diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:33:02 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:33:02 -0700 |
| commit | 7a75915dcf85004be82a6ab8e550044f821e131c (patch) | |
| tree | 5e12d5fde252fa2994978727310e382877718b9d /26851-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '26851-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/26851-h.htm | 29733 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0010.jpg | bin | 0 -> 247559 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0011.jpg | bin | 0 -> 239739 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0054.jpg | bin | 0 -> 279884 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0170.jpg | bin | 0 -> 260225 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0251.jpg | bin | 0 -> 275389 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0287.jpg | bin | 0 -> 273822 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0318.jpg | bin | 0 -> 258039 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/0463.jpg | bin | 0 -> 738709 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 26851-h/images/enlarge.jpg | bin | 0 -> 789 bytes |
10 files changed, 29733 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/26851-h/26851-h.htm b/26851-h/26851-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..31152da --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/26851-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,29733 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> + <head> + <meta charset="utf-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <title>Tom Brown at Oxford | Project Gutenberg</title> + <style> + body { + margin: 5%; + background: #faebd0; + text-align: justify; + } + p { + text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.75em; + margin-bottom: 0.75em; + } + h1, + h2, + h3, + h4, + h5, + h6 { + text-align: center; + margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + hr { + width: 50%; + text-align: center; + } + .toc { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-bottom: 0.75em; + } + div.fig { + display: block; + margin: 0 auto; + text-align: center; + } + pre { + font-style: italic; + font-size: 90%; + margin-left: 10%; + } + </style> + </head> + <body> + <div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 26851 ***</div> + + <h1>TOM BROWN AT OXFORD</h1> + <h2>By Thomas Hughes</h2> + <h3>(1822-96)</h3> + <p id="linkimage-0001"><br><br></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0010.jpg" alt="0010 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0010.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p id="linkimage-0002"></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0011.jpg" alt="0011 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0011.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <h3>With Illustrations by Sydney P. Hall</h3> + <h4>New York: John W. Lovell Company</h4> + <p> + <br> + <br> + </p> + <hr> + <p> + <br> + <br> + </p> + <h3>PUBLISHING HISTORY</h3> + <p> + First serialized ending in circa 1861 in MacMillan's Magazine (mentioned + by the author in his preface, and Chapter 28 contains the author's + footnote indicating that at least part of this chapter was not written + earlier than 1859) + </p> + <p> + First published in 3 volume book form 1861 by Cambridge, London (British + Library) + </p> + <p> + 2nd edition published 1861 by MacMillan & Co., Cambridge & London + (British Library) + </p> + <p>Published 1861 by Ticknor & Fields, Boston (Library of Congress)</p> + <p> + May have been serialized by Ticknor & Fields in 1859 (parts offered on + Amazon.com by an antique bookseller) + </p> + <p>Published 1863 by Ticknor & Fields, Boston (Library of Congress)</p> + <p>Published 1865 by MacMillan & Co. (British Library)</p> + <p>Published 1870 by Harper Bros., New York (British Library)</p> + <p> + Published 1871 by Harper Bros., New York (Library of Congress & + British Library) + </p> + <p>Published 1879 by unknown, New York (Library of Congress)</p> + <p>Published 1881 by MacMillan & Co., New York (Library of Congress)</p> + <p> + French translation published 1881 in Paris with added name Girardin, Jules + Marie Alfred who is possibly the translator(?) (British Library) + </p> + <p> + Published circa 1888-92 by John W. Lovell, New York (Ebook transcriber's + scanned copy) + </p> + <p> + Published 1888 by Porter & Coates, Philadelphia (Ebook transcriber's + proofreading copy) + </p> + <p> + Published 1889 by MacMillan, London & New York (Library of Congress) + </p> + <p> + Published 1890 by Lovell, Coryell & Co., New York (Library of + Congress) + </p> + <p> + Published 1905 in two volumes with Tom Brown's School Days (British + Library) + </p> + <p>Published 1914 by T. Nelson & Sons (British Library)</p> + <p>Published 1920 by S.W. Partridge & Co., London (British Library)</p> + <p> + Published 2004 as part of a five volume set entitled Victorian Novels of + Oxbridge Life, Christopher Stray editor, Thoemmes, Bristol (British + Library) + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <p> + (Transcriber's Notes: Notice the author's name does not appear on the + title page or on the cover, and in fact it is only given as T. Hughes at + the end of his preface and nowhere else. Sydney Hall, 1842-1922, did + portraits, newspaper and magazine illustrations, but oddly enough there + are none to be found in the Lovell produced book, though the Porter & + Coates edition has one unattributed woodcut) + </p> + <p>Printed and Bound by Donohue & Henneberry, Chicago</p> + <p> + (Transcriber's Note: Donahue & Henneberry were in business 1871-99 + doing book binding and printing for the cheap book trade at various + addresses in Chicago's business district known as the Loop, mostly on + Dearborn Street.) + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <h2>TOM BROWN AT OXFORD</h2> + <h3>By Thomas Hughes</h3> + <h4>Author of “Tom Brown's School Days”</h4> + <p> + <br> + <br> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> + <p> + A Short Summary, With Some Explanations of Concepts Presented by Hughes, + but Not Well Defined by Him, Being Apparently Well Understood in His Day, + but With Which Modern Readers May be Unfamiliar. + </p> + <p> + This is the sequel to Hughes' more successful novel + <i>Tom Brown's School Days</i>, which told about Tom at the Rugby School + from the age of 11 to 16. Now Tom is at Oxford University for a three year + program of study, in which he attends class lectures and does independent + reading with a tutor. A student in residence at Oxford is said to be + “up” or have “come up”, and one who leaves is said + to have gone “down”. + </p> + <p> + The author weaves a picture of life at Oxford University in the 1840s, + where he himself was at that time, at Oriel College, where he excelled in + sports rather than academics. The University is made up of a number of + separate colleges, and the students form friendships within and develop a + loyalty to their own college. Tom's college, St. Ambrose, is fictional. + The study programs available to the students are intended to prepare them + for the legal, ecclesiastical, medical and educational professions. + Students who do poorly might be expected to enter the diplomatic corps or + the army or navy, though a son of the aristocracy might be thrust into a + minor church role. To enter into business or manufacturing engineering or + the research sciences would require an inheritance or family connection. + </p> + <p> + Latin was still taught because the best literature available to them was + still the ancient Greek and Roman poets and philosophers, and the legal + and medical professions still used it extensively, though the + ecclesiastical and educational fields had largely abandoned it. + </p> + <p> + Tom finds that there is a social barrier between the wealthy students and + the students that are there on the equivalent of a modern academic + scholarship, or have to work as a graduate student tutor to earn their + stipend. There were no sports scholarships at this time, though the author + hints vaguely at one point that someday the idea could be explored. + </p> + <p> + There were no female students at this time. Tom becomes involved with a + local barmaid. The barmaid being of a different social class than Tom, + this relationship causes problems for both of them, and it is important + for the modern reader to realize that such social distinctions were very + real and inflexible in those days. The working class referred to the + educated class as their “betters”, meaning better educated and + entitled to better respect, regardless of whether it was earned or + deserved. + </p> + <p> + There were no dormitories and self-serve cafeterias as with modern + colleges, instead meals were served in a dining hall by scouts, and each + student gets what are called “rooms”, consisting of a bedroom + and a sitting room for study and entertaining. “Scouts” are a + kind of servant attached to one student or a small number of students. + They run errands, bring meals from the kitchen, and take care of clothing. + A bootblack called the “boots” takes care of footwear. A + charwoman called the “char” cleaned the rooms. + </p> + <p> + If a student wished to study without interruption, he would close the oak + door to his rooms, which was called “sporting his oak”, the + signal not to disturb. + </p> + <p> + The term “the eleven” refers to the cricket team, and + “prize-men” refers to students who win prizes for scholarship. + “Hunting Pinks” are red riding jackets, and + “hunters” are horses especially suited to steeplechase or fox + hunting type riding. + </p> + <p> + The Boating Club and Boat Racing is the popular sport of crew rowing or + sculling, where each college appoints a crew of eight strong scull pullers + or oarsmen and one small coxswain or steersman to pilot a long narrow boat + called a skiff or shell. The coxswain calls the strokes and is generally + the coach and commander of the crew. Unlike in a canoe, the pullers face + backwards, and the one nearest the coxswain is called the “stroke + oar”, because all the other oars watch him and match his stroke. The + racing takes place on the river which runs through Oxford, and since + because of the oars the river is too narrow for normal passing as in most + other kinds of racing, the race is sometimes with just two boats, one + ahead of the other. If the prow of the second boat touches the stern of + the first boat, the second boat is considered the winner and advances in + ranking. If the first boat rows the length of the course without being + bumped, it is considered the winner and maintains its ranking. Sometimes + the winning crewmen put their little coxswain in the boat and parade him + through the streets of the town. At the end of the season the honor of + “Head of the River” belongs to the boat that has not been + defeated and is presumably the fastest, whereas the slowest boat, Tail End + Charlie, has been defeated by all the other colleges. For another + description of boating on the Thames in the nineteenth century, see the + humorous travel-log “Three Men in a Boat, to Say Nothing of the + Dog” by Jerome K. Jerome, written in 1889, which also mentions the + dangers of the lasher at the Sandford Lock. + </p> + <p> + Students were required to wear the traditional student's gown and + mortarboard cap to classes. Professors wore floppy caps and similar gowns + with indications of their rank on the sleeves, Doctor, Master or + Batchelor. This garb dates from the Middle Ages, but is now only seen at + Graduation Day and special university occasions, and the gown has survived + in some church choirs. A professor was also called a don, and graduate + assistants were called fellows or servitors. + </p> + <p> + The “tufts” or students from the nobility or titled families + were a privileged set, paid double fees and were not required to do much + of anything academically. Gentlemen-commoners were from the untitled but + wealthy families and also paid double fees. A few students from poorer + social classes were accepted if they had good references. “Town and + Gown” refers to the animosity between the local permanent residents + of the town and the rowdy students, occasionally descending into actual + fist fights. To be “gated” was to be confined to college and + to be “rusticated” was to be suspended from college. + </p> + <p> + A “wine” is the nineteenth century equivalent of a student's + beer and pizza party, though it seems to have been paid for entirely out + of the pocket of the host. It is also a form of student networking, + wherein they build relationships useful for their future business, + professional or social life. German university students joined a Kadet + Korps, which was somewhat like a combination of a modern day fraternity + and Officer's Training Corps, but no such equivalent seems to have been at + Oxford. Instead there was an academic set called the “reading + men” which buckled down to the books, and a set of “fast + men” who lived the dissipated high life of drinking, gambling, women + and riding fast horses. The fast set, though they were gentleman commoners + and not titled nobility, usually were from wealthy families, and often ran + up large bills with the local tradesmen, called “going tick”, + which could go unpaid for quite a long time. + </p> + <p> + In Chapter 14 the author mentions Big Ben, but this is not the clock tower + bell in London, which at the time of writing had not yet been rung; + instead this is Benjamin Caunt, the bare-knuckle boxer who defeated + William Thompson in 75 rounds to become Heavyweight Champion of England in + 1838. The bell may possibly have been named after him. + </p> + <p> + It should be remembered that at the time this story was written, the + dangers of tobacco smoke were mostly unknown, and cigars, cheroots and + pipes were quite commonly used, though the cigarette had not come into use + yet. Tobacco, often called weed, was only discouraged during physical + training, thus at one point in Chapter 15 Tom recommends smoking to Hardy + for an almost therapeutic purpose. + </p> + <p> + In Chapter 17 the author imagines a flying machine, though at the time of + writing only balloons had ever carried men aloft. He imagines it something + like a carriage equipped to carry passengers, with the most comfortable + carriage type C-springs, steam powered, and faster than the latest trains, + which at that time went 40 miles per hour, the fastest speed that anyone + had ever achieved. + </p> + <p> + The author mentions Tractarians and Germanizers. The Tractarians were a + group of Oxford dons who, in the 1840s, wrote a series of tracts, aimed at + proposing some changes to the theological system of the Anglican Church. + Germanizers proposed some changes more along the lines of the Lutheran + theology, and these controversies occupied the Anglican theologians of the + time. The author did not expand on these subjects, nor even indicate his + support or opposition to them, as it was not necessary for the story. + </p> + <p> + At this time, as in many other times, the evangelical Christians were in + the forefront of movements to help poor and downtrodden people, but other + elements were attempting to become involved, promoting their own methods + and beliefs. Karl Marx was not known in England, and the Russian + Revolution was still in the distant future, but a few radical left-wing + idealists know as Chartists and Swings were beginning to be heard on + campus, and Tom gets briefly involved with them, speaking up for the poor, + but realizes their destructive ideas cannot be reconciled with proper + Christian behavior, thus voicing some of the author's views on social + reforms. The author later in life got involved with a communal living + experiment. + </p> + <p> + Some words and expressions are used differently today than they were used + in the nineteenth century. For example, when Tom says “There must + always be some blackguards,” he means “Regrettably there will + always be blackguards,” not “We ought to have some + blackguards”. Katie and Tom discuss “profane” poetry, in + the sense of being secular and not sacred or religious. Mary weighs + “8 stone”, which is 112 pounds or 50 kilograms, and + “famously” is used in the sense of being well done, not in the + incorrect modern use of being well known. A “twelve-horse + screw” is the propeller of a steam launch. To “give someone a + character” is to speak or write about their moral character, either + favorably or slanderously. + </p> + <p> + The book which I scanned using Optical Character Recognition was printed + in the 1888-92 period by John W. Lovell of 150 Worth St. New York. Lovell + has been described as a book pirate who tried to form a monopoly in the + cheap uncopyrighted book trade. The US copyright laws were rather weak in + the nineteenth century, and Charles Dickens was particularly hurt by + pirates. There was even a book war, with rival publishers of the same book + undercutting each other on price. Proof reading was done with another copy + of the book published in 1888 by Porter & Coates of Philadelphia, + which is in poorer condition with water damage, and would not scan well, + but has fewer typesetting errors. + </p> + <p> + Nineteenth century punctuation made much more use of commas, hyphens and + semicolons, and these have been retained as much as possible. British + spellings of words such as colour, neighbour, odour, and flavour are + retained, though in some cases the American publisher seems to have made + his own corrections as he saw fit, and some words such as + “connection” have retained the nineteenth century spelling + “connexion”, but where a word was obviously spelled wrong by + the typesetter, I have corrected it. The author used a few Greek words, + which do not scan, and I have entered those manually using Symbol font for + the rtf file, but substituted normal characters for the plain txt file and + indicated [Greek text] where appropriate. The English pound symbol cannot + be expressed in ASCII, so 25 pounds is rendered as 25L. Words printed in + italics for emphasis are here rendered with <i>underscores</i> for the + ASCII file. + </p> + <p>Robert E. Reilly, PE, BSIE, BSME</p> + <p>Chicago, 2008</p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <h3>INITIUM</h3> + <h4>Tom Brown at Oxford</h4> + <h4>Thomas Hughes (1822-96)</h4> + <h3>Author's Dedication</h3> + <p> + To the Rev. F. D. Maurice, in memory of fourteen years' fellow work, and + in testimony of ever increasing affection and gratitude this volume is + dedicated by + </p> + <p>The Author.</p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2H_PREF"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + + <h2>PREFACE</h2> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <p> + Prefaces written to explain the objects and meaning of a book, or to make + any appeal, <i>ad miseracordiam</i> or other, in its favor, are, in my + opinion, nuisances. Any book worth reading will explain its own objects + and meaning, and the more it is criticized and turned inside out, the + better for it and its author. Of all books, too, it seems to me that + novels require prefaces least—at any rate, on their first appearance. + Notwithstanding which belief, I must ask readers for three minutes' + patience before they make trial of this book. + </p> + <p> + The natural pleasure which I felt at the unlooked for popularity of the + first part of the present story, was much lessened by the pertinacity with + which many persons, acquaintance as well as strangers, would insist (both + in public and in private) on identifying the hero and the author. On the + appearance of the first few numbers of the present continuation in + Macmillan's Magazine, the same thing occurred, and, in fact, reached such + a pitch, as to lead me to make some changes to the story. Sensitiveness on + such a point may seem folly, but if the readers had felt the sort of + loathing and disgust which one feels at the notion of painting a favorable + likeness of oneself in a work of fiction, they would not wonder at it. So, + now that this book is finished and Tom Brown, so far as I am concerned, is + done with for ever, I must take this, my first and last chance of saying, + that he is not I, either as boy or man—in fact, not to beat about the + bush, is a much braver, and nobler, and purer fellow than I ever was. + </p> + <p> + When I first resolved to write the book, I tried to realize to myself what + the commonest type of English boy of the upper middle class was, so far as + my experience went; and to that type I have throughout adhered, trying + simply to give a good specimen of the genus. I certainly have placed him + in the country, and scenes which I know best myself, for the simple + reason, that I knew them better than any others, and therefore was less + likely to blunder in writing about them. + </p> + <p> + As to the name, which has been, perhaps, the chief “cause of + offense,” in this matter, the simple facts are, that I chose the + name “Brown,” because it stood first in the trio of + “Brown, Jones, and Robinson,” which had become a sort of + synonym for the middle classes of Great Britain. It happens that my own + name and that of Brown have no single letter in common. As to the + Christian name of “Tom,” having chosen Brown, I could hardly + help taking it as the prefix. The two names have gone together in England + for two hundred years, and the joint name has not enjoyed much of a + reputation for respectability. This suited me exactly. I wanted the + <i>commonest</i> + name I could get, and did not want any name which had the least heroic, or + aristocratic, or even respectable savor about it. Therefore I had a + natural leaning to the combination which I found ready to my hand. + Moreover, I believed “Tom” to be a more specially English name + than John, the only other as to which I felt the least doubt. Whether it + be that Thomas a Beckett was for so long the favorite English saint, or + from whatever other cause, it certainly seems to be the fact, that the + name “Thomas,” is much commoner in England than in any other + country. The words, “tom-fool,” + </p> + <p> + “tom-boy,” etc., though, perhaps not complimentary to the + “Tom's” of England, certainly show how large a family they + must have been. These reasons decided me to keep the Christian name which + had been always associated with “Brown”; and I own that the + fact that it happened to be my own, never occurred to me as an objection, + till the mischief was done, past recall. + </p> + <p> + I have only, then, to say, that neither is the hero a portrait of myself, + nor is there any other portrait in either of the books, except in the case + of Dr. Arnold, where the true name is given. My deep feeling of gratitude + to him, and reverence for his memory, emboldened me to risk the attempt at + a portrait in his case, so far as the character was necessary for the + work. With these remarks, I leave this volume in the hands of readers. + </p> + <p>T. Hughes</p> + <p>Lincoln's Inn,</p> + <p>October, 1861</p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER INTRODUCTORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER I—ST. AMBROSE'S COLLEGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER II—A ROW ON THE RIVER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER III—A BREAKFAST AT DRYSDALE'S </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER IV—THE ST. AMBROSE BOAT CLUB: ITS MINISTERY AND THEIR BUDGET. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER V—HARDY, THE SERVITOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> + CHAPTER VI—HOW DRYSDALE AND BLAKE WENT FISHING + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VII—AN EXPLOSION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER VIII—HARDY'S HISTORY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER IX—“A BROWN BAIT.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER X—SUMMER TERM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XI—MUSCULAR CHRISTIANITY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XII—THE CAPTAIN'S NOTIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIII—THE FIRST BUMP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> + CHAPTER XIV—A CHANGE IN THE CREW, AND WHAT CAME OF IT + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XV—A STORM BREWS AND BREAKS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVI—THE STORM RAGES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVII—NEW GROUND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XVIII—ENGLEBOURNE VILLAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XIX—A PROMISE OF FAIRER WEATHER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XX—THE RECONCILIATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> + CHAPTER XXI—CAPTAIN HARDY ENTERTAINED BY ST. AMBROSE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> + CHAPTER XXII—DEPARTURES EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIII—THE ENGLEBOURN CONSTABLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXIV—THE SCHOOLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXV—COMMEMORATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> + CHAPTER XXVI—THE LONG WALK IN CHRISTCHURCH MEADOWS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVII—LECTURING A LIONESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> + CHAPTER XXVIII—THE END OF THE FRESHMAN'S YEAR + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXIX—THE LONG VACATION LETTER-BAG. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXX—AMUSEMENTS AT BARTON MANOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXI—BEHIND THE SCENES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXII—A CRISIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIII—BROWN PATRONUS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXIV—[Greek text] MEHDEN AGAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXV—SECOND YEAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVI—THE RIVER SIDE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVII—THE NIGHT WATCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXVIII—MARY IN MAYFAIR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XXXIX—WHAT CAME OF THE NIGHT WATCH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XL—HUE AND CRY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> + CHAPTER XLI—THE LIEUTENANT'S SENTIMENTS AND PROBLEMS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLII—THIRD YEAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIII—AFTERNOON VISITORS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLIV—THE INTERCEPTED LETTER-BAG </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLV—MASTER'S TERM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVI—FROM INDIA TO ENGLEBOURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVII—THE WEDDING-DAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLVIII—THE BEGINNING OF THE END </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER XLIX—THE END </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER L </a> + </p> + <p> + <br><br> + <br><br> + </p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0001"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER INTRODUCTORY</h2> + <p> + In the Michaelmas term after leaving school, Tom Brown received a summons + from the authorities, and went up to matriculate at St. Ambrose's College, + Oxford. He presented himself at the college one afternoon, and was + examined by one of the tutors, who carried him, and several other youths + in like predicament, up to the Senate House the next morning. Here they + went through the usual forms of subscribing to the articles, and otherwise + testifying their loyalty to the established order of things, without much + thought perhaps, but in very good faith nevertheless. Having completed the + ceremony, by paying his fees, our hero hurried back home, without making + any stay in Oxford. He had often passed through it, so that the city had + not the charm of novelty for him, and he was anxious to get home; where, + as he had never spent an autumn away from school till now, for the first + time in his life he was having his fill of hunting and shooting. + </p> + <p> + He had left school in June, and did not go up to reside at Oxford till the + end of the following January. Seven good months; during a part of which he + had indeed read for four hours or so a week with the curate of the parish, + but the residue had been exclusively devoted to cricket and field sports. + Now, admirable as these institutions are, and beneficial as is their + influence on the youth of Britain, it is possible for a youngster to get + too much of them. So it had fallen out with our hero. He was a better + horseman and shot, but the total relaxation of all the healthy discipline + of school, the regular hours and regular work to which he had been used + for so many years, had certainly thrown him back in other ways. The whole + man had not grown; so that we must not be surprised to find him quite as + boyish, now that we fall in with him again, marching down to St. Ambrose's + with a porter wheeling his luggage after him on a truck as when we left + him at the end of his school career. + </p> + <p> + Tom was in truth beginning to feel that it was high time for him to be + getting to regular work again of some sort. A landing place is a famous + thing, but it is only enjoyable for a time by any mortal who deserves one + at all. So it was with a feeling of unmixed pleasure that he turned in at + the St. Ambrose gates, and inquired of the porter what rooms had been + allotted to him within those venerable walls. + </p> + <p> + While the porter consulted his list, the great college sundial, over the + lodge, which had lately been renovated, caught Tom's eye. The motto + underneath, <i>“Pereunt et imputantur,”</i> stood out, proud + of its new gilding, in the bright afternoon sun of a frosty January day: + which motto was raising sundry thoughts in his brain, when the porter came + upon the right place in his list, and directed him to the end of his + journey: No. 5 staircase, second quadrangle, three pair back. In which new + home we shall leave him to install himself, while we endeavor to give the + reader some notion of the college itself. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0002"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER I—ST. AMBROSE'S COLLEGE</h2> + <p> + St. Ambrose's College was a moderate-sized one. There might have been some + seventy or eighty undergraduates in residence, when our hero appeared + there as a freshman. Of these, unfortunately for the college, there were a + very large proportion of the gentleman-commoners; enough, in fact, with + the other men whom they drew round them, and who lived pretty much as they + did, to form the largest and leading set in the college. So the college + was decidedly fast. + </p> + <p> + The chief characteristic of this set was the most reckless extravagance of + every kind. London wine merchants furnished them with liqueurs at a guinea + a bottle and wine at five guineas a dozen; Oxford and London tailors vied + with one another in providing them with unheard-of quantities of the most + gorgeous clothing. They drove tandems in all directions, scattering their + ample allowances, which they treated as pocket money, about roadside inns + and Oxford taverns with open hand, and “going tick” for + everything which could by possibility be booked. Their cigars cost two + guineas a pound; their furniture was the best that could be bought; + pine-apples, forced fruit, and the most rare preserves figured at their + wine parties; they hunted, rode steeple-chases by day, played billiards + until the gates closed, and then were ready for <i>vingt-et-une</i>, + unlimited loo, and hot drink in their own rooms, as long as anyone could + be got to sit up and play. + </p> + <p> + The fast set then swamped, and gave the tone to the college; at which fact + no persons were more astonished and horrified than the authorities of St. + Ambrose. + </p> + <p> + That they of all bodies in the world should be fairly run away with by a + set of reckless, loose young spendthrifts, was indeed a melancholy and + unprecedented fact; for the body of fellows of St. Ambrose was as + distinguished for learning, morality and respectability as any in the + University. The foundation was not, indeed, actually an open one. Oriel at + that time alone enjoyed this distinction; but there were a large number of + open fellowships, and the income of the college was large, and the livings + belonging to it numerous; so that the best men from other colleges were + constantly coming in. Some of these of a former generation had been + eminently successful in their management of the college. The St. Ambrose + undergraduates at one time had carried off almost all the university + prizes, and filled the class lists, while maintaining at the same time the + highest character for manliness and gentlemanly conduct. This had lasted + long enough to establish the fame of the college, and great lords and + statesmen had sent their sons there; head-masters had struggled to get the + names of their best pupils on the books; in short, everyone who had a son, + ward, or pupil, whom he wanted to push forward in the world—who was meant + to cut a figure, and take the lead among men, left no stone unturned to + get him into St. Ambrose's; and thought the first, and a very long step + gained when he had succeeded. + </p> + <p> + But the governing bodies of colleges are always on the change, and, in the + course of things men of other ideas came to rule at St. Ambrose—shrewd men + of the world; men of business, some of them, with good ideas of making the + most of their advantages; who said, “Go to; why should we not make + the public pay for the great benefits we confer on them? Have we not the + very best article in the educational market to supply—almost a monopoly of + it—and shall we not get the highest price for it?” So by degrees + they altered many things in the college. In the first place, under their + auspices, gentlemen-commoners increased and multiplied; in fact, the + eldest sons of baronets, even squires, were scarcely admitted on any other + footing. As these young gentlemen paid double fees to the college, and had + great expectations of all sorts, it could not be expected that they should + be subject to quite the same discipline as the common run of men, who + would have to make their own way in the world. So the rules as to + attendance at chapel and lectures, though nominally the same for them as + for commoners, were in practice relaxed in their favour; and, that they + might find all things suitable to persons in their position, the kitchen + and buttery were worked up to a high state of perfection, and St. Ambrose, + from having been one of the most reasonable, had come to be about the most + expensive college in the university. These changes worked as their + promoters probably desired that they should work, and the college was full + of rich men, and commanded in the university the sort of respect which + riches bring with them. But the old reputation, though still strong out of + doors, was beginning sadly to wane within the university precincts. Fewer + and fewer of the St. Ambrose men appeared in the class lists, or amongst + the prize-men. They no longer led the debates at the Union; the boat lost + place after place on the river; the eleven got beaten in all their + matches. The inaugurators of these changes had passed away in their turn, + and at last a reaction had commenced. The fellows recently elected, and + who were in residence at the time we write of, were for the most part men + of great attainments, all of them men who had taken very high honors. The + electors naturally enough had chosen them as the most likely persons to + restore, as tutors, the golden days of the college; and they had been + careful in the selection to confine themselves to very quiet and studious + men, such as were likely to remain up at Oxford, passing over men of more + popular manners and active spirits, who would be sure to flit soon into + the world, and be of little more service to St. Ambrose. + </p> + <p> + But these were not the men to get any hold on the fast set who were now in + the ascendant. It was not in the nature of things that they should + understand each other; in fact, they were hopelessly at war, and the + college was getting more and more out of gear in consequence. + </p> + <p> + What they could do, however, they were doing; and under their fostering + care were growing up a small set, including most of the scholars, who were + likely, as far as they were concerned, to retrieve the college character + of the schools. But they were too much like their tutors, men who did + little else but read. They neither wished for, nor were likely to gain, + the slightest influence on the fast set. The best men amongst them, too, + were diligent readers of the <i>Tracts for the Times</i>, and followers of + the able leaders of the High-church party, which was then a growing one; + and this led them also to form such friendships as they made amongst + out-college men of their own way of thinking-with high churchmen, rather + than St. Ambrose men. So they lived very much to themselves, and scarcely + interfered with the dominant party. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, there was the boating set, which was beginning to revive in the + college, partly from the natural disgust of any body of young Englishmen, + at finding themselves distanced in an exercise requiring strength and + pluck, and partly from the fact, that the captain for the time being was + one of the best oars in the University boat, and also a deservedly popular + character. He was now in his third year of residence, had won the pair-oar + race, and had pulled seven in the great yearly match with Cambridge, and + by constant hard work had managed to carry the St. Ambrose boat up to the + fifth place on the river. He will be introduced to you, gentle reader, + when the proper time comes; at present, we are only concerned with a + bird's-eye view of the college, that you may feel more or less at home in + it. The boating set was not so separate or marked as the reading set, + melting on one side into, and keeping up more or less connexion with, the + fast set, and also commanding a sort of half allegiance from most of the + men who belonged to neither of the other sets. The minor divisions, of + which of course there were many, need not be particularized, as the above + general classification will be enough for the purposes of this history. + </p> + <p> + Our hero, on leaving school, having bound himself solemnly to write all + his doings and thoughts to the friend whom he had left behind him: + distance and separation were to make no difference whatever in their + friendship. This compact had been made on one of their last evenings at + Rugby. They were sitting together in the six-form room, Tom splicing the + handle of a favourite cricket bat, and Arthur reading a volume of + Raleigh's works. The Doctor had lately been alluding to the “History + of the World,” and had excited the curiosity of the active-minded + amongst his pupils about the great navigator, statesman, soldier, author, + and fine gentleman. So Raleigh's works were seized on by various voracious + young readers, and carried out of the school library; and Arthur was now + deep in a volume of the “Miscellanies,” curled up on a corner + of the sofa. Presently, Tom heard something between a groan and a protest, + and, looking up, demanded explanations; in answer to which, Arthur, in a + voice half furious and half fearful, read out:— + </p> + <p> + “And be sure of this, thou shalt never find a friend in thy young + years whose conditions and qualities will please thee after thou comest to + more discretion and judgment; and then all thou givest is lost, and all + wherein thou shalt trust such a one will be discovered.” + </p> + <p>“You don't mean that's Raleigh's?”</p> + <p>“Yes—here it is, in his first letter to his son.”</p> + <p>“What a cold-blooded old Philistine,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“But it can't be true, do you think?” said Arthur.</p> + <p> + And in short, after some personal reflections on Sir Walter, they then and + there resolved that, so far as they were concerned, it was not, could not, + and should not be true, that they would remain faithful, the same to each + other; and the greatest friends in the world, through I know not what + separations, trials, and catastrophes. And for the better insuring this + result, a correspondence, regular as the recurring months, was to be + maintained. It had already lasted through the long vacation and up to + Christmas without sensibly dragging, though Tom's letters had been + something of the shortest in November, when he had lots of shooting, and + two days a week with the hounds. Now, however, having fairly got to + Oxford, he determined to make up for all short-comings. His first letter + from college, taken in connexion with the previous sketch of the place, + will probably accomplish the work of introduction better than any detailed + account by a third party; and it is therefore given here verbatim:— + </p> + <p> + <i>“St. Ambrose, Oxford,</i> + </p> + <p> + <i>“February, 184-</i> + </p> + <h3>“MY DEAR GEORDIE,</h3> + <p> + “According to promise, I write to tell you how I get on up here, and + what sort of a place Oxford is. Of course, I don't know much about it yet, + having only been up some weeks, but you shall have my first impressions. + </p> + <p> + “Well, first and foremost it's an awfully idle place; at any rate + for us freshmen. Fancy now. I am in twelve lectures a week of an hour + each—Greek Testament, first book of Herodotus, second AEneid, and first + book of Euclid! There's a treat! Two hours a day; all over by twelve, or + one at latest, and no extra work at all, in the shape of copies of verses, + themes, or other exercises. + </p> + <p> + “I think sometimes I'm back in the lower fifth; for we don't get + through more than we used to do there; and if you were to hear the men + construe, it would make your hair stand on end. Where on earth can they + have come from? Unless they blunder on purpose, as I often think. Of + course, I never look at a lecture before I go in, I know it all nearly by + heart, so it would be sheer waste of time. I hope I shall take to reading + something or other by myself; but you know I never was much of a hand at + sapping, and, for the present, the light work suits me well enough, for + there's plenty to see and learn about in this place. + </p> + <p> + “We keep very gentlemanly hours. Chapel every morning at eight, and + evening at seven. You must attend once a day, and twice on Sundays—at + least, that's the rule of our college—and be in gates by twelve o'clock at + night. Besides which, if you're a decently steady fellow, you ought to + dine in hall perhaps four days a week. Hall is at five o'clock. And now + you have the sum total. All the rest of your time you may just do what you + like with. + </p> + <p> + “So much for our work and hours. Now for the place. Well, it's a + grand old place, certainly; and I dare say, if a fellow goes straight in + it, and gets creditably through his three years, he may end by loving it + as much as we do the old school-house and quadrangle at Rugby. Our college + is a fair specimen: a venerable old front of crumbling stone fronting the + street, into which two or three other colleges look also. Over the gateway + is a large room, where the college examinations go on, when there are any; + and, as you enter, you pass the porters lodge, where resides our janitor, + a bustling little man, with a pot belly, whose business it is to put down + the time at which the men come in at night, and to keep all discommonsed + tradesmen, stray dogs, and bad characters generally, out of the college. + </p> + <p> + “The large quadrangle into which you come first, is bigger than ours + at Rugby, and a much more solemn and sleepy sort of a place, with its + gables and old mullioned windows. One side is occupied by the hall and + chapel; the principal's house takes up half another side; and the rest is + divided into staircases, on each of which are six or eight sets of rooms, + inhabited by us undergraduates, and here and there a tutor or fellow + dropped down amongst us (in the first-floor rooms, of course), not exactly + to keep order, but to act as a sort of ballast. This quadrangle is the + show part of the college, and is generally respectable and quiet, which is + a good deal more than can be said for the inner quadrangle, which you get + at through a passage leading out of the other. The rooms ain't half so + large or good in the inner quad; and here's where all we freshmen live, + besides a lot of the older undergraduates who don't care to change their + rooms. Only one tutor has rooms here; and I should think, if he's a + reading man, it won't be long before he clears out; for all sorts of high + jinks go on on the grass-plot, and the row on the staircases is often as + bad, and not half so respectable, as it used to be in the middle passage + in the last week of the half-year. + </p> + <p> + “My rooms are what they call garrets, right up in the roof, with a + commanding view of the college tiles and chimney pots, and of houses at + the back. No end of cats, both college Toms and strangers, haunt the + neighbourhood, and I am rapidly learning cat-talking from them; but I'm + not going to stand it—I don't want to know cat-talk. The college Toms are + protected by the statutes, I believe; but I'm going to buy an air-gun for + the benefit of the strangers. My rooms are pleasant enough, at the top of + the kitchen staircase, and separated from all mankind by a great, + iron-clamped, outer door, my oak, which I sport when I go out or want to + be quiet; sitting room eighteen by twelve, bedroom twelve by eight, and a + little cupboard for the scout. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Geordie, the scout is an institution! Fancy me waited upon and + valeted by a stout party in black of quiet, gentlemanly manners, like the + benevolent father in a comedy. He takes the deepest interest in all my + possessions and proceedings, and is evidently used to good society, to + judge by the amount of crockery and glass, wines, liquors, and grocery, + which he thinks indispensable for my due establishment. He has also been + good enough to recommend to me many tradesmen who are ready to supply + these articles in any quantities; each of whom has been here already a + dozen times, cap in hand, and vowing that it is quite immaterial when I + pay—which is very kind of them; but, with the highest respect for friend + Perkins (my scout) and his obliging friends, I shall make some enquiries + before “letting in” with any of them. He waits on me in hall, + where we go in full fig of cap and gown at five, and get very good + dinners, and cheap enough. It is rather a fine old room, with a good, + arched, black oak ceiling and high panelling, hung round with pictures of + old swells, bishops and lords chiefly, who have endowed the college in + some way, or at least have fed here in times gone by, and for whom, + <i>“caeterisque benefactoribus nostris,”</i> we daily give + thanks in a long Latin grace, which one of the undergraduates (I think it + must be) goes and rattles out at the end of the high table, and then comes + down again from the dais to his own place. No one feeds at the high table + except the dons and the gentlemen-commoners, who are undergraduates in + velvet caps and silk gowns. Why they wear these instead of cloth and serge + I haven't yet made out, I believe it is because they pay double fees; but + they seem uncommonly wretched up at the high table, and I should think + would sooner pay double to come to the other end of the hall. + </p> + <p> + “The chapel is a quaint little place, about the size of the chancel + of Lutterworth Church. It just holds us all comfortably. The attendance is + regular enough, but I don't think the men care about it a bit in general. + Several I can see bring in Euclids, and other lecture books, and the + service is gone through at a great pace. I couldn't think at first why + some of the men seemed so uncomfortable and stiff about the legs at + morning service, but I find that they are the hunting set, and come in + with pea-coats over their pinks, and trousers over their leather breeches + and top-boots; which accounts for it. There are a few others who seem very + devout, and bow a good deal, and turn towards the altar at different parts + of the service. These are of the Oxford High-church school, I believe; but + I shall soon find out more about them. On the whole I feel less at home at + present, I am sorry to say, in the chapel, than anywhere else. + </p> + <p> + “I was very near forgetting a great institution of the college, + which is the buttery-hatch, just opposite the hall-door. Here abides the + fat old butler (all the servants at St. Ambrose's are portly), and serves + out limited bread, butter, and cheese, and unlimited beer brewed by + himself, for an hour in the morning, at noon, and again at supper-time. + Your scout always fetches you a pint or so on each occasion in case you + should want it, and if you don't, it falls to him; but I can't say that my + fellow gets much, for I am naturally a thirsty soul, and cannot often + resist the malt myself, coming up as it does, fresh and cool, in one of + the silver tankards, of which we seem to have an endless supply. + </p> + <p> + “I spent a day or two in the first week, before I got shaken down + into my place here, in going round and seeing the other colleges, and + finding out what great men had been at each (one got a taste for that sort + of work from the Doctor, and I'd nothing else to do). Well, I never was + more interested; fancy ferreting out Wycliffe, the Black Prince, our + friend Sir Walter Raleigh, Pym, Hampden, Laud, Ireton, Butler, and + Addison, in one afternoon. I walked about two inches taller in my trencher + cap after it. Perhaps I may be going to make dear friends with some fellow + who will change the history of England. Why shouldn't I? There must have + been freshmen once who were chums of Wycliffe of Queen's, or Raleigh of + Oriel. I mooned up and down the High-street, staring at all the young + faces in caps, and wondering which of them would turn out great generals, + or statesmen, or poets. Some of them will, of course, for there must be a + dozen at least, I should think, in every generation of undergraduates, who + will have a good deal to say to the ruling and guiding of the British + nation before they die. + </p> + <p> + “But, after all, the river is the feature of Oxford, to my mind; a + glorious stream, not five minutes' walk from the colleges, broad enough in + most places for three boats to row abreast. I expect I will take to + boating furiously: I have been down the river three or four times already + with some other freshmen, and it is glorious exercise; that I can see, + though we bungle and cut crabs desperately at present. + </p> + <p> + “Here's a long yarn I'm spinning for you; and I dare say after all + you'll say it tells you nothing, and you'd rather have twenty lines about + the men, and what they're thinking about and the meaning, and the inner + life of the place, and all that. Patience, patience! I don't know anything + about it myself yet, and have had only time to look at the shell, which is + a very handsome and stately affair; you shall have the kernel, if I ever + get at it, in due time. + </p> + <p> + “And now write me a long letter directly, and tell me about the + Doctor, and who are in the Sixth, and how the house goes on, and what sort + of an eleven there'll be, and what you are doing and thinking about. Come + up here try for a scholarship; I'll take you in and show you the lions. + Remember me to old friends.—Ever your affectionately, + </p> + <h3>T. B.”</h3> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0003"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER II—A ROW ON THE RIVER</h2> + <p> + Within a day or two of the penning of this celebrated epistle, which + created quite a sensation in the sixth-form room as it went the round + after tea, Tom realized one of the objects of his young Oxford ambition, + and succeeded in embarking on the river in a skiff by himself, with such + results as are now described. He had already been down several times in + pair-oar and four-oar boats, with an old oar to pull stroke, and another + to steer and coach the young idea, but he was not satisfied with these + essays. He could not believe that he was such a bad oar as the old hands' + made him out to be, and thought that it must be the fault of the other + freshmen who were learning with him that the boat made so little way and + rolled so much. He had been such a proficient in all the Rugby games, that + he couldn't realize the fact of his unreadiness in a boat. Pulling looked + a simple thing enough—much easier than tennis; and he had made a capital + start at the latter game, and been highly complimented by the marker after + his first hour in the little court. He forgot that cricket and fives are + capital training for tennis, but that rowing is a speciality, of the + rudiments of which he was wholly ignorant. And so, in full confidence + that, if he could only have a turn or two alone, he should not only + satisfy himself, but everybody else, that he was a heaven-born oar, he + refused all offers of companionship, and started on the afternoon of a + fine February day down to the boats for his trial trip. He had watched his + regular companions well out of college, and gave them enough start to make + sure that they would be off before he himself could arrive at St. + Ambrose's dressing room at Hall's, and chuckled, as he came within sight + of the river, to see the freshmen's boat in which he generally performed, + go plunging away past the University barge, keeping three different times + with four oars, and otherwise demeaning itself so as to become an object + of mirthful admiration to all beholders. + </p> + <p> + Tom was punted across to Hall's in a state of great content, which + increased when, in answer to his casual inquiry, the managing man informed + him that not a man of his college was about the place. So he ordered a + skiff with as much dignity and coolness as he could command, and hastened + up stairs to dress. He appeared again, carrying his boating coat and cap. + They were quite new, so he would not wear them; nothing about him should + betray the freshman on this day if he could help it. + </p> + <p>“Is my skiff ready?”</p> + <p> + “All right, sir; this way, sir;” said the manager, conducting + him to a good, safe-looking craft. “Any gentleman going to steer, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No” said Tom, superciliously; “You may take out the + rudder.” + </p> + <p> + “Going quite alone, sir? Better take one of our boys—find you a very + light one. Here, Bill!”—and he turned to summons a juvenile waterman + to take charge of our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Take out the rudder, do you hear?” interrupted Tom. “I + won't have a steerer.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, as you please,” said the manager, proceeding to + remove the degrading appendage. “The river's rather high, please to + remember, sir. You must mind the mill stream at Iffley Lock. I suppose you + can swim?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course,” said Tom, settling himself on his cushion. + “Now, shove her off.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment he was well out in the stream, and left to his own + resources. He got his sculls out successfully enough, and, though feeling + by no means easy on his seat, proceeded to pull very deliberately past the + barges, stopping his sculls in the air to feather accurately, in the hopes + of deceiving spectators into the belief that he was an old hand just going + out for a gentle paddle. The manager watched him for a minute, and turned + to his work with an aspiration that he might not come to grief. + </p> + <p> + But no thought of grief was on Tom's mind as he dropped gently down, + impatient for the time when he should pass the mouth of the Cherwell, and + so, having no longer critical eyes to fear, might put out his whole + strength, and give himself at least if not the world, assurance of a + waterman. + </p> + <p> + The day was a very fine one, a bright sun shining, and a nice fresh breeze + blowing across the stream, but not enough to ruffle the water seriously. + Some heavy storms up Gloucestershire way had cleared the air, and swollen + the stream at the same time; in fact, the river was as full as it could be + without overflowing its banks—a state in which, of all others, it is the + least safe for boating experiments. Fortunately, in those days there were + no outriggers. Even the racing skiffs were comparatively safe craft, and + would now be characterized as tubs; while the real tubs (in one of the + safest of which the prudent manager had embarked our hero) were of such + build that it required considerable ingenuity actually to upset them. + </p> + <p> + If any ordinary amount of bungling could have done it, Tom's voyage would + have terminated within a hundred yards of the Cherwell. While he had been + sitting quiet and merely paddling, and almost letting the stream carry him + down, the boat had trimmed well enough; but now, taking a long breath, he + leaned forward, and dug his sculls into the water, pulling them through + with all his strength. The consequence of this feat was that the handles + of the sculls came into violent collision in the middle of the boat, the + knuckles of his right hand were barked, his left scull unshipped, and the + head of his skiff almost blown round by the wind before he could restore + order on board. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; try again,” thought he, after the first sensation + of disgust had passed off, and a glance at the shore showed him that there + were no witnesses. “Of course, I forgot one hand must go over the + other. It might have happened to anyone. Let me see, which hand shall I + keep uppermost; the left, that's the weakest.” And away he went + again, keeping his newly-acquired fact painfully in mind, and so avoiding + further collision amidships for four or five strokes. But, as in other + sciences, the giving of undue prominence to one fact brings others + inexorably on the head of the student to avenge his neglect of them, so it + happened with Tom in his practical study of the science of rowing that by + thinking of his hands he forgot his seat, and the necessity of trimming + properly. Whereupon the old tub began to rock fearfully, and the next + moment, he missed the water altogether with his right scull, and subsided + backwards, not without struggles, into the bottom of the boat; while the + half stroke which he had pulled with his left hand sent her head well into + the bank. + </p> + <p> + Tom picked himself up, and settled himself on his bench again, a sadder + and wiser man, as the truth began to dawn upon him that pulling, + especially sculling, does not, like reading and writing, come by nature. + However, he addressed himself manfully to his task; savage indeed, and + longing to drive a hole in the bottom of the old tub, but as resolved as + ever to get to Sandford and back before hall time, or perish in the + attempt. + </p> + <p> + He shoved himself off the bank, and warned by his last mishap, got out + into mid stream, and there, moderating his ardor, and contenting himself + with a slow and steady stroke, was progressing satisfactorily, and + beginning to recover his temper, when a loud shout startled him; and, + looking over his shoulder at the imminent risk of an upset, he beheld the + fast sailor the Dart, close hauled on a wind, and almost aboard of him. + Utterly ignorant of what was the right thing to do, he held on his course, + and passed close under the bows of the miniature cutter, the steersman + having jammed his helm hard down, shaking her in the wind, to prevent + running over the skiff, and solacing himself with pouring maledictions on + Tom and his craft, in which the man who had hold of the sheets, and the + third, who was lounging in the bows, heartily joined. Tom was out of + ear-shot before he had collected vituperation enough to hurl back at them, + and was, moreover, already in the difficult navigation of the Gut, where, + notwithstanding all his efforts, he again ran aground; but, with this + exception, he arrived without other mishap at Iffley, where he lay on his + sculls with much satisfaction, and shouted, “Lock—lock!” + </p> + <p> + The lock-keeper appeared to the summons, but instead of opening the gates + seized a long boat-hook, and rushed towards our hero, calling upon him to + mind the mill-stream, and pull his right-hand scull; notwithstanding which + warning, Tom was within an ace of drifting past the entrance to the lock, + in which case assuredly his boat, if not he, had never returned whole. + However, the lock-keeper managed to catch the stern of his skiff with the + boat-hook, and drag him back into the proper channel, and then opened the + lock-gates for him. Tom congratulated himself as he entered the lock that + there were no other boats going through with him; but his evil star was in + the ascendant, and all things, animate and inanimate, seemed to be leagued + together to humiliate him. As the water began to fall rapidly, he lost his + hold of the chain and the tub instantly drifted across the lock, and was + in imminent danger of sticking and breaking her back, when the lock-keeper + again came to the rescue with his boat-hook and, guessing the state of the + case, did not quit him until he had safely shoved him and his boat well + out into the pool below, with an exhortation to mind and go outside of the + barge which was coming up. + </p> + <p> + Tom started on the latter half of his outward voyage with the sort of look + which Cato must have worn when he elected the losing side, and all the + gods went over to the winning one. But his previous struggles had not been + thrown away, and he managed to keep the right side of the barge, turn the + corner without going around, and zigzag down Kennington reach, slowly + indeed, but with much labor, but at any rate safely. Rejoicing in his + feat, he stopped at the island, and recreated himself with a glass of + beer, looking now hopefully towards Sandford, which lay within easy + distance, now upwards again along the reach which he had just overcome, + and solacing himself with the remembrance of a dictum, which he had heard + from a great authority, that it was always easier to steer up stream than + down, from which he argued that the worst part of his trial trip was now + over. + </p> + <p> + Presently he saw a skiff turn the corner at the top of the Kennington + reach, and, resolving in his mind to get to Sandford before the new comer, + paid for his beer, and betook himself again to his tub. He got pretty well + off, and, the island shutting out his unconscious rival from his view, + worked away at first under the pleasing delusion that he was holding his + own. But he was soon undeceived, for in monstrously short time the + pursuing skiff showed around the corner and bore down on him. He never + relaxed his efforts, but could not help watching the enemy as he came up + with him hand over hand, and envying the perfect ease with which he seemed + to be pulling his long steady stroke and the precision with which he + steered, scarcely ever casting a look over his shoulder. He was hugging + the Berkshire side himself, as the other skiff passed him, and thought he + heard the sculler say something about keeping out, and minding the small + lasher; but the noise of the waters and his own desperate efforts + prevented his heeding, or, indeed, hearing the warning plainly. In another + minute, however, he heard plainly enough most energetic shouts behind him + and, turning his head over his right shoulder, saw the man who had just + passed him backing his skiff rapidly up stream towards him. The next + moment he felt the bows of his boat whirl round, the old tub grounded for + a moment, and then, turning over on her side, shot him out on to the + planking of the steep descent into the small lasher. He grasped at the + boards, but they were too slippery to hold, and the rush of water was too + strong for him, and rolling him over and over like a piece of driftwood, + plunged him into the pool below. + </p> + <p> + After the first moment of astonishment and fright was over, Tom left + himself to the stream, holding his breath hard, and paddling gently with + his hands, feeling sure that, if he could only hold on, he should come to + the surface sooner or later; which accordingly happened after a somewhat + lengthy submersion. + </p> + <p> + His first impulse on rising to the surface, after catching his breath, was + to strike out for the shore, but, in the act of doing so, he caught sight + of the other skiff coming stern foremost down the decent after him, and he + trod the water and drew in his breath to watch. Down she came, as straight + as an arrow, into the tumult below; the sculler sitting upright, and + holding his sculls steadily in the water. For a moment she seemed to be + going under, but righted herself, and glided swiftly into the still water; + and then the sculler cast a hasty and anxious glance around, till his eyes + rested on our hero's half-drowned head. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there you are!” he said, looking much relieved; + “all right, I hope. Not hurt, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thankee; all right, I believe,” answered Tom. “What + shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Swim ashore; I'll look after your boat.” So Tom took the + advice, swam ashore, and there stood dripping and watching the other as he + righted the old tub which was floating quietly bottom upwards, little the + worse for the mishap, and no doubt, if boats can wish, earnestly desiring + in her wooden mind to be allowed to go quietly to pieces then and there, + sooner to be rescued than be again entrusted to the guidance of freshmen. + </p> + <p> + The tub having been brought to the bank, the stranger started again, and + collected the sculls and bottom boards which were floating about here and + there in the pool, and also succeeded in making salvage of Tom's coat, the + pockets of which held his watch, purse, and cigar case. These he brought + to the bank, and delivering them over, inquired whether there was anything + else to look after. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no; nothing but my cap. Never mind it. It's luck enough + not to have lost the coat,” said Tom, holding up the dripping + garment to let the water run out of the arms and pocket-holes, and then + wringing it as well as he could. “At any rate,” thought he, + “I needn't be afraid of its looking too new any more.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger put off again, and made one more round, searching for the cap + and anything else which he might have overlooked, but without success. + While he was doing so, Tom had time to look him well over, and see what + sort of a man had come to his rescue. He hardly knew at the time the full + extent of his obligation—at least if this sort of obligation is to be + reckoned not so much by the service actually rendered, as by the risk + encountered to be able to render it. There were probably not three men in + the University who would have dared to shoot the lasher in a skiff in its + then state, for it was in those times a really dangerous place; and Tom + himself had an extraordinary escape, for, as Miller, the St. Ambrose + coxswain, remarked on hearing the story, “No one who wasn't born to + be hung could have rolled down it without knocking his head against + something hard, and going down like lead when he got to the bottom.” + </p> + <p> + He was very well satisfied with his inspection. The other man was + evidently a year or two older than himself, his figure was more set, and + he had stronger whiskers than are generally grown at twenty. He was + somewhere about five feet ten in height, very deep-chested, and with long + powerful arms and hands. There was no denying, however, that at the first + glance he was an ugly man; he was marked with small-pox, had large + features, high cheekbones, deeply set eyes, and a very long chin; and had + got the trick which many underhung men have of compressing his upper lip. + Nevertheless, there was that in his face which hit Tom's fancy, and made + him anxious to know his rescuer better. He had an instinct that good was + to be gotten out of him. So he was very glad when the search was ended, + and the stranger came to the bank, shipped his sculls, and jumped out with + the painter of his skiff in his hand, which he proceeded to fasten to an + old stump, while he remarked— + </p> + <p>“I'm afraid the cap's lost.”</p> + <p> + “It doesn't matter the least. Thank you for coming to help me; it + was very kind indeed, and more than I expected. Don't they say that one + Oxford man will never save another from drowning unless they have been + introduced?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” replied the other; “are you sure you're + not hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, quite,” said Tom, foiled in what he considered an artful + plan to get the stranger to introduce himself. + </p> + <p> + “Then we're very well out of it,” said the other, looking at + the steep descent into the lasher, and the rolling tumbling rush of the + water below. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed we are,” said Tom; “but how in the world did you + manage not to upset?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know myself—I had shipped a good deal of water, you see. + Perhaps I ought to have jumped out on the bank and come across to you, + leaving my skiff in the river, for if I had upset I couldn't have helped + you much. However, I followed my instinct, which was to come the quickest + way. I thought, too, that if I could manage to get down in the boat I + should be of more use. I am very glad I did it,” he added after a + moment's pause; “I'm really proud of having come down that + place.” + </p> + <p> + “So ain't I,” said Tom, with a laugh, in which the other + joined. + </p> + <p> + “But now you're getting chilled,” and he turned from the + lasher and looked at Tom's chattering jaws. + </p> + <p>“Oh, it's nothing. I'm used to being wet.”</p> + <p> + “But you may just as well be comfortable if you can. Here's this + rough Jersey which I use instead of a coat; pull off that wet cotton + affair, and put it on, and then we'll get to work, for we have plenty to + do.” + </p> + <p> + After a little persuasion Tom did as he was bid, and got into the great + woolen garment, which was very comforting; and then the two set about + getting their skiffs back into the main stream. This was comparatively + easy as to the lighter skiff, which was soon baled out and hauled by main + force on to the bank, carried across and launched again. The tub gave them + much more trouble, for she was quite full of water and very heavy; but + after twenty minutes or so of hard work, during which the mutual respect + of the labourers for the strength and willingness of each other was much + increased, she also lay in the main stream, leaking considerably, but + otherwise not much the worse for her adventure. + </p> + <p> + “Now what do you mean to do?” said the stranger. “I + don't think you can pull home in her. One doesn't know how much she may be + damaged. She may sink in the lock, or play any prank.” + </p> + <p>“But what am I to do with her?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, you can leave her at Sandford and walk up, and send one of + Hall's boys after her. Or, if you like, I will tow her up behind my + skiff.” + </p> + <p>“Won't your skiff carry two?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; if you like to come I'll take you, but you must sit very + quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't we go down to Sandford first and have a glass of ale? What + time is it?—the water has stopped my watch.” + </p> + <p> + “A quarter past three. I have about twenty minutes to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along, then,” said Tom; “but will you let me pull + your skiff down to Sandford? I resolved to pull to Sandford to-day, and + don't like to give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “By all means, if you like,” said the other, with a smile; + “jump in, and I'll walk along the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Tom, hurrying into the skiff, in which he + completed the remaining quarter of a mile, while the owner walked by the + side, watching him. + </p> + <p> + They met on the bank at the little inn by Sandford lock, and had a glass + of ale, over which Tom confessed that it was the first time he had ever + navigated a skiff by himself, and gave a detailed account of his + adventures, to the great amusement of his companion. And by the time they + rose to go, it was settled, at Tom's earnest request, that he should pull + the sound skiff up, while his companion sat in the stern and coached him. + The other consented very kindly, merely stipulating that he himself should + take the sculls, if it should prove that Tom could not pull them up in + time for hall dinner. So they started, and took the tub in tow when they + came up to it. Tom got on famously under his new tutor, who taught him to + get forward, and open his knees properly, and throw his weight on to the + sculls at the beginning of the stroke. He managed even to get into Iffley + lock on the way up without fouling the gates, and was then and there + complimented on his progress. Whereupon, as they sat, while the lock + filled, Tom poured out his thanks to his tutor for his instruction, which + had been given so judiciously that, while he was conscious of improving at + every stroke, he did not feel that the other was asserting any superiority + over him; and so, though more humble than at the most disastrous period of + his downward voyage, he was getting into a better temper every minute. + </p> + <p> + It is a great pity that some of our instructors in more important matters + than sculling will not take a leaf out of the same book. Of course, it is + more satisfactory to one's own self-love to make everyone who comes to one + to learn, feel that he is a fool, and we wise men; but if our object is to + teach well and usefully what we know ourselves there cannot be a worse + method. No man, however, is likely to adopt it, so long as he is conscious + that he has anything himself to learn from his pupils; and as soon as he + has arrived at the conviction that they can teach him nothing—that it is + henceforth to be all give and no take—the sooner he throws up his office + of teacher, the better it will be for himself, his pupils, and his + country, whose sons he is misguiding. + </p> + <p> + On their way up, so intent were they on their own work that it was not + until shouts of “Hello, Brown! how did you get there? Why, you said + you were not going down today,” greeted them just above the Gut, + that they were aware of the presence of the freshmen's four-oar of St. + Ambrose College, which had with some trouble succeeded in overtaking them. + </p> + <p> + “I said I wasn't going down with <i>you</i>,” shouted Tom, + grinding away harder than ever, that they might witness and wonder at his + prowess. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I dare say! Whose skiff are you towing up? I believe you've + been upset.” + </p> + <p>Tom made no reply, and the four-oar floundered on ahead.</p> + <p> + “Are you at St. Ambrose's?” asked his sitter, after a minute. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; that's my treadmill, that four-oar. I've been down in it + almost every day since I came up, and very poor fun it is. So I thought + to-day I would go on my own hook, and see if I couldn't make a better hand + of it. And I have too, I know, thanks to you.” + </p> + <p> + The other made no remark, but a little shade came over his face. He had no + chance of making out Tom's college, as the new cap which would have + betrayed him had disappeared in the lasher. He himself wore a glazed straw + hat, which was of no college; so that up to this time neither of them had + known to what college the other belonged. + </p> + <p> + When they landed at Hall's, Tom was at once involved in a wrangle with the + manager as to the amount of damage done to the tub; which the latter + refused to assess before he knew what had happened to it; while our hero + vigorously and with reason maintained, that if he knew his business it + could not matter what had happened to the boat. There she was, and he must + say whether she was better or worse, or how much worse than when she + started. In the middle of which dialogue his new acquaintance, touching + his arm, said, “You can leave my jersey with your own things; I + shall get it to-morrow,” and then disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Tom, when he had come to terms with his adversary, ran upstairs, expecting + to find the other, and meaning to tell his name, and find out who it was + that had played the good Samaritan by him. He was much annoyed when he + found the coast clear, and dressed in a grumbling humour. “I wonder + why he should have gone off so quick. He might just as well have stayed + and walked up with me,” thought he. “Let me see, though; + didn't he say I was to leave his Jersey in our room, with my own things? + Why, perhaps he is a St. Ambrose man himself. But then he would have told + me so, surely. I don't remember to have seen his face in chapel or hall; + but then there is such a lot of new faces, and he may not sit near me. + However I mean to find him out before long, whoever he may be.” With + which resolve Tom crossed in the punt into Christ's Church meadow, and + strolled college-wards, feeling that he had had a good hard afternoon's + exercise, and was much the better for it. He might have satisfied his + curiosity at once by simply asking the manager who it was that had arrived + with him; and this occurred to him before he got home, whereat he felt + satisfied, but would not go back then, as it was so near hall time. He + would be sure to remember it the first thing tomorrow. + </p> + <p> + As it happened, however, he had not so long to wait for the information + which he needed; for scarcely had he sat down in hall and ordered his + dinner, when he caught sight of his boating acquaintance, who walked in + habited in a gown which Tom took for a scholar's. He took his seat at a + little table in the middle of the hall, near the bachelors' table, but + quite away from the rest of the undergraduates, at which sat four or five + other men in similar gowns. He either did not or would not notice the + looks of recognition which Tom kept firing at him until he had taken his + seat. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man that has just come in, do you know?” said Tom + to his next neighbour, a second term man. + </p> + <p>“Which?” said the other, looking up.</p> + <p> + “That one over at the little table in the middle of the hall, with + the dark whiskers. There, he has just turned rather from us, and put his + arm on the table.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, his name is Hardy.”</p> + <p>“Do you know him?”</p> + <p> + “No; I don't think anybody does. They say he is a clever fellow, but + a very queer one.” + </p> + <p>“Why does he sit at that table!”</p> + <p> + “He is one of our servitors; they all sit there together.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Tom, not much wiser for the information, but + resolved to waylay Hardy as soon as the hall was over, and highly + delighted to find that they were after all of the same college; for he had + already begun to find out, that however friendly you may be with + out-college men, you must live chiefly with those of your own. But now his + scout brought his dinner, and he fell to with the appetite of a freshman + on his ample commons. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0004"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER III—A BREAKFAST AT DRYSDALE'S</h2> + <p> + No man in St. Ambrose College gave such breakfasts as Drysdale. Not the + great heavy spreads for thirty or forty, which came once or twice a term, + when everything was supplied out of the college kitchen, and you had to + ask leave of the Dean before you could have it at all. In those ponderous + feasts the most hum-drum of the undergraduate kind might rival the most + artistic, if he could only pay his battle-bill, or get credit with the + cook. But the daily morning meal, when even gentlemen commoners were + limited to two hot dishes out of the kitchen, this was Drysdale's forte. + Ordinary men left the matter in the hands of scouts, and were content with + the ever-recurring buttered toasts and eggs, with a dish of broiled ham, + or something of the sort, with a marmalade and bitter ale to finish with; + but Drysdale was not an ordinary man, as you felt in a moment when you + went to breakfast with him for the first time. + </p> + <p> + The staircase on which he lived was inhabited, except in the garrets, by + men in the fast set, and he and three others, who had an equal aversion to + solitary feeding, had established a breakfast-club, in which, thanks to + Drysdale's genius, real scientific gastronomy was cultivated. Every + morning the boy from the Weirs arrived with freshly caught gudgeon, and + now and then an eel or trout, which the scouts on the staircase had learnt + to fry delicately in oil. Fresh watercresses came in the same basket, and + the college kitchen furnished a spitchedcocked chicken, or grilled + turkey's leg. In the season there were plover's eggs; or, at the worst, + there was a dainty omelette; and a distant baker, famed for his light + rolls and high charges, sent in the bread—the common domestic college loaf + being of course out of the question for anyone with the slightest + pretension to taste, and fit only for the perquisite of scouts. Then there + would be a deep Yorkshire pie, or reservoir of potted game, as a + <i>piece, de resistance</i>, and three or four sorts of preserves; and a + large cool tankard of cider or ale-cup to finish up with, or soda-water + and maraschino for a change. Tea and coffee were there indeed, but merely + as a compliment to those respectable beverages, for they were rarely + touched by the breakfast eaters of No. 3 staircase. Pleasant young + gentlemen they were on No. 3 staircase; I mean the ground and first floor + men who formed the breakfast-club, for the garrets were nobodies. Three + out of the four were gentlemen-commoners, with allowances of 500L a year + at least each; and, as they treated their allowances as pocket-money, and + were all in their first year, ready money was plenty and credit good, and + they might have had potted hippopotamus for breakfast if they had chosen + to order it, which they would most likely have done if they had thought of + it. + </p> + <p> + Two out of the three were the sons of rich men who made their own + fortunes, and sent their sons to St. Ambrose's because it was very + desirable that the young gentlemen should make good connexions. In fact, + the fathers looked upon the University as a good investment, and gloried + much in hearing their sons talk familiarly in the vacations of their dear + friends Lord Harry This and Sir George That. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale, the third of the set, was the heir of an old as well of a rich + family, and consequently, having his connexion ready made to his hand, + cared little enough with whom he associated, provided they were pleasant + fellows, and gave him good food and wines. His whole idea at present was + to enjoy himself as much as possible; but he had good manly stuff in him + at the bottom, and, had he fallen into any but the fast set, would have + made a fine fellow, and done credit to himself and his college. + </p> + <p> + The fourth man at the breakfast-club, the Hon. Piers St. Cloud was in his + third year, and was a very well-dressed, well-mannered, well-connected + young man. His allowance was small for the set he lived with, but he never + wanted for anything. He didn't entertain much, certainly, but when he did, + everything was in the best possible style. He was very exclusive, and knew + no man in college out of the fast set, and of these he addicted himself + chiefly to the society of the rich freshmen, for somehow the men of his + own standing seemed a little shy of him. But with the freshmen he was + always hand and glove, lived in their rooms, and used their wines, horses, + and other movable property as his own. Being a good whist and billiard + player, and not a bad jockey, he managed in one way or another to make his + young friends pay well for the honour of his acquaintance; as, indeed, why + should they not, at least those of them who came to the college to form + eligible connexions; for had not his remote lineal ancestor come over in + the same ship with William the Conqueror? Were not all his relations about + the Court, as lords and ladies in waiting, white sticks or black rods, and + in the innermost of all possible circles of the great world; and was there + a better coat of arms than he bore in all Burke's Peerage? + </p> + <p> + Our hero had met Drysdale at a house in the country shortly before the + beginning of his first term, and they had rather taken to one another. + Drysdale had been amongst his first callers; and, as he came out of chapel + one morning shortly after his arrival, Drysdale's scout came up to him + with an invitation to breakfast. So he went to his own rooms, ordered his + commons to be taken across to No. 3, and followed himself a few minutes + afterwards. No one was in the rooms when he arrived, for none of the club + had finished their toilettes. Morning chapel was not meant for, or + cultivated by gentlemen-commoners; they paid double chapel fees, in + consideration of which, probably, they were not expected to attend so + often as the rest of the undergraduates; at any rate, they didn't, and no + harm came to them in consequence of their absence. As Tom entered, a great + splashing in an inner room stopped for a moment, and Drysdale's voice + shouted out that he was in his tub, but would be with him in a minute. So + Tom gave himself up to contemplation of the rooms in which his fortunate + acquaintance dwelt; and very pleasant rooms they were. The large room in + which the breakfast-table was laid for five, was lofty and well + proportioned, and panelled with old oak, and the furniture was handsome + and solid, and in keeping with the room. + </p> + <p> + There were four deep windows, high up in the wall, with cushioned seats + under them, two looking into the large quadrangle, and two into the inner + one. Outside these windows, Drysdale had rigged up hanging gardens, which + were kept full of flowers by the first nurseryman in Oxford, all the year + round; so that even on this February morning, the scent of gardenia and + violets pervaded the room, and strove for mastery with the smell of stale + tobacco, which hung about the curtains and sofa. There was a large glass + in an oak frame over the mantelpiece, which was loaded with choice pipes + and cigar cases and quaint receptacles for tobacco; and by the side of the + glass hung small carved oak frames, containing lists of meets of the + Heyshrop, the Old Berkshire, and Drake's hounds, for the current week. + There was a queer assortment of well-framed paintings and engravings on + the walls; some of considerable merit, especially some watercolor and + sea-pieces and engravings from Landseer's pictures, mingled with which + hung Taglioni and Cerito, in short petticoats and impossible attitudes; + Phosphurous winning the Derby; the Death of Grimaldi (the famous + steeple-chase horse, not poor old Joe); an American Trotting Match, and + Jem Belcher and Deaf Burke in attitudes of self-defense. Several tandem + and riding whips, mounted in heavy silver, and a double-barrelled gun, and + fishing rods, occupied one corner, and a polished copper cask, holding + about five gallons of mild ale, stood in another. In short, there was + plenty of everything except books—the literature of the world being + represented, so far as Tom could make out in his short scrutiny, by a few + well-bound but badly used volumes of the classics, with the cribs thereto + appertaining, shoved away into a cupboard which stood half open, and + contained besides, half-emptied decanters, and large pewters, and dog + collars, and packs of cards, and all sorts of miscellaneous articles to + serve as an antidote. + </p> + <p> + Tom had scarcely finished his short survey when the door of the bedroom + opened, and Drysdale emerged in a loose jacket lined with silk, his velvet + cap on his head, and otherwise gorgeously attired. He was a + pleasant-looking fellow of middle size, with dark hair, and a merry brown + eye, with a twinkle in it, which spoke well for his sense of humor; + otherwise, his large features were rather plain, but he had the look and + manners of a thoroughly well-bred gentleman. + </p> + <p> + His first act, after nodding to Tom, was to seize on a pewter and resort + to the cask in the corner, from whence he drew a pint or so of the + contents, having, as he said, “'a whoreson longing for that poor + creature, small beer.' We were playing Van-John in Blake's rooms till + three last night, and he gave us devilled bones and mulled port. A fellow + can't enjoy his breakfast after that without something to cool his + coppers.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was as yet ignorant of what Van-John might be, so held his peace, and + took a pull at the beer which the other handed to him; and then the scout + entered, and received orders to bring up Jack and the breakfast, and not + wait for any one. In another minute, a bouncing and scratching was heard + on the stairs, and a white bulldog rushed in, a gem in his way; for his + brow was broad and massive, his skin was as fine as a lady's, and his tail + taper and nearly as thin as a clay pipe. His general look, and a way he + had of going 'snuzzling' about the calves of strangers, were not pleasant + for nervous people. Tom, however, was used to dogs, and soon became + friends with him, which evidently pleased his host. And then the breakfast + arrived, all smoking, and with it the two other ingenious youths, in + velvet caps and far more gorgeous apparel, so far as colors went, than + Drysdale. They were introduced to Tom, who thought them somewhat ordinary + and rather loud young gentlemen. One of them remonstrated vigorously + against the presence of that confounded dog, and so Jack was sent to lie + down in a corner, and then the four fell to work upon the breakfast. + </p> + <p> + It was a good lesson in gastronomy, but the results are scarcely worth + repeating here. It is wonderful, though, how you feel drawn to a man who + feeds you well; and, as Tom's appetite got less, his liking and respect + for his host undoubtedly increased. + </p> + <p> + When they had nearly finished, in walked the Honorable Piers, a tall + slight man, two or three years older than the rest of them; good looking, + and very well and quietly dressed, but with the drawing up of his nostril, + and a drawing down of the corners of his mouth, which set Tom against him + at once. The cool, supercilious half-nod, moreover, to which he treated + our hero when introduced to him, was enough to spoil his digestion, and + hurt his self-love a good deal more than he would have liked to own. + </p> + <p> + “Here, Henry,” said the Honorable Piers to the scout in + attendance, seating himself, and inspecting the half-cleared dishes; + “what is there for my breakfast?” + </p> + <p>Henry bustled about, and handed a dish or two.</p> + <p> + “I don't want these cold things; haven't you kept me any + gudgeon?” + </p> + <p> + “Why sir” said Henry, “there was only two dozen this + morning, and Mr. Drysdale told me to cook them all. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I did,” said Drysdale. “Just half a dozen + for each of us four: they were first-rate. If you can't get here at + half-past nine, you won't get gudgeon, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Just go and get me a broil from the kitchen,” said the + Honorable Piers, without deigning an answer to Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Very sorry, sir; kitchen's shut by now, sir,” answered Henry. + </p> + <p>“Then go to Hinton's, and order some cutlets.”</p> + <p> + “I say, Henry,” shouted Drysdale to the retreating scout; + “not to my tick, mind! Put them down to Mr. St. Cloud.” + </p> + <p> + Henry seemed to know very well that in that case he might save himself the + trouble of the journey, and consequently returned to his waiting; and the + Honorable Piers set to work upon his breakfast, without showing any + further ill temper certainly, except by the stinging things which he threw + every now and then into the conversation, for the benefit of each of the + others in turn. + </p> + <p> + Tom thought he detected signs of coming hostilities between his host and + St. Cloud, for Drysdale seemed to prick up his ears and get combative + whenever the other spoke, and lost no chance in roughing him in his + replies. And, indeed, he was not far wrong; the fact being, that during + Drysdale's first term, the other had lived on him—drinking his wine, + smoking his cigars, driving his dog-cart, and winning his money; all which + Drysdale, who was the easiest going and best tempered fellow in Oxford, + had stood without turning a hair. But St. Cloud added to these little + favors a half patronizing, half contemptuous manner, which he used with + great success towards some of the other gentleman-commoners, who thought + it a mark of high breeding, and the correct thing, but which Drysdale, who + didn't care three straws about knowing St. Cloud, wasn't going to put up + with. + </p> + <p> + However, nothing happened but a little sparring, and the breakfast things + were cleared away, and the tankards left on the table, and the company + betook themselves to cigars and easy chairs. Jack came out of his corner + to be gratified with some of the remnants by his fond master, and then + curled himself up on the sofa along which Drysdale lounged. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do to-day, Drysdale?” said one of the + others. “I've ordered a leader to be sent on over the bridge, and + mean to drive my dog-cart over, and dine at Abingdon. Won't you + come?” + </p> + <p>“Who's going besides?” asked Drysdale.</p> + <p> + “Oh, only St. Cloud and Farley here. There's lots of room for a + fourth.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank'ee; teaming's slow work on the back seat. Besides, I've + half promised to go down in the boat.” + </p> + <p> + “In the boat!” shouted the other. “Why, you don't mean + to say you're going to take to pulling?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know; I rather think I am. I'm dog-tired of driving + and doing the High Street, and playing cards and billiards all day, and + our boat is likely to be head of the river, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove! I should as soon have thought of you taking to reading, or + going to University Sermon,” put in St. Cloud. + </p> + <p> + “And the boating-men, too,” went on Farley; “did you + ever see such a set, St. Cloud? with their everlasting flannels and + jerseys, and hair cropped like prize-fighters?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll bet a guinea there isn't one of them has more than 200L a + year,” put in Chanter, whose father could just write his name, and + was making a colossal fortune by supplying bad iron rails to the new + railway companies. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil do I care,” broke in Drysdale; “I know + they're a deal more amusing than you fellows, who can't do anything that + don't cost pounds.” + </p> + <p>“Getting economical!” sneered St. Cloud.</p> + <p> + “Well, I don't see the fun of tearing one's heart out, and + blistering one's hands, only to get abused by that little brute Miller the + coxswain,” said Farley. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you won't be able to sit straight in your chair for a + month,” said Chanter; “and the captain will make you dine at + one, and fetch you out of anybody's rooms, confound his impudence whether + he knows them or not, at eleven o'clock every night.” + </p> + <p> + “Two cigars every day, and a pint and a half of liquid,” and + Farley inserted his cod fish face into the tankard; “fancy Drysdale + on training allowance!” + </p> + <p> + Here a newcomer entered in a bachelor's gown, who was warmly greeted by + the name of Sanders by Drysdale. St. Cloud and he exchanged the coldest + possible nods; and the other two, taking the office from their mentor, + stared at him through their smoke, and, after a minute or two's silence, + and a few rude half-whispered remarks amongst themselves, went off to play + a game of pyramids till luncheon time. Saunders took a cigar which + Drysdale offered, and began asking about his friends at home, and what he + had been doing in the vacation. + </p> + <p> + They were evidently intimate, though Tom thought that Drysdale didn't seem + quite at his ease at first, which he wondered at, as Sanders took his + fancy at once. However, eleven o'clock struck, and Tom had to go to + lecture, where we cannot follow him just now, but must remain with + Drysdale and Saunders, who chatted on very pleasantly for some twenty + minutes, till a knock came at the door. It was not till the third summons + that Drysdale shouted, “Come in,” with a shrug of his + shoulders, and an impatient kick at the sofa cushion at his feet, as + though not half pleased at the approaching visit. + </p> + <p> + Reader! Had you not ever a friend a few years older than yourself, whose + good opinions you were anxious to keep? A fellow + <i>teres atqua rotundus</i>; who could do everything better than you, from + Plato and tennis down to singing a comic song and playing quoits? If you + have had, wasn't he always in your rooms or company whenever anything + happened to show your little weak points? Sanders, at any rate, occupied + this position towards our young friend Drysdale, and the latter, much as + he liked Sander's company, would have preferred it at any time than on an + idle morning just at the beginning of term, when the gentlemen tradesmen, + who look upon undergraduates in general, and gentlemen-commoners in + particular, as their lawful prey, are in the habit of calling in flocks. + </p> + <p> + The new arrival was a tall florid man, with a half servile, half impudent, + manner, and a foreign accent; dressed in sumptuous costume, with a + velvet-faced coat, and a gorgeous plush waist-coat. Under his arm he + carried a large parcel, which he proceeded to open, and placed upon a sofa + the contents, consisting of a couple of coats, and three or four + waistcoats and a pair of trousers. He saluted Sanders with a most + obsequious bow, looked nervously at Jack, who opened one eye from between + his master's legs and growled, and then, turning to Drysdale, asked if he + should have the honor of seeing him try on any of the clothes? + </p> + <p> + “No; I can't be bored with trying them on now,” said Drysdale; + “leave them where they are.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Schloss would like very much on his return to town, in a day or two, + to be able to assure his principals, that Mr. Drysdale's orders had been + executed to his satisfaction. He had also some very beautiful new stuffs + with him, which he should like to submit to Mr. Drysdale, and without more + ado began unfolding cards of the most fabulous plushes and cloths. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale glanced first at the cards and then at Sanders, who sat puffing + his cigar, and watching Schloss's proceedings with a look not unlike + Jack's when anyone he did not approve of approached his master. + </p> + <p> + “Confound your patterns, Schloss,” said Drysdale; “I + tell you I have more things than I want already.” + </p> + <p> + “The large stripe, such as these, is now very much worn in + London,” went on Schloss, without heeding the rebuff, and spreading + his cards on the table. + </p> + <p> + “D—— trousers,” replied Drysdale; “you seem to think a + fellow has ten pair of legs.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur is pleased to joke,” smiled Schloss; “but, to + be in the mode, gentlemen must have variety.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I won't order any now, that's flat,” said Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur will do as he pleases; but it is impossible that he should + not have some plush waists; the fabric is only just out, and is making a + sensation.” + </p> + <p> + “Now look here, Schloss; will you go if I order a waist coat?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur is very good; he sees how tasteful these new patterns + are.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't, be seen at a cock-fight in one of them, there're as + gaudy as a salmon-fly,” said Drysdale, feeling the stuff which the + obsequious Schloss held out. “But it seems nice stuff, too,” + he went on; “I shouldn't mind having a couple of waistcoats of it of + this pattern;” and he chucked across to Schloss a dark tartan + waistcoat which was lying near him. “Have you got the stuff in that + pattern?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no,” said Schloss, gathering up the waistcoat; “but + it shall not hinder. I shall have at once a loom for Monsieur set up at + once in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “Set it up in Jericho if you like,” said Drysdale; “and + now go!” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, Mr. Schloss,” broke in Sanders, “what it + will cost to set up the loom?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! indeed, a trifle only; some twelve, or perhaps fourteen + pounds.” Sanders gave a chuckle, and puffed away at his cigar. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove,” shouted Drysdale, jerking himself in a sitting + posture, and upsetting Jack, who went trotting about the room, and + snuffing at Schloss's legs; “do you mean to say, Schloss, you were + going to make me waistcoats at fourteen guineas apiece?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if Monsieur disapproves. Ah! the large hound is not friendly to + strangers; I will call again when Monsieur is more at leisure.” And + Schloss gathered up his cards and beat a hasty retreat, followed by Jack + with his head on one side, and casting an enraged look at Sanders, as he + slid through the door. + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Jack, old boy!” said Sanders, patting him; + “what a funk the fellow was in. Well, you've saved your master a + pony this fine morning. Cheap dog you've got, Drysdale.” + </p> + <p> + “D—— the fellow,” answered Drysdale, “he leaves a bad + taste in one's mouth;” and he went to the table, took a pull at the + tankard, and then threw himself down on the sofa again, as Jack jumped up + and coiled himself round by his master's legs, keeping one half-open eye + winking at him, and giving an occasional wag with the end of his taper + tail. + </p> + <p> + Saunders got up, and began handling the new things. First he held up a + pair of bright blue trousers, with a red stripe across them, Drysdale + looking on from the sofa. “I say, Drysdale, you don't mean to say + you really ordered these thunder-and-lightening affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven only knows,” said Drysdale; “I daresay I did, + I'd order a full suit cut out of my grandmother's farthingale to get that + cursed Schloss out of my rooms sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll never be able to wear them; even in Oxford the boys would + mob you. Why don't you kick him down stairs?” suggested Sanders, + putting down the trousers, and turning to Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I've been very near it once or twice; but I don't know—my + name's Easy—besides, I don't want to give up the beast altogether; he + makes the best trousers in England.” + </p> + <p> + “And these waistcoats,” went on Sanders; “let me see; + three light silk waistcoats, peach-color, fawn-color, and lavender. Well, + of course, you can only wear these at your weddings. You may be married + the first time in the peach or fawn-color; and then, if you have luck, and + bury your first wife soon, it will be a delicate compliment to take to + No.2 in the lavender, that being half-mourning; but still, you see, we're + in difficulty as to one of the three, either the peach or the + fawn-color—” + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by another knock, and a boy entered from the + fashionable tobacconist's in Oriel Lane, who had general orders to let + Drysdale have his fair share of anything very special in the cigar line. + He deposited a two pound box of cigars at three guineas the pound, on the + table, and withdrew in silence. + </p> + <p> + Then came a boot-maker with a new pair of top-boots, which Drysdale had + ordered in November, and had forgotten next day. The artist, wisely + considering that his young patron must have plenty of tops to last him + through the hunting season (he himself having supplied three previous + pairs in October), had retained the present pair for show in his window; + and everyone knows that boots wear much better for being kept sometime + before use. Now, however, as the hunting season was drawing to a close, + and the place in the window was wanted for spring stock, he judiciously + sent in the tops, merely adding half-a-sovereign or so to the price for + interest on the out lay since the order. He also kindly left on the table + a pair of large plated spurs to match the boots. + </p> + <p> + It never rains but it pours. Sanders sat smoking his cigar in provoking + silence, while knock succeeded knock and tradesman followed tradesman; + each depositing some article ordered, or supposed to have been ordered, or + which ought in the judgment of the depositors to have been ordered, by the + luckless Drysdale: and new hats, and ties, and gloves, and pins, jostled + balsam of Neroli, and registered shaving-soap, and fancy letter paper, and + Eau de Cologne, on every available table. A visit from two + livery-stable-keepers in succession followed, each of whom had several new + leaders which they were anxious Mr. Drysdale should try as soon as + possible. Drysdale growled and grunted, and wished them or Sanders at the + bottom of the sea; however, he consoled himself with the thought that the + worst was now passed,—there was no other possible supplier of + undergraduate wants who could arrive. + </p> + <p> + Not so; in another minute a gentle knock came at the door. Jack pricked up + his ears and wagged his tail; Drysdale recklessly shouted, “Come + in!” the door slowly opened about eighteen inches, and a shock head + of hair entered the room, from which one lively little gimlet eye went + glancing about into every corner. The other eye was closed, but as a + perpetual wink to indicate the unsleeping wariness of the owner, or + because that hero had really lost the power of using it in some of his + numerous encounters with men and beasts, no one, so far as I know, has + ever ascertained. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Mr. Drysdale, sir!” began the head; and then rapidly + withdrew behind the door to avoid one of the spurs, which (being the + missile nearest at hand) Drysdale instantly discharged at it. As the spur + fell to the floor, the head reappeared in the room, and as quickly + disappeared again, in deference to the other spur, the top boots, an ivory + handled hair brush, and a translation of Euripides, which in turn saluted + each successive appearance of said head; and the grin was broader on each + reappearance. + </p> + <p> + Then Drysdale, having no other article within reach which he could throw, + burst into a loud fit of laughter, in which Sanders and the head heartily + joined, and shouted, “Come in, Joe, you old fool! and don't stand + bobbing your ugly old mug in and out there, like a jack in the box.” + </p> + <p> + So the head came in, and after it the body, and closed the door behind it; + and a queer, cross-grained, tough-looking body it was, of about fifty + years standing, or rather slouching, clothed in an old fustian coat, + corduroy breeches and gaiters, and being the earthly tabernacle of Joe + Muggles, the dog-fancier of St. Aldate's. + </p> + <p> + “How the deuce did you get by the lodge, Joe?” inquired + Drysdale. Joe, be it known, had been forbidden the college for importing a + sack of rats into the inner quadrangle, upon the turf of which a match at + rat-killing had come off between the terriers of two gentlemen-commoners. + This little event might have passed unnoticed, but that Drysdale had + bought from Joe a dozen of the slaughtered rats, and nailed them on the + doors of the four college tutors, three to a door; whereupon inquiry had + been made, and Joe had been outlawed. + </p> + <p id="linkimage-0003"></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0054.jpg" alt="0054 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0054.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p> + “Oh, please Mr. Drysdale, sir, I just watched the 'ed porter, sir, + across to the buttery to get his mornin', and then I tips a wink to the + under porter (pal o' mine, sir, the under porter), and makes a run of it + right up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you'll be quod'ed if you're caught! Now what do you + want?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you see, Mr. Drysdale, sir,” said Joe, in his most + insinuating tone, “my mate hev got an old dog brock, sir, from the + Heythrop kennel, and Honble Wernham, sir of New Inn 'All, sir, he've jist + been down our yard with a fighting chap from town, Mr. Drysdale—in the + fancy, sir, he is, and hev got a matter of three dogs down a stoppin' at + Milky Bill's. And he says, says he, Mr. Drysdale, as arra one of he's + dogs'll draw the old un three times, while arra Oxford dog'll draw un + twice, and Honble Wernham chaffs as how he'll back un for a fi' pun + note;”—and Joe stopped to caress Jack, who was fawning on him as if + he understood every word. + </p> + <p>“Well, Joe, what then?” said Drysdale.</p> + <p> + “So you see, Mr. Drysdale, sir,” went on Joe, fondling Jack's + muzzle, “my mate says, says he, 'Jack's the dog as can draw a + brock,' says he, 'agin any Lonnun dog as ever was whelped; and Mr. + Drysdale' says he, 'ain't the man as'd see two poor chaps bounced out of + their honest name by arra town chap, and a fi' pun note's no more to he + for the matter o' that, then to Honble Wernham his self,' says my + mate.” + </p> + <p> + “So I'm to lend you Jack for a match, and stand the stakes?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Drysdale, sir, that was what my mate was a sayin'.” + </p> + <p> + “You're cool heads, you and your mate,” said Drysdale; + “here, take a drink, and get out, and I'll think about it.” + Drysdale was now in a defiant humor, and resolved not to let Sanders think + that his presence could keep him from any act of folly to which he was + inclined. + </p> + <p> + Joe took his drink; and just then several men came in from lecture, and + drew off Drysdale's attention from Jack, who quietly followed Joe out of + the room, when that worthy disappeared. Drysdale only laughed when he + found it out, and went down to the yard that afternoon to see the match + between the London dog and his own pet. + </p> + <p> + “How in the world are youngsters with unlimited credit, plenty of + ready money, and fast tastes, to be kept from making fools and blackguards + of themselves up here,” thought Sanders, as he strolled back to his + college. And it is a question which has exercised other heads besides his, + and probably is a long way yet from being well solved. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0005"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV—THE ST. AMBROSE BOAT CLUB: ITS MINISTERY AND THEIR BUDGET. + </h2> + <p> + We left our hero, a short time back, busily engaged on his dinner commons, + and resolved forthwith to make great friends with Hardy. It never occurred + to him that there could be the slightest difficulty in carrying out this + resolve. After such a passage as they two had had together that afternoon, + he felt that the usual outworks of acquaintanceship had been cleared at a + bound, and looked upon Hardy already as an old friend to whom he could + talk out his mind as freely as he had been used to do to his old tutor at + school, or to Arthur. Moreover, as there were already several things in + his head which he was anxious to ventilate, he was all the more pleased + that chance had thrown him across a man of so much older standing than + himself, and one to whom he instinctively felt that he could look up. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, after grace had been said, and he saw that Hardy had not + finished his dinner, but sat down again when the fellows had left the + hall, he strolled out, meaning to wait for his victim outside, and seize + upon him then and there; so he stopped on the steps outside the hall-door, + and to pass the time, joined himself to one or two other men with whom he + had a speaking acquaintance, who were also hanging about. While they were + talking, Hardy came out of the hall, and Tom turned and stepped forward, + meaning to speak to him. To his utter discomfiture, Hardy walked quickly + away, looking straight before him, and without showing, by look or + gesture, that he was conscious of our hero's existence, or had ever seen + him before in his life. + </p> + <p> + Tom was so taken aback that he made no effort to follow. He just glanced + at his companions to see whether they had noticed the occurrence, and was + glad to see that they had not (being deep in the discussion of the merits + of a new hunter of Simmons's, which one of them had been riding); so he + walked away by himself to consider what it could mean. But the more he + puzzled about it, the less could he understand it. Surely, he thought, + Hardy must have seen me; and yet, if he had, why did he not recognize me? + My cap and gown can't be such a disguise as all that. And yet common + decency must have led him to ask whether I was any the worse for my + ducking, if he knew me. + </p> + <p> + He scouted the notion, which suggested itself once or twice, that Hardy + meant to cut him; and so, not being able to come to any reasonable + conclusion, suddenly bethought him that he was asked to a wine-party; and + putting his speculations aside for a moment, with the full intention + nevertheless of clearing up the mystery as soon as possible, he betook + himself to the rooms of his entertainer. + </p> + <p> + They were fair-sized rooms in the second quadrangle, furnished plainly but + well, so far as Tom could judge, but, as they were now laid out for the + wine-party, they had lost all individual character for the time. Everyone + of us, I suppose, is fond of studying the rooms, chambers, dens in short, + of whatever sort they may be, of our friends and acquaintances—at least, I + knew that I myself like to see what sort of a chair a man sits in, where + he puts it, what books lie or stand on the shelves nearest his hand, what + the objects are which he keeps most familiarly before him, in that + particular nook of the earth's surface in which he is most at home, where + he pulls off his coat, collar, and boots, and gets into an old easy + shooting-jacket, and his broadest slippers. Fine houses and fine rooms + have little attraction for most men, and those who have the finest + drawing-rooms are probably the most bored by them; but the den of the man + you like, or are disposed to like, has the strongest and strangest + attraction for you. However, an Oxford undergraduate's room, set out for a + wine-party, can tell you nothing. All the characteristics are shoved away + into the background, and there is nothing to be seen but a long mahogany + set out with bottles, glasses, and dessert. In the present instance the + preparations for festivity were pretty much what they ought to be: good + sound port and sherry, biscuits, and a plate or two of nuts and dried + fruits. The host, who sat at the head of the board, was one of the + main-stays of the College boat-club. He was treasurer of the club, and + also a kind of a boating nurse, who looked-up and trained the young oars, + and in this capacity had been in command of the freshmen's four-oar, in + which Tom had been learning his rudiments. He was a heavy, burly man, + naturally awkward in his movements, but gifted with a steady sort of + dogged enthusiasm, and by dint of hard and constant training, had made + himself into a most useful oar, fit for any place in the middle of the + boat. In the two years of his residence, he had pulled down to Sandford + every day except Sundays, and much farther whenever he could get anybody + to accompany him. He was the most good natured man in the world, very + badly dressed, very short sighted, and called everybody “old + fellow.” His name was simple Smith, generally known as Diogenes + Smith, from an eccentric habit which he had of making an easy chair of his + hip bath. Malicious acquaintance declared that when Smith first came up, + and, having paid the valuation for the furniture in his rooms, came to + inspect the same, the tub in question had been left by chance in the + sitting-room, and that Smith, not having the faintest idea of its proper + use, had by the exercise of his natural reason come to the conclusion that + it could only be meant for a man to sit in, and so had kept it in his + sitting-room, and had taken to it as an arm-chair. This I have reason to + believe was a libel. Certain it is, however, that in his first term he was + discovered sitting solemnly in the tub, by his fire-side, with his + spectacles on, playing the flute—the only other recreation besides boating + in which he indulged; and no amount of quizzing could get him out of the + habit. When alone, or with only one or two friends in his room, he still + occupied the tub; and declared that it was the most perfect of seats + hitherto invented, and, above all, adapted for the recreation of a boating + man, to whom cushioned seats should be an abomination. He was naturally a + very hospitable man, and on this night was particularly anxious to make + his rooms pleasant to all comers, as it was a sort of opening for the + boating season. This wine of his was a business matter, in fact, to which + Diogenes had invited officially, as treasurer of the boat-club, every man + who had ever shown the least tendency to pulling,—many with whom he had + scarcely a nodding acquaintance. For Miller, the coxswain, had come up at + last. He had taken his B.A. degree in the Michaelmas term, and had been + very near starting for a tour in the East. Upon turning the matter over in + his mind, however, Miller had come to the conclusion that Palestine, and + Egypt, and Greece could not run away, but that, unless he was there to + keep matters going, the St. Ambrose boat would lose the best chance it was + ever likely to have of getting to the head of the river. So he had + patriotically resolved to reside till June, read divinity, and coach the + racing crew; and had written to Diogenes to call together the whole + boating interest of the College, that they might set to work at once in + good earnest. Tom, and the three or four other freshmen present, were duly + presented to Miller as they came in, who looked them over as the colonel + of a crack regiment might look over horses at Horncastle-fair, with a + single eye to their bone and muscle, and how much work might be got out of + them. They then gathered towards the lower end of the long table, and + surveyed the celebrities at the upper end with much respect. Miller, the + coxswain, sat on the host's right hand,—a slight, resolute, fiery little + man, with curly black hair. He was peculiarly qualified by nature for the + task which he had set himself; and it takes no mean qualities to keep a + boat's crew well together and in order. Perhaps he erred a little on the + side of over-strictness and severity; and he certainly would have been + more popular had his manners been a thought more courteous; but the men + who rebelled most against his tyranny grumblingly confessed that he was a + first-rate coxswain. + </p> + <p> + A very different man was the captain of the boat, who sat opposite to + Miller; altogether, a noble specimen of a very noble type of our + countrymen. Tall and strong of body; courageous and even-tempered; + tolerant of all men; sparing of speech, but ready in action; a thoroughly + well balanced, modest, quiet Englishman; one of those who do a good stroke + of the work of the country without getting much credit for it, or even + becoming aware of the fact; for the last thing such men understand is how + to blow their own trumpets. He was perhaps too easy for the captain of St. + Ambrose boat-club; at any rate, Miller was always telling him so. But, if + he was not strict enough with others, he never spared himself, and was as + good as three men in the boat at a pinch. + </p> + <p> + But if I venture on more introductions, my readers will get bewildered; so + I must close the list, much as I should like to make them known to + “fortis Gyas fortisque Cloanthus,” who sat round the chiefs, + laughing and consulting, and speculating on the chances of the coming + races. No, stay, there is one other man they must make room for. Here he + comes, rather late, in a very glossy hat, the only man in the room not in + cap and gown. He walks up and takes his place by the side of the host as a + matter of course; a handsome, pale man, with a dark, quick eye, conscious + that he draws attention wherever he goes, and apparently of the opinion + that it is right. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that who has just come in in beaver?” said Tom, + touching the next man to him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't you know? that's Blake; he's the most wonderful fellow in + Oxford,” answered his neighbor. + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Why, he can do everything better than almost anybody, and without + any trouble at all. Miller was obliged to have him in the boat last year, + though he never trained a bit. Then he's in the eleven, and is a wonderful + rider, and tennis-player, and shot.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and he's so awfully clever with it all,” joined in the + man on the other side. “He'll be a safe first, though I don't + believe he reads more than you or I. He can write songs, too, as fast as + you can talk nearly, and sings them wonderfully.” + </p> + <p>“Is he of our College, then?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, or he couldn't have been in our boat last + year.” + </p> + <p>“But I don't think I ever saw him in chapel or hall”</p> + <p> + “No, I daresay not. He hardly ever goes to either, and yet he + manages never to get hauled up much, no one knows how. He never gets up + now till the afternoon, and sits up nearly all night playing cards with + the fastest fellows, or going round singing glees at three or four in the + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Tom sipped his port and looked with great interest at the admirable + Crichton of St. Ambrose's; and, after watching him a few moments said in a + low voice to his neighbor, + </p> + <p>“How wretched he looks! I never saw a sadder face.”</p> + <p> + Poor Blake! one can't help calling him “poor,” although he + himself would have winced at it more than any name you could have called + him. You might have admired, feared, or wondered at him, and he would have + been pleased; the object of his life was to raise such feelings in his + neighbors; but pity was the last which he would like to excite. + </p> + <p> + He was indeed a wonderfully gifted fellow, full of all sorts of energy and + talent, and power and tenderness; and yet, as his face told only too truly + to anyone who watched him when he was exerting himself in society, one of + the most wretched men in the College. He had a passion for success—for + beating everybody else in whatever he took in hand, and that, too, without + seeming to make any great effort himself. The doing a thing well and + thoroughly gave him no satisfaction unless he could feel that he was doing + it better and more easily than A, B, or C, and they felt and acknowledged + this. He had had full swing of success for two years, and now the Nemesis + was coming. + </p> + <p> + For, although not an extravagant man, many of the pursuits in which he has + eclipsed all rivals were far beyond the means of any but a rich one, and + Blake was not rich. He had a fair allowance, but by the end of his first + year was considerably in debt, and, at the time we are speaking of, the + whole pack of Oxford tradesmen into whose books he had got (having smelt + out the leaness of his expectations), were upon him, besieging him for + payment. This miserable and constant annoyance was wearing his soul out. + This was the reason why his oak was sported, and he was never seen till + the afternoons, and turned night into day. He was too proud to come to an + understanding with his persecutors, even had it been possible; and now, at + his sorest need, his whole scheme of life was failing him; his love of + success was turning into ashes in his mouth; he felt much more disgust + than pleasure at his triumphs over other men, and yet the habit of + striving for successes, notwithstanding its irksomeness, was too strong to + be resisted. + </p> + <p> + Poor Blake! he was living on from hand to mouth, flashing out in his old + brilliancy and power, and forcing himself to take the lead in whatever + company he might be; but utterly lonely and depressed when by + himself—reading feverishly in secret, in a desperate effort to retrieve + all by high honors and a fellowship. As Tom said to his neighbor, there + was no sadder face than his to be seen in Oxford. + </p> + <p> + And yet at this very wine party he was the life of everything, as he sat + up there between Diogenes—whom he kept in a constant sort of mild + epileptic fit, from laughter, and wine going the wrong way (for whenever + Diogenes raised his glass Blake shot him with some joke)—and the Captain + who watched him with the most undisguised admiration. A singular contrast, + the two men! Miller, though Blake was the torment of his life, relaxed + after the first quarter of all hour; and our hero, by the same time, gave + himself credit for being a much greater ass than he was, for having ever + thought Blake's face a sad one. + </p> + <p> + When the room was quite full, and enough wine had been drunk to open the + hearts of the guests, Diogenes rose on a signal from Miller, and opened + the budget. The financial statement was a satisfactory one; the club was + almost free of debt; and, comparing their position with that of other + colleges, Diogenes advised that they might fairly burden themselves a + little more, and then, if they would stand a whip of ten shillings a man, + they might have a new boat, which he believed they all would agree had + become necessary. Miller supported the new boat in a pungent little + speech; and the Captain, when appealed to, nodded and said he thought they + must have one. So the small supplies and the large addition to the club + debt was voted unanimously, and the Captain, Miller, and Blake, who had + many notions as to the flooring, lines, and keel of a racing boat, were + appointed to order and superintend the building. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards, coffee came in and cigars were lighted; a large section + of the party went off to play pool, others to stroll about the streets, + others to whist; a few, let us hope, to their own rooms to read; but these + latter were a sadly small minority even in the quietest of St. Ambrose + parties. + </p> + <p> + Tom, who was fascinated by the heroes at the head of the table, sat + steadily on, sidling up towards them as the intermediate places became + vacant, and at last attained the next chair but one to the Captain, where + for the time he sat in perfect bliss. Blake and Miller were telling + boating stories of the Henley and Thames regattas, the latter of which had + been lately started with great <i>eclat</i>; and from these great yearly + events, and the deeds of prowess done thereat, the talk came gradually + round to the next races. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Captain,” said Miller, suddenly, “have you thought + yet what new men we are to try in the crew this year?” + </p> + <p> + “No, 'pon my honor I haven't,” said the Captain, “I'm + reading, and have no time to spare. Besides, after all, there's lots of + time to think about it. Here we're only half through Lent term, and the + races don't begin till the end of Easter term.” + </p> + <p> + “It won't do,” said Miller, “we must get the crew + together this term.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you and Smith put your heads together and manage it,” + said the Captain. “I will go down any day, and as often as you like, + at two o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “Let's see,” said Miller to Smith, “how many of the old + crew have we left?” + </p> + <p>“Five, counting Blake,” answered Diogenes.</p> + <p> + “Counting me! well, that's cool,” laughed Blake; “you + old tub haunting flute-player, why am I not to be counted?” + </p> + <p>“You never will train, you see,” said Diogenes.</p> + <p> + “Smith is quite right,” said Miller; “there's no + counting on you, Blake. Now, be a good fellow, and promise to be regular + this year.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll promise to do my work in a race, which is more than some of + your best-trained men will do,” said Blake, rather piqued. + </p> + <p> + “Well you know what I think on the subject,” said Miller; + “but who have we got for the other three places?” + </p> + <p> + “There's Drysdale would do,” said Diogenes; “I hear he + was a capital oar at Eton; and so, though I don't know him, I managed to + get him once down last term. He would do famously for No.2, or No.3 if he + would pull.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he will, Blake? You know him, I suppose,” said + Miller. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know him well enough,” said Blake; and, shrugging his + shoulders, added, “I don't think you'll get him to train + much.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we must try,” said Miller. “Now, who else is + there?” + </p> + <p> + Smith went through four or five names, at each of which Miller shook his + head. + </p> + <p>“Any promising freshmen?” said he at last.</p> + <p> + “None better than Brown here,” said Smith. “I think + he'll do well if he will only work, and stand being coached.” + </p> + <p>“Have you ever pulled much?” said Miller.</p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom, “never till this last month—since I've + been up here.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said Miller; “now, Captain, you hear; + we may probably have to go in with three new hands; they must get into + your stroke this term, or we shall be nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said the Captain; “I'll give from two till + five any days you like.” + </p> + <p> + “And now let's go and have one pool,” said Blake, getting up. + “Come, Captain, just one little pool after all this business.” + </p> + <p> + Diogenes insisted on staying to play his flute; Miller was engaged; but + the Captain, with a little coaxing, was led away by Blake, and + good-naturedly asked Tom to accompany them, when he saw that he was + looking as if he would like it. So the three went off to the + billiard-rooms; Tom in such spirits at the chance of being tried in the + crew, that he hardly noticed the exceedingly bad exchange which he had + involuntarily made of his new cap and gown for a third-year cap with the + board broken into several pieces, and a fusty old gown which had been + about college probably for ten generations. Under-graduate morality in the + matter of caps and gowns seems to be founded on the celebrated maxim, + “<i>Propriete c'est le vol</i>.” + </p> + <p> + They found the St. Ambrose pool-room full of the fast set; and Tom enjoyed + his game much, though his three lives were soon disposed of. The Captain + and Blake were the last lives on the board, and divided the pool at + Blake's suggestion. He had scarcely nerve for playing out a single handed + match with such an iron-nerved, steady piece of humanity as the Captain, + though he was the more brilliant player of the two. The party then broke + up, and Tom returned to his rooms; and, when he was by himself again, his + thoughts recurred to Hardy. How odd, he thought, that they never mentioned + him for the boat! Could he have done anything to be ashamed of? How was it + that nobody seemed to know him, and he to know nobody. + </p> + <p> + Most readers, I doubt not, will think our hero very green for being + puzzled at so simple a matter; and, no doubt, the steps in the social + scale in England are very clearly marked out, and we all come to the + appreciation of the gradations sooner or later. But our hero's previous + education must be taken into consideration. He had not been instructed at + home to worship mere conventional distinctions of rank or wealth, and had + gone to a school which was not frequented by persons of rank, and where no + one knew whether a boy was heir to a principality, or would have to fight + his own way in the world. So he was rather taken by surprise at what he + found to be the state of things at St. Ambrose's and didn't easily realize + it. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0006"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER V—HARDY, THE SERVITOR</h2> + <p> + It was not long before Tom had effected his object in part. That is to + say, he had caught Hardy several times in the Quadrangle coming out of + Lecture Hall, or Chapel, and had fastened himself upon him; often walking + with him even up to the door of his rooms. But there matters ended. Hardy + was very civil and gentlemanly; he even seemed pleased with the + volunteered companionship; but there was undoubtedly a coolness about him + which Tom could not make out. But, as he only liked Hardy more, the more + he saw of him, he very soon made up his mind to break ground himself, and + to make a dash at any rate for something more than a mere speaking + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + One evening he had as usual walked from Hall with Hardy up to his door. + They stopped a moment talking, and then Hardy, half-opening the door, + said, “Well, goodnight; perhaps we shall meet on the river + to-morrow,” and was going in, when Tom, looking him in the face, + blurted out, “I say, Hardy, I wish you'd let me come in and sit with + you a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “I never ask a man of our college into my rooms,” answered the + other, “but come in by all means if you like;” and so they + entered. + </p> + <p> + The room was the worst, both in situation and furniture, which Tom had yet + seen. It was on the ground floor, with only one window, which looked out + into a back yard, where were the offices of the college. All day, and up + to nine o'clock at night, the yard and offices were filled with scouts; + boys cleaning boots and knives; bed-makers emptying slops and tattling + scandal; scullions peeling potatoes and listening; and the butchers' and + green-grocers' men who supply the college, and loitering about to gossip + and get a taste of the college ale before going about their business. The + room was large, but low and close, and the floor uneven. The furniture did + not add to the cheerfulness of the apartment. It consisted of one large + table in the middle, covered with an old chequered table-cloth, and an + Oxford table near the window, on which lay half-a-dozen books with writing + materials. A couple of plain Windsor chairs occupied the two sides of the + fireplace, and half-a-dozen common wooden chairs stood against the + opposite wall, three on each side of a pretty-well-filled book-case; while + an old rickety sofa, covered with soiled chintz, leaned against the wall + which fronted the window, as if to rest its lame leg. The carpet and rug + were dingy, and decidedly the worse for wear; and the college had + evidently neglected to paper the room or whitewash the ceiling for several + generations. On the mantle-piece reposed a few long clay pipes, and a + brown earthenware receptacle for tobacco, together with a japanned tin + case, shaped like a figure of eight, the use of which puzzled Tom + exceedingly. One modestly framed drawing of a 10-gun brig hung above, and + at the side of the fireplace a sword and belt. All this Tom had time to + remark by the light of the fire, which was burning brightly, while his + host produced a couple of brass candlesticks from his cupboard and lighted + up, and drew the curtain before his window. Then Tom instinctively left + off taking his notes, for fear of hurting the other's feelings (just as he + would have gone on doing, and making remarks on everything, had the rooms + been models of taste and comfort), and throwing his cap and gown on the + sofa, sat down on one of the Windsor chairs. + </p> + <p> + “What a jolly chair,” said he; “where do you get them? I + should like to buy one.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they're comfortable enough,” said Hardy, “but the + reason I have them is, that they're the cheapest armchair one can get. I + like an arm-chair, and can't afford to have any other than these.” + </p> + <p> + Tom dropped the subject of the chairs at once, following his instinct + again, which, sad to say, was already teaching him that poverty is a + disgrace to a Briton, and that, until you know a man thoroughly, you must + always seem to assume that he is the owner of unlimited ready money. + Somehow or another, he began to feel embarrassed, and couldn't think of + anything to say, as his host took down the pipes and tobacco from the + mantle-piece, and placed them on the table. However, anything was better + than silence, so he began again. + </p> + <p> + “Very good-sized rooms yours seem,” said he, taking up a pipe + mechanically. + </p> + <p> + “Big enough, for the matter of that,” answered the other, + “but very dark and noisy in the day-time.” + </p> + <p> + “So I should think,” said Tom; “do you know, I'd sooner, + now, have my freshman's rooms up in the garrets. I wonder you don't + change.” + </p> + <p> + “I get these for nothing,” said his host, putting his long + clay to the candle, and puffing out volumes of smoke. Tom felt more and + more unequal to the situation, and filled his pipe in silence. The first + whiff made him cough as he wasn't used to the fragrant weed in this shape. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you don't smoke tobacco,” said his host from + behind his own cloud; “shall I go out and fetch you a cigar? I don't + smoke them myself; I can't afford it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Tom blushing for shame as if he had come + there only to insult his host, and wishing himself heartily out of it, + “I've got my case here; and the fact is I will smoke a cigar if + you'll allow me, for I'm not up to pipes yet. I wish you'd take + some,” he went on, emptying his cigars on to the table. + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee,” replied his host, “I prefer a pipe. And now + what will you have to drink? I don't keep wine but I can get a bottle of + anything you like from the common room. That's one of + <i>our</i> privileges,”—he gave a grim chuckle as he emphasised the + word “our”. + </p> + <p> + “Who on earth are <i>we</i>?” thought Tom “servitors I + suppose,” for he knew already that undergraduates in general could + not get wine from the college cellars. + </p> + <p> + “I don't care a straw about wine,” said he, feeling very hot + about the ears; “a glass of beer, or anything you have here—or + tea.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can give you a pretty good glass of whiskey,” said + his host, going to the cupboard, and producing a black bottle, two + tumblers of different sizes, some little wooden toddy ladles, and sugar in + an old cracked glass. + </p> + <p> + Tom vowed that, if there was one thing in the world he liked more than + another, it was whiskey; and began measuring out the liquor carefully into + his tumbler, and rolling it round between his eyes and the candle and + smelling it, to show what a treat it was to him; while his host put the + kettle on the fire, to ascertain that it had quit boiling, and then, as it + spluttered and fizzed, filled up the two tumblers, and restored it to its + place on the hob. + </p> + <p> + Tom swallowed some of the mixture, which nearly made him cough again—for, + though it was very good, it was also very potent. However, by an effort he + managed to swallow his cough; he would about as soon have lost a little + finger as let it out. Then, to his great relief, his host took the pipe + from his lips, and inquired, “How do you like Oxford?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know yet,” said Tom; “the first few days I was + delighted with going about and seeing the buildings, and finding out who + had lived in each of the old colleges, and pottering about in the + Bodleian, and fancying I should like to be a great scholar. Then I met + several old school fellows going about, who are up at other colleges, and + went to their rooms and talked over old times. But none of my very + intimate friends are up yet, and unless you care very much about a man + already, you don't seem likely to get intimate with him up here, unless he + is at your own college.” + </p> + <p>He paused, as if expecting an answer.</p> + <p> + “I daresay not,” said Hardy, “but I never was at a + public school, unluckily, and so am no judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, as to the college life,” went on Tom, “it's + all very well as far as it goes. There's plenty of liberty and good food. + And the men seem nice fellows—many of them, at least, so far as I can + judge. But I can't say that I like it as much as I liked our school + life.” + </p> + <p>“I don't understand,” said Hardy. “Why not?”</p> + <p> + “Oh! I hardly know,” said Tom laughing; “I don't seem as + if I had anything to do here; that's one reason, I think. And then, you + see, at Rugby I was rather a great man. There one had a share in the + ruling of 300 boys, and a good deal of responsibility; but here one has + only just to take care of oneself, and keep out of scrapes; and that's + what I never could do. What do you think a fellow ought to do, now, up + here?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh I don't see much difficulty in that,” said his host, + smiling; “get up your lectures well, to begin with.” + </p> + <p> + “But my lectures are a farce,” said Tom; “I've done all + the books over and over again. They don't take me an hour a day to get + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, set to work reading something regularly—reading for + your degree, for instance.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hang it! I can't look so far forward as that; I shan't be going + up for three years.” + </p> + <p> + “You can't begin too early. You might go and talk to your + college-tutor about it.” + </p> + <p> + “So I did,” said Tom; “at least I meant to do it. For he + asked me and two other freshmen to breakfast the other morning, and I was + going to open out to him; but when I got there I was quite shut up. He + never looked one of us in the face, and talked in set sentences, and was + cold, and formal, and condescending. The only bit of advice he gave us was + to have nothing to do with boating—just the one thing which I feel a real + interest in. I couldn't get out a word of what I wanted to say.” + </p> + <p> + “It is unlucky, certainly, that our present tutors take so little + interest in anything which the men care about. But it is more from shyness + than anything else, that manner which you noticed. You may be sure that he + was more wretched and embarrassed than any of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but now I should really like to know what you did + yourself,” said Tom; “you are the only man of much older + standing than myself whom I know at all yet—I mean I don't know anybody + else well enough to talk about this sort of thing to them. What did you + do, now, besides learning to pull, in your first year?” + </p> + <p>“I had learnt to pull before I came up here,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “I really hardly remember what I did besides read. You see, I came + up with a definite purpose of reading. My father was very anxious that I + should become a good scholar. Then my position in the college and my + poverty naturally kept me out of the many things which other men + do.” + </p> + <p> + Tom flushed again at the ugly word, but not so much as at first. Hardy + couldn't mind the subject, or he would never be forcing it up at every + turn, he thought. + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't think it,” he began again, harping on the same + string, “but I can hardly tell you how I miss the sort of + responsibility I was talking to you about. I have no doubt I shall get the + vacuum filled up before long, but for the life of me I can't see how + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be a very lucky fellow if you don't find it quite as much + as you can do to keep yourself in order up here. It is about the toughest + part of a man's life, I do believe, the time he has spent here. My + university life has been so different altogether from what yours will be, + that my experience isn't likely to benefit you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would try me, though,” said Tom; “you don't + know what a teachable sort of a fellow I am, if any body will take me the + right way. You taught me to scull, you know; or at least put me in a way + to learn. But sculling, and rowing, and cricket, and all the rest of it, + with such reading as I am likely to do, won't be enough. I feel sure of + that already. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it will,” said Hardy. “No amount of + physical or mental work will fill the vacuum you were talking of just now. + It is the empty house swept and garnished which the boy might have had + glimpses of, but the man finds yawning within him, which must be filled + somehow. It's a pretty good three years' work to learn how to keep the + devils out of it, more or less; by the time you take your degree. At least + I have found it so.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy rose and took a turn or two up and down his room. He was astonished + at finding himself talking so unreservedly to one of whom he knew so + little, and half-wished the words recalled. He lived much alone, and + thought himself morbid and too self-conscious; why should he be filling a + youngster's head with puzzles? How did he know that they were thinking of + the same thing? + </p> + <p> + But the spoken word cannot be recalled; it must go on its way for good or + evil; and this one set the hearer staring into the ashes, and putting many + things together in his head. + </p> + <p> + It was some minutes before he broke silence, but at last he gathered up + his thoughts, and said, “Well, I hope I sha'n't shirk when the time + comes. You don't think a fellow need shut himself up, though? I'm sure I + shouldn't be any the better for that.” + </p> + <p>“No, I don't think you would,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “Because, you see,” Tom went on, waxing bolder and more + confidential, “If I were to take to moping by myself, I shouldn't + read as you or any sensible fellow would do; I know that well enough. I + should just begin, sitting with my legs upon the mantel-piece, and looking + into my own inside. I see you are laughing, but you know what mean, don't + you now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; staring into the vacuum you were talking of just now; it all + comes back to that,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps it does,” said Tom; “and I don't believe + it does a fellow a bit of good to be thinking about himself and his own + doings.” + </p> + <p> + “Only he can't help himself,” said Hardy. “Let him throw + himself as he will into all that is going on up here, after all he must be + alone for a great part of his time—all night at any rate—and when he gets + his oak sported, it's all up with him. He must be looking more or less + into his own inside, as you call it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I hope he won't find it as ugly a business as I do. If he + does, I'm sure he can't be worse employed.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that,” said Hardy; “he can't learn + anything worth learning in any other way.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I like that!” said Tom; “it's worth learning how to + play tennis, and how to speak the truth. You can't learn either by + thinking of yourself ever so much.” + </p> + <p> + “You must know the truth before you can speak it,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p>“So you always do in plenty of time.”</p> + <p>“How?” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't know,” said Tom; “by a sort of instinct I + suppose. I never in my life felt any doubt about what I <i>ought</i> to + say or do; did you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yours is a good, comfortable, working belief at any + rate,” said Hardy, smiling; “and I should advise you to hold + on to it as long as you can.” + </p> + <p>“But you don't think I can very long, eh?”</p> + <p> + “No: but men are very different. There's no saying. If you were + going to get out of the self-dissecting business altogether though, why + should you have brought the subject up at all to-night? It looks awkward + for you, doesn't it?” + </p> + <p> + Tom began to feel rather forlorn at this suggestion, and probably betrayed + it in his face, for Hardy changed the subject suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “How do you get on in the boat? I saw you going down to-day, and + thought the time much better.” + </p> + <p> + Tom felt greatly relieved, as he was beginning to find himself in rather + deep water; so he rushed into boating with great zest, and the two chatted + on very pleasantly on that and other matters. + </p> + <p> + The college clock struck during a pause in their talk, and Tom looked at + his watch. + </p> + <p> + “Eight o'clock I declare,” he said; “why I must have + been here more than two hours. I'm afraid, now, you have been wanting to + work, and I have kept you from it with my talk.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it's Saturday night. Besides, I don't get much society that I + care about, and so I enjoy it all the more. Won't you stop and have some + tea?” + </p> + <p> + Tom gladly consented, and his host produced a somewhat dilapidated set of + crockery, and proceeded to brew the drink least appreciated at St. + Ambrose's. Tom watched him in silence, much excercised in his mind as to + what manner of man he had fallen upon; very much astonished at himself for + having opened out so freely, and feeling a desire to know more about + Hardy, not unmixed with a sort of nervousness as to how he was to + accomplish it. + </p> + <p> + When Hardy sat down again and began pouring out the tea, curiosity + overcame, and he opened with— + </p> + <p>“So you read nights, after Hall?</p> + <p> + “Yes, for two or three hours; longer, when I am in a good + humor.” + </p> + <p>“What, all by yourself?”</p> + <p> + “Generally; but once or twice a week Grey comes in to compare notes. + Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, at least he hasn't called on me, I have just spoken to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a quiet fellow, and I daresay doesn't call on any man unless + he knew something of him before.” + </p> + <p>“Don't you?”</p> + <p> + “Never,” said Hardy, shortly; and added after a short pause, + “very few men would thank me if I did; most would think it + impertinent, and I'm too proud to risk that.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was on the point of asking why; but the uncomfortable feeling which he + had nearly lost came back on him. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose one very soon gets tired of the wine and supper party + life, though I own I find it pleasant enough now.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never been tired,” said Hardy; “servitors are + not troubled with that sort of a thing. If they were I wouldn't go unless + I could return them, and that I can't afford.” + </p> + <p> + “There he goes again,” thought Tom; “why will he be + throwing that old story in my face over and over again? He can't think I + care about his poverty; I won't change the subject this time, at any + rate.” And so he said: + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say it makes any real difference to a man in + society up here, whether he is poor or rich; I mean, of course, if he is a + gentleman and a good fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it does—the very greatest possible. But don't take my word for + it. Keep your eyes open and judge for yourself; I daresay I'm prejudiced + on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I shan't believe it if I can help it,” said Tom; + “you know, you said just now that you never called on any one. + Perhaps you don't give men a fair chance. They might be glad to know you + if you would let them, and may think it's your fault that they + don't.” + </p> + <p> + “Very possible,” said Hardy; “I tell you not to take my + word for it.” + </p> + <p> + “It upsets all one's ideas so,” went on Tom; “why Oxford + ought to be the place in England where money should count for nothing. + Surely, now, such a man as Jervis, our captain, has more influence than + all the rich men in the college put together, and is more looked up + to?” + </p> + <p> + “He's one of a thousand,” said Hardy; “handsome, strong, + good-tempered, clever, and up to everything. Besides, he isn't a poor man; + and mind, I don't say that if he were he wouldn't be where he is. I am + speaking of the rule, and not of the exceptions.” + </p> + <p> + Here Hardy's scout came in to say that the Dean wanted to speak to him. So + he put on his cap and gown, and Tom rose also. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm sorry to turn you out,” said Hardy; “and I'm + afraid I've been very surly and made you very uncomfortable. You won't + come back again in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I will though, if you will let me,” said Tom; “I + have enjoyed my evening immensely.” + </p> + <p>“Then come whenever you like,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “But I am afraid of interfering with your reading,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you needn't mind that, I have plenty of time on my hands; + besides, one can't read all night, and from eight till ten you'll find me + generally idle.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you'll see me often enough. But promise, now, to turn me out + whenever I am in the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Hardy, laughing; and so they parted for the + time. + </p> + <p> + Some twenty minutes afterwards Hardy returned to his room after his + interview with the Dean, who merely wanted to speak to him about some + matter of college business. + </p> + <p> + He flung his cap and gown on the sofa, and began to walk up and down his + room, at first hurriedly, but soon with his usual regular tramp. However + expressive a man's face may be, and however well you may know it, it is + simply nonsense to say that you can tell what he is thinking about by + looking at it, as many of us are apt to boast. Still more absurd would it + be to expect readers to know what Hardy is thinking about, when they have + never had the advantage of seeing his face even in a photograph. + Wherefore, it would seem that the author is bound on such occasions to put + his readers on equal vantage ground with himself, and not only tell what a + man does, but, so far as may be, what he is thinking about also. + </p> + <p> + His first thought, then, was one of pleasure at having been sought by one + who seemed to be just the sort of friend he would like to have. He + contrasted our hero with the few men with whom he had generally lived, and + for some of whom he had a high esteem—whose only idea of exercise was a + two hour constitutional walk in the afternoons, and whose life was chiefly + spent over books and behind sported oaks—and felt that this was more of a + man after his own heart. Then came doubts whether his new friend would + draw back when he had been up a little longer, and knew more of the place. + At any rate he had said and done nothing to tempt him; “if he pushes + the acquaintance—and I think he will—it will be because he likes me for + myself. And I can do him good too, I feel sure,” he went on, as he + ran over rapidly his own life for the last three years. “Perhaps he + won't flounder into all the sloughs which I have had to drag through; he + will get too much of the healthy, active life up here for that, which I + have never had; but some of them he must get into. All the companionship + of boating and cricketing, and wine-parties, and supper parties, and all + the reading in the world won't keep him from many a long hour of + mawkishness, and discontent, and emptiness of heart; he feels that already + himself. Am I sure of that, though? I may be only reading myself into him. + At any rate, why should I have helped to trouble him before the time? Was + that a friend's part? Well, he <i>must</i> face it, and the sooner the + better perhaps. At any rate it is done. But what a blessed thing if one + can only help a youngster like this to fight his own way through the cold + clammy atmosphere which is always hanging over him, ready to settle down + on him—can help to keep some living faith in him, that the world, Oxford + and all, isn't a respectable piece of machinery set going some centuries + back! Ah! It's an awful business, that temptation to believe, or think you + believe, in a dead God. It has nearly broken my back a score of times. + What are all the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil to + this? It includes them all. Well, I believe I can help him, and, please + God, I will, if he will only let me; and the very sight of him does me + good; so I won't believe we went down the lasher together for + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + And so at last Hardy finished his walk, took down a volume of Don Quixote + from his shelves, and sat down for an hour's enjoyment before turning in. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0007"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER VI—HOW DRYSDALE AND BLAKE WENT FISHING</h2> + <h3>“Drysdale, what's a servitor?”</h3> + <p>“How the deuce should I know?”</p> + <p> + This short and pithy dialogue took place in Drysdale's rooms one evening + soon after the conversation recorded in the last chapter. He and Tom were + sitting alone there, for a wonder, and so the latter seized the occasion + to propound this question, which he had had on his mind for some time. He + was scarcely satisfied with the above rejoinder, but while he was thinking + how to come at the subject by another road, Drysdale opened a morocco + fly-book, and poured its contents on the table, which was already covered + with flies of all sorts and patterns, hanks of gut, delicate made-up + casts, reels, minnows, and tackle enough to kill all the fish in the four + neighboring counties. Tom began turning them over and scrutinizing the + dressings of the flies. + </p> + <p> + “It has been so mild, the fish must be in season don't you think? + Besides, if they're not, it's a jolly drive to Fairford at any rate. + You've never been behind my team Brown. You'd better come, now, + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p>“I can't cut my two lectures.”</p> + <p>“Bother your lectures! Put on an aeger, then.”</p> + <p>“No! that doesn't suit my book, you know.”</p> + <p> + “I can't see why you should be so cursedly particular. Well, if you + won't, you won't; I know that well enough. But what cast shall you fish + with to-morrow?” + </p> + <p>“How many flies do you use?”</p> + <p>“Sometimes two, sometimes three.”</p> + <p> + “Two's enough, I think; all depends on the weather; but, if it's at + all like today, you can't do better, I should think, than the old March + brown and a palmer to begin with. Then, for change, this hare's ear, and + an alder fly, perhaps; or,—let me see,” and he began searching the + glittering heap to select a color to go with the dull hare's ear. + </p> + <p>“Isn't it early for the alder?” said Drysdale.</p> + <p>“Rather, perhaps; but they can't resist it.”</p> + <p> + “These bang-tailed little sinners any good?” said Drysdale, + throwing some cock-a-bondies across the table. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I never like to be without them, and a governor or two. Here, + this is a well-tied lot,” said Tom, picking out half a-dozen. + “You never know when you may not kill with either of them. But I + don't know the Fairford water; so my opinion isn't worth much.” + </p> + <p>Tom soon returned to the old topic.</p> + <p>“But now, Drysdale, you must know what a servitor is.”</p> + <p>“Why should I? Do you mean one of our college servitors?”</p> + <p>“Yes?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, something in the upper-servant line. I should put him above the + porter, and below the cook, and butler. He does the don's dirty work, and + gets their broken victuals, and I believe he pays no college fees.” + </p> + <p> + Tom rather drew into himself at this insolent and offhand definition. He + was astonished and hurt at the tone of his friend. However, presently, he + resolved to go through with it, and began again. + </p> + <p>“But servitors are gentlemen, I suppose?”</p> + <p> + “A good deal of the cock-tail about them, I should think. But I have + not the honor of any acquaintance amongst them.” + </p> + <p>“At any rate, they are undergraduates, are not they?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p>“And may take degrees, just like you or me?”</p> + <p> + “They may have all the degrees to themselves, for anything I care. I + wish they would let one pay a servitor for passing little-go for one. It + would be deuced comfortable. I wonder it don't strike the dons, now; they + might get clever beggars for servitors, and farm them, and so make loads + of tin.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Drysdale, seriously, why should you talk like that? If they + can take all the degrees we can, and are, in fact, just what we are, + undergraduates, I can't see why they're not as likely to be gentlemen as + we. It can surely make no difference, their being poor men?” + </p> + <p> + “It must make them devilish uncomfortable,” said the + incorrigible payer of double fees, getting up to light his cigar. + </p> + <p> + “The name ought to carry respect here, at any rate. The Black Prince + was an Oxford man, and he thought the noblest motto he could take was, + 'Ich dien,' I serve.” + </p> + <p>“If he were here now, he would change it for 'Je paye.'”</p> + <p> + “I often wish you would tell me what you really and truly think, + Drysdale.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow I am telling you what I do really think. Whatever + the Black Prince might be pleased to observe if he were here, I stick to + my motto. I tell you the thing to be able to do here at Oxford is—to + pay.” + </p> + <p>“I don't believe it.”</p> + <p>“I knew you wouldn't.”</p> + <p>“I don't believe you do either.”</p> + <p> + “I do, though. But what makes you so curious about servitors?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I made friends with Hardy, one of our servitors. He is such a + fine fellow!” + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to relate that it cost Tom an effort to say this to Drysdale, + but he despised himself that it was so. + </p> + <p> + “You should have told me so, before you began to pump me,” + said Drysdale. “However, I partly suspected something of the sort. + You've a good bit of a Quixote in you. But really, Brown,” he added, + seeing Tom redden and look angry, “I'm sorry if what I said pained + you. I daresay this friend of yours is a gentleman, and all you + say.” + </p> + <p> + “He is more of a gentleman by a long way than most of the—” + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen commoners, you were going to say. Don't crane at such a + small fence on my account. I will put it in another way for you. He can't + be a greater snob than many of them.” + </p> + <p>“Well, but why do you live with them so much, then?”</p> + <p> + “Why? because they happen to do the things I like doing, and live up + here as I like to live. I like hunting and driving, and drawing badgers, + and playing cards, and good wine and cigars. They hunt and drive, and keep + dogs and good cellars, and will play unlimited loo or Van John as long as + I please.” + </p> + <p> + “But I know you get very sick of all that often, for I've heard you + say as much half-a-dozen times in the little time I've been here.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you don't want to deny me the Briton's privilege of grumbling, + do you?” said Drysdale, as he flung his legs up on the sofa, + crossing one over the other as he lounged on his back—his favorite + attitude; “but suppose I am getting tired of it all—which I am + not—what do you purpose as a substitute?” + </p> + <p> + “Take to boating. I know you could be in the first boat if you + liked; I heard them say so at Smith's wine the other night.” + </p> + <p> + “But what's to prevent my getting just as tired of that? Besides, + it's such a grind. And then there's the bore of changing all one's + habits.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it's such splendid hard work,” said Tom, who was + bent on making a convert of his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Just so; and that's just what I don't want; the 'books and work and + healthful play' line don't suit my complaint. No, as my uncle says, 'a + young fellow must sow his wild oats,' and Oxford seems a place especially + set apart by Providence for that operation.” + </p> + <p> + In all the wild range of accepted British maxims there is none, take it + for all in all, more thoroughly abominable than this one, as to the sowing + of wild oats. Look at it on what side you will, and you can make nothing + but a devil's maxim of it. What a man—be he young, old, or + middle-aged—sows, <i>that</i>, and nothing else shall he reap. The one + only thing to do with wild oats, is to put them carefully into the hottest + part of the fire, and get them burnt to dust, every seed of them. If you + sow them no matter in what ground, up they will come, with long tough + roots like couch grass, and luxuriant stalks and leaves, as sure as there + is a sun in heaven—a crop which it turns one's heart cold to think of. The + devil, too, whose special crop they are, will see that they thrive, and + you, and nobody else, will have to reap them; and no common reaping will + get them out of the soil, which must be dug down deep again and again. + Well for you if with all your care you can make the ground sweet again by + your dying day. “Boys will be boys” is not much better, but + that has a true side to it; but this encouragement to the sowing of wild + oats, is simply devilish, for it means that a young man is to give way to + the temptations and follow the lusts of his age. What are we to do with + the wild oats of manhood and old age—with ambition, over-reaching the + false weights, hardness, suspicion, avarice—if the wild oats of youth are + to be sown, and not burnt? What possible distinction can be drawn between + them? If we may sow the one, why not the other? + </p> + <p> + But to get back to our story. Tom went away from Drysdale's rooms that + night (after they had sorted all the tackle, which was to accompany the + fishing expedition, to their satisfaction) in a disturbed state of mind. + He was very much annoyed at Drysdale's way of talking, because he was + getting to like the man. He was surprised and angry at being driven more + and more to the conclusion that the worship of the golden calf was verily + and indeed rampant in Oxford—side by side, no doubt, with much that was + manly and noble, but tainting more or less the whole life of the place. In + fact, what annoyed him most was, the consciousness that he himself was + becoming an idolater. For he couldn't help admitting that he felt much + more comfortable when standing in the quadrangles or strolling in the High + Street with Drysdale in his velvet cap, and silk gown, and faultless + get-up, than when doing the same things with Hardy in his faded old gown, + shabby loose overcoat, and well-worn trousers. He wouldn't have had Hardy + suspect the fact for all he was worth, and hoped to get over the feeling + soon; but there it was unmistakably. He wondered whether Hardy had ever + felt anything of the kind himself. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, these thoughts did not hinder him from sleeping soundly, or + from getting up an hour earlier than usual to go and see Drysdale start on + his expedition. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, he was in Drysdale's rooms next morning betimes, and assisted + at the early breakfast which was going on there. Blake was the only other + man present. He was going with Drysdale, and entrusted Tom with a message + to Miller and the Captain, that he could not pull in the boat that day, + but would pay a waterman to take his place. As soon as the gate opened, + the three, accompanied by the faithful Jack, and followed by Drysdale's + scout, bearing overcoats, a splendid water-proof apron lined with fur, and + the rods and reels, sallied out of the college, and sought the livery + stables, patronized by the men of St. Ambrose's. Here they found a dog + cart all ready in the yard, with a strong Roman-nosed, vicious-looking, + rat-tailed horse in the shafts, called Satan by Drysdale; the leader had + been sent on to the first turnpike. The things were packed, and Jack, the + bull-dog, hoisted into the interior in a few minutes; Drysdale produced a + long straight horn, which he called his yard of tin (probably because it + was made of brass), and after refreshing himself with a blast or two, + handed it over to Blake, and then mounted the dog cart, and took the + reins. Blake seated himself by his side; the help who was to accompany + them got up behind, and Jack looked wisely out from his inside place over + the back-board. + </p> + <p> + “Are we all right?” said Drysdale, catching his long tandem + whip into a knowing double thong. + </p> + <p>“All right, sir,” said the head ostler, touching his cap.</p> + <p> + “You'd better have come, my boy,” said Drysdale to Tom, as + they trotted off out of the yard; and Tom couldn't help envying them as he + followed, and watched the dog cart lessening rapidly down the empty + street, and heard the notes of the yard of tin, which Blake managed to + make really musical, borne back on the soft western breeze. It was such a + pleasant morning for fishing. + </p> + <p> + However, it was too late to repent, had he wished it; and so he got back + to chapel, and destroyed the whole effect of the morning service on + Miller's mind, by delivering Blake's message to that choleric coxswain as + soon as chapel was over. Miller vowed for the twentieth time that Blake + should be turned out of the boat, and went off to the Captain's rooms to + torment him, and consult what was to be done. + </p> + <p> + The weather continued magnificent—a soft, dull grey March day, and a + steady wind; and the thought of the lucky fishermen, and visions of creels + filled with huge three-pounders, haunted Tom at lecture, and throughout + the day. + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock he was down at the river. The college eight was to go down + for the first time in the season to the reached below Nuneham, for a good + training pull, and he had notice, to his great joy, that he was to be + tried in the boat. But, great, no doubt, as was the glory, the price was a + heavy one. This was the first time he had been subjected to the tender + mercies of Miller, the coxswain, or had pulled behind the Captain; and it + did not take long to convince him that it was a very different style of + thing from anything he had as yet been accustomed to in the freshman's + crew. The long steady sweep of the so-called paddle tried him almost as + much as the breathless strain of the spurt. + </p> + <p> + Miller, too, was in one of his most relentless moods. He was angry at + Blake's desertion, and seemed to think that Tom had something to do with + it, though he simply delivered the message which had been entrusted to + him; and so, though he distributed rebuke and objurgation to every man in + the boat except the Captain, he seemed to our hero to take particular + delight in working him. There he stood in the stern, the fiery little + coxswain, leaning forward with a tiller-rope in each hand, and bending to + every stroke, shouting his warnings, and rebukes, and monitions to Tom, + till he drove him to his wits' end. By the time the boat came back to + Hall's, his arms were so numb that he could hardly tell whether his oar + was in or out of his hand; his legs were stiff and aching, and every + muscle in his body felt as if it had been pulled out an inch or two. As he + walked up to College, he felt as if his shoulders and legs had nothing to + do with one another; in short, he had had a very hard day's work, and, + after going fast asleep at a wine-party, and trying in vain to rouse + himself by a stroll in the streets, fairly gave in about ten o'clock and + went to bed without remembering to sport his oak. + </p> + <p> + For some hours he slept the sleep of the dead, but at last began to be + conscious of voices, and the clicking of glasses, and laughter, and scraps + of songs; and after turning himself once or twice in bed, to ascertain + whether he was awake or no, rubbed his eyes, sat up, and became aware that + something very entertaining to the parties concerned was going on in his + sitting-room. After listening for a minute, he jumped up, threw on his + shooting-coat, and appeared at the door of his own sitting-room, where he + paused a moment to contemplate the scene which met his astonished vision. + His fire recently replenished, was burning brightly in the grate, and his + candles on the table on which stood his whisky bottle, and tumblers, and + hot water. On his sofa, which had been wheeled round before the fire, + reclined Drysdale, on his back, in his pet attitude, one leg crossed over + the other, with a paper in his hand, from which he was singing, and in the + arm-chair sat Blake, while Jack was coiled on the rug, turning himself + every now and then in a sort of uneasy protest against his master's + untimely hilarity. At first, Tom felt inclined to be angry, but the jolly + shout of laughter with which Drysdale received him, as he stepped out into + the light in night-shirt, shooting-coat, and dishevelled hair, appeased + him at once. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Brown, you don't mean to say you have been in bed this last + half-hour? We looked into the bed-room, and thought it was empty. Sit + down, old fellow, and make yourself at home. Have a glass of grog; it's + first-rate whisky.” + </p> + <p> + “Well you're a couple of cool hands, I must say,” said Tom. + “How did you get in?” + </p> + <p> + “Through the door, like honest men,” said Drysdale. + “You're the only good fellow in college to-night. When we got back + our fires were out, and we've been all round the college, and found all + the oaks sported but yours. Never sport your oak, old boy; it's a bad + habit. You don't know what time in the morning you may entertain angels + unawares.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a rum pair of angels, anyhow,” said Tom, taking his + seat on the sofa. “But what o'clock is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, about half-past one,” said Drysdale. “We've had a + series of catastrophes. Never got into college till near one. I thought we + should never have waked that besotted little porter. However, here we are + at last, you see, all right.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems,” said Tom; “but how about the + fishing?” + </p> + <p> + “Fishing! We've never thrown a fly all day,” said Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “He is so cursedly conceited about his knowledge of the + country,” struck in Blake. “What with that, and his awful + twist, and his incurable habit of gossiping, and his blackguard dog, and + his team of a devil and a young female—” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your scandalous tongue,” shouted Drysdale. “To + hear <i>you</i> + talking of my twist, indeed; you ate four chops and a whole chicken + to-day, at dinner, to your own cheek, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “That's quite another thing,” said Blake. “I like to see + a fellow an honest grubber at breakfast and dinner; but you've always got + your nose in the manger. That's how we all got wrong to-day, Brown. You + saw what a breakfast he ate before starting; well, nothing would satisfy + him but another at Whitney. There we fell in with a bird in mahogany tops, + and, as usual, Drysdale began chumming with him. He knew all about the + fishing of the next three counties. I daresay he did. My private belief + is, that he is one of the Hungerford town council, who let the fishing + there; at any rate, he swore it was no use our going to Fairford; the only + place where fish would be in season was Hungerford. Of course Drysdale + swallowed it all, and nothing would serve him but that we should turn off + for Hungerford at once. Now, I did go once to Hungerford races, and I + ventured to suggest that we should never get near the place. Not a bit of + use; he knew every foot of the country. It was then about nine; he would + guarantee that we should be there by twelve, at latest.” + </p> + <p> + “So we should have been, but for accidents,” struck in + Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Well, at any rate, what we did was to drive into Farringdon, + instead of Hungerford, both horses dead done up, at twelve o'clock, after + missing our way about twenty times.” + </p> + <p>“Because you would put in your oar,” said Drysdale.</p> + <p> + “Then grub again,” went on Blake, “and an hour to bait + the horses. I knew we were as likely to get to Jericho as to Hungerford. + However, he would start; but, luckily, about two miles from Farringdon, + old Satan bowled quietly into a bank, broke a shaft, and deposited us then + and there. He wasn't such a fool as to be going to Hungerford at that time + of day; the first time in his wicked old life that I ever remember seeing + him do anything that pleased me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, now,” said Drysdale, “do you mean to say you ever + sat behind a better wheeler, when he's in a decent temper?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't say,” said Blake; “never sat behind him in a good + temper, that I can remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll trot him five miles out and home in a dog-cart, on any road + out of Oxford, against any horse you can bring, for a fiver.” + </p> + <p>“Done!” said Blake.</p> + <p> + “But were you upset?” said Tom. “How did you get into + the bank?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you see,” said Drysdale, “Jessy,—that's the little + blood-mare, my leader,—is very young, and as shy and skittish as the rest + of her sex. We turned a corner sharp, and came right upon a gipsy + encampment. Up she went into the air in a moment, and then turned right + around and came head on at the cart. I gave her the double thong across + her face to send her back again, and Satan, seizing the opportunity, + rushed against the bank, dragging her with him, and snapping the + shaft.” + </p> + <p> + “And so ended our day's fishing,” said Blake. “And next + moment out jumps that brute Jack, and pitches into the gipsy's dog, who + had come up very naturally to have a look at what was going on. Down jumps + Drysdale to see that his beast gets fair play, leaving me and the help to + look after the wreck, and keep his precious wheeler from kicking the cart + into little pieces.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, now,” said Drysdale, “you must own we fell on our + legs after all. Hadn't we a jolly afternoon? I'm thinking of turning + tramp, Brown. We spent three or four hours in that camp, and Blake got + spooney on a gipsy girl, and has written I don't know how many songs on + them. Didn't you hear us singing them just now?” + </p> + <p>“But how did you get the cart mended?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Oh, the tinker patched up the shaft for us,—a cunning old beggar, + the <i>pere de famille</i> of the encampment; up to every move on the + board. He wanted to have a deal with me for Jessy. But 'pon my honor, we + had a good time of it. There was the old tinker, mending the shaft, in his + fur cap, with a black pipe, one inch long, sticking out of his mouth; and + the old brown parchment of a mother, with her head in a red handkerchief, + smoking a ditto pipe to the tinker's, who told our fortunes, and talked + like a printed book. Then there was his wife, and the slip of a girl who + bowled over Blake there, and half a dozen ragged brats; and a fellow on a + tramp, not a gipsy—some runaway apprentice, I take it, but a jolly + dog—with no luggage but an old fiddle on which he scraped away uncommonly + well, and set Blake making rhymes as we sat in the tent. You never heard + any of his songs. Here's one for each of us; we're going to get up the + characters and sing them about the country;—now for a rehearsal; I'll be + the tinker.” + </p> + <p>“No, you must take the servant girl,” said Blake.</p> + <p> + “Well, we'll toss up for characters when the time comes. You begin + then; here's a song,” and he handed one of the papers to Blake, who + began singing— + </p> + <pre> + “Squat on a green plot, + We scorn a bench or settle, oh. + Plying or trying, + A spice of every trade; + Razors we grind, + Ring a pig, or mend a kettle, oh; + Come, what d'ye lack? + Speak it out, my pretty maid. + + “I'll set your scissors, while + My granny tells you plainly! + Who stole your barley meal, + Your butter or your heart; + Tell if your husband will + Be handsome or ungainly, + Ride in a coach and four, or + Rough it in a cart.” + </pre + > + <p> + “Enter Silly Sally; that's I, for the present you see,” said + Drysdale; and he began— + </p> + <pre> + “Oh, dear! what can the matter be? + Dear, dear! what can the matter be? + Oh, dear! what can the matter be? + All in a pucker be I; + + I'm growing uneasy about Billy Martin, + For love is a casualty desper't unsartin. + Law! yonder's the gipsy as tells folk's fortin; + I'm half in the mind for to try.” + </pre + > + <p> + “Then you must be the old gipsy woman, Mother Patrico; here's your + part Brown.” + </p> + <p>“But what's the tune?