grandeur permitted him to come among us) + would make many brilliant hits—half a dozen in a night sometimes—but, + like sharp-shooters, when they had fired their shot, they were obliged to + retire under cover till their pieces were loaded again, and wait till they + got another chance at their enemy; whereas Dick never thought that his + bottle companion was a butt to aim at—only a friend to shake by the + hand. The poor fellow had half the town in his confidence; everybody knew + everything about his loves and his debts, his creditors or his mistress's + obduracy. When Esmond first came on to the town, honest Dick was all + flames and raptures for a young lady, a West India fortune, whom he + married. In a couple of years the lady was dead, the fortune was all but + spent, and the honest widower was as eager in pursuit of a new paragon of + beauty, as if he had never courted and married and buried the last one. + </p> + <p> + Quitting the Guard-table one Sunday afternoon, when by chance Dick had a + sober fit upon him, he and his friend were making their way down Germain + Street, and Dick all of a sudden left his companion's arm, and ran after a + gentleman who was poring over a folio volume at the book-shop near to St. + James's Church. He was a fair, tall man, in a snuff-colored suit, with a + plain sword, very sober, and almost shabby in appearance—at least + when compared to Captain Steele, who loved to adorn his jolly round person + with the finest of clothes, and shone in scarlet and gold lace. The + Captain rushed up, then, to the student of the book-stall, took him in his + arms, hugged him, and would have kissed him—for Dick was always + hugging and bussing his friends—but the other stepped back with a + flush on his pale face, seeming to decline this public manifestation of + Steele's regard. + </p> + <p> + “My dearest Joe, where hast thou hidden thyself this age?” cries the + Captain, still holding both his friend's hands; “I have been languishing + for thee this fortnight.” + </p> + <p> + “A fortnight is not an age, Dick,” says the other, very good-humoredly. + (He had light blue eyes, extraordinary bright, and a face perfectly + regular and handsome, like a tinted statue.) “And I have been hiding + myself—where do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “What! not across the water, my dear Joe?” says Steele, with a look of + great alarm: “thou knowest I have always—” + </p> + <p> + “No,” says his friend, interrupting him with a smile: “we are not come to + such straits as that, Dick. I have been hiding, sir, at a place where + people never think of finding you—at my own lodgings, whither I am + going to smoke a pipe now and drink a glass of sack: will your honor + come?” + </p> + <p> + “Harry Esmond, come hither,” cries out Dick. “Thou hast heard me talk over + and over again of my dearest Joe, my guardian angel?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” says Mr. Esmond, with a bow, “it is not from you only that I + have learnt to admire Mr. Addison. We loved good poetry at Cambridge as + well as at Oxford; and I have some of yours by heart, though I have put on + a red coat. . . . 'O qui canoro blandius Orpheo vocale ducis carmen;' + shall I go on, sir?” says Mr. Esmond, who, indeed, had read and loved the + charming Latin poems of Mr. Addison, as every scholar of that time knew + and admired them. + </p> + <p> + “This is Captain Esmond who was at Blenheim,” says Steele. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant Esmond,” says the other, with a low bow, “at Mr. Addison's + service. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of you,” says Mr. Addison, with a smile; as, indeed, + everybody about town had heard that unlucky story about Esmond's dowager + aunt and the Duchess. + </p> + <p> + “We were going to the 'George' to take a bottle before the play,” says + Steele: “wilt thou be one, Joe?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Addison said his own lodgings were hard by, where he was still rich + enough to give a good bottle of wine to his friends; and invited the two + gentlemen to his apartment in the Haymarket, whither we accordingly went. + </p> + <p> + “I shall get credit with my landlady,” says he, with a smile, “when she + sees two such fine gentlemen as you come up my stair.” And he politely + made his visitors welcome to his apartment, which was indeed but a shabby + one, though no grandee of the land could receive his guests with a more + perfect and courtly grace than this gentleman. A frugal dinner, consisting + of a slice of meat and a penny loaf, was awaiting the owner of the + lodgings. “My wine is better than my meat,” says Mr. Addison; “my Lord + Halifax sent me the Burgundy.” And he set a bottle and glasses before his + friends, and ate his simple dinner in a very few minutes, after which the + three fell to, and began to drink. “You see,” says Mr. Addison, pointing + to his writing-table, whereon was a map of the action at Hochstedt, and + several other gazettes and pamphlets relating to the battle, “that I, too, + am busy about your affairs, Captain. I am engaged as a poetical gazetteer, + to say truth, and am writing a poem on the campaign.” + </p> + <p> + So Esmond, at the request of his host, told him what he knew about the + famous battle, drew the river on the table aliquo mero, and with the aid + of some bits of tobacco-pipe showed the advance of the left wing, where he + had been engaged. + </p> + <p> + A sheet or two of the verses lay already on the table beside our bottles + and glasses, and Dick having plentifully refreshed himself from the + latter, took up the pages of manuscript, writ out with scarce a blot or + correction, in the author's slim, neat handwriting, and began to read + therefrom with great emphasis and volubility. At pauses of the verse, the + enthusiastic reader stopped and fired off a great salvo of applause. + </p> + <p> + Esmond smiled at the enthusiasm of Addison's friend. “You are like the + German Burghers,” says he, “and the Princes on the Mozelle: when our army + came to a halt, they always sent a deputation to compliment the chief, and + fired a salute with all their artillery from their walls.” + </p> + <p> + “And drunk the great chiefs health afterward, did not they?” says Captain + Steele, gayly filling up a bumper;—he never was tardy at that sort + of acknowledgment of a friend's merit. + </p> + <p> + “And the Duke, since you will have me act his Grace's part,” says Mr. + Addison, with a smile, and something of a blush, “pledged his friends in + return. Most Serene Elector of Covent Garden, I drink to your Highness's + health,” and he filled himself a glass. Joseph required scarce more + pressing than Dick to that sort of amusement; but the wine never seemed at + all to fluster Mr. Addison's brains; it only unloosed his tongue: whereas + Captain Steele's head and speech were quite overcome by a single bottle. + </p> + <p> + No matter what the verses were, and, to say truth, Mr. Esmond found some + of them more than indifferent, Dick's enthusiasm for his chief never + faltered, and in every line from Addison's pen, Steele found a + master-stroke. By the time Dick had come to that part of the poem, wherein + the bard describes as blandly as though he were recording a dance at the + opera, or a harmless bout of bucolic cudgelling at a village fair, that + bloody and ruthless part of our campaign, with the remembrance whereof + every soldier who bore a part in it must sicken with shame—when we + were ordered to ravage and lay waste the Elector's country; and with fire + and murder, slaughter and crime, a great part of his dominions was + overrun; when Dick came to the lines— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “In vengeance roused the soldier fills his hand + With sword and fire, and ravages the land, + In crackling flames a thousand harvests burn, + A thousand villages to ashes turn. + To the thick woods the woolly flocks retreat, + And mixed with bellowing herds confusedly bleat. + Their trembling lords the common shade partake, + And cries of infants found in every brake. + The listening soldier fixed in sorrow stands, + Loth to obey his leader's just commands. + The leader grieves, by generous pity swayed, + To see his just commands so well obeyed;” + </pre> + <p> + by this time wine and friendship had brought poor Dick to a perfectly + maudlin state, and he hiccupped out the last line with a tenderness that + set one of his auditors a-laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I admire the license of your poets,” says Esmond to Mr. Addison. (Dick, + after reading of the verses, was fain to go off, insisting on kissing his + two dear friends before his departure, and reeling away with his periwig + over his eyes.) “I admire your art: the murder of the campaign is done to + military music, like a battle at the opera, and the virgins shriek in + harmony, as our victorious grenadiers march into their villages. Do you + know what a scene it was?”—(by this time, perhaps, the wine had + warmed Mr. Esmond's head too,)—“what a triumph you are celebrating? + what scenes of shame and horror were enacted, over which the commander's + genius presided, as calm as though he didn't belong to our sphere? You + talk of the 'listening soldier fixed in sorrow,' the 'leader's grief + swayed by generous pity;' to my belief the leader cared no more for + bleating flocks than he did for infants' cries, and many of our ruffians + butchered one or the other with equal alacrity. I was ashamed of my trade + when I saw those horrors perpetrated, which came under every man's eyes. + You hew out of your polished verses a stately image of smiling victory; I + tell you 'tis an uncouth, distorted, savage idol; hideous, bloody, and + barbarous. The rites performed before it are shocking to think of. You + great poets should show it as it is—ugly and horrible, not beautiful + and serene. Oh, sir, had you made the campaign, believe me, you never + would have sung it so.” + </p> + <p> + During this little outbreak, Mr. Addison was listening, smoking out of his + long pipe, and smiling very placidly. “What would you have?” says he. “In + our polished days, and according to the rules of art, 'tis impossible that + the Muse should depict tortures or begrime her hands with the horrors of + war. These are indicated rather than described; as in the Greek tragedies, + that, I dare say, you have read (and sure there can be no more elegant + specimens of composition), Agamemnon is slain, or Medea's children + destroyed, away from the scene;—the chorus occupying the stage and + singing of the action to pathetic music. Something of this I attempt, my + dear sir, in my humble way: 'tis a panegyric I mean to write, and not a + satire. Were I to sing as you would have me, the town would tear the poet + in pieces, and burn his book by the hands of the common hangman. Do you + not use tobacco? Of all the weeds grown on earth, sure the nicotian is the + most soothing and salutary. We must paint our great Duke,” Mr. Addison + went on, “not as a man, which no doubt he is, with weaknesses like the + rest of us, but as a hero. 'Tis in a triumph, not a battle, that your + humble servant is riding his sleek Pegasus. We college poets trot, you + know, on very easy nags; it hath been, time out of mind, part of the + poet's profession to celebrate the actions of heroes in verse, and to sing + the deeds which you men of war perform. I must follow the rules of my art, + and the composition of such a strain as this must be harmonious and + majestic, not familiar, or too near the vulgar truth. Si parva licet: if + Virgil could invoke the divine Augustus, a humbler poet from the banks of + the Isis may celebrate a victory and a conqueror of our own nation, in + whose triumphs every Briton has a share, and whose glory and genius + contributes to every citizen's individual honor. When hath there been, + since our Henrys' and Edwards' days, such a great feat of arms as that + from which you yourself have brought away marks of distinction? If 'tis in + my power to sing that song worthily, I will do so, and be thankful to my + Muse. If I fail as a poet, as a Briton at least I will show my loyalty, + and fling up my cap and huzzah for the conqueror:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'Rheni pacator et Istri + Omnis in hoc uno variis discordia cessit + Ordinibus; laetatur eques, plauditque senator, + Votaque patricio certant plebeia favori.'” + </pre> + <p> + “There were as brave men on that field,” says Mr. Esmond (who never could + be made to love the Duke of Marlborough, nor to forget those stories which + he used to hear in his youth regarding that great chiefs selfishness and + treachery)—“there were men at Blenheim as good as the leader, whom + neither knights nor senators applauded, nor voices plebeian or patrician + favored, and who lie there forgotten, under the clods. What poet is there + to sing them?” + </p> + <p> + “To sing the gallant souls of heroes sent to Hades!” says Mr. Addison, + with a smile. “Would you celebrate them all? If I may venture to question + anything in such an admirable work, the catalogue of the ships in Homer + hath always appeared to me as somewhat wearisome; what had the poem been, + supposing the writer had chronicled the names of captains, lieutenants, + rank and file? One of the greatest of a great man's qualities is success; + 'tis the result of all the others; 'tis a latent power in him which + compels the favor of the gods, and subjugates fortune. Of all his gifts I + admire that one in the great Marlborough. To be brave? every man is brave. + But in being victorious, as he is, I fancy there is something divine. In + presence of the occasion, the great soul of the leader shines out, and the + god is confessed. Death itself respects him, and passes by him to lay + others low. War and carnage flee before him to ravage other parts of the + field, as Hector from before the divine Achilles. You say he hath no pity; + no more have the gods, who are above it, and superhuman. The fainting + battle gathers strength at his aspect; and, wherever he rides, victory + charges with him.” + </p> + <p> + A couple of days after, when Mr. Esmond revisited his poetic friend, he + found this thought, struck out in the fervor of conversation, improved and + shaped into those famous lines, which are in truth the noblest in the poem + of the “Campaign.” As the two gentlemen sat engaged in talk, Mr. Addison + solacing himself with his customary pipe, the little maid-servant that + waited on his lodging came up, preceding a gentleman in fine laced + clothes, that had evidently been figuring at Court or a great man's levee. + The courtier coughed a little at the smoke of the pipe, and looked round + the room curiously, which was shabby enough, as was the owner in his worn, + snuff-colored suit and plain tie-wig. + </p> + <p> + “How goes on the magnum opus, Mr. Addison?” says the Court gentleman on + looking down at the papers that were on the table. + </p> + <p> + “We were but now over it,” says Addison (the greatest courtier in the land + could not have a more splendid politeness, or greater dignity of manner). + “Here is the plan,” says he, “on the table: hac ibat Simois, here ran the + little river Nebel: hic est Sigeia tellus, here are Tallard's quarters, at + the bowl of this pipe, at the attack of which Captain Esmond was present. + I have the honor to introduce him to Mr. Boyle; and Mr. Esmond was but now + depicting aliquo proelia mixta mero, when you came in.” In truth, the two + gentlemen had been so engaged when the visitor arrived, and Addison, in + his smiling way, speaking of Mr. Webb, colonel of Esmond's regiment (who + commanded a brigade in the action, and greatly distinguished himself + there), was lamenting that he could find never a suitable rhyme for Webb, + otherwise the brigade should have had a place in the poet's verses. “And + for you, you are but a lieutenant,” says Addison, “and the Muse can't + occupy herself with any gentleman under the rank of a field officer.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Boyle was all impatient to hear, saying that my Lord Treasurer and my + Lord Halifax were equally anxious; and Addison, blushing, began reading of + his verses, and, I suspect, knew their weak parts as well as the most + critical hearer. When he came to the lines describing the angel, that + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Inspired repulsed battalions to engage, + And taught the doubtful battle where to rage,” + </pre> + <p> + he read with great animation, looking at Esmond, as much as to say, “You + know where that simile came from—from our talk, and our bottle of + Burgundy, the other day.” + </p> + <p> + The poet's two hearers were caught with enthusiasm, and applauded the + verses with all their might. The gentleman of the Court sprang up in great + delight. “Not a word more, my dear sir,” says he. “Trust me with the + papers—I'll defend them with my life. Let me read them over to my + Lord Treasurer, whom I am appointed to see in half an hour. I venture to + promise, the verses shall lose nothing by my reading, and then, sir, we + shall see whether Lord Halifax has a right to complain that his friend's + pension is no longer paid.” And without more ado, the courtier in lace + seized the manuscript pages, placed them in his breast with his ruffled + hand over his heart, executed a most gracious wave of the hat with the + disengaged hand, and smiled and bowed out of the room, leaving an odor of + pomander behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Does not the chamber look quite dark?” says Addison, surveying it, “after + the glorious appearance and disappearance of that gracious messenger? Why, + he illuminated the whole room. Your scarlet, Mr. Esmond, will bear any + light; but this threadbare old coat of mine, how very worn it looked under + the glare of that splendor! I wonder whether they will do anything for + me,” he continued. “When I came out of Oxford into the world, my patrons + promised me great things; and you see where their promises have landed me, + in a lodging up two pair of stairs, with a sixpenny dinner from the cook's + shop. Well, I suppose this promise will go after the others, and fortune + will jilt me, as the jade has been doing any time these seven years. 'I + puff the prostitute away,'” says he, smiling, and blowing a cloud out of + his pipe. “There is no hardship in poverty, Esmond, that is not bearable; + no hardship even in honest dependence that an honest man may not put up + with. I came out of the lap of Alma Mater, puffed up with her praises of + me, and thinking to make a figure in the world with the parts and learning + which had got me no small name in our college. The world is the ocean, and + Isis and Charwell are but little drops, of which the sea takes no account. + My reputation ended a mile beyond Maudlin Tower; no one took note of me; + and I learned this at least, to bear up against evil fortune with a + cheerful heart. Friend Dick hath made a figure in the world, and has + passed me in the race long ago. What matters a little name or a little + fortune? There is no fortune that a philosopher cannot endure. I have been + not unknown as a scholar, and yet forced to live by turning bear-leader, + and teaching a boy to spell. What then? The life was not pleasant, but + possible—the bear was bearable. Should this venture fail, I will go + back to Oxford; and some day, when you are a general, you shall find me a + curate in a cassock and bands, and I shall welcome your honor to my + cottage in the country, and to a mug of penny ale. 'Tis not poverty that's + the hardest to bear, or the least happy lot in life,” says Mr. Addison, + shaking the ash out of his pipe. “See, my pipe is smoked out. Shall we + have another bottle? I have still a couple in the cupboard, and of the + right sort. No more?—let us go abroad and take a turn on the Mall, + or look in at the theatre and see Dick's comedy. 'Tis not a masterpiece of + wit; but Dick is a good fellow, though he doth not set the Thames on + fire.” + </p> + <p> + Within a month after this day, Mr. Addison's ticket had come up a + prodigious prize in the lottery of life. All the town was in an uproar of + admiration of his poem, the “Campaign,” which Dick Steele was spouting at + every coffee-house in Whitehall and Covent Garden. The wits on the other + side of Temple Bar saluted him at once as the greatest poet the world had + seen for ages; the people huzza'ed for Marlborough and for Addison, and, + more than this, the party in power provided for the meritorious poet, and + Addison got the appointment of Commissioner of Excise, which the famous + Mr. Locke vacated, and rose from this place to other dignities and honors; + his prosperity from henceforth to the end of his life being scarce ever + interrupted. But I doubt whether he was not happier in his garret in the + Haymarket, than ever he was in his splendid palace at Kensington; and I + believe the fortune that came to him in the shape of the countess his wife + was no better than a shrew and a vixen. + </p> + <p> + Gay as the town was, 'twas but a dreary place for Mr. Esmond, whether his + charmer was in or out of it, and he was glad when his general gave him + notice that he was going back to his division of the army which lay in + winter-quarters at Bois-le-Duc. His dear mistress bade him farewell with a + cheerful face; her blessing he knew he had always, and wheresoever fate + carried him. Mistress Beatrix was away in attendance on her Majesty at + Hampton Court, and kissed her fair fingertips to him, by way of adieu, + when he rode thither to take his leave. She received her kinsman in a + waiting-room, where there were half a dozen more ladies of the Court, so + that his high-flown speeches, had he intended to make any (and very likely + he did), were impossible; and she announced to her friends that her cousin + was going to the army, in as easy a manner as she would have said he was + going to a chocolate-house. He asked with a rather rueful face, if she had + any orders for the army? and she was pleased to say that she would like a + mantle of Mechlin lace. She made him a saucy curtsy in reply to his own + dismal bow. She deigned to kiss her fingertips from the window, where she + stood laughing with the other ladies, and chanced to see him as he made + his way to the “Toy.” The Dowager at Chelsey was not sorry to part with + him this time. “Mon cher, vous etes triste comme un sermon,” she did him + the honor to say to him; indeed, gentlemen in his condition are by no + means amusing companions, and besides, the fickle old woman had now found + a much more amiable favorite, and raffoled for her darling lieutenant of + the Guard. Frank remained behind for a while, and did not join the army + till later, in the suite of his Grace the Commander-in-Chief. His dear + mother, on the last day before Esmond went away, and when the three dined + together, made Esmond promise to befriend her boy, and besought Frank to + take the example of his kinsman as of a loyal gentleman and brave soldier, + so she was pleased to say; and at parting, betrayed not the least sign of + faltering or weakness, though, God knows, that fond heart was fearful + enough when others were concerned, though so resolute in bearing its own + pain. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's general embarked at Harwich. 'Twas a grand sight to see Mr. Webb + dressed in scarlet on the deck, waving his hat as our yacht put off, and + the guns saluted from the shore. Harry did not see his viscount again, + until three months after, at Bois-le-Duc, when his Grace the Duke came to + take the command, and Frank brought a budget of news from home: how he had + supped with this actress, and got tired of that; how he had got the better + of Mr. St. John, both over the bottle, and with Mrs. Mountford, of the + Haymarket Theatre (a veteran charmer of fifty, with whom the young + scapegrace chose to fancy himself in love); how his sister was always at + her tricks, and had jilted a young baron for an old earl. “I can't make + out Beatrix,” he said; “she cares for none of us—she only thinks + about herself; she is never happy unless she is quarrelling; but as for my + mother—my mother, Harry, is an angel.” Harry tried to impress on the + young fellow the necessity of doing everything in his power to please that + angel; not to drink too much; not to go into debt; not to run after the + pretty Flemish girls, and so forth, as became a senior speaking to a lad. + “But Lord bless thee!” the boy said; “I may do what I like, and I know she + will love me all the same;” and so, indeed, he did what he liked. + Everybody spoiled him, and his grave kinsman as much as the rest. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + I GET A COMPANY IN THE CAMPAIGN OF 1706. + </h3> + <p> + On Whit-Sunday, the famous 23rd of May, 1706, my young lord first came + under the fire of the enemy, whom we found posted in order of battle, + their lines extending three miles or more, over the high ground behind the + little Gheet river, and having on his left the little village of Anderkirk + or Autre-eglise, and on his right Ramillies, which has given its name to + one of the most brilliant and disastrous days of battle that history ever + hath recorded. + </p> + <p> + Our Duke here once more met his old enemy of Blenheim, the Bavarian + Elector and the Marechal Villeroy, over whom the Prince of Savoy had + gained the famous victory of Chiari. What Englishman or Frenchman doth not + know the issue of that day? Having chosen his own ground, having a force + superior to the English, and besides the excellent Spanish and Bavarian + troops, the whole Maison-du-Roy with him, the most splendid body of horse + in the world,—in an hour (and in spite of the prodigious gallantry + of the French Royal Household, who charged through the centre of our line + and broke it,) this magnificent army of Villeroy was utterly routed by + troops that had been marching for twelve hours, and by the intrepid skill + of a commander, who did, indeed, seem in the presence of the enemy to be + the very Genius of Victory. + </p> + <p> + I think it was more from conviction than policy, though that policy was + surely the most prudent in the world, that the great Duke always spoke of + his victories with an extraordinary modesty, and as if it was not so much + his own admirable genius and courage which achieved these amazing + successes, but as if he was a special and fatal instrument in the hands of + Providence, that willed irresistibly the enemy's overthrow. Before his + actions he always had the church service read solemnly, and professed an + undoubting belief that our Queen's arms were blessed and our victory sure. + All the letters which he writ after his battles show awe rather than + exultation; and he attributes the glory of these achievements, about which + I have heard mere petty officers and men bragging with a pardonable + vainglory, in nowise to his own bravery or skill, but to the + superintending protection of heaven, which he ever seemed to think was our + especial ally. And our army got to believe so, and the enemy learnt to + think so too; for we never entered into a battle without a perfect + confidence that it was to end in a victory; nor did the French, after the + issue of Blenheim, and that astonishing triumph of Ramillies, ever meet us + without feeling that the game was lost before it was begun to be played, + and that our general's fortune was irresistible. Here, as at Blenheim, the + Duke's charger was shot, and 'twas thought for a moment he was dead. As he + mounted another, Binfield, his master of the horse, kneeling to hold his + Grace's stirrup, had his head shot away by a cannon-ball. A French + gentleman of the Royal Household, that was a prisoner with us, told the + writer that at the time of the charge of the Household, when their horse + and ours were mingled, an Irish officer recognized the Prince-Duke, and + calling out—“Marlborough, Marlborough!” fired his pistol at him a + bout-portant, and that a score more carbines and pistols were discharged + at him. Not one touched him: he rode through the French Curiassiers + sword-in-hand, and entirely unhurt, and calm and smiling, rallied the + German Horse, that was reeling before the enemy, brought these and twenty + squadrons of Orkney's back upon them, and drove the French across the + river, again leading the charge himself, and defeating the only dangerous + move the French made that day. + </p> + <p> + Major-General Webb commanded on the left of our line, and had his own + regiment under the orders of their beloved colonel. Neither he nor they + belied their character for gallantry on this occasion; but it was about + his dear young lord that Esmond was anxious, never having sight of him + save once, in the whole course of the day, when he brought an order from + the Commander-in-Chief to Mr. Webb. When our horse, having charged round + the right flank of the enemy by Overkirk, had thrown him into entire + confusion, a general advance was made, and our whole line of foot, + crossing the little river and the morass, ascended the high ground where + the French were posted, cheering as they went, the enemy retreating before + them. 'Twas a service of more glory than danger, the French battalions + never waiting to exchange push of pike or bayonet with ours; and the + gunners flying from their pieces, which our line left behind us as they + advanced, and the French fell back. + </p> + <p> + At first it was a retreat orderly enough; but presently the retreat became + a rout, and a frightful slaughter of the French ensued on this panic: so + that an army of sixty thousand men was utterly crushed and destroyed in + the course of a couple of hours. It was as if a hurricane had seized a + compact numerous fleet, flung it all to the winds, shattered, sunk, and + annihilated it: afflavit Deus, et dissipati sunt. The French army of + Flanders was gone, their artillery, their standards, their treasure, + provisions, and ammunition were all left behind them: the poor devils had + even fled without their soup-kettles, which are as much the palladia of + the French infantry as of the Grand Seignior's Janissaries, and round + which they rally even more than round their lilies. + </p> + <p> + The pursuit, and a dreadful carnage which ensued (for the dregs of a + battle, however brilliant, are ever a base residue of rapine, cruelty, and + drunken plunder,) was carried far beyond the field of Ramillies. + </p> + <p> + Honest Lockwood, Esmond's servant, no doubt wanted to be among the + marauders himself and take his share of the booty; for when, the action + over, and the troops got to their ground for the night, the Captain bade + Lockwood get a horse, he asked, with a very rueful countenance, whether + his honor would have him come too; but his honor only bade him go about + his own business, and Jack hopped away quite delighted as soon as he saw + his master mounted. Esmond made his way, and not without danger and + difficulty, to his Grace's headquarters, and found for himself very + quickly where the aide-de-camps' quarters were, in an out-building of a + farm, where several of these gentlemen were seated, drinking and singing, + and at supper. If he had any anxiety about his boy, 'twas relieved at + once. One of the gentlemen was singing a song to a tune that Mr. Farquhar + and Mr. Gay both had used in their admirable comedies, and very popular in + the army of that day; and after the song came a chorus, “Over the hills + and far away;” and Esmond heard Frank's fresh voice, soaring, as it were, + over the songs of the rest of the young men—a voice that had always + a certain artless, indescribable pathos with it, and indeed which caused + Mr. Esmond's eyes to fill with tears now, out of thankfulness to God the + child was safe and still alive to laugh and sing. + </p> + <p> + When the song was over Esmond entered the room, where he knew several of + the gentlemen present, and there sat my young lord, having taken off his + cuirass, his waistcoat open, his face flushed, his long yellow hair + hanging over his shoulders, drinking with the rest; the youngest, gayest, + handsomest there. As soon as he saw Esmond, he clapped down his glass, and + running towards his friend, put both his arms round him and embraced him. + The other's voice trembled with joy as he greeted the lad; he had thought + but now as he stood in the court-yard under the clear-shining moonlight: + “Great God! what a scene of murder is here within a mile of us; what + hundreds and thousands have faced danger to-day; and here are these lads + singing over their cups, and the same moon that is shining over yonder + horrid field is looking down on Walcote very likely, while my lady sits + and thinks about her boy that is at the war.” As Esmond embraced his young + pupil now, 'twas with the feeling of quite religious thankfulness and an + almost paternal pleasure that he beheld him. + </p> + <p> + Round his neck was a star with a striped ribbon, that was made of small + brilliants and might be worth a hundred crowns. “Look,” says he, “won't + that be a pretty present for mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Who gave you the Order?” says Harry, saluting the gentleman: “did you win + it in battle?” + </p> + <p> + “I won it,” cried the other, “with my sword and my spear. There was a + mousquetaire that had it round his neck—such a big mousquetaire, as + big as General Webb. I called out to him to surrender, and that I'd give + him quarter: he called me a petit polisson and fired his pistol at me, and + then sent it at my head with a curse. I rode at him, sir, drove my sword + right under his arm-hole, and broke it in the rascal's body. I found a + purse in his holster with sixty-five Louis in it, and a bundle of + love-letters, and a flask of Hungary-water. Vive la guerre! there are the + ten pieces you lent me. I should like to have a fight every day;” and he + pulled at his little moustache and bade a servant bring a supper to + Captain Esmond. + </p> + <p> + Harry fell to with a very good appetite; he had tasted nothing since + twenty hours ago, at early dawn. Master Grandson, who read this, do you + look for the history of battles and sieges? Go, find them in the proper + books; this is only the story of your grandfather and his family. Far more + pleasant to him than the victory, though for that too he may say meminisse + juvat, it was to find that the day was over, and his dear young Castlewood + was unhurt. + </p> + <p> + And would you, sirrah, wish to know how it was that a sedate Captain of + Foot, a studious and rather solitary bachelor of eight or nine and twenty + years of age, who did not care very much for the jollities which his + comrades engaged in, and was never known to lose his heart in any + garrison-town—should you wish to know why such a man had so + prodigious a tenderness, and tended so fondly a boy of eighteen, wait, my + good friend, until thou art in love with thy schoolfellow's sister, and + then see how mighty tender thou wilt be towards him. Esmond's general and + his Grace the Prince-Duke were notoriously at variance, and the former's + friendship was in nowise likely to advance any man's promotion of whose + services Webb spoke well; but rather likely to injure him, so the army + said, in the favor of the greater man. However, Mr. Esmond had the good + fortune to be mentioned very advantageously by Major-General Webb in his + report after the action; and the major of his regiment and two of the + captains having been killed upon the day of Ramillies, Esmond, who was + second of the lieutenants, got his company, and had the honor of serving + as Captain Esmond in the next campaign. + </p> + <p> + My lord went home in the winter, but Esmond was afraid to follow him. His + dear mistress wrote him letters more than once, thanking him, as mothers + know how to thank, for his care and protection of her boy, extolling + Esmond's own merits with a great deal more praise than they deserved; for + he did his duty no better than any other officer; and speaking sometimes, + though gently and cautiously, of Beatrix. News came from home of at least + half a dozen grand matches that the beautiful maid of honor was about to + make. She was engaged to an earl, our gentleman of St. James's said, and + then jilted him for a duke, who, in his turn, had drawn off. Earl or duke + it might be who should win this Helen, Esmond knew she would never bestow + herself on a poor captain. Her conduct, it was clear, was little + satisfactory to her mother, who scarcely mentioned her, or else the kind + lady thought it was best to say nothing, and leave time to work out its + cure. At any rate, Harry was best away from the fatal object which always + wrought him so much mischief; and so he never asked for leave to go home, + but remained with his regiment that was garrisoned in Brussels, which city + fell into our hands when the victory of Ramillies drove the French out of + Flanders. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + I MEET AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE IN FLANDERS, AND FIND MY MOTHER'S GRAVE AND MY + OWN CRADLE THERE. + </p> + <p> + Being one day in the Church of St. Gudule, at Brussels, admiring the + antique splendor of the architecture (and always entertaining a great + tenderness and reverence for the Mother Church, that hath been as wickedly + persecuted in England as ever she herself persecuted in the days of her + prosperity), Esmond saw kneeling at a side altar an officer in a green + uniform coat, very deeply engaged in devotion. Something familiar in the + figure and posture of the kneeling man struck Captain Esmond, even before + he saw the officer's face. As he rose up, putting away into his pocket a + little black breviary, such as priests use, Esmond beheld a countenance so + like that of his friend and tutor of early days, Father Holt, that he + broke out into an exclamation of astonishment and advanced a step towards + the gentleman, who was making his way out of church. The German officer + too looked surprised when he saw Esmond, and his face from being pale grew + suddenly red. By this mark of recognition, the Englishman knew that he + could not be mistaken; and though the other did not stop, but on the + contrary rather hastily walked away towards the door, Esmond pursued him + and faced him once more, as the officer, helping himself to holy water, + turned mechanically towards the altar, to bow to it ere he quitted the + sacred edifice. + </p> + <p> + “My Father!” says Esmond in English. + </p> + <p> + “Silence! I do not understand. I do not speak English,” says the other in + Latin. + </p> + <p> + Esmond smiled at this sign of confusion, and replied in the same language—“I + should know my Father in any garment, black or white, shaven or bearded;” + for the Austrian officer was habited quite in the military manner, and had + as warlike a mustachio as any Pandour. + </p> + <p> + He laughed—we were on the church steps by this time, passing through + the crowd of beggars that usually is there holding up little trinkets for + sale and whining for alms. “You speak Latin,” says he, “in the English + way, Harry Esmond; you have forsaken the old true Roman tongue you once + knew.” His tone was very frank, and friendly quite; the kind voice of + fifteen years back; he gave Esmond his hand as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Others have changed their coats too, my Father,” says Esmond, glancing at + his friend's military decoration. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! I am Mr. or Captain von Holtz, in the Bavarian Elector's service, + and on a mission to his Highness the Prince of Savoy. You can keep a + secret I know from old times.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain von Holtz,” says Esmond, “I am your very humble servant.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, too, have changed your coat,” continues the other in his + laughing way; “I have heard of you at Cambridge and afterwards: we have + friends everywhere; and I am told that Mr. Esmond at Cambridge was as good + a fencer as he was a bad theologian.” (So, thinks Esmond, my old maitre + d'armes was a Jesuit, as they said.) + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right,” says the other, reading his thoughts quite as he + used to do in old days; “you were all but killed at Hochstedt of a wound + in the left side. You were before that at Vigo, aide-de-camp to the Duke + of Ormonde. You got your company the other day after Ramillies; your + general and the Prince-Duke are not friends; he is of the Webbs of Lydiard + Tregoze, in the county of York, a relation of my Lord St. John. Your + cousin, M. de Castlewood, served his first campaign this year in the + Guard; yes, I do know a few things, as you see.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Esmond laughed in his turn. “You have indeed a curious knowledge,” + he says. A foible of Mr. Holt's, who did know more about books and men + than, perhaps, almost any person Esmond had ever met, was omniscience; + thus in every point he here professed to know, he was nearly right, but + not quite. Esmond's wound was in the right side, not the left; his first + general was General Lumley; Mr. Webb came out of Wiltshire, not out of + Yorkshire; and so forth. Esmond did not think fit to correct his old + master in these trifling blunders, but they served to give him a knowledge + of the other's character, and he smiled to think that this was his oracle + of early days; only now no longer infallible or divine. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continues Father Holt, or Captain von Holtz, “for a man who has not + been in England these eight years, I know what goes on in London very + well. The old Dean is dead, my Lady Castlewood's father. Do you know that + your recusant bishops wanted to consecrate him Bishop of Southampton, and + that Collier is Bishop of Thetford by the same imposition? The Princess + Anne has the gout and eats too much; when the King returns, Collier will + be an archbishop.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” says Esmond, laughing; “and I hope to see your Eminence no longer + in jack-boots, but red stockings, at Whitehall.” + </p> + <p> + “You are always with us—I know that—I heard of that when you + were at Cambridge; so was the late lord; so is the young viscount.” + </p> + <p> + “And so was my father before me,” said Mr. Esmond, looking calmly at the + other, who did not, however, show the least sign of intelligence in his + impenetrable gray eyes—how well Harry remembered them and their + look! only crows' feet were wrinkled round them—marks of black old + Time had settled there. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's face chose to show no more sign of meaning than the Father's. + There may have been on the one side and the other just the faintest + glitter of recognition, as you see a bayonet shining out of an ambush; but + each party fell back, when everything was again dark. + </p> + <p> + “And you, mon capitaine, where have you been?” says Esmond, turning away + the conversation from this dangerous ground, where neither chose to + engage. + </p> + <p> + “I may have been in Pekin,” says he, “or I may have been in Paraguay—who + knows where? I am now Captain von Holtz, in the service of his Electoral + Highness, come to negotiate exchange of prisoners with his Highness of + Savoy.” + </p> + <p> + 'Twas well known that very many officers in our army were well-affected + towards the young king at St. Germains, whose right to the throne was + undeniable, and whose accession to it, at the death of his sister, by far + the greater part of the English people would have preferred, to the having + a petty German prince for a sovereign, about whose cruelty, rapacity, + boorish manners, and odious foreign ways, a thousand stories were current. + It wounded our English pride to think that a shabby High-Dutch duke, whose + revenues were not a tithe as great as those of many of the princes of our + ancient English nobility, who could not speak a word of our language, and + whom we chose to represent as a sort of German boor, feeding on train-oil + and sour-crout, with a bevy of mistresses in a barn, should come to reign + over the proudest and most polished people in the world. Were we, the + conquerors of the Grand Monarch, to submit to that ignoble domination? + What did the Hanoverian's Protestantism matter to us? Was it not notorious + (we were told and led to believe so) that one of the daughters of this + Protestant hero was being bred up with no religion at all, as yet, and + ready to be made Lutheran or Roman, according as the husband might be whom + her parents should find for her? This talk, very idle and abusive much of + it was, went on at a hundred mess-tables in the army; there was scarce an + ensign that did not hear it, or join in it, and everybody knew, or + affected to know, that the Commander-in-Chief himself had relations with + his nephew, the Duke of Berwick ('twas by an Englishman, thank God, that + we were beaten at Almanza), and that his Grace was most anxious to restore + the royal race of his benefactors, and to repair his former treason. + </p> + <p> + This is certain, that for a considerable period no officer in the Duke's + army lost favor with the Commander-in-Chief for entertaining or + proclaiming his loyalty towards the exiled family. When the Chevalier de + St. George, as the King of England called himself, came with the dukes of + the French blood royal, to join the French army under Vendosme, hundreds + of ours saw him and cheered him, and we all said he was like his father in + this, who, seeing the action of La Hogue fought between the French ships + and ours, was on the side of his native country during the battle. But + this, at least the Chevalier knew, and every one knew, that, however well + our troops and their general might be inclined towards the prince + personally, in the face of the enemy there was no question at all. + Wherever my Lord Duke found a French army, he would fight and beat it, as + he did at Oudenarde, two years after Ramillies, where his Grace achieved + another of his transcendent victories; and the noble young prince, who + charged gallantly along with the magnificent Maison-du-Roy, sent to + compliment his conquerors after the action. + </p> + <p> + In this battle, where the young Electoral Prince of Hanover behaved + himself very gallantly, fighting on our side, Esmond's dear General Webb + distinguished himself prodigiously, exhibiting consummate skill and + coolness as a general, and fighting with the personal bravery of a common + soldier. Esmond's good-luck again attended him; he escaped without a hurt, + although more than a third of his regiment was killed, had again the honor + to be favorably mentioned in his commander's report, and was advanced to + the rank of major. But of this action there is little need to speak, as it + hath been related in every Gazette, and talked of in every hamlet in this + country. To return from it to the writer's private affairs, which here, in + his old age, and at a distance, he narrates for his children who come + after him. Before Oudenarde, after that chance rencontre with Captain von + Holtz at Brussels, a space of more than a year elapsed, during which the + captain of Jesuits and the captain of Webb's Fusileers were thrown very + much together. Esmond had no difficulty in finding out (indeed, the other + made no secret of it to him, being assured from old times of his pupil's + fidelity), that the negotiator of prisoners was an agent from St. + Germains, and that he carried intelligence between great personages in our + camp and that of the French. “My business,” said he—“and I tell you, + both because I can trust you and your keen eyes have already discovered it—is + between the King of England and his subjects here engaged in fighting the + French king. As between you and them, all the Jesuits in the world will + not prevent your quarrelling: fight it out, gentlemen. St. George for + England, I say—and you know who says so, wherever he may be.” + </p> + <p> + I think Holt loved to make a parade of mystery, as it were, and would + appear and disappear at our quarters as suddenly as he used to return and + vanish in the old days at Castlewood. He had passes between both armies, + and seemed to know (but with that inaccuracy which belonged to the good + Father's omniscience) equally well what passed in the French camp and in + ours. One day he would give Esmond news of a great feste that took place + in the French quarters, of a supper of Monsieur de Rohan's, where there + was play and violins, and then dancing and masques; the King drove thither + in Marshal Villars' own guinguette. Another day he had the news of his + Majesty's ague: the King had not had a fit these ten days, and might be + said to be well. Captain Holtz made a visit to England during this time, + so eager was he about negotiating prisoners; and 'twas on returning from + this voyage that he began to open himself more to Esmond, and to make him, + as occasion served, at their various meetings, several of those + confidences which are here set down all together. + </p> + <p> + The reason of his increased confidence was this: upon going to London, the + old director of Esmond's aunt, the dowager, paid her ladyship a visit at + Chelsey, and there learnt from her that Captain Esmond was acquainted with + the secret of his family, and was determined never to divulge it. The + knowledge of this fact raised Esmond in his old tutor's eyes, so Holt was + pleased to say, and he admired Harry very much for his abnegation. + </p> + <p> + “The family at Castlewood have done far more for me than my own ever did,” + Esmond said. “I would give my life for them. Why should I grudge the only + benefit that 'tis in my power to confer on them?” The good Father's eyes + filled with tears at this speech, which to the other seemed very simple: + he embraced Esmond, and broke out into many admiring expressions; he said + he was a noble coeur, that he was proud of him, and fond of him as his + pupil and friend—regretted more than ever that he had lost him, and + been forced to leave him in those early times, when he might have had an + influence over him, have brought him into that only true church to which + the Father belonged, and enlisted him in the noblest army in which a man + ever engaged—meaning his own society of Jesus, which numbers (says + he) in its troops the greatest heroes the world ever knew;—warriors + brave enough to dare or endure anything, to encounter any odds, to die any + death—soldiers that have won triumphs a thousand times more + brilliant than those of the greatest general; that have brought nations on + their knees to their sacred banner, the Cross; that have achieved glories + and palms incomparably brighter than those awarded to the most splendid + earthly conquerors—crowns of immortal light, and seats in the high + places of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Esmond was thankful for his old friend's good opinion, however little he + might share the Jesuit-father's enthusiasm. “I have thought of that + question, too,” says he, “dear Father,” and he took the other's hand—“thought + it out for myself, as all men must, and contrive to do the right, and + trust to heaven as devoutly in my way as you in yours. Another six months + of you as a child, and I had desired no better. I used to weep upon my + pillow at Castlewood as I thought of you, and I might have been a brother + of your order; and who knows,” Esmond added, with a smile, “a priest in + full orders, and with a pair of mustachios, and a Bavarian uniform?” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” says Father Holt, turning red, “in the cause of religion and + loyalty all disguises are fair.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” broke in Esmond, “all disguises are fair, you say; and all + uniforms, say I, black or red,—a black cockade or a white one—or + a laced hat, or a sombrero, with a tonsure under it. I cannot believe that + St. Francis Xavier sailed over the sea in a cloak, or raised the dead—I + tried, and very nearly did once, but cannot. Suffer me to do the right, + and to hope for the best in my own way.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond wished to cut short the good Father's theology, and succeeded; and + the other, sighing over his pupil's invincible ignorance, did not withdraw + his affection from him, but gave him his utmost confidence—as much, + that is to say, as a priest can give: more than most do; for he was + naturally garrulous, and too eager to speak. + </p> + <p> + Holt's friendship encouraged Captain Esmond to ask, what he long wished to + know, and none could tell him, some history of the poor mother whom he had + often imagined in his dreams, and whom he never knew. He described to Holt + those circumstances which are already put down in the first part of this + story—the promise he had made to his dear lord, and that dying + friend's confession; and he besought Mr. Holt to tell him what he knew + regarding the poor woman from whom he had been taken. + </p> + <p> + “She was of this very town,” Holt said, and took Esmond to see the street + where her father lived, and where, as he believed, she was born. “In 1676, + when your father came hither in the retinue of the late king, then Duke of + York, and banished hither in disgrace, Captain Thomas Esmond became + acquainted with your mother, pursued her, and made a victim of her; he + hath told me in many subsequent conversations, which I felt bound to keep + private then, that she was a woman of great virtue and tenderness, and in + all respects a most fond, faithful creature. He called himself Captain + Thomas, having good reason to be ashamed of his conduct towards her, and + hath spoken to me many times with sincere remorse for that, as with fond + love for her many amiable qualities, he owned to having treated her very + ill: and that at this time his life was one of profligacy, gambling, and + poverty. She became with child of you; was cursed by her own parents at + that discovery; though she never upbraided, except by her involuntary + tears, and the misery depicted on her countenance, the author of her + wretchedness and ruin. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas Esmond—Captain Thomas, as he was called—became engaged + in a gaming-house brawl, of which the consequence was a duel, and a wound + so severe that he never—his surgeon said—could outlive it. + Thinking his death certain, and touched with remorse, he sent for a priest + of the very Church of St. Gudule where I met you; and on the same day, + after his making submission to our Church, was married to your mother a + few weeks before you were born. My Lord Viscount Castlewood, Marquis of + Esmond, by King James's patent, which I myself took to your father, your + lordship was christened at St. Gudule by the same cure who married your + parents, and by the name of Henry Thomas, son of E. Thomas, officier + Anglois, and Gertrude Maes. You see you belong to us from your birth, and + why I did not christen you when you became my dear little pupil at + Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “Your father's wound took a favorable turn—perhaps his conscience + was eased by the right he had done—and to the surprise of the + doctors he recovered. But as his health came back, his wicked nature, too, + returned. He was tired of the poor girl, whom he had ruined; and receiving + some remittance from his uncle, my lord the old viscount, then in England, + he pretended business, promised return, and never saw your poor mother + more. + </p> + <p> + “He owned to me, in confession first, but afterwards in talk before your + aunt, his wife, else I never could have disclosed what I now tell you, + that on coming to London he writ a pretended confession to poor Gertrude + Maes—Gertrude Esmond—of his having been married in England + previously, before uniting himself with her; said that his name was not + Thomas; that he was about to quit Europe for the Virginian plantations, + where, indeed, your family had a grant of land from King Charles the + First; sent her a supply of money, the half of the last hundred guineas he + had, entreated her pardon, and bade her farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Gertrude never thought that the news in this letter might be untrue + as the rest of your father's conduct to her. But though a young man of her + own degree, who knew her history, and whom she liked before she saw the + English gentleman who was the cause of all her misery, offered to marry + her, and to adopt you as his own child, and give you his name, she refused + him. This refusal only angered her father, who had taken her home; she + never held up her head there, being the subject of constant unkindness + after her fall; and some devout ladies of her acquaintance offering to pay + a little pension for her, she went into a convent, and you were put out to + nurse. + </p> + <p> + “A sister of the young fellow who would have adopted you as his son was + the person who took charge of you. Your mother and this person were + cousins. She had just lost a child of her own, which you replaced, your + own mother being too sick and feeble to feed you; and presently your nurse + grew so fond of you, that she even grudged letting you visit the convent + where your mother was, and where the nuns petted the little infant, as + they pitied and loved its unhappy parent. Her vocation became stronger + every day, and at the end of two years she was received as a sister of the + house. + </p> + <p> + “Your nurse's family were silk-weavers out of France, whither they + returned to Arras in French Flanders, shortly before your mother took her + vows, carrying you with them, then a child of three years old. 'Twas a + town, before the late vigorous measures of the French king, full of + Protestants, and here your nurse's father, old Pastoureau, he with whom + you afterwards lived at Ealing, adopted the reformed doctrines, perverting + all his house with him. They were expelled thence by the edict of his most + Christian Majesty, and came to London, and set up their looms in + Spittlefields. The old man brought a little money with him, and carried on + his trade, but in a poor way. He was a widower; by this time his daughter, + a widow too, kept house for him, and his son and he labored together at + their vocation. Meanwhile your father had publicly owned his conversion + just before King Charles's death (in whom our Church had much such another + convert), was reconciled to my Lord Viscount Castlewood, and married, as + you know, to his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “It chanced that the younger Pastoureau, going with a piece of brocade to + the mercer who employed him, on Ludgate Hill, met his old rival coming out + of an ordinary there. Pastoureau knew your father at once, seized him by + the collar, and upbraided him as a villain, who had seduced his mistress, + and afterwards deserted her and her son. Mr. Thomas Esmond also recognized + Pastoureau at once, besought him to calm his indignation, and not to bring + a crowd round about them; and bade him to enter into the tavern, out of + which he had just stepped, when he would give him any explanation. + Pastoureau entered, and heard the landlord order the drawer to show + Captain Thomas to a room; it was by his Christian name that your father + was familiarly called at his tavern haunts, which, to say the truth, were + none of the most reputable. + </p> + <p> + “I must tell you that Captain Thomas, or my Lord Viscount afterwards, was + never at a loss for a story, and could cajole a woman or a dun with a + volubility, and an air of simplicity at the same time, of which many a + creditor of his has been the dupe. His tales used to gather verisimilitude + as he went on with them. He strung together fact after fact with a + wonderful rapidity and coherence. It required, saving your presence, a + very long habit of acquaintance with your father to know when his lordship + was l——,—telling the truth or no. + </p> + <p> + “He told me with rueful remorse when he was ill—for the fear of + death set him instantly repenting, and with shrieks of laughter when he + was well, his lordship having a very great sense of humor—how in a + half an hour's time, and before a bottle was drunk, he had completely + succeeded in biting poor Pastoureau. The seduction he owned to: that he + could not help: he was quite ready with tears at a moment's warning, and + shed them profusely to melt his credulous listener. He wept for your + mother even more than Pastoureau did, who cried very heartily, poor + fellow, as my lord informed me; he swore upon his honor that he had twice + sent money to Brussels, and mentioned the name of the merchant with whom + it was lying for poor Gertrude's use. He did not even know whether she had + a child or no, or whether she was alive or dead; but got these facts + easily out of honest Pastoureau's answers to him. When he heard that she + was in a convent, he said he hoped to end his days in one himself, should + he survive his wife, whom he hated, and had been forced by a cruel father + to marry; and when he was told that Gertrude's son was alive, and actually + in London, 'I started,' says he; 'for then, damme, my wife was expecting + to lie in, and I thought should this old Put, my father-in-law, run rusty, + here would be a good chance to frighten him.' + </p> + <p> + “He expressed the deepest gratitude to the Pastoureau family for the care + of the infant: you were now near six years old; and on Pastoureau bluntly + telling him, when he proposed to go that instant and see the darling + child, that they never wished to see his ill-omened face again within + their doors; that he might have the boy, though they should all be very + sorry to lose him; and that they would take his money, they being poor, if + he gave it; or bring him up, by God's help, as they had hitherto done, + without: he acquiesced in this at once, with a sigh, said, 'Well, 'twas + better that the dear child should remain with friends who had been so + admirably kind to him;' and in his talk to me afterwards, honestly praised + and admired the weaver's conduct and spirit; owned that the Frenchman was + a right fellow, and he, the Lord have mercy upon him, a sad villain. + </p> + <p> + “Your father,” Mr. Holt went on to say, “was good-natured with his money + when he had it; and having that day received a supply from his uncle, gave + the weaver ten pieces with perfect freedom, and promised him further + remittances. He took down eagerly Pastoureau's name and place of abode in + his table-book, and when the other asked him for his own, gave, with the + utmost readiness, his name as Captain Thomas, New Lodge, Penzance, + Cornwall; he said he was in London for a few days only on business + connected with his wife's property; described her as a shrew, though a + woman of kind disposition; and depicted his father as a Cornish squire, in + an infirm state of health, at whose death he hoped for something handsome, + when he promised richly to reward the admirable protector of his child, + and to provide for the boy. 'And by Gad, sir,' he said to me in his + strange laughing way, 'I ordered a piece of brocade of the very same + pattern as that which the fellow was carrying, and presented it to my wife + for a morning wrapper, to receive company after she lay in of our little + boy.' + </p> + <p> + “Your little pension was paid regularly enough; and when your father + became Viscount Castlewood on his uncle's demise, I was employed to keep a + watch over you, and 'twas at my instance that you were brought home. Your + foster-mother was dead; her father made acquaintance with a woman whom he + married, who quarrelled with his son. The faithful creature came back to + Brussels to be near the woman he loved, and died, too, a few months before + her. Will you see her cross in the convent cemetery? The Superior is an + old penitent of mine, and remembers Soeur Marie Madeleine fondly still.