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diff --git a/old/3067-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/3067-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ee48dab --- /dev/null +++ b/old/3067-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,35376 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Hard Cash, by Charles Reade + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Cash, by Charles Reade + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Hard Cash + +Author: Charles Reade + + +Release Date: February, 2002 [Etext #3067] +Last Updated: March 5, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARD CASH *** + + + + +Produced by James Rusk and David Widger + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + HARD CASH + </h1> + <h2> + By Charles Reade + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Transcriber's Note: The pound + sign is indicated by L. No attempt has been made to transcribe Greek + text or sheet music. Accent marks in foreign words are ignored. Two + chapters named Chapter XLI.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <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="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>HARD CASH</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER XLIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LIV </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + “HARD CASH,” like “The Cloister and the Hearth,” is a matter-of-fact + Romance—that is, a fiction built on truths; and these truths have + been gathered by long, severe, systematic labour, from a multitude of + volumes, pamphlets, journals, reports, blue-books, manuscript narratives, + letters, and living people, whom I have sought out, examined, and + cross-examined, to get at the truth on each main topic I have striven to + handle. + </p> + <p> + The madhouse scenes have been picked out by certain disinterested + gentlemen, who keep private asylums, and periodicals to puff them; and + have been met with bold denials of public facts, and with timid + personalities, and a little easy cant about Sensation* Novelists; but in + reality those passages have been written on the same system as the + nautical, legal, and other scenes: the best evidence has been ransacked; + and a large portion of this evidence I shall be happy to show at my house + to any brother writer who is disinterested, and really cares enough for + truth and humanity to walk or ride a mile in pursuit of them. + </p> + <p> + CHARLES READE. <br /> <br /> 6 BOLTON ROW, MAYFAIR, <br /> <br /> December 5, + 1868. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This slang term is not quite accurate as applied to me. + Without sensation there can be no interest: but my plan is + to mix a little character and a little philosophy with the + sensational element. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + HARD CASH + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PROL" id="link2H_PROL"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE + </h2> + <p> + IN a snowy villa, with a sloping lawn, just outside the great commercial + seaport, Barkington, there lived a few years ago a happy family. A lady, + middle-aged, but still charming; two young friends of hers; and a + periodical visitor. + </p> + <p> + The lady was Mrs. Dodd; her occasional visitor was her husband; her + friends were her son Edward, aged twenty, and her daughter Julia, + nineteen, the fruit of a misalliance. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was originally Miss Fountain, a young lady well born, high bred, + and a denizen of the fashionable world. Under a strange concurrence of + circumstances she coolly married the captain of an East Indiaman. The deed + done, and with her eyes open, for she was not, to say, in love with him, + she took a judicious line—and kept it: no hankering after Mayfair, + no talking about “Lord this” and “Lady that,” to commercial gentlewomen; + no amphibiousness. She accepted her place in society, reserving the right + to embellish it with the graces she had gathered in a higher sphere. In + her home, and in her person, she was little less elegant than a countess; + yet nothing more than a merchant-captain's wife; and she reared that + commander's children in a suburban villa, with the manners which adorn a + palace. When they happen to be there. She had a bugbear; Slang. Could not + endure the smart technicalities current; their multitude did not overpower + her distaste; she called them “jargon”—“slang” was too coarse a word + for her to apply to slang: she excluded many a good “racy idiom” along + with the real offenders; and monosyllables in general ran some risk of' + having to show their passports. If this was pedantry, it went no further; + she was open, free, and youthful with her young pupils; and had the art to + put herself on their level: often, when they were quite young, she would + feign infantine ignorance, in order to hunt trite truth in couples