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Oh, you can't miss it; go ahead;” and so Tom, who was + dropping into the humour of the thing, droned out from the MS. handed to + him— + </p> + <pre> + “Chairs to mend, + Old chairs to mend, + Rush bottom'd cane bottom'd, + Chairs to mend. + + Maid, approach, + If thou wouldst know + What the stars + May deign to show.” + </pre + > + <p> + “Now, tinker,” said Drysdale, nodding at Blake, who rattled + on,— + </p> + <pre> + “Chance feeds us, chance leads us; + Round the land in jollity; + Rag-dealing, nag-stealing, + Everywhere we roam; + Brass mending, ass vending, + Happier than the quality; + Swipes soaking, pipes smoking, + Ev'ry barn a home; + Tink, tink, a tink a tink, + Our life is full of fun, boys; + Clink tink, a tink a tink, + Our busy hammers ring; + Clink, tink, a tink a tink, + Our job will soon be done boys; + Then tune we merrily + The bladder and the string.” + </pre + > + <p>DRYSDALE, as <i>Silly Sally</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Oh, dear! what can the matter be? + Dear, dear! what can the matter be? + Oh, dear! what can the matter be? + There's such a look in her eye. + + Oh, lawk! I declare I be all of a tremble; + My mind it misgives me about Sukey Wimble, + A splatter faced wench neither civil nor nimble + She'll bring Billy to beggary.” + </pre + > + <p>TOM, as <i>Mother Patrico</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Show your hand; + Come show your hand! + Would you know + What fate has planned? + Heaven forefend, + Ay, heav'n forefend! + What may these + Cross lines portend?” + </pre + > + <p>BLAKE, as <i>the Tinker</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Owl, pheasant, all's pleasant, + Nothing comes amiss to us; + Hare, rabbit, snare, nab it; + Cock, or hen, or kite; + Tom cat, with strong fat, + A dainty supper is to us; + Hedge-hog and sedge-frog + To stew is our delight; + Bow, wow, with angry bark + My lady's dog assails us; + We sack him up, and clap + A stopper on his din. + Now pop him in the pot; + His store of meat avails us; + Wife cook him nice and hot, + And granny tans his skin.” + </pre + > + <p>DRYSDALE, as <i>Silly Sally</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Oh, lawk! what a calamity! + Oh, my! what a calamity! + Oh, dear! what a calamity! + Lost and forsaken be I. + + I'm out of my senses, and nought will content me, + But pois'ning Poll Ady who helped circumvent me; + Come tell me the means, for no power shall prevent me: + Oh, give me revenge, or die.” + </pre + > + <p>TOM, as <i>Mother Patrico</i></p> + <pre> + “Pause awhile! + Anon, anon! + Give me time + The stars to con. + True love's course + Shall yet run smooth; + True shall prove + The favor'd youth.” + </pre + > + <p>BLAKE, as <i>the Tinker</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Tink tink, a tink a tink, + We'll work and then get tipsy, oh! + Clink tink, on each chink, + Our busy hammers ring. + Tink tink, a tink a tink, + How merry lives a gypsy, oh! + Chanting and ranting; + As happy as a king.” + </pre + > + <p>DRYSDALE, as <i>Silly Sally</i>.</p> + <pre> + “Joy! Joy! all will end happily! + Joy! Joy! all will end happily! + Joy! joy! all will end happily! + Bill will be constant to I. + + Oh, thankee, good dame, here's my purse and my thimble; + A fig for Poll Ady and fat Sukey Wimble; + I now could jump over the steeple so nimble; + With joy I be ready to cry.” + </pre + > + <p>TOM, as <i>Mother Patrico</i>.</p> + <pre> + “William shall + Be rich and great; + And shall prove + A constant mate. + Thank not me, + But thank your fate, + On whose high + Decrees I wait.” + </pre + > + <p> + “Well, won't that do? won't it bring the house down? I'm going to + send for dresses to London, and we'll start next week.” + </p> + <p>“What, on the tramp, singing these songs?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; we'll begin in some out-of-the-way place till we get used to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And end in the lock-up, I should say,” said Tom; “it'll + be a good lark, though. Now, you haven't told me how you got home.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, we left camp at about five—”</p> + <p> + “The tinker having extracted a sovereign from Drysdale,” + interrupted Blake. + </p> + <p> + “What did you give to the little gypsy yourself?” retorted + Drysdale; “I saw your adieus under the thorn-bush.—Well, we got on + all right to old Murdock's, at Kingston Inn, by about seven, and there we + had dinner; and after dinner the old boy came in. He and I are great + chums, for I'm often there, and always ask him in. But that beggar Blake, + who never saw him before, cut me clean out in five minutes. Fancy his + swearing he is Scotch, and that an ancestor of his in the sixteenth + century married a Murdock!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, when you come to think what a lot of ancestors one must have + had at that time, it's probably true,” said Blake. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, it took,” went on Drysdale. “I thought old + Murdock would have wept on his neck. As it was, he scattered snuff enough + to fill a pint pot over him out of his mull, and began talking Gaelic. And + Blake had the cheek to jabber a lot of gibberish back to him, as if he + understood every word.” + </p> + <p> + “Gibberish! it was the purest Gaelic,” said Blake laughing. + </p> + <p> + “I heard a lot of Greek words myself,” said Drysdale; + “but old Murdock was too pleased at hearing his own clapper going, + and too full of whisky, to find him out.” + </p> + <p> + “Let alone that I doubt whether he remembers more than about five + words of his native tongue himself,” said Blake. + </p> + <p> + “The old boy got so excited that he went up stairs for his plaid and + dirk, and dressed himself up in them, apologising that he could not appear + in the full grab of old Gaul, in honor of his new-found relative, as his + daughter had cut up his old kilt for 'trews for the barnies' during his + absence from home. Then they took to more toddy and singing Scotch songs, + till at eleven o'clock they were standing on their chairs, right hands + clasped, each with one foot on the table, glasses in the other hands, the + toddy flying over the room as they swayed about roaring like maniacs, what + was it?—oh, I have it: + </p> + <pre> + 'Wug-an-toorey all agree, + Wug-an-toorey, wug-an-toorey.'” + </pre + > + <p> + “He hasn't told you that he tried to join us, and tumbled over the + back of his chair into the dirty-plate basket.” + </p> + <p> + “A libel! a libel!” shouted Drysdale; “the leg of my + chair broke, and I stepped down gracefully and safely, and when I looked + up and saw what a tottery performance it was, I concluded to give them a + wide berth. It would be no joke to have old Murdock topple over on to you. + I left them 'wug-an-tooreying,' and went out to look after the trap, which + was ordered to be at the door at half-past ten. I found Murdock's ostler + very drunk, but sober compared with that rascally help whom we had been + fools enough to take with us. They had got the trap out and the horses in, + but that old rascal Satan was standing so quiet that I suspected something + wrong. Sure enough, when I came to look, they had him up to the cheek on + one side of his mouth, and third bar on the other, his belly-band buckled + across his back, and no kicking strap. The old brute was chuckling to + himself what he would do with us as soon as we had started in that trim. + It took half an hour getting all right, as I was the only one able to do + anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you would have said so,” said Blake, “if you had + seen him trying to put Jack up behind. He made six shots with the old dog, + and dropped him about on his head and the broad of his back as if he had + been a bundle of ells.” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, that that rascally ostler had made poor old Jack drunk + too,” explained Drysdale, “and he wouldn't be lifted straight. + However we got off at last, and hadn't gone a mile before the help (who + was maundering away some cursed sentimental ditty or other behind), + lurched more heavily than usual, and pitched off into the night somewhere. + Blake looked for him for half-an-hour, and couldn't find a hair.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say the man tumbled off and you never found + him?” said Tom in horror. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's about the fact,” said Drysdale; “but it + isn't so bad as you think. We had no lamps, and it was an uncommon bad + night for running by holloas.” + </p> + <p> + “But a first-rate night for running by scent,” broke in Blake; + “the fellow leant against me until he made his exit, and I'd have + backed myself to have hit the scent again half-a-mile off if the wind had + only been right.” + </p> + <p>“He may have broken his neck,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Can a fellow sing with a broken neck?” said Drysdale; + “hanged if I know! But don't I tell you, we heard him maundering on + somewhere or other? And when Blake shouted, he rebuked him piously out of + the pitch darkness, and told him to go home and repent. I nearly dropped + off the box laughing at them; and then he 'uplifted his testimony,' as he + called it, against me, for driving a horse called Satan. I believe he's a + ranting methodist spouter.” + </p> + <p> + “I tried hard to find him,” said Blake; “For I should + dearly have liked to kick him safely into the ditch.” + </p> + <p> + “At last Black Will himself couldn't have held Satan another minute. + So Blake scrambled up, and away we came, and knocked into college at one + for a finish: the rest you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you've had a pretty good day of it,” said Tom, who had + been hugely amused; “but I should feel nervous about the help, if I + were you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he'll come to no grief, I'll be bound,” said Drysdale, + “but what o'clock is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Three,” said Blake, looking at his watch and getting up; + “time to turn in.” + </p> + <p> + “The first time I ever heard you say that,” said Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but you forget we were up this morning before the world was + aired. Good night, Brown.” + </p> + <p> + And off the two went, leaving Tom to sport his oak this time, and retire + in wonder to bed. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale was asleep, with Jack curled up on the foot of the bed, in ten + minutes. Blake, by the help of wet towels and a knotted piece of whipcord + round his forehead, read Pinder till the chapel bell began to ring. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0008"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER VII—AN EXPLOSION</h2> + <p> + Our hero soon began to feel that he was contracting his first college + friendship. The great, strong, badly-dressed, badly-appointed servitor, + who seemed almost at the same time utterly reckless of, and nervously + alive to, the opinion of all around him, with his bursts of womanly + tenderness and Berserker rage, alternating like storms and sunshine of a + July day on a high moorland, his keen sense of humor and appreciation of + all the good things of life, the use and enjoyment of which he was so + steadily denying himself from high principle, had from the first seized + powerfully on all Tom's sympathies, and was daily gaining more hold upon + him. + </p> + <p> + Blessed is the man who has the gift of making friends; for it is one of + God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of + going out of oneself, and seeing and appreciating whatever is noble and + living in another man. + </p> + <p> + But even to him who has the gift, it is often a great puzzle to find out + whether a man is really a friend or not. The following is recommended as a + test in the case of any man about whom you are not quite sure; especially + if he should happen to have more of this world's goods, either in the + shape of talents, rank or money, or what not, than you. + </p> + <p> + Fancy the man stripped stark naked of every thing in the world, except an + old pair of trousers and a shirt, for decency's sake, without even a name + to him, and dropped down in the middle of Holborn or Piccadilly. Would you + go up to him then and there, and lead him out from amongst the cabs and + omnibuses, and take him to your own home and feed him and clothe him, and + stand by him against all the world, to your last sovereign, and your last + leg of mutton? If you wouldn't do this you have no right to call him by + the sacred name of friend. If you would, the odds are that he would do the + same by you, and you may count yourself a rich man. For, probably were + friendship expressible by, or convertible into, current coin of the realm, + one such friend would be worth to a man, at least 100,000L. How many + millionaires are there in England? I can't even guess; but more by a good + many, I fear, than there are men who have ten real friends. But friendship + is not expressible or convertible. It is more precious than wisdom; and + wisdom “cannot be gotten for gold, nor shall rubies be mentioned in + comparison thereof.” Not all the riches that ever came out of earth + and sea are worth the assurance of one such real abiding friendship in + your heart of hearts. + </p> + <p> + But for the worth of a friendship commonly so called—meaning thereby a + sentiment founded on the good dinners, good stories, opera stalls, and + days' shooting you have gotten or hope to get out of a man, the snug + things in his gift, and his powers of procuring enjoyment of one kind or + another to miserable body or intellect—why, such a friendship as that is + to be appraised easily enough, if you find it worth your while; but you + will have to pay your pound of flesh for it one way or another—you may + take your oath of that. If you follow my advice, you will take a 10L note + down, and retire to your crust of bread and liberty. + </p> + <p> + Tom was rapidly falling into friendship with Hardy. He was not bound hand + and foot and carried away captive yet, but he was already getting deep in + the toils. + </p> + <p> + One evening he found himself as usual at Hardy's door about eight o'clock. + The oak was open, but he got no answer when he knocked at the inner door. + Nevertheless he entered, having quite got over all shyness or ceremony by + this time. The room was empty, but two tumblers and the black bottle stood + on the table, and the kettle was hissing away on the hob. + “Ah,” thought Tom, “he expects me, I see;” so he + turned his back to the fire and made himself at home. A quarter of an hour + passed, and still Hardy did not return. “Never knew him out so long + before at this time of night,” thought Tom. “Perhaps he's at + some party. I hope so. It would do him a good deal of good; and I know he + might go out if he liked. Next term, see if I won't make him more + sociable. It's a stupid custom that freshmen don't give parties in their + first term, or I'd do it at once. Why won't he be more sociable? No, after + all sociable isn't the word; he's a very sociable fellow at bottom. What + in the world is it that he wants?” + </p> + <p> + And so Tom balanced himself on the two hind legs of one of the Windsor + chairs, and betook himself to pondering what it was exactly which ought to + be added to Hardy to make him an unexceptional object of hero-worship; + when the man himself came suddenly into the room, slamming his oak behind + him, and casting his cap and gown fiercely on to the sofa before he + noticed our hero. + </p> + <p> + Tom jumped up at once. “My dear fellow, what's the matter?” he + said; “I'm sorry I came in; shall I go?” + </p> + <p> + “No—don't go—sit down,” said Hardy, abruptly; and then began + to smoke fast without saying another word. + </p> + <p> + Tom waited a few minutes watching for him, and then broke silence again.— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure something is the matter, Hardy; you look dreadfully put + out—what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” said Hardy, bitterly; “Oh, nothing at + all—nothing at all; a gentle lesson to servitors as to the duties of their + position; not pleasant, perhaps, for a youngster to swallow; but I ought + to be used to such things at any rate by this time. I beg your pardon for + seeming put out.” + </p> + <p> + “Do tell me what it is,” said Tom. “I'm sure I am very + sorry for anything which annoys you.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are,” said Hardy, looking at him, “and + I'm much obliged to you for it. What do you think of that fellow Chanter's + offering Smith, the junior servitor, a boy just come up, a bribe of ten + pounds to prick him in at chapel when he isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “The dirty blackguard,” said Tom; “by Jove he ought to + be cut. He will be cut, won't he? You don't mean that he really did offer + him the money?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” said Hardy, “and the poor little fellow came + here after hall to ask me what he should do with tears in his eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Chanter ought to be horsewhipped in quad,” said Tom. “I + will go and call on Smith directly. What did you do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as soon as I could master myself enough not to lay hands on + him,” said Hardy, “I went across to his rooms where he was + entertaining a select party, and just gave him his choice between writing + an abject apology then and there to my dictation, or having the whole + business laid before the principal to-morrow morning. He chose the former + alternative, and I made him write such a letter as I don't think he will + forget in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “That's good,” said Tom; “but he ought to have been + horsewhipped too. It makes one's fingers itch to think of it. However, + Smith's all right now.” + </p> + <p> + “All right!” said Hardy, bitterly. “I don't know what + you call 'all right.' Probably the boy's self-respect is hurt for life. + You can't salve over this sort of thing with an apology-plaster.” + </p> + <p>“Well, I hope it isn't so bad as that,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Wait till you've tried it yourself,” said Hardy, “I'll + tell you what it is; one or two things of this sort—and I've seen many + more than that in my time—sink down into you, and leave marks like a + red-hot iron.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Hardy, now, really, did you ever know a bribe offered + before?” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + Hardy thought for a moment. “No,” said he, “I can't say + that I have; but things as bad, or nearly as bad, often.” He paused + a minute, and then went on; “I tell you, if it were not for my dear + old father, who would break his heart over it, I would cut the whole + concern to-morrow. I've been near doing it twenty times, and enlisting in + a good regiment.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it be any better there, though?” said Tom, gently, for + he felt that he was in a gunpowder magazine. + </p> + <p> + “Better! yes, it must be better,” said Hardy; “at any + rate the youngsters there are marchers and fighters; besides, one would be + in the ranks and know one's place. Here one is by way of being a + gentleman—God save the mark! A young officer, be he never such a fop or + profligate, must take his turn at guard, and carry his life in his hand + all over the world wherever he is sent, or he has to leave the service. + Service!—yes, that's the word; that's what makes every young red-coat + respectable, though he mayn't think it. He is serving his Queen, his + country—the devil, too, perhaps—very likely—but still the other is some + sort. He is bound to it, sworn to it, must do it; more or less. But a + youngster up here, with health, strength, and heaps of money—bound to no + earthly service, and choosing that of the devil and his own lusts, because + some service or other he must have—I want to know where else under the sun + you can see such a sight as that?” + </p> + <p> + Tom mumbled something to the effect that it was by no means necessary that + men at Oxford, either rich or poor, need embark in the service which had + been alluded to; which remark, however, only seemed to add fuel to the + fire. For Hardy now rose from his chair, and began striding up and down + the room, his right arm behind his back, the hand gripping his left elbow, + his left hand brought round in front close to his body, and holding the + bowl of his pipe, from which he was blowing off clouds in puffs like an + engine just starting with a heavy train. The attitude was one of a man + painfully trying to curb himself. His eyes burnt like coals under his deep + brows. The man altogether looked awful, and Tom felt particularly + uncomfortable and puzzled. After a turn or two, Hardy burst out again— + </p> + <p> + “And who are they, I should like to know, these fellows who dare to + offer bribes to gentlemen? How do they live? What do they do for + themselves or for this University? By heaven, they are ruining themselves + body and soul, and making this place, which was meant for the training of + learned and brave and righteous Englishmen, a lie and a snare. And who + tries to stop them? Here and there a don is doing his work like a man; the + rest are either washing their hands of the business, and spending their + time in looking after those who don't want looking after, and cramming + those who would be better without the cramming, or else standing by, cap + in hand, and shouting, 'Oh young men of large fortune and great + connexions! You future dispensers of the good things of this Realm, come + to our colleges and all shall be made pleasant!' and the shout is taken up + by undergraduates, and tradesmen, and horse-dealers, and cricket-cads, and + dog-fanciers 'Come to us, and us, and us, and we will be your toadies!' + Let them; let them toady and cringe to their precious idols, till they + bring this noble old place down about their ears. Down it will come, down + it must come, for down it ought to come, if it can find nothing better to + worship than rank, money, and intellect. But to live in the place and love + it too, and to see all this going on, and groan and writhe under it, and + not be able—” + </p> + <p> + At this point in his speech Hardy came to the turning-point in his march + at the farther end of the room, just opposite his crockery cupboard; but, + instead of turning as usual, he paused, let go the hold on his left elbow, + poised himself for a moment to get a purchase, and then dashed his right + fist full against one of the panels. Crash went the slight deal boards, as + if struck with a sledge-hammer, and crash went glass and crockery behind. + Tom jumped to his feet, in doubt whether an assault on him would not + follow, but the fit was over, and Hardy looked round at him with a rueful + and deprecating face. For a moment Tom tried to look solemn and heroic, as + befitted the occasion; but somehow, the sudden contrast flashed upon him, + and sent him off, before he could think about it, into a roar of laughter, + ending in a violent fit of coughing; for in his excitement he had + swallowed a mouthful of smoke. Hardy, after holding out for a moment, gave + in to the humour of the thing, and the appealing look passed into a smile, + and the smile into a laugh, as he turned towards his damaged cupboard, and + began opening it carefully in a legitimate manner. + </p> + <p> + “I say, old fellow,” said Tom, coming up, “I should + think you must find it an expensive amusement. Do you often walk into your + cupboard like that?” + </p> + <p> + “You see, Brown, I am naturally a man of a very quick temper.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems” said Tom; “but doesn't it hurt your + knuckles? I should have something softer put up for me if I were you; your + bolster, with a velvet cap on it, or a doctor of divinity's gown, + now.” + </p> + <p> + “You be hanged,” said Hardy, as he disengaged the last + splinter, and gently opened the ill-used cupboard door. “Oh, thunder + and turf, look here,” he went on, as the state of affairs inside + disclosed itself to his view; “how many times have I told that thief + George never to put anything on this side of my cupboard! Two tumblers + smashed to bits, and I've only four in the world. Lucky we had those two + out on the table.” + </p> + <p> + “And here's a great piece out of the sugar-basin, you see,” + said Tom, holding up the broken article; “and, let me see, one cup + and three saucers gone to glory.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's lucky it's no worse,” said Hardy, peering over his + shoulder; “I had a lot of odd saucers, and there's enough left to + last my time. Never mind the smash, let's sit down again and be + reasonable.” + </p> + <p> + Tom sat down in high good humor. He felt himself more on an equality with + his host than he had done before, and even thought he might venture on a + little mild expostulation or lecturing. But while he was considering how + to improve the occasion Hardy began himself. + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't go so furious, Brown, if I didn't care about the place + so much. I can't bear to think of it as a sort of learning machine, in + which I am to grind for three years to get certain degrees which I want. + No—this place, and Cambridge, and our great schools, are the heart of dear + old England. Did you ever read Secretary Cook's address to the + Vice-Chancellor, Doctors, &c. in 1636—more critical times, perhaps, + even than ours? No? Well, listen then;” and he went to his bookcase, + took down a book, and read; “'The very truth is, that all wise + princes respect the welfare of their estates, and consider that schools + and universities are (as in a body) the noble and vital parts, which being + vigorous and sound send good blood and active spirits into the veins and + arteries, which cause health and strength; or, if feeble or ill-affected, + corrupt all the vital parts; whereupon grow diseases, and in the end, + death itself.' A low standard up here for ten years may corrupt half the + parishes in the kingdom.” + </p> + <p>“That's true,” said Tom, “but-”</p> + <p> + “Yes; and so one has a right to be jealous for Oxford. Every + Englishman ought to be.” + </p> + <p> + “But I really think, Hardy, that you're unreasonable,” said + Tom, who had no mind to be done out of his chance of lecturing his host. + </p> + <p> + “I am very quick-tempered,” said Hardy, “as I told you + just now.” + </p> + <p> + “But you're not fair on the fast set up here. They can't help being + rich men, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “No; so one oughtn't to expect them to be going through the eyes of + needles, I suppose. But do you mean to say you ever heard of a more dirty, + blackguard business than this?” said Hardy; “he ought to be + expelled the University.” + </p> + <p> + “I admit that,” said Tom; “but it was only one of them, + you know. I don't believe there's another man in the set who would have + done it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope not,” said Hardy; “I may be hard on + them—as you say, they can't help being rich. But, now, I don't want you to + think me a violent one-sided fanatic; shall I tell you some of my + experiences up here—some passages from the life of a servitor?” + </p> + <p> + “Do,” said Tom, “I should like nothing so well.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0009"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER VIII—HARDY'S HISTORY</h2> + <p> + “My father is an old commander in the Royal Navy. He was a second + cousin of Nelson's Hardy, and that, believe, was what led him into the + navy, for he had no interest whatever of his own. It was a visit which + Nelson's Hardy, then a young lieutenant, paid to his relative, my + grandfather, which decided my father, he has told me: but he always had a + strong bent to the sea, though he was a boy of very studious habits. + </p> + <p> + “However, those were times when brave men who knew and loved their + profession couldn't be overlooked, and my dear old father fought his way + up step by step—not very fast certainly, but, still fast enough to keep + him in heart about his chances in life. I can show you the accounts of + some of the affairs he was in, in James's History, which you see up on my + shelf there, or I could tell them you myself; but I hope some day, you + will know him, and then you will hear them in perfection. + </p> + <p> + “My father was made commander towards the end of the war, and got a + ship, which he sailed with a convoy of merchantmen from Bristol. It was + the last voyage he ever made in active service; but the Admiralty was so + well satisfied with his conduct in it that they kept his ship in + commission two years after peace was declared. And well they might be; for + in the Spanish main he fought an action which lasted, on and off, for two + days, with a French sloop of war, and a privateer, which he always thought + was an American, either of which ought to have been a match for him. But + he had been with Vincent in the <i>Arrow</i>, and was not likely to think + much of such small odds as that. At any rate he beat them off, and not a + prize could either of them make out of his convoy, though I believe his + ship was never fit for anything afterwards, and was broken up as soon as + she was out of commission. We have got her compasses, and the old flag + which flew at the peak through the whole voyage, at home now. It was my + father's own flag, and his fancy to have it always flying. More than half + the men were killed, or badly hit—the dear old father amongst the rest. A + ball took off part of his knee cap, and he had to fight the last six hours + of the action sitting in a chair on the quarter-deck; but he says it made + the men fight better than when he was among them, seeing him sitting there + sucking oranges. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he came home with a stiff leg. The Bristol merchants gave him + the freedom of the city in a gold box, and a splendidly-mounted sword with + an inscription on the blade, which hangs over the mantel-piece at home. + When I first left home, I asked him to give me his old service sword, + which used to hang by the other, and he gave it me at once, though I was + only a lad of seventeen, as he would give me his right eye, dear old + father, which is the only one he has now; the other he lost from a cutlass + wound in a boarding-party. There it hangs, and those are his epaulettes in + the tin case. They used to lie under my pillow before I had a room of my + own, and many a cowardly down-hearted fit have they helped me to pull + through, Brown; and many a mean act have they helped to keep me from + doing. There they are always; and the sight of them brings home the dear + old man to me as nothing else does, hardly even his letters. I must be a + great scoundrel to go very wrong with such a father. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see—where was I? Oh, yes; I remember. Well, my father got his + box and sword, and some very handsome letters from several great men. We + have them all in a book at home, and I know them by heart. The ones he + values most are from Collingwood, and his old captain, Vincent, and from + his cousin Nelson's Hardy, who didn't come off very well himself after the + war. But my poor old father never got another ship. For some time he went + up every year to London, and was always, he says, very kindly received by + the people in power, and often dined with one and another Lord of the + Admiralty who had been an old messmate. But he was longing for employment; + and it used to prey on him while he was in his prime to feel year after + year slipping away and he still without a ship. But why should I abuse + people, and think it hard, when he doesn't? 'You see, Jack,' he said to me + the last time we spoke about it, 'after all I was a battered old hulk, + lame and half blind. So was Nelson you'll say: but every man isn't a + Nelson, my boy. + </p> + <p> + 'And though I might think I could con or fight a ship as well as ever, I + can't say other folk who didn't know me were wrong for not agreeing with + me. Would you, now Jack, appoint a lame and blind man to command your + ship, if you had one?' But he left off applying for work as soon as he was + fifty, (I just remember the time), for he began to doubt then whether he + was quite so fit to command a vessel as a younger man; and, though he had + a much better chance after that of getting a ship (for William IV came to + the throne, who knew all about him), he never went near the Admiralty + again. 'God forbid,' he said, 'that his Majesty should take me if there's + a better man to be had.' + </p> + <p> + “But I have forgotten to tell you how I came into the world, and am + telling you my father's story instead of my own. You seem to like hearing + about it though, and you can't understand one without the other. However, + when my father was made commander, he married, and bought, with his + prize-money and savings, a cottage and piece of land, in a village on the + south coast, where he left his wife when he went on his last voyage. They + had waited some years, for neither of them had any money; but there never + were two people who wanted it less, or did more good without it to all who + came near them. They had a hard time of it too, for my father had to go on + half-pay; and a commander's half-pay isn't much to live upon and keep a + family. For they had a family; three besides me; but they are all gone. + And my mother, too; she died when I was quite a boy, and left him and me + alone; and since then I have never known what a woman's love is, for I + have no near relations; and a man with such prospects as mine had better + keep down all—however, there's no need to go into any notions; I won't + wander any more if I can help it. + </p> + <p> + “I know my father was very poor when my mother died, and I think + (though he never told me so) that he had mortgaged our cottage, and was + very near having to sell it at one time. The expenses of my mother's + illness had been very heavy; I know a good deal of the best furniture was + sold—all, indeed except a handsome arm chair and a little work table of my + mother's. She used to sit in the chair, in her last illness, on our lawn, + and watch the sunsets. And he sat by her, and watched her, and sometimes + read the Bible to her; while I played about with a big black dog we had + then, named Vincent, after my father's old captain; or with Burt, his old + boatswain, who came with his wife to live with my father before I can + recollect, and lives with us still. He did everything in the garden, and + about the house; and in the house, too, when his wife was ill, for he can + turn his hand to most anything, like most old salts. It was he who rigged + up the mast and weather-cock on the lawn, and used to let me run up the + old flag on Sundays, and on my father's wedding-day, and on the + anniversary of his action, and of Vincent's action in the Arrow. + </p> + <p> + “After my mother's death my father sent away all the servants, for + the boatswain and his wife are more like friends. I was wrong to say that + no woman has loved me since my mother's death, for I believe dear old + nanny loves me as if I were her own child. My father, after this, used to + sit silent for hours together, doing nothing but look over the sea, but, + except for that, was not much changed. After a short time he took to + teaching me to read, and from that time I never was away from him for an + hour, except when I was asleep, until I went out into the world. + </p> + <p> + “As I told you, my father was naturally fond of study. He had kept + up the little Latin he had learnt as a boy, and had always been reading + whatever he could lay his hands on; so that I couldn't have had a better + tutor. They were no lessons to me, particularly the geographical ones; for + there was no part of the world's sea-coast that he did not know, and could + tell me what it and the people were like; and often when Burt happened to + come in at such times, and heard what my father was talking about, he + would give us some of his adventures and ideas of geography, which were + very queer indeed. + </p> + <p> + “When I was nearly ten, a new vicar came. He was about my father's + age and a widower, like him; only he had no child. Like him, too, he had + no private fortune, and the living is a very poor one. He soon became very + intimate with us, and made my father his churchwarden; and, after being + present at some of our lessons, volunteered to teach me Greek, which, he + said, it was time I should begin to learn. + </p> + <p> + “This was great relief to my father, who had bought a Greek grammar + and dictionary, and a delectus, some time before; and I could see him + often, dear old father, with his glass in his eye, puzzling away over them + when I was playing, or reading Cook's Voyages, for it had grown to be the + wish of his heart that I should be a scholar, and should go into orders. + So he was going to teach me Greek himself, for there was no one in the + parish except the Vicar who knew a word of anything but English—so that he + could not have got me a tutor, and the thought of sending me to school had + never crossed his mind, even if he could have afforded to do either. My + father only sat by at Greek lessons, and took no part; but first he began + to put in a word here and there, and then would repeat words and sentences + himself, and look over my book while I construed, and very soon was just + as regular a pupil of the Vicar's as I. + </p> + <p> + “The Vicar was for the most part very proud of his pupils, and the + kindest of masters; but every now and then he used to be hard on my + father, which made me furious, though he never seemed to mind it. I used + to make mistakes on purpose at those times to show that I was worse than + he at any rate. But this only happened after we had had a political + discussion at dinner; for we dined at three, and took to our Greek + afterwards, to suit the Vicar's time, who was generally a guest. My father + is a Tory, of course, as you may guess, and the Vicar was a Liberal, of a + very mild sort, as I have since thought; a Whig of '88,' he used to call + himself. But he was in favor of the Reform Bill, which was enough for my + father, who lectured him about loyalty, and opening the flood-gates to + revolution; and used to call up old Burt from the kitchen, where he was + smoking his pipe, and ask him what he used to think of the Radicals on + board ship; and Burt's regular reply was— + </p> + <p> + “'Skulks, yer honor, regular skulks. I wouldn't give the twist of a + fiddler's elbow for all the lot of 'em as ever pretended to handle a swab, + or handle a topsail.' + </p> + <p> + “The Vicar always tried to argue, but, as Burt and I were the only + audience, my father was always triumphant; only he took it out of us + afterwards, at the Greek. Often I used to think, when they were reading + history, and talking about the characters, that my father was much the + more liberal of the two. + </p> + <p> + “About this time he bought a small half-decked boat of ten tons, for + he and Burt agreed that I ought to learn to handle a boat, although I was + not to go to sea; and when they got the Vicar in the boat on the summer + evenings (for he was always ready for a sail though he was a very bad + sailor), I believe they used to steer as near the wind as possible, and + get into short chopping seas on purpose. But I don't think he was ever + frightened, though he used sometimes to be very ill. + </p> + <p> + “And so I went on, learned all I could from my father, and the + Vicar, and old Burt, till I was sixteen. By that time I had begun to think + for myself; and I had made up my mind that it was time I should do + something. No boy ever wanted to leave home less, I believe; but I saw + that I must make a move if I was ever to be what my father wished me to + be. So I spoke to the Vicar, and he quite agreed with me, and made + inquiries amongst his acquaintance; and so, before I was seventeen, I was + offered the place of under-master in a commercial school, about twenty + miles from home. The Vicar brought the offer, and my father was very angry + at first; but we talked him over, and so I took the situation. + </p> + <p> + “And I am very glad I did, although there were many drawbacks. The + salary was 35L a year, and for that I had to drill all the boys in + English, and arithmetic, and Latin, and to teach the Greek grammar to the + five or six who paid extra to learn it. Out of the school I had always to + be with them, and was responsible for the discipline. It was weary work + very often, and what seemed the worst part of it to me, at the time, was + the trade spirit which leavened the whole of the establishment. The master + and owner of the school, who was a keen vulgar man, but always civil + enough to me, thought of nothing but what would pay. And this seemed to be + what filled the school. Fathers sent their boys, because the place was so + practical, and nothing was taught (except as extras) which was not to be + of so-called real use to the boys in the world. We had our work quite + clearly laid down for us; and it was, not to put the boys in the way of + getting real knowledge or understanding, or any of the things Solomon + talks about, but to put them in the way of getting on. + </p> + <p> + “I spent three years at that school, and in that time I rounded + myself pretty well in Latin and Greek—better, I believe, than I should + have done if I had been at a first-rate school myself; and I hope I did + the boys some good, and taught some of them that cunning was not the best + quality to start in life with. And I was not often very unhappy, for I + could always look forward to my holidays with my father. + </p> + <p> + “However, I own that I never was better pleased than one Christmas + when the Vicar came over to our cottage, and brought with him a letter + from the Principal of St. Ambrose College, Oxford, appointing me to a + servitorship. My father was even more delighted than I, and that evening + produced a bottle of old rum, which was part of his ship's stock, and had + gone all through his action, and been in his cellar ever since. And we + three in the parlor, and old Burt and his wife in the kitchen, finished it + that night; the boatswain, I must own, taking the lion's share. The Vicar + took occasion, in the course of the evening, to hint that it was only poor + men who took these places at the University; and that I might find some + inconvenience, and suffer some annoyance, by not being exactly in the same + position as other men. But my dear old father would not hear of it; I was + now going to be in amongst the very pick of English gentlemen—what could + it matter whether I had money or not? That was the last thing which real + gentlemen thought of. Besides, why was I to be so very poor? He should be + able to allow me whatever would be necessary to make me comfortable. 'But, + Jack,' he said suddenly, later in the evening, 'one meets low fellows + everywhere. You have met them, I know, often at the confounded school, and + will meet them again. Never you be ashamed of your poverty, my boy.' I + promised readily enough, for I didn't think I could be more tried in that + way than I had been already. I had lived for three years amongst people + whose class notoriously measured all things by a money standard; now that + was all over, I thought. It's easy making promises in the dark. The Vicar, + however, would not let the matter rest; so we resolved ourselves into a + Committee of Ways and Means, and my father engaged to lay before us an + exact statement of his affairs next day. I went to the door with the + Vicar, and he told me to come and see him in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “I half-guessed what he wanted to see me for. He knew all my + father's affairs perfectly well, and wished to prepare me for what was to + come in the evening. 'Your father,' he said, 'is one of the most liberal + men I ever met; he is almost the only person who gives anything to the + schools and other charities in this parish, and he gives to the utmost. + You would not wish him, I know, to cut off these gifts, which bring the + highest reward with them, when they are made in the spirit in which he + makes them. Then he is getting old, and you would never like him to deny + himself the comforts (and few enough they are) which he is used to. He has + nothing but his half-pay to live on; and out of that he pays 50L a year + for insurance; for he has insured his life, that you may have something + besides the cottage and land when he dies. I only tell you this that you + may know the facts beforehand. I am sure you would never take a penny from + him if you could help it. But he won't be happy unless he makes you some + allowance; and he can do it without crippling himself. He has been paying + off an old mortgage on his property here for many years, by installments + of 40L a year, and the last was paid last Michaelmas; so that it will not + inconvenience him to make you that allowance. Now, you will not be able to + live properly upon that at Oxford, even as a servitor. I speak to you now, + my dear Jack, as your oldest friend (except Burt), and you must allow me + the privilege of an old friend. I have more than I want, and I propose to + make up your allowance at Oxford to 80L a year, and upon that I think you + may manage to get on. Now, it will not be quite candid, but I think, under + the circumstances, we shall be justified in representing to your father + that 40L a year will be ample for him to allow you. You see what I mean? + </p> + <p> + “I remember almost word for word what the Vicar said; for it is not + often in one's life that one meets with this sort of friend. At first I + thanked him, but refused to take anything from him. I had saved enough, I + said, to carry me through Oxford. But he would not be put off; and I found + that his heart was as much set on making me an allowance himself as on + saving my father. So I agreed to take 25L a year from him. + </p> + <p> + “When we met again in the evening, to hear my father's statement, it + was as good as a play to see the dear old man, with his spectacles on and + his papers before him, proving in some wonderful way that he could easily + allow me at least 80L or 100L a year. I believe it cost the Vicar some + twinges of conscience to persuade him that all I should want would be 40L + a year; and it was very hard work; but at last we succeeded, and it was so + settled. During the next three weeks the preparations for my start + occupied us all. The Vicar looked out all the classics, which he insisted + that I should take. There they stand on that middle shelf—all well bound, + you see, and many of them old college prizes. My father made an expedition + to the nearest town, and came back with a large new portmanteau and + hat-box; and the next day the leading tailor came over to fit me out with + new clothes. In fact, if I had not resisted stoutly, I should have come to + college with half the contents of the cottage, and Burt as valet; for the + old boatswain was as bad as the other two. But I compromised the matter + with him by accepting his pocket compass and the picture of the brig which + hangs there; the two things, next to his wife, which he values, I believe, + most in the world. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is now two years last October since I came to Oxford as a + servitor; so you see I have pretty, nearly finished my time here. I was + more than twenty then—much older as you know, than most freshmen. I + daresay it was partly owing to the difference in age, and partly to the + fact that I knew no one when I came up, but mostly to my own bad + management and odd temper, that I did not get on better than I have done + with the men here. Sometimes I think that our college is a bad specimen, + for I have made several friends amongst out-college men. At any rate, the + fact is, as you have no doubt found out—and I hope I haven't tried at all + to conceal it—that I am out of the pale, as it were. In fact, with the + exception of one of the tutors, and one man who was a freshman with me, I + do not know a man in college except as a mere speaking acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “I had been rather thrown off my balance, I think, at the change in + my life, for at first I made a great fool of myself. I had believed too + readily what my father had said, and thought that at Oxford I should see + no more of what I had been used to. Here I thought that the last thing a + man would be valued by would be the length of his purse, and that no one + would look down upon me because I performed some services to the college + in return for my keep, instead of paying for it in money. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I made a great fool of myself, no doubt of that; and, what is + worse, I broke my promise to my father—I often <i>was</i> ashamed of my + poverty, and tried at first to hide it, for somehow the spirit of the + place carried me along with it. I couldn't help wishing to be thought of + and treated as an equal by the men. It's a very bitter thing for a proud, + shy, sensitive fellow, as I am by nature, to have to bear the sort of + assumption and insolence one meets with. I furnished my rooms well, and + dressed well. Ah! you stare; but this is not the furniture I started with; + I sold it all when I came to my senses, and put in this tumble-down + second-hand stuff, and I have worn out my fine clothes. I know I'm not + well dressed now. (Tom nodded ready acquiescence to this position.) Yes, + though I still wince a little now and then—a great deal oftener than I + like—I don't carry any false colors. I can't quite conquer the feeling of + shame (for shame it is, I am afraid), but at any rate I don't try to hide + my poverty any longer, I haven't for these eighteen months. I have a grim + sort of pleasure in pushing it in everybody's face. (Tom assented with a + smile, remembering how excessively uncomfortable Hardy had made him by + this little peculiarity the first time he was in his rooms.) The first + thing which opened my eyes a little was the conduct of the tradesmen. My + bills all came in within a week of the delivery of the furniture and + clothes; some of them wouldn't leave the things without payment. I was + very angry and vexed, not at the bills, for I had my savings, which were + more than enough to pay for everything. But I knew that these same + tradesmen never thought of asking for payment under a year, oftener two, + from other men. Well, it was a lesson. Credit for gentlemen-commoners, + ready-money dealings with servitors! I owe the Oxford tradesmen much for + that lesson. If they would only treat every man who comes up as a + servitor, it would save a deal of misery. + </p> + <p> + “My cure was completed by much higher folk, though. I can't go + through the whole treatment, but will give you a specimen or two of the + doses, giving precedence (as is the way here) to those administered by the + highest in rank. I got them from all sorts of people, but none did me more + good than the lords' pills. Amongst other ways of getting on I took to + sparring, which was then very much in vogue. I am a good hand at it, and + very fond of it, so that it wasn't altogether flunkeyism, I'm glad to + think. In my second term two or three fighting men came down from London, + and gave a benefit at the Weirs. I was there, and set to with one of them. + We were well matched, and both of us did our very best; and when we had + had our turn we drew down the house, as they say. Several young tufts and + others of the faster men came up to me afterwards and complimented me. + They did the same by the professional, but it didn't occur to me at the + time that they put us both in the same category. + </p> + <p> + “I am free to own that I was really pleased two days afterwards, + when a most elaborate flunkey brought a card to my door inscribed 'The + Viscount Philippine, Ch. Ch., at home to-night, eight o'clock—sparring.' + Luckily, I made a light dinner, and went sharp to time into Christ Church. + The porter directed me to the noble Viscount's rooms; they were most + splendid, certainly—first floor rooms in Peckwater. I was shown into the + large room, which was magnificently furnished and lighted. A good space + was cleared in the centre; there were all sorts of bottles and glasses on + the sideboard. There might have been twelve or thirteen men present, + almost all in tufts or gentlemen commoners' caps. One or two of our + college I recognized. The fighting man was also there, stripped for + sparring, which none of the rest were. It was plain that the sport had not + begun; I think he was doing some trick of strength as I came in. My noble + host came forward with a nod and asked me if I would take anything, and + when I declined, said, 'Then will you put on the gloves?' I looked at him + rather surprised, and thought it an odd way to treat the only stranger in + his rooms. However, I stripped, put on the gloves, and one of the others + came forward to tie them for me. While he was doing it I heard my host say + to the man, 'A five-pound note, mind, if you do it within the + quarter-of-an-hour.' 'Only half-minute time, then, my lord,' he answered. + The man who was tying my gloves said, 'Be steady; don't give him a chance + to knock you down.' It flashed across me in a moment now why I was there; + but it was too late to draw back; so we stood up and began sparring. I + played very steadily and light at first to see whether my suspicions were + well founded, and in two minutes I was satisfied. My opponent tried every + dodge to bring on a rally, and when he was foiled I could see that he was + shifting his glove. I stopped and insisted that his gloves should be tied, + and then we went on again. + </p> + <p> + “I kept on the defensive. The man was in bad training, and luckily I + had the advantage by an inch or so in length of arm. Before five minutes + was over, I had caught enough of the bystander's remarks to know that my + noble host had betted a pony that I should be knocked down in a + quarter-of-an-hour. My one object now was to make him lose his money. My + opponent did his utmost for his patron, and fairly winded himself in his + efforts to get at me. He had to call time twice himself. I said not a + word; my time would come I knew, if I could keep on my legs, and of this I + had little fear. I held myself together, made no attack, and my length of + arm gave me the advantage in every counter. It was all I could do, though, + to keep clear of his rushes as the time drew on. On he came time after + time, careless of guarding, and he was full as good a man as I. 'Time's + up; it's past the quarter.' 'No, by Jove half a minute yet; now's your + time, said my noble host to his man, who answered by a rush. I met him as + before with a steady counter, but this time my blow got home under his + chin, and he staggered, lost his footing, and went fairly over on his + back. + </p> + <p> + “Most of the bystanders seemed delighted, and some of them hurried + towards me. But I tore off the gloves, flung them on the ground, and + turned to my host. I could hardly speak, but I made an effort, and said + quietly, 'You have brought a stranger to your rooms, and have tried to + make him fight for your amusement; now I tell you it is a blackguard act + of yours—an act which no gentleman would have done.' My noble host made no + remark. I threw on my waist-coat, and then turned to the rest and said '<i + >Gentlemen</i + > + would not have stood by and seen it done.' I went up to the side-board, + uncorked a bottle of champagne, and half filled a tumbler, before a word + was spoken. Then one of the visitors stepped forward and said, 'Mr. Hardy, + I hope you won't go, there has been a mistake; we did not know of this. I + am sure many of us are very sorry for what has occurred; stay and look on, + we will all of us spar.' I looked at him, and then at my host, to see + whether the latter joined in the apology. Not he, he was doing the + dignified sulky, and most of the rest seemed to me to be with him. 'Will + any of you spar with me?' I said, tauntingly, tossing off the champagne. + 'Certainly, the new speaker said directly, 'If you wish it, and are not + too tired, I will spar with you myself; you will, won't you, James?' and + he turned to one of the other men. If any of them had backed him by a word + I should probably have stayed; several of them, I learnt afterwards, would + have liked to have done so, but it was an awkward scene to interfere in. I + stopped a moment and then said, with a sneer, 'You're too small, and none + of the other gentlemen seem inclined to offer.' + </p> + <p> + “I saw that I had hurt him, and felt pleased at the moment I had + done so. I was now ready to start, and I could not think of anything more + unpleasant to say at the moment; so I went up to my antagonist, who was + standing with the gloves on still, not quite knowing what to be at, and + held out my hand. 'I can shake hands with you at any rate,' I said; 'you + only did what you were paid for in the regular way of business, and you + did your best.' He looked rather sheepish, but held out his gloved hand, + which I shook. 'Now, I have the honor to wish you all a very good + evening;' and so I left the place and got home to my own rooms, and sat + down there with several new ideas in my head. On the whole, the lesson was + not a very bitter one, for I felt that I had had the best of the game. The + only thing I really was sorry for was my own insolence to the man who had + come forward as a peacemaker. I had remarked his face before. I don't know + how it is with you, but I can never help looking at a tuft—the gold tassel + draws one's eye somehow; and then it's an awful position, after all, for + mere boys to be placed in. So I knew his face before that day, though I + had only seen him two or three times in the street. Now it was much more + clearly impressed on my mind; and I called it up and looked it over, half + hoping that I should detect something to justify me to myself, but without + success. However, I got the whole affair pretty well out of my head by + bedtime. + </p> + <p> + “While I was at breakfast the next morning, my scout came in with a + face of the most ludicrous importance, and quite a deferential manner. I + declare I don't think he has ever got back since that day to his original + free-and-easy swagger. He laid a card on my table, paused a moment, and + then said, 'His ludship is houtside watin', sir.' + </p> + <p> + “I had had enough of lords' cards; and the scene of yesterday rose + painfully before me as I threw the card into the fire without looking at + it, and said, 'Tell him I am engaged.' + </p> + <p> + “My scout, with something like a shudder at my audacity, replied, + 'His ludship told me to say, sir, as his bis'ness was very particular, so + hif you was engaged he would call again in 'arf an hour.' + </p> + <p> + “Tell him to come in, then, if he won't take a civil hint.' I felt + sure who it would be, but hardly knew whether to be pleased or annoyed, + when in another minute the door opened, and in walked the peacemaker. I + don't know which of us was the most embarrassed; he walked straight up to + me without lifting his eyes, and held out his hand saying, 'I hope, Mr. + Hardy, you will shake hands with me now.' + </p> + <p> + “'Certainly, my lord,' I said, taking his hand; 'I am sorry for what + I said to you yesterday, when my blood was up.' + </p> + <p> + “'You said no more than we deserved,' he answered twirling his cap + by the long gold tassel; 'I could not be comfortable without coming to + assure you again myself, that neither I, nor, I believe, half the men in + Philippine's rooms yesterday, knew anything of the bet. I really cannot + tell you how annoyed I have been about it.' + </p> + <p> + “I assured him that he might make himself quite easy, and then + remained standing, expecting him to go, and not knowing exactly what to + say further. But he begged me to go on with my breakfast, and sat down, + and then asked me to give him a cup of tea, as he had not breakfasted. So + in a few minutes we were sitting opposite one another over tea and bread + and butter, for he didn't ask for, and I didn't offer, anything else. It + was rather a trying meal, for each of us was doing all he could to make + out the other. I only hope I was as pleasant as he was. After breakfast he + went and I thought the acquaintance was probably at an end; he had done + all that a gentleman need have done, and had well-nigh healed a raw place + in my mental skin. + </p> + <p> + “But I was mistaken. Without intruding himself on me, he managed + somehow or another to keep on building up the acquaintance little by + little. For some time I looked out very jealously for any patronizing + airs, and even after I was convinced, that he had nothing of the sort in + him, avoided him as much as I could, though he was the most pleasant and + best-informed man I knew. However, we became intimate, and I saw a good + deal of him in a quiet way, at his own rooms. I wouldn't go to his + parties, and asked him not to come to me here, for my horror of being + thought a tuft-hunter had become almost a disease. He was not so old as I, + but he was just leaving the University, for he had come up early, and + lord's sons are allowed to go out in two years;—I suppose because the + authorities think they will do less harm here in two than three years; but + it is sometimes hard on poor men, who have to earn their bread, to see + such a privilege given to those who want it least. When he left, he made + me promise to go and pay him a visit—which I did in the long vacation, at + a splendid place up in the North, and enjoyed myself more than I care to + own. His father, who is quite worthy of his son, and all his family, were + as kind as people could be. + </p> + <p> + “Well, amongst other folks I met there a young sprig of nobility who + was coming up here the next term. He had been brought up abroad, and, I + suppose, knew very few men of his own age in England. He was not a bad + style of boy, but rather too demonstrative, and not strong-headed. He took + to me wonderfully, was delighted to hear that I was up at Oxford, and + talked constantly of how much we should see of one another. As it + happened, I was almost the first man he met when he got off the coach at + the 'Angel,' at the beginning of his first term. He almost embraced me, + and nothing would serve but I must dine with him at the inn, and we spent + the evening together, and parted dear friends. Two days afterwards we met + in the street; he was with two other youngsters, and gave me a polished + and distant bow; in another week he passed me as if we had never met. + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame him, poor boy. My only wonder is, that any of them + ever get through this place without being thoroughly spoilt. From + Vice-Chancellor down to scout's boy, the whole of Oxford seems to be in + league to turn their boys heads, even if they come up with them set on + straight, which toadying servants at home take care shall never happen if + they can hinder it. The only men who would do them good up here, both dons + and undergraduates, keep out of their way, very naturally. + Gentlemen-commoners have a little better chance, though not much, and seem + to me to be worse than the tufts, and to furnish most of their toadies. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you are tired of my railing? I daresay I am rabid about it + all. Only it does go to my heart to think what this place might be, and + what it is. I see I needn't give you any more of my experience. + </p> + <p> + “You'll understand now some of the things that have puzzled you + about me. Oh! I know they did; you needn't look apologetic. I don't + wonder, or blame you. I am a very queer bird for the perch I have lit on; + I know that as well as anybody. The only wonder is that you ever took the + trouble to try to lime me. Now have another glass of toddy. Why! it is + near twelve. I must have one pipe and turn in. No Aristophanes + to-night.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0010"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER IX—“A BROWN BAIT.”</h2> + <p> + Tom's little exaltation in his own eyes consequent on the + cupboard-smashing escapade of his friend was not to last long. Not a week + had elapsed before he himself arrived suddenly in Hardy's room in as + furious a state of mind as the other had so lately been in, allowing for + the difference of the men. Hardy looked up from his books and exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter? Where have you been to-night? You look fierce + enough to sit for a portrait of Sanguinoso Volcanoni, the bandit.” + </p> + <p> + “Been!” said Tom, sitting down on the spare Windsor chair, + which he usually occupied, so hard as to make it crack again; “been! + I've been to a wine party at Hendon's. Do you know any of that set?” + </p> + <p> + “No, except Grey, who came into residence in the same term with me; + we have been reading for degree together. You must have seen him here + sometimes in the evenings.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I remember; the fellow with a stiff neck, who won't look you + in the face.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but he is a sterling man at the bottom, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p>“Well, he wasn't there. You don't know any of the rest?”</p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p>“And never went to any of their parties?”</p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p> + “You've had no loss, I can tell you,” said Tom, pleased that + the ground was clear for him. “I never was amongst such a set of + waspish, dogmatical, over-bearing fellows in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what in the name of fortune have they been doing to you? How + did you fall among such Philistines?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm such an easy fool, you see,” said Tom, “I go off + directly with any fellow that asks me; fast or slow, it's all the same. I + never think twice about the matter, and generally, I like all the fellows + I meet, and enjoy everything. But just catch me at another of their + stuck-up wines, that's all.” + </p> + <p>“But you won't tell me what's the matter.”</p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know why Hendon should have asked me. He can't think + me a likely card for a convert, I should think. At any rate, he asked me + to wine, and I went as usual. Everything was in capital style (it don't + seem to be any part of their creed, mind you, to drink bad wine), and + awfully gentlemanly and decorous.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's aggravating, I admit. It would have been in better + taste, of course, if they had been a little blackguard and indecorous. No + doubt, too, one has a right to expect bad wine at Oxford. Well?” + </p> + <p> + Hardy spoke so gravely, that Tom had to look across at him for half a + minute to see whether he was in earnest. Then he went on with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “There was a piano in one corner, and muslin curtains—I give you my + word, muslin curtains, besides the stuff ones.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so,” said Hardy; “put up, no doubt, to + insult you. No wonder you looked so furious when you came in. Anything + else?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see—yes—I counted three sorts of scents on the mantel-piece, + besides Eau-de-Cologne. But I could have stood it well enough if it hadn't + been for their talk. From one thing to another they got to cathedrals, and + one of them called St. Paul's 'a disgrace to a Christian city;' I couldn't + stand that, you know. I was always bred to respect St. Paul's; weren't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “My education in that line was neglected,” said Hardy, + gravely. “And so you took up the cudgels for St. Paul's?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I plumped out that St. Paul's was the finest cathedral in + England. You'd have thought I had said that lying was one of the cardinal + virtues—one or two just treated me to a sort of pitying sneer, but my + neighbors were down upon me with a vengeance. I stuck to my text though, + and they drove me into saying I liked the Ratcliffe more than any building + in Oxford; which I don't believe I do, now I come to think of it. So when + they couldn't get me to budge for their talk, they took to telling me that + every body that knew anything about church architecture was against me—of + course meaning that I knew nothing about it—for the matter of that, I + don't mean to say that I do”—Tom paused; it had suddenly occurred to + him that there might be some reason in the rough handling he had got. + </p> + <p> + “But what did you say to the authorities?” said Hardy, who was + greatly amused. + </p> + <p> + “Said I didn't care a straw for them” said Tom, “there + was no right or wrong in the matter, and I had as good a right to my + opinion as Pugin—or whatever his name is—and the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “What heresy!” said Hardy, laughing; “you caught it for + that, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I! They made such a noise over it, that the men at the other + end of the table stopped talking (they were all freshmen at our end), and + when they found what was up, one of the older ones took me in hand, and I + got a lecture about the middle ages, and the monks. I said I thought + England was well rid of the monks; and then we got on to Protestantism, + and fasting, and apostolic succession, and passive obedience, and I don't + know what all! I only know I was tired enough of it before the coffee + came; but I couldn't go, you know, with all of them on me at once, could + I?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not; you were like the 6,000 unconquerable British + infantry at Albuera. You held your position by sheer fighting, suffering + fearful loss.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Tom, laughing, for he had talked himself into + good humor again. “I dare say I talked a deal of nonsense; and, when + I come to think it over, a good deal of what some of them said had + something in it. I should like to hear it again quietly; but there were + others sneering and giving themselves airs, and that puts a fellow's back + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Hardy, “a good many of the weakest and + vainest men who come up take to this sort of thing now. They can do + nothing themselves, and get a sort of platform by going in on the High + Church business from which to look down on their neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I thought,” said Tom, “they tried to + push mother Church, mother Church, down my throat at every turn; I'm as + fond of the Church as any of them, but I don't want to be jumping up on + her back every minute, like a sickly chicken getting on the old hen's back + to warm its feet whenever the ground is cold, and fancying himself taller + than all the rest of the brood.” + </p> + <p> + “You were unlucky,” said Hardy; “there are some very + fine fellows amongst them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I haven't seen much of them,” said Tom, “and I + don't want to see any more, for it seems to be all Gothic mouldings and + man-millinery business.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't think so when you've been up a little longer.” said + Hardy, getting up to make tea, which operation he had hardly commenced, + when a knock came at the door, and in answer to Hardy's “Come + in,” a slight, shy man appeared, who hesitated, and seemed inclined + to go when he saw that Hardy was not alone. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come in, and have a cup of tea, Grey. You know Brown, I + think?” said Hardy, looking round from the fire, where he was + filling his teapot, to watch Tom's reception of the new comer. + </p> + <p> + Our hero took his feet down, drew himself up and made a solemn bow, which + Grey returned, and then slid nervously into a chair and looked very + uncomfortable. However, in another minute Hardy came to the rescue and + began pouring out the tea. He was evidently tickled at the idea of + confronting Tom so soon with another of his enemies. Tom saw this, and put + on a cool and majestic manner in consequence, which evidently increased + the discomfort of Grey's seat, and kept Hardy on the edge of an abyss of + laughter. In fact, he had to ease himself by talking of indifferent + matters and laughing at nothing. Tom had never seen him in this sort of + humor before, and couldn't help enjoying it, though he felt that it was + partly at his own expense. But when Hardy once just approached the subject + of the wine party, Tom bristled up so quickly, and Grey looked so meekly + wretched, though he knew nothing of what was coming, that Hardy suddenly + changed the subject, and turning to Grey, said— + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing the last fortnight? You haven't been here + once. I've been obliged to get on with my Aristotle without you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very sorry indeed, but I haven't been able to come,” said + Grey, looking sideways at Hardy, and then at Tom, who sat regarding the + wall, supremely indifferent. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I've finished my Ethics,” said Hardy; “can't you + come in to-morrow night to talk them over? I suppose you're through them + too?” + </p> + <p> + “No, really,” said Grey. “I haven't been able to look at + them since the last time I was here.” + </p> + <p> + “You must take care,” said Hardy. “The new examiners are + all for science and history; it won't do for you to go in trusting to your + scholarship.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope to make it up in the Easter vacation,” said Grey. + “You'll have enough to do then,” said Hardy; “but how is + it you've dropped astern so?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the fact is,” said Grey, hesitatingly, “that the + curate of St. Peter's has set up some night schools, and wanted some help. + So I have been doing what I could to help him; and really,” looking + at his watch, “I must be going. I only wanted to tell you how it was + I didn't come now.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy looked at Tom, who was rather taken aback by this announcement, and + began to look less haughtily at the wall. He even condescended to take a + short glance at his neighbor. + </p> + <p> + “It's unlucky,” said Hardy; “but do you teach every + night?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Grey. “I used to do my science and history + at night, you know; but I find that teaching takes so much out of me, that + I'm only fit for bed now, when I get back. I'm so glad I've told you. I + have wanted to do it for some time. And if you would let me come in for an + hour, directly after hall, instead of later, I think I could still manage + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Hardy, “come when you like. But it's + rather hard to take you away every night, so near the examinations.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my own wish,” said Grey. “I should have been very + glad if it hadn't happened just now; but as it has I must do the best I + can.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but I should like to help you. Can't I take a night or two + off your hands?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Tom, fired with sudden enthusiasm; “it will + be as bad for you, Hardy. It can't want much scholarship to teach there. + Let me go. I'll take two nights a week if you'll let me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you,” said Grey; “but I don't know how my + friend might like it. That is—I mean,” he said, getting very red, + “it's very kind of you, only I'm used to it; and—and they rely on + me. But I really must go—good night;” and Grey went off in + confusion. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the door had fairly closed, Hardy could stand it no longer, and + lay back in his chair laughing till the tears ran down his cheeks. Tom, + wholly unable to appreciate the joke, sat looking at him with perfect + gravity. + </p> + <p> + “What can there be in your look, Brown?” said Hardy, when he + could speak again, “to frighten Grey so? Did you see what a fright + he was in at once, at the idea of turning you into the night schools? + There must be some lurking Protestantism in your face somewhere, which I + hadn't detected.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe he was frightened at me a bit. He wouldn't have you + either, remember,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Well, at any rate, that doesn't look as if it were all mere + Gothic-mouldings and man-millinery, does it?” said Hardy. + </p> + <p>Tom sipped his tea, and considered.</p> + <p> + “One can't help admiring him, do you know, for it,” he said. + “Do you think he is really thrown back, now, in his own reading by + this teaching?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure of it. He is such a quiet fellow, that nothing else is + likely to draw him off reading; I can see that he doesn't get on as he + used, day by day. Unless he makes it up somehow, he won't get his + first.” + </p> + <p>“He don't seem to like the teaching work much,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“Not at all, so far as I can see.”</p> + <p>“Then it is a very fine thing of him,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “And you retract your man-millinery dictum, so far as he is + concerned?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that I do, heartily; but not as to the set in general.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they don't suit me either; but, on the whole, they are + wanted—at any rate, in this college. Even the worst of them is making some + sort of protest for self-denial, and against self-indulgence, which is + nowhere more needed than here.” + </p> + <p> + “A nice sort of protest—muslin curtains, a piano, and old + claret.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you've no right to count Henden among them; he has only a + little hankering after mediaevalism, and thinks the whole thing + gentlemanly.” + </p> + <p> + “I only know the whole clamjamfery of them were there, and didn't + seem to protest much.” + </p> + <p> + “Brown, you're a bigot. I should never have thought you would have + been so furious against any set of fellows, I begin to smell + Arnold.” + </p> + <p>“No you don't. He never spoke to me against anybody.”</p> + <p> + “Hallo! It was the Rugby atmosphere, then, I suppose. But I tell you + they are the only men in the college who are making that protest, whatever + their motives may be.” + </p> + <p>“What do you say to yourself, old fellow?”</p> + <p> + “Nonsense! I never deny myself any pleasure that I can afford, if it + isn't wrong in itself, and doesn't hinder anyone else. I can tell you I am + as fond of fine things and good living as you.” + </p> + <p> + “If a thing isn't wrong, and you can afford it, and it doesn't hurt + anybody! Just so; well, then, mustn't it be right for you to have? You + wouldn't have it put under your nose, I suppose, just for you to smell at, + and let it alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know all that. I've been over it often enough, and there's + truth in it. But, mind you, it's rather slippery ground, especially for a + freshman; and there's a good deal to be said on the other side—I mean, for + denying oneself just for the sake of the self denial.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they don't deny themselves the pleasure of looking at a + fellow as if he were a Turk, because he likes St. Paul's better than + Westminster Abbey.” + </p> + <p> + “How that snubbing you got at the Ecclesiological wine party seems + to rankle.—There now! don't bristle up like a hedgehog. I'll never mention + that unfortunate wine again. I saw the eight come in to-day. You were + keeping much better time, but there is a weak place or two forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Tom, delighted to change the subject, “I + find it awfully hard to pull up to Jervis's stroke. Do you think I shall + ever get to it?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you will. Why you have only been pulling behind him a + dozen times or so, and his is the most trying stroke on the river. You + quicken a little on it; but I didn't mean you. Two and five are the blots + in the boat.” + </p> + <p> + “You think so?” said Tom, much relieved. “So does + Miller, I can see. It's so provoking—Drysdale is to pull two in the races + next term, and Blake seven, and then Diogenes will go to five. He's + obliged to pull seven now, because Blake won't come down this term; no + more will Drysdale. They say there will be plenty of time after + Easter.” + </p> + <p>“It's a great pity,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “Isn't it,” said Tom; “and it makes Miller so savage. He + walks into us all as if it were our faults. Do you think he's a good + coxswain?” + </p> + <p> + “First rate on most points, but rather too sharp tongued. You can't + get a man's best out of him without a little praise.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's just it, he puts one's back up,” said Tom. + “But the Captain is a splendid fellow, isn't he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but a little too easy, at least with men like Blake and + Drysdale. He ought to make them train, or turn them out.” + </p> + <p> + “But who could he get? There's nobody else. If you would pull, + now—why shouldn't you? I'm sure it would make us all right.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't subscribe to the club,” said Hardy; “I wish I + had, for I should have liked to have pulled with you, and behind Jervis + this year.” + </p> + <p> + “Do let me tell the Captain,” said Tom, “I'm sure he'd + manage it somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid it's too late,” said Hardy; “I cut myself + off from everything of the sort two years ago, and I'm beginning to think + I was a fool for my pains.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was said on the subject at the time, but Tom went away in + great spirits at having drawn this confession out of Hardy—the more so, + perhaps, because he flattered himself that he had something to say to the + change in his friend. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0011"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER X—SUMMER TERM</h2> + <p> + How many spots in life are there which will bear comparison with the + beginning of our second term at the University? So far as external + circumstances are concerned, it seems hard to know what a man could find + to ask for at that period of his life, if a fairy godmother were to alight + in his rooms and offer him the usual three wishes. The sailor who had + asked for “all the grog in the world,” and “all the + baccy in the world,” was indeed driven to “a little more + baccy” as his third requisition; but, at any rate his two first + requisitions were to some extent grounded on what he held to be + substantial wants; he felt himself actually limited in the matters of grog + and tobacco. The condition which Jack would have been in as a wisher, if + he had been started on his quest with the assurance that his utmost + desires in the direction of alcohol and narcotic were already provided + for, and must be left out of the question, is the only one affording a + pretty exact parallel to the case we are considering. In our second term + we are no longer freshmen, and begin to feel ourselves at home, while both + “smalls” and “greats” are sufficiently distant to + be altogether ignored if we are that way inclined, or to be looked forward + to with confidence that the game is in our own hands if we are reading + men. Our financial position—unless we have exercised rare ingenuity in + involving ourselves—is all that heart can desire; we have ample allowances + paid in quarterly to the University bankers without thought or trouble of + ours, and our credit is at its zenith. It is a part of our recognized duty + to repay the hospitality we have received as freshmen; and all men will be + sure to come to our first parties to see how we do the thing; it will be + our own faults if we do not keep them in future. We have not had time to + injure our characters to any material extent with the authorities of our + own college, or of the University. Our spirits are never likely to be + higher, or our digestions better. These and many other comforts and + advantages environ the fortunate youth returning to Oxford after his first + vacation; thrice fortunate, however, if, as happened in our hero's case, + it is Easter term to which he is returning; for that Easter term, with the + four days' vacation, and the little Trinity term at the end of it, is + surely the cream of the Oxford year. Then, even in this our stern northern + climate, the sun is beginning to have power, the days have lengthened out, + great-coats are unnecessary at morning chapel, and the miseries of numbed + hands and shivering skins no longer accompany every pull on the river and + canter on Bullingdon. In Christ Church meadows and the college gardens the + birds are making sweet music in the tall elms. You may almost hear the + thick grass growing, and the buds on tree and shrub are changing from + brown, red, or purple, to emerald green under your eyes; the glorious old + city is putting on her best looks, and bursting into laughter and song. In + a few weeks the races begin, and Cowley marsh will be alive with white + tents and joyous cricketers. A quick ear, on the towing-path by the Gut, + may feast at one time on those three sweet sounds, the thud thud of the + eight-oar, the crack of the rifles at the Weirs, and the click of the bat + on the Magdalen ground. And then Commemoration rises in the background, + with its clouds of fair visitors, and visions of excursions to Woodstock + and Nuneham in the summer days—of windows open on to the old quadrangles + in the long still evenings, through which silver laughter and strains of + sweet music, not made by man, steal out and puzzle the old celibate + jackdaws, peering down from the battlements, with heads on one side. To + crown all, long vacation, beginning with the run to Henley regatta, or up + to town to see the match with Cambridge at Lord's and taste some of the + sweets of the season, before starting on some pleasure tour or reading + party, or dropping back into the quiet pleasures of English country life! + Surely, the lot of young Englishmen who frequent our universities is cast + in pleasant places. The country has a right to expect something from those + for whom she finds such a life as this in the years when enjoyment is + keenest. + </p> + <p> + Tom was certainly alive to the advantages of the situation, and entered on + his kingdom without any kind of scruple. He was very glad to find things + so pleasant, and quite resolved to make the best he could of them. Then he + was in a particularly good humour with himself, for in deference to the + advice of Hardy, he had actually fixed on the books which he should send + in for his little-go examination before going down for the Easter + vacation, and had read them through at home, devoting an hour or two + almost daily to this laudable occupation. So he felt himself entitled to + take things easily on his return. He had brought back with him two large + hampers of good sound wine, a gift from his father, who had a horror of + letting his son set before his friends the fire-water which is generally + sold to the undergraduate. Tom found that his father's notions of the rate + of consumption prevalent in the university were wild in the extreme. + “In his time,” the squire said, “eleven men came to his + first wine party, and he had opened nineteen bottles of port for them. He + was very glad to hear that the habits of the place had changed so much for + the better; and as Tom wouldn't want nearly so much wine, he should have + it out of an older bin.” Accordingly, the port which Tom employed + the first hour after his return in stacking carefully away in his cellar, + had been more than twelve years in bottle, and he thought with unmixed + satisfaction of the pleasing effect it would have on Jervis and Miller, + and the one or two other men who knew good wine from bad, and guided + public opinion on the subject, and of the social importance which he would + soon attain from the reputation of giving good wine. + </p> + <p> + The idea of entertaining, of being hospitable, is a pleasant and + fascinating one to most young men; but the act soon gets to be a bore to + all but a few curiously constituted individuals. With these hospitality + becomes first a passion and then a faith—a faith the practice of which, in + the cases of some of its professors, reminds one strongly of the hints on + such subjects scattered about the New Testament. Most of us feel, when our + friends leave us a certain sort of satisfaction, not unlike that of paying + a bill; they have been done for, and can't expect anything more for a long + time. Such thoughts never occur to your really hospitable man. Long years + of narrow means cannot hinder him from keeping open house for whoever + wants to come to him, and setting the best of everything before all + comers. He has no notion of giving you anything but the best he can + command if it be only fresh porter from the nearest mews. He asks himself + not, “Ought I to invite A or B? do I owe him anything?” but, + “Would A or B like to come here?” Give me these men's houses + for real enjoyment, though you never get anything very choice there,—(how + can a man produce old wine who gives his oldest every day?)—seldom much + elbow room or orderly arrangement. The high arts of gastronomy and + scientific drinking so much valued in our highly civilized community, are + wholly unheeded by him, are altogether above him, are cultivated in fact + by quite another set who have very little of the genuine spirit of + hospitality in them, from those tables, should one by chance happen upon + them, one senses, certainly with a feeling of satisfaction and expansion, + chiefly physical, but entirely without the expansion of heart which one + gets at the scramble of the hospitable man. So that we are driven to + remark, even in such everyday matters as these, but it is the invisible, + the spiritual, which after all gives value and reality even to dinners; + and, with Solomon, to prefer the most touching <i>diner Russe</i>, the + dinner of herbs where love is, though I trust that neither we nor Solomon + should object to well-dressed cutlets with our salad, if they happened to + be going. + </p> + <p> + Readers will scarcely need to be told that one of the first things Tom + did, after depositing his luggage and unpacking his wine, was to call at + Hardy's rooms, where he found his friend deep as usual in his books, the + hard-worked atlases and dictionaries of all sorts taking up more space + than ever. After the first hearty greeting, Tom occupied his old place + with much satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been up, old fellow?” he began; “you + look quite settled.” + </p> + <p> + “I only went home for a week. Well, what have you been doing in the + vacation?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there was nothing much going on; so, amongst other things, I've + nearly floored my little-go work.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! you'll find the comfort of it now. I hardly thought you + would take to the grind so easily.” + </p> + <p> + “It's pleasant enough for a spurt,” said Tom; “but I + shall never manage a horrid perpetual grind like yours. But what in the + world have you been doing to your walls?” + </p> + <p> + Tom might well ask, for the corners of Hardy's room were covered with + sheets of paper of different sizes, pasted against the wall in groups. In + the line of sight, from about the height of four to six feet, there was + scarcely an inch of the original paper visible, and round each centre + group there were outlying patches and streamers, stretching towards floor + or ceiling, or away nearly to the bookcases or fireplace. + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't you think it is a great improvement on the old + paper?” said Hardy. “I shall be out of rooms next term, and it + will be a hint to the College that the rooms want papering. You're no + judge of such matters, or I should ask you whether you don't see great + artistic taste in the arrangement.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, they're nothing but maps, and lists of names and dates,” + said Tom, who had got up to examine the decorations. “And what in + the world are all these queer pins for?” he went on, pulling a + strong pin with a large red sealing-wax head out of the map nearest to + him. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! take care there, what are you about?” shouted Hardy, + getting up and hastening to the corner. “Why, you irreverent beggar, + those pins are the famous statesmen and warriors of Greece and + Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I beg your pardon; I didn't know I was in such august + company;” saying which, Tom proceeded to stick the red-headed pin + back in the wall. + </p> + <p> + “Now, just look at that,” said Hardy, taking the pin out from + the place where Tom had stuck it. “Pretty doings there would be + amongst them with your management. This pin is Brasidas; you've taken him + away from Naupactus, where he was watching the eleven Athenian galleys + anchored under the temple of Apollo, and struck him down right in the + middle of the Pnyx, where he will be instantly torn in pieces by a + ruthless and reckless mob. You call yourself a Tory indeed! However, 'twas + always the same with you Tories; calculating, cruel, and jealous. Use your + leaders up, and throw them over—that's the golden rule of + aristocracies.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang Brasidas,” said Tom, laughing; “stick him back at + Naupactus again. Here, which is Cleon? The scoundrel! give me hold of him, + and I'll put him in a hot berth.” + </p> + <p> + “That's he, with the yellow head. Let him alone, I tell you, or all + will be hopeless confusion when Grey comes for his lecture. We're only in + the third year of the war.” + </p> + <p> + “I like your chaff about Tories sacrificing their great men,” + said Tom, putting his hands in his pockets to avoid temptation. “How + about your precious democracy, old fellow? Which is Socrates?” + </p> + <p> + “Here, the dear old boy!—this pin with the great grey head, in the + middle of Athens, you see. I pride myself on my Athens. Here's the Piraeus + and the long walls, and the hill of Mars. Isn't it as good as a + picture?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is better than most maps, I think,” said Tom; + “but you're not going to slip out so easily. I want to know whether + your pet democracy did or did not murder Socrates.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not bound to defend democracies. But look at my pins. It may be + the natural fondness of a parent, but I declare they seem to me to have a + great deal of character, considering the material. You'll guess them at + once, I'm sure, if you mark the color and shape of the wax. This one now, + for instance, who is he?” + </p> + <p>“Alcibiades,” answered Tom, doubtfully.</p> + <p> + “Alcibiades!” shouted Hardy; “you fresh from Rugby, and + not know your Thucydides better than that? There's Alcibiades, that little + purple-headed, foppish pin, by Socrates. This rusty-colored one is that + respectable old stick-in-the-mud, Nicias.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but you've made Alcibiades nearly the smallest of the whole + lot,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “So he was, to my mind,” said Hardy; “just the sort of + insolent young ruffian whom I should have liked to buy at my price, and + sell at his own. He must have been very like some of our + gentlemen-commoners, with the addition of brains.” + </p> + <p> + “I should really think, though,” said Tom, “It must be a + capital plan for making you remember the history.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, I flatter myself. I've long had the idea, but I should never + have worked it out and found the value of it but for Grey. I invented it + to coach him in his history. You see we are in the Grecian corner. Over + there is the Roman. You'll find Livy and Tacitus worked out there, just as + Herodotus and Thucydides are here; and the pins are stuck for the Second + Punic War, where we are just now. I shouldn't wonder if Grey got his + first, after all, he's picking up so quick in my corners; and says he + never forgets any set of events when he has picked them out with the + pins.” + </p> + <p>“Is he working at that school still?” asked Tom.</p> + <p> + “Yes, as hard as ever. He didn't go down for the vacation, and I + really believe it was because the curate told him the school would go + wrong if he went away.” + </p> + <p> + “It's very plucky of him, but I do think he's a great fool not to + knock it off now till he has passed, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hardy; “he is getting more good there than he + can ever get in the schools, though I hope he'll do well in them + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope so; for he deserves it. And now, Hardy, to change the + subject, I am going to give my first wine next Thursday; and here's the + first card which has gone out for it. You'll promise me to come now, won't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “What a hurry you're in.” said Hardy, taking the card which he + put on his mantel-piece, after examining it. + </p> + <p>“But you'll promise to come, now?”</p> + <p>“I'm very hard at work; I can't be sure.”</p> + <p> + “You needn't stay above half an hour. I've brought back some famous + wine from the governor's cellar; and I want so to get you and Jervis + together. He is sure to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that's the bell for chapel beginning already,” said + Hardy; “I had no notion it was so late. I must be off, to put the + new servitor up to his work. Will you come in after hall?” + </p> + <p>“Yes if you will come to me next Thursday.”</p> + <p> + “We'll talk about it. But mind you come to-night; for you'll find me + working Grey in the Punic wars, and you'll see how the pins act. I'm very + proud of my show.” + </p> + <p> + And so Hardy went off to chapel, and Tom to Drysdale's rooms, not at all + satisfied that he had made Hardy safe. He found Drysdale lolling on his + sofa, as usual, and fondling Jack. He had just arrived, and his servant + and the scout were unpacking his portmanteaus. He seemed pleased to see + Tom, but looked languid and used up. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been this vacation?” said Tom; “you look + seedy.” + </p> + <p> + “You may say that,” said Drysdale. “Here, Henry, get out + a bottle of Schiedam. Have a taste of bitters? there's nothing like it to + set one's digestion right.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank'ee,” said Tom, rejecting the glass which Henry + proffered him; “my appetite don't want improving.” + </p> + <p> + “You're lucky, then,” said Drysdale. “Ah, that's the + right stuff! I feel better already.” + </p> + <p>“But where have you been?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, in the little village. It's no use being in the country at this + time of year. I just went up to Limmer's, and there I stuck, with two or + three more, till to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't stand London for more than a week,” said Tom. + “What did you do all the day?” + </p> + <p> + “We hadn't much to say to day-light” said Drysdale. + “What with theatres, and sparing-cribs and the Coal-hole and + Cider-cellars, and a little play in St. James's Street now and then, one + wasn't up to early rising. However, I was better than the rest, for I had + generally breakfasted by two o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you look seedy. You'd much better have been in the + country.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have been more in pocket, at any rate,” said + Drysdale. “By Jove, how it runs away with the ready! I'm fairly + cleaned out; and if I haven't luck at Van John, I'll be hanged if I know + how I'm to get through term. But, look here, here's a bundle of the newest + songs—first rate, some of them.” And he threw some papers across to + Tom, who glanced at them without being at all edified. + </p> + <p> + “You're going to pull regularly, I hope, this term, Drysdale.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so; it's cheap amusement, and I want a little training + for a change.” + </p> + <p>“That's all right.”</p> + <p> + “I've brought down some dresses for our gipsy business, by the way. + I didn't forget that. Is Blake back?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said Tom; “but we shan't have time + before the races.” + </p> + <p> + “Well afterwards will do; though the days oughtn't to be too long. + I'm all for a little darkness in masquerading.” + </p> + <p> + “There's five o'clock striking. Are you going to dine in + hall?” + </p> + <p>“No; I shall go to the Mitre, and get a broil.”</p> + <p> + “Then I'm off. Let's see,—will you come and wine with me next + Thursday?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; only send us a card, 'to remind.'”</p> + <p> + “All right!” said Tom, and went off to hall, feeling + dissatisfied and uncomfortable about his fast friend, for whom he had a + sincere regard. + </p> + <p> + After hall, Tom made a short round amongst his acquaintance, and then, + giving himself up to the strongest attraction, returned to Hardy's rooms, + comforting himself with the thought that it really must be an act of + Christian charity to take such a terrible reader off his books for once in + a way, when his conscience pricked him for intruding on Hardy during his + hours of work. He found Grey there, who was getting up his Roman history, + under Hardy's guidance; and the two were working the pins on the maps and + lists in the Roman corner when Tom arrived. He begged them not to stop, + and very soon was as much interested in what they were doing as if he also + were going into the schools in May; for Hardy had a way of throwing life + into what he was talking about, and, like many men with strong opinions, + and passionate natures, either carried his hearers off their legs and away + with him altogether, or aroused every spark of combativeness in them. The + latter was the effect which his lecture on the Punic Wars had on Tom. He + made several protests as Hardy went on; but Grey's anxious looks kept him + from going fairly into action, till Hardy stuck the black pin, which + represented Scipio, triumphantly in the middle of Carthage, and, turning + round said, “And now for some tea, Grey, before you have to turn + out.” + </p> + <p>Tom opened fire while the tea was brewing.</p> + <p> + “You couldn't say anything bad enough about aristocracies this + morning, Hardy, and now to-night you are crowing over the success of the + heaviest and cruelest oligarchy that ever lived, and praising them up to + the skies.” + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! here's a breeze!” said Hardy, smiling; “but I + rejoice, O Brown, in that they thrashed the Carthaginians, and not, as you + seem to think, in that they being aristocrats, thrashed the Carthaginians; + for oligarchs they were not at this time.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate they answer to the Spartans in the struggle, and the + Carthaginians to the Athenians; and yet all your sympathies are with the + Romans to-night in the Punic Wars, though they were with the Athenians + before dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “I deny your position. The Carthaginians were nothing but a great + trading aristocracy—with a glorious family or two I grant you, like that + of Hannibal; but, on the whole, a dirty, bargain-driving, + buy-cheap-and-sell-dear aristocracy—of whom the world was well rid. They + like the Athenians indeed! Why, just look what the two people have left + behind them-” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” interrupted Tom; “but we only know the + Carthaginians through the reports of their destroyers. Your heroes + trampled them out with hoofs of iron.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the Roman hoof could have trampled out their Homer if + they ever had one?” said Hardy. “The Romans conquered Greece + too, remember.” + </p> + <p>“But Greece was never so near beating them.”</p> + <p> + “True. But I hold to my point. Carthage was the mother of all + hucksters, compassing sea and land to sell her wares.” + </p> + <p> + “And no bad line of life for a nation. At least Englishmen ought to + think so.” + </p> + <p> + “No they ought not; at least if <i>'Punica fides''</i> is to be the + rule of trade. Selling any amount of Brummagem wares never did nation or + man much good, and never will. Eh, Grey?” + </p> + <p> + Grey winced at being appealed to, but remarked that he hoped the Church + would yet be able to save England from the fate of Tyre or Carthage, the + great trading nations of the old world; and then, swallowing his tea, and + looking as if he had been caught robbing a henroost, he made a sudden + exit, and hurried away out of college to the night school. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity he is so odd and shy,” said Tom; “I should + so like to know more of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It <i>is</i> a pity. He is much better when he is alone with me. I + think he has heard from some of the set that you are a furious Protestant, + and sees an immense amount of stiff-neckedness in you.” + </p> + <p> + “But about England and Carthage,” said Tom, shirking the + subject of his own peculiarities; “you don't really think us like + them? It gave me a turn to hear you translating '<i>Punica fides</i>' into + Brummagem wares just now. + </p> + <p> + “I think that successful trade is our rock ahead. The devil who + holds new markets and twenty per cent profits in his gift is the devil + that England has most to fear from. 'Because of unrighteous dealings, and + riches gotten by deceit the kingdom is translated from one people to + another,' said the wise man. Think of that opium war the other day. I + don't believe we can get over many more such businesses as that. Grey + falls back on the Church, you see, to save the nation; but the Church he + dreams of will never do it. Is there any that can? There <i>must</i> be + surely, or we have believed a lie. But this work of making trade + righteous, of Christianizing trade, looks like the very hardest the Gospel + has ever had to take in hand—in England at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy spoke slowly and doubtfully, and paused as if asking for Tom's + opinion. + </p> + <p> + “I never heard it put in that way. I know very little of politics or + the state of England. But come, now; the putting down the slave-trade and + compensating our planters, <i>that</i> shows that we are not sold to the + trade devil yet, surely.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think we are. No, thank God, there are plenty of signs that + we are likely to make a good fight of it yet.” + </p> + <p> + They talked together for another hour, drawing their chairs round to the + fire, and looking dreamingly into the embers, as is the wont of men who + are throwing out suggestions, and helping one another to think, rather + than arguing. At the end of that time, Tom left Hardy to his books, and + went away laden with several new ideas, one of the clearest of which was + that he was awfully ignorant of the contemporary history of his own + country, and that it was the thing of all others which he ought to be best + informed on, and thinking most about. So, being of an impetuous turn of + mind, he went straight to his rooms to commence his new study, where, + after diligent hunting, the only food of the kind he required which turned + up was the last number of <i>Bell's Life</i> from the pocket of his great + coat. Upon this he fell to work, in default of anything better, and was + soon deep in the P. R. column, which was full of interesting speculations + as to the chances of Bungaree, in his forthcoming campaign against the + British middleweights. By the time he had skimmed through the well-known + sheets, he was satisfied that the columns of his old acquaintance were not + the place, except in the police reports, where much could be learnt about + the present state or future prospects of England. Then, the first evening + of term being a restless place, he wandered out again, and before long + landed, as his custom was, at Drysdale's door. + </p> + <p> + On entering the room he found Drysdale and Blake alone together, the + former looking more serious than Tom had ever seen him before. As for + Blake, the restless, haggard expression sat more heavily than ever on his + face, sadly marring its beauty. It was clear that they changed the subject + of their talk abruptly on his entrance; so Tom looked anywhere except + straight before him as he was greeting Blake. He really felt very sorry + for him at the moment. However, in another five minutes, he was in fits of + laughter over Blake's description of the conversation between himself and + the coachman who had driven the Glo'ster day-mail by which he had come up; + in which conversation, nevertheless, when Tom came to think it over, and + try to repeat it afterwards, the most facetious parts seemed to be the + “sez he's” and the “sez I's” with which Jehu + larded his stories; so he gave up the attempt, wondering what he could + have found in it to laugh at. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Blake,” said Drysdale, “how about our + excursion into Berkshire masquerading this term? Are you game?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly,” said Blake; “I really must make the most + of such time as I have left, if I'm going into the schools this + term.” + </p> + <p> + “If there's one thing which spoils Oxford it is those + schools,” said Drysdale; “they get in the way of everything. I + ought to be going up for smalls myself next term, and I haven't opened a + book yet, and don't mean to do so. Follow a good example, old fellow, + you're cock-sure of your first, everybody knows.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish everybody would back his opinion, and give me a shade of + odds. Why, I have scarcely thought of my history.” + </p> + <p> + “Why the d—-l should they make such a fuss about history? One knows + perfectly well that those old black-guard heathens were no better than + they should be; and what good it can do to lumber one's head with who + their grandmothers were, and what they ate, and when and where and why + they had their stupid brains knocked out, I can't see for the life of + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Excellently well put. Where did you pick up such sound views, + Drysdale? But you're not examiner yet; and, on the whole, I must rub up my + history somehow. I wish I knew how to do it.” + </p> + <p>“Can't you put on a coach?” said Drysdale.</p> + <p>“I have one on, but history is my weak point, said Blake.</p> + <p> + “I think I can help you,” said Tom. “I've just been + hearing a lecture in Roman history, and one that won't be so easy to + forget as most;” and he went on to explain Hardy's plans, to which + Blake listened eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Capital!” he said, when Tom had finished. “In whose + rooms did you say they are?” + </p> + <p>“In Hardy's, and he works at them every night with Grey.”</p> + <p> + “That's the queer big servitor, his particular pal,” put in + Drysdale; “there's no accounting for tastes.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know him,” retorted Tom; “and the less you + say about him the better.” + </p> + <p>“I know he wears highlows and short flannels, and-”</p> + <p> + “Would you mind asking Hardy to let me come to his lectures?” + interrupted Blake, averting the strong language which was rising to Tom's + lips. “I think they seem just the things I want. I shouldn't like to + offer to pay him, unless you think-” + </p> + <p> + “I'm quite sure,” interrupted Tom, “that he won't take + anything. I will ask him to-morrow whether he will let you come, and he is + such a kind good fellow that I'm almost sure he will.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know your pal, too, Brown,” said Drysdale; + “you must introduce me, with Blake.” + </p> + <p>“No, I'll be hanged if I do,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Then I shall introduce myself,” said Drysdale; “see if + I don't sit next him, now, at your wine on Thursday.” + </p> + <p> + Here Drysdale's scout entered with two notes, and wished to know if Mr. + Drysdale would require anything more. Nothing but hot water; he could put + the kettle on, Drysdale said, and go; and while the scout was fulfilling + his orders, he got up carelessly, whistling, and walking to the fire, read + the notes by the light of one of the candles which were burning on the + mantle-piece. Blake was watching him eagerly, and Tom saw this, and made + some awkward efforts to go on talking about the advantages of Hardy's plan + for learning history. But he was talking to deaf ears, and soon came to a + stand still. He saw Drysdale crumple up the notes in his hand and shove + them into his pocket. After standing for a few seconds in the same + position, with his back to them, he turned around with a careless air, and + sauntered to the table where they were sitting. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see, what were we saying?” he began. “Oh, about + your eccentric pal, Brown.” + </p> + <p> + “You've answers from both?” interrupted Blake. Drysdale + nodded, and was beginning to speak again to Tom when Blake got up and + said, with white lips, “I <i>must</i> see them.” + </p> + <p>“No, never mind, what does it matter?”</p> + <p>“Matter! by heaven, I must and will see them now.”</p> + <p> + Tom saw at once that he had better go, and so took up his cap, wished them + good night, and went off to his own rooms. + </p> + <p> + He might have been sitting there for about twenty minutes, when Drysdale + entered. + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't help coming over, Brown,” he said, “I must + talk to some one, and Blake has gone off raging. I don't know what he'll + do—I never was so bothered or savage in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry,” said Tom; “he looked very bad in your + rooms. Can I do anything?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I must talk to some one. You know—no you don't, by the + way—but, however, Blake got me out of a tremendous scrape in my first + term, and there's nothing that I am not bound to do for him, and wouldn't + do if I could. Yes, by George, whatever fellows say of me they shall never + say I didn't stand by a man who stood by me. Well, he owes a dirty 300L. + or 400L. or something of the sort—nothing worth talking of, I know—to + people in Oxford, and they have been leading him a dog's life this year + and more. Now, he's just going up for his degree, and two or three of + these creditors—the most rascally of course—are sueing him in the + Vice-Chancellor's Court, thinking now's the time to put the screw on. He + will be ruined if they are not stopped somehow. Just after I saw you + to-day, he came to me about it. You never saw a fellow in such a state; I + could see it was tearing him to pieces, telling it to me even. However, I + soon set him at ease as far as I was concerned; but, as the devil will + have it, I can't lend him the money, though 60L. would get him over the + examination, and then he can make terms. My guardian advanced me 200L. + beyond my allowance just before Easter, and I haven't 20L. left, and the + bank here has given me notice not to overdraw any more. However, I thought + to settle it easy enough; so I told him to meet me at the Mitre in half an + hour for dinner, and when he was gone I sat down and wrote two notes—the + first to St. Cloud. That fellow was with us off and on in town, and one + night he and I went partners at <i>roulette</i>, I finding ready-money for + the time, gains and losses to be equally shared in the end. I left the + table to go and eat some supper, and he lost 80L., and paid it out of my + money. I didn't much care, and he cursed the luck and acknowledged that he + owed me 40L. at the time. Well, I just reminded him of this 40L. and said + I should be glad of it (I know he has plenty of money just now), but + added, that it might stand if he would join me and Blake in borrowing + 60L.; I was fool enough to add that Blake was in difficulties, and I was + most anxious to help him. As I thought that St. Cloud would probably pay + the 40L. but do no more, I wrote also to Chanter—heaven knows why, except + that the beast rolls in money, and has fawned on me till I've been nearly + sick this year past—and asked him to lend Blake 50L. on our joint note of + hand. Poor Blake! when I told him what I had done at the Mitre, I think I + might as well have stuck the carving knife into him. We had a wretched two + hours; then you came in, and I got my two answers—here they are.” + </p> + <p>Tom took the proffered notes, and read:</p> + <p> + “DEAR DRYSDALE,—Please explain the allusion in yours to some + mysterious 40L. I remember perfectly the occurrence to which you refer in + another part of your note. You were tired of sitting at the table, and + went off to supper, leaving me (not by my own desire) to play for you with + your money. I did so, and had abominable luck, as you will remember, for I + handed you back a sadly dwindled heap on your return to the table. I hope + you are in no row about that night? I shall be quite ready to give + evidence of what passed if it will help you in any way. I am always yours + very truly, + </p> + <h3>A. ST. CLOUD</h3> + <p> + “P. S. I must decline the little joint operation for Blake's + benefit, which you propose.” + </p> + <p>The second answer ran:</p> + <p> + “DEAR DRYSDALE,—I am sorry that I cannot accommodate Mr. Blake, as a + friend of yours, but you see his acceptance is mere waste paper, and you + cannot give security until you are of age, so if you were to die the money + would be lost. Mr. Blake has always carried his head as high as if he had + 5000l. a year to spend; perhaps now he will turn less haughty to men who + could buy him up easy enough. + </p> + <p>I remain yours sincerely,</p> + <h3>JABEZ CHANTER.”</h3> + <p> + Tom looked up and met Drysdale's eyes, which had more of purpose in them + than he had ever seen before. “Fancy poor Blake reading those two + notes,” he said, “and 'twas I brought them on him. However, he + shall have the money somehow to-morrow, if I pawn my watch. I'll be even + with those two some day.” The two remained in conference for some + time longer; it is hardly worth while to do more than relate the result. + </p> + <p> + At three o'clock the next day, Blake, Drysdale and Tom were in the back + parlor of a second-rate inn, in the Corn-market. On the table were pens + and ink, some cases of Eau-de-Cologne and jewelry, and behind it a fat man + of forbidding aspect who spent a day or two in each term at Oxford. He + held in his thick red damp hand, ornamented as to the fore-finger with a + huge ring, a piece of paper. + </p> + <p>“Then I shall draw for a hundred-and-five?”</p> + <p> + “If you do we won't sign,” said Drysdale; “now, be + quick, Ben” (the fat man's name was Benjamin), “you infernal + shark, we've been wrangling long enough over it. Draw for 100L at three + months, or we're off.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Mr. Drysdale, you gents will take part in goods. I wish to do + all I can for gents as comes well introduced, but money is very scarce + just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a stuffed bird, bottle of Eau-de-Cologne, ring or cigar, will + we have. So now, no more nonsense, put down 75L on the table.” + </p> + <p> + The money-lender, after another equally useless attempt to move Drysdale, + who was the only one of the party who spoke, produced a roll of bills, and + counted out 75L, thinking to himself that he would make this young spark + sing a different tune before very long. He then filled up the piece of + paper, muttering that the interest was nothing considering the risk, and + he hoped they would help him to some thing better with some of their + friends. Drysdale reminded him, in terms not too carefully chosen, that he + was getting cent per cent. The document was signed,—Drysdale took the + notes, and they went out. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's well over,” said Drysdale, as they walked + towards High Street. “I'm proud of my tactics, I must say; one never + does so well for oneself as for anyone else. If I had been on my own hook, + that fellow would have let me in for 20L worth of stuffed birds and bad + jewelry. Let's see, what do you want, Blake?” + </p> + <p>“Sixty will do,” said Blake.</p> + <p> + “You had better take 65L; there'll be some law costs to pay,” + and Drysdale handed him the notes. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Brown, shall we divide the balance,—a fiver a piece?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Tom, “I don't want it; as you two + are to hold me harmless, you must do what you like with the money.” + So Drysdale pocketed the 10L, after which they walked in silence to the + gate of St. Ambrose. The most reckless youngster doesn't begin this sort + of thing without reflections which are apt to keep him silent. At the + gates Blake wrung both their hands. “I don't say much, but I sha'n't + forget it.” He got out the words with some difficulty, and went off + to his rooms. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0012"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XI—MUSCULAR CHRISTIANITY</h2> + <p> + Within the next week or two several important events had happened to one + and another of our St. Ambrose friends. Tom had introduced Blake to Hardy, + after some demur on the part of the latter. Blake was his senior by a + term; might have called on him any time these three years; why should he + want to make his acquaintance now? But when Tom explained to him that it + would be a kind thing to let Blake come and coach up his history with him, + for that unless he took a high degree in the coming examination, he would + have to leave the college, and probably be ruined for life, Hardy at once + consented. + </p> + <p> + Tom did not venture to inquire for a day or two how the two hit it off + together. When he began cautiously to approach the subject, he was glad to + find that Hardy liked Blake. “He is a gentleman, and very + able,” he said; “it is curious to see how quickly he is + overhauling Grey, and yet how Grey takes to him. He has never looked + scared at him (as he still does at you, by the way) since the first night + they met. Blake has the talent of setting people at their ease without + saying anything. I shouldn't wonder if Grey thinks he has sound Church + notions. It's a dangerous talent, and may make a man very false if he + doesn't take care.” Tom asked if Blake would be up in his history in + time. Hardy thought he might perhaps, but he had a great lee-way to make + up. If capacity for taking in cram would do it, he would be all right. He + had been well crammed in his science, and had put him (Hardy) up to many + dodges which might be useful in the schools, and which you couldn't get + without a private tutor. + </p> + <p> + Then Tom's first wine had gone off most successfully. Jervis and Miller + had come early and stayed late, and said all that was handsome of the + port, so that he was already a social hero with the boating set. Drysdale, + of course, had been there, rattling away to everybody in his reckless + fashion, and setting a good example to the two or three fast men whom Tom + knew well enough to ask, and who consequently behaved pretty well, and + gave themselves no airs, though as they went away together they grumbled + slightly that Brown didn't give claret. The rest of the men had shaken + together well, and seemed to enjoy themselves. The only drawback to Tom + had been that neither Hardy nor Grey had appeared. They excused themselves + afterwards on the score of reading, but Tom felt aggrieved in Hardy's + case; he knew that it was only an excuse. + </p> + <p> + Then the training had begun seriously, Miller had come up specially for + the first fortnight, to get them well in hand, as he said. After they were + once fairly started, he would have to go down till just before the races; + but he thought he might rely on the Captain to keep them up to their work + in the interval. + </p> + <p> + So Miller, the coxswain, took to drawing the bow up to the ear at once. At + the very beginning of the term, five or six weeks before the races, the + St. Ambrose boat was to be seen every other day at Abingdon; and early + dinners, limitation of liquids and tobacco, and abstinence from late + supper parties, pastry, ice, and all manner of trash, likely in Miller's + opinion to injure nerve or wind, were hanging over the crew, and already, + in fact, to some extent enforced. The Captain shrugged his shoulders, + submitted to it all himself and worked away with all imperturbable temper; + merely hinting to Miller, in private, that he was going too fast, and that + it would be impossible to keep it up. Diogenes highly approved; he would + have become the willing slave of any tyranny which should insist that + every adult male subject should pull twenty miles, and never imbibe more + than a quart of liquid, in the twenty-four hours. Tom was inclined to like + it, as it helped him to realize the proud fact that he was actually in the + boat. The rest of the crew were in all stages of mutiny and were only kept + from breaking out by their fondness for the Captain and the knowledge that + Miller was going in a few days. As it was, Blake was the only one who + openly rebelled. Once or twice he stayed away. Miller swore and grumbled, + the Captain shook his head, and the crew in general rejoiced. + </p> + <p> + It is to one of these occasions to which we must now turn. If the usual + casual voyager of novels had been standing on Sandford lock, at about + four, on the afternoon of April -th, 184-, he might have beheld the St. + Ambrose eight-oar coming with a steady swing up the last reach. If such + voyager were in the least conversant with the glorious mystery of rowing, + he would have felt his heart warm at the magnificent sweep and life of the + stroke, and would, on the whole, have been pleased with the performance of + the crew generally, considered as a college crew in the early stages of + training. They came “hard all” up to the pool below the lock, + the coxswain standing in the stern with a tiller-rope in each hand, and + then shipped oars; the lock-gates opened, and the boat entered, and in + another minute or two was moored to the bank above the lock, and the crew + strolled into the little inn which stands by the lock, and, after stopping + in the bar to lay hands on several pewters full of porter, passed through + the house into the quoit and skittle-grounds behind. These were already + well filled with men of other crews, playing in groups or looking on at + the players. One of these groups, as they passed, seized on the Captain, + and Miller stopped with him; the rest of the St. Ambrose men, in no humor + for skittles, quoits, or any relaxation except rest and grumbling, took + possession of the first table and seats offered, and came to anchor. + </p> + <p> + Then followed a moment of intense enjoyment, of a sort only appreciable by + those who have had a twelve miles' training pull with a coxswain as sharp + as a needle, and in an awful temper. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Drysdale, taking the pewter down from his lips, + with a sigh, and handing it to Tom who sat next him, “by Jove I feel + better.” + </p> + <p> + “It's almost worth while pulling 'hard all' from Abingdon to get + such a thirst,” said another of the crew. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what, though,” said Drysdale, “to-day's + the last day you'll catch me in this blessed boat.” + </p> + <p> + Tom had just finished his draught, but did not reply; it was by no means + the first time that Drysdale had announced this resolve. The rest were + silent also. + </p> + <p> + “It's bad enough to have to pull your heart out, without getting + abused all the way into the bargain. There Miller stands in the stern—and + a devilish easy thing it is to stand there and walk into us—I can see him + chuckle as he comes to you and me, Brown—'Now, 2, well forward;' '3, don't + jerk;' 'Now 2, throw your weight on the oar; come, now, you can get + another pound on.' I hang on like grim Death,—then its 'Time, 2; now, + 3-'” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's a great compliment,” broke in Tom, with a laugh; + “he thinks he can make something of us.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll make nothing of us first, I think,” said Drysdale. + “I've lost eight pounds in a fortnight. The Captain ought to put me + in every place in the boat, in turn, to make it water-tight. I've larded + the bottom boards under my seat so that not a drop of water will ever come + through again.” + </p> + <p> + “A very good thing for you, old fellow,” said Diogenes; + “you look ten times better than you did at the beginning of the + term.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you call a good thing, you old fluter. I'm + obliged to sit on my hip bones—I can't go to a lecture—all the tutors + think I am poking fun at them, and put me on directly. I haven't been able + to go to lecture these ten days.” + </p> + <p> + “So fond of lecture as he is, too, poor fellow,” put in Tom. + </p> + <p> + “But they've discommonsed me for staying away,” said Drysdale; + “not that I care much for that, though.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miller goes down to-morrow morning—I heard him say so,” + said another. + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll memorialize the Captain and get out of these Abingdon + pulls. Life isn't worth having at this rate.” + </p> + <p>“No other boat has been below Sandford, yet.”</p> + <p> + And so they sat on and plotted, and soon most of the other crews started. + And then they took their turn at skittles, and almost forgot their + grievances, which must be explained to those who don't know the river at + Oxford. + </p> + <p> + The river runs along the south of the city, getting into the university + quarter after it passes under the bridge connecting Berks and Oxfordshire, + over which is the road to Abingdon. Just below this bridge are the boat + builders' establishments on both sides of the river, and then on the + Oxfordshire side is Christchurch meadow, opposite which is moored the + university barge. Here is the goal of all university races; and the + racecourse stretches away down the river for a mile and a half, and a + little below the starting place of the races is Iffley Lock. The next lock + below Iffley is the Sandford Lock (where we left our boat's crew playing + at skittles), which is about a mile and a half below Iffley. Below + Sandford there is no lock till you get to Abingdon, a distance of six + miles and more by the river. Now, inasmuch as the longest distance to be + rowed in the races is only the upper mile and a half from Iffley to the + university barge, of course all crews think themselves very hardly treated + if they are taken further than to Sandford. Pulling “hard all” + from Sandford to Iffley, and then again from Iffley over the regular + course, ought to be enough in all conscience. So chorus the crews; and + most captains and coxswains give in. But here and there some enemy of his + kind—some uncomfortable, worriting, energizing mortal, like Miller—gets + command of a boat, and then the unfortunate crew are dragged, bemoaning + their fate, down below Sandford, where no friendly lock intervenes to + break the long, steady swing of the training pull every two miles, and the + result for the time is blisters and mutiny. I am bound to add that it + generally tells, and that the crew which has been undergoing that + <i>peine forte et dure</i> is very apt to get the change out of it on the + nights of hard races. + </p> + <p> + So the St. Ambrose crew played out their skittles, and settled to appeal + the Captain in a body the next day, after Miller's departure; and then + being summoned to the boat, they took to the water again, and paddled + steadily up home, arriving just in time for hall for those who liked to + hurry. Drysdale never liked hurrying himself; besides, he could not dine + in hall, as he was discommonsed for persistent absence from lecture, and + neglect to go to the Dean when sent for to explain his absence. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Brown, hang hall,” he said to Tom, who was throwing on + his things; “come and dine with me at the Mitre. I'll give you a + bottle of hock; it's very good there.” + </p> + <p> + “Hock's about the worst thing you drink in training,” said + Miller. “Isn't it, Jervis?” + </p> + <p> + “It's no good, certainly,” said the Captain, as he put on his + cap and gown; “come along, Miller.” + </p> + <p> + “There, you hear?” said Miller. “You can drink a glass + of sound sherry, if you want wine;” and he followed the Captain. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale performed a defiant pantomime after the retiring coxswain, and + then easily carried his point with Tom, except as to the hock. So they + walked up to the Mitre together, where Drysdale ordered dinner and a + bottle of hock in the coffee-room. + </p> + <p>“Don't order hock, Drysdale; I shan't drink any.”</p> + <p> + “Then I shall have it all to my own cheek. If you begin making a + slave of yourself to that Miller, he'll very soon cut you down to a glass + of water a day, with a pinch of rhubarb in it, and make you drink that + standing on your head.” + </p> + <p> + “Gammon; but I don't think it's fair on the rest of the crew not to + train as well as one can.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't suppose drinking a pint of hock to-night will make you + pull any the worse this day six weeks, when the races begin, do + you?” + </p> + <p>“No; but—”</p> + <p> + “Hullo! look here,” said Drysdale, who was inspecting a + printed bill pinned up on the wall of the coffee hall; “Wombwell's + menagerie is in the town, somewhere down by Worcester. What fun! We'll go + there after dinner.” + </p> + <p> + The food arrived with Drysdale's hock, which he seemed to enjoy all the + more from the assurance which every glass gave him that he was defying the + coxswain, and doing just the thing he would most dislike. So he drank + away, and facetiously speculated how he could be such an idiot as to go on + pulling. Every day of his life he made good resolutions in the reach above + the Gut that it should be his last performance, and always broke them next + day. He supposed the habit he had of breaking all good resolutions was the + way to account for it. + </p> + <p> + After dinner they set off to find the wild-beast show; and, as they will + be at least a quarter of an hour reaching it, for the pitch is in a part + of the suburbs little known to gownsmen, the opportunity may be seized of + making a few remarks to the patient reader, which impatient readers are + begged to skip. + </p> + <p> + Our hero on his first appearance in public some years since, was without + his own consent at once patted on the back by the good-natured critics, + and enrolled for better or worse in the brotherhood of muscular + Christians, who at that time were beginning to be recognised as an actual + and lusty portion of general British life. As his biographer, I am not + about to take exception to his enrolment; for, after considering the + persons up and down Her Majesty's dominions to whom the new nick-name has + been applied, the principles which they are supposed to hold, and the sort + of lives they are supposed to lead; I cannot see where he could in these + times have fallen upon a nobler brotherhood. I am speaking of course under + correction, and with only a slight acquaintance with the faith of muscular + Christianity, gathered almost entirely from the witty expositions and + comments of persons of a somewhat dyspeptic habit, who are not amongst the + faithful themselves. Indeed, I am not aware that any authorized articles + of belief have been sanctioned or published by the sect, Church, or + whatever they may be. Moreover, at the age at which our hero has arrived, + and having regard to his character, I should say that he has in all + likelihood thought very little on the subject of belief, and would + scarcely be able to give any formal account of his own, beyond that + contained in the Church Catechism, which I for one think may very well + satisfy him for the present. Nevertheless, had he suddenly been caught at + the gate of St. Ambrose's College, by one of the gentlemen who do the + classifying for the British public, and accosted with, “Sir, you + belong to a body whose creed it is to fear God, and walk 1000 miles in + 1000 hours;” I believe he would have replied, “Do I, sir? I'm + very glad to hear it. They must be a very good set of fellows. How many + weeks' training, do they allow?” + </p> + <p> + But in the course of my inquiries on the subject of muscular Christians, + their works and ways, a fact has forced itself on my attention, which, for + the sake of ingenious youth, ought not to be passed over. I find, then, + that, side by side with these muscular Christians, and apparently claiming + some sort of connection with them (the same concern, as the pirates of + trade-marks say), have risen up another set of persons, against whom I + desire to caution my readers and my hero, and to warn the latter that I do + not mean on any pretense whatever to allow him to connect himself with + them, however much he may be taken with their off-hand, “hail + brother well-met” manner and dress, which may easily lead careless + observers to take the counterfeit for the true article. I must call the + persons in question “musclemen,” as distinguished from + muscular Christians; the only point in common between the two being, that + both hold it to be a good thing to have strong and well-exercised bodies, + ready to be put at the shortest notice to any work of which bodies are + capable, and to do it well. Here all likeness ends; for the muscleman + seems to have no belief whatever as to the purposes for which his body has + been given him, except some hazy idea that it is to go up and down the + world with him, belaboring men or captivating women for his benefit or + pleasure, at once the servant and fomentor of those fierce and brutal + passions which he seems to think it a necessity, and rather a fine thing + than otherwise, to indulge and obey. Whereas, so far as I know, the least + of the muscular Christians has hold of the old chivalrous and Christian + belief, that a man's body is given him to be trained and brought into + subjection, and then used for the protection of the weak, the advancement + of all righteous causes, and the subduing of the earth which God has given + to the children of men. He does not hold that mere strength or activity + are in themselves worthy of any respect or worship, or that one man is a + bit better than another because he can knock him down, or carry a bigger + sack of potatoes than he. For mere power, whether of body or intellect, he + has (I hope and believe) no reverence whatever, though, + <i>cæteris paribus</i>, he would probably himself, as a matter of taste, + prefer the man who can lift a hundred-weight round his head with his + little finger to the man who can construct a string of perfect Sorites, or + expound the doctrine of “contradictory inconceivables.” + </p> + <p> + The above remarks occur as our hero is marching innocently down towards + his first “town and gown” row, and I should scarcely like to + see him in the middle of it, without protesting that it is a mistake. I + know that he, and other youngsters of his kidney, will have fits of + fighting or desiring to fight with their poorer brethren, just as children + have the measles. But the shorter the fit the better for the patient, for + like the measles it is a great mistake, and a most unsatisfactory + complaint. If they can escape it altogether so much the better. But + instead of treating the fit as a disease, “musclemen” + professors are wont to represent it as a state of health, and to let their + disciples run about in middle age with the measles on them as strong as + ever. Now although our hero had the measles on him at this particular + time, and the passage of arms which I am about shortly to describe led to + results of some importance in his history, and cannot therefore be passed + over, yet I wish at the same time to disclaim, both in my sponsorial and + individual character, all sympathy with town and gown rows, and with all + other class rows and quarrels of every sort and kind, whether waged with + sword, pen, tongue, fist or otherwise. Also to say that in all such rows, + so far as I have seen or read, from the time when the Roman plebs marched + out to Mons Sacer, down to 1848, when the English chartists met on + Kennington Common, the upper classes are most to blame. It may be that + they are not the aggressors on any given occasion; very possibly they may + carry on the actual fighting with more fairness (though this is by no + means true as a rule); nevertheless the state of feeling which makes such + things possible, especially in England, where men in general are only too + ready to be led and taught by their superiors in rank, may be fairly laid + at their door. Ever, in the case of strikes, which just now will of course + be at once thrown in my teeth, I say fearlessly, let any man take the + trouble to study the question honestly, and he will come to the conviction + that all combinations of the men for the purpose of influencing the labor + market, whether in the much and unjustly abused Trades' Societies, or in + other forms, have been defensive organizations, and that the masters + might, as a body, over and over again have taken the sting out of them if + they had acted fairly, as many individuals amongst them have done. Whether + it may not be too late now, is a tremendous question for England, but one + which time only can decide. + </p> + <p> + When Drysdale and Tom at last found the caravans, it was just getting + dark. Something of a crowd had collected outside, and there was some + hissing as they ascended the short flight of steps which led to the + platform in front of the show; but they took no notice of it, paid their + money, and entered. + </p> + <p> + Inside they found an exciting scene. The place was pretty well lighted, + and the birds and beasts were all alive in their several dens and cages, + walking up and down, and each uttering remonstrances after its own manner, + the shrill notes of birds mingling with the moan of the beasts of prey and + chattering of the monkeys. Feeding time had been put off till night to + suit the undergraduates, and the undergraduates were proving their + appreciation of the attention by playing off all manner of practical jokes + on birds and beasts, their keepers, and such of the public as had been + rash enough to venture in. At the farther end was the keeper, who did the + showman, vainly endeavouring to go through his usual jogtrot description. + His monotone was drowned every minute by the chorus of voices, each + shouting out some new fact in natural history touching the biped or + quadruped whom the keeper was attempting to describe. At that day a great + deal of this sort of chaff was current, so that the most dunder-headed boy + had plenty on the tip of his tongue. A small and indignant knot of + townspeople, headed by a stout and severe middle-aged woman, with two big + boys, her sons, followed the keeper, endeavouring by caustic remarks and + withering glances to stop the flood of chaff, and restore the legitimate + authority and the reign of keeper and natural history. + </p> + <p> + At another point was a long Irishman in cap and gown, who had clearly had + as much wine as he could carry, close to the bars of the panther's den, + through which he was earnestly endeavouring, with the help of a crooked + stick, to draw the tail of whichever of the beasts stopped for a moment in + its uneasy walk. On the other side were a set of men bent on burning the + wretched monkeys' fingers with the lighted ends of their cigars, in which + they seemed successful enough, to judge by the angry chatterings and + shriekings of their victims. + </p> + <p> + The two new comers paused for a moment on the platform inside the curtain; + and then Drysdale, rubbing his hands, and in high glee at the sight of so + much misrule in so small a place, led the way down on to the floor deep in + sawdust, exclaiming, “Well, this <i>is</i> a lark! We're just in for + all the fun of the fair.” + </p> + <p> + Tom followed his friend, who made straight for the show man, and planted + himself at his side, just as that worthy, pointing with his pole, was + proceeding— + </p> + <p>“This is the jackal, from—”</p> + <p> + “The Caribee Hielands, of which I'm a native mysel',” shouted + a gownsman. + </p> + <p> + “This is the jackal, or lion's provider,” began again the much + enduring keeper. + </p> + <p> + “Who always goes before the lion to purwide his purwisions, + purwiding there's anything to purwide,” put in Drysdale. + </p> + <p> + “Hem—really I do think it's scandalous not to let the keeper tell + about the beasteses,” said the unfortunate matron, with a half turn + towards the persecutors, and grasping her bag. + </p> + <p> + “My dear madam,” said Drysdale, in his softest voice, “I + assure you he knows nothing about the beasteses. We are Doctor Buckland's + favourite pupils, are also well known to the great Panjandrum, and have + eaten more beasteses than the keeper has ever seen.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know who you are, young man, but you don't know how to + behave yourselves,” rejoined the outraged female; and the keeper, + giving up the jackal as a bad job, pointing with his pole, proceeded— + </p> + <p> + “The little hanimal in the upper cage is the hopossom, of North + America—” + </p> + <p> + “The misguided offspring of the raccoon and the gumtree,” put + in one of his tormentors. + </p> + <p> + Here a frightful roaring and struggling at a little distance, mingled with + shouts of laughter, and “Hold on, Pat!” + </p> + <p> + “Go it, panther!” interrupted the lecture, and caused a rush + to the other side, where the long Irishman, Donovan, by name, with one + foot against the bars, was holding on to the tail of one of the panthers, + which he had at length managed to catch hold of. The next moment he was + flat on his back in the sawdust, and his victim was bounding wildly about + the cage. The keeper hurried away to look after the outraged panther; and + Drysdale, at once installing himself as showman, began at the next cage— + </p> + <p> + “This is the wild man of the woods, or whangee-tangee, the most + untameable—good heavens, ma'am, take care!” and he seized hold on + the unfortunate woman and pulled her away from the bars. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, goodness!” she screamed, “it's got my tippet; oh, + Bill, Peter, catch hold!” Bill and Peter proved unequal to the + occasion, but a gownsman seized the vanishing tippet, and after a moment's + struggle with the great ape, restored a meagre half to the proper owner, + while Jacko sat grinning over the other half, picking it to pieces. The + poor woman had now had enough of it, and she hurried off with her two + boys, followed by the few townspeople who were still in the show, to lay + her case directly before the mayor, as she informed the delinquents from + the platform before disappearing. Her wrongs were likely to be more + speedily avenged, to judge by the angry murmurs which arose outside + immediately after her exit. + </p> + <p> + But still the high jinks went on, Donovan leading all mischief, until the + master of the menagerie appeared inside, and remonstrated with the men. + “He must send for the police,” he said, “if they would + not leave the beasts alone. He had put off the feeding in order to suit + them; would they let his keepers feed the beasts quietly?” The + threat of the police was received with shouts of defiance by some of the + men, though the greater part seemed of the opinion that matters were + getting serious. + </p> + <p> + The proposal of feeding, was however, welcomed by all and comparative + quiet ensued for some ten minutes, while the baskets of joints, bread, + stale fish, and potatoes were brought in, and the contents distributed to + the famished occupants of the cages. In the interval of peace the + showman-keeper, on a hint from his master, again began his round. But the + spirit of mischief was abroad, and it only needed this to make it break + out again. In another two minutes the beasts, from the lion to the + smallest monkey, were struggling for their suppers, with one or more + undergraduates; the elephant had torn the gown off Donovan's back, having + only just missed his arm; the manager in a confusion worthy of the tower + of Babel, sent off a keeper for the city police, and turned the gas out. + </p> + <p> + The audience, after the first moment of surprise and indignation, groped + their way towards the steps and mounted the platform, where they held a + council of war. Should they stay where they were or make a sally at once, + break through the crowd and get back to their colleges? It was curious to + see how in that short minute individual character came out, and the + coward, the cautious man, the resolute prompt Englishman, each was there, + and more than one species of each. Donovan was one of the last up the + steps, and as he stumbled up caught something of the question before the + house. He shouted loudly at once for descending and offering battle. + “But boys,” he added, “first wait till I adthress the + meeting,” and he made for the opening in the canvas through which + the outside platform was reached. Stump oratory and a free fight were just + the two temptations which Donovan was wholly unable to resist; it was with + a face radiant with devil-may-care delight that he burst through the + opening, followed by all the rest (who felt that the matter was out of + their hands, and must go its own way after the Irishman), and rolling to + the front of the outside platform, rested one hand on the rail, and waved + the other gracefully towards the crowd. + </p> + <p> + This was the signal for a burst of defiant shouts and hissing. Donovan + stood blandly waving his hand for silence. Drysdale, running his eye over + the mob, turned to the rest and said, “There's nothing to stop us, + not twenty grown men in the whole lot.” + </p> + <p> + Then one of the men lighting upon the drumsticks, which the usual man in + corduroys had hidden away, began beating the big drum furiously. One of + the unaccountable whims which influence crowds seized on the mob, and + there was almost perfect silence. This seemed to take Donovan by surprise; + the open air was having the common effect on him; he was getting unsteady + on his legs, and his brains were wondering. “Now's your time, + Donovan, my boy—begin.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes, to be sure, what'll I say? let's see,” said Donovan, + putting his head on one side— + </p> + <p>“Friends, Romans, countrymen,” suggested some wag.</p> + <p> + “To be sure,” cried Donovan; “Friends, Romans, + countrymen, lend me your ears.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo Pat, well begun; pull their ears well when you've got + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad luck to it! where was I? you divels—I mean ladies and gentlemen + of Oxford city as I was saying, the poets—” + </p> + <p> + Then the storm of shouting and hissing arose again, and Donovan, after an + ineffectual attempt or two to go on, leaned forward and shook his fist + generally at the mob. Luckily for him, there were no stones about; but one + of the crowd, catching the first missel at hand, which happened to be a + cabbage stalk, sent it with true aim at the enraged orator. He jerked his + head on one side to avoid it; the motion unsteadied his cap; he threw up + his hand, which, instead of catching the falling cap, as it was meant to + do, sent it spinning among the crowd below. The owner, without a moment's + hesitation, clapped both hands on the bar before him, and followed his + property, vaulting over on the heads of those nearest the platform, + amongst whom he fell, scattering them right and left. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, gown, or he'll be murdered,” sang out one of + Donovan's friends. Tom was one of the first down the steps; they rushed to + the spot in another moment, and the Irishman rose, plastered with dirt, + but otherwise none the worse for his feat; his cap, covered with mud, was + proudly stuck on, hind part before. He was of course thirsting for battle, + but not quite so much master of his strength as usual; so his two friends, + who were luckily strong and big men, seized him, one to each arm. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, keep together,” was the word; “there's no + time to lose. Push for the corn-market.” + </p> + <p> + The cry of “Town! town!” now rose on all sides. The gownsmen + in a compact body, with Donovan in the middle, pushed rapidly across the + open space in which the caravans were set up and gained the street. Here + they were comparatively safe; they were followed close, but could not be + surrounded by the mob. And now again a bystander might have amused himself + by noting the men's characters. Three or four pushed rapidly on, and were + out of sight ahead in no time. The greater part, without showing any + actual signs off fear, kept steadily on, at a good pace. Close behind + these, Donovan struggled violently with his two conductors, and shouted + defiance to the town; while a small and silent rear guard, amongst whom + were Tom and Drysdale, walked slowly and, to all appearance, carelessly + behind, within a few yards of the crowd of shouting boys who headed the + advancing town. Tom himself felt his heart beating quick, and I don't + think had any particular desire for the fighting to begin, with such long + odds on the town side; but he was resolved to be in it as soon as any one + if there was to be any. Thus they marched through one or two streets + without anything more serious than an occasional stone passing their ears. + Another turn would have brought them into the open parts of the town, + within hearing of the colleges, when suddenly Donovan broke loose from his + supporters, and rushing with a shout on the advanced guard of the town, + drove them back in confusion for some yards. The only thing to do was to + back him up; so the rear-guard, shouting “Gown! gown!” charged + after him. The effect of the onset was like that of Blount at Flodden, + when he saw Marmion's banner go down,—a wide space was cleared for a + moment, the town driven back on the pavements, and up the middle of the + street, and the rescued Donovan caught, set on his legs, and dragged away + again some paces towards college. But the charging body was too few in + number to improve the first success, or even to insure its own retreat. + “Darkly closed the war around.” The town lapped on them from + the pavements, and poured on them down the middle of the street, before + they had time to rally and stand together again. + </p> + <p> + What happened to the rest—who was down, who fought, who fled,—Tom had no + time to inquire; for he found himself suddenly the centre of a yelling + circle of enemies. So he set his teeth and buckled to his work; and the + thought of splendid single combat, and glory such as he had read of in + college stories, and tradition handing him down as the hero of that great + night, flashed into his head as he cast his eye round for foemen worthy of + his steel. None such appeared; so, selecting the one most of his own size, + he squared and advanced on him. But the challenged one declined the + combat, and kept retreating; while from behind, and at the sides, one + after another of the “town” rushing out dealt Tom a blow and + vanished again into the crowd. For a moment or two he kept his head and + temper; the assailants individually were too insignificant to put out his + strength upon; but head and temper were rapidly going;—he was like a bull + in the arena with the picadores sticking their little javelins in him. A + smart blow on the nose, which set a myriad of stars dancing before his + eyes, finished the business, and he rushed after the last assailant, + dealing blows to right and left, on small and great. The mob closed in on + him, still avoiding attacks in front, but on the flank and rear they hung + on him and battered at him. He had to turn sharply round after every step + to shake himself clear, and at each turn the press thickened, the shouts + waxed louder and fiercer; he began to get unsteady; tottered, swayed, and, + stumbling over a prostrate youth, at last went down full length on to the + pavement, carrying a couple of his assailants with him. And now it would + have fared hardly with him, and he would scarcely have reached college + with sound bones,—for I am sorry to say an Oxford town mob is a cruel and + brutal one, and a man who is down has no chance with it,—but that for one + moment he and his prostrate foes were so jumbled together that the town + could not get at him, and the next cry of “Gown! gown!” rose + high above the din; the town were swept back again by the rush of a + reinforcement of gownsmen, the leader of whom seized him by the shoulders + and put him on his legs again; while his late antagonists crawled away to + the side of the road. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Brown!” said his rescuer,—Jervis, the + Captain,—“this, you? Not hurt, eh?” + </p> + <p>“Not a bit,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Good; come on, then; stick to me.” In three steps they joined + the rest of the gown, now numbering some twenty men. The mob was close + before them, gathering for another rush. Tom felt a cruel, wild devil + beginning to rise in him; he had never felt the like before. This time he + longed for the next crash, which happily for him, was fated never to come + off. + </p> + <p> + “Your names and colleges, gentlemen,” said a voice close + behind them at this critical moment. The “town” set up a + derisive shout, and, turning round, the gownsmen found the velvet sleeves + of one of the proctors at their elbow and his satellites, vulgarly called + bull-dogs, taking notes of them. They were completely caught, and so + quietly gave the required information. + </p> + <p> + “You will go to your colleges at once,” said the proctor, + “and remain within gates. You will see these gentlemen to the + High-street,” he added to his marshal; and then strode on after the + crowd, which was vanishing down the street. + </p> + <p> + The men turned and strolled towards the High-street, the marshall keeping, + in a deferential but wide-awake manner, pretty close to them, but without + making any show of watching them. When they reached the High-street he + touched his hat and said civilly, “I hope you will go home now, + gentlemen, the senior proctor is very strict.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, marshall; good night,” said the good natured ones. + </p> + <p> + “D—- his impudence,” growled one or two of the rest, and the + marshal bustled away after his master. The men looked at one another for a + moment or two. They were of different colleges, and strangers. The + High-street was quiet; so without the exchange of a word, after the manner + of British youth, they broke up into twos and threes, and parted. Jervis, + Tom, and Drysdale, who turned up quite undamaged, sauntered together + towards St. Ambrose's. + </p> + <p>“I say, where are you going?” said Drysdale.</p> + <p>“Not to college, I vote,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“No, there may be some more fun.”</p> + <p> + “Mighty poor fun, I should say, you'll find it,” said Jervis; + “however, if you will stay, I suppose I must. I can't leave you two + boys by yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along then, down here.” So they turned down one of the + courts leading out of the High-street, and so by back streets bore up + again for the disturbed districts. + </p> + <p> + “Mind and keep a sharp lookout for the proctors,” said Jervis; + “as much row as you please, but we mustn't be caught again.” + </p> + <p>“Well, only let's keep together if we have to bolt.”</p> + <p> + They promenaded in lonely dignity for some five minutes, keeping eyes and + ears on full strain. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you what,” said Drysdale, at last, “it isn't + fair, these enemies in the camp; what with the 'town' and their stones and + fists, and the proctors with their 'name and college,' we've got the wrong + end of the stick.” + </p> + <p> + “Both wrong ends, I can tell you,” said Jervis. “Hello, + Brown, your nose is bleeding.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it?” said Tom, drawing his hand across his mouth; + “'twas that confounded little fellow then who ran up to my side + while I was squaring at the long party. I felt a sharp crack, and the + little rascal bolted into the crowd before I could turn at him.” + </p> + <p>“Cut and come again,” said Drysdale, laughing.</p> + <p> + “Ay, that's the regular thing in these blackguard street squabbles. + Here they come then,” said Jervis. “Steady, all.” + </p> + <p> + They turned around to face the town, which came shouting down the street + behind them in pursuit of one gownsman, a little, harmless, quiet fellow, + who had fallen in with them on his way back to his college from a tea with + his tutor, and, like a wise man, was giving them leg-bail as hard as he + could foot it. But the little man was of a courageous, though prudent + soul, and turned panting and gasping on his foes the moment he found + himself amongst friends again. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, stick together; don't let them get around us,” + said Jervis. + </p> + <p> + They walked steadily down the street, which was luckily a narrow one, so + that three of them could keep the whole of it, halting and showing front + every few yards, when the crowd pressed too much. “Down with them! + Town, town! That's two as was in the show.” + </p> + <p> + “Mark the velvet-capped chap. Town, town!” shouted the hinder + part of the mob, but it was a rabble of boys as before, and the front rank + took very good care of itself, and forbore from close quarters. + </p> + <p> + The small gownsman had now got his wind again; and smarting under the + ignominy of his recent flight, was always a pace or two nearer the crowd + than the other three, ruffling up like a little bantam, and shouting + defiance between the catchings of his breath. + </p> + <p> + “You vagabonds! you cowards! Come on now I say! Gown, gown!” + And at last, emboldened by the repeated halts of the mob, and thirsting + for revenge, he made a dash at one of the nearest of the enemy. The + suddenness of the attack took both sides by surprise, then came a rush by + two or three of the town to the rescue. + </p> + <p> + “No, no! stand back—one at a time,” shouted the Captain, + throwing himself between the combatants and the mob. “Go it, little + 'un; serve him out. Keep the rest back boys; steady!” Tom and + Drysdale faced towards the crowd, while a little gownsman and his + antagonist—who defended himself vigorously enough now—came to close + quarters, in the rear of the gown line; too close to hurt one another but + what with hugging and cuffing the townsman in another half-minute was + sitting quietly on the pavement with his back against the wall, his enemy + squaring in front of him, and daring him to renew the combat. “Get + up, you coward; get up, I say, you coward! He won't get up,” said + the little man, eagerly turning to the Captain. “Shall I give him a + kick?” + </p> + <p> + “No, let the cur alone,” replied Jervis. “Now, do any + more of you want to fight? Come on like men one at a time. I'll fight any + man in the crowd.” + </p> + <p> + Whether the challenge would have been answered must rest uncertain; for + now the crowd began to look back, and a cry arose, “Here they are, + proctors! now they'll run.” + </p> + <p> + “So we must, by Jove, Brown,” said the Captain. “What's + your college?” to the little hero. + </p> + <p>“Pembroke.”</p> + <p>“Cut away, then; you're close at home.”</p> + <p> + “Very well, if I must; good night,” and away went the small + man as fast as he had come; and it has never been heard that he came to + further grief, or performed other feats that night. + </p> + <p>“Hang it, don't let's run,” said Drysdale.</p> + <p> + “Is it the proctors?” said Tom. “I can't see + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Mark the bloody-faced one; kick him over,” sang out a voice + in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee,” said Tom, savagely. “Let's have one rush at + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Look! there's the proctor's cap just through them; come along + boys—well, stay if you like, and be rusticated, I'm off,” and away + went Jervis, and the next moment Tom and Drysdale followed the good + example, and, as they had to run, made the best use of their legs, and in + two minutes were well ahead of their pursuers. They turned a corner; + “Here, Brown! alight in this public, cut in, and it's all + right.” Next moment they were in the dark passage of a quiet little + inn, and heard with a chuckle part of the crowd scurry by the door in + pursuit, while they themselves suddenly appeared in the neat little bar, + to the no small astonishment of its occupants. These were a stout elderly + woman in spectacles, who was stitching away at plain work in an arm-chair + on one side of the fire; the foreman of one of the great boat-builders, + who sat opposite her, smoking his pipe with a long glass of clear ale at + his elbow; and a bright-eyed, neat handed bar maid, who was leaning + against the table, and talking to the others as they entered. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0013"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XII—THE CAPTAIN'S NOTIONS</h2> + <p> + The old lady dropped her work, the barmaid turned round with a start and + little ejaculation, and the foreman stared with all his eyes for a moment, + and then, jumping up, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Bless us, if it isn't Muster Drysdale and Muster Brown, of + Ambrose's. Why what's the matter, sir? Muster Brown, you be all covered + wi' blood, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear me! poor young gentlemen!” cried the + hostess;—“Here, Patty, run and tell Dick to go for the doctor, and + get the best room—” + </p> + <p> + “No, please don't; it's nothing at all,” interrupted Tom, + laughing;—“a basin of cold water and a towel, if you please, Miss + Patty, and I shall be quite presentable in a minute. I'm very sorry to + have frightened you all.” + </p> + <p> + Drysdale joined in the assurances that it was nothing but a little of his + friend's “claret,” which he would be all the better for + losing, and watched with an envious eye the interest depicted in Patty's + pretty face, as she hurried in with a basin of fresh pumped water, and + held the towel. Tom bathed his face, and very soon was as respectable a + member of society as usual, save for a slight swelling on one side of his + nose. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale meantime—seated on the table—had been explaining the + circumstances to the landlady and the foreman. “And now, + ma'am,” said he as Tom joined them, and seated himself on a vacant + chair, “I'm sure you must draw famous ale.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, sir, I think Dick—that's my ostler, sir—is as good a brewer + as is in the town. We always brew at home, sir, and I hope always + shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, ma'am, quite right,” said Drysdale; “and I + don't think we can do better than follow Jem here. Let us have a jug of + the same ale as he is drinking. And you'll take a glass with us, Jem? or + will you have spirits?” + </p> + <p> + Jem was for another glass of ale, and bore witness to its being the best + in Oxford, and Patty drew the ale, and supplied two more long glasses. + Drysdale, with apologies, produced his cigar case; and Jem, under the + influence of the ale and a first-rate Havannah (for which he deserted his + pipe, though he did not enjoy it half as much), volunteered to go and + rouse the yard and conduct them safely back to college. This offer was of + course, politely declined and then, Jem's hour for bed having come, he + being a methodical man, as became his position, departed, and left our two + young friends in sole possession of the bar. Nothing could have suited the + two young gentlemen better, and they set to work to make themselves + agreeable. They listened with lively interest to the landlady's statement + of the difficulties of a widow woman in a house like hers, and to her + praises of her factotum Dick and her niece Patty. They applauded her + resolution of not bringing up her two boys in the publican line, though + they could offer no very available answer her appeals for advice as to + what trade they should be put to; all trades were so full, and things were + not as they ought to be. The one thing, apparently, which was wanting to + the happiness of Drysdale at Oxford, was the discovery of such beer as he + had at last found at “The Choughs.” + </p> + <p> + Dick was to come up to St. Ambrose's the first thing in the morning and + carry off his barrel, which would never contain in future any other + liquid. At last that worthy appeared in the bar to know when he was to + shut up, and was sent out by his mistress to see that the street was + clear, for which service he received a shilling, though his offer of + escort was declined. And so, after paying in a splendid manner for their + entertainment, they found themselves in the street, and set off for + college, agreeing on the way that “The Choughs” was a great + find, the old lady was the best old soul in the world, and Patty the + prettiest girl in Oxford. They found the streets quiet, and walking + quickly along them, knocked at the college gates at half-past eleven. The + stout porter received them with a long face. + </p> + <p> + “Senior proctor's sent down here an hour back, gentlemen, to find + whether you was in college.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean that, porter? How kind of him! What did you + say?” + </p> + <p> + “Said I didn't know, sir; but the marshal said, if you come in + after, that you was to go to the senior proctor's at half-past nine + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Send my compliments to the senior proctor,” said Drysdale, + “and say I have a very particular engagement to morrow morning, + which will prevent my having the pleasure of calling on him.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, sir,” said the porter, giving a little dry + chuckle, and tapping the keys against his leg; “only perhaps you + wouldn't mind writing him a note, sir, as he is rather a particular + gentleman.” + </p> + <p>“Didn't he send after anyone else?” said Tom.</p> + <p>“Yes, sir, Mr. Jervis, sir.”</p> + <p>“Well, and what about him?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, sir, Mr. Jervis! an old hand, sir. He'd been in gates long + time, sir, when the marshal came.” + </p> + <p> + “The sly old beggar!” said Drysdale, “good night, + porter; mind you send my message to the proctor. If he is set on seeing me + to-morrow, you can say that he will find a broiled chicken and a hand at + picquet in my rooms, if he likes to drop in to lunch.” + </p> + <p> + The porter looked after them for a moment, and then retired to his deep + old chair in the lodge, pulled his night cap over his ears, put up his + feet before the fire on a high stool, and folded his hands on his lap. + “The most impidentest thing on the face of the earth is it + gen'l'man-commoner in his first year,” soliloquized the little man. + “'Twould ha' done that one a sight of good, now, if he'd got a good + hiding in the street to-night. But he's better than most on 'em, + too,” he went on; “uncommon free with his tongue, but just as + free with his arf-sovereigns. Well, I'm not going to peach if the proctor + don't send again in the morning. That sort's good for the college; makes + things brisk; has his <i>wine</i> from town, and don't keep no keys. I + wonder, now, if my Peter's been out a fighting? He's pretty nigh as hard + to manage, is that boy, as if he was at college hisself.” + </p> + <p> + And so, muttering over his domestic and professional grievances, the small + janitor composed himself to a nap. I may add, parenthetically, that his + hopeful Peter, a precocious youth of seventeen, scout's boy on No. 3 + staircase of St. Ambrose's College, was represented in the boot cleaning + and errand line by a substitute for some days; and when he returned to + duty was minus a front tooth. + </p> + <p> + “What fools we were not to stick to the Captain. I wonder what we + shall get,” said Tom, who was troubled in his mind at the proctor's + message, and not gifted naturally with the recklessness and contempt of + authority which in Drysdale's case approached the sublime. + </p> + <p> + “Who cares? I'll be bound, now, the old fox came straight home to + earth. Let's go and knock him up.” + </p> + <p> + Tom assented, for he was anxious to consult Jervis as to his proceedings + in the morning; so they soon found themselves drumming at his oak, which + was opened shortly by “the stroke” in an old boating-jacket. + They followed him in. At one end of his table stood his tea-service and + the remains of his commons, which the scout had not cleared away; at the + other, open books, note-books, and maps showed that the Captain read, as + he rowed, “hard all.” + </p> + <p>“Well, are you two only just in?”</p> + <p>“Only just, my Captain,” answered Drysdale.</p> + <p> + “Have you been well thrashed, then? You don't look much + damaged?” + </p> + <p> + “We are innocent of fight since your sudden departure—flight, shall + I call it?—my Captain.” + </p> + <p>“Where have you been?”</p> + <p> + “Where! why in the paragon of all pot houses; snug little bar with + red curtains; stout old benevolent female in spectacles; barmaid an houri; + and for malt the most touching tap in Oxford, wasn't it, Brown?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, the beer was undeniable,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“Well, and you dawdled there till now?” said Jervis.</p> + <p> + “Even so. What with mobs that wouldn't fight fair, the captains who + would run away, and the proctors marshals who would interfere, we were + 'perfectly disgusted with the whole proceedings,' as the Scotchman said + when he was sentenced to be hanged.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! Heaven, they say, protects children, sailors, and drunken + men; and whatever answer to Heaven in the academical system protects + freshmen,” remarked Jervis. + </p> + <p> + “Not us, at any rate,” said Tom, “for we are to go to + the proctor to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p>“What, did he catch you in your famous public?”</p> + <p> + “No; the marshal came round to the porter's lodge, asked if we were + in, and left word that, if we were not, we were to go to him in the + morning. The porter told us just now as we came in.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw,” said the Captain, with disgust; “now you'll be + gated probably, and the whole crew will be thrown out of gear. Why + couldn't you have come home when I did?” + </p> + <p> + “We do not propose to attend the levee of that excellent person in + office to-morrow morning,” said Drysdale. “He will forget all + about it. Old Copas won't say a word—catch him. He gets too much out of me + for that.” + </p> + <p>“Well, you'll see; I'll back the proctor's memory.”</p> + <p>“But, Captain, what are you going to stand?”</p> + <p> + “Stand! nothing, unless you like a cup of cold tea. You'll get no + wine or spirits here at this time of night, and the buttery is shut. + Besides you've had quite as much beer as good for you at your paragon + public.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, now, Captain, just two glasses of sherry, and I'll promise to + go to bed.” + </p> + <p>“Not a thimbleful.”</p> + <p> + “You old tyrant!” said Drysdale, hopping off his perch on the + elbow of the sofa. “Come along, Brown, let's go and draw for some + supper, and a hand at Van John. There's sure to be something going up my + staircase; or, at any rate, there's a cool bottle of claret in my + rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop and have a talk, Brown,” said the Captain, and prevailed + against Drysdale, who, after another attempt to draw Tom off, departed on + his quest for drink and cards. + </p> + <p> + “He'll never do for the boat, I'm afraid,” said the Captain; + “with his rascally late hours, and drinking and eating all sorts of + trash. It's a pity, too for he's a pretty oar for his weight.” + </p> + <p>“He is such uncommon good company, too,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Yes; but I'll tell you what. He's just a leetle too good company + for you and me, or any fellows who mean to take a degree. Let's see, this + is only his third term? I'll give him, perhaps, two more to make the place + too hot to hold him. Take my word for it, he'll never get to his + little-go.” + </p> + <p>“It will be a great pity, then,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “So it will. But after all, you see, what does it matter to him? He + gets rusticated; takes his name off with a flourish of trumpets—what then? + He falls back on 5,000L a year in land, and a good accumulation in + consols, runs abroad or lives in town for a year. Takes the hounds when he + comes of age, or is singled out by some discerning constituency, and sent + to make laws for his country, having spent the whole of his life hitherto + in breaking all the laws he ever came under. You and I, perhaps, go + fooling about with him, and get rusticated. We make our friends miserable. + We can't take our names off, but have to come cringing back at the end of + our year, marked men. Keep our tails between our legs for the rest of the + time. Lose a year at our professions, and most likely have the slip + casting up against us in one way or another for the next twenty years. + It's like the old story of the giant and the dwarf, or like fighting a + sweep, or any other one-sided business.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'd sooner have to fight my own way in the world after all; + wouldn't you?” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “H-m-m!” said the Captain, throwing himself back in the chair, + and smiling; “can't answer off hand. I'm a third year man, and begin + to see the other side rather clearer than I did when I was a freshman like + you. Three years at Oxford, my boy, will teach you something of what rank + and money count for, if they teach you nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, here's the Captain singing the same song as Hardy,” + thought Tom. + </p> + <p>“So you two have to go to the proctor to-morrow?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p>“Shall you go? Drysdale won't.”</p> + <p> + “Of course I shall. It seems to me childish not to go; as if I were + back in the lower school again. To tell you the truth, the being sent for + isn't pleasant; but the other I couldn't stand.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't feel anything of that sort. But I think you're right + on the whole. The chances are that he'll remember your name, and send for + you again if you don't go; and then you'll be worse off.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't think he'll rusticate us, or anything of that + sort?” said Tom, who had felt horrible twinges at the Captain's + picture of the effects of rustication on ordinary mortals. + </p> + <p> + “No; not unless he's in a very bad humour. I was caught three times + in one night in my freshman's term, and only got an imposition.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I don't care,” said Tom. “But it's a bore to have + been caught in so seedy an affair; if it had been a real good row, one + wouldn't have minded so much.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what did you expect? It was neither better nor worse than the + common run of such things.” + </p> + <p>“Well, but three parts of the crowd were boys.”</p> + <p> + “So they are always—or nine times out of ten at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “But there was no real fighting; at least, I only know I got + none.” + </p> + <p> + “There isn't any real fighting, as you call it, nine times out of + ten.” + </p> + <p>“What is there, then?”</p> + <p> + “Why, something of this sort. Five shopboys, or scouts' boys, full + of sauciness, loitering at an out-of-the-way street corner. Enter two + freshmen, full of dignity and bad wine. Explosion of inflammable material. + Freshmen mobbed into High-street or Broad-street, where the tables are + turned by a gathering of many more freshmen, and the mob of town boys + quietly subsides, puts its hands in its pockets, and ceases to shout + 'Town, town!' The triumphant freshmen march up and down for perhaps half + an hour, shouting 'Gown, gown!' and looking furious, but not half sorry + that the mob vanishes like mist at their approach. Then come the proctors, + who hunt down, and break up the gown in some half-hour or hour. The 'town' + again marches about in the ascendant, and mobs the scattered freshmen, + wherever they can be caught in very small numbers.” + </p> + <p> + “But with all your chaff about freshmen, Captain, you were in it + yourself to-night; come now.” + </p> + <p>“Of course, I had to look after you two boys.”</p> + <p>“But you didn't know we were in when you came up?”</p> + <p> + “I was sure to find some of you. Besides, I'll admit one don't like + to go in while there's any chance of a real row as you call it, and so + gets proctorized in one's old age for one's patriotism.” + </p> + <p>“Were you ever in a real row?