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond came to this spot in one sunny evening of spring, and saw, amidst a + thousand black crosses, casting their shadows across the grassy mounds, + that particular one which marked his mother's resting-place. Many more of + those poor creatures that lay there had adopted that same name, with which + sorrow had rebaptized her, and which fondly seemed to hint their + individual story of love and grief. He fancied her in tears and darkness, + kneeling at the foot of her cross, under which her cares were buried. + Surely he knelt down, and said his own prayer there, not in sorrow so much + as in awe (for even his memory had no recollection of her), and in pity + for the pangs which the gentle soul in life had been made to suffer. To + this cross she brought them; for this heavenly bridegroom she exchanged + the husband who had wooed her, the traitor who had left her. A thousand + such hillocks lay round about, the gentle daisies springing out of the + grass over them, and each bearing its cross and requiescat. A nun, veiled + in black, was kneeling hard by, at a sleeping sister's bedside (so fresh + made, that the spring had scarce had time to spin a coverlid for it); + beyond the cemetery walls you had glimpses of life and the world, and the + spires and gables of the city. A bird came down from a roof opposite, and + lit first on a cross, and then on the grass below it, whence it flew away + presently with a leaf in its mouth: then came a sound as of chanting, from + the chapel of the sisters hard by; others had long since filled the place + which poor Mary Magdeleine once had there, were kneeling at the same + stall, and hearing the same hymns and prayers in which her stricken heart + had found consolation. Might she sleep in peace—might she sleep in + peace; and we, too, when our struggles and pains are over! But the earth + is the Lord's as the heaven is; we are alike his creatures here and + yonder. I took a little flower off the hillock and kissed it, and went my + way, like the bird that had just lighted on the cross by me, back into the + world again. Silent receptacle of death; tranquil depth of calm, out of + reach of tempest and trouble! I felt as one who had been walking below the + sea, and treading amidst the bones of shipwrecks. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + THE CAMPAIGN OF 1707, 1708. + </h3> + <p> + During the whole of the year which succeeded that in which the glorious + battle of Ramillies had been fought, our army made no movement of + importance, much to the disgust of very many of our officers remaining + inactive in Flanders, who said that his Grace the Captain-General had had + fighting enough, and was all for money now, and the enjoyment of his five + thousand a year and his splendid palace at Woodstock, which was now being + built. And his Grace had sufficient occupation fighting his enemies at + home this year, where it began to be whispered that his favor was + decreasing, and his duchess losing her hold on the Queen, who was + transferring her royal affections to the famous Mrs. Masham, and Mrs. + Masham's humble servant, Mr. Harley. Against their intrigues, our Duke + passed a great part of his time intriguing. Mr. Harley was got out of + office, and his Grace, in so far, had a victory. But her Majesty, + convinced against her will, was of that opinion still, of which the poet + says people are when so convinced, and Mr. Harley before long had his + revenge. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the business of fighting did not go on any way to the + satisfaction of Marlborough's gallant lieutenants. During all 1707, with + the French before us, we had never so much as a battle; our army in Spain + was utterly routed at Almanza by the gallant Duke of Berwick; and we of + Webb's, which regiment the young Duke had commanded before his father's + abdication, were a little proud to think that it was our colonel who had + achieved this victory. “I think if I had had Galway's place, and my + Fusileers,” says our General, “we would not have laid down our arms, even + to our old colonel, as Galway did;” and Webb's officers swore if we had + had Webb, at least we would not have been taken prisoners. Our dear old + general talked incautiously of himself and of others; a braver or a more + brilliant soldier never lived than he; but he blew his honest trumpet + rather more loudly than became a commander of his station, and, mighty man + of valor as he was, shook his great spear and blustered before the army + too fiercely. + </p> + <p> + Mysterious Mr. Holtz went off on a secret expedition in the early part of + 1708, with great elation of spirits and a prophecy to Esmond that a + wonderful something was about to take place. This secret came out on my + friend's return to the army, whither he brought a most rueful and dejected + countenance, and owned that the great something he had been engaged upon + had failed utterly. He had been indeed with that luckless expedition of + the Chevalier de St. George, who was sent by the French king with ships + and an army from Dunkirk, and was to have invaded and conquered Scotland. + But that ill wind which ever opposed all the projects upon which the + Prince ever embarked, prevented the Chevalier's invasion of Scotland, as + 'tis known, and blew poor Monsieur von Holtz back into our camp again, to + scheme and foretell, and to pry about as usual. The Chevalier (the king of + England, as some of us held him) went from Dunkirk to the French army to + make the campaign against us. The Duke of Burgundy had the command this + year, having the Duke of Berry with him, and the famous Mareschal Vendosme + and the Duke of Matignon to aid him in the campaign. Holtz, who knew + everything that was passing in Flanders and France (and the Indies for + what I know), insisted that there would be no more fighting in 1708 than + there had been in the previous year, and that our commander had reasons + for keeping him quiet. Indeed, Esmond's general, who was known as a + grumbler, and to have a hearty mistrust of the great Duke, and hundreds + more officers besides, did not scruple to say that these private reasons + came to the Duke in the shape of crown-pieces from the French King, by + whom the Generalissimo was bribed to avoid a battle. There were plenty of + men in our lines, quidnuncs, to whom Mr. Webb listened only too willingly, + who could specify the exact sums the Duke got, how much fell to Cadogan's + share, and what was the precise fee given to Doctor Hare. + </p> + <p> + And the successes with which the French began the campaign of 1708 served + to give strength to these reports of treason, which were in everybody's + mouth. Our general allowed the enemy to get between us and Ghent, and + declined to attack him, though for eight and forty hours the armies were + in presence of each other. Ghent was taken, and on the same day Monsieur + de la Mothe summoned Bruges; and these two great cities fell into the + hands of the French without firing a shot. A few days afterwards La Mothe + seized upon the fort of Plashendall: and it began to be supposed that all + Spanish Flanders, as well as Brabant, would fall into the hands of the + French troops; when the Prince Eugene arrived from the Mozelle, and then + there was no more shilly-shallying. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Savoy always signalized his arrival at the army by a great + feast (my Lord Duke's entertainments were both seldom and shabby): and I + remember our general returning from this dinner with the two + commanders-in-chief; his honest head a little excited by wine, which was + dealt out much more liberally by the Austrian than by the English + commander:—“Now,” says my general, slapping the table, with an oath, + “he must fight; and when he is forced to it, d—- it, no man in + Europe can stand up against Jack Churchill.” Within a week the battle of + Oudenarde was fought, when, hate each other as they might, Esmond's + general and the Commander-in-Chief were forced to admire each other, so + splendid was the gallantry of each upon this day. + </p> + <p> + The brigade commanded by Major-General Webb gave and received about as + hard knocks as any that were delivered in that action, in which Mr. Esmond + had the fortune to serve at the head of his own company in his regiment, + under the command of their own Colonel as Major-General; and it was his + good luck to bring the regiment out of action as commander of it, the four + senior officers above him being killed in the prodigious slaughter which + happened on that day. I like to think that Jack Haythorn, who sneered at + me for being a bastard and a parasite of Webb's, as he chose to call me, + and with whom I had had words, shook hands with me the day before the + battle began. Three days before, poor Brace, our Lieutenant-Colonel, had + heard of his elder brother's death, and was heir to a baronetcy in + Norfolk, and four thousand a year. Fate, that had left him harmless + through a dozen campaigns, seized on him just as the world was worth + living for, and he went into action knowing, as he said, that the luck was + going to turn against him. The Major had just joined us—a creature + of Lord Marlborough, put in much to the dislike of the other officers, and + to be a spy upon us, as it was said. I know not whether the truth was so, + nor who took the tattle of our mess to headquarters, but Webb's regiment, + as its Colonel, was known to be in the Commander-in-Chief's black books: + “And if he did not dare to break it up at home,” our gallant old chief + used to say, “he was determined to destroy it before the enemy;” so that + poor Major Proudfoot was put into a post of danger. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's dear young Viscount, serving as aide-de-camp to my Lord Duke, + received a wound, and won an honorable name for himself in the Gazette; + and Captain Esmond's name was sent in for promotion by his General, too, + whose favorite he was. It made his heart beat to think that certain eyes + at home, the brightest in the world, might read the page on which his + humble services were recorded; but his mind was made up steadily to keep + out of their dangerous influence, and to let time and absence conquer that + passion he had still lurking about him. Away from Beatrix, it did not + trouble him; but he knew as certain that if he returned home, his fever + would break out again, and avoided Walcote as a Lincolnshire man avoids + returning to his fens, where he is sure that the ague is lying in wait for + him. + </p> + <p> + We of the English party in the army, who were inclined to sneer at + everything that came out of Hanover, and to treat as little better than + boors and savages the Elector's court and family, were yet forced to + confess that, on the day of Oudenarde, the young Electoral Prince, then + making his first campaign, conducted himself with the spirit and courage + of an approved soldier. On this occasion his Electoral Highness had better + luck than the King of England, who was with his cousins in the enemy's + camp, and had to run with them at the ignominious end of the day. With the + most consummate generals in the world before them, and an admirable + commander on their own side, they chose to neglect the councils, and to + rush into a combat with the former, which would have ended in the utter + annihilation of their army but for the great skill and bravery of the Duke + of Vendosme, who remedied, as far as courage and genius might, the + disasters occasioned by the squabbles and follies of his kinsmen, the + legitimate princes of the blood royal. + </p> + <p> + “If the Duke of Berwick had but been in the army, the fate of the day + would have been very different,” was all that poor Mr. von Holtz could + say; “and you would have seen that the hero of Almanza was fit to measure + swords with the conqueror of Blenheim.” + </p> + <p> + The business relative to the exchange of prisoners was always going on, + and was at least that ostensible one which kept Mr. Holtz perpetually on + the move between the forces of the French and the Allies. I can answer for + it, that he was once very near hanged as a spy by Major-General Wayne, + when he was released and sent on to head-quarters by a special order of + the Commander-in-Chief. He came and went, always favored, wherever he was, + by some high though occult protection. He carried messages between the + Duke of Berwick and his uncle, our Duke. He seemed to know as well what + was taking place in the Prince's quarter as our own: he brought the + compliments of the King of England to some of our officers, the gentlemen + of Webb's among the rest, for their behavior on that great day; and after + Wynendael, when our General was chafing at the neglect of our + Commander-in-Chief, he said he knew how that action was regarded by the + chiefs of the French army, and that the stand made before Wynendael wood + was the passage by which the Allies entered Lille. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” says Holtz (and some folks were very willing to listen to him), “if + the king came by his own, how changed the conduct of affairs would be! His + Majesty's very exile has this advantage, that he is enabled to read + England impartially, and to judge honestly of all the eminent men. His + sister is always in the hand of one greedy favorite or another, through + whose eyes she sees, and to whose flattery or dependants she gives away + everything. Do you suppose that his Majesty, knowing England so well as he + does, would neglect such a man as General Webb? He ought to be in the + House of Peers as Lord Lydiard. The enemy and all Europe know his merit; + it is that very reputation which certain great people, who hate all + equality and independence, can never pardon.” It was intended that these + conversations should be carried to Mr. Webb. They were welcome to him, for + great as his services were, no man could value them more than John + Richmond Webb did himself, and the differences between him and Marlborough + being notorious, his Grace's enemies in the army and at home began to + court Webb, and set him up against the all-grasping, domineering chief. + And soon after the victory of Oudenarde, a glorious opportunity fell into + General Webb's way, which that gallant warrior did not neglect, and which + gave him the means of immensely increasing his reputation at home. + </p> + <p> + After Oudenarde, and against the counsels of Marlborough, it was said, the + Prince of Savoy sat down before Lille, the capital of French Flanders, and + commenced that siege, the most celebrated of our time, and almost as + famous as the siege of Troy itself, for the feats of valor performed in + the assault and the defence. The enmity of the Prince of Savoy against the + French king was a furious personal hate, quite unlike the calm hostility + of our great English general, who was no more moved by the game of war + than that of billiards, and pushed forward his squadrons, and drove his + red battalions hither and thither as calmly as he would combine a stroke + or make a cannon with the balls. The game over (and he played it so as to + be pretty sure to win it), not the least animosity against the other party + remained in the breast of this consummate tactician. Whereas between the + Prince of Savoy and the French it was guerre a mort. Beaten off in one + quarter, as he had been at Toulon in the last year, he was back again on + another frontier of France, assailing it with his indefatigable fury. When + the Prince came to the army, the smouldering fires of war were lighted up + and burst out into a flame. Our phlegmatic Dutch allies were made to + advance at a quick march—our calm Duke forced into action. The + Prince was an army in himself against the French; the energy of his + hatred, prodigious, indefatigable—infectious over hundreds of + thousands of men. The Emperor's general was repaying, and with a + vengeance, the slight the French King had put upon the fiery little Abbe + of Savoy. Brilliant and famous as a leader himself, and beyond all measure + daring and intrepid, and enabled to cope with almost the best of those + famous men of war who commanded the armies of the French King, Eugene had + a weapon, the equal of which could not be found in France, since the + cannon-shot of Sasbach laid low the noble Turenne, and could hurl + Marlborough at the heads of the French host, and crush them as with a + rock, under which all the gathered strength of their strongest captains + must go down. + </p> + <p> + The English Duke took little part in that vast siege of Lille, which the + Imperial Generalissimo pursued with all his force and vigor, further than + to cover the besieging lines from the Duke of Burgundy's army, between + which and the Imperialists our Duke lay. Once, when Prince Eugene was + wounded, our Duke took his Highness's place in the trenches; but the siege + was with the Imperialists, not with us. A division under Webb and Rantzau + was detached into Artois and Picardy upon the most painful and odious + service that Mr. Esmond ever saw in the course of his military life. The + wretched towns of the defenceless provinces, whose young men had been + drafted away into the French armies, which year after year the insatiable + war devoured, were left at our mercy; and our orders were to show them + none. We found places garrisoned by invalids, and children and women; poor + as they were, and as the costs of this miserable war had made them, our + commission was to rob these almost starving wretches—to tear the + food out of their granaries, and strip them of their rags. 'Twas an + expedition of rapine and murder we were sent on: our soldiers did deeds + such as an honest man must blush to remember. We brought back money and + provisions in quantity to the Duke's camp; there had been no one to resist + us, and yet who dares to tell with what murder and violence, with what + brutal cruelty, outrage, insult, that ignoble booty had been ravished from + the innocent and miserable victims of the war? + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, gallantly as the operations before Lille had been conducted, + the Allies had made but little progress, and 'twas said when we returned + to the Duke of Marlborough's camp, that the siege would never be brought + to a satisfactory end, and that the Prince of Savoy would be forced to + raise it. My Lord Marlborough gave this as his opinion openly; those who + mistrusted him, and Mr. Esmond owns himself to be of the number, hinted + that the Duke had his reasons why Lille should not be taken, and that he + was paid to that end by the French King. If this was so, and I believe it, + General Webb had now a remarkable opportunity of gratifying his hatred of + the Commander-in-Chief, of balking that shameful avarice, which was one of + the basest and most notorious qualities of the famous Duke, and of showing + his own consummate skill as a commander. And when I consider all the + circumstances preceding the event which will now be related, that my Lord + Duke was actually offered certain millions of crowns provided that the + siege of Lille should be raised: that the Imperial army before it was + without provisions and ammunition, and must have decamped but for the + supplies that they received; that the march of the convoy destined to + relieve the siege was accurately known to the French; and that the force + covering it was shamefully inadequate to that end, and by six times + inferior to Count de la Mothe's army, which was sent to intercept the + convoy; when 'tis certain that the Duke of Berwick, De la Mothe's chief, + was in constant correspondence with his uncle, the English Generalissimo: + I believe on my conscience that 'twas my Lord Marlborough's intention to + prevent those supplies, of which the Prince of Savoy stood in absolute + need, from ever reaching his Highness; that he meant to sacrifice the + little army which covered this convoy, and to betray it as he had betrayed + Tollemache at Brest; as he had betrayed every friend he had, to further + his own schemes of avarice or ambition. But for the miraculous victory + which Esmond's general won over an army six or seven times greater than + his own, the siege of Lille must have been raised; and it must be + remembered that our gallant little force was under the command of a + general whom Marlborough hated, that he was furious with the conqueror, + and tried by the most open and shameless injustice afterwards to rob him + of the credit of his victory. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <h3> + GENERAL WEBB WINS THE BATTLE OF WYNENDAEL. + </h3> + <p> + By the besiegers and besieged of Lille, some of the most brilliant feats + of valor were performed that ever illustrated any war. On the French side + (whose gallantry was prodigious, the skill and bravery of Marshal + Boufflers actually eclipsing those of his conqueror, the Prince of Savoy) + may be mentioned that daring action of Messieurs de Luxembourg and + Tournefort, who, with a body of horse and dragoons, carried powder into + the town, of which the besieged were in extreme want, each soldier + bringing a bag with forty pounds of powder behind him; with which perilous + provision they engaged our own horse, faced the fire of the foot brought + out to meet them: and though half of the men were blown up in the dreadful + errand they rode on, a part of them got into the town with the succors of + which the garrison was so much in want. A French officer, Monsieur du + Bois, performed an act equally daring, and perfectly successful. The + Duke's great army lying at Helchin, and covering the siege, and it being + necessary for M. de Vendosme to get news of the condition of the place, + Captain Dubois performed his famous exploit: not only passing through the + lines of the siege, but swimming afterwards no less than seven moats and + ditches: and coming back the same way, swimming with his letters in his + mouth. + </p> + <p> + By these letters Monsieur de Boufflers said that he could undertake to + hold the place till October; and that if one of the convoys of the Allies + could be intercepted, they must raise the siege altogether. + </p> + <p> + Such a convoy as hath been said was now prepared at Ostend, and about to + march for the siege; and on the 27th September we (and the French too) had + news that it was on its way. It was composed of 700 wagons, containing + ammunition of all sorts, and was escorted out of Ostend by 2,000 infantry + and 300 horse. At the same time M. de la Mothe quitted Bruges, having with + him five-and-thirty battalions, and upwards of sixty squadrons and forty + guns, in pursuit of the convoy. + </p> + <p> + Major-General Webb had meanwhile made up a force of twenty battalions and + three squadrons of dragoons at Turout, whence he moved to cover the convoy + and pursue La Mothe: with whose advanced guard ours came up upon the great + plain of Turout, and before the little wood and castle of Wynendael; + behind which the convoy was marching. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they came in sight of the enemy, our advanced troops were + halted, with the wood behind them, and the rest of our force brought up as + quickly as possible, our little body of horse being brought forward to the + opening of the plain, as our General said, to amuse the enemy. When M. de + la Mothe came up, he found us posted in two lines in front of the wood; + and formed his own army in battle facing ours, in eight lines, four of + infantry in front, and dragoons and cavalry behind. + </p> + <p> + The French began the action, as usual, with a cannonade which lasted three + hours, when they made their attack, advancing in eight lines, four of foot + and four of horse, upon the allied troops in the wood where we were + posted. Their infantry behaved ill; they were ordered to charge with the + bayonet, but, instead, began to fire, and almost at the very first + discharge from our men, broke and fled. The cavalry behaved better; with + these alone, who were three or four times as numerous as our whole force, + Monsieur de la Mothe might have won victory: but only two of our + battalions were shaken in the least; and these speedily rallied: nor could + the repeated attacks of the French horse cause our troops to budge an inch + from the position in the wood in which our General had placed them. + </p> + <p> + After attacking for two hours, the French retired at nightfall entirely + foiled. With all the loss we had inflicted upon him, the enemy was still + three times stronger than we: and it could not be supposed that our + General could pursue M. de la Mothe, or do much more than hold our ground + about the wood, from which the Frenchman had in vain attempted to dislodge + us. La Mothe retired behind his forty guns, his cavalry protecting them + better than it had been enabled to annoy us; and meanwhile the convoy, + which was of more importance than all our little force, and the safe + passage of which we would have dropped to the last man to accomplish, + marched away in perfect safety during the action, and joyfully reached the + besieging camp before Lille. + </p> + <p> + Major-General Cadogan, my Lord Duke's Quarter-Master-General, (and between + whom and Mr. Webb there was no love lost), accompanied the convoy, and + joined Mr. Webb with a couple of hundred horse just as the battle was + over, and the enemy in full retreat. He offered, readily enough, to charge + with his horse upon the French as they fell back; but his force was too + weak to inflict any damage upon them; and Mr. Webb, commanding as + Cadogan's senior, thought enough was done in holding our ground before an + enemy that might still have overwhelmed us had we engaged him in the open + territory, and in securing the safe passage of the convoy. Accordingly, + the horse brought up by Cadogan did not draw a sword; and only prevented, + by the good countenance they showed, any disposition the French might have + had to renew the attack on us. And no attack coming, at nightfall General + Cadogan drew off with his squadron, being bound for head-quarters, the two + Generals at parting grimly saluting each other. + </p> + <p> + “He will be at Roncq time enough to lick my Lord Duke's trenchers at + supper,” says Mr. Webb. + </p> + <p> + Our own men lay out in the woods of Wynendael that night, and our General + had his supper in the little castle there. + </p> + <p> + “If I was Cadogan, I would have a peerage for this day's work,” General + Webb said; “and, Harry, thou shouldst have a regiment. Thou hast been + reported in the last two actions: thou wert near killed in the first. I + shall mention thee in my despatch to his Grace the Commander-in-Chief, and + recommend thee to poor Dick Harwood's vacant majority. Have you ever a + hundred guineas to give Cardonnel? Slip them into his hand to-morrow, when + you go to head-quarters with my report.” + </p> + <p> + In this report the Major-General was good enough to mention Captain + Esmond's name with particular favor; and that gentleman carried the + despatch to head-quarters the next day, and was not a little pleased to + bring back a letter by his Grace's secretary, addressed to + Lieutenant-General Webb. The Dutch officer despatched by Count Nassau + Woudenbourg, Vaelt-Mareschal Auverquerque's son, brought back also a + complimentary letter to his commander, who had seconded Mr. Webb in the + action with great valor and skill. + </p> + <p> + Esmond, with a low bow and a smiling face, presented his despatch, and + saluted Mr. Webb as Lieutenant-General, as he gave it in. The gentlemen + round about him—he was riding with his suite on the road to Menin as + Esmond came up with him—gave a cheer, and he thanked them, and + opened the despatch with rather a flushed, eager face. + </p> + <p> + He slapped it down on his boot in a rage after he had read it. “'Tis not + even writ with his own hand. Read it out, Esmond.” And Esmond read it out:— + </p> + <p> + “SIR,—Mr. Cadogan is just now come in, and has acquainted me with + the success of the action you had yesterday in the afternoon against the + body of troops commanded by M. de la Mothe, at Wynendael, which must be + attributed chiefly to your good conduct and resolution. You may be sure I + shall do you justice at home, and be glad on all occasions to own the + service you have done in securing this convoy.—Yours, &c., M.” + </p> + <p> + “Two lines by that d—d Cardonnel, and no more, for the taking of + Lille—for beating five times our number—for an action as + brilliant as the best he ever fought,” says poor Mr. Webb. + “Lieutenant-General! That's not his doing. I was the oldest major-general. + By ——, I believe he had been better pleased if I had been + beat.” + </p> + <p> + The letter to the Dutch officer was in French, and longer and more + complimentary than that to Mr. Webb. + </p> + <p> + “And this is the man,” he broke out, “that's gorged with gold—that's + covered with titles and honors that we won for him—and that grudges + even a line of praise to a comrade in arms! Hasn't he enough? Don't we + fight that he may roll in riches? Well, well, wait for the Gazette, + gentlemen. The Queen and the country will do us justice if his Grace + denies it us.” There were tears of rage in the brave warrior's eyes as he + spoke; and he dashed them off his face on to his glove. He shook his fist + in the air. “Oh, by the Lord!” says he, “I know what I had rather have + than a peerage!” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that, sir?” some of them asked. + </p> + <p> + “I had rather have a quarter of an hour with John Churchill, on a fair + green field, and only a pair of rapiers between my shirt and his—” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” interposes one. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him so! I know that's what you mean. I know every word goes to him + that's dropped from every general officer's mouth. I don't say he's not + brave. Curse him! he's brave enough; but we'll wait for the Gazette, + gentlemen. God save her Majesty! she'll do us justice.” + </p> + <p> + The Gazette did not come to us till a month afterwards; when my General + and his officers had the honor to dine with Prince Eugene in Lille; his + Highness being good enough to say that we had brought the provisions, and + ought to share in the banquet. 'Twas a great banquet. His Grace of + Marlborough was on his Highness's right, and on his left the Mareschal de + Boufflers, who had so bravely defended the place. The chief officers of + either army were present; and you may be sure Esmond's General was + splendid this day: his tall noble person, and manly beauty of face, made + him remarkable anywhere; he wore, for the first time, the star of the + Order of Generosity, that his Prussian Majesty had sent to him for his + victory. His Highness the Prince of Savoy called a toast to the conqueror + of Wynendael. My Lord Duke drank it with rather a sickly smile. The + aides-de-camp were present: and Harry Esmond and his dear young lord were + together, as they always strove to be when duty would permit: they were + over against the table where the generals were, and could see all that + passed pretty well. Frank laughed at my Lord Duke's glum face: the affair + of Wynendael, and the Captain-General's conduct to Webb, had been the talk + of the whole army. When his Highness spoke, and gave—“Le vainqueur + de Wynendael; son armee et sa victoire,” adding, “qui nous font diner a + Lille aujourd'huy”—there was a great cheer through the hall; for Mr. + Webb's bravery, generosity, and very weaknesses of character caused him to + be beloved in the army. + </p> + <p> + “Like Hector, handsome, and like Paris, brave!” whispers Frank Castlewood. + “A Venus, an elderly Venus, couldn't refuse him a pippin. Stand up, Harry. + See, we are drinking the army of Wynendael. Ramillies is nothing to it. + Huzzay! huzzay!” + </p> + <p> + At this very time, and just after our General had made his acknowledgment, + some one brought in an English Gazette—and was passing it from hand + to hand down the table. Officers were eager enough to read it; mothers and + sisters at home must have sickened over it. There scarce came out a + Gazette for six years that did not tell of some heroic death or some + brilliant achievement. + </p> + <p> + “Here it is—Action of Wynendael—here you are, General,” says + Frank, seizing hold of the little dingy paper that soldiers love to read + so; and, scrambling over from our bench, he went to where the General sat, + who knew him, and had seen many a time at his table his laughing, handsome + face, which everybody loved who saw. The generals in their great perukes + made way for him. He handed the paper over General Dohna's buff-coat to + our General on the opposite side. + </p> + <p> + He came hobbling back, and blushing at his feat: “I thought he'd like it, + Harry,” the young fellow whispered. “Didn't I like to read my name after + Ramillies, in the London Gazette?—Viscount Castlewood serving a + volunteer—I say, what's yonder?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Webb, reading the Gazette, looked very strange—slapped it down + on the table—then sprang up in his place, and began to—“Will + your Highness please to—” + </p> + <p> + His Grace the Duke of Marlborough here jumped up too—“There's some + mistake, my dear General Webb.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace had better rectify it,” says Mr. Webb, holding out the letter; + but he was five off his Grace the Prince Duke, who, besides, was higher + than the General (being seated with the Prince of Savoy, the Electoral + Prince of Hanover, and the envoys of Prussia and Denmark, under a + baldaquin), and Webb could not reach him, tall as he was. + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” says he, with a smile, as if catching at some idea, and then, with + a perfect courtesy, drawing his sword, he ran the Gazette through with the + point, and said, “Permit me to hand it to your Grace.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke looked very black. “Take it,” says he, to his Master of the + Horse, who was waiting behind him. + </p> + <p> + The Lieutenant-General made a very low bow, and retired and finished his + glass. The Gazette in which Mr. Cardonnel, the Duke's secretary, gave an + account of the victory of Wynendael, mentioned Mr. Webb's name, but gave + the sole praise and conduct of the action to the Duke's favorite, Mr. + Cadogan. + </p> + <p> + There was no little talk and excitement occasioned by this strange + behavior of General Webb, who had almost drawn a sword upon the + Commander-in-Chief; but the General, after the first outbreak of his + anger, mastered it outwardly altogether; and, by his subsequent behavior, + had the satisfaction of even more angering the Commander-in-Chief, than he + could have done by any public exhibition of resentment. + </p> + <p> + On returning to his quarters, and consulting with his chief adviser, Mr. + Esmond, who was now entirely in the General's confidence, and treated by + him as a friend, and almost a son, Mr. Webb writ a letter to his Grace the + Commander-in-Chief, in which he said:— + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace must be aware that the sudden perusal of the London Gazette, + in which your Grace's secretary, Mr. Cardonnel, hath mentioned + Major-General Cadogan's name as the officer commanding in the late action + of Wynendael, must have caused a feeling of anything but pleasure to the + General who fought that action. + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace must be aware that Mr. Cadogan was not even present at the + battle, though he arrived with squadrons of horse at its close, and put + himself under the command of his superior officer. And as the result of + the battle of Wynendael, in which Lieutenant-General Webb had the good + fortune to command, was the capture of Lille, the relief of Brussels, then + invested by the enemy under the Elector of Bavaria, the restoration of the + great cities of Ghent and Bruges, of which the enemy (by treason within + the walls) had got possession in the previous year, Mr. Webb cannot + consent to forego the honors of such a success and service, for the + benefit of Mr. Cadogan, or any other person. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the military operations of the year are over, + Lieutenant-General Webb will request permission to leave the army, and + return to his place in Parliament, where he gives notice to his Grace the + Commander-in Chief, that he shall lay his case before the House of + Commons, the country, and her Majesty the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “By his eagerness to rectify that false statement of the Gazette, which + had been written by his Grace's secretary, Mr. Cardonnel, Mr. Webb, not + being able to reach his Grace the Commander-in-Chief on account of the + gentlemen seated between them, placed the paper containing the false + statement on his sword, so that it might more readily arrive in the hands + of his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, who surely would wish to do justice + to every officer of his army. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Webb knows his duty too well to think of insubordination to his + superior officer, or of using his sword in a campaign against any but the + enemies of her Majesty. He solicits permission to return to England + immediately the military duties will permit, and take with him to England + Captain Esmond, of his regiment, who acted as his aide-de-camp, and was + present during the entire action, and noted by his watch the time when Mr. + Cadogan arrived at its close.” + </p> + <p> + The Commander-in-Chief could not but grant this permission, nor could he + take notice of Webb's letter, though it was couched in terms the most + insulting. Half the army believed that the cities of Ghent and Bruges were + given up by a treason, which some in our army very well understood; that + the Commander-in-Chief would not have relieved Lille if he could have + helped himself; that he would not have fought that year had not the Prince + of Savoy forced him. When the battle once began, then, for his own renown, + my Lord Marlborough would fight as no man in the world ever fought better; + and no bribe on earth could keep him from beating the enemy.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Our Grandfather's hatred of the Duke of Marlborough + appears all through his account of these campaigns. He + always persisted that the Duke was the greatest traitor and + soldier history ever told of: and declared that he took + bribes on all hands during the war. My Lord Marquis (for so + we may call him here, though he never went by any other name + than Colonel Esmond) was in the habit of telling many + stories which he did not set down in his memoirs, and which + he had from his friend the Jesuit, who was not always + correctly informed, and who persisted that Marlborough was + looking for a bribe of two millions of crowns before the + campaign of Ramillies. + + And our Grandmother used to tell us children, that on his + first presentation to my Lord duke, the Duke turned his back + upon my Grandfather; and said to the Duchess, who told my + lady dowager at Chelsey, who afterwards told Colonel Esmond + —“Tom Esmond's bastard has been to my levee: he has the + hang-dog look of his rogue of a father”—an expression which + my Grandfather never forgave. He was as constant in his + dislikes as in his attachments; and exceedingly partial to + Webb, whose side he took against the more celebrated + general. We have General Webb's portrait now at Castlewood, + Va. +</pre> + <p> + But the matter was taken up by the subordinates; and half the army might + have been by the ears, if the quarrel had not been stopped. General + Cadogan sent an intimation to General Webb to say that he was ready if + Webb liked, and would meet him. This was a kind of invitation our stout + old general was always too ready to accept, and 'twas with great + difficulty we got the General to reply that he had no quarrel with Mr. + Cadogan, who had behaved with perfect gallantry, but only with those at + head-quarters, who had belied him. Mr. Cardonnel offered General Webb + reparation; Mr. Webb said he had a cane at the service of Mr. Cardonnel, + and the only satisfaction he wanted from him was one he was not likely to + get, namely, the truth. The officers in our staff of Webb's, and those in + the immediate suite of the General, were ready to come to blows; and hence + arose the only affair in which Mr. Esmond ever engaged as principal, and + that was from a revengeful wish to wipe off an old injury. + </p> + <p> + My Lord Mohun, who had a troop in Lord Macclesfield's regiment of the + Horse Guards, rode this campaign with the Duke. He had sunk by this time + to the very worst reputation; he had had another fatal duel in Spain; he + had married, and forsaken his wife; he was a gambler, a profligate, and + debauchee. He joined just before Oudenarde; and, as Esmond feared, as soon + as Frank Castlewood heard of his arrival, Frank was for seeking him out, + and killing him. The wound my lord got at Oudenarde prevented their + meeting, but that was nearly healed, and Mr. Esmond trembled daily lest + any chance should bring his boy and this known assassin together. They met + at the mess-table of Handyside's regiment at Lille; the officer commanding + not knowing of the feud between the two noblemen. + </p> + <p> + Esmond had not seen the hateful handsome face of Mohun for nine years, + since they had met on that fatal night in Leicester Field. It was degraded + with crime and passion now; it wore the anxious look of a man who has + three deaths, and who knows how many hidden shames, and lusts, and crimes + on his conscience. He bowed with a sickly low bow, and slunk away when our + host presented us round to one another. Frank Castlewood had not known him + till then, so changed was he. He knew the boy well enough. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas curious to look at the two—especially the young man, whose + face flushed up when he heard the hated name of the other; and who said in + his bad French and his brave boyish voice—“He had long been anxious + to meet my Lord Mohun.” The other only bowed, and moved away from him. I + do him justice, he wished to have no quarrel with the lad. + </p> + <p> + Esmond put himself between them at table. “D—- it,” says Frank, “why + do you put yourself in the place of a man who is above you in degree? My + Lord Mohun should walk after me. I want to sit by my Lord Mohun.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond whispered to Lord Mohun, that Frank was hurt in the leg at + Oudenarde; and besought the other to be quiet. Quiet enough he was for + some time; disregarding the many taunts which young Castlewood flung at + him, until after several healths, when my Lord Mohun got to be rather in + liquor. + </p> + <p> + “Will you go away, my lord?” Mr. Esmond said to him, imploring him to quit + the table. + </p> + <p> + “No, by G—,” says my Lord Mohun. “I'll not go away for any man;” he + was quite flushed with wine by this time. + </p> + <p> + The talk got round to the affairs of yesterday. Webb had offered to + challenge the Commander-in-Chief: Webb had been ill-used: Webb was the + bravest, handsomest, vainest man in the army. Lord Mohun did not know that + Esmond was Webb's aide-de-camp. He began to tell some stories against the + General; which, from t'other side of Esmond, young Castlewood + contradicted. + </p> + <p> + “I can't bear any more of this,” says my Lord Mohun. + </p> + <p> + “Nor can I, my lord,” says Mr. Esmond, starting up. “The story my Lord + Mohun has told respecting General Webb is false, gentlemen—false, I + repeat,” and making a low bow to Lord Mohun, and without a single word + more, Esmond got up and left the dining-room. These affairs were common + enough among the military of those days. There was a garden behind the + house, and all the party turned instantly into it; and the two gentlemen's + coats were off and their points engaged within two minutes after Esmond's + words had been spoken. If Captain Esmond had put Mohun out of the world, + as he might, a villain would have been punished and spared further + villanies—but who is one man to punish another? I declare upon my + honor that my only thought was to prevent Lord Mohun from mischief with + Frank, and the end of this meeting was, that after half a dozen passes my + lord went home with a hurt which prevented him from lifting his right arm + for three months. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Harry! why didn't you kill the villain?” young Castlewood asked. “I + can't walk without a crutch: but I could have met him on horseback with + sword and pistol.” But Harry Esmond said, “'Twas best to have no man's + life on one's conscience, not even that villain's.” And this affair, which + did not occupy three minutes, being over, the gentlemen went back to their + wine, and my Lord Mohun to his quarters, where he was laid up with a fever + which had spared mischief had it proved fatal. And very soon after this + affair Harry Esmond and his General left the camp for London; whither a + certain reputation had preceded the Captain, for my Lady Castlewood of + Chelsey received him as if he had been a conquering hero. She gave a great + dinner to Mr. Webb, where the General's chair was crowned with laurels; + and her ladyship called Esmond's health in a toast, to which my kind + General was graciously pleased to bear the strongest testimony: and took + down a mob of at least forty coaches to cheer our General as he came out + of the House of Commons, the day when he received the thanks of Parliament + for his action. The mob huzza'd and applauded him, as well as the fine + company: it was splendid to see him waving his hat, and bowing, and laying + his hand upon his Order of Generosity. He introduced Mr. Esmond to Mr. St. + John and the Right Honorable Robert Harley, Esquire, as he came out of the + House walking between them; and was pleased to make many flattering + observations regarding Mr. Esmond's behavior during the three last + campaigns. + </p> + <p> + Mr. St. John (who had the most winning presence of any man I ever saw, + excepting always my peerless young Frank Castlewood) said he had heard of + Mr. Esmond before from Captain Steele, and how he had helped Mr. Addison + to write his famous poem of the “Campaign.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twas as great an achievement as the victory of Blenheim itself,” Mr. + Harley said, who was famous as a judge and patron of letters, and so, + perhaps, it may be—though for my part I think there are twenty + beautiful lines, but all the rest is commonplace, and Mr. Addison's hymn + worth a thousand such poems. + </p> + <p> + All the town was indignant at my Lord Duke's unjust treatment of General + Webb, and applauded the vote of thanks which the House of Commons gave to + the General for his victory at Wynendael. 'Tis certain that the capture of + Lille was the consequence of that lucky achievement, and the humiliation + of the old French King, who was said to suffer more at the loss of this + great city, than from any of the former victories our troops had won over + him. And, I think, no small part of Mr. Webb's exultation at his victory + arose from the idea that Marlborough had been disappointed of a great + bribe the French King had promised him, should the siege be raised. The + very sum of money offered to him was mentioned by the Duke's enemies; and + honest Mr. Webb chuckled at the notion, not only of beating the French, + but of beating Marlborough too, and intercepting a convoy of three + millions of French crowns, that were on their way to the Generalissimo's + insatiable pockets. When the General's lady went to the Queen's + drawing-room, all the Tory women crowded round her with congratulations, + and made her a train greater than the Duchess of Marlborough's own. Feasts + were given to the General by all the chiefs of the Tory party, who vaunted + him as the Duke's equal in military skill; and perhaps used the worthy + soldier as their instrument, whilst he thought they were but acknowledging + his merits as a commander. As the General's aide-de-camp and favorite + officer, Mr. Esmond came in for a share of his chief's popularity, and was + presented to her Majesty, and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, + at the request of his grateful chief. + </p> + <p> + We may be sure there was one family in which any good fortune that + happened to Esmond caused such a sincere pride and pleasure, that he, for + his part, was thankful he could make them so happy. With these fond + friends, Blenheim and Oudenarde seemed to be mere trifling incidents of + the war; and Wynendael was its crowning victory. Esmond's mistress never + tired to hear accounts of the battle; and I think General Webb's lady grew + jealous of her, for the General was for ever at Kensington, and talking on + that delightful theme. As for his aide-de-camp, though, no doubt, Esmond's + own natural vanity was pleased at the little share of reputation which his + good fortune had won him, yet it was chiefly precious to him (he may say + so, now that he hath long since outlived it,) because it pleased his + mistress, and, above all, because Beatrix valued it. + </p> + <p> + As for the old Dowager of Chelsey, never was an old woman in all England + more delighted nor more gracious than she. Esmond had his quarters in her + ladyship's house, where the domestics were instructed to consider him as + their master. She bade him give entertainments, of which she defrayed the + charges, and was charmed when his guests were carried away tipsy in their + coaches. She must have his picture taken; and accordingly he was painted + by Mr. Jervas, in his red coat, and smiling upon a bomb-shell, which was + bursting at the corner of the piece. She vowed that unless he made a great + match, she should never die easy, and was for ever bringing young ladies + to Chelsey, with pretty faces and pretty fortunes, at the disposal of the + Colonel. He smiled to think how times were altered with him, and of the + early days in his father's lifetime, when a trembling page he stood before + her, with her ladyship's basin and ewer, or crouched in her coach-step. + The only fault she found with him was, that he was more sober than an + Esmond ought to be; and would neither be carried to bed by his valet, nor + lose his heart to any beauty, whether of St. James's or Covent Garden. + </p> + <p> + What is the meaning of fidelity in love, and whence the birth of it? 'Tis + a state of mind that men fall into, and depending on the man rather than + the woman. We love being in love, that's the truth on't. If we had not met + Joan, we should have met Kate, and adored her. We know our mistresses are + no better than many other women, nor no prettier, nor no wiser, nor no + wittier. 'Tis not for these reasons we love a woman, or for any special + quality or charm I know of; we might as well demand that a lady should be + the tallest woman in the world, like the Shropshire giantess,* as that she + should be a paragon in any other character, before we began to love her. + Esmond's mistress had a thousand faults beside her charms; he knew both + perfectly well! She was imperious, she was light-minded, she was flighty, + she was false, she had no reverence in her character; she was in + everything, even in beauty, the contrast of her mother, who was the most + devoted and the least selfish of women. Well, from the very first moment + he saw her on the stairs at Walcote, Esmond knew he loved Beatrix. There + might be better women—he wanted that one. He cared for none other. + Was it because she was gloriously beautiful? Beautiful as she was, he had + heard people say a score of times in their company that Beatrix's mother + looked as young, and was the handsomer of the two. Why did her voice + thrill in his ear so? She could not sing near so well as Nicolini or Mrs. + Tofts; nay, she sang out of tune, and yet he liked to hear her better than + St. Cecilia. She had not a finer complexion than Mrs. Steele, (Dick's + wife, whom he had now got, and who ruled poor Dick with a rod of pickle,) + and yet to see her dazzled Esmond; he would shut his eyes, and the thought + of her dazzled him all the same. She was brilliant and lively in talk, but + not so incomparably witty as her mother, who, when she was cheerful, said + the finest things; but yet to hear her, and to be with her, was Esmond's + greatest pleasure. Days passed away between him and these ladies, he + scarce knew how. He poured his heart out to them, so as he never could in + any other company, where he hath generally passed for being moody, or + supercilious and silent. This society** was more delightful than that of + the greatest wits to him. May heaven pardon him the lies he told the + Dowager at Chelsey, in order to get a pretext for going away to + Kensington: the business at the Ordnance which he invented; the interview + with his General, the courts and statesmen's levees which he DIDN'T + frequent and describe; who wore a new suit on Sunday at St. James's or at + the Queen's birthday; how many coaches filled the street at Mr. Harley's + levee; how many bottles he had had the honor to drink over-night with Mr. + St. John at the “Cocoa-Tree,” or at the “Garter” with Mr. Walpole and Mr. + Steele. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * 'Tis not thus WOMAN LOVES: Col. E. hath owned to this + folly for a SCORE OF WOMEN besides.—R. + + ** And, indeed, so was his to them, a thousand thousand + times more charming, for where was his equal?—R. +</pre> + <p> + Mistress Beatrix Esmond had been a dozen times on the point of making + great matches, so the Court scandal said; but for his part Esmond never + would believe the stories against her; and came back, after three years' + absence from her, not so frantic as he had been perhaps, but still + hungering after her and no other; still hopeful, still kneeling, with his + heart in his hand for the young lady to take. We were now got to 1709. She + was near twenty-two years old, and three years at Court, and without a + husband. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis not for want of being asked,” Lady Castlewood said, looking into + Esmond's heart, as she could, with that perceptiveness affection gives. + “But she will make no mean match, Harry: she will not marry as I would + have her; the person whom I should like to call my son, and Henry Esmond + knows who that is, is best served by my not pressing his claim. Beatrix is + so wilful, that what I would urge on her, she would be sure to resist. The + man who would marry her, will not be happy with her, unless he be a great + person, and can put her in a great position. Beatrix loves admiration more + than love; and longs, beyond all things, for command. Why should a mother + speak so of her child? You are my son, too, Harry. You should know the + truth about your sister. I thought you might cure yourself of your + passion,” my lady added, fondly. “Other people can cure themselves of that + folly, you know. But I see you are still as infatuated as ever. When we + read your name in the Gazette, I pleaded for you, my poor boy. Poor boy, + indeed! You are growing a grave old gentleman, now, and I am an old woman. + She likes your fame well enough, and she likes your person. She says you + have wit, and fire, and good-breeding, and are more natural than the fine + gentlemen of the Court. But this is not enough. She wants a + commander-in-chief, and not a colonel. Were a duke to ask her, she would + leave an earl whom she had promised. I told you so before. I know not how + my poor girl is so worldly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” says Esmond, “a man can but give his best and his all. She has + that from me. What little reputation I have won, I swear I cared for it + because I thought Beatrix would be pleased with it. What care I to be a + colonel or a general? Think you 'twill matter a few score years hence, + what our foolish honors to-day are? I would have had a little fame, that + she might wear it in her hat. If I had anything better, I would endow her + with it. If she wants my life, I would give it her. If she marries + another, I will say God bless him. I make no boast, nor no complaint. I + think my fidelity is folly, perhaps. But so it is. I cannot help myself. I + love her. You are a thousand times better: the fondest, the fairest, the + dearest of women. Sure, my dear lady, I see all Beatrix's faults as well + as you do. But she is my fate. 'Tis endurable. I shall not die for not + having her. I think I should be no happier if I won her. Que voulez-vous? + as my Lady of Chelsey would say. Je l'aime.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish she would have you,” said Harry's fond mistress, giving a hand to + him. He kissed the fair hand ('twas the prettiest dimpled little hand in + the world, and my Lady Castlewood, though now almost forty years old, did + not look to be within ten years of her age). He kissed and kept her fair + hand, as they talked together. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” says he, “should she hear me? She knows what I would say. Far or + near, she knows I'm her slave. I have sold myself for nothing, it may be. + Well, 'tis the price I choose to take. I am worth nothing, or I am worth + all.” + </p> + <p> + “You are such a treasure,” Esmond's mistress was pleased to say, “that the + woman who has your love, shouldn't change it away against a kingdom, I + think. I am a country-bred woman, and cannot say but the ambitions of the + town seem mean to me. I never was awe-stricken by my Lady Duchess's rank + and finery, or afraid,” she added, with a sly laugh, “of anything but her + temper. I hear of Court ladies who pine because her Majesty looks cold on + them; and great noblemen who would give a limb that they might wear a + garter on the other. This worldliness, which I can't comprehend, was born + with Beatrix, who, on the first day of her waiting, was a perfect + courtier. We are like sisters, and she the eldest sister, somehow. She + tells me I have a mean spirit. I laugh, and say she adores a + coach-and-six. I cannot reason her out of her ambition. 'Tis natural to + her, as to me to love quiet, and be indifferent about rank and riches. + What are they, Harry? and for how long do they last? Our home is not + here.” She smiled as she spoke, and looked like an angel that was only on + earth on a visit. “Our home is where the just are, and where our sins and + sorrows enter not. My father used to rebuke me, and say that I was too + hopeful about heaven. But I cannot help my nature, and grow obstinate as I + grow to be an old woman; and as I love my children so, sure our Father + loves us with a thousand and a thousand times greater love. It must be + that we shall meet yonder, and be happy. Yes, you—and my children, + and my dear lord. Do you know, Harry, since his death, it has always + seemed to me as if his love came back to me, and that we are parted no + more. Perhaps he is here now, Harry—I think he is. Forgiven I am + sure he is: even Mr. Atterbury absolved him, and he died forgiving. Oh, + what a noble heart he had! How generous he was! I was but fifteen and a + child when he married me. How good he was to stoop to me! He was always + good to the poor and humble.” She stopped, then presently, with a peculiar + expression, as if her eyes were looking into heaven, and saw my lord + there, she smiled, and gave a little laugh. “I laugh to see you, sir,” she + says; “when you come, it seems as if you never were away.” One may put her + words down, and remember them, but how describe her sweet tones, sweeter + than music! + </p> + <p> + My young lord did not come home at the end of the campaign, and wrote that + he was kept at Bruxelles on military duty. Indeed, I believe he was + engaged in laying siege to a certain lady, who was of the suite of Madame + de Soissons, the Prince of Savoy's mother, who was just dead, and who, + like the Flemish fortresses, was taken and retaken a great number of times + during the war, and occupied by French, English, and Imperialists. Of + course, Mr. Esmond did not think fit to enlighten Lady Castlewood + regarding the young scapegrace's doings: nor had he said a word about the + affair with Lord Mohun, knowing how abhorrent that man's name was to his + mistress. Frank did not waste much time or money on pen and ink; and, when + Harry came home with his General, only writ two lines to his mother, to + say his wound in the leg was almost healed, that he would keep his coming + of age next year—that the duty aforesaid would keep him at + Bruxelles, and that Cousin Harry would tell all the news. + </p> + <p> + But from Bruxelles, knowing how the Lady Castlewood always liked to have a + letter about the famous 29th of December, my lord writ her a long and full + one, and in this he must have described the affair with Mohun; for when + Mr. Esmond came to visit his mistress one day, early in the new year, to + his great wonderment, she and her daughter both came up and saluted him, + and after them the Dowager of Chelsey, too, whose chairman had just + brought her ladyship from her village to Kensington across the fields. + After this honor, I say, from the two ladies of Castlewood, the Dowager + came forward in great state, with her grand tall head-dress of King + James's reign, that, she never forsook, and said, “Cousin Henry, all our + family have met; and we thank you, cousin, for your noble conduct towards + the head of our house.” And pointing to her blushing cheek, she made Mr. + Esmond aware that he was to enjoy the rapture of an embrace there. Having + saluted one cheek, she turned to him the other. “Cousin Harry,” said both + the other ladies, in a little chorus, “we thank you for your noble + conduct;” and then Harry became aware that the story of the Lille affair + had come to his kinswomen's ears. It pleased him to hear them all saluting + him as one of their family. + </p> + <p> + The tables of the dining-room were laid for a great entertainment; and the + ladies were in gala dresses—my Lady of Chelsey in her highest tour, + my Lady Viscountess out of black, and looking fair and happy a ravir; and + the Maid of Honor attired with that splendor which naturally distinguished + her, and wearing on her beautiful breast the French officer's star which + Frank had sent home after Ramillies. + </p> + <p> + “You see, 'tis a gala day with us,” says she, glancing down to the star + complacently, “and we have our orders on. Does not mamma look charming? + 'Twas I dressed her!” Indeed, Esmond's dear mistress, blushing as he + looked at her, with her beautiful fair hair, and an elegant dress + according to the mode, appeared to have the shape and complexion of a girl + of twenty. + </p> + <p> + On the table was a fine sword, with a red velvet scabbard, and a beautiful + chased silver handle, with a blue ribbon for a sword-knot. “What is this?” + says the Captain, going up to look at this pretty piece. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beatrix advanced towards it. “Kneel down,” says she: “we dub you our + knight with this”—and she waved the sword over his head. “My Lady + Dowager hath given the sword; and I give the ribbon, and mamma hath sewn + on the fringe.” + </p> + <p> + “Put the sword on him, Beatrix,” says her mother. “You are our knight, + Harry—our true knight. Take a mother's thanks and prayers for + defending her son, my dear, dear friend.” She could say no more, and even + the Dowager was affected, for a couple of rebellious tears made sad marks + down those wrinkled old roses which Esmond had just been allowed to + salute. + </p> + <p> + “We had a letter from dearest Frank,” his mother said, “three days since, + whilst you were on your visit to your friend Captain Steele, at Hampton. + He told us all that you had done, and how nobly you had put yourself + between him and that—that wretch.” + </p> + <p> + “And I adopt you from this day,” says the Dowager, “and I wish I was + richer, for your sake, son Esmond,” she added with a wave of her hand; and + as Mr. Esmond dutifully went down on his knee before her ladyship, she + cast her eyes up to the ceiling, (the gilt chandelier, and the twelve + wax-candles in it, for the party was numerous,) and invoked a blessing + from that quarter upon the newly adopted son. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Frank,” says the other viscountess, “how fond he is of his military + profession! He is studying fortification very hard. I wish he were here. + We shall keep his coming of age at Castlewood next year.” + </p> + <p> + “If the campaign permit us,” says Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “I am never afraid when he is with you,” cries the boy's mother. “I am + sure my Henry will always defend him.” + </p> + <p> + “But there will be a peace before next year; we know it for certain,” + cries the Maid of Honor. “Lord Marlborough will be dismissed, and that + horrible duchess turned out of all her places. Her Majesty won't speak to + her now. Did you see her at Bushy, Harry? She is furious, and she ranges + about the park like a lioness, and tears people's eyes out.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Princess Anne will send for somebody,” says my Lady of Chelsey, + taking out her medal and kissing it. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the King at Oudenarde, Harry?” his mistress asked. She was a + staunch Jacobite, and would no more have thought of denying her king than + her God. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the young Hanoverian only,” Harry said. “The Chevalier de St. + George—” + </p> + <p> + “The King, sir, the King!” said the ladies and Miss Beatrix; and she + clapped her pretty hands, and cried, “Vive le Roy.” + </p> + <p> + By this time there came a thundering knock, that drove in the doors of the + house almost. It was three o'clock, and the company were arriving; and + presently the servant announced Captain Steele and his lady. + </p> + <p> + Captain and Mrs. Steele, who were the first to arrive, had driven to + Kensington from their country-house, the Hovel at Hampton Wick. “Not from + our mansion in Bloomsbury Square,” as Mrs. Steele took care to inform the + ladies. Indeed Harry had ridden away from Hampton that very morning, + leaving the couple by the ears; for from the chamber where he lay, in a + bed that was none of the cleanest, and kept awake by the company which he + had in his own bed, and the quarrel which was going on in the next room, + he could hear both night and morning the curtain lecture which Mrs. Steele + was in the habit of administering to poor Dick. + </p> + <p> + At night it did not matter so much for the culprit; Dick was fuddled, and + when in that way no scolding could interrupt his benevolence. Mr. Esmond + could hear him coaxing and speaking in that maudlin manner, which punch + and claret produce, to his beloved Prue, and beseeching her to remember + that there was a distiwisht officer ithe rex roob, who would overhear her. + She went on, nevertheless, calling him a drunken wretch, and was only + interrupted in her harangues by the Captain's snoring. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, the unhappy victim awoke to a headache, and consciousness, + and the dialogue of the night was resumed. “Why do you bring captains home + to dinner when there's not a guinea in the house? How am I to give dinners + when you leave me without a shilling? How am I to go traipsing to + Kensington in my yellow satin sack before all the fine company? I've + nothing fit to put on; I never have:” and so the dispute went on—Mr. + Esmond interrupting the talk when it seemed to be growing too intimate by + blowing his nose as loudly as ever he could, at the sound of which trumpet + there came a lull. But Dick was charming, though his wife was odious, and + 'twas to give Mr. Steele pleasure, that the ladies of Castlewood, who were + ladies of no small fashion, invited Mrs. Steele. + </p> + <p> + Besides the Captain and his lady, there was a great and notable assemblage + of company: my Lady of Chelsey having sent her lackeys and liveries to aid + the modest attendance at Kensington. There was Lieutenant-General Webb, + Harry's kind patron, of whom the Dowager took possession, and who + resplended in velvet and gold lace; there was Harry's new acquaintance, + the Right Honorable Henry St. John, Esquire, the General's kinsman, who + was charmed with the Lady Castlewood, even more than with her daughter; + there was one of the greatest noblemen in the kingdom, the Scots Duke of + Hamilton, just created Duke of Brandon in England; and two other noble + lords of the Tory party, my Lord Ashburnham, and another I have forgot; + and for ladies, her Grace the Duchess of Ormonde and her daughters, the + Lady Mary and the Lady Betty, the former one of Mistress Beatrix's + colleagues in waiting on the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “What a party of Tories!” whispered Captain Steele to Esmond, as we were + assembled in the parlor before dinner. Indeed, all the company present, + save Steele, were of that faction. + </p> + <p> + Mr. St. John made his special compliments to Mrs. Steele, and so charmed + her that she declared she would have Steele a Tory too. + </p> + <p> + “Or will you have me a Whig?” says Mr. St. John. “I think, madam, you + could convert a man to anything.” + </p> + <p> + “If Mr. St. John ever comes to Bloomsbury Square I will teach him what I + know,” says Mrs. Steele, dropping her handsome eyes. “Do you know + Bloomsbury Square?” + </p> + <p> + “Do I know the Mall? Do I know the Opera? Do I know the reigning toast? + Why, Bloomsbury is the very height of the mode,” says Mr. St. John. “'Tis + rus in urbe. You have gardens all the way to Hampstead, and palaces round + about you—Southampton House and Montague House.” + </p> + <p> + “Where you wretches go and fight duels,” cries Mrs. Steele. + </p> + <p> + “Of which the ladies are the cause!” says her entertainer. “Madam, is Dick + a good swordsman? How charming the 'Tatler' is! We all recognized your + portrait in the 49th number, and I have been dying to know you ever since + I read it. 'Aspasia must be allowed to be the first of the beauteous order + of love.' Doth not the passage run so? 'In this accomplished lady love is + the constant effect, though it is never the design; yet though her mien + carries much more invitation than command, to behold her is an immediate + check to loose behavior, and to love her is a liberal education.'” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed!” says Mrs. Steele, who did not seem to understand a word of + what the gentleman was saying. + </p> + <p> + “Who could fail to be accomplished under such a mistress?” says Mr. St. + John, still gallant and bowing. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress! upon my word, sir!” cries the lady. “If you mean me, sir, I + would have you know that I am the Captain's wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure we all know it,” answers Mr. St. John, keeping his countenance very + gravely; and Steele broke in saying, “'Twas not about Mrs. Steele I writ + that paper—though I am sure she is worthy of any compliment I can + pay her—but of the Lady Elizabeth Hastings.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear Mr. Addison is equally famous as a wit and a poet,” says Mr. St. + John. “Is it true that his hand is to be found in your 'Tatler,' Mr. + Steele?” + </p> + <p> + “Whether 'tis the sublime or the humorous, no man can come near him,” + cries Steele. + </p> + <p> + “A fig, Dick, for your Mr. Addison!” cries out his lady: “a gentleman who + gives himself such airs and holds his head so high now. I hope your + ladyship thinks as I do: I can't bear those very fair men with white + eyelashes—a black man for me.” (All the black men at table + applauded, and made Mrs. Steele a bow for this compliment.) “As for this + Mr. Addison,” she went on, “he comes to dine with the Captain sometimes, + never says a word to me, and then they walk up stairs both tipsy, to a + dish of tea. I remember your Mr. Addison when he had but one coat to his + back, and that with a patch at the elbow.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed—a patch at the elbow! You interest me,” says Mr. St. John. + “'Tis charming to hear of one man of letters from the charming wife of + another.” + </p> + <p> + “La, I could tell you ever so much about 'em,” continues the voluble lady. + “What do you think the Captain has got now?—a little hunchback + fellow—a little hop-o'-my-thumb creature that he calls a poet—a + little Popish brat!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, there are two in the room,” whispers her companion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I call him Popish because his name is Pope,” says the lady. “'Tis + only my joking way. And this little dwarf of a fellow has wrote a pastoral + poem—all about shepherds and shepherdesses, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “A shepherd should have a little crook,” says my mistress, laughing from + her end of the table: on which Mrs. Steele said, “She did not know, but + the Captain brought home this queer little creature when she was in bed + with her first boy, and it was a mercy he had come no sooner; and Dick + raved about his genus, and was always raving about some nonsense or + other.” + </p> + <p> + “Which of the 'Tatlers' do you prefer, Mrs. Steele?” asked Mr. St. John. + </p> + <p> + “I never read but one, and think it all a pack of rubbish, sir,” says the + lady. “Such stuff about Bickerstaffe, and Distaff, and Quarterstaff, as it + all is! There's the Captain going on still with the Burgundy—I know + he'll be tipsy before he stops—Captain Steele!” + </p> + <p> + “I drink to your eyes, my dear,” says the Captain, who seemed to think his + wife charming, and to receive as genuine all the satiric compliments which + Mr. St. John paid her. + </p> + <p> + All this while the Maid of Honor had been trying to get Mr. Esmond to + talk, and no doubt voted him a dull fellow. For, by some mistake, just as + he was going to pop into the vacant place, he was placed far away from + Beatrix's chair, who sat between his Grace and my Lord Ashburnham, and + shrugged her lovely white shoulders, and cast a look as if to say, “Pity + me,” to her cousin. My Lord Duke and his young neighbor were presently in + a very animated and close conversation. Mrs. Beatrix could no more help + using her eyes than the sun can help shining, and setting those it shines + on a-burning. By the time the first course was done the dinner seemed long + to Esmond; by the time the soup came he fancied they must have been hours + at table: and as for the sweets and jellies he thought they never would be + done. + </p> + <p> + At length the ladies rose, Beatrix throwing a Parthian glance at her duke + as she retreated; a fresh bottle and glasses were fetched, and toasts were + called. Mr. St. John asked his Grace the Duke of Hamilton and the company + to drink to the health of his Grace the Duke of Brandon. Another lord gave + General Webb's health, “and may he get the command the bravest officer in + the world deserves.” Mr. Webb thanked the company, complimented his + aide-de-camp, and fought his famous battle over again. + </p> + <p> + “Il est fatiguant,” whispers Mr. St. John, “avec sa trompette de + Wynendael.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Steele, who was not of our side, loyally gave the health of the + Duke of Marlborough, the greatest general of the age. + </p> + <p> + “I drink to the greatest general with all my heart,” says Mr. Webb; “there + can be no gainsaying that character of him. My glass goes to the General, + and not to the Duke, Mr. Steele.” And the stout old gentleman emptied his + bumper; to which Dick replied by filling and emptying a pair of brimmers, + one for the General and one for the Duke. + </p> + <p> + And now his Grace of Hamilton, rising up with flashing eyes (we had all + been drinking pretty freely), proposed a toast to the lovely, to the + incomparable Mrs. Beatrix Esmond; we all drank it with cheers, and my Lord + Ashburnham especially, with a shout of enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity there is a Duchess of Hamilton,” whispers St. John, who drank + more wine and yet was more steady than most of the others, and we entered + the drawing-room where the ladies were at their tea. As for poor Dick, we + were obliged to leave him alone at the dining-table, where he was + hiccupping out the lines from the “Campaign,” in which the greatest poet + had celebrated the greatest general in the world; and Harry Esmond found + him, half an hour afterwards, in a more advanced stage of liquor, and + weeping about the treachery of Tom Boxer. + </p> + <p> + The drawing-room was all dark to poor Harry, in spite of the grand + illumination. Beatrix scarce spoke to him. When my Lord Duke went away, + she practised upon the next in rank, and plied my young Lord Ashburnham + with all the fire of her eyes and the fascinations of her wit. Most of the + party were set to cards, and Mr. St. John, after yawning in the face of + Mrs. Steele, whom he did not care to pursue any more; and talking in his + most brilliant animated way to Lady Castlewood, whom he pronounced to be + beautiful, of a far higher order of beauty than her daughter, presently + took his leave, and went his way. The rest of the company speedily + followed, my Lord Ashburnham the last, throwing fiery glances at the + smiling young temptress, who had bewitched more hearts than his in her + thrall. + </p> + <p> + No doubt, as a kinsman of the house, Mr. Esmond thought fit to be the last + of all in it; he remained after the coaches had rolled away—after + his dowager aunt's chair and flambeaux had marched off in the darkness + towards Chelsey, and the town's people had gone to bed, who had been drawn + into the square to gape at the unusual assemblage of chairs and chariots, + lackeys, and torchmen. The poor mean wretch lingered yet for a few + minutes, to see whether the girl would vouchsafe him a smile, or a parting + word of consolation. But her enthusiasm of the morning was quite died out, + or she chose to be in a different mood. She fell to joking about the dowdy + appearance of Lady Betty, and mimicked the vulgarity of Mrs. Steele; and + then she put up her little hand to her mouth and yawned, lighted a taper, + and shrugged her shoulders, and dropping Mr. Esmond a saucy curtsy, sailed + off to bed. + </p> + <p> + “The day began so well, Henry, that I hoped it might have ended better,” + was all the consolation that poor Esmond's fond mistress could give him; + and as he trudged home through the dark alone, he thought with bitter rage + in his heart, and a feeling of almost revolt against the sacrifice he had + made:—“She would have me,” thought he, “had I but a name to give + her. But for my promise to her father, I might have my rank and my + mistress too.” + </p> + <p> + I suppose a man's vanity is stronger than any other passion in him; for I + blush, even now, as I recall the humiliation of those distant days, the + memory of which still smarts, though the fever of balked desire has passed + away more than a score of years ago. When the writer's descendants come to + read this memoir, I wonder will they have lived to experience a similar + defeat and shame? Will they ever have knelt to a woman who has listened to + them, and played with them, and laughed with them—who beckoning them + with lures and caresses, and with Yes smiling from her eyes, has tricked + them on to their knees, and turned her back and left them. All this shame + Mr. Esmond had to undergo; and he submitted, and revolted, and presently + came crouching back for more. + </p> + <p> + After this feste, my young Lord Ashburnham's coach was for ever rolling in + and out of Kensington Square; his lady-mother came to visit Esmond's + mistress, and at every assembly in the town, wherever the Maid of Honor + made her appearance, you might be pretty sure to see the young gentleman + in a new suit every week, and decked out in all the finery that his tailor + or embroiderer could furnish for him. My lord was for ever paying Mr. + Esmond compliments: bidding him to dinner, offering him horses to ride, + and giving him a thousand uncouth marks of respect and good-will. At last, + one night at the coffee-house, whither my lord came considerably flushed + and excited with drink, he rushes up to Mr. Esmond, and cries out—“Give + me joy, my dearest Colonel; I am the happiest of men.” + </p> + <p> + “The happiest of men needs no dearest colonel to give him joy,” says Mr. + Esmond. “What is the cause of this supreme felicity?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you heard?” says he. “Don't you know? I thought the family told + you everything: the adorable Beatrix hath promised to be mine.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cries out Mr. Esmond, who had spent happy hours with Beatrix that + very morning—had writ verses for her, that she had sung at the + harpsichord. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” says he; “I waited on her to-day. I saw you walking towards + Knightsbridge as I passed in my coach; and she looked so lovely, and spoke + so kind, that I couldn't help going down on my knees, and—and—sure + I am the happiest of men in all the world; and I'm very young; but she + says I shall get older: and you know I shall be of age in four months; and + there's very little difference between us; and I'm so happy. I should like + to treat the company to something. Let us have a bottle—a dozen + bottles—and drink the health of the finest woman in England.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond left the young lord tossing off bumper after bumper, and strolled + away to Kensington to ask whether the news was true. 'Twas only too sure: + his mistress's sad, compassionate face told him the story; and then she + related what particulars of it she knew, and how my young lord had made + his offer, half an hour after Esmond went away that morning, and in the + very room where the song lay yet on the harpsichord, which Esmond had + writ, and they had sung together. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. + </h2> + <h3> + CONTAINING THE END OF MR. ESMOND'S ADVENTURES IN ENGLAND. + </h3> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + I COME TO AN END OF MY BATTLES AND BRUISES. + </h3> + <p> + That feverish desire to gain a little reputation which Esmond had had, + left him now perhaps that he had attained some portion of his wish, and + the great motive of his ambition was over. His desire for military honor + was that it might raise him in Beatrix's eyes. 'Twas next to nobility and + wealth, the only kind of rank she valued. It was the stake quickest won or + lost too; for law is a very long game that requires a life to practise; + and to be distinguished in letters or the Church would not have forwarded + the poor gentleman's plans in the least. So he had no suit to play but the + red one, and he played it; and this, in truth, was the reason of his + speedy promotion; for he exposed himself more than most gentlemen do, and + risked more to win more. Is he the only man that hath set his life against + a stake which may be not worth the winning? Another risks his life (and + his honor, too, sometimes,) against a bundle of bank-notes, or a yard of + blue ribbon, or a seat in Parliament; and some for the mere pleasure and + excitement of the sport; as a field of a hundred huntsmen will do, each + out-bawling and out-galloping the other at the tail of a dirty fox, that + is to be the prize of the foremost happy conqueror. + </p> + <p> + When he heard this news of Beatrix's engagement in marriage, Colonel + Esmond knocked under to his fate, and resolved to surrender his sword, + that could win him nothing now he cared for; and in this dismal frame of + mind he determined to retire from the regiment, to the great delight of + the captain next in rank to him, who happened to be a young gentleman of + good fortune, who eagerly paid Mr. Esmond a thousand guineas for his + majority in Webb's regiment, and was knocked on the head the next + campaign. Perhaps Esmond would not have been sorry to share his fate. He + was more the Knight of the Woful Countenance than ever he had been. His + moodiness must have made him perfectly odious to his friends under the + tents, who like a jolly fellow, and laugh at a melancholy warrior always + sighing after Dulcinea at home. + </p> + <p> + Both the ladies of Castlewood approved of Mr. Esmond quitting the army, + and his kind General coincided in his wish of retirement and helped in the + transfer of his commission, which brought a pretty sum into his pocket. + But when the Commander-in-Chief came home, and was forced, in spite of + himself, to appoint Lieutenant-General Webb to the command of a division + of the army in Flanders, the Lieutenant-General prayed Colonel Esmond so + urgently to be his aide-de-camp and military secretary, that Esmond could + not resist his kind patron's entreaties, and again took the field, not + attached to any regiment, but under Webb's orders. What must have been the + continued agonies of fears* and apprehensions which racked the gentle + breasts of wives and matrons in those dreadful days, when every Gazette + brought accounts of deaths and battles, and when the present anxiety over, + and the beloved person escaped, the doubt still remained that a battle + might be fought, possibly, of which the next Flanders letter would bring + the account; so they, the poor tender creatures, had to go on sickening + and trembling through the whole campaign. Whatever these terrors were on + the part of Esmond's mistress, (and that tenderest of women must have felt + them most keenly for both her sons, as she called them), she never allowed + them outwardly to appear, but hid her apprehension, as she did her + charities and devotion. 'Twas only by chance that Esmond, wandering in + Kensington, found his mistress coming out of a mean cottage there, and + heard that she had a score of poor retainers, whom she visited and + comforted in their sickness and poverty, and who blessed her daily. She + attended the early church daily (though of a Sunday, especially, she + encouraged and advanced all sorts of cheerfulness and innocent gayety in + her little household): and by notes entered into a table-book of hers at + this time, and devotional compositions writ with a sweet artless fervor, + such as the best divines could not surpass, showed how fond her heart was, + how humble and pious her spirit, what pangs of apprehension she endured + silently, and with what a faithful reliance she committed the care of + those she loved to the awful Dispenser of death and life. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * What indeed? Psm. xci. 2, 3, 7.—R. E. +</pre> + <p> + As for her ladyship at Chelsey, Esmond's newly adopted mother, she was now + of an age when the danger of any second party doth not disturb the rest + much. She cared for trumps more than for most things in life. She was firm + enough in her own faith, but no longer very bitter against ours. She had a + very good-natured, easy French director, Monsieur Gauthier by name, who + was a gentleman of the world, and would take a hand of cards with Dean + Atterbury, my lady's neighbor at Chelsey, and was well with all the High + Church party. No doubt Monsieur Gauthier knew what Esmond's peculiar + position was, for he corresponded with Holt, and always treated Colonel + Esmond with particular respect and kindness; but for good reasons the + Colonel and the Abbe never spoke on this matter together, and so they + remained perfect good friends. + </p> + <p> + All the frequenters of my Lady of Chelsey's house were of the Tory and + High Church party. Madame Beatrix was as frantic about the King as her + elderly kinswoman: she wore his picture on her heart; she had a piece of + his hair; she vowed he was the most injured, and gallant, and + accomplished, and unfortunate, and beautiful of princes. Steele, who + quarrelled with very many of his Tory friends, but never with Esmond, used + to tell the Colonel that his kinswoman's house was a rendezvous of Tory + intrigues; that Gauthier was a spy; that Atterbury was a spy; that letters + were constantly going from that house to the Queen at St. Germains; on + which Esmond, laughing, would reply, that they used to say in the army the + Duke of Marlborough was a spy too, and as much in correspondence with that + family as any Jesuit. And without entering very eagerly into the + controversy, Esmond had frankly taken the side of his family. It seemed to + him that King James the Third was undoubtedly King of England by right: + and at his sister's death it would be better to have him than a foreigner + over us. No man admired King William more; a hero and a conqueror, the + bravest, justest, wisest of men—but 'twas by the sword he conquered + the country, and held and governed it by the very same right that the + great Cromwell held it, who was truly and greatly a sovereign. But that a + foreign despotic Prince, out of Germany, who happened to be descended from + King James the First, should take possession of this empire, seemed to Mr. + Esmond a monstrous injustice—at least, every Englishman had a right + to protest, and the English Prince, the heir-at-law, the first of all. + What man of spirit with such a cause would not back it? What man of honor + with such a crown to win would not fight for it? But that race was + destined. That Prince had himself against him, an enemy he could not + overcome. He never dared to draw his sword, though he had it. He let his + chances slip by as he lay in the lap of opera-girls, or snivelled at the + knees of priests asking pardon; and the blood of heroes, and the + devotedness of honest hearts, and endurance, courage, fidelity, were all + spent for him in vain. + </p> + <p> + But let us return to my Lady of Chelsey, who, when her son Esmond + announced to her ladyship that he proposed to make the ensuing campaign, + took leave of him with perfect alacrity, and was down to piquet with her + gentlewoman before he had well quitted the room on his last visit. “Tierce + to a king,” were the last words he ever heard her say: the game of life + was pretty nearly over for the good lady, and three months afterwards she + took to her bed, where she flickered out without any pain, so the Abbe + Gauthier wrote over to Mr. Esmond, then with his General on the frontier + of France. The Lady Castlewood was with her at her ending, and had written + too, but these letters must have been taken by a privateer in the packet + that brought them; for Esmond knew nothing of their contents until his + return to England. + </p> + <p> + My Lady Castlewood had left everything to Colonel Esmond, “as a reparation + for the wrong done to him;” 'twas writ in her will. But her fortune was + not much, for it never had been large, and the honest viscountess had + wisely sunk most of the money she had upon an annuity which terminated + with her life. However, there was the house and furniture, plate and + pictures at Chelsey, and a sum of money lying at her merchant's, Sir + Josiah Child, which altogether would realize a sum of near three hundred + pounds per annum, so that Mr. Esmond found himself, if not rich, at least + easy for life. Likewise there were the famous diamonds which had been said + to be worth fabulous sums, though the goldsmith pronounced they would + fetch no more than four thousand pounds. These diamonds, however, Colonel + Esmond reserved, having a special use for them: but the Chelsey house, + plate, goods, &c., with the exception of a few articles which he kept + back, were sold by his orders; and the sums resulting from the sale + invested in the public securities so as to realize the aforesaid annual + income of three hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + Having now something to leave, he made a will and despatched it home. The + army was now in presence of the enemy; and a great battle expected every + day. 'Twas known that the General-in-Chief was in disgrace, and the + parties at home strong against him, and there was no stroke this great and + resolute player would not venture to recall his fortune when it seemed + desperate. Frank Castlewood was with Colonel Esmond; his General having + gladly taken the young nobleman on to his staff. His studies of + fortifications at Bruxelles were over by this time. The fort he was + besieging had yielded, I believe, and my lord had not only marched in with + flying colors, but marched out again. He used to tell his boyish + wickednesses with admirable humor, and was the most charming young + scapegrace in the army. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis needless to say that Colonel Esmond had left every penny of his + little fortune to this boy. It was the Colonel's firm conviction that the + next battle would put an end to him: for he felt aweary of the sun, and + quite ready to bid that and the earth farewell. Frank would not listen to + his comrade's gloomy forebodings, but swore they would keep his birthday + at Castlewood that autumn, after the campaign. He had heard of the + engagement at home. “If Prince Eugene goes to London,” says Frank, “and + Trix can get hold of him, she'll jilt Ashburnham for his Highness. I tell + you, she used to make eyes at the Duke of Marlborough, when she was only + fourteen, and ogling poor little Blandford. I wouldn't marry her, Harry—no, + not if her eyes were twice as big. I'll take my fun. I'll enjoy for the + next three years every possible pleasure. I'll sow my wild oats then, and + marry some quiet, steady, modest, sensible viscountess; hunt my harriers; + and settle down at Castlewood. Perhaps I'll represent the county—no, + damme, YOU shall represent the county. You have the brains of the family. + By the Lord, my dear old Harry, you have the best head and the kindest + heart in all the army; and every man says so—and when the Queen + dies, and the King comes back, why shouldn't you go to the House of + Commons, and be a Minister, and be made a Peer, and that sort of thing? + YOU be shot in the next action! I wager a dozen of Burgundy you are not + touched. Mohun is well of his wound. He is always with Corporal John now. + As soon as ever I see his ugly face I'll spit in it. I took lessons of + Father—of Captain Holt at Bruxelles. What a man that is! He knows + everything.” Esmond bade Frank have a care; that Father Holt's knowledge + was rather dangerous; not, indeed, knowing as yet how far the Father had + pushed his instructions with his young pupil. + </p> + <p> + The gazetteers and writers, both of the French and English side, have + given accounts sufficient of that bloody battle of Blarignies or + Malplaquet, which was the last and the hardest earned of the victories of + the great Duke of Marlborough. In that tremendous combat near upon two + hundred and fifty thousand men were engaged, more than thirty thousand of + whom were slain or wounded (the Allies lost twice as many men as they + killed of the French, whom they conquered): and this dreadful slaughter + very likely took place because a great general's credit was shaken at + home, and he thought to restore it by a victory. If such were the motives + which induced the Duke of Marlborough to venture that prodigious stake, + and desperately sacrifice thirty thousand brave lives, so that he might + figure once more in a Gazette, and hold his places and pensions a little + longer, the event defeated the dreadful and selfish design, for the + victory was purchased at a cost which no nation, greedy of glory as it may + be, would willingly pay for any triumph. The gallantry of the French was + as remarkable as the furious bravery of their assailants. We took a few + score of their flags, and a few pieces of their artillery; but we left + twenty thousand of the bravest soldiers of the world round about the + intrenched lines, from which the enemy was driven. He retreated in perfect + good order; the panic-spell seemed to be broke, under which the French had + labored ever since the disaster of Hochstedt; and, fighting now on the + threshold of their country, they showed an heroic ardor of resistance, + such as had never met us in the course of their aggressive war. Had the + battle been more successful, the conqueror might have got the price for + which he waged it. As it was, (and justly, I think,) the party adverse to + the Duke in England were indignant at the lavish extravagance of + slaughter, and demanded more eagerly than ever the recall of a chief whose + cupidity and desperation might urge him further still. After this bloody + fight of Malplaquet, I can answer for it, that in the Dutch quarters and + our own, and amongst the very regiments and commanders whose gallantry was + most conspicuous upon this frightful day of carnage, the general cry was, + that there was enough of the war. The French were driven back into their + own boundary, and all their conquests and booty of Flanders disgorged. As + for the Prince of Savoy, with whom our Commander-in-Chief, for reasons of + his own, consorted more closely than ever, 'twas known that he was + animated not merely by a political hatred, but by personal rage against + the old French King: the Imperial Generalissimo never forgot the slight + put by Lewis upon the Abbe de Savoie; and in the humiliation or ruin of + his most Christian Majesty, the Holy Roman Emperor found his account. But + what were these quarrels to us, the free citizens of England and Holland! + Despot as he was, the French monarch was yet the chief of European + civilization, more venerable in his age and misfortunes than at the period + of his most splendid successes; whilst his opponent was but a + semi-barbarous tyrant, with a pillaging, murderous horde of Croats and + Pandours, composing a half of his army, filling our camp with their + strange figures, bearded like the miscreant Turks their neighbors, and + carrying into Christian warfare their native heathen habits of rapine, + lust, and murder. Why should the best blood in England and France be shed + in order that the Holy Roman and Apostolic master of these ruffians should + have his revenge over the Christian king? And it was to this end we were + fighting; for this that every village and family in England was deploring + the death of beloved sons and fathers. We dared not speak to each other, + even at table, of Malplaquet, so frightful were the gaps left in our army + by the cannon of that bloody action. 'Twas heartrending for an officer who + had a heart to look down his line on a parade-day afterwards, and miss + hundreds of faces of comrades—humble or of high rank—that had + gathered but yesterday full of courage and cheerfulness round the torn and + blackened flags. Where were our friends? As the great Duke reviewed us, + riding along our lines with his fine suite of prancing aides-de-camp and + generals, stopping here and there to thank an officer with those eager + smiles and bows of which his Grace was always lavish, scarce a huzzah + could be got for him, though Cadogan, with an oath, rode up and cried—“D—n + you, why don't you cheer?” But the men had no heart for that: not one of + them but was thinking, “Where's my comrade?—where's my brother that + fought by me, or my dear captain that led me yesterday?” 'Twas the most + gloomy pageant I ever looked on; and the “Te Deum” sung by our chaplains, + the most woful and dreary satire. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's General added one more to the many marks of honor which he had + received in the front of a score of battles, and got a wound in the groin, + which laid him on his back; and you may be sure he consoled himself by + abusing the Commander-in-Chief, as he lay groaning,—“Corporal John's + as fond of me,” he used to say, “as King David was of General Uriah; and + so he always gives me the post of danger.” He persisted, to his dying day, + in believing that the Duke intended he should be beat at Wynendael, and + sent him purposely with a small force, hoping that he might be knocked on + the head there. Esmond and Frank Castlewood both escaped without hurt, + though the division which our General commanded suffered even more than + any other, having to sustain not only the fury of the enemy's cannonade, + which was very hot and well served, but the furious and repeated charges + of the famous Maison du Roy, which we had to receive and beat off again + and again, with volleys of shot and hedges of iron, and our four lines of + musqueteers and pikemen. They said the King of England charged us no less + than twelve times that day, along with the French Household. Esmond's late + regiment, General Webb's own Fusileers, served in the division which their + colonel commanded. The General was thrice in the centre of the square of + the Fusileers, calling the fire at the French charges, and, after the + action, his Grace the Duke of Berwick sent his compliments to his old + regiment and their Colonel for their behavior on the field. + </p> + <p> + We drank my Lord Castlewood's health and majority, the 25th of September, + the army being then before Mons: and here Colonel Esmond was not so + fortunate as he had been in actions much more dangerous, and was hit by a + spent ball just above the place where his former wound was, which caused + the old wound to open again, fever, spitting of blood, and other ugly + symptoms, to ensue; and, in a word, brought him near to death's door. The + kind lad, his kinsman, attended his elder comrade with a very praiseworthy + affectionateness and care until he was pronounced out of danger by the + doctors, when Frank went off, passed the winter at Bruxelles, and + besieged, no doubt, some other fortress there. Very few lads would have + given up their pleasures so long and so gayly as Frank did; his cheerful + prattle soothed many long days of Esmond's pain and languor. Frank was + supposed to be still at his kinsman's bedside for a month after he had + left it, for letters came from his mother at home full of thanks to the + younger gentleman for his care of his elder brother (so it pleased + Esmond's mistress now affectionately to style him); nor was Mr. Esmond in + a hurry to undeceive her, when the good young fellow was gone for his + Christmas holiday. It was as pleasant to Esmond on his couch to watch the + young man's pleasure at the idea of being free, as to note his simple + efforts to disguise his satisfaction on going away. There are days when a + flask of champagne at a cabaret, and a red-cheeked partner to share it, + are too strong temptations for any young fellow of spirit. I am not going + to play the moralist, and cry “Fie.” For ages past, I know how old men + preach, and what young men practise; and that patriarchs have had their + weak moments too, long since Father Noah toppled over after discovering + the vine. Frank went off, then, to his pleasures at Bruxelles, in which + capital many young fellows of our army declared they found infinitely + greater diversion even than in London: and Mr. Henry Esmond remained in + his sick-room, where he writ a fine comedy, that his mistress pronounced + to be sublime, and that was acted no less than three successive nights in + London in the next year. + </p> + <p> + Here, as he lay nursing himself, ubiquitous Mr. Holt reappeared, and + stopped a whole month at Mons, where he not only won over Colonel Esmond + to the King's side in politics (that side being always held by the Esmond + family); but where he endeavored to reopen the controversial question + between the churches once more, and to recall Esmond to that religion in + which, in his infancy, he had been baptized. Holt was a casuist, both + dexterous and learned, and presented the case between the English church + and his own in such a way that those who granted his premises ought + certainly to allow his conclusions. He touched on Esmond's delicate state + of health, chance of dissolution, and so forth; and enlarged upon the + immense benefits that the sick man was likely to forego—benefits + which the church of England did not deny to those of the Roman communion, + as how should she, being derived from that church, and only an offshoot + from it? But Mr. Esmond said that his church was the church of his + country, and to that he chose to remain faithful: other people were + welcome to worship and to subscribe any other set of articles, whether at + Rome or at Augsburg. But if the good Father meant that Esmond should join + the Roman communion for fear of consequences, and that all England ran the + risk of being damned for heresy, Esmond, for one, was perfectly willing to + take his chance of the penalty along with the countless millions of his + fellow-countrymen, who were bred in the same faith, and along with some of + the noblest, the truest, the purest, the wisest, the most pious and + learned men and women in the world. + </p> + <p> + As for the political question, in that Mr. Esmond could agree with the + Father much more readily, and had come to the same conclusion, though, + perhaps, by a different way. The right divine, about which Dr. Sacheverel + and the High Church party in England were just now making a bother, they + were welcome to hold as they chose. If Richard Cromwell, and his father + before him had been crowned and anointed (and bishops enough would have + been found to do it), it seemed to Mr. Esmond that they would have had the + right divine just as much as any Plantagenet, or Tudor, or Stuart. But the + desire of the country being unquestionably for an hereditary monarchy, + Esmond thought an English king out of St. Germains was better and fitter + than a German prince from Herrenhausen, and that if he failed to satisfy + the nation, some other Englishman might be found to take his place; and + so, though with no frantic enthusiasm, or worship of that monstrous + pedigree which the Tories chose to consider divine, he was ready to say, + “God save King James!” when Queen Anne went the way of kings and + commoners. + </p> + <p> + “I fear, Colonel, you are no better than a republican at heart,” says the + priest with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “I am an Englishman,” says Harry, “and take my country as I find her. The + will of the nation being for church and king, I am for church and king + too; but English church and English king; and that is why your church + isn't mine, though your king is.” + </p> + <p> + Though they lost the day at Malplaquet, it was the French who were elated + by that action, whilst the conquerors were dispirited, by it; and the + enemy gathered together a larger army than ever, and made prodigious + efforts for the next campaign. Marshal Berwick was with the French this + year; and we heard that Mareschal Villars was still suffering of his + wound, was eager to bring our Duke to action, and vowed he would fight us + in his coach. Young Castlewood came flying back from Bruxelles, as soon as + he heard that fighting was to begin; and the arrival of the Chevalier de + St. George was announced about May. “It's the King's third campaign, and + it's mine,” Frank liked saying. He was come back a greater Jacobite than + ever, and Esmond suspected that some fair conspirators at Bruxelles had + been inflaming the young man's ardor. Indeed, he owned that he had a + message from the Queen, Beatrix's godmother, who had given her name to + Frank's sister the year before he and his sovereign were born. + </p> + <p> + However desirous Marshal Villars might be to fight, my Lord Duke did not + seem disposed to indulge him this campaign. Last year his Grace had been + all for the Whigs and Hanoverians; but finding, on going to England, his + country cold towards himself, and the people in a ferment of High Church + loyalty, the Duke comes back to his army cooled towards the Hanoverians, + cautious with the Imperialists, and particularly civil and polite towards + the Chevalier de St. George. 'Tis certain that messengers and letters were + continually passing between his Grace and his brave nephew, the Duke of + Berwick, in the opposite camp. No man's caresses were more opportune than + his Grace's, and no man ever uttered expressions of regard and affection + more generously. He professed to Monsieur de Torcy, so Mr. St. John told + the writer, quite an eagerness to be cut in pieces for the exiled Queen + and her family; nay more, I believe, this year he parted with a portion of + the most precious part of himself—his money—which he sent over + to the royal exiles. Mr. Tunstal, who was in the Prince's service, was + twice or thrice in and out of our camp; the French, in theirs of Arlieu + and about Arras. A little river, the Canihe I think 'twas called, (but + this is writ away from books and Europe; and the only map the writer hath + of these scenes of his youth, bears no mark of this little stream,) + divided our pickets from the enemy's. Our sentries talked across the + stream, when they could make themselves understood to each other, and when + they could not, grinned, and handed each other their brandy-flasks or + their pouches of tobacco. And one fine day of June, riding thither with + the officer who visited the outposts, (Colonel Esmond was taking an airing + on horseback, being too weak for military duty,) they came to this river, + where a number of English and Scots were assembled, talking to the + good-natured enemy on the other side. + </p> + <p> + Esmond was especially amused with the talk of one long fellow, with a + great curling red moustache, and blue eyes, that was half a dozen inches + taller than his swarthy little comrades on the French side of the stream, + and being asked by the Colonel, saluted him, and said that he belonged to + the Royal Cravats. + </p> + <p> + From his way of saying “Royal Cravat,” Esmond at once knew that the + fellow's tongue had first wagged on the banks of the Liffey, and not the + Loire; and the poor soldier—a deserter probably—did not like + to venture very deep into French conversation, lest his unlucky brogue + should peep out. He chose to restrict himself to such few expressions in + the French language as he thought he had mastered easily; and his attempt + at disguise was infinitely amusing. Mr. Esmond whistled Lillibullero, at + which Teague's eyes began to twinkle, and then flung him a dollar, when + the poor boy broke out with a “God bless—that is, Dieu benisse votre + honor,” that would infallibly have sent him to the provost-marshal had he + been on our side of the river. + </p> + <p> + Whilst this parley was going on, three officers on horseback, on the + French side, appeared at some little distance, and stopped as if eying us, + when one of them left the other two, and rode close up to us who were by + the stream. “Look, look!” says the Royal Cravat, with great agitation, + “pas lui, that's he; not him, l'autre,” and pointed to the distant officer + on a chestnut horse, with a cuirass shining in the sun, and over it a + broad blue ribbon. + </p> + <p> + “Please to take Mr. Hamilton's services to my Lord Marlborough—my + Lord Duke,” says the gentleman in English: and, looking to see that the + party were not hostilely disposed, he added, with a smile, “There's a + friend of yours, gentlemen, yonder; he bids me to say that he saw some of + your faces on the 11th of September last year.” + </p> + <p> + As the gentleman spoke, the other two officers rode up, and came quite + close. We knew at once who it was. It was the King, then two-and-twenty + years old, tall and slim, with deep brown eyes, that looked melancholy, + though his lips wore a smile. We took off our hats and saluted him. No + man, sure, could see for the first time, without emotion, the youthful + inheritor of so much fame and misfortune. It seemed to Mr. Esmond that the + Prince was not unlike young Castlewood, whose age and figure he resembled. + The Chevalier de St. George acknowledged the salute, and looked at us + hard. Even the idlers on our side of the river set up a hurrah. As for the + Royal Cravat, he ran to the Prince's stirrup, knelt down and kissed his + boot, and bawled and looked a hundred ejaculations and blessings. The + prince bade the aide-de-camp give him a piece of money; and when the party + saluting us had ridden away, Cravat spat upon the piece of gold by way of + benediction, and swaggered away, pouching his coin and twirling his honest + carroty moustache. + </p> + <p> + The officer in whose company Esmond was, the same little captain of + Handyside's regiment, Mr. Sterne, who had proposed the garden at Lille, + when my Lord Mohun and Esmond had their affair, was an Irishman too, and + as brave a little soul as ever wore a sword. “Bedad,” says Roger Sterne, + “that long fellow spoke French so beautiful that I shouldn't have known he + wasn't a foreigner, till he broke out with his hulla-ballooing, and only + an Irish calf can bellow like that.” And Roger made another remark in his + wild way, in which there was sense as well as absurdity—“If that + young gentleman,” says he, “would but ride over to our camp, instead of + Villars's, toss up his hat and say, 'Here am I, the King, who'll follow + me?' by the Lord, Esmond, the whole army would rise and carry him home + again, and beat Villars, and take Paris by the way.” + </p> + <p> + The news of the Prince's visit was all through the camp quickly, and + scores of ours went down in hopes to see him. Major Hamilton, whom we had + talked with, sent back by a trumpet several silver pieces for officers + with us. Mr. Esmond received one of these; and that medal, and a + recompense not uncommon amongst Princes, were the only rewards he ever had + from a Royal person, whom he endeavored not very long after to serve. + </p> + <p> + Esmond quitted the army almost immediately after this, following his + general home; and, indeed, being advised to travel in the fine weather and + attempt to take no further part in the campaign. But he heard from the + army, that of the many who crowded to see the Chevalier de St. George, + Frank Castlewood had made himself most conspicuous: my Lord Viscount + riding across the little stream bareheaded to where the Prince was, and + dismounting and kneeling before him to do him homage. Some said that the + Prince had actually knighted him, but my lord denied that statement, + though he acknowledged the rest of the story, and said:—“From having + been out of favor with Corporal John,” as he called the Duke, “before his + Grace warned him not to commit those follies, and smiled on him cordially + ever after.” + </p> + <p> + “And he was so kind to me,” Frank writ, “that I thought I would put in a + good word for Master Harry, but when I mentioned your name he looked as + black as thunder, and said he had never heard of you.” + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + I GO HOME, AND HARP ON THE OLD STRING. + </h3> + <p> + After quitting Mons and the army, and as he was waiting for a packet at + Ostend, Esmond had a letter from his young kinsman Castlewood at + Bruxelles, conveying intelligence whereof Frank besought him to be the + bearer to London, and which caused Colonel Esmond no small anxiety. + </p> + <p> + The young scapegrace, being one-and-twenty years old, and being anxious to + sow his “wild otes,” as he wrote, had married Mademoiselle de Wertheim, + daughter of Count de Wertheim, Chamberlain to the Emperor, and having a + post in the Household of the Governor of the Netherlands. “P.S.,” the + young gentleman wrote: “Clotilda is OLDER THAN ME, which perhaps may be + objected to her: but I am so OLD A RAIK that the age makes no difference, + and I am DETERMINED to reform. We were married at St. Gudule, by Father + Holt. She is heart and soul for the GOOD CAUSE. And here the cry is + Vif-le-Roy, which my mother will JOIN IN, and Trix TOO. Break this news to + 'em gently: and tell Mr. Finch, my agent, to press the people for their + rents, and send me the RYNO anyhow. Clotilda sings, and plays on the + Spinet BEAUTIFULLY. She is a fair beauty. And if it's a son, you shall + stand GODFATHER. I'm going to leave the army, having had ENUF OF + SOLDERING; and my Lord Duke RECOMMENDS me. I shall pass the winter here: + and stop at least until Clo's lying in. I call her OLD CLO, but nobody + else shall. She is the cleverest woman in all Bruxelles: understanding + painting, music, poetry, and perfect at COOKERY AND PUDDENS. I borded with + the Count, that's how I came to know her. There are four Counts her + brothers. One an Abbey—three with the Prince's army. They have a + lawsuit for AN IMMENCE FORTUNE: but are now in a PORE WAY. Break this to + mother, who'll take anything from YOU. And write, and bid Finch write + AMEDIATELY. Hostel de l'Aigle Noire, Bruxelles, Flanders.” + </p> + <p> + So Frank had married a Roman Catholic lady, and an heir was expected, and + Mr. Esmond was to carry this intelligence to his mistress at London. 'Twas + a difficult embassy; and the Colonel felt not a little tremor as he neared + the capital. + </p> + <p> + He reached his inn late, and sent a messenger to Kensington to announce + his arrival and visit the next morning. The messenger brought back news + that the Court was at Windsor, and the fair Beatrix absent and engaged in + her duties there. Only Esmond's mistress remained in her house at + Kensington. She appeared in court but once in the year; Beatrix was quite + the mistress and ruler of the little mansion, inviting the company + thither, and engaging in every conceivable frolic of town pleasure. Whilst + her mother, acting as the young lady's protectress and elder sister, + pursued her own path, which was quite modest and secluded. + </p> + <p> + As soon as ever Esmond was dressed (and he had been awake long before the + town), he took a coach for Kensington, and reached it so early that he met + his dear mistress coming home from morning prayers. She carried her + prayer-book, never allowing a footman to bear it, as everybody else did: + and it was by this simple sign Esmond knew what her occupation had been. + He called to the coachman to stop, and jumped out as she looked towards + him. She wore her hood as usual, and she turned quite pale when she saw + him. To feel that kind little hand near to his heart seemed to give him + strength. They were soon at the door of her ladyship's house—and + within it. + </p> + <p> + With a sweet sad smile she took his hand and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “How ill you have been: how weak you look, my dear Henry,” she said. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis certain the Colonel did look like a ghost, except that ghosts do not + look very happy, 'tis said. Esmond always felt so on returning to her + after absence, indeed whenever he looked in her sweet kind face. + </p> + <p> + “I am come back to be nursed by my family,” says he. “If Frank had not + taken care of me after my wound, very likely I should have gone + altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Frank, good Frank!” says his mother. “You'll always be kind to him, + my lord,” she went on. “The poor child never knew he was doing you a + wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord!” cries out Colonel Esmond. “What do you mean, dear lady?” + </p> + <p> + “I am no lady,” says she; “I am Rachel Esmond, Francis Esmond's widow, my + lord. I cannot bear that title. Would we never had taken it from him who + has it now. But we did all in our power, Henry: we did all in our power; + and my lord and I—that is—” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you this tale, dearest lady?” asked the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Have you not had the letter I writ you? I writ to you at Mons directly I + heard it,” says Lady Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “And from whom?” again asked Colonel Esmond—and his mistress then + told him that on her death-bed the Dowager Countess, sending for her, had + presented her with this dismal secret as a legacy. “'Twas very malicious + of the Dowager,” Lady Esmond said, “to have had it so long, and to have + kept the truth from me.” “Cousin Rachel,” she said,—and Esmond's + mistress could not forbear smiling as she told the story—“Cousin + Rachel,” cries the Dowager, “I have sent for you, as the doctors say I may + go off any day in this dysentery; and to ease my conscience of a great + load that has been on it. You always have been a poor creature and unfit + for great honor, and what I have to say won't, therefore, affect you so + much. You must know, Cousin Rachel, that I have left my house, plate, and + furniture, three thousand pounds in money, and my diamonds that my late + revered Saint and Sovereign, King James, presented me with, to my Lord + Viscount Castlewood.” + </p> + <p> + “To my Frank?” says Lady Castlewood; “I was in hopes—” + </p> + <p> + To Viscount Castlewood, my dear; Viscount Castlewood and Baron Esmond of + Shandon in the Kingdom of Ireland, Earl and Marquis of Esmond under patent + of his Majesty King James the Second, conferred upon my husband the late + Marquis—for I am Marchioness of Esmond before God and man.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you left poor Harry nothing, dear Marchioness?” asks Lady + Castlewood (she hath told me the story completely since with her quiet + arch way; the most charming any woman ever had: and I set down the + narrative here at length, so as to have done with it). “And have you left + poor Harry nothing?” asks my dear lady: “for you know, Henry,” she says + with her sweet smile, “I used always to pity Esau—and I think I am + on his side—though papa tried very hard to convince me the other + way.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Harry!” says the old lady. “So you want something left to poor + Harry: he,—he! (reach me the drops, cousin). Well, then, my dear, + since you want poor Harry to have a fortune, you must understand that ever + since the year 1691, a week after the battle of the Boyne, where the + Prince of Orange defeated his royal sovereign and father, for which crime + he is now suffering in flames (ugh! ugh!) Henry Esmond hath been Marquis + of Esmond and Earl of Castlewood in the United Kingdom, and Baron and + Viscount Castlewood of Shandon in Ireland, and a Baronet—and his + eldest son will be, by courtesy, styled Earl of Castlewood—he! he! + What do you think of that, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious mercy! how long have you known this?” cries the other lady + (thinking perhaps that the old Marchioness was wandering in her wits). + </p> + <p> + “My husband, before he was converted, was a wicked wretch,” the sick + sinner continued. “When he was in the Low Countries he seduced a weaver's + daughter; and added to his wickedness by marrying her. And then he came to + this country and married me—a poor girl—a poor innocent young + thing—I say,”—“though she was past forty, you know, Harry, + when she married: and as for being innocent”—“Well,” she went on, “I + knew nothing of my lord's wickedness for three years after our marriage, + and after the burial of our poor little boy I had it done over again, my + dear: I had myself married by Father Holt in Castlewood chapel, as soon as + ever I heard the creature was dead—and having a great illness then, + arising from another sad disappointment I had, the priest came and told me + that my lord had a son before our marriage, and that the child was at + nurse in England; and I consented to let the brat be brought home, and a + queer little melancholy child it was when it came. + </p> + <p> + “Our intention was to make a priest of him: and he was bred for this, + until you perverted him from it, you wicked woman. And I had again hopes + of giving an heir to my lord, when he was called away upon the King's + business, and died fighting gloriously at the Boyne water. + </p> + <p> + “Should I be disappointed—I owed your husband no love, my dear, for + he had jilted me in the most scandalous way and I thought there would be + time to declare the little weaver's son for the true heir. But I was + carried off to prison, where your husband was so kind to me—urging + all his friends to obtain my release, and using all his credit in my favor—that + I relented towards him, especially as my director counselled me to be + silent; and that it was for the good of the King's service that the title + of our family should continue with your husband the late viscount, whereby + his fidelity would be always secured to the King. And a proof of this is, + that a year before your husband's death, when he thought of taking a place + under the Prince of Orange, Mr. Holt went to him, and told him what the + state of the matter was, and obliged him to raise a large sum for his + Majesty; and engaged him in the true cause so heartily, that we were sure + of his support on any day when it should be considered advisable to attack + the usurper. Then his sudden death came; and there was a thought of + declaring the truth. But 'twas determined to be best for the King's + service to let the title still go with the younger branch; and there's no + sacrifice a Castlewood wouldn't make for that cause, my dear. + </p> + <p> + “As for Colonel Esmond, he knew the truth already.” (“And then, Harry,” my + mistress said, “she told me of what had happened at my dear husband's + death-bed”). “He doth not intend to take the title, though it belongs to + him. But it eases my conscience that you should know the truth, my dear. + And your son is lawfully Viscount Castlewood so long as his cousin doth + not claim the rank.” + </p> + <p> + This was the substance of the Dowager's revelation. Dean Atterbury had + knowledge of it, Lady Castlewood said, and Esmond very well knows how: + that divine being the clergyman for whom the late lord had sent on his + death-bed: and when Lady Castlewood would instantly have written to her + son, and conveyed the truth to him, the Dean's advice was that a letter + should be writ to Colonel Esmond rather; that the matter should be + submitted to his decision, by which alone the rest of the family were + bound to abide. + </p> + <p> + “And can my dearest lady doubt what that will be?” says the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “It rests with you, Harry, as the head of our house.” + </p> + <p> + “It was settled twelve years since, by my dear lord's bedside,” says + Colonel Esmond. “The children must know nothing of this. Frank and his + heirs after him must bear our name. 'Tis his rightfully; I have not even a + proof of that marriage of my father and mother, though my poor lord, on + his death-bed, told me that Father Holt had brought such a proof to + Castlewood. I would not seek it when I was abroad. I went and looked at my + poor mother's grave in her convent. What matter to her now? No court of + law on earth, upon my mere word, would deprive my Lord Viscount and set me + up. I am the head of the house, dear lady; but Frank is Viscount of + Castlewood still. And rather than disturb him, I would turn monk, or + disappear in America.