with + them, and detect, by joint experiment, that rainbows cannot, or else will + not, be walked into, nor Jack-o'-lantern be gathered like a cowslip; and + that, dissect we the vocal dog—whose hair is so like a lamb's—never + so skilfully, no fragment of palpable bark, no sediment of tangible + squeak, remains inside him to bless the inquisitive little operator, &c., + &c. When they advanced from these elementary branches to Languages, + History, Tapestry, and “What Not,” she managed still to keep by their side + learning with them, not just hearing them lessons down from the top of a + high tower of maternity. She never checked their curiosity, but made + herself share it; never gave them, as so many parents do, a white-lying + answer; wooed their affections with subtle though innocent art, thawed + their reserve, obtained their love, and retained their respect. Briefly, a + female Chesterfield; her husband's lover after marriage, though not + before; and the mild monitress the elder sister, the favourite companion + and bosom friend of both her children. + </p> + <p> + They were remarkably dissimilar; and perhaps I may be allowed to preface + the narrative of their adventures by a delineation; as in country churches + an individual pipes the keynote, and the tune comes raging after. + </p> + <p> + Edward, then, had a great calm eye, that was always looking folk full in + the face, mildly; his countenance comely and manly, but no more; too + square for Apollo; but sufficed for John Bull. His figure it was that + charmed the curious observer of male beauty. He was five feet ten; had + square shoulders, a deep chest, masculine flank, small foot, high instep. + To crown all this, a head, overflowed by ripples of dark brown hair, sat + with heroic grace upon his solid white throat, like some glossy falcon new + lighted on a Parian column. + </p> + <p> + This young gentleman had decided qualities, positive and negative. He + could walk up to a five-barred gate and clear it, alighting on the other + side like a fallen feather; could row all day, and then dance all night; + could fling a cricket ball a hundred and six yards; had a lathe and a + tool-box, and would make you in a trice a chair, a table, a doll, a + nutcracker, or any other moveable, useful, or the very reverse. And could + not learn his lessons, to save his life. + </p> + <p> + His sister Julia was not so easy to describe. Her figure was tall, lithe, + and serpentine; her hair the colour of a horse-chestnut fresh from its + pod; her ears tiny and shell-like, her eyelashes long and silky; her mouth + small when grave, large when smiling; her eyes pure hazel by day, and + tinged with a little violet by night. But in jotting down these details, + true as they are, I seem to myself to be painting fire, with a little snow + and saffron mixed on a marble pallet. There is a beauty too spiritual to + be chained in a string of items; and Julia's fair features were but the + china vessel that brimmed over with the higher loveliness of her soul. Her + essential charm was, what shall I say? Transparence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “You would have said her very body thought.” + </pre> + <p> + Modesty, Intelligence, and, above all, Enthusiasm, shone through her, and + out of her, and made her an airy, fiery, household joy. Briefly, an + incarnate sunbeam. + </p> + <p> + This one could learn her lessons with unreasonable rapidity, and until + Edward went to Eton, would insist upon learning his into the bargain, + partly with the fond notion of coaxing him on, as the company of a swift + horse incites a slow one; partly because she was determined to share his + every trouble, if she could not remove it. A little choleric, and indeed + downright prone to that more generous indignation which fires at the + wrongs of others. When heated with emotion, or sentiment, she lowered her + voice, instead of raising it like the rest of us. She called her mother + “Lady Placid,” and her brother “Sir Imperturbable.” And so much for + outlines. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd laid aside her personal ambition with her maiden name; but she + looked high for her children. Perhaps she was all the more ambitious for + them, that they had no rival aspirant in Mrs. Dodd. She educated Julia + herself from first to last: but with true feminine distrust of her power + to mould a lordling of creation, she sent Edward to Eton, at nine. This + was slackening her tortoise; for at Eton is no female master, to coax dry + knowledge into a slow head. However, he made good progress in two branches—aquatics + and cricket. + </p> + <p> + After Eton came the choice of a profession. His mother recognised but + four; and these her discreet ambition speedily sifted down to two. For + military heroes are shot now and then, however pacific the century; and + naval ones drowned. She would never expose her Edward to this class of + accidents. Glory by all means; glory by the pail; but