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Yes, once, about a year ago. The fighting numbers were about equal, + and the town all grown men, labourers and mechanics. It was desperate hard + work, none of your shouting and promenading. That Hardy, one of our Bible + clerks, fought like a Paladin; I know I shifted a fellow in corduroys on + to him, whom I had found an uncommon tough customer, and never felt better + pleased in my life than when I saw the light glance on his hobnails as he + went over into the gutter two minutes afterwards. It lasted, perhaps, ten + minutes, and both sides were very glad to draw off.” + </p> + <p>“But, of course, you licked them?”</p> + <p>“We said we did.”</p> + <p> + “Well, I believe that a gentleman will always lick in a fair + fight.” + </p> + <p>“Of course you do, it's the orthodox belief.”</p> + <p>“But don't you?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; if he is as big and strong, and knows how to fight as well as + the other. The odds are that he cares a little more for giving in, and + that will pull him through.” + </p> + <p>“That isn't saying much, though.”</p> + <p> + “No, but it's quite as much as is true. I'll tell you what it is, I + think just this, that we are generally better in the fighting way than + shopkeepers, clerks, flunkies, and all fellows who don't work hard with + their bodies all day. But the moment you come to the real hard-fisted + fellow; used to nine or ten hours' work a day, he's a cruel hard customer. + Take seventy or eighty of them at haphazard, the first you meet, and turn + them into St. Ambrose any morning—by night I take it they would be lords + of this venerable establishment if we had to fight for the possession; + except, perhaps, for that Hardy—he's one of a thousand, and was born for a + fighting man; perhaps he might pull us through.” + </p> + <p>“Why don't you try him in the boat?”</p> + <p> + “Miller manages all that. I spoke to him about it after that row, + but he said that Hardy had refused to subscribe to the club, said he + couldn't afford it, or something of the sort. I don't see why that need + matter, myself, but I suppose, as we have rules, we ought to stick to + them.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a great pity though. I know Hardy well, and you can't think + what a fine fellow he is.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure of that. I tried to know him, and we don't get on badly as + speaking acquaintance. But he seems a queer, solitary bird.” + </p> + <p> + Twelve o'clock struck; so Tom wished the Captain good night and departed, + meditating much on what he had heard and seen. The vision of terrible + single combats, in which the descendant of a hundred earls polishes off + the huge representative of the masses in the most finished style, without + a scratch on his own aristocratic features, had faded from his mind. + </p> + <p> + He went to bed that night, fairly sickened with his experience of a town + and gown row, and with a nasty taste in his mouth. But he felt much + pleased at having drawn out the Captain so completely. For “the + stroke” was in general a man of marvellous few words, having many + better uses than talking to put his breath to. + </p> + <p> + Next morning he attended at the proctor's rooms at the appointed time, not + without some feeling of shame at having to do so; which, however, wore off + when he found some dozen men of other colleges waiting about on the same + errand as himself. In his turn he was ushered in, and as he stood by the + door, had time to look the great man over as he sat making a note of the + case he had just disposed of. The inspection was reassuring. The proctor + was a gentlemanly, straight-forward looking man of about thirty, not at + all donnish, and his address answered to his appearance. + </p> + <p>“Mr. Brown, of St. Ambrose's, I think,” he said.</p> + <p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + <p> + “I sent you to your college yesterday evening; did you go straight + home?” + </p> + <p>“No, sir.”</p> + <p>“How was that, Mr. Brown?”</p> + <p> + Tom made no answer, and the proctor looked at him steadily for a few + seconds, and then repeated. + </p> + <p>“How was that?”</p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Tom, “I don't mean to say I was going + straight to college, but I should have been in long before you sent, only + I fell in with the mob again, and then there was a cry that you were + coming. And so-” He paused. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the proctor, with a grim sort of curl about the + corners of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I ran away, and turned into the first place which was open, + and stopped till the streets were quiet.” + </p> + <p>“A public house, I suppose.”</p> + <p>“Yes, sir; 'The Choughs.'”</p> + <p> + The proctor considered a minute, and again scrutinized Tom's look and + manner, which certainly were straightforward, and without any tinge of + cringing or insolence. + </p> + <p>“How long have you been up?”</p> + <p>“This is my second term, sir.”</p> + <p>“You have never been sent to me before, I think?”</p> + <p>“Never, sir.”</p> + <p> + “Well, I can't overlook this, as you yourself confess to a direct + act of disobedience. You must write me out 200 lines of Virgil. And now, + Mr. Brown, let me advise you to keep out of disreputable street quarrels + in future. Good morning.” + </p> + <p> + Tom hurried away, wondering what it would feel like to be writing out + Virgil again as a punishment at his time of life, but glad above measure + that the proctor had asked him no questions about his companion. The hero + was of course, mightily tickled at the result, and seized the occasion to + lecture Tom on his future conduct, holding himself up as a living example + of the benefits which were sure to accrue to a man who never did anything + he was told to do. The soundness of his reasoning, however, was somewhat + shaken by the dean, who, on the same afternoon, managed to catch him in + quad; and, carrying him off, discoursed with him concerning his various + and systematic breaches of discipline, pointed out to him that he had + already made such good use of his time that if he were to be discommonsed + for three more days he would lose his term; and then took off his cross, + gave him a book of Virgil to write out and gated him for a fortnight after + hall. Drysdale sent out his scout to order his punishment as he might have + ordered a waistcoat, presented old Copas with a half-sovereign, and then + dismissed punishment and gating from his mind. He cultivated with great + success the science of mental gymnastics, or throwing everything the least + unpleasant off his mind at once. And no doubt it is a science worthy of + all cultivation, if one desires to lead a comfortable life. It gets + harder, however, as the years roll over us, to attain to any satisfactory + proficiency in it; so it should be mastered as early in life as may be. + </p> + <p> + The town and gown row was the talk of the college for the next week. Tom, + of course, talked much about it, like his neighbors, and confided to one + and another the Captain's heresies. They were all incredulous; for no one + had ever heard him talk as much in a term as Tom reported him to have done + on this one evening. + </p> + <p> + So it was resolved that he should be taken to task on the subject on the + first opportunity; and, as nobody was afraid of him, there was no + difficulty in finding a man to bell the cat. Accordingly, at the next wine + of the boating set, the Captain had scarcely entered when he was assailed + by the host with— + </p> + <p> + “Jervis, Brown says you don't believe a gentleman can lick a cad, + unless he is the biggest and strongest of the two.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain, who hated coming out with his beliefs, shrugged his + shoulders, sipped his wine, and tried to turn the subject. But, seeing + that they were all bent on drawing him out, he was not the man to run from + his guns; and so he said quietly: + </p> + <p>“No more I do.”</p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the reverence in which he was held, this saying could not + be allowed to pass, and a dozen voices were instantly raised, and a dozen + authentic stories told to confute him. He listened patiently, and then, + seeing he was in for it, said: + </p> + <p> + “Never mind fighting. Try something else; cricket, for instance. The + players generally beat the gentlemen, don't they?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; but they are professionals.”</p> + <p> + “Well, and we don't often get a university crew which can beat the + watermen?” + </p> + <p>“Professionals again.”</p> + <p> + “I believe the markers are the best tennis-players, ain't + they?” persevered the Captain; “and I generally find keepers + and huntsmen shooting and riding better than their master's, don't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “But that's not fair. All the cases you put are those of men who + have nothing else to do, who live by the things gentlemen only take up for + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “I only say that the cads, as you call them, manage, somehow or + another, to do them best,” said the Captain. + </p> + <p>“How about the army and navy? The officers always lead.”</p> + <p> + “Well, there they're all professionals, at any rate,” said the + Captain. “I admit that the officers lead; but the men follow pretty + close. And in a forlorn hope there are fifty men to one officer, after + all.” + </p> + <p> + “But they must be led. The men will never go without an officer to + lead.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the officers' business to lead, I know; and they do it. But + you won't find the best judges talking as if the men wanted much leading. + Read Napier: the finest story in his book is of the sergeant who gave his + life for his boy officer's—your namesake, Brown—at the Coa.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never thought to hear you crying down gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not crying down gentlemen,” said the Captain. “I + only say that a gentleman's flesh and blood, and brains, are just the + same, and no better than another man's. He has all the chances on his side + in the way of training, and pretty near all the prizes; so it would be + hard if he didn't do most things better than poor men. But give them the + chance of training, and they will tread on his heels soon enough. That's + all I say.” + </p> + <p> + That was all, certainly, that the Captain said, and then relapsed into his + usual good-tempered monosyllabic state; from which all the eager talk of + the men, who took up the cudgels naturally enough for their own class, and + talked themselves before the wine broke up into a renewed consciousness of + their natural superiority, failed again to rouse him. + </p> + <p> + This was, in fact, the Captain's weak point, if he had one. He had strong + beliefs himself; one of the strongest of which was, that nobody could be + taught anything except by his own experience; so he never, or very rarely, + exercised his own personal influence, but just quietly went on his own + way, and let other men go theirs. Another of his beliefs was, that there + was no man or thing in the world too bad to be tolerated; faithfully + acting up to which belief, the Captain himself tolerated persons and + things intolerable. + </p> + <p> + Bearing which facts in mind, the reader will easily guess the result of + the application which the crew duly made to him the day after Miller's + back was turned. He simply said that the training they proposed would not + be enough, and that he himself should take all who chose to go down, to + Abingdon twice a week. From that time there were many defaulters; and the + spirit of Diogenes groaned within him, as day after day the crew had to be + filled up from the torpid or by watermen. Drysdale would ride down to + Sandford, meeting the boat on its way up, and then take his place for the + pull up to Oxford, while his groom rode his horse up to Folly bridge to + meet him. There he would mount again and ride off to Bullingdon, or to the + Isis, or Quentin, or other social meeting equally inimical to good + training. Blake often absented himself three days in a week, and other men + once or twice. + </p> + <p> + From considering which facts, Tom came to understand the difference + between his two heroes; their strong likeness in many points he had seen + from the first. They were alike in truthfulness, bravery, bodily strength, + and in most of their opinions. But Jervis worried himself about nothing, + and let all men and things alone, in the belief that the world was not + going so very wrong, or would right itself somehow without him. Hardy, on + the other hand, was consuming his heart over everything that seemed to him + to be going wrong in himself and round about him—in the college, in + Oxford, in England, in the ends of the earth, and never letting slip a + chance of trying to set right, here a thread, and there a thread. A + self-questioning, much enduring man; a slayer of dragons himself, and one + with whom you could not live much without getting uncomfortably aware of + the dragons which you also had to slay. + </p> + <p> + What wonder that, apart altogether from the difference in their social + position, the one man was ever becoming more and more popular, while the + other was left more and more to himself. There are few of us at Oxford, or + elsewhere, who do not like to see a man living a brave and righteous life, + so long as he keeps clear of us; and still fewer who <i>do</i> like to be + in constant contact with one who, not content with so living himself, is + always coming across them, and laying bare to them their own + faint-heartedness, and sloth, and meanness. The latter, no doubt, inspires + the deeper feeling, and lays hold with a firmer grip of the men he does + lay hold of, but they are few. For men can't always keep up to high + pressure till they have found firm ground to build upon, altogether + outside of themselves; and it is hard to be thankful and fair to those who + are showing us time after time that our foothold is nothing but shifting + sand. + </p> + <p> + The contrast between Jervis and Hardy now began to force itself daily more + and more on our hero's attention. + </p> + <p> + From the night of the town and gown row, “The Choughs” became + a regular haunt of the crew, who were taken there under the guidance of + Tom and Drysdale the next day. Not content with calling there on his way + from the boats, there was seldom an evening now that Tom did not manage to + drop in and spend an hour there. + </p> + <p> + When one is very much bent on doing a thing, it is generally easy enough + to find very good reasons, or excuses at any rate, for it; and whenever + any doubts crossed Tom's mind, he silenced them by the reflection that the + time he spent at “The Choughs” would otherwise have been + devoted to wine parties or billiards; and it was not difficult to persuade + himself that his present occupation was the more wholesome of the two. He + could not, however, feel satisfied till he had mentioned his change in + life to Hardy. This he found a much more embarrassing matter than he + fancied it would be. But, after one or two false starts, he managed to get + out that he had found the best glass of ale in Oxford, at a quiet little + public on the way to the boats, kept by the most perfect of widows, with a + factotum of an ostler, who was a regular character, and that he went there + most evenings for an hour or so. Wouldn't Hardy come some night? + </p> + <p>No, Hardy couldn't spare the time.</p> + <p> + Tom felt rather relieved at this answer; but, nevertheless went on to urge + the excellence of the ale as a further inducement. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it's half so good as our college beer, and I'll be + bound it's half as dear again.” + </p> + <p> + “Only a penny a pint dearer,” said Tom, “that won't ruin + you,—all the crew go there.” + </p> + <p> + “If I were the Captain,” said Hardy, “I wouldn't let you + run about drinking ale at night after wine parties. Does he know about + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and goes there himself often on the way from the boats,” + said Tom. + </p> + <p>“And at night, too?” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom, “but I don't go there after drinking + wine; I haven't been to a wine these ten days, at least not for more than + five minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sound ale is better than Oxford wine,” said Hardy, + “if you must drink something;” and so the subject dropped. + </p> + <p> + And Tom went away satisfied that Hardy had not disapproved of his new + habit. It certainly occurred to him that he had omitted all mention of the + pretty barmaid in his enumeration of the attractions of “The + Choughs,” but he set down to mere accident; it was a slip which he + would set right in their next talk. But that talk never came, and the + subject was not again mentioned between them. In fact, to tell the truth, + Tom's visits to his friend's rooms in the evenings became shorter and less + frequent as “The Choughs” absorbed more and more of his time. + He made excuses to himself, that Hardy must be glad of more time, and + would be only bored if he kept dropping in every night, now that the + examination for degree was so near; that he was sure he drove Grey away, + who would be of much more use to Hardy just now. These, and many other + equally plausible reasons, suggested themselves whenever his conscience + smote him for his neglect, as it did not seldom. But he always managed to + satisfy himself somehow, without admitting the real fact, that these + visits were no longer what they had been to him; that a gulf had sprung + up, and was widening day by day between him and the only friend who would + have had the courage and honesty to tell him the truth about his new + pursuit. Meantime Hardy was much pained at the change in his friend, which + <i>he</i> saw quickly enough, and often thought over it with a sigh as he + sat at his solitary tea. He set it down to his own dullness, to the number + of new friends such a sociable fellow as Tom was sure to make, and who, of + course, would take up more and more of his time; and, if he felt a little + jealousy every now and then, put it resolutely back, struggling to think + no evil, or if there were any, to lay it on his own shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Cribbage is a most virtuous and respectable game, and yet scarcely, one + would think, possessing in itself sufficient attractions to keep a young + gentleman in his twentieth year tied to the board, and going through the + quaint calculation night after night of “fifteen two, fifteen four, + two for his nob, and one for his heels.” The old lady of “The + Choughs” liked nothing so much as her game of cribbage in the + evenings, and the board lay ready on the little table by her elbow in the + cozy bar, a sure stepping-stone to her good graces. Tom somehow became an + enthusiast in cribbage, and would always loiter behind his companions for + his quiet game; chatting pleasantly while the old lady cut and shuffled + the dirty pack, striving keenly for the nightly stake of sixpence, which + he seldom failed to lose, and laughingly wrangling with her over the last + points in the game which decided the transfer of the two sixpences (duly + posted in the snuffer-tray beside the cribbage-board) into his waistcoat + pocket or her bag, until she would take off her spectacles to wipe them, + and sink back in her chair exhausted with the pleasing excitement. + </p> + <p> + Such an odd taste as it seemed, too, a bystander might reasonably have + thought, when he might have been employing his time so much more + pleasantly in the very room. For, flitting in and out of the bar during + the game, and every now and then stooping over the old lady's shoulder to + examine her hand, and exchange knowing looks with her, was the lithe + little figure of Miss Patty, with her oval race, and merry eyes, and + bright brown hair, and jaunty little cap, with fresh blue ribbons of the + shade of the St. Ambrose colors. However, there is no accounting for + tastes, and it is fortunate that some like apples and some onions. It may + possibly be, too, that Miss Patty did not feel herself neglected, or did + not care about attention. Perhaps she may not have been altogether + unconscious that every least motion and word of hers was noticed, even + when the game was at its keenest. At any rate, it was clear enough that + she and Tom were on the best terms, though she always took her aunt's part + vehemently in any little dispute which arose, and sometimes even came to + the rescue at the end, and recaptured the vanished sixpences out of the + wrongful grasp which he generally laid on them the moment the old lady + held out her hand and pronounced the word “game.” One knows + that size has little to do with strength, or one might have wondered that + her little hands should have been able to open his fingers so surely one + by one, though he seemed to do all he could to keep them shut. But, after + all, if he really thought he had a right to the money, he had always time + to put it in his pocket at once, instead of keeping his clenched hand on + the table, and arguing about it till she had time to get up to the succour + of her aunt. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0014"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XIII—THE FIRST BUMP</h2> + <h3>“What's the time, Smith?”</h3> + <p> + “Half-past three, old fellow,” answered Diogenes, looking at + his watch. + </p> + <p> + “I never knew a day go so slowly,” said Tom; “isn't it + time to go down to the boats?” + </p> + <p> + “Not by two hours and more, old fellow—can't you take a book, or + something to keep you quiet? You won't be fit for anything by six o'clock, + if you go on worrying like this.” And so Diogenes turned himself to + his flute, and blew away to all appearances as composedly as if it had + been the first week of term, though, if the truth must be told, it was all + he could do not to get up and wander about in a feverish and distracted + state, for Tom's restlessness infected him. + </p> + <p> + Diogenes' whole heart was in the college boat; and so, though he had + pulled dozens of races in his time, he was almost as nervous as a freshman + on this the first day of the races. Tom, all unconscious of the secret + discomposure of the other, threw himself into a chair and looked at him + with wonder and envy. The flute went “toot, toot, toot,” till + he could stand it no longer. So he got up and went to the window, and, + leaning out, looked up and down the street for some minutes in a + purposeless sort of fashion, staring hard at everybody and everything, but + unconscious all the time that he was doing so. He would not have been able + in fact, to answer Diogenes a word, had not that worthy inquired of him + what he had seen, when he presently drew in his head and returned to his + fidgety ramblings about the room. + </p> + <p> + “How hot the sun is! but there's a stiff breeze from the south-east. + I hope it will go down before the evening, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this wind will make it very rough below the Gut. Mind you + feather high now at starting.” + </p> + <p>“I hope to goodness I sha'n't catch a crab,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Don't think about it, old fellow; that's your best plan.” + </p> + <p> + “But I can't think of anything else,” said Tom. “What + the deuce is the good of telling a fellow not to think about it?” + </p> + <p> + Diogenes apparently had nothing particular to reply, for he put his flute + to his mouth again; and at the sound of the “toot, toot” Tom + caught up his gown and fled into the quadrangle. + </p> + <p> + The crew had had their early dinner of steaks and chops, stale bread, and + a glass and a half of old beer a piece at two o'clock, in the Captain's + rooms. The current theory of training at that time was—as much meat as you + could eat, the more underdone the better, and the smallest amount of drink + upon which you could manage to live. Two pints in the twenty-four hours + was all that most boat's crews that pretended to train at all were + allowed, and for the last fortnight it had been the nominal allowance of + the St. Ambrose crew. The discomfort of such a diet in the hot summer + months, when you were at the same time taking regular and violent + exercise, was something very serious. Outraged human nature rebelled + against it; and though they did not admit it in public, there were very + few men who did not rush to their water bottles for relief, more or less + often, according to the development of their bumps of conscientiousness + and obstinacy. To keep to the diet at all strictly involved a very + respectable amount of physical endurance. Our successors have found out + the unwisdom of this, as of other old superstitions; and that in order to + get a man into training for a boat-race now-a-days, it is not of the first + importance to keep him in a constant state of consuming thirst, and the + restlessness of body and sharpness of temper which thirst generally + induces. + </p> + <p> + Tom appreciated the honor of being in the boat in his first year so + keenly, that he had almost managed to keep to his training allowance, and + consequently, now that the eventful day had arrived, was in a most + uncomfortable frame of body and disagreeable frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + He fled away from Diogenes' flute, but found no rest. He tried Drysdale. + That hero was lying on his back on his sofa playing with Jack, and only + increased Tom's thirst and soured his temper by the viciousness of his + remarks on boating, and everything and person connected therewith; above + all, on Miller, who had just come up, had steered them the day before, and + pronounced the crew generally, and Drysdale in particular, “not half + trained.” + </p> + <p> + Blake's oak was sported, as usual. Tom looked in at the Captain's door, + but found him hard at work reading, and so carried himself off; and, after + a vain hunt after others of the crew, and even trying to sit down and + read, first a novel, then a play of Shakespeare, with no success whatever, + wandered away out of the college, and found himself in five minutes, by a + natural and irresistible attraction, on the university barge. + </p> + <p> + There were half a dozen men or so reading the papers, and a group or two + discussing the coming races. Amongst other things the chances of St. + Ambrose's making a bump the first night were weighed. Every one joining in + praising the stroke, but there were great doubts whether the crew could + live up to it. Tom carried himself on to the top of the barge to get out + of hearing, for listening made his heart beat and his throat drier than + ever. He stood on the top and looked right away down to the Gut, the + strong wind blowing his gown about. Not even a pair oar was to be seen; + the great event of the evening made the river a solitude at this time of + day. Only one or two skiffs were coming home, impelled by reading men, who + took their constitutionals on the water, and were coming in to be in time + for afternoon chapel. The fastest and best of these soon came near enough + for Tom to recognize Hardy's stroke; so he left the barge and went down to + meet the servitor at his landing, and accompanied him to the St. Ambrose + dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how do you feel for the race to-night?” said Hardy, as + he dried his neck and face, which he had been sluicing with cold water, + looking as hardy and bright as a racer on Derby day. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, wretched! I'm afraid I shall break down” said Tom, and + pouring out some of his doubts and miseries. Hardy soon comforted him + greatly; and by the time they were half across Christchurch meadow, he was + quite in heart again. For he knew how well Hardy understood rowing, and + what a sound judge he was; and it was therefore cheering to hear that he + thought they were certainly the second best, if not the best boat on the + river; and that they would be sure to make some bumps unless they had + accidents. + </p> + <p> + “But that's just what I fear so,” said Tom. “I'm afraid + I shall make some awful blunder.” + </p> + <p> + “Not you!” said Hardy; “only remember. Don't you fancy + you can pull the boat by yourself, and go to trying to do it. There's + where young oars fail. If you keep thorough good time you'll be pretty + sure to be doing your share of work. Time is everything, almost.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be sure to think of that,” said Tom; and they entered + St. Ambrose just as the chapel bell was going down; and he went to chapel + and then to hall, sitting by and talking for companionship while the rest + dined. + </p> + <p> + And so at last the time slipped away, and the Captain and Miller mustered + them at the gates and walked off to the boats. A dozen other crews were + making their way in the same direction, and half the undergraduates of + Oxford streamed along with them. The banks of the river were crowded; and + the punts plied rapidly backwards and forwards, carrying loads of men over + to the Berkshire side. The university barge, and all the other barges, + were decked with flags, and the band was playing lively airs as the St. + Ambrose crew reached the scene of action. + </p> + <p> + No time was lost in the dressing-room, and in two minutes they were all + standing in flannel trousers and silk jerseys at the landing-place. + </p> + <p> + “You had better keep your jackets on,” said the Captain; + “we sha'n't be off yet.” + </p> + <p>“There goes Brazen-nose.”</p> + <p>“They look like work, don't they?”</p> + <p> + “The black and yellow seems to slip along so fast. They're no end of + good colors. I wish our new boat was black.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang her colors, if she's only stiff in the back, and don't + dip.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she didn't dip yesterday; at least, the men on the bank said + so.” + </p> + <p>“There go Baliol, and Oriel, and University.”</p> + <p>“By Jove, we shall be late! Where's Miller?”</p> + <p>“In the shed, getting the boat out. Look, here's Exeter.”</p> + <p> + The talk of the crew was silenced for the moment as every man looked + eagerly at the Exeter boat. The Captain nodded to Jervis with a grim smile + as they paddled gently by. + </p> + <p>Then the talk began again, “How do you think she goes?”</p> + <p> + “Not so badly. They're very strong in the middle of the boat.” + </p> + <p>“Not a bit of it; it's all lumber.”</p> + <p> + “You'll see. They're better trained than we are. They look as fine + as stars.” + </p> + <p> + “So they ought. They've pulled seven miles to our five for the last + month, I'm sure.” + </p> + <p>“Then we sha'n't bump them.”</p> + <p>“Why not?”</p> + <p> + “Don't you know that the value of products consist in the quantity + of labor which goes to produce them? Product pace over course from Iffley + up. Labor expended, Exeter 7; St. Ambrose, 5. You see it is not in the + nature of things that we should bump them—Q.E.D.” + </p> + <p> + “What moonshine! as if ten miles behind their stroke are worth two + behind Jervis!” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, it isn't my moonshine; you must settle the matter + with the philosophers. I only apply a universal law to a particular + case.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, unconscious of the pearls of economic lore which were being poured + out for the benefit of the crew, was watching the Exeter eight as it + glided away towards the Cherwell. He thought they seemed to keep horribly + good time. + </p> + <p> + “Halloa, Drysdale; look, there's Jack going across in one of the + punts.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is. You don't suppose he would go down to see the + race.” + </p> + <p> + “Why won't Miller let us start? Almost all the boats are off.” + </p> + <p> + “There's plenty of time. We may just as well be up here as dawdling + about the bank at Iffley.” + </p> + <p> + “We sha'n't go down till the last; Miller never lets us get out down + below.” + </p> + <p>“Well, come; here's the boat, at last.”</p> + <p> + The new boat now emerged from its shed, guided steadily to where they were + standing by Miller and the waterman. Then the coxswain got out and called + for bow, who stepped forward. + </p> + <p> + “Mind how you step now, there are no bottom boards, said Miller. + </p> + <p>“Shall I take my jacket?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; you had better all go down in jackets in this wind. I've sent + a man down to bring them back. Now two.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye!” said Drysdale, stepping forward. Then came Tom's + turn, and soon the boat was manned. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Miller, taking his place, “are all your + stretchers right?” + </p> + <p>“I should like a little more grease on my rollocks.”</p> + <p> + “I'm taking some down; we'll put it on down below. Are you all + right?” + </p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p>“Then push her off—gently.”</p> + <p> + The St. Ambrose boat was almost the last, so there were no punts in the + way, or other obstructions; and they swung steadily down past the + university barge, the top of which was already covered with spectators. + Every man in the boat felt as if the eyes of Europe were on him, and + pulled in his very best form. Small groups of gownsmen were scattered + along the bank in Christchurch meadow, chiefly dons, who were really + interested in the races, but, at that time of day, seldom liked to display + enthusiasm enough to cross the water and go down to the starting-place. + These sombre groups lighted up here and there by the dresses of a few + ladies, who were walking up and down, and watching the boats. At the mouth + of the Cherwell were moored two punts, in which reclined at their ease + some dozen young gentlemen, smoking; several of these were friends of + Drysdale's, and hailed him as the boat passed. + </p> + <p> + “What a fool I am to be here!” he grumbled, in an undertone, + casting an envious glance at the punts in their comfortable berth, up + under the banks, and out of the wind. “I say, Brown, don't you wish + we were well past this on the way up?” + </p> + <p>“Silence in the bows?” shouted Miller.</p> + <p> + “You devil, how I hate you!” growled Drysdale, half in jest + and half in earnest, as they sped along under the willows. + </p> + <p> + Tom got more comfortable at every stroke, and by the time they reached the + Gut began to hope that he should not have a fit or lose all his strength + just at the start, or cut a crab, or come to some other unutterable grief, + the fear of which had been haunting him all day. + </p> + <p> + “Here they are at last!—come along now—keep up with them,” + said Hardy to Grey, as the boat neared the Gut; and the two trotted along + downwards, Hardy watching the crew and Grey watching him. + </p> + <p>“Hardy, how eager you look!”</p> + <p> + “I'd give twenty pounds to be going to pull in the race.” Grey + shambled on in silence by the side of his big friend, and wished he could + understand what it was that moved him so. + </p> + <p> + As the boat shot into the Gut from under the cover of the Oxfordshire + bank, the wind caught the bows. + </p> + <p> + “Feather high, now,” shouted Miller; and then added in a low + voice to the Captain, “It will be ticklish work, starting in this + wind.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as bad for all the other boats,” answered the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Well said, old philosopher!” said Miller. “It's a + comfort to steer you; you never make a fellow nervous. I wonder if you + ever felt nervous yourself, now?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't say,” said the Captain. “Here's our post; we may + as well turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Easy, bow side—now two and four, pull her round—back water, seven + and five!” shouted the coxswain; and the boat's head swung round, + and two or three strokes took her into the bank. + </p> + <p> + Jack instantly made a convulsive attempt to board, but was sternly + repulsed, and tumbled backwards into the water. + </p> + <p> + Hark!—the first gun. The report sent Tom's heart into his mouth again. + Several of the boats pushed off at once into the stream; and the crowds of + men on the bank began to be agitated, as it were, by the shadow of the + coming excitement. The St. Ambrose crew fingered their oars, put a last + dash of grease on their rollocks, and settled their feet against the + stretchers. + </p> + <p>“Shall we push her off?” asked “bow.”</p> + <p> + “No, I can give you another minute,” said Miller, who was + sitting, watch in hand, in the stern, “only be smart when I give the + word.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain turned on his seat, and looked up the boat. His face was + quiet, but full of confidence, which seemed to pass from him into the + crew. Tom felt calmer and stronger, he met his eye. “Now mind, boys, + don't quicken,” he said, cheerily; “four short strokes, to get + way on her, and then steady. Here, pass up the lemon.” + </p> + <p> + And he took a sliced lemon out of his pocket, put a small piece into his + own mouth, and then handed it to Blake, who followed his example, and + passed it on. Each man took a piece; and just as “bow” had + secured the end, Miller called out— + </p> + <p>“Now, jackets off, and get her head out steadily.”</p> + <p> + The jackets were thrown on shore, and gathered up by the boatmen in + attendance. The crew poised their oars, No. 2 pushing out her head, and + the Captain doing the same for the stern. Miller took the starting-rope in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + “How the wind catches her stern,” he said; “here, pay + out the rope, one of you. No, not you—some fellow with a strong hand. Yes, + you'll do,” he went on, as Hardy stepped down the bank and took hold + of the rope; “let me have it foot by foot as I want it. Not too + quick; make the most of it—that'll do. Two and three dip your oars in to + give her way.” + </p> + <p> + The rope paid out steadily, and the boat settled to her place. But now the + wind rose again, and the stern drifted towards the bank. + </p> + <p> + “You <i>must</i> back her a bit, Miller, and keep her a little + further out, or our oars on stroke side will catch the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see; curse the wind. Back her, one stroke all. Back her, I + say!” shouted Miller. + </p> + <p> + It is no easy matter to get a crew to back her an inch just now, + particularly as there are in her two men who have never rowed a race + before, except in the torpids, and one who has never rowed a race in his + life. + </p> + <p> + However, back she comes; the starting-rope slackens in Miller's left hand, + and the stroke, unshipping his oar, pushes the stern gently out again. + </p> + <p> + There goes the second gun! one short minute more, and we are off. Short + minute, indeed! you wouldn't say so if you were in the boat, with your + heart in your mouth, and trembling all over like a man with the palsy. + Those sixty seconds before the starting gun in your first race—why, they + are a little life-time. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, we are drifting in again,” said Miller, in horror. + The Captain looked grim, but said nothing; it was too late now for him to + be unshipping again. “Here, catch hold of the long boat-hook, and + fend her off.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy, to whom this was addressed, seized the boat-hook, and, standing + with one foot in the water, pressed the end of the boat-hook against the + gunwale, at the full stretch of his arm, and so by main force, kept the + stern out. There was just room for stroke oars to dip, and that was all. + The starting-rope was as taut as a harp-string; will Miller's left hand + hold out? + </p> + <p id='linkimage-0004'></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0170.jpg" alt="0170 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0170.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p> + It is an awful moment. But the coxswain, though almost dragged backwards + off his seat, is equal to the occasion. He holds his watch in his right + hand with the tiller rope. + </p> + <p> + “Eight seconds more only. Look out for the flash. Remember, all eyes + in the boat.” + </p> + <p> + There it comes, at last—the flash of the starting gun. Long before the + sound of the report can roll up the river, the whole pent-up life and + energy which has been held in leash, as it were, for the last six minutes, + is let loose, and breaks away with a bound and a dash which he who has + felt it will remember for his life, but the like of which, will he ever + feel again? The starting-ropes drop from the coxswains' hands, the oars + flash into the water, and gleam on the feather, the spray flies from them, + and the boats leap forward. + </p> + <p> + The crowds on the bank scatter, and rush along, each keeping as near as it + may be to its own boat. Some of the men on the towing path, some on the + very edge of, often in, the water—some slightly in advance, as if they + could help to drag their boat forward—some behind, where they can see the + pulling better—but all at full speed, in wild excitement, and shouting at + the top of their voices to those on whom the honor of the college is laid. + </p> + <p>“Well pulled, all!”</p> + <p>“Pick her up there, five!”</p> + <p>“You're gaining, every stroke!”</p> + <p>“Time in the bows!”</p> + <p>“Bravo, St. Ambrose!”</p> + <p> + On they rushed by the side of the boats, jostling one another, stumbling, + struggling, and panting along. + </p> + <p> + For a quarter of a mile along the bank the glorious maddening hurly-burly + extends, and rolls up the side of the stream. + </p> + <p> + For the first ten strokes Tom was in too great fear of making a mistake to + feel or hear or see. His whole soul was glued to the back of the man + before him, his one thought to keep time, and get his strength into the + stroke. But as the crew settled down into the well known long sweep, what + we may call consciousness returned; and while every muscle in his body was + straining, and his chest heaved, and his heart leapt, every nerve seemed + to be gathering new life, and his senses to wake into unwonted acuteness. + He caught the scent of the wild thyme in the air, and found room in his + brain to wonder how it could have got there, as he had never seen the + plant near the river, or smelt it before. Though his eye never wandered + from the back of Diogenes, he seemed to see all things at once. The boat + behind, which seemed to be gaining—it was all he could do to prevent + himself from quickening on the stroke as he fancied that—the eager face of + Miller, with his compressed lips, and eyes fixed so earnestly ahead that + Tom could almost feel the glance passing over his right shoulder; the + flying banks and the shouting crowd; see them with his bodily eyes he + could not, but he knew nevertheless that Grey had been upset and nearly + rolled down the bank into the water in the first hundred yards, that Jack + was bounding and scrambling and barking along by the very edge of the + stream; above all, he was just as well aware as if he had been looking at + it, of a stalwart form in cap and gown, bounding along, brandishing the + long boat-hook, and always keeping just opposite the boat; and amid all + the Babel of voices, and the dash and pulse of the stroke, and the + laboring of his own breathing, he heard Hardy's voice coming to him again + and again, and clear as if there had been no other sound in the air, + “Steady, two! steady! well pulled! steady, steady!” The voice + seemed to give him strength and keep him to his work. And what work it + was! he had had many a hard pull in the last six weeks, but “never + aught like this.” + </p> + <p> + But it can't last for ever; men's muscles are not steel, or their lungs + bull's hide, and hearts can't go on pumping a hundred miles an hour + without bursting. The St. Ambrose's boat is well away from the boat + behind, there is a great gap between the accompanying crowds; and now, as + they near the Gut, she hangs for a moment or two in hand, though the roar + from the bank grows louder and louder, and Tom is already aware that the + St. Ambrose crowd is melting into the one ahead of them. + </p> + <p> + “We must be close to Exeter!” The thought flashes into him, + and it would seem into the rest of the crew at the same moment. For, all + at once, the strain seems taken off their arms again; there is no more + drag; she springs to the stroke as she did at the start; and Miller's face + which had darkened for a few seconds, lightens up again. + </p> + <p> + Miller's face and attitude are a study. Coiled up into the smallest + possible space, his chin almost resting on his knees, his hands close to + his sides, firmly but lightly feeling the rudder, as a good horseman + handles the mouth of a free-going hunter,—if a coxswain could make a bump + by his own exertions, surely he will do it. No sudden jerks of the St. + Ambrose rudder will you see, watch as you will from the bank; the boat + never hangs through fault of his, but easily and gracefully rounds every + point. “You're gaining! you're gaining!” he now and then + mutters to the Captain, who responds with a wink, keeping his breath for + other matters. Isn't he grand, the Captain, as he comes forward like + lightening, stroke after stroke, his back flat, his teeth set, his whole + frame working from the hips with the regularity of a machine? As the space + still narrows, the eyes of the fiery little coxswain flash with + excitement, but he is far too good a judge to hurry the final effort + before victory is safe in his grasp. + </p> + <p> + The two crowds mingle now, and no mistake; and the shouts come all in a + heap over the water. “Now, St. Ambrose, six strokes more.” + </p> + <p>“Now, Exeter, you're gaining; pick her up.”</p> + <p>“Mind the Gut, Exeter.”</p> + <p> + “Bravo, St. Ambrose.” The water rushes by, still eddying from + the strokes of the boat ahead. Tom fancies now that he can hear their + oars, and the working of their rudder, and the voice of their coxswain. In + another moment both boats are in the Gut, and a perfect storm of shouts + reaches them from the crowd, as it rushes madly off to the left of the + footbridge, amidst which “Oh, well steered, well steered, St. + Ambrose!” is the prevailing cry. Then Miller, motionless as a statue + till now, lifts his right hand and whirls the tassel round his head; + “Give it her now, boys; six strokes and we are into them.” Old + Jervis lays down that great broad back, and lashes his oar through the + water with the might of a giant, the crew caught him up in another stroke, + the tight new boat answers to the spurt, and Tom feels a little shock + behind him, and then a grating sound, as Miller shouts “Unship oars, + bow and three,” and the nose of the St. Ambrose boat glides quietly + up the side of the Exeter, till it touches their stroke oar. + </p> + <p> + “Take care what you're coming to.” It is the coxswain of the + bumped boat who speaks. + </p> + <p> + Tom, looking round, finds himself within a foot or two of him; and, being + utterly unable to contain his joy, and unwilling to exhibit it before the + eyes of a gallant rival, turns away towards the shore, and begins + telegraphing to Hardy. + </p> + <p> + “Now then, what are you at there in the bows? Cast her off quick. + Come, look alive! Push across at once out of the way of the other + boats.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, Jervis,” says the Exeter stroke as the + St. Ambrose boat shot past him. “Do it again next race and I sha'n't + care.” + </p> + <p> + “We were within three lengths of Brazen-nose when we bumped,” + says the all-observant Miller in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” answers the Captain; “Brazen-nose isn't so + strong as usual. We sha'n't have much trouble there, but a tough job up + above, I take it.” + </p> + <p>“Brazen-nose was better steered than Exeter.”</p> + <p> + “They muffed it in the Gut, eh?” said the Captain. “I + thought so by the shouts.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we were pressing them a little down below, and their coxswain + kept looking over his shoulder. He was in the Gut before he knew it, and + had to pull his left hand hard or they would have fouled the Oxfordshire + corner. That stopped their way, and in we went.” + </p> + <p>“Bravo; and how well we started too.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, thanks to that Hardy. It was touch and go though; I couldn't + have held that rope two seconds more.” + </p> + <p> + “How did our fellows work; she dragged a good deal below the + Gut.” + </p> + <p> + Miller looked somewhat serious, but even he cannot be finding fault just + now. For the first step is gained, the first victory won; and, as Homer + sometimes nods, so Miller relaxes the sternness of his rule. The crew, as + soon as they have found their voices again, laugh and talk, and answer the + congratulations of their friends, as the boat slips along close to the + towing path on the Berks side, “easy all,” almost keeping pace + nevertheless with the lower boats, which are racing up under the willows + on the Oxfordshire side. Jack, after one or two feints, makes a frantic + bound into the water, and is hauled dripping into the boat by Drysdale, + unchid by Miller, but to the intense disgust of Diogenes, whose pantaloons + and principles are alike outraged by the proceeding. He—the Cato of the + oar—scorns to relax the strictness of his code even after victory won. + Neither word nor look does he cast to the exhulting St. Ambrosians on the + bank; a twinkle in his eye and a subdued chuckle or two, alone betray that + though an oarsman he is mortal. Already he revolves in his mind the + project of an early walk under a few pea-coats, not being quite satisfied + (conscientious old boy!) that he tried his stretcher enough in that final + spurt, and thinking that there must be an extra pound of flesh on him + somewhere or other which did the mischief. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Brown,” said Drysdale, “how do you feel?” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Tom; “I never felt jollier in my + life.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, though, it was an awful grind; didn't you wish yourself + well out of it below the Gut?” + </p> + <p>“No, nor you either.”</p> + <p> + “Didn't I? I was awfully baked, my throat is like a limekiln yet. + What did you think about?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, about keeping time, I think,” said Tom, “but I + can't remember much.” + </p> + <p> + “I only kept on by thinking how I hated those devils in the Exeter + boat, and how done up they must be, and hoping their No. 2 felt like + having a fit.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment they came opposite the Cherwell. The leading boat was just + passing the winning-post, off the university barge, and the band struck up + the “Conquering Hero,” with a crash. And while a mighty sound + of shouts, murmurs, and music went up into the evening sky, Miller shook + the tiller-ropes again, the Captain shouted, “Now then, pick her + up,” and the St. Ambrose boat shot up between the swarming banks at + racing pace to her landing-place, the lion of the evening. + </p> + <p> + Dear readers of the gentler sex! you, I know, will pardon the enthusiasm + which stirs our pulses, now in sober middle age, as we call up again the + memories of this the most exciting sport of our boyhood (for we were but + boys then, after all). You will pardon, though I fear hopelessly unable to + understand, the above sketch; your sons and brothers will tell you it + could not have been less technical. + </p> + <p> + For you, male readers, who have never handled an oar,—what shall I say to + you? You at least, I hope, in some way—in other contests of one kind or + another—have felt as we felt, and have striven as we strove. You + <i>ought</i> to understand and sympathize with us in all our boating + memories. Oh, how fresh and sweet they are! Above all, that one of the gay + little Henley town, the carriage-crowded bridge, the noble river reach, + the giant poplars, which mark the critical point of the course—the roaring + column of “undergrads,” light blue and dark purple, Cantab and + Oxonian, alike and yet how different,—hurling along together, and hiding + the towing-path—the clang of Henley church-bells—the cheering, the waving + of embroidered handkerchiefs, and glancing of bright eyes, the + ill-concealed pride of fathers, open delight and exultation of mothers and + sisters—the levee in the town-hall when the race was rowed, the great cup + full of champagne (inn champagne, but we were not critical)—the chops, the + steaks, the bitter beer—but we run into anti-climax—remember, we were boys + then, and bear with us if you cannot sympathize. + </p> + <p> + And you, old companions, [Greek text] thranitai, benchers, (of the gallant + eight-oar), now seldom met, but never-forgotten, lairds, squires, + soldiers, merchants, lawyers, grave J.P.'s, graver clergymen, gravest + bishops (for of two bishops at least does our brotherhood boast), I turn + for a moment, from my task, to reach to you the right hand of fellowship + from these pages, and empty the solemn pewter—trophy of hard-won + victory—to your health and happiness. + </p> + <p> + Surely none the worse Christians and citizens are ye for your involuntary + failing of muscularity! + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0015"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XIV—A CHANGE IN THE CREW, AND WHAT CAME OF IT</h2> + <p> + It was on a Saturday that the St. Ambrose boat made the first bump, + described in our last chapter. On the next Saturday, the day-week after + the first success, at nine o'clock in the evening, our hero was at the + door of Hardy's rooms. He just stopped for one moment outside, with his + hand on the lock, looking a little puzzled, but withal pleased, and then + opened the door and entered. The little estrangement which there had been + between them for some weeks, had passed away since the races had begun. + Hardy had thrown himself into the spirit of them so thoroughly, that he + had not only regained all his hold on Tom, but had warmed up the whole + crew in his favour, and had mollified the martinet Miller himself. It was + he who had managed the starting-rope in every race, and his voice from the + towing path had come to be looked upon as a safe guide for clapping on or + rowing steady. Even Miller, autocrat as he was, had come to listen for it, + in confirmation of his own judgment, before calling on the crew for the + final effort. + </p> + <p> + So Tom had recovered his old footing in the servitor's rooms; and when he + entered on the night in question did so with the bearing of an intimate + friend. Hardy's tea commons were on one end of the table as usual, and he + was sitting at the other poring over a book. Tom marched straight up to + him, and leant over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What, here you are at the perpetual grind,” he said. + “Come; shut up, and give me some tea; I want to talk to you.” + </p> + <p>Hardy looked up with a grim smile.</p> + <p> + “Are you up to a cup of tea?” he said; “look here, I was + just reminded of you fellows. Shall I construe for you?” + </p> + <pre> +He pointed with his finger to the open page of the book he was +reading. It was the Knights of Aristophanes, and Tom, leaning +over his shoulder, read,— + + [Greek text] chata chathixion malachoz ina meh tribehz tehn en +Salamint, &c. +</pre + > + <p> + After meditating a moment, he burst out; “You hardhearted old + ruffian! I come here for sympathy, and the first thing you do is to poke + fun at me out of your wretched classics. I've a good mind to clear out and + not to do my errand.” + </p> + <p> + “What's a man to do?” said Hardy. “I hold that it's + always better to laugh at fortune. What's the use of repining? You have + done famously, and second is a capital place on the river.” + </p> + <p> + “Second be hanged!” said Tom. “We mean to be + first.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope we may!” said Hardy. “I can tell you + nobody felt it more than I—not even old Diogenes—when you didn't make your + bump to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you talk like a man, and a Saint Ambrosian,” said Tom. + “But what do you think? Shall we ever catch them?” and, so + saying, he retired to a chair opposite the tea things. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Hardy; “I don't think we ever shall. I'm very + sorry to say it, but they are an uncommonly strong lot, and we have a weak + place or two in our crew. I don't think we can do more than we did + to-night—at least with the present crew.” + </p> + <p>“But if we could get a little more strength we might?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so. Jervis's stroke is worth two of theirs. A very + little more powder would do it.” + </p> + <p>“Then we must have a little more powder.”</p> + <p>“Ay, but how are we to get it? Who can you put in?”</p> + <p> + “You!” said Tom, sitting up. “There, now, that's just + what I am come about. Drysdale is to go out. Will you pull next race? They + all want you to row.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they?” said Hardy, quietly (but Tom could see that his eye + sparkled at the notion, though he was too proud to show how much he was + pleased); “then they had better come and ask me themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you cantankerous old party, they're coming, I can tell + you!” said Tom in great delight. “The Captain just sent me to + break ground, and will be here directly himself. I say now, Hardy,” + he went on, “don't you say no. I've set my heart upon it. I'm sure + we shall bump them if you pull.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that,” said Hardy, getting up, and beginning to + make tea, to conceal the excitement he was in at the idea of rowing; + “you see I'm not in training.” + </p> + <p> + “Gammon,” said Tom, “you're always in training, and you + know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hardy, “I can't be in worse than Drysdale. + He has been of no use above the Gut these last three nights.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what Miller says,” said Tom, “and here + comes the Captain.” There was a knock at the door while he spoke, + and Jervis and Miller entered. + </p> + <p> + Tom was in a dreadful fidget for the next twenty minutes, and may best be + compared to an enthusiastic envoy negotiating a treaty, and suddenly + finding his action impeded by the arrival of his principals. Miller was + very civil, but not pressing; he seemed to have come more with a view of + talking over the present state of things, and consulting upon them, than + to enlisting a recruit. Hardy met him more than halfway, and speculated on + all sorts of possible issues, without a hint of volunteering himself. But + presently Jervis, who did not understand finessing, broke in, and asked + Hardy, point blank, to pull in the next race; and when he pleaded want of + training, overruled him at once by saying that there was no better + training than sculling. So in half an hour all was settled. Hardy was to + pull five in the next race, Diogenes was to take Blake's place, at No. 7, + and Blake to take Drysdale's oar at No. 2. The whole crew were to go for a + long training walk the next day, Sunday, in the afternoon; to go down to + Abingdon on Monday, just to get into swing in their new places, and then + on Tuesday to abide the fate of war. They had half an hour's pleasant talk + over Hardy's tea, and then separated. + </p> + <p> + “I always told you he was our man,” said the Captain to + Miller, as the walked together to the gates; “we want strength, and + he is as strong as a horse. You must have seen him sculling yourself. + There isn't his match on the river to my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think he'll do,” replied Miller; “at any rate he + can't be worse than Drysdale.” + </p> + <p> + As for Tom and Hardy, it may safely be said that no two men in Oxford went + to bed in better spirits that Saturday night than they two. + </p> + <p> + And now to explain how it came about that Hardy was wanted. Fortune had + smiled upon the St. Ambrosians in the two races which succeeded the one in + which they had bumped Exeter. They had risen two more places without any + very great trouble. Of course, the constituencies on the bank magnified + their powers and doings. There never was such a crew, they were quite safe + to be head of the river, nothing could live against their pace. So the + young oars in the boat swallowed all they heard, thought themselves the + finest fellows going, took less and less pains to keep up their condition, + and when they got out of earshot of Jervis and Diogenes, were ready to bet + two to one that they would bump Oriel the next night, and keep easily head + of the river for the rest of the races. + </p> + <p> + Saturday night came, and brought with it a most useful though unpalatable + lesson to the St. Ambrosians. The Oriel boat was manned chiefly by old + oars, seasoned in many a race, and not liable to panic when hard pressed. + They had a fair, though not a first-rate stroke, and a good coxswain; + experts remarked that they were rather too heavy for their boat, and that + she dipped a little when they put on anything like a severe spurt; but on + the whole they were by no means the sort of crew you could just run into + hand over hand. So Miller and Diogenes preached, and so the Ambrosians + found out to their cost. + </p> + <p> + They had the pace of the other boat, and gained as usual a boat's length + before the Gut; but, first those two fatal corners were passed, and then + other well-remembered spots where former bumps had been made, and still + Miller made no sign; on the contrary, he looked gloomy and savage. The St. + Ambrosian shouts from the shore too changed from the usual exultant peals + into something like a quaver of consternation, while the air was rent with + the name and laudations of “little Oriel.” + </p> + <p> + Long before the Cherwell Drysdale was completely baked (he had played + truant the day before and dined at the Weirs, were he had imbibed much + dubious hock), but he from old habit managed to keep time. Tom and the + other young oars got flurried, and quickened; the boat dragged, there was + no life left in her, and, though they managed just to hold their first + advantage, could not put her a foot nearer the stern of the Oriel boat, + which glided past the winning-post a clear boat's length ahead of her + pursuer, and with a crew much less depressed. + </p> + <p> + Such races must tell on strokes; and even Jervis, who had pulled + magnificently throughout, was very much done at the close, and leant over + his oar with a swimming in his head, and an approach to faintness, and was + scarcely able to see for a minute or so. Miller's indignation knew no + bounds, but he bottled it up till he had manoeuvered the crew into their + dressing-room by themselves, Jervis having stopped below. Then he did not + spare them. “They would kill their captain, whose little finger was + worth the whole of them; they were disgracing the college; three or four + of them had neither heart, head nor pluck.” They all felt that this + was unjust, for after all had they not brought the boat up to the second + place? Poor Diogenes sat in a corner and groaned; he forgot to prefix + “old fellow” to the few observations he made. Blake had great + difficulty in adjusting his necktie before the glass; he merely remarked + in a pause of the objurgation, “In faith, coxswain, these be very + bitter words.” Tom and most of the others were too much out of heart + to resist; but at last Drysdale fired up— + </p> + <p> + “You've no right to be so savage that I can see,” he said, + suddenly stopping the low whistle in which he was indulging, as he sat on + the corner of the table; “you seem to think No 2 the weakest out of + several weak places in the boat.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I do,” said Miller.</p> + <p> + “Then this honourable member,” said Drysdale, getting off the + table, “seeing that his humble efforts are unappreciated, thinks it + best for the public service to place his resignation in the hands of your + coxswainship.” + </p> + <p> + “Which my coxswainship is graciously pleased to accept,” + replied Miller. + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah for a roomy punt and a soft cushion next racing night—it's + almost worth while to have been rowing all this time, to realize the + sensations I shall feel when I see you fellows passing the Cherwell on + Tuesday.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Suave est</i>, it's what I'm partial to, <i>mari mango</i>, in + the last reach, <i>terra</i>, from the towing path, + <i>alterius magnum spectare laborem</i>, to witness the tortures of you + wretched beggars in the boat. I'm obliged to translate for Drysdale, who + never learned Latin,” said Blake, finishing his tie before the + glass. There was an awkward silence. Miller was chafing inwardly and + running over in his mind what was to be done; and nobody else seemed quite + to know what ought to happen next, when the door opened and Jervis came + in. + </p> + <p> + “Congratulate me, my Captain,” said Drysdale; “I'm well + out of it at last.” + </p> + <p> + Jervis “pished and pshaw'd” a little at hearing what had + happened, but his presence acted like oil on the waters. The moment the + resignation was named, Tom's thoughts had turned to Hardy. Now was the + time—he had such confidence in the man, that the idea of getting him in + for next race entirely changed the aspect of affairs to him, and made him + feel as “bumptious” again as he had done in the morning. So + with this idea in his head, he hung about till the Captain had made his + toilet, and joined himself to him and Miller as they walked up. + </p> + <p>“Well, what are we going to do now,” said the Captain.</p> + <p> + “That's just what you have to settle,” said Miller; “you + have been up all the term, and know the men's pulling better than + I.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose we must press somebody from the torpid—let me see, + there's Burton.” + </p> + <p> + “He rolls like a porpoise,” interrupted Miller, positively; + “impossible.” + </p> + <p>“Stewart might do, then.”</p> + <p> + “Never kept time for three strokes in his life,” said Miller. + </p> + <p>“Well, there are no better men,” said the Captain.</p> + <p> + “Then we may lay our account to stopping where we are, if we don't + even lose a place,” said Miller. + </p> + <p>“Dust unto dust, what must be, must;</p> + <p> + If you can't get crumb, you'd best eat crust.” said the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “It's all very well talking coolly now,” said Miller, + “but you'll kill yourself trying to bump, and there are three more + nights.” + </p> + <p>“Hardy would row if you asked him, I'm sure,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + The Captain looked at Miller, who shook his head. “I don't think + it,” he said; “I take him to be a shy bird that won't come to + everybody's whistle. We might have had him two years ago, I believe—I wish + we had.” + </p> + <p> + “I always told you so,” said Jervis; “at any rate let's + try him. He can but say no, and I don't think he will for you see he has + been at the starting place every night, and as keen as a freshman all the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure he won't,” said Tom; “I know he would give + anything to pull.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better go to his rooms and sound him,” said the + Captain; “Miller and I will follow in half an hour.” + </p> + <p>We have already heard how Tom's mission prospered.</p> + <p> + The next day, at a few moments before two o'clock, the St. Ambrose crew, + including Hardy, with Miller (who was a desperate and indefatigable + pedestrian), for leader, crossed Magdalen Bridge. At five they returned to + college, having done a little over fifteen miles fair heal and toe walking + in the interval. The afternoon had been very hot, and Miller chuckled to + the Captain, “I don't think there will be much trash left in any of + them after that. That fellow Hardy is as fine as a race-horse, and, did + you see, he never turned a hair all the way.” + </p> + <p> + The crew dispersed to their rooms, delighted with the performance now that + it was over, and feeling that they were much the better for it, though + they all declared it had been harder work than any race they had yet + pulled. It would have done a trainer's heart good to have seen them, some + twenty minutes afterwards, dropping into hall (where they were allowed to + dine on Sundays on the joint), fresh from cold baths, and looking ruddy + and clear, and hard enough for anything. + </p> + <p> + Again on Monday, not a chance was lost. The St. Ambrose boat started soon + after one o'clock for Abingdon. They swung steadily down the whole way, + and back again to Sandford without a single spurt; Miller generally + standing in the stern and preaching above all things steadiness and time. + From Sandford up, they were accompanied by half a dozen men or so, who ran + up the bank watching them. The struggle for the first place on the river + was creating great excitement in the rowing world, and these were some of + the most keen connoisseurs, who, having heard that St. Ambrose had changed + a man, were on the look-out to satisfy themselves as to how it would work. + The general opinion was veering round in favor of Oriel; changes so late + in the races, at such a critical moment, were looked upon as very + damaging. + </p> + <p> + Foremost amongst the runners on the bank was a wiry, dark man, with a + sanguine complexion, who went with a peculiar long, low stride, keeping + his keen eye well on the boat. Just above Kennington Island, Jervis, + noticing this particular spectator for the first time, called on the crew, + and, quickening his stroke, took them up the reach at racing pace. As they + lay in Iffley Lock the dark man appeared above them, and exchanged a few + words and a great deal of dumb show with the Captain and Miller, and then + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + From Iffley up they went steadily again. On the whole Miller seemed to be + in very good spirits in the dressing room; he thought the boat trimmed + better, and went better than she had ever done before, and complimented + Blake particularly for the ease with which he had changed sides. They all + went up in high spirits, calling on their way at “The Choughs” + for one glass of old ale round, which Miller was graciously pleased to + allow. Tom never remembered till they were out again that Hardy had never + been there before, and felt embarrassed for a moment, but it soon passed + off. A moderate dinner and early to bed finished the day, and Miller was + justified in his parting remark to the Captain, “Well, if we don't + win, we can comfort ourselves that we hav'n't dropped a stitch this last + two days, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + Then the eventful day arose which Tom, and many others felt was to make or + mar St. Ambrose. It was a glorious early-summer day, without a cloud, + scarcely a breath of air stirring. “We shall have a fair start at + any rate,” was the general feeling. We have already seen what a + throat-drying, nervous business, the morning of a race-day is, and must + not go over the same ground more than we can help; so we will imagine the + St. Ambrose boat down at the starting place, lying close to the towing + path, just before the first gun. + </p> + <p> + There is a much greater crowd than usual opposite the two first boats. By + this time most of the other boats have found their places, for there is + not much chance of anything very exciting down below; so, besides the men + of Oriel and St. Ambrose (who muster to-night of all sorts, the fastest of + the fast and the slowest of the slow having been by this time shamed into + something like enthusiasm), many of other colleges, whose boats have no + chance of bumping or being bumped, flock to the point of attraction. + </p> + <p> + “Do you make out what the change is?” says a backer of Oriel + to his friend in the like predicament. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they've got a No. 5, don't you see, and, by George, I don't + like his looks,” answered his friend; “awfully long and strong + in the arm, and well ribbed up. A devilish awkward customer. I shall go + and try to get a hedge.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh,” says the other, “did you ever know one man win a + race?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that I have,” says his friend, and walks off toward the + Oriel crowd to take five to four on Oriel in half-sovereigns, if he can + get it. + </p> + <p> + Now their dark friend of yesterday comes up at a trot, and pulls up close + to the Captain, with whom he is evidently dear friends. He is worth + looking at, being coxswain of the O. U. B., the best steerer, runner and + swimmer in Oxford; amphibious himself and sprung from an amphibious race. + His own boat is in no danger, so he has left her to take care of herself. + He is on the look-out for recruits for the University crew, and no + recruiting sergeant has a sharper eye for the sort of stuff he requires. + </p> + <p> + “What's his name?” he says in a low tone to Jervis, giving a + jerk with his head towards Hardy. “Where did you get him?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardy,” answers the Captain, in the same tone; “it's + his first night in the boat.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that,” replies the coxswain; “I never saw him + row before yesterday. He's the fellow who sculls in that brown skiff, + isn't he?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, and I think he'll do; keep your eye on him.”</p> + <p> + The coxswain nods as if he were somewhat of the same mind, and examines + Hardy with the eye of a connoisseur, pretty much as the judge at an + agricultural show looks at the prize bull. Hardy is tightening the strop + of his stretcher, and all-unconscious of the compliments which are being + paid him. The great authority seems satisfied with his inspection, grins, + rubs his hands, and trots off to the Oriel boat to make comparisons. + </p> + <p> + Just as the first gun is heard, Grey sidles nervously to the front of the + crowd as if he were doing something very audacious, and draws Hardy's + attention, exchanging sympathizing nods with him, but saying nothing, for + he knows not what to say, and then disappearing again in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo, Drysdale, is that you?” says Blake, as they push off + from the shore. “I thought you were going to take it easy in a + punt.” + </p> + <p> + “So I thought,” says Drysdale, “but I couldn't keep + away, and here I am. I shall run up; and mind, if I see you within ten + feet, and cock-sure to win, I'll give a view holloa. I'll be bound you + shall hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “May it come speedily,” said Blake, and then settled himself + in his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Eyes in the boat—mind now, steady all, watch the stroke and don't + quicken.” + </p> + <p> + These are Miller's last words; every faculty of himself and the crew being + now devoted to getting a good start. This is no difficult matter, as the + water is like glass, and the boat lies lightly on it, obeying the + slightest dip of the oars of bow and two, who just feel the water twice or + thrice in the last minute. Then, after a few moments of breathless hush on + the bank, the last gun is fired, and they are off. + </p> + <p> + The same scene of mad excitement ensues, only tenfold more intense, as + almost the whole interest of the races is tonight concentrated on the two + head boats and their fate. At every gate there is a jam, and the weaker + vessels are shoved into the ditches, upset and left unnoticed. The most + active men, including the O. U. B. coxswain, shun the gates altogether, + and take the big ditches in their stride, making for the long bridges, + that they may get quietly over these and be safe for the best part of the + race. They know that the critical point of the struggle will be near the + finish. + </p> + <p> + Both boats made a beautiful start, and again as before in the first dash + the St. Ambrose pace tells, and they gain their boat's length before first + winds fail; then they settle down for a long steady effort. Both crews are + rowing comparatively steady reserving themselves for the tug of war up + above. Thus they pass the Gut, and those two treacherous corners, the + scene of countless bumps, into the wider water beyond, up under the + willows. + </p> + <p> + Miller's face is decidedly hopeful; he shows no sign, indeed, but you can + see that he is not the same man as he was at this place in the last race. + He feels that to-day the boat is full of life, and that he can call on his + crew with hopes of an answer. His well-trained eye also detects that, + while both crews are at full stretch, his own, instead of losing, as it + did on the last night, is now gaining inch by inch on Oriel. The gain is + scarcely perceptible to him even; from the bank it is quite imperceptible; + but there it is; he is surer and surer of it, as one after another the + willows are left behind. + </p> + <p> + And now comes the pinch. The Oriel captain is beginning to be conscious of + the fact which has been dawning on Miller, but will not acknowledge it to + himself, and as his coxswain turns the boat's head gently across the + stream, and makes for the Berkshire side and the goal, now full in view, + he smiles grimly as he quickens his stroke; he will shake off these light + heeled gentry yet, as he did before. + </p> + <p> + Miller sees the move in a moment, and signals his captain, and the next + stroke St. Ambrose has quickened also; and now there is no mistake about + it, St. Ambrose is creeping up slowly but surely. The boat's length + lessens to forty feet, thirty feet; surely and steadily lessens. But the + race is not lost yet; thirty feet is a short space enough to look at on + the water, but a good bit to pick up foot by foot in the last two or three + hundred yards of a desperate struggle. They are over, under the Berkshire + side now and there stands up the winning-post, close ahead, all but won. + The distance lessens, and lessens still, but the Oriel crew stick steadily + and gallantly to their work, and will fight every inch of distance to the + last. The Oriel men on the bank who are rushing along sometimes in the + water, sometimes out, hoarse, furious, madly alternating between hope and + despair, have no reason to be ashamed of a man in the crew. Off the mouth + of the Cherwell there is still twenty feet between them. Another minute + and it will be over one way or another. Every man in both crews is now + doing his best, and no mistake; tell me which boat holds the most men who + can do better than their best at a pinch, who will risk a broken + blood-vessel, and I will tell you how it will end. “Hard pounding, + gentlemen; let's see who will pound longest,” the Duke is reported + to have said at Waterloo, and won. “Now, Tommy, lad, 'tis thou or + I,” Big Ben said as he came up to the last round of his hardest + fight, and won. Is there a man of that temper in either crew tonight? If + so, now's his time. For both coxswains have called on their men for the + last effort; Miller is whirling the tassel of his right-hand tiller rope + round his head, like a wiry little lunatic; from the towing path, from + Christchurch meadow, from the row of punts, from the clustered tops of the + barges, comes a roar of encouragement and applause, and the band, unable + to resist the impulse, breaks with a crash into the “Jolly Young + Watermen,” playing two bars to the second. A bump in the Gut is + nothing—a few partisans on the towing-path to cheer you, already out of + breath; but up here at the very finish, with all Oxford looking on, when + the prize is the headship of the river—once in a generation only do men + get such a chance. + </p> + <p> + Who ever saw Jervis not up to his work? The St. Ambrose stroke is + glorious. Tom had an atom of go still left in the very back of his head, + and at this moment he heard Drysdale's view holloa above all the din; it + seemed to give him a lift, and other men besides in the boat, for in + another six strokes the gap is lessened and St. Ambrose has crept up to + ten feet, and now to five from the stern of Oriel. Weeks afterwards Hardy + confided to Tom that when he heard that view holloa he seemed to feel the + muscles of his arms and legs turn into steel, and did more work in the + last twenty strokes than in any other forty in the earlier part of the + race. + </p> + <p> + Another fifty yards and Oriel is safe, but the look on the captain's face + is so ominous that their coxswain glances over his shoulder. The bow of + St. Ambrose is within two feet of their rudder. It is a moment for + desperate expedients. He pulls his left tiller rope suddenly, thereby + carrying the stern of his own boat out of the line of the St. Ambrose, and + calls on his crew once more; they respond gallantly yet, but the rudder is + against them for a moment, and the boat drags. St. Ambrose overlaps. + “A bump, a bump,” shout the St. Ambrosians on shore. + “Row on, row on,” screams Miller. He has not yet felt the + electric shock, and knows he will miss his bump if the young ones slacken + for a moment. A young coxswain would have gone on making shots at the + stern of the Oriel boat, and so have lost. + </p> + <p> + A bump now and no mistake; the bow of the St. Ambrose boat jams the oar of + the Oriel stroke, and the two boats pass the winning-post with the way + that was on them when the bump was made. So near a shave was it. + </p> + <p> + Who can describe the scene on the bank? It was a hurly-burly of delirious + joy, in the midst of which took place a terrific combat between Jack and + the Oriel dog—a noble black bull terrier belonging to the college in + general, and no one in particular—who always attended the races and felt + the misfortune keenly. Luckily they were parted without worse things + happening; for though the Oriel men were savage, and not disinclined for a + jostle, the milk of human kindness was too strong for the moment in their + adversaries. So Jack was choked off with some trouble, and the Oriel men + extricated themselves from the crowd, carrying off Crib, their dog, and + looking straight before them into vacancy. + </p> + <p> + “Well rowed, boys,” says Jervis, turning round to his crew as + they lay panting on their oars. + </p> + <p> + “Well rowed; five,” says Miller, who even in the hour of such + a triumph is not inclined to be general in laudation. + </p> + <p> + “Well rowed, five,” is echoed from the bank; it is that + cunning man, the recruiting-sergeant. “<i>Fatally</i> well + rowed,” he adds to a comrade, with whom he gets into one of the + punts to cross to Christchurch meadow; “we must have him in the + University crew.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you'll get him to row, from what I hear,” + answers the other. + </p> + <p> + “Then he must he handcuffed and carried into the boat by + force,” says the O. U. B. coxswain; “why is not the press-gang + an institution in this university?” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0016"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XV—A STORM BREWS AND BREAKS</h2> + <p> + Certainly Drysdale's character came out well that night. He did not seem + the least jealous of the success which had been achieved through his + dismissal. On the contrary, there was no man in the college who showed + more interest in the race, or joy at the result, then he. Perhaps the + pleasure of being out of it himself may have reckoned for something with + him. In any case, there he was at the door with Jack, to meet the crew as + they landed after the race, with a large pewter, foaming with shandygaff, + in each hand, for their recreation. Draco himself could not have forbidden + them to drink at that moment; so, amidst shaking of hands and clapping on + the back, the pewters travelled round from stroke to bow, and then the + crew went off to their dressing-room, accompanied by Drysdale and others. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! it was the finest race that has been seen on the river this + six years; everybody says so. You fellows have deserved well of your + country. I've sent up to college to have supper in my room, and you must + all come. Hang training! there are only two more nights, and you're safe + to keep your place. What do you say Captain? eh, Miller? Now be + good-natured for once.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we don't get head of the river every night,” said + Miller. “I don't object if you'll all turn out and go to bed at + eleven.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right,” said Drysdale; “and now let's go to + the old 'Choughs' and have a glass of ale while supper is getting ready. + Eh, Brown?” and he hooked his arm into Tom's and led the way into + the town. + </p> + <p> + “I'm so sorry you were not in it for the finish,” said Tom, + who was quite touched by his friend's good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “Are you?” said Drysdale; “it's more than I am, then, I + can tell you. If you could have seen yourself under the willows, you + wouldn't have thought yourself much of an object of envy. Jack and I were + quite satisfied with our share of work and glory on the bank. Weren't we, + old fellow?” at which salutation Jack reared himself on his hind + legs and licked his master's hand. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you're a real good fellow for taking it as you do. I don't + think I could have come near the river if I had been you.” + </p> + <p> + “I take everything as it comes,” said Drysdale. “The + next race is on Derby day, and I couldn't have gone if I hadn't been + turned out of the boat; that's a compensation, you see. Here we are. I + wonder if Miss Patty has heard of the victory?” + </p> + <p> + They turned down the little passage entrance of “The Choughs” + as he spoke, followed by most of the crew, and by a tail of younger St. + Ambrosians, their admirers, and the bar was crowded the next moment. Patty + was there, of course, and her services were in great requisition; for + though each of the crew only took a small glass of the old ale, they made + as much fuss about it with the pretty barmaid as if they were drinking + hogsheads. In fact, it had become clearly the correct thing with the St. + Ambrosians to make much of Patty; and, considering the circumstances, it + was only a wonder that she was not more spoiled than seemed to be the + case. Indeed, as Hardy stood up in the corner opposite to the landlady's + chair, a silent onlooker at the scene, he couldn't help admitting to + himself that the girl held her own well, without doing or saying anything + unbecoming a modest woman. And it was a hard thing for him to be fair to + her, for what he saw now in a few minutes confirmed the impression which + his former visit had left on his mind—that his friend was safe in her + toils; how deeply, of course he could not judge, but that there was more + between them than he could approve was now clear enough to him, and he + stood silent, leaning against the wall in that farthest corner, in the + shadow of a projecting cupboard, much distressed in mind, and pondering + over what it behove him to do under the circumstances. With the exception + of a civil sentence or two to the old landlady who sat opposite him + knitting, and casting rather uneasy looks from time to time towards the + front of the bar, he spoke to no one. In fact, nobody came near that end + of the room, and their existence seemed to have been forgotten by the + rest. + </p> + <p> + Tom had been a little uncomfortable for the first minute; but after seeing + Hardy take his glass of ale, and then missing him, he forgot all about + him, and was too busy with his own affairs to trouble himself further. He + had become a sort of drawer, or barman, at “The Cloughs,” and + presided, under Patty, over the distribution of the ale, giving an eye to + his chief to see that she was not put upon. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale and Jack left after a short stay, to see that the supper was + being properly prepared. Soon afterwards Patty went off out of the bar in + answer to some bell which called her to another part of the house; and the + St. Ambrosians voted that it was time to go off to college to supper, and + cleared out into the street. + </p> + <p> + Tom went out with the last batch of them, but lingered a moment in the + passage outside. He knew the house and its ways well enough by this time. + The next moment Patty appeared from a side door, which led to another part + of the house. + </p> + <p> + “So you're not going to stay and play a game with aunt,” she + said; “what makes you in such a hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “I must go up to college; there's a supper to celebrate our getting + head of the river.” Patty looked down and pouted a little. Tom took + her hand, and said sentimentally, “Don't be cross, now; you know + that I would sooner stay here, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + She tossed her head, and pulled away her hand, and then changing the + subject, said, “Who's that ugly old fellow who was here again + to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “There was no one older than Miller, and he is rather an admirer of + yours. I shall tell him you called him ugly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't mean Mr. Miller; you know that well enough,” she + answered. “I mean him in the old rough coat, who don't talk to + anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugly old fellow, Patty? Why, you mean Hardy. He's a great friend of + mine, and you must like him for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure I won't. I don't like him a bit; he looks so cross at + me.” + </p> + <p>“It's all your fancy. There now, good-night.”</p> + <p> + “You shan't go, however, till you've given me that handkerchief. You + promised it me if you got head of the river.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you little story-teller. Why, they are my college colors. I + wouldn't part with them for worlds. I'll give you a lock of my hair, and + the prettiest handkerchief you can find in Oxford; but not this.” + </p> + <p> + “But I <i>will</i> have it and you <i>did</i> promise me it,” + she said, and put up her hands suddenly, and untied the bow of Tom's + neck-handkerchief. He caught her wrists in his hands, and looked down into + her eyes, in which, if he saw a little pique at his going, he saw other + things which stirred in him strange feelings of triumph and tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then you shall pay for it, anyhow,” he said.—Why, need + I tell what followed?—There was a little struggle; a “Go along, do, + Mr. Brown;” and the next minute Tom minus his handkerchief, was + hurrying after his companions; and Patty was watching him from the door, + and setting her cap to rights. Then she turned and went back into the bar, + and started, and turned red, as she saw Hardy there, still standing in the + further corner, opposite her aunt. He finished his glass of ale as she + came in, and then passed out wishing them “Good-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Why aunt” she said, “I thought they were all gone. Who + was that sour-looking man?” + </p> + <p> + “He seems a nice quiet gentleman, my dear,” said the old lady, + looking up. “I'm sure he's much better than those ones as make so + much racket in the bar. But where have you been, Patty?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to the commercial room, aunt. Won't you have a game at + cribbage?” and Patty took up the cards and set the board out, the + old lady looking at her doubtfully all the time through her spectacles. + She was beginning to wish that the college gentlemen wouldn't come so much + to the house, though they were very good customers. + </p> + <p> + Tom, minus his handkerchief, hurried after his comrades, and caught them + up before they got to college. They were all there but Hardy, whose + absence vexed our hero for a moment; he had hoped that Hardy, now that he + was in the boat, would have shaken off all his reserve towards the other + men, and blamed him because he had not done so at once. There could be no + reason for it but his own oddness he thought, for everyone was full of his + praises as they strolled on talking of the race. Miller praised his style, + and time, and pluck. “Didn't you feel how the boat sprung when I + called on you at the Cherwell?” he said to the Captain. + “Drysdale was always dead beat at the Gut, and just like a log in + the boat, pretty much like some of the rest of you.” + </p> + <p> + “He's in such good training, too,” said Diogenes; “I + shall find out how he diets himself.” + </p> + <p> + “We've pretty well done with that, I should hope,” said No. 6. + “There are only two more nights, and nothing can touch us + now.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be too sure of that,” said Miller. “Mind now, all + of you, don't let us have any nonsense till the races are over and we are + all safe.” + </p> + <p> + And so they talked on till they reached college, and then dispersed to + their rooms to wash and dress and met again in Drysdale's rooms, where + supper was awaiting them. + </p> + <p> + Again Hardy did not appear. Drysdale sent a scout to his rooms, who + brought back word that he could not find him; so Drysdale set to work to + do the honors of his table and enjoyed the pleasure of tempting the crew + with all sorts of forbidden hot liquors, which he and the rest of the non + professionals imbibed freely. But with Miller's eye on them, and the + example of Diogenes and the Captain before them, the rest of the crew + exercised an abstemiousness which would have been admirable, had it not + been in a great measure compulsory. + </p> + <p> + It was a great success, this supper at Drysdale's, although knocked up at + an hour's notice. The triumph of their boat, had, for the time, the effect + of warming up and drawing out the feeling of fellowship, which is the soul + of college life. Though only a few men besides the crew sat down to + supper, long before it was cleared away men of every set in the college + came in, in the highest spirits, and the room was crowded. For Drysdale + sent round to every man in the college with whom he had a speaking + acquaintance, and they flocked in and sat where they could, and men talked + and laughed with neighbors, with whom, perhaps, they had never exchanged a + word since the time when they were freshmen together. + </p> + <p> + Of course there were speeches, cheered to the echo, and songs, of which + the choruses might have been heard in the High-street. At a little before + eleven, nevertheless, despite the protestations of Drysdale, and the + passive resistance of several of their number, Miller carried off the + crew, and many of the other guests went at the same time, leaving their + host and a small circle to make a night of it. + </p> + <p> + Tom went to his room in high spirits, humming the air of one of the songs + he had just heard; but he had scarcely thrown his gown on a chair when a + thought struck him, and he ran down stairs again and across to Hardy's + rooms. + </p> + <p> + Hardy was sitting with some cold tea poured out, but untasted, before him, + and no books open—a very unusual thing with him at night. But Tom either + did not or would not notice that there was anything unusual. + </p> + <p> + He seated himself and began gossiping away as fast as he could, without + looking much at the other. He began by recounting all the complimentary + things which had been said by Miller and others of Hardy's pulling. Then + he went on to the supper party; what a jolly evening they had had; he did + not remember anything so pleasant since he had been up, and he retailed + the speeches, and named the best songs. “You really ought to have + been there. Why didn't you come? Drysdale sent over for you. I'm sure + every one wished you had been there. Didn't you get his message?” + </p> + <p>“I didn't feel up to going,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “There's nothing the matter, eh?” said Tom, as the thought + crossed his mind that perhaps Hardy had hurt himself in the race, as he + had not been regularly training. + </p> + <p>“No, nothing,” answered the other.</p> + <p> + Tom tried to make play again, but soon came to an end of his talk. It was + impossible to make head against that cold silence. At last he stopped, + looked at Hardy for a minute, who was staring abstractedly at the sword + over his mantel-piece, and then said,— + </p> + <p> + “There <i>is</i> something the matter, though. Don't sit glowering + as if you had swallowed a furze bush. Why you haven't been smoking, old + boy?” he added, getting up and putting his hand on the others + shoulder. “I see that's it. Here, take one of my weeds, they're + mild. Miller allows two of these a day.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank'ee,” said Hardy, rousing himself; “Miller + hasn't interfered with my smoking, and I <i>will</i> have a pipe, for I + think I want it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't see that it does you any good,” said Tom, after + watching him fill and light, and smoke for some minutes without saying a + word. “Here, I've managed the one thing I had at heart. You are in + the crew, and we are head of the river, and everybody is praising your + rowing up to the skies, and saying that the bump was all your doing. And + here I come to tell you, and not a word can I get out of you. Ain't you + pleased? Do you think we shall keep our place?” He paused a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Hang it all, I say,” he added, losing all patience; + “swear a little if you can't do anything else. Let's hear your + voice; it isn't such a tender one that you need keep it all shut + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Hardy, making a great effort; “the real + fact is I <i>have</i> + something, and something very serious to say to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm not going to listen to it,” broke in Tom; “I'm + not serious, and I won't be serious, and no one shall make me serious + to-night. It's no use, so don't look glum. But isn't the ale at 'The + Choughs' good? and isn't it a dear little place?” + </p> + <p> + “It's that place I want to talk to you about,” said Hardy, + turning his chair suddenly so as to front his visitor. “Now, Brown, + we haven't known one another long, but I think I understand you, and I + know I like you, and I hope you like me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, well,” broke in Tom, “of course I like you, + old fellow, or else I shouldn't come poking after you, and wasting so much + of your time, and sitting on your cursed hard chairs in the middle of the + races. What has liking to do with 'The Choughs,' or 'The Choughs' with + long faces? You ought to have had another glass of ale there.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you had never had a glass of ale there,” said Hardy, + bolting out his words as if they were red hot. “Brown you have no + right to go to that place.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” said Tom, sitting up in his chair and beginning to be + nettled. + </p> + <p> + “You know why,” said Hardy, looking him full in the face, and + puffing out huge volumes of smoke. In spite of the bluntness of the + attack, there was a yearning look which spread over the rugged brow, and + shone out of the deep set eyes of the speaker, which almost conquered Tom. + But first pride, and then the consciousness of what was coming next, which + began to dawn on him, rose in his heart. It was all he could do to meet + that look full, but he managed it, though he flushed to the roots of his + hair, as he simply repeated through his set teeth, “Why?” + </p> + <p>“I say again,” said Hardy, “you know why.”</p> + <p> + “I see what you mean,” said Tom, slowly; “as you say, we + have not known one another long; long enough, though, I should have + thought, for you to have been more charitable. Why am I not to go to 'The + Cloughs'? Because there happens to be a pretty bar maid there? All our + crew go, and twenty other men besides.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but do any of them go in the sort of way you do? Does she look + at anyone of them as she does at you?” + </p> + <p>“How do I know?”</p> + <p> + “That's not fair, or true, or like you, Brown,” said Hardy, + getting up and beginning to walk up and down the room. “You + <i>do</i> know that that girl doesn't care a straw for the other men who + go there. You <i>do</i> know that she is beginning to care for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to know a great deal about it,” said Tom; “I + don't believe you were ever there before two days ago.” + </p> + <p>“No, I never was.”</p> + <p> + “Then I think you needn't be quite so quick at finding fault. If + there were anything I didn't wish you to see, do you think I should have + taken you there? I tell you she is quite able to take care of + herself.” + </p> + <p> + “So I believe,” said Hardy; “if she were a mere giddy, + light girl, setting her cap at every man who came in, it wouldn't matter + so much—for her at any rate. She can take care of herself well enough so + far as the rest are concerned, but you know it isn't so with you. You know + it now, Brown; tell the truth; anyone with half an eye can see it.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have made pretty good use of your eyes in these two + nights, anyhow,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I don't mind your sneers, Brown,” said Hardy as he tramped up + and down with his arms locked behind him; “I have taken on myself to + speak to you about this; I should be no true friend if I shirked it. I'm + four years older than you, and have seen more of the world and of this + place than you. You sha'n't go on with this folly, this sin, for want of + warning.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems,” said Tom doggedly. “Now I think I've had + warning enough; suppose we drop the subject.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy stopped his walk, and turned on Tom with a look of anger. “Not + yet,” he said, firmly; “you know best how and why you have + done it, but you know that somehow or other you have made that girl like + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I have, what then; whose business is that but mine and + hers?” + </p> + <p> + “It's the business of everyone who won't stand by and see the + devil's game played under his nose if he can hinder it.” + </p> + <p> + “What right have you to talk about the devil's game to me?” + said Tom. “I'll tell you what; if you and I are to keep friends we + had better drop this subject.” + </p> + <p> + “If we are to keep friends we must go to the bottom of it. There are + only two endings to this sort of business and you know it as well as + I.” + </p> + <p> + “A right and wrong one, eh? and because you call me your friend you + assume that my end will be the wrong one.” + </p> + <p> + “I do call you my friend, and I say the end must be the wrong one + here. There's no right end. Think of your family. You don't mean to + say—you dare not tell me, that you will marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>dare</i> not tell you!” said Tom, starting up in his + turn; “I dare tell you or any man anything I please. But I won't + tell you or any man anything on compulsion.” + </p> + <p> + “I repeat,” went on Hardy, “you <i>dare</i> not say you + mean to marry her. You don't mean it—and, as you don't, to kiss her as you + did to-night—” + </p> + <p> + “So you were sneaking behind to watch me!” burst out Tom, + chafing with rage, and glad to find any handle for a quarrel. The two men + stood fronting one another, the younger writhing with the sense of shame + and outraged pride, and longing for a fierce answer—a blow—anything, to + give vent to the furies which were tearing him. + </p> + <p> + But at the end of a few seconds the elder answered, calmly and slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “I will not take those words from any man; you had better leave my + rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “If I do, I shall not come back till you have altered your + opinions.” + </p> + <p>“You need not come back till you have altered yours.”</p> + <p> + The next moment Tom was in the passage; the next, striding up and down the + side of the inner quadrangle in the pale moonlight. + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! it was no pleasant walking ground for him. Is it worth our + while to follow him up and down in his tramp? We have most of us walked + the like marches at one time or another of our lives. The memory of them + is by no means one which we can dwell on with pleasure. Times they were of + blinding and driving storm, and howling winds, out of which voices as of + evil spirits spoke close in our ears—tauntingly, temptingly, whispering to + the mischievous wild beast which lurks in the bottom of all our hearts, + now, “Rouse up! art thou a man and darest not do this thing?” + now, “Rise, kill and eat—it is thine, wilt thou not take it? Shall + the flimsy scruples of this teacher, or the sanctified cant of that, bar + thy way, and balk thee of thine own? Thou hast strength to brave them—to + brave all things in earth, or heaven, or hell; put out thy strength and be + a man!” + </p> + <p> + Then did not the wild beast within us shake itself, and feel its power, + sweeping away all the “Thou shalt not's” which the law wrote + up before us in letters of fire, with the “<i>I will</i>” of + hardy, godless, self-assertion? And all the while—which alone made the + storm really dreadful to us—was there not the still small voice—never to + be altogether silenced by the roarings of the tempest of passion, by the + evil voices, by our own violent attempts to stifle it—the still small + voice appealing to the man, the true man, within us, which is made in the + image of God—calling on him to assert his dominion over the wild beast—to + obey, and conquer, and live? Ay! and though we may have followed the other + voices, have we not, while following them, confessed in our hearts, that + all true strength, and nobleness, and manliness, was to be found in the + other path? Do I say that most of us have had to tread this path, and + fight this battle? Surely I might have said all of us; all, at least, who + have passed the bright days of their boyhood. The clear and keen intellect + no less than the dull and heavy; the weak, the cold, the nervous, no less + than the strong and passionate of body. The arms and the field have been + divers; can have been the same, I suppose, to no two men, but the battle + must have been the same to all. One here and there may have had a + foretaste of it as a boy; but it is the young man's battle, and not the + boy's, thank God for it! That most hateful and fearful of all realities, + call it by what name we will—self, the natural man, the old Adam—must have + risen up before each of us in early manhood, if not sooner, challenging + the true man within us to which the Spirit of God is speaking, to a + struggle for life or death. + </p> + <p> + Gird yourself, then, for the fight, my young brother, and take up the + pledge which was made for you when you were a helpless child. This world, + and all others, time and eternity, for you hang upon the issue. This enemy + must be met and vanquished—not finally, for no man while on earth I + suppose, can say that he is slain; but, when once known and recognized, + met and vanquished he must be, by God's help in this and that encounter, + before you can be truly called a man; before you can really enjoy any one + even of this world's good things. + </p> + <p> + This strife was no light one for our hero on the night in his life at + which we have arrived. The quiet sky overhead, the quiet solemn old + buildings, under the shadow of which he stood, brought him no peace. He + fled from them into his own rooms; he lighted his candles and tried to + read, and force the whole matter from his thoughts; but it was useless; + back it came again and again. The more impatient of its presence he + became, the less could he shake it off. Some decision he must make; what + should it be? He could have no peace till it was taken. The veil had been + drawn aside thoroughly, and once for all. Twice he was on the point of + returning to Hardy's rooms to thank him, confess, and consult; but the + tide rolled back again. As the truth of the warning sank deeper and deeper + into him, the irritation against him who had uttered it grew also. He + could not and would not be fair yet. It is no easy thing for anyone of us + to put the whole burden of any folly or sin on our own backs all at once. + “If he had done it in any other way,” thought Tom, “I + might have thanked him.” + </p> + <p> + Another effort to shake off the whole question. Down into the quadrangle + again; lights in Drysdale's rooms. He goes up, and finds the remains of + the supper, tankards full of egg-flip and cardinal, and a party playing at + <i>vingt-un</i>. He drinks freely, careless of training or boat-racing, + anxious only to drown thought. He sits down to play. The boisterous talk + of some, the eager keen looks of others, jar on him equally. One minute he + is absent, the next boisterous, then irritable, then moody. A college + card-party is no place to-night for him. He loses his money, is disgusted + at last, and gets to his own rooms by midnight; goes to bed feverish, + dissatisfied with himself, with all the world. The inexorable question + pursues him even into the strange helpless land of dreams, demanding a + decision, when he has no longer power of will to choose either good or + evil. + </p> + <p> + But how fared it all this time with the physician? Alas! little better + than with his patient. His was the deeper and more sensitive nature. + Keenly conscious of his own position, he had always avoided any but the + most formal intercourse with the men in his college whom he would have + liked most to live with. This was the first friendship he had made amongst + them, and he valued it accordingly; and now it seemed to lie at his feet + in hopeless fragments, and cast down too by his own hand. Bitterly he + blamed himself over and over again, as he recalled every word that had + passed—not for having spoken—that he felt had been a sacred duty—but for + the harshness and suddenness with which he seemed to himself to have done + it. + </p> + <p> + “One touch of gentleness or sympathy, and I might have won him. As + it was, how could he have met me otherwise than he did—hard word for hard + word, hasty answer for proud reproof? Can I go to him and recall it all? + No! I can't trust myself; I shall only make matters worse. Besides, he may + think that the servitor—Ah! am I there again? The old sore, self, self, + self! I nurse my own pride; I value it more than my friend; and yet—no, + no! I cannot go, though I think I could die for him. The sin, if sin there + must be, be on my head. Would to God I could bear the sting of it! But + there will be none—how can I fear? he is too true, too manly. Rough and + brutal as my words have been, they have shown him the gulf. He will, he + must escape it. But will he ever come back to me? I care not, so he + escape.” + </p> + <p> + How can my poor words follow the strong loving man in the wrestlings of + his spirit, till far on in the quiet night he laid the whole before the + Lord and slept! Yes, my brother, even so: the old, old story; but start + not at the phrase, though you may never have found its meaning—He laid the + whole before the Lord in prayer, for his friend, for himself, for the + whole world. + </p> + <p> + And you, too, if ever you are tried as he was—as every man must be in one + way or another—must learn to do the like with every burthen on your soul, + if you would not have it hanging round you heavily, and ever more heavily, + and dragging you down lower and lower till your dying day. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0017"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XVI—THE STORM RAGES</h2> + <p> + Hardy was early in the chapel the next morning. It was his week for + pricking in. Every man who entered—from the early men who strolled in + quietly while the bell was still ringing, to the hurrying, half-dressed + loiterers who crushed in as the porter was closing the doors, and + disturbed the congregation in the middle of the confession—gave him a turn + (as the expressive phrase is), and every turn only ended in + disappointment. He put by his list at last, when the doors were fairly + shut, with a sigh. He had half expected to see Tom come into morning + chapel with a face from which he might have gathered hope that his friend + had taken the right path. But Tom did not come at all, and Hardy felt it + was a bad sign. + </p> + <p> + They did not meet till the evening, at the river, when the boat went down + for a steady pull, and then Hardy saw at once that all was going wrong. + Neither spoke to or looked at the other. Hardy expected some one to remark + it, but nobody did. After the pull they walked up, and Tom as usual led + the way, as if nothing had happened, into “The Choughs.” Hardy + paused for a moment, and then went in too, and stayed till the rest of the + crew left. Tom deliberately stayed after them all. Hardy turned for a + moment as he was leaving the bar, and saw him settling himself down in his + chair with an air of defiance, meant evidently for him, which would have + made most men angry. He was irritated for a moment, and then was filled + with ruth for the poor wrong-headed youngster who was heaping up coals of + fire for his own head. In his momentary anger Hardy said to himself, + “Well, I have done what I can; now he must go his own way;” + but such a thought was soon kicked in disgrace from his noble and + well-disciplined mind. He resolved, that, let it cost what it might in the + shape of loss of time and trial of temper, he would leave no stone + unturned, and spare no pains, to deliver his friend of yesterday from the + slough into which he was plunging. How he might best work for this end + occupied his thoughts as he walked towards college. + </p> + <p> + Tom sat on at “The Choughs,” glorifying himself in the thought + that now, at any rate, he had shown Hardy that he wasn't to be dragooned + into doing or not doing anything. He had had a bad time of it all day, and + his good angel had fought hard for victory; but self-will was too strong + for the time. When he stayed behind the rest, it was more out of bravado + than from any defined purpose of pursuing what he tried to persuade + himself was an innocent flirtation. When he left the house some hours + after he was deeper in the toils than ever, and dark clouds were gathering + over his heart. From that time he was an altered man, and altering as + rapidly for the worse in body as in mind. Hardy saw the change in both, + and groaned over it in secret. Miller's quick eye detected the bodily + change. After the next race he drew Tom aside, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Why, Brown, what's the matter? What have you been about? You're + breaking down. Hold on, man; there's only one more night.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear,” said Tom, proudly, “I shall last it + out.” + </p> + <p> + And in the last race he did his work again, though it cost him more than + all the preceding ones put together, and when he got out of the boat he + could scarcely walk or see. He felt a fierce kind of joy in his own + distress, and wished that there were more races to come. But Miller, as he + walked up arm-in-arm with the Captain, took a different view of the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's all right, you see,” said the Captain; “but + we're not a boat's length better than Oriel over the course after all. How + was it we bumped them? If anything, they drew a-little on us + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, half a boat's length, I should say,” answered Miller. + “I'm uncommonly glad it's over; Brown is going all to pieces; he + wouldn't stand another race, and we haven't a man to put in his + place.” + </p> + <p> + “It's odd, too,” said the Captain; “I put him down as a + laster, and he has trained well. Perhaps he has overdone it a little. + However, it don't matter now.” + </p> + <p> + So the races were over; and that night a great supper was held in St. + Ambrose Hall, to which were bidden, and came, the crews of all the boats + from Exeter upwards. The Dean, with many misgivings and cautions, had + allowed the hall to be used, on pressure from Miller and Jervis. Miller + was a bachelor and had taken a good degree, and Jervis bore a high + character and was expected to do well in the schools. So the poor Dean + gave in to them, extracting many promises in exchange for his permission, + and flitted uneasily about all the evening in his cap and gown, instead of + working on at his edition of the Fathers, which occupied every minute of + his leisure, and was making an old man of him before his time. + </p> + <p> + From eight to eleven the fine old pointed windows of St. Ambrose Hall + blazed with light, and the choruses of songs, and the cheers which + followed the short intervals of silence which the speeches made, rang out + over the quadrangles, and made the poor Dean amble about in a state of + nervous bewilderment. Inside there was hearty feasting, such as had not + been seen there, for aught I know, since the day when the king came back + to “enjoy his own again.” The one old cup, relic of the Middle + Ages, which had survived the civil wars,—St. Ambrose's had been a right + loyal college, and the plate had gone without a murmur into Charles the + First's war-chest,—went round and round; and rival crews pledged one + another out of it, and the massive tankards of a later day, in all good + faith and good fellowship. Mailed knights, grave bishops, royal persons of + either sex, and “other our benefactors,” looked down on the + scene from their heavy gilded frames, and, let us hope, not unkindly. All + passed off well and quietly; the out-college men were gone, the lights + were out, and the butler had locked the hall door by a quarter past + eleven, and the Dean returned in peace to his own rooms. + </p> + <p> + Had Tom been told a week before that he would not have enjoyed that night, + that it would not have been amongst the happiest and proudest of his life, + he would have set his informer down as a madman. As it was, he never once + rose to the spirit of the feast, and wished it all over a dozen times. He + deserved not to enjoy it; but not so Hardy, who was nevertheless almost as + much out of tune as Tom; though the University coxswain had singled him + out, named him in his speech, sat by him and talked to him for a quarter + of an hour, and asked him to go to the Henley and Thames regattas in the + Oxford crew. + </p> + <p> + The next evening, as usual, Tom found himself at “The Choughs” + with half a dozen others. Patty was in the bar by herself, looking + prettier than ever. One by one the rest of the men dropped off, the last + saying, “Are you coming, Brown?” and being answered in the + negative. + </p> + <p> + He sat still, watching Patty as she flitted about, washing up the ale + glasses and putting them on their shelves, and getting out her work + basket; and then she came and sat down in her aunt's chair opposite him, + and began stitching away demurely at an apron she was making. Then he + broke silence,— + </p> + <p>“Where's your aunt to-night, Patty?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, she has gone away for a few days, for a visit to some + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “You and I will keep house, then, together; you shall teach me all + the tricks of the trade. I shall make a famous barman, don't you + think?” + </p> + <p> + “You must learn to behave better, then. But I promised aunt to shut + up at nine; so you must go when it strikes. Now promise me you will + go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go at nine! what, in half an hour? The first evening I have ever + had a chance of spending alone with you; do you think it likely?” + and he looked into her eyes. She turned away with a slight shiver, and a + deep blush. + </p> + <p> + His nervous system had been so unusually excited in the last few days, + that he seemed to know everything that was passing in her mind. He took + her hand. “Why, Patty, you're not afraid of me, surely?” he + said, gently. + </p> + <p> + “No, not when you're like you are now. But you frightened me just + this minute. I never saw you look so before. Has anything happened to + you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, nothing. Now then, we're going to have a jolly evening, and + play Darby and Joan together,” he said, turning away, and going to + the bar window; “shall I shut up, Patty?” + </p> + <p>“No, it isn't nine yet; somebody may come in.”</p> + <p> + “That's just why I mean to put the shutters up; I don't want + anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I do, though. Now I declare, Mr. Brown, if you go on + shutting up, I'll run into the kitchen and sit with Dick.” + </p> + <p>“Why will you call me 'Mr. Brown'?”</p> + <p>“Why, what should I call you?”</p> + <p>“Tom, of course.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I never! one would think you was my brother,” said Patty, + looking up with a pretty pertness which she had a most bewitching way of + putting on. Tom's rejoinder, and the little squabble which they had + afterward about where her work-table should stand, and other such matters, + may be passed over. At last he was brought to reason, and to anchor + opposite his enchantress, the work-table between them; and he sat leaning + back in his chair and watching her, as she stitched away without ever + lifting her eyes. He was in no hurry to break the silence. The position + was particularly fascinating to him, for he had scarcely ever yet had a + good look at her before, without fear of attracting attention, or being + interrupted. At last he roused himself. + </p> + <p> + “Any of our men been here to-day, Patty?” he said, sitting up. + </p> + <p> + “There now, I've won,” she laughed; “I said to myself I + wouldn't speak first, and I haven't. What a time you were. I thought you + would never begin.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a little goose! Now I begin then; who've been here + to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Of your college? let me see;” and she looked away across to + the bar window, pricking her needle into the table. “There was Mr. + Drysdale and some others called for a glass of ale as they passed, going + out driving. Then there was Mr. Smith and them from the boats about four, + and that ugly one—I can't mind his name—” + </p> + <p>“What, Hardy?”</p> + <p>“Yes, that's it; he was here about half-past six, and—”</p> + <p> + “What, Hardy here after hall?” interrupted Tom, utterly + astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, after your dinner up at college. He's been here two or three + times lately.” + </p> + <p>“The deuce he has!”</p> + <p> + “Yes, and he talks so pleasant to aunt, too. I'm sure he is a very + nice gentleman, after all. He sat and talked tonight for half an hour, I + should think.” + </p> + <p>“What did he talk about?” said Tom, with a sneer.</p> + <p> + “Oh, he asked me whether I had a mother, and where I came from, and + all about my bringing up, and made me feel quite pleasant. He is so nice + and quiet and respectful, not like most of you. I'm going to like him very + much, as you told me.” + </p> + <p>“I don't tell you so now.”</p> + <p>“But you did say he was your great friend.”</p> + <p>“Well, he isn't that now.”</p> + <p>“What, have you quarreled?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p>“Dear; dear; how odd you gentlemen are!”</p> + <p> + “Why, it isn't a very odd thing for men to quarrel, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not in the public room. They're always quarreling there, over + their drink and the bagatelle-board; and Dick has to turn them out. But + gentlemen ought to know better.” + </p> + <p>“They don't, you see, Patty.”</p> + <p>“But what did you quarrel about?”</p> + <p>“Guess.”</p> + <p>“How can I guess? What was it about?”</p> + <p>“About you.”</p> + <p> + “About me!” she said, looking up from her work in wonder. + “How could you quarrel about me?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you; he said I had no right to come here. You won't + like him after that, will you Patty?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, I'm sure,” said Patty, going on with her work, + and looking troubled. + </p> + <p> + They sat still for some minutes. Evil thoughts crowded into Tom's head. He + was in the humor for thinking evil thoughts, and, putting the worst + construction on Hardy's visits, fancied he came there as his rival. He did + not trust himself to speak till he had mastered his precious discovery, + and put it away in the back of his heart, and weighed it down there with a + good covering of hatred and revenge, to be brought out as occasion should + serve. He was plunging down rapidly enough now; but he had new motives for + making the most of his time, and never played his cards better or made + more progress. When a man sits down to such a game, the devil will take + good care he sha'n't want cunning or strength. It was ten o'clock instead + of nine before he left, which he did with a feeling of triumph. Poor Patty + remained behind, and shut up the bar, her heart in a flutter, and her + hands shaking, while Dick was locking the front door. She hardly knew + whether to laugh or cry; she felt the change which had come over him, and + was half fascinated and half repelled by it. + </p> + <p> + Tom walked quickly back to college, in a mood which I do not care to + describe. The only one of his thoughts which my readers need be troubled + with, put itself into some such words as these in his head:—“So, + it's Abingdon fair next Thursday, and she has half-promised to go with me. + I know I can make it certain. Who'll be going besides? Drysdale, I'll be + bound. I'll go and see him.” + </p> + <p> + On entering college he went straight to Drysdale's rooms, and drank + deeply, and played high into the short hours of the night, but found no + opportunity of speaking. + </p> + <p> + Deeper and deeper yet for the next few days, downwards and ever faster + downwards he plunged, the light getting fainter and ever fainter above his + head. Little good can come of dwelling on those days. He left off pulling, + shunned his old friends, and lived with the very worst men he knew in + college, who were ready enough to let him share all their brutal orgies. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale, who was often present, wondered at the change, which he saw + plainly enough. He was sorry for it in his way, but it was no business of + his. He began to think that Brown was a good enough fellow before, but + would make a devilish disagreeable one if he was going to turn fast man. + </p> + <p> + At “The Choughs” all went on as if the downward path knew how + to make itself smooth. Now that the races were over, and so many other + attractions were going on in Oxford, very few men came in to interfere + with him. He was scarcely ever away from Patty's side, in the evenings + while her aunt was absent, and gained more and more power over her. He + might have had some compassion, but that he was spurred on by hearing how + Hardy haunted the place now, at times when he could not be there. He felt + that there was an influence struggling with his in the girl's mind; he + laid it to Hardy's door, and imputed it still more and more to motives as + base as his own. But Abingdon fair was coming on Thursday. When he left + “The Choughs” on Tuesday night, he had extracted a promise + from Patty to accompany him there, and had arranged their place of + meeting. + </p> + <p> + All that remained to be done was to see if Drysdale was going. Somehow he + felt a disinclination to go alone with Patty. Drysdale was the only man of + those he was now living with to whom he felt the least attraction. In a + vague way he clung to him; and though he never faced the thought of what + he was about fairly, yet it passed through his mind that even in + Drysdale's company he would be safer than if alone. It was all pitiless, + blind, wild work, without rudder or compass; the wish that nothing very + bad might come out of it all, however, came up in spite of him now and + again, and he looked to Drysdale, and longed to become even as he. + </p> + <p> + Drysdale was going. He was very reserved on the subject, but at last + confessed that he was not going alone. Tom persisted. Drysdale was too + lazy and careless to keep anything from a man who was bent on knowing it. + In the end it was arranged that he should drive Tom out the next + afternoon. He did so. They stopped at a small public house some two miles + out of Oxford. The cart was put up, and after carefully scanning the + neighborhood they walked quickly to the door of a pretty retired cottage. + As they entered, Drysdale said, + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, I thought I caught a glimpse of your friend Hardy at that + turn.” + </p> + <p>“Friend! he's no friend of mine.”</p> + <p>“But didn't you see him?”</p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p> + They reached college again between ten and eleven, and parted, each to his + own rooms. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise, Tom found a candle burning on his table. Round the candle + was tied a piece of string, at the end of which hung a note. Who ever had + put it there had clearly been anxious that he should in no case miss it + when he came in. He took it up and saw that it was in Hardy's hand. He + paused, and trembled as he stood. Then with an effort he broke the seal + and read:— + </p> + <p> + “I must speak once more. To-morrow it may be too late. If you go to + Abingdon fair with her in the company of Drysdale and his mistress, or, I + believe, in any company, you will return a scoundrel, and she—; in the + name of the honor of your mother and sister, in the name of God, I warn + you. May He help you through it. + </p> + <h3>“JOHN HARDY.”</h3> + <p> + Here we will drop the curtain for the next hour. At the end of that time, + Tom staggered out of his room, down the staircase, across the quadrangle, + up Drysdale's staircase. He paused at the door to gather some strength, + ran his hands through his hair, and arranged his coat; notwithstanding, + when he entered, Drysdale started to his feet, upsetting Jack from his + comfortable coil on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Brown, you're ill; have some brandy,” he said, and went + to his cupboard for the bottle. + </p> + <p> + Tom leant his arm on the fireplace; his head on it. The other hung down by + his side, and Jack licked it, and he loved the dog as he felt the caress. + Then Drysdale came to his side with a glass of brandy, which he took and + tossed off as though it had been water. “Thank you,” he said, + and as Drysdale went back with the bottle, reached a large armchair and + sat down in it. + </p> + <p> + “Drysdale, I sha'n't go with you to Abingdon fair to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! what, has the lovely Patty thrown you over?” said + Drysdale, turning from the cupboard, and resuming his lounge on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “No.” he sank back into the chair, on the arms of which his + elbows rested, and put his hands up before his face, pressing them against + his burning temples. Drysdale looked at him hard, but said nothing; and + there was a dead silence of a minute or so, broken only by Tom's heavy + breathing, which he labored in vain to control. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he repeated at last, and the remaining words came out + slowly as they were trying to steady themselves, “but, by God, + Drysdale I <i>can't</i> + take her with you, and that—” a dead pause. + </p> + <p>“The young lady you met to-night, eh?”</p> + <p>Tom nodded, but said nothing.</p> + <p> + “Well, old fellow,” said Drysdale, “now you've made up + your mind, I tell you, I'm devilish glad of it. I'm no saint, as you know, + but I think it would have been a d—d shame if you had taken her with + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Tom, and pressed his fingers tighter on his + forehead; and he did feel thankful for the words, though coming from such + a man, they went into him like coals of fire. + </p> + <p>Again there was a long pause, Tom sitting as before.</p> + <p> + Drysdale got up and strolled up and down his room, with his hands in the + pockets of his silk-lined lounging coat, taking at each turn a steady look + at the other. Presently he stopped, and took his cigar out of his mouth. + “I say, Brown,” he said, after another minute's contemplation + of the figure before him, which bore such an unmistakable impress of + wretchedness, that it made him quite uncomfortable, “why don't you + cut that concern?” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Why that 'Choughs' business—I'll be hanged if it won't kill you, or + make a devil of you before long, if you go on with it.” + </p> + <p>“It's not far from that now.”</p> + <p> + “So I see—and I'll tell you what, you're not the sort of fellow to + go in for this kind of thing. You'd better leave it to cold-blooded + brutes, like some we know—I needn't mention names.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm awfully wretched, Drysdale; I've been a brute my self to you + and everybody of late.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I own I don't like the new side of you. Now make up your mind + to cut the whole concern, old fellow,” he said, coming up + goodnaturedly, and putting his hand on Tom's shoulder, “it's hard to + do, I dare say, but you had better make a plunge and get it over. There's + wickedness enough going about without your helping to shove another one + into it.” + </p> + <p> + Tom groaned as he listened, but he felt that the man was trying to help + him in his own way, and according to his light, as Drysdale went on + expounding his own curious code of morality. When it was ended, he shook + Drysdale's hand, and, wishing him good night, went back to his own rooms. + The first step upwards towards the light had been made,—for he felt + thoroughly humbled before the man on whom he had expended in his own mind + so much patronizing pity for the last half year—whom he had been fancying + he was influencing for good. + </p> + <p> + During the long hours of the night the scenes of the last few hours, of + the last few days, came back to him and burnt into his soul. The gulf + yawned before him now plain enough, open at his feet—black, ghastly. He + shuddered at it, wondering if he should even yet fall in, felt wildly + about for strength to stand firm, to retrace his steps; but found it not. + He found not yet the strength he was in search of, but in the grey morning + he wrote a short note:— + </p> + <p> + “I shall not be able to take you to Abingdon fair to-day. You will + not see me perhaps for some days. I am not well. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry. Don't think that I am changed. Don't be unhappy, + or I don't know what I may do.” There was no address and no + signature to the note. + </p> + <p> + When the gates opened he hurried out of the college and, having left it + and a shilling with Dick (whom he found cleaning the yard, and much + astonished at his appearance, and who promised to deliver it to Patty with + his own hands before eight o'clock), he got back again to his own rooms, + went to bed, worn out in mind and body, and slept till mid-day. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0018"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XVII—NEW GROUND</h2> + <p> + My readers have now been steadily at Oxford for six months without moving. + Most people find such a spell of the place without a change quite as much + as they care to take; perhaps too, it may do our hero good to let him + alone for a little, that he may have time to look steadily into the pit + which he has been so near falling down, which is still yawning awkwardly + in his path; moreover, the exigencies of a story teller must lead him away + from home now and then. Like the rest of us, his family must have change + of air, or he has to go off to see a friend properly married, or a + connexion buried; to wear white or black gloves with or for some one, + carrying such sympathy as he can with him, so that he may come back from + every journey, however short, with a wider horizon. Yes; to come back home + after every stage of life's journeying with a wider horizon—more in + sympathy with men and nature, knowing ever more of the righteous and + eternal laws which govern them, and of the righteous and loving will which + is above all, and around all, and beneath all—this must be the end and aim + of all of us, or we shall be wandering about blindfold, and spending time + and labor and journey-money on that which profiteth nothing. So now I must + ask my readers to forget the old buildings and quadrangles of the fairest + of England's cities, the caps and the gowns, the reading and rowing for a + short space, and take a flight with me to other scenes and pastures new. + </p> + <p> + The nights are pleasant in May, short and pleasant for travel. We will + leave the ancient city asleep, and do our flight in the night to save + time. Trust yourself then to the story-teller's aerial machine. It is but + a rough affair, I own, rough and humble, unfitted for high or great + flights, with no gilded panels or dainty cushions, or C-springs—not that + we shall care about springs, by the way, until we alight on terra firma + again—still, there is much to be learned in a third-class carriage if we + will only not look while in it for cushions and fine panels, and forty + miles an hour traveling, and will not be shocked at our fellow passengers + for being weak in their h's and smelling of fustian. Mount in it, then, + you who will, after this warning; the fares are holiday fares, the tickets + return tickets. Take with you nothing but the poet's luggage, + </p> + <pre> + “A smile for Hope, a tear for Pain, + A breath to swell the voice of Prayer.” + </pre + > + <p> + and may you have a pleasant journey, for it is time that the stoker should + be looking to his going gear. + </p> + <p> + So now we rise slowly in the moonlight from St. Ambrose's quadrangle, and, + when we are clear of the clock-tower, steer away southwards, over Oxford + city and all its sleeping wisdom and folly, over street and past spire, + over Christ Church and the canons' houses, and the fountain in Tom quad; + over St. Aldate's and the river, along which the moonbeams lie in a + pathway of twinkling silver, over the railway sheds—no, there was then no + railway, but only the quiet fields and footpaths of Hincksey hamlet. Well, + no matter; at any rate, the hills beyond, and Bagley Wood, were there then + as now; and over hills and wood we rise, catching the purr of the + night-jar, the trill of the nightingale, and the first crow of the + earliest cock-pheasant, as he stretches his jewelled wings, conscious of + his strength and his beauty, heedless of the fellows of St. John's, who + slumber within sight of his perch, on whose hospitable board he shall one + day lie, prone on his back, with fair larded breast turned upwards for the + carving-knife, having crowed his last crow. He knows it not; what matters + it to him? If he knew it, could a Bagley Wood cock-pheasant desire a + better ending? + </p> + <p> + We pass over the vale beyond; hall and hamlet, church, and meadow, and + copse, folded in mist and shadow below us, each hamlet holding in its + bosom the material of three volumed novels by the dozen, if we could only + pull off the roofs of the houses and look steadily into the interiors; but + our destination is farther yet. The faint white streak behind the distant + Chilterns reminds us that we have no time for gossip by the way; May + nights are short, and the sun will be up by four. No matter; our journey + will now be soon over, for the broad vale is crossed, and the chalk hills + and downs beyond. Larks quiver up by us, “higher, ever + higher,” hastening up to get a first glimpse of the coming monarch, + careless of food, flooding the fresh air with song. Steadily plodding + rooks labour along below us, and lively starlings rush by on the look-out + for the early worm; lark and swallow, rook and starling, each on his + appointed round. The sun arises, and they get them to it; he is up now, + and these breezy uplands over which we hang are swimming in the light of + horizontal rays, though the shadows and mists still lie on the wooded + dells which slope away southwards. + </p> + <p> + Here let us bring to, over the village of Englebourn, and try to get + acquainted with the outside of the place before the good folk are about, + and we have to go down among them and their sayings and doings. + </p> + <p> + The village lies on the southern slopes of the Berkshire hills, on the + opposite side to that under which our hero was born. Another soil + altogether is here, we remark in the first place. This is no chalk; this + high knoll which rises above—one may almost say hangs over—the village, + crowned with Scotch firs, its sides tufted with gorse and heather. It is + the Hawk's Lynch, the favorite resort of Englebourn folk, who come up for + the view, for the air, because their fathers and mothers came up before + them, because they came up themselves as children—from an instinct which + moves them all in leisure hours and Sunday evenings, when the sun shines + and the birds sing, whether they care for view or air or not. Something + guides all their feet hitherward; the children, to play hide-and-seek and + look for nests in the gorse-bushes; young men and maidens, to saunter and + look and talk, as they will till the world's end—or as long, at any rate, + as the Hawk's Lynch and Englebourn last—and to cut their initials, + enclosed in a true lover's knot, on the short rabbit's turf; steady + married couples, to plod along together consulting on hard times and + growing families; even old tottering men, who love to sit at the feet of + the firs, with chins leaning on their sticks, prattling of days long past, + to anyone who will listen, or looking silently with dim eyes into the + summer air, feeling perhaps in their spirits after a wider and more + peaceful view which will soon open for them. A common knoll, open to all, + up in the silent air, well away from every-day Englebourn life, with the + Hampshire range and the distant Beacon Hill lying soft on the horizon, and + nothing higher between you and the southern sea, what a blessing the + Hawk's Lynch is to the village folk, one and all! May Heaven and a + thankless soil long preserve it and them from an enclosure under the Act! + </p> + <p> + There is much temptation lying about, though, for the enclosers of the + world. The rough common land stretches over the whole of the knoll, and + down to its base, and away along the hills behind, of which the Hawk's + Lynch is an outlying spur. Rough common land, broken only by pine woods of + a few acres each in extent, an occasional woodman's or squatter's cottage + and little patch of attempted garden. But immediately below, and on each + flank of the spur, and half-way up the slopes, come small farm enclosures, + breaking here and there the belt of woodlands, which generally lies + between the rough wild upland, and the cultivated country below. As you + stand on the knoll you can see common land just below you at its foot + narrow into a mere road, with a border of waste on each side which runs + into Englebourn street. At the end of the straggling village stands the + church with its square tower, a lofty grey stone building, with bits of + fine decorated architecture about it, but much of churchwarden Gothic + supervening. The churchyard is large, and the graves, as you can see + plainly even from this distance, are all crowded on the southern side. The + rector's sheep are feeding in the northern part, nearest to us, and a + small gate at one corner opens into his garden. The Rectory looks large + and comfortable, and its grounds well cared for and extensive, with a + rookery of elms at the lawn's end. It is the chief house of the place, for + there is no resident squire. The principal street contains a few shops, + some dozen, perhaps, in all; and several farm houses lie a little back + from it, with gardens in front, and yards and barns and orchards behind; + and there are two public-houses. The other dwellings are mere cottages, + and very bad ones for the most part, with floors below the level of the + street. Almost every house in the village is thatched, which adds to the + beauty though not to the comfort of the place. The rest of the population + who do not live in the street are dotted about the neighboring lanes, + chiefly towards the west, on our right as we look down from the Hawk's + Lynch. On this side the country is more open, and here most of the farmers + live, as we may see by the number of homesteads. And there is a small + brook on that side too, which with careful damming is made to turn a mill, + there where you see the clump of poplars. On our left as we look down, the + country to the east of the village is thickly wooded; but we can see that + there is a village green on that side, and a few scattered cottages, the + farthest of which stands looking out like a little white eye, from the end + of a dense copse. + </p> + <p> + Beyond it there is no sign of habitation for some two miles; then you can + see the tall chimneys of a great house, and a well timbered park round it. + The Grange is not in Englebourn parish—happily for that parish, one is + sorry to remark. It must be a very bad squire who does not do more good + than harm by living in a country village. But there are very bad squires, + and the owner of the Grange is one of them. He is, however, for the most + part, an absentee, so that we are little concerned with him, and in fact, + have only to notice this one of his bad habits, that he keeps that long + belt of woodlands, which runs into Englebourn parish, and comes almost up + to the village, full of hares and pheasants. He has only succeeded to the + property some three or four years, and yet the head of game on the estate, + and above all in the woods, has trebled or quadrupled. Pheasants by + hundreds are reared under hens, from eggs bought in London, and run about + the keepers' houses as tame as barn door fowls all the summer. When the + first party comes down for the first <i>battue</i> early in October, it is + often as much as the beaters can do to persuade these pampered fowls that + they are wild game, whose duty it is to get up and fly away, and be shot + at. However, they soon learn more of the world—such of them, at least, as + are not slain—and are unmistakable wild birds in a few days. Then they + take to roosting farther from their old haunts, more in the outskirts of + the woods, and the time comes for others besides the squire's guests to + take their education in hand, and teach pheasants at least that they are + no native British birds. These are a wild set, living scattered about the + wild country; turf-cutters, broom-makers, squatters, with indefinite + occupations, and nameless habits, a race hated of keepers and constables. + These have increased and flourished of late years; and, notwithstanding + the imprisonments and transportations which deprive them periodically of + the most enterprising members of their community, one and all give thanks + for the day when the owner of the Grange took to pheasant breeding. If the + demoralization stopped with them, little harm might come of it, as they + would steal fowls in the homesteads if there were no pheasants in the + woods—which latter are less dangerous to get, and worth more when gotten. + But, unhappily, this method of earning a livelihood has strong + attractions, and is catching; and the cases of farm labourers who get into + trouble about game are more frequent season by season in the neighbouring + parishes, and Englebourn is no better than the rest. And the men are not + likely to be much discouraged from these practices, or taught better by + the fanners; for, if there is one thing more than another that drives that + sturdy set of men, the Englebourn yeomen, into a frenzy, it is talk of the + game in the Grange covers. Not that they dislike sport; they like it too + well, and, moreover, have been used to their fair share of it. For the + late squire left the game entirely in their hands. “You know best + how much game your land will carry without serious damage to the + crops,” he used to say. “I like to show my friends a fair + day's sport when they are with me, and have enough game to supply the + house and make a few presents. Beyond that, it is no affair of mine. You + can course whenever you like; and let me know when you want a day's + shooting, and you shall have it.” Under this system the yeomen + became keen sportsmen; they and all their labourers took a keen interest + in preserving, and the whole district would have risen on a poacher. The + keeper's place became a sinecure, and the squire had as much game as he + wanted without expense, and was, moreover, the most popular man in the + county. Even after the new man came, and all was changed, the mere + revocation of their sporting liberties, and the increase of game, + unpopular as these things were, would not alone have made the farmers so + bitter, and have raised that sense of outraged justice in them. But with + these changes came in a custom new in the country—the custom of selling + the game. At first the report was not believed; but soon it became + notorious that no head of game from the Grange estates was ever given + away, that not only did the tenants never get a brace of birds or a hare, + or the labourers a rabbit, but not one of the gentlemen who helped to kill + the game ever found any of the bag in his dog-cart after the day's + shooting. Nay, so shameless had the system become, and so highly was the + art of turning the game to account cultivated at the Grange, that the + keepers sold powder and shot to any of the guests who had emptied their + own belts or flasks at something over the market retail price. The light + cart drove to the market-town twice a week in the season, loaded heavily + with game, but more heavily with the hatred and scorn of the farmers; and, + if deep and bitter curses could break patent axles or necks, the new + squire and his game-cart would not long have vexed the countryside. As it + was, not a man but his own tenants would salute him in the market-place; + and these repaid themselves for the unwilling courtesy by bitter + reflections on a squire who was mean enough to pay his butcher's and + poulterer's bills out of their pockets. + </p> + <p> + Alas that the manly instinct of sport which is so strong in all of us + Englishmen—which sends Oswells single handed against the mightiest beasts + that walk the earth, and takes the poor cockney journeyman out a ten + miles' walk almost before daylight, on the rare summer holiday mornings, + to angle with rude tackle in reservoir or canal—should be dragged through + such mire as this in many an English shire in our day. If English + landlords want to go on shooting game much longer, they must give up + selling it. For if selling game becomes the rule, and not the exception + (as it seems likely to do before long), good-bye to sport in England. + Every man who loves his country more than his pleasure or his pocket—and, + thank God, that includes the great majority of us yet, however much we may + delight in gun and rod, let any demagogue in the land say what he + pleases—will cry, “Down with it,” and lend a hand to put it + down for ever. + </p> + <p> + But to return to our perch on the Hawk's Lynch above Englebourn village. + The rector is the fourth of his race who holds the family living—a kind, + easy-going, gentlemanly old man, a Doctor of Divinity, as becomes his + position, though he only went into orders because there was the living + ready for him. In his day he had been a good magistrate and neighbour, + living with and much in the same way as the squires round about. But his + contemporaries had dropped off one by one; his own health had long been + failing; his wife was dead; and the young generation did not seek him. His + work and the parish had no real hold on him; so he had nothing to fall + back on, and had become a confirmed invalid, seldom leaving the house and + garden even to go to church, and thinking more of his dinner and his + health than of all other things in earth or heaven. + </p> + <p> + The only child who remained at home with him was a daughter, a girl of + nineteen or thereabouts, whose acquaintance we shall make presently, and + who was doing all that a good heart and sound head prompted in nursing an + old hypochondriac, and filling his place in the parish. But though the old + man was weak and selfish, he was kind in his way, and ready to give freely + or do anything that his daughter suggested for the good of his people, + provided the trouble were taken off his shoulders. In the year before our + tale opens, he had allowed some thirty acres of his glebe to be parcelled + out in allotments amongst the poor; and his daughter spent almost what she + pleased in clothing-clubs, and sick-clubs, and the school, without a word + from him. Whenever he did remonstrate, she managed to get what she wanted + out of the house-money, or her own allowance. + </p> + <p> + We must make acquaintance with such other of the inhabitants as it + concerns us to know in the course of the story; for it is broad daylight, + and the villagers will be astir directly. Folk who go to bed before nine, + after a hard day's work, get into the habit of turning out soon after the + sun calls them. So now, descending from the Hawk's Lynch, we will alight + at the east end of Englebourn, opposite the little white cottage which + looks out at the end of the great wood, near the village green. + </p> + <p> + Soon after five on that bright Sunday morning, Harry Winburn unbolted the + door of his mother's cottage, and stepped out in his shirt-sleeves on to + the little walk in front, paved with pebbles. Perhaps some of my readers + will recognize the name of an old acquaintance, and wonder how he got + here; so let us explain at once. Soon after our hero went to school, + Harry's father had died of a fever. He had been a journeyman blacksmith, + and in the receipt, consequently, of rather better wages than generally + fall to the lot of the peasantry, but not enough to leave much of a margin + over current expenditure. Moreover, the Winburns had always been + open-handed with whatever money they had; so that all he left for his + widow and child, of worldly goods, was their “few sticks” of + furniture, L5 in the savings bank, and the money from his burial-club + which was not more than enough to give him a creditable funeral—that + object of honorable ambition to all the independent poor. He left, + however, another inheritance to them, which is in price above rubies, + neither shall silver be named in comparison thereof,—the inheritance of an + honest name, of which his widow was proud, and which was not likely to + suffer in her hands. + </p> + <p> + After the funeral, she removed to Englebourn, her own native village, and + kept her old father's house till his death. He was one of the woodmen to + the Grange, and lived in the cottage at the corner of the wood in which + his work lay. When he, too, died, hard times came on Widow Winburn. The + steward allowed her to keep on the cottage. The rent was a sore burden to + her, but she would sooner have starved than leave it. Parish relief was + out of the question for her father's child and her husband's widow; so she + turned her hand to every odd job which offered, and went to work in the + fields when nothing else could be had. Whenever there was sickness in the + place, she was an untiring nurse; and, at one time, for some nine months, + she took the office of postman, and walked daily some nine miles through a + severe winter. The fatigue and exposure had broken down her health, and + made her an old woman before her time. At last, in a lucky hour, the + Doctor came to hear of her praiseworthy struggles, and gave her the + Rectory washing, which had made her life a comparatively easy one again. + </p> + <p> + During all this time her poor neighbors had stood by her as the poor do + stand by one another, helping her in numberless small ways, so that she + had been able to realize the great object of her life, and keep Harry at + school till he was nearly fourteen. By this time he had learned all that + the village pedagogue could teach, and had in fact become an object of + mingled pride and jealousy to that worthy man, who had his misgivings lest + Harry's fame as a scholar should eclipse his own before many years were + over. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Winburn's character was so good, that no sooner was her son ready for + a place than a place was ready for him; he stepped at once into the + dignity of carter's boy, and his earnings, when added to his mother's, + made them comfortable enough. Of course she was wrapped up in him, and + believed that there was no such boy in the parish. And indeed she was + nearer the truth than most mothers, for he soon grew into a famous + specimen of a countryman; tall and lithe, full of nervous strength, and + not yet bowed down or stiffened by the constant toil of a labourer's daily + life. In these matters, however, he had rivals in the village; but in + intellectual accomplishments he was unrivalled. He was full of learning + according to the village standard, could write and cipher well, was fond + of reading such books as came in his way, and spoke his native English + almost without an accent. He is one-and-twenty at the time when our story + takes him up; a thoroughly skilled labourer, the best hedger and ditcher + in the parish; and, when his blood is up, he can shear twenty sheep in a + day, without razing the skin, or mow for sixteen hours at a stretch, with + rests of half an hour for meals twice in the day. + </p> + <p> + Harry shaded his eyes with his hand for a minute, as he stood outside the + cottage drinking in the fresh, pure air, laden with the scent of the + honeysuckle which he had trained over the porch, and listening to the + chorus of linnets and finches from the copse at the back of the house; he + then set about the household duties, which he always made it a point of + honour to attend to himself on Sundays. First he unshuttered the little + lattice-window of the room on the ground floor; a simple enough operation, + for the shutter was a mere wooden flap, which was closed over the window + at night and bolted with a wooden bolt on the outside, and thrown back + against the wall in the daytime. Any one who would could have opened it at + any moment of the night; but the poor sleep sound without bolts. Then he + took the one old bucket of the establishment, and strode away to the well + on the village green, and filled it with clear, cold water, doing the same + kind office for the vessels of two or three rosy little damsels and boys, + of ages varying from ten to fourteen, who were already astir, and to whom + the winding-up of the parish chain and bucket would have been a work of + difficulty. Returning to the cottage, he proceeded to fill his mother's + kettle, sweep the hearth, strike a light, and make up the fire with a + faggot from the little stack in the corner of the garden. Then he hauled + the three-legged round table before the fire, and dusted it carefully + over, and laid out the black Japan tea-tray with two delf cups and saucers + of gorgeous pattern, and diminutive plates to match, and placed the sugar + and slop basins, the big loaf and small piece of salt butter, in their + accustomed places, and the little black teapot on the hob to get properly + warm. There was little more to be done indoors, for the furniture was + scanty enough; but everything in turn received its fair share of + attention, and the little room, with its sunken tiled floor and + yellow-washed walls, looked cheerful and homely. Then Harry turned his + attention to the shed of his own contriving, which stood beside the + faggot-stack, and from which expostulatory and plaintive grunts had been + issuing ever since his first appearance at the door, telling of a faithful + and useful friend who was sharp set on Sunday mornings, and desired his + poor breakfast, and to be dismissed for the day to pick up the rest of his + livelihood with his brethren porkers of the village on the green and in + the lanes. Harry served out to the porker the poor mess which the wash of + the cottage and the odds and ends of the little garden afforded; which + that virtuous animal forthwith began to discuss with both fore-feet in the + trough—by way, probably, of adding to the flavor—while his master + scratched him gently between the ears and on the back with a short stick + till the repast was concluded. Then he opened the door of the stye, and + the grateful animal rushed out into the lane, and away to the green with a + joyful squeal and flirt of his hind-quarters in the air; and Harry, after + picking a bunch of wall-flowers, and pansies, and hyacinths, a line of + which flowers skirted the narrow garden walk, and putting them in a + long-necked glass which he took from the mantel-piece, proceeded to his + morning ablutions, ample materials for which remained at the bottom of the + family bucket, which he had put down on a little bench by the side of the + porch. These finished, he retired indoors to shave and dress himself. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0019"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XVIII—ENGLEBOURNE VILLAGE</h2> + <p> + Dame Winburn was not long after her son, and they sat down together to + breakfast in their best Sunday clothes—she, in a plain large white cap + which covered all but a line of grey hair, a black stuff gown reaching to + neck and wrists, and small silk neckkerchief put on like a shawl; a thin, + almost gaunt old woman, whom the years had not used tenderly, and who + showed marks of their usage—but a resolute, high-couraged soul, who had + met hard times in the face, and could meet them again if need were. She + spoke in broad Berkshire, and was otherwise a homely body, but + self-possessed and without a shade of real vulgarity in her composition. + </p> + <p> + The widow looked with some anxiety at Harry as he took his seat. Although + something of a rustic dandy, of late he had not been so careful in the + matter of dress as usual; but, in consequence of her reproaches, on this + Sunday there was nothing to complain of. His black velveteen shooting + coat, and cotton plush waistcoat, his brown corduroy knee-breeches and + gaiters, sat on him well, and gave the world assurance of a well-to-do + man, for few of the Englebourn labourers rose above smock-frocks and + fustian trousers. He wore a blue bird's-eye handkerchief round his neck, + and his shirt, though coarse in texture, was as white as the sun and the + best laundress in Englebourn could manage to bleach it. There was nothing + to find fault with in his dress, therefore, but still his mother did not + feel quite comfortable as she took stealthy glances at him. Harry was + naturally a reserved fellow, and did not make much conversation himself, + and his mother felt a little embarrassed on this particular morning. + </p> + <p> + It was not, therefore, until Dame Winburn had finished her first slice of + bread and butter, and had sipped the greater part of her second dish of + tea out of her saucer, that she broke silence. + </p> + <p> + “I minded thy business last night, Harry, when I wur up at the + Rectory about the washin'. It's my belief as thou'lt get t'other 'lotment + next quarter-day. The Doctor spoke very kind about it, and said as how he + heer'd as high a character o' thee, young as thee bist, as of are' a man + in the parish, and as how he wur set on lettin' the lots to thaay as'd do + best by 'em; only he said as the farmers went agin givin' more nor an acre + to any man as worked for <i>them</i>; and the Doctor, you see, he don't + like to go altogether agin the vestry folk.” + </p> + <p> + “What business is it o' theirs,” said Harry, “so long as + they get their own work done? There's scarce one on 'em as hasn't more + land already nor he can keep as should be, and for all that they want to + snap up every bit as falls vacant, so as no poor man shall get it.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis mostly so with them as has,” said his mother, with a + half puzzled look; “Scriptur says as to them shall be given, and + they shall have more abundant,” Dame Winburn spoke hesitatingly, and + looked doubtfully at Harry, as a person who has shot with a strange gun, + and knows not what effect the bolt may have. Harry was brought up all + standing by this unexpected quotation of his mother's; but, after thinking + for a few moments while he cut himself a slice of bread, replied:— + </p> + <p> + “It don't say as those shall have more that can't use what they've + got already. 'Tis a deal more like Naboth's vineyard for aught as I can + see. But 'tis little odds to me which way it goes.” + </p> + <p> + “How canst talk so, Harry?” said his mother reproachfully; + “thou know'st thou wast set on it last fall, like a wasp on sugar. + Why scarce a day past but thou wast up to the Rectory, to see the Doctor + about it; and now thou'rt like to get th'lotment thou'lt not go anyst + 'un.” + </p> + <p> + Harry looked out at the open door, without answering. It was quite true + that, in the last autumn, he had been very anxious to get as large an + allotment as he could into his own hands, and that he had been for ever up + towards the Rectory, but perhaps not always on the allotment business. He + was naturally a self-reliant, shrewd fellow, and felt that if he could put + his hand on three or four acres of land, he could soon make himself + independent of the farmers. He knew that at harvest-times, and whenever + there was a pinch for good labourers, they would be glad enough to have + him; while at other times, with a few acres of his own, he would be his + own master and could do much better for himself. So he had put his name + down first on the Doctor's list, taken the largest lot he could get, and + worked it so well that his crops, amongst others, had been a sort of + village show last harvest-time. Many of the neighboring allotments stood + out in sad contrast to those of Harry and the more energetic of the + peasantry, and lay by the side of these latter only half worked and full + of weeds, and the rent was never ready. It was worse than useless to let + matters go on thus, and the question arose, what was to be done with the + neglected lots. Harry, and all the men like him, applied at once for them; + and their eagerness to get them had roused some natural jealousy amongst + the farmers, who began to foresee that the new system might shortly leave + them with none but the worst labourers. So the vestry had pressed on the + Doctor, as Dame Winburn said, not to let any man have more than an acre, + or an acre and a half; and the well-meaning, easy-going invalid old man + couldn't make up his mind what to do. So here was May again, and the + neglected lots were still in the nominal occupation of the idlers. The + Doctor got no rent, and was annoyed at the partial failure of a scheme + which he had not indeed originated, but for which he had taken much credit + to himself. The negligent occupiers grumbled that they were not allowed a + drawback for manure, and that no pigstyes were put up for them. + “'Twas allers understood so,” they maintained, “and + they'd never ha' took to the lots but for that.” The good men + grumbled that it would be too late now for them to do more than clean the + lots of weeds this year. The farmers grumbled that it was always + understood that no man should have more than one lot. The poor rector had + led his flock into a miry place with a vengeance. People who cannot make + up their minds breed trouble in other places besides country villages. + However quiet and out of the way the place may be, there is always some + <i>quasi</i> public topic, which stands, to the rural Englishman, in the + place of treaty, or budget, or reform-bill. So the great allotment + question, for the time, was that which exercised the minds of the + inhabitants of Englebourn; and until lately no one had taken a keener + interest in it than Harry Winburn. But that interest had now much abated, + and so Harry looked through the cottage door, instead of answering his + mother. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis my belief as you med amost hev it for the axin'.” Dame + Winburn began again when she found that he would not re-open the subject + himself. “The young missus said as much to me herself last night. + Ah! to be sure, things'd go better if she had the guidin' on 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not going after it any more, mother. We can keep the bits o' + sticks here together without it while you be alive; and if anything was to + happen to you, I don't think I should stay in these parts. But it don't + matter what becomes o' me; I can earn a livelihood anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + Dame Winburn paused a moment before answering to subdue her vexation, and + then said, “How can 'ee let hankerin' arter a lass take the heart + out o' thee so? Hold up thy head, and act a bit measterful. The more thow + makest o' thyself, the more like thou art to win.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear aught of her last night, mother?” replied Harry, + taking advantage of this ungracious opening to speak of the subject which + was uppermost in his mind. + </p> + <p>“I heer'd she wur goin' on well,” said his mother.</p> + <p>“No likelihood of her comin' home?”</p> + <p> + “Not as I could make out. Why, she hevn't been gone not four months. + Now, do 'ee pluck up a bit, Harry; and be more like thyself.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother, I've not missed a day's work since Christmas; so there + ain't much to find fault with.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Harry, 'tisn't thy work. Thou wert always good at thy work, + praise God. Thou'rt thy father's own son for that. But thou dostn't keep + about like, and take thy place wi' the lave on 'em since Christmas. Thou + look'st hagged at times, and folk'll see't, and talk about thee afore + long.” + </p> + <p> + “Let 'em talk. I mind their talk no more than last year's + wind,” said Harry, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “But thy old mother does,” she said, looking at him with eyes + full of pride and love; and so Harry, who was a right good son, began to + inquire what it was that was specially weighing on his mother's mind, + determined to do anything in reason to re-place her on the little harmless + social pinnacle from which she was wont to look down on all the other + mothers and sons of the parish. He soon found out that her present + grievance arose from his having neglected his place as ringer of the heavy + bell in the village peal on the two preceding Sundays; and, as this post + was, in some sort the corresponding one to stroke of the boat at Oxford, + her anxiety was reasonable enough. So Harry promised to go to ringing in + good time that morning, and then set about little odds and ends of jobs + till it would be time to start. Dame Winburn went to her cooking and other + household duties, which were pretty well got under when her son took his + hat and started for the belfry. She stood at the door with a half-peeled + potato in one hand, shading her eyes with the other, as she watched him + striding along the raised footpath under the elms, when the sound of light + footsteps and pleasant voices, coming up from the other direction, made + her turn round and drop a curtsey as the rector's daughter and another + young lady stopped at her door. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Betty,” said the former; “here's a bright + Sunday morning at last, isn't it?” + </p> + <p>“'Tis indeed, miss; but where hev'ee been to?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, we've only been for a little walk before school-time. This is + my cousin, Betty. She hasn't been at Englebourn since she was quite a + child; so I've been taking her to the Hawk's Lynch to see our view.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can't think how I have enjoyed it,” said her cousin; + “it is so still and beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “I've heer'd say as there ain't no such a place for thretty mile + round,” said Betty, proudly, “But do'ee come in, tho', and + sit'ee down a bit,” she added, bustling inside her door, and + beginning to rub down a chair with her apron; “'tis a smart step for + gentlefolk to walk afore church.” Betty's notions of the walking + powers of gentlefolk were very limited. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, we must be getting on,” said Miss Winter; + “but how lovely your flowers are! Look, Mary, did you ever see such + double pansies? We've nothing like them at the Rectory.” + </p> + <p> + “Do'ee take some,” said Betty, emerging again, and beginning + to pluck a handful of her finest flowers; “'tis all our Harry's + doing; he's 'mazing partickler about seeds.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to make everything thrive, Betty. There, that's plenty, + thank you. We won't take many, for fear they should fade before church is + over.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dwont'ee be afeard, there's plenty more; and you be as welcom' + as the day.” + </p> + <p> + Betty never said a truer word; she was one of the real open-handed sort, + who are found mostly amongst those who have the least to give. They or + anyone else were welcome to the best she had. + </p> + <p> + So the young ladies took the flowers, thanked her again, and passed on + towards the Sunday-school. + </p> + <p> + The rector's daughter might have been a year or so older than her + companion; she looked more. Her position in the village had been one of + much anxiety, and she was fast getting an old head on young shoulders. The + other young lady was a slip of a girl just coming out; in fact, this was + the first visit which she had ever paid out of leading strings. She had + lived in a happy home, where she had always been trusted and loved, and + perhaps a thought too much petted. + </p> + <p> + There are some natures which attract petting; you can't help doing your + best to spoil them in this way, and it is satisfactory, therefore, to know + (as the fact is) that they are just the ones which cannot be so spoilt. + </p> + <p> + Miss Mary was one of these. Trustful, for she had never been tricked; + fearless, for she had never been cowed; pure and bright as the Englebourn + brook at fifty yards from its parent spring in the chalk, for she had a + pure and bright nature, and had come in contact as yet with nothing which + could soil or cast a shadow. What wonder that her life gave forth light + and music as it glided on, and that every one who knew her was eager to + have her with them, to warm themselves in the light and rejoice in the + music! + </p> + <p> + Besides all her other attractions, or in consequence of them for anything + I know, she was one of the merriest young women in the world, always ready + to bubble over and break out into clear laughter on the slightest + provocation. And provocation had not been wanting during the last two days + which she had spent with her cousin. As usual she had brought sunshine + with her, and the old doctor had half forgotten his numerous complaints + and grievances for the time. So the cloud which generally hung over the + house had been partially lifted, and Mary, knowing and suspecting nothing + of the dark side of life at Englebourn Rectory, rallied her cousin on her + gravity, and laughed till she cried at the queer ways and talk of the + people about the place. + </p> + <p>As soon as they were out of hearing of Dame Winburn, Mary began—</p> + <p> + “Well, Katie, I can't say that you have mended your case at + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely you can't deny that there is a great deal of character in + Betty's face?” said Miss Winter. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, plenty of character; all your people, as soon as they begin to + stiffen a little and get wrinkles, seem to be full of character, and I + enjoy it much more than beauty; but we were talking about beauty, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + “Betty's son is the handsomest young man in the parish,” said + Miss Winter; “and I must say I don't think you could find a + better-looking one anywhere.” + </p> + <p>“Then I can't have seen him.”</p> + <p> + “Indeed you have; I pointed him out to you at the post office + yesterday. Don't you remember? He was waiting for a letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! now I remember. Well, he was better than most. But the + faces of your young people in general are not interesting—I don't mean the + children, but the young men and women—and they are awkward and clownish in + their manners, without the quaintness of the elder generation, who are the + funniest old dears in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “They will all be quaint enough as they get older. You must remember + the sort of life they lead. They get their notions very slowly, and they + must have notions in their heads before they can show them on their + faces.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, your Betty's son looked as if he had a notion of hanging + himself yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “It's no laughing matter, Mary. I hear that he is desperately in + love.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow! that makes a difference, of course. I hope he won't + carry out his notion. Who is it, do you know? Do tell me all about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Our gardener's daughter, I believe. Of course, I never meddle with + these matters; but one can't help hearing the servant's gossip. I think it + likely to be true, for he was about our premises at all sorts of times + until lately, and I never see him now that she is away.” + </p> + <p>“Is she pretty?” said Mary, who was getting interested.</p> + <p> + “Yes, she is our belle. In fact, they are the two beauties of the + parish.” + </p> + <p> + “Fancy that cross-grained old Simon having a pretty daughter. Oh, + Katie, look here! who is this figure of fun?” + </p> + <p> + The figure of fun was a middle-aged man of small stature, and very + bandy-legged, dressed in a blue coat and brass buttons, and carrying a + great bass-viol bigger than himself, in a rough baize cover. He came out + of a footpath into the road just before them, and, on seeing them, touched + his hat to Miss Winter, and then fidgeted along with his load, and jerked + his head in a deprecatory manner away from them as he walked on, with the + sort of look and action which a favorite terrier uses when his master + holds out a lighted cigar to his nose. He was the village tailor and + constable, also the principal performer in the church-music which obtained + in Englebourn. In the latter capacity he had of late come into collision + with Miss Winter. + </p> + <p> + For this was another of the questions which divided the parish—The great + church music question. From time immemorial, at least ever since the + gallery at the west end had been built, the village psalmody had been in + the hands of the occupiers of that Protestant structure. In the middle of + the front row sat the musicians, three in number, who played respectively + a bass-viol, a fiddle, and a clarionet. On one side of them were two or + three young women, who sang treble—shrill, ear-piercing treble—with a + strong nasal Berkshire drawl in it. On the other side of the musicians sat + the blacksmith, the wheelwright, and other tradesmen of the place. + Tradesmen means in that part of the country what we mean by artisan, and + these were naturally allied with the laborers, and consorted with them. So + far as church-going was concerned, they formed a sort of independent + opposition, sitting in the gallery, instead of in the nave, where the + farmers and the two or three principal shopkeepers—the great landed and + commercial interests—regularly sat and slept, and where the two publicans + occupied pews, but seldom made even the pretence of worshipping. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the gallery was filled by the able-bodied male peasantry. The + old worn-out men generally sat below in the free seats; the women also, + and some few boys. But the hearts of these latter were in the gallery—a + seat on the back benches of which was a sign that they had indued the + <i>toga virilis</i>, and were thenceforth free from maternal and pastoral + tutelage in the matter of church-going. The gallery thus constituted had + gradually usurped the psalmody as their particular and special portion of + the service; they left the clerk and the school children, aided by such of + the aristocracy below as cared to join, to do the responses; but, when + singing time came, they reigned supreme. The slate on which the Psalms + were announced was hung out from before the centre of the gallery, and the + clerk, leaving his place under the reading-desk, marched up there to give + them out. He took this method of preserving his constitutional connection + with the singing, knowing that otherwise he could not have maintained the + rightful position of his office in this matter. So matters had stood until + shortly before the time of our story. + </p> + <p> + The present curate, however, backed by Miss Winter, had tried a reform. He + was a quiet man, with a wife and several children, and small means. He had + served in the diocese ever since he had been ordained, in a hum-drum sort + of way, going where he was sent for, and performing his routine duties + reasonably well, but without showing any great aptitude for his work. He + had little interest, and had almost given up expecting promotion, which he + certainly had done nothing particular to merit. But there was one point on + which he was always ready to go out of his way, and take a little trouble. + He was a good musician, and had formed choirs at all his former curacies. + </p> + <p> + Soon after his arrival, therefore, he, in concert with Miss Winter, had + begun to train the children in church-music. A small organ, which had + stood in a passage in the Rectory for many years, had been repaired, and + appeared first at the schoolroom, and at length under the gallery of the + church; and it was announced one week to the party in possession, that, on + the next Sunday, the constituted authorities would take the church-music + into their own hands. Then arose a strife, the end of which had nearly + been to send the gallery off, in a body, headed by the offended bass-viol, + to the small red-brick little Bethel at the other end of the village. + Fortunately the curate had too much good sense to drive matters to + extremities, and so alienate the parish constable, and a large part of his + flock, though he had not tact or energy enough to bring them round to his + own views. So a compromise was come to; and the curate's choir were + allowed to chant the Psalms and Canticles, which had always been read + before, while the gallery remained triumphant masters of the regular + Psalms. + </p> + <p> + My readers will now understand why Miss Winter's salutation to the musical + constable was not so cordial as it was to the other villagers whom they + had come across previously. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Miss Winter, though she acknowledged the constable's salutation, + did not seem inclined to encourage him to accompany them, and talk his + mind out, although he was going the same way with them; and, instead of + drawing him out, as was her wont in such cases, went on talking herself to + her cousin. + </p> + <p> + The little man walked out in the road, evidently in trouble of mind. He + did not like to drop behind or go ahead without some further remark from + Miss Winter, and yet could not screw up his courage to the point of + opening the conversation himself. So he ambled on alongside the footpath + on which they were walking, showing his discomfort by a twist of his neck + every few seconds, and perpetual shiftings of his bass-viol, and hunching + up of one shoulder. + </p> + <p> + The conversation of the young ladies under these circumstances was of + course forced; and Miss Mary, though infinitely delighted at the meeting, + soon began to pity their involuntary companion. She was full of the + sensitive instinct which the best sort of women have to such a marvellous + extent, and which tells them at once and infallibly if any one in their + company has even a creased rose-leaf next their moral skin. + </p> + <p> + Before they had walked a hundred yards she was interceding for the + rebellious constable. + </p> + <p> + “Katie,” she said softly in French, “do speak to him. + The poor man is frightfully uncomfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “It serves him right,” answered Miss Winter in the same + language; “you don't know how impertinent he was the other day to + Mr. Walker. And he won't give way on the least point, and leads the rest + of the old singers, and makes them as stubborn as himself.” + </p> + <p> + “But look how he is winking and jerking his head at you. You really + mustn't be so cruel to him, Katie. I shall have to begin talking to him if + you don't.” + </p> + <p> + Thus urged, Miss Winter opened the conversation by asking after his wife, + and when she had ascertained “that his missus wur pretty + middlin,” made some other commonplace remark, and relapsed into + silence. By the help of Mary, however, a sort of disjointed dialogue was + kept up till they came to the gate which led up to the school, into which + the children were trooping by twos and threes. Here the ladies turned in, + and were going up the walk towards the school door, when the constable + summoned up courage to speak on the matter which was troubling him, and, + resting the bass-viol carefully on his right foot, calling out after them, + </p> + <p>“Oh, please marm! Miss Winter!”</p> + <p> + “Well,” she said quietly, turning round, “what do you + wish to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, please mann, I hopes as you don't think I be any ways unked + 'bout this here quire singin', as they calls it—I'm sartin you knows as + there ain't amost nothing I wouldn't do to please ee.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know how to do it very easily,” she said when he + paused. “I don't ask you even to give up your music and try to work + with us, though I think you might have done that. I only ask you to use + some psalms and tunes which are fit to be used in a church.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure us ool. 'Taint we as wants no new-fangled tunes; them as + we sings be aal owld ones as ha' been used in our church ever since I can + mind. But you only choose thaay as you likes out o' the book? and we be + ready to kep to thaay.” + </p> + <p> + “I think Mr. Walker made a selection for you some weeks ago,” + said Miss Winter; “did he not?” + </p> + <p> + “'Ees, but 'tis narra mossel o' use for we to try his 'goriums and + sich like. I hopes you wun't be offended wi' me, miss, for I be telling + nought but truth.” He spoke louder as they got nearer to the school + door, and, as they were opening it, shouted his last shot after them, + “'Tis na good to try thaay tunes o' his'n, miss. When us praises + God, us likes to praise un joyful.” + </p> + <p> + “There, you hear that, Mary,” said Miss Winter. “You'll + soon begin to see why I look grave. There never was such a hard parish to + manage. Nobody will do what they ought. I never can get them to do + anything. Perhaps we may manage to teach the children better, that's my + only comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Katie dear, what <i>do</i> the poor things sing? Psalms, I + hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, but they choose all the odd ones on purpose, I believe. + Which class will you take?” + </p> + <p> + And so the young ladies settled to their teaching, and the children in her + class all fell in love with Mary before church-time. + </p> + <p> + The bass-viol proceeded to the church and did the usual rehearsals, and + gossiped with the sexton, to whom he confided the fact that the young + missus was “terrible vexed.” The bells soon began to ring, and + Widow Winburn's heart was glad as she listened to the full peal, and + thought to herself that it was her Harry who was making so much noise in + the world, and speaking to all the neighborhood. Then the peal ceased as + church-time drew near, and the single bell began, and the congregation + came flocking in from all sides. The farmers, letting their wives and + children enter, gathered round the church porch and compared notes in a + ponderous manner on crops and markets. The labourers collected near the + door by which the gallery was reached. All the men of the parish seemed to + like standing about before church, until they had seen the clergyman + safely inside. He came up with the school children and the young ladies, + and in due course the bell stopped and the service began. There was a very + good congregation still at Englebourn; the adult generation had been bred + up in times when every decent person in the parish went to church, and the + custom was still strong, notwithstanding the rector's bad example. He + scarcely ever came to church himself in the mornings, though his + wheelchair might be seen going up and down on the gravel before his house + or on the lawn on warm days, and this was one of his daughter's greatest + troubles. + </p> + <p> + The little choir of children sang admirably, led by the schoolmistress, + and Miss Winter and the curate exchanged approving glances. They performed + the liveliest chant in their collection, that the opposition might have no + cause to complain of their want of joyfulness. And in turn Miss Winter was + in hopes that, out of deference to her, the usual rule of selection in the + gallery might have been modified. It was with no small annoyance, + therefore, that, after the Litany was over, and the tuning finished, she + heard the clerk give out that they would praise God by singing part of the + ninety-first Psalm. Mary, who was on the tiptoe of expectation as to what + was coming, saw the curate give a slight shrug with his shoulders and lift + of his eyebrows as he left the reading-desk, and in another minute it + became a painful effort for her to keep from laughing as she slyly watched + her cousin's face; while the gallery sang with vigour worthy of any cause + or occasion— + </p> + <pre> + “On the old lion He shall go, + The adder fell and long; + On the young lion tread also, + With dragons stout and strong.” + </pre + > + <p>The trebles took up the last line, and repeated—</p> + <pre> + “With dragons stout and strong;” + </pre + > + <p>and then the whole strength of the gallery chorused again—</p> + <pre> + “With <i>dra-gons</i> stout and strong;” + </pre + > + <p> + and the bass-viol seemed to her to prolong the notes and to gloat over + them as he droned them out, looking triumphantly at the distant curate. + Mary was thankful to kneel down to compose her face. The first trial was + the severe one, and she got through the second psalm much better; and by + the time Mr. Walker had plunged fairly into his sermon she was a model of + propriety and sedateness again. But it was to be a Sunday of adventures. + The sermon had scarcely begun when there was a stir down by the door at + the west end, and people began to look round and whisper. Presently a man + came softly up and said something to the clerk; the clerk jumped up and + whispered to the curate, who paused for a moment with a puzzled look, and, + instead of finishing his sentence, said in a loud voice, “Farmer + Groves' house is on fire!” + </p> + <p> + The curate probably anticipated the effect of his words; in a minute he + was the only person left in the church except the clerk and one or two + very infirm old folk. He shut up and pocketed his sermon, and followed his + flock. + </p> + <p> + It proved luckily to be only Farmer Groves' chimney and not his house + which was on fire. The farmhouse was only two fields from the village, and + the congregation rushed across there, Harry Winburn and two or three of + the most active young men and boys leading. As they entered the yard, the + flames were rushing out of the chimney, and any moment the thatch might + take fire. Here was the real danger. A ladder had just been raised against + the chimney, and, while a frightened farm-girl and a carter-boy held it at + the bottom, a man was going up it carrying a bucket of water. It shook + with his weight, and the top was slipping gradually along the face of the + chimney, and in another moment would rest against nothing. Harry and his + companions saw the danger at a glance, and shouted to the man to stand + still till they could get to the ladder. They rushed towards him with the + rush which men can only make under strong excitement. The foremost of them + caught a spoke with one hand, but before he could steady it, the top + slipped clear of the chimney, and, ladder, man, and bucket came heavily to + the ground. + </p> + <p> + Then came a scene of bewildering confusion, as women and children trooped + into the yard—“Who was it?” + </p> + <p>“Was he dead?”</p> + <p>“The fire was catching the thatch.”</p> + <p>“The stables were on fire.”</p> + <p> + “Who did it?”—all sorts of cries and all sorts of acts except + the right ones. Fortunately two or three of the men, with heads on their + shoulders, soon organized a line for handling buckets; the flue was + stopped below, and Harry Winburn standing nearly at the top of the ladder, + which was now safely planted, was deluging the thatch round the chimney + from the buckets handed up to him. In a few minutes he was able to pour + water down the chimney itself, and soon afterwards the whole affair was at + an end. The farmer's dinner was spoilt, but otherwise no damage had been + done, except to the clothes of the foremost men; and the only accident was + that first fall from the ladder. + </p> + <p> + The man had been carried out of the yard while the fire was still burning; + so that it was hardly known who it was. + </p> + <p> + Now, in answer to their inquiries, it proved to be old Simon, the rector's + gardener and head man, who had seen the fire, and sent the news to the + church, while he himself went to the spot, with such result as we have + seen. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon had not yet seen him. Some declared he was dead; others, that + he was sitting up at home, and quite well. Little by little the crowd + dispersed to Sunday's dinners; when they met again before the afternoon's + service, it was ascertained that Simon was certainly not dead, but all + else was still nothing more than rumor. Public opinion was much divided, + some holding that it would go hard with a man of his age and heft; but the + common belief seemed to be that he was of that sort “as'd take a + deal o' killin',” and that he would be none the worse for such a + fall as that. + </p> + <p> + The two young ladies had been much shocked at the accident, and had + accompanied the hurdle on which old Simon was carried to his cottage door; + after afternoon service they went round by the cottage to inquire. The two + girls knocked at the door, which was opened by his wife, who dropped a + curtsey and smoothed down her Sunday apron when she found who were her + visitors. + </p> + <p> + She seemed at first a little unwilling to let them in; but Miss Winter + pressed so kindly to see her husband, and Mary made such sympathizing eyes + at her, that the old woman gave in, and conducted them through the front + room into that beyond, where the patient lay. + </p> + <p> + “I hope as you'll excuse it, miss, for I knows the place do smell + terrible bad of baccer; only my old man he said as how-” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind, we don't care at all about the smell. Poor Simon! + I'm sure if it does him any good, or soothes the pain, I shall be glad to + buy him some tobacco myself.” + </p> + <p> + The old man was lying on the bed, with his coat and boots off, and a + worsted nightcap of his wife's knitting pulled on to his head. She had + tried hard to get him to go to bed at once, and take some physic, and his + present costume and position was the compromise. His back was turned to + them as they entered, and he was evidently in pain, for he drew his breath + heavily and with difficulty, and gave a sort of groan at every + respiration. He did not seem to notice their entrance; so his wife touched + him on the shoulder, and said, “Simon, here's the young ladies come + to see how you be.” + </p> + <p> + Simon turned himself round, and winced and groaned as he pulled off his + nightcap in token of respect. + </p> + <p> + “We didn't like to go home without coming to see how you were, + Simon. Has the doctor been?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, thank'ee, miss. He've a been and feel'd un all over, and + listened at the chest on un,” said his wife. + </p> + <p>“And what did he say?”</p> + <p> + “He zem'd to zay as there wur no bwones bruk—ugh, ugh,” put in + Simon, who spoke his native tongue with a buzz, imported from farther + west, “but a couldn't zay wether or no there warn't som infarnal + injury-” + </p> + <p> + “Etarnal, Simon, etarnal!” interrupted his wife; “how + canst use such words afore the young ladies?” + </p> + <p> + “I tell'ee wife, as 'twur infarnal—ugh, ugh,” retorted the + gardener. + </p> + <p> + “Internal injury?” suggested Miss Winter. “I'm very + sorry to hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “Zummut inside o' me like, as wur got out o' place,” explained + Simon; “and I thenks a must be near about the mark, for I feels + mortal bad here when I tries to move;” and he put his hand on his + side. “Hows'm'ever, as there's no bwones bruk, I hopes to be about + to-morrow mornin', please the Lord—ugh, ugh.” + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't think of it, Simon,” said Miss Winter. “You + must be quite quiet for a week, at least, till you get rid of this + pain.” + </p> + <p> + “So I tells un, Miss Winter,” put in the wife. “You hear + what the young missus says, Simon?” + </p> + <p> + “And wut's to happen to Tiny?” said the contumacious Simon, + scornfully. “Her'll cast her calf, and me not by. Her's calving + maybe this minut. Tiny's time were up, miss, two days back, and her's + never no gurt while arter her time.” + </p> + <p> + “She will do very well, I dare say,” said Miss Winter, + “One of the men can look after her.” + </p> + <p> + The notion of anyone else attending Tiny in her interesting situation + seemed to excite Simon beyond bearing, for he raised himself on one elbow, + and was about to make a demonstration with his other hand, when the pain + seized him again, and he sank back groaning. + </p> + <p> + “There, you see, Simon, you can't move without pain. You must be + quiet till you have seen the doctor again.” + </p> + <p> + “There's the red spider out along the south wall—ugh, ugh,” + persisted Simon, without seeming to hear her; “and your new + g'raniums a'most covered wi' blight. I wur a tacklin' one of 'em just + afore you cum in.” + </p> + <p> + Following the direction indicated by his nod, the girls became aware of a + plant by his bedside, which he had been fumigating, for his pipe was + leaning against the flower-pot in which it stood. + </p> + <p> + “He wouldn't lie still nohow, miss,” explained his wife, + “till I went and fetched un in a pipe and one o' thaay plants from + the greenhouse.” + </p> + <p> + “It was very thoughtful of you, Simon,” said Miss Winter; + “you know how much I prize these new plants; but we will manage + them; and you mustn't think of these things now. You have had a wonderful + escape to-day for a man of your age. I hope we shall find that there is + nothing much the matter with you after a few days, but you might have been + killed you know. You ought to be very thankful to God that you were not + killed in that fall.” + </p> + <p> + “So I be, miss, werry thankful to un—ugh, ugh;—and if it please the + Lord to spare my life till to-morrow mornin',—ugh, ugh,—we'll smoke them + cussed insects.” + </p> + <p> + This last retort of the incorrigible Simon on her cousin's attempt, as the + rector's daughter, to improve the occasion, was too much for Miss Mary, + and she slipped out of the room, lest she should bring disgrace on herself + by an explosion of laughter. She was joined by her cousin in another + minute, and the two walked together toward the Rectory. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you were not faint, dear, with that close room, smelling of + smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, no; to tell you the truth, I was only afraid of laughing + at your quaint old patient. What a rugged old dear he is. I hope he isn't + much hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, indeed; for he is the most honest, faithful old servant + in the world, but so obstinate. He never will go to church on Sunday + mornings; and, when I speak to him about it, he says papa doesn't go, + which is very wrong and impertinent of him.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0020"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XIX—A PROMISE OF FAIRER WEATHER</h2> + <p> + All dwellers in and about London are, alas! too well acquainted with the + never-to-be-enough-hated change which we have to undergo once, at least, + in every spring. As each succeeding winter wears away, the same thing + happens to us. + </p> + <p> + For some time we do not trust the fair lengthening days, and cannot + believe that the dirty pair of sparrows who live opposite our window are + really making love and going to build, notwithstanding all their + twittering. But morning after morning rises fresh and gentle; there is no + longer any vice in the air; we drop our over-coats; we rejoice in the + green shoots which the privet hedge is making in the square garden, and + hail the returning tender-pointed leaves of the plane-trees as friends; we + go out of our way to walk through Covent Garden Market to see the + ever-brightening show of flowers from the happy country. + </p> + <p> + This state of things goes on sometimes for a few days only, sometimes for + weeks, till we make sure that we are safe for this spring at any rate. + Don't we wish we may get it! Sooner or later, but sure—sure as Christmas + bills or the income-tax, or anything, if there be anything, surer than + these—comes the morning when we are suddenly conscious as soon as we rise + that there is something the matter. We do not feel comfortable in our + clothes; nothing tastes quite as it should at breakfast; though the day + looks bright enough, there is a fierce dusty taste about it as we look out + through windows, which no instinct now prompts us to throw open, as it has + done every day for the last month. + </p> + <p> + But it is only when we open our doors and issue into the street, that the + hateful reality comes right home to us. All moisture, and softness, and + pleasantness has gone clean out of the air since last night; we seem to + inhale yards of horse hair instead of satin; our skins dry up; our eyes, + and hair, and whiskers, and clothes are soon filled with loathsome dust, + and our nostrils with the reek of the great city. We glance at the + weather-cock on the nearest steeple, and see that it points N.E. And so + long as the change lasts, we carry about with us a feeling of anger and + impatience, as though we personally were being ill-treated. We could have + borne with it well enough in November; it would have been natural, and all + in the days work in March; but now, when Rotten Row is beginning to be + crowded, when long lines of pleasure vans are leaving town on Monday + mornings for Hampton Court or the poor remains of dear Epping Forest, when + the exhibitions are open, or about to open, when the religious public is + up, or on its way up, for May meetings, when the Thames is already sending + up faint warnings of what we may expect as soon as his dirty old life's + blood shall have been thoroughly warmed up, and the “Ship”, + and “Trafalgar”, and the “Star and Garter” are in + full swing at the antagonistic poles of the cockney system, we do feel + that this blight which has come over us and everything is an insult, and + that while it lasts, as there is nobody who can be made particularly + responsible for it, we are justified in going about in general disgust, + and ready to quarrel with anybody we may meet on the smallest pretext. + </p> + <p> + This sort of east-windy state is perhaps the best physical analogy for + that mental one in which our hero now found himself. The real crises was + over; he had managed to pass through the eye of the storm, and drift for + the present at least into the skirts of it, where he lay rolling under + bare poles, comparatively safe, but without any power as yet to get the + ship well in hand, and make her obey her helm. The storm might break over + him again at any minute, and would find him almost as helpless as ever. + </p> + <p> + For he could not follow Drysdale's advice at once, and break off his + visits to “The Choughs” altogether. He went back again after a + day or two, but only for short visits; he never stayed behind now after + the other men left the bar, and avoided interviews with Patty alone as + diligently as he had sought them before. She was puzzled at his change of + manner, and not being able to account for it, was piqued, and ready to + revenge herself, and pay him out in the hundred little ways which the + least practiced of her sex know how to employ for the discipline of any of + the inferior or trousered half of the creation. If she had been really in + love with him, it would have been a different matter; but she was not. In + the last six weeks she had certainly often had visions of the pleasures of + being a lady and keeping servants, and riding in a carriage like the + squires' and rectors' wives and daughters about her home. She had a + liking, even a sentiment for him, which might very well have grown into + something dangerous before long; but as yet it was not more than skin + deep. Of late, indeed, she had been much more frightened than attracted by + the conduct of her admirer, and really felt it a relief, notwithstanding + her pique, when he retired into the elder brother sort of state. But she + would have been more than woman if she had not resented the change; and so + very soon the pangs of jealousy were added to his other troubles. Other + men were beginning to frequent “The Choughs” regularly. + Drysdale, besides dividing with Tom the prestige of being an original + discoverer, was by far the largest customer. St. Cloud came, and brought + Chanter with him, to whom Patty was actually civil, not because she liked + him at all, but because she saw that it made Tom furious. Though he could + not fix on any one man in particular, he felt that mankind in general were + gaining on him. In his better moments, indeed, he often wished that she + would take the matter into her own hands and throw him over for good and + all; but keep away from the place altogether he could not, and often when + he fancied himself on the point of doing it, a pretty toss of her head, or + a kind look of her eyes would scatter all his good resolutions to the four + winds. + </p> + <p> + And so the days dragged on, and he dragged on through them; hot fits of + conceit alternating in him with cold fits of despondency and mawkishness + and discontent with everything and everybody, which were all the more + intolerable from their entire strangeness. Instead of seeing the bright + side of all things, he seemed to be looking at creation through yellow + spectacles, and saw faults and blemishes in all his acquaintance, which + had been till now invisible. + </p> + <p> + But the more he was inclined to depreciate all other men, the more he felt + there was one to whom he had been grossly unjust. And, as he recalled all + that had passed, he began to do justice to the man who had not flinched + from warning him and braving him, who he felt had been watching over him, + and trying to guide him straight, when he had lost all power or will to + keep straight himself. + </p> + <p> + From this time the dread increased on him lest any of the other men should + find out his quarrel with Hardy. Their utter ignorance of it encouraged + him in the hope that it might all pass off like a bad dream. While it + remained a matter between them alone, he felt that all might come + straight, though he could not think how. He began to loiter by the + entrance of the passage which led to Hardy's rooms; sometimes he would + find something to say to his scout or bed-maker which took him into the + back outside Hardy's window, glancing at it sideways as he stood giving + his orders. There it was, wide open, generally—he hardly knew whether he + hoped to catch a glimpse of the owner, but he did hope that Hardy might + hear his voice. He watched him in chapel and hall furtively, but + constantly, and was always fancying what he was doing and thinking about. + Was it as painful an effort to Hardy, he wondered, as to him to go on + speaking, as if nothing had happened, when they met at the boats, as they + did now again almost daily (for Diogenes was bent on training some of the + torpids for next year), and yet never to look one another in the face; to + live together as usual during part of every day, and yet to feel all the + time that a great wall had risen between them, more hopelessly dividing + them for the time than thousands of miles of ocean or continent? + </p> + <p> + Amongst other distractions which Tom tried at this crisis of his life, was + reading. For three or four days running, he really worked hard—very hard, + if we were to reckon by the number of hours he spent in his own rooms over + his books with his oak sported—hard, even though we should only reckon by + results. For, though scarcely an hour passed that he was not balancing on + the hind legs of his chair with a vacant look in his eyes, and thinking of + anything but Greek roots or Latin constructions, yet on the whole he + managed to get through a good deal, and one evening, for the first time + since his quarrel with Hardy, felt a sensation of real comfort—it hardly + amounted to pleasure—as he closed his Sophocles some hour or so after + hall, having just finished the last of the Greek plays which he meant to + take in for his first examination. He leaned back in his chair and sat for + a few minutes, letting his thoughts follow their own bent. They soon took + to going wrong, and he jumped up in fear lest he should be drifting back + into the black stormy sea, in the trough of which he had been laboring so + lately, and which he felt he was by no means clear of yet. At first he + caught up his cap and gown as though he were going out. There was a wine + party at one of his acquaintance's rooms; or he could go and smoke a cigar + in the pool room, or at any one of a dozen other places. On second + thoughts, however, he threw his academicals back on to the sofa and went + to his book-case. The reading had paid so well that evening that he + resolved to go on with it. He had no particular object in selecting one + book more than another, and so took down carelessly the first that came to + hand. + </p> + <p> + It happened to be a volume of Plato, and opened of its own accord at the + “Apology.” He glanced at a few lines. What a flood of memories + they called up! This was almost the last book he had read at school; and + teacher, and friends, and lofty oak-shelved library stood out before him + at once. Then the blunders that he himself and others had made rushed + through his mind, and he almost burst into a laugh as he wheeled his chair + round to the window, and began reading where he had opened, encouraging + every thought of the old times when he first read that marvellous defense, + and throwing himself back into them with all his might. And still, as he + read, forgotten words of wise comment, and strange thoughts of wonder and + longing, came back to him. The great truth which he had been led to the + brink of in those early days rose in all its awe and all its + attractiveness before him. He leaned back in his chair, and gave himself + up to his thought; and how strangely that thought bore on the struggle + which had been raging in him of late; how an answer seemed to be trembling + to come out of it to all the cries, now defiant, now plaintive, which had + gone up out of his heart in this time of trouble! For his thought was of + that spirit, distinct from himself, and yet communing with his inmost + soul, always dwelling in him, knowing him better than he knew himself, + never misleading him, always leading him to light and truth, of which the + old philosopher spoke. “The old heathen, Socrates, did actually + believe that—there can be no question about it;” he thought, + “Has not the testimony of the best men through these two thousand + years borne witness that he was right—that he did not believe a lie? That + was what we were told. Surely I don't mistake! Were we not told, too, or + did I dream it, that what was true for him was true for every man—for me? + That there is a spirit dwelling in me, striving with me, ready to lead me + into all truth if I will submit to his guidance?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay! submit, submit, there's the rub! Give yourself up to his + guidance! Throw up the reins, and say you've made a mess of it. Well, why + not? Haven't I made a mess of it? Am I fit to hold the reins?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I”—he got up and began walking about his rooms—“I + give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “Give it up!” he went on presently; “yes, but to whom? + Not to the daemon spirit, whatever it was, who took up abode in the old + Athenian—at least, so he said, and so I believe. No, no! Two thousand + years and all that they have seen have not passed over the world to leave + us just where he was left. We want no daemons or spirits. And yet the old + heathen was guided right, and what can a man want more? and who ever + wanted guidance more than I now—here—in this room—at this minute? I give + up the reins; who will take them?” And so there came on him one of + those seasons when a man's thoughts cannot be followed in words. A sense + of awe came on him, and over him, and wrapped him round; awe at a presence + of which he was becoming suddenly conscious, into which he seemed to have + wandered, and yet which he felt must have been there around him, in his + own heart and soul, though he knew it not. There was hope and longing in + his heart, mingling with the fear of that presence, but withal the old + reckless and daring feeling which he knew so well, still bubbling up + untamed, untamable it seemed to him. + </p> + <p> + The room stifled him now; so he threw on his cap and gown, and hurried + down into the quadrangle. It was very quiet; probably there was not a + dozen men in college. He walked across to the low, dark entrance of the + passage which led to Hardy's rooms, and there paused. Was he there by + chance, or was he guided there? Yes, this was the right way for him, he + had no doubt now as to that; down the dark passage and into the room he + knew so well—and what then? He took a short turn or two before the + entrance. How could he be sure that Hardy was alone? And, if not, to go in + would be worse than useless. If he were alone, what should he say? After + all, <i>must</i> he go in there? was there no way but that? + </p> + <p> + The college clock struck a quarter to seven. It was his usual time for + “The Choughs;” the house would be quiet now; was there not one + looking out for him there who would be grieved if he did not come? After + all, might not that be his way, for this night at least? He might bring + pleasure to one human being by going there at once. That he knew; what + else could he be sure of? + </p> + <p> + At this moment he heard Hardy's door open and a voice saying + “Good-night,” and the next Grey came out of the passage, and + was passing close to him. + </p> + <p> + “Join yourself to him.” The impulse came so strongly into + Tom's mind this time, that it was like a voice speaking him. He yielded to + it, and, stepping to Grey's side, wished him good-evening. The other + returned his salute in his shy way, and was hurrying on, but Tom kept by + him. + </p> + <p>“Have you been reading with Hardy?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p> + “How is he? I have not seen anything of him for some time.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well, I think,” said Grey, glancing sideways at his + questioner, and adding, after a moment, “I have wondered rather not + to see you there of late.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to your school?” said Tom, breaking away from + the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I am rather late; I must make haste on; good night.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me go with you to-night? It would be a real kindness. + Indeed,” he added, as he saw how embarrassing his proposal was to + Grey, “I will do whatever you tell me—you don't know how grateful I + should be to you. Do let me go—just for to-night. Try me once.” + </p> + <p> + Grey hesitated, turned his head sharply once or twice as they walked on + together, and then said with something like a sigh— + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, I'm sure. Did you ever teach in a night + school?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I have taught in the Sunday-school at home sometimes. + Indeed, I will do whatever you tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! but this is not at all like a Sunday-school. They are a very + rough, wild lot.” + </p> + <p> + “The rougher the better,” said Tom; “I shall know how to + manage them then.” + </p> + <p>“But you must not really be rough with them.”</p> + <p> + “No, I won't; I didn't mean that,” said Tom, hastily, for he + saw his mistake at once. “I shall take it as a great favor, if you + will let me go with you to-night. You won't repent it, I'm sure.” + </p> + <p> + Grey did not seem at all sure of this, but saw no means of getting rid of + his companion, and so they walked on together and turned down a long, + narrow court in the lowest part of the town. At the doors of the houses + laboring men, mostly Irish, lounged or stood about, smoking and talking to + one another, or to the women who leant out of the windows, or passed to + and fro on their various errands of business or pleasure. A group of + half-grown lads were playing at pitch-farthing at the farther end, and all + over the court were scattered children of all ages, ragged and noisy + little creatures most of them, on whom paternal and maternal admonitions + and cuffs were constantly being expended, and to all appearances in vain. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of Grey a shout arose amongst the smaller boys, of + “Here's the teacher!” and they crowded around him and Tom as + they went up the court. Several of the men gave him a half-surly + half-respectful nod, as he passed along, wishing them good evening. The + rest merely stared at him and his companion. They stopped at a door which + Grey opened, and led the way into the passage of an old tumble-down + cottage, on the ground floor of which were two low rooms which served for + the school-rooms. + </p> + <p> + A hard-featured, middle-aged woman, who kept the house, was waiting, and + said to Grey, “Mr. Jones told me to say, sir, he would not be here + to night, as he has got a bad fever case—so you was to take only the lower + classes, sir, he said; and the policeman would be near to keep out the big + boys if you wanted him. Shall I go and tell him to step round, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Grey looked embarrassed for a moment, and then said, “No, never + mind; you can go;” and then turning to Tom, added, “Jones is + the curate; he won't be here to-night; and some of the bigger boys are + very noisy and troublesome, and only come to make a noise. However, if + they come we must do our best.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the crowd of small ragged urchins had filled the room, and were + swarming on to the benches and squabbling for the copy-books which were + laid out on the thin desks. Grey set to work to get them into order, and + soon the smallest were draughted off into the inner room with slates and + spelling-books, and the bigger ones, some dozen in number, settled to + their writing. Tom seconded him so readily, and seemed so much at home, + that Grey felt quite relieved. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to get on capitally,” he said; “I will go into + the inner room to the little ones, and you stay and take these. There are + the class-books when they have done their copies,” and so went off + into the inner room and closed the door. + </p> + <p> + Tom set himself to work with a will, and as he bent over one after another + of the pupils, and guided the small grubby hands which clutched the inky + pens with cramped fingers, and went spluttering and blotching along the + lines of the copy-books, felt the yellow scales dropping from his eyes, + and more warmth coming back into his heart than he had known there for + many a day. + </p> + <p> + All went on well inside, notwithstanding a few small out-breaks between + the scholars, but every now and then mud was thrown against the window, + and noises outside and in the passages threatened some interruption. At + last, when the writing was finished, the copy-books cleared away, and the + class-books distributed, the door opened, and two or three big boys of + fifteen or sixteen lounged in, with their hands in their pockets and their + caps on. There was an insolent look about them which set Tom's back up at + once; however, he kept his temper, made them take their caps off, and, as + they said they wanted to read with the rest, let them take their places on + the benches. + </p> + <p> + But now came the tug of war. He could not keep his eyes on the whole lot + at once, and, no sooner did he fix his attention on the stammering reader + for the time being and try to help him, than anarchy broke out all round + him. Small stones and shot were thrown about, and cries arose from the + smaller fry, “Please, sir, he's been and poured some ink down my + back,” + </p> + <p>“He's stole my book, sir,”</p> + <p> + “He's gone and stuck a pin in my leg.” The evil-doers were so + cunning that it was impossible to catch them; but as he was hastily + turning in his own mind what to do, a cry arose, and one of the benches + went suddenly over backwards on to the floor, carrying with it its whole + freight of boys, except two of the bigger ones, who were the evident + authors of the mishap. + </p> + <p> + Tom sprang at the one nearest him, seized him by the collar, hauled him + into the passage, and sent him out of the street-door with a sound kick; + and then rushing back, caught hold of the second, who went down on his + back and clung round Tom's legs, shouting for help to his remaining + companions, and struggling and swearing. It was all the work of a moment, + and now the door opened, and Grey appeared from the inner room. Tom left + off hauling his prize towards the passage, and felt and looked very + foolish. + </p> + <p> + “This fellow, and another whom I have turned out, upset that form + with all the little boys on it,” he said, apologetically. + </p> + <p> + “It's a lie, t'wasn't me,” roared the captive, to whom Tom + administered a sound box on the ear, while the small boys, rubbing + different parts of their bodies, chorused, “'twas him, teacher, + 'twas him,” and heaped further charges of pinching, pin-sticking, + and other atrocities on him. + </p> + <p> + Grey astonished Tom by his firmness. “Don't strike him again,” + he said. “Now, go out at once, or I will send for your + father.” The fellow got up, and, after standing a moment and + considering his chance of successful resistance to physical force in the + person of Tom, and moral in that of Grey, slunk out. “You must go, + too, Murphy,” went on Grey to another of the intruders. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, your honor let me bide. I'll be as quiet as a mouse,” + pleaded the Irish boy; and Tom would have given in, but Grey was + unyielding. + </p> + <p> + “You were turned out last week, and Mr. Jones said you were not to + come back for a fortnight.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, good night to your honor,” said Murphy, and took + himself off. + </p> + <p> + “The rest may stop,” said Grey. “You had better take the + inner room now; I will stay here.” + </p> + <p>“I'm very sorry,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “You couldn't help it; no one can manage those two. Murphy is quite + different, but I should have spoiled him if I had let him stay now.” + </p> + <p> + The remaining half hour passed off quietly. Tom retired into the inner + room, and took up Grey's lesson, which he had been reading to the boys + from a large Bible with pictures. Out of consideration for their natural + and acquired restlessness, the little fellows, who were all between eight + and eleven years old, were only kept sitting at their pothooks and + spelling for the first half hour or so, and then were allowed to crowd + round the teacher, who read and talked to them, and showed them the + pictures. Tom found the Bible open at the story of the prodigal son, and + read it out to them as they clustered round his knees. Some of the outside + ones fidgeted about a little, but those close round him listened with + ears, and eyes, and bated breath; and two little blue-eyed boys, without + shoes—their ragged clothes concealed by long pinafores which their widowed + mother had put on clean to send them to school—leaned against him and + looked up in his face, and his heart warmed to the touch and the look. + “Please, teacher, read it again,” they said when he finished; + so he read it again and sighed when Grey came in and lighted a candle (for + the room was getting dark) and said it was time for prayers. + </p> + <p> + A few collects, and the Lord's Prayer, in which all the young voices + joined, drowning for a minute the noises from the court outside, finished + the evening's schooling. The children trooped out, and Grey went to speak + to the woman who kept the house. Tom, left to himself, felt strangely + happy, and, for something to do, took the snuffers and commenced a crusade + against a large family of bugs, who, taking advantage of the quiet, came + cruising out of a crack in the otherwise neatly papered wall. Some dozen + had fallen on his spear when Grey reappeared, and was much horrified at + the sight. He called the woman and told her to have the hole carefully + fumigated and mended. + </p> + <p> + “I thought we had killed them all long ago,” he said; + “but the place is tumbling down.” + </p> + <p>“It looks well enough,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Yes, we have it kept as tidy as possible. It ought to be at least a + little better than what the children see at home.” And so they left + the school and court and walked up to college. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” Tom said, as they entered the gate. + </p> + <p>“To Hardy's rooms; will you come?”</p> + <p> + “No, not to-night,” said Tom; “I know that you want to + be reading; I should only interrupt.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, good night, then,” said Grey, and went on, leaving Tom + standing in the porch. On the way up from the school he had almost made up + his mind to go to Hardy's rooms that night. He longed and yet feared to do + so; and, on the whole, was not sorry for an excuse. Their first meeting + must be alone, and it would be a very embarrassing one, for him at any + rate. Grey, he hoped, would tell Hardy of his visit to the school, and + that would show that he was coming round, and make the meeting easier. His + talk with Grey, too, had removed one great cause of uneasiness from his + mind. It was now quite clear that he had no suspicion of the quarrel, and, + if Hardy had not told him, no one else could know of it. + </p> + <p> + Altogether, he strolled into the quadrangle a happier and sounder man than + he had been since his first visit to “The Choughs”, and looked + up and answered with his old look and voice when he heard his name called + from one of the first-floor windows. + </p> + <p> + The hailer was Drysdale, who was leaning out in lounging coat and velvet + cap, and enjoying a cigar as usual, in the midst of the flowers of his + hanging garden. + </p> + <p>“You've heard the good news, I suppose?”</p> + <p>“No, what do you mean?”</p> + <p>“Why, Blake has got the Latin verse.”</p> + <p>“Hurrah! I'm so glad.”</p> + <p>“Come up and have a weed.”</p> + <p> + Tom ran up the staircase and into Drysdale's rooms, and was leaning out of + the window at his side in another minute. + </p> + <p> + “What does he get by it?” he said, “do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “No; some books bound in Russia, I dare say, with the Oxford arms, + and 'Dominus illuminatio mea,' on the back.” + </p> + <p>“No money?”</p> + <p> + “Not much—perhaps a ten'ner,” answered Drysdale, “but no + end of [Greek text] kudoz, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes it look well for his first, don't you think? But I wish he + had got some money for it. I often feel very uncomfortable about that + bill, don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, what's the good? It's nothing when you are used to it. + Besides, it don't fall due for another six weeks.” + </p> + <p>“But if Blake can't meet it then?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Well, it will be vacation, and I'll trouble greasy Benjamin to + catch me then.” + </p> + <p> + “But you don't mean to say you won't pay it?” said Tom in + horror. + </p> + <p> + “Pay it! You may trust Benjamin for that. He'll pull round his + little usuries somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “Only we have promised to pay on a certain day, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course, that's the form. That only means that he can't pinch + us sooner.” + </p> + <p> + “I do hope, though, Drysdale, that it will be paid on the + day,” said Tom, who could not quite swallow the notion of forfeiting + his word, even though it were only a promise to pay to a scoundrel. + </p> + <p> + “All right. You've nothing to do with it, remember. He won't bother + you. Besides, you can plead infancy, if the worst comes to the worst. + There's such a queer old bird gone to your friend Hardy's rooms.” + </p> + <p> + The mention of Hardy broke the disagreeable train of thought into which + Tom was falling, and he listened eagerly as Drysdale went on. + </p> + <p> + “It was about half an hour ago. I was looking out here, and saw an + old fellow come hobbling into quad on two sticks, in a shady blue uniform + coat and white trousers. The kind of old boy you read about in books, you + know. Commodore Trunnion, or Uncle Toby, or one of that sort. Well, I + watched him backing and filling about the quad, and trying one staircase + and another; but there was nobody about. So down I trotted and went up to + him for fun, and to see what he was after. It was as good as a play, if + you could have seen it. I was ass enough to take off my cap and make a low + bow as I came up to him, and he pulled off his uniform cap in return, and + we stood there bowing to one another. He was a thorough old gentleman, and + I felt rather foolish for fear that he should see that I expected a lark + when I came out. But I don't think he had an idea of it, and only set my + capping him down to the wonderful good manners of the college. So we got + quite thick, and I piloted him across to Hardy's staircase in the back + quad. I wanted him to come up and quench, but he declined, with many + apologies. I'm sure he is a character.” + </p> + <p>“He must be Hardy's father,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“I shouldn't wonder. But is his father in the navy?”</p> + <p>“He is a retired captain.”</p> + <p> + “Then no doubt you're right. What shall we do? Have a hand at + picquet. Some men will be here directly. Only for love.” + </p> + <p> + Tom declined the proffered game, and went off soon after to his own rooms, + a happier man than he had been since his first night at “The + Choughs.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0021"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XX—THE RECONCILIATION</h2> + <p> + Tom rose in the morning with a presentiment that all would be over now + before long, and to make his presentiment come true, resolved, before + night, to go himself to Hardy and give in. All he reserved to himself was + the liberty to do it in the manner which would be least painful to + himself. He was greatly annoyed, therefore, when Hardy did not appear at + morning chapel; for he had fixed on the leaving chapel as the least + unpleasant time in which to begin his confession, and was going to catch + Hardy then, and follow him to his rooms. All the morning, too, in answer + to his inquiries by his scout Wiggins, Hardy's scout replied that his + master was out, or busy. He did not come to the boats, he did not appear + in hall; so that, after hall, when Tom went back to his own rooms, as he + did at once, instead of sauntering out of college, or going to a wine + party, he was quite out of heart at his bad luck, and began to be afraid + that he would have to sleep on his unhealed wound another night. + </p> + <p> + He sat down in an arm-chair, and fell to musing, and thought how + wonderfully his life had been changed in these few short weeks. He could + hardly get back across the gulf which separated him from the self who had + come back into those rooms after Easter, full of anticipations of the + pleasures and delights of the coming summer term and vacation. To his own + surprise he didn't seem much to regret the loss of his + <i>chateaux en Espange</i>, and felt a sort of grim satisfaction in their + utter overthrow. + </p> + <p> + While occupied with these thoughts, he heard talking on his stairs, + accompanied by a strange lumbering tread. These came nearer; and at last + stopped just outside his door, which opened in another moment, and Wiggins + announced— + </p> + <p>“Capting Hardy, sir.”</p> + <p>Tom jumped to his legs, and felt himself colour painfully.</p> + <p> + “Here, Wiggins,” said he, “wheel round that arm-chair + for Captain Hardy. I am so very glad to see you, sir,” and he + hastened round himself to meet the old gentleman, holding out his hand, + which the visitor took very cordially, as soon as he had passed his heavy + stick to his left hand, and balanced himself safely upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; thank you,” said the old man after a few + moments' pause, “I find your companion ladders rather steep;” + and then he sat down with some difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Tom took the Captain's stick and undress cap, and put them reverentially + on his sideboard; and then, to get rid of some little nervousness which he + couldn't help feeling, bustled to his cupboard, and helped Wiggins to + place glasses and biscuits on the table. “Now, sir, what will you + take? I have port, sherry and whisky here, and can get you anything else. + Wiggins, run to Hinton's and get some dessert.” + </p> + <p> + “No dessert, thank you, for me,” said the Captain; “I'll + take a cup of coffee, or a glass of grog, or anything you have ready. + Don't open wine for me, pray, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is all the better for being opened,” said Tom, working + away at a bottle of sherry with his corkscrew, “and Wiggins, get + some coffee and anchovy toast in a quarter of an hour; and just put out + some tumblers and toddy ladles, and bring up boiling water with the + coffee.” + </p> + <p> + While making his hospitable preparations, Tom managed to get many side + glances at the old man, who sat looking steadily and abstractly before him + into the fireplace, and was much struck and touched by the picture. The + sailor wore a well-preserved old undress uniform coat and waistcoat, and + white drill trousers; he was a man of middle height, but gaunt and + massive, and Tom recognized the framework of the long arms and grand + shoulders and chest which he had so often admired in the son. His right + leg was quite stiff from an old wound on the knee cap; the left eye was + sightless, and the scar of a cutlass travelled down the drooping lid and + on to the weather-beaten cheek below. His head was high and broad, his + hair and whiskers silver white, while the shaggy eyebrows were scarcely + grizzled. His face was deeply lined, and the long, clean-cut lower jaw, + and drawn look about the mouth, gave a grim expression to the face at the + first glance, which wore off as you looked, leaving, however, on most men + who thought about it, the impression which fastened on our hero, “An + awkward man to have met at the head of boarders towards the end of the + great war.” + </p> + <p> + In a minute or two, Tom, having completed his duties, faced the old + sailor, much reassured by his covert inspection; and, pouring himself out + a glass of sherry, pushed the decanter across, and drank to his guest. + </p> + <p> + “Your health, sir,” he said, “and thank you very much + for coming up to see me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank <i>you</i>, sir,” said the Captain, rousing himself and + filling, “I drink to you, sir. The fact is, I took a great liberty + in coming up to your rooms in this off-hand way, without calling or + sending up, but you'll excuse it in an old sailor.” Here the Captain + took to his glass, and seemed a little embarrassed. Tom felt embarrassed + also, feeling that something was coming, and could only think of asking + how the Captain liked the sherry. The Captain liked the sherry very much. + Then, suddenly clearing his throat, he went on. “I felt, sir, that + you would excuse me, for I have a favor to ask of you.” He paused + again, while Tom muttered something about “great pleasure,” + and then went on. + </p> + <p>“You know my son, Mr. Brown?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; he has been my best friend up here; I owe more to him + than to any man in Oxford.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain's eye gleamed with pleasure as he replied, “Jack is a + noble fellow, Mr. Brown, though I say it who am his father. I've often + promised myself a cruise to Oxford since he has been here. I came here at + last yesterday, and have been having a long yarn with him. I found there + was something on his mind. He can't keep anything from his old father; and + so I drew out of him that he loves you as David loved Jonathan. He made my + old eye very dim while he was talking of you, Mr. Brown. And then I found + that you two are not as you used to be. Some coldness sprung up between + you; but what about I couldn't get at. Young men are often hasty—I know I + was, forty years ago—Jack says he has been hasty with you. Now, that boy + is all I have in the world, Mr. Brown. I know my boy's friend will like to + send an old man home with a light heart. So I made up my mind to come over + to you and ask you to make it up with Jack. I gave him the slip after + dinner and here I am.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, sir, did he really ask you to come to me?”</p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said the Captain, “he did not—I am sorry for + it—I think Jack must be in the wrong, for he said he had been too hasty, + and yet he wouldn't ask me to come to you and make it up. But he is young, + sir; young and proud. He said he couldn't move in it, his mind was made + up; he was wretched enough over it, but the move must come from you. And + so that's the favor I have to ask, that you will make it up with Jack. It + isn't often a young man can do such a favor to an old one—to an old father + with one son. You'll not feel the worse for having done it, if it's ever + so hard to do, when you come to be my age.” And the old man looked + wistfully across the table, the muscles about his mouth quivering as he + ended. + </p> + <p> + Tom sprang from his chair, and grasped the old sailor's hand, as he felt + the load pass out of his heart. “Favour, sir!” he said, + “I have been a mad fool enough already in this business—I should + have been a double-dyed scoundrel, like enough, by this time but for your + son, and I've quarrelled with him for stopping me at the pit's mouth. + Favor! If God will, I'll prove somehow where the favor lies, and what I + owe to him; and to you, sir, for coming to me tonight. Stop here two + minutes, sir, and I'll run down and bring him over.” + </p> + <p> + Tom tore away to Hardy's door and knocked. There was no pausing in the + passage now. “Come in.” He opened the door but did not enter, + and for a moment or two could not speak. The rush of associations which + the sight of the well-known old rickety furniture, and the figure which + was seated, book in hand, with its back to the door and its feet against + one side of the mantel-piece, called up, choked him. + </p> + <p>“<i>May</i> I come in?” he said at last.</p> + <p> + He saw the figure give a start, and the book trembled a little, but then + came the answer, slow but firm— + </p> + <p>“I have not changed my opinion.”</p> + <p> + “No; dear old boy, but I have,” and Tom rushed across to his + friend, dearer than ever to him now, and threw his arm round his neck; + and, if the un-English truth must out had three parts of a mind to kiss + the rough face which was now working with strong emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” said Hardy, as he grasped the hand which hung + over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “And now come over to my room; your father is there waiting for + us.” + </p> + <p> + “What, the dear old governor? That's what he has been after, is it? + I couldn't think where he could have 'hove to,' as he would say.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy put on his cap, and the two hurried back to Tom's rooms, the + lightest hearts in the University of Oxford. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0022"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXI—CAPTAIN HARDY ENTERTAINED BY ST. AMBROSE.</h2> + <p> + There are moments in the life of the most self-contained and sober of us + all, when we fairly bubble over, like a full bottle of champagne with the + cork out; and this was one of them for our hero who however, be it + remarked, was neither self-contained nor sober by nature. When they got + back to his rooms, he really hardly knew what to do to give vent to his + lightness of heart; and Hardy, though self-contained and sober enough in + general, was on this occasion almost as bad as his friend. They rattled + on, talked out the thing which came uppermost, whatever the subject might + chance to be; but whether grave or gay, it always ended after a minute or + two in jokes not always good, and chaff, and laughter. The poor captain + was a little puzzled at first, and made one or two endeavours to turn the + talk into improving channels. But very soon he saw that Jack was + thoroughly happy, and that was always enough for him. So he listened to + one and the other, joining cheerily in the laugh whenever he could; and + when he couldn't catch the joke, looking like a benevolent old lion, and + making as much belief that he had understood it all as the simplicity and + truthfulness of his character would allow. + </p> + <p> + The spirits of the two friends seemed inexhaustible. They lasted out the + bottle of sherry which Tom had uncorked, and the remains of a bottle of + his famous port. He had tried hard to be allowed to open a fresh bottle, + but the Captain had made such a point of his not doing so, that he had + given in for hospitality's sake. They lasted out the coffee and anchovy + toast; after which the Captain made a little effort at moving, which was + supplicatingly stopped by Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray don't go, Captain Hardy. I haven't been so happy for + months. Besides, I must brew you a glass of grog. I pride myself on my + brew. Your son there will tell you that I am a dead hand at it. Here, + Wiggins, a lemon!” shouted Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Well, for once in a way, I suppose, eh, Jack?” said the + Captain, looking at his son. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, father. You mayn't know it, Brown, but, if there is one + thing harder to do than another, it is to get an old sailor like my father + to take a glass of grog at night.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain laughed a little laugh, and shook his thick stick at his son, + who went on. + </p> + <p>“And as for asking him to take a pipe with it—”</p> + <p> + “Dear me,” said Tom, “I quite forgot. I really beg your + pardon, Captain Hardy; and he put down the lemon he was squeezing, and + produced a box of cigars. + </p> + <p> + “It's all Jack's nonsense, sir,” said the Captain, holding out + his hand, nevertheless, for the box. + </p> + <p> + “Now, father, don't be absurd,” interrupted Hardy, snatching + the box away from him. “You might as well give him a glass of + absinthe. He is church-warden at home and can't smoke anything but a long + clay.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very sorry I haven't one here, but I can send out in a + minute.” And Tom was making for the door to shout for Wiggins. + </p> + <p>“No, don't call. I'll fetch some from my rooms.”</p> + <p> + When Hardy left the room, Tom squeezed away at his lemon, and was + preparing himself for a speech to Captain Hardy full of confession and + gratitude. But the Captain was before him, and led the conversation into a + most unexpected channel. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose, now, Mr. Brown,” he began, “you don't find + any difficulty in construing your Thucydides?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I do, sir,” said Tom, laughing. “I find him a + very tough old customer, except in the simplest narrative.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said the Captain, “I can't get on at all, + I find, without a translation. But you see, sir, I had none of the + advantages which you young men have up here. In fact, Mr. Brown, I didn't + begin Greek till Jack was nearly ten years old.” The Captain in his + secret heart was prouder of his partial victory over the Greek tongue in + his old age, than of his undisputed triumphs over the French in his youth, + and was not averse to talking of it. + </p> + <p>“I wonder that you ever began it at all, sir,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “You wouldn't wonder if you knew how an uneducated man like me + feels, when he comes to a place like Oxford.” + </p> + <p> + “Uneducated, sir!” said Tom. “Why your education has + been worth twice as much, I'm sure, as any we get here.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; we never learnt anything in the navy when I was a + youngster, except a little rule-of-thumb mathematics. One picked up a sort + of smattering of a language or two knocking about the world, but no + grammatical knowledge, nothing scientific. If a boy doesn't get a method, + he is beating to windward in a crank craft all his life. He hasn't got any + regular place to stow away what he gets into his brains, and so it lies + tumbling about in the hold, and he loses it, or it gets damaged and is + never ready for use. You see what I mean, Mr. Brown?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. But I'm afraid we don't all of us get much method up + here. Do you really enjoy reading Thucydides now, Captain Hardy?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I do, sir, very much,” said the captain. + “There's a great deal in his history to interest an old sailor, you + know. I dare say, now, that I enjoy those parts about the sea-fights more + than you do.” The Captain looked at Tom as if he had made an + audacious remark. + </p> + <p>“I am sure you do, sir,” said Tom, smiling.</p> + <p> + “Because you see, Mr. Brown,” said the Captain, “when + one has been in that sort of thing oneself, one likes to read how people + in other times managed, and to think what one would have done in their + place. I don't believe that the Greeks just at that time were very + resolute fighters, though. Nelson or Collingwood would have finished that + war in a year or two.” + </p> + <p>“Not with triremes, do you think, sir?” said Tom.</p> + <p id='linkimage-0005'></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0251.jpg" alt="0251 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0251.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p> + “Yes, sir, with any vessels which were to be had,” said the + Captain. “But you are right about triremes. It has always been a + great puzzle to me how those triremes could have been worked. How do you + understand the three banks of oars, Mr. Brown?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I suppose they must have been one above the other + somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “But the upper bank must have had oars twenty feet long, and more, + in that case,” said the Captain. “You must allow for leverage, + you see.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, sir. When one comes to think of it, it isn't easy to see + how they were manned and worked,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Now my notion about triremes—” began the Captain, holding the + head of his stick with both hands, and looking across at Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Why, father!” cried Hardy, returning at the moment with the + pipes, and catching the Captain's last word, “on one of your hobby + horses already! You're not safe!—I can't leave you for two minutes. Here's + a long pipe for you. How in the world did he get on triremes?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know,” said Tom; “but I want to hear what + Captain Hardy thinks about them. You were saying, sir, that the upper oars + must have been twenty feet long at least.” + </p> + <p> + “My notion is—” said the Captain, taking the pipe and + tobacco-pouch from his son's hand. + </p> + <p> + “Stop one moment,” said Hardy; “I found Blake at my + rooms, and asked him to come over here. You don't object?” + </p> + <p> + “Object, my dear fellow! I'm much obliged to you. Now, Hardy, would + you like to have anyone else? I can send in a minute.” + </p> + <p>“No one, thank you.”</p> + <p> + “You won't stand on ceremony now, will you, with me?” said + Tom. + </p> + <p>“You see I haven't.”</p> + <p>“And you never will again?”</p> + <p> + “No, never. Now, father, you can heave ahead about those + oars.” + </p> + <p> + The Captain went on charging his pipe, and proceeded: “You see, Mr. + Brown, they must have been at least twenty feet long, because, if you + allow the lowest bank of oars to have been three feet above the + water-line, which even Jack thinks they must have been—” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. That height at least to do any good,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p> + “Not that I think Jack's opinion worth much on the point,” + went on his father. + </p> + <p> + “It's very ungrateful of you, then, to say so, father,” said + Hardy, “after all the time I've wasted trying to make it all clear + to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't say that Jack's is not a good opinion on most things, Mr. + Brown,” said the Captain; “but he is all at sea about + triremes. He believes that the men of the uppermost bank rowed somehow + like lightermen on the Thames, walking up and down.” + </p> + <p> + “I object to your statement of my faith, father,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p>“Now you know, Jack, you have said so, often.”</p> + <p>“I have said they must have stood up to row, and so—”</p> + <p> + “You would have had awful confusion, Jack. You must have order + between decks when you're going into action. Besides, the rowers had + cushions.” + </p> + <p>“That old heresy of yours again.”</p> + <p> + “Well, but Jack, they <i>had</i> cushions. Didn't the rowers who + were marched across the Isthmus to man the ships which were to surprise + the Piraeus, carry their oars, thongs and cushions?” + </p> + <p> + “If they did, your conclusion doesn't follow, father, that they sat + on them to row.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear, Mr. Brown,” said the Captain; “he admits my + point about the cushions.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, father, I hope you used to fight the French more fairly,” + said Hardy. + </p> + <p>“But didn't he? Didn't Jack admit my point?”</p> + <p> + “Implicitly, sir, I think,” said Tom, catching Hardy's eye, + which was dancing with fun. + </p> + <p> + “Of course he did. You hear that, Jack. Now my notion about + triremes—” + </p> + <p> + A knock at the door interrupted the Captain again, and Blake came in and + was introduced. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Blake is almost our best scholar, father; you should appeal to + him about the cushions.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very proud to make your acquaintance, sir,” said the + Captain; “I have heard my son speak of you often.” + </p> + <p> + “We were talking about triremes,” said Tom; “Captain + Hardy thinks the oars must have been twenty feet long.” + </p> + <p> + “Not easy to come forward well with that sort of oar,” said + Blake; “they must have pulled a slow stroke.” + </p> + <p> + “Our torpid would have bumped the best of them,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think they could have made more than six knots,” said + the Captain; “but yet they used to sink one another, and a light + boat going only six knots couldn't break another in two amid-ships. It's a + puzzling subject, Mr. Blake.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, sir,” said Mr. Blake; “if we only had some of + their fo'castle songs we should know more about it. I'm afraid they had no + Dibdin.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would turn one of my father's favorite songs into + anapaests for him,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p>“What are they?” said Blake.</p> + <p> + “'Tom Bowling,' or 'The wind that blows, and the ship that goes, and + the lass that loves a sailor.'” + </p> + <p>“By the way, why shouldn't we have a song?” said Tom.</p> + <p>“What do you say, Captain Hardy?”</p> + <p> + The Captain winced a little as he saw his chance of expounding his notion + as to triremes slipping away, but answered: + </p> + <p> + “By all means, sir; Jack must sing for me though. Did you ever hear + him sing 'Tom Bowling!'” + </p> + <p> + “No, never, sir. Why, Hardy, you never told me you could + sing.” + </p> + <p> + “You never asked me,” said Hardy, laughing; “but if I + sing for my father, he must spin us a yarn.” + </p> + <p>“Oh yes; will you, sir!”</p> + <p> + “I'll do my best, Mr. Brown; but I don't know that you'll care to + listen to my old yarns. Jack thinks everybody must like them as well as + he, who used to hear them when he was a child.” + </p> + <p>“Thank you, sir; that's famous. Now Hardy, strike up.”</p> + <p>“After you. You must set the example in your own rooms.”</p> + <p> + So Tom sang his song. And the noise brought Drysdale and another man up, + who were loitering in quad on the lookout for something to do. Drysdale + and the Captain recognised one another, and were friends at once. And then + Hardy sang “Tom Bowling,” in a style which astonished the rest + not a little, and as usual nearly made his father cry; and Blake sang, and + Drysdale and the other man. And then the Captain was called on for his + yarn; and, the general voice being for “something that had happened + to him,” + </p> + <p> + “the strangest thing that had ever happened to him at sea,” + the old gentleman laid down his pipe and sat up in his chair with his + hands on his stick and began. + </p> + <h3>THE CAPTAIN'S STORY</h3> + <p> + It will be forty years ago next month since the ship I was then in came + home from the West Indies station, and was paid off. I had nowhere in + particular to go just then, and so was very glad to get a letter, the + morning after I went ashore at Portsmouth, asking me to go down to + Plymouth for a week or so. It came from an old sailor, a friend of my + family, who had been Commodore of the fleet. He lived at Plymouth; he was + a thorough old sailor—what you young men would call “an old + salt”—and couldn't live out of sight of the blue sea and the + shipping. It is a disease that a good many of us take who have spent our + best years on the sea. I have it myself—a sort of feeling that we want to + be under another kind of Providence, when we look out and see a hill on + this side and a hill on that. It's wonderful to see the trees come out and + the corn grow, but then it doesn't come so home to an old sailor. I know + that we're all just as much under the Lord's hand on shore as at sea; but + you can't read in a book you haven't been used to, and they that go down + to the sea in ships, they see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the + deep. It isn't their fault if they don't see his wonders on the land so + easily as other people. + </p> + <p> + But, for all that, there's no man enjoys a cruise in the country more than + a sailor. It's forty years ago since I started for Plymouth, but I haven't + forgotten the road a bit or how beautiful it was; all through the New + Forest, and over Salisbury Plain, and then by the mail to Exeter, and + through Devonshire. It took me three days to get to Plymouth, for we + didn't get about so quick in those days. + </p> + <p> + The Commodore was very kind to me when I got there, and I went about with + him to the ships in the bay, and through the dock-yard, and picked up a + good deal that was of use to me afterwards. I was a lieutenant in those + days, and had seen a good deal of service, and I found the old Commodore + had a great nephew whom he had adopted, and had set his whole heart upon. + He was an old bachelor himself, but the boy had come to live with him, and + was to go to sea; so he wanted to put him under some one who would give an + eye to him for the first year or two. He was a light slip of a boy then, + fourteen years old, with deep set blue eyes and long eyelashes, and cheeks + like a girl's, but brave as a lion and as merry as a lark. The old + gentleman was very pleased to see that we took to one another. We used to + bathe and boat together; and he was never tired of hearing my stories + about the great admirals, and the fleet, and the stations I had been on. + </p> + <p> + Well, it was agreed that I should apply for a ship again directly, and go + up to London with a letter to the Admiralty from the Commodore, to help + things on. After a month or two I was appointed to a brig, lying at + Spithead; and so I wrote off to the Commodore and he got his boy a + midshipman's berth on board, and brought him to Portsmouth himself a day + or two before we sailed for the Mediterranean. The old gentleman came on + board to see the boy's hammock slung, and went below into the cockpit to + make sure that all was right. He only left us by the pilot boat when we + were well out in the Channel. He was very low at parting with his boy, but + bore up as well as he could; and we promised to write to him from + Gibraltar, and as often afterwards as we had a chance. + </p> + <p> + I was soon as proud and fond of little Tom Holdsworth as if he had been my + own younger brother; and, for that matter, so were all the crew, from our + captain to the cook's boy. He was such a gallant youngster, and yet so + gentle. In one cutting-out business we had, he climbed over the + boatswain's shoulder, and was almost first on deck; how he came out of it + without a scratch I can't think to this day. But he hadn't a bit of + bluster in him, and was as kind as a woman to anyone who was wounded or + down with sickness. + </p> + <p> + After we had been out about a year we were sent to cruise off Malta, on + the look-out for the French fleet. It was a long business, and the post + wasn't so good then as it is now. We were sometimes for months without + getting a letter, and knew nothing of what was happening at home, or + anywhere else. We had a sick time too on board, and at last he got a + fever. He bore up against it like a man, and wouldn't knock off duty for a + long time. He was midshipman of my watch; so I used to make him turn in + early, and tried to ease things to him as much as I could; but he didn't + pick up, and I began to get very anxious about him. I talked to the + doctor, and turned matters over in my own mind, and at last I came to + think he wouldn't get any better unless he could sleep out of the cockpit. + So one night, the 20th of October it was—I remember it well enough, better + than I remember any day since; it was a dirty night, blowing half a gale + of wind from the southward, and we were under close-reefed top-sails—I had + the first watch, and at nine o'clock I sent him down to my cabin to sleep + there, where he would be fresher and quieter, and I was to turn into his + hammock when my watch was over. + </p> + <p> + I was on deck three hours or so after he went down, and the weather got + dirtier and dirtier, and the scud drove by, and the wind sang and hummed + through the rigging—it made me melancholy to listen to it. I could think + of nothing but the youngster down below, and what I should say to his poor + old uncle if anything happened. Well, soon after midnight I went down and + turned into his hammock. I didn't go to sleep at once, for I remember very + well listening to the creaking of the ship's timbers as she rose to the + swell, and watching the lamp, which was slung from the ceiling, and gave + light enough to make out the other hammocks swinging slowly altogether. At + last, however, I dropped off, and I reckon I must have been asleep about + an hour, when I woke with a start. For the first moment I didn't see + anything but the swinging hammocks and the lamp; but then suddenly I + became aware that some one was standing by my hammock, and I saw the + figure as plainly as I see any one of you now, for the foot of the hammock + was close to the lamp, and the light struck full across on the head and + shoulders, which was all that I could see of him. There he was, the old + Commodore; his grizzled hair coming out from under a red woolen nightcap, + and his shoulders wrapped in an old thread-bare blue dressing-gown which I + had often seen him in. His face looked pale and drawn, and there was a + wistful disappointed look about the eyes. I was so taken aback I could not + speak, but lay watching him. He looked full at my face once or twice, but + didn't seem to recognise me; and, just as I was getting back my tongue and + going to speak, he said slowly: “Where's Tom? this is his hammock. I + can't see Tom;” and then he looked vaguely about and passed away + somehow, but how, I couldn't see. In a moment or two I jumped out and + hurried to my cabin, but young Holdsworth was fast asleep. I sat down, and + wrote down just what I had seen, making a note of the exact time, twenty + minutes to two. I didn't turn in again, but sat watching the youngster. + When he woke I asked him if he had heard anything of his great uncle by + the last mail. Yes, he had heard; the old gentleman was rather feeble, but + nothing particular the matter. I kept my own counsel and never told a soul + in the ship; and, when the mail came to hand a few days afterwards with a + letter from the Commodore to his nephew, dated late in September, saying + that he was well, I thought the figure by my hammock must have been all my + own fancy. + </p> + <p> + However, by the next mail came the news of the old Commodore's death. It + had been a very sudden break up, his executor said. He had left all his + property, which was not much, to his great nephew, who was to get leave to + come home as soon as he could. + </p> + <p> + The first time we touched at Malta, Tom Holdsworth left us and went home. + We followed about two years afterwards, and the first thing I did after + landing was to find out the Commodore's executor. He was a quiet, dry + little Plymouth lawyer, and very civilly answered all my questions about + the last days of my old friend. At last I asked him to tell me as near as + he could the time of his death; and he put on his spectacles, and got his + diary, and turned over the leaves. I was quite nervous till he looked up + and said,—“Twenty-five minutes to two, sir, A.M., on the morning of + October 21st; or it might be a few minutes later.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean, sir?” I asked.</p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, “it is an odd story. The doctor was + sitting with me, watching the old man, and, as I tell you, at twenty-five + minutes to two, he got up and said it was all over. We stood together, + talking in whispers for, it might be, four or five minutes, when the body + seemed to move. He was an odd old man, you know, the Commodore, and we + never could get him properly to bed, but he lay in his red nightcap and + old dressing-gown, with a blanket over him. It was not a pleasant sight, I + can tell you, sir. I don't think one of you gentlemen, who are bred to + face all manner of dangers, would have liked it. As I was saying, the body + first moved, and then sat up, propping itself behind with its hands. The + eyes were wide open, and he looked at us for a moment, and said slowly, + 'I've been to the Mediterranean, but I didn't see Tom.' Then the body sank + back again, and this time the old Commodore was really dead. But it was + not a pleasant thing to happen to one, sir. I do not remember anything + like it in my forty years' practice.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0023"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXII—DEPARTURES EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED</h2> + <p> + There was a silence of a few seconds after the Captain had finished his + story, all the men sitting with eyes fixed on him, and not a little + surprised at the results of their call. Drysdale was the first to break + the silence, which he did with a “By George!” and a long + respiration; but, as he did not seem prepared with any further remark, Tom + took up the running. + </p> + <p> + “What a strange story,” he said; “and that really + happened to you, Captain Hardy?” + </p> + <p> + “To me sir, in the Mediterranean, more than forty years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “The strangest thing about it is that the old Commodore should have + managed to get all the way to the ship, and then not have known where his + nephew was,” said Blake. + </p> + <p> + “He only knew his nephew's berth, you see, sir,” said the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + “But he might have beat about through the ship till he had found + him.” + </p> + <p> + “You must remember that he was at his last breath, sir,” said + the Captain; “you can't expect a man to have his head clear at such + a moment.” + </p> + <p>“Not a man, perhaps; but I should a ghost,” said Blake.</p> + <p> + “Time was everything to him,” went on the Captain, without + regarding the interruption, “space nothing. But the strangest part + of it is that <i>I</i> + should have seen the figure at all. It's true I had been thinking of the + old uncle, because of the boy's illness; but I can't suppose he was + thinking of me, and, as I say, he never recognized me. I have taken a + great deal of interest in such matters since that time, but I have never + met with just such a case as this.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that is the puzzle. One can fancy his appearing to his nephew + well enough,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “We can't account for these things, or for a good many other things + which ought to be quite as startling, only we see them every day. But now + I think it is time for us to be going, eh Jack?” and the Captain and + his son rose to go. + </p> + <p> + Tom saw that it would be no kindness to them to try to prolong the + sitting, and so he got up too, to accompany them to the gates. This broke + up the party. Before going, Drysdale, after whispering to Tom, went up to + Captain Hardy, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I want to ask you to do me a favour, sir. Will you and your son + breakfast with me to-morrow?” + </p> + <p>“We shall be very happy, sir,” said the Captain.</p> + <p> + “I think, father, you had better breakfast with me, quietly. We are + much obliged to Mr. Drysdale, but I can't give up a whole morning. + Besides, I have several things to talk to you about.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, Jack,” blurted out the old sailor, “leave + your books alone for one morning. I'm come up here to enjoy myself, and + see your friends.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy gave a slight shrug of his shoulder at the word friends, and + Drysdale, who saw it, looked a little confused. He had never asked Hardy + to his rooms before. The Captain saw that something was the matter, and + hastened in his own way to make all smooth again. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind Jack, sir,” he said, “he shall come. It's a + great treat to me to be with young men, especially when they are friends + of my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you'll come as a personal favor to me,” said Drysdale, + turning to Hardy. “Brown, you'll bring him, won't you?” + </p> + <p>“Oh yes, I'm sure he'll come,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “That's all right. Good night, then;” and Drysdale went off. + </p> + <p> + Hardy and Tom accompanied the Captain to the gate. During his passage + across the two quadrangles, the old gentleman was full of the praises of + the men and of protestations as to the improvement in social manners and + customs since his day, when there could have been no such meeting, he + declared, without blackguardism and drunkenness, at least among young + officers; but then they had less to think of than Oxford men, no proper + education. And so the Captain was evidently traveling back into the great + trireme question when they reached the gate. As they could go no farther + with him, however, he had to carry away his solution of the + three-banks-of-oars difficulty in his own bosom to the + “Mitre”. + </p> + <p> + “Don't let us go in,” said Tom, as the gate closed on the + Captain, and they turned back into the quadrangle, “let us take a + turn or two;” so they walked up and down the inner quad in the + starlight. + </p> + <p> + Just at first they were a good deal embarrassed and confused; but before + long, though not without putting considerable force on himself, Tom got + back into something like his old familiar way of unbosoming himself to his + re-found friend, and Hardy showed more than his old anxiety to meet him + half-way. His ready and undisguised sympathy soon dispersed the remaining + clouds which were still hanging between them; and Tom found it almost a + pleasure, instead of a dreary task, as he had anticipated, to make a full + confession, and state the case clearly and strongly against himself to one + who claimed neither by word nor look the least superiority over him, and + never seemed to remember that he himself had been ill-treated in the + matter. + </p> + <p> + “He had such a chance of lecturing me, and didn't do it,” + thought Tom afterwards, when he was considering why he felt so very + grateful to Hardy. “It was so cunning of him, too. If he had begun + lecturing, I should have begun to defend myself, and never have felt half + such a scamp as I did when I was telling it all out to him in my own + way.” + </p> + <p> + The result of Hardy's management was that Tom made a clean breast of it, + telling everything down to his night at the ragged school; and what an + effect his chance-opening of the “Apology” had had on him. + Here for the first time Hardy came in with his usual dry, keen voice. + “You needn't have gone so far back as Plato for that lesson.” + </p> + <p>“I don't understand,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Well, there's something about an indwelling spirit which guideth + every man, in St. Paul, isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a great deal,” Tom answered, after a pause; “but + it isn't the same thing.” + </p> + <p>“Why not the same thing?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, surely you must feel it. It would be almost blasphemy in us to + talk as St. Paul talked. It is much easier to face the notion, or the + fact, of a daemon or spirit such as Socrates felt to be in him, than to + face what St. Paul seems to be meaning.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, much easier. The only question is whether we will be heathens + or not.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Why, a spirit was speaking to Socrates, and guiding him. He obeyed + the guidance, but knew not whence it came. A spirit is striving with us + too, and trying to guide us—we feel that just as much as he did. Do we + know what spirit it is? whence it comes? Will we obey it? If we can't name + it—know no more of it then he knew about his daemon, of course, we are in + no better position than he—in fact, heathens.” + </p> + <p> + Tom made no answer, and after a slight turn or two more, Hardy said, + “Let us go in;” and they went to his rooms. When the candles + were lighted, Tom saw the array of books on the table, several of them + open, and remembered how near the examinations were. + </p> + <p> + “I see you want to work,” he said. “Well, good-night. I + know how fellows like you hate being thanked—there, you needn't wince; I'm + not going to try it on. The best way to thank you, I know, is to go + straight for the future. I'll do that, please God, this time at any rate. + Now what ought I to do, Hardy?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's very hard to say. I've thought about it a great deal + this last few days—since I felt you coming round—but I can't make up my + mind. How do you feel yourself? What's your own instinct about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I must break it all off at once, completely,” said + Tom, mournfully, and half hoping that Hardy might not agree with him. + </p> + <p>“Of course,” answered Hardy, “but how?”</p> + <p> + “In the way that will pain her least. I would sooner lose my hand or + bite my tongue off than that she should feel lowered, or lose any + self-respect, you know,” said Tom, looking helplessly at his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's all right—you must take all you can on your own + shoulders. It must leave a sting though for both of you, manage how you + will.” + </p> + <p> + “But I can't bear to let her think I don't care for her—I needn't do + that—I can't do that.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what to advise. However, I believe I was wrong in + thinking she cared for you so much. She will be hurt, of course—she can't + help being hurt—but it won't be so bad as I used to think.” + </p> + <p> + Tom made no answer; in spite of all his good resolutions, he was a little + piqued at this last speech. Hardy went on presently. “I wish she + were well out of Oxford. It's a bad town for a girl to be living in, + especially as a barmaid in a place which we haunt. I don't know that she + will take much harm now; but it's a very trying thing for a girl of that + sort to be thrown every day amongst a dozen young men above her in rank, + and not one in ten of whom has any manliness about him.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean—no manliness?”</p> + <p> + “I mean that a girl in her position isn't safe with us. If we had + any manliness in us she would be—” + </p> + <p> + “You can't expect all men to be blocks of ice, or milksops,” + said Tom, who was getting nettled. + </p> + <p> + “Don't think that I meant you,” said Hardy; “indeed I + didn't. But surely, think a moment; is it a proof of manliness that the + pure and weak should fear you and shrink from you? Which is the true—aye, + and the brave—man, he who trembles before a woman or he before whom a + woman trembles?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither,” said Tom; “but I see what you mean, and when + you put it that way it's clear enough.” + </p> + <p> + “But you're wrong in saying 'neither' if you do see what I + mean.” Tom was silent. “Can there be any true manliness + without purity?” went on Hardy. Tom drew a deep breath but said + nothing. “And where then can you point to a place where there is so + little manliness as here? It makes my blood boil to see what one must see + every day. There are a set of men up here, and have been ever since I can + remember the place, not one of whom can look at a modest woman without + making her shudder.” + </p> + <p>“There must always be some blackguards,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Yes; but unluckily the blackguards set the fashion, and give the + tone to public opinion. I'm sure both of us have seen enough to know + perfectly well that up here, amongst us undergraduates, men who are + deliberately and avowedly profligates, are rather admired and courted,—are + said to know the world, and all that,—while a man who tries to lead a pure + life, and makes no secret of it, is openly sneered at by them, looked down + on more or less by the great mass of men, and, to use the word you used + just now, thought a milksop by almost all.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it so bad as that,” said Tom. “There are + many men who would respect him, though they might not be able to follow + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I never meant that there are not many such, but they + don't set the fashion. I am sure I'm right. Let us try it by the best + test. Haven't you and I in our secret hearts this cursed feeling, that the + sort of man we are talking about is a milksop?” + </p> + <p> + After a moment's thought, Tom answered, “I am afraid I have, but I + really am thoroughly ashamed of it now, Hardy. But you haven't it. If you + had it you could never have spoken to me as you have.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon. No man is more open than I to the bad influences + of any place he lives in. God knows I am even as other men, and worse; for + I have been taught ever since I could speak, that the crown of all real + manliness, of all Christian manliness, is purity.” + </p> + <p> + Neither of the two spoke for some minutes. Then Hardy looked at his watch— + </p> + <p> + “Past eleven,” he said; “I must do some work. Well, + Brown, this will be a day to be remembered in my calendar.” + </p> + <p>Tom wrung his hand, but did not venture to reply.</p> + <p>As he got to the door, however, he turned back, and said,—</p> + <p>“Do you think I ought to write to her?”</p> + <p> + “Well, you can try. You'll find it a bitter business, I fear.” + </p> + <p>“I'll try then. Good night.”</p> + <p> + Tom went to his own rooms, and set to work to write his letter; and + certainly found it as difficult and unpleasant a task as he had ever set + himself to work upon. Half a dozen times he tore up sheet after sheet of + his attempts; and got up and walked about, and plunged and kicked mentally + against the collar and traces in which he had harnessed himself by his + friend's help,—trying to convince himself that Hardy was a Puritan, who + had lived quite differently from other men, and knew nothing of what a man + ought to do in a case like this. That after all very little harm had been + done! The world would never go on at all if people were to be so + scrupulous! Probably, not another man in the college, except Grey, + perhaps, would think anything of what he had done!—Done! why, what had he + done? He couldn't be taking it more seriously if he had ruined her! + </p> + <p> + At this point he managed to bring himself up sharp again more than once. + “No thanks to <i>me</i> at any rate, that she isn't ruined. Had I + any pity, any scruples? My God, what a mean, selfish rascal I have + been!” and then he sat down again, and wrote, and scratched out what + he had written, till the other fit came on, and something of the same + process had to be gone through again. + </p> + <p> + We must all recognize the process, and remember many occasions on which we + have had to put bridle and bit on, and ride ourselves as if we had been + horses or mules without understanding; and what a trying business it + was—as bad as getting a young colt past a gipsy encampment in a narrow + lane. + </p> + <p> + At last, after many trials, Tom got himself well in hand, and produced + something which seemed to satisfy him; for, after reading it three or four + times, he put it in a cover with a small case, which he produced from his + desk, sealed it, directed it, and then went to bed. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, after chapel, he joined Hardy, and walked to his rooms with + him, and after a few words on indifferent matters, said— + </p> + <p>“Well, I wrote my letter last night.”</p> + <p>“Did you satisfy yourself?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so. I don't know, though, on second thoughts; it was + very tough work.” + </p> + <p>“I was afraid you would find it so.”</p> + <p>“But wouldn't you like to see it?”</p> + <p> + “No thank you. I suppose my father will be here directly.” + </p> + <p> + “But I wish you would read it through,” said Tom, producing a + copy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you wish it, I suppose I must; but I don't see how I can + do any good.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy took the letter, and sat down, and Tom drew a chair close to him, + and watched his face while he read:— + </p> + <p> + “It is best for us both that I should not see you any more, at least + at present. I feel that I have done you a great wrong. I dare not say much + to you, for fear of making that wrong greater. I cannot, I need not tell + you how I despise myself now—how I long to make you any amends in my + power. If ever I can be of any service to you, I do hope that nothing + which has passed will hinder you from applying to me. You will not believe + how it pains me to write this; how should you? I don't deserve that you + should believe anything I say. I must seem heartless to you; I have been, + I am heartless. I hardly know what I am writing. I shall long all my life + to hear good news of you. I don't ask you to pardon me, but if you can + prevail on yourself not to send back the enclosed, and will keep it as a + small remembrance of one who is deeply sorry for the wrong he has done + you, but who cannot and will not say he is sorry he ever met you, you will + be adding another to the many kindnesses which I have to thank you for, + and which I shall never forget.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy read it over several times, as Tom watched impatiently, unable to + make out anything from his face. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think? You don't think there's anything wrong in it, I + hope?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, my dear fellow. I really think it does you credit. I + don't know what else you could have said very well, only—” + </p> + <p>“Only what?”</p> + <p>“Couldn't you have made it a little shorter?”</p> + <p> + “No, I couldn't; but you don't mean that. What did you mean by that + 'only'?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I don't think this letter will end the business; at least, I'm + afraid not.” + </p> + <p>“But what more could I have said?”</p> + <p> + “Nothing <i>more</i>, certainly; but couldn't you have keep a little + quieter—it's difficult to get the right word—a little cooler, perhaps. + Couldn't you have made the part about not seeing her again a little more + decided?” + </p> + <p>“But you said I needn't pretend I didn't care for her.”</p> + <p>“Did I?”</p> + <p>“Yes. Besides, it would have been a lie.”</p> + <p> + “I don't want you to tell a lie, certainly. But how about this + 'small remembrance' that you speak of? What's that?” + </p> + <p>“Oh, nothing; only a little locket I bought for her.”</p> + <p>“With some of your hair in it?”</p> + <p>“Well of course. Come now, there's no harm in that.”</p> + <p>“No; no harm. Do you think she will wear it?”</p> + <p>“How can I tell?”</p> + <p> + “It may make her think it isn't all at an end, I'm afraid. If she + always wears your hair—” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, you're too bad, Hardy. I wish you had had to write it + yourself. It's all very easy to pull my letter to pieces, I dare say, + but—” + </p> + <p>“I didn't want to read it, remember.”</p> + <p> + “No more you did. I forgot. But I wish you would just write down now + what you would have said.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think I see myself at it. By the way, of course you have + sent your letter?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I sent it off before chapel.”</p> + <p> + “I thought so. In that case I don't think we need trouble ourselves + further with the form of the document.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's only shirking. How do you know I may not want it for the + next occasion?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! Don't let us begin laughing about it. A man never ought to + have to write such letters twice in his life. If he has, why, he may get a + good enough precedent for the second out of the 'Complete Letter Writer'. + </p> + <p>“So you won't correct my copy?”</p> + <p>“No, not I.”</p> + <p> + At this point in their dialogue, Captain Hardy appeared on the scene, and + the party went off to Drysdale's to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Captain Hardy's visit to St. Ambrose was a great success. He stayed some + four or five days, and saw everything that was to be seen, and enjoyed it + all in a sort of reverent way which was almost comic. Tom devoted himself + to the work of cicerone, and did his best to do the work thoroughly. + Oxford was a sort of Utopia to the Captain, who was resolutely bent on + seeing nothing but beauty and learning and wisdom within the precincts of + the University. On one or two occasions his faith was tried sorely by the + sight of young gentlemen gracefully apparelled, dawdling along two + together in low easy pony carriages, or lying on their backs in punts for + hours, smoking, with not even a <i>Bell's Life</i> by them to pass the + time. Dawdling and doing nothing were the objects of his special + abhorrence; but, with this trifling exception, the Captain continued + steadily to behold towers and quadrangles, and chapels, and the + inhabitants of the colleges, through rose-coloured spectacles. His respect + for a “regular education” and for the seat of learning at + which it was dispensed was so strong, that he invested not only the + tutors, doctors and proctors (of whom he saw little except at a distance), + but even the most empty-headed undergraduate whose acquaintance he made, + with a sort of fancy halo of scientific knowledge, and often talked to + those youths in a way which was curiously bewildering and embarrassing to + them. Drysdale was particularly hit by it. He had humour and honesty + enough himself to appreciate the Captain, but it was a constant puzzle to + him to know what to make of it all. + </p> + <p> + “He's a regular old brick, is the Captain,” he said to Tom, on + the last evening of the old gentleman's visit, “but by Jove, I can't + help thinking he must be poking fun at us half his time. It is rather too + rich to hear him talking on as if we were all as fond of Greek as he seems + to be, and as if no man ever got drunk up here.” + </p> + <p> + “I declare I think he believes it,” said Tom. “You see + we're all careful enough before him.” + </p> + <p> + “That son of his, too, must be a good fellow. Don't you see he can + never have peached? His father was telling me last night what a comfort it + was to him to see that Jack's poverty had been no drawback to him. He had + always told him it would be so amongst English gentlemen, and now he found + him living quietly and independently, and yet on equal terms, and friends, + with men far above him in rank and fortune 'like you, sir,' the old boy + said. By Jove, Brown, I felt devilish foolish. I believe I blushed, and it + isn't often I indulge in that sort of luxury. If I weren't ashamed of + doing it now, I should try to make friends with Hardy. But I don't know + how to face him, and I doubt whether he wouldn't think me too much of a + rip to be intimate with.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, at his own special request, attended the Captain's departure, and + took his seat opposite to him and his son at the back of the Southampton + coach, to accompany him a few miles out of Oxford. For the first mile the + Captain was full of the pleasures of his visit, and of invitations to Tom + to come and see them in the vacation. If he did not mind homely quarters, + he would find a hearty welcome, and there was no finer bathing or boating + place on the coast. If he liked to bring his gun, there were plenty of + rock-pigeons and sea-otters in the caves at the Point. Tom protested with + the greatest sincerity that there was nothing he should enjoy so much. + Then the young men got down to walk up Bagley Hill, and when they mounted + again, found the Captain with a large leather case in his hand, out of + which he took two five-pound notes, and began pressing them on his son, + while Tom tried to look as if he did not know what was going on. For some + time Hardy steadily refused, and the contention became animated, and it + was useless to pretend any longer not to hear. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jack, you're not too proud, I hope, to take a present from you + own father,” the Captain said at last. + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear father, I don't want the money. You make me a very + good allowance already.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jack, just listen to me and be reasonable. You know a great + many of your friends have been very hospitable to me; I could not return + their hospitality myself, but I wish you to do so for me.” + </p> + <p>“Well, father, I can do that without this money.”</p> + <p> + “Now, Jack,” said the Captain, pushing forward the notes + again, “I insist on your taking them. You will pain me very much if + you don't take them.” + </p> + <p> + So the son took the notes at last, looking as most men of his age would if + they had just lost them, while the father's face was radiant as he + replaced his pocket book in the breast pocket inside his coat. His eye + caught Tom's in the midst of the operation, and the latter could not help + looking a little confused, as if he had been unintentionally obtruding on + their privacy. But the Captain at once laid his hand on his knee and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “A young fellow is never the worse for having a ten-pound note to + veer and haul on, eh, Mr. Brown?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, sir. A great deal better I think,” said Tom, and + was quite comfortable again. The Captain had no new coat that summer, but + he always looked like a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Soon the coach stopped to take up a parcel at a crossroad, and the young + men got down. They stood watching it until it disappeared round a corner + of the road, and then turned back towards Oxford, and struck into Bagley + Wood, Hardy listening with evident pleasure to his friend's enthusiastic + praise of his father. But he was not in a talking humour, and they were + soon walking along together in silence. + </p> + <p> + This was the first time they had been alone together since the morning + after their reconciliation; so presently Tom seized the occasion to recur + to the subject which was uppermost in his thoughts. + </p> + <p>“She has never answered my letter,” he began abruptly.</p> + <p>“I am very glad of it,” said Hardy.</p> + <p>“But why?”</p> + <p> + “Because you know, you want it all broken off completely.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but still she might have just acknowledged it. You don't know + how hard it is for me to keep away from the place.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I know it must be hard work, but you are doing the + right thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I hope so,” said Tom, with a sigh. “I haven't been + within a hundred yards of 'The Choughs' this five days. The old lady must + think it so odd.” + </p> + <p>Hardy made no reply. What could he say but that no doubt she did?</p> + <p> + “Would you mind doing me a great favor?” said Tom, after a + minute. + </p> + <p>“Anything I can do.—What is it?”</p> + <p> + “Why, just to step round on our way back,—I will stay as far off as + you like,—and see how things are going on;—how she is.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. Don't you like this view of Oxford? I always think it is + the best of them all.” + </p> + <p> + “No. You don't see anything of half the colleges,” said Tom, + who was very loath to leave the other subject for the picturesque. + </p> + <p> + “But you get all the spires and towers so well, and the river in the + foreground. Look at that shadow of a cloud skimming over Christchurch + Meadow. It's a splendid old place after all.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be from a distance, to an outsider,” said Tom; + “but I don't know—it's an awfully chilly, deadening kind of place to + live in. There's something in the life of the place that sits on me like a + weight, and makes me feel dreary.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you felt that? You're coming out in a new + line.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I were. I want a new line. I don't care a straw for cricket; + I hardly like pulling; and as for those wine parties day after day, and + suppers night after night, they turn me sick to think of.” + </p> + <p> + “You have the remedy in your own hands, at any rate,” said + Hardy, smiling. + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p>“Why, you needn't go to them.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, one can't help going to them. What else is there to do!” + </p> + <p> + Tom waited for an answer, but his companion only nodded to show that he + was listening, as he strolled on down the path, looking at the view. + </p> + <p> + “I can say what I feel to you, Hardy. I always have been able, and + it's such a comfort to me now. It was you who put these sort of thoughts + into my head, too, so you ought to sympathize with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I do, my dear fellow. But you'll be all right again in a few + days.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you believe it. It isn't only what you seem to think, Hardy. + You don't know me so well as I do you, after all. No, I'm not just + love-sick, and hipped because I can't go and see her. That has something + to do with it, I dare say, but it's the sort of shut-up selfish life we + lead here that I can't stand. A man isn't meant to live only with fellows + like himself, with good allowances paid quarterly, and no care but how to + amuse themselves. One is old enough for something better than that, I'm + sure.” + </p> + <p>“No doubt,” said Hardy with provoking taciturnity.</p> + <p> + “And the moment one tries to break through it, one only gets into + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there's a good deal of danger of that, certainly,” said + Hardy. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you often long to be in contact with some of the realities of + life, with men and women who haven't their bread and butter already cut + for them? How can a place be a university where no one can come up who + hasn't two hundred a year or so to live on?” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have been at Oxford four hundred years ago, when there + were more thousands here than we have hundreds.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see that. It must have been ten times as bad then.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. But it must have been a very different state of things + from ours; they must have been almost all poor scholars, who worked for + their living, or lived on next to nothing.” + </p> + <p>“How do you really suppose they lived, though?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't know. But how should you like it now, if we had fifty + poor scholars at St. Ambrose, besides us servitors—say ten tailors, ten + shoemakers, and so on, who came up from love of learning, and attended all + the lectures with us, and worked for the present undergraduates while they + were hunting, and cricketing, and boating?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think it would be a very good thing—at any rate, we should + save in tailors' bills.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if we didn't get our coats so well built,” said Hardy, + laughing. “Well, Brown, you have a most catholic taste, and 'a + capacity for talking in new truths', all the elements of a good Radical in + you.” + </p> + <p>“I tell you, I hate Radicals,” said Tom indignantly.</p> + <p> + “Well, here we are in the town. I'll go round by 'The Choughs' and + catch you up before you get to High Street.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, left, to himself, walked slowly on for a little way, and then quickly + back again in an impatient, restless manner, and was within a few yards of + the corner where they had parted, when Hardy appeared again. He saw at a + glance that something had happened. + </p> + <p>“What is it—she is not ill?” he said quickly.</p> + <p>“No; quite well, her aunt says.”</p> + <p>“You didn't see her then?”</p> + <p>“No. The fact is she has gone home.”</p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0024"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXIII—THE ENGLEBOURN CONSTABLE</h2> + <p> + On the afternoon of a splendid day in the early part of June, some four or + five days after the Sunday on which the morning service at Englebourn was + interrupted by the fire at Farmer Groves', David Johnson, tailor and + constable of the parish, was sitting at his work in a small erection, half + shed, half summer-house, which leaned against the back of his cottage. Not + that David had not a regular workshop, with a window looking into the + village street, and a regular counter close under it, on which passersby + might see him stitching, and from which he could gossip with them easily, + as was his wont. But although the constable kept the king's peace and made + garments of all kinds for his livelihood—from the curate's frock down to + the ploughboy's fustians—he was addicted for his pleasure and solace to + the keeping of bees. The constable's bees inhabited a row of hives in the + narrow strip of garden which ran away at the back of the cottage. This + strip of garden was bordered along the whole of one side by the rector's + premises. Now honest David loved gossip well, and considered it a part of + his duty as constable to be well up in all events and rumours which + happened or arose within his liberties. But he loved his bees better than + gossip, and, as he was now in hourly expectation that they would be + swarming, was working, as has been said, in his summer-house, that he + might be at hand at the critical moment. The rough table on which he was + seated commanded a view of the hives; his big scissors and some shreds of + velveteen lay near him on the table, also the street-door key and an old + shovel, of which the uses will appear presently. + </p> + <p> + On his knees lay the black velveteen coat, the Sunday garment of Harry + Winburn, to which he was fitting new sleeves. In his exertions at the top + of the chimney in putting out the fire, Harry had grievously damaged the + garment in question. The farmer had presented him with five shillings on + the occasion, which sum was quite inadequate to the purchase of a new + coat, and Harry, being too proud to call the farmer's attention to the + special damage which he had suffered in his service, had contented himself + with bringing his old coat to be new sleeved. + </p> + <p> + Harry was a favorite with the constable on account of his intelligence and + independence, and because of his relations with the farmers of Englebourn + on the allotment question. Although by his office the representative of + law and order in the parish, David was a man of the people, and + sympathized with the peasantry more than with the farmers. He had passed + some years of his apprenticeship at Reading, where he had picked up + notions on political and social questions much ahead of the Englebourn + worthies. When he returned to his native village, being a wise man, he had + kept his new lights in the background, and consequently had succeeded in + the object of his ambition, and had been appointed constable. His reason + for seeking the post was a desire to prove that the old joke as to the + manliness of tailors had no application to his case, and this he had + established to the satisfaction of all the neighborhood by the resolute + manner in which, whenever called on, he performed his duties. And, now + that his character was made and his position secure, he was not so careful + of betraying his leanings, and had lost some custom amongst the farmers in + consequence of them. + </p> + <p> + The job on which he was employed naturally turned his thoughts to Harry. + He stitched away, now weighing in his mind whether he should not go + himself to Farmer Groves, and represent to him that he ought to give Harry + a new coat; now rejoicing over the fact that the rector had decided to let + Harry have another acre of the allotment land, now speculating on the + attachment of his favorite to the gardener's daughter, and whether he + could do any thing to forward his suit. In the pursuit of which thoughts + he had forgotten all about his bees, when suddenly a great humming arose, + followed by a rush through the air like the passing of an express train, + which recalled him to himself. He jumped from the table, casting aside the + coat, and seizing the key and shovel, hurried out into the garden, beating + the two together with all his might. + </p> + <p> + The process in question, known in country phrase as “tanging”, + is founded upon the belief that the bees will not settle unless under the + influence of this peculiar music; and the constable, holding faithfully to + the popular belief, rushed down his garden, “tanging” as + though his life depended upon it, in the hopes that the soothing sound + would induce the swarm to settle at once on his own apple trees. + </p> + <p> + Is “tanging” a superstition or not? People learned in bees + ought to know, but I never happened to meet one who had settled the + question. It is curious how such beliefs or superstitions fix themselves + in the popular mind of a countryside, and are held by wise and simple + alike. David the constable was a most sensible and open-minded man of his + time and class, but Kemble or Akerman, or other learned Anglo-Saxon + scholars would have vainly explained to him that “tang”, is + but the old word for “to hold”, and that the object of + “tanging” is, not to lure the bees with sweet music of key and + shovel, but to give notice to the neighbours that they have swarmed, and + that the owner of the maternal hive means to hold on to his right to the + emigrants. David would have listened to the lecture with pity, and have + retained unshaken belief in his music. + </p> + <p> + In the present case, however, the tanging was of little avail, for the + swarm, after wheeling once or twice in the air, disappeared from the eyes + of the constable over the rector's wall. He went on “tanging” + violently for a minute or two, and then paused to consider what was to be + done. Should he get over the wall into the rector's garden at once, or + should he go round and ask leave to carry his search into the parsonage + grounds? As a man and bee-fancier he was on the point of following + straight at once, over wall and fence; but the constable was also strong + within him. He was not on the best of terms with old Simon, the rector's + gardener, and his late opposition to Miss Winter in the matter of the + singing also came into his mind. So he resolved that the parish constable + would lose caste by disregarding his neighbour's boundaries, and was + considering what to do next, when he heard a footstep and short cough on + the other side of the wall which he recognized. + </p> + <p> + “Be you there, Maester Simon?” he called out. Where upon the + walker on the other side pulled up, and after a second appeal answered + shortly— + </p> + <p>“E'es.”</p> + <p> + “Hev'ee seed ought o' my bees? Thaay've a bin' and riz, and gone off + somweres athert the wall.” + </p> + <p>“E'es, I seen 'em.”</p> + <p>“Wer' be 'em then?”</p> + <p>“Aal-amang wi' ourn in the limes.”</p> + <p> + “Aal-amang wi'yourn,” exclaimed the constable. “Drattle + 'em. Thaay be more trouble than they be wuth.” + </p> + <p> + “I knowd as thaay wur yourn zoon as ever I sot eyes on 'em,” + old Simon went on. + </p> + <p>“How did'ee know 'em then?” asked the constable.</p> + <p> + “'Cause thine be aal zettin' crass-legged,” said Simon, with a + chuckle. “Thee medst cum and pick 'em all out if thee'st a mind to + 't.” + </p> + <p> + Simon was mollified by his own joke, and broke into a short, dry + cachinnation, half laugh, half cough; while the constable, who was pleased + and astonished to find his neighbour in such a good humour, hastened to + get an empty hive and a pair of hedger's gloves—fortified with which he + left his cottage and made the best of his way up street towards the + Rectory gate, hard by which stood Simon's cottage. + </p> + <p> + The old gardener was of an impatient nature, and the effect of the joke + had almost time to evaporate, and Simon was fast relapsing into his usual + state of mind towards his neighbour before the latter made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Wher' hast been so long?” he exclaimed, when the constable + joined him. + </p> + <p> + “I seed the young missus and t'other young lady a standin' talkin' + afore the door,” said David; “so I stopped back, so as not to + dlsturve 'em.” + </p> + <p>“Be 'em gone in? Who was 'em talkin' to?”</p> + <p> + “To thy missus, and thy daarter too, I b'lieve 'twas. Thaay be both + at whoam, bean't 'em?” + </p> + <p>“Like enough. But what was 'em zayin'?”</p> + <p> + “I couldn't heer nothin' partic'lar, but I judged as 'twas summat + about Sunday and the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis na use for thaay to go on fillin' our place wi' bottles. I + dwon't mean to take no mwore doctor's stuff.” + </p> + <p> + Simon, it may be said, by the way, had obstinately refused to take any + medicine since his fall, and had maintained a constant war on the subject, + both with his own women and Miss Winter, whom he had impressed more than + ever with a belief in his wrongheadedness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and how be'ee, tho', Maester Simon?” said David, “I + didn't mind to ax afore'. You dwon't feel no wus for your fall, I + hopes?” + </p> + <p> + “I feels a bit stiffish like, and as if summat wur cuttin' m' at + times, when I lifts up my arms.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a mercy 'tis no wus,” said David; “we bean't so + young nor lissom as we was; Maester Simon.” + </p> + <p> + To which remark Simon replied by a grunt. He disliked allusions to his + age—a rare dislike amongst his class in that part of the country. Most of + the people are fond of making themselves out older than they are, and love + to dwell on their experiences, and believe, as firmly as the rest of us, + that everything has altered for the worse in the parish and district since + their youth. + </p> + <p> + But Simon, though short of words and temper, and an uncomfortable + acquaintance in consequence, was inclined to be helpful enough in other + ways. The constable, with his assistance, had very soon hived his swarm of + cross-legged bees. + </p> + <p> + Then the constable insisted on Simon's coming with him and taking a glass + of ale, which, after a little coquetting, Simon consented to do. So, after + carrying his re-capture safely home, and erecting the hive on a + three-legged stand of his own workmanship, he hastened to rejoin Simon, + and the two soon found themselves in the bar of the “Red + Lion.” + </p> + <p> + The constable wished to make the most of this opportunity, and so began at + once to pump Simon as to his intentions with regard to his daughter. But + Simon was not easy to lead in anyway whatever, and seemed in a more than + usually no-business-of-yours line about his daughter. Whether he had + anyone in his eye for her or not, David could not make out; but one thing + he did make out, and it grieved him much. Old Simon was in a touchy and + unfriendly state of mind against Harry, who, he said, was falling into bad + ways, and beginning to think much too much of his self. Why was he to be + wanting more allotment ground than anyone else? Simon had himself given + Harry some advice on the point, but not to much purpose, it would seem, as + he summed up his notions on the subject by the remark that, “'Twas + waste of soap to lather an ass.” + </p> + <p> + The constable now and then made a stand for his young friend, but very + judiciously; and, after feeling his way for some time, he came to the + conclusion—as, indeed, the truth was—that Simon was jealous of Harry's + talent for growing flowers, and had been driven into his present frame of + mind at hearing Miss Winter and her cousin talking about the flowers, at + Dame Winburn's under his very nose for the last four or five days. They + had spoken thus to interest the old man, meaning to praise Harry to him. + The fact was, that the old gardener was one of those men who never can + stand hearing other people praised, and think that all such praise must be + meant in depreciation of themselves. + </p> + <p> + When they had finished their ale, the afternoon was getting on, and the + constable rose to go back to his work; while old Simon declared his + intention of going down to the hay-field, to see how the mowing was + getting on. He was sure that the hay would never be made properly, now + that he couldn't be about as much as usual. + </p> + <p> + In another hour the coat was finished, and the constable being uneasy in + his mind, resolved to carry the garment home himself at once, and to have + a talk with Dame Winburn. So he wrapped the coat in a handkerchief, put it + under his arm, and set off down the village. + </p> + <p> + He found the dame busy with her washing; and after depositing his parcel, + sat down on the settle to have a talk with her. They soon got on the + subject which was always uppermost in her mind, her son's prospects, and + she poured out to the constable her troubles. First there was this + sweet-hearting after old Simon's daughter,—not that Dame Winburn was going + to say anything against her, though she might have her thoughts as well as + other folk, and for her part she liked to see girls that were fit for + something besides dressing themselves up like their betters,—but what + worried her was to see how Harry took it to heart. He wasn't like himself, + and she couldn't see how it was all to end. It made him fractious, too, + and he was getting into trouble about his work. He had left his regular + place, and was gone mowing with a gang, most of them men out of the parish + that she knew nothing about, and likely not to be the best of company. And + it was all very well in harvest time, when they could go and earn good + wages at mowing and reaping any where about, and no man could earn better + than her Harry, but when it came to winter again she didn't see but what + he might find the want of a regular place, and then the farmers mightn't + take him on; and his own land, that he had got, and seemed to think so + much of, mightn't turn out all he thought it would. And so in fact the old + lady was troubled in her mind, and only made the constable more uneasy. He + had a vague sort of impression that he was in some way answerable for + Harry, who was a good deal with him, and was fond of coming about his + place. And although his cottage happened to be next to old Simon's, which + might account for the fact to some extent, yet the constable was conscious + of having talked to his young friend on many matters in a way which might + have unsettled him, and encouraged his natural tendency to stand up for + his own rights and independence, and he knew well enough that this temper + was not the one which was likely to keep a labouring man out of trouble in + the parish. + </p> + <p> + He did not allow his own misgivings, however, to add to the widow's + troubles, but, on the contrary, cheered her by praising up Harry as much + as even she could desire, and prophesying that all would come right, and + that those that lived would see her son as respected as any man in the + parish; he shouldn't be surprised, indeed, if he were church-warden before + he died. And then, astonished at his own boldness, and feeling that he was + not capable of any higher flight of imagination, the constable rose to + take his leave. He asked where Harry was working, and, finding that he was + at mowing in the Danes' Close, set off to look after him. The kind-hearted + constable could not shake off the feeling that something was going to + happen to Harry which would get him into trouble, and he wanted to assure + himself that as yet nothing had gone wrong. Whenever one has this sort of + vague feeling about a friend, there is a natural and irresistible impulse + to go and look after him, and to be with him. + </p> + <p> + The Danes' Close was a part of the glebe, a large field of some ten acres + or so in extent, close to the village. Two footpaths ran across it, so + that it was almost common property, and the village children considered it + as much their playground as the green itself. They trampled the grass a + good deal more than seemed endurable in the eyes of Simon, who managed the + rector's farming operations as well as the garden; but the children had + their own way, notwithstanding the threats he sometimes launched at them. + Miss Winter would have sooner lost all the hay than have narrowed their + amusements. It was the most difficult piece of mowing in the parish, in + consequence of the tramplings and of the large crops it bore. The Danes, + or some other unknown persons, had made the land fat, perhaps with their + carcasses, and the benefit had lasted to the time of our story. At any + rate, the field bore splendid crops, and the mowers always got an extra + shilling an acre for cutting it, by Miss Winter's special order, which was + paid by Simon in the most ungracious manner, and with many grumblings that + it was enough to ruin all the mowers in the countryside. + </p> + <p> + As the constable got over the stile into the hay-field, a great part of + his misgivings passed out of his head. He was a simple kindly man, whose + heart lay open to all influences of scene and weather, and the Danes' + Close, full of life and joy and merry sounds, as seen under the slanting + rays of the evening sun, was just the place to rub all the wrinkles out of + him. + </p> + <p> + The constable, however, is not singular in this matter. What man amongst + us all, if he will think the matter over calmly and fairly, can honestly + say that there is any one spot on the earth's surface in which he has + enjoyed so much real, wholesome, happy life as in a hay field? He may have + won renown on horseback or on foot at the sports and pastimes in which + Englishmen glory; he may have shaken off all rivals, time after time, + across the vales of Aylesbury, or of Berks, or any other of our famous + hunting counties; he may have stalked the oldest and shyest buck in Scotch + forests, and killed the biggest salmon of the year in the Tweed, and the + trout in the Thames; he may have made topping averages in first-rate + matches of cricket; or have made long and perilous marches, dear to + memory, over boggy moor, or mountain, or glacier; he may have successfully + attended many breakfast-parties, within drive of Mayfair, on velvet lawns, + surrounded by all the fairyland of pomp, and beauty, and luxury, which + London can pour out; he may have shone at private theatricals and + at-homes; his voice may have sounded over hushed audiences at St. + Stephen's, or in the law courts; or he may have had good times in any + other scenes of pleasure or triumph open to Englishmen; but I much doubt + whether, on putting his recollections fairly and quietly together, he + would not say at last that the fresh mown hay field is the place where he + has spent the most hours which he would like to live over again, the + fewest which he would wish to forget. + </p> + <p> + As children, we stumble about the new-mown hay, revelling in the many + colors of the prostrate grass and wild flowers, and in the power of + tumbling where we please without hurting ourselves; as small boys, we pelt + one another and the village schoolgirls and our nursemaids and young lady + cousins with the hay, till, hot and weary, we retire to tea or syllabub + beneath the shade of some great oak or elm, standing up like a monarch out + of the fair pasture; or, following the mowers, we rush with eagerness on + the treasures disclosed by the scythe-stroke,—the nest of the unhappy late + laying titlark, or careless field-mouse; as big boys, we toil ambitiously + with the spare forks and rakes, or climb into the wagons and receive with + open arms the delicious load as it is pitched up from below, and rises + higher and higher as we pass along the long lines of haycocks; a year or + two later we are strolling there with our first sweethearts, our souls and + tongues, loaded with sweet thoughts and soft speeches; we take a turn with + the scythe as the bronzed mowers lie in the shade for their short rest, + and willingly pay our footing for the feat. Again, we come back with book + in pocket, and our own children tumbling about as we did before them; now + romping with them, and smothering them with the sweet-smelling load—now + musing and reading and dozing away the delicious summer evenings. And so + shall we not come back to the end, enjoying as grandfathers the lovemaking + and the rompings of younger generations yet? + </p> + <p> + Were any of us ever really disappointed or melancholy in a hay-field? Did + we ever lie fairly back on a haycock and look up into the blue sky and + listen to the merry sounds, the whetting of scythes and the laughing + prattle of women and children, and think evil thoughts of the world and of + or our brethren? Not we! Or if we have so done, we ought to be ashamed of + ourselves, and deserve never to be out of town again during hay-harvest. + </p> + <p> + There is something in the sights and sounds of a hay-field which seems to + touch the same chord in one as Lowell's lines in the “Lay of Sir + Launfal,” which end— + </p> + <pre> + “For a cap and bells our lives we pay; + We wear out our lives with toiling and tasking; + It is only Heaven that is given away; + It is only God may be had for the asking. + There is no price set on the lavish summer, + And June may be had by the poorest comer.” + </pre + > + <p> + But the philosophy of the hay-field remains to be written. Let us hope + that whoever takes the subject in hand will not dissipate all its + sweetness in the process of the inquiry wherein the charm lies. + </p> + <p> + The constable had not the slightest notion of speculating on his own + sensations, but was very glad, nevertheless, to find his spirits rising as + he stepped into the Danes' Close. All the hay was down, except a small + piece in the further corner, which the mowers were upon. There were groups + of children in many parts of the field, and women to look after them, + mostly sitting on the fresh swarth, working and gossiping, while the + little ones played about. He had not gone twenty yards before he was + stopped by the violent crying of a child; and turning toward the voice, he + saw a little girl of six or seven, who had strayed from her mother, + scrambling out of the ditch, and wringing her hands in an agony of pain + and terror. The poor little thing had fallen into a bed of nettles, and + was very much frightened, and not a little hurt. The constable caught her + up in his arms, soothing her as well as he could, and hurrying along till + he found some dock-leaves, sat down with her on his knee, and rubbed her + hands with the leaves, repeating the old saw— + </p> + <pre> + “Our nettle, + In dock; + Dock shall ha' + A new smock; + Nettle shan't + Ha' narrun'.” + </pre + > + <p> + What with the rubbing, and the constable's kind manner, and listening to + the doggerel rhyme, and feeling that nettle would get her deserts, the + little thing soon ceased crying. But several groups had been drawn towards + the place, and amongst the rest came Miss Winter and her cousin, who had + been within hearing of the disaster. The constable began to feel very + nervous and uncomfortable, when he looked up from his charitable + occupation, and suddenly found the rector's daughter close to him. But his + nervousness was uncalled for. The sight of what he was about, and of the + tender way in which he was handling the child, drove all remembrance of + his heresies and contumaciousness in the matter of psalmody out of her + head. She greeted him with frankness and cordiality, and presently—when he + had given up his charge to the mother, who was inclined at first to be + hard with the poor little sobbing truant—came up, and said she wished to + speak a few words to him. + </p> + <p> + David was highly delighted at Miss Winter's manner; but he walked along at + her side not quite comfortable in his mind, for fear lest she should start + the old subject of dispute, and then his duty as a public man would have + to be done at all risk of offending her. He was much comforted when she + began by asking him whether he had seen much of Widow Winburn's son + lately. + </p> + <p>David admitted that he generally saw him every day.</p> + <p> + Did he know that he had left his place, and had quarrelled with Mr. + Tester? + </p> + <p> + Yes, David knew that Harry had had words with Farmer Tester; but Farmer + Tester was a sort that was very hard not to have words with. + </p> + <p> + “Still, it is very bad, you know, for so young a man to be + quarrelling with the farmers,” said Miss Winter. + </p> + <p> + “'Twas the varmer as quarreled wi' he, you see, miss,” David + answered, “which makes all the odds. He cum to Harry all in a + fluster, and said as how he must drow up the land as he'd a'got, or he's + place—one or t'other on 'em. And so you see, Miss, as Harry wur kind o' + druv to it. 'Twarn't likely as he wur to drow up the land now as he were + just reppin' the benefit ov it, and all for Varmer Tester's place, wich be + no sich gurt things, miss, arter all.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely not; but I fear it may hinder his getting employment. + The other farmers will not take him on now if they can help it.” + </p> + <p> + “No; thaay falls out wi' one another bad enough, and calls all + manner o' names. But thaay can't abide a poor man to speak his mind, nor + take his own part, not one on 'em,” said David, looking at Miss + Winter, as if doubtful how she might take his strictures; but she went on + without any show of dissent,— + </p> + <p> + “I shall try to get him work for my father, but I am sorry to find + that Simon does not seem to like the idea of taking him on. It is not easy + always to make out Simon's meaning. When I spoke to him, he said something + about a bleating sheep losing a bite; but I should think this young man is + not much of a talker in general?”—she paused. + </p> + <p> + “That's true, miss,” said David, energetically; “there + ain't a quieter spoken or steadier man at his work in the parish.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very glad to hear you say so,” said Miss Winter, + “and I hope we may soon do something for him. But what I want you to + do just now is to speak a word to him about the company he seems to be + getting into.” + </p> + <p> + The constable looked somewhat aghast at this speech of Miss Winter's, but + did not answer, not knowing to what she was alluding. She saw that he did + not understand, and went on— + </p> + <p> + “He is mowing to-day with a gang from the heath and the next parish; + I am sure they are very bad men for him to be with. I was so vexed when I + found Simon had given them the job; but he said they would get it all down + in a day, and be done with it, and that was all he cared for.” + </p> + <p> + “And 'tis a fine day's work, miss, for five men,” said David, + looking over the field; “and 'tis good work too, you mind the swarth + else,” and he picked up a handful of the fallen grass to show her + how near the ground it was cut. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I have no doubt they are very good mowers, but they are + not good men, I'm sure. There, do you see now who it is that is bringing + them beer? I hope you will see Widow Winburn's son, and speak to him, and + try to keep him out of bad company. We should be all so sorry if he were + to get into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + David promised to do his best, and Miss Winter wished him good evening, + and rejoined her cousin. + </p> + <p>“Well, Katie, will he do your behest?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; and I think he is the best person to do it. Widow + Winburn thinks her son minds him more than any one.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, I don't think it will ever go right. I'm sure she + doesn't care the least for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you have only just seen her once for two or three + minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “And then that wretched old Simon is so perverse about it,” + said the cousin. “You will never manage him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is very provoking, certainly; but I get my own way generally, in + spite of him. And it is such a perfect plan, isn't it!” + </p> + <p>“Oh, charming! if you can only bring it about.”</p> + <p> + “Now we must be really going home; papa will be getting + restless.” So the young ladies left the hay-field deep in + castle-building for Harry Winburn and the gardener's daughter, Miss Winter + being no more able to resist a tale of true love than her cousin, or the + rest of her sex. They would have been more or less than woman if they had + not taken an interest in so absorbing a passion as poor Harry's. By the + time they reached the Rectory gate they had installed him in the + gardener's cottage with his bride and mother (for there would be plenty of + room for the widow, and it would be so convenient to have the laundry + close at hand) and had pensioned old Simon, and sent him and his old wife + to wrangle away the rest of their time in the widow's cottage. + Castle-building is a delightful and harmless exercise. + </p> + <p> + Meantime David the constable had gone towards the mowers, who were taking + a short rest before finishing off the last half-acre which remained + standing. The person whose appearance had so horrified Miss Winter was + drawing beer for them from a small barrel. This was an elderly raw-boned + woman with a skin burnt as brown as that of any of the mowers. She wore a + man's hat and spencer and had a strong harsh voice, and altogether was not + a prepossessing person. She went by the name of Daddy Cowell in the + parish, and had been for years a proscribed person. She lived up on the + heath, often worked in the fields, took in lodgers, and smoked a short + clay pipe. These eccentricities, when added to her half-male clothing, + were quite enough to account for the sort of outlawry in which she lived. + Miss Winter, and other good people of Englebourn, believed her capable of + any crime, and the children were taught to stop talking and playing, and + run away when she came near them; but the constable, who had had one or + two search-warrants to execute in her house, and had otherwise had + frequent occasions of getting acquainted with her in the course of his + duties, had by no means so evil an opinion of her. He had never seen much + harm in her, he had often been heard to say, and she never made pretence + to much good. Nevertheless, David was by no means pleased to see her + acting as purveyor to the gang which Harry had joined. He knew how such + contact would damage him in the eyes of all the parochial + respectabilities, and was anxious to do his best to get him clear of it. + </p> + <p> + With these views he went up to the men, who were resting under a large elm + tree, and complimented them on their day's work. They were themselves well + satisfied with it, and with one another. When men have had sixteen hours + or so hard mowing in company, and none of them can say that the others + have not done their fair share, they are apt to respect one another more + at the end of it. It was Harry's first day with this gang, who were famous + for going about the neighbourhood, and doing great feats in hay and wheat + harvest. They were satisfied with him and he with them, none the less so + probably in his present frame of mind, because they also were loose on the + world, servants of no regular master. It was a bad time to make his + approaches, the constable saw; so, after sitting by Harry until the gang + rose to finish off their work in the cool of the evening, and asking him + to come round by his cottage on his way home, which Harry promised to do, + he walked back to the village. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0025"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXIV—THE SCHOOLS.</h2> + <p> + There is no more characteristic spot in Oxford than the quadrangle of the + schools. Doubtless in the times when the University held and exercised the + privileges of infang-thief and outfang-thief, and other such old-world + rights, there must have been a place somewhere within the liberties + devoted to examinations even more exciting than the great-go. But since + <i>alma mater</i> has ceased to take cognizance of “treasons, + insurrections, felonies, and mayhem,” it is here, in that fateful + and inexorable quadrangle, and the buildings which surround it, that she + exercises her most potent spells over the spirits of her children. I + suppose that a man being tried for his life must be more uncomfortable + than an undergraduate being examined for his degree, and that to be + hung—perhaps even to be pilloried—must be worse than to be plucked. But + after all, the feeling in both cases must be essentially the same, only + more intense in the former; and an institution which can examine a man (<i + >in literis humanitoribus</i + >, in humanities, so called) once a year for two or three days at a time, + has nothing to complain of, though it has no longer the power of hanging + him at once out of hand. + </p> + <p> + The schools' quadrangle is for the most part a lonely place. Men pass + through the melancholy iron-gates by which that quadrangle is entered on + three sides—from Broad street, from the Ratcliff, and from New + College-Lane—when necessity leads them that way, with alert step and + silently. No nursemaids or children play about it. Nobody lives in it. + Only when the examinations are going on you may see a few hooded figures + who walk as though conscious of the powers of academic life and death + which they wield, and a good deal of shuddering undergraduate life + flitting about the place—luckless youths, in white ties and bands, who are + undergoing the <i>peine forte et dure</i> with different degrees of + composure; and their friends who are there to look after them. You may go + in and watch the torture yourself if you are so minded, for the + <i>viva voce</i> schools are open to the public. But one such experiment + will be enough for you, unless you are very hard-hearted. The sight of the + long table, behind which sit Minos, Rhadamanthus & Co., full-robed, + stern of face, soft of speech, seizing their victim in turn, now letting + him run a little way as a cat does a mouse, then drawing him back, with + claw of wily question, probing him on this side and that, turning him + inside out,—the row of victims opposite, pale or flushed, of anxious or + careless mien, according to temperament, but one and all on the rack as + they bend over the allotted paper, or read from the well-thumbed book—the + scarcely-less-to-be-pitied row behind of future victims, “sitting + for the schools” as it is called, ruthlessly brought hither by + statutes, to watch the sufferings they must hereafter undergo—should fill + the friend of suffering humanity with thoughts too deep for tears. Through + the long day till four o'clock, or later, the torture lasts. Then the last + victim is dismissed; the men who are “sitting for the schools” + fly all ways to their colleges, silently, in search of relief to their + over-wrought feelings—probably also of beer, the undergraduate's universal + specific. The beadles close those ruthless doors for a mysterious + half-hour on the examiners. Outside in the quadrangle collect by twos and + threes the friends of the victims, waiting for the reopening of the door, + and the distribution of the “testamurs.” The testamurs, lady + readers will be pleased to understand, are certificates under the hands of + the examiners that your sons, brothers, husbands, perhaps, have + successfully undergone the torture. But, if husbands, oh, go not + yourselves, and send not your sons to wait for the testamur of the head of + your house; for Oxford has seldom seen a sight over which she would more + willingly draw the veil, with averted face, than that of the youth rushing + wildly, dissolved in tears from the schools' quadrangle, and shouting, + “Mamma! papa's plucked! papa's plucked!” + </p> + <p> + The examination is nearly over which is to decide the academical fate of + some of our characters; the paper-work of the candidates for honors has + been going on for the last week. Every morning our three St. Ambrose + acquaintances have mustered with the rest for the anxious day's work, + after such breakfasts as they have been able to eat under the + circumstances. They take their work in very different ways. Grey rushes + nervously back to his rooms whenever he is out of the schools for ten + minutes, to look up dates and dodges. He worries himself sadly over every + blunder which he discovers himself to have made, and sits up nearly all + night cramming, always hoping for a better to-morrow. Blake keeps up his + affected carelessness to the last, quizzing the examiners, laughing over + the shots he has been making in the last paper. His shots, it must be + said, turn out well for the most part; in the taste paper particularly, as + they compare notes, he seems to have almost struck the bull's-eye in his + answers to one or two questions which Hardy and Grey have passed over + altogether. When he is wide of the mark, he passes it off with some + jesting remark; “that a fool can ask in five minutes more questions + than a wise man can answer in a week,” or wish “that the + examiners would play fair, and change sides of the table for an hour with + the candidates for a finish.” But he, too, though he does it on the + sly, is cramming with his coach at every available spare moment. Hardy had + finished his reading a full thirty-six hours before the first day of + paper-work, and had braced himself for the actual struggle by two good + nights' rest and a long day on the river with Tom. He had worked hard from + the first, and so had really mastered his books. And now, feeling that he + had fairly and honestly done his best, and that if he fails it will be + either from bad luck or natural incapacity, and not from his own fault, he + manages to keep a cooler head than any of his companions in trouble. + </p> + <p> + The week's paper-work passed off uneventfully; then comes the + <i>viva voce</i> + work for the candidates for honors. They go in, in alphabetical order, + four a day, for one more day's work, the hardest of all, and then there is + nothing more to do but wait patiently for the class list. On these days + there is a good attendance in the enclosed space to which the public are + admitted. The front seats are often occupied by the private tutors of the + candidates, who are there, like Newmarket trainers, to see the performance + of their stables, marking how each colt bears pressing, and comports + himself when the pinch comes. They watch the examiners, too, carefully to + see what line they take, whether science or history, or scholarship is + likely to tell most, that they may handle the rest of their starts + accordingly. Behind them, for the most part on the hindermost benches of + the flight of raised steps, anxious younger brothers and friends sit, for + a few minutes at a time, flitting in and out in much unrest, and making + the objects of their solicitude more nervous than ever by their sympathy. + </p> + <p> + It is now the afternoon of the second day of the <i>viva voce</i> + examinations in honors. Blake is one of the men in. His tutor, Hardy, + Grey, Tom, and other St. Ambrose men, have all been in the schools more or + less during his examination, and now Hardy and Tom are waiting outside the + doors for the issuing of the testamurs. + </p> + <p> + The group is small enough. It is so much of course that a class-man should + get his testamur that there is no excitement about it; generally the man + himself stops to receive it. + </p> + <p> + The only anxious faces in the group are Tom's and Hardy's. They have not + exchanged a word for the last few minutes in their short walk before the + door. Now the examiners come out and walk away towards their colleges, and + the next minute the door again opens and the clerk of the schools appears + with a slip of paper in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Now you'll see if I am not right,” said Hardy, as they + gathered to the door with the rest. “I tell you there isn't the + least chance for him.” + </p> + <p id='linkimage-0006'></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0318.jpg" alt="0318 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0318.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p> + The clerk read out the names inscribed on the testamurs which he held, and + handed them to the owners. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you one for Mr. Blake of St. Ambrose?” said Tom + desperately as the clerk was closing the door. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; none but those I have just given out,” answered the + clerk, shaking his head. The door closed, and they turned away in silence + for the first minute. + </p> + <p> + “I told you how it would be,” said Hardy, as they passed out + of the south gate into the Ratcliff Quadrangle. + </p> + <p>“But he seemed to be doing so well when I was in.”</p> + <p> + “You were not there at the time. I thought at first they would have + sent him out of the schools at once.” + </p> + <p>“In his divinity, wasn't it?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; he was asked to repeat one of the Articles, and didn't know + three words of it. From that moment I saw it was all over. The examiner + and he both lost their tempers, and it went from bad to worse, till the + examiner remarked that he could have answered one of the questions he was + asking when he was ten years old, and Blake replied, so could he. They + gave him a paper in divinity afterwards, but you could see there was no + chance for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow! what will he do, do you think? How will he take + it?” + </p> + <p> + “I can' tell. But I'm afraid it will be a very serious matter for + him. He was the ablest man in our year too. What a pity.” + </p> + <p> + They got into St. Ambrose just as the bell for afternoon chapel was going + down, and went in. Blake was there, and one look showed him what had + happened. In fact he had expected nothing else all day since his breakdown + in the Articles. Tom couldn't help watching him during chapel; and + afterwards, on that evening, acknowledged to a friend that whatever else + you might think of Blake, there was no doubt about his gameness. + </p> + <p> + After chapel he loitered outside the door in the quadrangle, talking just + as usual, and before hall he loitered on the steps in well-feigned + carelessness. Everybody else was thinking of his breakdown; some with real + sorrow and sympathy; others as of any other nine days' wonder—pretty much + as if the favourite for the Derby had broken down; others with + ill-concealed triumph, for Blake had many enemies amongst the men. He + himself was conscious enough of what they were thinking, but maintained + his easy, gay manner through it all, though the effort it cost him was + tremendous. The only allusion he made to what had happened which Tom heard + was when he asked him to wine. + </p> + <p> + “Are you engaged to-night, Brown?” he said. Tom answered in + the negative. “Come to me, then” he went on. “You won't + get another chance in St. Ambrose. I have a few bottles of old wine left; + we may as well floor them; they won't bear moving to a hall with their + master.” + </p> + <p> + And then he turned to some other men and asked them, everyone in fact who + he came across, especially the dominant fast set with whom he had chiefly + lived. These young gentlemen (of whom we had a glimpse at the outset, but + whose company we have carefully avoided ever since, seeing that their + sayings and doings were of a kind of which the less said the better) had + been steadily going on in their way, getting more and more idle, reckless + and insolent. Their doings had been already so scandalous on several + occasions as to call for solemn meetings of the college authorities; but, + no vigorous measures having followed, such deliberations had only made + matters worse, and given the men a notion that they could do what they + pleased with impunity. This night the climax had come; it was as though + the flood of misrule had at last broken banks and overflowed the whole + college. + </p> + <p> + For two hours the wine party in Blake's large ground-floor rooms was kept + up with a wild, reckless mirth, in keeping with the host's temper. Blake + was on his mettle. He had asked every man with whom he had a speaking + acquaintance, as if he wished to face out his disaster at once to the + whole world. Many of the men came feeling uncomfortable, and would sooner + have stayed away and treated the pluck as real misfortune. But after all + Blake was the best judge of how he liked to be treated, and, if he had a + fancy for giving a great wine on the occasion, the civilest thing to do + was to go to it. And so they went, and wondered as much as he could desire + at the brilliant coolness of their host, speculating and doubting + nevertheless in their own secret hearts whether it wasn't acting after + all. Acting it was, no doubt, and not worth the doing; no acting is. But + one must make allowances. No two men take a thing just alike, and very few + can sit down quietly when they have lost a fall in life's wrestle, and + say: “Well, here I am, beaten no doubt this time. But my own fault, + too. Now, take a good look at me, my good friends, as I know you all want + to do, and say your say out, for I mean getting up again directly and + having another turn at it.” + </p> + <p> + Blake drank freely himself, and urged his guests to drink, which was a + superfluous courtesy for the most part. Many of the men left his room + considerably excited. They had dispersed for an hour or so to billiards, + or a stroll in the town, and at ten o'clock reassembled at supper parties, + of which there were several in college this evening, especially a monster + one at Chanter's rooms—a “champagne supper,” as he had + carefully and ostentatiously announced on the cards of invitation. + </p> + <p> + This flaunting the champagne in their faces had been resented by Drysdale + and others, who drank his champagne in tumblers, and then abused it and + clamored for beer in the middle of the supper. Chanter, whose prodigality + in some ways was only exceeded by his general meanness, had lost his + temper at this demand, and insisted that, if they wanted beer, they might + send for it themselves, for he wouldn't pay for it. This protest was + treated with uproarious contempt, and gallons of ale soon made their + appearance in college jugs and tankards. The tables were cleared, and + songs (most of them of more than doubtful character), cigars, and all + sorts of compounded drinks, from claret cup to egg flip, succeeded. The + company, recruited constantly as men came into the college, was getting + more and more excited every minute. The scouts cleared away and carried + off the relics of the supper, and then left; still the revel went on, + till, by midnight, the men were ripe for any mischief or folly which those + among them who retained any brains at all could suggest. The signal for + breaking up was given by the host's falling from his seat. + </p> + <p> + Some of the men rose with a shout to put him to bed, which they + accomplished with difficulty, after dropping him several times, and left + him to snore off the effects of his debauch with one of his boots on. + Others took to doing what mischief occurred to them in his rooms. One man + mounted on a chair with a cigar in his mouth which had gone out, was + employed in pouring the contents of a champagne bottle with unsteady hand + into the clock on the mantel-piece. Chanter was a particular man in this + sort of furniture, and his clock was rather a specialty. It was a large + bronze figure of Atlas, supporting the globe in the shape of a time-piece. + Unluckily, the maker, not anticipating the sort of test to which his work + would be subjected, had ingeniously left the hole for winding up in the + top of the clock, so that unusual facilities existed for drowning the + world-carrier, and he was already almost at his last tick. One or two men + were morally aiding and abetting, and physically supporting the + experimenter on clocks, who found it difficult to stand to his work by + himself. Another knot of young gentlemen stuck to the tables, and so + continued to shout out scraps of song, sometimes standing on their chairs, + and sometimes tumbling off them. Another set were employed on the amiable + work of pouring beer and sugar into three new pairs of polished leather + dress boots, with colored tops to them, which they discovered in the + dressing-room. Certainly, as they remarked, Chanter could have no possible + use for so many dress boots at once, and it was a pity the beer should be + wasted; but on the whole, perhaps, the materials were never meant for + combination, and had better have been kept apart. Others had gone away to + break into the kitchen, headed by one who had just come into college and + vowed he would have some supper; and others, to screw up an unpopular + tutor, or to break into the rooms of some inoffensive freshman. The + remainder mustered on the grass in the quadrangle, and began playing + leap-frog and larking one another. Amongst these last was our hero, who + had been at Blake's wine and one of the quieter supper parties; and, + though not so far gone as most of his companions, was by no means in a + state in which he would have cared to meet the Dean. He lent his hearty + aid accordingly to swell the noise and tumult, which was becoming + something out of the way even for St. Ambrose's. As the leap-frog was + flagging, Drysdale suddenly appeared carrying some silver plates which + were used on solemn occasions in the common room, and allowed to be issued + on special application for gentlemen-commoners' parties. A rush was made + towards him. + </p> + <p>“Halloa, here's Drysdale with lots of swag,” shouted one.</p> + <p>“What are you going to do with it?” cried another.</p> + <p> + Drysdale paused a moment with the peculiarly sapient look of a tipsy man + who has suddenly lost the thread of his ideas, and then suddenly broke out + with— + </p> + <p>“Hang it! I forgot. But let's play at quoits with them.”</p> + <p> + The proposal was received with applause, and the game began, but Drysdale + soon left it. He had evidently some notion in his head which would not + suffer him to turn to anything else till he had carried it out. He went + off accordingly to Chanter's rooms, while the quoits went on in the front + quadrangle. + </p> + <p> + About this time, however, the Dean and bursar, and the tutors who lived in + college, began to be conscious that something unusual was going on. They + were quite used to distant choruses, and great noises in the men's rooms, + and to a fair amount of shouting and skylarking in the quadrangle, and + were long-suffering men, not given to interfering, but there must be an + end to all endurance, and the state of things which had arrived could no + longer be met by a turn in bed and a growl at the uproars and follies of + undergraduates. + </p> + <p> + Presently some of the rioters on the grass caught sight of a figure + gliding along the side quadrangle towards the Dean's staircase. A shout + arose that the enemy was up, but little heed was paid to it by the greater + number. Then another figure passed from the Dean's staircase to the + porter's lodge. Those of the men who had any sense left saw that it was + time to quit, and, after warning the rest, went off towards their rooms. + Tom, on his way to his staircase, caught sight of a figure seated in a + remote corner of the inner quadrangle, and made for it, impelled by + natural curiosity. He found Drysdale seated on the ground with several + silver tankards by his side, employed to the best of his powers in digging + a hole with one of the college carving-knives. + </p> + <p> + “Halloa, Drysdale! what are you up to?” he shouted, laying his + hand on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Providing for posterity,” replied Drysdale, gravely, without + looking up. + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce do you mean? Don't be such an ass. The Dean will be + out in a minute. Get up and come along.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, old fellow,” said Drysdale, somewhat + inarticulately, and driving his knife into the ground again, “the + dons are going to spout the college plate. So I am burying these articles + for poshterity—” + </p> + <p> + “Hang posterity,” said Tom; “come along directly, or + you'll be caught and rusticated.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to bed, Brown—you're drunk, Brown,” replied Drysdale, + continuing his work, and striking the carving-knife into the ground so + close to his own thigh that it made Tom shudder. + </p> + <p> + “Here they are then,” he cried the next moment, seizing + Drysdale by the arm, as a rush of men came through the passage into the + quadrangle, shouting and tumbling along, and making in small groups for + the different stair-cases. The Dean and two of the tutors followed, and + the porter bearing a lantern. There was no time to be lost; so Tom, after + one more struggle to pull Drysdale up and hurry him off, gave it up, and + leaving him to his fate, ran across to his own staircase. + </p> + <p> + For the next half-hour the Dean and his party patrolled the college, and + succeeded at the last in restoring order, though not without some + undignified and disagreeable passages. The lights on the staircases, which + generally burnt all night, were of course put out as they approached. On + the first staircase which they stormed, the porter's lantern was knocked + out of his hand by an unseen adversary, and the light put out on the + bottom stairs. On the first landing the bursar trod on a small terrier + belonging to a fast freshman, and the dog naturally thereupon bit the + bursar's leg; while his master and other <i>enfants perdus</i>, taking + advantage of the diversion, rushed down the dark stairs, past the party of + order, and into the quadrangle, where they scattered amidst a shout of + laughter. While the porter was gone for a light, the Dean and his party + rashly ventured on a second ascent. Here an unexpected catastrophy awaited + them. On the top landing lived one of the steadiest men in college, whose + door had been tried shortly before. He had been roused out of his first + sleep, and, vowing vengeance on the next comers, stood behind his oak, + holding his brown George, or huge earthenware receptacle, half full of + dirty water, in which his bed-maker had been washing up his tea-things. + Hearing stealthy steps and whisperings on the stairs below, he suddenly + threw open his oak, discharging the whole contents of his brown George on + the approaching authorities, with a shout of, “Take that for your + skulking.” + </p> + <p> + The exasperated Dean and tutors rushing on, seized their astonished and + innocent assailant, and after receiving explanations, and the offer of + clean towels, hurried off again after the real enemy. And now the porter + appeared again with a light, and, continuing their rounds, they + apprehended and disarmed Drysdale, collected the college plate, marked + down others of the rioters, visited Chanter's rooms, held a parley with + the one of their number who was screwed up in his rooms, and discovered + that the bars had been wrenched out of the kitchen window. After which + they retired to sleep on their indignation, and quiet settled down again + on the ancient and venerable college. + </p> + <p> + The next morning at chapel many of the revellers met; in fact, there was a + fuller attendance than usual, for every one felt that something serious + must be impending. After such a night the dons must make a stand, or give + up altogether. The most reckless only of the fast set were absent. St. + Cloud was there, dressed even more precisely than usual, and looking as if + he were in the habit of going to bed at ten, and had never heard of milk + punch. Tom turned out not much the worse himself, but in his heart feeling + not a little ashamed of the whole business; of the party, the men, but, + above all, of himself. He thrust the shame back, however, as well as he + could, and put a cool face on it. Probably most of the men were in much + the same state of mind. Even in St. Ambrose's, reckless and vicious as the + college had become, by far the greater part of the undergraduates would + gladly have seen a change in the direction of order and decency, and were + sick of the wretched license of doing right in their own eyes and wrong in + every other person's. + </p> + <p> + As the men trooped out of chapel, they formed in corners of the + quadrangle, except the reading set, who went off quietly to their rooms. + There was a pause of a minute or two. Neither principal, dean, tutor, nor + fellow followed as on ordinary occasions. “They're hatching + something in the outer chapel,” said one. + </p> + <p> + “It'll be a coarse time for Chanter, I take it,” said another. + </p> + <p>“Was your name sent to the buttery for his supper?”</p> + <p> + “No, I took d-d good care of that,” said St. Cloud, who was + addressed. + </p> + <p>“Drysdale was caught, wasn't he?”</p> + <p> + “So I hear, and nearly frightened the Dean and the porter out of + their wits by staggering after them with a carving-knife.” + </p> + <p>“He'll be sacked, of course.”</p> + <p>“Much he'll care for that.”</p> + <p>“Here they come, then; by Jove, how black they look!”</p> + <p> + The authorities now came out of the antechapel door, and walked slowly + across towards the Principal's house in a body. At this moment, as + ill-luck would have it, Jack trotted into the front quadrangle, dragging + after him the light steel chain, with which he was usually fastened up in + Drysdale's scout's room at night. He came innocently towards one and + another of the groups, and retired from each much astonished at the low + growl with which his acquaintance was repudiated on all sides. + </p> + <p> + “Porter, whose dog is that?” said the Dean catching sight of + him. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Drysdale's dog, sir, I think, sir,” answered the porter. + </p> + <p> + “Probably the animal who bit me last night,” said the bursar. + His knowledge of dogs was small; if Jack had fastened on him, he would + probably have been in bed from the effects. + </p> + <p>“Turn the dog out of college,” said the Dean.</p> + <p> + “Please, sir he's a very savage dog, sir,” said the porter, + whose respect for Jack was unbounded. + </p> + <p>“Turn him out immediately,” replied the Dean.</p> + <p> + The wretched porter, arming himself with a broom, approached Jack, and + after some coaxing, managed to catch hold of the end of his chain, and + began to lead him towards the gates, carefully holding out the broom + towards Jack's nose with his other hand to protect himself. Jack at first + hauled away at his chain, and then began circling round the porter at the + full extent of it, evidently meditating an attack. Notwithstanding the + seriousness of the situation, the ludicrous alarm of the porter set the + men laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, or Jack will be pinning the wretched Copas,” said + Jervis; and he and Tom stepped up to the terrified little man, and, + releasing him, led Jack, who knew them both well, out of college. + </p> + <p> + “Were you at that supper party?” said Jervis, as they + deposited Jack with an ostler, who was lounging outside the gates, to be + taken to Drysdale's stables. + </p> + <p>“No,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear it; there will be a pretty clean sweep after last + night's doings.” + </p> + <p>“But I was in the quadrangle when they came out.”</p> + <p>“Not caught, eh?” said Jervis.</p> + <p>“No, luckily, I got to my own rooms at once.”</p> + <p>“Were any of the crew caught?”</p> + <p>“Not that I know of.”</p> + <p>“Well, we shall hear enough of it before lecture time.”</p> + <p> + Jervis was right. There was a meeting in the common room directly after + breakfast. Drysdale, anticipating his fate, took his name off before they + sent for him. Chanter and three or four others were rusticated for a year, + and Blake was ordered to go down at once. He was a scholar, and what was + to be done in his case would be settled at the meeting at the end of the + term. + </p> + <p> + For twenty-four hours it was supposed that St. Cloud had escaped + altogether; but at the end of that time he was summoned before a meeting + in the common room. The tutor whose door had been so effectually screwed + up that he had been obliged to get out of his window by a ladder to attend + morning chapel, proved wholly unable to appreciate the joke, and set + himself to work to discover the perpetrators of it. The door was fastened + with long gimlets, which had been screwed firmly in, and when driven well + home, their heads knocked off. The tutor collected the shafts of the + gimlets from the carpenter, who came to effect an entry for him; and, + after careful examination discovered the trade mark, So, putting them into + his pocket, he walked off into the town, and soon came back with the + information he required, which resulted in the rustication of St. Cloud, + an event which was borne by the college with the greatest equanimity. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards, Tom attended in the schools' quadrangle again, to be + present at the posting of the class list. This time there were plenty of + anxious faces; the quadrangle was full of them. He felt almost as nervous + himself as if he were waiting for the third gun. He thrust himself + forward, and was amongst the first who caught sight of the document. One + look was enough for him, and the next moment he was off at full speed for + St. Ambrose, and, rushing headlong into Hardy's rooms, seized him by the + hand and shook it vehemently. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right, old fellow,” he cried, as soon as he could + catch his breath; “it's all right. Four firsts; you're one of them; + well done!” + </p> + <p>“And Grey, where's he; is he all right?”</p> + <p> + “Bless me, I forgot to look,” said Tom; “I only read the + firsts, and then came off as hard as I could.” + </p> + <p>“Then he is not a first.”</p> + <p>“No; I'm sure of that.”</p> + <p>“I must go and see him; he deserved it far more than I.”</p> + <p> + “No, by Jove, old boy,” said Tom, seizing him again by the + hand, “that he didn't; nor any man that ever went into the + schools.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Brown,” said Hardy, returning his warm grip. + “You do one good. Now to see poor Grey, and to write to my dear old + father before hall. Fancy him opening the letter at breakfast the day + after to-morrow! I hope it won't hurt him.” + </p> + <p> + “Never, fear. I don't believe in people dying of joy, and anything + short of sudden death he won't mind at the price.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy hurried off, and Tom went to his own rooms, and smoked a cigar to + allay his excitement, and thought about his friend, and all they had felt + together, and laughed and mourned over in the short months of their + friendship. A pleasant, dreamy half-hour he spent thus, till the hall bell + roused him, and he made his toilette and went to his dinner. + </p> + <p> + It was with very mixed feelings that Hardy walked by the servitors' table + and took his seat with the bachelors, an equal at last amongst equals. No + man who is worth his salt can leave a place where he has gone through hard + and searching discipline, and been tried in the very depths of his heart, + without regret, however much he may have winced under the discipline. It + is no light thing to fold up and lay by forever a portion of one's life + even when it can be laid by with honor and in thankfulness. + </p> + <p> + But it was with no mixed feelings, but with a sense of entire triumph and + joy, that Tom watched his friend taking his new place, and the dons, one + after another, coming up and congratulating him, and treating him as the + man who had done honor to them and his college. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0026"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXV—COMMEMORATION</h2> + <p> + The end of the academic year was now at hand, and Oxford was beginning to + put on her gayest clothing. The college gardeners were in a state of + unusual activity, and the lawns and flower-beds which form such exquisite + settings to many of the venerable grey, gabled buildings, were as neat and + as bright as hands could make them. Cooks, butlers and their assistants + were bestirring themselves in kitchen and buttery, under the direction of + bursars jealous of the fame of their houses, in the preparation of the + abundant and solid fare with which Oxford is wont to entertain all comers. + Everything the best of its kind, no stint but no nonsense, seems to be the + wise rule which the University hands down and lives up to in these + matters. However we may differ as to her degeneracy in other departments, + all who have ever visited her will admit that in this of hospitality she + is still a great national teacher, acknowledging and preaching by example + the fact, that eating and drinking are important parts of man's life, + which are to be allowed their due prominence, and not thrust into a + corner, but are to be done soberly and thankfully, in the sight of God and + man. The coaches were bringing in heavy loads of visitors; carriages of + all kinds were coming in from the neighbouring counties; and lodgings in + the High-street were going up to fabulous prices. + </p> + <p> + In one of these High-street lodgings, on the evening of the Saturday + before Commemoration, Miss Winter and her cousin are sitting. They have + been in Oxford during the greater part of the day, having posted up from + Englebourn; but they have only just come in, for the younger lady is still + in her bonnet, and Miss Winter's lies on the table. The windows are wide + open, and Miss Winter is sitting at one of them; while her cousin is + busied in examining the furniture and decorations of their temporary home, + now commenting upon these, now pouring out praises of Oxford. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it too charming? I never dreamt that any town could be so + beautiful. Don't you feel wild about it, Katie?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the queen of towns, dear. But I know it well, you see, so + that I can't be quite so enthusiastic as you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, those dear gardens! what was the name of those ones with the + targets up, where they were shooting? Don't you remember?” + </p> + <p>“New College Gardens, on the old city wall, you mean?”</p> + <p> + “No, no. They were nice and sentimental. I should like to go and sit + and read poetry there. But I mean the big ones, the gorgeous, princely + ones, with wicked old Bishop Laud's gallery looking into them.” + </p> + <p>“Oh! St. John's, of course.”</p> + <p>“Yes, St. John's. Why do you hate Laud so, Katie?”</p> + <p> + “I don't hate him, dear. He was a Berkshire man, you know. But I + think he did a great deal of harm to the Church.