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke so to his dearest mistress, for whom he would have been + willing to give up his life, or to make any sacrifice any day, the fond + creature flung herself down on her knees before him, and kissed both his + hands in an outbreak of passionate love and gratitude, such as could not + but melt his heart, and make him feel very proud and thankful that God had + given him the power to show his love for her, and to prove it by some + little sacrifice on his own part. To be able to bestow benefits or + happiness on those one loves is sure the greatest blessing conferred upon + a man—and what wealth or name, or gratification of ambition or + vanity, could compare with the pleasure Esmond now had of being able to + confer some kindness upon his best and dearest friends? + </p> + <p> + “Dearest saint,” says he—“purest soul, that has had so much to + suffer, that has blest the poor lonely orphan with such a treasure of + love. 'Tis for me to kneel, not for you: 'tis for me to be thankful that I + can make you happy. Hath my life any other aim? Blessed be God that I can + serve you! What pleasure, think you, could all the world give me compared + to that?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't raise me,” she said, in a wild way, to Esmond, who would have + lifted her. “Let me kneel—let me kneel, and—and—worship + you.” + </p> + <p> + Before such a partial judge as Esmond's dear mistress owned herself to be, + any cause which he might plead was sure to be given in his favor; and + accordingly he found little difficulty in reconciling her to the news + whereof he was bearer, of her son's marriage to a foreign lady, Papist + though she was. Lady Castlewood never could be brought to think so ill of + that religion as other people in England thought of it: she held that ours + was undoubtedly a branch of the Catholic church, but that the Roman was + one of the main stems on which, no doubt, many errors had been grafted + (she was, for a woman, extraordinarily well versed in this controversy, + having acted, as a girl, as secretary to her father, the late dean, and + written many of his sermons, under his dictation); and if Frank had chosen + to marry a lady of the church of south Europe, as she would call the Roman + communion, there was no need why she should not welcome her as a + daughter-in-law: and accordingly she wrote to her new daughter a very + pretty, touching letter (as Esmond thought, who had cognizance of it + before it went), in which the only hint of reproof was a gentle + remonstrance that her son had not written to herself, to ask a fond + mother's blessing for that step which he was about taking. “Castlewood + knew very well,” so she wrote to her son, “that she never denied him + anything in her power to give, much less would she think of opposing a + marriage that was to make his happiness, as she trusted, and keep him out + of wild courses, which had alarmed her a good deal:” and she besought him + to come quickly to England, to settle down in his family house of + Castlewood (“It is his family house,” says she, to Colonel Esmond, “though + only his own house by your forbearance”) and to receive the accompt of her + stewardship during his ten years' minority. By care and frugality, she had + got the estate into a better condition than ever it had been since the + Parliamentary wars; and my lord was now master of a pretty, small income, + not encumbered of debts, as it had been, during his father's ruinous time. + “But in saving my son's fortune,” says she, “I fear I have lost a great + part of my hold on him.” And, indeed, this was the case: her ladyship's + daughter complaining that their mother did all for Frank, and nothing for + her; and Frank himself being dissatisfied at the narrow, simple way of his + mother's living at Walcote, where he had been brought up more like a poor + parson's son than a young nobleman that was to make a figure in the world. + 'Twas this mistake in his early training, very likely, that set him so + eager upon pleasure when he had it in his power; nor is he the first lad + that has been spoiled by the over-careful fondness of women. No training + is so useful for children, great or small, as the company of their betters + in rank or natural parts; in whose society they lose the overweening sense + of their own importance, which stay-at-home people very commonly learn. + </p> + <p> + But, as a prodigal that's sending in a schedule of his debts to his + friends, never puts all down, and, you may be sure, the rogue keeps back + some immense swingeing bill, that he doesn't dare to own; so the poor + Frank had a very heavy piece of news to break to his mother, and which he + hadn't the courage to introduce into his first confession. Some misgivings + Esmond might have, upon receiving Frank's letter, and knowing into what + hands the boy had fallen; but whatever these misgivings were, he kept them + to himself, not caring to trouble his mistress with any fears that might + be groundless. + </p> + <p> + However, the next mail which came from Bruxelles, after Frank had received + his mother's letters there, brought back a joint composition from himself + and his wife, who could spell no better than her young scapegrace of a + husband, full of expressions of thanks, love, and duty to the Dowager + Viscountess, as my poor lady now was styled; and along with this letter + (which was read in a family council, namely, the Viscountess, Mistress + Beatrix, and the writer of this memoir, and which was pronounced to be + vulgar by the maid of honor, and felt to be so by the other two), there + came a private letter for Colonel Esmond from poor Frank, with another + dismal commission for the Colonel to execute, at his best opportunity; and + this was to announce that Frank had seen fit, “by the exhortation of Mr. + Holt, the influence of his Clotilda, and the blessing of heaven and the + saints,” says my lord, demurely, “to change his religion, and be received + into the bosom of that church of which his sovereign, many of his family, + and the greater part of the civilized world, were members.” And his + lordship added a postscript, of which Esmond knew the inspiring genius + very well, for it had the genuine twang of the Seminary, and was quite + unlike poor Frank's ordinary style of writing and thinking; in which he + reminded Colonel Esmond that he too was, by birth, of that church; and + that his mother and sister should have his lordship's prayers to the + saints (an inestimable benefit, truly!) for their conversion. + </p> + <p> + If Esmond had wanted to keep this secret, he could not; for a day or two + after receiving this letter, a notice from Bruxelles appeared in the + Post-Boy and other prints, announcing that “a young Irish lord, the + Viscount C-stlew—d, just come to his majority, and who had served + the last campaigns with great credit, as aide-de-camp to his Grace the + Duke of Marlborough, had declared for the Popish religion at Bruxelles, + and had walked in a procession barefoot, with a wax-taper in his hand.” + The notorious Mr. Holt, who had been employed as a Jacobite agent during + the last reign, and many times pardoned by King William, had been, the + Post-Boy said, the agent of this conversion. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Castlewood was as much cast down by this news as Miss Beatrix was + indignant at it. “So,” says she, “Castlewood is no longer a home for us, + mother. Frank's foreign wife will bring her confessor, and there will be + frogs for dinner; and all Tusher's and my grandfather's sermons are flung + away upon my brother. I used to tell you that you killed him with the + catechism, and that he would turn wicked as soon as he broke from his + mammy's leading-strings. Oh, mother, you would not believe that the young + scapegrace was playing you tricks, and that sneak of a Tusher was not a + fit guide for him. Oh, those parsons, I hate 'em all!” says Mistress + Beatrix, clapping her hands together; “yes, whether they wear cassocks and + buckles, or beards and bare feet. There's a horrid Irish wretch who never + misses a Sunday at Court, and who pays me compliments there, the horrible + man; and if you want to know what parsons are, you should see his + behavior, and hear him talk of his own cloth. They're all the same, + whether they're bishops, or bonzes, or Indian fakirs. They try to + domineer, and they frighten us with kingdom come; and they wear a + sanctified air in public, and expect us to go down on our knees and ask + their blessing; and they intrigue, and they grasp, and they backbite, and + they slander worse than the worst courtier or the wickedest old woman. I + heard this Mr. Swift sneering at my Lord Duke of Marlborough's courage the + other day. He! that Teague from Dublin! because his Grace is not in favor, + dares to say this of him; and he says this that it may get to her + Majesty's ear, and to coax and wheedle Mrs. Masham. They say the Elector + of Hanover has a dozen of mistresses in his court at Herrenhausen, and if + he comes to be king over us, I wager that the bishops and Mr. Swift, that + wants to be one, will coax and wheedle them. Oh, those priests and their + grave airs! I'm sick of their square toes and their rustling cassocks. I + should like to go to a country where there was not one, or turn Quaker, + and get rid of 'em; and I would, only the dress is not becoming, and I've + much too pretty a figure to hide it. Haven't I, cousin?” and here she + glanced at her person and the looking-glass, which told her rightly that a + more beautiful shape and face never were seen. + </p> + <p> + “I made that onslaught on the priests,” says Miss Beatrix, afterwards, “in + order to divert my poor dear mother's anguish about Frank. Frank is as + vain as a girl, cousin. Talk of us girls being vain, what are WE to you? + It was easy to see that the first woman who chose would make a fool of + him, or the first robe—I count a priest and a woman all the same. We + are always caballing; we are not answerable for the fibs we tell; we are + always cajoling and coaxing, or threatening; and we are always making + mischief, Colonel Esmond—mark my word for that, who know the world, + sir, and have to make my way in it. I see as well as possible how Frank's + marriage hath been managed. The Count, our papa-in-law, is always away at + the coffee-house. The Countess, our mother, is always in the kitchen + looking after the dinner. The Countess, our sister, is at the spinet. When + my lord comes to say he is going on the campaign, the lovely Clotilda + bursts into tears, and faints—so; he catches her in his arms—no, + sir, keep your distance, cousin, if you please—she cries on his + shoulder, and he says, 'Oh, my divine, my adored, my beloved Clotilda, are + you sorry to part with me?' 'Oh, my Francisco,' says she, 'oh my lord!' + and at this very instant mamma and a couple of young brothers, with + moustaches and long rapiers, come in from the kitchen, where they have + been eating bread and onions. Mark my word, you will have all this woman's + relations at Castlewood three months after she has arrived there. The old + count and countess, and the young counts and all the little countesses her + sisters. Counts! every one of these wretches says he is a count. Guiscard, + that stabbed Mr. Harvey, said he was a count; and I believe he was a + barber. All Frenchmen are barbers—Fiddledee! don't contradict me—or + else dancing-masters, or else priests.” And so she rattled on. + </p> + <p> + “Who was it taught YOU to dance, Cousin Beatrix?” says the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + She laughed out the air of a minuet, and swept a low curtsy, coming up to + the recover with the prettiest little foot in the world pointed out. Her + mother came in as she was in this attitude; my lady had been in her + closet, having taken poor Frank's conversion in a very serious way; the + madcap girl ran up to her mother, put her arms round her waist, kissed + her, tried to make her dance, and said: “Don't be silly, you kind little + mamma, and cry about Frank turning Papist. What a figure he must be, with + a white sheet and a candle, walking in a procession barefoot!” And she + kicked off her little slippers (the wonderfullest little shoes with + wonderful tall red heels: Esmond pounced upon one as it fell close beside + him), and she put on the drollest little moue, and marched up and down the + room holding Esmond's cane by way of taper. Serious as her mood was, Lady + Castlewood could not refrain from laughing; and as for Esmond he looked on + with that delight with which the sight of this fair creature always + inspired him: never had he seen any woman so arch, so brilliant, and so + beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Having finished her march, she put out her foot for her slipper. The + Colonel knelt down: “If you will be Pope I will turn Papist,” says he; and + her Holiness gave him gracious leave to kiss the little stockinged foot + before he put the slipper on. + </p> + <p> + Mamma's feet began to pat on the floor during this operation, and Beatrix, + whose bright eyes nothing escaped, saw that little mark of impatience. She + ran up and embraced her mother, with her usual cry of, “Oh, you silly + little mamma: your feet are quite as pretty as mine,” says she: “they are, + cousin, though she hides 'em; but the shoemaker will tell you that he + makes for both off the same last.” + </p> + <p> + “You are taller than I am, dearest,” says her mother, blushing over her + whole sweet face—“and—and it is your hand, my dear, and not + your foot he wants you to give him;” and she said it with a hysteric + laugh, that had more of tears than laughter in it; laying her head on her + daughter's fair shoulder, and hiding it there. They made a very pretty + picture together, and looked like a pair of sisters—the sweet simple + matron seeming younger than her years, and her daughter, if not older, yet + somehow, from a commanding manner and grace which she possessed above most + women, her mother's superior and protectress. + </p> + <p> + “But oh!” cries my mistress, recovering herself after this scene, and + returning to her usual sad tone, “'tis a shame that we should laugh and be + making merry on a day when we ought to be down on our knees and asking + pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Asking pardon for what?” says saucy Mrs. Beatrix—“because Frank + takes it into his head to fast on Fridays and worship images? You know if + you had been born a Papist, mother, a Papist you would have remained to + the end of your days. 'Tis the religion of the King and of some of the + best quality. For my part, I'm no enemy to it, and think Queen Bess was + not a penny better than Queen Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Beatrix! Do not jest with sacred things, and remember of what + parentage you come,” cries my lady. Beatrix was ordering her ribbons, and + adjusting her tucker, and performing a dozen provokingly pretty + ceremonies, before the glass. The girl was no hypocrite at least. She + never at that time could be brought to think but of the world and her + beauty; and seemed to have no more sense of devotion than some people have + of music, that cannot distinguish one air from another. Esmond saw this + fault in her, as he saw many others—a bad wife would Beatrix Esmond + make, he thought, for any man under the degree of a Prince. She was born + to shine in great assemblies, and to adorn palaces, and to command + everywhere—to conduct an intrigue of politics, or to glitter in a + queen's train. But to sit at a homely table, and mend the stockings of a + poor man's children! that was no fitting duty for her, or at least one + that she wouldn't have broke her heart in trying to do. She was a + princess, though she had scarce a shilling to her fortune; and one of her + subjects—the most abject and devoted wretch, sure, that ever + drivelled at a woman's knees—was this unlucky gentleman; who bound + his good sense, and reason, and independence, hand and foot, and submitted + them to her. + </p> + <p> + And who does not know how ruthlessly women will tyrannize when they are + let to domineer? and who does not know how useless advice is? I could give + good counsel to my descendants, but I know they'll follow their own way, + for all their grandfather's sermon. A man gets his own experience about + women, and will take nobody's hearsay; nor, indeed, is the young fellow + worth a fig that would. 'Tis I that am in love with my mistress, not my + old grandmother that counsels me: 'tis I that have fixed the value of the + thing I would have, and know the price I would pay for it. It may be + worthless to you, but 'tis all my life to me. Had Esmond possessed the + Great Mogul's crown and all his diamonds, or all the Duke of Marlborough's + money, or all the ingots sunk at Vigo, he would have given them all for + this woman. A fool he was, if you will; but so is a sovereign a fool, that + will give half a principality for a little crystal as big as a pigeon's + egg, and called a diamond: so is a wealthy nobleman a fool, that will face + danger or death, and spend half his life, and all his tranquillity, + caballing for a blue ribbon; so is a Dutch merchant a fool, that hath been + known to pay ten thousand crowns for a tulip. There's some particular + prize we all of us value, and that every man of spirit will venture his + life for. With this, it may be to achieve a great reputation for learning; + with that, to be a man of fashion, and the admiration of the town; with + another, to consummate a great work of art or poetry, and go to + immortality that way; and with another, for a certain time of his life, + the sole object and aim is a woman. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Esmond was under the domination of this passion, he remembers many + a talk he had with his intimates, who used to rally Our Knight of the + Rueful Countenance at his devotion, whereof he made no disguise, to + Beatrix; and it was with replies such as the above he met his friends' + satire. “Granted, I am a fool,” says he, “and no better than you; but you + are no better than I. You have your folly you labor for; give me the + charity of mine. What flatteries do you, Mr. St. John, stoop to whisper in + the ears of a queen's favorite? What nights of labor doth not the laziest + man in the world endure, foregoing his bottle, and his boon companions, + foregoing Lais, in whose lap he would like to be yawning, that he may + prepare a speech full of lies, to cajole three hundred stupid + country-gentlemen in the House of Commons, and get the hiccupping cheers + of the October Club! What days will you spend in your jolting chariot.” + (Mr. Esmond often rode to Windsor, and especially, of later days, with the + secretary.) “What hours will you pass on your gouty feet—and how + humbly will you kneel down to present a despatch—you, the proudest + man in the world, that has not knelt to God since you were a boy, and in + that posture whisper, flatter, adore almost, a stupid woman, that's often + boozy with too much meat and drink, when Mr. Secretary goes for his + audience! If my pursuit is vanity, sure yours is too.” And then the + Secretary, would fly out in such a rich flow of eloquence, as this pen + cannot pretend to recall; advocating his scheme of ambition, showing the + great good he would do for his country when he was the undisputed chief of + it; backing his opinion with a score of pat sentences from Greek and Roman + authorities (of which kind of learning he made rather an ostentatious + display), and scornfully vaunting the very arts and meannesses by which + fools were to be made to follow him, opponents to be bribed or silenced, + doubters converted, and enemies overawed. + </p> + <p> + “I am Diogenes,” says Esmond, laughing, “that is taken up for a ride in + Alexander's chariot. I have no desire to vanquish Darius or to tame + Bucephalus. I do not want what you want, a great name or a high place: to + have them would bring me no pleasure. But my moderation is taste, not + virtue; and I know that what I do want is as vain as that which you long + after. Do not grudge me my vanity, if I allow yours; or rather, let us + laugh at both indifferently, and at ourselves, and at each other.” + </p> + <p> + “If your charmer holds out,” says St. John, “at this rate she may keep you + twenty years besieging her, and surrender by the time you are seventy, and + she is old enough to be a grandmother. I do not say the pursuit of a + particular woman is not as pleasant a pastime as any other kind of + hunting,” he added; “only, for my part, I find the game won't run long + enough. They knock under too soon—that's the fault I find with 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “The game which you pursue is in the habit of being caught, and used to + being pulled down,” says Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “But Dulcinea del Toboso is peerless, eh?” says the other. “Well, honest + Harry, go and attack windmills—perhaps thou art not more mad than + other people,” St. John added, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <h3> + A PAPER OUT OF THE “SPECTATOR.” + </h3> + <p> + Doth any young gentleman of my progeny, who may read his old grandfather's + papers, chance to be presently suffering under the passion of Love? There + is a humiliating cure, but one that is easy and almost specific for the + malady—which is, to try an alibi. Esmond went away from his mistress + and was cured a half-dozen times; he came back to her side, and instantly + fell ill again of the fever. He vowed that he could leave her and think no + more of her, and so he could pretty well, at least, succeed in quelling + that rage and longing he had whenever he was with her; but as soon as he + returned he was as bad as ever again. Truly a ludicrous and pitiable + object, at least exhausting everybody's pity but his dearest mistress's, + Lady Castlewood's, in whose tender breast he reposed all his dreary + confessions, and who never tired of hearing him and pleading for him. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes Esmond would think there was hope. Then again he would be + plagued with despair, at some impertinence or coquetry of his mistress. + For days they would be like brother and sister, or the dearest friends—she, + simple, fond, and charming—he, happy beyond measure at her good + behavior. But this would all vanish on a sudden. Either he would be too + pressing, and hint his love, when she would rebuff him instantly, and give + his vanity a box on the ear; or he would be jealous, and with perfect good + reason, of some new admirer that had sprung up, or some rich young + gentleman newly arrived in the town, that this incorrigible flirt would + set her nets and baits to draw in. If Esmond remonstrated, the little + rebel would say—“Who are you? I shall go my own way, sirrah, and + that way is towards a husband, and I don't want YOU on the way. I am for + your betters, Colonel, for your betters: do you hear that? You might do if + you had an estate and were younger; only eight years older than I, you + say! pish, you are a hundred years older. You are an old, old Graveairs, + and I should make you miserable, that would be the only comfort I should + have in marrying you. But you have not money enough to keep a cat decently + after you have paid your man his wages, and your landlady her bill. Do you + think I am going to live in a lodging, and turn the mutton at a string + whilst your honor nurses the baby? Fiddlestick, and why did you not get + this nonsense knocked out of your head when you were in the wars? You are + come back more dismal and dreary than ever. You and mamma are fit for each + other. You might be Darby and Joan, and play cribbage to the end of your + lives.” + </p> + <p> + “At least you own to your worldliness, my poor Trix,” says her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Worldliness. Oh, my pretty lady! Do you think that I am a child in the + nursery, and to be frightened by Bogey! Worldliness, to be sure; and pray, + madam, where is the harm of wishing to be comfortable? When you are gone, + you dearest old woman, or when I am tired of you and have run away from + you, where shall I go? Shall I go and be head nurse to my Popish + sister-in-law, take the children their physic, and whip 'em, and put 'em + to bed when they are naughty? Shall I be Castlewood's upper servant, and + perhaps marry Tom Tusher? Merci! I have been long enough Frank's humble + servant. Why am I not a man? I have ten times his brains, and had I worn + the—well, don't let your ladyship be frightened—had I worn a + sword and periwig instead of this mantle and commode to which nature has + condemned me—(though 'tis a pretty stuff, too—Cousin Esmond! + you will go to the Exchange to-morrow, and get the exact counterpart of + this ribbon, sir; do you hear?)—I would have made our name talked + about. So would Graveairs here have made something out of our name if he + had represented it. My Lord Graveairs would have done very well. Yes, you + have a very pretty way, and would have made a very decent, grave speaker.” + And here she began to imitate Esmond's way of carrying himself and + speaking to his face, and so ludicrously that his mistress burst out + a-laughing, and even he himself could see there was some likeness in the + fantastical malicious caricature. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” says she, “I solemnly vow, own, and confess, that I want a good + husband. Where's the harm of one? My face is my fortune. Who'll come?—buy, + buy, buy! I cannot toil, neither can I spin, but I can play twenty-three + games on the cards. I can dance the last dance, I can hunt the stag, and I + think I could shoot flying. I can talk as wicked as any woman of my years, + and know enough stories to amuse a sulky husband for at least one thousand + and one nights. I have a pretty taste for dress, diamonds, gambling, and + old China. I love sugar-plums, Malines lace (that you brought me, cousin, + is very pretty), the opera, and everything that is useless and costly. I + have got a monkey and a little black boy—Pompey, sir, go and give a + dish of chocolate to Colonel Graveairs,—and a parrot and a spaniel, + and I must have a husband. Cupid, you hear?” + </p> + <p> + “Iss, Missis!” says Pompey, a little grinning negro Lord Peterborrow gave + her, with a bird of Paradise in his turbant, and a collar with his + mistress's name on it. + </p> + <p> + “Iss, Missis!” says Beatrix, imitating the child. “And if husband not + come, Pompey must go fetch one.” + </p> + <p> + And Pompey went away grinning with his chocolate tray as Miss Beatrix ran + up to her mother and ended her sally of mischief in her common way, with a + kiss—no wonder that upon paying such a penalty her fond judge + pardoned her. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Esmond came home, his health was still shattered; and he took a + lodging near to his mistresses, at Kensington, glad enough to be served by + them, and to see them day after day. He was enabled to see a little + company—and of the sort he liked best. Mr. Steele and Mr. Addison + both did him the honor to visit him; and drank many a glass of good claret + at his lodging, whilst their entertainer, through his wound, was kept to + diet drink and gruel. These gentlemen were Whigs, and great admirers of my + Lord Duke of Marlborough; and Esmond was entirely of the other party. But + their different views of politics did not prevent the gentlemen from + agreeing in private, nor from allowing, on one evening when Esmond's kind + old patron, Lieutenant-General Webb, with a stick and a crutch, hobbled up + to the Colonel's lodging (which was prettily situate at Knightsbridge, + between London and Kensington, and looking over the Gardens), that the + Lieutenant-General was a noble and gallant soldier—and even that he + had been hardly used in the Wynendael affair. He took his revenge in talk, + that must be confessed; and if Mr. Addison had had a mind to write a poem + about Wynendael, he might have heard from the commander's own lips the + story a hundred times over. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond, forced to be quiet, betook himself to literature for a + relaxation, and composed his comedy, whereof the prompter's copy lieth in + my walnut escritoire, sealed up and docketed, “The Faithful Fool, a + Comedy, as it was performed by her Majesty's Servants.” 'Twas a very + sentimental piece; and Mr. Steele, who had more of that kind of sentiment + than Mr. Addison, admired it, whilst the other rather sneered at the + performance; though he owned that, here and there, it contained some + pretty strokes. He was bringing out his own play of “Cato” at the time, + the blaze of which quite extinguished Esmond's farthing candle; and his + name was never put to the piece, which was printed as by a Person of + Quality. Only nine copies were sold, though Mr. Dennis, the great critic, + praised it, and said 'twas a work of great merit; and Colonel Esmond had + the whole impression burned one day in a rage, by Jack Lockwood, his man. + </p> + <p> + All this comedy was full of bitter satiric strokes against a certain young + lady. The plot of the piece was quite a new one. A young woman was + represented with a great number of suitors, selecting a pert fribble of a + peer, in place of the hero (but ill-acted, I think, by Mr. Wilks, the + Faithful Fool,) who persisted in admiring her. In the fifth act, Teraminta + was made to discover the merits of Eugenio (the F. F.), and to feel a + partiality for him too late; for he announced that he had bestowed his + hand and estate upon Rosaria, a country lass, endowed with every virtue. + But it must be owned that the audience yawned through the play; and that + it perished on the third night, with only half a dozen persons to behold + its agonies. Esmond and his two mistresses came to the first night, and + Miss Beatrix fell asleep; whilst her mother, who had not been to a play + since King James the Second's time, thought the piece, though not + brilliant, had a very pretty moral. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond dabbled in letters, and wrote a deal of prose and verse at this + time of leisure. When displeased with the conduct of Miss Beatrix, he + would compose a satire, in which he relieved his mind. When smarting under + the faithlessness of women, he dashed off a copy of verses, in which he + held the whole sex up to scorn. One day, in one of these moods, he made a + little joke, in which (swearing him to secrecy) he got his friend Dick + Steele to help him; and, composing a paper, he had it printed exactly like + Steele's paper, and by his printer, and laid on his mistress's + breakfast-table the following— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “SPECTATOR. + + “No. 341. “Tuesday, April 1, 1712. + + Mutato nomine de te Fabula narratur.—HORACE. + Thyself the morain of the fable see.—CREECH. +</pre> + <p> + “Jocasta is known as a woman of learning and fashion, and as one of the + most amiable persons of this court and country. She is at home two + mornings of the week, and all the wits and a few of the beauties of London + flock to her assemblies. When she goes abroad to Tunbridge or the Bath, a + retinue of adorers rides the journey with her; and besides the London + beaux, she has a crowd of admirers at the Wells, the polite amongst the + natives of Sussex and Somerset pressing round her tea-tables, and being + anxious for a nod from her chair. Jocasta's acquaintance is thus very + numerous. Indeed, 'tis one smart writer's work to keep her visiting-book—a + strong footman is engaged to carry it; and it would require a much + stronger head even than Jocasta's own to remember the names of all her + dear friends. + </p> + <p> + “Either at Epsom Wells or at Tunbridge (for of this important matter + Jocasta cannot be certain) it was her ladyship's fortune to become + acquainted with a young gentleman, whose conversation was so sprightly, + and manners amiable, that she invited the agreeable young spark to visit + her if ever he came to London, where her house in Spring Garden should be + open to him. Charming as he was, and without any manner of doubt a pretty + fellow, Jocasta hath such a regiment of the like continually marching + round her standard, that 'tis no wonder her attention is distracted + amongst them. And so, though this gentleman made a considerable impression + upon her, and touched her heart for at least three-and-twenty minutes, it + must be owned that she has forgotten his name. He is a dark man, and may + be eight-and-twenty years old. His dress is sober, though of rich + materials. He has a mole on his forehead over his left eye; has a blue + ribbon to his cane and sword, and wears his own hair. + </p> + <p> + “Jocasta was much flattered by beholding her admirer (for that everybody + admires who sees her is a point which she never can for a moment doubt) in + the next pew to her at St. James's Church last Sunday; and the manner in + which he appeared to go to sleep during the sermon—though from under + his fringed eyelids it was evident he was casting glances of respectful + rapture towards Jocasta—deeply moved and interested her. On coming + out of church, he found his way to her chair, and made her an elegant bow + as she stepped into it. She saw him at Court afterwards, where he carried + himself with a most distinguished air, though none of her acquaintances + knew his name; and the next night he was at the play, where her ladyship + was pleased to acknowledge him from the side-box. + </p> + <p> + “During the whole of the comedy she racked her brains so to remember his + name that she did not hear a word of the piece: and having the happiness + to meet him once more in the lobby of the playhouse, she went up to him in + a flutter, and bade him remember that she kept two nights in the week, and + that she longed to see him at Spring Garden. + </p> + <p> + “He appeared on Tuesday, in a rich suit, showing a very fine taste both in + the tailor and wearer; and though a knot of us were gathered round the + charming Jocasta, fellows who pretended to know every face upon the town, + not one could tell the gentleman's name in reply to Jocasta's eager + inquiries, flung to the right and left of her as he advanced up the room + with a bow that would become a duke. + </p> + <p> + “Jocasta acknowledged this salute with one of those smiles and curtsies of + which that lady hath the secret. She curtsies with a languishing air, as + if to say, 'You are come at last. I have been pining for you:' and then + she finishes her victim with a killing look, which declares: 'O Philander! + I have no eyes but for you.' Camilla hath as good a curtsy perhaps, and + Thalestris much such another look; but the glance and the curtsy together + belong to Jocasta of all the English beauties alone. + </p> + <p> + “'Welcome to London, sir,' says she. 'One can see you are from the country + by your looks.' She would have said 'Epsom,' or 'Tunbridge,' had she + remembered rightly at which place she had met the stranger; but, alas! she + had forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman said, 'he had been in town but three days; and one of his + reasons for coming hither was to have the honor of paying his court to + Jocasta.' + </p> + <p> + “She said, 'the waters had agreed with her but indifferently.' + </p> + <p> + “'The waters were for the sick,' the gentleman said: 'the young and + beautiful came but to make them sparkle. And as the clergyman read the + service on Sunday,' he added, 'your ladyship reminded me of the angel that + visited the pool.' A murmur of approbation saluted this sally. Manilio, + who is a wit when he is not at cards, was in such a rage that he revoked + when he heard it. + </p> + <p> + “Jocasta was an angel visiting the waters; but at which of the Bethesdas? + She was puzzled more and more; and, as her way always is, looked the more + innocent and simple, the more artful her intentions were. + </p> + <p> + “'We were discoursing,' says she, 'about spelling of names and words when + you came. Why should we say goold and write gold, and call china chayney, + and Cavendish Candish, and Cholmondeley Chumley? If we call Pulteney + Poltney, why shouldn't we call poultry pultry—and—' + </p> + <p> + “'Such an enchantress as your ladyship,' says he, 'is mistress of all + sorts of spells.' But this was Dr. Swift's pun, and we all knew it. + </p> + <p> + “'And—and how do you spell your name?' says she, coming to the point + at length; for this sprightly conversation had lasted much longer than is + here set down, and been carried on through at least three dishes of tea. + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, madam,' says he, 'I SPELL MY NAME WITH THE Y.' And laying down his + dish, my gentleman made another elegant bow, and was gone in a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Jocasta hath had no sleep since this mortification, and the stranger's + disappearance. If balked in anything, she is sure to lose her health and + temper; and we, her servants, suffer, as usual, during the angry fits of + our Queen. Can you help us, Mr. Spectator, who know everything, to read + this riddle for her, and set at rest all our minds? We find in her list, + Mr. Berty, Mr. Smith, Mr. Pike, Mr. Tyler—who may be Mr. Bertie, Mr. + Smyth, Mr. Pyke, Mr. Tiler, for what we know. She hath turned away the + clerk of her visiting-book, a poor fellow with a great family of children. + Read me this riddle, good Mr. Shortface, and oblige your admirer—OEDIPUS.” + </p> + <p> + “THE TRUMPET COFFEE-HOUSE, WHITEHALL. + </p> + <p> + “MR. SPECTATOR,—I am a gentleman but little acquainted with the + town, though I have had a university education, and passed some years + serving my country abroad, where my name is better known than in the + coffee-house and St. James's. + </p> + <p> + “Two years since my uncle died, leaving me a pretty estate in the county + of Kent; and being at Tunbridge Wells last summer, after my mourning was + over, and on the look-out, if truth must be told, for some young lady who + would share with me the solitude of my great Kentish house, and be kind to + my tenantry (for whom a woman can do a great deal more good than the + best-intentioned man can), I was greatly fascinated by a young lady of + London, who was the toast of all the company at the Wells. Every one knows + Saccharissa's beauty; and I think, Mr. Spectator, no one better than + herself. + </p> + <p> + “My table-book informs me that I danced no less than seven-and-twenty sets + with her at the Assembly. I treated her to the fiddles twice. I was + admitted on several days to her lodging, and received by her with a great + deal of distinction, and, for a time, was entirely her slave. It was only + when I found, from common talk of the company at the Wells, and from + narrowly watching one, who I once thought of asking the most sacred + question a man can put to a woman, that I became aware how unfit she was + to be a country gentleman's wife; and that this fair creature was but a + heartless worldly jilt, playing with affections that she never meant to + return, and, indeed, incapable of returning them. 'Tis admiration such + women want, not love that touches them; and I can conceive, in her old + age, no more wretched creature than this lady will be, when her beauty + hath deserted her, when her admirers have left her, and she hath neither + friendship nor religion to console her. + </p> + <p> + “Business calling me to London, I went to St. James's Church last Sunday, + and there opposite me sat my beauty of the Wells. Her behavior during the + whole service was so pert, languishing, and absurd; she flirted her fan, + and ogled and eyed me in a manner so indecent, that I was obliged to shut + my eyes, so as actually not to see her, and whenever I opened them beheld + hers (and very bright they are) still staring at me. I fell in with her + afterwards at Court, and at the playhouse; and here nothing would satisfy + her but she must elbow through the crowd and speak to me, and invite me to + the assembly, which she holds at her house, not very far from Ch-r-ng + Cr-ss. + </p> + <p> + “Having made her a promise to attend, of course I kept my promise; and + found the young widow in the midst of a half-dozen of card tables, and a + crowd of wits and admirers. I made the best bow I could, and advanced + towards her; and saw by a peculiar puzzled look in her face, though she + tried to hide her perplexity, that she had forgotten even my name. + </p> + <p> + “Her talk, artful as it was, convinced me that I had guessed aright. She + turned the conversation most ridiculously upon the spelling of names and + words; and I replied with as ridiculous fulsome compliments as I could pay + her: indeed, one in which I compared her to an angel visiting the sick + wells, went a little too far; nor should I have employed it, but that the + allusion came from the Second Lesson last Sunday, which we both had heard, + and I was pressed to answer her. + </p> + <p> + “Then she came to the question, which I knew was awaiting me, and asked + how I SPELT my name? 'Madam,' says I, turning on my heel, 'I spell it with + a Y.' And so I left her, wondering at the light-heartedness of the + town-people, who forget and make friends so easily, and resolved to look + elsewhere for a partner for your constant reader, + </p> + <p> + “CYMON WYLDOATS.” + </p> + <p> + “You know my real name, Mr. Spectator, in which there is no such a letter + as HUPSILON. But if the lady, whom I have called Saccharissa, wonders that + I appear no more at the tea-tables, she is hereby respectfully informed + the reason Y.” + </p> + <p> + The above is a parable, whereof the writer will now expound the meaning. + Jocasta was no other than Miss Esmond, Maid of Honor to her Majesty. She + had told Mr. Esmond this little story of having met a gentleman somewhere, + and forgetting his name, when the gentleman, with no such malicious + intentions as those of “Cymon” in the above fable, made the answer simply + as above; and we all laughed to think how little Mistress Jocasta-Beatrix + had profited by her artifice and precautions. + </p> + <p> + As for Cymon, he was intended to represent yours and her very humble + servant, the writer of the apologue and of this story, which we had + printed on a “Spectator” paper at Mr. Steele's office, exactly as those + famous journals were printed, and which was laid on the table at breakfast + in place of the real newspaper. Mistress Jocasta, who had plenty of wit, + could not live without her Spectator to her tea; and this sham Spectator + was intended to convey to the young woman that she herself was a flirt, + and that Cymon was a gentleman of honor and resolution, seeing all her + faults, and determined to break the chains once and for ever. + </p> + <p> + For though enough hath been said about this love-business already—enough, + at least, to prove to the writer's heirs what a silly fond fool their old + grandfather was, who would like them to consider him as a very wise old + gentleman; yet not near all has been told concerning this matter, which, + if it were allowed to take in Esmond's journal the space it occupied in + his time, would weary his kinsmen and women of a hundred years' time + beyond all endurance; and form such a diary of folly and drivelling, + raptures and rage, as no man of ordinary vanity would like to leave behind + him. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that, whether she laughed at him or encouraged him; whether + she smiled or was cold, and turned her smiles on another; worldly and + ambitious, as he knew her to be; hard and careless, as she seemed to grow + with her court life, and a hundred admirers that came to her and left her; + Esmond, do what he would, never could get Beatrix out of his mind; thought + of her constantly at home or away. If he read his name in a Gazette, or + escaped the shot of a cannon-ball or a greater danger in the campaign, as + has happened to him more than once, the instant thought after the honor + achieved or the danger avoided, was, “What will SHE say of it?” “Will this + distinction or the idea of this peril elate her or touch her, so as to be + better inclined towards me?” He could no more help this passionate + fidelity of temper than he could help the eyes he saw with—one or + the other seemed a part of his nature; and knowing every one of her faults + as well as the keenest of her detractors, and the folly of an attachment + to such a woman, of which the fruition could never bring him happiness for + above a week, there was yet a charm about this Circe from which the poor + deluded gentleman could not free himself; and for a much longer period + than Ulysses (another middle-aged officer, who had travelled much, and + been in the foreign wars,) Esmond felt himself enthralled and besotted by + the wiles of this enchantress. Quit her! He could no more quit her, as the + Cymon of this story was made to quit his false one, than he could lose his + consciousness of yesterday. She had but to raise her finger, and he would + come back from ever so far; she had but to say I have discarded such and + such an adorer, and the poor infatuated wretch would be sure to come and + roder about her mother's house, willing to be put on the ranks of suitors, + though he knew he might be cast off the next week. If he were like Ulysses + in his folly, at least she was in so far like Penelope that she had a + crowd of suitors, and undid day after day and night after night the + handiwork of fascination and the web of coquetry with which she was wont + to allure and entertain them. + </p> + <p> + Part of her coquetry may have come from her position about the Court, + where the beautiful maid of honor was the light about which a thousand + beaux came and fluttered; where she was sure to have a ring of admirers + round her, crowding to listen to her repartees as much as to admire her + beauty; and where she spoke and listened to much free talk, such as one + never would have thought the lips or ears of Rachel Castlewood's daughter + would have uttered or heard. When in waiting at Windsor or Hampton, the + Court ladies and gentlemen would be making riding parties together; Mrs. + Beatrix in a horseman's coat and hat, the foremost after the stag-hounds + and over the park fences, a crowd of young fellows at her heels. If the + English country ladies at this time were the most pure and modest of any + ladies in the world—the English town and court ladies permitted + themselves words and behavior that were neither modest nor pure; and + claimed, some of them, a freedom which those who love that sex most would + never wish to grant them. The gentlemen of my family that follow after me + (for I don't encourage the ladies to pursue any such studies), may read in + the works of Mr. Congreve, and Dr. Swift and others, what was the + conversation and what the habits of our time. + </p> + <p> + The most beautiful woman in England in 1712, when Esmond returned to this + country, a lady of high birth, and though of no fortune to be sure, with a + thousand fascinations of wit and manners, Beatrix Esmond was now + six-and-twenty years old, and Beatrix Esmond still. Of her hundred adorers + she had not chosen one for a husband; and those who had asked had been + jilted by her; and more still had left her. A succession of near ten + years' crops of beauties had come up since her time, and had been reaped + by proper HUSBANDmen, if we may make an agricultural simile, and had been + housed comfortably long ago. Her own contemporaries were sober mothers by + this time; girls with not a tithe of her charms, or her wit, having made + good matches, and now claiming precedence over the spinster who but lately + had derided and outshone them. The young beauties were beginning to look + down on Beatrix as an old maid, and sneer, and call her one of Charles + II.'s ladies, and ask whether her portrait was not in the Hampton Court + Gallery? But still she reigned, at least in one man's opinion, superior + over all the little misses that were the toasts of the young lads; and in + Esmond's eyes was ever perfectly lovely and young. + </p> + <p> + Who knows how many were nearly made happy by possessing her, or, rather, + how many were fortunate in escaping this siren? 'Tis a marvel to think + that her mother was the purest and simplest woman in the whole world, and + that this girl should have been born from her. I am inclined to fancy, my + mistress, who never said a harsh word to her children (and but twice or + thrice only to one person), must have been too fond and pressing with the + maternal authority; for her son and her daughter both revolted early; nor + after their first flight from the nest could they ever be brought back + quite to the fond mother's bosom. Lady Castlewood, and perhaps it was as + well, knew little of her daughter's life and real thoughts. How was she to + apprehend what passes in Queen's ante-chambers and at Court tables? Mrs. + Beatrix asserted her own authority so resolutely that her mother quickly + gave in. The maid of honor had her own equipage; went from home and came + back at her own will: her mother was alike powerless to resist her or to + lead her, or to command or to persuade her. + </p> + <p> + She had been engaged once, twice, thrice, to be married, Esmond believed. + When he quitted home, it hath been said, she was promised to my Lord + Ashburnham, and now, on his return, behold his lordship was just married + to Lady Mary Butler, the Duke of Ormonde's daughter, and his fine houses, + and twelve thousand a year of fortune, for which Miss Beatrix had rather + coveted him, was out of her power. To her Esmond could say nothing in + regard to the breaking of this match; and, asking his mistress about it, + all Lady Castlewood answered was: “do not speak to me about it, Harry. I + cannot tell you how or why they parted, and I fear to inquire. I have told + you before, that with all her kindness, and wit, and generosity, and that + sort of splendor of nature she has, I can say but little good of poor + Beatrix, and look with dread at the marriage she will form. Her mind is + fixed on ambition only, and making a great figure; and, this achieved, she + will tire of it as she does of everything. Heaven help her husband, + whoever he shall be! My Lord Ashburnham was a most excellent young man, + gentle and yet manly, of very good parts, so they told me, and as my + little conversation would enable me to judge: and a kind temper—kind + and enduring I'm sure he must have been, from all that he had to endure. + But he quitted her at last, from some crowning piece of caprice or tyranny + of hers; and now he has married a young woman that will make him a + thousand times happier than my poor girl ever could.” + </p> + <p> + The rupture, whatever its cause was, (I heard the scandal, but indeed + shall not take pains to repeat at length in this diary the trumpery + coffee-house story,) caused a good deal of low talk; and Mr. Esmond was + present at my lord's appearance at the Birthday with his bride, over whom + the revenge that Beatrix took was to look so imperial and lovely that the + modest downcast young lady could not appear beside her, and Lord + Ashburnham, who had his reasons for wishing to avoid her, slunk away quite + shamefaced, and very early. This time his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, whom + Esmond had seen about her before, was constant at Miss Beatrix's side: he + was one of the most splendid gentlemen of Europe, accomplished by books, + by travel, by long command of the best company, distinguished as a + statesman, having been ambassador in King Williamn's time, and a noble + speaker in the Scots' Parliament, where he had led the party that was + against the Union, and though now five or six and forty years of age, a + gentleman so high in stature, accomplished in wit, and favored in person, + that he might pretend to the hand of any Princess in Europe. + </p> + <p> + “Should you like the Duke for a cousin?” says Mr. Secretary St. John, + whispering to Colonel Esmond in French; “it appears that the widower + consoles himself.” + </p> + <p> + But to return to our little Spectator paper and the conversation which + grew out of it. Miss Beatrix at first was quite BIT (as the phrase of that + day was) and did not “smoke” the authorship of the story; indeed Esmond + had tried to imitate as well as he could Mr. Steele's manner (as for the + other author of the Spectator, his prose style I think is altogether + inimitable); and Dick, who was the idlest and best-natured of men, would + have let the piece pass into his journal and go to posterity as one of his + own lucubrations, but that Esmond did not care to have a lady's name whom + he loved sent forth to the world in a light so unfavorable. Beatrix pished + and psha'd over the paper; Colonel Esmond watching with no little interest + her countenance as she read it. + </p> + <p> + “How stupid your friend Mr. Steele becomes!” cries Miss Beatrix. “Epsom + and Tunbridge! Will he never have done with Epsom and Tunbridge, and with + beaux at church, and Jocastas and Lindamiras? Why does he not call women + Nelly and Betty, as their godfathers and godmothers did for them in their + baptism?” + </p> + <p> + “Beatrix. Beatrix!” says her mother, “speak gravely of grave things.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma thinks the Church Catechism came from heaven, I believe,” says + Beatrix, with a laugh, “and was brought down by a bishop from a mountain. + Oh, how I used to break my heart over it! Besides, I had a Popish + godmother, mamma; why did you give me one?” + </p> + <p> + “I gave you the Queen's name,” says her mother blushing. “And a very + pretty name it is,” said somebody else. + </p> + <p> + Beatrix went on reading—“Spell my name with a Y—why, you + wretch,” says she, turning round to Colonel Esmond, “you have been telling + my story to Mr. Steele—or stop—you have written the paper + yourself to turn me into ridicule. For shame, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Poor Mr. Esmond felt rather frightened, and told a truth, which was + nevertheless an entire falsehood. “Upon my honor,” says he, “I have not + even read the Spectator of this morning.” Nor had he, for that was not the + Spectator, but a sham newspaper put in its place. + </p> + <p> + She went on reading: her face rather flushed as she read. “No,” she says, + “I think you couldn't have written it. I think it must have been Mr. + Steele when he was drunk—and afraid of his horrid vulgar wife. + Whenever I see an enormous compliment to a woman, and some outrageous + panegyric about female virtue, I always feel sure that the Captain and his + better half have fallen out over-night, and that he has been brought home + tipsy, or has been found out in—” + </p> + <p> + “Beatrix!” cries the Lady Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mamma! Do not cry out before you are hurt. I am not going to say + anything wrong. I won't give you more annoyance than you can help, you + pretty kind mamma. Yes, and your little Trix is a naughty little Trix, and + she leaves undone those things which she ought to have done, and does + those things which she ought not to have done, and there's—well now—I + won't go on. Yes, I will, unless you kiss me.” And with this the young + lady lays aside her paper, and runs up to her mother and performs a + variety of embraces with her ladyship, saying as plain as eyes could speak + to Mr. Esmond—“There, sir: would not YOU like to play the very same + pleasant game?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, madam, I would,” says he. + </p> + <p> + “Would what?” asked Miss Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + “What you meant when you looked at me in that provoking way,” answers + Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “What a confessor!” cries Beatrix, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “What is it Henry would like, my dear?” asks her mother, the kind soul, + who was always thinking what we would like, and how she could please us. + </p> + <p> + The girl runs up to her—“Oh, you silly kind mamma,” she says, + kissing her again, “that's what Harry would like;” and she broke out into + a great joyful laugh; and Lady Castlewood blushed as bashful as a maid of + sixteen. + </p> + <p> + “Look at her, Harry,” whispers Beatrix, running up, and speaking in her + sweet low tones. “Doesn't the blush become her? Isn't she pretty? She + looks younger than I am, and I am sure she is a hundred million thousand + times better.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond's kind mistress left the room, carrying her blushes away with her. + </p> + <p> + “If we girls at Court could grow such roses as that,” continues Beatrix, + with her laugh, “what wouldn't we do to preserve 'em? We'd clip their + stalks and put 'em in salt and water. But those flowers don't bloom at + Hampton Court and Windsor, Henry.” She paused for a minute, and the smile + fading away from her April face, gave place to a menacing shower of tears; + “Oh, how good she is, Harry,” Beatrix went on to say. “Oh, what a saint + she is! Her goodness frightens me. I'm not fit to live with her. I should + be better I think if she were not so perfect. She has had a great sorrow + in her life, and a great secret; and repented of it. It could not have + been my father's death. She talks freely about that; nor could she have + loved him very much—though who knows what we women do love, and + why?” + </p> + <p> + “What, and why, indeed,” says Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “No one knows,” Beatrix went on, without noticing this interruption except + by a look, “what my mother's life is. She hath been at early prayer this + morning; she passes hours in her closet; if you were to follow her + thither, you would find her at prayers now. She tends the poor of the + place—the horrid dirty poor! She sits through the curate's sermons—oh, + those dreary sermons! And you see on a beau dire; but good as they are, + people like her are not fit to commune with us of the world. There is + always, as it were, a third person present, even when I and my mother are + alone. She can't be frank with me quite; who is always thinking of the + next world, and of her guardian angel, perhaps that's in company. Oh, + Harry, I'm jealous of that guardian angel!” here broke out Mistress + Beatrix. “It's horrid, I know; but my mother's life is all for heaven, and + mine—all for earth. We can never be friends quite; and then, she + cares more for Frank's little finger than she does for me—I know she + does: and she loves you, sir, a great deal too much; and I hate you for + it. I would have had her all to myself; but she wouldn't. In my childhood, + it was my father she loved—(oh, how could she? I remember him kind + and handsome, but so stupid, and not being able to speak after drinking + wine). And then it was Frank; and now, it is heaven and the clergyman. How + I would have loved her! From a child I used to be in a rage that she loved + anybody but me; but she loved you all better—all, I know she did. + And now, she talks of the blessed consolation of religion. Dear soul! she + thinks she is happier for believing, as she must, that we are all of us + wicked and miserable sinners; and this world is only a pied-a-terre for + the good, where they stay for a night, as we do, coming from Walcote, at + that great, dreary, uncomfortable Hounslow Inn, in those horrid beds—oh, + do you remember those horrid beds?—and the chariot comes and fetches + them to heaven the next morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Beatrix,” says Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, indeed. You are a hypocrite, too, Henry, with your grave airs and + your glum face. We are all hypocrites. O dear me! We are all alone, alone, + alone,” says poor Beatrix, her fair breast heaving with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “It was I that writ every line of that paper, my dear,” says Mr. Esmond. + “You are not so worldly as you think yourself, Beatrix, and better than we + believe you. The good we have in us we doubt of; and the happiness that's + to our hand we throw away. You bend your ambition on a great marriage and + establishment—and why? You'll tire of them when you win them; and be + no happier with a coronet on your coach—” + </p> + <p> + “Than riding pillion with Lubin to market,” says Beatrix. “Thank you, + Lubin!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a dismal shepherd, to be sure,” answers Esmond, with a blush; “and + require a nymph that can tuck my bed-clothes up, and make me water-gruel. + Well, Tom Lockwood can do that. He took me out of the fire upon his + shoulders, and nursed me through my illness as love will scarce ever do. + Only good wages, and a hope of my clothes, and the contents of my + portmanteau. How long was it that Jacob served an apprenticeship for + Rachel?” + </p> + <p> + “For mamma?” says Beatrix. “It is mamma your honor wants, and that I + should have the happiness of calling you papa?” + </p> + <p> + Esmond blushed again. “I spoke of a Rachel that a shepherd courted five + thousand years ago; when shepherds were longer lived than now. And my + meaning was, that since I saw you first after our separation—a child + you were then . . .” + </p> + <p> + “And I put on my best stockings to captivate you, I remember, sir . . .” + </p> + <p> + “You have had my heart ever since then, such as it was; and such as you + were, I cared for no other woman. What little reputation I have won, it + was that you might be pleased with it: and indeed, it is not much; and I + think a hundred fools in the army have got and deserved quite as much. Was + there something in the air of that dismal old Castlewood that made us all + gloomy, and dissatisfied, and lonely under its ruined old roof? We were + all so, even when together and united, as it seemed, following our + separate schemes, each as we sat round the table.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dreary old place!” cries Beatrix. “Mamma hath never had the heart + to go back thither since we left it, when—never mind how many years + ago.” And she flung back her curls, and looked over her fair shoulder at + the mirror superbly, as if she said, “Time, I defy you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” says Esmond, who had the art, as she owned, of divining many of her + thoughts. “You can afford to look in the glass still; and only be pleased + by the truth it tells you. As for me, do you know what my scheme is? I + think of asking Frank to give me the Virginian estate King Charles gave + our grandfather. (She gave a superb curtsy, as much as to say, 'Our + grandfather, indeed! Thank you, Mr. Bastard.') Yes, I know you are + thinking of my bar-sinister, and so am I. A man cannot get over it in this + country; unless, indeed, he wears it across a king's arms, when 'tis a + highly honorable coat; and I am thinking of retiring into the plantations, + and building myself a wigwam in the woods, and perhaps, if I want company, + suiting myself with a squaw. We will send your ladyship furs over for the + winter; and, when you are old, we'll provide you with tobacco. I am not + quite clever enough, or not rogue enough—I know not which—for + the Old World. I may make a place for myself in the New, which is not so + full; and found a family there. When you are a mother yourself, and a + great lady, perhaps I shall send you over from the plantation some day a + little barbarian that is half Esmond half Mohock, and you will be kind to + him for his father's sake, who was, after all, your kinsman; and whom you + loved a little.” + </p> + <p> + “What folly you are talking, Harry,” says Miss Beatrix, looking with her + great eyes. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis sober earnest,” says Esmond. And, indeed, the scheme had been + dwelling a good deal in his mind for some time past, and especially since + his return home, when he found how hopeless, and even degrading to + himself, his passion was. “No,” says he, then: “I have tried half a dozen + times now. I can bear being away from you well enough; but being with you + is intolerable” (another low curtsy on Mistress Beatrix's part), “and I + will go. I have enough to buy axes and guns for my men, and beads and + blankets for the savages; and I'll go and live amongst them.” + </p> + <p> + “Mon ami,” she says quite kindly, and taking Esmond's hand, with an air of + great compassion, “you can't think that in our position anything more than + our present friendship is possible. You are our elder brother—as + such we view you, pitying your misfortune, not rebuking you with it. Why, + you are old enough and grave enough to be our father. I always thought you + a hundred years old, Harry, with your solemn face and grave air. I feel as + a sister to you, and can no more. Isn't that enough, sir?” And she put her + face quite close to his—who knows with what intention? + </p> + <p> + “It's too much,” says Esmond, turning away. “I can't bear this life, and + shall leave it. I shall stay, I think, to see you married, and then + freight a ship, and call it the 'Beatrix,' and bid you all . . .” + </p> + <p> + Here the servant, flinging the door open, announced his Grace the Duke of + Hamilton, and Esmond started back with something like an imprecation on + his lips, as the nobleman entered, looking splendid in his star and green + ribbon. He gave Mr. Esmond just that gracious bow which he would have + given to a lackey who fetched him a chair or took his hat, and seated + himself by Miss Beatrix, as the poor Colonel went out of the room with a + hang-dog look. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's mistress was in the lower room as he passed down stairs. She + often met him as he was coming away from Beatrix; and she beckoned him + into the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “Has she told you, Harry?” Lady Castlewood said. + </p> + <p> + “She has been very frank—very,” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “But—but about what is going to happen?” + </p> + <p> + “What is going to happen?” says he, his heart beating. + </p> + <p> + “His Grace the Duke of Hamilton has proposed to her,” says my lady. “He + made his offer yesterday. They will marry as soon as his mourning is over; + and you have heard his Grace is appointed Ambassador to Paris; and the + Ambassadress goes with him.” + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <h3> + BEATRIX'S NEW SUITOR. + </h3> + <p> + The gentleman whom Beatrix had selected was, to be sure, twenty years + older than the Colonel, with whom she quarrelled for being too old; but + this one was but a nameless adventurer, and the other the greatest duke in + Scotland, with pretensions even to a still higher title. My Lord Duke of + Hamilton had, indeed, every merit belonging to a gentleman, and he had had + the time to mature his accomplishments fully, being upwards of fifty years + old when Madam Beatrix selected him for a bridegroom. Duke Hamilton, then + Earl of Arran, had been educated at the famous Scottish university of + Glasgow, and, coming to London, became a great favorite of Charles the + Second, who made him a lord of his bedchamber, and afterwards appointed + him ambassador to the French king, under whom the Earl served two + campaigns as his Majesty's aide-de-camp; and he was absent on this service + when King Charles died. + </p> + <p> + King James continued my lord's promotion—made him Master of the + Wardrobe and Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Horse; and his lordship + adhered firmly to King James, being of the small company that never + quitted that unfortunate monarch till his departure out of England; and + then it was, in 1688 namely, that he made the friendship with Colonel + Francis Esmond, that had always been, more or less, maintained in the two + families. + </p> + <p> + The Earl professed a great admiration for King William always, but never + could give him his allegiance; and was engaged in more than one of the + plots in the late great King's reign which always ended in the plotters' + discomfiture, and generally in their pardon, by the magnanimity of the + King. Lord Arran was twice prisoner in the Tower during this reign, + undauntedly saying, when offered his release, upon parole not to engage + against King William, that he would not give his word, because “he was + sure he could not keep it;” but, nevertheless, he was both times + discharged without any trial; and the King bore this noble enemy so little + malice, that when his mother, the Duchess of Hamilton, of her own right, + resigned her claim on her husband's death, the Earl was, by patent signed + at Loo, 1690, created Duke of Hamilton, Marquis of Clydesdale, and Earl of + Arran, with precedency from the original creation. His Grace took the + oaths and his seat in the Scottish parliament in 1700: was famous there + for his patriotism and eloquence, especially in the debates about the + Union Bill, which Duke Hamilton opposed with all his strength, though he + would not go the length of the Scottish gentry, who were for resisting it + by force of arms. 'Twas said he withdrew his opposition all of a sudden, + and in consequence of letters from the King at St. Germains, who entreated + him on his allegiance not to thwart the Queen his sister in this measure; + and the Duke, being always bent upon effecting the King's return to his + kingdom through a reconciliation between his Majesty and Queen Anne, and + quite averse to his landing with arms and French troops, held aloof, and + kept out of Scotland during the time when the Chevalier de St. George's + descent from Dunkirk was projected, passing his time in England in his + great estate in Staffordshire. + </p> + <p> + When the Whigs went out of office in 1710, the Queen began to show his + Grace the very greatest marks of her favor. He was created Duke of Brandon + and Baron of Dutton in England; having the Thistle already originally + bestowed on him by King James the Second, his Grace was now promoted to + the honor of the Garter—a distinction so great and illustrious, that + no subject hath ever borne them hitherto together. When this objection was + made to her Majesty, she was pleased to say, “Such a subject as the Duke + of Hamilton has a pre-eminent claim to every mark of distinction which a + crowned head can confer. I will henceforth wear both orders myself.” + </p> + <p> + At the Chapter held at Windsor in October, 1712, the Duke and other + knights, including Lord-Treasurer, the new-created Earl of Oxford and + Mortimer, were installed; and a few days afterwards his Grace was + appointed Ambassador-Extraordinary to France, and his equipages, plate, + and liveries commanded, of the most sumptuous kind, not only for his + Excellency the Ambassador, but for her Excellency the Ambassadress, who + was to accompany him. Her arms were already quartered on the coach panels, + and her brother was to hasten over on the appointed day to give her away. + </p> + <p> + His lordship was a widower, having married, in 1698, Elizabeth, daughter + of Digby Lord Gerard, by which marriage great estates came into the + Hamilton family; and out of these estates came, in part, that tragic + quarrel which ended the Duke's career. + </p> + <p> + From the loss of a tooth to that of a mistress there's no pang that is not + bearable. The apprehension is much more cruel than the certainty; and we + make up our mind to the misfortune when 'tis irremediable, part with the + tormentor, and mumble our crust on t'other side of the jaws. I think + Colonel Esmond was relieved when a ducal coach and six came and whisked + his charmer away out of his reach, and placed her in a higher sphere. As + you have seen the nymph in the opera-machine go up to the clouds at the + end of the piece where Mars, Bacchus, Apollo, and all the divine company + of Olympians are seated, and quaver out her last song as a goddess: so + when this portentous elevation was accomplished in the Esmond family, I am + not sure that every one of us did not treat the divine Beatrix with + special honors; at least the saucy little beauty carried her head with a + toss of supreme authority, and assumed a touch-me-not air, which all her + friends very good-humoredly bowed to. + </p> + <p> + An old army acquaintance of Colonel Esmond's, honest Tom Trett, who had + sold his company, married a wife, and turned merchant in the city, was + dreadfully gloomy for a long time, though living in a fine house on the + river, and carrying on a great trade to all appearance. At length Esmond + saw his friend's name in the Gazette as a bankrupt; and a week after this + circumstance my bankrupt walks into Mr. Esmond's lodging with a face + perfectly radiant with good-humor, and as jolly and careless as when they + had sailed from Southampton ten years before for Vigo. “This bankruptcy,” + says Tom, “has been hanging over my head these three years; the thought + hath prevented my sleeping, and I have looked at poor Polly's head on + t'other pillow, and then towards my razor on the table, and thought to put + an end to myself, and so give my woes the slip. But now we are bankrupts: + Tom Trett pays as many shillings in the pound as he can; his wife has a + little cottage at Fulham, and her fortune secured to herself. I am afraid + neither of bailiff nor of creditor: and for the last six nights have slept + easy.” So it was that when Fortune shook her wings and left him, honest + Tom cuddled himself up in his ragged virtue, and fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + Esmond did not tell his friend how much his story applied to Esmond too; + but he laughed at it, and used it; and having fairly struck his docket in + this love transaction, determined to put a cheerful face on his + bankruptcy. Perhaps Beatrix was a little offended at his gayety. “Is this + the way, sir, that you receive the announcement of your misfortune,” says + she, “and do you come smiling before me as if you were glad to be rid of + me?” + </p> + <p> + Esmond would not be put off from his good-humor, but told her the story of + Tom Trett and his bankruptcy. “I have been hankering after the grapes on + the wall,” says he, “and lost my temper because they were beyond my reach; + was there any wonder? They're gone now, and another has them—a + taller man than your humble servant has won them.” And the Colonel made + his cousin a low bow. + </p> + <p> + “A taller man, Cousin Esmond!” says she. “A man of spirit would have + sealed the wall, sir, and seized them! A man of courage would have fought + for 'em, not gaped for 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “A Duke has but to gape and they drop into his mouth,” says Esmond, with + another low bow. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” says she, “a Duke IS a taller man than you. And why should I + not be grateful to one such as his Grace, who gives me his heart and his + great name? It is a great gift he honors me with; I know 'tis a bargain + between us; and I accept it, and will do my utmost to perform my part of + it. 'Tis no question of sighing and philandering between a noble man of + his Grace's age and a girl who hath little of that softness in her nature. + Why should I not own that I am ambitious, Harry Esmond; and if it be no + sin in a man to covet honor, why should a woman too not desire it? Shall I + be frank with you, Harry, and say that if you had not been down on your + knees, and so humble, you might have fared better with me? A woman of my + spirit, cousin, is to be won by gallantry, and not by sighs and rueful + faces. All the time you are worshipping and singing hymns to me, I know + very well I am no goddess, and grow weary of the incense. So would you + have been weary of the goddess too—when she was called Mrs. Esmond, + and got out of humor because she had not pin-money enough, and was forced + to go about in an old gown. Eh! cousin, a goddess in a mob-cap, that has + to make her husband's gruel, ceases to be divine—I am sure of it. I + should have been sulky and scolded; and of all the proud wretches in the + world Mr. Esmond is the proudest, let me tell him that. You never fall + into a passion; but you never forgive, I think. Had you been a great man, + you might have been good-humored; but being nobody, sir, you are too great + a man for me; and I'm afraid of you, cousin—there! and I won't + worship you, and you'll never be happy except with a woman who will. Why, + after I belonged to you, and after one of my tantrums, you would have put + the pillow over my head some night, and smothered me, as the black man + does the woman in the play that you're so fond of. What's the creature's + name?—Desdemona. You would, you little black-dyed Othello!” + </p> + <p> + “I think I should, Beatrix,” says the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “And I want no such ending. I intend to live to be a hundred, and to go to + ten thousand routs and balls, and to play cards every night of my life + till the year eighteen hundred. And I like to be the first of my company, + sir; and I like flattery and compliments, and you give me none; and I like + to be made to laugh, sir, and who's to laugh at YOUR dismal face, I should + like to know? and I like a coach-and six or a coach-and-eight; and I like + diamonds, and a new gown every week; and people to say—'That's the + Duchess—How well her Grace looks—Make way for Madame + l'Ambassadrice d'Angleterre—Call her Excellency's people'—that's + what I like. And as for you, you want a woman to bring your slippers and + cap, and to sit at your feet, and cry, 'O caro! O bravo!' whilst you read + your Shakespeares and Miltons and stuff. Mamma would have been the wife + for you, had you been a little older, though you look ten years older than + she does—you do, you glum-faced, blue-bearded little old man! You + might have sat, like Darby and Joan, and flattered each other; and billed + and cooed like a pair of old pigeons on a perch. I want my wings and to + use them, sir.” And she spread out her beautiful arms, as if indeed she + could fly off like the pretty “Gawrie,” whom the man in the story was + enamored of. + </p> + <p> + “And what will your Peter Wilkins say to your flight?” says Esmond, who + never admired this fair creature more than when she rebelled and laughed + at him. + </p> + <p> + “A duchess knows her place,” says she, with a laugh. “Why, I have a son + already made for me, and thirty years old (my Lord Arran), and four + daughters. How they will scold, and what a rage they will be in, when I + come to take the head of the table! But I give them only a month to be + angry; at the end of that time they shall love me every one, and so shall + Lord Arran, and so shall all his Grace's Scots vassals and followers in + the Highlands. I'm bent on it; and when I take a thing in my head, 'tis + done. His Grace is the greatest gentleman in Europe, and I'll try and make + him happy; and, when the King comes back, you may count on my protection, + Cousin Esmond—for come back the King will and shall; and I'll bring + him back from Versailles, if he comes under my hoop.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope the world will make you happy, Beatrix,” says Esmond, with a sigh. + “You'll be Beatrix till you are my Lady Duchess—will you not? I + shall then make your Grace my very lowest bow.” + </p> + <p> + “None of these sighs and this satire, cousin,” she says. “I take his + Grace's great bounty thankfully—yes, thankfully; and will wear his + honors becomingly. I do not say he hath touched my heart; but he has my + gratitude, obedience, admiration—I have told him that, and no more; + and with that his noble heart is content. I have told him all—even + the story of that poor creature that I was engaged to—and that I + could not love; and I gladly gave his word back to him, and jumped for joy + to get back my own. I am twenty-five years old.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-six, my dear,” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five, sir—I choose to be twenty-five; and in eight years no + man hath ever touched my heart. Yes—you did once, for a little, + Harry, when you came back after Lille, and engaging with that murderer + Mohun, and saving Frank's life. I thought I could like you; and mamma + begged me hard, on her knees, and I did—for a day. But the old chill + came over me, Henry, and the old fear of you and your melancholy; and I + was glad when you went away, and engaged with my Lord Ashburnham, that I + might hear no more of you, that's the truth. You are too good for me, + somehow. I could not make you happy, and should break my heart in trying, + and not being able to love you. But if you had asked me when we gave you + the sword, you might have had me, sir, and we both should have been + miserable by this time. I talked with that silly lord all night just to + vex you and mamma, and I succeeded, didn't I? How frankly we can talk of + these things! It seems a thousand years ago: and, though we are here + sitting in the same room, there is a great wall between us. My dear, kind, + faithful, gloomy old cousin! I can like now, and admire you too, sir, and + say that you are brave, and very kind, and very true, and a fine gentleman + for all—for all your little mishap at your birth,” says she, wagging + her arch head. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir,” says she, with a curtsy, “we must have no more talk except + when mamma is by, as his Grace is with us; for he does not half like you, + cousin, and is jealous as the black man in your favorite play.” + </p> + <p> + Though the very kindness of the words stabbed Mr. Esmond with the keenest + pang, he did not show his sense of the wound by any look of his (as + Beatrix, indeed, afterwards owned to him), but said, with a perfect + command of himself and an easy smile, “The interview must not end yet, my + dear, until I have had my last word. Stay, here comes your mother” (indeed + she came in here with her sweet anxious face, and Esmond going up kissed + her hand respectfully). “My dear lady may hear, too, the last words, which + are no secrets, and are only a parting benediction accompanying a present + for your marriage from an old gentleman your guardian; for I feel as if I + was the guardian of all the family, and an old old fellow that is fit to + be the grandfather of you all; and in this character let me make my Lady + Duchess her wedding present. They are the diamonds my father's widow left + me. I had thought Beatrix might have had them a year ago; but they are + good enough for a duchess, though not bright enough for the handsomest + woman in the world.” And he took the case out of his pocket in which the + jewels were, and presented them to his cousin. + </p> + <p> + She gave a cry of delight, for the stones were indeed very handsome, and + of great value; and the next minute the necklace was where Belinda's cross + is in Mr. Pope's admirable poem, and glittering on the whitest and most + perfectly-shaped neck in all England. + </p> + <p> + The girl's delight at receiving these trinkets was so great, that after + rushing to the looking-glass and examining the effect they produced upon + that fair neck which they surrounded, Beatrix was running back with her + arms extended, and was perhaps for paying her cousin with a price, that he + would have liked no doubt to receive from those beautiful rosy lips of + hers, but at this moment the door opened, and his Grace the bridegroom + elect was announced. + </p> + <p> + He looked very black upon Mr. Esmond, to whom he made a very low bow + indeed, and kissed the hand of each lady in his most ceremonious manner. + He had come in his chair from the palace hard by, and wore his two stars + of the Garter and the Thistle. + </p> + <p> + “Look, my Lord Duke,” says Mistress Beatrix, advancing to him, and showing + the diamonds on her breast. + </p> + <p> + “Diamonds,” says his Grace. “Hm! they seem pretty.” + </p> + <p> + “They are a present on my marriage,” says Beatrix. + </p> + <p> + “From her Majesty?” asks the Duke. “The Queen is very good.” + </p> + <p> + “From my cousin Henry—from our cousin Henry”—cry both the + ladies in a breath. + </p> + <p> + “I have not the honor of knowing the gentleman. I thought that my Lord + Castlewood had no brother: and that on your ladyship's side there were no + nephews.” + </p> + <p> + “From our cousin, Colonel Henry Esmond, my lord,” says Beatrix, taking the + Colonel's hand very bravely,—“who was left guardian to us by our + father, and who has a hundred times shown his love and friendship for our + family.” + </p> + <p> + “The Duchess of Hamilton receives no diamonds but from her husband, + madam,” says the Duke—“may I pray you to restore these to Mr. + Esmond?” + </p> + <p> + “Beatrix Esmond may receive a present from our kinsman and benefactor, my + Lord Duke,” says Lady Castlewood, with an air of great dignity. “She is my + daughter yet: and if her mother sanctions the gift—no one else hath + the right to question it.” + </p> + <p> + “Kinsman and benefactor!” says the Duke. “I know of no kinsman: and I do + not choose that my wife should have for benefactor a—” + </p> + <p> + “My lord!” says Colonel Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “I am not here to bandy words,” says his Grace: “frankly I tell you that + your visits to this house are too frequent, and that I choose no presents + for the Duchess of Hamilton from gentlemen that bear a name they have no + right to.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord!” breaks out Lady Castlewood, “Mr. Esmond hath the best right to + that name of any man in the world: and 'tis as old and as honorable as + your Grace's.” + </p> + <p> + My Lord Duke smiled, and looked as if Lady Castlewood was mad, that was so + talking to him. + </p> + <p> + “If I called him benefactor,” said my mistress, “it is because he has been + so to us—yes, the noblest, the truest, the bravest, the dearest of + benefactors. He would have saved my husband's life from Mohun's sword. He + did save my boy's, and defended him from that villain. Are those no + benefits?” + </p> + <p> + “I ask Colonel Esmond's pardon,” says his Grace, if possible more haughty + than before. “I would say not a word that should give him offence, and + thank him for his kindness to your ladyship's family. My Lord Mohun and I + are connected, you know, by marriage—though neither by blood nor + friendship; but I must repeat what I said, that my wife can receive no + presents from Colonel Esmond.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter may receive presents from the Head of our House: my daughter + may thankfully take kindness from her father's, her mother's, her + brother's dearest friend; and be grateful for one more benefit besides the + thousand we owe him,” cries Lady Esmond. “What is a string of diamond + stones compared to that affection he hath given us—our dearest + preserver and benefactor? We owe him not only Frank's life, but our all—yes, + our all,” says my mistress, with a heightened color and a trembling voice. + “The title we bear is his, if he would claim it. 'Tis we who have no right + to our name: not he that's too great for it. He sacrificed his name at my + dying lord's bedside—sacrificed it to my orphan children; gave up + rank and honor because he loved us so nobly. His father was Viscount of + Castlewood and Marquis of Esmond before him; and he is his father's lawful + son and true heir, and we are the recipients of his bounty, and he the + chief of a house that's as old as your own. And if he is content to forego + his name that my child may bear it, we love him and honor him and bless + him under whatever name he bears”—and here the fond and affectionate + creature would have knelt to Esmond again, but that he prevented her; and + Beatrix, running up to her with a pale face and a cry of alarm, embraced + her and said, “Mother, what is this?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a family secret, my Lord Duke,” says Colonel Esmond: “poor Beatrix + knew nothing of it; nor did my lady till a year ago. And I have as good a + right to resign my title as your Grace's mother to abdicate hers to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have told everything to the Duke of Hamilton,” said my mistress, + “had his Grace applied to me for my daughter's hand, and not to Beatrix. I + should have spoken with you this very day in private, my lord, had not + your words brought about this sudden explanation—and now 'tis fit + Beatrix should hear it; and know, as I would have all the world know, what + we owe to our kinsman and patron.” + </p> + <p> + And then in her touching way, and having hold of her daughter's hand, and + speaking to her rather than my Lord Duke, Lady Castlewood told the story + which you know already—lauding up to the skies her kinsman's + behavior. On his side Mr. Esmond explained the reasons that seemed quite + sufficiently cogent with him, why the succession in the family, as at + present it stood, should not be disturbed; and he should remain as he was, + Colonel Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “And Marquis of Esmond, my lord,” says his Grace, with a low bow. “Permit + me to ask your lordship's pardon for words that were uttered in ignorance; + and to beg for the favor of your friendship. To be allied to you, sir, + must be an honor under whatever name you are known” (so his Grace was + pleased to say); “and in return for the splendid present you make my wife, + your kinswoman, I hope you will please to command any service that James + Douglas can perform. I shall never be easy until I repay you a part of my + obligations at least; and ere very long, and with the mission her Majesty + hath given me,” says the Duke, “that may perhaps be in my power. I shall + esteem it as a favor, my lord, if Colonel Esmond will give away the + bride.” + </p> + <p> + “And if he will take the usual payment in advance, he is welcome,” says + Beatrix, stepping up to him; and, as Esmond kissed her, she whispered, + “Oh, why didn't I know you before?” + </p> + <p> + My Lord Duke was as hot as a flame at this salute, but said never a word: + Beatrix made him a proud curtsy, and the two ladies quitted the room + together. + </p> + <p> + “When does your Excellency go for Paris?” asks Colonel Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “As soon after the ceremony as may be,” his Grace answered. “'Tis fixed + for the first of December: it cannot be sooner. The equipage will not be + ready till then. The Queen intends the embassy should be very grand—and + I have law business to settle. That ill-omened Mohun has come, or is + coming, to London again: we are in a lawsuit about my late Lord Gerard's + property; and he hath sent to me to meet him.” + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + MOHUN APPEARS FOR THE LAST TIME IN THIS HISTORY. + </h3> + <p> + Besides my Lord Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, who for family reasons had + kindly promised his protection and patronage to Colonel Esmond, he had + other great friends in power now, both able and willing to assist him, and + he might, with such allies, look forward to as fortunate advancement in + civil life at home as he had got rapid promotion abroad. His Grace was + magnanimous enough to offer to take Mr. Esmond as secretary on his Paris + embassy, but no doubt he intended that proposal should be rejected; at any + rate, Esmond could not bear the thoughts of attending his mistress farther + than the church-door after her marriage, and so declined that offer which + his generous rival made him. + </p> + <p> + Other gentlemen in power were liberal at least of compliments and promises + to Colonel Esmond. Mr. Harley, now become my Lord Oxford and Mortimer, and + installed Knight of the Garter on the same day as his Grace of Hamilton + had received the same honor, sent to the Colonel to say that a seat in + Parliament should be at his disposal presently, and Mr. St. John held out + many flattering hopes of advancement to the Colonel when he should enter + the House. Esmond's friends were all successful, and the most successful + and triumphant of all was his dear old commander, General Webb, who was + now appointed Lieutenant-General of the Land Forces, and received with + particular honor by the Ministry, by the Queen, and the people out of + doors, who huzza'd the brave chief when they used to see him in his + chariot going to the House or to the Drawing-room, or hobbling on foot to + his coach from St. Stephen's upon his glorious old crutch and stick, and + cheered him as loud as they had ever done Marlborough. + </p> + <p> + That great Duke was utterly disgraced; and honest old Webb dated all his + Grace's misfortunes from Wynendael, and vowed that Fate served the traitor + right. Duchess Sarah had also gone to ruin; she had been forced to give up + her keys, and her places, and her pensions:—“Ah, ah!” says Webb, + “she would have locked up three millions of French crowns with her keys + had I but been knocked on the head, but I stopped that convoy at + Wynendael.” Our enemy Cardonnel was turned out of the House of Commons + (along with Mr. Walpole) for malversation of public money. Cadogan lost + his place of Lieutenant of the Tower. Marlborough's daughters resigned + their posts of ladies of the bedchamber; and so complete was the Duke's + disgrace, that his son-in-law, Lord Bridgewater, was absolutely obliged to + give up his lodgings at St. James's, and had his half-pension, as Master + of the Horse, taken away. But I think the lowest depth of Marlborough's + fall was when he humbly sent to ask General Webb when he might wait upon + him; he who had commanded the stout old General, who had injured him and + sneered at him, who had kept him dangling in his ante-chamber, who could + not even after his great service condescend to write him a letter in his + own hand. The nation was as eager for peace as ever it had been hot for + war. The Prince of Savoy came amongst us, had his audience of the Queen, + and got his famous Sword of Honor, and strove with all his force to form a + Whig party together, to bring over the young Prince of Hanover to do + anything which might prolong the war, and consummate the ruin of the old + sovereign whom he hated so implacably. But the nation was tired of the + struggle: so completely wearied of it that not even our defeat at Denain + could rouse us into any anger, though such an action so lost two years + before would have set all England in a fury. 'Twas easy to see that the + great Marlborough was not with the army. Eugene was obliged to fall back + in a rage, and forego the dazzling revenge of his life. 'Twas in vain the + Duke's side asked, “Would we suffer our arms to be insulted? Would we not + send back the only champion who could repair our honor?” The nation had + had its bellyful of fighting; nor could taunts or outcries goad up our + Britons any more. + </p> + <p> + For a statesman that was always prating of liberty, and had the grandest + philosophic maxims in his mouth, it must be owned that Mr. St. John + sometimes rather acted like a Turkish than a Greek philosopher, and + especially fell foul of one unfortunate set of men, the men of letters, + with a tyranny a little extraordinary in a man who professed to respect + their calling so much. The literary controversy at this time was very + bitter, the Government side was the winning one, the popular one, and I + think might have been the merciful one. 'Twas natural that the opposition + should be peevish and cry out: some men did so from their hearts, admiring + the Duke of Marlborough's prodigious talents, and deploring the disgrace + of the greatest general the world ever knew: 'twas the stomach that caused + other patriots to grumble, and such men cried out because they were poor, + and paid to do so. Against these my Lord Bolingbroke never showed the + slightest mercy, whipping a dozen into prison or into the pillory without + the least commiseration. + </p> + <p> + From having been a man of arms Mr. Esmond had now come to be a man of + letters, but on a safer side than that in which the above-cited poor + fellows ventured their liberties and ears. There was no danger on ours, + which was the winning side; besides, Mr. Esmond pleased himself by + thinking that he writ like a gentleman if he did not always succeed as a + wit. + </p> + <p> + Of the famous wits of that age, who have rendered Queen Anne's reign + illustrious, and whose works will be in all Englishmen's hands in ages yet + to come, Mr. Esmond saw many, but at public places chiefly; never having a + great intimacy with any of them, except with honest Dick Steele and Mr. + Addison, who parted company with Esmond, however, when that gentleman + became a declared Tory, and lived on close terms with the leading persons + of that party. Addison kept himself to a few friends, and very rarely + opened himself except in their company. A man more upright and + conscientious than he it was not possible to find in public life, and one + whose conversation was so various, easy, and delightful. Writing now in my + mature years, I own that I think Addison's politics were the right, and + were my time to come over again, I would be a Whig in England and not a + Tory; but with people that take a side in politics, 'tis men rather than + principles that commonly bind them. A kindness or a slight puts a man + under one flag or the other, and he marches with it to the end of the + campaign. Esmond's master in war was injured by Marlborough, and hated + him: and the lieutenant fought the quarrels of his leader. Webb coming to + London was used as a weapon by Marlborough's enemies (and true steel he + was, that honest chief); nor was his aide-de-camp, Mr. Esmond, an + unfaithful or unworthy partisan. 'Tis strange here, and on a foreign soil, + and in a land that is independent in all but the name, (for that the North + American colonies shall remain dependants on yonder little island for + twenty years more, I never can think,) to remember how the nation at home + seemed to give itself up to the domination of one or other aristocratic + party, and took a Hanoverian king, or a French one, according as either + prevailed. And while the Tories, the October club gentlemen, the High + Church parsons that held by the Church of England, were for having a + Papist king, for whom many of their Scottish and English leaders, firm + churchmen all, laid down their lives with admirable loyalty and devotion; + they were governed by men who had notoriously no religion at all, but used + it as they would use any opinion for the purpose of forwarding their own + ambition. The Whigs, on the other hand, who professed attachment to + religion and liberty too, were compelled to send to Holland or Hanover for + a monarch around whom they could rally. A strange series of compromises is + that English History; compromise of principle, compromise of party, + compromise of worship! The lovers of English freedom and independence + submitted their religious consciences to an Act of Parliament; could not + consolidate their liberty without sending to Zell or the Hague for a king + to live under; and could not find amongst the proudest people in the world + a man speaking their own language, and understanding their laws, to govern + them. The Tory and High Church patriots were ready to die in defence of a + Papist family that had sold us to France; the great Whig nobles, the + sturdy republican recusants who had cut off Charles Stuart's head for + treason, were fain to accept a king whose title came to him through a + royal grandmother, whose own royal grandmother's head had fallen under + Queen Bess's hatchet. And our proud English nobles sent to a petty German + town for a monarch to come and reign in London and our prelates kissed the + ugly hands of his Dutch mistresses, and thought it no dishonor. In England + you can but belong to one party or t'other, and you take the house you + live in with all its encumbrances, its retainers, its antique discomforts, + and ruins even; you patch up, but you never build up anew. Will we of the + new world submit much longer, even nominally, to this ancient British + superstition? There are signs of the times which make me think that ere + long we shall care as little about King George here, and peers temporal + and peers spiritual, as we do for King Canute or the Druids. + </p> + <p> + This chapter began about the wits, my grandson may say, and hath wandered + very far from their company. The pleasantest of the wits I knew were the + Doctors Garth and Arbuthnot, and Mr. Gay, the author of “Trivia,” the most + charming kind soul that ever laughed at a joke or cracked a bottle. Mr. + Prior I saw, and he was the earthen pot swimming with the pots of brass + down the stream, and always and justly frightened lest he should break in + the voyage. I met him both at London and Paris, where he was performing + piteous congees to the Duke of Shrewsbury, not having courage to support + the dignity which his undeniable genius and talent had won him, and + writing coaxing letters to Secretary St. John, and thinking about his + plate and his place, and what on earth should become of him should his + party go out. The famous Mr. Congreve I saw a dozen of times at Button's, + a splendid wreck of a man, magnificently attired, and though gouty, and + almost blind, bearing a brave face against fortune. + </p> + <p> + The great Mr. Pope (of whose prodigious genius I have no words to express + my admiration) was quite a puny lad at this time, appearing seldom in + public places. There were hundreds of men, wits, and pretty fellows + frequenting the theatres and coffee-houses of that day—whom “nunc + perscribere longum est.” Indeed I think the most brilliant of that sort I + ever saw was not till fifteen years afterwards, when I paid my last visit + in England, and met young Harry Fielding, son of the Fielding that served + in Spain and afterwards in Flanders with us, and who for fun and humor + seemed to top them all. As for the famous Dr. Swift, I can say of him, + “Vidi tantum.” He was in London all these years up to the death of the + Queen; and in a hundred public places where I saw him, but no more; he + never missed Court of a Sunday, where once or twice he was pointed out to + your grandfather. He would have sought me out eagerly enough had I been a + great man with a title to my name, or a star on my coat. At Court the + Doctor had no eyes but for the very greatest. Lord Treasurer and St. John + used to call him Jonathan, and they paid him with this cheap coin for the + service they took of him. He writ their lampoons, fought their enemies, + flogged and bullied in their service, and it must be owned with a + consummate skill and fierceness. 'Tis said he hath lost his intellect now, + and forgotten his wrongs and his rage against mankind. I have always + thought of him and of Marlborough as the two greatest men of that age. I + have read his books (who doth not know them?) here in our calm woods, and + imagine a giant to myself as I think of him, a lonely fallen Prometheus, + groaning as the vulture tears him. Prometheus I saw, but when first I ever + had any words with him, the giant stepped out of a sedan chair in the + Poultry, whither he had come with a tipsy Irish servant parading before + him, who announced him, bawling out his Reverence's name, whilst his + master below was as yet haggling with the chairman. I disliked this Mr. + Swift, and heard many a story about him, of his conduct to men, and his + words to women. He could flatter the great as much as he could bully the + weak; and Mr. Esmond, being younger and hotter in that day than now, was + determined, should he ever meet this dragon, not to run away from his + teeth and his fire. + </p> + <p> + Men have all sorts of motives which carry them onwards in life, and are + driven into acts of desperation, or it may be of distinction, from a + hundred different causes. There was one comrade of Esmond's, an honest + little Irish lieutenant of Handyside's, who owed so much money to a camp + sutler, that he began to make love to the man's daughter, intending to pay + his debt that way; and at the battle of Malplaquet, flying away from the + debt and lady too, he rushed so desperately on the French lines, that he + got his company; and came a captain out of the action, and had to marry + the sutler's daughter after all, who brought him his cancelled debt to her + father as poor Roger's fortune. To run out of the reach of bill and + marriage, he ran on the enemy's pikes; and as these did not kill him he + was thrown back upon t'other horn of his dilemma. Our great Duke at the + same battle was fighting, not the French, but the Tories in England; and + risking his life and the army's, not for his country but for his pay and + places; and for fear of his wife at home, that only being in life whom he + dreaded. I have asked about men in my own company, (new drafts of poor + country boys were perpetually coming over to us during the wars, and + brought from the ploughshare to the sword,) and found that a half of them + under the flags were driven thither on account of a woman: one fellow was + jilted by his mistress and took the shilling in despair; another jilted + the girl, and fled from her and the parish to the tents where the law + could not disturb him. Why go on particularizing? What can the sons of + Adam and Eve expect, but to continue in that course of love and trouble + their father and mother set out on? Oh, my grandson! I am drawing nigh to + the end of that period of my history, when I was acquainted with the great + world of England and Europe; my years are past the Hebrew poet's limit, + and I say unto thee, all my troubles and joys too, for that matter, have + come from a woman; as thine will when thy destined course begins. 'Twas a + woman that made a soldier of me, that set me intriguing afterwards; I + believe I would have spun smocks for her had she so bidden me; what + strength I had in my head I would have given her; hath not every man in + his degree had his Omphale and Delilah? Mine befooled me on the banks of + the Thames, and in dear old England; thou mayest find thine own by + Rappahannock. + </p> + <p> + To please that woman then I tried to distinguish myself as a soldier, and + afterwards as a wit and a politician; as to please another I would have + put on a black cassock and a pair of bands, and had done so but that a + superior fate intervened to defeat that project. And I say, I think the + world is like Captain Esmond's company I spoke of anon; and could you see + every man's career in life, you would find a woman clogging him; or + clinging round his march and stopping him; or cheering him and goading + him: or beckoning him out of her chariot, so that he goes up to her, and + leaves the race to be run without him or bringing him the apple, and + saying “Eat;” or fetching him the daggers and whispering “Kill! yonder + lies Duncan, and a crown, and an opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + Your grandfather fought with more effect as a politician than as a wit: + and having private animosities and grievances of his own and his General's + against the great Duke in command of the army, and more information on + military matters than most writers, who had never seen beyond the fire of + a tobacco-pipe at “Wills's,” he was enabled to do good service for that + cause which he embarked in, and for Mr. St. John and his party. But he + disdained the abuse in which some of the Tory writers indulged; for + instance, Dr. Swift, who actually chose to doubt the Duke of Marlborough's + courage, and was pleased to hint that his Grace's military capacity was + doubtful: nor were Esmond's performances worse for the effect they were + intended to produce, (though no doubt they could not injure the Duke of + Marlborough nearly so much in the public eyes as the malignant attacks of + Swift did, which were carefully directed so as to blacken and degrade + him,) because they were writ openly and fairly by Mr. Esmond, who made no + disguise of them, who was now out of the army, and who never attacked the + prodigious courage and talents, only the selfishness and rapacity, of the + chief. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel then, having writ a paper for one of the Tory journals, called + the Post-Boy, (a letter upon Bouchain, that the town talked about for two + whole days, when the appearance of an Italian singer supplied a fresh + subject for conversation,) and having business at the Exchange, where + Mistress Beatrix wanted a pair of gloves or a fan very likely, Esmond went + to correct his paper, and was sitting at the printer's, when the famous + Doctor Swift came in, his Irish fellow with him that used to walk before + his chair, and bawled out his master's name with great dignity. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond was waiting for the printer too, whose wife had gone to the + tavern to fetch him, and was meantime engaged in drawing a picture of a + soldier on horseback for a dirty little pretty boy of the printer's wife, + whom she had left behind her. + </p> + <p> + “I presume you are the editor of the Post-Boy, sir?” says the Doctor, in a + grating voice that had an Irish twang; and he looked at the Colonel from + under his two bushy eyebrows with a pair of very clear blue eyes. His + complexion was muddy, his figure rather fat, his chin double. He wore a + shabby cassock, and a shabby hat over his black wig, and he pulled out a + great gold watch, at which he looks very fierce. + </p> + <p> + “I am but a contributor, Doctor Swift,” says Esmond, with the little boy + still on his knee. He was sitting with his back in the window, so that the + Doctor could not see him. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you I was Dr. Swift?” says the Doctor, eying the other very + haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “Your Reverence's valet bawled out your name,” says the Colonel. “I should + judge you brought him from Ireland?” + </p> + <p> + “And pray, sir, what right have you to judge whether my servant came from + Ireland or no? I want to speak with your employer, Mr. Leach. I'll thank + ye go fetch him.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's your papa, Tommy?” asks the Colonel of the child, a smutty little + wretch in a frock. + </p> + <p> + Instead of answering, the child begins to cry; the Doctor's appearance had + no doubt frightened the poor little imp. + </p> + <p> + “Send that squalling little brat about his business, and do what I bid ye, + sir,” says the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + “I must finish, the picture first for Tommy,” says the Colonel, laughing. + “Here, Tommy, will you have your Pandour with whiskers or without?” + </p> + <p> + “Whisters,” says Tommy, quite intent on the picture. + </p> + <p> + “Who the devil are ye, sir?” cries the Doctor; “are ye a printer's man or + are ye not?” he pronounced it like NAUGHT. + </p> + <p> + “Your reverence needn't raise the devil to ask who I am,” says Colonel + Esmond. “Did you ever hear of Doctor Faustus, little Tommy? or Friar + Bacon, who invented gunpowder, and set the Thames on fire?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Swift turned quite red, almost purple. “I did not intend any offence, + sir,” says he. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, sir, you offended without meaning,” says the other, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Who are ye, sir? Do you know who I am, sir? You are one of the pack of + Grub Street scribblers that my friend Mr. Secretary hath laid by the + heels. How dare ye, sir, speak to me in this tone?” cries the Doctor, in a + great fume. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your honor's humble pardon if I have offended your honor,” says + Esmond in a tone of great humility. “Rather than be sent to the Compter, + or be put in the pillory, there's nothing I wouldn't do. But Mrs. Leach, + the printer's lady, told me to mind Tommy whilst she went for her husband + to the tavern, and I daren't leave the child lest he should fall into the + fire; but if your Reverence will hold him—” + </p> + <p> + “I take the little beast!” says the Doctor, starting back. “I am engaged + to your betters, fellow. Tell Mr. Leach that when he makes an appointment + with Dr. Swift he had best keep it, do ye hear? And keep a respectful + tongue in your head, sir, when you address a person like me.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm but a poor broken-down soldier,” says the Colonel, “and I've seen + better days, though I am forced now to turn my hand to writing. We can't + help our fate, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You're the person that Mr. Leach hath spoken to me of, I presume. Have + the goodness to speak civilly when you are spoken to—and tell Leach + to call at my lodgings in Bury Street, and bring the papers with him + to-night at ten o'clock. And the next time you see me, you'll know me, and + be civil, Mr. Kemp.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Kemp, who had been a lieutenant at the beginning of the war, and + fallen into misfortune, was the writer of the Post-Boy, and now took + honest Mr. Leach's pay in place of her Majesty's. Esmond had seen this + gentleman, and a very ingenious, hardworking honest fellow he was, toiling + to give bread to a great family, and watching up many a long winter night + to keep the wolf from his door. And Mr. St. John, who had liberty always + on his tongue, had just sent a dozen of the opposition writers into + prison, and one actually into the pillory, for what he called libels, but + libels not half so violent as those writ on our side. With regard to this + very piece of tyranny, Esmond had remonstrated strongly with the + Secretary, who laughed and said the rascals were served quite right; and + told Esmond a joke of Swift's regarding the matter. Nay, more, this + Irishman, when St. John was about to pardon a poor wretch condemned to + death for rape, absolutely prevented the Secretary from exercising this + act of good-nature, and boasted that he had had the man hanged; and great + as the Doctor's genius might be, and splendid his ability, Esmond for one + would affect no love for him, and never desired to make his acquaintance. + The Doctor was at Court every Sunday assiduously enough, a place the + Colonel frequented but rarely, though he had a great inducement to go + there in the person of a fair maid of honor of her Majesty's; and the airs + and patronage Mr. Swift gave himself, forgetting gentlemen of his country + whom he knew perfectly, his loud talk at once insolent and servile, nay, + perhaps his very intimacy with Lord Treasurer and the Secretary, who + indulged all his freaks and called him Jonathan, you may be sure, were + remarked by many a person of whom the proud priest himself took no note, + during that time of his vanity and triumph. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas but three days after the 15th of November, 1712 (Esmond minds him + well of the date), that he went by invitation to dine with his General, + the foot of whose table he used to take on these festive occasions, as he + had done at many a board, hard and plentiful, during the campaign. This + was a great feast, and of the latter sort; the honest old gentleman loved + to treat his friends splendidly: his Grace of Ormonde, before he joined + his army as generalissimo, my Lord Viscount Bolingbroke, one of her + Majesty's Secretaries of State, my Lord Orkney, that had served with us + abroad, being of the party. His Grace of Hamilton, Master of the Ordnance, + and in whose honor the feast had been given, upon his approaching + departure as Ambassador to Paris, had sent an excuse to General Webb at + two o'clock, but an hour before the dinner: nothing but the most immediate + business, his Grace said, should have prevented him having the pleasure of + drinking a parting glass to the health of General Webb. His absence + disappointed Esmond's old chief, who suffered much from his wounds + besides; and though the company was grand, it was rather gloomy. St. John + came last, and brought a friend with him: “I'm sure,” says my General, + bowing very politely, “my table hath always a place for Dr. Swift.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond went up to the Doctor with a bow and a smile:—“I gave Dr. + Swift's message,” says he, “to the printer: I hope he brought your + pamphlet to your lodgings in time.” Indeed poor Leach had come to his + house very soon after the Doctor left it, being brought away rather tipsy + from the tavern by his thrifty wife; and he talked of Cousin Swift in a + maudlin way, though of course Mr. Esmond did not allude to this + relationship. The Doctor scowled, blushed, and was much confused, and said + scarce a word during the whole of dinner. A very little stone will + sometimes knock down these Goliaths of wit; and this one was often + discomfited when met by a man of any spirit; he took his place sulkily, + put water in his wine that the others drank plentifully, and scarce said a + word. + </p> + <p> + The talk was about the affairs of the day, or rather about persons than + affairs: my Lady Marlborough's fury, her daughters in old clothes and + mob-caps looking out from their windows and seeing the company pass to the + Drawing-room; the gentleman-usher's horror when the Prince of Savoy was + introduced to her Majesty in a tie-wig, no man out of a full-bottomed + periwig ever having kissed the Royal hand before; about the Mohawks and + the damage they were doing, rushing through the town, killing and + murdering. Some one said the ill-omened face of Mohun had been seen at the + theatre the night before, and Macartney and Meredith with him. Meant to be + a feast, the meeting, in spite of drink and talk, was as dismal as a + funeral. Every topic started subsided into gloom. His Grace of Ormonde + went away because the conversation got upon Denain, where we had been + defeated in the last campaign. Esmond's General was affected at the + allusion to this action too, for his comrade of Wynendael, the Count of + Nassau Woudenbourg, had been slain there. Mr. Swift, when Esmond pledged + him, said he drank no wine, and took his hat from the peg and went away, + beckoning my Lord Bolingbroke to follow him; but the other bade him take + his chariot and save his coach-hire—he had to speak with Colonel + Esmond; and when the rest of the company withdrew to cards, these two + remained behind in the dark. + </p> + <p> + Bolingbroke always spoke freely when he had drunk freely. His enemies + could get any secret out of him in that condition; women were even + employed to ply him, and take his words down. I have heard that my Lord + Stair, three years after, when the Secretary fled to France and became the + Pretender's Minister, got all the information he wanted by putting female + spies over St. John in his cups. He spoke freely now:—“Jonathan + knows nothing of this for certain, though he suspects it, and by George, + Webb will take an Archbishopric, and Jonathan a—no,—damme—Jonathan + will take an Arch-bishopric from James, I warrant me, gladly enough. Your + Duke hath the string of the whole matter in his hand,” the Secretary went + on. “We have that which will force Marlborough to keep his distance, and + he goes out of London in a fortnight. Prior hath his business; he left me + this morning, and mark me, Harry, should fate carry off our august, our + beloved, our most gouty and plethoric Queen, and Defender of the Faith, la + bonne cause triomphera. A la sante de la bonne cause! Everything good + comes from France. Wine comes from France; give us another bumper to the + bonne cause.” We drank it together. + </p> + <p> + “Will the bonne cause turn Protestant?” asked Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “No, hang it,” says the other, “he'll defend our Faith as in duty bound, + but he'll stick by his own. The Hind and the Panther shall run in the same + car, by Jove. Righteousness and peace shall kiss each other: and we'll + have Father Massillon to walk down the aisle of St. Paul's, cheek by jowl + with Dr. Sacheverel. Give us more wine; here's a health to the bonne + cause, kneeling—damme, let's drink it kneeling.” He was quite + flushed and wild with wine as he was talking. + </p> + <p> + “And suppose,” says Esmond, who always had this gloomy apprehension, “the + bonne cause should give us up to the French, as his father and uncle did + before him?” + </p> + <p> + “Give us up to the French!” starts up Bolingbroke; “is there any English + gentleman that fears that? You who have seen Blenheim and Ramillies, + afraid of the French! Your ancestors and mine, and brave old Webb's + yonder, have met them in a hundred fields, and our children will be ready + to do the like. Who's he that wishes for more men from England? My Cousin + Westmoreland? Give us up to the French, pshaw!” + </p> + <p> + “His uncle did,” says Mr. Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “And what happened to his grandfather?” broke out St. John, filling out + another bumper. “Here's to the greatest monarch England ever saw; here's + to the Englishman that made a kingdom of her. Our great King came from + Huntingdon, not Hanover; our fathers didn't look for a Dutchman to rule + us. Let him come and we'll keep him, and we'll show him Whitehall. If he's + a traitor let us have him here to deal with him; and then there are + spirits here as great as any that have gone before. There are men here + that can look at danger in the face and not be frightened at it. Traitor! + treason! what names are these to scare you and me? Are all Oliver's men + dead, or his glorious name forgotten in fifty years? Are there no men + equal to him, think you, as good—ay, as good? God save the King! + and, if the monarchy fails us, God save the British Republic!” + </p> + <p> + He filled another great bumper, and tossed it up and drained it wildly, + just as the noise of rapid carriage-wheels approaching was stopped at our + door, and after a hurried knock and a moment's interval, Mr. Swift came + into the hall, ran up stairs to the room we were dining in, and entered it + with a perturbed face. St. John, excited with drink, was making some wild + quotation out of Macbeth, but Swift stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “Drink no more, my lord, for God's sake!” says he. “I come with the most + dreadful news.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the Queen dead?” cries out Bolingbroke, seizing on a water-glass. + </p> + <p> + “No, Duke Hamilton is dead: he was murdered an hour ago by Mohun and + Macartney; they had a quarrel this morning; they gave him not so much time + as to write a letter. He went for a couple of his friends, and he is dead, + and Mohun, too, the bloody villain, who was set on him. They fought in + Hyde Park just before sunset; the Duke killed Mohun, and Macartney came up + and stabbed him, and the dog is fled. I have your chariot below; send to + every part of the country and apprehend that villain; come to the Duke's + house and see if any life be left in him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Beatrix, Beatrix,” thought Esmond, “and here ends my poor girl's + ambition!” + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + POOR BEATRIX. + </h3> + <p> + There had been no need to urge upon Esmond the necessity of a separation + between him and Beatrix: Fate had done that completely; and I think from + the very moment poor Beatrix had accepted the Duke's offer, she began to + assume the majestic air of a Duchess, nay, Queen Elect, and to carry + herself as one sacred and removed from us common people. Her mother and + kinsman both fell into her ways, the latter scornfully perhaps, and + uttering his usual gibes at her vanity and his own. There was a certain + charm about this girl of which neither Colonel Esmond nor his fond + mistress could forego the fascination; in spite of her faults and her + pride and wilfulness, they were forced to love her; and, indeed, might be + set down as the two chief flatterers of the brilliant creature's court. + </p> + <p> + Who, in the course of his life, hath not been so bewitched, and worshipped + some idol or another? Years after this passion hath been dead and buried, + along with a thousand other worldly cares and ambitions, he who felt it + can recall it out of its grave, and admire, almost as fondly as he did in + his youth, that lovely queenly creature. I invoke that beautiful spirit + from the shades and love her still; or rather I should say such a past is + always present to a man; such a passion once felt forms a part of his + whole being, and cannot be separated from it; it becomes a portion of the + man of to-day, just as any great faith or conviction, the discovery of + poetry, the awakening of religion, ever afterwards influence him; just as + the wound I had at Blenheim, and of which I wear the scar, hath become + part of my frame and influenced my whole body, nay, spirit subsequently, + though 'twas got and healed forty years ago. Parting and forgetting! What + faithful heart can do these? Our great thoughts, our great affections, the + Truths of our life, never leave us. Surely, they cannot separate from our + consciousness; shall follow it whithersoever that shall go; and are of + their nature divine and immortal. + </p> + <p> + With the horrible news of this catsstrophe, which was confirmed by the + weeping domestics at the Duke's own door, Esmond rode homewards as quick + as his lazy coach would carry him, devising all the time how he should + break the intelligence to the person most concerned in it; and if a satire + upon human vanity could be needed, that poor soul afforded it in the + altered company and occupations in which Esmond found her. For days + before, her chariot had been rolling the street from mercer to toyshop—from + goldsmith to laceman: her taste was perfect, or at least the fond + bridegroom had thought so, and had given her entire authority over all + tradesmen, and for all the plate, furniture and equipages, with which his + Grace the Ambassador wished to adorn his splendid mission. She must have + her picture by Kneller, a duchess not being complete without a portrait, + and a noble one he made, and actually sketched in, on a cushion, a coronet + which she was about to wear. She vowed she would wear it at King James the + Third's coronation, and never a princess in the land would have become + ermine better. Esmond found the ante-chamber crowded with milliners and + toyshop women, obsequious goldsmiths with jewels, salvers, and tankards; + and mercers' men with hangings, and velvets, and brocades. My Lady Duchess + elect was giving audience to one famous silversmith from Exeter Change, + who brought with him a great chased salver, of which he was pointing out + the beauties as Colonel Esmond entered. “Come,” says she, “cousin, and + admire the taste of this pretty thing.” I think Mars and Venus were lying + in the golden bower, that one gilt Cupid carried off the war-god's casque—another + his sword—another his great buckler, upon which my Lord Duke + Hamilton's arms with ours were to be engraved—and a fourth was + kneeling down to the reclining goddess with the ducal coronet in her + hands, God help us! The next time Mr. Esmond saw that piece of plate, the + arms were changed, the ducal coronet had been replaced by a viscount's; it + formed part of the fortune of the thrifty goldsmith's own daughter, when + she married my Lord Viscount Squanderfield two years after. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't this a beautiful piece?” says Beatrix, examining it, and she + pointed out the arch graces of the Cupids, and the fine carving of the + languid prostrate Mars. Esmond sickened as he thought of the warrior dead + in his chamber, his servants and children weeping around him; and of this + smiling creature attiring herself, as it were, for that nuptial death-bed. + “'Tis a pretty piece of vanity,” says he, looking gloomily at the + beautiful creature: there were flambeaux in the room lighting up the + brilliant mistress of it. She lifted up the great gold salver with her + fair arms. + </p> + <p> + “Vanity!” says she, haughtily. “What is vanity in you, sir, is propriety + in me. You ask a Jewish price for it, Mr. Graves; but have it I will, if + only to spite Mr. Esmond.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Beatrix, lay it down!” says Mr. Esmond. “Herodias! you know not what + you carry in the charger.” + </p> + <p> + She dropped it with a clang; the eager goldsmith running to seize his + fallen ware. The lady's face caught the fright from Esmond's pale + countenance, and her eyes shone out like beacons of alarm:—“What is + it, Henry!” says she, running to him, and seizing both his hands. “What do + you mean by your pale face and gloomy tones?” + </p> + <p> + “Come away, come away!” says Esmond, leading her: she clung frightened to + him, and he supported her upon his heart, bidding the scared goldsmith + leave them. The man went into the next apartment, staring with surprise, + and hugging his precious charger. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my Beatrix, my sister!” says Esmond, still holding in his arms the + pallid and affrighted creature, “you have the greatest courage of any + woman in the world; prepare to show it now, for you have a dreadful trial + to bear.” + </p> + <p> + She sprang away from the friend who would have protected her:—“Hath + he left me?” says she. “We had words this morning: he was very gloomy, and + I angered him: but he dared not, he dared not!” As she spoke a burning + blush flushed over her whole face and bosom. Esmond saw it reflected in + the glass by which she stood, with clenched hands, pressing her swelling + heart. + </p> + <p> + “He has left you,” says Esmond, wondering that rage rather than sorrow was + in her looks. + </p> + <p> + “And he is alive,” cried Beatrix, “and you bring me this commission! He + has left me, and you haven't dared to avenge me! You, that pretend to be + the champion of our house, have let me suffer this insult! Where is + Castlewood? I will go to my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “The Duke is not alive, Beatrix,” said Esmond. + </p> + <p> + She looked at her cousin wildly, and fell back to the wall as though shot + in the breast:—“And you come here, and—and—you killed + him?” + </p> + <p> + “No; thank heaven!” her kinsman said. “The blood of that noble heart doth + not stain my sword! In its last hour it was faithful to thee, Beatrix + Esmond. Vain and cruel woman! kneel and thank the awful heaven which + awards life and death, and chastises pride, that the noble Hamilton died + true to you; at least that 'twas not your quarrel, or your pride, or your + wicked vanity, that drove him to his fate. He died by the bloody sword + which already had drank your own father's blood. O woman, O sister! to + that sad field where two corpses are lying—for the murderer died too + by the hand of the man he slew—can you bring no mourners but your + revenge and your vanity? God help and pardon thee, Beatrix, as he brings + this awful punishment to your hard and rebellious heart.” + </p> + <p> + Esmond had scarce done speaking, when his mistress came in. The colloquy + between him and Beatrix had lasted but a few minutes, during which time + Esmond's servant had carried the disastrous news through the household. + The army of Vanity Fair, waiting without, gathered up all their fripperies + and fled aghast. Tender Lady Castlewood had been in talk above with Dean + Atterbury, the pious creature's almoner and director; and the Dean had + entered with her as a physician whose place was at a sick-bed. Beatrix's + mother looked at Esmond and ran towards her daughter, with a pale face and + open heart and hands, all kindness and pity. But Beatrix passed her by, + nor would she have any of the medicaments of the spiritual physician. “I + am best in my own room and by myself,” she said. Her eyes were quite dry; + nor did Esmond ever see them otherwise, save once, in respect to that + grief. She gave him a cold hand as she went out: “Thank you, brother,” she + said, in a low voice, and with a simplicity more touching than tears; “all + you have said is true and kind, and I will go away and ask pardon.” The + three others remained behind, and talked over the dreadful story. It + affected Dr. Atterbury more even than us, as it seemed. The death of + Mohun, her husband's murderer, was more awful to my mistress than even the + Duke's unhappy end. Esmond gave at length what particulars he knew of + their quarrel, and the cause of it. The two noblemen had long been at war + with respect to the Lord Gerard's property, whose two daughters my Lord + Duke and Mohun had married. They had met by appointment that day at the + lawyer's in Lincoln's Inn Fields; had words which, though they appeared + very trifling to those who heard them, were not so to men exasperated by + long and previous enmity. Mohun asked my Lord Duke where he could see his + Grace's friends, and within an hour had sent two of his own to arrange + this deadly duel. It was pursued with such fierceness, and sprung from so + trifling a cause, that all men agreed at the time that there was a party, + of which these three notorious brawlers were but agents, who desired to + take Duke Hamilton's life away. They fought three on a side, as in that + tragic meeting twelve years back, which hath been recounted already, and + in which Mohun performed his second murder. They rushed in, and closed + upon each other at once without any feints or crossing of swords even, and + stabbed one at the other desperately, each receiving many wounds; and + Mohun having his death-wound, and my Lord Duke lying by him, Macartney + came up and stabbed his Grace as he lay on the ground, and gave him the + blow of which he died. Colonel Macartney denied this, of which the horror + and indignation of the whole kingdom would nevertheless have him guilty, + and fled the country, whither he never returned. + </p> + <p> + What was the real cause of the Duke Hamilton's death?—a paltry + quarrel that might easily have been made up, and with a ruffian so low, + base, profligate, and degraded with former crimes and repeated murders, + that a man of such renown and princely rank as my Lord Duke might have + disdained to sully his sword with the blood of such a villain. But his + spirit was so high that those who wished his death knew that his courage + was like his charity, and never turned any man away; and he died by the + hands of Mohun, and the other two cut-throats that were set on him. The + Queen's ambassador to Paris died, the loyal and devoted servant of the + House of Stuart, and a Royal Prince of Scotland himself, and carrying the + confidence, the repentance of Queen Anne along with his own open devotion, + and the good-will of millions in the country more, to the Queen's exiled + brother and sovereign. + </p> + <p> + That party to which Lord Mohun belonged had the benefit of his service, + and now were well rid of such a ruffian. He, and Meredith, and Macartney, + were the Duke of Marlborough's men; and the two colonels had been broke + but the year before for drinking perdition to the Tories. His Grace was a + Whig now and a Hanoverian, and as eager for war as Prince Eugene himself. + I say not that he was privy to Duke Hamilton's death, I say that his party + profited by it; and that three desperate and bloody instruments were found + to effect that murder. + </p> + <p> + As Esmond and the Dean walked away from Kensington discoursing of this + tragedy, and how fatal it was to the cause which they both had at heart, + the street-criers were already out with their broadsides, shouting through + the town the full, true, and horrible account of the death of Lord Mohun + and Duke Hamilton in a duel. A fellow had got to Kensington, and was + crying it in the square there at very early morning, when Mr. Esmond + happened to pass by. He drove the man from under Beatrix's very window, + whereof the casement had been set open. The sun was shining though 'twas + November: he had seen the market-carts rolling into London, the guard + relieved at the palace, the laborers trudging to their work in the gardens + between Kensington and the City—the wandering merchants and hawkers + filling the air with their cries. The world was going to its business + again, although dukes lay dead and ladies mourned for them; and kings, + very likely, lost their chances. So night and day pass away, and to-morrow + comes, and our place knows us not. Esmond thought of the courier, now + galloping on the North road to inform him, who was Earl of Arran + yesterday, that he was Duke of Hamilton to-day, and of a thousand great + schemes, hopes, ambitions, that were alive in the gallant heart, beating a + few hours since, and now in a little dust quiescent. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + I VISIT CASTLEWOOD ONCE MORE. + </h3> + <p> + Thus, for a third time, Beatrix's ambitious hopes were circumvented, and + she might well believe that a special malignant fate watched and pursued + her, tearing her prize out of her hand just as she seemed to grasp it, and + leaving her with only rage and grief for her portion. Whatever her + feelings might have been of anger or of sorrow, (and I fear me that the + former emotion was that which most tore her heart,) she would take no + confidant, as people of softer natures would have done under such a + calamity; her mother and her kinsman knew that she would disdain their + pity, and that to offer it would be but to infuriate the cruel wound which + fortune had inflicted. We knew that her pride was awfully humbled and + punished by this sudden and terrible blow; she wanted no teaching of ours + to point out the sad moral of her story. Her fond mother could give but + her prayers, and her kinsman his faithful friendship and patience to the + unhappy, stricken creature; and it was only by hints, and a word or two + uttered months afterwards, that Beatrix showed she understood their silent + commiseration, and on her part was secretly thankful for their + forbearance. The people about the Court said there was that in her manner + which frightened away scoffing and condolence: she was above their triumph + and their pity, and acted her part in that dreadful tragedy greatly and + courageously; so that those who liked her least were yet forced to admire + her. We, who watched her after her disaster, could not but respect the + indomitable courage and majestic calm with which she bore it. “I would + rather see her tears than her pride,” her mother said, who was accustomed + to bear her sorrows in a very different way, and to receive them as the + stroke of God, with an awful submission and meekness. But Beatrix's nature + was different to that tender parent's; she seemed to accept her grief and + to defy it; nor would she allow it (I believe not even in private and in + her own chamber) to extort from her the confession of even a tear of + humiliation or a cry of pain. Friends and children of our race, who come + after me, in which way will you bear your trials? I know one that prays + God will give you love rather than pride, and that the Eye all-seeing + shall find you in the humble place. Not that we should judge proud spirits + otherwise than charitably. 'Tis nature hath fashioned some for ambition + and dominion, as it hath formed others for obedience and gentle + submission. The leopard follows his nature as the lamb does, and acts + after leopard law; she can neither help her beauty, nor her courage, nor + her cruelty; nor a single spot on her shining coat; nor the conquering + spirit which impels her; nor the shot which brings her down. + </p> + <p> + During that well-founded panic the Whigs had, lest the Queen should + forsake their Hanoverian Prince, bound by oaths and treaties as she was to + him, and recall her brother, who was allied to her by yet stronger ties of + nature and duty; the Prince of Savoy, and the boldest of that party of the + Whigs, were for bringing the young Duke of Cambridge over, in spite of the + Queen, and the outcry of her Tory servants, arguing that the Electoral + Prince, a Peer and Prince of the Blood-Royal of this Realm too, and in the + line of succession to the crown, had, a right to sit in the Parliament + whereof he was a member, and to dwell in the country which he one day was + to govern. Nothing but the strongest ill will expressed by the Queen, and + the people about her, and menaces of the Royal resentment, should this + scheme be persisted in, prevented it from being carried into effect. + </p> + <p> + The boldest on our side were, in like manner, for having our Prince into + the country. The undoubted inheritor of the right divine; the feelings of + more than half the nation, of almost all the clergy, of the gentry of + England and Scotland with him; entirely innocent of the crime for which + his father suffered—brave, young, handsome, unfortunate—who in + England would dare to molest the Prince should he come among us, and fling + himself upon British generosity, hospitality, and honor? An invader with + an army of Frenchmen behind him, Englishmen of spirit would resist to the + death, and drive back to the shores whence he came; but a Prince, alone, + armed with his right only, and relying on the loyalty of his people, was + sure, many of his friends argued, of welcome, at least of safety, among + us. The hand of his sister the Queen, of the people his subjects, never + could be raised to do him a wrong. But the Queen was timid by nature, and + the successive Ministers she had, had private causes for their + irresolution. The bolder and honester men, who had at heart the + illustrious young exile's cause, had no scheme of interest of their own to + prevent them from seeing the right done, and, provided only he came as an + Englishman, were ready to venture their all to welcome and defend him. + </p> + <p> + St. John and Harley both had kind words in plenty for the Prince's + adherents, and gave him endless promises of future support; but hints and + promises were all they could be got to give; and some of his friends were + for measures much bolder, more efficacious, and more open. With a party of + these, some of whom are yet alive, and some whose names Mr. Esmond has no + right to mention, he found himself engaged the year after that miserable + death of Duke Hamilton, which deprived the Prince of his most courageous + ally in this country. Dean Atterbury was one of the friends whom Esmond + may mention, as the brave bishop is now beyond exile and persecution, and + to him, and one or two more, the Colonel opened himself of a scheme of his + own, that, backed by a little resolution on the Prince's part, could not + fail of bringing about the accomplishment of their dearest wishes. + </p> + <p> + My young Lord Viscount Castlewood had not come to England to keep his + majority, and had now been absent from the country for several years. The + year when his sister was to be married and Duke Hamilton died, my lord was + kept at Bruxelles by his wife's lying-in. The gentle Clotilda could not + bear her husband out of her sight; perhaps she mistrusted the young + scapegrace should he ever get loose from her leading-strings; and she kept + him by her side to nurse the baby and administer posset to the gossips. + Many a laugh poor Beatrix had had about Frank's uxoriousness: his mother + would have gone to Clotilda when her time was coming, but that the + mother-in-law was already in possession, and the negotiations for poor + Beatrix's marriage were begun. A few months after the horrid catastrophe + in Hyde Park, my mistress and her daughter retired to Castlewood, where my + lord, it was expected, would soon join them. But, to say truth, their + quiet household was little to his taste; he could be got to come to + Walcote but once after his first campaign; and then the young rogue spent + more than half his time in London, not appearing at Court or in public + under his own name and title, but frequenting plays, bagnios, and the very + worst company, under the name of Captain Esmond (whereby his innocent + kinsman got more than once into trouble); and so under various pretexts, + and in pursuit of all sorts of pleasures, until he plunged into the lawful + one of marriage, Frank Castlewood had remained away from this country, and + was unknown, save amongst the gentlemen of the army, with whom he had + served abroad. The fond heart of his mother was pained by this long + absence. 'Twas all that Henry Esmond could do to soothe her natural + mortification, and find excuses for his kinsman's levity. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of the year 1713, Lord Castlewood thought of returning home. + His first child had been a daughter; Clotilda was in the way of gratifying + his lordship with a second, and the pious youth thought that, by bringing + his wife to his ancestral home, by prayers to St. Philip of Castlewood, + and what not, heaven might be induced to bless him with a son this time, + for whose coming the expectant mamma was very anxious. + </p> + <p> + The long-debated peace had been proclaimed this year at the end of March; + and France was open to us. Just as Frank's poor mother had made all things + ready for Lord Castlewood's reception, and was eagerly expecting her son, + it was by Colonel Esmond's means that the kind lady was disappointed of + her longing, and obliged to defer once more the darling hope of her heart. + </p> + <p> + Esmond took horses to Castlewood. He had not seen its ancient gray towers + and well-remembered woods for nearly fourteen years, and since he rode + thence with my lord, to whom his mistress with her young children by her + side waved an adieu. What ages seemed to have passed since then, what + years of action and passion, of care, love, hope, disaster! The children + were grown up now, and had stories of their own. As for Esmond, he felt to + be a hundred years old; his dear mistress only seemed unchanged; she + looked and welcomed him quite as of old. There was the fountain in the + court babbling its familiar music, the old hall and its furniture, the + carved chair my late lord used, the very flagon he drank from. Esmond's + mistress knew he would like to sleep in the little room he used to occupy; + 'twas made ready for him, and wall-flowers and sweet herbs set in the + adjoining chamber, the chaplain's room. + </p> + <p> + In tears of not unmanly emotion, with prayers of submission to the awful + Dispenser of death and life, of good and evil fortune, Mr. Esmond passed a + part of that first night at Castlewood, lying awake for many hours as the + clock kept tolling (in tones so well remembered), looking back, as all men + will, that revisit their home of childhood, over the great gulf of time, + and surveying himself on the distant bank yonder, a sad little melancholy + boy with his lord still alive—his dear mistress, a girl yet, her + children sporting around her. Years ago, a boy on that very bed, when she + had blessed him and called him her knight, he had made a vow to be + faithful and never desert her dear service. Had he kept that fond boyish + promise? Yes, before heaven; yes, praise be to God! His life had been + hers; his blood, his fortune, his name, his whole heart ever since had + been hers and her children's. All night long he was dreaming his boyhood + over again, and waking fitfully; he half fancied he heard Father Holt + calling to him from the next chamber, and that he was coming in and out of + from the mysterious window. + </p> + <p> + Esmond rose up before the dawn, passed into the next room, where the air + was heavy with the odor of the wall-flowers; looked into the brazier where + the papers had been burnt, into the old presses where Holt's books and + papers had been kept, and tried the spring and whether the window worked + still. The spring had not been touched for years, but yielded at length, + and the whole fabric of the window sank down. He lifted it and it relapsed + into its frame; no one had ever passed thence since Holt used it sixteen + years ago. + </p> + <p> + Esmond remembered his poor lord saying, on the last day of his life, that + Holt used to come in and out of the house like a ghost, and knew that the + Father liked these mysteries, and practised such secret disguises, + entrances and exits: this was the way the ghost came and went, his pupil + had always conjectured. Esmond closed the casement up again as the dawn + was rising over Castlewood village; he could hear the clinking at the + blacksmith's forge yonder among the trees, across the green, and past the + river, on which a mist still lay sleeping. + </p> + <p> + Next Esmond opened that long cupboard over the woodwork of the + mantel-piece, big enough to hold a man, and in which Mr. Holt used to keep + sundry secret properties of his. The two swords he remembered so well as a + boy, lay actually there still, and Esmond took them out and wiped them, + with a strange curiosity of emotion. There were a bundle of papers here, + too, which no doubt had been left at Holt's last visit to the place, in my + Lord Viscount's life, that very day when the priest had been arrested and + taken to Hexham Castle. Esmond made free with these papers, and found + treasonable matter of King William's reign, the names of Charnock and + Perkins, Sir John Fenwick and Sir John Friend, Rookwood and Lodwick, Lords + Montgomery and Allesbury, Clarendon and Yarmouth, that had all been + engaged in plots against the usurper; a letter from the Duke of Berwick + too, and one from the King at St. Germains, offering to confer upon his + trusty and well-beloved Francis Viscount Castlewood the titles of Earl and + Marquis of Esmond, bestowed by patent royal, and in the fourth year of his + reign, upon Thomas Viscount Castlewood and the heirs-male of his body, in + default of which issue the ranks and dignities were to pass to Francis + aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + This was the paper, whereof my lord had spoken, which Holt showed him the + very day he was arrested, and for an answer to which he would come back in + a week's time. I put these papers hastily into the crypt whence I had + taken them, being interrupted by a tapping of a light finger at the ring + of the chamber-door: 'twas my kind mistress, with her face full of love + and welcome. She, too, had passed the night wakefuly, no doubt; but + neither asked the other how the hours had been spent. There are things we + divine without speaking, and know though they happen out of our sight. + This fond lady hath told me that she knew both days when I was wounded + abroad. Who shall say how far sympathy reaches, and how truly love can + prophesy? “I looked into your room,” was all she said; “the bed was + vacant, the little old bed! I knew I should find you here.” And tender and + blushing faintly with a benediction in her eyes, the gentle creature + kissed him. + </p> + <p> + They walked out, hand-in-hand, through the old court, and to the + terrace-walk, where the grass was glistening with dew, and the birds in + the green woods above were singing their delicious choruses under the + blushing morning sky. How well all things were remembered! The ancient + towers and gables of the hall darkling against the east, the purple + shadows on the green slopes, the quaint devices and carvings of the dial, + the forest-crowned heights, the fair yellow plain cheerful with crops and + corn, the shining river rolling through it towards the pearly hills + beyond; all these were before us, along with a thousand beautiful memories + of our youth, beautiful and sad, but as real and vivid in our minds as + that fair and always-remembered scene our eyes beheld once more. We forget + nothing. The memory sleeps, but wakens again; I often think how it shall + be when, after the last sleep of death, the reveillee shall arouse us for + ever, and the past in one flash of self-consciousness rush back, like the + soul revivified. + </p> + <p> + The house would not be up for some hours yet, (it was July, and the dawn + was only just awake,) and here Esmond opened himself to his mistress, of + the business he had in hand, and what part Frank was to play in it. He + knew he could confide anything to her, and that the fond soul would die + rather than reveal it; and bidding her keep the secret from all, he laid + it entirely before his mistress (always as staunch a little loyalist as + any in the kingdom), and indeed was quite sure that any plan, of his was + secure of her applause and sympathy. Never was such a glorious scheme to + her partial mind, never such a devoted knight to execute it. An hour or + two may have passed whilst they were having their colloquy. Beatrix came + out to them just as their talk was over; her tall beautiful form robed in + sable (which she wore without ostentation ever since last year's + catastrophe), sweeping over the green terrace, and casting its shadows + before her across the grass. + </p> + <p> + She made us one of her grand curtsies smiling, and called us “the young + people.” She was older, paler, and more majestic than in the year before; + her mother seemed the youngest of the two. She never once spoke of her + grief, Lady Castlewood told Esmond, or alluded, save by a quiet word or + two, to the death of her hopes. + </p> + <p> + When Beatrix came back to Castlewood she took to visiting all the cottages + and all the sick. She set up a school of children, and taught singing to + some of them. We had a pair of beautiful old organs in Castlewood Church, + on which she played admirably, so that the music there became to be known + in the country for many miles round, and no doubt people came to see the + fair organist as well as to hear her. Parson Tusher and his wife were + established at the vicarage, but his wife had brought him no children + wherewith Tom might meet his enemies at the gate. Honest Tom took care not + to have many such, his great shovel-hat was in his hand for everybody. He + was profuse of bows and compliments. He behaved to Esmond as if the + Colonel had been a Commander-in-Chief; he dined at the hall that day, + being Sunday, and would not partake of pudding except under extreme + pressure. He deplored my lord's perversion, but drank his lordship's + health very devoutly; and an hour before at church sent the Colonel to + sleep, with a long, learned, and refreshing sermon. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's visit home was but for two days; the business he had in hand + calling him away and out of the country. Ere he went, he saw Beatrix but + once alone, and then she summoned him out of the long tapestry room, where + he and his mistress were sitting, quite as in old times, into the + adjoining chamber, that had been Viscountess Isabel's sleeping apartment, + and where Esmond perfectly well remembered seeing the old lady sitting up + in the bed, in her night-rail, that morning when the troop of guard came + to fetch her. The most beautiful woman in England lay in that bed now, + whereof the great damask hangings were scarce faded since Esmond saw them + last. + </p> + <p> + Here stood Beatrix in her black robes, holding a box in her hand; 'twas + that which Esmond had given her before her marriage, stamped with a + coronet which the disappointed girl was never to wear; and containing his + aunt's legacy of diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “You had best take these with you, Harry,” says she; “I have no need of + diamonds any more.” There was not the least token of emotion in her quiet + low voice. She held out the black shagreen case with her fair arm, that + did not shake in the least. Esmond saw she wore a black velvet bracelet on + it, with my Lord Duke's picture in enamel; he had given it her but three + days before he fell. + </p> + <p> + Esmond said the stones were his no longer, and strove to turn off that + proffered restoration with a laugh: “Of what good,” says he, “are they to + me? The diamond loop to his hat did not set off Prince Eugene, and will + not make my yellow face look any handsomer.” + </p> + <p> + “You will give them to your wife, cousin,” says she. “My cousin, your wife + has a lovely complexion and shape.” + </p> + <p> + “Beatrix,” Esmond burst out, the old fire flaming out as it would at + times, “will you wear those trinkets at your marriage? You whispered once + you did not know me: you know me better now: how I sought, what I have + sighed for, for ten years, what foregone!” + </p> + <p> + “A price for your constancy, my lord!” says she; “such a preux chevalier + wants to be paid. Oh fie, cousin!” + </p> + <p> + “Again,” Esmond spoke out, “if I do something you have at heart; something + worthy of me and you; something that shall make me a name with which to + endow you; will you take it? There was a chance for me once, you said; is + it impossible to recall it? Never shake your head, but hear me; say you + will hear me a year hence. If I come back to you and bring you fame, will + that please you? If I do what you desire most—what he who is dead + desired most—will that soften you?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Henry?” says she, her face lighting up; “what mean you?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask no questions,” he said; “wait, and give me but time; if I bring back + that you long for, that I have a thousand times heard you pray for, will + you have no reward for him who has done you that service? Put away those + trinkets, keep them: it shall not be at my marriage, it shall not be at + yours; but if man can do it, I swear a day shall come when there shall be + a feast in your house, and you shall be proud to wear them. I say no more + now; put aside these words, and lock away yonder box until the day when I + shall remind you of both. All I pray of you now is, to wait and to + remember.” + </p> + <p> + “You are going out of the country?” says Beatrix, in some agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to-morrow,” says Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “To Lorraine, cousin?” says Beatrix, laying her hand on his arm; 'twas the + hand on which she wore the Duke's bracelet. “Stay, Harry!” continued she, + with a tone that had more despondency in it than she was accustomed to + show. “Hear a last word. I do love you. I do admire you—who would + not, that has known such love as yours has been for us all? But I think I + have no heart; at least I have never seen the man that could touch it; + and, had I found him, I would have followed him in rags had he been a + private soldier, or to sea, like one of those buccaneers you used to read + to us about when we were children. I would do anything for such a man, + bear anything for him: but I never found one. You were ever too much of a + slave to win my heart; even my Lord Duke could not command it. I had not + been happy had I married him. I knew that three months after our + engagement—and was too vain to break it. Oh, Harry! I cried once or + twice, not for him, but with tears of rage because I could not be sorry + for him. I was frightened to find I was glad of his death; and were I + joined to you, I should have the same sense of servitude, the same longing + to escape. We should both be unhappy, and you the most, who are as jealous + as the Duke was himself. I tried to love him; I tried, indeed I did: + affected gladness when he came: submitted to hear when he was by me, and + tried the wife's part I thought I was to play for the rest of my days. But + half an hour of that complaisance wearied me, and what would a lifetime + be? My thoughts were away when he was speaking; and I was thinking, Oh + that this man would drop my hand, and rise up from before my feet! I knew + his great and noble qualities, greater and nobler than mine a thousand + times, as yours are, cousin, I tell you, a million and a million times + better. But 'twas not for these I took him. I took him to have a great + place in the world, and I lost it. I lost it, and do not deplore him—and + I often thought, as I listened to his fond vows and ardent words, Oh, if I + yield to this man, and meet THE OTHER, I shall hate him and leave him! I + am not good, Harry: my mother is gentle and good like an angel. I wonder + how she should have had such a child. She is weak, but she would die + rather than do a wrong; I am stronger than she, but I would do it out of + defiance. I do not care for what the parsons tell me with their droning + sermons: I used to see them at court as mean and as worthless as the + meanest woman there. Oh, I am sick and weary of the world! I wait but for + one thing, and when 'tis done, I will take Frank's religion and your poor + mother's, and go into a nunnery, and end like her. Shall I wear the + diamonds then?—they say the nuns wear their best trinkets the day + they take the veil. I will put them away as you bid me; farewell, cousin: + mamma is pacing the next room racking her little head to know what we have + been saying. She is jealous, all women are. I sometimes think that is the + only womanly quality I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell. Farewell, brother.” She gave him her cheek as a brotherly + privilege. The cheek was as cold as marble. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's mistress showed no signs of jealousy when he returned to the room + where she was. She had schooled herself so as to look quite inscrutably, + when she had a mind. Amongst her other feminine qualities she had that of + being a perfect dissembler. + </p> + <p> + He rode away from Castlewood to attempt the task he was bound on, and + stand or fall by it; in truth his state of mind was such, that he was + eager for some outward excitement to counteract that gnawing malady which + he was inwardly enduring. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + I TRAVEL TO FRANCE AND BRING HOME A PORTRAIT OF RIGAUD. + </h3> + <p> + Mr. Esmond did not think fit to take leave at Court, or to inform all the + world of Pall Mall and the coffee-houses, that he was about to quit + England; and chose to depart in the most private manner possible. He + procured a pass as for a Frenchman, through Dr. Atterbury, who did that + business for him, getting the signature even from Lord Bolingbroke's + office, without any personal application to the Secretary. Lockwood, his + faithful servant, he took with him to Castlewood, and left behind there: + giving out ere he left London that he himself was sick, and gone to + Hampshire for country air, and so departed as silently as might be upon + his business. + </p> + <p> + As Frank Castlewood's aid was indispensable for Mr. Esmond's scheme, his + first visit was to Bruxelles (passing by way of Antwerp, where the Duke of + Marlborough was in exile), and in the first-named place Harry found his + dear young Benedict, the married man, who appeared to be rather out of + humor with his matrimonial chain, and clogged with the obstinate embraces + which Clotilda kept round his neck. Colonel Esmond was not presented to + her; but Monsieur Simon was, a gentleman of the Royal Cravat (Esmond + bethought him of the regiment of his honest Irishman, whom he had seen + that day after Malplaquet, when he first set eyes on the young King); and + Monsieur Simon was introduced to the Viscountess Castlewood, nee Comptesse + Wertheim; to the numerous counts, the Lady Clotilda's tall brothers; to + her father the chamberlain; and to the lady his wife, Frank's + mother-in-law, a tall and majestic person of large proportions, such as + became the mother of such a company of grenadiers as her warlike sons + formed. The whole race were at free quarters in the little castle nigh to + Bruxelles which Frank had taken; rode his horses; drank his wine; and + lived easily at the poor lad's charges. Mr. Esmond had always maintained a + perfect fluency in the French, which was his mother tongue; and if this + family (that spoke French with the twang which the Flemings use) + discovered any inaccuracy in Mr. Simon's pronunciation, 'twas to be + attributed to the latter's long residence in England, where he had married + and remained ever since he was taken prisoner at Blenheim. His story was + perfectly pat; there were none there to doubt it save honest Frank, and he + was charmed with his kinsman's scheme, when he became acquainted with it; + and, in truth, always admired Colonel Esmond with an affectionate + fidelity, and thought his cousin the wisest and best of all cousins and + men. Frank entered heart and soul into the plan, and liked it the better + as it was to take him to Paris, out of reach of his brothers, his father, + and his mother-in-law, whose attentions rather fatigued him. + </p> + <p> + Castlewood, I have said, was born in the same year as the Prince of Wales; + had not a little of the Prince's air, height, and figure; and, especially + since he had seen the Chevalier de St. George on the occasion + before-named, took no small pride in his resemblance to a person so + illustrious; which likeness he increased by all means in his power, + wearing fair brown periwigs, such as the Prince wore, and ribbons, and so + forth, of the Chevalier's color. + </p> + <p> + This resemblance was, in truth, the circumstance on which Mr. Esmond's + scheme was founded; and having secured Frank's secrecy and enthusiasm, he + left him to continue his journey, and see the other personages on whom its + success depended. The place whither Mr. Simon next travelled was Bar, in + Lorraine, where that merchant arrived with a consignment of broadcloths, + valuable laces from Malines, and letters for his correspondent there. + </p> + <p> + Would you know how a prince, heroic from misfortunes, and descended from a + line of kings, whose race seemed to be doomed like the Atridae of old—would + you know how he was employed, when the envoy who came to him through + danger and difficulty beheld him for the first time? The young king, in a + flannel jacket, was at tennis with the gentlemen of his suite, crying out + after the balls, and swearing like the meanest of his subjects. The next + time Mr. Esmond saw him, 'twas when Monsieur Simon took a packet of laces + to Miss Oglethorpe: the Prince's ante-chamber in those days, at which + ignoble door men were forced to knock for admission to his Majesty. The + admission was given, the envoy found the King and the mistress together; + the pair were at cards and his Majesty was in liquor. He cared more for + three honors than three kingdoms; and a half-dozen glasses of ratafia made + him forget all his woes and his losses, his father's crown, and his + grandfather's head. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esmond did not open himself to the Prince then. His Majesty was scarce + in a condition to hear him; and he doubted whether a King who drank so + much could keep a secret in his fuddled head; or whether a hand that shook + so, was strong enough to grasp at a crown. However, at last, and after + taking counsel with the Prince's advisers, amongst whom were many + gentlemen, honest and faithful, Esmond's plan was laid before the King, + and her actual Majesty Queen Oglethorpe, in council. The Prince liked the + scheme well enough; 'twas easy and daring, and suited to his reckless + gayety and lively youthful spirit. In the morning after he had slept his + wine off, he was very gay, lively, and agreeable. His manner had an + extreme charm of archness, and a kind simplicity; and, to do her justice, + her Oglethorpean Majesty was kind, acute, resolute, and of good counsel; + she gave the Prince much good advice that he was too weak to follow, and + loved him with a fidelity which he returned with an ingratitude quite + Royal. + </p> + <p> + Having his own forebodings regarding his scheme should it ever be + fulfilled, and his usual sceptic doubts as to the benefit which might + accrue to the country by bringing a tipsy young monarch back to it, + Colonel Esmond had his audience of leave and quiet. Monsieur Simon took + his departure. At any rate the youth at Bar was as good as the older + Pretender at Hanover; if the worst came to the worst, the Englishman could + be dealt with as easy as the German. Monsieur Simon trotted on that long + journey from Nancy to Paris, and saw that famous town, stealthily and like + a spy, as in truth he was; and where, sure, more magnificence and more + misery is heaped together, more rags and lace, more filth and gilding, + than in any city in this world. Here he was put in communication with the + King's best friend, his half brother, the famous Duke of Berwick; Esmond + recognized him as the stranger who had visited Castlewood now near twenty + years ago. His Grace opened to him when he found that Mr. Esmond was one + of Webb's brave regiment, that had once been his Grace's own. He was the + sword and buckler indeed of the Stuart cause: there was no stain on his + shield except the bar across it, which Marlborough's sister left him. Had + Berwick been his father's heir, James the Third had assuredly sat on the + English throne. He could dare, endure, strike, speak, be silent. The fire + and genius, perhaps, he had not (that were given to baser men), but except + these he had some of the best qualities of a leader. His Grace knew + Esmond's father and history; and hinted at the latter in such a way as + made the Colonel to think he was aware of the particulars of that story. + But Esmond did not choose to enter on it, nor did the Duke press him. Mr. + Esmond said, “No doubt he should come by his name if ever greater people + came by theirs.” + </p> + <p> + What confirmed Esmond in his notion that the Duke of Berwick knew of his + case was, that when the Colonel went to pay his duty at St. Germains, her + Majesty once addressed him by the title of Marquis. He took the Queen the + dutiful remembrances of her goddaughter, and the lady whom, in the days of + her prosperity, her Majesty had befriended. The Queen remembered Rachel + Esmond perfectly well, had heard of my Lord Castlewood's conversion, and + was much edified by that act of heaven in his favor. She knew that others + of that family had been of the only true church too: “Your father and your + mother, M. le Marquis,” her Majesty said (that was the only time she used + the phrase). Monsieur Simon bowed very low, and said he had found other + parents than his own, who had taught him differently; but these had only + one king: on which her Majesty was pleased to give him a medal blessed by + the Pope, which had been found very efficacious in cases similar to his + own, and to promise she would offer up prayers for his conversion and that + of the family: which no doubt this pious lady did, though up to the + present moment, and after twenty-seven years, Colonel Esmond is bound to + say that neither the medal nor the prayers have had the slightest known + effect upon his religious convictions. + </p> + <p> + As for the splendors of Versailles, Monsieur Simon, the merchant, only + beheld them as a humble and distant spectator, seeing the old King but + once, when he went to feed his carps; and asking for no presentation at + his Majesty's Court. + </p> + <p> + By this time my Lord Viscount Castlewood was got to Paris, where, as the + London prints presently announced, her ladyship was brought to bed of a + son and heir. For a long while afterwards she was in a delicate state of + health, and ordered by the physicians not to travel; otherwise 'twas well + known that the Viscount Castlewood proposed returning to England, and + taking up his residence at his own seat. + </p> + <p> + Whilst he remained at Paris, my Lord Castlewood had his picture done by + the famous French painter, Monsieur Rigaud, a present for his mother in + London; and this piece Monsieur Simon took back with him when he returned + to that city, which he reached about May, in the year 1714, very soon + after which time my Lady Castlewood and her daughter, and their kinsman, + Colonel Esmond, who had been at Castlewood all this time, likewise + returned to London; her ladyship occupying her house at Kensington, Mr. + Esmond returning to his lodgings at Knightsbridge, nearer the town, and + once more making his appearance at all public places, his health greatly + improved by his long stay in the country. + </p> + <p> + The portrait of my lord, in a handsome gilt frame, was hung up in the + place of honor in her ladyship's drawing-room. His lordship was + represented in his scarlet uniform of Captain of the Guard, with a light + brown periwig, a cuirass under his coat, a blue ribbon, and a fall of + Bruxelles lace. Many of her ladyship's friends admired the piece beyond + measure, and flocked to see it; Bishop Atterbury, Mr. Lesly, good old Mr. + Collier, and others amongst the clergy, were delighted with the + performance, and many among the first quality examined and praised it; + only I must own that Doctor Tusher happening to come up to London, and + seeing the picture, (it was ordinarily covered by a curtain, but on this + day Miss Beatrix happened to be looking at it when the Doctor arrived,) + the Vicar of Castlewood vowed he could not see any resemblance in the + piece to his old pupil, except, perhaps, a little about the chin and the + periwig; but we all of us convinced him that he had not seen Frank for + five years or more; that he knew no more about the Fine Arts than a + ploughboy, and that he must be mistaken; and we sent him home assured that + the piece was an excellent likeness. As for my Lord Bolingbroke, who + honored her ladyship with a visit occasionally, when Colonel Esmond showed + him the picture he burst out laughing, and asked what devilry he was + engaged on? Esmond owned simply that the portrait was not that of Viscount + Castlewood; besought the Secretary on his honor to keep the secret; said + that the ladies of the house were enthusiastic Jacobites, as was well + known; and confessed that the picture was that of the Chevalier St. + George. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that Mr. Simon, waiting upon Lord Castlewood one day at + Monsieur Rigaud's whilst his lordship was sitting for his picture, + affected to be much struck with a piece representing the Chevalier, + whereof the head only was finished, and purchased it of the painter for a + hundred crowns. It had been intended, the artist said, for Miss + Oglethorpe, the Prince's mistress, but that young lady quitting Paris, had + left the work on the artist's hands; and taking this piece home, when my + lord's portrait arrived, Colonel Esmond, alias Monsieur Simon, had copied + the uniform and other accessories from my lord's picture to fill up + Rigaud's incomplete canvas: the Colonel all his life having been a + practitioner of painting, and especially followed it during his long + residence in the cities of Flanders, among the masterpieces of Van Dyck + and Rubens. My grandson hath the piece, such as it is, in Virginia now. + </p> + <p> + At the commencement of the month of June, Miss Beatrix Esmond, and my Lady + Viscountess, her mother, arrived from Castlewood; the former to resume her + services at Court, which had been interrupted by the fatal catastrophe of + Duke Hamilton's death. She once more took her place, then, in her + Majesty's suite and at the Maids' table, being always a favorite with Mrs. + Masham, the Queen's chief woman, partly perhaps on account of their + bitterness against the Duchess of Marlborough, whom Miss Beatrix loved no + better than her rival did. The gentlemen about the Court, my Lord + Bolingbroke amongst others, owned that the young lady had come back + handsomer than ever, and that the serious and tragic air which her face + now involuntarily wore became her better than her former smiles and + archness. + </p> + <p> + All the old domestics at the little house of Kensington Square were + changed; the old steward that had served the family any time these + five-and-twenty years, since the birth of the children of the house, was + despatched into the kingdom of Ireland to see my lord's estate there: the + housekeeper, who had been my lady's woman time out of mind, and the + attendant of the young children, was sent away grumbling to Walcote, to + see to the new painting and preparing of that house, which my Lady Dowager + intended to occupy for the future, giving up Castlewood to her + daughter-in-law that might be expected daily from France. Another servant + the Viscountess had was dismissed too—with a gratuity—on the + pretext that her ladyship's train of domestics must be diminished; so, + finally, there was not left in the household a single person who had + belonged to it during the time my young Lord Castlewood was yet at home. + </p> + <p> + For the plan which Colonel Esmond had in view, and the stroke he intended, + 'twas necessary that the very smallest number of persons should be put in + possession of his secret. It scarce was known, except to three or four out + of his family, and it was kept to a wonder. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of June, 1714, there came by Mr. Prior's messenger from Paris + a letter from my Lord Viscount Castlewood to his mother, saying that he + had been foolish in regard of money matters, that he was ashamed to own he + had lost at play, and by other extravagances; and that instead of having + great entertainments as he had hoped at Castlewood this year, he must live + as quiet as he could, and make every effort to be saving. So far every + word of poor Frank's letter was true, nor was there a doubt that he and + his tall brothers-in-law had spent a great deal more than they ought, and + engaged the revenues of the Castlewood property, which the fond mother had + husbanded and improved so carefully during the time of her guardianship. + </p> + <p> + His “Clotilda,” Castlewood went on to say, “was still delicate, and her + physicians thought her lying-in had best take place at Paris. He should + come without her ladyship, and be at his mother's house about the 17th or + 18th day of June, proposing to take horse from Paris immediately, and + bringing but a single servant with him; and he requested that the lawyers + of Gray's inn might be invited to meet him with their account, and the + land-steward come from Castlewood with his, so that he might settle with + them speedily, raise a sum of money whereof he stood in need, and be back + to his viscountess by the time of her lying-in.” Then his lordship gave + some of the news of the town, sent his remembrance to kinsfolk, and so the + letter ended. 'Twas put in the common post, and no doubt the French police + and the English there had a copy of it, to which they were exceeding + welcome. + </p> + <p> + Two days after another letter was despatched by the public post of France, + in the same open way, and this, after giving news of the fashion at Court + there, ended by the following sentences, in which, but for those that had + the key, 'twould be difficult for any man to find any secret lurked at + all:— + </p> + <p> + “(The King will take) medicine on Thursday. His Majesty is better than he + hath been of late, though incommoded by indigestion from his too great + appetite. Madame Maintenon continues well. They have performed a play of + Mons. Racine at St. Cyr. The Duke of Shrewsbury and Mr. Prior, our envoy, + and all the English nobility here were present at it. (The Viscount + Castlewood's passports) were refused to him, 'twas said; his lordship + being sued by a goldsmith for Vaisselle plate, and a pearl necklace + supplied to Mademoiselle Meruel of the French Comedy. 'Tis a pity such + news should get abroad (and travel to England) about our young nobility + here. Mademoiselle Meruel has been sent to the Fort l'Evesque; they say + she has ordered not only plate, but furniture, and a chariot and horses + (under that lord's name), of which extravagance his unfortunate + Viscountess knows nothing. + </p> + <p> + “(His Majesty will be) eighty-two years of age on his next birthday. The + Court prepares to celebrate it with a great feast. Mr. Prior is in a sad + way about their refusing at home to send him his plate. All here admired + my Lord Viscount's portrait, and said it was a masterpiece of Rigaud. Have + you seen it? It is (at the Lady Castlewood's house in Kensington Square). + I think no English painter could produce such a piece. + </p> + <p> + “Our poor friend the Abbe hath been at the Bastile, but is now transported + to the Conciergerie (where his friends may visit him. They are to ask for) + a remission of his sentence soon. Let us hope the poor rogue will have + repented in prison. + </p> + <p> + “(The Lord Castlewood) has had the affair of the plate made up, and + departs for England. + </p> + <p> + “Is not this a dull letter? I have a cursed headache with drinking with + Mat and some more over-night, and tipsy or sober am + </p> + <p> + “Thine ever ——.” + </p> + <p> + All this letter, save some dozen of words which I have put above between + brackets, was mere idle talk, though the substance of the letter was as + important as any letter well could be. It told those that had the key, + that The King will take the Viscount Castlewood's passports and travel to + England under that lord's name. His Majesty will be at the Lady + Castlewood's house in Kensington Square, where his friends may visit him; + they are to ask for the Lord Castlewood. This note may have passed under + Mr. Prior's eyes, and those of our new allies the French, and taught them + nothing; though it explains sufficiently to persons in London what the + event was which was about to happen, as 'twill show those who read my + memoirs a hundred years hence, what was that errand on which Colonel + Esmond of late had been busy. Silently and swiftly to do that about which + others were conspiring, and thousands of Jacobites all over the country + clumsily caballing; alone to effect that which the leaders here were only + talking about; to bring the Prince of Wales into the country openly in the + face of all, under Bolingbroke's very eyes, the walls placarded with the + proclamation signed with the Secretary's name, and offering five hundred + pounds reward for his apprehension: this was a stroke, the playing and + winning of which might well give any adventurous spirit pleasure: the loss + of the stake might involve a heavy penalty, but all our family were eager + to risk that for the glorious chance of winning the game. + </p> + <p> + Nor shall it be called a game, save perhaps with the chief player, who was + not more or less sceptical than most public men with whom he had + acquaintance in that age. (Is there ever a public man in England that + altogether believes in his party? Is there one, however doubtful, that + will not fight for it?) Young Frank was ready to fight without much + thinking, he was a Jacobite as his father before him was; all the Esmonds + were Royalists. Give him but the word, he would cry, “God save King + James!” before the palace guard, or at the Maypole in the Strand; and with + respect to the women, as is usual with them, 'twas not a question of party + but of faith; their belief was a passion; either Esmond's mistress or her + daughter would have died for it cheerfully. I have laughed often, talking + of King William's reign, and said I thought Lady Castlewood was + disappointed the King did not persecute the family more; and those who + know the nature of women may fancy for themselves, what needs not here be + written down, the rapture with which these neophytes received the mystery + when made known to them; the eagerness with which they looked forward to + its completion; the reverence which they paid the minister who initiated + them into that secret Truth, now known only to a few, but presently to + reign over the world. Sure there is no bound to the trustingness of women. + Look at Arria worshipping the drunken clodpate of a husband who beats her; + look at Cornelia treasuring as a jewel in her maternal heart the oaf her + son; I have known a woman preach Jesuit's bark, and afterwards Dr. + Berkeley's tar-water, as though to swallow them were a divine decree, and + to refuse them no better than blasphemy. + </p> + <p> + On his return from France Colonel Esmond put himself at the head of this + little knot of fond conspirators. No death or torture he knew would + frighten them out of their constancy. When he detailed his plan for + bringing the King back, his elder mistress thought that that Restoration + was to be attributed under heaven to the Castlewood family and to its + chief, and she worshipped and loved Esmond, if that could be, more than + ever she had done. She doubted not for one moment of the success of his + scheme, to mistrust which would have seemed impious in her eyes. And as + for Beatrix, when she became acquainted with the plan, and joined it, as + she did with all her heart, she gave Esmond one of her searching bright + looks. “Ah, Harry,” says she, “why were you not the head of our house? You + are the only one fit to raise it; why do you give that silly boy the name + and the honor? But 'tis so in the world; those get the prize that don't + deserve or care for it. I wish I could give you YOUR silly prize, cousin, + but I can't; I have tried, and I can't.” And she went away, shaking her + head mournfully, but always, it seemed to Esmond, that her liking and + respect for him was greatly increased, since she knew what capability he + had both to act and bear; to do and to forego. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + THE ORIGINAL OF THE PORTRAIT COMES TO ENGLAND. + </h3> + <p> + 'Twas announced in the family that my Lord Castlewood would arrive, having + a confidential French gentleman in his suite, who acted as secretary to + his lordship, and who, being a Papist, and a foreigner of a good family, + though now in rather a menial place, would have his meals served in his + chamber, and not with the domestics of the house. The Viscountess gave up + her bedchamber contiguous to her daughter's, and having a large convenient + closet attached to it, in which a bed was put up, ostensibly for Monsieur + Baptiste, the Frenchman; though, 'tis needless to say, when the doors of + the apartments were locked, and the two guests retired within it, the + young viscount became the servant of the illustrious Prince whom he + entertained, and gave up gladly the more convenient and airy chamber and + bed to his master. Madam Beatrix also retired to the upper region, her + chamber being converted into a sitting-room for my lord. The better to + carry the deceit, Beatrix affected to grumble before the servants, and to + be jealous that she was turned out of her chamber to make way for my lord. + </p> + <p> + No small preparations were made, you may be sure, and no slight tremor of + expectation caused the hearts of the gentle ladies of Castlewood to + flutter, before the arrival of the personages who were about to honor + their house. The chamber was ornamented with flowers; the bed covered with + the very finest of linen; the two ladies insisting on making it + themselves, and kneeling down at the bedside and kissing the sheets out of + respect for the web that was to hold the sacred person of a King. The + toilet was of silver and crystal; there was a copy of “Eikon Basilike” + laid on the writing-table; a portrait of the martyred King hung always + over the mantel, having a sword of my poor Lord Castlewood underneath it, + and a little picture or emblem which the widow loved always to have before + her eyes on waking, and in which the hair of her lord and her two children + was worked together. Her books of private devotions, as they were all of + the English Church, she carried away with her to the upper apartment, + which she destined for herself. The ladies showed Mr. Esmond, when they + were completed, the fond preparations they had made. 