safe glory, please; + or she would none of it. Remained the church and the bar: and, within + these reasonable limits, she left her dear boy free as air; and not even + hurried—there was plenty of time to choose: he must pass through the + university to either. This last essential had been settled about a + twelvemonth, and the very day for his going to Oxford was at hand, when + one morning Mr. Edward formally cleared his throat: it was an unusual act, + and drew the ladies' eyes upon him. He followed the solemnity up by + delivering calmly and ponderously a connected discourse, which astonished + them by its length and purport. “Mamma, dear, let us look the thing in the + face.” (This was his favourite expression, as well as habit.) “I have been + thinking it quietly over for the last six months. Why send me to the + university? I shall be out of place there. It will cost you a lot of + money, and no good. Now, you take a fool's advice; don't you waste your + money and papa's, sending a dull fellow like me to Oxford. I did bad + enough at <i>Eton.</i> Make me an engineer, or something. If you were not + so fond of me, and I of you, I'd say send me to Canada, with a pickaxe; + you know I have got no headpiece.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd had sat aghast, casting Edward deprecating looks at the close of + each ponderous sentence, but too polite to interrupt a soul, even a son + talking nonsense. She now assured him she could afford very well to send + him to Oxford, and begged leave to remind him that he was too good and too + sensible to run up bills there, like the young men who did not really love + their parents. “Then, as for learning, why, we must be reasonable in our + turn. Do the best you can, love. We know you have no great turn for the + classics; we do not expect you to take high honours like young Mr. Hardie; + besides, that might make your head ache: he has sad headaches, his sister + told Julia. But, my dear, an university education is indispensable Do but + see how the signs of it follow a gentleman through life, to say nothing of + the valuable acquaintances and lasting friendships he makes there: even + those few distinguished persons who have risen in the would without it, + have openly regretted the want, and have sent their children: and <i>that</i> + says volumes to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Edward, it is the hall-mark of a gentleman,” said Julia eagerly. + Mrs. Dodd caught a flash of her daughter: “And my silver shall never be + without it,” said she warmly. She added presently, in her usual placid + tone, “I beg your pardon, my dears, I ought to have said my gold.” With + this she kissed Edward tenderly on the brow, and drew an embrace and a + little grunt of resignation from him. “Take the dear boy and show him our + purchases, love!” said Mrs. Dodd, with a little gentle accent of half + reproach, scarce perceptible to a male ear. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” and Julia rose and tripped to the door. There she stood a + moment, half turned, with arching neck, colouring with innocent pleasure. + “Come, darling. Oh, you good-for-nothing thing.” + </p> + <p> + The pair found a little room hard by, paved with china, crockery, glass, + baths, kettles, &c. + </p> + <p> + “There, sir. Look them in the face; and us, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, I had no idea you had been and bought a cart-load of + things for Oxford.” His eye brightened; he whipped out a two-foot rule, + and began to calculate the cubic contents. “I'll turn to and make the + cases, Ju.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies had their way; the cases were made and despatched; and one + morning the Bus came for Edward, and stopped at the gate of Albion Villa. + At this sight mother and daughter both turned their heads quickly away by + one independent impulse, and set a bad example. Apparently neither of them + had calculated on this paltry little detail; they were game for + theoretical departures; to impalpable universities: and “an air-drawn Bus, + a Bus of the mind,” would not have dejected for a moment their lofty + Spartan souls on glory bent; safe glory. But here was a Bus of wood, and + Edward going bodily away inside it. The victim kissed them, threw up his + portmanteau and bag, and departed serene as Italian skies; the victors + watched the pitiless Bus quite out of sight; then went up to his bedroom, + all disordered by packing, and, on the very face of it, vacant; and sat + down on his little bed intertwining and weeping. + </p> + <p> + Edward was received at Exeter College, as young gentlemen are received at + college; and nowhere else, I hope, for the credit of Christendom. They + showed him a hole in the roof, and called it an “Attic;” grim pleasantry! + being a puncture in the modern Athens. They inserted him; told him what + hour at the top of the morning he must be in chapel; and left him to find + out his other