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you think my new silk looked in the garden? How lucky I + brought it, wasn't it? I shouldn't have liked to have been in nothing but + muslin. They don't suit here; you want something richer amongst the old + buildings, and on the beautiful velvety turf of the gardens. How do you + think I looked?” + </p> + <p> + “You looked like a queen, dear; or a lady-in-waiting, at + least.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a lady-in-waiting on Henrietta Maria. Didn't you hear one of + the gentlemen say that she was lodged in St. John's when Charles marched + to relieve Gloucester? Ah! Can't you fancy her sweeping about the gardens, + with her ladies following her, and Bishop Laud walking just a little + behind her, and talking in a low voice about—let me see—something very + important?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mary, where has your history gone? He was Archbishop, and was + safely locked up in the Tower.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps he was; then he couldn't be with her, of course. How + stupid of you to remember, Katie. Why can't you make up your mind to enjoy + yourself when you come out for a holiday?” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't enjoy myself any the more for forgetting dates,” + said Katie, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you would though; only try. But let me see, it can't be Laud. + Then it shall be that cruel drinking old man, with the wooden leg made of + gold, who was governor of Oxford when the king was away. He must be + hobbling along after the queen in a buff coat and breastplate, holding his + hat with a long drooping white feather in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “But you wouldn't like it at all, Mary; it would be too serious for + you. The poor queen would be too anxious for gossip, and you + ladies-in-waiting would be obliged to walk after her without saying a + word.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that would be stupid. But then she would have to go away with + the old governor to write dispatches; and some of the young officers with + long hair and beautiful lace sleeves, and large boots, whom the king had + left behind, wounded, might come and walk perhaps, or sit in the sun in + the quiet gardens.” + </p> + <p> + Mary looked over her shoulder with the merriest twinkle in her eye, to see + how her steady cousin would take this last picture. “The college + authorities would never allow that,” she said quietly, still looking + out the window; “if you wanted beaus, you must have had them in + black gowns.” + </p> + <p> + “They would have been jealous of the soldiers, you think? Well, I + don't mind; the black gowns are very pleasant, only a little stiff. But + how do you think my bonnet looked. + </p> + <p> + “Charmingly, but when are you going to have done looking in the + glass? You don't care for the buildings, I believe, a bit. Come and look + at St. Mary's; there is such a lovely light on the steeple!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll come directly, but I must get these flowers right. I'm sure + there are too many in this trimming.” + </p> + <p> + Mary was trying her new bonnet on over and over again before the + mantel-glass, and pulling out and changing the places of the blush-rose + buds with which it was trimmed. Just then a noise of wheels, accompanied + by a merry tune on a cornopean, came in from the street. + </p> + <p> + “What's that, Katie?” she cried, stopping her work for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + “A coach coming up from Magdalen Bridge. I think it is a cricketing + party coming home.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let me see,” and she tripped across to the window, bonnet + in hand, and stood beside her cousin. And, then, sure enough, a coach + covered with cricketers returning from a match drove past the window. The + young ladies looked out at first with great curiosity; but, suddenly + finding themselves the mark for a whole coach load of male eyes, shrank + back a little before the cricketers had passed on towards the + “Mitre.” As the coach passed out of sight, Mary gave a pretty + toss of her head, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Well, they don't want for assurance, at any rate. I think they + needn't have stared so.” + </p> + <p> + “It was our fault,” said Katie; “we shouldn't have been + at the window. Besides, you know you are to be a lady-in-waiting on + Henrietta Maria up here, and of course you must get used to being stared + at.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, but that was to be by young gentlemen wounded in the wars, + in lace ruffles, as one sees them in pictures. That's a very different + thing from young gentlemen in flannel trousers and straw hats, driving up + the High street on coaches. I declare one of them had the impudence to bow + as if he knew you.” + </p> + <p>“So he does. That was my cousin.”</p> + <p> + “Your cousin! Ah, I remember. Then he must be my cousin, too.” + </p> + <p>“No, not at all. He is no relation of yours.”</p> + <p> + “Well I sha'n't break my heart. But is he a good partner?” + </p> + <p> + “I should say, yes. But I hardly know. We used to be a great deal + together as children, but papa has been such an invalid lately.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I wonder how uncle is getting on at the Vice-Chancellor's. + Look, it is past eight by St. Mary's. When were we to go?” + </p> + <p>“We were asked for nine.”</p> + <p> + “Then we must go and dress. Will it be very slow and stiff, Katie? I + wish we were going to something not quite so grand.” + </p> + <p>“You'll find it very pleasant, I dare say.”</p> + <p>“There won't be any dancing, though, I know, will there?”</p> + <p>“No; I should think certainly not.”</p> + <p> + “Dear me! I hope there will be some young men there—I shall be so + shy, I know, if there are nothing but wise people. How do you talk to a + Regius Professor, Katie? It must be awful.” + </p> + <p> + “He will probably be at least as uncomfortable as you, dear,” + said Miss Winter, laughing, and rising from the window; “let us go + and dress.” + </p> + <p>“Shall I wear my best gown?—What shall I put in my hair?”</p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened, and the maid-servant introduced Mr. Brown. + </p> + <p> + It was the St. Ambrose drag which had passed along shortly before, bearing + the eleven home from a triumphant match. As they came over Magdalen + Bridge, Drysdale, who had returned to Oxford as a private gentleman after + his late catastrophe, which he had managed to keep a secret from his + guardian, and was occupying his usual place on the box, called out— + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys, keep your eyes open, there must be plenty of lionesses + about;” and thus warned, the whole load, including the cornopean + player, were on the look-out for lady visitors, profanely called + lionesses, all the way up the street. They had been gratified by the sight + of several walking in the High Street or looking out of the windows, + before they caught sight of Miss Winter and her cousin. The appearance of + these young ladies created a sensation. + </p> + <p>“I say, look! up there in that first floor.”</p> + <p>“By George, they're something like.”</p> + <p>“The sitter for choice.”</p> + <p>“No, no, the standing-up one; she looks so saucy.”</p> + <p>“Hello, Brown, do you know them?”</p> + <p> + “One of them is my cousin,” said Tom, who had just been guilty + of the salutation which, as we saw, excited the indignation of the younger + lady. + </p> + <p> + “What luck!—You'll ask me to meet them—when shall it be? To-morrow + at breakfast, I vote.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, you'll introduce me before the ball on Monday? promise + now,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that I shall see anything of them,” said Tom; + “I shall just leave a pasteboard, but I'm not in the humour to be + dancing about lionizing.” + </p> + <p> + A storm of indignation arose at this speech; the notion that any of the + fraternity who had any hold on lionesses, particularly if they were + pretty, should not use it to the utmost for the benefit of the rest, and + the glory and honor of the college, was revolting to the undergraduate + mind. So the whole body escorted Tom to the door of the lodgings, + impressing upon him the necessity of engaging both his lionesses for every + hour of every day in St. Ambrose's, and left him not till they had heard + him ask for the young ladies, and seen him fairly on his way upstairs. + They need not have taken so much trouble, for in his secret soul he was no + little pleased at the appearance of creditable ladies, more or less + belonging to him, and would have found his way to see them quickly and + surely enough without any urging. Moreover, he had been really fond of his + cousin, years before, when they had been boy and girl together. + </p> + <p> + So they greeted one another very cordially, and looked one another over as + they shook hands, to see what changes time had made. He makes his changes + rapidly enough at that age, and mostly for the better, as the two cousins + thought. It was nearly three years since they had met, and then he was a + fifth-form boy and she a girl in the school-room. They were both conscious + of a strange pleasure in meeting again, mixed with a feeling of shyness + and wonder whether they should be able to step back into their old + relations. + </p> + <p> + Mary looked on demurely, really watching them, but ostensibly engaged on + the rosebud trimming. Presently Miss Winter turned to her and said, + “I don't think you two ever met before; I must introduce you, I + suppose;—my cousin Tom, my cousin Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must be cousins, too,” said Tom, holding out his + hand. + </p> + <p>“No, Katie says not,” she answered.</p> + <p> + “I don't mean to believe her, then,” said Tom; “but what + are you going to do now, to-night? Why didn't you write and tell me you + were coming?” + </p> + <p> + “We have been so shut up lately, owing to papa's bad health, that I + really had almost forgotten that you were at Oxford.” + </p> + <p>“By the bye,” said Tom, “where is uncle?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, he is dining at the Vice-Chancellor's, who is an old college + friend of his. We have only been up here three or four hours, and it has + done him so much good. I am so glad we spirited him up to coming.” + </p> + <p>“You haven't made any engagements yet, I hope?”</p> + <p> + “Indeed we have; I can't tell how many. We came in time for luncheon + in Balliol. Mary and I made it our dinner, and we have been seeing sights + ever since, and have been asked to go to I don't know how many luncheons + and breakfasts.” + </p> + <p> + “What, with a lot of dons, I suppose?” said Tom, spitefully; + “you won't enjoy Oxford, then; they'll bore you to death.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, Katie; that is just what I was afraid of,” joined + in Mary; “you remember we didn't hear a word about balls all the + afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “You haven't got your tickets for the balls, then?” said Tom, + brightening up. + </p> + <p>“No, how shall we get them?”</p> + <p>“Oh, I can manage that, I've no doubt.”</p> + <p>“Stop; how are we to go? Papa will never take us.”</p> + <p> + “You needn't think about that; anybody will chaperone you. Nobody + cares about that sort of thing at Commemoration.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I think you had better wait till I have talked to + papa.” + </p> + <p> + “Then all the tickets will be gone,” said Tom. “You must + go. Why shouldn't I chaperone you? I know several men whose sisters are + going with them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that will scarcely do, I'm afraid. But really, Mary, we must go + and dress.” + </p> + <p>“Where are you going, then?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “To an evening party at the Vice-Chancellor's; we are asked for nine + o'clock, and the half hour has struck.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang the dons; how unlucky that I didn't know before! Have you any + flowers, by the way?” + </p> + <p>“Not one.”</p> + <p> + “Then I will try to get you some by the time you are ready. May + I?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, pray, do,” said Mary. “That's capital, Katie, + isn't it? Now I shall have some thing to put in my hair; I couldn't think + what I was to wear.” + </p> + <p> + Tom took a look at the hair in question, and then left them and hastened + out to scour the town for flowers, as if his life depended on success. In + the morning he would probably have resented as insulting, or laughed at as + wildly improbable, the suggestion that he would be so employed before + night. + </p> + <p> + A double chair was drawn up opposite the door when he came back, and the + ladies were coming down into the sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + “Oh look, Katie! What lovely flowers! How very kind of you.” + </p> + <p> + Tom surrendered as much of his burden as that young lady's little round + white hands could clasp, to her, and deposited the rest on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Katie, which shall I wear—this beautiful white rose all by + itself, or a wreath of these pansies? Here, I have a wire; I can make them + up in a minute.” She turned to the glass, and held the rich + cream-white rose against her hair, and then turning on Tom, added, + “What do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought fern would suit your hair better than anything + else,” said Tom; “and so I got these leaves,” and he + picked out two slender fern-leaves. + </p> + <p> + “How very kind of you! Let me see, how do you mean? Ah! I see; it + will be charming;” and so saying, she held the leaves one in each + hand to the sides of her head, and then floated about the room for needle + and thread, and with a few nimble stitches fastened together the simple + green crown, which her cousin put on for her, making the points meet above + her forehead. Mary was wild with delight at the effect, and full of thanks + to Tom as he helped them hastily to tie up bouquets, and then, amidst much + laughing, they squeezed into the wheel chair together (as the fashions of + that day allowed two young ladies to do), and went off to their party, + leaving a last injuction on him to go up and put the rest of the flowers + in water, and to call directly after breakfast the next day. + </p> + <p> + He obeyed his orders, and pensively arranged the rest of the flowers in + the china ornaments on the mantle-piece, and in a soup plate which he got + and placed in the middle of the table, and then spent some minutes + examining a pair of gloves and other small articles of women's gear which + lay scattered about the room. The gloves particularly attracted him, and + he flattened them out and laid them on his own large brown hand, and + smiled at the contrast, and took further unjustifiable liberties with + them; after which he returned to college and endured much banter as to the + time his call had lasted, and promised to engage his cousins as he called + them, to grace some festivities in St. Ambrose's at their first spare + moment. + </p> + <p> + The next day, being Show Sunday, was spent by the young ladies in a + ferment of spiritual and other dissipation. They attended morning service + at eight at the cathedral; breakfasted at a Merton fellow's, from whence + they adjourned to University sermon. Here Mary, after two or three utterly + ineffectual attempts to understand what the preacher was meaning, soon + relapsed into an examination of the bonnets present, and the doctors and + proctors on the floor, and the undergraduates in the gallery. On the + whole, she was, perhaps, better employed than her cousin, who knew enough + of religious party strife to follow the preacher, and was made very + uncomfortable by his discourse, which consisted of an attack upon the + recent publications of the most eminent and best men in the University. + Poor Miss Winter came away with a vague impression of the wickedness of + all persons who dare to travel out of beaten tracks, and that the most + unsafe state of mind in the world is that which inquires and aspires, and + cannot be satisfied with the regulation draught of spiritual doctors in + high places. Being naturally of a reverent turn of mind, she tried to + think that the discourse had done her good. At the same time she was + somewhat troubled by the thought that somehow the best men in all times of + which she had read seemed to her to be just those whom the preacher was in + fact denouncing, although in words he had praised them as the great lights + of the Church. The words which she had heard in one of the lessons kept + running in her head, “Truly ye bear witness that ye do allow the + deeds of your fathers, for they indeed killed them, but ye build their + sepulchres.” But she had little leisure to think on the subject, + and, as her father praised the sermon as a noble protest against the + fearful tendencies of the day to Popery and Pantheism, smothered the + questionings of her own heart as well as she could, and went off to + luncheon in a common room; after which her father retired to their + lodgings, and she and her cousin were escorted to afternoon service at + Magdalen, in achieving which last feat they had to encounter a crush only + to be equaled by that at the pit entrance to the opera on a Jenny Lind + night. But what will not a delicately nurtured British lady go through + when her mind is bent either on pleasure or duty? + </p> + <p> + Poor Tom's feelings throughout the day may be more easily conceived than + described. He had called according to order, and waited at their lodgings + after breakfast. Of course they did not arrive. He had caught a distant + glimpse of them in St. Mary's, but had not been able to approach. He had + called again in the afternoon unsuccessfully, so far as seeing them was + concerned; but he had found his uncle at home, lying upon the sofa. At + first he was much dismayed by this rencontre, but, recovering his presence + mind, he proceeded, I regret to say, to take the length of the old + gentleman's foot, by entering into a minute and sympathizing in quiry into + the state of his health. Tom had no faith whatever in his uncle's + ill-health, and believed—as many persons of robust constitution are too + apt to do when brought face to face with nervous patients—that he might + shake off the whole of his maladies at any time by a resolute effort, so + that his sympathy was all a sham, though, perhaps, one may pardon it, + considering the end in view, which was that of persuading the old + gentleman to entrust the young ladies to his nephew's care for that + evening in the Long Walk; and generally to look upon his nephew, Thomas + Brown, as his natural prop and supporter in the University, whose one + object in life just now would be to take trouble off his hands, and who + was of that rare and precocious steadiness of character that he might be + as safely trusted as a Spanish duenna. To a very considerable extent the + victim fell into the toils. He had many old friends at the colleges, and + was very fond of good dinners, and long sittings afterwards. This very + evening he was going to dine at St. John's, and had been much troubled at + the idea of having to leave the unrivalled old port of that learned house + to escort his daughter and niece to the Long Walk. Still he was too easy + and good-natured not to wish that they might get there, and did not like + the notion of their going with perfect strangers. Here was a compromise. + His nephew was young, but still he was a near relation, and in fact it + gave the poor old man a plausible excuse for not exerting himself as he + felt he ought to do, which was all he ever required for shifting his + responsibilities and duties upon other shoulders. + </p> + <p> + So Tom waited quietly till the young ladies came home, which they did just + before hall-time. Mr. Winter was getting impatient. As soon as they + arrived he started for St. John's, after advising them to remain at home + for the evening, as they looked quite tired and knocked up; but if they + resolved to go to the Long Walk, his nephew would escort them. + </p> + <p> + “How can Uncle Robert say we look so tired?” said Mary, + consulting the glass on the subject; “I feel quite fresh. Of course, + Katie, you mean to go to the Long Walk?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will go,” said Tom; “I think you owe me some + amends. I came here according to order this morning, and you were not in, + and I have been trying to catch you ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “We couldn't help it,” said Miss Winter; “indeed we have + not had a minute to ourselves all day. I was very sorry to think that we + should have brought you here for nothing this morning.” + </p> + <p>“But about the Long Walk, Katie?”</p> + <p> + “Well, don't you think we have done enough for to-day? I should like + to have tea and sit quietly at home, as papa suggested.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel very tired, dear?” said Mary, seating herself by + her cousin on the sofa, and taking her hand. + </p> + <p>“No, dear, I only want a little quiet and a cup of tea.”</p> + <p> + “Then let us stay here quietly till it is time to start. When ought + we to get to the Long Walk?” + </p> + <p> + “About half-past seven,” said Tom; “you shouldn't be + much later than that.” + </p> + <p> + “There you see, Katie, we shall have two hours' perfect rest. You + shall lie upon the sofa, and I will read to you, and then we shall go on + all fresh again.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Winter smiled and said, “Very well.” She saw that her + cousin was bent on going, and she could deny her nothing. + </p> + <p> + “May I send you in anything from college?” said Tom; + “you ought to have something more than tea, I'm sure.” + </p> + <p>“Oh no, thank you. We dined in the middle of the day.”</p> + <p> + “Then I may call you about seven o'clock,” said Tom, who had + come unwillingly to the conclusion that he had better leave them for the + present. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and mind you come in good time; we mean to see the whole + sight, remember. We are country cousins.” + </p> + <p> + “You must let me call you cousin then, just for the look of the + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, just for the look of the thing, we will be cousins till + further notice.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you and Tom seem to get on together, Mary,” said Miss + Winter, as they heard the front door close. “I'm learning a lesson + from you, though I doubt whether I shall ever be able to put it in + practice. What a blessing it must be not to be shy!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you shy, then?” said Mary, looking at her cousin with a + playful loving smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dreadfully. It is positive pain to me to walk into a room + where there are people I do not know.” + </p> + <p> + “But I feel that too. I'm sure, now, you were much less embarrassed + than I last night at the Vice Chancellor's. I quite envied you, you seemed + so much at your ease.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I? I would have given anything to be back here quietly. But it + is not the same thing with you. You have no real shyness, or you would + never have got on so fast with my cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I don't feel at all shy with him,” said Mary, laughing. + “How lucky it is that he found us out so soon. I like him so much. + There is a sort of way about him, as if he couldn't help himself. I am + sure one could turn him round one's finger. Don't you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not so sure of that. But he always was soft-hearted, poor boy. + But he isn't a boy any longer. You must take care, Mary. Shall we ring for + tea?” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0027"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXVI—THE LONG WALK IN CHRISTCHURCH MEADOWS</h2> + <p> + “Do well unto thyself and men will speak good of thee,” is a + maxim as old as King David's time, and just as true now as it was then. + Hardy had found it so since the publication of the class list. Within a + few days of that event it was known that his was a very good first. His + college tutor had made his own inquiries, and repeated on several + occasions in a confidential way the statement that, “with the + exception of a want of polish in his Latin and Greek verses, which we + seldom get except in the most finished public school men—Etonians in + particular—there has been no better examination in the schools for several + years.” The worthy tutor went on to take glory to the college, and + in a lower degree to himself. He called attention, in more than one common + room, to the fact that Hardy had never had any private tuition, but had + attained his intellectual development solely in the + <i>curriculum</i> provided by St. Ambrose's College for the training of + the youth entrusted to her. “He himself, indeed,” he would + add, “had always taken much interest in Hardy, and had, perhaps, + done more for him than would be possible in every case, but only with + direct reference to, and in supplement of the college course.” + </p> + <p> + The Principal had taken marked and somewhat pompous notice of him, and had + graciously intimated his wish, or, perhaps I should say, his will (for he + would have been much astonished to be told that a wish of his could count + for less than a royal mandate to any man who had been one of his + servitors) that Hardy should stand for a fellowship, which had lately + fallen vacant. A few weeks before, this excessive affability and + condescension of the great man would have wounded Hardy; but, somehow, the + sudden rush of sunshine and prosperity, though it had not thrown him off + his balance, or changed his estimate of men and things had pulled a sort + of comfortable sheath over his sensitiveness, and gave him a second skin, + as it were, from which the Principal's shafts bounded off innocuous, + instead of piercing and rankling. At first, the idea of standing for a + fellowship at St Ambrose's was not pleasant to him. He felt inclined to + open up entirely new ground for himself, and stand at some other college, + where he had neither acquaintance nor association. But on second thoughts, + he resolved to stick to his old college, moved thereto partly by the + lamentations of Tom when he heard of his friends meditated emigration but + chiefly by the unwillingness to quit a hard post for an easier one, which + besets natures like his to their own discomfort, but, may one hope, to the + single benefit of the world at large. Such men may see clearly enough all + the advantages of a move of this kind—may quite appreciate the ease which + it would bring them—may be impatient with themselves for not making it at + once, but when it comes to the actual leaving the old post, even though it + may be a march out with all the honours of war, drums beating and colors + flying, as it would have been in Hardy's case, somehow or another, nine + times out of ten, they throw up the chance at the last moment, if not + earlier; pick up their old arms—growling perhaps at the price they are + paying to keep their own self-respect—and shoulder back into the press to + face their old work, muttering, “We are asses; we don't know what's + good for us; but we must see this job through somehow, come what + may.” + </p> + <p> + So Hardy stayed on at St. Ambrose, waiting for the fellowship examination, + and certainly, I am free to confess, not a little enjoying the change in + his position and affairs. + </p> + <p> + He had given up his low dark back rooms to the new servitor, his + successor, to whom he had presented all the rickety furniture, except his + two Windsor chairs and Oxford reading-table. The intrinsic value of the + gift was not great, certainly, but was of importance to the poor raw boy + who was taking his place; and it was made with the delicacy of one who + knew the situation. Hardy's good offices did not stop here. Having tried + the bed himself for upwards of three long years, he knew all the hard + places, and was resolved while he stayed up that they should never chafe + another occupant as they had him. So he set himself to provide stuffing, + and took the lad about with him, and cast a skirt of his newly-acquired + mantle of respectability over him, and put him in the way of making + himself as comfortable as circumstances would allow, never disguising from + him all the while that the bed was not to be a bed of roses. In which + pursuit, though not yet a fellow, perhaps he was qualifying himself better + for a fellowship than he could have done by any amount of cramming for + polish in his versification. Not that the electors of St. Ambrose would be + likely to hear of or appreciate this kind of training. Polished + versification would no doubt have told more in that quarter. But we who + are behind the scenes may disagree with them, and hold that he who is thus + acting out and learning to understand the meaning of the word + “fellowship,” is the man for our votes. + </p> + <p> + So Hardy had left his rooms and gone out of college into lodgings near at + hand. The sword, epaulettes, and picture of his father's old ship—his + tutelary divinities, as Tom called them—occupied their accustomed places + in his new rooms, except that there was a looking-glass over the + mantel-piece here, by the side of which the sword hung—instead of in the + centre, as it had done while he had no such luxury. His Windsor chairs + occupied each side of the pleasant window of his sitting-room, and already + the taste for luxuries of which he had so often accused himself to Tom + began to peep out in the shape of one or two fine engravings. Altogether + fortune was smiling on Hardy, and he was making the most of her, like a + wise man, having brought her round by proving that he could get on without + her, and was not going out of the way to gain her smiles. Several men came + at once, even before he had taken his B. A. degree, to read with him, and + others applied to know whether he would take a reading party in the long + vacation. In short, all things went well with Hardy, and the Oxford world + recognized the fact, and tradesmen and college servants became obsequious, + and began to bow before him, and recognize him as one of their lords and + masters. + </p> + <p> + It was to Hardy's lodgings that Tom repaired straight-way, when he left + his cousin by blood, and cousin by courtesy, at the end of the last + chapter. For, running over in his mind all his acquaintance, he at once + fixed upon Hardy as the man to accompany him in escorting the ladies to + the Long Walk. Besides being his own most intimate friend, Hardy was the + man whom he would prefer to all others to introduce to ladies now. + “A month ago it might have been different,” Tom thought; + “he was such an old guy in his dress. But he has smartened up, and + wears as good a coat as I do, and looks well enough for anybody, though he + never will be much of a dresser. Then he will be in a bachelor's gown too, + which will look respectable.” + </p> + <p> + “Here you are; that's all right; I'm so glad you're in,” he + said as he entered the room. “Now I want you to come to the Long + Walk with me to-night.” + </p> + <p>“Very well—will you call for me?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, and mind you come in your best get-up, old fellow; we shall + have two of the prettiest girls who are up, with us.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't want me then; they will have plenty of escort.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it. They are deserted by their natural guardian, my + old uncle, who has gone out to dinner. Oh, it's all right; they are my + cousins, more like sisters, and my uncle knows we are going. In fact it + was he who settled that I should take them.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, but you see I don't know them.”</p> + <p> + “That doesn't matter, I can't take them both myself—I must have + somebody with me, and I'm so glad to get the chance of introducing you to + some of my people. You'll know them all, I hope, before long.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I should like it very much, if you are sure it's all + right.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was perfectly sure as usual, and so the matter was arranged. Hardy was + very much pleased and gratified at this proof of his friend's confidence; + and I am not going to say that he did not shave again, and pay most + unwonted attention to his toilet before the hour fixed for Tom's return. + The fame of Brown's lionesses had spread through St. Ambrose's already, + and Hardy had heard of them as well as other men. There was something so + unusual to him in being selected on such an occasion, when the smartest + men in the college were wishing and plotting for that which came to him + unasked, that he may be pardoned for feeling something a little like + vanity, while he adjusted the coat which Tom had recently thought of with + such complacency, and looked in the glass to see that his gown hung + gracefully. The effect on the whole was so good, that Tom was above + measure astonished when he came back, and could not help indulging in some + gentle chaff as they walked towards the High-street arm in arm. + </p> + <p> + The young ladies were quite rested, and sitting dressed and ready for + their walk, when Tom and Hardy were announced, and entered the room. Miss + Winter rose up, surprised and a little embarrassed at the introduction of + a total stranger in her father's absence. But she put a good face on the + matter, as became a well-bred young woman, though she secretly resolved to + lecture Tom in private, as he introduced “My great friend, Mr. + Hardy, of our college. My cousins.” Mary dropped a pretty little + demure courtesy, lifting her eyes for one moment for a glance at Tom which + said as plain as look could speak, “Well, I must say you are making + the most of your new-found relationship.” He was a little put out + for a moment, but then recovered himself, and said apologetically, + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardy is a bachelor, Kate—I mean a Bachelor of Arts, and he + knows all the people by sight up here. We couldn't have gone to the Walk + without some one to show us the lions.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I'm afraid you give me too much credit,” said Hardy. + “I know most of our dons by sight, certainly, but scarcely any of + the visitors.” + </p> + <p> + The awkwardness of Tom's attempted explanation set everything wrong again. + </p> + <p> + Then came one of those awkward pauses which will occur so very provokingly + at the most inopportune times. Miss Winter was seized with one of the + uncontrollable fits of shyness, her bondage to which she had so lately + been grieving over to Mary; and in self-defence, and without meaning in + the least to do so, drew himself up, and looked as proud as you please. + </p> + <p> + Hardy, whose sensitiveness was almost as keen as a woman's, felt in a + moment the awkwardness of the situation, and became as shy as Miss Winter + herself. If the floor would have suddenly opened, and let him through into + the dark shop, he would have been thankful; but, as it would not, there he + stood, meditating a sudden retreat from the room and a tremendous + onslaught on Tom, as soon as he could catch him alone, for getting him + into such a scrape. Tom was provoked with them all for not at once feeling + at ease with one another, and stood twirling his cap by the tassel, and + looking fiercely at it, resolved not to break the silence. He had been at + all the trouble of bringing about this charming situation, and now nobody + seemed to like it, or to know what to say or do. They ought to get + themselves out of it as they could, for anything he cared; he was not + going to bother himself any more. + </p> + <p> + Mary looked in the glass, to see that her bonnet was quite right, and then + from one to another of her companions, in a little wonder at their + unaccountable behavior, and a little pique that two young men should be + standing there like unpleasant images, and not availing themselves of the + privilege of trying, at least, to make themselves agreeable to her. + Luckily, however, for the party, the humorous side of the tableau struck + her with great force, so that when Tom lifted his misanthropic eyes for a + moment, and caught hers, they were so full of fun that he had nothing to + do but to allow herself, not without a struggle, to break first into a + smile and then into a laugh. This brought all eyes to bear on him, and the + ice, being once broken, dissolved as quickly as it had gathered. + </p> + <p> + “I really can't see what there is to laugh at, Tom,” said Miss + Winter, smiling herself, nevertheless, and blushing a little, as she + worked or pretended to work at buttoning one of her gloves. + </p> + <p> + “Can't you, Kate? Well, then, isn't it very ridiculous, and enough + to make one laugh, that we four should be standing here in a sort of + Quaker's meeting, when we ought to be half-way to the Long Walk by this + time?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh do let us start,” said Mary; “I know we shall be + missing all the best of the sight. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, then,” said Tom, leading the way down stairs, and + Hardy and the ladies followed, and they descended into the High Street, + walking all abreast, the two ladies together, with a gentleman on either + flank. This formation answered well enough on High Street, the broad + pavement of that celebrated thoroughfare being favourable to an advance in + line. But when they had wheeled into Oriel Lane the narrow pavement at + once threw the line into confusion, and after one or two fruitless + attempts to take up the dressing, they settled down into the more natural + formation of close column of couples, the leading couple consisting of + Mary and Tom, and the remaining couple of Miss Winter and Hardy. It was a + lovely midsummer evening, and Oxford was looking her best under the genial + cloudless sky, so that, what with the usual congratulations on the + weather, and explanatory remarks on the buildings as they passed along, + Hardy managed to keep up a conversation with his companion without much + difficulty. Miss Winter was pleased with his quiet, deferential manner, + and soon lost her feeling of shyness; and, before Hardy had come to the + end of such remarks as it occurred to him to make, she was taking her fair + share in the talk. In describing their day's doings she spoke with + enthusiasm of the beauty of Magdalen Chapel, and betrayed a little + knowledge of traceries and mouldings, which gave an opening to her + companion to travel out of the weather and the names of colleges. Church + architecture was just one of the subjects which was sure at that time to + take more or less hold on every man at Oxford whose mind was open to the + influences of the place. Hardy had read the usual text-books, and kept his + eyes open as he walked about the town and neighborhood. To Miss Winter he + seemed so learned on the subject, that she began to doubt his tendencies, + and was glad to be reassured by some remarks which fell from him as to the + University sermon which she had heard. She was glad to find that her + cousin's most intimate friend was not likely to lead him into the errors + of Tractarianism. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the leading couple were getting on satisfactorily in their own + way. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it good of Uncle Robert? He says that he shall feel quite + comfortable as long as you and Katie are with me. In fact, I feel quite + responsible already, like an old dragon in a story-book watching a + treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but what does Katie say to being made a treasure of? She has + to think a good deal for herself; and I am afraid you are not quite + certain of being our sole knight and guardian because Uncle Robert wants + to get rid of us. Poor old uncle!” + </p> + <p>“But you wouldn't object, then?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, no—at least, not unless you take to looking as cross as + you did just now in our lodgings. Of course, I'm all for dragons who are + mad about dancing, and never think of leaving a ball-room till the band + packs up and the old man shuffles in to put out the lights.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall be a model dragon,” said Tom. Twenty-four hours + earlier he had declared that nothing should induce him to go to the balls; + but his views on the subject had been greatly modified, and he had been + worrying all his acquaintance, not unsuccessfully, for the necessary + tickets, ever since his talk with his cousins on the preceding evening. + </p> + <p> + The scene became more and more gay and lively as they passed out of + Christchurch towards the Long Walk. The town turned out to take its share + in the show; and citizens of all ranks, the poorer ones accompanied by + children of all ages, trooped along cheek by jowl with members of the + University, of all degrees, and their visitors, somewhat indeed to the + disgust of certain of these latter, many of whom declared that the whole + thing was spoilt by the miscellaneousness of the crowd, and that + “those sort of people” ought not to be allowed to come to the + Long Walk on Show Sunday. However, “those sort of people” + abounded nevertheless, and seemed to enjoy very much, in sober fashion, + the solemn march up and down beneath the grand avenue of elms in the midst + of their betters. + </p> + <p> + The University was there in strength, from the Vice-Chancellor downwards. + Somehow or another, though it might seem an unreasonable thing at first + sight for grave and reverend persons to do, yet most of the gravest of + them found some reason for taking a turn in the Long Walk. As for the + undergraduates, they turned out almost to a man, and none of them more + certainly than the young gentlemen, elaborately dressed, who had sneered + at the whole ceremony as snobbish an hour or two before. + </p> + <p> + As for our hero, he sailed into the meadows thoroughly satisfied for the + moment with himself and his convoy. He had every reason to be so, for + though there were many gayer and more fashionably dressed ladies present + than his cousin, and cousin by courtesy, there were none there whose + faces, figures and dresses carried more unmistakably the marks of that + thorough quiet high breeding, that refinement which is no mere surface + polish, and that fearless unconsciousness which looks out from pure + hearts, which are still, thank God, to be found in so many homes of the + English gentry. + </p> + <p> + The Long Walk was filling rapidly, and at every half-dozen paces Tom was + greeted by some of his friends or acquaintance, and exchanged a word or + two with them. But he allowed them one after another to pass by without + effecting any introduction. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have a great many acquaintances,” said his + companion, upon whom none of these salutations were lost. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course; one gets to know a great many men up here.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be very pleasant. But does it not interfere a great deal + with your reading?” + </p> + <p> + “No; because one meets them at lectures, and in hall and chapel. + Besides,” he added in a sudden fit of honesty, “it is my first + year. One doesn't read much in one's first year. It is a much harder thing + than people think to take to reading, except just before an + examination.” + </p> + <p> + “But your great friend who is walking with Katie—what did you say + his name is?” + </p> + <p>“Hardy.”</p> + <p>“Well, he is a great scholar, didn't you say?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, he has just taken a first class. He is the best man of his + year.” + </p> + <p> + “How proud you must be of him! I suppose, now, he is a great + reader?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is great at everything. He is nearly the best oar in our + boat. By the way, you will come to the procession of boats to-morrow + night? We are the head boat on the river.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I hope so. Is it a pretty sight? Let us ask Katie about + it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the finest sight in the world,” said Tom, who had never + seen it; “twenty-four eight oars with their flags flying, and all + the crews in uniform. You see the barges over there, moored along the side + of the river? You will sit on one of them as we pass.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think I do,” said Mary, looking across the meadow in + the direction in which he pointed; “you mean those great gilded + things. But I don't see the river.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we walk round there. It won't take up ten minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “But we must not leave the Walk and all the people. It is so amusing + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will wear our colors at the procession to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if Katie doesn't mind. At least if they are pretty. What are + your colors?” + </p> + <p> + “Blue and white. I will get you some ribbons to-morrow + morning.” + </p> + <p>“Very well, and I will make them up into rosettes.”</p> + <p> + “Why, do you know them?” asked Tom, as she bowed to two + gentlemen in masters' caps and gowns, whom they met in the crowd. + </p> + <p>“Yes; at least we met them last night.”</p> + <p>“But do you know who they are?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; they were introduced to us, and I talked a great deal to + them. And Katie scolded me for it when we got home. No; I won't say + scolded me, but looked very grave over it.” + </p> + <p>“They are two of the leaders of the Tractarians.”</p> + <p> + “Yes. That was the fun of it. Katie was so pleased and interested + with them at first; much more than I was. But when she found out who they + were, she fairly ran away, and I stayed and talked on. I don't think they + said anything very dangerous. Perhaps one of them wrote No. 90. Do you + know?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say. But I don't know much about it. However, they must have + a bad time of it, I should think, up here with the old dons.” + </p> + <p> + “But don't you think one likes people who are persecuted? I declare + I would listen to them for an hour, though I didn't understand a word, + just to show them that I wasn't afraid of them, and sympathized with them. + How can people be so ill-natured? I'm sure they only write what they + believe and think will do good.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what most of us feel,” said Tom; “we hate + to see them put down because they don't agree with the swells up here. + You'll see how they will be cheered in the Theatre.” + </p> + <p>“Then they are not unpopular and persecuted after all?”</p> + <p> + “Oh yes, by the dons. And that's why we all like them. From + fellow-feeling you see, because the dons bully them and us equally.” + </p> + <p>“But I thought they were dons too?”</p> + <p> + “Well, so they are, but not regular dons, you know, like the + proctors, and deans, and that sort.” + </p> + <p> + His companion did not understand this delicate distinction, but was too + much interested in watching the crowd to inquire further. + </p> + <p> + Presently they met two of the heads of houses walking with several + strangers. Everyone was noticing them when they passed, and of course Tom + was questioned as to who they were. Not being prepared with an answer, he + appealed to Hardy, who was just behind them talking to Miss Winter. They + were some of the celebrities on whom honorary degrees were to be + conferred, Hardy said; a famous American author, a foreign ambassador, a + well-known Indian soldier, and others. Then came some more M.A.'s, one of + whom this time bowed to Miss Winter. + </p> + <p>“Who was that, Katie?”</p> + <p> + “One of the gentlemen we met last night. I did not catch his name, + but he was very agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I remember. You were talking to him for a long time after you + ran away from me. I was very curious to know what you were saying, you + seemed so interested.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you seem to have made the most of your time last + night,” said Tom; “I should have thought, Katie, you would + hardly have approved of him either.” + </p> + <p>“But who is he?”</p> + <p> + “Why, the most dangerous man in Oxford. What do they call him—a + Germanizer and a rationalist, isn't it, Hardy?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I believe so,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “Oh, think of that! There, Katie; you had much better have stayed by + me after all. A Germanizer, didn't you say? What a hard word. It must be + much worse than Tractarian, isn't it, now?” + </p> + <p> + “Mary dear, pray take care; everybody will hear you,” said + Miss Winter. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I thought that everybody would listen to me,” replied + Miss Mary. “But I really will be quiet, Katie, only I must know + which is the worst, my Tractarians or your Germanizer?” + </p> + <p>“Oh, the Germanizer, of course,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “But why?” said Hardy, who could do no less than break a lance + for his companion. Moreover, he happened to have strong convictions on + these subjects. + </p> + <p> + “Why? Because one knows the worst of where the Tractarians are + going. They may go to Rome and there's an end of it. But the Germanizers + are going into the abysses, or no one knows where.” + </p> + <p> + “There, Katie, you hear, I hope,” interrupted Miss Mary, + coming to her companion's rescue before Hardy could bring his artillery to + bear, “but what a terrible place Oxford must be. I declare it seems + quite full of people whom it is unsafe to talk with.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were, if they were all like Miss Winter's friend,” + said Hardy. And then the crowd thickened and they dropped behind again. + Tom was getting to think more of his companion and less of himself every + minute, when he was suddenly confronted in the walk by Benjamin, the Jew + money-lender, smoking a cigar, and dressed in a gaudy figured satin + waistcoat and waterfall of the same material, and resplendent with + jewelry. He had business to attend to in Oxford at this time of the year. + Nothing escaped the eyes of Tom's companion. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that?” she said; “what a dreadful-looking man! + Surely he bowed as if he knew you?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say. He is impudent enough for anything,” said Tom. + </p> + <p>“But who is he?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, a rascally fellow who sells bad cigars and worse wine.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's equanimity was much shaken by the apparition of the Jew. The + remembrance of the bill scene at the Public house in the Corn-market, and + the unsatisfactory prospect in that matter, with Blake plucked and + Drysdale no longer a member of the University, and utterly careless as to + his liabilities, came across him, and made him silent and absent. + </p> + <p> + He answered at hazard to his companion's remarks for the next minute or + two, until after some particularly inappropriate reply, she turned her + head and looked at him for a moment with steady wide open eyes, which + brought him to himself, or rather drove him into himself, in no time. + </p> + <p> + “I really beg your pardon,” he said; “I was very rude, I + fear. It is so strange to me to be walking here with ladies. What were you + saying?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of any consequence—I really forget. But it is a very + strange thing for you to walk with ladies here?” + </p> + <p> + “Strange! I should think it was! I have never seen a lady that I + knew up here, till you came.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! but there must be plenty of ladies living in Oxford?” + </p> + <p>“I don't believe there are. At least, we never see them,”</p> + <p> + “Then you ought to be on your best behavior when we do come. I shall + expect you now to listen to everything I say, and to answer my silliest + questions.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, you ought not to be so hard on us.”</p> + <p> + “You mean that you find it hard to answer silly questions? How wise + you must all grow, living up here together!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps. But the wisdom doesn't come down to the first-year men; + and so—” + </p> + <p>“Well, why do you stop?”</p> + <p> + “Because I was going to say something you might not like.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I insist on hearing it. Now, I shall not let you off. You were + saying that wisdom does not come so low as first-year men; and + so—what?” + </p> + <p>“And so—and so, they are not wise.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, of course; but that was not what you were going to say; and + so—” + </p> + <p> + “And so they are generally agreeable, for wise people are always + dull; and so—ladies ought to avoid the dons.” + </p> + <p>“And not avoid first-year men?”</p> + <p>“Exactly so.”</p> + <p> + “Because they are foolish, and therefore fit company for ladies. + Now, really—” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; because they are foolish, and, therefore, they ought to be + made wise; and ladies are wiser than dons.” + </p> + <p> + “And therefore, duller, for all wise people, you said, were + dull.” + </p> + <p> + “Not all wise people; only people who are wise by cramming,—as dons; + but ladies are wise by inspiration.” + </p> + <p> + “And first-year men, are they foolish by inspiration and agreeable + by cramming, or agreeable by inspiration and foolish by cramming?” + </p> + <p> + “They are agreeable by inspiration in the society of ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they can never be agreeable, for you say they never see + ladies.” + </p> + <p>“Not with the bodily eye, but with the eye of fancy.”</p> + <p>“Then their agreeableness must be all fancy.”</p> + <p> + “But it is better to be agreeable in fancy than dull in + reality.” + </p> + <p> + “That depends upon whose fancy it is. To be agreeable in your own + fancy is compatible with being dull in reality as—” + </p> + <p> + “How you play with words! I see you won't leave me a shred either of + fancy or agreeableness to stand on.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall do you good service. I shall destroy your illusions; + you cannot stand on illusions.” + </p> + <p> + “But remember what my illusions were—fancy and agreeableness.” + </p> + <p> + “But your agreeableness stood on fancy, and your fancy on nothing. + You had better settle down at once on the solid basis of dullness like the + dons.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am to found myself on fact, and try to be dull? What a + conclusion! But perhaps dullness is no more a fact than fancy; what is + dullness?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I do not undertake to define; you are the best judge.” + </p> + <p> + “How severe you are! Now, see how generous I am. Dullness in society + is the absence of ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, poor Oxford! Who is that in the velvet sleeves? Why do you + touch your cap?” + </p> + <p> + “That is the Proctor. He is our Cerberus; he has to keep all + undergraduates in good order.” + </p> + <p>“What a task! He ought to have three heads.”</p> + <p> + “He has only one head, but it is a very long one. And he has a tail + like any Basha, composed of pro-proctors, marshals and bull-dogs, and I + don't know what all. But to go back to what we were saying—” + </p> + <p> + “No, don't let us go back. I'm tired of it; besides you were just + beginning about dullness. How can you expect me to listen now?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but do listen, just for two minutes. Will you be serious? I do + want to know what you really think when you hear the case.” + </p> + <p>“Well, I will try—for two minutes, mind.”</p> + <p> + Upon gaining which permission, Tom went off into an interesting discourse + on the unnaturalness of men's lives at Oxford, which it is by no means + necessary to inflict on our readers. + </p> + <p> + As he was waxing eloquent and sentimental, he chanced to look from his + companion's face for a moment in search of a simile, when his eyes + alighted on that virtuous member of society, Dick, the factotum of + “The Choughs,” who was taking his turn in the Long Walk with + his betters. Dick's face was twisted into an uncomfortable grin; his eyes + were fixed on Tom and his companion; and he made a sort of half motion + towards touching his hat, but couldn't quite carry it through, and so + passed by. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! ain't he a going of it again,” he muttered to himself; + “jest like 'em all.” + </p> + <p> + Tom didn't hear the words, but the look had been quite enough for him, and + he broke off short in his speech, and turned his head away, and, after two + or three flounderings which Mary seemed not to notice, stopped short, and + let Miss Winter and Hardy join them. + </p> + <p> + “It's getting dark,” he said, as they came up; “the Walk + is thinning; ought we not to be going? Remember, I am in charge.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I think it is time.”</p> + <p>At this moment the great Christchurch bell—Tom by name—began to toll.</p> + <p> + “Surely that can't be Tom?” Miss Winter said, who had heard + the one hundred and one strokes on former occasions. + </p> + <p>“Indeed it is, though.”</p> + <p>“But how very light it is.”</p> + <p> + “It is almost the longest day in the year, and there hasn't been a + cloud all day.” + </p> + <p> + They started to walk home all together, and Tom gradually recovered + himself, but left the labouring oar to Hardy, who did his work very well, + and persuaded the ladies to go on and see the Ratcliffe by moonlight—the + only time to see it, as he said, because of the shadows—and just to look + in at the old quadrangle of St. Ambrose. + </p> + <p> + It was almost ten o'clock when they stopped at the lodgings in + High-street. While they were waiting for the door to be opened, Hardy + said— + </p> + <p> + “I really must apologize, Miss Winter, to you, for my intrusion + to-night. I hope your father will allow me to call on him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes! pray do; he will be so glad to see any friend of my + cousin's.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I can be of any use to him; or to you, or your + sister—” + </p> + <p>“My sister! Oh, you mean Mary? She is not my sister.”</p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon. But I hope you will let me know if there is + anything I can do for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed we will. Now, Mary, papa will be worrying about us.” + And so the young ladies said their adieus and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you told me they were sisters,” said Hardy, as the two + walked away towards college. + </p> + <p>“No, did I? I don't remember.”</p> + <p>“But they are your cousins?”</p> + <p>“Yes, at least Katie is. Don't you like her?”</p> + <p> + “Of course, one can't help liking her. But she says you have not met + for two years or more.” + </p> + <p>“No more we have.”</p> + <p> + “Then I suppose you have seen more of her companion lately?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you must know, I never saw her before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say that you took me in there tonight when you + had never seen one of the young ladies before, and the other not for two + years! Well, upon my word, Brown—” + </p> + <p> + “Now don't blow me up, old fellow, to-night—please don't. There, I + give in. Don't hit a fellow when he's down. I'm so low.” Tom spoke + in such a depreciating tone that Hardy's wrath passed away. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what's the matter?” he said. “You seemed to be + full of talk. I was envying your fluency I know, often.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk! yes so I was. But didn't you see Dick in the Walk? You have + never heard anything more?” + </p> + <p>“No! but no news is good news.”</p> + <p> + “Heigho! I'm awfully down. I want to talk to you. Let me come + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along then.” And so they disappeared into Hardy's + lodgings. + </p> + <p> + The two young ladies, meanwhile, soothed old Mr. Winter, who had eaten and + drank more than was good for him, and was naturally put out thereby. They + soon managed to persuade him to retire, and then followed themselves—first + to Mary's room, where that young lady burst out at once, “What a + charming place it is! Oh! didn't you enjoy your evening, Katie!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I felt a little awkward without a chaperone. You seemed to + get on very well with my cousin. You scarcely spoke to us in the Long Walk + till just before we came away. What were you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + Mary burst into a gay laugh. “All sorts of nonsense,” she + said. “I don't think I ever talked so much nonsense in my life. I + hope he isn't shocked. I don't think he is. But I said anything that came + into my head. I couldn't help it. You don't think it wrong?” + </p> + <p>“Wrong, dear? No, I'm sure you could say nothing wrong.”</p> + <p> + “I'm not so sure of that. But, Katie dear, I know there is something + on his mind.” + </p> + <p>“Why do you think so?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, because he stopped short twice, and became quite absent, and + seemed not to hear anything I said.” + </p> + <p> + “How odd! I never knew him do so. Did you see any reason for + it?” + </p> + <p> + “No; unless it was two men we passed in the crowd. One was a + vulgar-looking wretch, who was smoking—a fat black thing, with such a + thick nose, covered with jewelry—” + </p> + <p>“Not his nose, dear?”</p> + <p> + “No, but his dress; and the other was a homely, dried-up little man, + like one of your Englebourn troubles. I'm sure there is some mystery about + them, and I shall find it out. But how did you like his friend, + Katie?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much, indeed. I was rather uncomfortable at walking so long + with a stranger. But he was very pleasant, and is so fond of Tom. I am + sure he is a very good friend for him.” + </p> + <p>“He looks a good man; but how ugly!”</p> + <p> + “Do you think so? We shall have a hard day to-morrow. Good night, + dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Good night, Katie. But I don't feel a bit sleepy.” And so the + cousins kissed one another, and Miss Winter went to her own room. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0028"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXVII—LECTURING A LIONESS</h2> + <p> + The evening of Show Sunday may serve as a fair sample of what this + eventful Commemoration was to our hero. The constant intercourse with + ladies—with such ladies as Miss Winter and Mary—young, good-looking, well + spoken, and creditable in all ways, was very delightful, and the more + fascinating, from the sudden change which their presence wrought in the + ordinary mode of life of the place. They would have been charming in any + room, but were quite irrepressible in his den, which no female presence, + except that of his blowsy old bed-maker, had lightened since he had been + in possession. All the associations of the freshman's room were raised at + once. When he came in at night now, he could look sentimentally at his arm + chair (christened “The Captain,” after Captain Hardy), on + which Katie had sat to make breakfast; or at the brass peg on the door, on + which Mary had hung her bonnet and shawl, after displacing his gown. His + very teacups and saucers, which were already a miscellaneous set of + several different patterns, had made a move almost into his affections; at + least the two—one brown, one blue—which the young ladies had used. A human + interest belonged to them now, and they were no longer mere crockery. He + had thought of buying two very pretty china ones, the most expensive he + could find in Oxford, and getting them to use these for the first time, + but rejected the idea. The fine new ones, he felt, would never be the same + to him. They had come in and used his own rubbish; that was the great + charm. If he had been going to give <i>them</i> + cups, no material would have been beautiful enough; but for his own use + after them, the commoner the better. The material was nothing, the + association everything. It is marvellous the amount of healthy sentiment + of which a naturally soft-hearted undergraduate is capable by the end of + the summer term. But sentiment is not all one-sided. The delights which + spring from sudden intimacy with the fairest and best part of the + creation, are as far above those of the ordinary, unmitigated + undergraduate life, as the British citizen of 1860 is above the + rudimentary personage in prehistoric times from whom he has been gradually + improved up to his present state of enlightenment and perfection. But each + state has also its own troubles as well as its pleasures; and, though the + former are a price which no decent fellow would boggle at for a moment, it + is useless to pretend that paying them is pleasant. + </p> + <p> + Now, at Commemoration, as elsewhere, where men do congregate, if your + lady-visitors are not pretty or agreeable enough to make your friends and + acquaintances eager to know them, and to cater for their enjoyment, and + try in all ways to win their favor and cut you out, you have the + satisfaction at any rate of keeping them to yourself, though you lose the + pleasures which arise from being sought after, and made much of for their + sakes, and feeling raised above the ruck of your neighbors. On the other + hand, if they are all like this, you might as well try to keep the + sunshine and air to yourself. Universal human nature rises up against you; + and besides, they will not stand it themselves. And, indeed, why should + they? Women, to be very attractive to all sorts of different people, must + have great readiness of sympathy. Many have it naturally, and many work + hard in acquiring a good imitation of it. In the first case it is against + the nature of such persons to be monopolized for more than a very short + time; in the second, all their trouble would be thrown away if they + allowed themselves to be monopolized. Once in their lives, indeed, they + will be, and ought to be, and that monopoly lasts, or should last, + forever; but instead of destroying in them that which was their great + charm, it only deepens and widens it, and the sympathy which was before + fitful, and, perhaps, wayward, flows on in a calm and healthy stream, + blessing and cheering all who come within reach of its exhilarating and + life-giving waters. + </p> + <p> + But man of all ages is a selfish animal, and unreasonable in his + selfishness. It takes every one of us in turn many a shrewd fall in our + wrestlings with the world, to convince us that we are not to have + everything our own way. We are conscious in our inmost souls that man is + the rightful lord of creation; and, starting from this eternal principle, + and ignoring, each man-child of us in turn, the qualifying truth that it + is to man in general, including women, and not to Thomas Brown in + particular, that the earth has been given, we set about asserting our + kingships each in his own way, and proclaiming ourselves kings from our + little ant-hills of thrones. And then come the strugglings and the + down-fallings, and some of us learn our lesson, and some learn it not. But + what lesson? That we have been dreaming in the golden hours when the + vision of a kingdom rose before us? That there is in short no kingdom at + all, or that, if there be, we are no heirs of it? + </p> + <p> + No—I take it that, while we make nothing better than that out of our + lesson, we shall have to go on spelling at it and stumbling over it, + through all the days of our life, till we make our last stumble, and take + our final header out of this riddle of a world, which we once dreamed we + were to rule over, exclaiming “vanitas vanitatum” to the end. + But man's spirit will never be satisfied without a kingdom, and was never + intended to be satisfied so; and One wiser than Solomon tells us day by + day that our kingdom is about us here, and that we may rise up and pass in + when we will at the shining gates which He holds open, for that it is His, + and we are joint heirs of it with Him. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, however, making allowances for all drawbacks, those + Commemoration days were the pleasantest days Tom had ever known at Oxford. + He was with his uncle and cousins early and late, devising all sorts of + pleasant entertainments and excursions for them, introducing all the + pleasantest men of his acquaintance and taxing the resources of the + college, which at such times were available for undergraduates as well as + their betters, to minister to their comfort and enjoyment. And he was well + repaid. There was something perfectly new to the ladies, and very piquaut + in the life and habits of the place. They found it very diverting to be + receiving in Tom's rooms, presiding over his breakfasts and luncheons, + altering the position of his furniture, and making the place look as + pretty as circumstances would allow. Then there was pleasant occupation + for every spare hour, and the fetes and amusements were all unlike + everything but themselves. Of course the ladies at once became + enthusiastic St. Ambrosians, and managed in spite of all distractions to + find time for making up rosettes and bows of blue and white, in which to + appear at the procession of the boats, which was the great event of the + Monday. Fortunately Mr. Winter had been a good oar in his day, and had + pulled in one of the first four-oars in which the University races had + commenced some thirty-five years before; and Tom, who had set his mind on + managing his uncle, worked him up almost into enthusiasm and forgetfulness + of his maladies, so that he raised no objection to a five o'clock dinner, + and an adjournment to the river almost immediately afterwards. Jervis, who + was all-powerful on the river, at Tom's instigation got an arm-chair for + him in the best part of the University barge, while the ladies, after + walking along the bank with Tom and others of the crew, and being + instructed in the colors of the different boats, and the meaning of the + ceremony, took their places in the front row on the top of the barge, + beneath the awning and the flags, and looked down with hundreds of other + fair strangers on the scene, which certainly merited all that Tom had said + of it on faith. + </p> + <p> + The barges above and below the University barge, which occupied the post + of honor, were also covered with ladies, and Christchurch Meadow swarmed + with gay dresses and caps and gowns. On the opposite side the bank was + lined with a crowd in holiday clothes, and the punts plied across without + intermission loaded with people, till the groups stretched away down the + towing path in an almost continuous line to the starting place. Then one + after another of the racing-boats, all painted and polished up for the + occasion, with the college flags drooping at their sterns, put out and + passed down to their stations, and the bands played, and the sun shone his + best. And then, after a short pause of expectation, the distant bank + became all alive, and the groups all turned one way, and came up the + towing path again, and the foremost boat with the blue and white flag shot + through the Gut and came up the reach, followed by another, and another, + and another, till they were tired of counting, and the leading boat was + already close to them before the last had come within sight. And the bands + played up all together, and the crowd on both sides cheered as the St. + Ambrose boat spurted from the Cherwell, and took the place of honor at the + winning-post, opposite the University barge, and close under where they + were sitting. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, look, Katie dear; here they are. There's Tom, and Mr. Hardy, + and Mr. Jervis;” and Mary waved her handkerchief and clapped her + hands, and was in an ecstasy of enthusiasm, in which her cousin was no + whit behind her. The gallant crew of St. Ambrose were by no means + unconscious of, and fully appreciated, the compliment. + </p> + <p> + Then the boats passed up one by one; and, as each came opposite to the St. + Ambrose boat, the crews tossed their oars and cheered, and the St. Ambrose + crew tossed their oars and cheered in return; and the whole ceremony went + off in triumph, notwithstanding the casualty which occurred to one of the + torpids. The torpids, being filled with the refuse of the rowing + men—generally awkward or very young oarsmen—find some difficulty in the + act of tossing—no safe operation for an unsteady crew. Accordingly, the + torpid in question, having sustained her crew gallantly till the saluting + point, and allowed them to get their oars fairly into the air, proceeded + gravely to turn over on her side, and shoot them out into the stream. + </p> + <p> + A thrill ran along the top of the barges, and a little scream or two might + have been heard even through the notes of “Annie Laurie”, + which were filling the air at the moment; but the band played on, and the + crew swam ashore, and two of the punt-men laid hold of the boat and + collected the oars, and nobody seemed to think anything of it. + </p> + <p>Katie drew a long breath.</p> + <p> + “Are they all out, dear?” she said; “can you see? I can + only count eight.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I was too frightened to look. Let me see; yes, there are nine; + there's one by himself, the little man pulling the weeds off his + trousers.” + </p> + <p> + And so they regained their equanimity, and soon after left the barge, and + were escorted to the hall of St. Ambrose by the crew, who gave an + entertainment there to celebrate the occasion, which Mr. Winter was + induced to attend and pleased to approve, and which lasted till it was + time to dress for the ball, for which a proper chaperone had been + providentially found. And so they passed the days and nights of + Commemoration. + </p> + <p> + But is not within the scope of this work to chronicle all their + doings—how, notwithstanding balls at night, they were up to chapel in the + morning, and attended flower-shows at Worcester and musical promenades in + New College, and managed to get down the river for a picnic at Nuneham, + besides seeing everything that was worth seeing in all the colleges. How + it was done, no man can tell; but done it was, and they seemed only the + better for it all. They were waiting at the gates of the Theatre amongst + the first, tickets in hand, and witnessed the whole scene, wondering no + little at the strange mixture of solemnity and license, the rush and + crowding of the undergraduates into their gallery, and their free and easy + way of taking the whole proceedings under their patronage, watching every + movement in the amphitheatre and on the floor, and shouting approval and + disapproval of the heads of their republic of learning, or of the most + illustrious visitors, or cheering with equal vigor, the ladies, Her + Majesty's ministers, or the prize poems. + </p> + <p> + It is a strange scene certainly, and has probably puzzled many persons + besides young ladies. One can well fancy the astonishment of the learned + foreigner, for instance, when he sees the head of the University, which he + has reverenced at a distance from his youth up, rise in his robes in + solemn convocation to exercise one of the highest of University functions, + and hears his sonorous Latin periods interrupted by “three cheers + for the ladies in pink bonnets!” or, when some man is introduced for + an honorary degree, whose name may be known throughout the civilized + world, and the Vice-Chancellor, turning to his compeers, inquires, + “Placetne vobis, domini doctores? placetne vobis, magistri?” + and he hears the voice of doctors and masters drowned in contradictory + shouts from the young <i>demus</i> + in the gallery, “Who is he?” + </p> + <p>“Non placet!” “<i>Placet</i>!”</p> + <p> + “Why does he carry an umbrella?” It is thoroughly English, and + that is just all that need, or indeed can, be said for it all; but not one + in a hundred of us would alter it if we could, beyond suppressing some of + the personalities, which of late years have gone somewhat too far. + </p> + <p> + After the Theatre there was sumptuous lunch in All Souls', and then a fete + in St. John's Gardens. Now, at the aforesaid luncheon, Tom's feelings had + been severely tried; in fact, the little troubles, which, as has been + before hinted, are incident to persons, especially young men in his + fortunate predicament, had here come to a head. + </p> + <p> + He was separated from his cousin a little way. Being a guest, and not an + important one in the eyes of the All Souls' fellows, he had to find his + level, which was very much below that allotted to his uncle and cousins. + In short, he felt that they were taking him about, instead of he + them—which change of position was in itself trying; and Mary's conduct + fanned his slumbering discontent into a flame. There she was, sitting + between a fellow of All Souls', who was a collector of pictures and an + authority in fine art matters, and the Indian officer who had been so + recently promoted to the degree of D.C.L. in the Theatre. There she sat, + so absorbed in their conversation that she did not even hear a remark + which he was pleased to address to her. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon he began to brood on his wrongs, and to take umbrage at the + catholicity of her enjoyment and enthusiasm. So long as he had been the + medium through which she was brought in contact with others, he had been + well enough content that they should amuse and interest her; but it was a + very different thing now. + </p> + <p> + So he watched her jealously, and raked up former conversations, and came + to the conclusion that it was his duty to remonstrate with her. He had + remarked, too, that she never could talk with him now without breaking + away after a short time into badinage. Her badinage certainly was very + charming and pleasant, and kept him on the stretch; but why should she not + let him be serious and sentimental when he pleased? She did not break out + in this manner with other people. So he really felt it to be his duty to + speak to her on the subject—not in the least for his own sake, but for + hers. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, when the party broke up, and they started for the fete at St. + John's, he resolved to carry out his intentions. At first he could not get + an opportunity while they were walking about on the beautiful lawn of the + great garden, seeing and being seen, and listening to music, and looking + at choice flowers. But soon a chance offered. She stayed behind the rest + without noticing it, to examine some specially beautiful plant, and he was + by her side in a moment, and proposed to show her the smaller garden, + which lies beyond, to which she innocently consented; and they were soon + out of the crowd, and in comparative solitude. + </p> + <p> + She remarked that he was somewhat silent and grave, but thought nothing of + it, and chatted on as usual, remarking upon the pleasant company she had + been in at luncheon. + </p> + <p>This opened the way for Tom's lecture.</p> + <p> + “How easily you seem to get interested with new people!” he + began. + </p> + <p> + “Do I?” she said. “Well, don't you think it very + natural?” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't it be a blessing if people would always say just what they + think and mean, though?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and a great many do,” she replied, looking at him in + some wonder, and not quite pleased with the turn things were taking. + </p> + <p> + “Any ladies, do you think? You know we haven't many opportunities of + observing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think quite as many ladies as men. More, indeed, as far as + my small experience goes.” + </p> + <p> + “You really maintain deliberately that you have met people—men and + women—who can talk to you or anyone else for a quarter of an hour quite + honestly, and say nothing at all which they don't mean—nothing for the + sake of flattery, or effect, for instance?” + </p> + <p>“Oh dear me, yes, often.”</p> + <p>“Who, for example?”</p> + <p> + “Our cousin Katie. Why are you so suspicious and misanthropical? + There is your friend Mr. Hardy again; what do you say to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you may have hit on an exception. But I maintain the + rule.” + </p> + <p> + “You look as if I ought to object. But I sha'n't. It is no business + of mine if you choose to believe any such disagreeable thing about your + fellow-creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe anything worse about them than I do about myself. I + know that I can't do it.” + </p> + <p>“Well, I am very sorry for you.”</p> + <p>“But I don't think I am any worse than my neighbours.”</p> + <p>“I don't suppose you do. Who are your neighbors?”</p> + <p>“Shall I include you in the number?”</p> + <p>“Oh, by all means, if you like.”</p> + <p> + “But I may not mean that you are like the rest. The man who fell + among thieves, you know, had one good neighbor.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Cousin Tom,” she said, looking up with sparkling eyes, + “I can't return the compliment. You meant to make me feel that I + <i>was</i> like the rest—at least like what you say they are. You know you + did. And now you are just turning round, and trying to slip out of it by + saying what you don't mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Cousin Mary, perhaps I was. At any rate I was a great fool + for my pains. I might have known by this time that you would catch me out + fast enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you might. I didn't challenge you to set up your Palace of + Truth. But, if we are to live in it, you are not to say all the + disagreeable things and hear none of them.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, if they must be disagreeable. But why should they be? I + can't see why you and I, for instance, should not say exactly what we are + thinking to one another without being disagreeable.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't think you made a happy beginning just now.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am sure we should all like one another the better for + speaking the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I don't admit that I haven't been speaking the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't understand me. Have I said that you don't speak the + truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you said just now that I don't say what I think and mean. + Well, perhaps you didn't exactly say that, but that is what you + meant:” + </p> + <p>“You are very angry, Cousin Mary. Let us wait till—”</p> + <p> + “No, no. It was you who began, and I will not let you off + now.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then. I did mean something of the sort. It is better to + tell you than to keep it to myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and now tell me your reasons,” said Mary, looking down + and biting her lip. Tom was ready to bite his tongue off, but there was + nothing now but to go through with it. + </p> + <p> + “You make everybody that comes near you think that you are deeply + interested in them and their doings. Poor Grey believes that you are as + mad as he is about rituals and rubrics. And the boating men declare that + you would sooner see a race than go to the best ball in the world. And you + listened to the Dean's stale old stories about his schools, and went into + raptures in the Bodleian about pictures and art with that follow of All + Souls'. Even our old butler and the cook—” + </p> + <p> + Here Mary, despite her vexation, after a severe struggle to control it, + burst into a laugh, which made Tom pause. + </p> + <p> + “Now you can't say that I am not really fond of jellies,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “And you can't say that I have said anything so very + disagreeable.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, but you have, though.”</p> + <p>“At any rate I have made you laugh.”</p> + <p>“But you didn't mean to do it. Now, go on.”</p> + <p> + “I have nothing more to say. You see my meaning, or you never + will.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have nothing more to say, you should not have said so + much,” said Mary. “You wouldn't have me rude to all the people + I meet, and I can't help it if the cook thinks I am a glutton.” + </p> + <p> + “But you could help letting Grey think that you should like to go + and see his night schools.” + </p> + <p>“But I should like to see them of all things.”</p> + <p> + “And I suppose you would like to go through the manuscripts in the + Bodleian with the Dean. I heard you talking to him as if it was the + dearest wish of your heart, and making a half engagement to go with him + this afternoon, when, you know that you are tired to death of him, and so + full of other engagements that you don't know where to turn.” + </p> + <p> + Mary began to bite her lips again. She felt half inclined to cry, and half + inclined to get up and box his ears. However she did neither, but looked + up after a moment or two and said— + </p> + <p>“Well, have you any more unkind words to say?”</p> + <p>“Unkind, Mary?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, they <i>are</i> unkind. How can I enjoy anything now when I + shall know you are watching me, and thinking all sorts of harm of + everything I say and do? However, it doesn't much matter, for we go + to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “But you will give me credit at least for meaning you well.” + </p> + <p>“I think you are very jealous and suspicious.”</p> + <p>“You don't know how you pain me when you say that.”</p> + <p>“But I must say what I think.”</p> + <p> + Mary set her little mouth, and looked down, and began tapping her boot + with her parasol. There was an awkward silence while Tom considered within + himself whether she was not right, and whether, after all, his own + jealousy had not been the cause of the lecture he had been delivering, + much more than any unselfish wish for Mary's improvement. + </p> + <p> + “It is your turn now,” he said presently, leaning forward with + his elbows on his knees, and looking hard at the gravel. “I may have + been foolishly jealous, and I thank you for telling me so. But you can + tell me a great deal more if you will, quite as good for me to + hear.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have nothing to say. I daresay you are open and true, and + have nothing to hide or disguise, not even about either of the men we met + in the Long Walk on Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + He winced at this random shaft as if he had been stung, and she saw that + it had gone home, and repented the next moment. The silence became more + and more embarrassing. By good luck, however, their party suddenly + appeared strolling towards them from the large garden. + </p> + <p> + “Here are Uncle Robert and Katie, and all of them. Let us join + them.” + </p> + <p> + She rose up, and he with her, and as they walked towards the rest, he said + quickly in a low voice, “Will you forgive me if I have pained you? I + was very selfish, and I am sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, we were both very foolish, but we won't do it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Here you are at last. We have been looking for you + everywhere,” said Miss Winter, as they came up. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure I don't know how we missed you. We came straight from the + music tent to this seat, and have not moved. We knew you must come by + sooner or later.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is quite out of the way. It is quite by chance that we came + round here.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't Uncle Robert tired, Katie?” said Tom; “he doesn't + look well this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + Katie instantly turned to her father, and Mr. Winter declared himself to + be much fatigued. So they wished their hospitable entertainers good-bye, + and Tom hurried off and got a wheel chair for his uncle, and walked by his + side to their lodgings. The young ladies walked near the chair also, + accompanied by one or two of their acquaintances; in fact they could not + move without an escort. But Tom never once turned his head for a glance at + what was going on, and talked steadily on to his uncle, that he might not + catch a stray word of what the rest were saying. Despite of all this + self-denial, however, he was quite aware somehow when he made his bow at + the door that Mary had been very silent all the way home. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Winter retired to his room to lie down, and his daughter and niece + remained in the sitting-room. Mary sat down and untied her bonnet, but did + not burst into her usual flood of comments on the events of the day. Miss + Winter looked at her and said— + </p> + <p>“You look tired, dear, and over-excited.”</p> + <p>“Oh yes, so I am. I've had such a quarrel with Tom.”</p> + <p>“A quarrel—you're not serious?”</p> + <p> + “Indeed I am, though. I quite hated him for five minutes at + least.” + </p> + <p>“But what did he do?”</p> + <p> + “Why, he taunted me with being too civil to everybody, and it made + me so angry. He said I pretended to take an interest in ever so many + things, just to please people, when I didn't really care about them. And + it isn't true, now, Katie, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear. He never could have said that. You must have + misunderstood him.” + </p> + <p> + “There, I knew you would say so. And if it were true, I'm sure it + isn't wrong. When people talk to you, it 's so easy to seem pleased and + interested in what they are saying; and then they like you, and it is so + pleasant to be liked. Now, Katie, do you ever snap people's noses off, or + tell them you think them very foolish, and that you don't care, and that + what they are saying is all of no consequence?” + </p> + <p>“I, dear? I couldn't do it to save my life.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I was sure you couldn't. And he may say what he will, but I am + quite sure he would not have been pleased if we had not made ourselves + pleasant to his friends.” + </p> + <p> + “That's quite true. He has told me himself half a dozen times how + delighted he was to see you so popular.” + </p> + <p>“And you too, Katie?”</p> + <p> + “Oh yes. He was very well pleased with me. But it is you who have + turned all the heads in the college, Mary. You are Queen of St. Ambrose + beyond a doubt just now.” + </p> + <p>“No, no, Katie; not more than you at any rate.”</p> + <p> + “I say yes, yes, Mary. You will always be ten times as popular as I; + some people have the gift of it; I wish I had. But why do you look so + grave again?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Katie, don't you see you are just saying over again, only in a + different way, what your provoking cousin—I shall call him Mr. Brown, I + think, in future—was telling me for my good in St. John's gardens. You saw + how long we were away from you; well, he was lecturing me all the time, + only think; and now you are going to tell it me all over again. But go on, + dear; I sha'n't mind anything from you.” + </p> + <p> + She put her arm round her cousin's waist, and looked up playfully into her + face. Miss Winter saw at once that no great harm, perhaps some good, had + been done in the passage of arms between her relatives. + </p> + <p> + “You made it all up,” she said, smiling, “before we + found you.” + </p> + <p> + “Only just, though. He begged my pardon just at last, almost in a + whisper, when you were quite close to us.” + </p> + <p>“And you granted it?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, of course; but I don't know that I shall not recall it.” + </p> + <p> + “I was sure you would be falling out before long, you got on so + fast. But he isn't quite so easy to turn round your finger as you thought, + Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't know that,” said Mary, laughing; “you saw + how humble he looked at last, and what good order he was in.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear, it's time to think whether we shall go out + again.” + </p> + <p>“Let me see; there's the last ball. What do you say?”</p> + <p> + “Why, I'm afraid poor papa is too tired to take us, and I don't know + with whom we could go. We ought to begin packing, too I think.” + </p> + <p>“Very well. Let us have tea quietly at home.”</p> + <p> + “I will write a note to Tom to tell him. He has done his best for + us, poor fellow, and we ought to consider him a little.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, and ask him and his friend Mr. Hardy to tea, as it is the + last night.” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish it, I shall be very glad; they will amuse papa.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, and then he will see that I bear him no malice. And now + I will go and just do my hair.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; and we will pack after they leave. How strange home will + seem after all this gayety.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, we seem to have been here a month.”</p> + <p> + “I do hope we shall find all quiet at Englebourn. I am always afraid + of some trouble there.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0029"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXVIII—THE END OF THE FRESHMAN'S YEAR</h2> + <p> + On the morning after Commemoration, Oxford was in a bustle of departure. + The play had been played, the long vacation had begun, and visitors and + members seemed equally anxious to be off. At the gates of the colleges, + groups of men in travelling-dresses waited for the coaches, omnibuses, + dog-carts and all manner of vehicles, which were to carry them to the + Great Western railway station at Steventon, or elsewhere, to all points of + the compass. Porters passed in and out with portmanteaus, gun-cases, and + baggage of all kinds, which they piled outside the gates, or carried off + to “The Mitre” or “The Angel,” under the vigorous + and not too courteous orders of the owners. College servants flitted round + the groups to take instructions, and, it so might be, to extract the + balances of extortionate bills out of their departing masters. + Dog-fanciers were there also, holding terriers; and scouts from the + cricketing grounds, with bats and pads under their arms; and hostlers, and + men from the boats, all on the same errand of getting the last shilling + out of their patrons—a fawning, obsequious crowd for the most part, with + here and there a sturdy Briton who felt that he was only there for his + due. + </p> + <p> + Through such a group, at the gate of St. Ambrose, Tom and Hardy passed + soon after breakfast time, in cap and gown, which costume excited no small + astonishment. + </p> + <p>“Hullo, Brown, old fellow! ain't you off this morning?”</p> + <p>“No, I shall be up for a day or two yet.”</p> + <p> + “Wish you joy. I wouldn't be staying up over to-day for + something.” + </p> + <p> + “But you'll be at Henley to-morrow?” said Diogenes, + confidently, who stood at the gate in boating coat and flannels, a big + stick and knapsack, waiting for a companion, with whom he was going to + walk to Henley. + </p> + <p> + “And at Lord's on Friday,” said another. “It will be a + famous match. Come and dine somewhere afterwards, and go to the Haymarket + with us.” + </p> + <p> + “You know the Leander are to be at Henley,” put in Diogenes; + “and Cambridge is very strong. There will be a splendid race for the + cup, but Jervis thinks we are all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Bother your eternal races! Haven't we had enough of them + already?” said the Londoner. “You had much better come up to + the little village at once, Brown, and stay there while the coin + lasts.” + </p> + <p>“If I get away at all, it will be to Henley,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Of course, I knew that,” said Diogenes, triumphantly, + “our boat ought to be on for the ladies' plate. If only Jervis were + not in the University crew! I thought you were to pull at Henley, + Hardy?” + </p> + <p> + “I was asked to pull, but I couldn't manage the time with the + schools coming on, and when the examinations were over it was too late. + The crew were picked and half trained, and none of them have broken + down.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Every one of them stood putting through the sieve? They must + be a rare crew, then,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “You're right,” said Diogenes. “Oh, here you are at + last,” he added, as another man in flannels and knapsack came out of + college. “Well, good-bye all, and a pleasant vacation; we must be + off, if we are to be in time to see our crew pull over the course + to-night;” and the two marched off towards Magdalen Bridge. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove!” remarked a fast youth, in most elaborate toilette, + looking after them, “fancy two fellows grinding off to Henley, five + miles an hour, in this sun, when they might drop up to the metropolis by + train in half the time? Isn't it marvellous?” + </p> + <p>“I should like to be going with them,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “Well, there's no accounting for tastes. Here's our coach.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, then;” and Tom shook hands, and, leaving the coach + to get packed with portmanteaus, terriers, and undergraduates, he and + Hardy walked off towards the High-street. + </p> + <p>“So you're not going to-day?” Hardy said.</p> + <p> + “No; two or three of my old schoolfellows are coming up to stand for + scholarships, and I must be here to receive them. But it's very unlucky; I + should have liked so to have been at Henley.” + </p> + <p> + “Look, their carriage is already at the door,” said Hardy, + pointing up High-street, into which they now turned. There were a dozen + postchaises and carriages loading in front of different houses in the + street, and amongst them Mr. Winter's old-fashioned travelling barouche. + </p> + <p> + “So it is,” said Tom; “that's some of uncle's + fidgetiness; but he will be sure to dawdle at the last. Come along + in.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think I had better stay downstairs? It may seem + intrusive.” + </p> + <p> + “No, come along. Why, they asked you to come and see the last of + them last night, didn't they?” + </p> + <p> + Hardy did not require any further urging to induce him to follow his + inclination; so the two went up together. The breakfast things were still + on the table, at which sat Miss Winter, in her bonnet, employed in + examining the bill, with the assistance of Mary, who leant over her + shoulder. She looked up as they entered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I'm so glad you are come. Poor Katie is so bothered, and I + can't help her. Do look at the bill; is it all right?” + </p> + <p>“Shall I, Katie?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, please do. I don't see anything to object to, except, perhaps, + the things I have marked. Do you think we ought to be charged half a crown + a day for the kitchen fire?” + </p> + <p>“Fire in June! and you have never dined at home once?”</p> + <p>“No, but we have had tea several times.”</p> + <p> + “It is a regular swindle,” said Tom, taking the bill and + glancing at it. “Here, Hardy, come and help me cut down this + precious total.” + </p> + <p> + They sat down to the bill, the ladies willingly giving place. Mary tripped + off to the glass to tie her bonnet. + </p> + <p> + “Now that is all right!” she said merrily; “why can't + one go on without bills or horrid money?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why can't one?” said Tom, “that would suit most of + our complaints. But where's uncle; has he seen the bill?” + </p> + <p> + “No; Papa is in his room; he must not be worried, or the journey + will be too much for him.” + </p> + <p> + Here the ladies'-maid arrived, with a message that her father wished to + see Miss Winter. + </p> + <p> + “Leave your money, Katie,” said her cousin, “this is + gentlemen's business, and Tom and Mr. Hardy will settle it all for us, I + am sure.” + </p> + <p> + Tom professed his entire willingness to accept the charge, delighted at + finding himself reinstated in his office of protector at Mary's + suggestion. Had the landlord been one or his own tradesmen, or the bill + his own bill, he might not have been so well pleased, but, as neither of + these was the case, and he had Hardy to back him, he went into the matter + with much vigor and discretion, and had the landlord up, made the proper + deductions, and got the bill settled and receipted in a few minutes. Then + he and Hardy addressed themselves to getting the carriage comfortably + packed, and vied with one another in settling and stowing away in the most + convenient places, the many little odds and ends which naturally accompany + young ladies and invalids on their travels; in the course of which + employment he managed to snatch a few words here and there with Mary and + satisfied himself that she bore him no ill-will for the events of the + previous day. + </p> + <p> + At last all was ready for the start, and Tom reported the fact in the + sitting-room. “Then I will go and fetch papa,” said Miss + Winter. + </p> + <p> + Tom's eyes met Mary's at the moment. He gave a slight shrug with his + shoulders, and said, as the door closed after his cousin, “Really I + have no patience with Uncle Robert, he leaves poor Katie to do + everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and how beautifully she does it all, without a word or, I + believe, a thought of complaint! I could never be so patient.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is a pity. If Uncle Robert were obliged to exert + himself, it would be much better for him. Katie is only spoiling him and + wearing herself out.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is very easy for you and me to think and say so. But he is + her father, and then he is really an invalid. So she goes on devoting + herself to him more and more, and feels she can never do too much for + him.” + </p> + <p> + “But if she believed it would be better for him to exert himself? + I'm sure it is the truth. Couldn't you try to persuade her?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; it would only worry her, and be so cruel. But then I am + not used to give advice,” she added, after a moment's pause, looking + demurely at her gloves; “It might do good, perhaps, now, if you were + to speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + “You think me so well qualified, I suppose, after the specimen you + had yesterday? Thank you; I have had enough of lecturing for the + present.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much obliged to you, really, for what you said to + me,” said Mary, still looking at her gloves. + </p> + <p> + The subject was a very distasteful one to Tom. He looked at her for a + moment to see whether she was laughing at him, and then broke it off + abruptly— + </p> + <p>“I hope you have enjoyed your visit?”</p> + <p> + “Oh yes, so very much. I shall think of it all the summer.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall you be all the summer?” asked Tom. “Not so + very far from you. Papa has taken a house only eight miles from + Englebourn, and Katie says you live within a day's drive of them.” + </p> + <p>“And shall you be there all the vacation?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; and we hope to get Katie over often. Could not you come and + meet her? it would be so pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you think I might? I don't know your father or + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; papa and mamma are very kind, and will ask anybody I like. + Besides, you are a cousin, you know.” + </p> + <p>“Only up at Oxford, I am afraid.”</p> + <p> + “Well now, you will see. We are going to have a great archery party + next month, and you shall have an invitation.” + </p> + <p>“Will you write it for me yourself?”</p> + <p>“Very likely; but why?”</p> + <p> + “Don't you think I shall value a note in your hand more than—” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense; now, remember your lecture. Oh here are Uncle Robert and + Katie.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Winter was very gracious, and thanked Tom for all his attentions. He + had been very pleased, he said, to make his nephew's acquaintance again so + pleasantly, and hoped he would come and pass a day or two at Englebourn in + the vacation. In his sad state of health he could not do much to entertain + a young man, but he could procure him some good fishing and shooting in + the neighborhood. Tom assured his uncle that nothing would please him so + much as a visit to Englebourn. Perhaps the remembrance of the distance + between that parish and the place where Mary was to spend the summer may + have added a little to his enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “I should have liked also to have thanked your friend for his + hospitality,” Mr. Winter went on. “I understood my daughter to + say he was here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he was here just now,” said Tom; “he must be + below, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “What, that good Mr. Hardy?” said Mary, who was looking out of + the window; “there he is in the street. He has just helped Hopkins + into the rumble, and handed her things to her just as if she were a + duchess. She has been so cross all the morning, and now she looks quite + gracious.” + </p> + <p>“Then I think, papa, we had better start.”</p> + <p> + “Let me give you an arm down stairs, uncle,” said Tom; and so + he helped his uncle down to the carriage, the two young ladies following + behind, and the landlord standing with obsequious bows at his shop door, + and looking as if he had never made an overcharge in his life. + </p> + <p> + While Mr. Winter was making his acknowledgments to Hardy, and being helped + by him into the most comfortable seat in the carriage, Tom was making + tender adieus to the two young ladies behind, and even succeeded in + keeping a rose-bud which Mary was carrying, when they took their seats. + She parted from it half-laughingly, and the post-boy cracked his whip and + the barouche went lumbering along High-street. Hardy and Tom watched it + until it turned down St. Aldate's towards Folly Bridge, the latter waving + his hand as it disappeared, and then they turned and strolled slowly away + side by side in silence. The sight of all the other departures increased + the uncomfortable, unsatisfied feeling which that of his own relatives had + already produced in Tom's mind. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it isn't lively stopping up here when everybody is going, is + it? What is one to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Oughtn't you to be looking after your friends who are coming up to + try for the scholarships?” + </p> + <p>“No, they won't be up till afternoon, by coach.”</p> + <p>“Shall we go down to the river, then?”</p> + <p>“No, it would be miserable. Hullo, look here, what's up?”</p> + <p> + The cause of Tom's astonishment was the appearance of the usual procession + of university beadles carrying silver-headed maces, and escorting the + Vice-Chancellor towards St. Mary's. + </p> + <p> + “Why, the bells are going for service; there must be a university + sermon. Is it a saint's day?” + </p> + <p> + “Where's the congregation to come from? Why, half Oxford is off by + this time, and those that are left won't want to be hearing + sermons.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know. A good many seem to be going. I wonder who is + to preach?” + </p> + <p>“I vote we go. It will help to pass the time.”</p> + <p> + Hardy agreed, and they followed the procession and went up into the + gallery of St. Mary's. There was a very fair congregation in the body of + the church, and the staffs of the colleges had not yet broken up, and even + in the gallery the undergraduates mustered in some force. The restless + feeling which had brought our hero there seemed to have had a like effect + on most of the men who were for one reason or another unable to start on + that day. + </p> + <p> + Tom looked steadily into his cap during the bidding prayer, and sat down + composedly afterwards, expecting not to be much interested or benefitted, + but comforted with the assurance that at any rate it would be almost + luncheon time before he would be again thrown on his own resources. But he + was mistaken in his expectations, and before the preacher had been + speaking for three minutes, was all attention. The sermon was upon the + freedom of the Gospel, the power by which it bursts all bonds and lets the + oppressed go free. Its burthen was, “Ye shall know the truth, and + the truth shall make you free.” The preacher dwelt on many sides of + these words; the freedom of nations, of societies, of universities, of the + conscience of each individual man, were each glanced at in turn; and then, + reminding his hearers of the end of the academical year, he went on— + </p> + <p> + “We have heard it said in the troubles and toils and temptations of + the world,* 'Oh that I could begin life over again! oh that I could fall + asleep, and wake up twelve, six, three mouths hence, and find my + difficulties solved!' That which we may vainly wish elsewhere, by a happy + Providence is furnished to us by the natural divisions of meeting and + parting in this place. To everyone of us, old and young, the long vacation + on which we are now entering gives us a breathing space, and time to break + the bonds which place and circumstance have woven round us during the year + that is past. From all our petty cares, and confusions, and intrigues; + from the dust and clatter of this huge machinery amidst which we labor and + toil; from whatever cynical contempt of what is generous and devout; from + whatever fanciful disregard of what is just and wise; from whatever gall + of bitterness is secreted in our best motives; from whatever bonds of + unequal dealings in which we may have entangled ourselves or others, we + are now for a time set free. We stand on the edge of a river which shall + for a time at least sweep them away—that ancient river, the Kishon, the + river of fresh thoughts, and fresh scenes, and fresh feelings, and fresh + hopes—one surely amongst the blessed means whereby God's free and loving + grace works out our deliverance, our redemption from evil, and renews the + strength of each succeeding year, so that we may 'mount up again as + eagles, may run and not be weary, may walk and not faint.'” + </p> + <p> + “And if, turning to the younger part of my hearers, I may still more + directly apply this general lesson to them. Is there no one who, in some + shape or other, does not feel the bondage of which I have been speaking? + He has something on his conscience; he has something on his mind; + extravagance, sin, debt, falsehood. Every morning in the first few minutes + after waking, it is the first thought that occurs to him. He drives it + away in the day; he drives it off by recklessness, which only binds it + more and more closely round him. Is there any one who has ever felt, who + is at this moment feeling this grievous burden. What is the deliverance? + How shall he set himself free? In what special way does the redemption of + Christ, the free grace of God, present itself to him? There is at least + one way clear and simple. He knows it better than anyone can tell him. It + is those same words which I used with another purpose. 'The truth shall + make him free.' It is to tell the truth to his friend, to his parent, to + any one, whosoever it be, from whom he is concealing that which he ought + to make known. One word of open, frank disclosure—one resolution to act + sincerely and honestly by himself and others, one ray of truth let into + that dark corner will indeed set the whole man free.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Liberavi animam meam</i>. 'I have delivered my soul.' What a + faithful expression is this of the relief, the deliverance effected by one + strong effort of will in one moment of time. 'I will arise and go to my + father, and will say unto him, Father I have sinned against Heaven and + before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. So we heard the + prodigal's confession this morning. So may the thought well spring up in + the minds of any who in the course of this last year have wandered into + sin, have found themselves beset with evil habits of wicked idleness, of + wretched self-indulgence. Now that you are indeed in the literal sense of + the word about to rise and go to your father, now that you will be able to + shake off the bondage of bad companionship, now that the whole length of + this long absence will roll between you and the past, take a long breath; + break off the yoke of your sin, of your fault, of your wrong doing, of + your folly, of your perverseness, of your pride, of your vanity, of your + weakness; break it off by truth; break it off by one stout effort, in one + steadfast prayer; break it off by innocent and free enjoyment; break it + off by honest work. Put your 'hand to the nail and your right hand to the + workman's hammer;' strike through the enemy which has ensnared you, pierce + and strike him through and through. However powerful he seems, at your + feet he will bow, he will fall, he will lie down; at your feet he will bow + and fall, and where he bows, there will he rise up no more. So let all + thine enemies perish, O Lord; but let them that love Thee be as the sun + when he goeth forth in his might.'” + </p> + <p> + * This quotation is from the sermon preached by Dr. Stanley before the + University, on Act Sunday, 1859 (published by J. H. Parker, of Oxford). I + hope the distinguished professor whose words they are will pardon the + liberty I have taken in quoting them. No words of my own could have given + so vividly what I wanted to say. + </p> + <p> + The two friends separated themselves from the crowd in the porch and + walked away, side by side, towards their college. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that wasn't a bad move of ours. It is worth something to hear + a man preach that sort of doctrine,” said Hardy. + </p> + <p>“How does he get to know it all?” said Tom, meditatively.</p> + <p>“All what? I don't see your puzzle.”</p> + <p> + “Why, all sorts of things that are in a fellow's mind—what he thinks + about the first thing in the morning, for instance.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty much like the rest of us, I take it; by looking at home. You + don't suppose university preachers are unlike you and me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know. Now do you think he ever had anything on his + mind that was always coming up and plaguing him, and which he never told + to anybody?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I should think so; most of us must have had.”</p> + <p>“Have you?”</p> + <p>“Ay, often and often.”</p> + <p>“And you think his remedy the right one?”</p> + <p> + “The only one. Make a clean breast of it and the sting is gone. + There's a great deal to be done afterwards, of course; but there can be no + question about step No. 1.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever owe a hundred pounds that you couldn't pay?” + said Tom, with a sudden effort; and his secret had hardly passed his lips + before he felt a relief which surprised himself. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow,” said Hardy, stopping in the street + “you don't mean to say you are speaking of yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, though,” said Tom, “and it has been on my mind + ever since Easter term, and has spoilt my temper and everything—that and + something else that you know of. You must have seen me getting more and + more ill-tempered, I'm sure; and I have thought of it the first thing in + the morning and the last thing at night; and tried to drive the thought + away just as he said one did in his sermon. By Jove, I thought he knew all + about it, for he looked right at me, just when he came to that + place.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Brown, how do you mean you owe a hundred pounds? You haven't + read much certainly; but you haven't hunted, or gambled, or tailored much, + or gone into any other extravagant folly. You must be dreaming.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I though? Come up to my rooms and I'll tell you all about it; I + feel better already now I've let it out. I'll send over for your commons, + and we'll have some lunch.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy followed his friend in much trouble of mind, considering in himself + whether with the remainder of his savings he could not make up the sum + which Tom had named. Fortunately for both of them a short calculation + showed him that he could not, and he gave up the idea of delivering his + friend in this summary manner with a sigh. He remained closeted with Tom + for an hour, and then came out, looking serious still, but not + uncomfortable, and went down to the river. He sculled down to Sandford, + bathed in the lasher, and returned in time for chapel. He stayed outside + afterwards, and Tom came up to him and seized his arm. + </p> + <p> + “I've done it, old fellow,” he said; “look here;” + and produced a letter. Hardy glanced at the direction, and saw that it was + to his father. + </p> + <p> + “Come along and post it,” said Tom, “and then I shall + feel all right.” + </p> + <p> + They walked off quickly to the post-office and dropped the letter into the + box. + </p> + <p> + “There,” he said, as it disappeared, “<i + >liberavi animam meam</i + >. I owe the preacher a good turn for that; I've a good mind to write and + thank him. Fancy the poor old governor's face to-morrow at + breakfast!” + </p> + <p>“Well, you seem to take it easy enough now,” said Hardy.</p> + <p> + “I can't help it. I tell you I haven't felt so jolly this two + months. What a fool I was not to have done it before. After all now I come + to think of it, I can pay it myself, at least as soon as I am of age, for + I know I've some money—a legacy or something—coming to me then. But that + isn't what I care about now.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very glad, though, that you have the money of your own.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the having told it is all the comfort. Come along, and + let's see whether these boys are come. The old Pig ought to be in by this + time, and I want them to dine in hall. It's only ten months since I came + up on it to matriculate, and it seems twenty years. But I'm going to be a + boy again for to-night; you'll see if I'm not.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0030"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXIX—THE LONG VACATION LETTER-BAG.</h2> + <h3>“June 24, 184-.</h3> + <p> + “My Dear Tom,—Your letter came to hand this morning, and it has, of + course, given your mother and me much pain. It is not the money that we + care about, but that our son should have deliberately undertaken, or + pretended to undertake, what he must have known at the time he could not + perform himself. + </p> + <p> + “I have written to my bankers to pay 100L. at once to your account + at the Oxford Bank. I have also requested my solicitor to go over to + Oxford, and he will probably call on you the day after you receive this. + You say that this person who holds your note of hand is now in Oxford. You + will see him in the presence of my solicitor, to whom you will hand the + note when you have recovered it. I shall consider afterwards what further + steps will have to be taken in the matter. + </p> + <p> + “You will not be of age for a year. It will be time enough then to + determine whether you will repay the balance of this money out of the + legacy to which you will be entitled under your grandfather's will. In the + meantime, I shall deduct at the rate of 50L. a year from your allowance + and I shall hold your bond in honor to reduce your expenditure by this + amount. You are no longer a boy, and one of the first duties which a man + owes to his friends and to society is to live within his income. + </p> + <p> + “I make this advance to you on two conditions. First, that you will + never again put your hand to a note or bill in a transaction of this kind. + If you have money, lend it or spend it. You may lend or spend foolishly, + but that is not the point here; at any rate you are dealing with what is + your own. But in transactions of this kind you are dealing with what is + not your own. A gentleman should shrink from the possibility of having to + come on others, even on his own father, for the fulfillment of his + obligations, as he would from a lie. I would sooner see a son of mine in + his grave than crawling on through life a slave to wants and habits which + he must gratify at other people's expense. + </p> + <p> + “My second condition is, that you put an end to your acquaintance + with these two gentlemen who have led you into this scrape, and have + divided the proceeds of your joint note between them. They are both your + seniors in standing, you say, and they appear to be familiar with this + plan of raising money at the expense of other people. The plain English + word for such doings is, swindling. What pains me most is, that you have + become intimate with young men of this kind. I am not sure that it will + not be my duty to lay the whole matter before the authorities of the + college. You do not mention their names, and I respect the feeling which + has led you not to mention them. I shall know them quite soon enough + through my solicitor, who will forward me a copy of the note of hand and + signatures in due course. + </p> + <p> + “Your letter makes general allusion to other matters; and I gather + from it that you are dissatisfied with the manner in which you have spent + your first year at Oxford. I do not ask for specific confessions, which + you seem inclined to offer me; in fact, I would sooner not have them, + unless there is any other matter in which you want assistance or advice + from me. I know from experience that Oxford is a place full of temptation + of all kinds, offered to young men at the most critical time of their + lives. Knowing this, I have deliberately accepted the responsibility of + sending you there, and I do not repent it. I am glad that you are + dissatisfied with your first year. If you had not been I should have felt + much more anxious about your second. Let bygones be bygones between you + and me. You know where to go for strength, and to make confessions which + no human ear should hear, for no human judgment can weigh the cause. The + secret places of a man's heart are for himself and God. Your mother sends + her love. + </p> + <p>“I am, ever your affectionate father,—JOHN BROWN.”</p> + <p>June 26th, 184-.</p> + <p> + “MY DEAR BOY,—I am not sorry that you have taken my last letter as + you have done. It is quite right to be sensitive on these points, and it + will have done you no harm to have fancied for forty-eight hours that you + had in my judgment lost caste as a gentleman. But now I am very glad to be + able to ease your mind on this point. You have done a very foolish thing; + but it is only the habit, and the getting others to bind themselves, and + not the doing it oneself for others, which is disgraceful. You are going + to pay honourably for your folly, and will owe me neither thanks nor money + in the transaction. I have chosen my own terms for repayment, which you + have accepted, and so the financial question is disposed of. + </p> + <p> + “I have considered what you say as to your companions—friends I will + not call them—and will promise you not to take any further steps, or to + mention the subject to anyone. But I must insist on my second condition, + that you avoid all further intimacy with them. I do not mean that you are + to cut them, or do anything that will attract attention. But, no more + intimacy. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my dear boy, as to the rest of your letter. Mine must + indeed have failed to express my meaning. God forbid that there should not + be the most perfect confidence between us. There is nothing which I desire + or value more. I only question whether special confessions will conduce to + it. My experience is against them. I almost doubt whether they can be + perfectly honest between man and man; and, taking into account the + difference of our ages, it seems to be much more likely that we should + misunderstand one another. But having said this, I leave it to you to + follow your own conscience in the matter. If there is any burthen which I + can help you to bear, it will be my greatest pleasure, as it is my duty, + to do it. So now, say what you please, or say no more. If you speak, it + will be to one who has felt and remembers a young man's trials. + </p> + <p> + “We hope you will be able to come home to-morrow, or the next day, + at latest. Your mother is longing to see you, and I should be glad to have + you here a day or two before the assizes, which are held next week. I + should rather like you to accompany me to them, as it will give me the + opportunity of introducing you to my brother magistrates from other parts + of the county, whom you are not likely to meet elsewhere, and it is a good + thing for a young man to know his own county well. + </p> + <p> + “The cricket club is very flourishing, you will be glad to hear, and + they have put off their best matches till your return; so you are in great + request, you see. I am told that the fishing is very good this year, and + am promised several days for you in the club water. + </p> + <p> + “September is a long way off, but there is nothing like being before + hand; I have put your name down for a license; and it is time you should + have a good gun of your own; so I have ordered one for you from a man who + has lately settled in the county. He was Purdy's foreman, with whom I used + to build, and, I can see, understands his business thoroughly. His locks + are as good as any I have ever seen. I have told him to make the stock + rather longer, and not quite so straight as that of my old double with + which you shot last year. I think I remember you criticized my weapon on + these points; but there will be time for you to alter the details after + you get home, if you disapprove of my orders. It will be more satisfactory + if it is built under your own eye. + </p> + <p> + “If you continue in the mind for a month's reading with your friend + Mr. Hardy, we will arrange it towards the end of the vacation; but would + he not come here? From what you say we should very much like to know him. + Pray ask him from me whether he will pass the last month of the vacation + here, reading with you. I should like you to be his first regular pupil. + Of course this will be my affair. And now, God bless you, and come home as + soon as you can. Your mother sends her best love. + </p> + <p>“Ever your most affectionate,</p> + <h3>“JOHN BROWN.”</h3> + <p>“ENGLEBOURN RECTORY, “June 28th, 184-'</p> + <p> + “DEAREST MARY;—How good of you to write to me so soon! Your letter + has come like a gleam of sunshine. I am in the midst of worries already. + Indeed, as you know, I could never quite throw off the fear of what might + be happening here, while we were enjoying ourselves at Oxford, and it has + all turned out even worse than I expected. I shall never be able to go + away again in comfort, I think. And yet, if I had been here, I don't know + that I could have done any good. It is so very sad that poor papa is + unable to attend to his magistrate's business, and he has been worse than + usual, quite laid up in fact, since our return. There is no other + magistrate—not even a gentleman in the place, as you know, except the + curate; and they will not listen to him, even if he would interfere in + their quarrels. But he says he will not meddle with secular matters; and, + poor man, I cannot blame him, for it is very easy and sad and wearing to + be mixed up in it all. + </p> + <p> + “But now I must tell you all my troubles. You remember the men whom + we saw mowing together just before we went to Oxford. Betty Winburn's son + was one of them, and I am afraid the rest are not at all good company for + him. When they had finished papa's hay, they went to mow for Farmer + Tester. You must remember him, dear, I am sure; the tall, gaunt man, with + heavy, thick lips and a broken nose, and the top of his head quite flat, + as if it had been cut off a little above his eyebrows. He is a very + miserly man, and a hard master; at least all the poor people tell me so, + and he looks cruel. I have always been afraid of him, and disliked him, + for I remember as a child hearing papa complain how troublesome he was in + the vestry; and except old Simon, who, I believe, only does it from + perverseness, I have never heard anybody speak well of him. + </p> + <p> + “The first day that the men went to mow for Farmer Tester, he gave + them sour beer to drink. You see, dear, they bargained to mow for so much + money and their beer. They were very discontented at this, and they lost a + good deal of time going to complain to him about it, and they had high + words with him. + </p> + <p> + “The men said the beer wasn't fit for pigs, and the farmer said it + was quite good enough 'for such as they,' and if they didn't like his beer + they might buy their own. In the evening, too, he came down and complained + that the mowing was bad, and then there were more high words, for the men + are very jealous about their work. However they went to work as usual the + next morning, and all might have gone off quietly, but in the day Farmer + Tester found two pigs in his turnip field which adjoins the common, and + had them put in the pound. One of these pigs belonged to Betty Winburn's + son, and the other to one of the men who was mowing with him; so, when + they came home at night, they found what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “The constable is our pound-keeper, the little man who amused you so + much; he plays the bass-viol in church. When he puts any beasts into the + pound he cuts a stick in two, and gives one piece to the person who brings + the beasts, and keeps the other himself, and the owner of the beasts has + to bring the other end of the stick to him before he can let them out. + Therefore, the owner, you see, must go to the person who has pounded his + beasts, and make a bargain with him for payment of the damage which has + been done, and so get back the other end of the stick, which they call the + 'tally,' to produce to the pound-keeper. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the men went off to the constable's when they heard their + pigs were pounded, to find who had the 'tally,' and, when they found it + was Farmer Tester, they went in a body to his house to remonstrate with + him, and learn what he set the damages at. The farmer used dreadful + language to them, I hear, and said they weren't fit to have pigs, and must + pay half a crown for each pig, before they could have the 'tally;' and the + men irritated him by telling him that his fences were a shame to the + parish, because he was too stingy to have them mended, and that the pigs + couldn't have found half a crown's worth of turnips in the whole field, + for he never put any manure on it except what he could get off the road, + which ought to belong to the poor. At last the farmer drove them away + saying he should stop the money out of the price he was to pay for their + mowing. + </p> + <p> + “Then there was very near being a riot in the parish; for some of + the men are very reckless people, and they went in the evening and blew + horns and beat kettles before his house, till the constable, who has + behaved very well, persuaded them to go away. + </p> + <p> + “In the morning one of the pigs had been taken out of the pound; not + Betty's son's, I am glad to say—for no doubt it was very wrong of the men + to take it out. The farmer was furious, and went with the constable in the + morning to find the pig, but they could hear nothing of it anywhere. James + Pope, the man to whom it belonged, only laughed at them, and said he never + could keep his pig in himself, because it was grandson to one of the + acting pigs that went about to the fairs, and all the pigs of that family + took to climbing naturally; so his pig must have climbed out of the pound. + This of course was all a story; the men had lifted the pig out of the + pound, and then killed it, so that the farmer might not find it, and sold + the meat cheap all over the parish. Betty went to the farmer that morning + and paid the half crown, and got her son's pig out before he came home; + but Farmer Tester stopped the other half crown out of the men's wages, + which made matters worse then ever. + </p> + <p> + “The day that we were in the Theatre at Oxford, Farmer Tester was + away at one of the markets. He turns his big cattle out to graze on the + common, which the poor people say he has no right to do, and in the + afternoon a pony of his got into the allotments, and Betty's son caught + it, and took it to the constable, and had it put in the pound. The + constable tried to persuade him not to do it, but it was of no use; and + so, when Farmer Tester came home, he found that his turn had come. I am + afraid that he was not sober, for I hear that he behaved dreadfully both + to the constable and to Betty's son, and, when he found that he could not + frighten them, he declared he would have the law of them if it cost him + twenty pounds. So in the morning he went to fetch his lawyer, and when we + got home you can fancy what a scene it was. + </p> + <p> + “You remember how poorly papa was when you left us at Lambourn. By + the time we got home he was quite knocked up, and so nervous that he was + fit for nothing except to have a quiet cup of tea in his own room. I was + sure as we drove up the street, there was something the matter. The ostler + was watching outside the Red Lion, and ran in as soon as we came in sight; + and, as we passed the door, out came Farmer Tester, looking very flushed + in the face, and carrying his great iron-handled whip, and a person with + him, who I found was his lawyer, and they marched after the carriage. Then + the constable was standing at his door too, and he came after us, and + there was a group of men outside the rectory gate. We had not been in the + house five minutes before a servant came in to say that Farmer Tester and + a gentlemen wanted to see papa on particular business. Papa sent out word + that he was very unwell, and that it was not the proper time to come on + business; he would see them the next day at twelve o'clock. But they would + not go away, and then papa asked me to go out and see them. You can fancy + how disagreeable it was; and I was so angry with them for coming, when + they knew how nervous papa is after a journey, that I could not have + patience to persuade them to leave; and so at last they made poor papa see + them after all. + </p> + <p> + “He was lying on a sofa, and quite unfit to cope with a hard bad man + like Farmer Tester, and a fluent plausible lawyer. They told their story + all their own way, and the farmer declared that the man had tempted the + pony into the allotment with corn. And the lawyer said that the constable + had no right to keep the pony in the pound, that he was liable to all + sorts of punishments. They wanted papa to make an order at once for the + pound to be opened, and I think he would have done so, but I asked him in + a whisper to send for the constable, and hear what he had to say. The + constable was waiting in the kitchen, so he came in in a minute. You can't + think how well he behaved; I have quite forgiven him all his obstinacy + about the singing. He told the whole story about the pigs, and how Farmer + Tester had stopped money out of the men's wages. And when the lawyer tried + to frighten him, he answered him quite boldly, that he mightn't know so + much about the law, but he knew what was always the custom long before his + time at Englebourn about the pound, and if Farmer Tester wanted his beast + out, he must bring the 'tally' like another man. Then the lawyer appealed + to papa about the law, and said how absurd it was, and that if such a + custom were to be upheld, the man who had the 'tally' might charge 100L. + for the damage. And poor papa looked through his law books, and could find + nothing about it at all; and while he was doing it Farmer Tester began to + abuse the constable, and said he sided with all the good-for-nothing + fellows in the parish, and that bad blood would come of it. But the + constable quite fired up at that, and told him that it was such as he who + made bad blood in the parish, and that poor folks had their rights as well + as their betters, and should have them as long as he was constable. If he + got papa's order to open the pound, he supposed he must do it, and 'twas + not for him to say what was law, but Henry Winburn had had to get the + 'tally' for his pig from Farmer Tester, and what was fair for one was fair + for all. + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid papa would have made the order, but the lawyer said + something at last which made him take the other side. So he settled that + the farmer should pay five shillings for the 'tally,' which was what he + had taken from Betty, and had stopped out of the wages, and that was the + only order he would make, and the lawyer might do what he pleased about + it. The constable seemed satisfied with this, and undertook to take the + money down to Harry Winburn, for Farmer Tester declared he would sooner + let the pony starve than go himself. And so papa got rid of them after an + hour and more of this talk. The lawyer and Farmer Tester went away + grumbling and very angry to the Red Lion. I was very anxious to hear how + the matter ended; so I went after the constable to ask him to come back + and see me when he had settled it all, and about nine o'clock he came. He + had had a very hard job to get Harry Winburn to take the money, and give + up the 'tally.' The men said that, if Farmer Tester could make them pay + half-a-crown for a pig in his turnips, which were no bigger than radishes, + he ought to pay ten shillings at least for his pony trampling down their + corn, which was half grown, and I couldn't help thinking this seemed very + reasonable. In the end, however, the constable had persuaded them to take + the money, and so the pony was let out. + </p> + <p> + “I told him how pleased I was at the way he had behaved, but the + little man didn't seem quite satisfied himself. He should have liked to + have given the lawyer a piece of his mind, he said, only he was no + scholar, 'but I've a got all the feelin's of a man, miss, though I medn't + have the ways o' bringin' on 'em out.' You see I'm quite coming round to + your opinion about him. But when I said that I hoped all the trouble was + over, he shook his head, and he seems to think that the men will not + forget it, and that some of the wild ones will be trying to pay Farmer + Tester out in the winter nights, and I could see he was very anxious about + Harry Winburn; so I promised him to go and see Betty. + </p> + <p> + “I went down to her cottage yesterday, and found her very low, poor + old soul, about her son. She has had a bad attack again, and I am afraid + her heart is not right. She will not live long if she has much to make her + anxious, and how is that to be avoided? For her son's courting is all + going wrong, she can see, though he will not tell her anything about it; + but he gets more moody and restless, she says, and don't take a pride in + anything, not even in his flowers or his allotment; and he takes to going + about, more and more every day, with these men, who will be sure to lead + him into trouble. + </p> + <p> + “After I left her, I walked up to the Hawk's Lynch, to see whether + the view and the air would not do me good. And it did do me a great deal + of good, dear, and I thought of you, and when I should see your bright + face and hear your happy laugh again. The village looked so pretty and + peaceful. I could hardly believe, while I was up there, that there were + all these miserable quarrels and heartburnings going on in it. I suppose + they go on everywhere, but one can't help feeling as if there was + something specially hard in those which come under one's own eyes, and + touch one's self. And then they are so frivolous, and everything might go + on so comfortably if people would only be reasonable. I ought to have been + a man, I am sure, and then I might, perhaps, be able to do more, and + should have more influence. If poor papa were only well and strong! + </p> + <p> + “But, dear, I shall tire you with all these long histories and + complainings. I have run on till I have no room left for anything else; + but you can't think what a comfort it is to me to write it all to you, for + I have no one to tell it to. I feel so much better, and more cheerful, + since I sat down to write this. You must give my dear love to uncle and + aunt, and let me hear from you again whenever you have time. If you could + come over again and stay for a few days, it would be very kind; but I must + not press it, as there is nothing to attract you here, only we might talk + over all that we did and saw at Oxford.—Ever, dearest Mary, your + affectionate cousin, + </p> + <p>“Katie”</p> + <p> + “P. S.—I should like to have the pattern of the jacket you wore the + last day at Oxford. Could you cut it out in thin paper and send it in your + next?” + </p> + <p>“July-,184-.</p> + <p> + “MY DEAR BROWN,—I was very glad to see your hand, and to hear such + flourishing accounts of your vacation doings. You won't get any like + announcement of me, for cricket has not yet come so far west as this, at + least not to settle. We have a few pioneers and squatters in the villages; + but, I am sorry to say, nothing yet like matches between the elevens of + districts. Neighbors we have none, except the rector; so I have plenty of + spare time, some of which I feel greatly disposed to devote to you; and I + hope you won't find me too tedious to read. + </p> + <p> + “It is very kind of your father to wish that you should be my first + pupil, and to propose that I should spend the last month of this vacation + with you in Berkshire. But I do not like to give up a whole month. My + father is getting old and infirm, and I can see that it would be a great + trial to him, although he urges it, and is always telling me not to let + him keep me at home. What do you say to meeting me half way? I mean, that + you should come here for half of the time, and then that I should return + with you for the last fortnight of the vacation. This I could manage + perfectly. + </p> + <p> + “But you cannot in any case be my first pupil; for not to mention + that I have been, as you know, teaching for some years, I have a pupil + here, at this minute. You are not likely to guess who it is, though you + know him well enough—perhaps I should say too well—so, in a word, it is + Blake. I had not been at home three days before I got a letter from him, + asking me to take him, and putting it in such a way that I couldn't + refuse. I would sooner not have had him, as I had already got out of + taking a reading party with some trouble, and felt inclined to enjoy + myself here in dignified idleness till next term. But what can you do when + a man puts it to you as a great personal favor, &c. &c.? So I + wrote to accept. You may imagine my disgust a day or two afterwards, at + getting a letter from an uncle of his, some official person in London + apparently, treating the whole matter in a <i>business</i> point of view, + and me as if I were a training groom. He is good enough to suggest a + stimulant to me in the shape of extra pay and his future patronage in the + event of his nephew's taking a first in Michaelmas term. If I had received + this letter before, I think it would have turned the scale, and I should + have refused. But the thing was done, and Blake isn't fairly responsible + for his relative's views. + </p> + <p> + “So here he has been for a fortnight. He took a lodging in the + village at first; but of course my dear old father's ideas of hospitality + were shocked at this, and here he is, our inmate. + </p> + <p> + “He reads fiercely by fits and starts. A feeling of personal hatred + against the examiners seems to urge him on more than any other motive; but + this will not be strong enough to keep him to regular work, and without + regular work he won't do, notwithstanding all his cleverness, and he is a + marvellously clever fellow. So the first thing I have to do is to get him + steadily to the collar, and how to do it is a pretty particular puzzle. + For he hasn't a grain of enthusiasm in his composition, nor any power, as + far as I can see, of throwing himself into the times and scenes of which + he is reading. The philosophy of Greece and the history of Rome are + matters of perfect indifference to him—to be got up by catch-words and + dates for examination and nothing more. I don't think he would care a + straw if Socrates had never lived, or Hannibal had destroyed Rome. The + greatest names and deeds of the old world are just so many dead counters + to him—the Jewish just as much as the rest. I tried him with the story of + the attempt of Antiochus Epiphanes to conquer the Jews, and the glorious + rising of all that was living in the Holy Land under the Maccabees. Not it + bit of it; I couldn't get a spark out of him. He wouldn't even read the + story because it is in the Apocrypha, and so, as he said, the d——d + examiners couldn't ask him anything about it in the schools. + </p> + <p> + “Then his sense of duty is quiet undeveloped. He has no notion of + going on doing anything disagreeable because he ought. So here I am at + fault again. Ambition he has in abundance; in fact so strongly, that very + likely it may in the end pull him through, and make him work hard enough + for his Oxford purposes at any rate. But it wants repressing rather than + encouragement, and I certainly shan't appeal to it. + </p> + <p> + “You will begin to think I dislike him and want to get rid of him, + but it isn't the case. You know what a good temper he has, and how + remarkably well he talks; so he makes himself very pleasant, and my father + evidently enjoys his company; and then to be in constant intercourse with + a subtle intellect like his, is pleasantly exciting, and keeps one alive + and at high pressure, though one can't help always wishing that it had a + little heat in it. You would be immensely amused if you could drop in on + us. + </p> + <p> + “I think I have told you or you must have seen it for yourself, that + my father's principles are true blue, as becomes a sailor of the time of + the great war, while his instincts and practice are liberal in the + extreme. Our rector, on the contrary, is liberal in principles, but an + aristocrat of the aristocrats in instinct and practice. They are always + ready enough therefore to do battle, and Blake delights in the war, and + fans it and takes part in it as a sort of free lance, laying little + logical pitfalls for the combatants alternately, with that deferential + manner of his. He gets some sort of intellectual pleasure, I suppose, out + of seeing where they ought to tumble in; for tumble in they don't, but + clear his pit-falls in their stride—at least my father does—quite innocent + of having neglected to distribute his middle term; and the rector, if he + has some inkling of these traps, brushes them aside, and disdains to spend + powder on anyone but his old adversary and friend. I employ myself in + trying to come down ruthlessly on Blake himself; and so we spend our + evenings after dinner, which comes off at the primitive hour of five. We + used to dine at three, but my father has comformed now to college hours. + If the rector does not come, instead of argumentative talk, we get stories + out of my father. In the morning we bathe, and boat, and read. So, you + see, he and I have plenty of one another's company; and it is certainly + odd that we get on so well with so very few points of sympathy. But, + luckily, besides his good temper and cleverness, he has plenty of humor. + On the whole, I think we shall rub through the two months which he is to + spend here without getting to hate one another, though there is little + chance of our becoming friends. Besides putting some history and science + into him (scholarship he does not need), I shall be satisfied if I can + make him give up his use of the pronoun 'you' before he goes. In talking + of the corn laws, or foreign policy, or India, or any other political + subject, however interesting, he never will identify himself as an + Englishman; and 'you do this,' or 'you expect that' is for ever in his + mouth, speaking of his own countrymen. I believe if the French were to + land to-morrow on Portland, he would comment on our attempts to dislodge + them as if he had no concern with the business except as a looker-on. + </p> + <p> + “You will think all this rather a slow return for your jolly + gossiping letter, full of cricket, archery, fishing, and I know not what + pleasant goings-on. But what is one to do? one can only write about what + is one's subject of interest for the time being, and Blake stands in that + relation to me just now. I should prefer it otherwise, but + <i>si on n'a pas ce qu'on aime il faut aimer ce qu'on a</i>. I have no + incident to relate; these parts get on without incidents somehow, and + without society. I wish there were some, particularly ladies' society. I + break the tenth commandment constantly, thinking of Commemoration, and + that you are within a ride of Miss Winter and her cousin. When you see + them next, pray present my respectful compliments. It is a sort of + consolation to think that one may cross their fancy for a moment and be + remembered as part of a picture which gives them pleasure. With such piece + of sentiment I may as well shut up. Don't you forget my message now, and— + </p> + <p>“Believe me, ever yours most truly,</p> + <h3>“JOHN HARDY.</h3> + <p> + “P.S.—I mean to speak to Blake, when I get a chance, of that + wretched debt which you have paid, unless you object. I should think + better of him if he seemed more uncomfortable about his affairs. After all + he may be more so than I think, for he is very reserved on such + subjects.” + </p> + <p>“ENGLEBOURN RECTORY, “July, 184-'</p> + <p> + “DEAREST MARY.—I send the coachman with this note in order that you + may not be anxious about me. I have just returned from poor Betty + Winburn's cottage to write it. She is very very ill, and I do not think + can last out more than a day or two; and she seems to cling to me so that + I cannot have the heart to leave her. Indeed, if I could make up my mind + to do it, I should never get her poor white eager face out of my head all + day, so that I should be very bad company, and quite out of place at your + party, making everybody melancholy and uncomfortable who came near me. So, + dear, I am not coming. Of course it is a great disappointment. I had set + my heart on being with you, and enjoying it all thoroughly; and even at + breakfast this morning knew of nothing to hinder me. My dress is actually + lying on the bed at this minute, and it looks very pretty, especially the + jacket like yours, which I and Hopkins have managed to make up from the + pattern you sent, though you forgot the sleeves, which made it rather hard + to do. Ah, well; it is no use to think of how pleasant things would have + been which one cannot have. You must write me an account of how it all + went off, dear; or perhaps you can manage to get over here before long to + tell me. + </p> + <p> + “I must now go back to poor Betty. She is such a faithful, patient + old thing, and has been such a good woman all her life that there is + nothing painful in being by her now, and one feels sure that it will be + much happier and better for her to be at rest. If she could only feel + comfortable about her son, I am sure she would think so herself. Oh, I + forgot to say that her attack was brought on by the shock of hearing that + he had been summoned for an assault. Farmer Tester's son, a young man + about his own age, has, it seems, been of late waylaying Simon's daughter + and making love to her. It is so very hard to make out the truth in + matters of this kind. Hopkins says she is a dressed-up little minx who + runs after all the young men in the parish; but really, from what I see + and hear from other persons, I think she is a good girl enough. Even + Betty, who looks on her as the cause of most of her own trouble, has never + said a word to make me think that she is at all a light person, or more + fond of admiration than any other good-looking girl in the parish. + </p> + <p> + “But those Testers are a very wicked set. You cannot think what a + misfortune it is in a place like this to have these rich families with + estates of their own, in which the young men begin to think themselves + above the common farmers. They ape the gentlemen, and give themselves + great airs, but of course no gentleman will associate with them, as they + are quite uneducated; and the consequence is that they live a great deal + at home, and give themselves up to all kinds of wickedness. This young + Tester is one of these. His father is a very bad old man, and does a great + deal of harm here; and the son is following in his steps, and is quite as + bad, or worse. So you see that I shall not easily believe that Harry + Winburn has been much in the wrong. However, all I know of it at present + is that young Tester was beaten by Harry yesterday evening in the village + street, and that they came to papa at once for a summons. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, here is the coachman ready to start; so I must conclude, dear, + and go back to my patient. I shall often think of you during the day. I am + sure you will have a charming party. With best love to all, believe me, + ever dearest, + </p> + <p>“Your most affectionate,</p> + <h3>“KATIE.</h3> + <p> + “P. S.—I am very glad that uncle and aunt take to Tom, and that he + is staying with you for some days. You will find him very useful in making + the party go off well, I am sure.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0031"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXX—AMUSEMENTS AT BARTON MANOR</h2> + <p> + “A letter, Miss, from Englebourn,” said a footman, coming up + to Mary with the note given at the end of the last chapter, on a waiter. + She took it and tore it open; and while she is reading it, the reader may + be introduced to the place and company in which we find her. The scene is + a large old-fashioned square brick house, backed by fine trees, in the + tops of which the rooks live, and the jackdaws and starlings in the many + holes which time has worn in the old trunks; but they are all away on this + fine summer morning, seeking their meal and enjoying themselves in the + neighbouring fields. In the front of the house is a pretty flower garden, + separated by a haw-haw from a large pasture, sloping southwards gently + down to a stream, which glides along through water-cress and willow beds + to join the Kennet. The beasts have all been driven off, and on the upper + part of the field, nearest the house, two men are fixing up a third pair + of targets on the rich short grass. A large tent is pitched near the + archery ground, to hold quivers and bow-cases, and luncheon, and to + shelter lookers-on from the mid-day sun. Beyond the brook, a pleasant, + well-timbered, country lies, with high chalk-downs for an horizon, ending + in Marlborough hill, faint and blue in the west. This is the place which + Mary's father has taken for the summer and autumn, and where she is fast + becoming the pet of the neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + It will not perhaps surprise our readers to find that our hero has managed + to find his way to Barton Manor in the second week of the vacation, and + having made the most of his opportunities, is acknowledged as a cousin by + Mr. and Mrs. Porter. Their boys are at home for the holidays, and Mr. + Porter's great wish is that they should get used to the country in their + summer holidays. And as they have spent most of their childhood and + boyhood in London, to which he has been tied pretty closely hitherto, this + is a great opportunity. The boys only wanted a preceptor, and Tom + presented himself at the right moment, and soon became the hero of Charley + and Neddy Porter. He taught them to throw flies and bait crawfish nets, to + bat-fowl, and ferret for rabbits, and to saddle and ride their ponies, + besides getting up games of cricket in the spare evenings, which kept him + away from Mr. Porter's dinner-table. This last piece of self-denial, as he + considered it, quite won over that gentleman, who agreed with his wife + that Tom was just the sort of companion they would like for the boys, and + so the house was thrown open to him. + </p> + <p> + The boys were always clamouring for him when he was away, and making their + mother write off to press him to come again; which he, being a very + good-natured young man, and particularly fond of boys, was ready enough to + do. So this was the third visit he had paid in a month. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Brown wondered a little that he should be so very fond of the + young Porters, who were good boys enough, but very much like other boys of + thirteen and fifteen, of whom there were several in the neighborhood. He + had indeed just mentioned an elder sister, but so casually that their + attention had not been drawn to the fact, which had almost slipped out of + their memories. On the other hand, Tom seemed so completely to identify + himself with the boys and their pursuits, that it never occurred to their + father and mother, who were doatingly fond of them, that, after all, they + might not be the only attraction. Mary seemed to take very little notice + of him, and went on with her own pursuits much as usual. It was true that + she liked keeping the score at cricket, and coming to look at them fishing + or rabbiting in her walks; but all that was very natural. It is a curious + and merciful dispensation of Providence that most fathers and mothers seem + never to be capable of remembering their own experience, and will probably + go on till the end of time thinking of their sons of twenty and daughters + of sixteen or seventeen as mere children who may be allowed to run about + together as much as they please. And, where it is otherwise, the results + are not very different, for there are certain mysterious ways of holding + intercourse implanted in the youth of both sexes, against which no + vigilance can prevail. + </p> + <p> + So on this, her great fete day, Tom had been helping Mary all the morning + in dressing the rooms with flowers and arranging all the details—where + people were to sit at cold dinner; how to find the proper number of seats; + how the dining-room was to be cleared in time for dancing when the dew + began to fall. In all which matters there were many obvious occasions for + those little attentions which are much valued by persons in like + situations; and Tom was not sorry that the boys had voted the whole + preparations a bore, and had gone off to the brook to 'gropple' in the + bank for crayfish till the shooting began. The arrival of the note had + been the first <i>contre-temps</i> of the morning, and they were now + expecting guests to arrive every minute. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? No bad news I hope,” he said, seeing her + vexed expression. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Katie can't come. I declare I could sit down and cry. I + sha'n't enjoy the party a bit now, and I wish it were all over.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure Katie would be very unhappy if she thought you were going + to spoil your day's pleasure on her account.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know she would. But it is so provoking when I had looked + forward so to having her.” + </p> + <p> + “You have never told me why she cannot come. She was quite full of + it all a few days since.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there is a poor old woman in the village dying, who is a great + friend of Katie's. Here is her letter; let me see,” she said, + glancing over it to see that there is nothing in it that she did not wish + him to read, “you may read it if you like.” + </p> + <p> + Tom began reading. “Betty Winburn,” he said, when he came to + the name, “what, poor dear old Betty? why I've known her ever since + I was born. She used to live in our parish, and I haven't seen her this + eight years nearly. And her boy Harry, I wonder what has become of + him?” + </p> + <p> + “You will see if you read on,” said Mary; and so he read to + the end, and then folded it up and returned it. + </p> + <p> + “So poor old Betty is dying. Well she was always a good soul, and + very kind to me when I was a boy. I should like to see her once again, and + perhaps I might be able to do something for her son.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should we not ride over to Englebourn to-morrow? They will be + glad to get us out of the way while the house is being + straightened.” + </p> + <p>“I should like it of all things, if it can be managed.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I will manage it somehow, for I must go and see that dear + Katie. I do feel so ashamed of myself when I think of all the good she is + doing, and I do nothing but put flowers about, and play the piano. Isn't + she an angel, now?” + </p> + <p>“Of course she is.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, but I won't have that sort of matter-of-course acquiescence. + Now—do you really mean that Katie is as good as an angel?” + </p> + <p> + “As seriously as if I saw the wings growing out of her shoulders, + and dew drops hanging on them.” + </p> + <p> + “You deserve to have some thing not at all like wings growing out of + your head. How is it that you never see when I don't want you to talk your + nonsense?” + </p> + <p> + “How am I to talk sense about angels? I don't know anything about + them.” + </p> + <p> + “You know what I mean perfectly. I say that dear Katie is an angel, + and I mean that I don't know anything in her—no not one single thing—which + I should like to have changed. If the angels are all as good as + she”— + </p> + <p>“<i>If</i>! why I shall begin to doubt your orthodoxy.”</p> + <p>“You don't know what I was going to say.”</p> + <p> + “It doesn't matter what you were going to say. You couldn't have + brought that sentence into an orthodox conclusion. Oh, please don't look + so angry, now. Yes, I quite see what you mean. You can think of Katie just + as she is now in heaven without being shocked.” + </p> + <p> + Mary paused for a moment before she answered, as if taken by surprise at + this way of putting her meaning, and then said seriously— + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I can. I think we should all be perfectly happy if we were + all as good as she is.” + </p> + <p>“But she is not very happy herself, I am afraid.”</p> + <p> + “Of course not. How can she be, when all the people about her are so + troublesome and selfish?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't fancy an angel the least bit like Uncle Robert, can + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I won't talk about angels any more. You have made me feel quite as + if I had been saying something wicked.” + </p> + <p> + “Now really it is too hard that you should lay all the blame on me, + when you began the subject yourself. You ought at least to let me say what + I have to say about angels.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you said you knew nothing about them half a minute ago.” + </p> + <p> + “But I may have my notions, like other people. You have your + notions. Katie is your angel.” + </p> + <p>“Well, then, what are your notions?”</p> + <p> + “Katie is rather too dark for my idea of an angel. I can't fancy a + dark angel.” + </p> + <p>“Why, how can you call Katie dark!”</p> + <p>“I only say she is too dark for my idea of an angel.”</p> + <p>“Well, go on.”</p> + <p>“Then, she is rather too grave!”</p> + <p>“Too grave for an angel!”</p> + <p> + “For my idea of an angel,—one doesn't want one's angel to be like + oneself, and I am so grave, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, very. Then your angel is to be a laughing angel. A laughing + angel, and yet very sensible; never talking nonsense?” + </p> + <p>“Oh, I didn't say that.”</p> + <p>“But you said he wasn't to be like you.”</p> + <p>“<i>He</i>! who in the world do you mean by <i>he</i>?”</p> + <p>“Why, your angel, of course.”</p> + <p> + “My angel! You don't really suppose that my angel is to be a + man.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to think about it. Look, they are putting those + targets quite crooked. You are responsible for the targets; we must go and + get them straight.” + </p> + <p> + They walked across the ground towards the targets, and Tom settled them + according to his notions of opposites. + </p> + <p> + “After all, archery is slow work,” he said, when the targets + were settled satisfactorily. “I don't believe anybody really enjoys + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that is because you men haven't it all to yourselves. You are + jealous of any sort of game in which we can join. I believe you are afraid + of being beaten by us.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, that is its only recommendation, that you can join + in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think that ought to be recommendation enough. But I believe + it is much harder than most of your games. You can't shoot half so well as + you can play cricket, can you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, because I never practice. It isn't exciting to be walking up + and down between two targets, and doing the same thing over and over + again. Why, you don't find it so yourself. You hardly ever shoot.” + </p> + <p>“Indeed, I do though, constantly.”</p> + <p>“Why, I have scarcely ever seen you shooting.”</p> + <p>“That is because you are away with the boys all day.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I am never too far to know what is going on. I'm sure you have + never practised for more than a quarter of an hour any day I have been + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I may not have. But I tell you I am very fond of + it.” + </p> + <p> + Here the two boys came up from the brook, Neddy with his Scotch cap full + of crayfish. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you wretched boys, where have you been? You are not fit to be + seen,” said Mary, shaking the arrows at them which she was carrying + in her hand. “Go and dress directly, or you will be late. I think I + heard a carriage driving up just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's plenty of time. Look what whackers, Cousin Tom,” + said Charley, holding out one of his prizes by its back towards Tom, while + the indignant crayfish flapped its tail and worked around with its claws, + in hopes of getting hold of something to pinch. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe those boys have been dry for two hours together in + daylight since you first came here,” said Mary, to Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and they're all the better for it, I'm sure,” said Tom. + </p> + <p>“Yes, that we are,” said Charley.</p> + <p> + “I say Charley,” said Tom, “your sister says she is very + fond of shooting.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and so she is. And isn't she a good shot too? I believe she + would beat you at fifty yards.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, you see, you need not have been so unbelieving,” + said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Will you give her a shot at your new hat, Cousin Tom?” said + Neddy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Neddy, that I will;” and he added to Mary, “I will + bet you a pair of gloves that you don't hit it in three shots.” + </p> + <p>“Very well,” said Mary; “at thirty yards.”</p> + <p>“No, no! fifty yards was the named distance.”</p> + <p> + “No, fifty yards is too far. Why, you hat is not much bigger than + the gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't mind splitting the difference; we will say + forty.” + </p> + <p>“Very well—three shots at forty yards.”</p> + <p>“Yes; here, Charley, run and hang my hat on that target.”</p> + <p> + The boys rushed off with the hat—a new white one—and hung it with a bit of + string over the center of one of the targets, and then, stepping a little + aside, stood, clapping their hands, shouting to Mary to take good aim. + </p> + <p> + “You must string my bow,” she said, handing it to him as she + buckled on her guard. “Now, do you repent? I am going to do my best, + mind, if I do shoot.” + </p> + <p> + “I scorn repentance; do your worst,” said Tom, stringing the + bow and handing it back to her. “And now I will hold your arrows; + here is the forty yards.” + </p> + <p> + Mary came to the place which he had stepped, her eyes full of fun and + mischief; and he saw at once that she knew what she was about, as she took + her position and drew the first arrow. It missed the hat by some three + inches only; and the boys clapped and shouted. + </p> + <p> + “Too near to be pleasant,” said Tom, handing the second arrow. + “I see you can shoot.” + </p> + <p>“Well, I will let you off still.”</p> + <p>“Gloves and all?”</p> + <p>“No, of course you must pay the gloves.”</p> + <p> + “Shoot away, then. Ah, that will do,” he cried, as the second + arrow struck considerably above the hat, “I shall get my gloves + yet,” and he handed the third arrow. They were too intent on the + business in hand to observe that Mr. and Mrs. Porter and several guests + were already on the hand-bridge which crossed the haw-haw. + </p> + <p> + Mary drew her third arrow, paused a moment, loosed it, and this time with + fatal aim. + </p> + <p> + The boys rushed to the target, towards which Mary and Tom also hurried, + Mr. and Mrs. Porter and the new comers following more quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, look here—what fun,” said Charley, as Tom came up, + holding up the hat, spiked on the arrow, which he had drawn out of the + target. + </p> + <p> + “What a wicked shot,” he said, taking the hat and turning to + Mary. “Look here, you have actually gone through three + places—through crown, and side, and brim.” + </p> + <p> + Mary began to feel quite sorry at her own success, and looked at the + wounded hat sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, look here—here's papa and mamma and some people, and we + ain't dressed. Come along, Neddy,” and the boys made off towards the + back premises, while Mary and Tom, turning round, found themselves in the + presence of Mr. and Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Brown, and two or three other + guests. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0032"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXI—BEHIND THE SCENES</h2> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Brown had a long way to drive home that evening, including + some eight miles of very indifferent chalky road over the downs, which + separate the Vale of Kennet from the Vale of White Horse. Mr. Brown was an + early man, and careful of his horses, who responded to his care by being + always well up to much more work than they were ever put to. The drive to + Barton Manor and back in a day was a rare event in their lives. Their + master, taking this fact into consideration, was bent on giving them + plenty of time for the return journey, and had ordered his groom to be + ready to start by eight o'clock. But, that they might not disturb the + rest, by their early departure, he had sent the carriage to the village + inn, instead of to the Porter's stables. + </p> + <p> + At the appointed time, therefore, and when the evening's amusements were + just beginning at the manor house, Mr. Brown sought out his wife; and, + after a few words of leave-taking to their host and hostess, the two + slipped quietly away; and walked down the village. The carriage was + standing before the inn all ready for them, with the hostler and Mr. + Brown's groom at the horses' heads. The carriage was a high phaeton having + a roomy front seat with a hood to it, specially devised by Mr. Brown with + a view to his wife's comfort, and that he might with a good conscience + enjoy at the same time the pleasures of her society and of driving his own + horses. When once in her place, Mrs. Brown was as comfortable as she would + have been in the most luxurious barouche with C springs, but the ascent + was certainly rather a drawback. The pleasure of sitting by her husband + and of receiving his assiduous help in the preliminary climb, however, + more than compensated to Mrs. Brown for this little inconvenience. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brown helped her up as usual, and arranged a plaid carefully over her + knees, the weather being too hot for the apron. He then proceeded to walk + round the horses, patting them, examining the bits, and making inquiries + as to how they had fed. Having satisfied himself on these points, and + fee'd the hostler, he took the reins, seated himself by his wife, and + started at a steady pace towards the hills at the back of Barton village. + </p> + <p> + For a minute or two neither of them spoke, Mr. Brown being engrossed with + his horses and she with her thoughts. Presently, however, he turned to + her, and, having ascertained that she was quite comfortable, went on— + </p> + <p>“Well, my dear, what do you think of them?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I think they are agreeable people,” answered Mrs. Brown; + “but one can scarcely judge from seeing them to-day. It is too far + for a drive; we shall not be home till midnight.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am very glad we came. After all, they are connexions through + poor Robert, and he seems anxious that they should start well in the + county. Why, he has actually written twice, you know, about our coming up + to-day. We must try to show them some civility.” + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible to come so far often,” Mrs. Brown persisted. + </p> + <p> + “It is too far for ordinary visiting. What do you say to asking them + to come and spend a day or two with us?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear, if you wish it,” answered Mrs. Brown, but + without much cordiality in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should like it; and it will please Robert so much. We might + have him and Katie over to meet them, don't you think?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see,” said Mrs. Brown, with much more alacrity, + “Mr. and Mrs. Porter will have the best bed-room and dressing-room; + Robert must have the south room, and Katie the chintz. Yes, that will do; + I can manage it very well.” + </p> + <p>“And their daughter; you have forgotten her.”</p> + <p>“Well, you see, dear, there is no more room.”</p> + <p> + “Why; there is the dressing-room, next to the south room, with a bed + in it. I'm sure nobody can want a better room.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, John, that Robert cannot sleep if there is the least + noise. I could never put any-one into his dressing-room; there is only a + single door between the rooms, and even if they made no noise, the fancy + that some one was sleeping there would keep him awake all night.” + </p> + <p> + “Plague take his fancies! Robert has given way to them till he is + fit for nothing. But you can put him in the chintz room, and give the two + girls the south bed room and dressing-room.” + </p> + <p> + “What, put Robert in a room which looks north? My dear John; what + can you be thinking about?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brown uttered an impatient grunt, and, as a vent to his feelings more + decorous on the whole than abusing his brother-in-law, drew his whip more + smartly than usual across the backs of his horses. The exertion of muscle + necessary to reduce those astonished animals to their accustomed steady + trot restored his temper, and he returned to the charge— + </p> + <p> + “I suppose we must manage it on the second floor, then, unless you + could get a bed run up in the school-room.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear; I really should not like to do that—it would be so very + inconvenient. We are always wanting the room for workwomen or servants; + besides, I keep my account books and other things there.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm afraid it must be on the second floor. Some of the + children must be moved. The girl seems a nice girl with no nonsense about + her, and won't mind sleeping up there. Or, why not put Katie + upstairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I should not think of it. Katie is a dear good girl, and I + will not put anyone over her head.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I, dear. On the contrary, I was asking you to put her over + another person's head,” said Mr. Brown, laughing at his own joke, + This unusual reluctance on the part of his wife to assist in carrying out + any hospitable plans of his began to strike him; so, not being an adept at + concealing his thoughts, or gaining his point by any attack except a + direct one, after driving on for a minute in silence, he turned suddenly + on his wife, and said,— + </p> + <p>“Why, Lizzie, you seem not to want to ask the girl?”</p> + <p>“Well, John, I do not see the need of it at all.”</p> + <p>“No, and you don't want to ask her?”</p> + <p>“If you must know, then, I do not.”</p> + <p>“Don't you like her?”</p> + <p> + “I do not know her well enough either to like or dislike.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, why not ask her, and see what she is like? But the truth is, + Lizzie, you have taken a prejudice against her?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, I think she is a thoughtless girl, and extravagant; not + the sort of girl, in fact, that I should wish to be much with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Thoughtless and extravagant!” said Mr. Brown, looking grave; + “how you women can be so sharp on one another! Her dress seemed to + me simple and pretty, and her manners very lady-like and pleasing.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have quite forgotten about Tom's hat,” said Mrs. + Brown. + </p> + <p> + “Tom's white hat—so I had,” said Mr. Brown, and he relapsed + into a low laugh at the remembrance of the scene. “I call that + <i>his</i> + extravagance, and not hers.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a new hat, and a very expensive one, which he had bought for + the vacation, and it is quite spoilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear; really, if Tom will let girls shoot at his hats, he + must take the consequences. He must wear it with the holes, or buy + another.” + </p> + <p> + “How can he afford another, John? you know how poor he is.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brown drove on now for several minutes without speaking. He knew + perfectly well what his wife was coming to now, and, after weighing in his + mind the alternatives of accepting battle or making sail and changing the + subject altogether, said,— + </p> + <p> + “You know, my dear, he has brought it on himself. A headlong, + generous sort of youngster, like Tom, must be taught early that he can't + have his cake and eat his cake. If he likes to lend his money, he must + find out that he hasn't it to spend.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, I quite agree with you. But 50L a year is a great deal + to make him pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit too much, Lizzie. His allowance is quite enough without + it to keep him like a gentleman. Besides, after all, he gets it in meal or + in malt; I have just paid 25L for his gun.” + </p> + <p> + “I know how kind and liberal you are to him; only I am so afraid of + his getting into debt.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what men would do, if they hadn't some soft-hearted woman + always ready to take their parts and pull them out of scrapes,” said + Mr. Brown. “Well, dear, how much do you want to give the boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five pounds, just for this year. But out of my own + allowance, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” replied Mr. Brown; “you want your allowance + for yourself and the children.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, dear John, I would sooner not do it at all, then, if I may + not do it out of my own money.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, have it your own way. I believe you would always look + well-dressed, if you never bought another gown. Then, to go back to what + we were talking about just now—you will find a room for the girl + somehow?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, dear, certainly, as I see you are bent on it.”</p> + <p> + “I think it would be scarcely civil not to ask her, especially if + Katie comes. And I own I think her very pretty, and have taken a great + fancy to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it odd that Tom should never have said anything about her to + us? He has talked of all the rest till I knew them quite well before I + went there.” + </p> + <p>“No; it seems to me the most natural thing in the world.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, very natural. But I can't help wishing he had talked + about her more; I should think it less dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you think Master Tom is in love with her, eh?” said Mr. + Brown, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “More unlikely things have happened. You take it very easily, + John.