'Twas then Beatrix + knelt down and kissed the linen sheets. As for her mother, Lady Castlewood + made a curtsy at the door, as she would have done to the altar on entering + a church, and owned that she considered the chamber in a manner sacred. + </p> + <p> + The company in the servants' hall never for a moment supposed that these + preparations were made for any other person than the young viscount, the + lord of the house, whom his fond mother had been for so many years without + seeing. Both ladies were perfect housewives, having the greatest skill in + the making of confections, scented waters, &c., and keeping a notable + superintendence over the kitchen. Calves enough were killed to feed an + army of prodigal sons, Esmond thought, and laughed when he came to wait on + the ladies, on the day when the guests were to arrive, to find two pairs + of the finest and roundest arms to be seen in England (my Lady Castlewood + was remarkable for this beauty of her person), covered with flour up above + the elbows, and preparing paste, and turning rolling-pins in the + housekeeper's closet. The guest would not arrive till supper-time, and my + lord would prefer having that meal in his own chamber. You may be sure the + brightest plate of the house was laid out there, and can understand why it + was that the ladies insisted that they alone would wait upon the young + chief of the family. + </p> + <p> + Taking horse, Colonel Esmond rode rapidly to Rochester, and there awaited + the King in that very town where his father had last set his foot on the + English shore. A room had been provided at an inn there for my Lord + Castlewood and his servant; and Colonel Esmond timed his ride so well that + he had scarce been half an hour in the place, and was looking over the + balcony into the yard of the inn, when two travellers rode in at the inn + gate, and the Colonel running down, the next moment embraced his dear + young lord. + </p> + <p> + My lord's companion, acting the part of a domestic, dismounted, and was + for holding the viscount's stirrup; but Colonel Esmond, calling to his own + man, who was in the court, bade him take the horses and settle with the + lad who had ridden the post along with the two travellers, crying out in a + cavalier tone in the French language to my lord's companion, and affecting + to grumble that my lord's fellow was a Frenchman, and did not know the + money or habits of the country:—“My man will see to the horses, + Baptiste,” says Colonel Esmond: “do you understand English?” “Very + leetle!” “So, follow my lord and wait upon him at dinner in his own room.” + The landlord and his people came up presently bearing the dishes; 'twas + well they made a noise and stir in the gallery, or they might have found + Colonel Esmond on his knee before Lord Castlewood's servant, welcoming his + Majesty to his kingdom, and kissing the hand of the King. We told the + landlord that the Frenchman would wait on his master; and Esmond's man was + ordered to keep sentry in the gallery without the door. The Prince dined + with a good appetite, laughing and talking very gayly, and condescendingly + bidding his two companions to sit with him at table. He was in better + spirits than poor Frank Castlewood, who Esmond thought might be woe-begone + on account of parting with his divine Clotilda; but the Prince wishing to + take a short siesta after dinner, and retiring to an inner chamber where + there was a bed, the cause of poor Frank's discomfiture came out; and + bursting into tears, with many expressions of fondness, friendship, and + humiliation, the faithful lad gave his kinsman to understand that he now + knew all the truth, and the sacrifices which Colonel Esmond had made for + him. + </p> + <p> + Seeing no good in acquainting poor Frank with that secret, Mr. Esmond had + entreated his mistress also not to reveal it to her son. The Prince had + told the poor lad all as they were riding from Dover: “I had as lief he + had shot me, cousin,” Frank said: “I knew you were the best, and the + bravest, and the kindest of all men” (so the enthusiastic young fellow + went on); “but I never thought I owed you what I do, and can scarce bear + the weight of the obligation.” + </p> + <p> + “I stand in the place of your father,” says Mr. Esmond, kindly, “and sure + a father may dispossess himself in favor of his son. I abdicate the + twopenny crown, and invest you with the kingdom of Brentford; don't be a + fool and cry; you make a much taller and handsomer viscount than ever I + could.” But the fond boy, with oaths and protestations, laughter and + incoherent outbreaks of passionate emotion, could not be got, for some + little time, to put up with Esmond's raillery; wanted to kneel down to + him, and kissed his hand; asked him and implored him to order something, + to bid Castlewood give his own life or take somebody else's; anything, so + that he might show his gratitude for the generosity Esmond showed him. + </p> + <p> + “The K—-, HE laughed,” Frank said, pointing to the door where the + sleeper was, and speaking in a low tone. “I don't think he should have + laughed as he told me the story. As we rode along from Dover, talking in + French, he spoke about you, and your coming to him at Bar; he called you + 'le grand serieux,' Don Bellianis of Greece, and I don't know what names; + mimicking your manner” (here Castlewood laughed himself)—“and he did + it very well. He seems to sneer at everything. He is not like a king: + somehow Harry, I fancy you are like a king. He does not seem to think what + a stake we are all playing. He would have stopped at Canterbury to run + after a barmaid there, had I not implored him to come on. He hath a house + at Chaillot, where he used to go and bury himself for weeks away from the + Queen, and with all sorts of bad company,” says Frank, with a demure look; + “you may smile, but I am not the wild fellow I was; no, no, I have been + taught better,” says Castlewood devoutly, making a sign on his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art my dear brave boy,” says Colonel Esmond, touched at the young + fellow's simplicity, “and there will be a noble gentleman at Castlewood so + long as my Frank is there.” + </p> + <p> + The impetuous young lad was for going down on his knees again, with + another explosion of gratitude, but that we heard the voice from the next + chamber of the august sleeper, just waking, calling out:—“Eh, + La-Fleur, un verre d'eau!” His Majesty came out yawning:—“A pest,” + says he, “upon your English ale, 'tis so strong that, ma foi, it hath + turned my head.” + </p> + <p> + The effect of the ale was like a spur upon our horses, and we rode very + quickly to London, reaching Kensington at nightfall. Mr. Esmond's servant + was left behind at Rochester, to take care of the tired horses, whilst we + had fresh beasts provided along the road. And galloping by the Prince's + side the Colonel explained to the Prince of Wales what his movements had + been; who the friends were that knew of the expedition; whom, as Esmond + conceived, the Prince should trust; entreating him, above all, to maintain + the very closest secrecy until the time should come when his Royal + Highness should appear. The town swarmed with friends of the Prince's + cause; there were scores of correspondents with St. Germains; Jacobites + known and secret; great in station and humble; about the Court and the + Queen; in the Parliament, Church, and among the merchants in the City. The + Prince had friends numberless in the army, in the Privy Council, and the + Officers of State. The great object, as it seemed, to the small band of + persons who had concerted that bold stroke, who had brought the Queen's + brother into his native country, was, that his visit should remain unknown + till the proper time came, when his presence should surprise friends and + enemies alike; and the latter should be found so unprepared and disunited, + that they should not find time to attack him. We feared more from his + friends than from his enemies. The lies and tittle-tattle sent over to St. + Germains by the Jacobite agents about London, had done an incalculable + mischief to his cause, and wofully misguided him, and it was from these + especially, that the persons engaged in the present venture were anxious + to defend the chief actor in it.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The managers were the Bishop, who cannot be hurt by having + his name mentioned, a very active and loyal Nonconformist + Divine, a lady in the highest favor at Court, with whom + Beatrix Esmond had communication, and two noblemen of the + greatest rank, and a member of the House of Commons, who was + implicated in more transactions than one in behalf of the + Stuart family. +</pre> + <p> + The party reached London by nightfall, leaving their horses at the + Posting-House over against Westminster, and being ferried over the water, + where Lady Esmond's coach was already in waiting. In another hour we were + all landed at Kensington, and the mistress of the house had that + satisfaction which her heart had yearned after for many years, once more + to embrace her son, who, on his side, with all his waywardness, ever + retained a most tender affection for his parent. + </p> + <p> + She did not refrain from this expression of her feeling, though the + domestics were by, and my Lord Castlewood's attendant stood in the hall. + Esmond had to whisper to him in French to take his hat off. Monsieur + Baptiste was constantly neglecting his part with an inconceivable levity: + more than once on the ride to London, little observations of the stranger, + light remarks, and words betokening the greatest ignorance of the country + the Prince came to govern, had hurt the susceptibility of the two + gentlemen forming his escort; nor could either help owning in his secret + mind that they would have had his behavior otherwise, and that the + laughter and the lightness, not to say license, which characterized his + talk, scarce befitted such a great Prince, and such a solemn occasion. Not + but that he could act at proper times with spirit and dignity. He had + behaved, as we all knew, in a very courageous manner on the field. Esmond + had seen a copy of the letter the Prince had writ with his own hand when + urged by his friends in England to abjure his religion, and admired that + manly and magnanimous reply by which he refused to yield to the + temptation. Monsieur Baptiste took off his hat, blushing at the hint + Colonel Esmond ventured to give him, and said:—“Tenez, elle est + jolie, la petite mere. Foi de Chevalier! elle est charmante; mais l'autre, + qui est cette nymphe, cet astre qui brille, cette Diane qui descend sur + nous?” And he started back, and pushed forward, as Beatrix was descending + the stair. She was in colors for the first time at her own house; she wore + the diamonds Esmond gave her; it had been agreed between them, that she + should wear these brilliants on the day when the King should enter the + house, and a Queen she looked, radiant in charms, and magnificent and + imperial in beauty. + </p> + <p> + Castlewood himself was startled by that beauty and splendor; he stepped + back and gazed at his sister as though he had not been aware before (nor + was he very likely) how perfectly lovely she was, and I thought blushed as + he embraced her. The Prince could not keep his eyes off her; he quite + forgot his menial part, though he had been schooled to it, and a little + light portmanteau prepared expressly that he should carry it. He pressed + forward before my Lord Viscount. 'Twas lucky the servants' eyes were busy + in other directions, or they must have seen that this was no servant, or + at least a very insolent and rude one. + </p> + <p> + Again Colonel Esmond was obliged to cry out, “Baptiste,” in a loud + imperious voice, “have a care to the valise;” at which hint the wilful + young man ground his teeth together with something very like a curse + between them, and then gave a brief look of anything but pleasure to his + Mentor. Being reminded, however, he shouldered the little portmanteau, and + carried it up the stair, Esmond preceding him, and a servant with lighted + tapers. He flung down his burden sulkily in the bedchamber:—“A + Prince that will wear a crown must wear a mask,” says Mr. Esmond in + French. + </p> + <p> + “Ah peste! I see how it is,” says Monsieur Baptiste, continuing the talk + in French. “The Great Serious is seriously”—“alarmed for Monsieur + Baptiste,” broke in the Colonel. Esmond neither liked the tone with which + the Prince spoke of the ladies, nor the eyes with which he regarded them. + </p> + <p> + The bedchamber and the two rooms adjoining it, the closet and the + apartment which was to be called my lord's parlor, were already lighted + and awaiting their occupier; and the collation laid for my lord's supper. + Lord Castlewood and his mother and sister came up the stair a minute + afterwards, and, so soon as the domestics had quitted the apartment, + Castlewood and Esmond uncovered, and the two ladies went down on their + knees before the Prince, who graciously gave a hand to each. He looked his + part of Prince much more naturally than that of servant, which he had just + been trying, and raised them both with a great deal of nobility, as well + as kindness in his air. “Madam,” says he, “my mother will thank your + ladyship for your hospitality to her son; for you, madam,” turning to + Beatrix, “I cannot bear to see so much beauty in such a posture. You will + betray Monsieur Baptiste if you kneel to him; sure 'tis his place rather + to kneel to you.” + </p> + <p> + A light shone out of her eyes; a gleam bright enough to kindle passion in + any breast. There were times when this creature was so handsome, that she + seemed, as it were, like Venus revealing herself a goddess in a flash of + brightness. She appeared so now; radiant, and with eyes bright with a + wonderful lustre. A pang, as of rage and jealousy, shot through Esmond's + heart, as he caught the look she gave the Prince; and he clenched his hand + involuntarily and looked across to Castlewood, whose eyes answered his + alarm-signal, and were also on the alert. The Prince gave his subjects an + audience of a few minutes, and then the two ladies and Colonel Esmond + quitted the chamber. Lady Castlewood pressed his hand as they descended + the stair, and the three went down to the lower rooms, where they waited + awhile till the travellers above should be refreshed and ready for their + meal. + </p> + <p> + Esmond looked at Beatrix, blazing with her jewels on her beautiful neck. + “I have kept my word,” says he: “And I mine,” says Beatrix, looking down + on the diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “Were I the Mogul Emperor,” says the Colonel, “you should have all that + were dug out of Golconda.” + </p> + <p> + “These are a great deal too good for me,” says Beatrix, dropping her head + on her beautiful breast,—“so are you all, all!” And when she looked + up again, as she did in a moment, and after a sigh, her eyes, as they + gazed at her cousin, wore that melancholy and inscrutable look which 'twas + always impossible to sound. + </p> + <p> + When the time came for the supper, of which we were advertised by a + knocking overhead, Colonel Esmond and the two ladies went to the upper + apartment, where the Prince already was, and by his side the young + Viscount, of exactly the same age, shape, and with features not + dissimilar, though Frank's were the handsomer of the two. The Prince sat + down and bade the ladies sit. The gentlemen remained standing: there was, + indeed, but one more cover laid at the table:—“Which of you will + take it?” says he. + </p> + <p> + “The head of our house,” says Lady Castlewood, taking her son's hand, and + looking towards Colonel Esmond with a bow and a great tremor of the voice; + “the Marquis of Esmond will have the honor of serving the King.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have the honor of waiting on his Royal Highness,” says Colonel + Esmond, filling a cup of wine, and, as the fashion of that day was, he + presented it to the King on his knee. + </p> + <p> + “I drink to my hostess and her family,” says the Prince, with no very + well-pleased air; but the cloud passed immediately off his face, and he + talked to the ladies in a lively, rattling strain, quite undisturbed by + poor Mr. Esmond's yellow countenance, that, I dare say, looked very glum. + </p> + <p> + When the time came to take leave, Esmond marched homewards to his + lodgings, and met Mr. Addison on the road that night, walking to a cottage + he had at Fulham, the moon shining on his handsome serene face:—“What + cheer, brother?” says Addison, laughing: “I thought it was a footpad + advancing in the dark, and behold 'tis an old friend. We may shake hands, + Colonel, in the dark, 'tis better than fighting by daylight. Why should we + quarrel, because I am a Whig and thou art a Tory? Turn thy steps and walk + with me to Fulham, where there is a nightingale still singing in the + garden, and a cool bottle in a cave I know of; you shall drink to the + Pretender if you like, and I will drink my liquor my own way: I have had + enough of good liquor?—no, never! There is no such word as enough as + a stopper for good wine. Thou wilt not come? Come any day, come soon. You + know I remember Simois and the Sigeia tellus, and the praelia mixta mero, + mixta mero,” he repeated, with ever so slight a touch of merum in his + voice, and walked back a little way on the road with Esmond, bidding the + other remember he was always his friend, and indebted to him for his aid + in the “Campaign” poem. And very likely Mr. Under-Secretary would have + stepped in and taken t'other bottle at the Colonel's lodging, had the + latter invited him, but Esmond's mood was none of the gayest, and he bade + his friend an inhospitable good-night at the door. + </p> + <p> + “I have done the deed,” thought he, sleepless, and looking out into the + night; “he is here, and I have brought him; he and Beatrix are sleeping + under the same roof now. Whom did I mean to serve in bringing him? Was it + the Prince? was it Henry Esmond? Had I not best have joined the manly + creed of Addison yonder, that scouts the old doctrine of right divine, + that boldly declares that Parliament and people consecrate the Sovereign, + not bishops, nor genealogies, nor oils, nor coronations.” The eager gaze + of the young Prince, watching every movement of Beatrix, haunted Esmond + and pursued him. The Prince's figure appeared before him in his feverish + dreams many times that night. He wished the deed undone for which he had + labored so. He was not the first that has regretted his own act, or + brought about his own undoing. Undoing? Should he write that word in his + late years? No, on his knees before heaven, rather be thankful for what + then he deemed his misfortune, and which hath caused the whole subsequent + happiness of his life. + </p> + <p> + Esmond's man, honest John Lockwood, had served his master and the family + all his life, and the Colonel knew that he could answer for John's + fidelity as for his own. John returned with the horses from Rochester + betimes the next morning, and the Colonel gave him to understand that on + going to Kensington, where he was free of the servants' hall, and indeed + courting Miss Beatrix's maid, he was to ask no questions, and betray no + surprise, but to vouch stoutly that the young gentleman he should see in a + red coat there was my Lord Viscount Castlewood, and that his attendant in + gray was Monsieur Baptiste the Frenchman. He was to tell his friends in + the kitchen such stories as he remembered of my Lord Viscount's youth at + Castlewood; what a wild boy he was; how he used to drill Jack and cane + him, before ever he was a soldier; everything, in fine, he knew respecting + my Lord Viscount's early days. Jack's ideas of painting had not been much + cultivated during his residence in Flanders with his master; and, before + my young lord's return, he had been easily got to believe that the picture + brought over from Paris, and now hanging in Lady Castlewood's + drawing-room, was a perfect likeness of her son, the young lord. And the + domestics having all seen the picture many times, and catching but a + momentary imperfect glimpse of the two strangers on the night of their + arrival, never had a reason to doubt the fidelity of the portrait; and + next day, when they saw the original of the piece habited exactly as he + was represented in the painting, with the same periwig, ribbons, and + uniform of the Guard, quite naturally addressed the gentleman as my Lord + Castlewood, my Lady Viscountess's son. + </p> + <p> + The secretary of the night previous was now the viscount; the viscount + wore the secretary's gray frock; and John Lockwood was instructed to hint + to the world below stairs that my lord being a Papist, and very devout in + that religion, his attendant might be no other than his chaplain from + Bruxelles; hence, if he took his meals in my lord's company there was + little reason for surprise. Frank was further cautioned to speak English + with a foreign accent, which task he performed indifferently well, and + this caution was the more necessary because the Prince himself scarce + spoke our language like a native of the island: and John Lockwood laughed + with the folks below stairs at the manner in which my lord, after five + years abroad, sometimes forgot his own tongue, and spoke it like a + Frenchman. “I warrant,” says he, “that, with the English beef and beer, + his lordship will soon get back the proper use of his mouth;” and, to do + his new lordship justice, he took to beer and beef very kindly. + </p> + <p> + The Prince drank so much, and was so loud and imprudent in his talk after + his drink, that Esmond often trembled for him. His meals were served as + much as possible in his own chamber, though frequently he made his + appearance in Lady Castlewood's parlor and drawing-room, calling Beatrix + “sister,” and her ladyship “mother,” or “madam” before the servants. And, + choosing to act entirely up to the part of brother and son, the Prince + sometimes saluted Mrs. Beatrix and Lady Castlewood with a freedom which + his secretary did not like, and which, for his part, set Colonel Esmond + tearing with rage. + </p> + <p> + The guests had not been three days in the house when poor Jack Lockwood + came with a rueful countenance to his master, and said: “My Lord—that + is the gentleman—has been tampering with Mrs. Lucy (Jack's + sweetheart), and given her guineas and a kiss.” I fear that Colonel + Esmond's mind was rather relieved than otherwise when he found that the + ancillary beauty was the one whom the Prince had selected. His royal + tastes were known to lie that way, and continued so in after life. The + heir of one of the greatest names, of the greatest kingdoms, and of the + greatest misfortunes in Europe, was often content to lay the dignity of + his birth and grief at the wooden shoes of a French chambermaid, and to + repent afterwards (for he was very devout) in ashes taken from the + dust-pan. 'Tis for mortals such as these that nations suffer, that parties + struggle, that warriors fight and bleed. A year afterwards gallant heads + were falling, and Nithsdale in escape, and Derwentwater on the scaffold; + whilst the heedless ingrate, for whom they risked and lost all, was + tippling with his seraglio of mistresses in his petite maison of Chaillot. + </p> + <p> + Blushing to be forced to bear such an errand, Esmond had to go to the + Prince and warn him that the girl whom his Highness was bribing was John + Lockwood's sweetheart, an honest resolute man, who had served in six + campaigns, and feared nothing, and who knew that the person calling + himself Lord Castlewood was not his young master: and the Colonel besought + the Prince to consider what the effect of a single man's jealousy might + be, and to think of other designs he had in hand, more important than the + seduction of a waiting-maid, and the humiliation of a brave man. + </p> + <p> + Ten times, perhaps, in the course of as many days, Mr. Esmond had to warn + the royal young adventurer of some imprudence or some freedom. He received + these remonstrances very testily, save perhaps in this affair of poor + Lockwood's, when he deigned to burst out a-laughing, and said, “What! the + soubrette has peached to the amoureux, and Crispin is angry, and Crispin + has served, and Crispin has been a corporal, has he? Tell him we will + reward his valor with a pair of colors, and recompense his fidelity.” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Esmond ventured to utter some other words of entreaty, but the + Prince, stamping imperiously, cried out, “Assez, milord: je m'ennuye a la + preche; I am not come to London to go to the sermon.” And he complained + afterwards to Castlewood, that “le petit jaune, le noir Colonel, le + Marquis Misanthrope” (by which facetious names his Royal Highness was + pleased to designate Colonel Esmond), “fatigued him with his grand airs + and virtuous homilies.” + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Rochester, and other gentlemen engaged in the transaction + which had brought the Prince over, waited upon his Royal Highness, + constantly asking for my Lord Castlewood on their arrival at Kensington, + and being openly conducted to his Royal Highness in that character, who + received them either in my lady's drawing-room below, or above in his own + apartment; and all implored him to quit the house as little as possible, + and to wait there till the signal should be given for him to appear. The + ladies entertained him at cards, over which amusement he spent many hours + in each day and night. He passed many hours more in drinking, during which + time he would rattle and talk very agreeably, and especially if the + Colonel was absent, whose presence always seemed to frighten him; and the + poor “Colonel Noir” took that hint as a command accordingly, and seldom + intruded his black face upon the convivial hours of this august young + prisoner. Except for those few persons of whom the porter had the list, + Lord Castlewood was denied to all friends of the house who waited on his + lordship. The wound he had received had broke out again from his journey + on horseback, so the world and the domestics were informed. And Doctor A——,* + his physician (I shall not mention his name, but he was physician to the + Queen, of the Scots nation, and a man remarkable for his benevolence as + well as his wit), gave orders that he should be kept perfectly quiet until + the wound should heal. With this gentleman, who was one of the most active + and influential of our party, and the others before spoken of, the whole + secret lay; and it was kept with so much faithfulness, and the story we + told so simple and natural, that there was no likelihood of a discovery + except from the imprudence of the Prince himself, and an adventurous + levity that we had the greatest difficulty to control. As for Lady + Castlewood, although she scarce spoke a word, 'twas easy to gather from + her demeanor, and one or two hints she dropped, how deep her mortification + was at finding the hero whom she had chosen to worship all her life (and + whose restoration had formed almost the most sacred part of her prayers), + no more than a man, and not a good one. She thought misfortune might have + chastened him; but that instructress had rather rendered him callous than + humble. His devotion, which was quite real, kept him from no sin he had a + mind to. His talk showed good-humor, gayety, even wit enough; but there + was a levity in his acts and words that he had brought from among those + libertine devotees with whom he had been bred, and that shocked the + simplicity and purity of the English lady, whose guest he was. Esmond + spoke his mind to Beatrix pretty freely about the Prince, getting her + brother to put in a word of warning. Beatrix was entirely of their + opinion; she thought he was very light, very light and reckless; she could + not even see the good looks Colonel Esmond had spoken of. The Prince had + bad teeth, and a decided squint. How could we say he did not squint? His + eyes were fine, but there was certainly a cast in them. She rallied him at + table with wonderful wit; she spoke of him invariably as of a mere boy; + she was more fond of Esmond than ever, praised him to her brother, praised + him to the Prince, when his Royal Highness was pleased to sneer at the + Colonel, and warmly espoused his cause: “And if your Majesty does not give + him the Garter his father had, when the Marquis of Esmond comes to your + Majesty's court, I will hang myself in my own garters, or will cry my eyes + out.” “Rather than lose those,” says the Prince, “he shall be made + Archbishop and Colonel of the Guard” (it was Frank Castlewood who told me + of this conversation over their supper). + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * There can be very little doubt that the Doctor mentioned + by my dear father was the famous Dr. Arbuthnot.—R. E. W. +</pre> + <p> + “Yes,” cries she, with one of her laughs—I fancy I hear it now. + Thirty years afterwards I hear that delightful music. “Yes, he shall be + Archbishop of Esmond and Marquis of Canterbury.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will your ladyship be?” says the Prince; “you have but to choose + your place.” + </p> + <p> + “I,” says Beatrix, “will be mother of the maids to the Queen of his + Majesty King James the Third—Vive le Roy!” and she made him a great + curtsy, and drank a part of a glass of wine in his honor. + </p> + <p> + “The Prince seized hold of the glass and drank the last drop of it,” + Castlewood said, “and my mother, looking very anxious, rose up and asked + leave to retire. But that Trix is my mother's daughter, Harry,” Frank + continued, “I don't know what a horrid fear I should have of her. I wish—I + wish this business were over. You are older than I am, and wiser, and + better, and I owe you everything, and would die for you—before + George I would; but I wish the end of this were come.” + </p> + <p> + Neither of us very likely passed a tranquil night; horrible doubts and + torments racked Esmond's soul: 'twas a scheme of personal ambition, a + daring stroke for a selfish end—he knew it. What cared he, in his + heart, who was King? Were not his very sympathies and secret convictions + on the other side—on the side of People, Parliament, Freedom? And + here was he, engaged for a Prince that had scarce heard the word liberty; + that priests and women, tyrants by nature, both made a tool of. The + misanthrope was in no better humor after hearing that story, and his grim + face more black and yellow than ever. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <h3> + WE ENTERTAIN A VERY DISTINGUISHED GUEST AT KENSINGTON. + </h3> + <p> + Should any clue be found to the dark intrigues at the latter end of Queen + Anne's time, or any historian be inclined to follow it, 'twill be + discovered, I have little doubt, that not one of the great personages + about the Queen had a defined scheme of policy, independent of that + private and selfish interest which each was bent on pursuing: St. John was + for St. John, and Harley for Oxford, and Marlborough for John Churchill, + always; and according as they could get help from St. Germains or Hanover, + they sent over proffers of allegiance to the Princes there, or betrayed + one to the other: one cause, or one sovereign, was as good as another to + them, so that they could hold the best place under him; and like Lockit + and Peachem, the Newgate chiefs in the “Rogues' Opera,” Mr. Gay wrote + afterwards, had each in his hand documents and proofs of treason which + would hang the other, only he did not dare to use the weapon, for fear of + that one which his neighbor also carried in his pocket. Think of the great + Marlborough, the greatest subject in all the world, a conqueror of + princes, that had marched victorious over Germany, Flanders, and France, + that had given the law to sovereigns abroad, and been worshipped as a + divinity at home, forced to sneak out of England—his credit, honors, + places, all taken from him; his friends in the army broke and ruined; and + flying before Harley, as abject and powerless as a poor debtor before a + bailiff with a writ. A paper, of which Harley got possession, and showing + beyond doubt that the Duke was engaged with the Stuart family, was the + weapon with which the Treasurer drove Marlborough out of the kingdom. He + fled to Antwerp, and began intriguing instantly on the other side, and + came back to England, as all know, a Whig and a Hanoverian. + </p> + <p> + Though the Treasurer turned out of the army and office every man, military + or civil, known to be the Duke's friend, and gave the vacant posts among + the Tory party; he, too, was playing the double game between Hanover and + St. Germains, awaiting the expected catastrophe of the Queen's death to be + Master of the State, and offer it to either family that should bribe him + best, or that the nation should declare for. Whichever the King was, + Harley's object was to reign over him; and to this end he supplanted the + former famous favorite, decried the actions of the war which had made + Marlborough's name illustrious, and disdained no more than the great + fallen competitor of his, the meanest arts, flatteries, intimidations, + that would secure his power. If the greatest satirist the world ever hath + seen had writ against Harley, and not for him, what a history had he left + behind of the last years of Queen Anne's reign! But Swift, that scorned + all mankind, and himself not the least of all, had this merit of a + faithful partisan, that he loved those chiefs who treated him well, and + stuck by Harley bravely in his fall, as he gallantly had supported him in + his better fortune. + </p> + <p> + Incomparably more brilliant, more splendid, eloquent, accomplished than + his rival, the great St. John could be as selfish as Oxford was, and could + act the double part as skilfully as ambidextrous Churchill. He whose talk + was always of liberty, no more shrunk from using persecution and the + pillory against his opponents than if he had been at Lisbon and Grand + Inquisitor. This lofty patriot was on his knees at Hanover and St. + Germains too; notoriously of no religion, he toasted Church and Queen as + boldly as the stupid Sacheverel, whom he used and laughed at; and to serve + his turn, and to overthrow his enemy, he could intrigue, coax, bully, + wheedle, fawn on the Court favorite and creep up the back-stair as + silently as Oxford, who supplanted Marlborough, and whom he himself + supplanted. The crash of my Lord Oxford happened at this very time whereat + my history is now arrived. He was come to the very last days of his power, + and the agent whom he employed to overthrow the conqueror of Blenheim, was + now engaged to upset the conqueror's conqueror, and hand over the staff of + government to Bolingbroke, who had been panting to hold it. + </p> + <p> + In expectation of the stroke that was now preparing, the Irish regiments + in the French service were all brought round about Boulogne in Picardy, to + pass over if need were with the Duke of Berwick; the soldiers of France no + longer, but subjects of James the Third of England and Ireland King. The + fidelity of the great mass of the Scots (though a most active, resolute, + and gallant Whig party, admirably and energetically ordered and + disciplined, was known to be in Scotland too) was notoriously unshaken in + their King. A very great body of Tory clergy, nobility, and gentry, were + public partisans of the exiled Prince; and the indifferents might be + counted on to cry King George or King James, according as either should + prevail. The Queen, especially in her latter days, inclined towards her + own family. The Prince was lying actually in London, within a stone's cast + of his sister's palace; the first Minister toppling to his fall, and so + tottering that the weakest push of a woman's finger would send him down; + and as for Bolingbroke, his successor, we know on whose side his power and + his splendid eloquence would be on the day when the Queen should appear + openly before her Council and say:—“This, my lords, is my brother; + here is my father's heir, and mine after me.” + </p> + <p> + During the whole of the previous year the Queen had had many and repeated + fits of sickness, fever, and lethargy, and her death had been constantly + looked for by all her attendants. The Elector of Hanover had wished to + send his son, the Duke of Cambridge—to pay his court to his cousin + the Queen, the Elector said;—in truth, to be on the spot when death + should close her career. Frightened perhaps to have such a memento mori + under her royal eyes, her Majesty had angrily forbidden the young Prince's + coming into England. Either she desired to keep the chances for her + brother open yet; or the people about her did not wish to close with the + Whig candidate till they could make terms with him. The quarrels of her + Ministers before her face at the Council board, the pricks of conscience + very likely, the importunities of her Ministers, and constant turmoil and + agitation round about her, had weakened and irritated the Princess + extremely; her strength was giving way under these continual trials of her + temper, and from day to day it was expected she must come to a speedy end + of them. Just before Viscount Castlewood and his companion came from + France, her Majesty was taken ill. The St. Anthony's fire broke out on the + royal legs; there was no hurry for the presentation of the young lord at + Court, or that person who should appear under his name; and my Lord + Viscount's wound breaking out opportunely, he was kept conveniently in his + chamber until such time as his physician would allow him to bend his knee + before the Queen. At the commencement of July, that influential lady, with + whom it has been mentioned that our party had relations, came frequently + to visit her young friend, the Maid of Honor, at Kensington, and my Lord + Viscount (the real or supposititious), who was an invalid at Lady + Castlewood's house. + </p> + <p> + On the 27th day of July, the lady in question, who held the most intimate + post about the Queen, came in her chair from the Palace hard by, bringing + to the little party in Kensington Square intelligence of the very highest + importance. The final blow had been struck, and my Lord of Oxford and + Mortimer was no longer Treasurer. The staff was as yet given to no + successor, though my Lord Bolingbroke would undoubtedly be the man. And + now the time was come, the Queen's Abigail said: and now my Lord + Castlewood ought to be presented to the Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + After that scene which Lord Castlewood witnessed and described to his + cousin, who passed such a miserable night of mortification and jealousy as + he thought over the transaction, no doubt the three persons who were set + by nature as protectors over Beatrix came to the same conclusion, that she + must be removed from the presence of a man whose desires towards her were + expressed only too clearly; and who was no more scrupulous in seeking to + gratify them than his father had been before him. I suppose Esmond's + mistress, her son, and the Colonel himself, had been all secretly debating + this matter in their minds, for when Frank broke out, in his blunt way, + with:—“I think Beatrix had best be anywhere but here,”—Lady + Castlewood said:—“I thank you, Frank, I have thought so, too;” and + Mr. Esmond, though he only remarked that it was not for him to speak, + showed plainly, by the delight on his countenance, how very agreeable that + proposal was to him. + </p> + <p> + “One sees that you think with us, Henry,” says the viscountess, with ever + so little of sarcasm in her tone: “Beatrix is best out of this house + whilst we have our guest in it, and as soon as this morning's business is + done, she ought to quit London.” + </p> + <p> + “What morning's business?” asked Colonel Esmond, not knowing what had been + arranged, though in fact the stroke next in importance to that of bringing + the Prince, and of having him acknowledged by the Queen, was now being + performed at the very moment we three were conversing together. + </p> + <p> + The Court-lady with whom our plan was concerted, and who was a chief agent + in it, the Court physician, and the Bishop of Rochester, who were the + other two most active participators in our plan, had held many councils in + our house at Kensington and elsewhere, as to the means best to be adopted + for presenting our young adventurer to his sister the Queen. The simple + and easy plan proposed by Colonel Esmond had been agreed to by all + parties, which was that on some rather private day, when there were not + many persons about the Court, the Prince should appear there as my Lord + Castlewood, should be greeted by his sister in waiting, and led by that + other lady into the closet of the Queen. And according to her Majesty's + health or humor, and the circumstances that might arise during the + interview, it was to be left to the discretion of those present at it, and + to the Prince himself, whether he should declare that it was the Queen's + own brother, or the brother of Beatrix Esmond, who kissed her Royal hand. + And this plan being determined on, we were all waiting in very much + anxiety for the day and signal of execution. + </p> + <p> + Two mornings after that supper, it being the 27th day of July, the Bishop + of Rochester breakfasting with Lady Castlewood and her family, and the + meal scarce over, Doctor A.'s coach drove up to our house at Kensington, + and the Doctor appeared amongst the party there, enlivening a rather + gloomy company; for the mother and daughter had had words in the morning + in respect to the transactions of that supper, and other adventures + perhaps, and on the day succeeding. Beatrix's haughty spirit brooked + remonstrances from no superior, much less from her mother, the gentlest of + creatures, whom the girl commanded rather than obeyed. And feeling she was + wrong, and that by a thousand coquetries (which she could no more help + exercising on every man that came near her, than the sun can help shining + on great and small) she had provoked the Prince's dangerous admiration, + and allured him to the expression of it, she was only the more wilful and + imperious the more she felt her error. + </p> + <p> + To this party, the Prince being served with chocolate in his bedchamber, + where he lay late, sleeping away the fumes of his wine, the Doctor came, + and by the urgent and startling nature of his news, dissipated instantly + that private and minor unpleasantry under which the family of Castlewood + was laboring. + </p> + <p> + He asked for the guest; the guest was above in his own apartment: he bade + Monsieur Baptiste go up to his master instantly, and requested that MY + LORD VISCOUNT CASTLEWOOD would straightway put his uniform on, and come + away in the Doctor's coach now at the door. + </p> + <p> + He then informed Madam Beatrix what her part of the comedy was to be:—“In + half an hour,” says he, “her Majesty and her favorite lady will take the + air in the Cedar-walk behind the new Banqueting-house. Her Majesty will be + drawn in a garden-chair, Madam Beatrix Esmond and HER BROTHER, MY LORD + VISCOUNT CASTLEWOOD, will be walking in the private garden, (here is Lady + Masham's key,) and will come unawares upon the Royal party. The man that + draws the chair will retire, and leave the Queen, the favorite, and the + maid of honor and her brother together; Mistress Beatrix will present her + brother, and then!—and then, my Lord Bishop will pray for the result + of the interview, and his Scots clerk will say Amen! Quick, put on your + hood, Madam Beatrix; why doth not his Majesty come down? Such another + chance may not present itself for months again.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince was late and lazy, and indeed had all but lost that chance + through his indolence. The Queen was actually about to leave the garden + just when the party reached it; the Doctor, the Bishop, the maid of honor + and her brother went off together in the physician's coach, and had been + gone half an hour when Colonel Esmond came to Kensington Square. + </p> + <p> + The news of this errand, on which Beatrix was gone, of course for a moment + put all thoughts of private jealousy out of Colonel Esmond's head. In half + an hour more the coach returned; the Bishop descended from it first, and + gave his arm to Beatrix, who now came out. His lordship went back into the + carriage again, and the maid of honor entered the house alone. We were all + gazing at her from the upper window, trying to read from her countenance + the result of the interview from which she had just come. + </p> + <p> + She came into the drawing-room in a great tremor and very pale; she asked + for a glass of water as her mother went to meet her, and after drinking + that and putting off her hood, she began to speak—“We may all hope + for the best,” says she; “it has cost the Queen a fit. Her Majesty was in + her chair in the Cedar-walk, accompanied only by Lady ——, when + we entered by the private wicket from the west side of the garden, and + turned towards her, the Doctor following us. They waited in a side walk + hidden by the shrubs, as we advanced towards the chair. My heart throbbed + so I scarce could speak; but my Prince whispered, 'Courage, Beatrix,' and + marched on with a steady step. His face was a little flushed, but he was + not afraid of the danger. He who fought so bravely at Malplaquet fears + nothing.” Esmond and Castlewood looked at each other at this compliment, + neither liking the sound of it. + </p> + <p> + “The Prince uncovered,” Beatrix continued, “and I saw the Queen turning + round to Lady Masham, as if asking who these two were. Her Majesty looked + very pale and ill, and then flushed up; the favorite made us a signal to + advance, and I went up, leading my Prince by the hand, quite close to the + chair: 'Your Majesty will give my Lord Viscount your hand to kiss,' says + her lady, and the Queen put out her hand, which the Prince kissed, + kneeling on his knee, he who should kneel to no mortal man or woman. + </p> + <p> + “'You have been long from England, my lord,' says the Queen: 'why were you + not here to give a home to your mother and sister?' + </p> + <p> + “'I am come, Madam, to stay now, if the Queen desires me,' says the + Prince, with another low bow. + </p> + <p> + “'You have taken a foreign wife, my lord, and a foreign religion; was not + that of England good enough for you?' + </p> + <p> + “'In returning to my father's church,' says the Prince, 'I do not love my + mother the less, nor am I the less faithful servant of your majesty.' + </p> + <p> + “Here,” says Beatrix, “the favorite gave me a little signal with her hand + to fall back, which I did, though I died to hear what should pass; and + whispered something to the Queen, which made her Majesty start and utter + one or two words in a hurried manner, looking towards the Prince, and + catching hold with her hand of the arm of her chair. He advanced still + nearer towards it; he began to speak very rapidly; I caught the words, + 'Father, blessing, forgiveness,'—and then presently the Prince fell + on his knees; took from his breast a paper he had there, handed it to the + Queen, who, as soon as she saw it, flung up both her arms with a scream, + and took away that hand nearest the Prince, and which he endeavored to + kiss. He went on speaking with great animation of gesture, now clasping + his hands together on his heart, now opening them as though to say: 'I am + here, your brother, in your power.' Lady Masham ran round on the other + side of the chair, kneeling too, and speaking with great energy. She + clasped the Queen's hand on her side, and picked up the paper her Majesty + had let fall. The Prince rose and made a further speech as though he would + go; the favorite on the other hand urging her mistress, and then, running + back to the Prince, brought him back once more close to the chair. Again + he knelt down and took the Queen's hand, which she did not withdraw, + kissing it a hundred times; my lady all the time, with sobs and + supplications, speaking over the chair. This while the Queen sat with a + stupefied look, crumpling the paper with one hand, as my Prince embraced + the other; then of a sudden she uttered several piercing shrieks, and + burst into a great fit of hysteric tears and laughter. 'Enough, enough, + sir, for this time,' I heard Lady Masham say: and the chairman, who had + withdrawn round the Banqueting-room, came back, alarmed by the cries. + 'Quick,' says Lady Masham, 'get some help,' and I ran towards the Doctor, + who, with the Bishop of Rochester, came up instantly. Lady Masham + whispered the Prince he might hope for the very best; and to be ready + to-morrow; and he hath gone away to the Bishop of Rochester's house, to + meet several of his friends there. And so the great stroke is struck,” + says Beatrix, going down on her knees, and clasping her hands. “God save + the King: God save the King!” + </p> + <p> + Beatrix's tale told, and the young lady herself calmed somewhat of her + agitation, we asked with regard to the Prince, who was absent with Bishop + Atterbury, and were informed that 'twas likely he might remain abroad the + whole day. Beatrix's three kinsfolk looked at one another at this + intelligence: 'twas clear the same thought was passing through the minds + of all. + </p> + <p> + But who should begin to break the news? Monsieur Baptiste, that is Frank + Castlewood, turned very red, and looked towards Esmond; the Colonel bit + his lips, and fairly beat a retreat into the window: it was Lady + Castlewood that opened upon Beatrix with the news which we knew would do + anything but please her. + </p> + <p> + “We are glad,” says she, taking her daughter's hand, and speaking in a + gentle voice, “that the guest is away.” + </p> + <p> + Beatrix drew back in an instant, looking round her at us three, and as if + divining a danger. “Why glad?” says she, her breast beginning to heave; + “are you so soon tired of him?” + </p> + <p> + “We think one of us is devilishly too fond of him,” cries out Frank + Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “And which is it—you, my lord, or is it mamma, who is jealous + because he drinks my health? or is it the head of the family” (here she + turned with an imperious look towards Colonel Esmond), “who has taken of + late to preach the King sermons?” + </p> + <p> + “We do not say you are too free with his Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, madam,” says Beatrix, with a toss of the head and a curtsey. + </p> + <p> + But her mother continued, with very great calmness and dignity—“At + least we have not said so, though we might, were it possible for a mother + to say such words to her own daughter, your father's daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh? mon pere,” breaks out Beatrix, “was no better than other persons' + fathers.” And again she looked towards the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + We all felt a shock as she uttered those two or three French words; her + manner was exactly imitated from that of our foreign guest. + </p> + <p> + “You had not learned to speak French a month ago, Beatrix,” says her + mother, sadly, “nor to speak ill of your father.” + </p> + <p> + Beatrix, no doubt, saw that slip she had made in her flurry, for she + blushed crimson: “I have learnt to honor the King,” says she, drawing up, + “and 'twere as well that others suspected neither his Majesty nor me.” + </p> + <p> + “If you respected your mother a little more,” Frank said, “Trix, you would + do yourself no hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “I am no child,” says she, turning round on him; “we have lived very well + these five years without the benefit of your advice or example, and I + intend to take neither now. Why does not the head of the house speak?” she + went on; “he rules everything here. When his chaplain has done singing the + psalms, will his lordship deliver the sermon? I am tired of the psalms.” + The Prince had used almost the very same words in regard to Colonel Esmond + that the imprudent girl repeated in her wrath. + </p> + <p> + “You show yourself a very apt scholar, madam,” says the Colonel; and, + turning to his mistress, “Did your guest use these words in your + ladyship's hearing, or was it to Beatrix in private that he was pleased to + impart his opinion regarding my tiresome sermon?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen him alone?” cries my lord, starting up with an oath: “by + God, have you seen him alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Were he here, you wouldn't dare so to insult me; no, you would not dare!” + cries Frank's sister. “Keep your oaths, my lord, for your wife; we are not + used here to such language. Till you came, there used to be kindness + between me and mamma, and I cared for her when you never did, when you + were away for years with your horses and your mistress, and your Popish + wife.” + </p> + <p> + “By —-,” says my lord, rapping out another oath, “Clotilda is an + angel; how dare you say a word against Clotilda?” + </p> + <p> + Colonel Esmond could not refrain from a smile, to see how easy Frank's + attack was drawn off by that feint:—“I fancy Clotilda is not the + subject in hand,” says Mr. Esmond, rather scornfully; “her ladyship is at + Paris, a hundred leagues off, preparing baby-linen. It is about my Lord + Castlewood's sister, and not his wife, the question is.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not my Lord Castlewood,” says Beatrix, “and he knows he is not; he + is Colonel Francis Esmond's son, and no more, and he wears a false title; + and he lives on another man's land, and he knows it.” Here was another + desperate sally of the poor beleaguered garrison, and an alerte in another + quarter. “Again, I beg your pardon,” says Esmond. “If there are no proofs + of my claim, I have no claim. If my father acknowledged no heir, yours was + his lawful successor, and my Lord Castlewood hath as good a right to his + rank and small estate as any man in England. But that again is not the + question, as you know very well; let us bring our talk back to it, as you + will have me meddle in it. And I will give you frankly my opinion, that a + house where a Prince lies all day, who respects no woman, is no house for + a young unmarried lady; that you were better in the country than here; + that he is here on a great end, from which no folly should divert him; and + that having nobly done your part of this morning, Beatrix, you should + retire off the scene awhile, and leave it to the other actors of the + play.” + </p> + <p> + As the Colonel spoke with a perfect calmness and politeness, such as 'tis + to be hoped he hath always shown to women,* his mistress stood by him on + one side of the table, and Frank Castlewood on the other, hemming in poor + Beatrix, that was behind it, and, as it were, surrounding her with our + approaches. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * My dear father saith quite truly, that his manner towards + our sex was uniformly courteous. From my infancy upwards, + he treated me with an extreme gentleness, as though I was a + little lady. I can scarce remember (though I tried him + often) ever hearing a rough word from him, nor was he less + grave and kind in his manner to the humblest negresses on + his estate. He was familiar with no one except my mother, + and it was delightful to witness up to the very last days + the confidence between them. He was obeyed eagerly by all + under him; and my mother and all her household lived in a + constant emulation to please him, and quite a terror lest in + any way they should offend him. He was the humblest man + with all this; the least exacting, the more easily + contented; and Mr. Benson, our minister at Castlewood, who + attended him at the last, ever said—“I know not what + Colonel Esmond's doctrine was, but his life and death were + those of a devout Christian.”—R. E. W. +</pre> + <p> + Having twice sallied out and been beaten back, she now, as I expected, + tried the ultima ratio of women, and had recourse to tears. Her beautiful + eyes filled with them; I never could bear in her, nor in any woman, that + expression of pain:—“I am alone,” sobbed she; “you are three against + me—my brother, my mother, and you. What have I done, that you should + speak and look so unkindly at me? Is it my fault that the Prince should, + as you say, admire me? Did I bring him here? Did I do aught but what you + bade me, in making him welcome? Did you not tell me that our duty was to + die for him? Did you not teach me, mother, night and morning to pray for + the King, before even ourselves? What would you have of me, cousin, for + you are the chief of the conspiracy against me; I know you are, sir, and + that my mother and brother are acting but as you bid them; whither would + you have me go?” + </p> + <p> + “I would but remove from the Prince,” says Esmond, gravely, “a dangerous + temptation; heaven forbid I should say you would yield; I would only have + him free of it. Your honor needs no guardian, please God, but his + imprudence doth. He is so far removed from all women by his rank, that his + pursuit of them cannot but be unlawful. We would remove the dearest and + fairest of our family from the chance of that insult, and that is why we + would have you go, dear Beatrix.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry speaks like a book,” says Frank, with one of his oaths, “and, by + —-, every word he saith is true. You can't help being handsome, + Trix; no more can the Prince help following you. My counsel is that you go + out of harm's way; for, by the Lord, were the Prince to play any tricks + with you, King as he is, or is to be, Harry Esmond and I would have + justice of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Are not two such champions enough to guard me?” says Beatrix, something + sorrowfully; “sure, with you two watching, no evil could happen to me.” + </p> + <p> + “In faith, I think not, Beatrix,” says Colonel Esmond; “nor if the Prince + knew us would he try.” + </p> + <p> + “But does he know you?” interposed Lady Castlewood, very quiet: “he comes + of a country where the pursuit of kings is thought no dishonor to a woman. + Let us go, dearest Beatrix. Shall we go to Walcote or to Castlewood? We + are best away from the city; and when the Prince is acknowledged, and our + champions have restored him, and he hath his own house at St. James's or + Windsor, we can come back to ours here. Do you not think so, Harry and + Frank?” + </p> + <p> + Frank and Harry thought with her, you may be sure. + </p> + <p> + “We will go, then,” says Beatrix, turning a little pale; “Lady Masham is + to give me warning to-night how her Majesty is, and to-morrow—” + </p> + <p> + “I think we had best go to-day, my dear,” says my Lady Castlewood; “we + might have the coach and sleep at Hounslow, and reach home to-morrow. 'Tis + twelve o'clock; bid the coach, cousin, be ready at one.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame!” burst out Beatrix, in a passion of tears and mortification. + “You disgrace me by your cruel precautions; my own mother is the first to + suspect me, and would take me away as my gaoler. I will not go with you, + mother; I will go as no one's prisoner. If I wanted to deceive, do you + think I could find no means of evading you? My family suspects me. As + those mistrust me that ought to love me most, let me leave them; I will + go, but I will go alone: to Castlewood, be it. I have been unhappy there + and lonely enough; let me go back, but spare me at least the humiliation + of setting a watch over my misery, which is a trial I can't bear. Let me + go when you will, but alone, or not at all. You three can stay and triumph + over my unhappiness, and I will bear it as I have borne it before. Let my + gaoler-in-chief go order the coach that is to take me away. I thank you, + Henry Esmond, for your share in the conspiracy. All my life long I'll + thank you, and remember you, and you, brother, and you, mother, how shall + I show my gratitude to you for your careful defence of my honor?” + </p> + <p> + She swept out of the room with the air of an empress, flinging glances of + defiance at us all, and leaving us conquerors of the field, but scared, + and almost ashamed of our victory. It did indeed seem hard and cruel that + we three should have conspired the banishment and humiliation of that fair + creature. We looked at each other in silence: 'twas not the first stroke + by many of our actions in that unlucky time, which, being done, we wished + undone. We agreed it was best she should go alone, speaking stealthily to + one another, and under our breaths, like persons engaged in an act they + felt ashamed in doing. + </p> + <p> + In a half-hour, it might be, after our talk she came back, her countenance + wearing the same defiant air which it had borne when she left us. She held + a shagreen-case in her hand; Esmond knew it as containing his diamonds + which he had given to her for her marriage with Duke Hamilton, and which + she had worn so splendidly on the inauspicious night of the Prince's + arrival. “I have brought back,” says she, “to the Marquis of Esmond the + present he deigned to make me in days when he trusted me better than now. + I will never accept a benefit or a kindness from Henry Esmond more, and I + give back these family diamonds, which belonged to one king's mistress, to + the gentleman that suspected I would be another. Have you been upon your + message of coach-caller, my Lord Marquis? Will you send your valet to see + that I do not run away?” We were right, yet, by her manner, she had put us + all in the wrong; we were conquerors, yet the honors of the day seemed to + be with the poor oppressed girl. + </p> + <p> + That luckless box containing the stones had first been ornamented with a + baron's coronet, when Beatrix was engaged to the young gentleman from whom + she parted, and afterwards the gilt crown of a duchess figured on the + cover, which also poor Beatrix was destined never to wear. Lady Castlewood + opened the case mechanically and scarce thinking what she did; and behold, + besides the diamonds, Esmond's present, there lay in the box the enamelled + miniature of the late Duke, which Beatrix had laid aside with her mourning + when the King came into the house; and which the poor heedless thing very + likely had forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “Do you leave this, too, Beatrix?” says her mother, taking the miniature + out, and with a cruelty she did not very often show; but there are some + moments when the tenderest women are cruel, and some triumphs which angels + can't forego.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This remark shows how unjustly and contemptuously even the + best of men will sometimes judge of our sex. Lady + Castlewood had no intention of triumphing over her daughter; + but from a sense of duty alone pointed out her deplorable + wrong.—H. E. +</pre> + <p> + Having delivered this stab, Lady Castlewood was frightened at the effect + of her blow. It went to poor Beatrix's heart: she flushed up and passed a + handkerchief across her eyes, and kissed the miniature, and put it into + her bosom:—“I had forgot it,” says she; “my injury made me forget my + grief: my mother has recalled both to me. Farewell, mother; I think I + never can forgive you; something hath broke between us that no tears nor + years can repair. I always said I was alone; you never loved me, never—and + were jealous of me from the time I sat on my father's knee. Let me go + away, the sooner the better: I can bear to be with you no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, child,” says her mother, still very stern; “go and bend your proud + knees and ask forgiveness; go, pray in solitude for humility and + repentance. 'Tis not your reproaches that make me unhappy, 'tis your hard + heart, my poor Beatrix; may God soften it, and teach you one day to feel + for your mother.” + </p> + <p> + If my mistress was cruel, at least she never could be got to own as much. + Her haughtiness quite overtopped Beatrix's; and, if the girl had a proud + spirit, I very much fear it came to her by inheritance. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + OUR GUEST QUITS US AS NOT BEING HOSPITABLE ENOUGH. + </h3> + <p> + Beatrix's departure took place within an hour, her maid going with her in + the post-chaise, and a man armed on the coach-box to prevent any danger of + the road. Esmond and Frank thought of escorting the carriage, but she + indignantly refused their company, and another man was sent to follow the + coach, and not to leave it till it had passed over Hounslow Heath on the + next day. And these two forming the whole of Lady Castlewood's male + domestics, Mr. Esmond's faithful John Lockwood came to wait on his + mistress during their absence, though he would have preferred to escort + Mrs. Lucy, his sweetheart, on her journey into the country. + </p> + <p> + We had a gloomy and silent meal; it seemed as if a darkness was over the + house, since the bright face of Beatrix had been withdrawn from it. In the + afternoon came a message from the favorite to relieve us somewhat from + this despondency. “The Queen hath been much shaken,” the note said; “she + is better now, and all things will go well. Let MY LORD CASTLEWOOD be + ready against we send for him.” + </p> + <p> + At night there came a second billet: “There hath been a great battle in + Council; Lord Treasurer hath broke his staff, and hath fallen never to + rise again; no successor is appointed. Lord B——receives a + great Whig company to-night at Golden Square. If he is trimming, others + are true; the Queen hath no more fits, but is a-bed now, and more quiet. + Be ready against morning, when I still hope all will be well.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince came home shortly after the messenger who bore this billet had + left the house. His Royal Highness was so much the better for the Bishop's + liquor, that to talk affairs to him now was of little service. He was + helped to the Royal bed; he called Castlewood familiarly by his own name; + he quite forgot the part upon the acting of which his crown, his safety, + depended. 