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we have all been boys and girls, Lizzie. The world hasn't + altered much, I suppose, since I used to get up at five on winter + mornings, to ride some twenty miles to cover, on the chance of meeting a + young lady on a grey pony. I remember how my poor dear old father used to + wonder at it, when our hounds met close by in a better country. I'm afraid + I forgot to tell him what a pretty creature 'Gipsy' was, and how well she + was ridden.” + </p> + <p> + “But Tom is only twenty, and he must go into a profession.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; much to young, I know—too young for anything serious. We + had better see them together and then if there is anything in it, we can + keep them apart. There cannot be much the matter yet.” + </p> + <p>“Well, dear, if you are satisfied, I am sure I am.”</p> + <p> + And so the conversation turned on other subjects, and Mr. and Mrs. Brown + enjoyed their moonlight drive home through the delicious summer night, and + were quite sorry when the groom got down from the hind-seat to open their + own gates, at half-past twelve. + </p> + <p> + About the same time the festivities at Barton Manor were coming to a + close. There had been cold dinner in the tent at six, after the great + match of the day; and, after dinner, the announcement of the scores, and + the distribution of prizes to the winners. A certain amount of toasts and + speechifying followed, which the ladies sat through with the most + exemplary appearance of being amused. When their healths had been proposed + and acknowledged they retired, and were soon followed by the younger + portion of the male sex; and, while the J. P.'s and clergymen sat quietly + at their wine, which Mr. Porter took care should be remarkably good, and + their wives went to look over the house and have tea, their sons and + daughters split up into groups, and some shot handicaps, and some walked + about and flirted, and some played at bowls and lawn billiards. And soon + the band appeared again from the servants' hall, mightily refreshed; and + dancing began on the grass, and in due time was transferred to the tent, + when the grass got damp with the night dew; and then to the hall of the + house, when the lighting of the tent began to fail. And then there came a + supper, extemporized out of the remains of the dinner; after which, papas + and mammas began to look at their watches, and remonstrate with daughters, + coming up with sparkling eyes and hair a little shaken out of place, and + pleading for “just one more dance.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been going on ever since one o'clock,” remonstrate + the parents; “And are ready to go on till one to-morrow,” + replied the children. By degrees, however, the frequent sound of wheels + was heard, and the dancers got thinner and thinner, till, for the last + half hour, some half-dozen couples of young people danced at interminable + reel, while Mr. and Mrs. Porter, and a few of the most good-natured + matrons of the neighborhood looked on. Soon after midnight the band + struck; no amount of negus could get anything more out of them but + “God save the Queen,” which they accordingly played and + departed; and then came the final cloaking and driving off of the last + guests. Tom and Mary saw the last of them into their carriage at the + hall-door, and lingered a moment in the porch. + </p> + <p> + “What a lovely night!” said Mary. “How I hate going to + bed!” + </p> + <p> + “It is a dreadful bore,” answered Tom; “but here is the + butler waiting to shut up; we must go in.” + </p> + <p>“I wonder where papa and mama are.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, they are only seeing things put a little to rights. Let us sit + here till they come; they must pass by to get to their rooms.” + </p> + <p>So the two sat down on some hall chairs.</p> + <p> + “Oh dear! I wish it were all coming over again to-morrow,” + said Tom, leaning back, and looking up at the ceiling. “By the way, + remember I owe you a pair of gloves; what color shall they be?” + </p> + <p> + “Any color you like. I can't bear to think of it. I felt so + dreadfully ashamed when they all came up, and your mother looked so grave; + I am sure she was very angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor mother! she was thinking of my hat with three arrow-holes in + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am very sorry, because I wanted them to like me.” + </p> + <p> + “And so they will; I should like to know who can help it.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, I won't have any of your nonsensical compliments. Do you think + they enjoyed the day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am sure they did. My father said he had never liked an + archery meeting so much.” + </p> + <p>“But they went away so early.”</p> + <p> + “They had a very long drive, you know. Let me see,” he said, + feeling in his breast-pocket, “mother left me a note, and I have + never looked at it till now.” He took a slip of paper out and read + it, and his face fell. + </p> + <p>“What is it?” said Mary leaning forward.</p> + <p>“Oh, nothing; only I must go to-morrow morning.”</p> + <p>“There, I was sure she was angry.”</p> + <p> + “No, no; it was written this morning before she came here. I can + tell by the paper.” + </p> + <p>“But she will not let you stay here a day, you see.”</p> + <p> + “I have been here a good deal, considering all things. I should like + never to go away.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps papa might find a place for you, if you asked him. Which + should you like,—to be tutor to the boys or gamekeeper?” + </p> + <p> + “On the whole, I should prefer the tutorship at present; you take so + much interest in the boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, because they have no one to look after them now in the + holidays. But, when you come as tutor, I shall wash my hands of + them.” + </p> + <p>“Then I shall decline the situation.”</p> + <p>“How are you going home to-morrow?”</p> + <p> + “I shall ride round by Englebourn. They wish me to go round and see + Katie and Uncle Robert. You talked about riding over there yourself this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like it so much. But how can we manage it? I can't ride + back again by myself.” + </p> + <p>“Couldn't you stay and sleep there?”</p> + <p> + “I will ask mamma. No, I'm afraid it can hardly be managed;” + and so saying, Mary leant back in her chair and began to pull to pieces + some flowers she held in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Don't pull them to pieces; give them to me,” said Tom. + “I have kept the rosebud you gave me at Oxford folded up in”— + </p> + <p> + “Which you took, you mean to say. No, I won't give you any of + them—or, let me see—yes, here is a sprig of lavender; you may have + that.” + </p> + <p>“Thank you. But, why lavender?”</p> + <p> + “Lavender stands for sincerity. It will remind you of the lecture + you gave me.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would forget that. But you know what flowers mean, then? + Do give me a lecture; you owe me one. What do those flowers mean which you + will not give me,—the piece of heather for instance?” + </p> + <p>“Heather signifies constancy.”</p> + <p>“And the carnations?”</p> + <p>“Jealousy.”</p> + <p>“And the heliotrope?”</p> + <p>“Oh, never mind the heliotrope.”</p> + <p> + “But it is such a favorite of mine. Do tell me what it means?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Je vous aime</i>,” said Mary with a laugh, and a slight + blush; “it is all nonsense. Oh, here's mamma at last,” and she + jumped up and went to meet her mother, who came out of the drawing-room, + candle in hand. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Mary, I thought you were gone to bed,” said Mrs. + Porter, looking from one to the other seriously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm not the least tired, and I couldn't go without wishing you + and papa good night, and thanking you for all the trouble you have + taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed we ought all to thank you,” said Tom; “everybody + said it was the pleasantest party they had ever been at.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad it went off so well,” said Mrs. Porter, + gravely; “and now, Mary, you must go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I must leave you to-morrow morning,” said Tom. + </p> + <p>“Yes; Mrs. Brown said they expect you at home tomorrow.”</p> + <p> + “I am to ride round by Uncle Robert's; would you like one of the + boys to go with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear mamma, could not Charley and I ride over to Englebourn? I + do so long to see Katie.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear; it is much too far for you. We will drive over in a few + days' time.” + </p> + <p> + And so saying, Mrs. Porter wished Tom good night, and led off her + daughter. + </p> + <p> + Tom went slowly up stairs to his room, and, after packing his portmanteau + for the carrier to take in the morning, threw up his window and leant out + into the night, and watched the light clouds swimming over the moon, and + the silver mist folding the water-meadows and willows in its soft cool + mantle. His thoughts were such as will occur to any reader who has passed + the witching age of twenty; and the scent of the heliotrope-bed in the + flower-garden below, seemed to rise very strongly on the night air. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0033"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXII—A CRISIS</h2> + <p> + In the forenoon of the following day, Tom rode slowly along the street of + Englebourn towards the Rectory gate. He had left Barton soon after + breakfast, without having been able to exchange a word with Mary except in + the presence of her mother, and yet he had felt more anxious than ever + before at least to say good bye to her without witnesses. With this view + he had been up early, and had whistled a tune in the hall, and held a loud + conversation with the boys, who appeared half dressed in the gallery + above, while he brushed the dilapidated white hat to let all whom it might + concern know that he was on the move. Then he had walked up and down the + garden in full view of the windows till the bell rang for prayers. He was + in the breakfast room before the bell had done ringing, and Mrs. Porter, + followed by her daughter, entered at the same moment. He could not help + fancying that the conversation at breakfast was a little constrained, and + particularly remarked that nothing was said by the heads of the family + when the boys vociferously bewailed his approaching departure, and tried + to get him to name some day for his return before their holidays ended. + Instead of encouraging the idea, Mrs. Porter reminded Neddy and Charley + that they had only ten days more, and had not yet looked at the work they + had to do for their tutor in the holidays. Immediately after breakfast + Mrs. Porter had wished him good bye herself very kindly, but (he could not + help thinking), without that air of near relationship which he had + flattered himself was well established between himself and all the members + of the Porter family; and then she had added, “Now Mary, you must + say good bye; I want you to come and help me this morning.” He had + scarcely looked at her all morning, and now one shake of the hand and she + was spirited away in a moment, and he was left standing, dissatisfied and + uncomfortable, with a sense of incompleteness in his mind, and as if he + had had a thread in his life suddenly broken off, which he could not tell + how to get joined again. + </p> + <p> + However, there was nothing for it but to get off. He had no excuse for + delay, and had a long ride before him; so he and the boys went round to + the stable. On their passage through the garden, the idea of picking a + nosegay and sending it to her by one of the boys came into his head. He + gathered the flowers, but then thought better of it and threw them away. + What right, after all, had he to be sending flowers to her—above all, + flowers to which they had attached a meaning, jokingly it was true; but + still a meaning? No, he had no right to do it; it would not be fair to + her, or her father or mother, after the kind way in which they had all + received him. So he threw away the flowers, and mounted and rode off, + watched by the boys, who waved their straw hats as he looked back just + before coming to a turn in the road which would take him out of sight of + the Manor House. He rode along at a foot's pace for some time, thinking + over the events of the past week; and then, beginning to feel purposeless, + and somewhat melancholy, urged his horse into a smart trot along the waste + land which skirted the road. But, go what pace he would, it mattered not; + he could not leave his thoughts behind; so he pulled up again after a mile + or so, slackened his reins, and, leaving his horse to pick his own way + along the road, betook himself to the serious consideration of his + position. + </p> + <p> + The more he thought of it, the more discontented he became, and the day + clouded over as if to suit his temper. He felt as if within the last + twenty-four hours he had been somehow unwarrantably interfered with. His + mother and Mrs. Porter had both been planning something about him, he felt + sure. If they had anything to say, why couldn't they say it out to him? + But what could there be to say? Couldn't he and Mary be trusted together + without making fools of themselves? He did not stop to analyze his + feelings towards her, or to consider whether it was very prudent or + desirable for her that they should be thrown so constantly and + unreservedly together. He was too much taken up with what he chose to + consider his own wrongs for any such consideration.—“Why can't they + let me alone?” was the question which he asked himself perpetually, + and it seemed to him the most reasonable one in the world, and that no + satisfactory answer was possible to it, except that he ought to be, and + should be let alone. And so at last he rode along Englebourn street, + convinced that what he had to do before all other things just now was to + assert himself properly, and show everyone, even his own mother, that he + was no longer a boy to be managed according to anyone's fancies except his + own. + </p> + <p> + He rode straight to the stables and loosed the girths of his horse, and + gave particular directions about grooming and feeding him, and stayed in + the stall for a few minutes rubbing his ears and fondling him. The + antagonism which possessed him for the moment against mankind perhaps made + him appreciate the value of his relations with a well-trained beast. He + had not been in Englebourn for some years, and the servant did not know + him, and answered that Mr. Winter was not out of his room and never saw + strangers till the afternoon. Where was Miss Winter, then? She was down + the village at Widow Winburn's, and he couldn't tell when she would be + back, the man said. The contents of Katie's note of the day before had + gone out of his head, but the mention of Betty's name recalled them, and + with them something of the kindly feeling which had stirred within him on + hearing of her illness. So, saying he would call later to see his uncle, + he started again to find the widow's cottage, and his cousin. + </p> + <p> + The servant had directed him to the last house in the village, but, when + he got outside of the gate, there were houses in two directions. He looked + about for some one and from whom to inquire further, and his eye fell upon + our old acquaintance, the constable, coming out of his door with a parcel + under his arm. + </p> + <p> + The little man was in a brown study, and did not notice Tom's first + address. He was in fact anxiously thinking over his old friend's illness + and her son's trouble; and was on his way to Farmer Grove's, (having + luckily the excuse of taking a coat to be tried on) in the hopes of + getting him to interfere and patch up the quarrel between young Tester and + Harry. + </p> + <p> + Tom's first salute had been friendly enough; no one knew better how to + speak to the poor, amongst whom he had lived all his life, than he. But, + not getting any answer, and being in a touchy state of mind, he was put + out, and shouted— + </p> + <p>“Hello, my man, can't you hear me?”</p> + <p> + “Ees, I beant dunch,” replied the constable, turning and + looking at his questioner. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were, for I spoke loud enough before. Which is Mrs. + Winburn's cottage?” + </p> + <p> + “The furdest house down ther,” he said, pointing, “'tis + in my way if you've a mind to come.” Tom accepted the offer and + walked along by the constable. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Winburn is ill, isn't she,” he asked, after looking his + guide over. + </p> + <p>“Ees, her be—terrible bad,” said the constable.</p> + <p>“What is the matter with her, do you know?”</p> + <p> + “Zummat o' fits, I hears. Her've had 'em this six year, on and + off.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it's dangerous. I mean she isn't likely to get + well?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis in the Lord's hands,” replied the constable, “but + her's that bad wi' pain, at times, 'twould be a mussy if 'twould plaase He + to tak' her out on't.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she mightn't think so,” said Tom, superciliously; he + was not in the mind to agree with anyone. The constable looked at him + solemnly for a moment, and then said— + </p> + <p> + “Her's been a God-fearin' woman from her youth up, and her's had a + deal o' trouble. Thaay as the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and 'tisn't such + as thaay as is afeared to go afore Him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never found that having troubles made people a bit more + anxious to get 'out on't,' as you call it,” said Tom. “It + don't seem to me as you can 'a had much o' trouble to judge by,” + said the constable, who was beginning to be nettled by Tom's manner. + </p> + <p>“How can you tell that?”</p> + <p> + “Leastways 'twould be whoam-made, then,” persisted the + constable; “and ther's a sight o' odds atween whoam made troubles + and thaay as the Lord sends.” + </p> + <p> + “So there may; but I may have seen both sorts for anything you can + tell.” + </p> + <p>“Nay, nay; the Lord's troubles leaves His marks.”</p> + <p>“And you don't see any of <i>them</i> in my face, eh?”</p> + <p> + The constable jerked his head after his own peculiar fashion, but declined + to reply directly to this interrogatory. He parried it by one of his own. + </p> + <p>“In the doctorin' line, make so bould?”</p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom. “You don't seem to have such very good + eyes, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I seed you wasn't old enough to be doin' for yourself, like; + but I thought you med ha' been a 'sistant, or summat.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, you're just mistaken,” said Tom, considerably + disgusted at being taken for a country doctor's assistant. + </p> + <p> + “I ax your pill-don,” said the constable. “But if you + beant in the doctorin' line, what be gwine to Widow Winburn's for, make so + bould?” + </p> + <p> + “That's my look out, I suppose,” said Tom, almost angrily. + “That's the house, isn't it?” and he pointed to the cottage + already described, at the corner of Englebourn Copse. + </p> + <p>“Ees.”</p> + <p>“Good day, then.”</p> + <p> + “Good day,” muttered the constable, not at all satisfied with + this abrupt close of the conversation, but too unready to prolong it. He + went on his own way slowly, looking back often, till he saw the door open, + after which he seemed better satisfied, and ambled out of sight. + </p> + <p> + “The old snuffler!” thought Tom, as be strode up to the + cottage door,—“a ranter, I'll be bound, with his Lord's troubles,' + and 'Lord's hands,' and 'Lord's marks.' I hope Uncle Robert hasn't many + such in the parish.” + </p> + <p> + He knocked at the cottage door, and in a few seconds it opened gently, and + Katie slipped out with her finger on her lips. She made a slight gesture + of surprise at seeing him, and held out her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” she said, “she is asleep. You are not in a + hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not particularly,” he answered, abruptly; for there was + something in her voice and manner which jarred with his humor. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” she said again, “you must not speak so loud. We + can sit down here, and talk quietly. I shall hear if she moves.” + </p> + <p> + So he sat down opposite to her in the little porch of the cottage. She + left the door ajar, so that she might catch the least movement of her + patient, and then turned to him with a bright smile, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am so glad to see you! What good wind blows you + here?” + </p> + <p> + “No particularly good wind, that I know of. Mary showed me your + letter yesterday, and mother wished me to come round here on my way home; + and so here I am.” + </p> + <p>“And how did the party go off? I long to hear about it.”</p> + <p> + “Very well; half the county were there, and it was all very well + done.” + </p> + <p>“And how did dear Mary look?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, just as usual. But now, Katie, why didn't you come? Mary and + all of us were so disappointed.” + </p> + <p>“I thought you read my letter?”</p> + <p>“Yes, so I did.”</p> + <p>“Then you know the reason.”</p> + <p> + “I don't call it a reason. Really, you have no right to shut + yourself up from everything. You will be getting moped to death.” + </p> + <p> + “But do I look moped?” she said; and he looked at her, and + couldn't help admitting to himself, reluctantly, that she did not. So he + re-opened fire from another point. + </p> + <p> + “You will wear yourself out, nursing every old woman in the + parish.” + </p> + <p>“But I don't nurse every old woman.”</p> + <p> + “Why, there is no one here but you to-day, now,” he said, with + a motion of his head towards the cottage. + </p> + <p> + “No, because I have let the regular nurse go home for a few hours. + Besides, this is a special case. You don't know what a dear old soul Betty + is.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I do; I remember her ever since I was a child.”</p> + <p> + “Ah, I forgot; I have often heard her talk of you. Then you ought + not to be surprised at anything I may do for her.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a good, kind old woman, I know. But still I must say, Katie, + you ought to think of your friends and relations a little, and what you + owe to society.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I do think of my friends and relations very much, and I + should have liked, of all things, to have been with you yesterday. You + ought to be pitying me, instead of scolding me.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Katie, you know I didn't mean to scold you; and nobody + admires the way you give yourself up to visiting, and all that sort of + thing, more than I; only you ought to have a little pleasure sometimes. + People have a right to think of themselves and their own happiness a + little.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I don't find visiting and all that sort of thing so very + miserable. But now, Tom, you saw in my letter that poor Betty's son has + got into trouble?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; and that is what brought on her attack, you said.”</p> + <p> + “I believe so. She was in a sad state about him all yesterday,—so + painfully eager and anxious. She is better today, but still I think it + would do her good if you would see her, and say you will be a friend to + her son. Would you mind?” + </p> + <p> + “It was just what I wished to do yesterday. I will do all I can for + him, I'm sure. I always liked him as a boy; you can tell her that. But I + don't feel, somehow—today, at least—as if I could do any good by seeing + her.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, why not?”</p> + <p>“I don't think I'm in the right humor. Is she very ill?”</p> + <p>“Yes, very ill indeed; I don't think she can recover.”</p> + <p> + “Well, you see, Katie, I'm not used to death-beds. I shouldn't say + the right sort of thing.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean—the right sort of thing?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, you know. I couldn't talk to her about her soul. I'm not fit + for it, and it isn't my place.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, it isn't. But you can remind her of old times and say a + kind word about her son.” + </p> + <p>“Very well, if you don't think I shall do any harm.”</p> + <p> + “I'm sure it will comfort her. And now tell me about + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + They sat talking for some time in the same low tone, and Tom began to + forget his causes of quarrel with the world, and gave an account of the + archery party from his own point of view. Katie saw, with a woman's + quickness, that he avoided mentioning Mary, and smiled to herself and drew + her own conclusions. + </p> + <p> + At last, there was a slight movement in the cottage, and laying her hand + on his arm, she got up quickly, and went in. In a few minutes she came to + the door again. + </p> + <p>“How is she?” asked Tom.</p> + <p> + “Oh, much the same; but she has waked without pain, which is a great + blessing. Now, are you ready?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; you must go with me.”</p> + <p> + “Come in, then.” She turned, and he followed into the cottage. + </p> + <p> + Betty's bed had been moved into the kitchen, for the sake of light and + air. He glanced at the corner where it stood with almost a feeling of awe, + as he followed his cousin on tip-toe. It was all he could do to recognize + the pale, drawn face which lay on the coarse pillow. The rush of old + memories which the sight called up, and the thought of the suffering of + his poor old friend touched him deeply. + </p> + <p> + Katie went to the bed-side, and, stooping down, smoothed the pillow, and + placed her hand for a moment on the forehead of her patient. Then she + looked up, and beckoned to him, and said, in her low, clear voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Betty, here is an old friend come to see you; my cousin, Squire + Brown's son. You remember him quite a little boy?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman moved her head towards the voice, and smiled, but gave no + further sign of recognition. Tom stole across the floor, and sat down by + the bed-side. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, Betty,” he said, leaning towards her and speaking + softly, “you must remember me. Master Tom who used to come to your + cottage on baking days for hot bread, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I minds un, bless his little heart,” said the old + woman faintly. “Hev he come to see poor Betty? Do'ee let un com', + and lift un up so as I med see un. My sight be getting dim-like.” + </p> + <p> + “Here he is, Betty,” said Tom, taking her hand—a hardworking + hand, lying there with the skin all puckered from long and daily + acquaintance with the washing-tub—“I'm Master Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dearee me,” she said slowly, looking at him with + lustreless eyes. “Well, you be growed into a fine young gentleman, + surely. And how's the Squire and Madam Brown, and all the fam'ly?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well, Betty,—they will be so sorry to hear of your + illness.” + </p> + <p> + “But there ain't no hot bread for un. 'Tis ill to bake wi' no fuz + bushes, and the bakers' stuff is poor for hungry folk.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm within three months as old as your Harry, you know,” said + Tom, trying to lead her back to the object of his visit. + </p> + <p> + “Harry,” she repeated, and then collecting herself went on, + “our Harry; where is he? They haven't sent un to prison, and his + mother a dyin'?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, Betty; he will be here directly. I came to ask whether + there is anything I can do for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll stand by un, poor buoy—our Harry, as you used to play wi' + when you was little—'twas they as aggravated un so he couldn't abear it, + afore ever he'd a struck a fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Betty; I will see that he has fair play. Don't trouble about + that, it will be all right. You must be quite quiet, and not trouble + yourself about anything, that you may get well and about again.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Master Tom. I be gwine whoam; ees, I be gwine whoam to my + maester, Harry's father—I knows I be—and you'll stand by un when I be + gone; and Squire Brown 'll say a good word for un to the justices?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Betty, that he will. But you must cheer up, and you'll get + better yet; don't be afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “I beant afeard, Master Tom; no, bless you, I beant afeard but what + the Lord'll be mussiful to a poor lone woman like me, as has had a sore + time of it since my measter died wi' a hungry boy like our Harry to kep, + back and belly; and the rheumatics terrible bad all winter time.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure, Betty, you have done your duty by him, and everyone + else.” + </p> + <p> + “Dwontee speak o' doin's, Master Tom. 'Tis no doin's o' ourn as'll + make any odds where I be gwine.” + </p> + <p>Tom did not know what to answer; so he pressed her hand and said,—</p> + <p> + “Well, Betty, I am very glad I have seen you once more; I sha'n't + forget it. Harry sha'n't want a friend while I live.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord bless you, Master Tom, for that word,” said the + dying woman, returning the pressure, as her eyes filled with tears. Katie, + who had been watching her carefully from the other side of the bed, made + him a sign to go. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Betty” he said; “I won't forget, you may be + sure; God bless you;” and then, disengaging his hand gently, went + out again into the porch, where he sat down to wait for his cousin. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the nurse returned, and Katie came out of the cottage + soon afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Now I will walk up home with you,” she said. “You must + come in and see papa. Well, I'm sure you must be glad you went in. Was not + I right?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; I wish I could have said something more to comfort + her.” + </p> + <p> + “You couldn't have said more. It was just what she wanted.” + </p> + <p>“But where is her son? I ought to see him before I go.”</p> + <p> + “He has gone to the doctor's for some medicine. He will be back + soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must see him; and I should like to do something for him at + once. I'm not very flush of money, but I must give you something for him. + You'll take it; I shouldn't like to offer it to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think he wants money; they are well off now. He earns good + wages, and Betty has done her washing up to this week.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he will be fined, I suppose, for this assault; and then, + if she should die, there will be the funeral expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; as you please,” she said; and Tom proceeded to + hand over to her all his ready money, except a shilling or two. After + satisfying his mind thus, he looked at her, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Katie, I don't think I ever saw you so happy and in + such spirits?” + </p> + <p> + “There now! And yet you began talking to me as if I were looking sad + enough to turn all the beer in the parish sour.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so you ought to be, according to Cocker, spending all your + time in sick rooms.” + </p> + <p>“According to who?”</p> + <p>“According to Cocker.”</p> + <p>“Who is Cocker?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't know; some old fellow who wrote the rules of + arithmetic, I believe; it's only a bit of slang. But, I repeat, you have a + right to be sad, and it's taking an unfair advantage of your relations to + look as pleasant as you do.” + </p> + <p> + Katie laughed. “You ought not to say so, at any rate,” she + said, “for you look all the pleasanter for your visit to a sick + room.” + </p> + <p>“Did I look very unpleasant before?”</p> + <p>“Well, I don't think you were in a very good humor.”</p> + <p> + “No, I was in a very bad humor, and talking to you and poor old + Betty has set me right, I think. But you said hers was a special case. It + must be very sad work in general.” + </p> + <p> + “Only when one sees people in great pain, or when they are wicked, + and quarreling, or complaining about nothing; then I do get very low + sometimes. But even then it is much better than keeping to one's self. + Anything is better than thinking of one's self, and one's own + troubles.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you are right,” said Tom, recalling his morning's + meditations, “especially when one's troubles are homemade. Look, + here's an old fellow who gave me a lecture on that subject before I saw + you this morning, and took me for the apothecary's boy.” + </p> + <p> + They were almost opposite David's door, at which he stood with a piece of + work in his hand. He had seen Miss Winter from his look-out window, and + had descended from his board in hopes of hearing news. + </p> + <p> + Katie returned his respectful and anxious salute, and said, “She is + no worse, David. We left her quite out of pain and very quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, 'tis to be hoped as she'll hev a peaceful time on't now, poor + soul,” said David; “I've a been to Farmer Groves', and I hope + as he'll do summat about Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear it,” said Miss Winter, “and my cousin + here, who knew Harry very well when they were little boys together, has + promised to help him. This is Harry's best friend,” she said to Tom, + “who has done more than anyone to keep him right.” + </p> + <p> + David seemed a little embarrassed, and began jerking his head about when + his acquaintance of the morning, whom he had scarcely noticed before, was + introduced by Miss Winter as “my cousin.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to do all I can for him,” said Tom, “and I'm + very glad to have made your acquaintance. You must let me know whenever I + can help;” and he took out a card and handed it to David, who looked + at it, and then said,— + </p> + <p> + “And I be to write to you, sir, then, if Harry gets into + trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but we must keep him out of trouble, even home-made ones, + which don't leave good marks, you know,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “And thaay be nine out o' ten o' aal as comes to a man, sir” + said David “as I've a told Harry scores o' times.” + </p> + <p>“That seems to be your text, David,” said Tom, laughing.</p> + <p> + “Ah, and 'tis a good un too, sir. Ax Miss Winter else. 'Tis a sight + better to hev the Lord's troubles while you be about it, for thaay as + hasn't makes wus for themselves out o' nothin'. Dwon't 'em, Miss?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; you know that I agree with you, David.”</p> + <p> + “Good-bye, then,” said Tom, holding out his hand, “and + mind you let me hear from you.” + </p> + <p> + “What a queer old bird, with his whole wisdom of man packed up small + for ready use, like a quack doctor,” he said, as soon as they were + out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, he isn't the least like a quack doctor. I don't know a + better man in the parish, though he is rather obstinate, like all the rest + of them.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean to say anything against him, I assure you,” + said Tom; “on the contrary, I think him a fine old fellow. But I + didn't think so this morning, when he showed me the way to Betty's + cottage.” The fact was that Tom saw all things and persons with + quite a different pair of eyes from those which he had been provided with + when he arrived in Englebourn that morning. He even made allowances for + old Mr. Winter, who was in his usual querulous state at luncheon, though + perhaps it would have been difficult in the whole neighborhood to find a + more pertinent comment on, and illustration of, the constable's text than + the poor old man furnished, with his complaints about his own health, and + all he had to do and think of, for everybody about him. It did strike Tom, + however, as very wonderful how such a character as Katie's could have + grown up under the shade of, and in constant contact with, such a one as + her father's. He wished his uncle good-bye soon after luncheon, and he and + Katie started again down the village—she to return to her nursing and he + on his way home. He led his horse by the bridle and walked by her side + down the street. She pointed to the Hawk's Lynch as they walked along, and + said, “You should ride up there; it is scarcely out of your way. + Mary and I used to walk there every day when she was here, and she was so + fond of it.” + </p> + <p> + At the cottage they found Harry Winburn. He came out, and the two young + men shook hands, and looked one another over, and exchanged a few shy + sentences. Tom managed with difficulty to say the little he had to say, + but tried to make up for it by a hearty manner. It was not the time or + place for any unnecessary talk; so in a few minutes he was mounted and + riding up the slope towards the heath. “I should say he must be half + a stone lighter than I,” he thought, “and not quite so tall; + but he looks as hard as iron, and tough as whipcord. What a No. 7 he'd + make in a heavy crew! Poor fellow, he seems dreadfully cut up. I hope I + shall be able to be of use to him. Now for this place which Katie showed + me from the village street.” + </p> + <p> + He pressed his horse up the steep side of the Hawk's Lynch. The + exhilaration of the scramble, and the sense of power, and of some slight + risk, which he felt as he helped on the gallant beast with hand and knee + and heel, while the loose turf and stones flew from his hoofs and rolled + down the hill behind them, made Tom's eyes kindle and his pulse beat + quicker as he reached the top and pulled up under the Scotch firs. + “This was her favorite walk, then. No wonder. What an air, and what + a view!” He jumped off his horse, slipped the bridle over his arm, + and let him pick away at the short grass and tufts of heath, as he himself + first stood, and then sat, and looked out over the scene which she had so + often looked over. She might have sat on the very spot he was sitting on; + she must have taken in the same expanse of wood and meadow, village and + park, and dreamy, distant hill. Her presence seemed to fill the air round + him. A rush of new thoughts and feelings swam through his brain and + carried him, a willing piece of drift man, along with them. He gave + himself up to the stream and revelled in them. His eye traced back the + road along which he had ridden in the morning, and rested on the Barton + woods, just visible in the distance, on this side of the point where all + outline except that of the horizon began to be lost. The flickering July + air seemed to beat in a pulse of purple glory over the spot. The soft wind + which blew straight from Barton seemed laden with her name, and whispered + it in the firs, over his head. Every nerve in his body was bounding with + new life, and he could sit still no longer. He rose, sprang on his horse, + and, with a shout of joy, turned from the vale and rushed away on to the + heath, northwards towards his home behind the chalk hills. He had ridden + into Englebourn in the morning an almost unconscious dabbler by the margin + of the great stream; he rode from the Hawk's Lynch in the afternoon over + head and ears and twenty, a hundred, ay, unnumbered fathoms below that, + deep; consciously, and triumphantly in love. + </p> + <p> + But at what a pace, and in what a form! Love, at least in his first + access, must be as blind a horseman as he is an archer. The heath was + rough with peat-cutting and turf-cutting and many a deep-rutted farm road, + and tufts of heather and furze. Over them and through them went horse and + man—horse rising seven and man twenty off, a well-matched pair in age for + a wild ride—headlong towards the north, till a blind rut somewhat deeper + than usual put an end to their career, and sent the good horse staggering + forward some thirty feet on to his nose and knees, and Tom over his + shoulder, on to his back in the heather. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's lucky it's no worse,” thought our hero, as he + picked himself up and anxiously examined the horse, who stood trembling + and looking wildly puzzled at the whole proceeding; “I hope he + hasn't overreached. What will the governor say? His knees are all right. + Poor old boy!” he said, patting him; “no wonder you look + astonished. You're not in love. Come along; we won't make fools of + ourselves any more. What is it?— + </p> + <pre> + 'A true love forsaken a new love may get, + But a neck that's once broken can never be set.' +</pre + > + <p> + What stuff! one may get a neck set for anything I know; but a new + love—blasphemy!” + </p> + <p> + The rest of the ride passed off soberly enough, except in Tom's brain, + wherein were built up in gorgeous succession castles such as we have all + built, I suppose, before now. And with the castles were built up side by + side good honest resolves to be worthy of her, and win her and worship her + with body, and mind, and soul. And, as a first installment, away to the + winds went all the selfish morning thoughts; and he rode down the northern + slope of the chalk hills a dutiful and affectionate son, at peace with + Mrs. Porter, honoring her for her care of the treasure which he was + seeking, and in good time for dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear,” said Mrs. Brown to her husband when they were + alone that night, “did you ever see Tom in such spirits, and so + gentle and affectionate? Dear boy; there can be nothing the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I tell you so,” replied Mr. Brown; “you women + have always got some nonsense in your heads as soon as your boys have a + hair on their chin or your girls begin to put up their back hair.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, say what you will, I'm sure Mary Porter is a very + sweet, taking girl, and—” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite of the same opinion,” said Mr. Brown, “and + am very glad you have written to ask them here.” + </p> + <p>And so the worthy couple went happily to bed.</p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0034"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXIII—BROWN PATRONUS</h2> + <p> + On a Saturday afternoon in August, a few weeks after the eventful ride, + Tom returned to the Englebourn Rectory to stay over Sunday, and attend + Betty Winburn's funeral. He was strangely attracted to Harry by the + remembrance of their old boyish rivalry; by the story which he had heard + from his cousin, of the unwavering perseverance with which the young + peasant clung to and pursued his suit for Simon's daughter; but, more than + all, by the feeling of gratitude with which he remembered the effect his + visit to Betty's sick room had had on him, on the day of his ride from + Barton Manor. On that day he knew that he had ridden into Englebourn in a + miserable mental fog, and had ridden out of it in sunshine, which had + lasted through the intervening weeks. Somehow or another he had been set + straight then and there, turned into the right road and out of the wrong + one, at what he very naturally believed to be the most critical moment of + his life. + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to weigh accurately the respective merits of the several + persons whom he came in contact with that day, he credited them all with a + large amount of gratitude and good-will, and Harry with his mother's share + as well as his own. So he had been longing to <i>do</i> something for him + ever since. The more he rejoiced in, and gave himself up to his own new + sensations, the more did his gratitude become as it were a burden to him; + and yet no opportunity offered of letting off some of it in action. The + magistrates, taking into consideration the dangerous state of his mother, + had let Harry off with a reprimand for his assault; so there was nothing + to be done there. He wrote to Katie offering more money for the Winburns; + but she declined—adding, however, to her note, by way of postscript, that + he might give it to her clothing club or coal club. Then came the news of + Betty's death, and an intimation from Katie that she thought Harry would + be much gratified if he would attend the funeral. He jumped at the + suggestion. All Englebourn, from the Hawk's Lynch to the Rectory, was + hallowed ground to him. The idea of getting back there, so much nearer to + Barton Manor, filled him with joy, which he tried in vain to repress when + he thought of the main object of his visit on the present occasion. + </p> + <p> + He arrived in time to go and shake hands with Harry before dinner; and, + though scarcely a word passed between them, he saw with delight that he + had evidently given pleasure to the mourner. Then he had a charming long + evening with Katie, walking in the garden with her between dinner and tea, + and after tea discoursing in low tones over her work-table, while Mr. + Winter benevolently slept in his arm-chair. Their discourse branched into + many paths, but managed always somehow to end in the sayings, beliefs, and + perfections of the young lady of Barton Manor. Tom wondered how it had + happened so when he got to his own room, as he fancied he had not betrayed + himself in the least. He had determined to keep resolutely on his guard, + and to make a confident of no living soul till he was twenty-one, and, + though sorely tempted to break his resolution in favor of Katie, had + restrained himself. He might have spared himself all the trouble; but this + he did not know, being unversed in the ways of women, and all unaware of + the subtlety and quickness of their intuitions in all matters connected + with the heart. Poor, dear, stolid, dim-sighted mankind, how they do see + through us and walk round us! + </p> + <p> + The funeral on the Sunday afternoon between churches had touched him much, + being the first he had ever attended. He walked next behind the chief + mourner—the few friends, amongst whom David was conspicuous, yielding + place to him. He stood beside Harry in church, and at the open grave, and + made the responses as firmly as he could, and pressed his shoulder against + his, when he felt the strong frame of the son trembling with the weight + and burden of his resolutely suppressed agony. When they parted at the + cottage door, to which Tom accompanied the mourner and his old and tried + friend David, though nothing but a look and a grasp of the hand passed + between them, he felt that they were bound by a new and invisible bond; + and, as he walked back up the village and passed the churchyard, where the + children were playing about on the graves, stopping every now and then to + watch the sexton as he stamped down and filled in the mould on the last + made one beside which he himself stood as a mourner—and heard the bells + beginning to chime for the afternoon service, he resolved within himself + that he would be a true and helpful friend to the widow's son. On this + subject he could talk freely to Katie; and he did so that evening, + expounding how much one in his position could do for a young laboring man + if he was really bent on it, and building up grand castles for Harry, the + foundations of which rested on his own determination to benefit and + patronize him. Katie listened half doubtingly at first, but was soon led + away by his confidence, and poured out the tea in the full belief that + with Tom's powerful aid all would go well. After which they took to + reading the “Christian Year” together, and branched into + discussions on profane poetry, which Katie considered scarcely proper for + the evening, but which, nevertheless, being of such rare occurrence with + her, she had not the heart to stop. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Tom was to return home. After breakfast he began the + subject of his future plans for Harry again, when Katie produced a small + paper packet which she handed to him, saying— + </p> + <p>“Here is your money again.”</p> + <p>“What money?”</p> + <p> + “The money you left with me for Harry Winburn. I thought at the time + that most probably he would not take it.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you sure he doesn't want it? Did you try hard to get him to + take it?” said Tom, holding out his hand reluctantly for the money. + </p> + <p> + “Not myself. I couldn't offer him money myself, of course; but I + sent it by David, and begged him to do all he could to persuade him to + take it.” + </p> + <p>“Well, and why wouldn't he?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, he said the club-money which was coming in was more than enough + to pay for the funeral and for himself he didn't want it.” + </p> + <p> + “How provoking! I wonder if old David really did his best to get him + to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am sure he did. But you ought to be very glad to find some + independence in a poor man.” + </p> + <p> + “Bother his independence! I don't like to feel that it costs me + nothing but talk—I want to pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Tom, if you knew the poor as well as I do, you wouldn't say so. + I am afraid there are not two other men in the parish who would have + refused your money. The fear of undermining their independence takes away + all my pleasure in giving.” + </p> + <p> + “Undermining! Why, Katie, I am sure I have heard you mourn over + their stubbornness and unreasonableness.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; they are often provokingly stubborn and unreasonable, and + yet not independent about money, or anything they can get out of you. + Besides, I acknowledge that I have become wiser of late; I used to like to + see them dependent and cringing to me, but now I dread it.” + </p> + <p> + “But you would like David to give in about the singing, wouldn't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if he would give in I should be very proud. I have learnt a + great deal from him; I used positively to dislike him; but, now that I + know him, I think him the best man in the parish. If he ever does give + in—and I think he will—it will be worth anything, just because he is so + independent.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all very well; but what am I to do to show Harry Winburn + that I mean to be his friend, if he won't take money from me?” + </p> + <p> + “You have come over to his mother's funeral—he will think more of + that than of all the money you could give him; and you can show sympathy + for him in a great many ways.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must try. By the way, about his love affair; is the young + lady at home? I have never seen her, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “No she is away with an aunt, looking out for a place. I have + persuaded her to get one, and leave home again for the present. Her father + is quite well now, and she is not wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it seems I can't do any good with her, then; but could I not + go and talk to her father about Harry? I might help him in that + way.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be very careful; Simon is such an odd-tempered old + man.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm not afraid; he and I are great chums; and a little soft + soap will go a long way with him. Fancy, if I could get him this very + morning to 'sanction Harry's suit,' as the phrase is, what should you + think of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think very highly of your powers of persuasion.” + </p> + <p> + Not the least daunted by his cousin's misgivings, Tom started in quest of + Simon, and found him at work in front of the greenhouse, surrounded by + many small pots and heaps of finely sifted mould, and absorbed in his + occupation. + </p> + <p> + Simon was a rough, stolid Berkshire rustic, somewhat of a tyrant in the + bosom of his family, an unmanageable servant, a cross-grained + acquaintance; as a citizen, stiff-necked, and a grumbler, who thought that + nothing ever went right in the parish; but, withal, a thoroughly honest + worker; and, when allowed to go his own way—and no other way would he go, + as his mistress had long since discovered—there was no man who earned his + daily bread more honestly. He took a pride in his work, and the Rectory + garden was always trim and well kept, and the beds bright with flowers + from early spring till late autumn. + </p> + <p> + He was absorbed in what he was about, and Tom came up close to him without + attracting the least sign of recognition; so he stopped, and opened the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Good day, Simon; it's a pleasure to see a garden looking so gay as + yours.” + </p> + <p> + Simon looked up from his work, and, when he saw who it was, touched his + battered old hat, and answered,— + </p> + <p>“Mornin' sir! Ees, you finds me allus in blume”</p> + <p> + “Indeed I do, Simon; but how do you manage it? I should like to tell + my father's gardener.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis no use to tell un if a haven't found out for hisself. 'Tis + nothing but lookin' a bit forrard and farm-yard stuff as does it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's plenty of farm-yard stuff at home, and yet, somehow, + we never look half so bright as you do.” + </p> + <p> + “May be as your gardener just takes and hits it auver the top o' the + ground, and lets it lie. That's no kind o' good, that beant—'tis the roots + as wants the stuff; and you med jist as well take and put a round o' beef + agin my back bwone as hit the stuff auver the ground, and never see as it + gets to the roots o' the plants.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't think it can be that,” said Tom laughing; + “our gardener seems always to be digging his manure in, but somehow + he can't make it come out in flowers as you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Ther' be mwore waays o' killin' a cat besides choking on un wi' + crame,” said Simon, chuckling in his turn. + </p> + <p> + “That's true Simon,” said Tom; “the fact is, a gardener + must know his business as well as you to be always in bloom, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “That's about it, sir,” said Simon, on whom the flattery was + beginning to tell. + </p> + <p> + Tom saw this, and thought he might now feel his way a little further with + the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I'm over on a sad errand,” he said; “I've been to poor + Widow Winburn's funeral—she was an old friend of yours, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Ees; I minds her long afore she wur married,” said Simon, + turning to his pots again. + </p> + <p>“She wasn't an old woman, after all,” said Tom.</p> + <p>“Sixty-two year old cum Michaelmas,” said Simon.</p> + <p> + “Well, she ought to have been a strong woman for another ten years + at least; why, you must be older than she by some years, Simon, and you + can do a good day's work yet with any man.” + </p> + <p> + Simon went on with his potting without replying except by a carefully + measured grunt, sufficient to show that he had heard the remark, and was + not much impressed by it. + </p> + <p> + Tom saw that he must change his attack; so, after watching Simon for a + minute, he began again. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder why it is that the men of your time of life are so much + stronger than the young ones in constitution. Now, I don't believe there + are three young men in Englebourn who would have got over that fall you + had at Farmer Groves' so quick as you have; most young men would have been + crippled for life by it.” + </p> + <p> + “Zo 'em would, the young wosbirds. I dwont make no account on + 'em,” said Simon. + </p> + <p>“And you don't feel any the worse for it, Simon?”</p> + <p> + “Narra mossel,” replied Simon; but presently he seemed to + recollect something, and added, “I wun't saay but what I feels it at + times when I've got to stoop about much.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I'm sorry to hear that, Simon. Then you oughtn't to have so + much stooping to do; potting, and that sort of thing, is the work for you, + I should think, and just giving an eye to everything about the place. + Anybody could do the digging and setting out cabbages, and your time is + only wasted at it.”—Tom had now found the old man's weak point. + </p> + <p> + “Ees, sir, and so I tells miss,” he said, “but wi' + nothin' but a bit o' glass no bigger'n a cowcumber frame, 'tis all as a + man can do to keep a few plants alive droo' the winter.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Tom, looking round at the very respectable + greenhouse which Simon had contemptuously likened to a cucumber-frame, + “you ought to have at least another house as big as this for + forcing.” + </p> + <p> + “Master ain't pleased, he ain't,” said Simon, “if he + dwon't get his things, his spring wegetables, and his strawberries, as + early as though we'd a got forcin' pits and glass like other folk. 'Tis a + year and mwore since he promised as I sh'd hev glass along that ther' + wall, but 'tis no nigher comin' as I can see. I be to spake to miss about + it now, and, when I spakes to her, 'tis, 'oh, Simon, we must wait till the + 'spensary's 'stablished,' or 'oh, Simon, last winter wur a werry tryin + wun, and the sick club's terrible bad off for funds,'—and so we gwoes on, + and med gwo on for aught as I can see, so long as there's a body sick or + bad off in all the parish. And that'll be all us. For, what wi' wisitin' + on 'em, and sendin' on 'em dinners, and a'al the doctor's stuff as is + served out o' the 'spensary—wy, 'tis enough to keep 'em bad a'al ther' + lives. Ther ain't no credit in gettin' well. Ther' wur no sich a caddle + about sick folk when I wur a bwoy.” + </p> + <p> + Simon had never been known to make such a long speech before, and Tom + argued well for his negotiation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Simon,” he said, “I've been talking to my cousin, + and I think she will do what you want now. The dispensary is set up, and + the people are very healthy. How much glass should you want, now, along + that wall?” + </p> + <p>“A matter o' twenty fit or so,” said Simon.</p> + <p> + “I think that can be managed,” said Tom; “I'll speak to + my cousin about it; and then you would have plenty to do in the houses, + and you'd want a regular man under you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ees; 'twould take two on us reg'lar to kep things as they should + be.” + </p> + <p> + “And you ought to have somebody who knows what he is about. Can you + think of anyone who would do, Simon?” + </p> + <p> + “Ther's a young chap as works for Squire Wurley. I've heard as he + wants to better hisself.” + </p> + <p> + “But he isn't an Englebourn man. Isn't there anyone in the + parish?” + </p> + <p>“Ne'er a one as I knows on.”</p> + <p> + “What do you think of Harry Winburn—he seems a good hand with + flowers?” The words had scarcely passed his lips when Tom saw that + he had made a mistake. Old Simon retired into himself at once, and a + cunning, distrustful look came over his face. There was no doing anything + with him. Even the new forcing house had lost its attractions for him, and + Tom, after some further ineffectual attempts to bring him round, returned + to the house somewhat crestfallen. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how have you succeeded?” said Katie, looking up from + her work, as he came in and sat down near her table. Tom shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I've made a regular hash of it,” he said. “I + thought at first I had quite come round the old savage by praising the + garden, and promising that you would let him have a new house.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say you did that?” said Katie, stopping her + work. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, but I did, though. I was drawn on, you know. I saw it was + the right card to play; so I couldn't help it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Tom! how could you do so? We don't want another house the least + in the world; it is only Simon's vanity. He wants to beat the gardener at + the grange at the flower shows. Every penny will have to come out of what + papa allows me for the parish.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be afraid, Katie; you won't have to spend a penny. Of course + I reserved a condition. The new house was to be put up if he would take + Harry as an under-gardener. + </p> + <p>“What did he say to that?”</p> + <p> + “Well, he said nothing. I never came across such an old Turk. How + you have spoiled him! If he isn't pleased, he won't take the trouble to + answer you a word. I was very near telling him a piece of my mind. But he + <i>looked</i> + all the more. I believe he would poison Harry if he came here. What can + have made him hate him so?” + </p> + <p> + “He is jealous of him. Mary and I were so foolish as to praise poor + Betty's flowers before Simon, and he has never forgiven it. I think, too, + that he suspects, somehow, that we talked about getting Harry here. I + ought to have told you, but I quite forgot it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it can't be helped. I don't think I can do any good in that + quarter; so now I shall be off to the Grange to see what I can do + there.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “Why, Harry is afraid of being turned out of his cottage. I saw how + it worried him, thinking about it; so I shall go to the Grange, and say a + good word for him. Wurley can't refuse if I offer to pay the rent + myself—it's only six pounds a year. Of course, I sha'n't tell Harry; and + he will pay it all the same; but it may make all the difference with + Wurley, who is a regular screw.” + </p> + <p>“Do you know Mr. Wurley?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, just to speak to. He knows all about me, and he will be very + glad to be civil.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt he will; but I don't like your going to his house. You + don't know what a bad man he is. Nobody but men on the turf, and that sort + of people, go there now; and I believe he thinks of nothing but gambling + and game-preserving.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; I know all about him. The county people are beginning to + look shy at him; so he'll be all the more likely to do what I ask + him.” + </p> + <p>“But you won't get intimate with him?”</p> + <p>“You needn't be afraid of that.”</p> + <p> + “It is a sad house to go to—I hope it won't do you any harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Katie!” said Tom, with a smile not altogether cheerful, + “I don't think you need be anxious about that. When one has been a + year at Oxford, there isn't much snow left to soil; so now I am off. I + must give myself plenty of time to cook Wurley.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose I must not hinder you,” said Katie. “I + do hope you will succeed in some of your kind plans for Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best; and it is a great thing to have somebody + besides oneself to think about and try to help—some poor person—don't you + think so, even for a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do. I am sure you can't be happy without it, any more + than I. We shouldn't be our mother's children if we could be.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, good-bye, dear; you can't think how I enjoy these glimpses of + you and your work. You must give my love to Uncle Robert.” + </p> + <p> + And so they bade each other adieu, lovingly, after the manner of cousins, + and Tom rode away with a very soft place in his heart for his cousin + Katie. It was not the least the same sort of passionate feeling of worship + with which he regarded Mary. The two feelings could lie side by side in + his heart with plenty of room to spare. In fact, his heart had been + getting so big in the last few weeks that it seemed capable of taking in + the whole of mankind, not to mention woman, till, on the whole, it may be + safely asserted that, had matters been at all in a more forward state, and + could she have seen exactly what was passing in his mind, Mary would + probably have objected to the kind of affection which he felt for his + cousin at this particular time. The joke about cousinly love is probably + as old, and certainly as true, as Solomon's proverbs. However, as matters + stood, it could be no concern of Mary's what his feelings were towards + Katie, or any other person. + </p> + <p> + Tom rode in at the lodge gate of the Grange soon after eleven o'clock, and + walked his horse slowly through the park, admiring the splendid timber, + and thinking how he should break his request to the owner of the place. + But his thoughts were interrupted by the proceedings of the rabbits, which + were out by hundreds all along the sides of the plantations, and round the + great trees. A few of the nearest just deigned to notice him by scampering + to their holes under the roots of the antlered oaks, into which some of + them popped with a disdainful kick of their hind legs, while others turned + round, sat up, and looked at him. As he neared the house he passed a + keeper's cottage, and was saluted by the barking of dogs from the + neighboring kennel; and the young pheasants ran about round some twenty + hen-coops, which were arranged along opposite the door where the keeper's + children were playing. The pleasure of watching the beasts and birds kept + him from arranging his thoughts, and he reached the hall door without + having formed the plan of his campaign. + </p> + <p> + A footman answered the bell, who doubted whether his master was down, but + thought he would see the gentleman if he would send in his name. Whereupon + Tom handed in his card, and, in a few minutes a rakish-looking stable boy + came round after his horse, and the butler appeared with his master's + compliments, and a request that he would step into the breakfast-room. Tom + followed this portly personage through the large handsome hall, on the + walls of which hung a buff-coat or two and some old-fashioned arms, and + large paintings of dead game and fruit—through a drawing room, the + furniture of which was all covered up in melancholy cases—into the + breakfast parlor, where the owner of the mansion was seated at table in a + lounging jacket. He was a man of forty or thereabouts, who would have been + handsome, but for the animal look about his face. His cheeks were + beginning to fall into chaps, his full lips had a liquorish look about + them, and bags were beginning to form under his light blue eyes. His hands + were very white and delicate, and shook a little as he poured out his tea; + and he was full and stout in body, with small shoulders, and thin arms and + legs; in short, the last man whom Tom would have chosen as bow in a pair + oar. The only part of him which showed strength were his dark whiskers, + which were abundant, and elaborately oiled and curled. The room was light + and pleasant, with two windows looking over the park, and furnished + luxuriously, in the most modern style, with all manner of easy chairs and + sofas. A glazed case or two of well bound books, showed that some former + owner had cared for such things; but the doors had, probably, never been + opened in the present reign. The master and his usual visitors found + sufficient food for the mind in the <i>Racing Calendar</i>, + “Boxiana,” + </p> + <p> + “The Adventures of Corinthian Tom,” and <i>Bell's Life</i>, + which lay on a side table; or in the pictures and prints of racers, opera + dancers, and steeple-chases, which hung in profusion on the walls. The + breakfast table was beautifully appointed in the matter of china and + plate; and delicate little rolls, neat pats of butter in ice, two silver + hot dishes containing curry and broiled salmon, and a plate of fruit, + piled in tempting profusion, appealed, apparently in vain, to the appetite + of the lord of the feast. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Brown, sir,” said the butler, ushering in our hero to his + master's presence. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Brown, I'm very glad to see you here,” said Mr. Wurley, + standing up and holding out his hand. “Have any breakfast?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no, I have breakfasted,” said Tom, somewhat + astonished at the intimacy of the greeting; but it was his cue to do the + friendly thing,—so he took the proffered hand, which felt very limp, and + sat down by the table, looking pleasant. + </p> + <p> + “Ridden from home this morning?” said Wurley, picking over + daintily some of the curry to which he had helped himself. + </p> + <p> + “No, I was at my uncle's, at Englebourn, last night. It is very + little out of the way; so I thought I would just call on my road + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right. I'm very glad you came without ceremony. People about + here are so d-d full of ceremony. It don't suit me, all that humbug. But I + wish you'd just pick a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. Then I will eat some fruit,” said Tom, helping + himself to some of the freshly picked grapes; “how very fine these + are!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm open to back my houses against the field for twenty miles + round. This curry isn't fit for a pig—Take it out, and tell the cook + so.” The butler solemnly obeyed, while his master went on with one + of the frequent oaths with which he garnished his conversation. + “You're right, they can't spoil the fruit. They're a set of skulking + devils, are servants. They think of nothing but stuffing themselves, and + how they can cheat you most, and do the least work.” Saying which, + he helped himself to some fruit; and the two ate their grapes for a short + time in silence. But even fruit seemed to pall quickly on him, and he + pushed away his plate. The butler came back with a silver tray, with soda + water, and a small decanter of brandy, and long glasses on it. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you have something after your ride?” said the host to + Tom; “some soda water with a dash of bingo clears one's head in the + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Tom, smiling, “it's bad for + training.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you Oxford men are all for training,” said his host, + drinking greedily of the foaming mixture which the butler handed to him. + “A glass of bitter ale is what you take, eh? I know. Get some ale + for Mr. Brown.” + </p> + <p> + Tom felt that it would be uncivil to refuse this orthodox offer, and took + his beer accordingly, after which his host produced a box of Hudson's + regalias, and proposed to look at the stables. So they lighted their + cigars, and went out. Mr. Wurley had taken of late to the turf, and they + inspected several young horses which were entered for country stakes. Tom + thought them weedy-looking animals, but patiently listened to their + praises and pedigrees, upon which his host was eloquent enough; and, + rubbing up his latest readings in <i>Bell's Life</i>, and the racing talk + which he had been in the habit of hearing in Drysdale's rooms, managed to + hold his own, and asked, with a grave face, about the price of the + Coronation colt for the next Derby, and whether Scott's lot was not the + right thing to stand on for the St. Leger, thereby raising himself + considerably in his host's eyes. There were no hunters in the stable, at + which Tom expressed his surprise. In reply, Mr. Wurley abused the country, + and declared that it was not worth riding across, the fact being that he + had lost his nerve, and that the reception which he was beginning to meet + with in the field, if he came out by chance, was of the coldest. + </p> + <p> + From the stables they strolled to the keeper's cottage, where Mr. Wurley + called for some buckwheat and Indian corn, and began feeding the young + pheasants, which were running about, almost like barn-door fowls, close to + them. + </p> + <p> + “We've had a good season for the young birds,” he said; + “my fellow knows that part of his business, d—n him, and don't lose + many. You had better bring your gun over in October; we shall have a week + in the covers early in the month.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I shall be very glad,” said Tom; “but you + don't shoot these birds?” + </p> + <p>“Shoot 'em! what the devil should I do with 'em?”</p> + <p> + “Why, they're so tame I thought you just kept them about the house + for breeding. I don't care so much for pheasant shooting; I like a good + walk after a snipe, or creeping along to get a wild duck much better. + There's some sport in it, or even in partridge shooting with a couple of + good dogs, now—” + </p> + <p> + “You're quite wrong. There's nothing like a good dry ride in a cover + with lots of game, and a fellow behind to load for you.” + </p> + <p>“Well, I must say, I prefer the open.”</p> + <p>“You've no covers over your way, have you?”</p> + <p>“Not many.”</p> + <p> + “I thought so. You wait till you've had a good day in my covers, and + you won't care for quartering all day over wet turnips. Besides, this sort + of thing pays. They talk about pheasants costing a guinea a head on one's + table. It's all stuff; at any rate, mine don't cost <i>me</i> much. In + fact, I say it pays, and I can prove it.” + </p> + <p>“But you feed your pheasants?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, just round the house for a few weeks, and I sow a little + buckwheat in the covers. But they have to keep themselves pretty much, I + can tell you.” + </p> + <p>“Don't the farmers object?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, d-n them; they're never satisfied. But they don't grumble to + me; they know better. There are a dozen fellows ready to take any farm + that's given up, and they know it. Just get a beggar to put a hundred or + two into the ground, and he won't quit hold in a hurry. Will you play a + game at billiards?” + </p> + <p> + The turn which their conversation had taken hitherto had offered no + opening to Tom for introducing the object of his visit, and he felt less + and less inclined to come to the point. He looked his host over and over + again, and the more he looked the less he fancied asking anything like a + favor of him. However, as it had to be done, he thought he couldn't do + better than fall into his ways for a few hours, and watch for a chance. + The man seemed good natured in his way; and all his belongings—the fine + park and house, and gardens and stables—were not without their effect on + his young guest. It is not given to many men of twice his age to separate + a man from his possessions, and look at him apart from them. So he yielded + easily enough, and they went to billiards in a fine room opening out of + the hall; and Tom, who was very fond of the game, soon forgot everything + in the pleasure of playing on such a table. + </p> + <p> + It was not a bad match. Mr. Wurley understood the game far better than his + guest, and could give him advice as to what side to put on and how to play + for cannons. This he did in a patronizing way, but his hand was unsteady + and his nerve bad. Tom's good eye and steady hand, and the practice he had + had at the St. Ambrose pool-table, gave him considerable advantage in the + hazards. And so they played on, Mr. Wurley condescending to bet only + half-a-crown a game, at first giving ten points, and then five, at which + latter odds Tom managed to be two games ahead when the butler announced + lunch, at two o'clock. + </p> + <p> + “I think I must order my horse,” said Tom, putting on his + coat. + </p> + <p> + “No, curse it, you must give me my revenge. I'm always five points + better after lunch, and after dinner I could give you fifteen points. Why + shouldn't you stop and dine and sleep? I expect some men to dinner.” + </p> + <p>“Thank you, I must get home to-day.”</p> + <p> + “I should like you to taste my mutton; I never kill it five years + old. You don't get that every day.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, however, was proof against the mutton; but consented to stay till + towards the hour when the other guests were expected, finding that his + host had a decided objection to be left alone. So after lunch, at which + Mr. Wurley drank the better part of a bottle of old sherry to steady his + nerves, they returned again to billiards and Hudson's regalias. + </p> + <p> + They played on for another hour; and, though Mr. Wurley's hand was + certainly steadier, the luck remained with Tom. He was now getting rather + tired of playing, and wanted to be leaving, and he began to remember the + object of his visit again. But Mr. Wurley was nettled at being beaten by a + boy, as he counted his opponent, and wouldn't hear of leaving off. So Tom + played on carelessly game after game, and was soon again only two games + ahead. Mr. Wurley's temper was recovering, and Tom protested that he must + go. Just one game more, his host urged, and Tom consented. Wouldn't he + play for a sovereign? No. So they played double or quits; and after a + sharp struggle Mr. Wurley won the game, at which he was highly elated, and + talked again grandly of the odds he could give after dinner. + </p> + <p> + Tom felt that it was now or never, and so, as he put on his coat, he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm much obliged to you for a very pleasant day, Mr. + Wurley.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you'll come over again, and stay and sleep. I shall always + be glad to see you. It is so cursed hard to keep somebody always going in + the country.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I should like to come again. But now I want to ask a + favor of you before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, well, what is it?” said Mr. Wurley, whose face and manner + became suddenly anything but encouraging. + </p> + <p> + “There's that cottage of yours, the one at the corner of Englebourn + copse, next the village.” + </p> + <p>“The woodman's house, I know,” said Mr. Wurley.</p> + <p> + “The tenant is dead, and I want you to let it to a friend of mine; + I'll take care the rent is paid.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wurley pricked up his ears at this announcement. He gave a sharp look + at Tom; and then bent over the table, made a stroke, and said, “Ah, + I heard the old woman was dead. Who's your friend, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I mean her son,” said Tom, somewhat embarrassed; + “he's an active young fellow, and will make a good tenant; I'm + sure.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay,” said Mr. Wurley, with a leer; “and I + suppose there's a sister to keep house for him, eh?” + </p> + <p>“No, but he wants to get married.”</p> + <p> + “Wants to get married, eh?” said Mr. Wurley, with another leer + and oath. “You're right; that's a deal safer kind of thing for + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Tom, resolutely disregarding the insinuation, + which he could not help feeling was intended; “it will keep him + steady, and if he can get the cottage it might make all the difference. + There wouldn't be much trouble about the marriage then, I dare say.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll find it a devilish long way. You're quite right, mind you, + not to get them settled close at home; but Englebourn is too far, I should + say.” + </p> + <p>“What does it matter to me?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, you're tired of her! I see. Perhaps it won't be too far, + then.” + </p> + <p>“Tired of her! who do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” said Mr. Wurley, looking up from the table over + which he was leaning, for he went on knocking the balls about; + “devilish well acted! But you needn't try to come the old soldier + over me. I'm not quite such a fool as that.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean by coming the old soldier. I only asked + you to let the cottage, and I will be responsible for the rent. I'll pay + in advance if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you want me to let the cottage for you to put in this + girl?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Tom, interrupting him, and scarcely + able to keep his temper; “I told you it was for this young + Winburn.” + </p> + <p>“Of course you told me so. Ha, ha!”</p> + <p>“And you don't believe me.”</p> + <p> + “Come, now, all's fair in love and war. But, I tell you, you needn't + be mealy-mouthed with me. You don't mind his living there; he's away at + work all day, eh? and his wife stays at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Wurley, I give you my honor I never saw the girl in my life + that I know of, and I don't know that she will marry him.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you talk about your friend for, then?” said Mr. + Wurley, stopping and staring at Tom, curiosity beginning to mingle with + his look of cunning unbelief. + </p> + <p>“Because I meant just what I said.”</p> + <p>“And the friend, then?”</p> + <p> + “I have told you several times that this young Winburn is the + man.” + </p> + <p>“What, <i>your friend</i>?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, my friend,” said; Tom; and he felt himself getting red + at having to call Harry his friend in such company. Mr. Wurley looked at + him for a few moments, and then took his leg off the billiard table, and + came round to Tom with the sort of patronizing air with which he had + lectured him on billiards. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Brown, I'll give you a piece of advice,” he said. + “You're a young fellow, and haven't seen anything of the world. + Oxford's all very well, but it isn't the world. Now I tell you, a young + fellow can't do himself greater harm than getting into low company and + talking as you have been talking. It might ruin you in the county. That + sort of radical stuff won't do, you know, calling a farm laborer your + friend.” + </p> + <p> + Tom chafed at this advice from a man who, he well knew, was notoriously in + the habit of entertaining at his house, and living familiarly with, + betting men and trainers, and all the riff-raff of the turf. But he + restrained himself by a considerable effort, and, instead of retorting, as + he felt inclined to do, said, with an attempt to laugh it off, + “Thank you, I don't think there's much fear of me turning radical. + But will you let me the cottage?” + </p> + <p> + “My agent manages all that. We talked about pulling it down. The + cottage is in my preserves, and I don't mean to have some poaching fellow + there to be sneaking out at night after my pheasants.” + </p> + <p>“But his grandfather and great-grandfather lived there.”</p> + <p>“I dare say, but it's my cottage.”</p> + <p>“But surely that gives him a claim to it.”</p> + <p> + “D-n it! it's my cottage. You're not going to tell me I mayn't do + what I like with it, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “I only said that his family having lived there so long gives him a + claim.” + </p> + <p> + “A claim to what? These are some more of your cursed radical + notions. I think they might teach you something better at Oxford.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was now perfectly cool, but withal in such a tremendous fury of + excitement that he forgot the interests of his client altogether. + </p> + <p> + “I came here, sir,” he said, very quietly and slowly, + “not to request your advice on my own account, or your opinion on + the studies of Oxford, valuable as no doubt they are; I came to ask you to + let this cottage to me, and I wish to have your answer.” + </p> + <p>“I'll be d-d if I do; there's my answer.”</p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Tom; “then I have only to wish you + good morning. I am sorry to have wasted a day in the company of a man who + sets up for a country gentleman with the tongue of a Thames bargee and the + heart of a Jew pawn-broker.” + </p> + <p>Mr. Wurley rushed to the bell and rang it furiously.</p> + <p> + “By —!” he almost screamed, shaking his fist at Tom, + “I'll have you horse-whipped out of my house;” and then poured + forth a flood of uncomplimentary slang, ending in another pull at the + bell, and “By —! I'll have you horse-whipped out of my house.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better try it on—you and your flunkeys together,” + said Tom, taking a cigar case out of his pocket and lighting up, the most + defiant and exasperating action he could think of on the spur of the + moment. “Here's one of them; so I'll leave you to give him his + orders, and wait five minutes in the hall, where there's more room.” + And so, leaving the footman gaping at his lord, he turned on his heel, + with the air of Bernardo del Carpio after he had bearded King Alphonso, + and walked into the hall. + </p> + <p> + He heard men running to and fro, and doors banging, as he stood there + looking at the old buff-coats, and rather thirsting for a fight. Presently + a door opened, and the portly butler shuffled in, looking considerably + embarrassed, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Please, sir, to go out quiet, else he'll be having one of his + fits.” + </p> + <p>“Your master, you mean.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said the butler, nodding, “D. T., sir. After + one of his rages the black dog comes, and it's hawful work, so I hope + you'll go, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, of course I'll go. I don't want to give him fit.” + Saying which, Tom walked out of the hall-door, and leisurely round to the + stables, where he found already signs of commotion. Without regarding + them, he got his horse saddled and bridled, and, after looking him over + carefully, and patting him, and feeling his girths in the yard, in the + presence of a cluster of retainers of one sort or another, who were + gathered from the house and offices, and looking sorely puzzled whether to + commence hostilities or not, mounted and walked quietly out. + </p> + <p> + After his anger had been a little cooled by the fresh air of the wild + country at the back of Hawk's Lynch, which he struck into on his way home + soon after leaving the park, it suddenly occurred to him that, however + satisfactory to himself the results of his encounter with this unjust + landlord might seem, they would probably prove anything but agreeable to + the would-be tenant, Harry Winburn. In fact, as he meditated on the + matter, it became clear to him that in the course of one morning he had + probably exasperated old Simon against his aspirant son-in-law, and put a + serious spoke in Harry's love-wheel, on the one hand, while on the other, + he had ensured his speedy expulsion from his cottage, if not the + demolition of that building. Whereupon he became somewhat low under the + conviction that his friendship, which was to work such wonders for the + said Harry, and deliver him out of all his troubles, had as yet only made + his whole look-out in the world very much darker and more dusty. In short, + as yet he had managed to do considerably less than nothing for his friend, + and he felt very small before he got home that evening. He was far, + however, from being prepared for the serious way in which his father + looked upon his day's proceedings. Mr. Brown was sitting by himself after + dinner when his son turned up, and had to drink several extra glasses of + port to keep himself decently composed, while Tom narrated the events of + the day in the intervals of his attacks on the dinner, which was brought + back for him. When the servant had cleared away, Mr. Brown proceeded to + comment on the history in a most decided manner. + </p> + <p> + Tom was wrong to go to the Grange in the first instance; and this part of + the homily was amplified by a discourse on the corruption of the turf in + general, and the special curse of small country races in particular, which + such men as Wurley supported, and which, but for them, would cease. + Racing, which used to be the pastime of great people, who could well + afford to spend a few thousands a year on their pleasure, had now mostly + fallen into the hands of the very worst and lowest men of all classes, + most of whom would not scruple—as Mr. Brown strongly put it—to steal a + copper out of a blind beggar's hat. If he must go, at any rate he might + have done his errand and come away, instead of staying there all day + accepting the man's hospitality. Mr. Brown himself really should be much + embarrassed to know what to do if the man should happen to attend the next + sessions or assizes. + </p> + <p> + But, above all, having accepted his hospitality, to turn round at the end + and insult the man in his own house? This seemed to Brown, J. P., a + monstrous and astounding performance. + </p> + <p> + This new way of putting matters took Tom entirely by surprise. He + attempted a defense, but in vain. His father admitted that it would be a + hard case if Harry were turned out of his cottage, but wholly refused to + listen to Tom's endeavors to prove that a tenant in such a case had any + claim or right as against his landlord. A weekly tenant was a weekly + tenant, and no succession of weeks' holding could make him anything more. + Tom found himself rushing into a line of argument which astonished himself + and sounded wild, but in which he felt sure there was some truth, and + which, therefore, he would not abandon, though his father was evidently + annoyed, and called it mere mischievous sentiment. Each was more moved + than he would have liked to own; each in his own heart felt aggrieved and + blamed the other for not understanding him. But, though obstinate on the + general question, upon the point of his leaving the Grange, Tom was fairly + brought to shame, and gave in at last, and expressed his sorrow, though he + could not help maintaining that, if his father could have heard what took + place and seen the man's manner, he would scarcely blame him for what he + had said and done. Having owned himself in the wrong, however, there was + nothing for it but to write an apology, the composition of which was as + disagreeable a task as had ever fallen to his lot. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0035"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXIV—[Greek text] MEHDEN AGAN</h2> + <p> + Has any person of any nation or language, found out and given to the world + any occupation, work, diversion, or pursuit, more subtlely dangerous to + the susceptible youth of both sexes than that of nutting in pairs. If so, + who, where, what? A few years later in life perhaps district visiting, and + attending schools together, may in certain instances be more fatal; but, + in the first bright days of youth, a day's nutting against the world! A + day in autumn, warm enough to make sitting in the sheltered nooks in the + woods, where ever the sunshine lies, very pleasant, and yet not too warm + to make exercise uncomfortable—two young people who have been thrown much + together, one of whom is conscious of the state of his feelings towards + the other, and is, moreover, aware that his hours are numbered, and that + in a few days at furthest they will be separated for many months, that + persons in authority on both sides are beginning to suspect something (as + is apparent from the difficulty they have had in getting away together at + all on this same afternoon) here is a conjunction of persons and + circumstances, if ever there was one in the world, which is surely likely + to end in a catastrophe. Indeed, so obvious to the meanest capacity is the + danger of the situation, that, as Tom had, in his own mind, staked his + character for resolution with his private self on the keeping of his + secret till after he was of age, it is hard to conceive how he can have + been foolish enough to get himself into a hazel copse alone with Miss Mary + on the earliest day he could manage it after the arrival of the Porters, + on their visit to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. That is to say, it would be hard to + conceive, if it didn't just happen to be the most natural thing in the + world. + </p> + <p> + For the first twenty-four hours after their meeting in the home of his + fathers, the two young people, and Tom in particular, felt very + uncomfortable. Mary, being a young lady of very high spirits, and, as our + readers may probably have discovered, much given to that kind of + conversation which borders as nearly upon what men commonly call chaff as + a well-bred girl can venture on, was annoyed to find herself quite at + fault in all her attempts to get her old antagonist of Commemoration to + show fight. She felt in a moment how changed his manner was, and thought + it by no means changed for the better. As for Tom, he felt foolish and shy + at first, to an extent which drove him half wild; his words stuck in his + throat, and he took to blushing again like a boy of fourteen. In fact, he + got so angry with himself that he rather avoided her actual presence, + though she was scarcely a moment out of his sight. Mr. Brown made the best + of his son's retreat, devoted himself most gallantly to Mary, and was + completely captivated by her before bedtime on the first night of their + visit. He triumphed over his wife when they were alone, and laughed at the + groundlessness of her suspicions. But she was by no means so satisfied on + the subject as her husband. + </p> + <p> + In a day or two, however, Tom began to take heart of grace, and to find + himself oftener at Mary's side, with something to say, and more to look. + But now she, in her turn, began to be embarrassed; for all attempts to + re-establish their old footing failed, and the difficulty of finding a + satisfactory new one remained to be solved. So for the present, though + neither of them found it quite satisfactory, they took refuge in the + presence of a third party, and attached themselves to Katie, talking at + one another through her. Nothing could exceed Katie's judiciousness as a + medium of communication; and through her a better understanding began to + establish itself, and the visit which both of them had been looking + forward to so eagerly seemed likely, after all, to be as pleasant in fact + as it had been in anticipation. As they became more at ease, the vigilance + of Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Porter seemed likely to revive. But in a country + house there must be plenty of chances for young folks who mean it, to be + together; and so they found and made use of their opportunities, giving at + the same time as little cause to their natural guardians as possible for + any serious interference. The families got on, on the whole, so well + together, that the visit was prolonged from the original four or five days + to a fortnight; and this time of grace was drawing to a close when the + event happened which made the visit memorable to our hero. + </p> + <p> + On the morning in question, Mr. Brown arranged at breakfast that he and + his wife should drive Mr. and Mrs. Porter to make calls on several of the + neighbors. Tom declared his intention of taking a long day after the + partridges, and the young ladies were to go and make a sketch of the house + from a point which Katie had chosen. Accordingly, directly after luncheon, + the carriage came round, and the elders departed; and the young ladies + started together, carrying their sketching apparatus with them. + </p> + <p> + It was probably a bad day for scent; for they had not been gone a quarter + of an hour when Tom came home, deposited his gun, and followed on their + steps. He found them sitting under the lee of a high bank, sufficiently + intent on their drawings, but neither surprised nor sorry to find that he + had altered his mind, and come back to interrupt them. So he lay down near + them, and talked of Oxford and Englebourn, and so from one thing to + another, till he got upon the subject of nutting, and the sylvan beauties + of a neighbouring wood. Mary was getting on badly with her drawing, and + jumped at the idea of a ramble in the wood; but Katie was obdurate, and + resisted all their solicitations to move. She suggested, however, that + they might go; and, as Tom declared that they should not be out of call, + and would be back in half an hour at furthest, Mary consented; and they + left the sketcher and strolled together out of the fields, and into the + road, and so through a gate into the wood. It was a pleasant oak wood. The + wild flowers were over, but the great masses of ferns, four or five feet + high, made a grand carpet round the stems of the forest monarchs, and a + fitting couch for here and there one of them which had been lately felled, + and lay in fallen majesty, with bare shrouded trunk awaiting the sawyers. + Further on, the hazel underwood stood thickly on each side of the green + rides, down which they sauntered side by side. Tom talked of the beauty of + the wood in spring-time, and the glorious succession of colouring—pale + yellow, and deep blue and white, and purple—which the primroses, and + hyacinths and starwort, and foxgloves gave, each in their turn, in the + early year, and mourned over their absence. But Mary preferred Autumn, and + would not agree with him. She was enthusiastic for ferns and heather. He + gathered some sprigs of the latter for her, from a little sandy patch + which they passed, and some more for his own button-hole, and then they + engaged in the absorbing pursuit of nutting, and the talk almost ceased. + He caught the higher branches, and bent them down to her, and watched her + as she gathered them, and wondered at the ease and grace of all her + movements, and the unconscious beauty of her attitudes. Soon she became + more enterprising herself, and made little excursions into the copse, + surmounting briers, and passing through tangled places like a Naiad, + before he could be there to help her. And so they went on, along the rides + and through the copse, forgetting Katie and time, till they were brought + up by the fence on the further side of the wood. The ditch was on the + outside, and on the inside a bank with a hedge on the top, full of + tempting hazel-bushes. She clapped her hands at the sight, and, declining + his help, stepped lightly up the bank and began gathering. He turned away + for a moment, jumped up the bank himself, and followed her example. + </p> + <p> + He was standing up in the hedge, and reaching after a tempting cluster of + nuts, when he heard a short sharp cry of pain behind him, which made him + spring backwards, and nearly miss his footing as he came to the ground. + Recovering himself, and turning round, he saw Mary lying at the foot of + the bank, writhing in pain. + </p> + <p>He was at her side in a minute and dreadfully alarmed.</p> + <p>“Good heavens! what has happened?” he said.</p> + <p> + “My ankle!” she cried; and the effort of speaking brought the + sudden flush of pain to her brow. + </p> + <p>“Oh! what can I do?”</p> + <p> + “The boot! the boot!” she said, leaning forward to unlace it, + and then sinking back against the bank. “It is so painful. I hope I + sha'n't faint!” + </p> + <p> + Poor Tom could only clasp his hands as he knelt by her, and repeat, + “Oh, what can I do—what can I do?” His utter bewilderment + presently aroused Mary, and her natural high courage was beginning to + master the pain. + </p> + <p>“Have you a knife?”</p> + <p> + “Yes here,” he said, pulling one out of his pocket, and + opening it; “here it is.” + </p> + <p>“Please cut the lace.”</p> + <p> + Tom, with beating heart and trembling hand, cut the lace and then looked + up at her. + </p> + <p>“Oh, be quick—cut it again! Don't be afraid.”</p> + <p> + He cut it again; and, without taking hold of the foot, gently pulled out + the ends of the lace. + </p> + <p> + She again leaned forward, and tried to take off the boot; but the pain was + too great, and she sank back, and put her hand up to her flushed face. + </p> + <p>“May I try?—perhaps I could do it.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, pray do. Oh, I can't bear the pain!” she added, next + moment; and Tom felt ready to hang himself for having been the cause of + it. + </p> + <p>“You must cut the boot off, please.”</p> + <p>“But perhaps I may cut you. Do you really mean it?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, really. There, take care. How your hand shakes. You will never + do for a doctor.” + </p> + <p> + His hand did shake, certainly. He had cut a little hole the stocking; but, + under the circumstances, we need not wonder—the situation was new and + trying. Urged on by her, he cut and cut away, and, at last, off came the + boot, and her beautiful little foot lay on the green turf. She was much + relieved at once, but still in great pain; and now he began to recover his + head. + </p> + <p>“The ankle should be bound up; may I try?”</p> + <p>“Oh, yes; but what with?”</p> + <p> + Tom dived into his shooting-coat pocket, and produced one of the large, + many-colored neck-wrappers which were fashionable at Oxford in those days. + </p> + <p> + “How lucky!” he said, as he tore it into strips. “I + think this will do. Now, you'll stop me, won't you, if I hurt you, or + don't do it right?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be afraid, I'm much better. Bind it tight, tighter than + that.” + </p> + <p> + He wound the strips as tenderly as he could round her foot and ankle, with + hands all alive with nerves, and wondering more and more at her courage as + she kept urging him to draw the bandage tighter yet. Then, still under her + direction, he fastened and pinned down the ends; and as he was rather neat + with his fingers, from the practice of tying flies and splicing rods and + bats, produced, on the whole, a creditable sort of bandage. Then he looked + up at her, the perspiration standing on his forehead, as if he had been + pulling a race, and said, + </p> + <p>“Will that do? I'm afraid it's very awkward.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, no; thank you so much! But I'm so sorry you have torn your + handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + Tom made no answer to this remark, except by a look. What could he say, + but that he would gladly have torn his skin off for the same purpose, if + it would have been of any use. But this speech did not seem quite the + thing for the moment. + </p> + <p>“But how do you feel? Is it very painful?” he asked.</p> + <p> + “Rather. But don't look so anxious. Indeed, it is very bearable. But + what are we to do now?” + </p> + <p>He thought for a moment, and said, with something like a sigh—</p> + <p> + “Shall I run home, and bring the servants and a sofa, or something + to carry you on?” + </p> + <p>“No, I shouldn't like to be left here alone.”</p> + <p>His face brightened again.</p> + <p>“How near is the nearest cottage?” she asked.</p> + <p> + “There's none nearer than the one which we passed on the road—on the + other side of the wood, you know.” + </p> + <p>“Then I must try to get there. You must help me up.”</p> + <p> + He sprang to his feet and stooped over her, doubting how to begin helping + her. He had never felt so shy in his life. He held out his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I think you must put your arm round me,” she said, after + looking at him for a moment. He lifted her on to her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Now let me lean on your arm. There, I dare say I shall manage to + hobble along well enough;” and she made a brave attempt to walk. But + the moment the injured foot touched the ground, she stopped with a catch + at her breath, and a shiver, which went through Tom like a knife; and the + flush came back into her face, and she would have fallen had he not again + put his arm round her waist, and held her up. “I am better again + now,” she said, after a second or two. + </p> + <p> + “But Mary, dear Mary, don't try to walk again. For my sake. I can't + bear it.” + </p> + <p> + “But what am I to do?” she said. “I must get back + somehow.” + </p> + <p>“Will you let me carry you?”</p> + <p> + She looked in his face again, and then dropped her eyes, and hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't offer, dear, if there were any other way. But you + mustn't walk. Indeed, you must not; you may lame yourself for life.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke very quietly, with his eyes fixed on the ground, though his heart + was beating so that he feared she would hear it. + </p> + <p>“Very well,” she said; “but I'm very heavy.”</p> + <p> + So he lifted her gently, and stepped off down the ride, carrying his whole + world in his arms, in an indescribable flutter of joy, and triumph, and + fear. He had gone some forty yards or so, when he staggered, and stopped + for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray put me down—pray do! You'll hurt yourself. I'm too + heavy.” + </p> + <p> + For the credit of muscular Christianity, one must say that it was not her + weight, but the tumult in his own inner man, which made her bearer totter. + Nevertheless, if one is wholly unused to the exercise, the carrying of a + healthy young English girl weighing a good eight stone, is as much as most + men can conveniently manage. + </p> + <p> + “I'll just put you down for a moment,” he said. “Now, + take care of the foot;” and he stooped and placed her tenderly + against one of the oaks which bordered the ride, standing by her side + without looking at her. Neither of them spoke for a minute. Then he asked, + still looking away down the ride, “How is the foot?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pretty well,” she answered, cheerfully. “Now, leave + me here, and go for help. It is absurd of me to mind being left, and you + mustn't carry me any more.” + </p> + <p>He turned, and their eyes met for a moment, but that was enough.</p> + <p>“Are you ready?” he said.</p> + <p> + “Yes, but take care. Don't go far. Stop directly you feel + tired.” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted her again, and this time carried her without faltering, + till they came to a hillock covered with soft grass. Here they rested + again, and so by easy stages he carried her through the wood, and out into + the road, to the nearest cottage, neither of them speaking. + </p> + <p> + An old woman came to the door in answer to his kick, and went off into + ejaculations of pity and wonder in the broadest Berkshire, at seeing + Master Tom and his burthen. But he pushed into the house and cut her short + with— + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mrs. Pike, don't talk, that's a dear good woman, but bustle + about, and bring that arm-chair here, and the other low one, with a pillow + on it, for the young lady's foot to rest on.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman obeyed his injunctions, except as to talking; and, while she + placed the chairs and shook up the pillow, descanted on the sovereign + virtues of some green oil and opodeldoc, which was as good as a charm for + sprains and bruises. + </p> + <p> + Mary gave him one grateful look as he lowered her tenderly and reluctantly + into the chair, and then spoke cheerfully to Mrs. Pike, who was foraging + in a cupboard, to find if there was any of her famous specific in the + bottom of the bottle. As he stood up, and thought what to do next, he + heard the sound of distant wheels, and looking through the window saw the + carriage coming homewards. It was a sorrowful sight to him. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mrs. Pike,” he said, “never mind the oil. Here's + the carriage coming; just step out and stop it.” + </p> + <p> + The old dame scuttled out into the road. The carriage was within one + hundred yards. He leant over the rough arm-chair in which Mary was leaning + back, looked once more into her eyes; and then, stooping forwards, kissed + her lips, and the next moment was by the side of Mrs. Pike, signalling the + coachman to stop. + </p> + <p> + In the bustle which followed he stood aside, and watched Mary with his + heart in his mouth. She never looked at him, but there was no anger, but + only a dreamy look in her sweet face, which seemed to him a thousand times + more beautiful than ever before. Then, to avoid inquiries, and to realize + all that had passed in the last wonderful three hours, he slipped away + while they were getting her into the carriage, and wandered back into the + wood, pausing at each of their halting places. At last he reached the + scene of the accident, and here his cup of happiness was likely to brim + over, for he found the mangled little boot and the cut lace, and securing + the precious prize, hurried back home, to be in time for dinner. + </p> + <p> + Mary did not come down; but Katie, the only person of whom he dared to + inquire, assured him that she was doing famously. The dinner was very + embarrassing, and he had the greatest difficulty in answering the + searching inquiries of his mother and Mrs. Porter, as to how, when, where, + and in whose presence the accident had happened. As soon as the ladies + rose, he left his father and Mr. Porter over their old port and politics, + and went out in the twilight into the garden, burthened with the weight of + sweet thought. He felt that he had something to do—to set himself quite + right with Mary; he must speak somehow, that night, if possible, or he + should not be comfortable or at peace with his conscience. There were + lights in her room. He guessed by the shadows that she was lying on a + couch by the open window, round which the other ladies were flitting. + </p> + <p> + Presently lights appeared in the drawing-room; and, as the shutters were + being closed, he saw his mother and Mrs. Porter come in, and sit down near + the fire. Listening intently, he heard Katie talking in a low voice in the + room above, and saw her head against the light as she sat down close to + the window, probably at the head of the couch where Mary was lying. Should + he call to her? If he did, how could he say what he wanted to say through + her? + </p> + <p> + A happy thought struck him. He turned to the flowerbeds, hunted about, and + gathered a bunch of heliotrope, hurried up to his room, took the sprig of + heather out of his shooting coat, tied them together, caught up a reel and + line from his table, and went into the room over Mary's. He threw the + window open, and, leaning out, said gently, + </p> + <p> + “Katie.” No answer. He repeated the name louder. No answer + still, and, leaning out yet further, he saw that the window had been shut. + He lowered the bunch of flowers, and, swinging it backwards and forward, + made it strike the window below—once, twice; at the third stroke he heard + the window open. + </p> + <p>“Katie,” he whispered again, “is that you?”</p> + <p>“Yes, where are you? What is this?”</p> + <p> + “For her,” he said, in the same whisper. Katie untied the + flowers, and he waited a few moments, and then again called her name, and + she answered. + </p> + <p>“Has she the flowers?” he asked.</p> + <p> + “Yes, and she sends you her love, and says you are to go down to the + drawing-room;” and with that the window closed, and he went down + with a lightened conscience into the drawing-room, and, after joining in + the talk by the fire for a few minutes, took a book, and sat down at the + further side of the table. Whether he ever knew what the book was may be + fairly questioned, but to all appearances he was deep in the perusal of it + till the tea and Katie arrived, and the gentlemen from the dining-room. + Then he tried to join in the conversation again; but, on the whole, life + was a burthen to him that night, till he could get fairly away to his own + room, and commune with himself, gazing at the yellow harvest moon, with + his elbows on the window sill. + </p> + <p> + The ankle got well very quickly, and Mary was soon going about with a + gold-headed stick which had belonged to Mr. Brown's father, and a limp + which Tom thought the most beautiful movement he had ever seen. But, + though she was about again, by no amount of patient vigilance could he now + get the chance of speaking to her alone. But he consoled himself with the + thought that she must understand him; if he had spoken he couldn't have + made himself clearer. + </p> + <p> + And now the Porters' visit was all but over, and Katie and her father left + for Englebourn. The Porters were to follow the next day, and promised to + drive round and stop at the Rectory for lunch. Tom petitioned for a seat + in their carriage to Englebourn. He had been devoting himself to Mrs. + Porter ever since the accident, and had told her a good deal about his own + early life. His account of his early friendship for Betty and her son, and + the renewal of it on the day he left Barton Manor, had interested her, and + she was moreover not insensible to his assiduous and respectful attentions + to herself, which had of late been quite marked; she was touched, too, at + his anxiety to hear all about her boys, and how they were getting on at + school. So on the whole Tom was in high favour with her, and she most + graciously assented to his occupying the fourth seat in their barouche. + She was not without her suspicions of the real state of the case with him; + but his behavior had been so discreet that she had no immediate fears; + and, after all, if anything should come of it some years hence, her + daughter might do worse. In the meantime she would see plenty of society + in London; where Mr. Porter's vocations kept him during the greater part + of the year. + </p> + <p> + They reached Englebourn after a pleasant long morning's drive; and Tom + stole a glance at Mary and felt that she understood him, as he pointed out + the Hawk's Lynch and the clump of scotch firs to her mother; and told how + you might see Barton from the top of it, and how he loved the place, and + the old trees, and the view. + </p> + <p> + Katie was at the door ready to receive them, and carried off Mary and Mrs. + Porter to her own room. Tom walked round the garden with Mr. Porter, and + then sat in the drawing-room, and felt melancholy. He roused himself, + however, when the ladies came down and luncheon was announced. Mary was + full of her reminiscences of the Englebourn people, and especially of poor + Mrs. Winburn and her son, in whom she had begun to take a deep interest, + perhaps from overhearing some of Tom's talk to her mother. So Harry's + story was canvassed again, and Katie told them how he had been turned out + of his cottage, and how anxious she was as to what would come of it. + </p> + <p> + “And is he going to marry your gardener's daughter after all?” + asked Mrs. Porter. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid there is not much chance of it,” said Katie; + “I cannot make Martha out.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she at home, Katie?” asked Mary; “I should like to + see her again. I took a great fancy to her when I was here.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is at the lodge. We will walk there after luncheon.” + </p> + <p> + So it was settled that the carriage should pick them up at the lodge; and + soon after luncheon, while the horses were being put to, the whole party + started for the lodge, after saying good-bye to Mr. Winter, who retired to + his room much fatigued by his unwonted hospitality. + </p> + <p> + Old Simon's wife answered their knock at the lodge door, and they all + entered, and Mrs. Porter paid her compliments on the cleanliness of the + room. + </p> + <p>Then Mary said, “Is your daughter at home, Mrs. Gibbons?”</p> + <p> + “Ees, miss, someweres handy,” replied Mrs. Gibbons; “her + hav'n't been gone out, not dree minnit.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like so much to say good-bye to her,” said Mary. + “We shall be leaving Barton soon, and I shall not see her again till + next summer.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor bless'ee, miss, 'tis werry good ov'ee,” said the old + dame, very proud; “do'ee set down then while I gees her a + call.” And with that she hurried out of the door which led through + the back kitchen into the little yard behind the lodge, and the next + moment they heard her calling out— + </p> + <p> + “Patty, Patty, wher bist got to? Come in and see the + gentlefolk.” + </p> + <p>The name which the old woman was calling out made Tom start.</p> + <p> + “I thought you said her name was Martha,” said Mrs. Porter. + </p> + <p> + “Patty is short for Martha in Berkshire,” said Katie, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “And Patty is such a pretty name. I wonder you don't call her + Patty,” said Mary. + </p> + <p> + “We had a housemaid of the same name a year or two ago, and it made + such a confusion—and when one once gets used to a name it is so hard to + change—so she has always been called Martha.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm all for Patty; don't you think so?” said Mary, + turning to Tom. + </p> + <p> + The sudden introduction of a name which he had such reasons for + remembering, the memories and fears which it called up—above all, the + bewilderment which he felt at hearing it tossed about and canvassed by + Mary in his presence, as if there were nothing more in it than in any + other name—confused him so that he floundered and blundered in his attempt + to answer, and at last gave it up altogether. She was surprised, and + looked at him inquiringly. His eyes fell before hers, and he turned away + to the window, and looked at the carriage, which had just drawn up at the + lodge door. He had scarcely time to think how foolish he was to be so + moved, when he heard the back-kitchen door open again, and the old woman + and her daughter come in. + </p> + <p> + He turned round sharply, and there on the floor of the room, courtseying + to the ladies, stood the ex-barmaid of the “Choughs”. His + first impulse was to hurry away—she was looking down, and he might not be + recognized; his next, to stand his ground, and take whatever might come. + Mary went up to her and took her hand, saying that she could not go away + without coming to see her. Patty looked up to answer, and, glancing round + the room, caught sight of him. + </p> + <p> + He stepped forward, and then stopped and tried to speak, but no words + would come. Patty looked at him, dropped Mary's hand, blushed up to the + roots of her hair as she looked timidly round at the wondering spectators, + and, putting her hands to her face, ran out of the back door again. + </p> + <p> + “Lawk a massy! what ever can ha' cum to our Patty?” said Mrs. + Gibbons, following her out. + </p> + <p> + “I think we had better go,” said Mr. Porter, giving his arm to + his daughter, and leading her to the door, “Goodbye, Katie; shall we + see you again at Barton?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, uncle,” Katie answered, following with Mrs. + Porter, in a state of sad bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + Tom, with his brain swimming, got out a few stammering farewell words, + which Mr. and Mrs. Porter received with marked coldness, as they stepped + into their carriage. Mary's face was flushed and uneasy; but at her he + scarcely dared to steal a look, and to her was quite unable to speak a + word. + </p> + <p> + Then the carriage drove off, and he turned, and found Katie standing at + his side, her eyes full of serious wonder. His fell before them. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Tom,” she said, “what is all this? I thought + you had never seen Martha?” + </p> + <p> + “So I thought—I don't know—I can't talk now—I'll explain all to + you—don't think very badly of me, Katie—God bless you!” with which + words he strode away, while she looked after him with increasing wonder, + and then turned and went into the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He hastened away from the Rectory and down the village street, taking the + road home mechanically, but otherwise wholly unconscious of roads and men. + David, who was very anxious to speak to him about Harry, stood at his door + making signs to him to stop, in vain; and then gave chase, calling out + after him, till he saw that all attempts to attract his notice were + useless, and so ambled back to his shop-board much troubled in mind. + </p> + <p> + The first object which recalled Tom at all to himself was the little white + cottage looking out of Englebourn copse towards the village, in which he + had sat by poor Betty's death-bed. The garden was already getting wild and + tangled, and the house seemed uninhabited. He stopped for a moment and + looked at it with bitter searchings of heart. Here was the place where he + had taken such a good turn, as he had fondly hoped—in connection with the + then inmates of which he had made the strongest good resolutions he had + ever made in his life perhaps. What was the good of his trying to befriend + anybody? His friendship turned to a blight; whatever he had as yet tried + to do for Harry had only injured him, and now how did they stand? Could + they ever be friends again after that day's discovery? To do him justice, + the probable ruin of all his own prospects, the sudden coldness of Mr. and + Mrs. Porter's looks, and Mary's averted face, were not the things he + thought of first, and did not trouble him most. He thought of Harry, and + shuddered at the wrong he had done him as he looked at his deserted home. + The door opened and a figure appeared. It was Mr. Wurley's agent, the + lawyer who had been employed by Farmer Tester in his contest with Harry + and his mates about the pound. The man of law saluted him with a smirk of + scarcely concealed triumph, and then turned into the house again and shut + the door, as if he did not consider further communication necessary or + safe. Tom turned with a muttered imprecation on him and his master, and + hurried away along the lane which led to the heath. The Hawk's Lynch lay + above him, and he climbed the side mechanically and sat himself again on + the old spot. + </p> + <p> + He sat for some time looking over the landscape, graven on his mind as it + was by his former visit, and bitterly, oh, how bitterly! did the + remembrance of that visit, and of the exultation and triumph which then + filled him, and carried him away over the heath with a shout towards his + home, come back on him. He could look out from his watchtower no longer, + and lay down with his face between his hands on the turf, and groaned as + he lay. + </p> + <p> + But his good angel seemed to haunt the place, and soon the cold fit began + to pass away, and better and more hopeful thoughts to return. After all + what had he done since his last visit to that place to be ashamed of? + Nothing. His attempts to do Harry service, unlucky as they had proved, had + been honest. Had he become less worthy of the love which had first + consciously mastered him there some four weeks ago? No; he felt on the + contrary, that it had already raised him, and purified him, and made a man + of him. But this last discovery, how could he ever get over that? Well, + after all, the facts were just the same as before; only now they had come + out. It was right that they should have come out; better for him and for + everyone that they should be known and faced. He was ready to face them, + to abide any consequences that they might now bring in their train. His + heart was right towards Mary, towards Patty, towards Harry—that he felt + sure of. And, if so, why should he despair of either his love or his + friendship coming to a good end? + </p> + <p> + And so he sat up again, and looked out bravely towards Barton, and began + to consider what was to be done. His eye rested on the Rectory. That was + the first place to begin with. He must set himself right with Katie—let + her know the whole story. Through her he could reach all the rest, and do + whatever must be done to clear the ground and start fresh again. + </p> + <p> + At first he thought of returning to her at once, and rose to go down to + Englebourn. But anything like retracing his steps was utterly distasteful + to him just then. Before him he saw light, dim enough as yet, but still a + dawning; towards that he would press, leaving everything behind him to + take care of itself. So he turned northwards, and struck across the heath + at his best pace. The violent exercise almost finished his cure, and his + thoughts became clearer and more hopeful as he neared home. He arrived + there as the household was going to bed, and found a letter waiting for + him. It was from Hardy, saying that Blake had left him, and he was now + thinking of returning to Oxford, and would come for his long talked of + visit to Berkshire, if Tom was still at home, and in the mind to receive + him. + </p> + <p> + Never was a letter more opportune. Here was the tried friend on whom he + could rely for help and advice and sympathy—who knew all the facts too + from beginning to end! His father and mother were delighted to hear that + they should now see the friend of whom he had spoken so much. So he went + up stairs and wrote an answer, which set Hardy to work packing his + portmanteau in the far west, and brought him speedily to the side of his + friend under the lee of the Berkshire hills. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0036"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXV—SECOND YEAR</h2> + <p> + For some days after his return home—in fact, until his friend's arrival, + Tom was thoroughly beaten down and wretched, notwithstanding his efforts + to look hopefully forward, and keep up his spirits. His usual occupations + were utterly distasteful to him; and, instead of occupying himself, he sat + brooding over his late misfortune, and hopelessly puzzling his head as to + what he could do to set matters right. The conviction in which he always + landed was that there was nothing to be done, and that he was a desolate + and blighted being, deserted of gods and men. Hardy's presence and company + soon shook him out of this maudlin nightmare state, and he began to + recover as soon as he had his old sheet-anchor friend to hold on to and + consult with. Their consultations were held chiefly in the intervals of + woodcraft, in which they spent most of their hours between breakfast and + dinner. Hardy did not take out a certificate and wouldn't shoot without + one; so, as the best autumn exercise, they selected a tough old pollard + elm, infinitely ugly, with knotted and twisted roots, curiously difficult + to get at and cut through, which had been long marked as a blot by Mr. + Brown, and condemned to be felled as soon as there was nothing more + pressing for his men to do. But there was always something of more + importance; so that the cross-grained old tree might have remained until + this day, had not Hardy and Tom pitched on him as a foeman worthy of their + axes. They shoveled, and picked, and hewed away with great energy. The + woodman who visited them occasionally, and who, on examining their first + efforts, had remarked that the severed roots looked a little “as + tho' the dogs had been a gnawin' at 'em,” began to hold them in + respect, and to tender his advice with some deference. By the time the + tree was felled and shrouded, Tom was in a convalescent state. + </p> + <p> + Their occupation had naturally led to discussions on the advantages of + emigration, the delights of clearing one's own estate, building one's own + house, and getting away from conventional life with a few tried friends. + Of course the pictures which were painted included foregrounds with + beautiful children playing about the clearing, and graceful women, wives + of the happy squatters, flitting in and out of log houses and sheds, + clothed and occupied after the manner of our ideal grandmothers; with the + health and strength of Amazons, the refinement of high-bred ladies, and + wondrous skill in all domestic works, confections, and contrivances. The + log-houses would also contain fascinating select libraries, continually + reinforced from home, sufficient to keep all the dwellers in the happy + clearing in communion with all the highest minds of their own and former + generations. Wonderous games in the neighbouring forest, dear old home + customs established and taking root in the wilderness, with ultimate + dainty flower gardens, conservatories, and pianofortes—a millennium on a + small scale, with universal education, competence, prosperity, and equal + rights! Such castle-building, as an accompaniment to the hard exercise of + woodcraft, worked wonders for Tom in the next week, and may be safely + recommended to parties in like evil case with him. + </p> + <p> + But more practical discussions were not neglected, and it was agreed that + they should make a day at Englebourn together before their return to + Oxford, Hardy undertaking to invade the Rectory with the view of + re-establishing his friend's character there. + </p> + <p> + Tom wrote a letter to Katie to prepare her for a visit. The day after the + ancient elm was fairly disposed of, they started early for Englebourn, and + separated at the entrance to the village—Hardy proceeding to the Rectory + to fulfill his mission, which he felt to be rather an embarrassing one, + and Tom to look after the constable, or whoever else could give him + information about Harry. + </p> + <p> + He arrived at the “Red Lion,” their appointed trysting place, + before Hardy, and spent a restless half-hour in the porch and bar waiting + for his return. At last Hardy came, and Tom hurried him into the inn's + best room, where bread and cheese and ale awaited them; and, as soon as + the hostess could be got out of the room, began impatiently— + </p> + <p>“Well you have seen her?”</p> + <p>“Yes, I have come straight here from the Rectory.”</p> + <p>“And is it all right, eh? Has she got my letter?”</p> + <p>“Yes, she had had your letter.”</p> + <p>“And you think she is satisfied?”</p> + <p>“Satisfied? No, you can't expect her to be satisfied.”</p> + <p> + “I mean, is she satisfied that it isn't so bad after all as it + looked the other day? What does Katie think of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I think she is still very fond of you, but that she has been + puzzled and outraged by this discovery, and cannot get over it all at + once.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you tell her the whole story from beginning to + end?” + </p> + <p>“I tried to do so as well as I could.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, but I can see you haven't done it. She doesn't really + understand how it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not; but you must remember it is an awkward subject to be + talking about to a young woman. I would sooner stand another fellowship + examination than go through it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, old fellow,” said Tom, laying his hand on Hardy's + shoulder; “I feel that I'm unreasonable and impatient; but you can + excuse it; you know that I don't mean it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say another word; I only wish I could have done more for + you.” + </p> + <p>“But what do you suppose Katie thinks of me?”</p> + <p> + “Why, you see, it sums itself up in this; she sees that you have + been making serious love to Patty, and have turned the poor girl's head, + more or less, and that now you are in love with somebody else. Why, put it + how we will, we can't get out of that. There are the facts, pure and + simple, and she wouldn't be half a woman if she didn't resent it.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's hard lines, too, isn't it, old fellow? No, I won't say + that? I deserve it all, and much worse. But you think I may come round all + right?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all in good time. I hope there's no danger in any other + quarter?” + </p> + <p> + “Goodness knows. There's the rub, you see. She will go back to town + disgusted with me. I sha'n't see her again, and she won't hear of me for I + don't know how long; and she will be meeting heaps of men. Has Katie been + over to Barton?” + </p> + <p>“Yes; she was there last week, just before they left.”</p> + <p>“Well, what happened?”</p> + <p> + “She wouldn't say much; but I gathered that they are very + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, bother it. Of course they are very well. But didn't she + talk to Katie about what happened last week?” + </p> + <p>“Of couse they did! What else should they talk about?”</p> + <p>“But you don't know what they said?”</p> + <p> + “No. But you may depend on it that Miss Winter will be your friend. + My dear fellow, there is nothing for it but time.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose not,” said Tom, with a groan. “Do you + think I should call and see Katie?” + </p> + <p>“No; I think better not.”</p> + <p> + “Well, then, we may as well get back,” said Tom, who was not + sorry for his friend's decision. So they paid their bill and started for + home, taking the Hawk's Lynch on the way, that Hardy might see the view. + </p> + <p> + “And what did you find out about young Winburn?” he said as + they passed down the street. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no good,” said Tom; “he was turned out, as I + thought, and has gone to live with an old woman on the heath here, who is + no better than she should be; and none of the farmers will employ him. + </p> + <p>“You didn't see him, I suppose?”</p> + <p> + “No, he is away with some of the heath people, hawking besoms and + chairs about the country. They make them when there is no harvest work, + and loaf about in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and other counties, + selling them.” + </p> + <p>“No good will come of that sort of life, I'm afraid.”</p> + <p>“No, but what is he to do?”</p> + <p> + “I called at the lodge as I came away, and saw Patty and her mother. + It's all right in that quarter. The old woman doesn't seem to think + anything of it, and Patty is a good girl, and will make Harry Winburn, or + anybody else, a capital wife. Here are your letters.” + </p> + <p>“And the locket?”</p> + <p> + “I quite forgot it. Why didn't you remind me of it? You talked of + nothing but the letters this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad of it. It can do no harm now, and as it is worth + something, I should have been ashamed to take it back. I hope she'll put + Harry's hair in it soon. Did she seem to mind giving up the + letters?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very much. No, you are lucky there. She will get over + it.” + </p> + <p> + “But you told her that I am her friend for life, and that she is to + let me know if I can ever do anything for her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. And now I hope this is the last job of the kind I shall ever + have to do for you.” + </p> + <p> + “But what bad luck it has been? If I had only seen her before, or + known who she was, nothing of all this would have happened.” + </p> + <p> + To this Hardy made no reply; and the subject was not alluded to again in + their walk home. + </p> + <p> + A day or two afterwards they returned to Oxford, Hardy to begin his work + as fellow and assistant-tutor of the College, and Tom to see whether he + could not make a better hand of his second year than he had of his first. + He began with a much better chance of doing so, for he was thoroughly + humbled. The discovery that he was not altogether such a hero as he had + fancied himself, had dawned upon him very distinctly by the end of his + first year; and the events of the long vacation had confirmed the + impression, and pretty well taken all the conceit out of him for the time. + The impotency of his own will, even when he was bent on doing the right + thing, his want of insight and foresight in whatever matter he took in + hand, the unruliness of his temper and passions just at the moments when + it behooved him to have them most thoroughly in hand and under control, + were a set of disagreeable facts which had been driven well home to him. + The results, being even such as we have seen, he did not much repine at, + for he felt he had deserved them; and there was a sort of grim + satisfaction, dreary as the prospect was, in facing them, and taking his + punishment like a man. This was what he had felt at the first blush on the + Hawk's Lynch; and, as he thought over matters again by his fire, with his + oak sported, on the first evening of term, he was still in the same mind. + This was clearly what he had to do now. How to do it, was the only + question. + </p> + <p> + At first he was inclined to try to set himself right with the Porters and + the Englebourn circle, by writing further explanations and confessions to + Katie. But, on trying his hand at a letter, he found that he could not + trust himself. The temptation of putting everything in the best point of + view for himself was too great; so he gave up the attempt, and merely + wrote a few lines to David, to remind him that he was always ready and + anxious to do all he could for his friend, Harry Winburn, and to beg that + he might have news of anything which happened to him, and how he was + getting on. He did not allude to what had lately happened, for he did not + know whether the facts had become known, and was in no hurry to open the + subject himself. + </p> + <p> + Having finished his letter, he turned again to his meditations over the + fire, and, considering that he had some little right to reward resolution, + took off the safety valve, and allowed the thoughts to bubble up freely + which were always underlying all others that passed through his brain, and + making constant low, delicious, but just now somewhat melancholy music, in + his head and heart. He gave himself up to thinking of Mary, and their walk + in the wood, and the sprained ankle, and all the sayings and doings of + that eventful autumn day. And then he opened his desk, and examined + certain treasures therein concealed, including a withered rose-bud, a + sprig of heather, a cut boot-lace, and a scrap or two of writing. Having + gone through some extravagant forms of worship, not necessary to be + specified, he put them away. Would it ever all come right? + </p> + <p> + He made his solitary tea, and sat down again to consider the point. But + the point would not be considered alone. He began to feel more strongly + what he had had several hints of already, that there was a curiously close + connexion between his own love story and that of Harry Winburn and + Patty—that he couldn't separate them, even in his thoughts. Old Simon's + tumble, which had recalled his daughter from Oxford at so critical a + moment for him; Mary's visit to Englebourn at this very time; the curious + yet natural series of little accidents which had kept him in ignorance of + Patty's identity until the final catastrophe—then, again, the way in which + Harry Winburn and his mother had come across him on the very day of his + leaving Barton; the fellowship of a common mourning which had seemed to + bind them together so closely; and this last discovery, which he could not + help fearing must turn Harry into a bitter enemy, when he heard the truth, + as he must, sooner or later—as all these things passed before him, he gave + in to a sort of superstitious feeling that his own fate hung, in some way + or another, upon that of Harry Winburn. If he helped on his suit, he was + helping on his own; but whether he helped on his own or not, was, after + all, not that which was uppermost in his thoughts, He was much changed in + this respect since he last sat in those rooms, just after his first days + with her. Since then an angel had met him, and had touched the cord of + self, which, trembling, was passing “in music out of sight.” + </p> + <p> + The thought of Harry and his trials enabled him to indulge in some good + honest indignation, for which there was no room in his own case. That the + prospects in life of such a man should be in the power, to a great extent, + of such people as Squire Wurley and Farmer Tester; that, because he + happened to be poor, he should be turned out of the cottage where his + family had lived for a hundred years, at a week's notice, through the + caprice of a drunken gambler; that because he had stood up for his rights, + and had thereby offended the worst farmer in the parish, he should be a + marked man, and unable to get work—these things appeared so monstrous to + Tom, and made him so angry, that he was obliged to get up and stamp about + the room. And from the particular case he very soon got to + generalizations. + </p> + <p> + Questions which had before now puzzled him gained a new significance every + minute, and became real to him. Why a few men should be rich, and all the + rest poor; above all, why he should be one of the few? Why the mere + possession of property should give a man power over all his neighbors? Why + poor men who were ready and willing to work should only be allowed to work + as a sort of favor, and should after all get the merest tithe of what + their labor produced, and be tossed aside as soon as their work was done, + or no longer required? These, and other such problems, rose up before him, + crude and sharp, asking to be solved. Feeling himself quite unable to give + any but one answer to them—viz. that he was getting out of his depth, and + that the whole business was in a muddle—he had recourse to his old method + when in difficulties, and putting on his cap, started off to Hardy's rooms + to talk the matter over, and see whether he could not get some light on it + from that quarter. + </p> + <p> + He returned in an hour or so, somewhat less troubled in his mind inasmuch + as he had found his friend in pretty much the same state of mind on such + topics as himself. But one step he had gained. Under his arm he carried + certain books from Hardy's scanty library, the perusal of which he hoped, + at least, might enable him sooner or later to feel that he had got on to + some sort of firm ground, At any rate, Hardy had advised him to read them; + so, without more ado, he drew his chair to the table and began to look + into them. + </p> + <p> + This glimpse of the manner in which Tom spent the first evening of his + second year at Oxford, will enable intelligent readers to understand why, + though he took to reading far more kindly and honestly than he had ever + done before, he made no great advance in the proper studies of the place. + Not that he wholly neglected these, for Hardy kept him pretty well up to + the collar, and he passed his little go creditably, and was fairly placed + at the college examinations. In some of the books which he had to get up + for lectures he was genuinely interested. The politics of Athens, the + struggle between the Roman plebs and patricians, Mons Sacer and the + Agrarian laws—these began to have a new meaning to him, but chiefly + because they bore more or less on the great Harry Winburn problem; which + problem, indeed, for him had now fairly swelled into the + condition-of-England problem, and was becoming every day more and more + urgent and importunate, shaking many old beliefs, and leading him whither + he knew not. + </p> + <p> + This very matter of leading was a sore trial to him. The further he got on + his new road, the more he felt the want of guidance—the guidance of some + man; for that of books he soon found to be bewildering. His college tutor, + whom he consulted, only deprecated the waste of tune; but on finding it + impossible to dissuade him, at last recommended the economic works of that + day as the proper well springs of truth on such matters. To them Tom + accordingly went, and read with the docility and faith of youth, bent on + learning and feeling itself in the presence of men who had, or assumed, + the right of speaking with authority. + </p> + <p> + And they spoke to him with authority, and he read on, believing much and + hoping more; but somehow they did not really satisfy him, though they + silenced him for the time. It was not the fault of the books, most of + which laid down clearly enough, that what they professed to teach was the + science of man's material interests, and the laws of the making and + employment of capital. But this escaped him in his eagerness, and he + wandered up and down their pages in search of quite another science, and + of laws with which they did not meddle. Nevertheless, here and there they + seemed to touch upon what he was in search of. He was much fascinated, for + instance, by the doctrine of “the greatest happiness of the greatest + number,” and for its sake swallowed for a time, though not without + wry faces, the dogmas, that self-interest is the true pivot of all social + action, that population has a perpetual tendency to outstrip the means of + living, and that to establish a preventive check on population is the duty + of all good citizens. And so he lived on for some time in a dreary + uncomfortable state, fearing for the future of his country, and with + little hope about his own. But, when he came to take stock of his newly + acquired knowledge, to weigh it and measure it, and found it to consist of + a sort of hazy conviction that society would be all right and ready for + the millennium, when every man could do what he liked, and nobody could + interfere with him, and there should be a law against marriage, the result + was more than he could stand. He roused himself and shook himself, and + began to think, “Well, these my present teachers are very clever + men, and well-meaning men, too. I see all that; but, if their teaching is + only to land me here, why it was scarcely worth while going through so + much to get so little.” + </p> + <p> + Casting about still for guidance, Grey occurred to him. Grey was in + residence as a bachelor, attending divinity lectures, and preparing for + ordination. He was still working hard at the night-school, and Tom had + been there once or twice to help him when the curate was away. In short he + was in very good books with Grey, who had got the better of his shyness + with him. He saw that Tom was changed and sobered, and in his heart hoped + some day to wean him from the pursuits of the body, to which he was still + fearfully addicted, and to bring him into the fold. This hope was not + altogether unfounded; for, notwithstanding the strong bias against them + which Tom had brought with him from school, he was now at times much + attracted by many of the High Church doctrines, and the men who professed + them. Such men as Grey, he saw, did really believe something, and were in + earnest about carrying their beliefs into action. The party might and did + comprise many others of the weakest sort, who believed and were in earnest + about nothing, but who liked to be peculiar. Nevertheless, while he saw it + laying hold of many of the best men of his time, it is not to be wondered + at that he was drawn towards it. Some help might lie in these men if he + could only get at it! + </p> + <p> + So he propounded his doubts and studies, and their results to Grey. But it + was a failure. Grey felt no difficulty or very little, in the whole + matter; but Tom found that it was because he believed the world to belong + to the devil. “<i>Laissez faire</i>,” “buying cheap and + selling dear,” Grey held might be good enough for laws for the + world—very probably were. The laws of the Church were + “self-sacrifice,” and “bearing one another's + burdens” her children should come out from the regions where the + world's laws were acknowledged. + </p> + <p> + Tom listened, was dazzled at first, and thought he was getting on the + right track. But very soon he found that Grey's specific was not of the + least use to him. It was no good to tell him of the rules of a society to + which he felt that he neither belonged, nor wished to belong, for clearly + it could not be the Church of England. He was an outsider! Grey would + probably admit it to be so, if he asked him! He had no longing to be + anything else, <i>if</i> the Church meant an exclusive body, which took no + care of any but its own people, and had nothing to say to the great world + in which he and most people had to live, and buying and selling, and + hiring and working, had to go on. The close corporation might have very + good laws, but they were nothing to him. What he wanted to know about was + the law which this great world—the devil's world, as Grey called it—was + ruled by, or rather ought to be ruled by. Perhaps, after all, Bentham and + the others, whose books he had been reading, might be right! At any rate, + it was clear that they had had in their thoughts the same world that he + had—the world which included himself and Harry Winburn, and all labourers + and squires, and farmers. So he turned to them again, not hopefully, but + more inclined to listen to them than he had been before he had spoken to + Grey. + </p> + <p> + Hardy was so fully occupied with college lectures and private pupils, that + Tom had scruples about taking up much of his spare time in the evenings. + Nevertheless, as Grey had broken down, and there was nobody else on whose + judgment he could rely who would listen to him, whenever he had a chance + he would propound some of his puzzles to his old friend. In some respects + he got little help, for Hardy was almost as much at sea as he himself on + such subjects as “value,” and “wages,” and the + “laws of supply and demand.” But there was an indomitable + belief in him that all men's intercourse with one another, and not merely + that of Churchmen, must be founded on the principal of “doing as + they would be done by,” and not on “buying cheap and selling + dear,” and that these never would or could be reconciled with one + another, or mean the same thing, twist them how you would. This faith of + his friend's comforted Tom greatly, and he was never tired of bringing it + out; but at times he had his doubts whether Grey might not be + right—whether, after all, that and the like maxims and principles were + meant to be the laws of the kingdoms of this world. He wanted some + corroborative evidence on the subject from an impartial and competent + witness, and at last hit upon what he wanted. For, one evening, on + entering Hardy's rooms, he found him on the last pages of a book, which he + shut up with an air of triumph on recognizing his visitor. Taking it up, + he thrust it into Tom's hands, and slapping him on the shoulder, said, + “There, my boy, that's what we want, or pretty near it at any rate. + Now, don't say a word, but go back to your rooms, and swallow it whole and + digest it, and then come back and tell me what you think of it.” + </p> + <p>“But I want to talk to you.”</p> + <p> + “I can't talk. I have spent the better part of two days over that + book, and have no end of papers to look over. There; get back to your + rooms, and do what I tell you, or sit down here and hold your + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + So Tom sat down and held his tongue, and was soon deep in Carlyle's + “Past and Present.” How he did revel in it—in the humor, the + power, the pathos, but, above all, in the root and branch denunciations of + many of the doctrines in which he had been so lately voluntarily and + wearily chaining himself! The chains went snapping off one after another, + and, in his exultation, he kept spouting out passage after passage in a + song of triumph, “Enlightened egoism never so luminous is not the + rule by which man's life can be led—<i>laissez-faire</i>, supply and + demand, cash payment for the sole nexus, and so forth, were not, are not, + and never will be, a practical law of union for a society of men,” + &c., &c., until Hardy fairly got up and turned him out, and he + retired with his new-found treasure to his own rooms. + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely ever in his life been so moved by a book before. He + laughed over it, and cried over it, and began half a dozen letters to the + author to thank him, which he fortunately tore up. He almost forgot Mary + for several hours during his first enthusiasm. He had no notion how he had + been mastered and oppressed before. He felt as the crew of a small + fishing-smack, who are being towed away by an enemy's cruiser, might feel + on seeing a frigate with the Union Jack flying, bearing down and opening + fire on their captor; or as a small boy at school, who is being fagged + against rules by the right of the strongest, feels when he sees his big + brother coming around the corner. The help which he had found was just + what he wanted. There was no narrowing of the ground here—no appeal to men + as members of any exclusive body whatever to separate themselves and come + out of the devil's world; but to men as men, to every man as a man—to the + weakest and meanest, as well as to the strongest and most noble—telling + them that the world is God's world, that everyone of them has a work in + it, and bidding them find their work and set about it. + </p> + <p> + The strong tinge of sadness which ran through the whole book, and its + unsparing denunciations of the established order of things, suited his own + unsettled and restless frame of mind. So he gave himself up to his new + bondage, and rejoiced in it, as though he had found at last what he was + seeking for; and, by the time that long vacation came round again, to + which we are compelled to hurry him, he was filled full of a set of + contradictory notions and beliefs, which were destined to astonish and + perplex the mind of that worthy J. P. for the county of Berks, Brown the + elder, whatever other effect they might have on society at large. + </p> + <p> + Readers must not suppose, however, that our hero had given up his old + pursuits; on the contrary, he continued to boat, and cricket, and spar, + with as much vigor as ever. His perplexities only made him a little more + silent at his pastimes than he used to be. But, as we have already seen + him thus employed, and know the ways of the animal in such matters, it is + needless to repeat. What we want to do is to follow him into new fields of + thought and action, and mark, if it may be, how he develops, and gets + himself educated in one way and another; and this plunge into the great + sea of social, political, and economical questions is the noticeable fact + (so far as any is noticeable) of his second year's residence. + </p> + <p> + During the year he had only very meagre accounts of matters at Englebourn. + Katie, indeed, had come round sufficiently to write to him; but she + scarcely alluded to her cousin. He only knew that Mary had come out in + London, and was much admired; and that the Porters had not taken Barton + again, but were going abroad for the autumn and winter. The accounts of + Harry were bad; he was still living at Daddy Collins's, nobody knew how, + and working gang-work occasionally with the outlaws of the heath. + </p> + <p> + The only fact of importance in the neighborhood had been the death of + Squire Wurley, which happened suddenly in the spring. A distant cousin had + succeeded him, a young man of Tom's own age. + </p> + <p> + He was also in residence at Oxford, and Tom knew him. They were not very + congenial; so he was much astonished when young Wurley, on his return to + College, after his relative's funeral, rather sought him out, and seemed + to wish to know more of him. The end of it was an invitation to Tom to + come to the Grange, and spend a week or so at the beginning of the long + vacation. There was to be a party of Oxford men there, and nobody else; + and they meant to enjoy themselves thoroughly, Wurley said. + </p> + <p> + Tom felt much embarrassed how to act, and, after some hesitation, told his + inviter of his last visit to the mansion in question, thinking that a + knowledge of the circumstances might change his mind. But he found that + young Wurley knew the facts already; and, in fact, he couldn't help + suspecting that his quarrel with the late owner had something to say to + his present invitation. However, it did not lie in his mouth to be curious + on the subject; and so he accepted the invitation gladly, much delighted + at the notion of beginning his vacation so near Englebourn, and having the + run of the Grange fishing, which was justly celebrated. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0037"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXVI—THE RIVER SIDE</h2> + <p> + So, from Henley, Tom went home just to see his father and mother and pick + up his fishing-gear, and then started for the Grange. On his road thither, + he more than once almost made up his mind to go round by Englebourn, get + his first interview with Katie over, and find out how the world was really + going with Harry and his sweetheart, of whom he had such meagre + intelligence of late. But, for some reason or another, when it came to + taking the turn to Englebourn, he passed it by, and, contenting himself + for the time with a distant view of the village and the Hawk's Lynch, + drove straight to the Grange. + </p> + <p> + He had not expected to feel very comfortable at first in the house which + he had left the previous autumn in so strange a manner, and he was not + disappointed. The rooms reminded him unpleasantly of his passage of arms + with the late master, and the grave and portly butler was somewhat + embarrassed in his reception of him; while the footman, who carried off + his portmanteau, did it with a grin which put him out. The set of men whom + he found there were not of his sort. They were young Londoners, and he a + thorough countryman. But the sight of the stream by which he took a hearty + stroll before dinner made up for everything, and filled him with + pleasurable anticipations. He thought he had never seen a sweeter bit of + water. + </p> + <p> + The dinner to which the party of young gentlemen sat down was most + undeniable. The host talked a little too much, perhaps; under all the + circumstances, of <i>my</i> wine, <i>my</i> plate, <i>my</i> mutton, + &c., provoking the thought of how long they had been his. But he was + bent on hospitality after his fashion, and his guests were not disposed to + criticize much. + </p> + <p> + The old butler did not condescend to wait, but brought in a magnum of + claret after dinner, carefully nursing it as if it were a baby, and + placing it patronizingly before his young master. Before they adjourned to + the billiard-room they had disposed of several of the same; but the + followers were brought in by a footman, the butler being employed in + discussing a bottle of an older vintage with the steward in the + still-room. Then came pool, pool, pool, soda-water and brandy, and cigars, + into the short hours; but Tom stole away early, having an eye to his + morning's fishing, and not feeling much at home with his companions. + </p> + <p> + He was out soon after sunrise the next morning. He never wanted to be + called when there was a trout-stream within reach; and his fishing + instinct told him that, in these sultry dog-days, there would be little + chance of sport when the sun was well up. So he let himself gently out of + the hall door—paused a moment on the steps to fill his chest with the + fresh morning air, as he glanced at the weathercock over the stables—and + then set to work to put his tackle together on the lawn, humming a tune to + himself as he selected an insinuating red hackle and alder fly from his + well-worn book, and tied them on to his cast. Then he slung his creel over + his shoulder, picked up his rod, and started for the water. + </p> + <p> + As he passed the gates of the stable-yard, the keeper came out—a sturdy + bullet-headed fellow, in a velveteen coat, and cord breeches and + gaiters—and touched his hat. Tom returned the salute, and wished him good + morning. + </p> + <p>“Mornin', sir; you be about early.”</p> + <p> + “Yes; I reckon it's the best time for sport at the end of + June.” + </p> + <p>“'Tis so, Sir. Shall I fetch a net, and come along!”</p> + <p> + “No, thank you, I'll manage the ladle myself. But which do you call + the best water?” + </p> + <p> + “They be both middling good. They ain't much odds atwixt 'em. But I + see most fish movin' o' mornin's in the deep water down below.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; the night was too hot,” said Tom, who had + examined the water the day before, and made up his mind where he was + going. “I'm for deep water on cold days; I shall begin with the + stickles up above. There's a good head of water on, I suppose?” + </p> + <p>“Plenty down this last week, sir.”</p> + <p> + “Come along, then; we'll walk together, if you're going that + way.” So Tom stepped off, brushing through the steaming long grass, + gemmed with wild flowers, followed by the keeper; and, as the grasshoppers + bounded chirruping out of his way, and the insect life hummed and + murmured, and the lark rose and sang above his head, he felt happier than + he had done for many a long month. So his heart opened towards his + companion, who kept a little behind him. + </p> + <p>“What size do you take 'em out, keeper?”</p> + <p> + “Anything over nine inches, sir. But there's a smartish few fish of + three pounds, for them as can catch 'em.” + </p> + <p>“Well, that's good; but they ain't easy caught, eh?”</p> + <p> + “I don't rightly know, sir; but there's gents comes as stands close + by the water, and flogs down stream with the sun in their backs, and uses + all manner o' vlies, wi' long names; and then they gwoes away, and says, + 'tain't no use flying here, 'cas there's so much cadis bait and that + like.” + </p> + <p>“Ah, very likely,” said Tom, with a chuckle.</p> + <p> + “The chaps as catches the big fishes, sir,” went on the + keeper, getting confidential, “is thay cussed night-line poachers. + There's one o' thay as has come here this last spring-tide—the artfullest + chap as ever I come across, and down to every move on the board. He don't + use no shove-nets, nor such-like tackle; not he; I s'pose he don't call + that sport. Besides, I got master to stake the whole water, and set old + knives and razors about in the holes, but that don't answer; and this + joker all'us goes alone—which, in course, he couldn't do with nets. Now, I + knows within five or six yards where that chap sets his lines, and I finds + 'em, now and again, set the artfullest you ever see. But 'twould take a + man's life to look arter him, and I knows he gets, maybe, a dozen big fish + a week, do all as I knows.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it you can't catch him, keeper?” said Tom, much + amused. + </p> + <p> + “Why you see sir, he don't come at any hours. Drat un!” said + the keeper, getting hot; “blessed if I don't think he sometimes + comes down among the haymakers and folk at noon, and up lines and off, + while they chaps does nothing but snigger at un—all I knows is, as I've + watched till midnight, and then on again at dawn for'n, and no good come + on it but once.” + </p> + <p>“How was that?”</p> + <p> + “Well, one mornin', sir, about last Lady-day, I comes quite quiet up + stream about dawn. When I get's to Farmer Giles's piece (that little rough + bit, sir, as you sees t'other side the stream, two fields from our outside + bounds), I sees un a stooping down and hauling in's line. 'Now's your + time, Billy,' says I, and up the hedge I cuts, hotfoot, to get betwixt he + and our bounds. Wether he seen me or not, I can't mind; leastways, when I + up's head t'other side the hedge, vorights where I seen him last, there + was he a-trotting up stream quite cool, a-pocketing a two-pounder. Then he + sees me and away we goes side by side for the bounds—he this side the + hedge and I t'other; he takin' the fences like our old greyhound-bitch, + Clara. We takes the last fence on to that fuzzy field as you sees there, + Sir (parson's glebe and out of our liberty), neck and neck, and I turns + short to the left, 'cos there warn't no fence now betwixt he and I. Well, + I thought he'd a dodged on about the fuz. Not he; he slouches his hat + over's eyes, and stands quite cool by fust fuz bush—I minded then as we + was out o' our beat. Hows'ever my blood was up; so I at's him then and + there, no words lost, and fetches a crack at's head wi my stick.' He fends + wi' his'n; and then, as I rushes in to collar'n, dash'd if 'e didn't meet + I full, and catch I by the thigh and collar, and send I slap over's head + into a fuz bush. + </p> + <p> + “Then he chuckles fit to bust hisself, and cuts his stick, while I + creeps out full o' prickles, and wi' my breeches torn shameful. Dang + un!” cried the keeper, while Tom roared, “he's a lissum + wosbird, that I 'ool say, but I'll be up sides wi' he next time I sees un. + Whorson fool as I was, not to stop and look at 'n and speak to un! Then I + should ha' know'd 'n again; and now he med be our parish clerk for all as + I know.” + </p> + <p>“And you've never met him since?”</p> + <p>“Never sot eye on un, sir, arly or late—wishes I had.”</p> + <p> + “Well, keeper, here's a half crown to go towards mending the hole in + your breeches, and better luck at the return match. I shall begin fishing + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee, sir. You keep your cast pretty nigh that there off bank, + and you med have a rare good un ther'. I seen a fish suck there just now + as warn't spawned this year, nor last nether.” + </p> + <p>And away went the communicative keeper.</p> + <p> + “Stanch fellow, the keeper,” said Tom to himself, as he reeled + out yard after yard of his tapered line, and with a gentle sweep dropped + his collar of flies lightly on the water, each cast covering another five + feet of the dimpling surface. “Good fellow, the keeper—don't mind + telling a story against himself—can stand being laughed at—more than + master can. Ah, there's the fish he saw sucking, I'll be bound. Now, you + beauties, over his nose, and fall light, don't disgrace your bringing + up!” and away went the flies quivering through the air and lighting + close to the opposite bank, under a bunch of rushes. A slight round eddy + flowed below the rushes as the cast came gently back across the current. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you see them, do you, old boy?” thought Tom. “Say + your prayers, then, and get shrived!” and away went the flies again, + this time a little below. No movement. The third throw, a great lunge and + splash, and the next moment the lithe rod bent double, and the gut collar + spun along, cutting through the water like mad. Up goes the great fish + twice into the air, Tom giving him the point; then up stream again, Tom + giving him the butt, and beginning to reel up gently. Down goes the great + fish into the swaying weeds, working with his tail like a twelve-horse + screw. “If I can only get my nose to ground,” thinks he. So + thinks Tom, and trusts to his tackle, keeping a steady strain on trouty, + and creeping gently down stream. “No go,” says the fish as he + feels his nose steadily hauled round, and turns a swirl downstream. Away + goes Tom, reeling in, and away goes the fish in hopes of a slack—away, for + twenty or thirty yards—the fish coming to the top lazily, and again, and + holding on to get his second wind. Now a cart track crosses the stream, no + weeds, and shallow water at the side. “Here we must have it + out,” thinks Tom, and turns fish's nose up stream again. The big + fish gets sulky, twice drifts towards the shallow, and twice plunges away + at the sight of his enemy into the deep water. The third time he comes + swaying in, his yellow side gleaming and his mouth open; and, the next + moment Tom scoops him out onto the grass, with a “whoop” that + might have been heard at the house. + </p> + <p> + “Two pounder, if he's an ounce,” says Tom, as he gives him the + <i>coup de grace</i>, and lays him out lovingly on the fresh green sward. + </p> + <p> + Who amongst you, dear readers, can appreciate the intense delight of + grassing your first big fish after a nine month's fast? All first + sensations have their special pleasure; but none can be named, in a small + way, to beat this of the first fish of the season. The first clean leg-hit + for four in your first match at Lord's—the grating of the bows of your + racing boat against the stern of the boat ahead in your first race—the + first half-mile of a burst from the cover side in November, when the + hounds in the field ahead may be covered with a table-cloth, and no one + but the huntsman and a top sawyer or two lies between you and them—the + first brief after your call to the bar, if it comes within the year—the + sensations produced by these are the same in kind; but cricket, boating, + getting briefs, even hunting lose their edge as time goes on. As to lady + readers, it is impossible, probably, to give them an idea of the sensation + in question. Perhaps some may have experienced something of the kind at + their first balls, when they heard whispers and saw all eyes turning their + way, and knew that their dresses and gloves fitted perfectly. But this joy + can be felt but once in a life, and the first fish comes back as fresh as + ever, or ought to come, if all men had their rights, once in a season. So, + good luck to the gentle craft, and its professors, may the Fates send us + much into their company! The trout fisher, like the landscape painter, + haunts the loveliest places of the earth, and haunts them alone. Solitude + and his own thoughts—he must be on the best terms with all of these; and + he who can take kindly the largest allowance of these is likely to be the + kindliest and truest with his fellow men. + </p> + <p> + Tom had splendid sport that summer morning. As the great sun rose higher, + the light morning breeze, which had curled the water, died away; the light + mist drew up into light cloud, and the light cloud vanished, into + cloudland, for anything I know; and still the fish rose, strange to say, + though Tom felt it was an affair of minutes, and acted accordingly. At + eight o'clock he was about a quarter of a mile from the house, at a point + in the stream of rare charms both for the angler and the lover of gentle + river beauty. The main stream was crossed by a lock, formed of a solid + brick bridge with no parapets, under which the water rushed through four + small arches, each of which could be closed in an instant by letting down + a heavy wooden lock gate, fitted in grooves on the upper side of the + bridge. Such locks are frequent in the west-country streams—even at long + distances from mills and millers, for whose behoof they were made in old + days, that the supply of water to the mill might be easily regulated. All + pious anglers should bless the memories of the old builders of them, for + they are the very paradises of the great trout, who frequent the old + brickwork and timber foundations. The water in its rush through the + arches, had of course worked for itself a deep hole, and then, some twenty + yards below, spread itself out in wanton joyous ripples and eddies over a + broad surface some fifty yards across, and dashed away towards a little + island some two hundred yards below, or rolled itself slowly back towards + the bridge again, up the backwater by the side of the bank, as if longing + for another merry rush through one of those narrow arches. The island + below was crowned with splendid alders, willows forty feet high, which + wept into the water, and two or three poplars; a rich mile of water + meadow, with an occasional willow or alder, lay gleaming beyond; and the + view was bounded by a glorious wood, which crowned the gentle slope, at + the foot of which the river ran. Another considerable body of water, which + had been carried off above from the main stream to flush the water + meadows, joined its parent at this point; it came slowly down a broad + artificial ditch running parallel with the main stream; and the narrow + strip of land which divided the two streams ended abruptly just below the + lock, forming a splendid point for bather or angler. + </p> + <p> + Tom had fixed on this pool as his <i>bonne bouche</i>, as a child keeps + its plums till the last, and stole over the bridge, stooping low to gain + the point indicated. Having gained it, he glanced round to be aware of the + dwarf ash-trees and willows which were scattered along the strip, and + might catch heedless collars and spoil sport, when, lying lazily almost on + the surface where the backwater met the stream from the meadows, he beheld + the great grandfather of all trout, a fellow two feet long and a foot in + girth at the shoulders, just moving fin enough to keep him from turning + over on to his back. He threw himself flat on the ground and crept away to + the other side of the strip; the king fish had not seen him; and the next + moment Tom saw him suck in a bee, laden with his morning's load of honey, + who touched the water unwarily close to his nose. With trembling hand, Tom + took off his tail fly, and, on his knee, substituted a governor; then + shortening his line, after wetting his mimic bee in the pool behind him, + tossed it gently into the monster's very jaws. For a moment the fish + seemed scared, but the next, conscious in his strength, lifted his nose + slowly to the surface and sucked in the bait. + </p> + <p> + Tom struck gently, and then sprang to his feet. But the Heavens had other + work for the king fish, who dived swiftly under the bank; a slight jar + followed, and Tom's rod was straight over his head, the line and scarcely + a yard of his trusty gut collar dangling about his face. He seized this + remnant with horror and unsatisfied longing, and examined it with care. + Could he have overlooked any fraying which the gut might have got in the + morning's work? No; he had gone over every inch of it not five minutes + before, as he neared the pool. Besides it was cut clean through, not a + trace of bruise or fray about it. How could it have happened? He went to + the spot and looked into the water; it was slightly discolored and he + could not see the bottom. He threw his fishing coat off, rolled up the + sleeve of his flannel shirt, and, lying on his side, felt about the bank + and tried to reach the bottom but couldn't. So, hearing the half-hour bell + ring, he deferred further inquiry, and stripped in silent disgust for a + plunge in the pool. Three times he hurled himself into the delicious rush + of the cold chalk stream, with that utter abandon in which man, whose + bones are brittle, can only indulge when there are six or seven feet of + water between him and mother earth; and, letting the stream bear him away + at its own sweet will to the shallows below, struck up again through the + rush and the roar to his plunging place. Then, slowly and luxuriously + dressing, he lit his short pipe—companion of meditation—and began to + ruminate on the escape of the king fish. What could have cut his collar? + The more he thought, the less he could make it out. When suddenly he was + aware of the keeper on his way back to the house for orders and breakfast. + </p> + <p>“What sport, sir?”</p> + <p> + “Pretty fair,” said Tom, carelessly, lugging five plump + speckled fellows, weighing some seven and a half pounds, out of his creel, + and laying them out for the keeper's inspection. + </p> + <p> + “Well, they be in prime order, sir, surely,” says the keeper, + handling them; “they allus gets mortal thick across the shoulders + while the May-fly be on. Loose any sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I put in some little ones up above, and lost one screamer just up + the black ditch there. He must have been a four-pounder, and went off, and + be hanged to him, with two yards of my collar and a couple of first-rate + flies. How on earth he got off I can't tell!” and he went on to + unfold the particulars of the short struggle. + </p> + <p> + The keeper could hardly keep down a grin. “Ah, sir,” said he, + “I thinks I knows what spwiled your sport. You owes it all to that + chap as I was a telling you of, or my name's not Willum Goddard;” + and then, fishing the lockpole with a hook at the end of it out of the + rushes, he began groping under the bank, and presently hauled up a sort of + infernal machine, consisting of a heavy lump of wood, a yard or so long, + in which were carefully inserted the blades of four or five old knives and + razors, while a crop of rusty jagged nails filled up the spare space. + </p> + <p> + Tom looked at it in wonder. “What devil's work have you got hold of + there?” he said at last. + </p> + <p> + “Bless you, sir,” said the keeper, “'tis only our shove + net traps as I was a telling you of. I keeps hard upon a dozen on 'em and + shifts 'em about in the likeliest holes; and I takes care to let the men + as is about the water meadows see me a-sharpening on 'em up a bit wi' a + file, now and again. And since master gev me orders to put 'em in, I don't + think they tries that game on not once a month.” + </p> + <p> + “Well but where do you and your master expect to go to if you set + such things as those about?” said Tom, looking serious. “Why, + you'll be cutting some fellow's hand or foot half off one of these days. + Suppose I'd waded up the bank to see what had become of my cast?” + </p> + <p> + “Lor', sir, I never thought o' that,” said the keeper, looking + sheepish and lifting the back of his short hat off his head to make room + for a scratch; “but,” added he turning the subject, “if + you wants to keep they artful wosbirds off the water, you must frighten + 'em wi' summat out o' the way. Drattle 'em, I knows they puts me to my + wit's end; but you'd never 'a had five such fish as them afore breakfast, + sir, if we didn't stake the waters.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and I don't want 'em if I can't get 'em without. I'll tell + you what it is, keeper, this razor business is going a bit too far; men + ain't to be maimed for liking a bit of sport. You set spring-guns in the + woods, and you know what that came to. Why don't you, or one of your + watchers, stop out here at night, and catch the fellows, like men? + </p> + <p> + “Why, you see, sir, master don't allow me but one watcher and he's + mortal feared o' the water, he be, specially o' nights. He'd sooner by + half stop up in the woods. Daddy Collins (that's an old woman as lives on + the heath, sir, and a bad sort she be, too) well, she told him once, when + he wouldn't gee her some baccy as he'd got, and she'd a mind to, as he'd + fall twice into the water for once as he'd get out; and th' poor chap ever + since can't think but what he'll be drownded. And there's queer sights and + sounds by the river o' nights, too, I 'ool say, sir, let alone the white + mist, as makes everything look unket, and gives a chap the + rheumatics.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but <i>you</i> ain't afraid of ghosts and rheumatism?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't know as I be, sir. But then there's the pheasants + a-breedin', and there's four brood of flappers in the withey bed, and a + sight of young hares in the spinneys. I be hard put to to mind it + all.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay you are,” said Tom, putting on his coat and + shouldering his rod; “I've a good mind to take a turn at it myself, + to help you, if you'll only drop those razors.” + </p> + <p> + “I wishes you would, sir,” said the keeper, from behind; + “if genl'men'd sometimes take a watch at nights, they'd find out as + keepers hadn't all fair weather work, I'll warrant, if they're to keep a + good head o' game about a place. 'Taint all popping off guns, and lunching + under hayricks, I can tell 'em—no, nor half on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you think, now, this fellow we are talking of sells his + fish?” said Tom, after a minute's thought. + </p> + <p> + “Mostly at Reading Market, I hears tell, sir. There's the guard of + the mail, as goes by the cross-roads three days a week, he wur a rare + poaching chap hisself down in the west afore he got his place along of his + bugle-playing. They do say as he's open to any game, he is, from a buck to + a snipe, and drives a trade all down the road with the country chaps. + </p> + <p>“What day is Reading Market?”</p> + <p>“Tuesdays and Saturdays, sir.”</p> + <p>“And what time does the mail go by?”</p> + <p>“Six o'clock in the morning, sir, at the cross-roads.”</p> + <p>“And they're three miles off, across the fields?”</p> + <p> + “Thereabouts, sir. I reckons it about a forty minutes' stretch, and + no time lost.” + </p> + <p> + “There'll be no more big fish caught on the fly to-day,” said + Tom, after a minute's silence, as they neared the house. + </p> + <p>The wind had fallen dead, and not a spot of cloud in the sky.</p> + <p> + “Not afore nightfall, I think, sir;” and the keeper + disappeared towards the offices. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0038"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXVII—THE NIGHT WATCH</h2> + <h3> + “You may do as you please, but I'm going to see it out.” + </h3> + <p>“No, but I say do come along; that's a good, fellow.”</p> + <p> + “Not I; why, we've only just come out. Didn't you hear? Wurley dared + me to do a night's watching, and I said I meant to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; so did I. But we can change our minds. What's the good of + having a mind if you can't change it! [Greek text] ai denterai poz + phrontidez sophoterai—isn't that good Greek and good sense?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see it. They'll only laugh and sneer if we go back + now.” + </p> + <p> + “They'll laugh at us twice as much if we don't. Fancy they're just + beginning pool now, on that stunning table. Come along, Brown; don't miss + your chance. We shall be sure to divide the pools, as we've missed the + claret. Cool hands and cool heads, you know. Green on brown, pink your + player in hand! That's a good deal pleasanter than squatting here all + night on the damp grass.” + </p> + <p>“Very likely.”</p> + <p> + “But you won't? Now, do be reasonable. Will you come if I stop with + you another half-hour?” + </p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p>“An hour then? Say till ten o'clock?”</p> + <p>“If I went at all I would go at once.”</p> + <p>“Then you won't come?”</p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p> + “I'll bet you a sovereign you never see a poacher, and then how sad + you will be in the morning! It will be much worse coming in to breakfast + with empty hands and a cold in the head, than going in now. They will + chaff then, I grant you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, they may chaff and be hanged, for I shan't go in + now.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's interlocutor put his hands in the pockets of his heather mixture + shooting coat, and took a turn or two of some dozen yards, backwards and + forwards above the place where our hero was sitting. He didn't like going + in and facing the pool players by himself; so he stopped once more and + reopened the conversation. + </p> + <p>“What do you want to do by watching all night, Brown?”</p> + <p> + “To show the keeper and those fellows indoors that I mean what I + say. I said I'd do it, and I will.” + </p> + <p>“You don't want to catch a poacher, then?”</p> + <p> + “I don't much care; I'll catch one if he comes in my way—or try it + on, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Brown, I like that; as if you don't poach yourself. Why, I + remember when the Whiteham keeper spent the best part of a week outside + the college gates, on the lookout for you and Drysdale and some other + fellows.” + </p> + <p>“What has that to do with it?”</p> + <p> + “Why, you ought to have more fellow-feeling. I suppose you go on the + principle of set a thief to catch a thief?” + </p> + <p>Tom made no answer, and his companion went on.</p> + <p> + “Come along, now, like a good fellow. If you'll come in now, we can + come out again all fresh, when the rest go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Not we. I sha'n't go in. But you can come out again if you like; + you'll find me hereabouts.” + </p> + <p> + The man in the heather mixture had now shot his last bolt, and took + himself off to the house, leaving Tom by the riverside. How they got there + may be told in a few words. After his morning's fishing, and conversation + with the keeper, he had gone in full of his subject and propounded it at + the breakfast table. His strictures on the knife and razor business + produced a rather warm discussion, which merged in the question whether a + keeper's life was a hard one, till something was said implying that + Wurley's men were overworked. The master took this in high dudgeon, and + words ran high. In the discussion, Tom remarked (apropos of night-work) + that he would never ask another man to do what he would not do himself; + which sentiment was endorsed by, amongst others, the man in the heather + mixture. The host had retorted, that they had better in that case try it + themselves; which remark had the effect of making Tom resolve to cut short + his visit, and in the meantime had brought him and his ally to the river + side on the night in question. + </p> + <p> + The first hour, as we have seen, had been enough for the ally; and so Tom + was left in company with a plaid, a stick, and a pipe, to spend the night + by himself. + </p> + <p> + It was by no means the first night he had spent in the open air, and + promised to be a pleasant one for camping out. It was almost the longest + day in the year, and the weather was magnificent. There was yet an hour of + daylight, and the place he had chosen was just the right one for enjoying + the evening. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting under one of a clump of huge old alders, growing on the + thin strip of land already noticed, which divided the main stream from the + deep artificial ditch which fed the water-meadows. On his left the + emerald-green meadows stretched away till they met the inclosed corn-land. + On his right ran the main stream, some fifty feet in breadth at this + point; on the opposite side of which was a rough piece of ground, half + withey-bed, half copse, with a rank growth of rushes at the water's edge. + These were the chosen haunts of the moor-hen and water-rat, whose tracks + could be seen by dozens, like small open doorways, looking out on to the + river, through which ran a number of mysterious little paths into the + rush-wilderness beyond. + </p> + <p> + The sun was now going down behind the copse, through which his beams came + aslant, chequered and mellow. The stream ran dimpling by him, sleepily + swaying the masses of weed, under the surface and on the surface; and the + trout rose under the banks, as some moth or gnat or gleaming beetle fell + into the stream; here and there one more frolicsome than his brethren + would throw himself joyously into the air. The swifts rushed close by him, + in companies of five or six, and wheeled, and screamed, and dashed away + again, skimming along the water, baffling his eye as he tried to follow + their flight. Two kingfishers shot suddenly up on to their supper station, + on a stunted willow stump, some twenty yards below him, and sat there in + the glory of their blue backs and cloudy red waistcoats, watching with + long sagacious beaks pointed to the water beneath, and every now and then + dropping like flashes of light into the stream, and rising again, with + what seemed one motion, to their perches. A heron or two were fishing + about the meadows; and he watched them stalking about in their sober + quaker coats, or rising on slow heavy wing, and lumbering away home with a + weird cry. He heard the strong pinions of the wood pigeon in the air, and + then from the trees above his head came the soft call, + “Take-two-cow-Taffy, take-two-cow-Taffy,” with which that fair + and false bird is said to have beguilled the hapless Welchman to the + gallows. Presently, as he lay motionless, the timid and graceful little + water-hens peered out from their doors in the rushes opposite, and, seeing + no cause for fear, stepped daintily into the water, and were suddenly + surrounded by little bundles of black soft down, which went paddling about + in and out of the weeds, encouraged by the occasional sharp, clear, + parental “keck-keck,” and merry little dabchicks popped up in + mid-stream, and looked round, and nodded at him, pert and voiceless, and + dived again; even old cunning water-rats sat up on the bank with round + black noses and gleaming eyes, or took solemn swims out, and turned up + their tails and disappeared for his amusement. A comfortable low came at + intervals from the cattle, revelling in the abundant herbage. All living + things seemed to be disporting themselves, and enjoying, after their kind, + the last gleams of the sunset, which were making the whole vault of heaven + glow and shimmer; and, as he watched them, Tom blessed his stars as he + contrasted the river-side with the glare of lamps and the click of balls + in the noisy pool room. + </p> + <p> + Before it got dark he bethought him of making sure of his position once + more; matters might have changed since he chose it before dinner. With all + that he could extract from the keeper, and his own experience in such + matters, it had taken him several hours' hunting up and down the river + that afternoon before he had hit on a night-line. But he had persevered, + knowing that this was the only safe evidence to start from, and at last + had found several, so cunningly set that it was clear that it was a + first-rate artist in the poaching line against whom he had pitted himself. + These lines must have been laid almost under his nose on that very day, as + the freshness of the baits proved. The one which he had selected to watch + by was under the bank, within a few yards of the clump of alders where he + was now sitting. There was no satisfactory cover near the others; so he + had chosen this one, where he would be perfectly concealed behind the + nearest trunk from any person who might come in due time to take up the + line. With this view, then, he got up, and, stepping carefully on the + thickest grass where his foot would leave no mark, went to the bank, and + felt with the hook of his stick after the line. It was all right, and he + returned to his old seat. + </p> + <p> + And then the summer twilight came on, and the birds disappeared, and the + hush of night settled down on river, and copse, and meadow—cool and gentle + summer twilight after the hot bright day. He welcomed it too, as it folded + up the landscape, and the trees lost their outline, and settled into soft + black masses rising here and there out of the white mist, which seemed to + have crept up to within a few yards all round him unawares. There was no + sound now but the gentle murmur of the water and an occasional rustle of + reeds, or of the leaves over his head, as a stray wandering puff of air + passed through them on its way home to bed. Nothing to listen to and + nothing to look at; for the moon had not risen, and the light mist hid + everything except a star or two right up above him. So, the outside world + having left him for the present, he was turned inwards on himself. + </p> + <p> + This was all very well at first; and he wrapped the plaid round his + shoulders and leant against his tree, and indulged in a little + self-gratulation. There was something of strangeness and adventure in his + solitary night-watch, which had its charm for a youngster of twenty-one; + and the consciousness of not running from his word, of doing what he had + said he would do, while others shirked and broke down, was decidedly + pleasant. + </p> + <p> + But this satisfaction did not last very long, and the night began to get a + little wearisome, and too cool to be quite comfortable. By degrees, doubts + as to the wisdom of his self-imposed task crept into his head. He + dismissed them for a time by turning his thoughts to other matters. The + neighbourhood of Englebourn, some two miles up above him, reminded him of + the previous summer; and he wondered how he should get on with his cousin + when they met. He should probably see her the next day, for he would lose + no time in calling. Would she receive him well? Would she have much to + tell him about Mary? + </p> + <p> + He had been more hopeful on this subject of late, but the loneliness, the + utter solitude and silence of his position as he sat there in the misty + night, away from all human habitations, was not favorable somehow to + hopefulness. He found himself getting dreary and sombre in heart—more and + more so as the minutes rolled on, and the silence and loneliness pressed + on him more and more heavily. He was surprised at his own + down-heartedness, and tried to remember how he had spent former nights so + pleasantly out of doors. Ah, he had always had a companion within call, + and something to do—cray fishing, bat fowling, or something of the kind! + Sitting there doing nothing, he fancied, must make it so heavy to-night. + By a strong effort of will he shook off the oppression. He moved, and + hummed a tune to break the silence; he got up and walked up and down, lest + it should again master him. If wind, storm, pouring rain, anything to make + sound or movement, would but come! + </p> + <p> + But neither of them came, and there was little help in sound or movement + made by himself. Besides it occurred to him that much walking up and down + might defeat the object of his watch. No one would come near while he was + on the move; and he was probably making marks already which might catch + the eye of the setter of the nightlines at some distance, if that cunning + party waited for the morning light, and might keep him away from the place + altogether. + </p> + <p> + So he sat down again on his old seat, and leant hard against the alder + trunk, as though to steady himself, and keep all troublesome thoughts well + in front of him. In this attitude of defense he reasoned with himself on + the absurdity of allowing himself to be depressed by the mere accidents of + place, and darkness, and silence; but all the reasoning at his command + didn't alter the fact. He felt the enemy advancing again, and, casting, + about for help, fell back on the thought that he was going through a task, + holding to his word, doing what he had said he would do; and this brought + him some relief for the moment, He fixed his mind steadily on this task of + his; but alas, here again in his very last stronghold, the enemy began to + turn his flank, and the position every minute became more and more + untenable. + </p> + <p> + He had of late fallen into a pestilent habit of cross-questioning himself + on anything which he was about—setting up himself like a cock at + Shrovetide, and pelting himself with inexorable “whys?” and + “wherefores?” A pestilent habit truly he had found it, and one + which left a man no peace of his life—a relentless, sleepless habit, + always ready to take advantage of him, but never so viciously alert, that + he remembered, as on this night. + </p> + <p> + And so this questioning self, which would never be denied for long, began + to examine him, as to his proposed night's work. This precious task, which + he was so proud of going through with, on the score of which he had been + in his heart crowing over others, because they had not taken it on them, + or had let it drop, what then was the meaning of it? + </p> + <p> + “What was he out there for? What had he come out to do?” They + were awkward questions. He tried several answers and was driven from one + to another till he was bound to admit that he was out there that night + partly out of pique, and partly out of pride; and that his object (next to + earning the pleasure of thinking himself a better man than his neighbours) + was, if so be, to catch a poacher. “To catch a poacher? What + business had he to be catching poachers? If all poachers were to be + caught, he would have to be caught himself.” He had just had an + unpleasant reminder of this fact from him of the heather mixture—a + Parthian remark which he had thrown over his shoulder as he went off, and + which had stuck. “But then,” Tom argued, “it was a very + different thing, his poaching—going out for a day's lark after game, which + he didn't care a straw for, but only for the sport—and that of men making + a trade of it, like the man the keeper spoke of.” “Why? How + different? If there were any difference, was it one in his favour?” + Avoiding this suggestion, he took up new ground, “Poachers were + always the greatest blackguards in their neighbourhoods, pests of society, + and ought to be put down.” “Possibly—at any rate he had been + one of the fraternity in his time, and was scarcely the man to be casting + stones at them.” “But his poaching had always been done + thoughtlessly. How did he know that others had worse motives?” + </p> + <p> + And so he went on, tossing the matter backwards and forwards in his mind, + and getting more and more uncomfortable, and unable to answer to his own + satisfaction the simple question, “What right have you to be out + here on this errand?” + </p> + <p> + He got up a second time and walked up and down, but with no better success + than before. The change of position, and exercise, did not help him out of + his difficulties. And now he got a step further. If he had no right to be + there, hadn't he better go up to the house and say so, and go to bed like + the rest? No, his pride couldn't stand that. But if he couldn't go in, he + might turn in to a barn or outhouse, nobody would be any the wiser then, + and after all he was not pledged to stop on one spot all night? It was a + tempting suggestion, and he was very near yielding to it at once. While he + wavered, a new set of thoughts came up to back it. How, if he stayed + there, and a gang of night-poachers came? He knew that many of them were + desperate men. He had no arms; what could he do against them? Nothing; but + he might be maimed for life in a night row which he had no business to be + in—murdered, perhaps. He stood still and listened long and painfully. + </p> + <p> + Every moment, as he listened, the silence mastered him more and more, and + his reason became more and more powerless. It was such a silence—a great + illimitable, vague silence? The silence of a deserted house where he could + at least have felt that he was bounded somewhere, by wall, and floor, and + roof—where men must have lived and worked once, though they might be there + no longer—would have been nothing; but this silence of the huge, wide + out-of-doors world, where there was nothing but air and space around and + above him, and the ground beneath, it was getting irksome, intolerable, + awful! The great silence seemed to be saying to him, “You are alone, + alone, alone!” and he had never known before what horror lurked in + that thought. + </p> + <p> + Every moment that he stood still the spell grew stronger on him, and yet + he dared not move; and a strange, wild feeling of fear—unmistakable + physical fear, which made his heart beat and his limbs tremble—seized on + him. He was ready to cry out, to fall down, to run, and yet there he stood + listening, still and motionless. + </p> + <p> + The critical moment in all panics must come at last. A wild and grewsome + hissing and snoring, which seemed to come from the air just over his head, + made him start and spring forward, and gave him the use of his limbs again + at any rate, though they would not have been worth much to him had the + ghost or hobgoblin appeared whom he half expected to see the next moment. + Then came a screech, which seemed to flit along the rough meadow opposite, + and come towards him. He drew a long breath, for he knew that sound well + enough; it was nothing after all but the owls. + </p> + <p> + The mere realized consciousness of the presence of some living creatures, + were they only owls, brought him to his senses. And now the moon was well + up, and the wayward mist had cleared away, and he could catch glimpses of + the solemn birds every now and then, beating over the rough meadow + backwards and forwards, and over the shallow water as regularly as trained + pointers. + </p> + <p> + He threw himself down again under his tree, and now bethought himself of + his pipe. Here was a companion which, wonderful to say, he had not thought + of before since the night set in. He pulled it out, but paused before + lighting. Nothing was so likely to betray his whereabouts as tobacco. + True, but anything was better than such another fright as he had had, + “so here goes,” he thought, “if I keep off all the + poachers in Berkshire;” and he accordingly lighted up, and, with the + help of his pipe, once more debated with himself the question of beating a + retreat. + </p> + <p> + After a sharp inward struggle, he concluded to stay and see it out. He + should despise himself, more than he cared to face, if he gave in now. If + he left that spot before morning, the motive would be sheer cowardice. + There might be fifty other good reasons for going; but, if he went, + <i>his</i> + reason would be fear and nothing else. It might have been wrong and + foolish to come out; it must be to go in now. “Fear never made a man + do a right action,” he summed up to himself; “so here I stop, + come what may of it. I think I've seen the worst of it now. I was in a + real blue funk, and no mistake. Let's see, wasn't I laughing this morning + at the watcher who didn't like passing a night by the river? Well, he has + got the laugh on me now, if he only knew it. I've learnt one lesson + to-night at any rate; I don't think I shall ever be very hard on cowards + again.” + </p> + <p> + By the time he had finished his pipe, he was a man again, and, moreover, + notwithstanding the damp, began to feel sleepy, now that his mind was + thoroughly made up, and his nerves were quiet. So he made the best of his + plaid, and picked a softish place, and went off into a sort of dog-sleep, + which lasted at intervals through the short summer night. A poor thin sort + of sleep it was, in which he never altogether lost his consciousness, and + broken by short intervals of actual wakefulness, but a blessed release + from the self-questionings and panics of the early night. + </p> + <p> + He woke at last with a shiver. It was colder than he had yet felt it, and + it seemed lighter. He stretched his half-torpid limbs, and sat up. Yes, it + was certainly getting light, for he could just make out the figures on the + face of his watch which he pulled out. The dawn was almost upon him, and + his night watch was over. Nothing had come of it as yet, except his + fright, at which he could now laugh comfortably enough; probably nothing + more might come of it after all, but he had done the task he had set + himself without flinching, and that was a satisfaction. He wound up his + watch, which he had forgotten to do the night before, and then stood up, + and threw his damp plaid aside, and swung his arm across his chest to + restore circulation. The crescent moon was high up in the sky, faint and + white, and he could scarcely now make out the stars which were fading out + as the glow in the north-east got stronger and broader. + </p> + <p> + Forgetting for a moment the purpose of his vigil, he was thinking of a + long morning's fishing, and had turned to pick up his plaid and go off to + the house for his fishing-rod, when he thought he heard the sound of dry + wood snapping. He listened intently; and the next moment it came again, + some way off, but plainly to be heard in the intense stillness of the + morning. Some living thing was moving down the stream. Another moment's + listening and he was convinced that the sound came from a hedge some + hundred yards below. + </p> + <p> + He had noticed the hedge before; the keeper had stopped up a gap in it the + day before, at the place where it came down to the water, with some old + hurdles and dry thorns. He drew himself up behind his alder, looking out + from behind it cautiously towards the point from which the sound came. He + could just make out the hedge through the mist, but saw nothing. + </p> + <p> + But now the crackling began again, and he was sure that a man was forcing + his way over the keeper's barricade. A moment afterwards he saw a figure + drop from the hedge into the slip in which he stood. He drew back his head + hastily, and his heart beat like a hammer as he waited the approach of the + stranger. In a few seconds the suspense was too much for him, for again + there was perfect silence. He peered out a second time cautiously round + the tree, and now he could make out the figure of a man stopping by the + water-side just above the hedge, and drawing in a line. This was enough, + and he drew back again, and made himself small behind the tree; now he was + sure that the keeper's enemy, the man he had come out to take, was here! + His next halt would be at the line which was set within a few yards of the + place where he stood. So the struggle which he had courted was come! All + his doubts of the night wrestled in his mind for a minute; but forcing + them down, he strung himself up for the encounter, his whole frame + trembling with excitement, and his blood tingling through his veins as + though it would burst them. The next minute was as severe a trial of nerve + as he had ever been put to, and the sound of a stealthy tread on the grass + just below came to him as a relief. It stopped, and he heard the man + stoop, then came a stir in the water, and the flapping as of a fish being + landed. + </p> + <p> + Now was his time! He sprang from behind the tree, and, the next moment, + was over the stooping figure of the poacher. Before he could seize him the + man sprung up, and grappled with him. They had come to a tight lock at + once, for the poacher had risen so close under him that he could not catch + his collar and hold him off. Too close to strike, it was a desperate trial + of strength and bottom. + </p> + <p> + Tom knew in a moment that he had his work cut out for him. He felt the + nervous power of the frame he had got hold of as he drove his chin into + the poacher's shoulder, and arched his back, and strained every muscle in + his body to force him backwards, but in vain. It was all he could do to + hold his own; but he felt that he might hold it yet, as they staggered on + the brink of the back ditch, stamping the grass and marsh marigolds into + the ground, and drawing deep breath through their set teeth. A slip, a + false foot-hold, a failing muscle, and it would be over; down they must + go-who would be uppermost? + </p> + <p> + The poacher had trod on a soft place and Tom felt it, and, throwing + himself forward, was reckoning on victory, but reckoning without his host. + For, recovering himself with a twist of the body which brought them still + closer together, the poacher locked his leg behind Tom's in a crook which + brought the wrestlings of his boyhood into his head with a flash, as they + tottered for another moment, and then losing balance, went headlong over + with a heavy plunge and splash into the deep back ditch, locked in each + other's arms. + </p> + <p> + The cold water closed over them, and for a moment Tom held as tight as + ever. Under or above the surface it was all the same, he couldn't give in + first. But a gulp of water, and the singing in his ears, and a feeling of + choking, brought him to his senses, helped too, by the thought of his + mother and Mary, and love of the pleasant world up above. The folly and + uselessness of being drowned in a ditch on a point of honor stood out + before him as clearly as if he had been thinking of nothing else all his + life; and he let go his hold—much relieved to find that his companion of + the bath seemed equally willing to be quit of him—and struggled to the + surface, and seized the bank, gasping and exhausted. + </p> + <p> + His first thought was to turn round and look for his adversary. The + poacher was by the bank too, a few feet from him. His cap had fallen off + in the struggle, and, all chance of concealment being over, he too had + turned to face the matter out, and their eyes met. + </p> + <p>“Good God! Harry! is it you?”</p> + <p> + Harry Winburn answered nothing; and the two dragged their feet out of the + muddy bottom, and scrambled on to the bank, and then with a sort of common + instinct sat down, dripping and foolish, each on the place he had reached, + and looked at one another. Probably two more thoroughly bewildered lieges + of her Majesty were not at that moment facing one another in any corner of + the United Kingdom. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0039"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXVIII—MARY IN MAYFAIR</h2> + <p> + On the night which our hero spent by the side of the river, with the + results detailed in the last chapter, there was a great ball in + Brook-street, Mayfair. It was the height of the season, and of course, + balls, concerts, and parties of all kinds were going on in all parts of + the Great Babylon, but the entertainment in question was <i>the</i> event + of that evening. Persons behind the scenes would have told you at once, + had you happened to meet them, and enquire on the subject during the + previous ten days, that Brook-street was the place in which everybody who + went anywhere ought to spend some hours between eleven and three on this + particular evening. If you did not happen to be going there, you had + better stay quietly at your club, or your home, and not speak of your + engagements for that night. + </p> + <p> + A great awning had sprung up in the course of the day over the pavement in + front of the door, and as the evening closed in, tired lawyers and + merchants, on their return from the City, and the riders and drivers on + their way home from the park, might have seen Holland's men laying red + drugget over the pavement, and Gunter's carts coming and going, and the + police “moving on” the street boys and servant maids, and + other curious members of the masses, who paused to stare at the + preparations. + </p> + <p> + Then came the lighting up of the rooms, and the blaze of pure white light + from the uncurtained ballroom windows spread into the street, and the + musicians passed in with their instruments. Then, after a short pause, the + carriages of a few intimate friends, who came early at the hostess's + express desire, began to drive up, and the Hansom cabs of the + contemporaries of the eldest son, from which issued guardsmen and + Foreign-office men, and other dancing-youth of the most approved + description. Then the crowd collected again round the door—a sadder crowd + now to the eye of anyone who has time to look at it; with sallow, haggard + looking men here and there on the skirts of it, and tawdry women joking + and pushing to the front, through the powdered footmen, and linkmen in red + waistcoats, already clamorous and redolent of gin and beer, and scarcely + kept back by the half-dozen constables of the A division, told off for the + special duty of attending and keeping order on so important an occasion. + </p> + <p> + Then comes a rush of carriages, and by eleven o'clock the line stretches + away half round Grosvenor Square, and moves at a foot's-pace towards the + lights, and the music, and the shouting street. In the middle of the line + is the comfortable chariot of our friend Mr. Porter—the corners occupied + by himself and his wife, while Miss Mary sits well forward between them, + her white muslin dress looped up with sprigs of heather spread delicately + on either side over their knees, and herself in a pleasant tremor of + impatience and excitement. + </p> + <p> + “How very slow Robert is to-day, mamma! We shall never get to the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “He can not get on faster, my dear. The carriage in front of us must + set down you know.” + </p> + <p> + “But I wish they would be quicker. I wonder whether we shall know + many people? Do you think I shall get partners?” + </p> + <p> + Not waiting for her mother's reply, she went on to name some of her + acquaintance who she knew would be there, and bewailing the hard fate + which was keeping her out of the first dances. Mary's excitement and + impatience were natural enough. The ball was not like most balls. It was a + great battle in the midst of the skirmishes of the season, and she felt + the greatness of the occasion. + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Porter had for years past dropped into a quiet sort of + dinner-giving life, in which they saw few but their own friends and + contemporaries. They generally left London before the season was at its + height, and had altogether fallen out of the ball-giving and party going + world. Mary's coming out had changed their way of life. For her sake they + had spent the winter at Rome, and, now that they were at home again, they + were picking up the threads of old acquaintance, and encountering the + disagreeables of a return into habits long disused and almost forgotten. + The giver of the ball was a stirring man in political life, rich, clever, + well-connected, and much sought after. He was an old school-fellow of Mr. + Porter's, and their intimacy had never been wholly laid aside, + notwithstanding the severance of their paths in life. Now that Mary must + be taken out, the Brook-street house was one of the first to which the + Porters turned, and the invitation to this ball was one of the first + consequences. + </p> + <p> + If the truth must be told, neither her father nor mother were in sympathy + with Mary as they gradually neared the place of setting down, and would + far rather have been going to a much less imposing place, where they could + have driven up at once to the door, and would not have been made + uncomfortable by the shoutings of their names from servant to servant. + However, after the first plunge, when they had made their bows to their + kind and smiling hostess, and had passed on into the already well filled + rooms, their shyness began to wear off, and they could in some sort enjoy + the beauty of the sight from a quiet corner. They were not long troubled + with Miss Mary. She had not been in the ball-room two minutes before the + eldest son of the house had found her out and engaged her for the next + waltz. They had met several times already, and were on the best terms; and + the freshness and brightness of her look and manner, and the evident + enjoyment of her partner, as they laughed and talked together in the + intervals of the dance, soon attracted the attention of the young men, who + began to ask one another, “Who is Norman dancing with?” and to + ejaculate with various strength, according to their several temperaments, + as to her face, and figure, and dress. + </p> + <p> + As they were returning towards Mrs. Porter, Norman was pulled by the + sleeve more than once, and begged to be allowed to introduce first one and + then another of his friends. + </p> + <p> + Mary gave herself up to the fascination of the scene. She had never been + in rooms so perfectly lighted, with such a floor, such exquisite music, + and so many pretty and well-bred looking people, and she gave herself up + to enjoy it with all her heart and soul, and danced and laughed and talked + herself into the good graces of partner after partner, till she began to + attract the notice of some of the ill-natured people who are to be found + in every room, and who cannot pardon the pure, and buoyant, and + unsuspecting mirth which carries away all but themselves in its bright + stream. So Mary passed on from one partner to another, with whom we have + no concern, until at last a young lieutenant in the guards who had just + finished his second dance with her, led up a friend whom he begged to + introduce. “Miss Porter—Mr. St. Cloud;” and then after the + usual preliminaries, Mary left her mother's side again and stood up by the + side of her new partner. + </p> + <p>“It is your first season I believe, Miss Porter?”</p> + <p>“Yes, my first in London.”</p> + <p>“I thought so; and you have only just come to town?”</p> + <p> + “We came back from Rome six weeks ago, and have been in town ever + since.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am sure I have not seen you anywhere this season until + to-night. You have not been out much yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed. Papa and mamma are very good-natured, and go whenever + we are asked to a ball, as I am fond of dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “How very odd! and yet I am quite sure I should have remembered it + if we had met before in town this year.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so very odd?” asked Mary, laughing; “London is a + very large place; it seems very natural that two people should be able to + live in it for a long time without meeting.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you are quite mistaken. You will find out very soon how + small London is—at least how small society is, and you will get to know + every face quite well—I mean the face of everyone in society.” + </p> + <p>“You must have a wonderful memory!”</p> + <p> + “Yes, I have a good memory for faces, and, by the way, I am sure I + have seen you before; but not in town, and I cannot remember where. But it + is not at all necessary to have a memory to know everybody in society by + sight; you meet every night almost; and altogether there are only two or + three hundred faces to remember. And then there is something in the look + of people, and the way they come into a room or stand about, which tells + you at once whether they are amongst those whom you need trouble yourself + about.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I cannot understand it. I seem to be in a whirl of faces, and + can hardly ever remember any of them.” + </p> + <p> + “You will soon get used to it. By the end of the season you will see + that I am right. And you ought to make a study of it, or you will never + feel at home in London.” + </p> + <p> + “I must make good use of my time then. I suppose I ought to know + everybody here, for instance?” + </p> + <p>“Almost everybody.”</p> + <p>“And I really do not know the names of a dozen people.”</p> + <p>“Will you let me give you a lesson?”</p> + <p>“Oh, yes; I shall be much obliged.”</p> + <p> + “Then let us stand here, and we will take them as they pass to the + supper-room.” + </p> + <p> + So they stood near the door-way of the ball-room, and he ran on, + exchanging constant nods and remarks with the passers by, as the stream + flowed to and from the ices and cup, and then rattling on to his partner + with the names and short sketches of the characters and peculiarities of + his large acquaintance. Mary was very much amused, and had no time to + notice the ill-nature of most of his remarks, and he had the wit to keep + within what he considered the most innocent bounds. + </p> + <p> + “There, you know him of course,” he said, as an elderly, + soldier-like looking man with a star passed them. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; at least, I mean I know him by sight. I saw him at the + Commemoration at Oxford last year. They gave him an honorary degree on his + return from India.” + </p> + <p> + “At Oxford! Were you present at the Grand Commemoration, + then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. The Commemoration Ball was the first public ball I was ever + at.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that explains it all. I must have seen you there. I told you we + had met before. I was perfectly sure of it.” + </p> + <p>“What! were you there, then?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. I had the honor of being present at your first ball, you + see.” + </p> + <p>“But how curious that you should remember me!”</p> + <p> + “Do you really think so? Surely there are some faces which, once + seen, one can never forget.” + </p> + <p>“I am so glad that you know dear Oxford.”</p> + <p>“I know it too well, perhaps, to share your enthusiasm.”</p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p>“I spent nearly three years there.”</p> + <p>“What, were you at Oxford last year?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. I left before Commemoration; but I went up for the gaieties, + and I am glad of it, as I shall have one pleasant memory of the place + now.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I wonder you don't love it! But what college were you + of?” + </p> + <p>“Why, you talk like a graduate. I was of St. Ambrose.”</p> + <p>“St. Ambrose! That is my college!”</p> + <p> + “Indeed! I wish we had been in residence at the same time.” + </p> + <p>“I mean that we almost lived there at the Commemoration.”</p> + <p>“Have you any relation there, then?”</p> + <p>“No, not a relation, only a distant connexion.”</p> + <p>“May I ask his name?”</p> + <p>“Brown. Did you know him?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. We were not in the same set. He was a boating man, I + think?” + </p> + <p> + She felt that he was watching her narrowly now, and had great difficulty + in keeping herself reasonably composed. As it was she could not help + showing a little that she felt embarrassed, and looked down; and changed + colour slightly, busying herself with her bouquet. She longed to continue + the conversation, but somehow the manner of her partner kept her from + doing so. She resolved to recur to the subject carelessly, if they met + again, when she knew him better. The fact of his having been at St. + Ambrose made her wish to know him better, and gave him a good start in her + favor. But for the moment she felt that she must change the subject; so, + looking up, she fixed on the first people who happened to be passing, and + asked who they were. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nobody, constituents probably, or something of that + sort.” + </p> + <p>“I don't understand.”</p> + <p> + “Why, you see, we are in a political house to-night. So you may set + down the people whom nobody knows, as troublesome ten-pounders, or that + kind of thing, who would he disagreeable at the next election, if they + were not asked.” + </p> + <p>“Then you do not include them in society?”</p> + <p>“By no manner of means.”</p> + <p> + “And I need not take the trouble to remember their faces?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not. There is a sediment of rubbish at almost every + house. At the parties here it is political rubbish. To-morrow night, at + Lady Aubrey's—you will be there, I hope?” + </p> + <p>“No, we do not know her.”</p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that. Well, there we shall have the scientific + rubbish; and at other houses you see queer artists, and writing people. In + fact, it is the rarest thing in the world to get a party where there is + nothing of the kind, and, after all, it is rather amusing to watch the + habits of the different species.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, to me the rubbish, as you call it, seems much like the rest. + I am sure these people were ladies and gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” he said, lifting his eyebrows; “but you + may see at a glance that they have not the air of society. Here again, + look yourself. You can see that these are constituents.” + </p> + <p> + To the horror of St. Cloud, the advancing constituents made straight for + his partner. + </p> + <p> + “Mary, my dear!” exclaimed the lady, “where have you + been? We have lost you ever since the last dance.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been standing here, mamma,” she said; and then, + slipping from her late partner's arm, she made a demure little bow, and + passed into the ball-room with her father and mother. + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud bit his lip, and swore at himself under his breath as he looked + after them. “What an infernal idiot I must have been not to know + that her people would be sure to turn out something of that sort!” + thought he. “By Jove, I'll go after them, and set myself right + before the little minx has time to think it over!” He took a step or + two towards the ball-room, but then thought better of it, or his courage + failed him. At any rate, he turned round again, and sought the + refreshment-room, where he joined a knot of young gentlemen indulging in + delicate little raised pies and salads, and liberal potations at iced + claret or champagne cup. Amongst them was the guardsman who had introduced + him to Mary, and who received him, as he came up, with— + </p> + <p> + “Well, St. Cloud, I hope you are alive to your obligations to + me.” + </p> + <p>“For shunting your late partner on to me? Yes, quite.”</p> + <p> + “You be hanged!” replied the guardsman; “you may pretend + what you please now, but you wouldn't let me alone till I had introduced + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you talking about the girl in white muslin with fern leaves in + her hair?” asked another. + </p> + <p>“Yes what do you think of her?”</p> + <p> + “Devilish taking, I think. I say, can't you introduce me? They say + she has tin.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say I think much of her looks,” said St. Cloud, + acting up to his principle of telling a lie sooner than let his real + thoughts be seen. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you?” said the guardsman. “Well, I like her form + better than anything out this year. Such a clean stepper! You should just + dance with her.” + </p> + <p> + And so they went on criticizing Mary and others of their partners, exactly + as they would have talked of a stud of racers, till they found themselves + sufficiently refreshed to encounter new labors, and broke up returning in + twos and threes towards the ball-room. + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud attached himself to the guardsman, and returned to the charge. + </p> + <p> + “You seem hit by that girl,” he began; “have you known + her long?” + </p> + <p>“About a week—I met her once before to-night.”</p> + <p>“Do you know her people? Who is her father?”</p> + <p> + “A plain-headed old party—you wouldn't think it to look at her—but I + hear he is very solvent.” + </p> + <p>“Any sons?”</p> + <p> + “Don't know. I like your talking of my being hit, St. Cloud. There + she is; I shall go and try for another waltz.” + </p> + <p> + The guardsman was successful, and carried off Mary from her father and + mother, who were standing together watching the dancing. St. Cloud, after + looking them well over, sought out the hostess, and begged to be + introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Porter, gleaning, at the same time, some + particulars of who they were. The introduction was effected in a minute, + the lady of the house being glad to get anyone to talk to the Porters, who + were almost strangers amongst her other guests. She managed, before + leaving them, to whisper to Mrs. Porter that he was a young man of + excellent connexions. + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud made the most of his time. He exerted himself to the utmost to + please, and, being fluent of speech and thoroughly satisfied with himself, + had no shyness or awkwardness to get over, and jumped at once into the + good graces of Mary's parents. When she returned after the waltz, she + found him, to her no small astonishment, deep in conversation with her + mother, who was listening with a pleased expression to his small talk. He + pretended not to see her at first, and then begged Mrs. Porter to + introduce him formally to her daughter, though he had already had the + honour of dancing with her. + </p> + <p> + Mary put on her shortest and coldest manner, and thought she had never + heard of such impertinence. That he should be there talking so familiarly + to her mother after the slip he had made to her was almost too much even + for her temper. But she went off for another dance, and again returned and + found him still there; this time entertaining Mr. Porter with political + gossip. The unfavourable impression began to wear off, and she soon + resolved not to make up her mind about him without some further knowledge. + </p> + <p> + In due course he asked her to dance again, and they stood in a quadrille. + She stood by him looking straight before her, and perfectly silent, + wondering how he would open the conversation. He did not leave her long in + suspense. + </p> + <p> + “What charming people your father and mother are, Miss + Porter!” he said; “I am so glad to have been introduced to + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! You are very kind. We ought to be flattered by your study + of us, and I am sure I hope you will find it amusing.” + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud was a little embarrassed by the rejoinder, and was not sorry at + the moment to find himself called upon to perform the second figure. By + the time he was at her side again he had recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + “You can't understand what a pleasure it is to meet some one with a + little freshness”—he paused to think how he should end his sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Who has not the air of society,” she suggested. “Yes, I + quite understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you quite mistake me. Surely you have not taken seriously + the nonsense I was talking just now?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a constituent, you know—I don't understand how to take the + talk of society.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see, then, that you are angry at my joke, and will not + believe that I knew your father perfectly by sight. You really cannot + seriously fancy that I was alluding to anyone connected with you;” + and then he proceeded to retail the particulars he had picked up from the + lady of the house, as if they had been familiar to him for years, and to + launch out again into praises of her father and mother. Mary looked + straight up in his face, and, though he did not meet her eye, his manner + was so composed, that she began to doubt her own senses, and then he + suddenly changed the subject to Oxford and the commemoration, and by the + end of the set could flatter himself that he had quite dispelled the cloud + which had looked so threatening. + </p> + <p> + Mary had a great success that evening. She took part in every dance, and + might have had two or three partners at once, if they would have been of + any use to her. When, at last, Mr. Porter insisted that he would keep his + horses no longer, St. Cloud and the guardsman accompanied her to the door, + and were assiduous in the cloak room. Young men are pretty much like a + drove of sheep; anyone who takes a decided line in certain matters, is + sure to lead all the rest. + </p> + <p> + The guardsman left the ball in the firm belief, as he himself expressed + it, that Mary “had done his business for life;” and, being + quite above concealment, persisted in singing her praises over his cigar + at the club, to which many of the dancers adjourned; and from that night + she became the fashion with the set in which St. Cloud lived. + </p> + <p> + The more enterprising of them, he amongst the foremost, were soon intimate + in Mr. Porter's house, and spoke well of his dinners. Mr. Porter changed + his hour of riding in the park at their suggestion, and now he and his + daughter were always sure of companions. Invitations multiplied, for + Mary's success was so decided, that she floated her astonished parents + into a whirl of balls and breakfasts. Mr. Porter and his wife were + flattered themselves, and pleased to see their daughter admired and + enjoying herself; and in the next six weeks Mary had the opportunity of + getting all the good and the bad which a girl of eighteen can extract from + a London season. + </p> + <p> + The test was a severe one. Two months of constant excitement, of + pleasure-seeking pure and simple, will not leave people just as they found + them; and Mary's habits, and thoughts, and ways of looking at and judging + of people and things, were much changed by the time that the gay world + melted away from Mayfair and Belgravia, and it was time for all + respectable people to pull down the blinds and shut the shutters of their + town houses. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0040"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XXXIX—WHAT CAME OF THE NIGHT WATCH</h2> + <p> + The last knot of the dancers came out of the club, and were strolling up + St. James's Street, and stopping to chaff the itinerant coffee vendor, who + was preparing his stand at the corner of Piccadilly for his early + customers, just about the time that Tom was beginning to rouse himself + under the alder-tree, and stretch his stiffened limbs, and sniff the + morning air. By the time the guardsman had let himself into his lodgings + in Mount Street, our hero had undergone his unlooked for bath, and was + sitting in a state of utter bewilderment as to what was next to be said or + done, dripping and disconcerted, opposite to the equally dripping and, to + all appearance, equally disconcerted, poacher. + </p> + <p> + At first he did not look higher than his antagonist's boots and gaiters, + and spent a few seconds by the way in considering whether the arrangement + of nails on the bottom of Harry's boots was better than his own. He + settled that it must be better for wading on slippery stones, and that he + would adopt it, and then passed on to wonder whether Harry's boots were as + full of water as his own, and whether corduroys, wet through, must not be + very uncomfortable so early in the morning, and congratulated himself on + being in flannels. + </p> + <p> + And so he hung back for second after second, playing with an absurd little + thought that would come into his head and give him ever so brief a respite + from the effort of facing the situation, and hoping that Harry might do or + say something to open the ball. This did not happen. He felt that the + longer he waited the harder it would be. He must begin himself. So he + raised his head gently, and took a sidelong look at Harry's face, to see + whether he could not get some hint for starting, from it. But scarcely had + he brought his eyes to bear, when they met Harry's, peering dolefully up + from under his eyebrows, on which the water was standing unwiped, while a + piece of green weed, which he did not seem to have presence of mind enough + to remove, trailed over his dripping locks. There was something in the + sight which tickled Tom's sense of humor. He had been prepared for sullen + black looks and fierce words, instead of which he was irresistibly + reminded of schoolboys caught by their master using a crib, or in other + like flagrant delict. + </p> + <p> + Harry lowered his eyes at once, but lifted them the next moment with a + look of surprise, as he heard Tom burst into a hearty fit of laughter. + After a short struggle to keep serious, he joined in it himself. + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, though, Harry, it's no laughing matter,” Tom said at + last, getting on to his legs, and giving himself a shake. + </p> + <p> + Harry only replied by looking most doleful again, and picking the weed out + of his hair, as he too got up. + </p> + <p>“What in the world's to be done?”</p> + <p>“I'm sure I don't know, Master Tom.”</p> + <p> + “I'm very much surprised to find you at this work, Harry.” + </p> + <p>“I'm sure, so be I, to find you, Master Tom.”</p> + <p> + Tom was not prepared for this line of rejoinder. It seemed to be made with + perfect innocence, and yet it put him in a corner at once. He did not care + to inquire into the reason of Harry's surprise, or to what work he + alluded; so he went off on another tack. + </p> + <p> + “Let us walk up and down a bit to dry ourselves. Now, Harry, you'll + speak to me openly, man to man, as an old friend should—won't you?” + </p> + <p>“Ay, Master Tom, and glad to do it.”</p> + <p>“How long have you taken to poaching?”</p> + <p> + “Since last Michaelmas, when they turned me out o' our cottage, and + tuk away my bit o' land, and did all as they could to break me + down.” + </p> + <p>“Who do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “Why, Squire Wurley as was then—not this one, but the last—and his + lawyer, and Farmer Tester.” + </p> + <p>“Then it was through spite to them that you took to it?”</p> + <p> + “Nay, 'twarn't altogether spite, tho' I won't say but what I might + ha' thought o' bein' upsides wi them.” + </p> + <p>“What was it then besides spite?”</p> + <p> + “Want o' work. I havn't had no more'n a matter o' six weeks' reg'lar + work ever since last fall.” + </p> + <p>“How's that? Have you tried for it?”</p> + <p> + “Well, Master Tom, I won't tell a lie about it. I don't see as I wur + bound to go round wi my cap in my hand a beggin' for a day's work to the + likes o' them. They knowed well enough as I wur there, ready and willing + to work, and they knowed as I wur able to do as good a day's work as e'er + man in the parish; and ther's been plenty o' work goin'. But they thought + as I should starve, and have to come and beg for't from one or to'ther on + 'em. They would ha' liked to ha' seen me clean broke down, that's wut they + would, and in the house,” and he paused as if his thoughts were + getting a little unmanageable. + </p> + <p>“But you might have gone to look for work elsewhere.”</p> + <p> + “I can't see as I had any call to leave the place where I wur bred + up, Master Tom. That wur just wut they wanted. Why should I let 'em drive + m'out?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Harry, I'm not going to blame you. I only want to know more + about what has been happening to you, that I may be able to advise and + help you. Did you ever try for work, or go and tell your story, at the + Rectory?” + </p> + <p>“Try for work there! No, I never went arter work there.”</p> + <p>Tom went on without noticing the change in Harry's tone and manner—</p> + <p> + “Then I think you ought to have gone. I know my cousin, Miss Winter, + is so anxious to help any man out of work, and particularly you; + for—” The whole story of Patty flashed into his mind, and made him + stop short and stammer, and look anywhere except at Harry. How he could + have forgotten it for a moment in that company was a wonder. All his + questioning and patronizing powers went out of him and he felt that their + positions were changed, and that he was the culprit. It was clear that + Harry knew nothing yet of his own relations with Patty. Did he even + suspect them? It must all come out now at any rate, for both their sakes, + however it might end. So he turned again, and met Harry's eye, which was + now cold and keen, and suspicious. + </p> + <p>“You knows all about it, then?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; I know that you have been attached to Simon's daughter for a + long time, and that he is against it; I wish I could help you, with all my + heart. In fact, I did feel my way towards speaking to him about it last + year, when I was in hopes of getting you the gardener's place. But I could + see that I should do no good.” + </p> + <p> + “I've heard say as you was acquainted with her, when she was + away?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was, when she was with her aunt in Oxford. What then?” + </p> + <p>“'Twas there as she larnt her bad ways.”</p> + <p>“Bad ways! What do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “I means as she larnt to dress fine, and to gee herself airs to them + as she'd known from a child, and as'd ha' gone through fire to please + her.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw anything of the kind in her. She was a pleasant, lively + girl, and dressed neatly, but never above her station. And I'm sure she + has too good a heart to hurt an old friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Wut made her keep shut up in the house when she cum back? ah, for + days and weeks;—and arter that, wut made her so flighty and fickle? + carryin' herself as proud as a lady a mincin' and a trapesin' along, wi' + all the young farmer's a follerin' her, like a fine gentleman's + miss.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Harry, I won't listen to that. You don't believe what you're + saying, you know her better.” + </p> + <p>“You knows her well enough by all seeming.”</p> + <p>“I know her too well to believe any harm of her.”</p> + <p> + “What call have you and the likes o' you wi' her? 'Tis no good comes + o' such company keepin'.” + </p> + <p>“I tell you again, no harm has come of it to her.”</p> + <p> + “Whose hair does she carry about then in that gold thing as she + hangs around her neck?” + </p> + <p>Tom blushed scarlet, and lowered his eyes without answering.</p> + <p> + “Dost know? 'Tis thine, by—.” The words came hissing out + between his set teeth. Tom put his hands behind him, expecting to be + struck as he lifted his eyes, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is mine; and, I tell you again, no harm has come of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a lie. I knowed how 'twas, and 'tis thou hast done it.” + </p> + <p id='linkimage-0007'></p> + <div class="fig" style="width: 50%"> + <img src="images/0463.jpg" alt="0463 " style='width:100%'><br> + </div> + <div style='text-align:center'> + <a href="images/0463.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" data-role="presentation"> </a> + </div> + <p> + “Tom's blood tingled in his veins, and wild words rushed to his + tongue, as he stood opposite the man who had just given him the lie, and + who waited his reply with clinched hands, and laboring breast, and fierce + eye. But the discipline of the last year stood him in good stead. He stood + for a moment or two, crushing his hands together behind his back, drew a + long breath, and answered,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you believe my oath, then? I stood by your side at your + mother's grave. A man who did that won't lie to you, Harry. I swear to you + there's no wrong between me and her. There never was fault on her side. I + sought her. She never cared for me, she doesn't care for me. As for that + locket, I forced it on her. I own I have wronged her, and wronged you. I + have repented it bitterly. I ask your forgiveness, Harry; for the sake of + old times, for the sake of your mother!” He spoke from the heart, + and saw that his words went home. “Come, Harry” he went on, + “you won t turn from an old playfellow, who owns the wrong he has + done, and will do all he can to make up for it. You'll shake hands, and + say you forgive me.” + </p> + <p>Tom paused, and held out his hand.</p> + <p> + The poacher's face worked violently for a moment or two, and he seemed to + struggle once or twice to get his hand out in vain. At last he struck it + suddenly into Tom's, turning his head away at the same time. “'Tis + what mother would ha' done,” he said, “thou cassn't say more. + There tis then, though I never thought to do't.” + </p> + <p> + This curious and unexpected explanation, brought thus to a happy issue, + put Tom into high spirits, and at once roused the castle-building power + within him, which was always ready enough to wake up. + </p> + <p> + His first care was to persuade Harry that he had better give up poaching, + and in this he had much less difficulty than he expected. Harry owned + himself sick of the life he was leading already. He admitted that some of + the men with whom he had been associating more or less for the last year + were the greatest blackguards in the neighborhood. He asked nothing better + than to get out of it. But how? + </p> + <p> + This was all Tom wanted. He would see to that; nothing could be easier. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go with you back to Englebourn this morning. I'll just + leave a note for Wurley to say that I'll be back some time in the day to + explain matters to him, and then we will be off at once. We shall be at + the rectory by breakfast time. Ah, I forgot;—well, you can stop at David's + while I go and speak to my uncle and to Miss Winter.” + </p> + <p> + Harry didn't seem to see what would be the good of this; and David, he + said, was not so friendly to him as he had been. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must wait at the Red Lion. Don't see the good of it! Why, + of course, the good of it is that you must be set right with the + Englebourn people—that's the first thing to do. I shall explain how the + case stands to my uncle, and I know that I can get him to let you have + your land again if you stay in the parish, even if he can't give you work + himself. But what he must do is, to take you up, to show people that he is + your friend, Harry. Well then, if you can get good work—mind it must be + real, good, regular work—at Farmer Grove's, or one of the best farmers, + stop here by all means, and I will myself take the first cottage which + falls vacant and let you have it, and meantime you must lodge with old + David. Oh, I'll go and talk him round, never fear. But if you can't get + regular work here, why you go off with flying colors; no sneaking off + under a cloud and leaving no address. You'll go off with me, as my + servant, if you like. But just as you please about that. At any rate, + you'll go with me, and I'll take care that it shall be known that I + consider you as an old friend. My father has always got plenty of work and + will take you on. And then, Harry, after a bit you may be sure all will go + right, and I shall be your best man, and dance at your wedding before a + year's out.” + </p> + <p> + There is something in this kind of thing which is contagious and + irresistible. Tom thoroughly believed all that he was saying; and faith, + even of such a poor kind as believing in one's own castles, has its + reward. Common sense in vain suggested to Harry that all the clouds which + had been gathering round him for a year were not likely to melt away in a + morning. Prudence suggested that the sooner he got away the better; which + suggestion, indeed, he handed on for what it was worth. But Tom treated + prudence with sublime contempt. They would go together, he said, as soon + as any one was up at the house, just to let him in to change his things + and write a note. Harry needn't fear any unpleasant consequences. Wurley + wasn't an ill-natured fellow at bottom, and wouldn't mind a few fish. + Talking of fish, where was the one he heard kicking just now as Harry + hauled in the line. They went to the place, and, looking in the long + grass, soon found the dead trout, still on the night-line, of which the + other end remained in the water. Tom seized hold of it, and pulling it + carefully in, landed landed another fine trout, while Harry stood by, + looking rather sheepish. Tom inspected the method of the lines, which was + simple but awfully destructive. The line was long enough to reach across + the stream. At one end was a heavy stone, at the other a short stake cut + sharp, and driven into the bank well under the water. At intervals of four + feet along the line short pieces of fine gimp were fastened, ending in + hooks baited alternately with lob-worms and gudgeon. Tom complimented his + companion on the killing nature of his cross-line. + </p> + <p> + “Where are your other lines, Harry?” he asked; “we may + as well go and take them up.” + </p> + <p> + “A bit higher up stream, Master Tom;” and so they walked up + stream and took up the other lines. + </p> + <p> + “They'll have the finest dish of fish they've seen this long time at + the house to-day,” said Tom, as each line came out with two or three + fine thick-shouldered fish on it. “I'll you what, Harry, they're + deuced well set, these lines of yours, and do you credit. They do; I'm not + complimenting you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should rather like to be off, Master Tom, if you don't object. + The mornin's gettin' on, and the men will be about. 'Twould be unked for I + to be caught.” + </p> + <p>“Well, Harry, if you are so set on it off with you, but”—</p> + <p>“'Tis too late now; here's keeper.”</p> + <p> + Tom turned sharp round, and, sure enough, there was the keeper coming down + the bank towards them, and not a couple of hundred yards off. + </p> + <p> + “So it is,” said Tom; “well, only hold your tongue, and + do just what I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + The keeper came up quickly, and touching his hat to Tom, looked + inquiringly at him, and then at Harry. Tom nodded to him, as if everything + were just as it should be. He was taking a two-pound fish off the last + line; having finished which feat he threw it on the ground by the rest. + “There keeper,” he said, “there's a fine dish of fish. + Now, pick 'em up and come along.” + </p> + <p> + Never was keeper more puzzled. He looked from one to the other, lifting + the little short hat from the back of his head, and scratching that + somewhat thick skull of his, as his habit was when engaged in what he + called thinking, conscious that somebody ought to be tackled, and that he, + the keeper, was being mystified, but quite at sea as to how he was to set + himself straight. + </p> + <p> + “Wet, bain't 'ee, sir?” he said at last, nodding at Tom's + clothes. + </p> + <p> + “Dampish, keeper,” answered Tom; “I may as well go and + change, the servants will be up at the house by this time. Pick up the + fish and come along. You do up the lines, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + The keeper and Harry performed their tasks, looking at one another out of + the corners of their eyes like the terriers of rival butchers when the + carts happen to stop suddenly in the street close to one another. Tom + watched them, mischievously delighted with the fun, and then led the way + up to the house. When they came to the stable-yard he turned to Harry, and + said, “Stop here, I shan't be ten minutes;” adding, in an + undertone, “Hold your tongue now;” he then vanished through + the dark door, and, hurrying up to his room, changed as quickly as he + could. + </p> + <p> + He was within the ten minutes, but, as he descended the back stairs in his + dry things, became aware that his stay had been too long. Noise and + laughter came up from the stable-yard, and shouts of, “Go it + keeper,” + </p> + <p>“Keeper's down,”</p> + <p> + “No he bain't,” greeted his astonished ears. He sprang down + the last steps and rushed into the stable-yard, where he found Harry at + his second wrestling match for the day, while two or three stablemen, and + a footman, and the gardener, looked on and cheered the combatants with the + remarks he had heard on his way down. + </p> + <p>Tom made straight to them, and tapping Harry on the shoulder, said—</p> + <p>“Now then, come along, I'm ready.”</p> + <p> + Whereupon the keeper and Harry disengaged, and the latter picked up his + cap. + </p> + <p>“You bain't goin', sir!” said the keeper.</p> + <p>“Yes, keeper.”</p> + <p>“Not along wi' he?”</p> + <p>“Yes, keeper.”</p> + <p>“What, bain't I to take un?”</p> + <p>“Take him! No, what for?”</p> + <p> + “For night poachin', look at all them fish,” said the keeper + indignantly, pointing to the shining heap. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, keeper, you've nothing to do with it. You may give him the + lines though, Harry. I've left a note for your master on my dressing + table,” Tom said, turning to the footman, “let him have it at + breakfast. I'm responsible for him,” nodding at Harry, “I + shall be back in a few hours, and now come along.” + </p> + <p> + And, to the keeper's astonishment, Tom left the stable-yard, accompanied + by Harry. + </p> + <p> + They were scarcely out of hearing before the stable-yard broke out into + uproarious laughter at the keeper's expense and much rude banter was + inflicted on him for letting the poacher go. But the keeper's mind for the + moment was full of other things. Disregarding their remarks he went on + scratching his head, and burst out at last with— + </p> + <p>“Dang un! I knows I should ha' drowed un.”</p> + <p> + “Drow your grandmother,” politely remarked one of the + stablemen, an acquaintance of Harry Winburn, who knew his repute as a + wrestler. + </p> + <p> + “I should, I tell 'ee,” said the keeper as he stooped to + gather up the fish, “and to think as he should ha' gone off. Master + 'll be like any wild beast when he hears on't. How s'mever, 'tis Mr. + Brown's doin's. 'Tis a queer start for a gen'l'man like he to be goin' off + wi' a poacher chap and callin' of un Harry. 'Tis past me altogether. But I + s'pose he bain't right in's 'ead;” and, so soliloquizing, he carried + off the fish to the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, on their walk to Englebourn, Harry, in answer to Tom's + inquiries, explained that in his absence the stable-man, his acquaintance, + had come up and begun to talk. The keeper had joined in and accused him + point-blank of being the man who had thrown him into the furze bush. The + story of the keeper's discomfiture on that occasion being well known, a + laugh had been raised in which Harry had joined. This brought on a + challenge to try a fall then and there, which Harry had accepted, + notwithstanding his long morning's work and the ducking he had had. They + laughed over the story, though Harry could not help expressing his fears + as to how it might all end. They reached Englebourn in time for breakfast. + Tom appeared at the rectory, and soon he and Katie were on their old + terms. She was delighted to find that he had had an explanation with Harry + Winburn; and that there was some chance of bringing that sturdy offender + once more back into decent ways;—more delighted perhaps to hear the way in + which he spoke of Patty, to whom after breakfast she paid a visit, and + returned in due time with the unfortunate locket. + </p> + <p> + Tom felt as if another coil of the chain he had tied about himself had + fallen off. He went out into the village, consulted again with Harry, and + returned again to the rectory, to consider what steps were to be taken to + get him work. Katie entered into the matter heartily, though forseeing the + difficulties in the case. At luncheon the rector was to be sounded on the + subject of the allotments. But in the middle of their plans, they were + startled by the news that a magistrate's warrant had arrived in the + village for the arrest of Harry as a night poacher. + </p> + <p> + Tom returned to the Grange furious, and before night had had a worse + quarrel with young Wurley than with his uncle before him. Had duelling + been in fashion still in England, they would probably have fought in a + quiet corner of the park before night. As it was they only said bitter + things, and parted, agreeing not to know one another in the future. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards, at petty sessions, where Tom brought upon himself + the severe censure of the bench for his conduct on the trial, Harry + Winburn was committed to Reading gaol for three months. + </p> + <p> + Readers who will take the trouble to remember the picture of our hero's + mental growth during the past year, attempted to be given in a late + chapter, and the state of restless dissatisfaction into which his + experiences and thoughts and readings had thrown him by the time long + vacation had come around again, will perhaps be prepared for the + catastrophe which ensued on the conviction and sentence of Harry Winburn + at petty sessions. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, notwithstanding the strength of the new and revolutionary forces + which were mustering round it, there had always been a citadel holding out + in his mind, garrisoned by all that was best in the Toryism in which he + had been brought up—by loyalty, reverence for established order and + established institutions; by family traditions, and the pride of an + inherited good name. But now the walls of that citadel went down with a + crash, the garrison being put to the sword, or making away, to hide in an + out of the way corner, and wait for a reaction. + </p> + <p> + It was much easier for a youngster, whose attention was once turned to + such subjects as had been occupying Tom, to get hold of wild and violent + beliefs and notions in those days than now. The state of Europe generally + was far more dead and hopeless. There were no wars, certainly, and no + expectations of wars. But there was a dull, beaten-down, pent-up feeling + abroad, as if the lid were screwed down on the nations, and the thing + which had been, however cruel and heavy and mean, was that which was to + remain to the end. England was better off than her neighbours, but yet in + bad case. In the south and west particularly, several causes had combined, + to spread a very bitter feeling abroad amongst the agricultural poor. + First among these stood the new poor law, the provisions of which were + vigorously carried out in most districts. The poor had as yet felt the + harshness only of the new system. Then the land was in many places in the + hands of men on their last legs, the old sporting farmers, who had begun + business as young men while the great war was going on, had made their + money hand over hand for a few years out of the war prices, and had tried + to go on living with greyhounds and yeomanry uniforms—“horse to ride + and weapon to wear”—through the hard years which had followed. These + were bad masters every way, unthrifty, profligate, needy, and + narrow-minded. The younger men who were supplanting them were introducing + machinery, threshing machines and winnowing machines, to take the little + bread which a poor man was still able to earn out of the mouths of his + wife and children—so at least the poor thought and muttered to one + another; and the mutterings broke out every now and then in the long + nights of the winter months in blazing ricks and broken machines. Game + preserving was on the increase. Australia and America had not yet become + familiar words in every English village, and the labour market was + everywhere overstocked; and, last but not least, the corn laws were still + in force, and the bitter and exasperating strife in which they went out + was at its height. And while Swing and his myrmidons were abroad in the + counties, and could scarcely be kept down by yeomanry and poor law + guardians, the great towns were in almost worse case. Here too emigration + had not set in to thin the labour market; wages were falling, and prices + rising; the corn law struggle was better understood and far keener than in + the country; and Chartism was gaining force every day, and rising into a + huge threatening giant, waiting to put forth his strength, and eager for + the occasion which seemed at hand. + </p> + <p> + You generation of young Englishmen, who were too young then to be troubled + with such matters, and have grown into manhood since, you little know—may + you never know!—what it is to be living the citizens of a divided and + distracted nation. For the time that danger is past. In a happy home and + so far as man can judge, in time, and only just in time, came the repeal + of the corn laws, and the great cause of strife and the sense of injustice + passed away out of men's minds. The nation was roused by the Irish famine, + and the fearful distress in other parts of the country, to begin looking + steadily and seriously at some of the sores which were festering in its + body, and undermining health and life. And so the tide had turned, and + England had already passed the critical point; when 1848 came upon + Christendom, and the whole of Europe leapt up into a wild blaze of + revolution. + </p> + <p> + Is anyone still inclined to make light of the danger that threatened + England in that year, to sneer at the 10th of April, and the monster + petition, and the monster meetings on Kennington and other commons? Well, + if there be such persons among my readers, I can only say that they can + have known nothing of what was going on around them and below them, at + that time, and I earnestly hope that their vision has become clearer since + then, and that they are not looking with the same eyes that see nothing, + at the signs of today. For that there are questions still to be solved by + us in England, in this current half-century, quite as likely to tear the + nation to pieces as the corn laws, no man with half an eye in his head can + doubt. They may seem little clouds like a man's hand on the horizon just + now, but they will darken the whole heaven before long, unless we can find + wisdom enough amongst us to take the little clouds in hand in time, and + make them descend in soft rain. + </p> + <p> + But such matters need not be spoken of here. All I want to do is to put my + young readers in a position to understand how it was that our hero fell + away into beliefs and notions, at which Mrs. Grundy and all decent people + could only lift up eyes and hands in pious and respectable horror, and + became, soon after the incarceration of his friend for night poaching, + little better than a physical force Chartist at the age of twenty-one. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0041"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XL — HUE AND CRY</h2> + <p> + At the end of a gusty wild October afternoon, a man, leading two horses, + was marching up and down the little plot of short turf at the top of the + Hawk's Lynch. Every now and then he would stop on the brow of the hill to + look over the village, and seemed to be waiting for somebody from that + quarter. After being well blown, he would turn to his promenade again, or + go in under the clump of firs, through which the rising south-west wind, + rushing up from the vale below, was beginning to make a moan; and, + hitching the horses to some stump or bush, and patting and coaxing them to + induce them, if so might be, to stand quiet for a while, would try to + settle himself to leeward of one of the larger trees. + </p> + <p> + But the fates were against all attempts at repose. He had scarcely time to + produce a cheroot from his case and light it under many difficulties, when + the horses would begin fidgeting, and pulling at their bridles, and + shifting round to get their tails to the wind. They clearly did not + understand the necessity of the position, and were inclined to be moving + stable-wards. So he had to get up again, sling the bridles over his arm, + and take to his march up and down the plot of turf; now stopping for a + moment or two to try to get his cheroot to burn straight, and pishing and + pshawing over its perverseness; now going again and again to the brow, and + looking along the road which led to the village, holding his hat on tight + with one hand,—for by this time it was blowing half a gale of wind. + </p> + <p> + Though it was not yet quite the hour for his setting, the sun had + disappeared behind a heavy bank of wicked slate-coloured cloud, which + looked as though it were rising straight up into the western heavens, + while the wind whirled along and twisted into quaint shapes a ragged rift + of white vapor, which went hurrying by, almost touching the tops of the + moaning firs,—altogether an uncanny evening to be keeping tryst at the top + of a wild knoll; and so thought our friend with the horses, and showed it, + too, clearly enough, had anyone been there to put a construction on his + impatient movements. + </p> + <p> + There was no one nearer than the village, of which the nearest house was + half a mile and more away; so, by way of passing the time, we must + exercise our privilege of putting into words what he is half thinking, + half muttering to himself:— + </p> + <p> + “A pleasant night I call this, to be out on a wild goose chase. If + ever I saw a screaming storm brewing, there it comes. I'll be hanged if I + stop up here to be caught in it for all the crack-brained friends I ever + had in the world; and I seem to have a faculty for picking up none but + crack-brained ones. I wonder what the plague can keep him so long; he must + have been gone an hour. There, steady, steady, old horse. Confound this + weed! What rascals these tobacconists are! You never can get a cheroot now + worth smoking. Every one of them goes sputtering up the side, or charring + up the middle, and tasting like tow soaked in saltpetre and tobacco juice. + Well, I suppose I shall get the real thing in India.” + </p> + <p> + “India! In a month from to-day we shall be off. To hear our senior + major talk, one might as well be going to the bottomless pit at once. + Well, he'll sell out—that's a comfort. Gives us a step, and gets rid of an + old ruffian. I don't seem to care much what the place is like if we only + get some work; and there will be some work there before long, by all + accounts. No more garrison-town life, at any rate. And if I have any + luck—a man may get a chance there.” + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce can he be about? This all comes of sentiment, now. + Why couldn't I go quietly off to India without bothering up to Oxford to + see him? Not but what it's a pleasant place enough. I've enjoyed my three + days there uncommonly. Food and drink all that can be wished, and plenty + of good fellows and fun. The look of the place, too, makes one feel + respectable. But, by George, if their divinity is at all like their + politics, they must turn out a queer set of parsons—at least if Brown + picked up his precious notions at Oxford. He always was a headstrong + beggar. What was it he was holding forth about last night? Let's see. 'The + sacred right of insurrection.' Yes, that was it, and he talked as if he + believed it all too; and if there should be a row, which don't seem + unlikely, by Jove, I think he'd act on it, in the sort of temper he's in. + How about the sacred right of getting hung or transported? I shouldn't + wonder to hear of that some day. Gad! suppose he should be in for an + installment of his sacred right to-night. He's capable of it, and of + lugging me in with him. What did he say we were come here for? To get some + fellow out of a scrape, he said—some sort of poaching radical + foster-brother of his, who had been in gaol, and deserved it too, I'll be + bound. And he couldn't go down quietly into the village and put up at the + public, where I might have set in the tap, and not run the chance of + having my skin blown over my ears, and my teeth down my throat, on this + cursed look-out place, because he's <i>too well known</i> there. What does + that mean? Upon my soul, it looks bad. They may be lynching a J. P. down + there, or making a spread eagle of the parish constable at this minute, + for anything I know, and as sure as fate, if they are, I shall get my foot + in it.” + </p> + <p> + “It will read sweetly in the naval and military intelligence—'A + court-martial was held this day at Chatham, president, Colonel Smith, of + Her Majesty's 101st Regiment, to try Henry East, a lieutenant in the same + distinguished corps, who has been under arrest since the 10th ult., for + aiding and abetting the escape of a convict, and taking part in a riot in + the village of Englebourn, in the county of Berks. The defense of the + accused was that he had a sentimental friendship for a certain Thomas + Brown, an undergraduate of St. Ambrose College, Oxford, &c. &c.; + and the sentence of the Court—' + </p> + <p> + “Hang it! It's no laughing matter. Many a fellow has been broken for + not making half such a fool of himself as I have done, coming out here on + this errand. I'll tell T. B. a bit of my mind as sure as— + </p> + <p> + “Hullo! didn't I hear a shout? Only the wind, I believe. How it does + blow! One of these firs will be down, I expect, just now. The storm will + burst in a quarter of an hour. Here goes! I shall ride down into the + village, let what will come of it. Steady now—steady. Stand still you old + fool; can't you?” + </p> + <p> + “There, now I'm all right. Solomon said something about a beggar on + horseback. Was is Solomon, though? Never mind. He couldn't ride. Never had + a horse till he was grown up. But he said some uncommon wise things about + having to do with such friends as T. B. So, Harry East, if you please, no + more tomfoolery after to-day. You've got a whole skin, and a lieutenant's + commission to make your way in the world with, and are troubled with no + particular crotchets yourself that need ever get you into trouble. So just + you keep clear of other people's. And if your friends must be mending the + world, and poor men's plastering, and running their heads against stone + walls, why, just you let go of their coat tails.” + </p> + <p> + So muttering and meditating, Harry East paused a moment after mounting, to + turn up the collar of the rough shooting-coat which he was wearing, and + button it up to the chin, before riding down the hill, when, in the + hurly-burly of the wind, a shout came spinning past his ears, plain enough + this time; he heard the gate at the end of Englebourn lane down below him + shut with a clang, and saw two men running at full speed towards him, + straight up the hill. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! here you are at last,” he said, as he watched them. + “Well, you don't lose your time now. Somebody must be after them. + What's he shouting and waving his hand for? Oh, I'm to bring the cavalry + supports down the slope, I suppose. Well, here goes; he has brought off + his pal the convict I see— + </p> + <pre> + Says he, you've 'scaped from transportation + All upon the briny main; + So never give way to no temptation, + And don't get drunk nor prig again! +</pre + > + <p> + There goes the gate again. By Jove, what's that? Dragoons, as I'm a + sinner! There's going to be the d——-st bear-fight.” + </p> + <p> + Saying which, Harry East dug his heels into his horse's sides, holding him + up sharply with the curb at the same time, and in another moment, was at + the bottom of the solitary mound on which he had been perched for the last + hour, and on the brow of the line of hill out of which it rose so + abruptly, just at the point for which the two runners were making. He had + only time to glance at the pursuers, and saw that one or two rode straight + on the track of the fugitives, while the rest skirted away along a parish + road which led up the hill side by an easier ascent, when Tom and his + companion were by his side. Tom seized the bridle of the led horse, and + was in the saddle with one spring. + </p> + <p> + “Jump up behind,” he shouted; “now, then, come + along.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are they?” roared East,—in that wind nothing but a shout + could be heard,—pointing over his shoulder with his thumb as they turned + to the heath. + </p> + <p>“Yeomanry.”</p> + <p>“After you?”</p> + <p> + Tom nodded, as they broke into a gallop, making straight across the heath + towards the Oxford road. They were some quarter of a mile in advance + before any of their pursuers showed over the brow of the hill behind them. + It was already getting dusk, and the great bank of cloud was by this time + all but upon them, making the atmosphere denser and darker every second. + Then, first one of the men appeared who had ridden straight up the hill + under the Hawk's Lynch, and, pulling up for a moment, caught sight of them + and gave chase. Half a minute later, and several of those who had kept to + the road were also in sight, some distance away on the left, but still + near enough to be unpleasant; and they too after a moment's pause, were in + full pursuit. At first the fugitives held their own, and the distance + between them and their pursuers was not lessened; but it was clear that + this could not last. Anything that horse-flesh is capable of, a real good + Oxford hack, such as they rode, will do; but to carry two full-grown men + at the end of a pretty long day, away from fresh horses and moderate + weights, is too much to expect even of Oxford horse-flesh; and the gallant + beast which Tom rode was beginning to show signs of distress when they + struck into the road. There was a slight dip in the ground a this place, + and a little further on the heath rose suddenly again, and the road ran + between high banks for a short distance. + </p> + <p> + As they reached this point they disappeared for the moment from the + yeomanry, and the force of the wind was broken by the banks, so that they + could breathe more easily, and hear one another's voices. + </p> + <p> + Tom looked anxiously round at the lieutenant, who shrugged his shoulders + in answer to the look, as he bent forward to ease his own horse, and said— + </p> + <p>“Can't last another mile.”</p> + <p>“What's to be done?”</p> + <p>East again shrugged his shoulders, but said nothing.</p> + <p>“I know, Master Tom,” said Harry Winburn.</p> + <p>“What?”</p> + <p>“Pull up a bit, sir.”</p> + <p> + Tom pulled up, and his horse fell into a walk willingly enough, while East + passed on a few strides ahead. Harry Winburn sprang off. + </p> + <p> + “You ride on now, Master Tom,” he said, “I knows the + heath well; you let me bide.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Harry, not I. I won't leave you now, so let them come, and + be hanged.” + </p> + <p>East had pulled up, and listened to their talk.</p> + <p> + “Look here, now,” he said to Harry; “put your arm over + the hind part of his saddle, and run by the side; you'll find you can go + as fast as the horse. Now, you two push on, and strike across the heath. + I'll keep the road, and take off this joker behind, who is the only + dangerous customer.” + </p> + <p> + “That's like you, old boy,” said Tom, “then we'll meet + at the first public beyond the heath.” They passed ahead in their + turn, and turned on to the heath, Harry running by the side, as the + lieutenant had advised. + </p> + <p> + East looked after them, and then put his horse into a steady trot, + muttering, + </p> + <p> + “Like me! yes, devilish like me; I know that well enough. Didn't I + always play cat's-paw to his monkey at school? But that convict don't seem + such a bad lot after all.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Tom and Harry struck away over the heath, as the darkness closed + in, and the storm drove down. They stumbled on over the charred furze + roots, and splashed through the sloppy peat cuttings, casting anxious, + hasty looks over their shoulders as they fled, straining every nerve to + get on, and longing for night and the storm. + </p> + <p> + “Hark! wasn't that a pistol-shot?” said Tom, as they + floundered on. The sound came from the road they had left. + </p> + <p> + “Look, here's some on 'em, then,” said Harry; and Tom was + aware of two horsemen coming over the brow of the hill on their left, some + three hundred yards to the rear. At the same instant his horse stumbled, + and came down on his nose and knees. Tom went off over his shoulder, + tumbling against Harry, and sending him headlong to the ground, but + keeping hold of the bridle. They were up again in a moment. + </p> + <p>“Are you hurt?”</p> + <p>“No.”</p> + <p> + “Come along, then,” and Tom was in the saddle again, when the + pursuers raised a shout. They had caught sight of them now, and spurred + down the slope towards them. Tom was turning his horse's head straight + away, but Harry shouted,— + </p> + <p>“Keep to the left, Master Tom,—to the left, right on.”</p> + <p> + It seemed like running into the lion's jaws, but he yielded, and they + pushed on down the slope on which they were. Another shout of triumph rose + on the howling wind; Tom's heart sank within him. The enemy was closing on + them at every stride; another hundred yards, and they must meet at the + bottom of the slope. What could Harry be dreaming of? The thought had + scarcely time to cross his brain, when down went the two yeomen, horse and + man, floundering in a bog above their horses' girths. At the same moment + the storm burst on them, the driving mist and pelting rain. The chase was + over. They could not have seen a regiment of men at fifty yards' distance. + </p> + <p> + “You let me lead the horse, Master Tom,” shouted Harry + Winburn; “I knowed where they was going; 'twill take they the best + part o' the night to get out o' that, I knows.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, let's get back to the road, then, as soon as we + can,” said Tom, surrendering his horse's head to Harry, and turning + up his collar, to meet the pitiless deluge which was driving on their + flanks. They were drenched to the skin in two minutes; Tom jumped off, and + plodded along on the opposite side of his horse to Harry. They did not + speak; there was very little to be said under the circumstances, and a + great deal to be thought about. + </p> + <p> + Harry Winburn probably knew the heath as well as any man living, but even + he had much difficulty in finding his way back to the road through that + storm. However, after some half-hour, spent in beating about, they reached + it, and turned their faces northwards towards Oxford. By this time night + had come on; but the fury of the storm had passed over them, and the moon + began to show every now and then through the driving clouds. At last Tom + roused himself out of the brown study in which he had been hitherto + plodding along, and turned down his coat collar, and shook himself, and + looked up at the sky, and across at his companion, who was still leading + the horse along mechanically. It was too dark to see his face, but his + walk and general look were listless and dogged; at last Tom broke silence. + </p> + <p> + “You promised not to do anything, after you came out, without + speaking to me.” Harry made no reply; so presently he went on:— + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think you'd have gone in for such a business as that + to-night. I shouldn't have minded so much if it had only been + machine-breaking; but robbing the cellar and staving in the ale casks and + maiming cattle—” + </p> + <p>“I'd no hand in that,” interrupted Harry.</p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear it. You were certainly leaning against the gate + when I came up, and taking no part in it; but you were one of the leaders + of the riot.” + </p> + <p> + “He brought it on hisself,” said Harry, doggedly. + “Tester is a bad man, I know that; and the people have much to + complain of: but nothing can justify what was done to-night.” Harry + made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “You're known, and they'll be after you the first thing in the + morning. I don't know what's to be done.” + </p> + <p>“'Tis very little odds what happens to me.”</p> + <p>“You've no right to say that, Harry. Your friends—”</p> + <p>“I ain't got no friends.”</p> + <p> + “Well, Harry, I don't think you ought to say that after what has + happened to-night. I don't mean to say that my friendship has done you + much good yet; but I've done what I could, and—” + </p> + <p>“So you hev', Master Tom, so you hev'.”</p> + <p> + “And I'll stick by you through thick and thin, Harry. But you must + take heart and stick by yourself, or we shall never pull you + through.” Harry groaned, and then, turning at once to what was + always uppermost in his mind, said,— + </p> + <p> + “'Tis no good, now I've been in gaol. Her father wur allus agin me. + And now, how be I ever to hold up my head at whoam? I seen her once arter + I came out.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what happened?” said Tom, after waiting a moment or + two. + </p> + <p> + “She just turned red and pale, and was all flustered like, and made + as though she'd have held out her hand; and then tuk and hurried off like + a frightened hare, as though she heerd somebody comin'. Ah! 'tis no good! + 'tis no good!” + </p> + <p>“I don't see anything very hopeless in that,” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “I've knowed her since she wur that high,” went on Harry, + holding out his hand about as high as the bottom of his waistcoat, without + noticing the interruption, “when her and I went gleanin' together. + 'Tis what I've thought on, and lived for. 'Tis four year and better since + she and I broke a sixpence auver't. And at times it sim'd as tho' 'twould + all cum right, when my poor mother wur livin', tho' her never tuk to it + kindly, mother didn't. But 'tis all gone now! and I be that mad wi' + myself, and mammered, and down, I be ready to hang myself, Master Tom; and + if they just teks and transports me—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nonsense, Harry! You must keep out of that. We shall think of + some way to get you out of that before morning. And you must get clear + away, and go to work on the railways or somewhere. There's nothing to be + downhearted about as far as Patty is concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! 'tis they as wears it as knows where the shoe pinches. You'd + say different if 'twas you, Master Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “Should I?” said Tom; and, after pausing a moment or two, he + went on. “What I'm going to say is in confidence. I've never told it + to any man yet, and only one has found it out. Now, Harry, I'm much worse + off than you are at this minute. Don't I know where the shoe pinches! Why + I haven't seen—I've scarcely heard of—of—well, of my sweetheart—there, + you'll understand that—for this year and more. I don't know when I may see + her again. I don't know that she hasn't clean forgotten me. I don't know + that she ever cared a straw for me. Now you know quite well that you are + better off than that.” + </p> + <p> + “I bean't so sure o' that, Master Tom. But I be terrible vexed to + hear about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about me. You say you're not sure, Harry. Come, now, you + said, not two minutes ago, that you two had broken a sixpence over it. + What does that mean, now?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but 'tis four years gone. Her's been a leadin' o' me up and + down, and a dancin' o' me round and round purty nigh ever since, let alone + the time as she wur at Oxford, when—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we won't talk of that, Harry. Come, will yesterday do for + you? If you thought she was all right yesterday, would that satisfy + you?” + </p> + <p>“Ees; and summat to spare.”</p> + <p> + “You don't believe it, I see. Well, why do you think I came after + you to-night? How did I know what was going on?” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I've been a-axin' o' myself as we cum + along.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I'll tell you. I came because I got a note from her + yesterday at Oxford.” Tom paused, for he heard a muttered growl from + the other side of the horse's head, and could see, even in the fitful + moonlight, the angry toss of the head with which his news was received, + “I didn't expect this, Harry,” he went on presently, + “after what I told you just now about myself, it was a hard matter + to tell it at all; but, after telling you, I didn't think you'd suspect me + any more. However, perhaps I've deserved it. So, to go on with what I was + saying, two years ago, when I came to my senses about her, and before I + cared for anyone else, I told her to write if ever I could do her a + service. Anything that a man could do for his sister I was bound to do for + her, and I told her so. She never answered till yesterday, when I got this + note,” and he dived into the inner breast pocket of his shooting. + coat. “If it isn't soaked to pulp, it's in my pocket now. Yes, here + it is,” and he produced a dirty piece of paper, and handed it across + to his companion. “When there's light enough to read it, you'll see + plain enough what she means, though your name is not mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + Having finished his statement, Tom retired into himself, and walked along + watching the hurrying clouds. After they had gone some hundred yards, + Harry cleared his throat once or twice, and at last broke out,— + </p> + <p>“Master Tom.”</p> + <p>“Well.”</p> + <p>“You bean't offended wi' me, sir, I hopes?”</p> + <p>“No, why should I be offended?”</p> + <p> + “'Cause I knows I be so all-fired jealous, I can't a'bear to hear o' + her talkin', let alone writin' to—” + </p> + <p>“Out with it. To me, you were going to say.”</p> + <p>“Nay, 'tis mwore nor that.”</p> + <p> + “All right, Harry, if you only lump me with the rest of mankind, I + don't care. But you needn't be jealous of me, and you mustn't be jealous + of me, or I sha'n't be able to help you as I want to do. I'll give you my + hand and word on it as man to man, there's no thought in my heart towards + her that you mightn't see this minute. Do you believe me?” + </p> + <p>“Ees; and you'll forgive—”</p> + <p> + “There's nothing to forgive, Harry. But now you'll allow your case + isn't such a bad one. She must keep a good lookout after you to know what + you were likely to be about to-day. And if she didn't care for you, she + wouldn't have written to me. That's good sense, I think.” + </p> + <p> + Harry assented, and then Tom went into a consideration of what was to be + done, and, as usual, fair castles began to rise in the air. Harry was to + start down the line at once, and take work on the railway. In a few weeks + he would be captain of a gang, and then what was to hinder his becoming a + contractor, and making his fortune, and buying a farm of his own at + Englebourn? To all which Harry listened with open ears till they got off + the heath, and came upon a small hamlet of some half-dozen cottages + scattered along the road. + </p> + <p> + “There's a public here, I suppose,” said Tom, returning to the + damp realities of life. Harry indicated the humble place of entertainment + for man and horse. + </p> + <p> + “That's all right. I hope we shall find my friend here;” and + they went towards the light which was shining temptingly through the + latticed window of the road-side inn. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0042"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLI—THE LIEUTENANT'S SENTIMENTS AND PROBLEMS</h2> + <p> + “Stop! It looks so bright that there must be something going on. + Surely the yeomanry can never have come on here already?” + </p> + <p> + Tom laid his hand on the bridle, and they halted on the road opposite the + public-house, which lay a little back, with an open space of ground before + it. The sign-post, and a long water-trough for the horses of guests to + drink at, were pushed forward to the side of road to intimate the + whereabouts of the house, and the hack which Harry led was already + drinking eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Stay here for a minute, and I'll go to the window, and see what's + up inside. It's very unlucky, but it will never do for us to go in if + there are any people there.” + </p> + <p> + Tom stole softly up to the window out of which the light came. A little + scrap of a curtain was drawn across a portion of it, but he could see + easily into the room on either side of the curtain. The first glance + comforted him, for he saw at once that there was only one person in the + kitchen; but who and what he might be was a puzzle. The only thing which + was clear at a first glance was, that he was making himself at home. + </p> + <p> + The room was a moderate-sized kitchen, with a sanded floor, and a large + fire-place; a high wooden screen, with a narrow seat in front of it, ran + along the side on which the door from the entrance-passage opened. In the + middle there was a long rough walnut table, on which stood a large loaf, + some cold bacon and cheese, and a yellow jug; a few heavy rush-bottomed + chairs and a settle composed the rest of the furniture. On the wall were a + few samplers, a warming pan, and shelves with some common delf plates, and + cups and saucers. But though the furniture was meagre enough, the kitchen + had a look of wondrous comfort for a drenched mortal outside. Tom felt + this keenly, and, after a glance round, fixed his attention on the happy + occupant, with the view of ascertaining whether he would be a safe person + to intrude on under the circumstances. He was seated on a low, + three-cornered oak seat, with his back to the window, steadying a furze + fagot on the fire with the poker. The fagot blazed and crackled, and + roared up the chimney, sending out the bright flickering light which had + attracted them, and forming a glorious top to the glowing clear fire of + wood embers beneath, into which was inserted a long, funnel-shaped tin, + out of which the figure helped himself to some warm compound, when he had + settled the fagot to his satisfaction. He was enveloped as to his + shoulders in a heavy, dirty-white coat, with huge cape and high collar, + which hid the back of his head, such as was then in use by country + carriers; but the garment was much too short for him, and his bare arms + came out a foot beyond the end of the sleeves. The rest of his costume was + even more eccentric, being nothing more or less than a coarse flannel + petticoat, and his bare feet rested on the mat in front of the fire. + </p> + <p> + Tom felt a sudden doubt as to his sanity, which doubt was apparently + shared by the widow woman, who kept the house, and her maid-of-all-work, + one or other of whom might be seen constantly keeping an eye on their + guest from behind the end of the wooden screen. However, it was no time to + be over particular; they must rest before going further, and, after all, + it was only one man. So Tom thought, and was just on the point of calling + Harry to come on, when the figure turned round towards the window, and the + face of the lieutenant disclosed itself between the high-peaked gills of + the carrier's coat. Tom burst out into a loud laugh, and called out,— + </p> + <p>“It's all right, come along.”</p> + <p>“I'll just look to the hosses, Master Tom.”</p> + <p> + “Very well, and then come into the kitchen;” saying which, he + hurried into the house, and after tumbling against the maid-of-all-work in + the passage, emerged from behind the screen. + </p> + <p> + “Well, here we are at last, old fellow,” he said, slapping + East on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's you, is it? I thought you were in the lock-up by this + time.” + </p> + <p> + East's costume, as he sat looking up, with a hand on each knee, was even + more ridiculous on a close inspection, and Tom roared with laughter again. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see the joke,” said East without moving a muscle. + </p> + <p> + “You would, though, if you could see yourself. You wonderful old + Guy, where did you pick up that toggery?” + </p> + <p> + “The late lamented husband of the widow Higgs, our landlady, was the + owner of the coat. He also bequeathed to her several pairs of breeches, + which I have vainly endeavored to get into. The late lamented Higgs was an + abominably small man. He must have been very much her worse half. So, in + default of other clothing, the widow has kindly obliged me by the loan of + one of her own garments.” + </p> + <p>“Where are your own clothes?”</p> + <p> + “There,” said East, pointing to a clothes' horse, which Tom + had not hitherto remarked, which stood well into the chimney corner; + “and they are dry, too,” he went on, feeling them; “at + least the flannel shirt and trousers are, so I'll get into them + again.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, ma'am,” he called out, addressing the screen, + “I'm going to change my things. So you had better not look in just + now. In fact, we can call now, if we want anything.” + </p> + <p> + At this strong hint the widow Higgs was heard bustling away behind the + screen, and after her departure East got into some of his own clothes + again, offering the cast-off garments of the Higgs family to Tom, who, + however, declined, contenting himself with taking off his coat and + waistcoat, and hanging them upon the horse. He had been blown + comparatively dry in the last half-hour of his walk. + </p> + <p> + While East was making his toilet, Tom turned to the table, and made an + assault on the bread and bacon, and then poured himself out a glass of + beer and began to drink it, but was pulled up half way, and put it down + with a face all drawn up into puckers by its sharpness. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you wouldn't appreciate the widow's tap,” said + East, watching him with a grin. “Regular whistle-belly vengeance, + and no mistake! Here, I don't mind giving you some of my compound, though + you don't deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + So Tom drew his chair to the fire, and smacked his lips over the + long-necked glass, which East handed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that's not bad tipple after such a ducking as we've had. + Dog's-nose, isn't it?” + </p> + <p>East nodded.</p> + <p> + “Well, old fellow, I will say you are the best hand I know at making + the most of your opportunities. I don't know of anyone else who could have + made such a good brew out of that stuff and a drop of gin.” + </p> + <p> + East was not to be mollified by any such compliment. “Have you got + many more such jobs as to-day's on hand? I should think they must + interfere with reading.” + </p> + <p>“No. But I call to-day's a real good job.”</p> + <p> + “Do you? I don't agree. Of course it's a matter of taste. I have the + honor of holding Her Majesty's commission; so I may be prejudiced, + perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “What difference does it make whose commission you hold? You + wouldn't hold any commission, I know, which would bind you to be a tyrant + and oppress the weak and the poor.” + </p> + <p> + “Humbug about your oppressing! Who is the tyrant, I should like to + know, the farmer, or the mob that destroys his property? I don't call + Swing's mob the weak and the poor.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all very well; but I should like to know how you'd feel if + you had no work and a starving family. You don't know what people have to + suffer. The only wonder is that all the country isn't in a blaze; and it + will be if things last as they are much longer. It must be a bad time + which makes such men as Harry Winburn into rioters.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about Harry Winburn. But I know there's a + good deal to be said on the yeomanry side of the question.” + </p> + <p>“Well, now, East, just consider this-”</p> + <p> + “No, I'm not in the humour for considering. I don't want to argue + with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's always the way. You won't hear what a fellow's got to + say, and then set him down for a mischievous fool, because he won't give + up beliefs founded on the evidence of his own eyes, and ears, and + reason.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't quarrel with any of your beliefs. You've got 'em—I + haven't—that's just the difference between us. You've got some sort of + faith to fall back upon, in equality, and brotherhood, and a lot of cursed + nonsense of that kind. So, I daresay, you could drop down into a + navigator, or a shoeblack, or something in that way, to-morrow, and think + it pleasant. You might rather enjoy a trip across the water at the expense + of your country, like your friend the convict here.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk such rot, man. In the first place, he isn't a convict; + you know that well enough.” + </p> + <p> + “He is just out of prison, at any rate. However, this sort of thing + isn't my line of country at all. So the next time you want to do a bit of + gaol delivery on your own hook, don't ask me to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if I had known all that was going to happen, I wouldn't have + asked you to come, old fellow. Come, give us another glass of your + dog's-nose, and no more of your sermon, which isn't edifying.” + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant filled the long-necked glass which Tom held out, with the + creaming mixture, which he was nursing in the funnel-shaped tin. But he + was not prepared to waive his right to lecture, and so continued, while + Tom sipped his liquor with much relish, and looked comically across at his + old schoolfellow. + </p> + <p> + “Some fellows have a call to set the world right—I haven't. My + gracious sovereign pays me seven and sixpence a day; for which sum I + undertake to be shot at on certain occasions and by proper persons, and I + hope when the time comes I shall take it as well as another. But that + doesn't include turning out to be potted at like a woodcock on your + confounded Berkshire wilds by a turnip-headed yeoman. It isn't to be done + at the figure.” + </p> + <p>“What in the world do you mean?”</p> + <p>“I mean just what I say.”</p> + <p> + “That one of those unspeakable yeomanry has been shooting at + you?” + </p> + <p>“Just so.”</p> + <p> + “No, you don't really mean it? Wh-e-e-w! Then that shot we heard was + fired at you. 'Pon my honor, I'm very sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “Much good your sorrow would have done me if your precious + countryman had held straight.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what can I say more, East? If there's anything I can do to + show you that I really am very sorry and ashamed at having brought you + into such a scrape, only tell me what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't suppose your word would go for much at the Horse Guards, or + I'd ask you to give me a character for coolness under fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, I see you're joking now, old fellow. Do tell us how it + happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, when you turned off across the common, I pulled up for half a + minute, and then held on at a steady slow trot. If I had pushed on ahead, + my friend behind would have been just as likely to turn after you as after + me. Presently I heard Number One coming tearing along behind; and as soon + as he got from between the banks, he saw me and came straight after me + down the road. You were well away to the left, so now I just clapped on a + bit, to lead him further away from the right scent, and on he came, + whooping and hallooing to me to pull up. I didn't see why I hadn't just as + good a right to ride along the road at my own pace as he; so the more he + shouted, the more I didn't stop. But the beggar had the legs of me. He was + mounted on something deuced like a thoroughbred, and gained on me hand + over hand. At last when I judged he must be about twenty yards behind, I + thought I might as well have a look at him, so I just turned for a moment, + when, by Jove, there was my lord, lugging a pistol out of his right + holster. He shouted again to me to stop. I turned, ducked my head, and the + next moment he pulled trigger, and missed me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened then,” said Tom, eagerly drawing a long + breath. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I flatter myself I showed considerable generalship. If I had + given him time to get at his other pistol, or his toasting fork, it was + all up. I dived into my pocket, where by good luck there was some loose + powder, and copper caps, and a snuff-box; upset the snuff, grabbed a + handful of the mixture, and pulled hard at my horse. Next moment he was by + my side, lifting his pistol to knock me over. So I gave him the mixture + right in the face, and let him go by. Up went both his hands, and away + went he and his horse, somewhere over the common out of sight. I just + turned round, and walked quietly back. I didn't see the fun of accepting + any more attacks in the rear. Then up rides Number Two, a broad-faced + young farmer on a big gray horse, blowing like a grampus. He pulled up + short when we met, and stared, and I walked past him. You never saw a + fellow look more puzzled. I had regularly stale-mated him. However, he + took heart, and shouted, 'had I met the Captain?' I said, 'A gentleman had + ridden by on a bright bay.' 'That was he; which way had he gone?' So I + pointed generally over the common, and Number Two departed; and then down + came the storm, and I turned again, and came on here.” + </p> + <p> + “The Captain! It must have been Wurley, then, who fired at + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know who it was. I only hope he won't be blinded.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a strange business altogether,” said Tom, looking into + the fire; “I scarcely know what to think of it. We should never have + pulled through but for you, that's certain.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what to think of it well enough,” said East. + “But now let's hear what happened to you. They didn't catch you, of + course?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it was touch and go. I thought it was all up at one time, + for Harry would turn right across their line. But he knew what he was + about; there was a bog between us, and they came on right into it, and we + left them floundering.” + </p> + <p> + “The convict seems to have his head about him, then. Where is he, by + the way? I'm curious to have a look at him.” + </p> + <p> + “Looking after the horses. I'll call him in. He ought have something + to drink.” + </p> + <p> + Tom went to the door and called Harry, who came out from the rough shed + which served as a stable, in his shirt, with a wisp of hay in his hand. He + had stripped off coat, and waistcoat, and braces, and had been warming + himself by giving the horses a good dressing. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Harry, you haven't had anything,” said Tom; “come + across and have a glass of something hot.” + </p> + <p> + Harry followed into the kitchen, and stood by the end of the screen, + looking rather uncomfortable, while Tom poured him out a glass of the hot + mixture, and the lieutenant looked him over with keen eyes. + </p> + <p>“There, take that off. How are the horses?”</p> + <p> + “Pretty fresh, Master Tom; but they'd be the better of a bran mash, + or somethin' cumfable. I've spoke to the missus about it, and 'tis ready + to put on the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right then. Let them have it as quick as you can.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I med fetch it and warm it up here, sir?” said Harry. + </p> + <p>“To be sure; the sooner the better.”</p> + <p> + Harry took off his glass, making a shy sort of duck with his head, + accompanied by “your health, sir,” to each of his + entertainers, and then disappeared into the back kitchen, returned with + the mash, which he put on the fire, and went off to the stable again. + </p> + <p>“What do you think of him?” said Tom.</p> + <p> + “I like to see a fellow let his braces down when he goes to + work,” said East. + </p> + <p> + “It's not every fellow who would be strapping away at those horses, + instead of making himself at home in the back kitchen.” + </p> + <p>“No, it isn't,” said East.</p> + <p>“Don't you like his looks now?”</p> + <p>“He's not a bad sort, your convict.”</p> + <p>“I say, I wish you wouldn't call him names.”</p> + <p> + “Very good; your unfortunate friend, then. What are you going to do + with him?” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I've been puzzling about all the way here. What do + you think?” And then they drew to the fire again, and began to talk + over Harry's prospects. In some ten minutes he returned to the kitchen for + the mash, and this time drew a complimentary remark from the lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + Harry was passionately fond of animals, and especially of horses, and they + found it out quickly enough as they always do. The two hacks were by this + time almost fresh again, with dry coats, and feet well washed and + cleansed; and while working at them, Harry had been thinking over all he + had heard that evening, and what with the work and what with his thoughts, + found himself getting more hopeful every minute. No one who had seen his + face an hour before on the heath would have believed it was the same man + who was now patting and fondling the two hacks as they disposed of the + mash he had prepared for them. He leant back against the manger, rubbing + the ears of Tom's hack—the one which had carried double so well in their + first flight—gently with his two hands, while the delighted beast bent + down its head, and pressed it against him, and stretched its neck, + expressing in all manner of silent ways its equine astonishment and + satisfaction. By the light of the single dip, Harry's face grew shorter + and shorter, until at last, a quiet humorous look began to creep back into + it. + </p> + <p> + As we have already taken the liberty of putting the thoughts of his + betters into words, we must now do so for him; and, if he had expressed + his thoughts in his own vernacular as he rubbed the hack's ears in the + stable, his speech would have been much as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “How cums it as I be all changed like, as tho' sum un had tuk and + rubbed all the downheartedness out o' me? Here I be, two days out o' gaol, + wi' nothin' in the world but the things I stands in,—for in course I med + just give up the bits o' things as is left at Daddy Collins's—and they all + draggled wi' the wet—and I med be tuk in the mornin' and sent across the + water; and yet I feels sum how as peert as a yukkel. So fur as I can see, + 'tis jest nothin' but talkin' wi' our Master Tom. What a fine thing 'tis + to be a schollard. And yet seemin'ly 'tis nothin' but talk arter all's + said and done. But 'tis allus the same; whenever I gets talkin' wi' he, it + all cums out as smooth as crame. Fust time as ever I seen him since we wur + bwys he talked just as a do now; and then my poor mother died. Then he + come in arter the funeral, and talked me up agen, till I thought as I wur + to hev our cottage and all the land as I could do good by. But our cottage + wur tuk away, and my 'lotment besides. Then cum last summer, and 'twur + just the same agen arter his talk, but I got dree months auver that job. + And now 'ere I be wi un agen, a-runnin' from the constable; and like to be + tuk up and transpworted, and 'tis just the same; and I s'pose 'twill be + just the same if ever I gets back, and sees un, and talks wi' un, if I be + gwine to be hung. 'Tis a wunnerful thing to be a schollard, to be able to + make things look all straight when they be ever so akkerd and + unked.” + </p> + <p> + And then Harry left off rubbing the horse's ears; and, pulling the damp + piece of paper, which Tom had given him, out of his breeches' pocket, + proceeded to flatten it out tenderly on the palm of his hand, and read it + by the light of the dip, when the landlady came to inform him that the + gentlefolk wanted him in the kitchen. So he folded his treasure up again, + and went off to the kitchen. He found Tom standing with his back to the + fire, while the lieutenant was sitting at the table, writing on a scrap of + paper, which the landlady had produced after much hunting over of drawers. + Tom began, with some little hesitation:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Harry, I've been talking matters over with my friend here, and + I've changed my mind. It won't do after all for you to stay about at + railway work, or anything of that sort. You see you wouldn't be safe. + They'd be sure to trace you, and you'd get into trouble about this day's + work. And then, after all, it's a very poor opening for a young fellow + like you. Now, why shouldn't you enlist into Mr. East's regiment? You'll + be in his company, and it's a splendid profession. What do you say + now?” + </p> + <p> + East looked up at poor Harry, who was quite taken aback at this change in + his prospects, and could only mutter, that he had never turned his mind to + “sodgerin.” + </p> + <p> + “It's just the thing for you,” Tom went on. “You can + write and keep accounts, and you'll get on famously. Ask Mr. East if you + won't. And don't you fear about matters at home. You'll see that'll all + come right. I'll pledge you my word it will, and I'll take care that you + shall hear everything that goes on there; and, depend upon it, it's your + best chance. You'll be back at Englebourn as a sergeant in no time, and be + able to snap your fingers at them all. You'll come with us to Steventon + station, and take the night train to London, and then in the morning go to + Whitehall, and find Mr. East's sergeant. He'll give you a note to him, and + they'll send you on to Chatham, where the regiment is. You think it's the + best thing for him, don't you?” said Tom, turning to East. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I think you'll do very well if you only keep steady. Here's a + note to the sergeant, and I shall be back at Chatham in a day or two + myself.” + </p> + <p> + Harry took the note mechanically; he was quite unable yet to make any + resistance. + </p> + <p> + “And now get something to eat as quick as you can, for we ought to + be off. The horses are all right, I suppose?” + </p> + <p>“Yes, Master Tom,” said Harry, with an appealing look.</p> + <p>“Where are your coat and waistcoat, Harry?”</p> + <p>“They be in the stable, sir.”</p> + <p>“In the stable! Why, they're all wet, then, still?”</p> + <p>“Oh, 'tis no odds about that, Master Tom.”</p> + <p> + “No odds! Get them in directly, and put them to dry here.” + </p> + <p>So Harry Winburn went off to the stable to fetch his clothes.</p> + <p> + “He's a fine fellow,” said East, getting up and coming to the + fire; “I've taken quite a fancy to him, but he doesn't fancy + enlisting.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow! he has to leave his sweetheart. It's a sad business, + but it's the best thing for him, and you'll see he'll go.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was right. Poor Harry came in and dried his clothes, and got his + supper; and while he was eating it, and all along the road afterwards, + till they reached the station at about eleven o'clock, pleaded in his + plain way with Tom against leaving his own country side. And East listened + silently, and liked him better and better. + </p> + <p> + Tom argued with him gently, and turned the matter round on all sides, + putting the most hopeful face upon it; and, in the end, talked first + himself and then Harry into the belief that it was the best thing that + could have happened to him, and more likely than any other course of + action to bring everything right between him and all the folk at + Englebourn. + </p> + <p> + So they got into the train at Steventon in pretty good heart, with his + fare paid, and half-a-sovereign in his pocket, more and more impressed in + his mind with what a wonderful thing it was to be “a + schollard.” + </p> + <p> + The two friends rode back to Oxford at a good pace. They had both of them + quite enough to think about, and were not in the humour for talk, had + place and time served, so that scarce a word passed between them till they + had left their horses at the livery stables, and were walking through the + silent streets, a few minutes before midnight. Then East broke silence. + </p> + <p> + “I can't make out how you do it. I'd give half-a-year's pay to get + the way of it.” + </p> + <p>“The way of what? What an you talking about?”</p> + <p> + “Why, your way of shutting your eyes, and going in blind.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's a queer wish for a fighting man,” said Tom, + laughing. “We always thought a rusher no good at school, and that + the thing to learn was, to go in with your own eyes open, and shut up + other people's.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah but we hadn't cut our eye-teeth then. I look at these things + from a professional point of view. My business is to get fellows to shut + their eyes tight, and I begin to think you can't do it as it should be + done, without shutting your own first.” + </p> + <p>“I don't take.”</p> + <p> + “Why, look at the way you talked your convict—I beg your pardon—your + unfortunate friend—into enlisting tonight. You talked as if you believed + every word you were saying to him.” + </p> + <p>“So I did.”</p> + <p> + “Well, I should like to have you for a recruiting sergeant, if you + could only drop that radical bosh. If I had had to do it, instead of + enlisting, he would have gone straight off and hung himself in the + stable.” + </p> + <p>“I'm glad you didn't try your hand at it then.”</p> + <p> + “Look again at me. Do you think anyone but such a—well I don't want + to say anything uncivil—a headlong dog like you could have got me into + such a business as to-day's? Now I want to be able to get other fellows to + make just such fools of themselves as I've made of myself to-day. How do + you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, unless it is that I can't help always looking at the + best side of things myself, and so—” + </p> + <p>“Most things haven't got a best side.”</p> + <p>“Well, at the pretty good side, then.”</p> + <p>“Nor a pretty good one.”</p> + <p> + “If they haven't got a pretty good one, it don't matter how you look + at them, I should think.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't believe it does—much. Still, I should like to be able + to make a fool of myself, too, when I want, with the view of getting + others to do ditto, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could help you, old fellow; but I don't see my way to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall talk to our regimental doctor about it, and get put through + a course of fool's-diet before we start for India.” + </p> + <p> + “Flap-doodle, they call it, what fools are fed on. But it's odd that + you should have broken out in this place, when all the way home I've been + doing nothing but envying you your special talent.” + </p> + <p>“What's that?”</p> + <p> + “Just the opposite one—the art of falling on your feet. I should + like to exchange with you.” + </p> + <p>“You'd make a precious bad bargain of it, then.”</p> + <p> + “There's twelve striking. I must knock in. Good night. You'll be + round to breakfast at nine.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. I believe in your breakfasts, rather,” said East, + as they shook hands at the gate of St. Ambrose, into which Tom + disappeared, while the lieutenant strolled back to the + “Mitre.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0043"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLII—THIRD YEAR</h2> + <p> + East returned to his regiment in a few days, and at the end of the month + the gallant 101st embarked for India. Tom wrote several letters to the + lieutenant, inclosing notes to Harry, with gleanings of news from + Englebourn, where his escape on the night of the riot had been a + nine-days' wonder; and, now that he was fairly “'listed,” and + out of the way, public opinion was beginning to turn in his favor. In due + course a letter arrived from the lieutenant, dated Cape Town, giving a + prosperous account of the voyage so far. East did not say much about + “your convict,” as he still insisted on calling Harry; but the + little he did say was very satisfactory, and Tom sent off this part of the + letter to Katie, to whom he had confided the whole story, entreating her + to make the best use of it in the interest of the young soldier. And, + after this out-of-the-way beginning, he settled down into the usual + routine of his Oxford life. + </p> + <p> + This change in his opinions and objects of interest brought him now into + more intimate relations with a set of whom he had, as yet, seen little. + For want of a better name, we may call them “the party of + progress.” At their parties, instead of practical jokes, and + boisterous mirth, and talk of boats, and bats, and guns, and horses, the + highest and deepest questions of morals, and politics, and metaphysics, + were discussed, and discussed with a. freshness and enthusiasm which is + apt to wear off when doing has to take the place of talking, but has a + strange charm of its own while it lasts, and is looked back to with loving + regret by those for whom it is no longer a possibility. + </p> + <p> + With this set Tom soon fraternized, and drank in many new ideas, and took + to himself also many new crotchets besides those with which he was already + weighted. Almost all his new acquaintances were Liberal in politics, but a + few only were ready to go all lengths with him. They were all Union men, + and Tom, of course, followed the fashion, and soon propounded theories in + that institution which gained him the name of Chartist Brown. + </p> + <p> + There was a strong mixture of self-conceit in it all. He had a kind of + idea that he had discovered something which it was creditable to have + discovered, and that it was a very fine thing to have all these feelings + for, and sympathies with, “the masses”, and to believe in + democracy, and “glorious humanity,” and “a good time + coming,” and I know not what other big matters. And, although it + startled and pained him at first to hear himself called ugly names, which + he had hated and despised from his youth up, and to know that many of his + old acquaintances looked upon him, not simply as a madman, but as a madman + with snobbish proclivities; yet, when the first plunge was over, there was + a good deal on the other hand which tickled his vanity, and was far from + being unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + To do him justice, however, the disagreeables were such that, had there + not been some genuine belief at the bottom, he would certainly have been + headed back very speedily into the fold of political and social orthodoxy. + As it was, amidst the cloud of sophisms, and platitudes, and big, + one-sided ideas half-mastered, which filled his thoughts and overflowed in + his talk, there was growing in him, and taking firmer hold on him daily, a + true and broad sympathy for men as men, and especially for poor men as + poor men, and a righteous and burning hatred against all laws, customs, or + notions, which, according to his light, either were or seemed to be + setting aside, or putting anything else in the place of, or above, the + man. It was with him the natural outgrowth of the child's and boy's + training (though his father would have been much astonished to be told + so), and the instincts of those early days were now getting rapidly set + into habits and faiths, and becoming a part of himself. + </p> + <p> + In this stage of his life, as in so many former ones, Tom got great help + from his intercourse with Hardy, now the rising tutor of the college. + Hardy was travelling much the same road himself as our hero, but was + somewhat further on, and had come into it from a different country, and + though quite other obstacles. Their early lives had been very different; + and, both by nature and from long and severe self-restraint and + discipline, Hardy was much the less impetuous and demonstrative of the + two. He did not rush out, therefore (as Tom was too much inclined to do), + the moment he had seized hold of the end of a new idea which he felt to be + good for <i>him</i> and what <i>he</i> wanted, and brandish it in the face + of all comers, and think himself a traitor to the truth if he wasn't + trying to make everybody he met with eat it. Hardy, on the contrary, would + test his new idea, and turn it over, and prove it as far as he could, and + try to get hold of the whole of it, and ruthlessly strip off any tinsel or + rose-pink sentiment with which it might happen to be mixed up. + </p> + <p> + Often and often did Tom suffer under this severe method, and rebel against + it, and accuse his friend, both to his face and in his own secret + thoughts, of coldness, and want of faith, and all manner of other sins of + omission and commission. In the end, however, he generally came round, + with more or less of rebellion, according to the severity of the + treatment, and acknowledge that, when Hardy brought him down from riding + the high horse, it was not without good reason, and that the dust in which + he was rolled was always most wholesome dust. + </p> + <p> + For instance, there was no phrase more frequently in the mouths of the + party of progress than “the good cause.” It was a fine + big-sounding phrase, which could be used with great effect in perorations + of speeches at the Union, and was sufficiently indefinite to be easily + defended from ordinary attacks, while it saved him who used it the trouble + of ascertaining accurately for himself, or settling for his hearers, what + it really did mean. But, however satisfactory it might be before + promiscuous audiences, and so long as vehement assertion or declaration + was all that was required to uphold it, this same “good cause” + was liable to come to much grief when it had to get itself defined. Hardy + was particularly given to persecution on this subject, when he could get + Tom, and, perhaps, one or two others, in a quiet room by themselves. While + professing the utmost sympathy for “the good cause,” and a + hope as strong as theirs that all its enemies might find themselves + suspended to lamp-posts as soon as possible, he would pursue it into + corners from which escape was most difficult, asking it and its supporters + what it exactly was, and driving them from one cloud-land to another, and + from “the good cause” to the “people's cause,” the + “cause of labor,” and other like troublesome definitions, + until the great idea seemed to have no shape or existence any longer even + in their own brains. + </p> + <p> + But Hardy's persecution, provoking as it was for the time, never went to + the undermining of any real conviction in the minds of his juniors, or the + shaking of anything which did not need shaking, but only helped them to + clear their ideas and brains as to what they were talking and thinking + about, and gave them glimpses—soon clouded over again, but most useful, + nevertheless—of the truth; that there were a good many knotty questions to + be solved before a man could be quite sure that he had found out the way + to set the world thoroughly to rights, and heal all the ills that flesh is + heir to. + </p> + <p> + Hardy treated another of his friend's most favorite notions even with less + respect than this one of “the good cause.” Democracy, that + “universal democracy,” which their favourite author had + recently declared to be “an inevitable fact of the days in which we + live”, was, perhaps, on the whole, the pet idea of the small section + of liberal young Oxford, with whom Tom was now hand and glove. They lost + no opportunity of worshipping it, and doing battle for it; and, indeed, + most of them did very truly believe that that state of the world which + this universal democracy was to bring about, and which was coming no man + could say how soon, was to be in fact that age of peace and good-will + which men had dreamt of in all times, when the lion should lie down with + the kid, and nation should not vex nation any more. + </p> + <p> + After hearing something to this effect from Tom on several occasions, + Hardy cunningly lured him to his rooms on the pretence of talking over the + prospects of the boat club, and then, having seated him by the fire, which + he himself proceeded to assault gently with the poker, propounded suddenly + to him the question, + </p> + <p> + “Brown, I should like to know what you mean by 'democracy'?” + </p> + <p> + Tom at once saw the trap into which he had fallen, and made several + efforts to break away, but unsuccessfully; and, being seated to a cup of + tea, and allowed to smoke, was then and there grievously oppressed, and + mangled, and sat upon, by his oldest and best friend. He took his ground + carefully, and propounded only what he felt sure that Hardy himself would + at once accept—what no man of any worth could possibly take exception to. + “He meant much more,” he said, “than this; but for the + present purpose it would be enough for him to say that, whatever else it + might mean, democracy in his mouth always meant that every man should have + a share in the government of his country.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy, seeming to acquiesce, and making a sudden change in the subject of + their talk, decoyed his innocent guest away from the thought of democracy + for a few minutes, by holding up to him the flag of hero-worship, in which + worship Tom was, of course, a sedulous believer. Then, having involved him + in most difficult country, his persecutor opened fire upon him from masked + batteries of the most deadly kind, the guns being all from the armory of + his own prophets. + </p> + <p> + “You long for the rule of the ablest man, everywhere, at all times? + To find your ablest man, and then give him power, and obey him—that you + hold to be about the highest act of wisdom which a nation can be capable + of?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and you know you believe that to, Hardy, just as firmly as I + do.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so. But then, how about our universal democracy, and every + man having a share in the government of his country?” + </p> + <p> + Tom felt that his flank was turned; in fact, the contrast of his two + beliefs had never struck him vividly before, and he was consequently much + confused. But Hardy went on tapping a big coal gently with the poker, and + gave him time to recover himself and collect his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean, of course, that every man is to have an actual share + in the government,” he said at last. + </p> + <p> + “But every man is somehow to have a share; and, if not an actual + one, I can't see what the proposition comes to.” + </p> + <p> + “I call it having a share in the government when a man has share in + saying who shall govern him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you'll own that's a very different thing. But let's see; will + that find our wisest governor for us—letting all the most foolish men in + the nation have a say as to who he is to be?” + </p> + <p> + “Come now, Hardy, I've heard you say that you are for manhood + suffrage.” + </p> + <p> + “That's another question; you let in another idea there. At present + we are considering whether the <i>vox populi</i> is the best test for + finding your best man. I'm afraid all history is against you.” + </p> + <p>“That's a good joke. Now, there I defy you, Hardy.”</p> + <p>“Begin at the beginning, then, and let us see.”</p> + <p> + “I suppose you'll say, then, that the Egyptian and Babylonian + empires were better than the little Jewish republic.” + </p> + <p> + “Republic! well, let that pass. But I never heard that the Jews + elected Moses, or any of the judges.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, never mind the Jews; they're an exceptional case; you can't + argue from them.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't admit that. I believe just the contrary. But go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what do you say to the glorious Greek republics, with + Athens at the head of them?” + </p> + <p> + “I say that no nation ever treated their best men so badly. I see I + must put on a lecture in Aristophanes for your special benefit. Vain, + irritable, shallow, suspicious old Demus, with his two oboli in his cheek, + and doubting only between Cleon and the sausage-seller, which he shall + choose for his wisest man—not to govern, but to serve his whims and + caprices. You must call another witness, I think.” + </p> + <p>“But that's a caricature.”</p> + <p> + “Take the picture, then, out of Thucydides, Plato, Xenophon, how you + will—you won't mend the matter much. You shouldn't go so fast, Brown; you + won't mind my saying so, I know. You don't get clear in your own mind + before you pitch into everyone who comes across you, and so do your own + side (which I admit is mostly the right one) more harm than good.” + </p> + <p> + Tom couldn't stand being put down so summarily, and fought over the ground + from one country to another, from Rome to the United States, with all the + arguments he could muster, but with little success. That unfortunate first + admission of his, he felt it throughout, like a millstone round his neck, + and could not help admitting to himself, when he left, that there was a + good deal in Hardy's concluding remark,—“You'll find it rather a + tough business to get your 'universal democracy' and 'government by the + wisest' to pull together in one coach.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all such occasional reverses and cold baths, however, Tom + went on strengthening himself in his new opinions, and maintaining them + with all the zeal of a convert. The shelves of his bookcase, and the walls + of his room, soon began to show signs of the change which was taking place + in his ways of looking at men and things. Hitherto a framed engraving of + George III had hung over his mantle-piece; but early in this, his third + year, the frame had disappeared for a few days, and when it reappeared, + the solemn face of John Milton looked out from it, while the honest + monarch had retired into a portfolio. A facsimile of Magna Charta soon + displaced a large colored print of “A Day With the Pycheley”, + and soon afterwards the death warrant of Charles I. with its grim and + resolute rows of signatures and seals, appeared on the wall in a place of + honour, in the neighbourhood of Milton. + </p> + <p> + Squire Brown was passing through Oxford, and paid his son a visit soon + after this last arrangement had been completed. He dined in hall, at the + high table, being still a member of the college, and afterwards came with + Hardy to Tom's rooms to have a quiet glass of wine, and spend the evening + with his son and a few of his friends, who had been asked to meet + “the governor.” + </p> + <p> + Tom had a struggle with himself whether he should not remove the + death-warrant into his bedroom for the evening, and had actually taken if + down with this view; but in the end he could not stomach such a + backsliding, and so restored it to its place. “I have never + concealed my opinions from my father,” he thought, “though I + don't think he quite knows what they are. But if he doesn't, he ought, and + the sooner the better. I should be a sneak to try to hide them. I know he + won't like it, but he is always just and fair, and will make allowances. + At any rate, up it goes again.” + </p> + <p> + And so he re-hung the death-warrant, but with the devout secret hope that + his father might not see it. + </p> + <p> + The wine-party went off admirably. The men were nice, gentlemanly, + intelligent fellows; and the Squire, who had been carefully planted by Tom + with his back to the death-warrant, enjoyed himself very much. At last + they all went, except Hardy; and now the nervous time approached. For a + short time longer the three sat at the wine-table while the squire + enlarged upon the great improvement in young men, and the habits of the + University, especially in the matter of drinking. Tom had only opened + three bottles of port. In his time the men would have drunk certainly not + less than a bottle a man; and other like remarks he made, as he sipped his + coffee, and then, pushing back his chair, said, “Well, Tom, hadn't + your servant better clear away, and then we can draw round the fire, and + have a talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't you like to take a turn while he is clearing? There's the + Martyr's Memorial you haven't seen.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you. I know the place well enough. I don't come to walk + about in the dark. We sha'n't be in your man's way.” + </p> + <p> + And so Tom's scout came in to clear away, took out the extra leaves of the + table, put on the cloth, and laid tea. During these operations Mr. Brown + was standing with his back to the fire, looking about him as he talked. + When there was more space to move in, he began to walk up and down, and + very soon took to remarking the furniture and arrangements of the room. + One after the other the pictures came under his notice. Most of them + escaped without comment, the Squire simply pausing a moment, and then + taking up his walk again. Magna Charta drew forth his hearty approval. It + was a capital notion to hang such things on his walls, instead of bad + prints of steeple-chases, or trash of that sort. “Ah, here's + something else of the same kind. Why, Tom, what's this?” said the + squire, as he paused before the death-warrant. There was a moment or two + of dead silence, while the Squire's eyes ran down the names, from Jo. + Bradshaw to Miles Corbet; and then he turned, and came and sat down + opposite to his son. Tom expected his father to be vexed, but was not the + least prepared for the tone of pain, and sorrow, and anger, in which he + first inquired, and then remonstrated. + </p> + <p> + For some time past the Squire and his son had not felt so comfortable + together as of old. Mr. Brown had been annoyed by much that Tom had done + in the case of Harry Winburn, though he did not know all. There had sprung + up a barrier somehow or other between them, neither of them knew how. They + had often felt embarrassed at being left alone together during the past + year, and found that there were certain topics which they could not talk + upon, which they avoided by mutual consent. Every now and then the + constraint and embarrassment fell off for a short time, for at bottom they + loved and appreciated one another heartily; but the divergences in their + thoughts and habits had become very serious, and seemed likely to increase + rather than not. They felt keenly the chasm between the two generations. + As they looked at one another from opposite banks, each in his secret + heart blamed the other in great measure for that which was the fault of + neither. Mixed with the longings which each felt for a better + understanding was enough of reserve and indignation to prevent them from + coming to it. The discovery of their differences was too recent, and they + were too much alike in character and temper, for either to make large + enough allowance for, or to be really tolerant of, the other. + </p> + <p> + This was the first occasion on which they had come to outspoken and + serious difference; and though the collision had been exceedingly painful + to both, yet when they parted for the night, it was with a feeling of + relief that the ice had been thoroughly broken. Before his father left the + room, Tom had torn the facsimile of the death-warrant out of its frame, + and put it in the fire, protesting, however, at the same time, that, + though “he did thist out of deference to his father, and was deeply + grieved at having given him pain, he could not and would not give up his + convictions, or pretend that they were changed, or even shaken.” + </p> + <p> + The Squire walked back to his hotel deeply moved. Who can wonder? He was a + man full of living and vehement convictions. One of his early + recollections had been the arrival in England of the news of the beheading + of Louis XVI, and the doings of the Reign of Terror. He had been bred in + the times when it was held impossible for a gentleman or a Christian to + hold such views as his son had been maintaining, and, like many of the + noblest Englishmen of his time, had gone with and accepted the creed of + the day. + </p> + <p> + Tom remained behind, dejected and melancholy; now accusing his father of + injustice and bigotry, now longing to go after him, and give up + everything. What were all his opinions and convictions compared with his + father's confidence and love? At breakfast the next morning, however, + after each of them had had time for thinking over what had passed, they + met with a cordiality which was as pleasant to each as it was unlooked + for; and from this visit of his father to him at Oxford, Tom dated a new + and more satisfactory epoch in their intercourse. + </p> + <p> + The fact had begun to dawn on the Squire that the world had changed a good + deal since his time. He saw that young men were much improved in some + ways, and acknowledged the fact heartily; on the other hand, they had + taken up with a lot of new notions which he could not understand, and + thought mischievous and bad. Perhaps Tom might get over them as he got to + be older and wiser, and in the meantime he must take the evil with the + good. At any rate he was too fair a man to try to dragoon his son out of + anything which he really believed. Tom on his part gratefully accepted the + change in his father's manner, and took all means of showing his gratitude + by consulting and talking freely to him on such subjects as they could + agree upon, which were numerous, keeping in the back-ground the questions + which had provoked painful discussions between them. By degrees these even + could be tenderly approached; and, now that they were approached in a + different spirit, the honest beliefs of the father and son no longer + looked so monstrous to one another, the hard and sharp outlines began to + wear off, and the views of each of them to be modified. Thus, bit by bit, + by a slow but sure process, a better understanding than ever was + re-established between them. + </p> + <p> + This beginning of a better state of things in his relations with his + father consoled Tom for many other matters that seemed to go wrong with + him, and was a constant bit of bright sky to turn to when the rest of his + horizon looked dark and dreary, as it did often enough. + </p> + <p> + For it proved a very trying year to him, this his third and last year at + the University; a year full of large dreams and small performances, of + unfulfilled hopes and struggles to set himself right, ending ever more + surely in failure and disappointment. The common pursuits of the place had + lost their freshness, and with it much of their charm. He was beginning to + feel himself in a cage, and to beat against the bars of it. + </p> + <p> + Often, in spite of all his natural hopefulness, his heart seemed to sicken + and turn cold, without any apparent reason; his old pursuits palled on + him, and he scarcely cared to turn to new ones. What was it that made life + so blank to him at these times? How was it that he could not keep the + spirit within him alive and warm? + </p> + <p> + It was easier to ask such questions than to get an answer. Was it not this + place he was living in and the ways of it? No, for the place and its ways + were the same as ever, and his own way of life in it better than ever + before. Was it the want of sight or tidings of Mary? Sometimes he thought + so, and then cast the thought away as treason. His love for her was ever + sinking deeper into him, and raising and purifying him. Light and strength + and life came from that source; craven weariness and coldness of heart, + come from whence they might, were not from that quarter. But precious as + his love was to him, and deeply as it affected his whole life, he felt + that there must be something beyond it—that its full satisfaction would + not be enough for him. The bed was too narrow for a man to stretch himself + on. What he was in search of must underlie and embrace his human love, and + support it. Beyond and above all private and personal desires and hopes + and longings, he was conscious of a restless craving and feeling about + after something, which he could not grasp, and yet which was not avoiding + him, which seemed to be mysteriously laying hold of him and surrounding + him. + </p> + <p> + The routine of chapels, and lectures, and reading for degree, boating, + cricketing, Union-debating,—all well enough in their way—left this vacuum + unfilled. There was a great outer visible world, the problems and puzzles + of which were rising before him and haunting him more and more; and a + great inner and invisible world opening round him in awful depth. He + seemed to be standing on the brink of each—now shivering and helpless, + feeling like an atom about to be whirled into the great flood and carried + he knew not where—now ready to plunge in and take his part, full of hope + and belief that he was meant to buffet in the strength of a man with the + seen and the unseen, and to be subdued by neither. + </p> + <p> + In such a year as this, a bit of steady, bright blue sky was a boon beyond + all price, and so he felt it to be. And it was not only with his father + that Tom regained lost ground in this year. He was in a state of mind in + which he could not bear to neglect or lose any particle of human sympathy, + and so he turned to old friendships, and revived the correspondence with + several of his old school-fellows, and particularly with Arthur, to the + great delight of the latter, who had mourned bitterly over the few + half-yearly lines, all he had got from Tom of late, in answer to his own + letters, which had themselves, under the weight of neglect, gradually + dwindled down to mere formal matters. A specimen of the later + correspondence may fitly close the chapter:— + </p> + <h3>ST. AMBROSE</h3> + <p> + “Dear Geordie—I can hardly pardon you for having gone to Cambridge, + though you have got a Trinity scholarship—which I suppose is, on the + whole, quite as good a thing as anything of the sort you could have got up + here. I had so looked forward to having you here though, and now I feel + that we shall probably scarcely ever meet. You will go your way and I + mine; and one alters so quickly, and gets into such strange new grooves, + that unless one sees a man about once a week at least, you may be just + like strangers when you are thrown together again. If you had come up here + it would have been all right, and we should have gone all through life as + we were when I left school, and as I know we should be again in no time if + you had come here. But now, who can tell? + </p> + <p> + “What makes me think so much of this is a visit of a few days that + East paid me just before his regiment went to India. I feel that if he + hadn't done it, and we had not met till he came back—years hence + perhaps—we should never have been to one another what we shall be now. The + break would have been too great. Now it's all right. You would have liked + to see the old fellow grown into a man, but not a bit altered—just the + quiet, old way, pooh-poohing you, and pretending to care for nothing, but + ready to cut the nose off his face, or go through fire and water for you + at a pinch, if you'll only let him go his own way about it, and have his + grumble, and say that he does it all from the worst possible motives. + </p> + <p> + “But we must try not to lose hold of one another, Geordie. It would + be a bitter day to me if I thought anything of the kind could ever happen + again. We must write more to one another. I've been awfully lazy, I know, + about it for this last year and more; but then I always thought you would + be coming up here, and so that it didn't matter much. But now I will turn + over a new leaf, and write to you about my secret thoughts, my works and + ways; and you must do it too. If we can only tide over the next year or + two we shall get into plain sailing, and I suppose it will all right then. + At least, I can't believe that one is likely to have many such up-and-down + years in one's life as the last two. If one is, goodness knows where I + shall end. You know the outline of what has happened to me from my + letters, and the talks we have had in my flying visits to the old school, + but you haven't a notion of the troubles of mind I've been in, and the + changes I've gone through. I can hardly believe it myself when I look + back. However I'm quite sure I have <i>got on</i>; that's my great + comfort. It is a strange blind sort of world, that's a fact, with lots of + blind alleys, down which you go blundering in the fog after some seedy + gaslight, which you take for the sun till you run against the wall at the + end, and find out that the light is a gaslight, and that there's no + thoroughfare. But for all that one does get on. You get to know the sun's + light better and better, and to keep out of the blind alleys; and I am + surer and surer every day, that there's always sunlight enough for every + honest fellow—though I didn't think so a few months back—and a good sound + road under his feet, if he will only step out on it. + </p> + <p> + “Talking of blind alleys puts me in mind of your last. Aren't you + going down a blind alley, or something worse? There's no wall to bring you + up, that I can see down the turn you've taken; and then, what's the + practical use of it all? What good would you do to yourself, or anyone + else, if you could get to the end of it? I can't for the life of me fancy, + I confess, what you think will come of speculating about necessity and + free will. I only know that I can hold out my hand before me, and can move + it to the right or left, despite of all the powers in heaven or earth. As + I sit here writing to you, I can let into my heart, and give the reins to, + all sorts of devil's passions, or to the Spirit of God. Well, that's + enough for me. I <i>know</i> it of myself, and I believe you know it of + yourself, and everybody knows it of themselves or himself; and why you + can't be satisfied with that, passes my comprehension. As if one hasn't + got puzzles enough, and bothers enough, under one's nose, without going + a-field after a lot of metaphysical quibbles. No, I'm wrong,—not going + a-field,—anything one has to go a-field for is all right. What a fellow + meets outside himself he isn't responsible for, and must do the best he + can with. But to go on for ever looking inside of one's self, and groping + about amongst one's own sensations, and ideas, and whimsies of one kind + and another, I can't conceive a poorer line of business than that. Don't + you get into it now, that's a dear boy. + </p> + <p> + “Very likely you'll tell me you can't help it; that every one has + his own difficulties, and must fight them out, and that mine are one sort, + and yours another. Well, perhaps you may be right. I hope I'm getting to + know that my plummet isn't to measure all the world. But it does seem a + pity that men shouldn't be thinking about how to cure some of the wrongs + which poor dear old England is pretty near dying of, instead of taking the + edge off their brains, and spending all their steam in speculating about + all kinds of things, which wouldn't make any poor man in the world—or rich + one either, for that matter—a bit better off, if they were all found out, + and settled to-morrow. But here I am at the end of my paper. Don't be + angry at my jobation; but write me a long answer of your own free will, + and believe me ever affectionately yours, + </p> + <h3>“T. B.”</h3> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0044"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLIII—AFTERNOON VISITORS</h2> + <p> + Miss Mary Porter was sitting alone in the front drawing-room of her + father's house, in Belgravia, on the afternoon of a summer's day in this + same year. Two years and more have passed over her head since we first met + her, and she may be a thought more sedate and better dressed, but there is + no other change to be noticed in her. + </p> + <p> + The room was for the most part much like other rooms in that quarter of + the world. There were few luxuries in the way of furniture which fallen + man can desire which were not to be found there, but over and above this, + there was an elegance in the arrangement of all the nick-nacks and + ornaments, and an appropriateness and good taste in the placing of every + piece of furniture and vase of flowers, which showed that a higher order + of mind than the upholsterer's or housemaid's was constantly overlooking + and working there. Everything seemed to be in its exact place, in the best + place which could have been thought of for it, and to be the best thing + which could have been thought of for the place. And yet this perfection + did not strike you particularly at first, or surprise you in any way, but + sank into you gradually, so that, until you forced yourself to consider + the matter, you could not in the least say why the room had such a very + pleasant effect on you. + </p> + <p> + The young lady to whom this charm was chiefly owing was sitting by a buhl + work-table, on which lay her embroidery and a book. She was reading a + letter, which seemed deeply to interest her; for she did not hear the + voice of the butler, who had just opened the door and disturbed her + solitude, until he had repeated for the second time, “Mr. + Smith.” Then Mary jumped up, and, hastily folding her letter, put it + into her pocket. She was rather provoked at having allowed herself to be + caught there alone by afternoon visitors, and with the servants for having + let anyone in; nevertheless, she welcomed Mr. Smith with a cordiality of + manner which perhaps rather more than represented her real feelings, and, + with a “let mamma know,” to the butler, set to work to + entertain her visitor. She would have had no difficulty in doing this + under ordinary circumstances, as all that Mr. Smith wanted was a good + listener. He was a somewhat heavy and garrulous old gentleman, with many + imaginary, and a few real troubles, the constant contemplation of which + served to occupy the whole of his own time, and as much of his friends' as + he could get them to give him. But scarcely had he settled himself + comfortably in an easy chair opposite to his victim, when the butler + entered again, and announced, “Mr. St. Cloud.” + </p> + <p> + Mary was now no longer at her ease. Her manner of receiving her new + visitor was constrained; and yet it was clear that he was on easy terms in + the house. She asked the butler where his mistress was, and heard with + vexation that she had gone out, but was expected home almost immediately. + Charging him to let her mother know the moment she returned, Mary turned + to her unwelcome task, and sat herself down again with such resignation as + she was capable of at the moment. The conduct of her visitors was by no + means calculated to restore her composure, or make her comfortable between + them. She was sure that they knew one another; but neither of then would + speak to the other. There the two sat on, each resolutely bent on tiring + the other out; the elder crooning on to her in an undertone, and ignoring + the younger, who in his turn put on an air of serene unconsciousness of + the presence of his senior, and gazed about the room, and watched Mary, + making occasional remarks to her as if no one else were present. On and on + they sat, her only comfort being the hope that neither of them would have + the conscience to stay on after the departure of the other. + </p> + <p> + Between them Mary was driven to her wits' end, and looked for her mother + or for some new visitor to come to her help, as Wellington looked for the + Prussians on the afternoon of June 18th. At length youth and insolence + prevailed, and Mr. Smith rose to go. Mary got up too, and after his + departure remained standing, in hopes that her other visitor would take + the hint and follow the good example. But St. Cloud had not the least + intention of moving. + </p> + <p> + “Really, your good-nature is quite astonishing, Miss Porter,” + he said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, and following the + pattern of one of the flowers on the carpet with his cane, which gave him + the opportunity of showing his delicately gloved hand to advantage. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, why do you think so?” she asked, taking up her + embroidery and pretending to begin working. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not good reason, after sitting this half-hour and seeing you + enduring old Smith—the greatest bore in London? I don't believe there are + three houses where the servants dare let him in. It would be as much as + their places are worth. No porter could hope for a character who let him + in twice in the season.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Mr. Smith,” said Mary, smiling. “But you know we + have no porter, and,” she suddenly checked herself, and added + gravely, “he is an old friend, and papa and mamma like him.” + </p> + <p> + “But the wearisomeness of his grievances! Those three sons in the + Plungers, and their eternal scrapes! How you could manage to keep a civil + face! It was a masterpiece of polite patience.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I am very sorry for his troubles. I wonder where mamma can + be? We are going to drive. Shall you be in the Park? I think it must be + time for me to dress.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not. It is so seldom that I see you except in crowded rooms. + Can you wonder that I should value such a chance as this?” + </p> + <p> + “Were you at the new opera last night?” asked Mary, carefully + avoiding his eye, and sticking to her work, but scarcely able to conceal + her nervousness and discomfort. + </p> + <p>“Yes, I was there; but—”</p> + <p> + “Oh, do tell me about it, then; I hear it was a great + success.” + </p> + <p> + “Another time. We can talk of the opera anywhere. Let me speak now + of something else. You must have seen, Miss Porter,—” + </p> + <p> + “How can you think I will talk of anything till you have told me + about the opera?” interrupted Mary rapidly and nervously. “Was + Grisi very fine? The chief part was composed for her, was it not? and dear + old Lablache—” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you all about it presently, if you will let me, in five + minutes' time—I only ask for five minutes—” + </p> + <p> + “Five minutes! Oh, no, not five seconds. I must hear about the new + opera before I will listen to a word of anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Miss Porter, you must pardon me for disobeying. But I may + not have such a chance as this again for months.” + </p> + <p> + With which prelude he drew his chair towards hers and Mary was just trying + to make up her mind to jump up and run right out of the room, when the + door opened, and the butler walked in with a card on a waiter. Mary had + never felt so relieved in her life, and could have hugged the solemn old + domestic when he said, presenting the card to her, + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman asked if Mrs. or you were in, Miss, and told me to + bring it up, and find whether you would see him on particular business. + He's waiting in the hall.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I know. Of course. Yes, say I will see him directly. I + mean, ask him to come up now.” + </p> + <p>“Shall I show him into the library, Miss?”</p> + <p>“No, no; in here; do you understand?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss,” replied the butter, with a deprecatory look at + St. Cloud, as much as to say, “You see, I can't help it,” in + answer to his impatient telegraphic signals. St. Cloud had been very + liberal to the Porters' servants. + </p> + <p> + Mary's confidence had all come back. Relief was at hand. She could trust + herself to hold St. Cloud at bay now, as it could not be for more than a + few minutes. When she turned to him the nervousness had quite gone out of + her manner, and she spoke in her old tone again, as she laid her + embroidery aside. + </p> + <p> + “How lucky that you should be here! Look; I think you must be + acquainted,” she said, holding out the card which the butler had + given her to St. Cloud. + </p> + <p> + He took it mechanically, and looked at it, and then crushed it in his + hand, and was going to speak. She prevented him. + </p> + <p>“I was right, I'm sure. You do know him?”</p> + <p>“I didn't see the name,” he said almost fiercely.</p> + <p> + “The name on the card which I gave you just now?—Mr. Grey. He is + curate in one of the poor Westminster districts. You must remember him, + for he was of your college. He was at Oxford with you. I made his + acquaintance at the Commemoration. He will be so glad to meet an old + friend.” + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud was too much provoked to answer; and the next moment the door + opened, and the butler announced Mr. Grey. + </p> + <p> + Grey came into the room timidly, carrying his head a little down as usual, + and glancing uncomfortably about in a manner which used to make Drysdale + say that he always looked as though he had just been robbing a hen-roost. + Mary went forward to meet him, holding out her hand cordially. + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad to see you,” she said. “How kind of you to + call when you are so busy! Mamma will be here directly. I think you must + remember Mr. St. Cloud—Mr. Grey.” + </p> + <p> + St. Cloud's patience was now quite gone. He drew himself up, making the + slightest possible inclination towards Grey, and then, without taking any + further notice of him, turned to Mary with a look which he meant to be + full of pitying admiration for her, and contempt of her visitor; but, as + she would not look at him, it was thrown away. So he made his bow and + stalked out of the room, angrily debating with himself, as he went down + the stairs, whether she could have understood him. He was so fully + convinced of the sacrifice which a man in his position was making in + paying serious attention to a girl with little fortune and no connexion, + that he soon consoled himself in the belief that her embarrassment only + arose from shyness, and that the moment he could explain himself she would + be his obedient and grateful servant. Meantime Mary sat down opposite to + the curate, and listened to him as he unfolded his errand awkwardly + enough. An execution was threatened in the house of a poor struggling + widow, whom Mrs. Porter had employed to do needlework occasionally, and + who was behind with her rent through sickness. He was afraid that her + things would be taken and sold in the morning, unless she could borrow two + sovereigns. He had so many claims on him, that he could not lend her the + money himself, and so had come out to see what he could do amongst those + who knew her. + </p> + <p> + By the time Grey had arrived at the end of his story, Mary had made up her + mind—not without a little struggle—to sacrifice the greater part of what + was left of her quarter's allowance. After all, it would only be wearing + cleaned gloves instead of new ones, and giving up her new riding-hat till + next quarter. So she jumped up, and said gaily, “Is that all, Mr. + Grey? I have the money, and I will lend it her with pleasure. I will fetch + it directly.” + </p> + <p> + She tripped off to her room, and soon came back with the money; and just + then the butler came in with tea, and Mary asked Mr. Grey to take some. He + looked tired, she said, and if he would wait a little time, he would see + her mother, who would be sure to do something more for the poor woman. + </p> + <p> + Grey had risen to leave, and was standing, hat in hand, ready to go. He + was in the habit of reckoning with himself strictly for every minute of + his day, and was never quite satisfied with himself unless he was doing + the most disagreeable thing which circumstances for the time being allowed + him to do. But greater and stronger men than Grey, from Adam downwards, + have yielded to the temptation before which he now succumbed. He looked + out of the corners of his eyes; and there was something so fresh and + bright in the picture of the dainty little tea-service and the young lady + behind it, the tea which she was beginning to pour out smelt so + refreshing, and her hand and figure looked so pretty in the operation, + that, with a sigh of departing resolution, he gave in, put his hat on the + floor, and sat down opposite to the tempter. + </p> + <p> + Grey took a cup of tea, and then another. He thought he had never tasted + anything so good. The delicious rich cream, and the tempting plate of + bread and butter were too much for him. He fairly gave way, and resigned + himself to physical enjoyment, and sipped his tea, and looked over his cup + at Mary, sitting there bright and kind and ready to go on pouring out for + him to any extent. It seemed to him as if an atmosphere of light and joy + surrounded her, within the circle of which he was sitting and absorbing. + Tea was the only stimulant that Grey ever took, and he had more need of it + than usual, for he had given away the chop, which was his ordinary dinner, + to a starving woman. He was faint with fasting and the bad air of the + hovels in which he had been spending his morning. The elegance of the + room, the smell of the flowers, the charm of companionship with a young + woman of his own rank, and the contrast of the whole to his common way of + life, carried him away, and hopes and thoughts began to creep into his + head to which he had long been a stranger. Mary did her very best to make + his visit pleasant to him. She had a great respect for the self-denying + life which she knew he was leading; and the nervousness and shyness of his + manners were of a kind, which, instead of infecting her, gave her + confidence, and made her feel quite at her ease with him. She was so + grateful to him for having delivered her out of her recent embarrassment, + that she was more than usually kind in her manner. + </p> + <p> + She saw how he was enjoying himself; and thought what good it must do him + to forget his usual occupations for a short time. So she talked positive + gossip to him, risked his opinion on riding habits, and very soon was + telling him the plot of a new novel which she had just been reading, with + an animation and playfulness which would have warmed the heart of an + anchorite. For a short quarter of an hour Grey resigned himself; but at + the end of that time he became suddenly and painfully conscious of what he + was doing, and stopped himself short in the middle of an altogether + worldly compliment, which he detected himself in the act of paying to his + too fascinating young hostess. He felt that retreat was his only chance, + and so grasped his hat again, and rose with a deep sigh, and a sudden + change of manner which alarmed Mary. + </p> + <p>“I hope you are not ill, Mr. Grey?” she said, anxiously.</p> + <p> + “No, not the least, thank you. But—but—in short, I must go to my + work. I ought to apologize, indeed, for having stayed so long.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you have not been here more than twenty minutes. Pray stay, and + see mamma; she must be in directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; you are very kind. I should like it very much, but + indeed I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + Mary felt that it would be no kindness to press it further, and so rose + herself, and held out her hand. Grey took it, and it is not quite certain + to this day whether he did not press it in that farewell shake more than + was absolutely necessary. If he did, we may be quite sure that he + administered exemplary punishment to himself afterwards for so doing. He + would gladly have left now, but his over-sensitive conscience forbade it. + He had forgotten his office, he thought, hitherto, but there was time yet + not to be altogether false to it. So he looked grave and shy again, and + said, + </p> + <p> + “You will not be offended with me, Miss Porter, if I speak to you as + a clergyman?” + </p> + <p>Mary was a little disconcerted, but answered almost immediately,—</p> + <p> + “Oh, no. Pray say anything which you think you ought to say.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid there must be a great temptation in living always in + beautiful rooms like this, with no one but prosperous people. Do you not + think so?” + </p> + <p> + “But one cannot help it. Surely, Mr. Grey, you do not think it can + be wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not wrong. But it must be very trying. It must be very + necessary to do something to lessen the temptation of such a life.” + </p> + <p>“I do not understand you. What could one do?”</p> + <p> + “Might you not take up some work which would not be pleasant, such + as visiting the poor?” + </p> + <p> + “I should be very glad; but we do not know any poor people in + London.” + </p> + <p>“There are very miserable districts near here.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, and papa and mamma are very kind, I know, in helping whenever + they can hear of a proper case. But it is so different from the country. + There it is so easy and pleasant to go into the cottages where everyone + knows you, and most of the people work for papa, and one is sure of being + welcomed, and that nobody will be rude. But here I should be afraid. It + would seem so impertinent to go to people's houses of whom one knows + nothing. I should never know what to say.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not easy or pleasant duty which is the best for us. Great + cities could never be evangelized, Miss Porter, if all ladies thought as + you do.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Mr. Grey,” said Mary, rather nettled, “that + everyone has not the gift of lecturing the poor, and setting them right; + and, if they have not, they had better not try to do it. And as for the + rest, there is plenty of the same kind of work to be done, I believe, + amongst the people of one's own class.” + </p> + <p>“You are joking, Miss Porter.”</p> + <p> + “No, I am not joking at all. I believe that rich people are quite as + unhappy as poor. Their troubles are not the same, of course, and are + generally of their own making. But troubles of the mind are worse, surely, + than troubles of the body?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; and it is the highest work of the ministry to deal with + spiritual trials. But you will pardon me for saying that I cannot think + this is the proper work for—for—” + </p> + <p> + “For me, you would say. We must be speaking of quite different + things, I am sure. I only mean that I can listen to the troubles and + grievances of anyone who likes to talk of them to me, and try to comfort + them a little, and to make things look brighter, and to keep cheerful. It + is not easy always even to do this.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not, indeed. But would it not be easier if you could do as I + suggest? Going out of one's own class, and trying to care for and help the + poor, braces the mind more than anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to know my cousin Katie,” said Mary, glad to make a + diversion; “that is just what she would say. Indeed, I think you + must have seen her at Oxford; did you not?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I had the honor of meeting her at the rooms of a friend. + I think he said she was also a cousin of his.” + </p> + <p>“Mr. Brown, you mean? Yes; did you know him?