'Twas lucky that my Lady Castlewood's servants were out of the + way, and only those heard him who would not betray him. He inquired after + the adorable Beatrix, with a royal hiccup in his voice; he was easily got + to bed, and in a minute or two plunged in that deep slumber and + forgetfulness with which Bacchus rewards the votaries of that god. We + wished Beatrix had been there to see him in his cups. We regretted, + perhaps, that she was gone. + </p> + <p> + One of the party at Kensington Square was fool enough to ride to Hounslow + that night, coram latronibus, and to the inn which the family used + ordinarily in their journeys out of London. Esmond desired my landlord not + to acquaint Madam Beatrix with his coming, and had the grim satisfaction + of passing by the door of the chamber where she lay with her maid, and of + watching her chariot set forth in the early morning. He saw her smile and + slip money into the man's hand who was ordered to ride behind the coach as + far as Bagshot. The road being open, and the other servant armed, it + appeared she dispensed with the escort of a second domestic; and this + fellow, bidding his young mistress adieu with many bows, went and took a + pot of ale in the kitchen, and returned in company with his brother + servant, John Coachman, and his horses, back to London. + </p> + <p> + They were not a mile out of Hounslow when the two worthies stopped for + more drink, and here they were scared by seeing Colonel Esmond gallop by + them. The man said in reply to Colonel Esmond's stern question, that his + young mistress had sent her duty; only that, no other message: she had had + a very good night, and would reach Castlewood by nightfall. The Colonel + had no time for further colloquy, and galloped on swiftly to London, + having business of great importance there, as my reader very well knoweth. + The thought of Beatrix riding away from the danger soothed his mind not a + little. His horse was at Kensington Square (honest Dapple knew the way + thither well enough) before the tipsy guest of last night was awake and + sober. + </p> + <p> + The account of the previous evening was known all over the town early next + day. A violent altercation had taken place before the Queen in the Council + Chamber; and all the coffee-houses had their version of the quarrel. The + news brought my Lord Bishop early to Kensington Square, where he awaited + the waking of his Royal master above stairs, and spoke confidently of + having him proclaimed as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne before + that day was over. The Bishop had entertained on the previous afternoon + certain of the most influential gentlemen of the true British party. His + Royal highness had charmed all, both Scots and English, Papists and + Churchmen: “Even Quakers,” says he, “were at our meeting; and, if the + stranger took a little too much British punch and ale, he will soon grow + more accustomed to those liquors; and my Lord Castlewood,” says the Bishop + with a laugh, “must bear the cruel charge of having been for once in his + life a little tipsy. He toasted your lovely sister a dozen times, at which + we all laughed,” says the Bishop, “admiring so much fraternal affection.—Where + is that charming nymph, and why doth she not adorn your ladyship's + tea-table with her bright eyes?” + </p> + <p> + Her ladyship said, dryly, that Beatrix was not at home that morning; my + Lord Bishop was too busy with great affairs to trouble himself much about + the presence or absence of any lady, however beautiful. + </p> + <p> + We were yet at table when Dr. A—— came from the Palace with a + look of great alarm; the shocks the Queen had had the day before had acted + on her severely; he had been sent for, and had ordered her to be blooded. + The surgeon of Long Acre had come to cup the Queen, and her Majesty was + now more easy and breathed more freely. What made us start at the name of + Mr. Ayme? “Il faut etre aimable pour etre aime,” says the merry Doctor; + Esmond pulled his sleeve, and bade him hush. It was to Ayme's house, after + his fatal duel, that my dear Lord Castlewood, Frank's father, had been + carried to die. + </p> + <p> + No second visit could be paid to the Queen on that day at any rate; and + when our guest above gave his signal that he was awake, the Doctor, the + Bishop, and Colonel Esmond waited upon the Prince's levee, and brought him + their news, cheerful or dubious. The Doctor had to go away presently, but + promised to keep the Prince constantly acquainted with what was taking + place at the Palace hard by. His counsel was, and the Bishop's, that as + soon as ever the Queen's malady took a favorable turn, the Prince should + be introduced to her bedside; the Council summoned; the guard at + Kensington and St. James's, of which two regiments were to be entirely + relied on, and one known not to be hostile, would declare for the Prince, + as the Queen would before the Lords of her Council, designating him as the + heir to her throne. + </p> + <p> + With locked doors, and Colonel Esmond acting as secretary, the Prince and + his Lordship of Rochester passed many hours of this day, composing + Proclamations and Addresses to the Country, to the Scots, to the Clergy, + to the People of London and England; announcing the arrival of the exile + descendant of three sovereigns, and his acknowledgment by his sister as + heir to the throne. Every safeguard for their liberties, the Church and + People could ask, was promised to them. The Bishop could answer for the + adhesion of very many prelates, who besought of their flocks and brother + ecclesiastics to recognize the sacred right of the future sovereign, and + to purge the country of the sin of rebellion. + </p> + <p> + During the composition of these papers, more messengers than one came from + the Palace regarding the state of the august patient there lying. At + mid-day she was somewhat better; at evening the torpor again seized her, + and she wandered in her mind. At night Dr. A—— was with us + again, with a report rather more favorable: no instant danger at any rate + was apprehended. In the course of the last two years her Majesty had had + many attacks similar, but more severe. + </p> + <p> + By this time we had finished a half-dozen of Proclamations, (the wording + of them so as to offend no parties, and not to give umbrage to Whigs or + Dissenters, required very great caution,) and the young Prince, who had + indeed shown, during a long day's labor, both alacrity at seizing the + information given him, and ingenuity and skill in turning the phrases + which were to go out signed by his name, here exhibited a good-humor and + thoughtfulness that ought to be set down to his credit. + </p> + <p> + “Were these papers to be mislaid,” says he, “or our scheme to come to + mishap, my Lord Esmond's writing would bring him to a place where I + heartily hope never to see him; and so, by your leave, I will copy the + papers myself, though I am not very strong in spelling; and if they are + found they will implicate none but the person they most concern;” and so, + having carefully copied the Proclamations out, the Prince burned those in + Colonel Esmond's handwriting: “And now, and now, gentlemen,” says he, “let + us go to supper, and drink a glass with the ladies. My Lord Esmond, you + will sup with us to-night; you have given us of late too little of your + company.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince's meals were commonly served in the chamber which had been + Beatrix's bedroom, adjoining that in which he slept. And the dutiful + practice of his entertainers was to wait until their Royal guest bade them + take their places at table before they sat down to partake of the meal. On + this night, as you may suppose, only Frank Castlewood and his mother were + in waiting when the supper was announced to receive the Prince; who had + passed the whole of the day in his own apartment, with the Bishop as his + Minister of State, and Colonel Esmond officiating as Secretary of his + Council. + </p> + <p> + The Prince's countenance wore an expression by no means pleasant; when + looking towards the little company assembled, and waiting for him, he did + not see Beatrix's bright face there as usual to greet him. He asked Lady + Esmond for his fair introducer of yesterday: her ladyship only cast her + eyes down, and said quietly, Beatrix could not be of the supper that + night; nor did she show the least sign of confusion, whereas Castlewood + turned red, and Esmond was no less embarrassed. I think women have an + instinct of dissimulation; they know by nature how to disguise their + emotions far better than the most consummate male courtiers can do. Is not + the better part of the life of many of them spent in hiding their + feelings, in cajoling their tyrants, in masking over with fond smiles and + artful gayety, their doubt, or their grief, or their terror? + </p> + <p> + Our guest swallowed his supper very sulkily; it was not till the second + bottle his Highness began to rally. When Lady Castlewood asked leave to + depart, he sent a message to Beatrix, hoping she would be present at the + next day's dinner, and applied himself to drink, and to talk afterwards, + for which there was subject in plenty. + </p> + <p> + The next day, we heard from our informer at Kensington that the Queen was + somewhat better, and had been up for an hour, though she was not well + enough yet to receive any visitor. + </p> + <p> + At dinner a single cover was laid for his Royal Highness; and the two + gentlemen alone waited on him. We had had a consultation in the morning + with Lady Castlewood, in which it had been determined that, should his + Highness ask further questions about Beatrix, he should be answered by the + gentlemen of the house. + </p> + <p> + He was evidently disturbed and uneasy, looking towards the door + constantly, as if expecting some one. There came, however, nobody, except + honest John Lockwood, when he knocked with a dish, which those within took + from him; so the meals were always arranged, and I believe the council in + the kitchen were of opinion that my young lord had brought over a priest, + who had converted us all into Papists, and that Papists were like Jews, + eating together, and not choosing to take their meals in the sight of + Christians. + </p> + <p> + The Prince tried to cover his displeasure; he was but a clumsy dissembler + at that time, and when out of humor could with difficulty keep a serene + countenance; and having made some foolish attempts at trivial talk, he + came to his point presently, and in as easy a manner as he could, saying + to Lord Castlewood, he hoped, he requested, his lordship's mother and + sister would be of the supper that night. As the time hung heavy on him, + and he must not go abroad, would not Miss Beatrix hold him company at a + game of cards? + </p> + <p> + At this, looking up at Esmond, and taking the signal from him, Lord + Castlewood informed his Royal Highness* that his sister Beatrix was not at + Kensington; and that her family had thought it best she should quit the + town. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * In London we addressed the Prince as Royal Highness + invariably, though the women persisted in giving him the + title of King. +</pre> + <p> + “Not at Kensington!” says he; “is she ill? she was well yesterday; + wherefore should she quit the town? Is it at your orders, my lord, or + Colonel Esmond's, who seems the master of this house?” + </p> + <p> + “Not of this, sir,” says Frank very nobly, “only of our house in the + country, which he hath given to us. This is my mother's house, and Walcote + is my father's, and the Marquis of Esmond knows he hath but to give his + word, and I return his to him.” + </p> + <p> + “The Marquis of Esmond!—the Marquis of Esmond,” says the Prince, + tossing off a glass, “meddles too much with my affairs, and presumes on + the service he hath done me. If you want to carry your suit with Beatrix, + my lord, by blocking her up in gaol, let me tell you that is not the way + to win a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not aware, sir, that I had spoken of my suit to Madam Beatrix to + your Royal Highness.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah, bah, Monsieur! we need not be a conjurer to see that. It makes + itself seen at all moments. You are jealous, my lord, and the maid of + honor cannot look at another face without yours beginning to scowl. That + which you do is unworthy, Monsieur; is inhospitable—is, is lache, + yes, lache:” (he spoke rapidly in French, his rage carrying him away with + each phrase:) “I come to your house; I risk my life; I pass it in ennui; I + repose myself on your fidelity; I have no company but your lordship's + sermons or the conversations of that adorable young lady, and you take her + from me, and you, you rest! Merci, Monsieur! I shall thank you when I have + the means; I shall know to recompense a devotion a little importunate, my + lord—a little importunate. For a month past your airs of protector + have annoyed me beyond measure. You deign to offer me the crown, and bid + me take it on my knees like King John—eh! I know my history, + Monsieur, and mock myself of frowning barons. I admire your mistress, and + you send her to a Bastile of the Province; I enter your house, and you + mistrust me. I will leave it, Monsieur; from to-night I will leave it. I + have other friends whose loyalty will not be so ready to question mine. If + I have garters to give away, 'tis to noblemen who are not so ready to + think evil. Bring me a coach and let me quit this place, or let the fair + Beatrix return to it. I will not have your hospitality at the expense of + the freedom of that fair creature.” + </p> + <p> + This harangue was uttered with rapid gesticulation such as the French use, + and in the language of that nation. The Prince striding up and down the + room; his face flushed, and his hands trembling with anger. He was very + thin and frail from repeated illness and a life of pleasure. Either + Castlewood or Esmond could have broke him across their knee, and in half a + minute's struggle put an end to him; and here he was insulting us both, + and scarce deigning to hide from the two, whose honor it most concerned, + the passion he felt for the young lady of our family. My Lord Castlewood + replied to the Prince's tirade very nobly and simply. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” says he, “your Royal Highness is pleased to forget that others risk + their lives, and for your cause. Very few Englishmen, please God, would + dare to lay hands on your sacred person, though none would ever think of + respecting ours. Our family's lives are at your service, and everything we + have except our honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Honor! bah, sir, who ever thought of hurting your honor?” says the Prince + with a peevish air. + </p> + <p> + “We implore your Royal Highness never to think of hurting it,” says Lord + Castlewood with a low bow. The night being warm, the windows were open + both towards the Gardens and the Square. Colonel Esmond heard through the + closed door the voice of the watchman calling the hour, in the square on + the other side. He opened the door communicating with the Prince's room; + Martin, the servant that had rode with Beatrix to Hounslow, was just going + out of the chamber as Esmond entered it, and when the fellow was gone, and + the watchman again sang his cry of “Past ten o'clock, and a starlight + night,” Esmond spoke to the Prince in a low voice, and said—“Your + Royal Highness hears that man.” + </p> + <p> + “Apres, Monsieur?” says the Prince. + </p> + <p> + “I have but to beckon him from the window, and send him fifty yards, and + he returns with a guard of men, and I deliver up to him the body of the + person calling himself James the Third, for whose capture Parliament hath + offered a reward of 500L., as your Royal Highness saw on our ride from + Rochester. I have but to say the word, and, by the heaven that made me, I + would say it if I thought the Prince, for his honor's sake, would not + desist from insulting ours. But the first gentleman of England knows his + duty too well to forget himself with the humblest, or peril his crown for + a deed that were shameful if it were done.” + </p> + <p> + “Has your lordship anything to say,” says the Prince, turning to Frank + Castlewood, and quite pale with anger; “any threat or any insult, with + which you would like to end this agreeable night's entertainment?” + </p> + <p> + “I follow the head of our house,” says Castlewood, bowing gravely. “At + what time shall it please the Prince that we should wait upon him in the + morning?” + </p> + <p> + “You will wait on the Bishop of Rochester early, you will bid him bring + his coach hither; and prepare an apartment for me in his own house, or in + a place of safety. The King will reward you handsomely, never fear, for + all you have done in his behalf. I wish you a good night, and shall go to + bed, unless it pleases the Marquis of Esmond to call his colleague, the + watchman, and that I should pass the night with the Kensington guard. Fare + you well, be sure I will remember you. My Lord Castlewood, I can go to bed + to-night without need of a chamberlain.” And the Prince dismissed us with + a grim bow, locking one door as he spoke, that into the supping-room, and + the other through which we passed, after us. It led into the small chamber + which Frank Castlewood or MONSIEUR BAPTISTE occupied, and by which Martin + entered when Colonel Esmond but now saw him in the chamber. + </p> + <p> + At an early hour next morning the Bishop arrived, and was closeted for + some time with his master in his own apartment, where the Prince laid open + to his counsellor the wrongs which, according to his version, he had + received from the gentlemen of the Esmond family. The worthy prelate came + out from the conference with an air of great satisfaction; he was a man + full of resources, and of a most assured fidelity, and possessed of + genius, and a hundred good qualities; but captious and of a most jealous + temper, that could not help exulting at the downfall of any favorite; and + he was pleased in spite of himself to hear that the Esmond Ministry was at + an end. + </p> + <p> + “I have soothed your guest,” says he, coming out to the two gentlemen and + the widow; who had been made acquainted with somewhat of the dispute of + the night before. (By the version we gave her, the Prince was only made to + exhibit anger because we doubted of his intentions in respect to Beatrix; + and to leave us, because we questioned his honor.) “But I think, all + things considered, 'tis as well he should leave this house; and then, my + Lady Castlewood,” says the Bishop, “my pretty Beatrix may come back to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “She is quite as well at home at Castlewood,” Esmond's mistress said, + “till everything is over.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have your title, Esmond, that I promise you,” says the good + Bishop, assuming the airs of a Prime Minister. “The Prince hath expressed + himself most nobly in regard of the little difference of last night, and I + promise you he hath listened to my sermon, as well as to that of other + folks,” says the Doctor, archly; “he hath every great and generous + quality, with perhaps a weakness for the sex which belongs to his family, + and hath been known in scores of popular sovereigns from King David + downwards.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, my lord!” breaks out Lady Esmond, “the levity with which you + speak of such conduct towards our sex shocks me, and what you call + weakness I call deplorable sin.” + </p> + <p> + “Sin it is, my dear creature,” says the Bishop, with a shrug, taking + snuff; “but consider what a sinner King Solomon was, and in spite of a + thousand of wives too.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this, my lord,” says Lady Castlewood, with a fine blush, and + walked out of the room very stately. + </p> + <p> + The Prince entered it presently with a smile on his face, and if he felt + any offence against us on the previous night, at present exhibited none. + He offered a hand to each gentleman with great courtesy. “If all your + bishops preach so well as Doctor Atterbury.” says he, “I don't know, + gentlemen, what may happen to me. I spoke very hastily, my lords, last + night, and ask pardon of both of you. But I must not stay any longer,” + says he, “giving umbrage to good friends, or keeping pretty girls away + from their homes. My Lord Bishop hath found a safe place for me, hard by + at a curate's house, whom the Bishop can trust, and whose wife is so ugly + as to be beyond all danger; we will decamp into those new quarters, and I + leave you, thanking you for a hundred kindnesses here. Where is my + hostess, that I may bid her farewell; to welcome her in a house of my own, + soon, I trust, where my friends shall have no cause to quarrel with me.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Castlewood arrived presently, blushing with great grace, and tears + filling her eyes as the Prince graciously saluted her. She looked so + charming and young, that the doctor, in his bantering way, could not help + speaking of her beauty to the Prince; whose compliment made her blush, and + look more charming still. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + A GREAT SCHEME, AND WHO BALKED IT. + </h3> + <p> + As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of + fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, as soon as it is + cool; a hundred names of men, high in repute and favoring the Prince's + cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough + on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the + sun. What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names + and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over! What a number of + Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful Minister, + scorned Mr. Walpole then! If ever a match was gained by the manliness and + decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the + treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and + might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in + the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the + stake. + </p> + <p> + From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the + scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted. + Should the Prince prevail, it was his lordship's gracious intention to + declare for him: should the Hanoverian party bring in their sovereign, who + more ready to go on his knee, and cry, “God Save King George?” And he + betrayed the one Prince and the other; but exactly at the wrong time. When + he should have struck for King James, he faltered and coquetted with the + Whigs; and having committed himself by the most monstrous professions of + devotion, which the Elector rightly scorned, he proved the justness of + their contempt for him by flying and taking renegade service with St. + Germains, just when he should have kept aloof: and that Court despised + him, as the manly and resolute men who established the Elector in England + had before done. He signed his own name to every accusation of insincerity + his enemies made against him; and the King and the Pretender alike could + show proofs of St. John's treachery under his own hand and seal. + </p> + <p> + Our friends kept a pretty close watch upon his motions, as on those of the + brave and hearty Whig party, that made little concealment of theirs. They + would have in the Elector, and used every means in their power to effect + their end. My Lord Marlborough was now with them. His expulsion from power + by the Tories had thrown that great captain at once on the Whig side. We + heard he was coming from Antwerp; and, in fact, on the day of the Queen's + death, he once more landed on English shore. A great part of the army was + always with their illustrious leader; even the Tories in it were indignant + at the injustice of the persecution which the Whig officers were made to + undergo. The chiefs of these were in London, and at the head of them one + of the most intrepid men in the world, the Scots Duke of Argyle, whose + conduct on the second day after that to which I have now brought down my + history, ended, as such honesty and bravery deserved to end, by + establishing the present Royal race on the English throne. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile there was no slight difference of opinion amongst the + councillors surrounding the Prince, as to the plan his Highness should + pursue. His female Minister at Court, fancying she saw some amelioration + in the Queen, was for waiting a few days, or hours it might be, until he + could be brought to her bedside, and acknowledged as her heir. Mr. Esmond + was for having him march thither, escorted by a couple of troops of Horse + Guards, and openly presenting himself to the Council. During the whole of + the night of the 29th-30th July, the Colonel was engaged with gentlemen of + the military profession, whom 'tis needless here to name; suffice it to + say that several of them had exceeding high rank in the army, and one of + them in especial was a General, who, when he heard the Duke of Marlborough + was coming on the other side, waved his crutch over his head with a + huzzah, at the idea that he should march out and engage him. Of the three + Secretaries of State, we knew that one was devoted to us. The Governor of + the Tower was ours; the two companies on duty at Kensington barrack were + safe; and we had intelligence, very speedy and accurate, of all that took + place at the Palace within. + </p> + <p> + At noon, on the 30th of July, a message came to the Prince's friends that + the Committee of Council was sitting at Kensington Palace, their Graces of + Ormonde and Shrewsbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the three + Secretaries of State, being there assembled. In an hour afterwards, + hurried news was brought that the two great Whig Dukes, Argyle and + Somerset, had broke into the Council-chamber without a summons, and taken + their seat at table. After holding a debate there, the whole party + proceeded to the chamber of the Queen, who was lying in great weakness, + but still sensible, and the Lords recommended his Grace of Shrewsbury as + the fittest person to take the vacant place of Lord Treasurer; her Majesty + gave him the staff, as all know. “And now,” writ my messenger from Court, + “NOW OR NEVER IS THE TIME.” + </p> + <p> + Now or never was the time indeed. In spite of the Whig Dukes, our side had + still the majority in the Council, and Esmond, to whom the message had + been brought, (the personage at Court not being aware that the Prince had + quitted his lodging in Kensington Square,) and Esmond's gallant young + aide-de-camp, Frank Castlewood, putting on sword and uniform, took a brief + leave of their dear lady, who embraced and blessed them both, and went to + her chamber to pray for the issue of the great event which was then + pending. + </p> + <p> + Castlewood sped to the barrack to give warning to the captain of the Guard + there; and then went to the “King's Arms” tavern at Kensington, where our + friends were assembled, having come by parties of twos and threes, riding + or in coaches, and were got together in the upper chamber, fifty-three of + them; their servants, who had been instructed to bring arms likewise, + being below in the garden of the tavern, where they were served with + drink. Out of this garden is a little door that leads into the road of the + Palace, and through this it was arranged that masters and servants were to + march; when that signal was given, and that Personage appeared, for whom + all were waiting. There was in our company the famous officer next in + command to the Captain-General of the Forces, his Grace the Duke of + Ormonde, who was within at the Council. There were with him two more + lieutenant-generals, nine major-generals and brigadiers, seven colonels, + eleven Peers of Parliament, and twenty-one members of the House of + Commons. The Guard was with us within and without the Palace: the Queen + was with us; the Council (save the two Whig Dukes, that must have + succumbed); the day was our own, and with a beating heart Esmond walked + rapidly to the Mall of Kensington, where he had parted with the Prince on + the night before. For three nights the Colonel had not been to bed: the + last had been passed summoning the Prince's friends together, of whom the + great majority had no sort of inkling of the transaction pending until + they were told that he was actually on the spot, and were summoned to + strike the blow. The night before and after the altercation with the + Prince, my gentleman, having suspicions of his Royal Highness, and fearing + lest he should be minded to give us the slip, and fly off after his + fugitive beauty, had spent, if the truth must be told, at the “Greyhound” + tavern, over against my Lady Castlewood's house in Kensington Square, with + an eye on the door, lest the Prince should escape from it. The night + before that he had passed in his boots at the “Crown” at Hounslow, where + he must watch forsooth all night, in order to get one moment's glimpse of + Beatrix in the morning. And fate had decreed that he was to have a fourth + night's ride and wakefulness before his business was ended. + </p> + <p> + He ran to the curate's house in Kensington Mall, and asked for Mr. Bates, + the name the Prince went by. The curate's wife said Mr. Bates had gone + abroad very early in the morning in his boots, saying he was going to the + Bishop of Rochester's house at Chelsey. But the Bishop had been at + Kensington himself two hours ago to seek for Mr. Bates, and had returned + in his coach to his own house, when he heard that the gentleman was gone + thither to seek him. + </p> + <p> + This absence was most unpropitious, for an hour's delay might cost a + kingdom; Esmond had nothing for it but to hasten to the “King's Arms,” and + tell the gentlemen there assembled that Mr. George (as we called the + Prince there) was not at home, but that Esmond would go fetch him; and + taking a General's coach that happened to be there, Esmond drove across + the country to Chelsey, to the Bishop's house there. + </p> + <p> + The porter said two gentlemen were with his lordship, and Esmond ran past + this sentry up to the locked door of the Bishop's study, at which he + rattled, and was admitted presently. Of the Bishop's guests one was a + brother prelate, and the other the Abbe G——. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Mr. George?” says Mr. Esmond; “now is the time.” The Bishop + looked scared: “I went to his lodging,” he said, “and they told me he was + come hither. I returned as quick as coach would carry me; and he hath not + been here.” + </p> + <p> + The Colonel burst out with an oath; that was all he could say to their + reverences; ran down the stairs again, and bidding the coachman, an old + friend and fellow-campaigner, drive as if he was charging the French with + his master at Wynendael—they were back at Kensington in half an + hour. + </p> + <p> + Again Esmond went to the curate's house. Mr. Bates had not returned. The + Colonel had to go with this blank errand to the gentlemen at the “King's + Arms,” that were grown very impatient by this time. + </p> + <p> + Out of the window of the tavern, and looking over the garden wall, you can + see the green before Kensington Palace, the Palace gate (round which the + Ministers' coaches were standing), and the barrack building. As we were + looking out from this window in gloomy discourse, we heard presently + trumpets blowing, and some of us ran to the window of the front-room, + looking into the High Street of Kensington, and saw a regiment of Horse + coming. + </p> + <p> + “It's Ormonde's Guards,” says one. + </p> + <p> + “No, by God, it's Argyle's old regiment!” says my General, clapping down + his crutch. + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, Argyle's regiment that was brought from Westminster, and + that took the place of the regiment at Kensington on which we could rely. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Harry!” says one of the generals there present, “you were born under + an unlucky star; I begin to think that there's no Mr. George, nor Mr. + Dragon either. 'Tis not the peerage I care for, for our name is so ancient + and famous, that merely to be called Lord Lydiard would do me no good; but + 'tis the chance you promised me of fighting Marlborough.” + </p> + <p> + As we were talking, Castlewood entered the room with a disturbed air. + </p> + <p> + “What news, Frank?” says the Colonel. “Is Mr. George coming at last?” + </p> + <p> + “Damn him, look here!” says Castlewood, holding out a paper. “I found it + in the book—the what you call it, 'Eikum Basilikum,'—that + villain Martin put it there—he said his young mistress bade him. It + was directed to me, but it was meant for him I know, and I broke the seal + and read it.” + </p> + <p> + The whole assembly of officers seemed to swim away before Esmond's eyes as + he read the paper; all that was written on it was:—“Beatrix Esmond + is sent away to prison, to Castlewood, where she will pray for happier + days.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you guess where he is?” says Castlewood. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” says Colonel Esmond. He knew full well, Frank knew full well: our + instinct told whither that traitor had fled. + </p> + <p> + He had courage to turn to the company and say, “Gentlemen, I fear very + much that Mr. George will not be here to-day; something hath happened—and—and—I + very much fear some accident may befall him, which must keep him out of + the way. Having had your noon's draught, you had best pay the reckoning + and go home; there can be no game where there is no one to play it.” + </p> + <p> + Some of the gentlemen went away without a word, others called to pay their + duty to her Majesty and ask for her health. The little army disappeared + into the darkness out of which it had been called; there had been no + writings, no paper to implicate any man. Some few officers and Members of + Parliament had been invited over night to breakfast at the “King's Arms,” + at Kensington; and they had called for their bill and gone home. + </p> + <p> + <a id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + AUGUST 1ST, 1714. + </h3> + <p> + “Does my mistress know of this?” Esmond asked of Frank, as they walked + along. + </p> + <p> + “My mother found the letter in the book, on the toilet-table. She had writ + it ere she had left home,” Frank said. “Mother met her on the stairs, with + her hand upon the door, trying to enter, and never left her after that + till she went away. He did not think of looking at it there, nor had + Martin the chance of telling him. I believe the poor devil meant no harm, + though I half killed him; he thought 'twas to Beatrix's brother he was + bringing the letter.” + </p> + <p> + Frank never said a word of reproach to me for having brought the villain + amongst us. As we knocked at the door I said, “When will the horses be + ready?” Frank pointed with his cane, they were turning the street that + moment. + </p> + <p> + We went up and bade adieu to our mistress; she was in a dreadful state of + agitation by this time, and that Bishop was with her whose company she was + so fond of. + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell him, my lord,” says Esmond, “that Beatrix was at + Castlewood?” The Bishop blushed and stammered: “Well,” says he, “I . . .” + </p> + <p> + “You served the villain right,” broke out Mr. Esmond, “and he has lost a + crown by what you told him.” + </p> + <p> + My mistress turned quite white, “Henry, Henry,” says she, “do not kill + him.” + </p> + <p> + “It may not be too late,” says Esmond; “he may not have gone to + Castlewood; pray God, it is not too late.” The Bishop was breaking out + with some banale phrases about loyalty, and the sacredness of the + Sovereign's person; but Esmond sternly bade him hold his tongue, burn all + papers, and take care of Lady Castlewood; and in five minutes he and Frank + were in the saddle, John Lockwood behind them, riding towards Castlewood + at a rapid pace. + </p> + <p> + We were just got to Alton, when who should meet us but old Lockwood, the + porter from Castlewood, John's father, walking by the side of the Hexton + flying-coach, who slept the night at Alton. Lockwood said his young + mistress had arrived at home on Wednesday night, and this morning, Friday, + had despatched him with a packet for my lady at Kensington, saying the + letter was of great importance. + </p> + <p> + We took the freedom to break it, while Lockwood stared with wonder, and + cried out his “Lord bless me's,” and “Who'd a thought it's,” at the sight + of his young lord, whom he had not seen these seven years. + </p> + <p> + The packet from Beatrix contained no news of importance at all. It was + written in a jocular strain, affecting to make light of her captivity. She + asked whether she might have leave to visit Mrs. Tusher, or to walk beyond + the court and the garden wall. She gave news of the peacocks, and a fawn + she had there. She bade her mother send her certain gowns and smocks by + old Lockwood; she sent her duty to a certain Person, if certain other + persons permitted her to take such a freedom; how that, as she was not + able to play cards with him, she hoped he would read good books, such as + Doctor Atterbury's sermons and “Eikon Basilike:” she was going to read + good books; she thought her pretty mamma would like to know she was not + crying her eyes out. + </p> + <p> + “Who is in the house besides you, Lockwood?” says the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + “There be the laundry-maid, and the kitchen-maid, Madam Beatrix's maid, + the man from London, and that be all; and he sleepeth in my lodge away + from the maids,” says old Lockwood. + </p> + <p> + Esmond scribbled a line with a pencil on the note, giving it to the old + man, and bidding him go on to his lady. We knew why Beatrix had been so + dutiful on a sudden, and why she spoke of “Eikon Basilike.” She writ this + letter to put the Prince on the scent, and the porter out of the way. + </p> + <p> + “We have a fine moonlight night for riding on,” says Esmond; “Frank, we + may reach Castlewood in time yet.” All the way along they made inquiries + at the post-houses, when a tall young gentleman in a gray suit, with a + light brown periwig, just the color of my lord's, had been seen to pass. + He had set off at six that morning, and we at three in the afternoon. He + rode almost as quickly as we had done; he was seven hours a-head of us + still when we reached the last stage. + </p> + <p> + We rode over Castlewood Downs before the breaking of dawn. We passed the + very spot where the car was upset fourteen years since, and Mohun lay. The + village was not up yet, nor the forge lighted, as we rode through it, + passing by the elms, where the rooks were still roosting, and by the + church, and over the bridge. We got off our horses at the bridge and + walked up to the gate. + </p> + <p> + “If she is safe,” says Frank, trembling, and his honest eyes filling with + tears, “a silver statue to Our Lady!” He was going to rattle at the great + iron knocker on the oak gate; but Esmond stopped his kinsman's hand. He + had his own fears, his own hopes, his own despairs and griefs, too; but he + spoke not a word of these to his companion, or showed any signs of + emotion. + </p> + <p> + He went and tapped at the little window at the porter's lodge, gently, but + repeatedly, until the man came to the bars. + </p> + <p> + “Who's there?” says he, looking out; it was the servant from Kensington. + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Castlewood and Colonel Esmond,” we said, from below. “Open the + gate and let us in without any noise.” + </p> + <p> + “My Lord Castlewood?” says the other; “my lord's here, and in bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Open, d—n you,” says Castlewood, with a curse. + </p> + <p> + “I shall open to no one,” says the man, shutting the glass window as Frank + drew a pistol. He would have fired at the porter, but Esmond again held + his hand. + </p> + <p> + “There are more ways than one,” says he, “of entering such a great house + as this.” Frank grumbled that the west gate was half a mile round. “But I + know of a way that's not a hundred yards off,” says Mr. Esmond; and + leading his kinsman close along the wall, and by the shrubs which had now + grown thick on what had been an old moat about the house, they came to the + buttress, at the side of which the little window was, which was Father + Holt's private door. Esmond climbed up to this easily, broke a pane that + had been mended, and touched the spring inside, and the two gentlemen + passed in that way, treading as lightly as they could; and so going + through the passage into the court, over which the dawn was now reddening, + and where the fountain plashed in the silence. + </p> + <p> + They sped instantly to the porter's lodge, where the fellow had not + fastened his door that led into the court; and pistol in hand came upon + the terrified wretch, and bade him be silent. Then they asked him + (Esmond's head reeled, and he almost fell as he spoke) when Lord + Castlewood had arrived? He said on the previous evening, about eight of + the clock.—“And what then?”—His lordship supped with his + sister.—“Did the man wait?” Yes, he and my lady's maid both waited: + the other servants made the supper; and there was no wine, and they could + give his lordship but milk, at which he grumbled; and—and Madam + Beatrix kept Miss Lucy always in the room with her. And there being a bed + across the court in the Chaplain's room, she had arranged my lord was to + sleep there. Madam Beatrix had come down stairs laughing with the maids, + and had locked herself in, and my lord had stood for a while talking to + her through the door, and she laughing at him. And then he paced the court + awhile, and she came again to the upper window; and my lord implored her + to come down and walk in the room; but she would not, and laughed at him + again, and shut the window; and so my lord, uttering what seemed curses, + but in a foreign language, went to the Chaplain's room to bed. + </p> + <p> + “Was this all!”—“All,” the man swore upon his honor; all as he hoped + to be saved.—“Stop, there was one thing more. My lord, on arriving, + and once or twice during supper, did kiss his sister, as was natural, and + she kissed him.” At this Esmond ground his teeth with rage, and wellnigh + throttled the amazed miscreant who was speaking, whereas Castlewood, + seizing hold of his cousin's hand, burst into a great fit of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “If it amuses thee,” says Esmond in French, “that your sister should be + exchanging of kisses with a stranger, I fear poor Beatrix will give thee + plenty of sport.”—Esmond darkly thought, how Hamilton, Ashburnham, + had before been masters of those roses that the young Prince's lips were + now feeding on. He sickened at that notion. Her cheek was desecrated, her + beauty tarnished; shame and honor stood between it and him. The love was + dead within him; had she a crown to bring him with her love, he felt that + both would degrade him. + </p> + <p> + But this wrath against Beatrix did not lessen the angry feelings of the + Colonel against the man who had been the occasion if not the cause of the + evil. Frank sat down on a stone bench in the court-yard, and fairly fell + asleep, while Esmond paced up and down the court, debating what should + ensue. What mattered how much or how little had passed between the Prince + and the poor faithless girl? They were arrived in time perhaps to rescue + her person, but not her mind; had she not instigated the young Prince to + come to her; suborned servants, dismissed others, so that she might + communicate with him? The treacherous heart within her had surrendered, + though the place was safe; and it was to win this that he had given a + life's struggle and devotion; this, that she was ready to give away for + the bribe of a coronet or a wink of the Prince's eye. + </p> + <p> + When he had thought his thoughts out he shook up poor Frank from his + sleep, who rose yawning, and said he had been dreaming of Clotilda. “You + must back me,” says Esmond, “in what I am going to do. I have been + thinking that yonder scoundrel may have been instructed to tell that + story, and that the whole of it may be a lie; if it be, we shall find it + out from the gentleman who is asleep yonder. See if the door leading to my + lady's rooms,” (so we called the rooms at the north-west angle of the + house,) “see if the door is barred as he saith.” We tried; it was indeed + as the lackey had said, closed within. + </p> + <p> + “It may have been opened and shut afterwards,” says poor Esmond; “the + foundress of our family let our ancestor in in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “What will you do, Harry, if—if what that fellow saith should turn + out untrue?” The young man looked scared and frightened into his kinsman's + face; I dare say it wore no very pleasant expression. + </p> + <p> + “Let us first go see whether the two stories agree,” says Esmond; and went + in at the passage and opened the door into what had been his own chamber + now for wellnigh five-and-twenty years. A candle was still burning, and + the Prince asleep dressed on the bed—Esmond did not care for making + a noise. The Prince started up in his bed, seeing two men in his chamber. + “Qui est la” says he, and took a pistol from under his pillow. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Marquis of Esmond,” says the Colonel, “come to welcome his + Majesty to his house of Castlewood, and to report of what hath happened in + London. Pursuant to the King's orders, I passed the night before last, + after leaving his Majesty, in waiting upon the friends of the King. It is + a pity that his Majesty's desire to see the country and to visit our poor + house should have caused the King to quit London without notice yesterday, + when the opportunity happened which in all human probability may not occur + again; and had the King not chosen to ride to Castlewood, the Prince of + Wales might have slept at St. James's.” + </p> + <p> + “'Sdeath! gentlemen,” says the Prince, starting off his bed, whereon he + was lying in his clothes, “the Doctor was with me yesterday morning, and + after watching by my sister all night, told me I might not hope to see the + Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been otherwise,” says Esmond with another bow; “as, by this + time, the Queen may be dead in spite of the Doctor. The Council was met, a + new Treasurer was appointed, the troops were devoted to the King's cause; + and fifty loyal gentlemen of the greatest names of this kingdom were + assembled to accompany the Prince of Wales, who might have been the + acknowledged heir of the throne, or the possessor of it by this time, had + your Majesty not chosen to take the air. We were ready; there was only one + person that failed us, your Majesty's gracious—” + </p> + <p> + “Morbleu, Monsieur, you give me too much Majesty,” said the Prince, who + had now risen up and seemed to be looking to one of us to help him to his + coat. But neither stirred. + </p> + <p> + “We shall take care,” says Esmond, “not much oftener to offend in that + particular.” + </p> + <p> + “What mean you, my lord?” says the Prince, and muttered something about a + guet-a-pens, which Esmond caught up. + </p> + <p> + “The snare, Sir,” said he, “was not of our laying; it is not we that + invited you. We came to avenge, and not to compass, the dishonor of our + family.” + </p> + <p> + “Dishonor! Morbleu, there has been no dishonor,” says the Prince, turning + scarlet, “only a little harmless playing.” + </p> + <p> + “That was meant to end seriously.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear,” the Prince broke out impetuously, “upon the honor of a + gentleman, my lords—” + </p> + <p> + “That we arrived in time. No wrong hath been done, Frank,” says Colonel + Esmond, turning round to young Castlewood, who stood at the door as the + talk was going on. “See! here is a paper whereon his Majesty has deigned + to commence some verses in honor, or dishonor, of Beatrix. Here is + 'Madame' and 'Flamme,' 'Cruelle' and 'Rebelle,' and 'Amour' and 'Jour' in + the Royal writing and spelling. Had the Gracious lover been happy, he had + not passed his time in sighing.” In fact, and actually as he was speaking, + Esmond cast his eyes down towards the table, and saw a paper on which my + young Prince had been scrawling a madrigal, that was to finish his charmer + on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” says the Prince, burning with rage (he had assumed his Royal coat + unassisted by this time), “did I come here to receive insults?” + </p> + <p> + “To confer them, may it please your Majesty,” says the Colonel, with a + very low bow, “and the gentlemen of our family are come to thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Malediction!” says the young man, tears starting into his eyes with + helpless rage and mortification. “What will you with me, gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + “If your Majesty will please to enter the next apartment,” says Esmond, + preserving his grave tone, “I have some papers there which I would gladly + submit to you, and by your permission I will lead the way;” and, taking + the taper up, and backing before the Prince with very great ceremony, Mr. + Esmond passed into the little Chaplain's room, through which we had just + entered into the house:—“Please to set a chair for his Majesty, + Frank,” says the Colonel to his companion, who wondered almost as much at + this scene, and was as much puzzled by it, as the other actor in it. Then + going to the crypt over the mantel-piece, the Colonel opened it, and drew + thence the papers which so long had lain there. + </p> + <p> + “Here, may it please your Majesty,” says he, “is the Patent of Marquis + sent over by your Royal Father at St. Germains to Viscount Castlewood, my + father: here is the witnessed certificate of my father's marriage to my + mother, and of my birth and christening; I was christened of that religion + of which your sainted sire gave all through life so shining example. These + are my titles, dear Frank, and this what I do with them: here go Baptism + and Marriage, and here the Marquisate and the August Sign-Manual, with + which your predecessor was pleased to honor our race.” And as Esmond spoke + he set the papers burning in the brazier. “You will please, sir, to + remember,” he continued, “that our family hath ruined itself by fidelity + to yours: that my grandfather spent his estate, and gave his blood and his + son to die for your service; that my dear lord's grandfather (for lord you + are now, Frank, by right and title too) died for the same cause; that my + poor kinswoman, my father's second wife, after giving away her honor to + your wicked perjured race, sent all her wealth to the King; and got in + return, that precious title that lies in ashes, and this inestimable yard + of blue ribbon. I lay this at your feet and stamp upon it: I draw this + sword, and break it and deny you; and, had you completed the wrong you + designed us, by heaven I would have driven it through your heart, and no + more pardoned you than your father pardoned Monmouth. Frank will do the + same, won't you, cousin?” + </p> + <p> + Frank, who had been looking on with a stupid air at the papers, as they + flamed in the old brazier, took out his sword and broke it, holding his + head down:—“I go with my cousin,” says he, giving Esmond a grasp of + the hand. “Marquis or not, by —-, I stand by him any day. I beg your + Majesty's pardon for swearing; that is—that is—I'm for the + Elector of Hanover. It's all your Majesty's own fault. The Queen's dead + most likely by this time. And you might have been King if you hadn't come + dangling after Trix.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus to lose a crown,” says the young Prince, starting up, and speaking + French in his eager way; “to lose the loveliest woman in the world; to + lose the loyalty of such hearts as yours, is not this, my lords, enough of + humiliation?—Marquis, if I go on my knees will you pardon me?—No, + I can't do that, but I can offer you reparation, that of honor, that of + gentlemen. Favor me by crossing the sword with mine: yours is broke—see, + yonder in the armoire are two;” and the Prince took them out as eager as a + boy, and held them towards Esmond:—“Ah! you will? Merci, monsieur, + merci!” + </p> + <p> + Extremely touched by this immense mark of condescension and repentance for + wrong done, Colonel Esmond bowed down so low as almost to kiss the + gracious young hand that conferred on him such an honor, and took his + guard in silence. The swords were no sooner met, than Castlewood knocked + up Esmond's with the blade of his own, which he had broke off short at the + shell; and the Colonel falling back a step dropped his point with another + very low bow, and declared himself perfectly satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “Eh bien, Vicomte!” says the young Prince, who was a boy, and a French + boy, “il ne nous reste qu'une chose a faire:” he placed his sword upon the + table, and the fingers of his two hands upon his breast:—“We have + one more thing to do,” says he; “you do not divine it?” He stretched out + his arms:—“Embrassons nous!” + </p> + <p> + The talk was scarce over when Beatrix entered the room:—What came + she to seek there? She started and turned pale at the sight of her brother + and kinsman, drawn swords, broken sword-blades, and papers yet smouldering + in the brazier. + </p> + <p> + “Charming Beatrix,” says the Prince, with a blush which became him very + well, “these lords have come a-horseback from London, where my sister lies + in a despaired state, and where her successor makes himself desired. + Pardon me for my escapade of last evening. I had been so long a prisoner, + that I seized the occasion of a promenade on horseback, and my horse + naturally bore me towards you. I found you a Queen in your little court, + where you deigned to entertain me. Present my homages to your maids of + honor. I sighed as you slept, under the window of your chamber, and then + retired to seek rest in my own. It was there that these gentlemen + agreeably roused me. Yes, milords, for that is a happy day that makes a + Prince acquainted, at whatever cost to his vanity, with such a noble heart + as that of the Marquis of Esmond. Mademoiselle, may we take your coach to + town? I saw it in the hangar, and this poor Marquis must be dropping with + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it please the King to breakfast before he goes?” was all Beatrix + could say. The roses had shuddered out of her cheeks; her eyes were + glaring; she looked quite old. She came up to Esmond and hissed out a word + or two:—“If I did not love you before, cousin,” says she, “think how + I love you now.” If words could stab, no doubt she would have killed + Esmond; she looked at him as if she could. + </p> + <p> + But her keen words gave no wound to Mr. Esmond; his heart was too hard. As + he looked at her, he wondered that he could ever have loved her. His love + of ten years was over; it fell down dead on the spot, at the Kensington + Tavern, where Frank brought him the note out of “Eikon Basilike.” The + Prince blushed and bowed low, as she gazed at him, and quitted the + chamber. I have never seen her from that day. + </p> + <p> + Horses were fetched and put to the chariot presently. My lord rode + outside, and as for Esmond he was so tired that he was no sooner in the + carriage than he fell asleep, and never woke till night, as the coach came + into Alton. + </p> + <p> + As we drove to the “Bell” Inn comes a mitred coach with our old friend + Lockwood beside the coachman. My Lady Castlewood and the Bishop were + inside; she gave a little scream when she saw us. The two coaches entered + the inn almost together; the landlord and people coming out with lights to + welcome the visitors. + </p> + <p> + We in our coach sprang out of it, as soon as ever we saw the dear lady, + and above all, the Doctor in his cassock. What was the news? Was there yet + time? Was the Queen alive? These questions were put hurriedly, as Boniface + stood waiting before his noble guests to bow them up the stair. + </p> + <p> + “Is she safe?” was what Lady Castlewood whispered in a flutter to Esmond. + </p> + <p> + “All's well, thank God,” says he, as the fond lady took his hand and + kissed it, and called him her preserver and her dear. SHE wasn't thinking + of Queens and crowns. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop's news was reassuring: at least all was not lost; the Queen yet + breathed, or was alive when they left London, six hours since. (“It was + Lady Castlewood who insisted on coming,” the Doctor said.) Argyle had + marched up regiments from Portsmouth, and sent abroad for more; the Whigs + were on the alert, a pest on them, (I am not sure but the Bishop swore as + he spoke,) and so too were our people. And all might be saved, if only the + Prince could be at London in time. We called for horses, instantly to + return to London. We never went up poor crestfallen Boniface's stairs, but + into our coaches again. The Prince and his Prime Minister in one, Esmond + in the other, with only his dear mistress as a companion. + </p> + <p> + Castlewood galloped forwards on horseback to gather the Prince's friends + and warn them of his coming. We travelled through the night. Esmond + discoursing to his mistress of the events of the last twenty-four hours; + of Castlewood's ride and his; of the Prince's generous behavior and their + reconciliation. The night seemed short enough; and the starlit hours + passed away serenely in that fond company. + </p> + <p> + So we came along the road; the Bishop's coach heading ours; and, with some + delays in procuring horses, we got to Hammersmith about four o'clock on + Sunday morning, the first of August, and half an hour after, it being then + bright day, we rode by my Lady Warwick's house, and so down the street of + Kensington. + </p> + <p> + Early as the hour was, there was a bustle in the street and many people + moving to and fro. Round the gate leading to the Palace, where the guard + is, there was especially a great crowd. And the coach ahead of us stopped, + and the Bishop's man got down to know what the concourse meant? + </p> + <p> + There presently came from out of the gate—Horse Guards with their + trumpets, and a company of heralds with their tabards. The trumpets blew, + and the herald-at-arms came forward and proclaimed GEORGE, by the Grace of + God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith. + And the people shouted God save the King! + </p> + <p> + Among the crowd shouting and waving their hats, I caught sight of one sad + face, which I had known all my life, and seen under many disguises. It was + no other than poor Mr. Holt's, who had slipped over to England to witness + the triumph of the good cause; and now beheld its enemies victorious, + amidst the acclamations of the English people. The poor fellow had forgot + to huzzah or to take his hat off, until his neighbors in the crowd + remarked his want of loyalty, and cursed him for a Jesuit in disguise, + when he ruefully uncovered and began to cheer. Sure he was the most + unlucky of men: he never played a game but he lost it; or engaged in a + conspiracy but 'twas certain to end in defeat. I saw him in Flanders after + this, whence he went to Rome to the head-quarters of his Order; and + actually reappeared among us in America, very old, and busy, and hopeful. + I am not sure that he did not assume the hatchet and moccasins there; and, + attired in a blanket and war-paint, skulk about a missionary amongst the + Indians. He lies buried in our neighboring province of Maryland now, with + a cross over him, and a mound of earth above him; under which that unquiet + spirit is for ever at peace. + </p> + <p> + With the sound of King George's trumpets, all the vain hopes of the weak + and foolish young Pretender were blown away; and with that music, too, I + may say, the drama of my own life was ended. That happiness, which hath + subsequently crowned it, cannot be written in words; 'tis of its nature + sacred and secret, and not to be spoken of, though the heart be ever so + full of thankfulness, save to Heaven and the One Ear alone—to one + fond being, the truest and tenderest and purest wife ever man was blessed + with. As I think of the immense happiness which was in store for me, and + of the depth and intensity of that love which, for so many years, hath + blessed me, I own to a transport of wonder and gratitude for such a boon—nay, + am thankful to have been endowed with a heart capable of feeling and + knowing the immense beauty and value of the gift which God hath bestowed + upon me. Sure, love vincit omnia; is immeasurably above all ambition, more + precious than wealth, more noble than name. He knows not life who knows + not that: he hath not felt the highest faculty of the soul who hath not + enjoyed it. In the name of my wife I write the completion of hope, and the + summit of happiness. To have such a love is the one blessing, in + comparison of which all earthly joy is of no value; and to think of her, + is to praise God. + </p> + <p> + It was at Bruxelles, whither we retreated after the failure of our plot—our + Whig friends advising us to keep out of the way—that the great joy + of my life was bestowed upon me, and that my dear mistress became my wife. + We had been so accustomed to an extreme intimacy and confidence, and had + lived so long and tenderly together, that we might have gone on to the end + without thinking of a closer tie; but circumstances brought about that + event which so prodigiously multiplied my happiness and hers (for which I + humbly thank Heaven), although a calamity befell us, which, I blush to + think, hath occurred more than once in our house. I know not what + infatuation of ambition urged the beautiful and wayward woman, whose name + hath occupied so many of these pages, and who was served by me with ten + years of such constant fidelity and passion; but ever after that day at + Castlewood, when we rescued her, she persisted in holding all her family + as her enemies, and left us, and escaped to France, to what a fate I + disdain to tell. Nor was her son's house a home for my dear mistress; my + poor Frank was weak, as perhaps all our race hath been, and led by women. + Those around him were imperious, and in a terror of his mother's influence + over him, lest he should recant, and deny the creed which he had adopted + by their persuasion. The difference of their religion separated the son + and the mother: my dearest mistress felt that she was severed from her + children and alone in the world—alone but for one constant servant + on whose fidelity, praised be Heaven, she could count. 'Twas after a scene + of ignoble quarrel on the part of Frank's wife and mother (for the poor + lad had been made to marry the whole of that German family with whom he + had connected himself), that I found my mistress one day in tears, and + then besought her to confide herself to the care and devotion of one who, + by God's help, would never forsake her. And then the tender matron, as + beautiful in her Autumn, and as pure as virgins in their spring, with + blushes of love and “eyes of meek surrender,” yielded to my respectful + importunity, and consented to share my home. Let the last words I write + thank her, and bless her who hath blessed it. + </p> + <p> + By the kindness of Mr. Addison, all danger of prosecution, and every + obstacle against our return to England, was removed; and my son Frank's + gallantry in Scotland made his peace with the King's government. But we + two cared no longer to live in England: and Frank formally and joyfully + yielded over to us the possession of that estate which we now occupy, far + away from Europe and its troubles, on the beautiful banks of the Potomac, + where we have built a new Castlewood, and think with grateful hearts of + our old home. In our Transatlantic country we have a season, the calmest + and most delightful of the year, which we call the Indian summer: I often + say the autumn of our life resembles that happy and serene weather, and am + thankful for its rest and its sweet sunshine. Heaven hath blessed us with + a child, which each parent loves for her resemblance to the other. Our + diamonds are turned into ploughs and axes for our plantations; and into + negroes, the happiest and merriest, I think, in all this country: and the + only jewel by which my wife sets any store, and from which she hath never + parted, is that gold button she took from my arm on the day when she + visited me in prison, and which she wore ever after, as she told me, on + the tenderest heart in the world. + </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 2511 ***</div> + </body> +</html> + |