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. You will think it strange, as we are so very unlike; but I + knew him better than I knew almost any one.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Katie is very anxious about him. I hope you thought well of + him. You do not think he is likely to go very wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed. I could wish he were sounder on Church questions, but + that may come. Do you know that he is in London?” + </p> + <p>“I had heard so.”</p> + <p> + “He has been several times to my schools. He used to help me at + Oxford, and has a capital way with the boys.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the clock on the mantel-piece struck a quarter. The sound + touched some chord in Grey which made him grasp his hat again, and prepare + for another attempt to get away. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will pardon—” He pulled himself up short, in the + fear lest he were going again to be false (as he deemed it) to his + calling, and stood the picture of nervous discomfort. + </p> + <p> + Mary came to his relief. “I am sorry you must go, Mr. Grey,” + she said; “I should have so liked to have talked to you more about + Oxford. You will call again soon, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + At which last speech Grey, casting an imploring glance at her, muttered + something which she could not catch, and fled from the room. + </p> + <p> + Mary stood looking dreamily out of the window for a few minutes, till the + entrance of her mother roused her, and she turned to pour out a cup of tea + for her. + </p> + <p>“It is cold, mamma dear; do let me make some fresh.”</p> + <p> + “No, thank you, dear; this will do very well,” said Mrs. + Porter; and she took off her bonnet and sipped the cold tea. Mary watched + her silently for a minute, and then, taking the letter she had been + reading out of her pocket, said, “I have a letter from Katie, + mamma.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Porter took the letter and read it; and, as Mary still watched, she + saw a puzzled look coming over her mother's face. Mrs. Porter finished the + letter, and then looked stealthily at Mary, who on her side was now busily + engaged in putting up the tea-things. + </p> + <p>“It is very embarrassing,” said Mrs. Porter.</p> + <p>“What, mamma?”</p> + <p> + “Oh, of course, my dear, I mean Katie's telling us of her cousin's + being in London, and sending us his address—” and then she paused. + </p> + <p>“Why, mamma?”</p> + <p> + “Your papa will have to make up his mind whether he will ask him to + the house. Katie would surely never have told him that she has + written.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. and Mrs. Brown were so very kind. It would seem so strange, so + ungrateful, not to ask him.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid he is not the sort of young man—in short, I must speak + to your papa.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Porter looked hard at her daughter, who was still busied with the + tea-things. She had risen, bonnet in hand, to leave the room; but now + changed her mind, and, crossing to her daughter, put her arm round her + neck. Mary looked up steadily into her eyes, then blushed slightly, and + said quietly, + </p> + <p>“No, mamma; indeed, it is not as you think.”</p> + <p> + Her mother stooped and kissed her, and left the room, telling her to get + dressed, as the carriage would be round in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + Her trials for the day were not over. She could see by their manner at + dinner that her father and mother had been talking about her. Her father + took her to a ball in the evening, where they met St. Cloud, who fastened + himself to them. She was dancing a quadrille, and her father stood near + her, talking confidentially to St. Cloud. In the intervals of the dance, + scraps of their conversation reached her. + </p> + <p>“You knew him, then, at Oxford?”</p> + <p>“Yes, very slightly.”</p> + <p> + “I should like to ask you now, as a friend—” Here Mary's + partner reminded her that she ought to be dancing. When she had returned + to her place again she heard— + </p> + <p>“You think, then, that it was a bad business?”</p> + <p> + “It was notorious in the college. We never had any doubt on the + subject.” + </p> + <p> + “My niece has told Mrs. Porter that there really was nothing wrong + in it.” + </p> + <p>“Indeed? I am happy to hear it.”</p> + <p> + “I should like to think well of him, as he is a connexion of my + wife. In other respects now—” + </p> + <p> + Here again she was carried away by the dance. When she returned, she + caught the end of a sentence of St. Cloud's, “You will consider what + I have said in confidence?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Mr. Porter; “and I am exceedingly + obliged to you.” And then the dance was over, and Mary returned to + her father's side. She had never enjoyed a ball less than this, and + persuaded her father to leave early, which he was delighted to do. + </p> + <p> + When she reached her own room, Mary took off her wreath and ornaments, and + then sat down and fell into a brown study, which lasted for some time. At + last she roused herself with a sigh, and thought she had never had so + tiring a day, though she could hardly tell why, and felt half inclined to + have a good cry, if she could only have made up her mind what about. + However, being a sensible young woman, she resisted the temptation, and + hardly taking the trouble to roll up her hair, went to bed and slept + soundly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Porter found his wife sitting up for him; they were evidently both + full of the same subject. + </p> + <p>“Well, dear?” she said, as he entered the room.</p> + <p>Mr. Porter put down his candle, and shook his head.</p> + <p> + “You don't think Katie can be right then? She must have capital + opportunities of judging, you know, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is no judge. What can a girl like Katie know about such + things?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear, do you know I really cannot think there was anything + very wrong, though I did think so at first, I own.” + </p> + <p> + “But I find that his character was bad—decidedly bad—always. Young + St. Cloud didn't like to say much to me, which was natural, of course. + Young men never like to betray one another; but I could see what he + thought. He is a right-minded young man and very agreeable.” + </p> + <p>“I do not take to him very much.”</p> + <p> + “His connexions and prospects, too, are capital. I sometimes think + he has a fancy for Mary. Haven't you remarked it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear. But as to the other matter? Shall you ask him + here?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear, I do not think there is any need. He is only in town, I + suppose, for a short time, and it is not at all likely that we should know + where he is, you see.” + </p> + <p>“But if he should call?”</p> + <p> + “Of course then we must be civil. We can consider then what is to be + done.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0045"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLIV—THE INTERCEPTED LETTER-BAG</h2> + <p> + “Dear Katie;—At home, you see, without having answered your last + kind letter of counsel and sympathy. But I couldn't write in town, I was + in such a queer state all the time. I enjoyed nothing, not even the match + at Lord's, or the race; only walking at night in the square, and watching + her window, and seeing her at a distance in Rotten Row.” + </p> + <p> + “I followed your advice at last, though it went against the grain + uncommonly. It did seem so unlike what I had a right to expect from + them—after all the kindness my father and mother had shown them when they + came into our neighborhood, and after I had been so intimate there, + running in and out just like a son of their own—that they shouldn't take + the slightest notice of me all the time I was in London. I shouldn't have + wondered if you hadn't explained; but after that, and after you had told + them my direction, and when they knew that I was within five minutes' walk + of their house constantly (for they knew all about Grey's schools, and + that I was there three or four times a week), I do think it was too bad. + However, as I was going to tell you, I went at last, for I couldn't leave + town without trying to see her; and I believe I have finished it all off. + I don't know. I'm very low about it, at any rate, and want to tell you all + that passed, and to hear what you think. I have no one to consult but you, + Katie. What should I do without you? But you were born to help and comfort + all the world. I shan't rest till I know what you think about this last + crisis in my history.” + </p> + <p> + “I put off going till my last day in town, and then called twice. + The first time, 'not at home.' But I was determined now to see somebody + and make out something; so I left my card, and a message that, as I was + leaving town next day, I would call again. When I called again at 6 + o'clock, I was shown into the library, and presently your uncle came in. I + felt very uncomfortable, and I think he did too; but he shook hands + cordially enough, asked why I had not called before, and said he was sorry + to hear I was going out of town so soon. Do you believe he meant it? I + didn't. But it put me out, because it made it look as if it had been my + fault that I hadn't been there before. I said I didn't know that he would + have liked me to call, but I felt that he had got the best of the + start.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he asked after all at home, and talked of his boys, and how + they were getting on at school. By this time I had got my head again; so I + went back to my calling, and said that I had felt that I could never come + to their house as a common acquaintance, and, as I did not know whether + they would ever let me come in any other capacity, I had kept away till + now.” + </p> + <p> + “Your uncle didn't like it, I know; for he got up and walked about, + and then said he didn't understand me. Well, I was quite reckless by this + time. It was my last chance, I felt; so I looked hard into my hat, and + said that I had been over head and ears in love with Mary for two years. + Of course there was no getting out of the business after that. I kept on + staring into my hat; so I don't know how he took it; but the first thing + he said was that he had had some suspicions of this, and now my confession + gave him a right to ask me several questions. In the first place, had I + ever spoken to her? No; never directly. What did I mean by directly? I + meant that I had never either spoken or written to her on the subject—in + fact, I hadn't seen her except at a distance for the last two years—but I + could not say that she might not have found it out from my manner. Had I + ever told anyone else? No. And this was quite true, Katie, for both you + and Hardy found it out.” + </p> + <p> + “He took a good many turns before speaking again. Then he said I had + acted as a gentleman hitherto and he should be very plain with me. Of + course I must see that, looking at my prospects and his daughter's, it + could not be an engagement which he could look on with much favor from a + worldly point of view. Nevertheless, he had the highest respect and regard + for my family, so that, if in some years' time I was in a position to + marry, he should not object on this score; but there were other matters + which were in his eyes of more importance. He had heard (who could have + told him?) that I had taken up very violent opinions—opinions which, to + say nothing more of them, would very much damage my prospects of success + in life; and that I was in the habit of associating with the advocates of + such opinions—persons who, he must say, were not fit companions for a + gentleman—and of writing violent articles in low revolutionary newspapers, + such as the <i>Wessex Freeman</i>. Yes, I confessed I had written. Would I + give up these things? I had a great mind to say flat, no, and I believe I + ought to have; but as his tone was kind, I couldn't help trying to meet + him. So I said I would give up writing or speaking publicly about such + matters, but I couldn't pretend not to believe what I did believe. + Perhaps, as my opinions had altered so much already, very likely they + might again.” + </p> + <p> + “He seemed to be rather amused at that, and said he sincerely hoped + they might. But now came the most serious point; he had heard very bad + stories of me at Oxford, but he would not press me with them. There were + too few young men whose lives would bear looking into for him to insist + much on such matters, and he was ready to let bygones be bygones. But I + must remember that he had himself seen me in one very awkward position. I + broke in, and said I had hoped that had been explained to him. I could not + defend my Oxford life; or could not defend myself as to this particular + case at one time; but there had been nothing in it that I was ashamed of + since before the time I knew his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “On my honour, had I absolutely and entirely broken off all + relations with her? He had been told that I still kept up a correspondence + with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I still wrote to her, and saw her occasionally; but it was + only to give her news of a young man from her village, who was now serving + in India. He had no other way of communicating with her.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a most curious arrangement; did I mean that this young man + was going to be married to her?” + </p> + <p>“I hoped so.”</p> + <p> + “Why should he not write to her at once, if they were engaged to be + married?” + </p> + <p> + “They were not exactly engaged; it was rather hard to explain. Here + your uncle seemed to lose patience, for he interrupted me and said, + 'Really, it must be clear to me, as a reasonable man, that, if this + connexion were not absolutely broken off, there must be an end of + everything, so far as his daughter was concerned. Would I give my word of + honor to break it off at once, and completely?' I tried to explain again; + but he would have nothing but 'yes' or 'no.' Dear Katie, what could I do? + I have written to Patty that, till I die, she may always reckon on me as + on a brother; and I promised Harry never to lose sight of her, and to let + her know everything that happens to him. Your uncle would not hear me; so + I said, “No.” And he said, 'Then our interview had better + end,' and rang the bell. Somebody, I'm sure, has been slandering me to + him; who can it be?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't say another word, or offer to shake hands, but got up and + walked out of the room, as it was no good waiting for the servant to come. + When I got into the hall the front door was open, and I heard her voice. I + stopped dead short. She was saying something to some people who had been + out riding with her. The next moment the door shut, and she tripped in in + her riding-habit, and grey gloves, and hat, with the dearest little grey + plume in it. She went humming along, and up six or eight steps, without + seeing me. Then I moved a step, and she stopped and looked and gave a + start. I don't know whether my face was awfully miserable, but, when our + eyes met, her's seemed to fill with pity and uneasiness, and inquiry, and + the bright look to melt away altogether; and then she blushed and ran down + stairs again, and held out her hand, saying, 'I am so glad to see you, + after all this long time.' I pressed it, but I don't think I said + anything. I forget; the butler came into the hall, and stood by the door. + She paused another moment, looked confused, and then, as the library door + opened, went away up stairs, with a kind 'good-bye.' She dropped a little + bunch of violets, which she had worn in the breast of her habit, as she + went away. I went and picked them up, although your uncle had now come out + of the library, and then made the best of my way into the street.” + </p> + <p> + “There, Katie, I have told you everything, exactly as it happened. + Do write to me, dear, and tell me, now, what you think. Is it all over? + What can I do? Can you do anything for me? I feel it is better in one + respect. Her father can never say now that I didn't tell him all about it. + But what is to happen? I am so restless. I can settle to nothing, and do + nothing, but fish. I moon away all my time by the water-side, dreaming. + But I don't mean to let it beat me much longer. Here's the fourth day + since I saw her. I came away the next morning. I shall give myself a week; + and, dear, do write me a long letter at once, and interpret it all to me. + A woman knows so wonderfully what things mean. But don't make it out + better than you really think. Nobody can stop my going on loving her, + that's a comfort; and while I can do that, and don't know she loves + anybody else, I ought to be happier than any other man in the world. Yes, + I ought to be, but I ain't. I will be, though; see if I won't. Heigho! Do + write directly, my dear counsellor, to your affectionate cousin. T.B. + </p> + <p> + “P. S.—I had almost forgotten my usual budget. I enclose my last + from India. You will see by it that Harry is getting on famously. I am + more glad than I can tell you that my friend East has taken him as his + servant. He couldn't be under a better master. Poor Harry! I sometimes + think his case is more hopeless than my own. How is it to come right? or + mine?” + </p> + <h3>ENGLEBOURN</h3> + <p> + “DEAR COUSIN,—You will believe how I devoured your letter; though, + when I had read the first few lines and saw what was coming, it made me + stop and tremble. At first I could have cried over it for vexation; but, + now I have thought about it a little, I really do not see any reason to be + discouraged. At any rate, Uncle Robert now knows all about it, and will + get used to the idea, and Mary seems to have received you just as you + ought to have wished that she should. I am thankful that you have left off + pressing me to write to her about you, for I am sure that would not be + honorable; and, to reward you, I enclose a letter of hers, which came + yesterday. You will see that she speaks with such pleasure of having just + caught a glimpse of you that you need not regret the shortness of the + interview. You could not expect her to say more, because, after all, she + can only guess; and I cannot do more than answer as if I were quite + innocent too. I am sure you will be very thankful to me some day for not + having been your mouthpiece, as I was so very near being. You need not + return the letter. I suppose I am getting more hopeful as I grow + older—indeed, I am sure I am; for three or four years ago I should have + been in despair about you, and now I am nearly sure that all will come + right.” + </p> + <p> + “But, indeed, cousin Tom, you cannot, or ought not to wonder at + Uncle Robert's objecting to your opinions. And then I am so surprised to + find you saying that you think you may very likely change them. Because, + if that is the case, it would be so much better if you would not write and + talk about them. Unless you are quite convinced of such things as you + write in that dreadful paper, you really ought not to go on writing them + so very much as if you believed them.” + </p> + <p> + “And now I am speaking to you about this, which I have often had on + my mind to speak to you about, I must ask you not to send me that + <i>Wessex Freeman</i> any more. I am always delighted to hear what you + think; and there is a great deal in the articles you mark for me which + seems very fine; and I dare say you quite believe it all when you write + it. Only I am afraid lest papa or anyone of the servants should open the + papers, or get hold of them after I have opened them; for I am sure there + are a great many wicked things in the other parts of the paper. So, please + do not send it to me, but write and tell me yourself anything that you + wish me to know of what you are thinking about and doing. As I did not + like to burn the papers, and was afraid to keep them here, I have + generally sent them on to your friend Mr. Hardy. He does not know who + sends them; and now you might send them yourself straight to him, as I do + not know his address in the country. As you are going up again to keep a + term, I wish you would talk them over with him, and see what he thinks + about them. You will think this very odd of me, but you know you have + always said how much you rely on his judgment, and that you have learnt so + much from him. So I am sure you would wish to consult him; and, if he + thinks that you ought to go on writing, it will be a great help to you to + know it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so very glad to be able to tell you how well Martha is getting + on. I have always read to her the extracts from the letters from India + which you have sent me, and she is very much obliged to you for sending + them. I think there is no doubt that she is, and always has been, attached + to poor widow Winburn's son, and, now that he is behaving so well, I can + see that it gives her great pleasure to hear about him. Only, I hope he + will be able to come back before very long, because she is very much + admired, and is likely to have so many chances of settling in life, that + it is a great chance whether attachment to him will be strong enough to + keep her single if he should be absent for many years.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know I have a sort of superstition, that your fate hangs + upon theirs in some curious manner—the two stories have been so + interwoven—and that they will both be settled happily much sooner than we + dare to hope even just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't think, my dear cousin, that this letter is cold, or that I do + not take the very deepest interest in all that concerns you. You and Mary + are always in my thoughts, and there is nothing in the world I would not + do for you both which I thought would help you. I am sure it would do you + harm if I were only a go-between. Papa is much as usual. He gets out a + good deal in his chair in the sun this fine weather. He desires me to say + how glad he should be if you will come over soon and pay us a visit. I + hope you will come very soon.” + </p> + <p>“Ever believe me, dear Tom,</p> + <p>“Your affectionate cousin,</p> + <h3>“KATIE.”</h3> + <p>“November.</p> + <p> + “DEAR TOM,—I hear that what you in England call a mail is to leave + camp this evening; so, that you may have no excuse for not writing to me + constantly, I am sitting down to spin you such a yarn as I can under the + disadvantages circumstances in which this will leave me. + </p> + <p> + “This time last year, or somewhere thereabouts, I was enjoying + academic life with you at Oxford; and now here I am, encamped at some + unpronounceable place beyond Umbala. You won't be much the wiser for that. + What do you know about Umbala? I didn't myself know that there was such a + place till a month ago, when we were ordered to march up here. But one + lives and learns. Marching over India has its disagreeables, of which + dysentery and dust are about the worst. A lot of our fellows are down with + the former; amongst others my captain; so I am in command of the company. + If it were not for the glorious privilege of grumbling, I think that we + should all own that we liked the life. Moving about, though one does get + frozen and broiled regularly once in twenty-four hours, suits me; besides, + they talk of matters coming to a crisis, and no end of fighting to be done + directly. You'll know more about what's going on from the papers than we + do, but here they say the ball may begin any day; so we are making forced + marches to be up in time. I wonder how I shall like it. Perhaps, in my + next, I may tell you how a bullet sounds when it comes at you. If there is + any fighting, I expect our regiment will make their mark. We are in + tip-top order; the colonel is a grand fellow, and the regiment feels his + hand down to the youngest drummer boy. What a deal of good I will do when + I'm a colonel! + </p> + <p> + “I duly delivered the enclosure in your last to your convict, who is + rapidly ascending the ladder of promotion. I am disgusted at this myself, + for I have had to give him up, and there never was such a jewel of a + servant; but, of course, it's a great thing for him. He is covering + sergeant of my company, and the smartest coverer we have, too. I have got + a regular broth of a boy, an Irishman, in his place, who leads me a dog of + a life. I took him chiefly because he very nearly beat me in a foot-race. + Our senior major is a Pat himself, and, it seems, knew something of + Larry's powers. So, one day at mess, he offered to back him against anyone + in the regiment for 200 yards. My captain took him up and named me, and + the race came off next day; and a precious narrow thing it was, but I + managed to win by a neck for the honor of the old school. He is a lazy + scatter-brained creature, utterly indifferent to fact, and I am obliged to + keep the brandy flask under lock and key; but the humour and absolute + good-temper of the animal impose upon me, and I really think he is + attached to me. So I keep him on, grumbling horribly at the change from + that orderly, punctual, clean, accurate convict. Depend upon it, that + fellow will do. He makes his way everywhere, with officers and men. He is + a gentleman at heart, and, by the way, you would be surprised at the + improvement in his manners and speech. There is hardly a taste of + Berkshire left in his <i>deealect</i>. He has read all the books I could + lend him or borrow for him and is fast picking up Hindustanee. So you see, + after all, I am come round to your opinion that we did a good afternoon's + work on that precious stormy common when we carried off the convict from + the authorities of his native land, and was first under fire. As you are a + performer in that line, couldn't you carry off his sweetheart and send her + out here? After the sea voyage there isn't much above 1,000 miles to come + by dauk; and tell her, with my compliments, he is well worth coming twice + the distance for. Poor fellow! It is a bad lookout for him, I'm afraid, as + he may not get home this ten years; and, though he isn't a kind to be + easily lolled, there are serious odds against him, even if he keeps all + right. I almost wish you had never told me his story. + </p> + <p> + “We are going into cantonments as soon as this expedition is over, + in a splendid pig district, and I look forward to some real sport. All the + men who have had any tell me it beats the best fox hunt all to fits for + excitement. I have got my eye on a famous native horse, who is to be had + cheap. The brute is in the habit of kneeling on his masters, and tearing + them with his teeth when he gets them off, but nothing can touch him while + you keep on his back. 'Howsumdever,' as your countrymen say, I shall have + a shy at him, if I can get him at my price. + </p> + <p> + “I've nothing more to say. There's nobody you knew here, except the + convict sergeant, and it is awfully hard to fill a letter home unless you + have somebody to talk about. Yes, by the way, there is one little fellow, + an ensign, just joined, who says he remembers us at school. He can't be + more than eighteen or nineteen, and was an urchin in the lower school, I + suppose, when we were leaving. I don't remember his face, but it's a very + good one, and he is a bright gentlemanly youngster as you would wish to + see. His name is Jones. Do you remember him? He will be a godsend to me. I + have him to chum with me on this march. + </p> + <p> + “Keep up your letters as you love me. You at home little know what + it is to enjoy a letter. Never mind what you put in it; anything will do + from home, and I've nobody much else to write to me. + </p> + <p> + “There goes the 'assembly.' Why, I can't think, seeing that we have + done our day's march. However, I must turn out and see what's up.” + </p> + <h3>* * * * * * * * * *</h3> + <p>“December.</p> + <p> + “I have just fallen on this letter, which I had quite forgotten, or, + rather, had fancied I had sent off to you three weeks and more ago. My + baggage has just come to hand, and the scrawl turned up in my paper cases. + Well, I have plenty to tell you now, at any rate, if I have time to tell + it. That 'assembly' which stopped me short sounded in consequence of the + arrival of one of the commander-in-chief's aides in our camp with the news + that the enemy was over the Sutlej. We were to march at once, with two + six-pounders and a squadron of cavalry, on a fort occupied by an outlying + lot of them which commanded a ford, and was to be taken and destroyed, and + the rascals who held it dispersed; after which we were to join the main + army. Our colonel had the command, so we were on the route within an hour, + leaving a company and the baggage to follow as it could; and from that + time to this, forced marching and hard fighting have been the order of the + day. + </p> + <p> + “We drew first blood next morning. The enemy were in some force + outside the fort, and showed fight in very rough ground covered with + bushes, out of which we had to drive them, which we did after a sharp + struggle, and the main body drew off altogether. Then the fort had to be + taken. Our two guns worked away at it till dark. In the night two of the + gunners, who volunteered for the service, crept close up to the place, and + reported that there was nothing to hinder our running right into it. + Accordingly the colonel resolved to rush it at daybreak, and my company + was told off to lead. The captain being absent, I had to command. I was + with the dear old chief the last thing at night, getting his instructions; + ten minutes with him before going into action would make a hare fight. + </p> + <p> + “There was cover to within one hundred and fifty yards of the place; + and there I, and poor little Jones; and the men, spent the night in a dry + ditch. An hour before daybreak we were on the alert, and served out + rations, and then they began playing tricks on one another as if we were + out for a junketing. I sat with my watch in my hand, feeling queer, and + wondering whether I was a greater coward than the rest. Then came a streak + of light. I put up my watch, formed the men; up went a rocket, my signal, + and out into the open we went at the double. We hadn't got over a third of + the ground when bang went the fort guns, and the grape-shot were whistling + about our ears; so I shouted 'Forward!' and away we went as hard as we + could go. I was obliged to go ahead, you see, because every man of them + knew I had beaten Larry, their best runner, when he had no gun to carry; + but I didn't half like it, and should have blessed any hole or bramble + which would have sent me over and given them time to catch me. But the + ground was provokingly level; and so I was at the first mound and over it + several lengths in front of the men, and among a lot of black fellows + serving the guns. They came at me like wild cats, and how I got off is a + mystery. I parried a cut from one fellow, and dodged a second; a third + rushed at my left side. I just caught the flash of his tulwar, and thought + it was all up, when he jumped into the air, shot through the heart by + Sergeant Winburn; and the next moment Master Larry rushed by me and + plunged his bayonet into my friend in front. It turned me as sick as a + dog. I can't fancy anything more disagreeable than seeing the operation + for the first time, except being struck oneself. The supporting companies + were in in another minute, with the dear old chief himself, who came up + and shook hands with me, and said I had done credit to the regiment. Then + I began to look about, and missed poor little Jones. We found him about + twenty yards from the place with two grape-shot through him, stone dead, + and smiling like a child asleep. We buried him in the fort. I cut off some + of his hair, and sent it home to his mother. Her last letter was in his + breast pocket, and a lock of bright brown hair of some one's. I sent them + back, too, and his sword. + </p> + <p> + “Since then we have been with the army, and had three or four + general actions; about which I can tell you nothing, except that we have + lost about the third of the regiment, and have always been told we have + won. Steps go fast enough; my captain died of wounds and dysentery a week + ago; so I have the company in earnest. How long I shall hold it, is + another question; for, though there's a slack, we haven't done with sharp + work yet, I can see. + </p> + <p> + “How often we've talked, years ago, of what it must feel like going + into battle! Well, the chief thing I felt when the grape came down pretty + thick for the first time, as we were advancing, was a sort of gripes in + the stomach which made me want to go forward stooping. But I didn't give + in to it; the chief was riding close behind us, joking the youngsters who + were ducking their heads, and so cheery and cool, that he made old + soldiers of us at once. What with smoke, and dust, and excitement, you + know scarcely anything of what is going on. The finest sight I have seen + is the artillery going into action. Nothing stops those fellows. Places + you would crane at out hunting they go right over, guns, carriages, men, + and all, leaving any cavalry we've got out here well behind. Do you know + what a nullah is? Well, it's a great gap, like a huge dry canal, fifteen + or twenty feet deep. We were halted behind one in the last great fight, + awaiting the order to advance, when a battery came up at full gallop. We + all made sure they must be pulled up the nullah. They never pulled bridle. + 'Leading gun, right turn!' sang out the subaltern; and down they went + sideways into the nullah. Then, 'Left turn;' up the other bank, one gun + after another, the horses scrambling like cats up and down places that my + men had to use their hands to scramble up, and away on the other side to + within 200 yards of the enemy; and then, round like lightning, and look + out in front. + </p> + <p> + “Altogether, it's sickening work, though there's a grand sort of + feeling of carrying your life in your hand. They say the Sepoy regiments + have behaved shamefully. There is no sign of anything like funk among our + fellows that I have seen. Sergeant Winburn has distinguished himself + everywhere. He is like my shadow, and I can see he tries to watch over my + precious carcase, and get between me and danger. He would be a deal more + missed in the world than I. Except you, old friend, I don't know who would + care much if I were knocked over to-morrow. Aunts and cousins are my + nearest relations. You know I never was a snuffler; but this sort of life + makes one serious, if one has any reverence at all in one. You'll be glad + to have this line, if you don't hear from me again. I've often thought in + the last month that we shall never see one another again in this world. + But, whether in this world or any other, you know I am and always shall + be, + </p> + <p>“Your affectionate friend,</p> + <h3>“H. EAST.”</h3> + <p>CAMP OF THE SUTLEJ, January.</p> + <p> + “DEAR MASTER TOM;—The captain's last words was, if anything happened + I was to be sure to write and tell you. And so I take up my pen, though + you will know as I am not used to writing, to tell you the misfortune as + has happened to our regiment. Because, if you was to ask any man in our + regiment, let it be who it would, he would say as the captain was the best + officer as ever led men. Not but what there's a many of them as will go to + the front as brave as lions, and don't value shot no more than if it was + rotten apples; and men as is men will go after such. But 'tis the + captain's manners and ways, with a kind word for any poor fellow as is + hurt, or sick and tired, and making no account of hisself, and, as you may + say, no bounce with him; that's what makes the difference. + </p> + <p> + “As it might be last Saturday, we came upon the enemy where he was + posted very strong, with guns all along his front, and served till we got + right up to them, the runners being cut down and bayoneted when we got + right up amongst them, and no quarter given; and there was great banks of + earth, too, to clamber over, and more guns behind; so, with the marching + up in front and losing so many officers and men, our regiment was that + wild when we got amongst them, that 'twas awful to see, and, if there was + any prisoners taken, it was more by mistake than not. + </p> + <p> + “Me and three or four more settled, when the word came to prepare + for action, to keep with the captain, because 'twas known to everyone as + no odds would stop him, and he would never mind hisself. The dust and + smoke and noise was that thick you couldn't see nor hear anything after + our regiment was in action; but, so far as I seen, when we was wheeled + into line and got the word to advance, there was as it might be as far as + from our old cottage to the Hawk's Lynch to go over before we got to the + guns which was playing into us all the way. Our line went up very steady, + only where men was knocked down; and, when we came to within a matter of + sixty yards, the officers jumped out and waved their swords, for 'twas no + use to give words, and the ranks was broken by reason of the running up to + take the guns from the enemy. Me and the rest went after the captain; but + he, being so light of foot, was first by maybe ten yards or so, at the + mound, and so up before we was by him. But, though they was all round him + like bees when we got to him, 'twas not then as he was hit. There was more + guns further on, and we and they drove on all together; and, though they + was beaten, being fine tall men and desperate, there was many of them + fighting hard, and, as you might say, a man scarcely knowed how he got + hit. I kept to the captain as close as ever I could, but there was times + when I had to mind myself. Just as we came to the last gun's, Larry, + that's the captain's servant, was trying by hisself to turn one of them + round, so as to fire on the enemy as they took the river to the back of + their lines all in a huddle. So I turned to lend him a hand; and, when I + looked round next moment, there was the captain a-staggering like a + drunken man, and he so strong and lissom up to then, and never had a + scratch since the war begun, and this the last minute of it pretty nigh, + for the enemy was all cut to pieces and drowned that day. I got to him + before he fell, and we laid him down gently, and did the best we could for + him. But he was bleeding dreadful with a great gash in his side, and his + arm broke, and two gunshot wounds. Our surgeon was killed, and 'twas hours + before his wounds was dressed, and 'twill be God's mercy if ever he gets + round; though they do say if the fever and dysentery keeps off, and he can + get out of this country and home, there's no knowing but that he may get + the better of it all, but not to serve with the regiment again for years + to come. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Master Tom, as I've told you all the captain would like as + you should know; only, being not much used to writing, I hope you will + excuse mistakes. And, if so be that it won't be too much troubling of you, + and the captain should go home, and you could write to say as things was + going on at home as before, which the captain always gave to me to read + when the mail come in, it would be a great help towards keeping up a good + heart and in a foreign land, which is hard at times to do. There is some + things which I make bold to send by a comrade going home sick. I don't + know as they will seem much, but I hope as you will accept of the sword, + which belonged to one of her officers, and the rest to her. Also, on + account of what was in the last piece as you forwarded, I send a letter to + go along with the things, if Miss Winter, who have been so kind, or you + would deliver the same. To whom I make bold to send my respects as well as + to yourself, and hoping this will find you well and all friends. + </p> + <p>“From your respectful,</p> + <h3>“HENRY WINBURN,</h3> + <p>“Colour-sergeant. 101st Regiment.”</p> + <p>“March.</p> + <p> + “My DEAR TOM;—I begin to think I may see you again yet, but it has + been a near shave. I hope Sergeant Winburn's letter, and the returns, in + which I see I was put down “dangerously wounded,” will not + have frightened you very much. The war is over; and, if I live to get down + to Calcutta you will see me in the summer, please God. The end was like + the beginning—going right up to the guns. Our regiment is frightfully cut + up; there are only 300 men left under arms—the rest dead or in hospital. I + am sick at heart at it, and weak in body, and can only write a few lines + at a time, but will get on with this as I can, in time for next mail. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p><br><br></p> + <p> + “Since beginning this letter I have had another relapse. So, in case + I should never finish it, I will say at once what I most want to say. + Winburn has saved my life more than once, and is besides one of the + noblest and bravest fellows in the world; so I mean to provide for him in + case anything should happen to me. I have made a will, and appointed you + my executor, and left him a legacy. You must buy his discharge, and get + him home and married to the Englebourn beauty as soon as possible. But + what I want you to understand is, that if the legacy isn't enough to do + this, and make all straight with her old curmudgeon of a father, it is my + first wish that whatever will do it should be made up to him. He has been + in hospital with a bad flesh wound, and has let out to me the whole of his + story, of which you had only given me the heads. If that young women does + not wait for him, and book him, I shall give up all faith in petticoats. + Now that's done I feel more at ease. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see. I haven't written for six weeks and more, just before + our last great fight. You'll know all about it from the papers long before + you get this—a bloody business; I am loath to think of it. I was knocked + over in the last of their entrenchments, and should then and there have + bled to death had it not been for Winburn. He never left me, though the + killing, and plundering, and roystering afterwards was going on all + around, and strong temptation to a fellow when his blood is up, and he + sees his comrades at it, after such work as we have had. What's more he + caught my Irish fellow and made him stay by me too, and between them they + managed to prop me up and stop the bleeding, though it was touch and go. I + never thought they would manage it. You can't think what a curious feeling + it is, the life going out of you. I was perfectly conscious, and knew all + they were doing and saying, and thought quite clearly, though in a sort of + dreamy way, about you, and a whole jumble of people and things at home. It + was the most curious painless mixture of dream and life, getting more + dreamy every minute. I don't suppose I could have opened my eyes or + spoken; at any rate I had no wish to do so, and didn't try. Several times + the thought of death came close to me; and, whether it was the odd state I + was in, or what else I don't know, but the only feeling I had, was one of + intense curiosity. I should think I must have lain there, with Winburn + supporting my head, and moistening my lips with rum-and-water, for four or + five hours, before a doctor could be got. He had managed to drive Larry + about till he had found, or borrowed, or stolen the drink, and then kept + him making short cruises in search of help in the shape of hospital-staff, + ambulances, or doctors, from which Master Larry always came back without + the slightest success. My belief is, he employed those precious minutes, + when he was from under his sergeant's eye, in looting. At last, Winburn + got impatient, and I heard him telling Larry what he was to do while he + was gone himself to find a doctor; and then I was moved as gently as if I + had been a sick girl. I heard him go off with a limp, but did not know + till long after of his wound. + </p> + <p> + “Larry had made such a wailing and to-do when they first found me, + that a natural reaction now set in, and he began gently and tenderly to + run over in his mind what could be made out of 'the captin,' and what + would become of his things. I found out this, partly through his habit of + talking to himself, and partly from the precaution which he took of + ascertaining where my watch and purse were, and what else I had upon me. + It tickled me immensely to hear him. Presently I found he was examining my + boots, which he pronounced 'iligant entirely,' and wondered whether he + could get them on. The 'serjint' would never want them. And he then + proceeded to assert, while <i>he</i> actually began unlacing them, that + the 'captin' would never have '<i>bet him</i>' but for the boots which + 'was worth ten feet in a furlong to any man.' 'Shure, 'tis too late now; + but wouldn't I like to run him agin with bare feet?' I couldn't stand + that, and just opened my eyes a little, and moved my hand, and said, + 'Done.' I wanted to add, 'you rascal,' but that was too much for me. + Larry's face of horror, which I just caught through my half-opened eyes, + would have made me roar, if I had had strength for it. I believe the + resolution I made that he should never go about in my boots helped to pull + me through; but, as soon as Winburn came back with the doctor, Master + Larry departed, and I much doubt whether I shall ever set eyes on him + again in the flesh. Not if he can help it, certainly. The regiment, what's + left of it, is away in the Punjaub, and he with it. Winburn, as I told + you, is hard hit, but no danger. I have great hopes that he will be + invalided. You may depend upon it he will escort me home, if any interest + of mine can manage it; and the dear old chief is so kind to me that I + think he will arrange it somehow. + </p> + <p> + “I must be wonderfully better to have spun such a yarn. Writing + those first ten lines nearly finished me, a week ago, and now I am + scarcely tired after all this scrawl. If that rascal, Larry, escapes + hanging another year, and comes back home, I will run him <i>yet</i>, and + thrash his head off. + </p> + <p> + “There is something marvelously life-giving in the idea of sailing + for old England again; and I mean to make a strong fight for seeing you + again, old boy. God bless you. Write again for the chance, directing to my + agents at Calcutta as before. + </p> + <p> + “Ever your half-alive, but whole-hearted and affectionate friend, + </p> + <h3>“H. EAST”</h3> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0046"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLV—MASTER'S TERM</h2> + <p> + One more look into the old college where we have spent so much time + already, not, I hope, altogether unpleasantly. Our hero is up in the + summer term, keeping his three weeks' residence, the necessary preliminary + to an M. A. degree. We find him sitting in Hardy's rooms; tea is over, + scouts out of college, candles lighted, and silence reigning, except when + distant sounds of mirth come from some undergraduates' rooms on the + opposite side of quad, through the open windows. + </p> + <p> + Hardy is deep in the budget of Indian letters, some of which we have read + in the last chapter; and Tom reads them over again as his friend finishes + them, and then carefully folds them up and puts them back in their places + in a large pocket-case. Except for an occasional explanatory remark, or + exclamation of interest, no word passes until Hardy finishes the last + letter. Then he breaks out into praises of the two Harrys, which gladdens + Tom's heart as he fastens the case, and puts it back in his pocket, + saying, “Yes, you won't find two finer fellows in a long summer's + day; no, nor in twenty.” + </p> + <p>“And you expect them home, then, in a week or two?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so. Just about the time I shall be going down.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk about going down. You haven't been here a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Just a week. One out of three. Three weeks wasted in keeping one's + Master's term! Why can't you give a fellow his degree quietly, without + making him come and kick his heels here for three weeks?” + </p> + <p> + “You ungrateful dog! Do you mean to say you haven't enjoyed coming + back, and sitting in dignity in the bachelors' seats in chapel, and at the + bachelors' table in hall, and thinking how much wiser you are than the + undergraduates? Besides, your old friends want to see you, and you ought + to want to see them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am very glad to see something of you again, old fellow. I + don't find that a year's absence has made any change in you. But who else + is there that I care to see? My old friends are gone, and the year has + made a great gap between me and the youngsters. They look on me as a sort + of don.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course they do. Why, you are a sort of don. You will be an M. A. + in a fortnight, and a member of Convocation.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely; but I don't appreciate the dignity. I can tell you + being up here now is anything but enjoyable. You have never broken with + the place. And then, you always did your duty, and have done the college + credit. You can't enter into the feelings of a fellow whose connexion with + Oxford has been quite broken off, and who wasted three parts of his time + here, when he comes back to keep his Master's.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Tom. You might have read more certainly, with benefit + to yourself and college, and taken a higher degree. But, after all, didn't + the place do you a great deal of good? and you didn't do it much harm. I + don't like to see you in this sort of gloomy state; it isn't natural to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is becoming natural. You haven't seen much of me during the last + year, or you would have remarked it. And then, as I tell you, Oxford, when + one has nothing to do in it but to moon about, thinking over one's past + follies and sins, isn't cheerful. It never was a very cheerful place to me + at the best of times.” + </p> + <p>“Not even at pulling times?”</p> + <p> + “Well, the river is the part I like best to think of. But even the + river makes me rather melancholy now. One feels one has done with + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Tom, I believe your melancholy comes from their not having + asked you to pull in the boat.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it does. Don't you call it degrading to be pulling in the + torpid in one's old age?” + </p> + <p> + “Mortified vanity, man! They have a capital boat. I wonder how we + should have liked to have been turned out for some bachelor just because + he had pulled a good oar in his day?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I don't blame the young ones, and I hope to do my duty + in the torpid. By the way, they are an uncommonly nice set of youngsters. + Much better behaved in every way than we were, unless it is that they put + on their best manners before me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't think they do. The fact is they are really fine young + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think. And I'll tell you what, Jack; since we are sitting and + talking our minds to one another at last, like old times, somebody has + made the most wonderful change in this college. I rather think it is + seeing what St. Ambrose's is now, and thinking what it was in my time, and + what an uncommon member of society I should have turned out if I had had + the luck to have been here now instead of then, that makes me down in the + mouth—more even than having to pull in the torpid instead of the racing + boat.” + </p> + <p>“You do think it is improved, then?”</p> + <p> + “Think! Why it is a different place altogether; and, as you are the + only new tutor, it must have been your doing. Now I want to know your + secret.” + </p> + <p> + “I've no secret, except taking a real interest in all that the men + do, and living with them as much as I can. You may fancy it isn't much of + a trial to me to steer the boat down or run on the bank and coach the + crew.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I remember you were beginning that before I left, in your first + year. I knew that would answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. The fact is, I find that just what I like best is the very + best thing for the men. With very few exceptions they are all glad to be + stirred up, and meet me nearly halfway in reading, and three-quarters in + everything else. I believe they would make me captain to-morrow.” + </p> + <p>“And why don't you let them?”</p> + <p> + “No; there's a time for everything. I go in in the scratch fours for + the pewters, and—more by token—my crew won them two years running. Look at + my trophies,” and he pointed to two pewter pots, engraved with the + college arms, which stood on his side-board. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I dare say you're right. But what does the president + say?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is a convert. Didn't you see him on the bank when you + torpids made your bump the other night?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you don't mean it? Well, do you know, a sort of vision of black + tights, and a broad-brimmed hat, crossed me, but I never gave it a second + thought. And so the president comes out to see the St. Ambrose boat + row?” + </p> + <p>“Seldom misses two nights running.”</p> + <p> + “Then, 'carry me out, and bury me decently'. Have you seen old Tom + walking around Peckwater lately on his clapper, smoking a cigar with the + Dean of Christ Church? Don't be afraid. I am ready for anything you like + to tell me. Draw any amount you like on my faith; I shall honor the draft + after that.” + </p> + <p> + “The president isn't a bad judge of an oar, when he sets his mind to + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't he? But, I say, Jack—no sell—how in the world did it + happen?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it happened chiefly through his talks with me. When I was + first made tutor he sent for me and told me he had heard I encouraged the + young men in boating, and he must positively forbid it. I didn't care much + about staying up; so I was pretty plain with him, and said, 'if I was not + allowed to take the line I thought best in such matters, I must resign at + the end of the term.' He assented, but afterwards thought better of it, + and sent for me again, and we had several encounters. I took my ground + very civilly but firmly, and he had to give up one objection after + another. I think the turning point was when he quoted St. Paul on me, and + said I was teaching boys to worship physical strength, instead of teaching + them to keep under their bodies and bring them into subjection. Of course + I countered him there with tremendous effect. The old boy took it very + well, only saying he feared it was no use to argue further—in this matter + of boat-racing he had come to a conclusion, not without serious thought, + many years before. However, he came round quietly. And so he has on other + points. In fact, he is a wonderfully open-minded man for his age, if you + only put things to him the right way.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he come round about gentlemen-commoners? I see you have only + two or three up.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. We haven't given up taking them altogether. I hope that may + come soon. But I and another tutor took to plucking them ruthlessly at + matriculation, unless they were quite up to the commoner standard. The + consequence was, a row in common room. We stood out, and won. Luckily, as + you know, it has always been given out here that all under-graduates, + gentlemen-commoners and commoners, have to pass the same college + examinations, and to attend the same course of lectures. You know also + what a mere sham and pretence the rule had become. Well, we simply made a + reality of it, and in answer to all objectors said, 'Is it our rule or + not? If it is, we are bound to act on it. If you want to alter it, there + are the regular ways of doing so.' After a little grumbling they let us + have our way, and the consequence is, that velvet is getting scarce at St. + Ambrose.” + </p> + <p> + “What a blessing! What other miracles have you been + performing?” + </p> + <p> + “The best reform we have carried is throwing the kitchen and cellar + open to the undergraduates.” + </p> + <p> + “W-h-e-w! That's just the sort of reform we should have appreciated. + Fancy Drysdale's lot with the key of the college cellars, at about ten + o'clock on a shiny night.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't quite understand the reform. You remember, when you were + an undergraduate you couldn't give a dinner in college, and you had to buy + your wine anywhere?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. And awful firewater we used to get. The governor supplied me, + like a wise man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we have placed the college in the relation of benevolent + father. Every undergraduate now can give two dinners a term in his own + rooms, from the kitchen; or more, if he comes and asks, and has any reason + to give. We take care that they have a good dinner at a reasonable rate, + and the men are delighted with the arrangement. I don't believe there are + three men in the college now who have hotel bills. And we let them have + all their wine out of the college cellars.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I call good common sense. Of course it must answer in + every way. And you find they all come to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Almost all. They can't get anything like the wine we give them at + the price, and they know it.” + </p> + <p>“Do you make them pay ready money?”</p> + <p> + “The dinners and wine are charged in their battel bills; so they + have to pay once a term, just as they do for their orders at + commons.” + </p> + <p>“It must swell their battel bills awfully.”</p> + <p> + “Yes, but battel bills always come in at the beginning of term when + they are flush of money. Besides, they all know that battel bills must be + paid. In a small way it is the best thing that ever was done for St. + Ambrose's. You see it cuts so many ways. Keeps men in the college, knocks + off the most objectionable bills at inns and pastry-cooks', keeps them + from being poisoned, makes them pay their bills regularly, shows them that + we like them to be able to live like gentlemen—” + </p> + <p> + “And lets you dons know what they are all about, and how much they + spend in the way of entertaining.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and a very good thing for them too. They know that we shall + not interfere while they behave like gentlemen.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, I'm not objecting. And was this your doing, too?”</p> + <p> + “No, a joint business. We hatched it in the common room, and then + the bursar spoke to the president, who was furious, and said we were + giving the sanction of the college to disgraceful luxury and extravagance. + Luckily he had not the power of stopping us, and now is convinced.” + </p> + <p> + “The goddess of common sense seems to have alighted again in the + quad of St. Ambrose. You'll never leave the place, Jack, now you're + beginning to get everything your own way.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I don't mean to stop up more than another year at + the outside. I have been tutor nearly three years now; that's about long + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you're right? You seem to have hit on your line in + life wonderfully. You like the work and the work likes you. You are doing + a heap of good up here. You'll be president in a year or two, depend on + it. I should say you had better stick to Oxford.” + </p> + <p> + “No. I should be of no use in a year or two. We want a constant + current of fresh blood here.” + </p> + <p> + “In a general way. But you don't get a man every day who can throw + himself into the men's pursuits, and can get hold of them in the right + way. And then, after all, when a fellow has got such work cut out for him + as you have, Oxford must be an uncommonly pleasant place to live + in.” + </p> + <p> + “Pleasant enough in many ways. But you seem to have forgotten how + you used to rail against it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Because I never hit off the right ways of the place. But if I + had taken a first and got a fellowship, I should like it well enough I + dare say.” + </p> + <p> + “Being a fellow, on the contrary, makes it worse. While one was an + undergraduate, one could feel virtuous and indignant at the vices of + Oxford, at least at those which one did not indulge in, particularly at + the flunkeyism and money-worship which are our most prevalent and + disgraceful sins. But when one is a fellow it is quite another affair. + They become a sore burthen then, enough to break one's heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jack, we're changing characters to-night. Fancy your coming + out in the abusive line! Why I never said harder things of Alma Mater + myself. However, there's plenty of flunkeyism and money-worship everywhere + else.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but it is not so heart-breaking in other places. When one + thinks what a great centre of learning and faith Oxford ought to be + like—that its highest educational work should just be the deliverance of + us all from flunkeyism and money-worship—and then looks at matters here + without rose-colored spectacles, it gives one sometimes a sort of chilly + leaden despondency, which is very hard to struggle against.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear you talk like that, Jack, for one can't help + loving the place after all.” + </p> + <p> + “So I do, God knows. If I didn't I shouldn't care for its + shortcomings.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the flunkeyism and money-worship were bad enough, but I don't + think they were the worst things—at least not in my day. Our neglects were + almost worse than our worships.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean the want of all reverence for parents? Well, perhaps that + lies at the root of the false worships. They spring up on the vacant + soil.” + </p> + <p> + “And the want of reverence for women, Jack. The worst of all, to my + mind!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right. But we are not at the bottom yet.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “I mean that we must worship God before we can reverence parents or + women, or root out flunkeyism and money-worship.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But, after all, can we fairly lay that sin on Oxford? Surely, + whatever may be growing up side by side with it, there's more Christianity + here than almost anywhere else.” + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of common-room Christianity—belief in a dead God. There, I + have never said it to anyone but you, but that is the slough we have to + get out of. Don't think that I despair for us. We shall do it yet; but it + will be sore work, stripping off the comfortable wine-party religion in + which we are wrapped up—work for our strongest and our wisest.” + </p> + <p>“And yet you think of leaving?”</p> + <p> + “There are other reasons. I will tell you some day. But now, to turn + to other matters, how have you been getting on this last year? You write + so seldom that I am all behind-hand.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, much the same as usual.”</p> + <p> + “Then you are still like one of those who went out to David?” + </p> + <p>“No, I'm not in debt.”</p> + <p>“But discontented?”</p> + <p> + “Pretty much like you there, Jack. However, content is no virtue, + that I can see, while there's anything to mend. Who is going to be + contented with game-preserving, and corn-laws, and grinding the faces of + the poor? David's camp was a better place than Saul's, any day.” + </p> + <p> + Hardy got up, opened a drawer, and took out a bundle of papers, which Tom + recognized as the <i>Wessex Freeman</i>. He felt rather uncomfortable, as + his friend seated himself again, and began looking them over. + </p> + <p>“You see what I have here,” he said.</p> + <p>Tom nodded.</p> + <p> + “Well, there are some of the articles I should like to ask you + about, if you don't object.” + </p> + <p>“No; go on.”</p> + <p> + “Here is one, then, to begin with. I won't read it all. Let me see; + here is what I was looking for,” and he began reading; “One + would think, to hear these landlords, our rulers, talk, that the glorious + green fields, the deep woods the everlasting hills, and the rivers that + run among them, were made for the sole purpose of ministering to their + greedy lusts and mean ambitions; that they may roll out amongst + unrealities their pitiful mock lives, from their silk and lace cradles to + their spangled coffins, studded with silver knobs, and lying coats of + arms, reaping where they have not sown, and gathering where they have not + strewed, making the omer small and the ephah great, that they may sell the + refuse of the wheat—” + </p> + <p>“That'll do, Jack; but what's the date of that paper?”</p> + <p>“July last. Is it yours, then?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. And I allow it's too strong and one-sided. I have given up + writing altogether; will that satisfy you? I don't see my own way clear + enough yet. But, for all that, I'm not ashamed of what I wrote in that + paper.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing more to say after that, except that I'm heartily + glad you have given up writing for the present.” + </p> + <p> + “But I say, old fellow, how did you get these papers, and know about + my articles?” + </p> + <p> + “They were sent me. Shall I burn them now or would you like to have + them? We needn't say anything more about them.” + </p> + <p> + “Burn them by all means. I suppose a friend sent them to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so.” Hardy went on burning the papers in silence; + and as Tom watched him, a sudden light seemed to break upon him. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Jack,” he said presently, “a little bird has + been whispering something to me about that friend.” Hardy winched a + little, and redoubled his diligence in burning the papers. Tom looked on + smiling, and thinking how to go on, now that he had so unexpectedly turned + the tables on his monitor, when the clock struck twelve. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” he said, getting up; “time for me to knock out, + or old Copas will be in bed. To go back to where we started from + to-night—as soon as East and Harry Winburn get back we shall have some + jolly doings at Englebourn. There'll be a wedding, I hope, and you'll come + over and do parson for us, won't you?” + </p> + <p>“You mean for Patty? Of course I will.”</p> + <p> + “The little bird whispered to me that you wouldn't dislike visiting + that part of the old county. Good night, Jack. I wish you success, old + fellow, with all my heart, and I hope after all that you may leave St. + Ambrose's within the year.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0047"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLVI—FROM INDIA TO ENGLEBOURN</h2> + <p> + If a knowledge of contemporary history must be reckoned as an important + element in the civilization of any people, then I am afraid that the good + folk of Englebourn must have been content, in the days of our story, with + a very low place on the ladder. How, indeed, was knowledge to percolate, + so as to reach down to the foundations of Englebournian society—the + stratum on which all others rest—the common agricultural labourer, + producer of corn and other grain, the careful and stolid nurse and + guardian of youthful oxen, sheep and pigs, many of them far better fed and + housed than his own children? All-penetrating as she is, one cannot help + wondering that she did not give up Englebourn altogether as a hopeless + job. + </p> + <p> + So far as written periodical instruction is concerned (with the exception + of the <i>Quarterly</i>, which Dr. Winter had taken in from its + commencement, but rarely opened), the supply was limited to at most half a + dozen weekly papers. A London journal, sound in Church and State + principles, most respectable but not otherwise than heavy, came every + Saturday to the rectory. The Conservative county paper was taken in at the + Red Lion; and David the constable, and the blacksmith, clubbed together to + purchase the Liberal paper, by help of which they managed to wage unequal + war with the knot of village quidnuncs, who assembled almost nightly at + the bar of the Tory beast above referred to—that king of beasts, red + indeed in colour but of the truest blue in political principle. Besides + these, perhaps three or four more papers were taken by the farmers. But, + scanty as the food was, it was quite enough for the mouths; indeed, when + the papers once passed out of the parlours, they had for the most part + performed their mission. Few of the farm-servants, male or female, had + curiosity or scholarship enough to spell through the dreary columns. + </p> + <p> + And oral teaching was not much more plentiful, as how was it likely to be? + Englebourn was situated on no trunk road, and the amount of intercourse + between it and the rest of the world was of the most limited kind. The + rector never left home; the curate at rare intervals. Most of the farmers + went to market once a week and dined at their ordinary, discussing county + politics according to their manner, but bringing home little, except as + much food and drink as they could cleverly carry. The carrier went to and + from Newbury once a week; but he was a silent man, chiefly bent on + collecting and selling butter. The postman, who was deaf, only went as far + as the next village. The waggoners drove their masters' produce to market + from time to time, and boozed away an hour or two in the kitchen, or tap, + or skittle-alley, of some small public-house in the nearest town, while + their horses rested. With the above exceptions, probably not one of the + villagers strayed ten miles from home, from year's end to year's end. As + to visitors, an occasional peddler or small commercial traveller turned up + about once a quarter. A few boys and girls, more enterprising than their + fellows, went out altogether into the world, of their own accord, in the + course of the year; and an occasional burly ploughboy, or carter's boy, + was entrapped into taking the Queen's shilling by some subtle recruiting + sergeant. But few of these were seen again, except at long intervals. The + yearly village feasts, harvest homes, or a meet of the hounds on + Englebourn Common, were the most exciting events which in an ordinary way + stirred the surface of Englebourn life; only faintest and most distant + murmurs of the din and strife of the great outer world, of wars, and + rumors of wars, the fall of governments, and the throes of nations, + reached that primitive, out-of-the-way little village. + </p> + <p> + A change was already showing itself since Miss Winter had been old enough + to look after the schools. The waters were beginning to stir; and by this + time, no doubt, the parish boasts a regular book-hawker and reading-room; + but at that day Englebourn was like one of those small ponds you may find + in some nook of a hill-side, the banks grown over with underwood, to which + neither man nor beast, scarcely the winds of heaven, have any access. When + you have found such a pond, you may create a great excitement amongst the + easy-going newts and frogs who inhabit it, by throwing in a pebble. The + splash in itself is a small splash enough, and the waves which circle away + from it are very tiny waves, but they move over the whole face of the + pond, and are of more interest to the frogs than a nor'-wester in the + Atlantic. + </p> + <p> + So the approaching return of Harry Winburn, and the story of his doings at + the wars, and of the wonderful things he had sent home, stirred Englebourn + to its depth. In that small corner of the earth, the sergeant was of far + more importance than governor-general and commander-in-chief. In fact, it + was probably the common belief that he was somehow the head of the whole + business; and India, the war, and all that hung thereon, were looked at + and cared for only as they had served to bring him out. So careless were + the good folk about everything in the matter except their own hero, and so + wonderful were the romances which soon got abroad about him, that Miss + Winter, tired of explaining again and again to the old women without the + slightest effect on the parochial faith, bethought her of having a lecture + on the subject of India and the war in the parish schoolroom. + </p> + <p> + Full of this idea, she wrote off to Tom, who was the medium of + communication on Indian matters, and propounded it to him. The difficulty + was, that Mr. Walker, the curate, the only person competent to give it, + was going away directly for a three weeks' holiday, having arranged with + two neighbouring curates to take his Sunday duty for him. What was to be + done? Harry might be back any day, it seemed; so there was no time to be + lost. Could Tom come himself, and help her? + </p> + <p> + Tom could not, but he wrote back to say that his friend Hardy was just + getting away from Oxford for the long vacation, and would gladly take Mr. + Walker's duty for the three weeks, if Dr. Winter approved, on his way + home; by which Englebourn would not be without an efficient parson on + week-days, and she would have the man of all others to help her in + utilizing the sergeant's history for the instruction of the bucolic mind. + The arrangement, moreover, would be particularly happy, because Hardy had + already promised to perform the marriage ceremony, which Tom and she had + settled would take place at the earliest possible moment after the return + of the Indian heroes. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Winter was very glad to accept the offer; and so, when they parted at + Oxford, Hardy went to Englebourn, where we must leave him for the present. + Tom went home—whence, in a few days, he had to hurry down to Southampton + to meet the two Harrys. He was much shocked at first to see the state of + his old school-fellow. East looked haggard and pale in the face, + notwithstanding the sea voyage. His clothes hung on him as if they had + been made for a man of twice his size, and he walked with difficulty by + the help of a large stick. But he had lost none of his indomitableness, + laughed at Tom's long face, and declared that he felt himself getting + better and stronger every day. + </p> + <p> + “If you had only seen me at Calcutta,” he said, “you + would sing a different song. Eh, Winburn?” + </p> + <p> + Harry Winburn was much changed, and had acquired all the composed and + self-reliant look which is so remarkable in a good non-commissioned + officer. Readiness to obey and command was stamped on every line of his + face; but it required all his powers of self-restraint to keep within + bounds his delight at getting home again. His wound was quite healed, and + his health re-established by the voyage; and, when Tom saw how wonderfully + his manners and carriage were improved, and how easily his uniform sat on + him, he felt quite sure that all would soon be right at Englebourn, and + that Katie and he would be justified in their prophecies and preparations. + The invalids had to report themselves in London, and thither the three + proceeded together. When this was done, Harry Winburn was sent off at + once. He resisted at first, and begged to be allowed to stay with his + captain until the captain could go to Berkshire himself. But he was by + this time too much accustomed to discipline not to obey a positive order, + and was comforted by Tom's assurance that he would not leave East, and + would do everything for him which the sergeant had been accustomed to do. + </p> + <p> + Three days later, as East and Tom were sitting at breakfast, a short note + came from Miss Winter, telling of Harry's arrival—how the bells were set + ringing to welcome him; how Mr. Hardy had preached the most wonderful + sermon on his story the next day; above all, how Patty had surrendered at + discretion, and the banns had been called for the first time. So the + sooner they would come down the better—as it was very important that no + time should be lost, lest some of the old jealousies and quarrels should + break out again. Upon reading and considering which letter, East resolved + to start for Englebourn at once, and Tom to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + There was one person to whom Harry's return and approaching wedding was a + subject of unmixed joy and triumph, and that was David the constable. He + had always been a sincere friend to Harry, and had stood up for him when + all the parish respectabilities had turned against him, and had prophesied + that he would live to be a credit to the place. So now David felt himself + an inch higher as he saw Harry walking about in his uniform with his + sweetheart, the admiration of all Englebourn. But, besides all the + unselfish pleasure which David enjoyed on his young friend's account, a + little piece of private and personal gratification came to him on his own. + Ever since Harry's courtship had begun, David had felt himself in a false + position towards, and had suffered under, old Simon, the rector's + gardener. The necessity for keeping the old man in good humor for Harry's + sake had always been present to the constable's mind; and for the + privilege of putting in a good word for his favorite now and then, he had + allowed old Simon to assume an air of superiority over him, and to trample + upon him and dogmatize to him, even in the matters of flowers and bees. + This had been the more galling to David on account of old Simon's + intolerant Toryism, which the constable's soul rebelled against, except in + the matter of Church music. On this point they agreed, but even here Simon + managed to be unpleasant. He would lay the whole blame of the changes + which had been effected upon David, accusing him of having given in where + there was no need. As there was nothing but a wall between the Rectory + garden and David's little strip of ground, in which he spent all his + leisure time until the shades of evening summoned him to the bar of the + Red Lion for his daily pint and pipe, the two were constantly within + hearing of one another, and Simon, in times past, had seldom neglected an + opportunity of making himself disagreeable to his long-suffering + neighbour. + </p> + <p> + But now David was a free man again; and he took the earliest occasion of + making the change in his manner apparent to Simon, and of getting, as he + called it, “upsides” with him. One would have thought, to look + at him, that the old gardener was as pachydermatous as a rhinoceros; but + somehow he seemed to feel that things had changed between them, and did + not appreciate an interview with David now nearly so much as of old. So he + found very little to do in that part of the garden which abutted on the + constable's premises. When he could not help working there, he chose the + times at which David was most likely to be engaged, or even took the + trouble to ascertain that he was not at home. + </p> + <p> + Early on Midsummer day, old Simon reared his ladder against the boundary + wall, with a view of “doctorin'” some of the fruit trees, + relying on a parish meeting, at which the constable's presence was + required. But he had not more than half finished his operations before + David had returned from vestry, and, catching sight of the top of the + ladder and Simon's head above the wall, laid aside all other business, and + descended into the garden. + </p> + <p> + Simon kept on at his work, only replying by a jerk of the head and one of + his grunts to his neighbour's salutation. + </p> + <p> + David took his coat off, and his pruning knife out, and, establishing + himself within easy shot of his old oppressor, opened fire at once— + </p> + <p>“Thou'st gi'en thy consent, then?”</p> + <p> + “'Tis no odds, consent or none—her's old enough to hev her own + waay.” + </p> + <p>“But thou'st gi'en thy consent?”</p> + <p> + “Ees, then, if thou wilt hev't,” said Simon, somewhat surlily; + “wut then?” + </p> + <p> + “So I heerd,” said David, indulging in an audible chuckle. + </p> + <p>“What bist a laughin' at?”</p> + <p> + “I be laughin' to think how folks changes. Do'st mind the hard + things as thou hast judged and said o' Harry? Not as ever I known thy + judgment to be o' much account, 'cept about roots. But thou saidst, times + and times, as a would come to the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + “So a med yet—so a med yet,” answered Simon. “Not but + wut I wishes well to un, and bears no grudges; but others as hev got the + law ov un medn't.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis he as hev got grudges to bear. He don't need none o' thy + forgiveness.” + </p> + <p> + “Pr'aps a medn't. But hev 'em got the law ov un, or hevn't + em?” + </p> + <p>“Wut do'st mean—got the law ov un?”</p> + <p> + “Thaay warrants as wur out agen un, along wi' the rest as was + transpworted auver Farmer Tester's job.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he've got no call to be afeard o' thaay now. Thou know'st I + hears how 'tis laid down in Sessions and 'Sizes, wher' I've a been this + twenty year.” + </p> + <p> + “Like enuff. Only, wut's to hinder thaay tryin' ov un, if thaay be a + minded to 't? That's what I wants to know.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis wut the counsellors calls the Statut o' Lamentations,” + said the constable, proudly. + </p> + <p>“Wutever's Lamentations got to do wi't?”</p> + <p> + “A gurt deal, I tell 'ee. What do'st thou know o' + Lamentations?” + </p> + <p>“Lamentations cums afore Ezekiel in the Bible.”</p> + <p> + “That ain't no kin to the Statut o' Lamentations. But ther's summut + like to't in the Bible,” said the constable, stopping his work to + consider a moment. “Do'st mind the year when the land wur all to be + guv back to thaay as owned it fust, and debts wur to be wiped out?” + </p> + <p>“Ees, I minds summut o' that.”</p> + <p> + “Well, this here statut says, if so be as a man hev bin to the wars, + and sarved his country like; as nothin' shan't be reckoned agen he, let + alone murder. Nothin' can't do away wi' murder.” + </p> + <p> + “No, nor oughtn't. Hows'mdever, you seems clear about the law on't. + There's Miss a callin'.” + </p> + <p> + And old Simon's head disappeared as he descended the ladder to answer the + summons of his young mistress, not displeased at having his fears as to + the safety of his future son-in-law set at rest by so eminent a legal + authority as the constable. Fortunately for Harry, the constable's law was + not destined to be tried. Young Wurley was away in London. Old Tester was + bedridden with an accumulation of diseases brought on by his bad life. His + illness made him more violent and tyrannical than ever; but he could do + little harm out of his own room, for no one ever went to see him, and the + wretched farm-servant who attended him was much too frightened to tell him + anything of what was going on in the parish. There was no one else to + revive proceedings against Harry. + </p> + <p> + David pottered on at his bees and his flowers till old Simon returned, and + ascended his ladder again. + </p> + <p> + “You be ther' still, be 'ee?” he said, as soon as he saw + David. + </p> + <p>“Ees. Any news?”</p> + <p> + “Ah, news enuff. He as wur Harry's captain and young Mr. Brown be + comin' down to-morrow, and hev tuk all the Red Lion to theirselves. And + thaay beant content to wait for banns—not thaay—and so ther's to be a + license got for Saturday. 'Taint scarce decent, that 'taint.” + </p> + <p>“'Tis best to get drough wi't,” said the constable.</p> + <p> + “Then nothin'll sarve 'em but the church must be hung wi' flowers, + and wher' be thaay to cum from without strippin' and starvin' ov my beds? + 'Tis shameful to see how folks acts wi' flowers now-a-days, a cuttin' on + 'em and puttin' on 'em about, as prodigal at though thaay growed o' + theirselves.” + </p> + <p> + “So 'tis shameful,” said David, whose sympathies for flowers + were all with Simon. “I heers tell as young Squire Wurley hevs 'em + on table at dinner-time instead o' the wittels.” + </p> + <p> + “Do'ee though! I calls it reg'lar Papistry, and so I tells Miss; but + her only laughs.” + </p> + <p> + The constable shook his head solemnly as he replied “Her've been led + away wi' such doin's ever sence Mr. Walker cum, and took to organ-playin' + and chantin'.” + </p> + <p> + “And he ain't no such gurt things in the pulpit, neether, ain't Mr. + Walker,” chimed in Simon, (the two had not been so in harmony for + years). “I reckon as he ain't nothin' to speak ov alongside o' this + here new un as hev tuk his place. He've a got a good deal o' move in un' + he hev.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, so a hev. A wunnerful sight o' things a telled us t'other + night, about the Indians and the wars.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! talking cums as nat'ral to he as buttermilk to a litterin' + sow.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou should'st a heerd un, though, about the battles. I can't mind + the neames on 'em—let me see—” + </p> + <p> + “I dwun't valley the neames,” interrupted Simon. “Thaay + makes a deal o' fuss auvert 'taal, but I dwun't tek no account on't. + Tain't like the owld wars and fightin' o' the French, this here fightin' + wi' blackamoors, let 'em talk as thaay wool.” + </p> + <p> + “No more 'tain't. But 'twur a 'mazin' fine talk as he gi'n us. Hev + 'ee seed ought 'twixt he and young missus?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothin' out o' th' common. I got plenty to do without lookin' arter + the women, and 'tain't no bisness o' mine, nor o' thine neether.” + </p> + <p> + David was preparing a stout rejoinder to this rebuke of the old retainer + of the Winter family on his curiosity, but was summoned by his wife to the + house to attend a customer; and by the time he could get out again, Simon + had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The next day East and Tom arrived, and took possession of the Red Lion; + and Englebourn was soon in a ferment of preparation for the wedding. East + was not the man to do things by halves; and, seconded as he was by Miss + Winter, and Hardy, and Tom, had soon made arrangements for all sorts of + merrymaking. The school-children were to have a whole holiday, and, after + scattering flowers at church and marching in the bridal procession, were + to be entertained in a tent pitched in the home paddock of the Rectory, + and to have an afternoon of games and prizes, and cake and tea. The + bell-ringers, Harry's old comrades, were to have five shillings apiece, + and a cricket match, and a dinner afterwards at the second public house, + to which any other of his old friends whom Harry chose to ask, were to be + also invited. The old men and women were to be fed in the village + school-room; and East and Tom were to entertain a select party of the + farmers and tradesmen, at the Red Lion; the tap of which hostelry was to + be thrown open to all comers at the Captain's expense. It was not without + considerable demur on the part of Miss Winter, that some of these + indiscriminate festivities were allowed to pass. But after consulting with + Hardy, she relented, on condition that the issue of beer at the two + public-houses should be put under the control of David, the constable, + who, on his part, promised that law and order should be well represented + and maintained on the occasion. “Arter all, Miss, you sees, 'tis + only for once in a waay,” he said; “and 'twill make 'em + remember aal as hev bin said to 'em about the Indians, and the rest + on't.” So the Captain and his abettors, having gained the constable + as an ally, prevailed; and Englebourn, much wondering at itself, made + ready for a general holiday. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0048"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLVII—THE WEDDING-DAY</h2> + <pre> + One-more-poor-man-un-done + One-more-poor-man-un-done +</pre + > + <p> + The belfry tower rocked and reeled, as that peal rang out, now merry, now + scornful, now plaintive, from whose narrow belfry windows, into the bosom + of the soft south-west wind, which was playing round the old grey tower of + Englebourn church. And the wind caught the peal and played with it, and + bore it away over Rectory and village street, and many a homestead, and + gently waving field of ripening corn, and rich pasture and water-meadow, + and tall whispering woods of the Grange, and rolled it against the + hill-side, and up the slope past the clump of firs on the Hawk's Lynch, + till it died away on the wild stretches of common beyond. + </p> + <p> + The ringers bent lustily to their work. There had been no such ringing in + Englebourn since the end of the great war. Not content with the usual peal + out of church, they came back again and again in the afternoon, full of + the good cheer which had been provided for them; and again and again the + wedding peal rang out from the belfry in honour of their old comrade— + </p> + <p>One-more-poor-man-un-done</p> + <p>One-more-poor-man-un-done</p> + <p> + Such was the ungallant speech which for many generations had been + attributed to the Englebourn wedding-bells; when you had once caught the + words—as you would be sure to do from some wide-mouthed grinning boy, + lounging over the churchyard rails to see the wedding pass—it would be + impossible to persuade yourself that they did, in fact, say anything else. + Somehow, Harry Winburn bore his undoing in the most heroic manner, and did + his duty throughout the trying day as a non-commissioned groom should. The + only part of the performance arranged by his captain which he fairly + resisted, was the proposed departure of himself and Patty to the solitary + post-chaise of Englebourn—a real old yellow—with a pair of horses. East, + after hearing the sergeant's pleading on the subject of vehicles, at last + allowed them to drive off in a tax-cart, taking a small boy with them + behind, to bring it back. + </p> + <p> + As for the festivities, they went off without hitch, as such affairs will, + where the leaders of the revels have their hearts in them. The children + had all played, and romped, and eaten and drunk themselves into a state of + torpor by an early hour of the evening. The farmers' dinner was a decided + success. East proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom, and was + followed by Farmer Grove and the constable. David turned out in a new blue + swallow-tailed coat, with metal buttons, of his own fabulous cut, in honor + of the occasion. He and the farmer spoke like the leader of the Government + and the Opposition in the House of Commons on an address to the Crown. + There was not a pin to choose between their speeches, and a stranger + hearing them would naturally have concluded that Harry had never been + anything but the model boy and young man of the parish. Fortunately, the + oratorical powers of Englebourn ended here; and East, and the majority of + his guests, adjourned to the green, where the cricket was in progress. + Each game lasted a very short time only, as the youth of Englebourn were + not experts in the noble science, and lost their wickets one after another + so fast, that Tom and Hardy had time to play out two matches with them, + and then to retire on their laurels, while the afternoon was yet young. + </p> + <p> + The old folks in the village school-room enjoyed their beef and pudding, + under the special superintendence of Miss Winter, and then toddled to + their homes, and sat about in the warmest nooks they could find, mumbling + of old times, and the doings at Dr. Winter's wedding. + </p> + <p> + David devoted himself to superintending the issue of beer, swelling with + importance, but so full of the milk of human kindness from the great event + of the day, that nobody minded his little airs. He did his duty so + satisfactorily that, with the exception of one or two regular confirmed + soakers, who stuck steadily to the tap of the Red Lion, and there managed + successfully to fuddle themselves, there was nothing like drunkenness. In + short, it was one of those rare days when everything goes right, and + everybody seems to be inclined to give and take, and to make allowances + for their neighbours. By degrees the cricket flagged, and most of the men + went off to sit over their pipes, and finish the evening in their own way. + The boys and girls took to playing at “kissing in the ring;” + and the children who had not already gone home sat in groups watching + them. + </p> + <p> + Miss Winter had already disappeared, and Tom, Hardy and the Captain began + to feel that they might consider their part finished. They strolled + together off the green towards Hardy's lodgings, the “Red + Lion” being still in possession of East's guests. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how do you think it all went off?” asked he. + “Nothing could have been better,” said Hardy; “and they + all seem so inclined to be reasonable that I don't think we shall even + have a roaring song along the street to-night when the “Red + Lion” shuts up.” + </p> + <p>“And you are satisfied, Tom?”</p> + <p> + “I should think so. I have been hoping for this day any time this + four years, and now it has come, and gone off well, too, thanks to you, + Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to me? Very good; I am open to any amount of + gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you have every reason to be satisfied with your second + day's work at Englebourn, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “So I am. I only hope it may turn out as well as the first.” + </p> + <p>“Oh, there's no doubt about that.”</p> + <p> + “I don't know. I rather believe in the rule of contraries.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “Why, when you inveigled me over from Oxford, and we carried off the + sergeant from the authorities, and defeated the yeomanry in that + tremendous thunder-storm, I thought we were a couple of idiots, and + deserved a week each in the lockup for our pains. That business turned out + well. This time we have started with flying colours and bells ringing, and + so—” + </p> + <p>“This business will turn out better. Why not?”</p> + <p> + “Then let us manage a third day's work in these parts as soon as + possible. I should like to get to the third degree of comparison, and + perhaps the superlative will turn up trumps for me somehow. Are there many + more young women in the place as pretty as Mrs. Winburn? This marrying + complaint is very catching, I find.” + </p> + <p> + “There's my cousin Katie,” said Tom, looking stealthily at + Hardy; “I won't allow that there's any face in the country-side to + match hers. What do you say, Jack?” + </p> + <p>Hardy was confused by this sudden appeal.</p> + <p> + “I haven't been long enough here to judge,” he said. “I + have always considered Miss Winter very beautiful. I see it is nearly + seven o'clock, and I have a call or two to make in the village. I should + think you ought to get some rest after this tiring day, Captain + East?” + </p> + <p>“What are you going to do, Tom?”</p> + <p> + “Well, I was thinking of just throwing a fly over the mill tail. + There's such a fine head of water on.” + </p> + <p>“Isn't it too bright?”</p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps it is a little; marrying weather and fishing weather + don't agree. Only what else is there to do? But if you are tired,” + he added, looking at East, “I don't care a straw about it. I shall + stay with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit of it. I shall hobble down with you, and lie on the bank + and smoke a cheroot.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you shan't walk, at any rate. I can borrow the constable's + pony, old Nibble, the quietest beast in the world. He'll stand for a week + if we like, while I fish and you lie and look on. I'll be off and bring + him around in two minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we shall meet for a clumsy tea at nine at my lodgings,” + said Hardy, as he went off to his pastoral duties. + </p> + <p> + Tom and East, in due time, found themselves by the side of the stream. + There was only a small piece of fishable water in Englebourn. The fine + stream, which, a mile or so below, in the Grange grounds, might be called + a river, came into respectable existence only about two hundred yards + above Englebourn Mill. Here two little chalk brooks met, and former + millers had judiciously deepened the channel, and dammed the united waters + back so as to get a respectable reservoir. Above the junction the little + weedy, bright, creeping brooks afforded good sport for small truants + groppling about with their hands, or bobbing with lob worms under the + hollow banks, but were not available for the scientific angler. The parish + ended at the fence next below the mill garden, on the other side of which + the land was part of the Grange estate. So there was just the piece of + still water above the mill, and the one field below it, over which Tom had + leave. On ordinary occasions this would have been enough, with careful + fishing, to last him till dark; but his nerves were probably somewhat + excited by the events of the day, and East sat near and kept talking; so + he got over his water faster than usual. At any rate, he had arrived for + the second time at the envious fence before the sun was down. The fish + were wondrous wary in the miller's bit of water—as might be expected, for + they led a dog of a life there, between the miller and his men and their + nets, and baits of all kinds always set. So Tom thought himself lucky to + get a couple of decent fish, the only ones that were moving within his + liberty; but he could not help looking with covetous eyes on the fine + stretch of water below, all dimpling with rises. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you get over and fish below?” said East, from his + seat on the bank; “don't mind me. I can watch you; besides, lying on + the turf on such an evening is luxury enough by itself.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't go. Both sides below belong to that fellow Wurley.” + </p> + <p>“The sergeant's amiable landlord and prosecutor?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; and the yeoman with whom you exchanged shots on the + common.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it, Tom, just jump over and catch a brace of his trout. Look + how they are rising.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't know. I never was very particular about poaching, but + somehow I shouldn't like to do it on his land. I don't like him well + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right, I believe. But just look there. There's a whopper + rising not more than ten yards below the rail. You might reach him, I + think, without trespassing, from where you stand.” + </p> + <p>“Shall I have a shy at him?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; it can't be poaching if you don't go on his grounds.” + </p> + <p> + Tom could not resist the temptation, and threw over the rails, which + crossed the stream from hedge to hedge to mark the boundaries of the + parish, until he got well over the place where the fish was rising. + </p> + <p> + “There, that was at your fly,” said East, hobbling up in great + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “All right, I shall have him directly. There he is. Hullo! Harry, I + say! Splash with your stick. Drive the brute back. Bad luck to him. Look + at that!” + </p> + <p> + The fish, when hooked, had come straight up stream towards his captor, and + notwithstanding East's attempts to frighten him back, he rushed in under + the before-mentioned walls, which were adorned with jagged nails, to make + crossing on them unpleasant for the Englebourn boys. Against one of these + Tom's line severed, and the waters closed over two beauteous flies, and + some six feet of lovely taper gut. + </p> + <p> + East laughed loud and merrily; and Tom, crestfallen as he was, was + delighted to hear the old ring coming back into his friend's voice. + </p> + <p> + “Harry, old fellow, you're picking up already in this glorious + air.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am. Two or three more weddings and fishings will set me + up altogether. How could you be so green as to throw over those rails? + It's a proper lesson to you, Tom, for poaching.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's cool. Didn't I throw down stream to please you?” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have resisted temptation. But, I say, what are you + at?” + </p> + <p>“Putting on another cast, of course.”</p> + <p>“Why, you're not going on to Wurley's land?”</p> + <p>“No; I suppose not. I must try the mill tail again.”</p> + <p> + “It's no good. You've tried it over twice, and I'm getting + bored.” + </p> + <p>“Well, what shall we do then?”</p> + <p> + “I've a mind to get up to the hill there to see the sun set—what's + its name?—where I waited with the cavalry that night, you know.” + </p> + <p>“Oh! the Hawk's Lynch. Come along, then; I'm your man.”</p> + <p> + So Tom put up his rod, and caught the old pony, and the two friends were + soon on their way towards the common, through lanes at the back of the + village. + </p> + <p> + The wind had sunk to sleep as the shadows lengthened. There was no sound + abroad except that of Nibble's hoofs on the turf,—not even the hum of + insects; for the few persevering gnats, who were still dancing about in + the slanting glints of sunshine that struck here and there across the + lanes, had left off humming. Nothing living met them except an occasional + stag-beetle, steering clumsily down the lane, and seeming like a heavy + coaster, to have as much to do as he could fairly manage in keeping clear + of them. They walked on in silence for some time, which was broken at last + by East. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't had time to tell you about my future prospects.” + </p> + <p>“How do you mean? Has anything happened?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. I got a letter two days ago from New Zealand, where I find I + am a considerable landowner. A cousin of mine has died out there and has + left me his property.” + </p> + <p>“W ell, you're not going to leave England, surely?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, I am. The doctors say the voyage will do me good, and the + climate is just the one to suit me. What's the good of my staying here? I + shan't be fit for service again for years. I shall go on half-pay, and + become an enterprising agriculturist at the Antipodes. I have spoken to + the sergeant, and arranged that he and his wife shall go with me; so, as + soon as I can get his discharge, and he has done honeymooning, we shall + start. I wish you would come with us.” + </p> + <p> + Tom could scarcely believe his ears; but soon found that East was in + earnest, and had an answer to all his remonstrances. Indeed, he had very + little to say against the plan, for it jumped with his own humour; and he + could not help admitting that, under the circumstances, it was a wise one, + and that, with Harry Winburn for his head man, East couldn't do better + than carry it out. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would soon come around to it,” said the Captain; + “what could I do dawdling about at home, with just enough money to + keep me and get me into mischief? There I shall have a position and an + object; and one may be of some use, and make one's mark in a new country. + And we'll get a snug berth ready for you by the time you're starved out of + the old country. England isn't the place for poor men with any go in + them.” + </p> + <p>“I believe you're right, Harry,” said Tom, mournfully.</p> + <p> + “I know I am. And in a few years, when we've made our fortunes, + we'll come back and have a look at the old country, and perhaps buy up + half Englebourn and lay our bones in the old church yard.” + </p> + <p>“And if we don't make our fortunes?”</p> + <p>“Then we'll stay out there.”</p> + <p> + “Well, if I were my own master I think I should make one with you. + But I could never leave my father and mother, or—or—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I understand. Of course, if matters go all right in that + quarter, I have nothing more to say. But, from what you have told me, I + thought you might be glad of a regular break in your life, a new start in + a new world.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely I may. I should have said so myself this morning. But + somehow I feel to-night more hopeful than I have for years.” + </p> + <p>“Those wedding chimes are running in your head.”</p> + <p> + “Yes; and they have lifted a load off my heart too. Four years ago I + was very near doing the greatest wrong a man can do to that girl who was + married to-day, and to that fine fellow her husband, who was the first + friend I ever had. Ever since then I have been doing my best to set + matters straight, and have often made them crookeder. But to-day they are + all straight, thank God, and I feel as if a chain were broken from off my + neck. All has come right for them, and perhaps my own time will come + before long.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure it will. I must be introduced to a certain young lady + before we start. I shall tell her that I don't mean to give up hopes of + seeing her on the other side of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here we are on the common. What a glorious sunset! Come, stir + up, Nibble. We shall be on the Lynch just in time to see him dip if we + push on.” + </p> + <p> + Nibble, the ancient pony, finding that there was no help for it, scrambled + up the greater part of the ascent successfully. But his wheezings and + roarings during the operation excited East's pity; so he dismounted when + they came to the foot of the Hawk's Lynch, and, tying Nibble's bridle to a + furze-bush—a most unnecessary precaution—set to work to scale the last and + deepest bit of the ascent with the help of his stick—and Tom's strong-arm. + </p> + <p> + They paused every ten paces or so to rest and look at the sunset. The + broad vale below lay in purple shadow; the soft flocks of little clouds + high up over their heads, and stretching away to the eastern horizon, + floated in a sea of rosy light; and the stems of the Scotch firs stood out + like columns of ruddy flame. + </p> + <p> + “Why, this beats India,” said East, putting up his hand to + shade his eyes, which were fairly dazzled by the blaze. “What a + contrast to the last time I was up here! Do you remember that awful + black-blue sky?” + </p> + <p>“Don't I? Like a night-mare. Hullo! who's here?”</p> + <p> + “Why, if it isn't the parson and Miss Winter,” said East, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + True enough, there they were, standing together on the very verge of the + mound, beyond the firs, some ten yards in front of the last comers, + looking out into the sunset. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Tom, another good omen,” whispered East; “hadn't + we better beat a retreat?” + </p> + <p> + Before Tom could answer, or make up his mind what to do, Hardy turned his + head and caught sight of them, and then Katie turned too, blushing like + the little clouds overhead. It was an embarrassing moment. Tom stammered + out that they had come up quite by chance, and then set to work, well + seconded by East, to look desperately unconscious, and to expatiate on the + beauties of the view. The light began to fade, and the little clouds to + change again from soft pink to grey, and the evening star shone out clear + as they turned to descend the hill, when the Englebourn clock chimed nine. + </p> + <p> + Katie attached herself to Tom, while Hardy helped the Captain down the + steep pitch, and on to the back of Nibble. They went a little ahead. Tom + was longing to speak to his cousin, but could not tell how to begin. At + last Katie broke the silence; + </p> + <p>“I am so vexed that this should have happened!”</p> + <p> + “Are you, dear? So am not I,” he said, pressing her arm to his + side. + </p> + <p> + “But I mean, it seems so forward—as if I had met Mr. Hardy here on + purpose. What will your friend think of me?” + </p> + <p>“He will think no evil.”</p> + <p> + “But indeed, Tom, do tell him, pray. It was quite an accident. You + know how I and Mary used to go up the Hawk's Lynch whenever we could, on + fine evenings.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, dear, I know it well.”</p> + <p> + “And I thought of you both so much to-day, that I couldn't help + coming up here.” + </p> + <p> + “And you found Hardy? I don't wonder. I should come up to see the + sun set every night, if I lived at Englebourn.” + </p> + <p> + “No. He came up sometime after me. Straight up the hill. I did not + see him till he was quite close. I could not run away then. Indeed, it was + not five minutes before you came.” + </p> + <p>“Five minutes are as good as a year sometimes.”</p> + <p>“And you will tell your friend, Tom, how it happened?”</p> + <p> + “Indeed I will, Katie. May I not tell him something more?” + </p> + <p> + He looked round for an answer, and there was just light enough to read it + in her eye. + </p> + <p> + “My debt is deepening to the Hawk's Lynch,” he said, as they + walked on through the twilight. “Blessed five minutes! Whatever else + they may take with them, they will carry my thanks for ever. Look how + clear and steady the light of that star is, just over the church tower. I + wonder whether Mary is at a great hot dinner. Shall you write to her + soon?” + </p> + <p>“Oh, yes. To-night.”</p> + <p> + “You may tell her that there is no better Englishman walking the + earth than my friend, John Hardy. Here we are at his lodgings. East and I + are going to tea with him. Wish them good night, and I will see you + home.” + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0049"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLVIII—THE BEGINNING OF THE END</h2> + <p> + From the Englebourn festivities, Tom and East returned to London. The + Captain was bent on starting for his possessions in the South Pacific; + and, as he regained strength, energized over all his preparations, and + went about in cabs purchasing agricultural implements, sometimes by the + light of nature, and sometimes under the guidance of Harry Winburn. He + invested also in something of a library, and in large quantities of + saddlery. In short, packages of all kinds began to increase and multiply + upon him. Then there was the selecting of a vessel, and all the + negotiations with the ship's captain as to terms, and the business of + getting introduced to, and conferring with, people from the colony, or who + were supposed to know something about it. Altogether, East had plenty of + work on his hands; and the more he had to do, the better and more cheery + he became. + </p> + <p> + Tom, on the contrary, was rather lower than usual. His half-formed hopes + that some good luck was going to happen to him after Patty's marriage, + were beginning to grow faint, and the contrast of his friend's definite + present purpose in life, with his own uncertainty, made him more or less + melancholy in spite of all his efforts. His father had offered him a tour + abroad, now that he had finished with Oxford, urging that he seemed to + want a change to freshen him up before buckling to a profession, and that + he would never, in all likelihood, have such another chance. But he could + not make up his mind to accept the offer. The attraction to London was too + strong for him; and, though he saw little hope of anything happening to + improve his prospects, he could not keep away from it. He spent most of + his time, when not with East, in haunting the neighborhood of Mr. Porter's + house in Belgravia, and the places where he was likely to catch distant + glimpses of Mary, avoiding all chance of actual meeting or recognition, + from which he shrank in his present frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + The nearest approach to the flame which he allowed himself was a renewal + of his old friendship with Grey, who was still working on in his + Westminister rookery. He had become a great favorite with Mrs. Porter, who + was always trying to get him to her house to feed him properly, and was + much astonished, and sometimes almost provoked, at the small success of + her hospitable endeavors. Grey was so taken up with his own pursuits that + it did not occur to him to be surprised that he never met Tom at the house + of his relations. He was innocent of all knowledge or suspicion of the + real state of things, so that Tom could talk to him with perfect freedom + about his uncle's household, picking up all such scraps of information as + Grey possessed without compromising himself or feeling shy. + </p> + <p> + Thus the two old schoolfellows lived on together after their return from + Englebourn, in a set of chambers in the Temple, which one of Tom's college + friends (who had been beguiled from the perusal of Stephen's Commentaries + and aspirations after the woolsack, by the offer of a place on board a + yacht and a cruise to Norway) had fortunately lent him. + </p> + <p> + We join company with our hero again on a fine July morning. Readers will + begin to think that, at any rate, he is always blessed with fine weather, + whatever troubles he may have to endure; but, if we are not to have fine + weather in novels, when and where are we to have it? It was a fine July + morning, then, and the streets were already beginning to feel sultry as he + worked his way westward. Grey, who had never given up hopes of bringing + Tom round to his own views, had not neglected the opportunities which this + residence in town offered, and had enlisted Tom's services on more than + one occasion. He had found him specially useful in instructing the big + boys, whom he was trying to bring together and civilize in a “Young + Men's Club,” in the rudiments of cricket on Saturday evenings. But + on the morning in question, an altogether different work was on hand. + </p> + <p> + A lady living some eight or nine miles to the north-west of London, who + took great interest in Grey's doings, had asked him to bring the children + of his night-school down to spend a day in her grounds, and this was the + happy occasion. It was before the days of cheap excursions by rail, so + that vans had to be found for the party; and Grey had discovered a + benevolent remover of furniture in Paddington, who was ready to take them + at a reasonable figure. The two vans, with awnings and curtains in the + height of fashion, and horses with tasselled ear-caps, and everything + handsome about them, were already drawn up in the midst of a group of + excited children, and scarcely less excited mothers, when Tom arrived. + Grey was arranging his forces, and labouring to reduce the Irish children, + who formed almost half his ragged little flock, into something like order, + before starting. By degrees this was managed, and Tom was placed in + command of the rear van, while Grey reserved the leading one to himself. + The children were divided and warned not to lean over the sides and fall + out—a somewhat superfluous caution—as most of them, though unused to + riding in any legitimate manner, were pretty well used to balancing + themselves behind any vehicle which offered as much as a spike to sit on, + out of sight of the driver. Then came the rush into the vans. Grey and Tom + took up their places next the doors as conductors, and the procession + lumbered off with great success, and much shouting from treble voices. + </p> + <p> + Tom soon found that he had plenty of work on his hands to keep the peace + among his flock. The Irish element was in a state of wild effervescence, + and he had to draft them down to his own end, leaving the foremost cart of + the van to the soberer English children. He was much struck by the + contrast of the whole set to the Englebourn school children, whom he had + lately seen under somewhat similar circumstances. The difficulty with them + had been to draw them out, and put anything like life into them; here, all + he had to do was to suppress the superabundant life. However, the vans + held on their way, and got safely into the suburbs, and so at last to an + occasional hedge, and a suspicion of trees, and green fields beyond. + </p> + <p> + It became more and more difficult now to keep the boys in; and when they + came to a hill, where the horses had to walk, he yielded to their + entreaties, and, opening the door, let them out, insisting only that the + girls should remain seated. They scattered over the sides of the roads, + and up the banks; now chasing pigs and fowls up to the very doors of their + owners; now gathering the commonest roadside weeds, and running up to show + them to him, and ask their names, as if they were rare treasures. The + ignorance of most of the children as to the commonest country matters + astonished him. One small boy particularly came back time after time to + ask him, with solemn face “Please, sir, is this the country?” + and when at last he allowed that it was, rejoined, “Then, please, + where are the nuts?” + </p> + <p> + The clothing of most of the Irish boys began to tumble to pieces in an + alarming manner. Grey had insisted on their being made tidy for the + occasion, but the tidiness was of a superficial kind. The hasty stitching + soon began to give way, and they were rushing about with wild locks; the + strips of what once might have been nether garments hanging about their + legs; their feet and heads bare, the shoes which their mothers had + borrowed for the state occasion having been deposited under the seat of + the van. So, when the procession arrived at the trim lodge-gates of their + hostess, and his charge descended and fell in on the beautifully clipped + turf at the side of the drive, Tom felt some of the sensations of Falstaff + when he had to lead his ragged regiment through Coventry streets. + </p> + <p> + He was soon at his ease again, and enjoyed the day thoroughly, and the + drive home; but, as they drew near town again, a sense of discomfort and + shyness came over him, and he wished the journey to Westminster well over, + and hoped that the carman would have the sense to go through the quiet + parts of the town. + </p> + <p> + He was much disconcerted consequently, when the vans came to a sudden stop + opposite one of the Park entrances, in the Bayswater Road. “What in + the world is Grey about?” he thought, as he saw him get out, and all + the children after him. So he got out himself, and went forward to get an + explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Oh I have told the man that he need not drive us round to + Westminster. He is close at home here, and his horses have had a hard day; + so we can just get out and walk home.” + </p> + <p>“What, across the Park?” asked Tom.</p> + <p>“Yes, it will amuse the children, you know.”</p> + <p> + “But they're tired,” persisted Tom; “come now, it's all + nonsense letting the fellow off; he's bound to take us back.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I have promised him,” said Grey; “besides, + the children all think it a treat. Don't you all want to walk across the + Park?” he went on turning to them, and a general affirmative chorus + was the answer. So Tom had nothing for it but to shrug his shoulders, + empty his own van, and follow into the Park with his convoy, not in the + best humor with Grey for having arranged this ending to their excursion. + </p> + <p> + They might have got over a third of the distance between the Bayswater + Road and the Serpentine, when he was aware of a small, thin voice + addressing him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, please won't you carry me a bit? I'm so tired,” said the + voice. He turned in some trepidation to look for the speaker, and found + her to be a sickly, undergrown little girl of ten or thereabouts, with + large, pleading, grey eyes, very shabbily dressed, and a little lame. He + had remarked her several times in the course of the day, not for any + beauty or grace about her, for the poor child had none, but for her + transparent confidence and trustfulness. After dinner, as they had been + all sitting on the grass under the shade of a great elm to hear Grey read + a story, and Tom had been sitting a little apart from the rest with his + back against the trunk, she had come up and sat quietly down by him, + leaning on his knee. Then he had seen her go up and take the hand of the + lady who had entertained them, and walk along by her, talking without the + least shyness. Soon afterwards she had squeezed into the swing by the side + of the beautifully-dressed little daughter of the same lady, who, after + looking for a minute at her shabby little sister with large round eyes, + had jumped out and run off to her mother, evidently in a state of childish + bewilderment as to whether it was not wicked for a child to wear such + dirty old clothes. + </p> + <p> + Tom had chuckled to himself as he saw Cinderella settling herself + comfortably in the swing in the place of the ousted princess, and had + taken a fancy to the child, speculating to himself as to how she could + have been brought up, to be so utterly unconscious of differences of rank + and dress. “She seems really to treat her fellow-creatures as if she + had been studying the <i>Sartor Resartus</i>,” he thought. + “She was cut down through all clothes-philosophy without knowing it. + I wonder, if she had a chance, whether she would go and sit down in the + Queen's lap?” + </p> + <p> + He did not at the time anticipate that she would put his own + clothes-philosophy to so severe a test before the day was over. The child + had been as merry and active as any of the rest during the earlier part of + the day; but now, as he looked down in answer to her reiterated plea, + “Won't you carry me a bit? I'm so tired!”, he saw that she + could scarcely drag one foot after another. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? He was already keenly alive to the discomfort of + walking across Hyde Park in a procession of ragged children, with such a + figure of fun as Grey at their head, looking, in his long, rusty, + straight-cut black coat, as if he had come fresh out of Noah's ark. He + didn't care about it so much while they were on the turf in the + out-of-the-way parts, and would meet nobody but guards, and nurse-maids, + and trades-people, and mechanics out for an evening's stroll. But the + Drive and Rotten Row lay before them, and must be crossed. It was just the + most crowded time of the day. He had almost made up his mind once or twice + to stop Grey and the procession, and propose to sit down for half-an-hour + or so and let the children play, by which time the world would be going + home to dinner. But there was no play left in the children; and he had + resisted the temptation, meaning, when they came to the most crowded part, + to look unconscious, as if it were by chance that he had got into such + company, and had in fact nothing to do with them. But now, if he listened + to the child's plea, and carried her, all hope of concealment was over. If + he did not, he felt that there would be no greater flunkey in the Park + that evening than Thomas Brown, the enlightened radical and philosopher, + amongst the young gentlemen riders in Rotten Row, or the powdered footmen + lounging behind the great blaring carriages in the Drive. + </p> + <p> + So he looked down at the child once or twice in a state of puzzle. A third + time she looked up with her great eyes, and said, “Oh, please carry + me a bit!” and her piteous, tired face turned the scale. “If + she were Lady Mary or Lady Blanche,” thought he, “I should + pick her up at once, and be proud of the burden. Here goes!” And he + took her up in his arms, and walked on, desperate and reckless. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all his philosophy, he felt his ears tingling and his face + getting red, as they approached the drive. It was crowded. They were kept + standing a minute or two at the crossing. He made a desperate effort to + abstract himself wholly from the visible world, and retire in a state of + serene contemplation. But it would not do; and he was painfully conscious + of the stare of lack-lustre eyes of well dressed men leaning over the + rails, and the amused look of delicate ladies, lounging in open carriages, + and surveying him and Grey and their ragged rout through glasses. + </p> + <p> + At last they scrambled across, and he breathed freely for a minute, as + they struggled along the comparatively quiet path leading to Albert Gate, + and stopped to drink at the fountain. Then came Rotten Row, and another + pause amongst the loungers, and a plunge into the Ride, where he was + nearly run down by two men whom he had known at Oxford. They shouted to + him to get out of the way; and he felt the hot defiant blood rushing + through his veins, as he strode across without heeding. They passed on, + one of them having to pull his horse out of his stride to avoid him. Did + they recognize him? He felt a strange mixture of utter indifference, and + longing to strangle them. + </p> + <p> + The worst was now over; besides, he was getting used to the situation, and + his good sense was beginning to rally. So he marched through Albert Gate, + carrying his ragged little charge, who prattled away to him without a + pause, and surrounded by the rest of the children, scarcely caring who + might see him. + </p> + <p> + They won safely through the omnibuses and carriages on the Kensington + Road, and so into Belgravia. At last he was quite at his ease again, and + began listening to what the child was saying to him, and was strolling + carelessly along, when once more at one of the crossings, he was startled + by a shout from some riders. There was straw laid down in the street, so + that he had not heard them as they cantered round the corner, hurrying + home to dress for dinner; and they were all but upon him, and had to rein + up their horses sharply. + </p> + <p> + The party consisted of a lady and two gentlemen, one old, the other + young—the latter dressed in the height of fashion, and with the + supercilious air which Tom hated from his soul. The shout came from the + young man, and drew Tom's attention to him first. All the devil rushed up + as he recognized St. Cloud. The lady's horse swerved against his, and + began to rear. He put his hand on its bridle, as if he had a right to + protect her. Another glance told Tom that the lady was Mary, and the old + gentleman, fussing up on his stout cob on the other side of her, Mr. + Porter. + </p> + <p> + They all knew him in another moment. He stared from one to the other, was + conscious that she turned her horse's head sharply, so as to disengage the + bridle from St. Cloud's hand, and of his insolent stare, and of the + embarrassment of Mr. Porter, and then, setting his face straight before + him, he passed on in a bewildered dream, never looking back till they were + out of sight. The dream gave way to bitter and wild thoughts, upon which + it will do none of us any good to dwell. He put down the little girl + outside the schools, turning abruptly from the mother, a poor widow in + scant, well-preserved black clothes who was waiting for the child, and + began thanking him for his care of her; refused Grey's pressing invitation + to tea, and set his face eastward. Bitterer and more wild and more + scornful grew his thoughts as he strode along past the Abbey, and up + Whitehall, and away down the Strand, holding on over the crossings without + paying the slightest heed to vehicle, or horse, or man. Incensed coachmen + had to pull up with a jerk to avoid running over him, and more than one + sturdy walker turned round in indignation at a collision which they felt + had been intended, or at least which there had been no effort to avoid. + </p> + <p> + As he passed under the window of the Banqueting Hall, and by the place in + Charing Cross where the pillory used to stand, he growled to himself what + a pity it was that the times for cutting off heads and cropping ears had + gone by. The whole of the dense population from either side of the Strand + seemed to have crowded out into that thoroughfare to impede his march and + aggravate him. The further eastward he got, the thicker got the crowd, and + the vans, the omnibuses, the cabs, seemed to multiply and get noisier. Not + an altogether pleasant sight to a man in the most Christian frame of mind + is the crowd that a fine summer evening fetches out into the roaring + Strand, as the sun fetches out flies on the window of a village grocery. + To him just then it was at once depressing and provoking, and he went + shouldering his way towards Temple Bar as thoroughly out of tune as he had + been for many a long day. + </p> + <p> + As he passed from the narrowest part of the Strand into the space round + St. Clement Danes' church, he was startled, in a momentary lull of the + uproar, by the sound of chiming bells. He slackened his pace to listen; + but a huge van lumbered by, shaking the houses on both sides, and drowning + all sounds but its own rattle; and then he found himself suddenly immersed + in a crowd, vociferating and gesticulating round a policeman, who was + conveying a woman towards the station-house. He shouldered through + it—another lull came, and with it the same slow, gentle, calm cadence of + chiming bells. Again and again he caught it as he passed on to Temple Bar; + whenever the roar subsided, the notes of the old hymn tune came dropping + down on him like balm from the air. If the ancient benefactor who caused + the bells of St. Clement Danes' Church to be arranged to play that chime + so many times a day is allowed to hover round the steeple at such times, + to watch the effect of his benefaction on posterity, he must have been + well satisfied on that evening. Tom passed under the Bar, and turned into + the Temple another man, softened again, and in his right mind. + </p> + <p> + “There's always a voice saying the right thing to you somewhere, if + you'll only listen for it,” he thought. He took a few turns in the + court to clear his head, and then found Harry East reclining on a sofa, in + full view of the gardens and river, solacing himself with his accustomed + cheroot. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, here you are,” he said, making room on the sofa; + “how did it go off?” + </p> + <p>“Well enough. Where have you been?”</p> + <p> + “In the City and at the Docks. I've been all over our vessel. She's + a real clipper.” + </p> + <p>“When do you sail?”</p> + <p> + “Not quite certain. I should say in a fortnight, though.” East + puffed away for a minute, and then, as Tom said nothing, went on. + “I'm not so sweet on it as the time draws near. There are more of my + chums turning up every day from India at the Rag. And this is uncommonly + pleasant, too, living with you here in the chambers. You may probably + think it odd, but I don't half like getting rid of you.” + </p> + <p>“Thanks; but I don't think you will get rid of me.”</p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “I mean that I shall go with you, if my people will let me, and you + will take me.” + </p> + <p>“W-h-e-w! Anything happened?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p>“You've seen her?”</p> + <p>“Yes.”</p> + <p> + “Well, go on. Don't keep a fellow in suspense. I shall be + introduced, and eat one of the old boy's good dinners, after all, before I + sail.” + </p> + <p> + Tom looked out of window, and found some difficulty in getting out the + words, “No, it's all up.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean it?” said East, coming to a sitting position + by Tom's side. “But how do you know? Are you sure? What did she + say?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. I haven't spoken to her; but it's all up. She was riding + with her father and the fellow to whom she's engaged. I have heard it a + dozen times, but never would believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, is that all? Riding with her father and another man! Why, + there's nothing in that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but there is though. You should have seen his look. And they + all knew me well enough, but not one of them nodded even.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's not much in that after all. It may have been chance, + or you may have fancied it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, one isn't quite such a fool. However, I have no right to + complain, and I won't. I could bear it all well enough if he were not such + a cold-hearted blackguard.” + </p> + <p>“What, this fellow she was riding with?”</p> + <p> + “Yes. He hasn't a heart the size of a pin's head. He'll break hers. + He's a mean brute, too. She can't know him, though he has been after her + this year and more. They must have forced her into it. Ah! it's a bitter + business,” and he put his head between his hands, and East heard the + deep catches of his laboring breath, as he sat by him, feeling deeply for + him, but puzzled what to say. + </p> + <p> + “She can't be worth so much after all, Tom,” he said at last, + “if she would have such a fellow as that. Depend upon it, she's not + what you thought her.” + </p> + <p> + Tom made no answer; so the captain went on presently, thinking he had hit + the right note. + </p> + <p> + “Cheer up, old boy. There's as good fish in the sea yet as ever came + out of it. Don't you remember the song—whose is it? Lovelace's:— + </p> + <pre> + “'If she be not fair for me, + What care I for whom she be?'” + </pre + > + <p> + Tom started up almost fiercely, but recovered himself in a moment, and + then leant his head down again. + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk about her, Harry; you don't know her,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “And don't want to know her, Tom, if she is going to throw you over. + Well, I shall leave you for an hour or so. Come up to me presently at the + Rag, when you feel better.” + </p> + <p> + East started for his club, debating within himself what he could do for + his friend—whether calling out the party mightn't do good. + </p> + <p> + Tom, left to himself, broke down at first sadly; but, as the evening wore + on he began to rally, and sat down and wrote a long letter to his father, + making a clean breast, and asking his permission to go with East. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0050"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER XLIX—THE END</h2> + <p> + My Dear Katie;—I know you will be very much pained when you read this + letter. You two have been my only confidantes, and you have always kept me + up, and encouraged me to hope that all would come right. And after all + that happened last week, Patty's marriage, and your engagement,—the two + things upon earth, with one exception, that I most wished for,—I quite + felt that my own turn was coming. I can't tell why I had such a strong + feeling about it, but somehow all the most important changes in my life + for the last four years have been so interwoven with Patty and Harry + Winburn's history, that, now they were married, I was sure something would + happen to me as soon as I came to London. And I was not wrong. Dear Katie, + I can hardly bring myself to write it. It is all over. I met her in the + street to-day; she was riding with her father and the man I told you + about. They had to pull up not to ride over me; so I had a good look at + her, and there can be no mistake about it. I have often tried to reason + myself into the belief that the evil day must come sooner or later, and to + prepare myself for it; but I might have spared myself, for it could not + have been worse than it is if I had never anticipated it. My future is all + a blank now. I can't stay in England; so I have written home to ask them + to let me go to New Zealand with East, and I am sure they will consent, + when they know all. + </p> + <p> + “I shall wait in town till I get the answer. Perhaps I may be able + to get off with East in a few weeks. The sooner the better; but, of + course, I shall not go without seeing you and dear old Jack. You mustn't + mind me calling him Jack. The only thing that it gives me any pleasure to + think about is your engagement. It is so right; and one wants to see + something going right, some one getting their due, to keep alive one's + belief in justice being done somehow or another in the world. And I do see + it, and acknowledge it, when I think over his history and mine since we + first met. We have both got our due; and you have got yours, Katie, for + you have got the best fellow in England. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if I only could think that she has got hers! If I could only + believe that the man she has chosen is worthy of her! I will try hard to + think better of him. There must be more good in him that I have ever seen, + or she would never have engaged herself to him. But I can't bear to stop + here, and see it all going on. The sooner I am out of England the better. + I send you a parcel with this; it contains her notes, and some old flowers + and other matters which I haven't the heart to burn. You will be the best + judge what should be done with them. If you see your way to managing it, I + should like her to know that I had sent them all to you, and that, + whatever may happen to me hereafter, my love for her has been the mainstay + and the guiding-star of my life ever since that happy time when you all + came to stay with us in my first long vacation. It found me eaten up with + selfishness and conceit, the puppet of my own lusts and vanities, and has + left me—well never mind what it has left me. At any rate, if I have not + gone from worse to worse, it is all owing to her; and she ought to know + it. It cannot be wrong to let her know what good she has scattered + unknowingly about her path. May God bless and reward her for it, and you, + too, dear cousin, for all your long love and kindness to one who is very + unworthy of, but very thankful for them. + </p> + <p>“Ever yours, affectionately,</p> + <h3>“T. B.”</h3> + <p> + The above letter, and that to his father, asking for leave to emigrate, + having been written and sent off, Tom was left, on the afternoon of the + day following his upset, making manful, if not very successful, efforts to + shake off the load of depression which weighed on him, and to turn his + thoughts resolutely forward to a new life in a new country. East was away + at the Docks. There was no one moving in the Temple. The men who had + business were all at Westminster, or out of sight and hearing in the + recesses of their chambers. Those who had none were for the most part away + enjoying themselves, in one way or another amongst the mighty whirl of the + mighty human sea of London. There was nothing left for him to do; he had + written the only two letters he had to write, and had only to sit still + and wait for the answers, killing the meantime as well as he could. + Reading came hard to him, but it was the best thing to do, perhaps; at any + rate he was trying it on, though his studies were constantly interrupted + by long fits of absence of mind, during which, though his body remained in + the temple, he was again in the well-kept garden of Barton, or in the + hazel wood under the lee of the Berkshire hills. + </p> + <p> + He was roused out of one of these reveries, and brought back to external + life and Fig-tree Court, by a single knock at the outer door, and a shout + of the newsman's boy for the paper. So he got up, found the paper, which + he had forgotten to read, and, as he went to the door, cast his eye on it, + and saw that a great match was going on at Lord's. This gave a new turn to + his thoughts. He stood looking down stairs after the boy, considering + whether he should not start at once for the match. + </p> + <p> + He would be sure to see a lot of acquaintances there at any rate. But the + idea of seeing and having to talk to mere acquaintances was more + distasteful than his present solitude. He was turning to bury himself + again in his hole, when he saw a white dog walk quietly up seven or eight + stairs at the bottom of the flight, and then turn round, and look for some + one to follow. + </p> + <p> + “How odd!” thought Tom, as he watched him; “as like as + two peas. It can't be. No. Why, yes it is.” And then he whistled, + and called “Jack,” and the dog looked up, and wagged his tail, + as much as to say, “All right, I'm coming directly; but I must wait + for my master.” The next moment Drysdale appeared at the bottom of + the stairs, and looking up, said— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that's you, is it? I'm all right then. So you knew the old + dog?” + </p> + <p> + “I should rather think so,” said Tom. “I hope I never + forget a dog or horse I have once known.” + </p> + <p> + In the short minute which Drysdale and Jack took to arrive at his landing, + Tom had time for a rush of old college memories, in which the grave and + gay, pleasant and bitter, were strangely mingled. The light when he had + been first brought to his senses about Patty came up very vividly before + him, and the commemoration days, when he had last seen Drysdale. + “How strange!” he thought, “is my old life coming back + again just now? Here, on the very day after it is all over, comes back the + man with whom I was so intimate up to the day it began, and have never + seen since. What does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + There was a little touch of embarrassment in the manner of both of them as + they shook hands at the top of the stairs, and turned into the chambers. + Tom motioned to Jack to take his old place at one end of the sofa, and + began caressing him there, the dog showing unmistakably, by gesture and + whine, that delight at renewing an old friendship for which his race are + so nobly distinguished. Drysdale threw himself down in an arm-chair and + watched them. + </p> + <p>“So you knew the old dog, Brown?” he repeated.</p> + <p> + “Knew him?—of course I did. Dear old Jack! How well he wears; he is + scarcely altered at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Very little; only steadier. More than I can say for his master. I'm + very glad you knew Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Drysdale; take the other end of the sofa or it won't look + like old times. There, now I can fancy myself back at St. + Ambrose's.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, Brown, you're a real good fellow; I always said so, even + after that last letter. You pitched it rather strong in that though. I was + very near coming back from Norway to quarrel with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was very angry at being left in the lurch by you and + Blake.” + </p> + <p> + “You got the coin all right, I suppose? You never acknowledged + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I? Then I ought to have. Yes, I got it all right about six + months afterwards. I ought to have acknowledged it, and I thought I had. + I'm sorry I didn't. Now we're all quits, and won't talk any more about + that rascally bill.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I may light up,” said Drysdale, dropping into his + old lounging attitude on the sofa, and pulling out his cigar-case. + </p> + <p>“Yes, of course. Will you have anything?”</p> + <p>“A cool drink wouldn't be amiss.”</p> + <p> + “They make a nice tankard with cider and a lump of ice at the + 'Rainbow'. What do you say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “It sounds touching,” said Drysdale. So Tom posted off to + Fleet Street to order the liquor, and came back followed by a waiter with + the tankard. Drysdale took a long pull and smacked his lips. + </p> + <p> + “That's a wrinkle,” he said, handing the tankard to Tom. + “I suppose the lawyers teach all the publicans about here a trick or + two. Why, one can fancy one's self back in the old quad, looking out on + this court. If it weren't such an outlandish out-of-the-way place, I think + I should take some chambers here myself. How did you get here?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they belong to a friend of mine who is away. But how did + <i>you</i> + get here?” + </p> + <p>“Why, along the Strand, in a Hansom.”</p> + <p>“I mean, how did you know I was here?”</p> + <p>“Grey told me.”</p> + <p>“What! Grey, who was at St. Ambrose's with us?”</p> + <p>“Yes. You look puzzled.”</p> + <p>“I didn't think you knew Grey.”</p> + <p> + “No more I do. But a stout old party I met last night—your + godfather, I should think he is—told me where he was, and said I should + get your address from him. So I looked him up this morning, in that + dog-hole in Westminster where he lives. He didn't know Jack from + Adam.” + </p> + <p>“But what in the world do you mean by my godfather?”</p> + <p> + “I had better tell my story from the beginning, I see. Last night I + did what I don't often do, went out to a great drum. There was an awful + crush, of course, and you may guess what the heat was in these dog-days, + with gas-lights and wax-lights going, and a jam of people in every corner. + I was fool enough to get into the rooms, so that my retreat was cut off; + and I had to work right through, and got at last into a back room, which + was not so full. The window was in a recess, and there was a balcony + outside, looking over a little bit of garden. I got into the balcony, + talking with a girl who was sensible enough to like the cool. Presently I + heard a voice I thought I knew inside. Then I heard St. Ambrose, and then + your name. Of course I listened; I couldn't help myself. They were just + inside the window, in the recess, not five feet from us; so I heard pretty + nearly ever word. Give us the tankard; I'm as dry as an ash-heap with + talking.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, scarcely able to control his impatience, handed the tankard. + “But who was it?—you haven't told me,” he said, as Drysdale + put it down at last empty. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that d—d St. Cloud. He was giving you a nice character, in a + sort of sneaking deprecatory way, as if he was sorry for it. Amongst other + little tales, he said you used to borrow money from Jews—he knew it for a + certainty because he had been asked himself to join you and another + man—meaning me, of course—in such a transaction. You remember how he + wouldn't acknowledge the money I lent him at play, and the note he wrote + me which upset Blake so. I had never forgotten it. I knew I should get my + chance some day, and here it was. I don't know what the girl thought of + me, or how she got out of the balcony, but I stepped into the recess just + as he had finished his precious story, and landed between him and a + comfortable old boy, who was looking shocked. He <i>must</i> be your + godfather, or something of the kind. I'll bet you a pony you are down for + something handsome in his will.” + </p> + <p>“What was his name? Did you find out?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; Potter, or Porter, or something like it. I've got his card + somewhere. I just stared St. Cloud in the face, and you may depend upon it + he winched. Then I told the old boy that I had heard their talk, and, as I + was at St. Ambrose with you, I should like to have five minutes with him + when St. Cloud had done. He seemed rather in a corner between us. However, + I kept in sight till St. Cloud was obliged to draw off; and, to cut my + story short, as the tankard is empty, I think I put you pretty straight + there. You said we were quits just now; after last night, perhaps we are, + for I told him the truth of the Benjamin story, and I think he is squared. + He seems a good sort of old boy. He's a relation of yours, eh?” + </p> + <p>“Only a distant connexion. Did anything more happen?”</p> + <p> + “Yes; I saw that he was flurried and didn't know quite what to + think; so I asked him to let me call, and I would bring him some one else + to speak to your character. He gave me his card, and I'm going to take + Blake there today. Then I asked him where you were, and he didn't know, + but said he thought Grey could tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very kind of you, Drysdale to take so much trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Trouble! I'd go from here to Jericho to be even with our fine + friend. I never forget a bad turn. I met him afterwards in the cloak-room, + and went out of the door close after him, to give him a chance if he wants + to say anything. I only wish he would. But why do you suppose he is lying + about you?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell. I've never spoken to him since he left Oxford. Never + saw him till yesterday, riding with Mr. Porter. I suppose that reminded + them of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, St. Cloud is bent on getting round him for some reason or + another, you may take your oath of that. Now my time's up; I shall go and + pick up Blake. I should think I had better not take Jack to call in Eaton + Square, though he'd give you a good character if he could speak; wouldn't + you Jack?” + </p> + <p>Jack wagged his tail, and descended from the sofa.</p> + <p>“Does Blake live up here? What is he doing?”</p> + <p> + “Burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle, as usual. Yes, + he's living near his club. He writes political articles, devilish well I + hear, too, and is reading for the bar; beside which he is getting into + society, and going out whenever he can, and fretting his soul out that he + isn't prime minister, or something of the kind. He won't last long at the + pace he's going.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm very sorry to hear it. But you'll come here again, Drysdale; or + let me come and see you? I shall be very anxious to hear what has + happened.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's my pasteboard; I shall be in town for another fortnight. + Drop in when you like.” + </p> + <p> + And so Drysdale and Jack went off, leaving Tom in a chaotic state of mind. + All his old hopes were roused again as he thought over Drysdale's + narrative. He could no longer sit still; so he rushed out, and walked up + and down the river-side walk, in the Temple gardens, where a fine breeze + blowing, at a pace which astonished the gate-keepers and the nursery-maids + and children, who were taking the air in that favorite spot. Once or twice + he returned to chambers, and at last found East reposing after his + excursion to the Docks. + </p> + <p> + East's quick eye saw at once that something had happened; and he had very + soon heard the whole story; upon which he deliberated for some minutes, + and rejoiced Tom's heart by saying: “Ah! all up with New Zealand, I + see. I shall be introduced after all before we start. Come along; I must + stand you a dinner on the strength of the good news, and we'll drink her + health.” + </p> + <p> + Tom called twice that evening at Drysdale's lodgings, but he was out. The + next morning he called again. Drysdale had gone to Hampton Court races, + and had left no message. He left a note for him, but got no answer. It was + trying work. Another day passed without any word from Drysdale, who seemed + never to be at home; and no answer to either of his letters. On the third + morning he heard from his father. It was just the answer which he had + expected—as kind a letter as could be written. Mr. Brown had suspected how + matters stood at one time, but had given up the idea in consequence of + Tom's silence; which he regretted, as possibly things might have happened + otherwise, had he known the state of the case. It was too late now, + however; and the less said the better about what might have been. As to + New Zealand, he should not oppose Tom's going, if, after some time, he + continued in his present mind. It was very natural for him just now to + wish to go. They would talk it over as soon as Tom came home, which Mr. + Brown begged him to do at once, or, at any rate, as soon as he had seen + his friend off. Home was the best place for him. + </p> + <p> + Tom sighed as he folded it up; the hopes of the last three days seemed to + be fading away again. He spent another restless day; and by night had + persuaded himself that Drysdale's mission had been a complete failure, and + that he did not write and kept out of the way out of kindness for him. + </p> + <pre> +“Why, Tom, old fellow, you look as down in the mouth as ever +to-night,” East said, when Tom opened the door for him about +midnight, on his return from his club; “cheer up; you may depend +it's all to go right.” + + “But I haven't seen Drysdale again, and he hasn't written to +me.” + </pre + > + <p> + “There's nothing in that. He was glad enough to do you a good turn, + I dare say, when it came in his way, but that sort of fellow never can + keep anything up. He has been too much used to having his own way, and + following his own fancies. Don't you lose heart because he won't put + himself out for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Harry, you are the best fellow, in the world. You would put a + backbone into anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, we'll just have a quiet cheroot, and then turn in; and see if + you don't have good news to-morrow. How hot it is! The Strand to-night is + as hot as the Punjaub, and the reek of it—phah! my throat is full of it + still.” + </p> + <p> + East took off his coat, and was just throwing it on a chair, when he + stopped, and, feeling in his pocket, said— + </p> + <p> + “Let's see, here's a note for you. The porter gave it to me as I + knocked in.” + </p> + <p> + Tom took it carelessly, but the next moment was tearing it open with + trembling fingers. “From my cousin,” he said. East watched him + read, and saw the blood rush to his face, and the light come into his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Good news, Tom, I see. Bravo, old boy. You've had a long fight for + it, and deserve to win.” + </p> + <p> + Tom got up, tossed the note across the table, and began walking up and + down the room; his heart was too full for speech. + </p> + <p> + “May I read?” said East, looking up. Tom nodded, and he read— + </p> + <p> + “DEAR TOM,—I am coming to town to spend a week with them in Eaton + Square. Call on me to-morrow at twelve, or, if you are engaged then, + between three and five. I have no time to add more now, but long to see + you. + </p> + <p>Your loving cousin,</p> + <h3>KATIE</h3> + <p> + “P.S.—I will give you your parcel back to-morrow, and then you can + <i>burn</i> the contents yourself, or do what you like with them. Uncle + bids me say he shall be glad if you will come and dine to-morrow, and any + other day you can spare while I am here.” + </p> + <p> + When he had read the note, East got up and shook hands heartily with Tom, + and then sat down again quietly to finish his cheroot, watching with a + humorous look his friend's march. + </p> + <p> + “And you think it is really all right now?” Tom asked, in one + form or another, after every few turns; and East replied in various forms + of chaffing assurance that there could not be much further question on the + point. At last, when he had finished his cheroot, he got up, and, taking + his candle, said, “Good night, Tom; when that revolution comes, + which you're always predicting, remember, if you're not shot or hung, + you'll always find a roost for you and your wife in New Zealand.” + </p> + <p>“I don't feel so sure about the revolution now, Harry.”</p> + <p> + “Of course you don't. Mind, I bargain for the dinner in Eaton + Square. I always told you I should dine there before I started.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Tom found that he was not engaged at twelve o'clock, and was + able to appear in Eaton Square. He was shown up into the drawing-room, and + found Katie alone there. The quiet and coolness of the darkened room was + most grateful to him after the glare of the streets, as he sat down by her + side. + </p> + <p> + “But Katie,” he said, as soon as the first salutations and + congratulations had passed, “how did it all happen? I can't believe + my senses yet. I am afraid I may wake up any minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was chiefly owing to two lucky coincidences; though no + doubt it would have all come right in time without them.” + </p> + <p> + “Our meeting the other day in the street, I suppose, was one of + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Coming across you so suddenly, carrying the little girl, + reminded Mary of the day when she sprained her ankle, and you carried her + through Hazel Copse. Ah, you never told me <i>all</i> of that adventure, + either of you.” + </p> + <p>“All that was necessary, Katie.”</p> + <p> + “Oh! I have pardoned you. Uncle saw then that she was very much + moved at something, and guessed well enough what it was. He is so very + kind, and so fond of Mary, he would do anything in the world that she + wished. She was quite unwell that evening; so he and aunt had to go out + alone; and they met Mr. St. Cloud at a party, who was said to be engaged + to her.” + </p> + <p>“It wasn't true, then?”</p> + <p> + “No, never. He is a very designing man, though I believe he was + really in love with poor Mary. At any rate he has persecuted her for more + than a year. And, it is very wicked, but I am afraid he spread all those + reports himself.” + </p> + <p>“Of their engagement? Just like him!”</p> + <p> + “Uncle is so good-natured, you know; and he took advantage of it, + and was always coming here, and riding with them. And he made Uncle + believe dreadful stories about you, which made him seem so unkind. He was + quite afraid to have you at the house.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, I saw that last year; and the second coincidence?”</p> + <p> + “It happened that very night. Poor uncle was very much troubled what + to do; so, when he met Mr. St. Cloud, as I told you, he took him aside to + ask him again about you. Somehow, a gentleman who was a friend of yours at + Oxford overheard what was said, and came forward and explained + everything.” + </p> + <p>“Yes, he came and told me.”</p> + <p>“Then you know more than I about it.”</p> + <p> + “And you think Mr. Porter is convinced that I am not quite such a + scamp after all?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; and the boys are so delighted that they will see you + again. They are at home for the holidays, and so grown.” + </p> + <p>“And Mary?”</p> + <p> + “She is very well. You will see her before long, I dare say.” + </p> + <p>“Is she at home?”</p> + <p> + “She is out riding with uncle. Now I will go up and get your parcel, + which I had opened at home before I got aunt's note asking me here. No + wonder we could never find her boot.” + </p> + <p> + Katie disappeared and at the same time Tom thought he heard the sound of + horses' feet. Yes, and they had stopped, too. It must be Mary and her + father. He could not see because of the blinds and other devices for + keeping the room cool. But the next moment there were voices in the hall + below, and then a light step on the carpeted stair, which no ear but his + could have heard. His heart beat with heavy painful pulsations, and his + head swam as the door opened, and Mary in her riding-habit stood in the + room. + </p> + <p><br><br></p> + <hr> + <p id="link2HCH0051"></p> + <div style="height: 4em"><br><br><br><br></div> + <h2>CHAPTER L</h2> + <h3>THE POSTSCRIPT</h3> + <p> + Our curtain must rise once again, and it shall be on a familiar spot. Once + more we must place ourselves on the Hawk's Lynch, and look out over the + well-known view, and the happy autumn fields, ripe with the golden + harvest. Two people are approaching on horseback from the Barton side, who + have been made one since we left them at the fall of the curtain in the + last chapter. They ride lovingly together, close to one another, and + forgetful of the whole world, as they should do, for they have scarcely + come to the end of their honeymoon. + </p> + <p> + They are in country costume—she in a light habit, but well cut, and + sitting on her as well as she sits on her dainty grey; he in shooting-coat + and wide-awake, with his fishing basket slung over his shoulder. They come + steadily up the hillside, rousing a yellow-hammer here and there from the + furze-bushes, and only draw bit when they have reached the very top of the + knoll. Then they dismount, and Tom produces two halters from his fishing + basket, and taking off the bridles, fastens the horses up in the shade of + the fir-trees, and loosens their girths, while Mary, after searching in + the basket, pulls out a bag, and pours out a prodigal feed of corn before + each of them, on the short grass. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing, you wasteful little woman? You should have put + the bag underneath. They won't be able to pick up half the corn.” + </p> + <p>“Never mind, dear; then the birds will get it.”</p> + <p>“And you have given them enough for three feeds.”</p> + <p> + “Why did you put so much in the bag? Besides you know it is the last + feed I shall give her. Poor dear little Gypsy,” she added, patting + the neck of her dapple grey; “you have found a kind mistress for + her, dear, haven't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I know she will be lightly worked and well cared for,” + he said shortly, turning away, and busying himself with the basket again. + </p> + <p> + “But no one will ever love you, Gipsy, like your old mistress. Now + give me a kiss, and you shall have your treat,” and she pulled a + piece of sugar out of the pocket of her riding habit; at the sight of + which the grey held out her beautiful nose to be fondled, and then lapped + up the sugar with eager lips from Mary's hand, and turned to her corn. + </p> + <p> + The young wife tripped across, and sat down near her husband, who was + laying out their luncheon on the turf. + </p> + <p> + “It was very kind of you think of coming here for our last + ride,” she said. “I remember how charmed I was with the place + the first Sunday I ever spent at Englebourn, when Katie brought me up here + directly after breakfast, before we went to the school. Such a time ago it + seems—before I ever saw you. And I have never been here since. But I love + it most for your sake, dear. Now, tell me again all the times you have + been here.” + </p> + <p> + Tom proceeded to recount some of his visits to the Hawk's Lynch, in which + we have accompanied him. Then they talked on about Katie, and East, and + the Englebourn people, past and present, old Betty, and Harry and his wife + in New Zealand, and David patching coats and tending bees, and executing + the Queen's justice to the best of his ability in the village at their + feet. + </p> + <p> + “Poor David, I must get over somehow to see him before we leave + home. He feels your uncle's death, and the other changes in the parish, + more than anyone.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so sorry the living was sold,” said Mary; “Katie + and her husband would have made Englebourn into a little paradise.” + </p> + <p> + “It could not be helped, dear. I can't say I'm sorry. There would + not have been work enough for him. He is better where he is, in a great + town-parish.” + </p> + <p> + “But Katie did love the place so, and was so used to it; she had + become quite a little queen there before her marriage. See what we women + have to give up for you,” she said, playfully, turning to him. But a + shadow passed over his face, and he looked away without answering. + </p> + <p> + “What makes you so sorrowful, dear? What are you thinking of?” + </p> + <p>“Oh, nothing.”</p> + <p> + “That isn't true. Now, tell me what it is. You have no right, you + know, to keep anything from me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't bear to think that you have had to sell Gipsy. You have + never been without a riding horse till now. You will miss your riding + dreadfully, I am sure, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do very well without riding. I am so proud of learning my + lesson from you. You will see what a poor man's wife I shall make. I have + been getting mamma to let me do the house-keeping, and know how a joint + should look, and all sorts of useful things. And I have made my own + house-linen. I shall soon get to hate all luxuries as much as you + do.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mary, you mustn't run into extremes. I never said you ought to + hate all luxuries, but that almost everybody one knows is a slave to + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and I hate anything that wants to make a slave of me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a dear little free woman. But now we are on this subject + again, Mary, I really want to speak to you about keeping a lady's maid. We + can quite afford it, and you ought to have one.” + </p> + <p>“I shall do nothing of the sort.”</p> + <p>“Not to oblige me, Mary?”</p> + <p> + “No, not even to oblige you. There is something to be said for dear + Gypsy. But, take a maid again! to do nothing but torment me, and pretend + to take care of my clothes, and my hair! I never knew what freedom was + till I got rid of poor, foolish, grumbling Higgins.” + </p> + <p> + “But you may get a nice girl who will be a comfort to you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I never will have a woman again to do nothing but look after + me. It isn't fair to them. Besides, dear, you can't say that I don't look + better since I have done my own hair. Did you ever see it look brighter + than it does now?” + </p> + <p> + “Never; and now here is luncheon all ready.” So they sat down + on the verge of the slope, and ate their cold chicken and tongue, with the + relish imparted by youth, a long ride, and the bracing air. + </p> + <p> + Mary was merrier and brighter than ever, but it was an effort with him to + respond; and soon she began to notice this, and then there was a pause, + which she broke at last with something of an effort. + </p> + <p> + “There is that look again. What makes you look so serious, now? I + must know.” + </p> + <p> + “Was I looking serious? I beg your pardon, dearest; and I won't do + so again any more;” and he smiled as he answered, but the smile + faded away before her steady, loving gaze, and he turned slightly from + her, and looked out over the vale below. + </p> + <p> + She watched him for a short time in silence, her own fair young face + changing like a summer sea as the light clouds pass over it. Presently she + seemed to have come to some decision; for, taking off her riding hat, she + threw it, and her whip and gauntlets, on the turf beside her, and drawing + nearer to his side, laid her hand on his. He looked at her fondly, and, + stroking her hair, said— + </p> + <p>“Take care of your complexion, Mary.”</p> + <p> + “Oh, it will take care of itself in this air, dear. Besides, you are + between me and the sun; and now you <i>must</i> tell me why you look so + serious. It is not the first time I have noticed that look. I am your + wife, you know, and I have a right to know your thoughts, and share all + your joy, and all your sorrow. I do not mean to give up any of my rights + which I got by marrying you.” + </p> + <p> + “Your rights, dearest! your poor little rights, which you have + gained by changing name, and plighting troth. It is thinking of + that—thinking of what you have bought, and the Price you have paid for it, + which makes me sad at times, even when you are sitting by me, and laying + your hand on my hand, and the sweet burden of your pure life and being on + my soiled and baffled manhood.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was my own bargain, you know, dear, and I am satisfied with + my purchase. I paid the price with my eyes open.” + </p> + <p>“Ah, if I only could feel that!”</p> + <p>“But you know that it is true.”</p> + <p> + “No, dearest, that is the pinch. I do not know that it is true. I + often feel that it is just a bit not true. It was a one-sided bargain, in + which one of the parties had eyes open and got all the advantage; and that + party was I.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not have you so conceited,” she said, patting his hand + once or twice, and looking more bravely than ever up into his eyes. + “Why should you think you were so much the cleverer of the two as to + get all the good out of our bargain? I am not going to allow that you were + so much the more quick-witted and clear-sighted. Women are said to be as + quick-witted as men. Perhaps it is not I who have been outwitted after + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at the cost, Mary. Think of what you will have to give up. You + cannot reckon it up yet.” + </p> + <p> + “What! are you going back to the riding-horses and lady's maid + again? I thought I had convinced you on those points.” + </p> + <p> + “They are only a very small part of the price. You have left a home + where everybody loved you. You knew it; you were sure of it. You had felt + their love ever since you could remember anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear, and I feel it still. They will be all just as fond of me + at home, though I am your wife.” + </p> + <p>“At home! It is no longer your home.”</p> + <p> + “No, I have a home of my own now. A new home, with new love there to + live on; and an old home, with the old love to think of.” + </p> + <p> + “A new home instead of an old one, a poor home instead of a rich + one—a home where the cry of the sorrow and suffering of the world will + reach you, for one in which you had—” + </p> + <p> + “In which I had not you, dear. There now, that was my purchase. I + set my mind on having you—buying you, as that is your word. I have paid my + price, and got my bargain, and—you know, I was always an oddity, and + rather willful, am content with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mary, you have bought me, and you little know, dearest, what + you have bought. I can scarcely bear my own selfishness at times when I + think of what your life might have been had I left you alone, and what it + must be with me.” + </p> + <p>“And what might it have been, dear?”</p> + <p> + “Why, you might have married some man with plenty of money, who + could have given you everything to which you have been used.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall begin to think that you believe in luxuries, after all, if + you go on making so much of them. You must not go on preaching one thing + and practicing another. I am a convert to your preaching, and believe in + the misery of multiplying artificial wants. Your wife must have + none.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but wealth and position are not to be despised. I feel that, + now that it is all done past recall, and I have to think of you. But the + loss of them is a mere nothing to what you will have to go through.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean dear? Of course we must expect some troubles, like + other people.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I mean, Mary that you might, at least, have married a + contented man, some one who found the world a very good world, and was + satisfied with things as they are, and had light enough to steer himself + by; and not a fellow like me, full of all manner of doubts and + perplexities, who sees little but wrong in the world about him, and more + in himself.” + </p> + <p>“You think I should have been more comfortable?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, more comfortable and happier. What right had I to bring my + worries on you? For I know you can't live with me, dearest, and not be + bothered and annoyed when I am anxious and dissatisfied.” + </p> + <p>“But what if I did not marry you to be comfortable?”</p> + <p> + “My darling, you never thought about it, and I was too selfish to + think for you.” + </p> + <p>“There now, you see, it's just as I said.”</p> + <p>“How do you mean?”</p> + <p> + “I mean that you are quite wrong in thinking that I have been + deceived. I did not marry you, dear, to be comfortable, and I did think it + all over; ay, over and over again. So you are not to run away with the + belief that you have taken me in.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad enough to give it up, dearest, if you can convince + me.” + </p> + <p>“Then you will listen while I explain?”</p> + <p>“Yes, with all my ears and all my heart.”</p> + <p> + “You remember the year we met, when we danced and went nutting + together, a thoughtless boy and girl—” + </p> + <p>“Remember it! Have I ever—”</p> + <p> + “You are not to interrupt. Of course you remember it all, and are + ready to tell me that you loved me the first moment that you saw me at the + window in High street. Well, perhaps I shall not object to being told it + at a proper time, but now I am making my confessions. I liked you then, + because you were Katie's cousin, and almost my first partner, and were + never tired of dancing, and were generally merry and pleasant, though you + sometimes took to lecturing, even in those days.” + </p> + <p>“But, Mary—”</p> + <p> + “You are to be silent now and listen. I liked you then. But you are + not to look conceited and flatter yourself. It was only a girl's fancy. I + couldn't have married you then—given myself up to you. No, I don't think I + could, even on the night when fished for me out of the window with the + heather and heliotrope, though I kept them and have them still. And then + came that scene down below, at old Simon's cottage, and I thought I should + never wish to see you again. And then I came out in London, and went + abroad. I scarcely heard of you again for a year, for Katie hardly ever + mentioned you in her letters, and though I sometimes wished that she + would, and thought I should just like to know what you were doing, I was + too proud to ask. Meantime I went out and enjoyed myself, and had a great + many pretty things said to me—much prettier things than you ever said—and + made the acquaintance of pleasant young men, friends of papa and mamma; + many of them with good establishments, too. But I shall not tell you + anything more about them, or you will be going off about the luxuries I + have been used to. Then I began to hear of you again. Katie came to stay + with us, and I met some of your Oxford friends. Poor dear Katie! She was + full of you and your wild sayings and doings, half-frightened and + half-pleased, but all the time the best and truest friend you ever had. + Some of the rest were not friends at all; and I have heard many a sneer + and unkind word, and stories of your monstrous speeches and habits. Some + said you were mad; others that you liked to be eccentric; that you + couldn't bear to live with your equals; that you sought the society of + your inferiors to be flattered. I listened, and thought it all over, and, + being willful and eccentric myself, you know, liked more and more to hear + about you, and hoped I should see you again some day. I was curious to + judge for myself whether you were much changed for the better or the + worse. + </p> + <p> + “And at last came the day when I saw you again, carrying the poor + lame child; and, after that, you know what happened. So here we are, dear, + and you are my husband. And you will please never to look serious again, + from any foolish thought that I have been taken in; that I did not know + what I was about when I took you, 'for better or for worse, for richer or + for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us do part.' Now, what + have you to say for yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, but a great deal for you. I see more and more, my darling, + what a brave, generous, pitying angel I have tied to myself. But seeing + that makes me despise myself more.” + </p> + <p>“What! you are going to dare to disobey me already?”</p> + <p> + “I can't help it dearest. All you say shows me more and more that + you have made all the sacrifice, and I am to get all the benefit. A man + like me has no right to bring such a woman as you under his burden.” + </p> + <p> + “But you couldn't help yourself. It was because you were out of + sorts with the world, smarting with the wrongs you saw on every side, + struggling after something better and higher, and siding and sympathizing + with the poor and weak, that I loved you. We should never have been here, + dear, if you had been a young gentleman satisfied with himself and the + world, and likely to get on well in society.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mary, it is all very well for a man. It is a man's business. + But why is a woman's life to be made wretched? Why should you be dragged + into all my perplexities, and doubts, and dreams, and struggles?” + </p> + <p>“And why should I not?”</p> + <p> + “Life should be all bright and beautiful to a woman. It is every + man's duty to shield her from all that can vex, or pain, or soil.” + </p> + <p>“But have women different souls from men?”</p> + <p>“God forbid!”</p> + <p>“Then are we not fit to share your highest hopes?”</p> + <p> + “To share our highest hopes! Yes, when we have any. But the mire and + clay where one sticks fast over and over again, with no high hopes or high + anything else in sight—a man must be a selfish brute to bring any one he + pretends to love into all that.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Tom,” she said almost solemnly, “you are not true + to yourself. Would you part with your own deepest convictions? Would you, + if you could, go back to the time when you cared for and thought about + none of these things?” + </p> + <p>He thought a minute, and then, pressing her hand, said—</p> + <p> + “No, dearest, I would not. The consciousness of the darkness in one + and around one brings the longing for light. And then the light dawns, + through mist and fog, perhaps, but enough to pick ones way by.” He + stopped a moment, and then added, “and shines ever brighter unto the + perfect day. Yes, I begin to know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, why not put me on your own level? Why not let me pick my way + by your side? Cannot a woman feel the wrongs that are going on in the + world? Cannot she long to see them set right, and pray that they may be + set right? We are not meant to sit in fine silks and look pretty, and + spend money, any more than you are meant to make it, and cry peace where + there is no peace. If a woman cannot do much herself, she can honor and + love a man who can.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to her, and bent over her, and kissed her forehead, and kissed + her lips. She looked up with sparkling eyes and said— + </p> + <p>“Am I not right, dear?”</p> + <p> + “Yes, you are right, and I have been false to my creed. You have + taken a load off my heart, dearest. Henceforth there shall be but one mind + and one soul between us. You have made me feel what it is that a man + wants, what is the help that is mete for him.” + </p> + <p> + He looked into her eyes and kissed her again; and then rose up, for there + was something within him like a moving of new life, which lifted him, and + set him on his feet. And he stood with kindling brow, gazing into the + autumn air, as his heart went sorrowing, but hopefully “sorrowing, + back through all the faultful past.” And she sat on at first, and + watched his face, and neither spoke nor moved for some minutes. Then she + rose, too, and stood by his side:— + </p> + <pre> + And on her lover's arm she leant, + And round her waist she felt it fold, + And so across the hills they went, + In that new world which is the old. +</pre + > + <p> + Yes, that new world, through the golden gates of which they had passed + together, which is the old, old world, after all, and nothing else. The + same old and new world it was to our fathers and mothers as it is to us, + and shall be to our children—a world clear and bright, and ever becoming + clearer and brighter to the humble, and true, and pure of heart—to every + man and woman who will live in it as the children of the Maker and Lord of + it, their Father. To them, and to them alone, is that world, old and new, + given, and all that is in it, fully and freely to enjoy. All others but + these are occupying where they have no title, “they are sowing much, + but bringing in little; they eat, but have not enough; they drink, but are + not filled with drink; they clothe themselves, but there is none warm; and + he of them who earneth wages, earneth wages to put them into a bag with + holes.” But these have the world and all things for a rightful and + rich inheritance; for they hold them as dear children of Him in whose hand + it and they are lying, and no power in earth or hell shall pluck them out + of their Father's hand. + </p> + <h3>FINIS</h3> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 26851 ***</div> + </body> +</html> diff --git a/26851-h/images/0010.jpg b/26851-h/images/0010.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..09d65e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0010.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0011.jpg b/26851-h/images/0011.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..395bc41 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0011.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0054.jpg b/26851-h/images/0054.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5cbb469 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0054.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0170.jpg b/26851-h/images/0170.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c27716 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0170.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0251.jpg b/26851-h/images/0251.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7037ad6 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0251.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0287.jpg b/26851-h/images/0287.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d806d22 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0287.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0318.jpg b/26851-h/images/0318.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..438ac56 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0318.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/0463.jpg b/26851-h/images/0463.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..80d1264 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/0463.jpg diff --git a/26851-h/images/enlarge.jpg b/26851-h/images/enlarge.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a9bcf3 --- /dev/null +++ b/26851-h/images/enlarge.jpg |