ills. His cases were welcomed like Christians, by the whole + staircase. These undergraduates abused one another's crockery as their + own: the joint stock of breakables had just dwindled very low, and Mrs. + Dodd's bountiful contribution was a godsend. + </p> + <p> + The new comer soon found that his views of a learned university had been + narrow. Out of place in it? why, he could not have taken his wares to a + better market; the modern Athens, like the ancient, cultivates muscle as + well as mind. The captain of the university eleven saw a cricket-ball + thrown all across the ground; he instantly sent a professional bowler to + find out who that was; through the same ambassador the thrower was invited + to play on club days; and proving himself an infallible catch and + long-stop, a mighty thrower, a swift runner, and a steady, though not very + brilliant bat, he was, after one or two repulses, actually adopted into + the university eleven. He communicated this ray of glory by letter to his + mother and sister with genuine delight, coldly and clumsily expressed; + they replied with feigned and fluent rapture. Advancing steadily in that + line of academic study towards which his genius lay, he won a hurdle race, + and sent home a little silver hurdle; and soon after brought a pewter pot, + with a Latin inscription recording the victory at “Fives” of Edward Dodd: + but not too arrogantly; for in the centre of the pot was this device, “The + Lord Is My Illumination.” The Curate of Sandford, who pulled number six in + the Exeter boat, left Sandford for Witney: on this he felt he could no + longer do his college justice by water, and his parish by land, nor escape + the charge of pluralism, preaching at Witney and rowing at Oxford. He + fluctuated, sighed, kept his Witney, and laid down his oar. Then Edward + was solemnly weighed in his jersey and flannel trousers, and proving only + eleven stone eight, whereas he had been ungenerously suspected of twelve + stone,* was elected to the vacant oar by acclamation. He was a picture in + a boat; and, “Oh!!! well pulled, six!!” was a hearty ejaculation + constantly hurled at him from the bank by many men of other colleges, and + even by the more genial among the cads, as the Exeter glided at ease down + the river, or shot up it in a race. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *There was at this time a prejudice against weight, which + has yielded to experience +</pre> + <p> + He was now as much talked of in the university as any man of his college, + except one. Singularly enough that one was his townsman; but no friend of + his; he was much Edward's senior in standing, though not in age; and this + is a barrier the junior must not step over—without direct + encouragement—at Oxford. Moreover, the college was a large one, and + some of “the sets” very exclusive: young Hardie was Doge of a studious + clique; and careful to make it understood that he was a reading man who + boated and cricketed, to avoid the fatigue of lounging; not a boatman or + cricketer who strayed into Aristotle in the intervals of Perspiration. + </p> + <p> + His public running since he left Harrow was as follows: the prize poem in + his fourth term; the sculls in his sixth; the Ireland scholarship in his + eighth (he pulled second for it the year before); Stroke of the Exeter in + his tenth; and reckoned sure of a first class to consummate his twofold + career. + </p> + <p> + To this young Apollo, crowned with variegated laurel, Edward looked up + from a distance. The brilliant creature never bestowed a word on him by + land; and by water only such observations as the following: “Time, Six!” + “Well pulled, Six!” “Very well pulled, Six!” Except, by-the-bye, one race; + when he swore at him like a trooper for not being quicker at starting. The + excitement of nearly being bumped by Brasenose in the first hundred yards + was an excuse. However, Hardie apologised as they were dressing in the + barge after the race; but the apology was so stiff, it did not pave the + way to an acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Young Hardie, rising twenty-one, thought nothing human worthy of + reverence, but Intellect. Invited to dinner, on the same day, with the + Emperor of Russia, and with Voltaire, and with meek St. John, he would + certainly have told the coachman to put him down at Voltaire. + </p> + <p> + His quick eye detected Edward's character; but was not attracted by it: + says he to one of his adherents, “What a good-natured spoon that Dodd is; + Phoebus, what a name!” Edward, on the other hand, praised this brilliant + in all his letters, and recorded his triumphs and such of his witty + sayings as leaked through his own set, to reinvigorate mankind. This + roused Julia's ire. It smouldered through three letters; but burst out + when there was no letter; but Mrs. Dodd, meaning, Heaven knows, no harm, + happened to say meekly, <i>a propos</i> of Edward, “You know, love, we + cannot all be young Hardies.” “No, and thank Heaven,” said Julia + defiantly. “Yes, mamma,” she continued, in answer to Mrs. Dodd's eyebrow, + which had curved; “your mild glance reads my soul; I detest that boy.” + Mrs. Dodd smiled: “Are you sure you know what the word 'detest' means? And + what has young Mr. Hardie done, that you should bestow so violent a + sentiment on him?” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, I am Edward's sister,” was the tragic reply; then, kicking off the + buskin pretty nimbly, “There! he beats our boy at everything, and ours + sits quietly down and admires him for it: oh! how can a man let anybody or + anything beat him! I wouldn't; without a desperate struggle.” She clenched + her white teeth and imagined the struggle. To be sure, she owned she had + never seen this Mr. Hardie; but after all it was only Jane Hardie's + brother, as Edward was hers; “And would I sit down and let Jane beat me at + Things? Never! never! never! I couldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Your friend to the death, dear; was not that your expression?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was a slip of the tongue, dear mamma; I was off my guard. I + generally am, by the way. But now I am on it, and propose an amendment. + Now I second it. Now I carry it.” + </p> + <p> + “And now let me hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “She is my friend till death—or Eclipse; and that means until she + eclipses me, of course.” But she added softly, and with sudden gravity: + “Ah! Jane Hardie has a fault which will always prevent her from eclipsing + your humble servant in this wicked world.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “She is too good. Much.” + </p> + <p> + “Par exemple?” + </p> + <p> + “Too religious.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is another matter.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, mamma! I am glad to hear it: for I scorn a life of frivolity; + but then, again, I should not like to give up everything, you know.” Mrs. + Dodd looked a little staggered, too, at so vast a scheme of capitulation. + But “everything” was soon explained to mean balls, concerts, + dinner-parties in general, tea-parties without exposition of Scripture, + races, and operas, cards, charades, and whatever else amuses society + without perceptibly sanctifying it. All these, by Julia's account, Miss + Hardie had renounced, and was now denouncing (with the young the latter + verb treads on the very heels of the former). “And, you know, she is a + district visitor.” + </p> + <p> + This climax delivered, Julia stopped short, and awaited the result. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd heard it all with quiet disapproval and cool incredulity. She + had seen so many young ladies healed of many young enthusiasms by a + wedding ring. But, while she was searching diligently in her mine of + ladylike English—mine with plenty of water in it, begging her pardon—for + expressions to convey inoffensively, and roundabout, her conviction that + Miss Hardie was a little, furious simpleton, the post came and swept the + subject away in a moment. + </p> + <p> + Two letters; one from Calcutta, one from Oxford. + </p> + <p> + They came quietly in upon one salver, and were opened and read with + pleasurable interest, but without surprise, or misgiving; and without the + slightest foretaste of their grave amid singular consequences. + </p> + <p> + Rivers deep and broad start from such little springs. + </p> + <p> + David's letter was of unusual length for him. The main topics were, first, + the date and manner of his return home. His ship, a very old one, had been + condemned in port: and he was to sail a fine new teak-built vessel, the <i>Agra,</i> + as far as the Cape; where her captain, just recovered from a severe + illness, would come on board, and convey her and him to England. In + future, Dodd was to command one of the Company's large steamers to + Alexandria and back. + </p> + <p> + “It is rather a come-down for a sailor, to go straight ahead like a + wheelbarrow in all weathers with a steam-pot and a crew of coalheavers. But + then I shall not be parted from my sweetheart such long dreary spells as I + have been thus twenty years, my dear love: so is it for me to complain?” + </p> + <p> + The second topic was pecuniary; the transfer of their savings from India, + where interest was higher than at home, but the capital not so secure. + </p> + <p> + And the third was ardent and tender expressions of affection for the wife + and children he adored. These effusions of the heart had no separate + place, except in my somewhat arbitrary analysis of the honest sailor's + letter; they were the under current. Mrs. Dodd read part of it out to + Julia; in fact all but the money matter: that concerned the heads of the + family more immediately; and Cash was a topic her daughter did not + understand, nor care about. And when Mrs. Dodd had read it with glistening + eyes, she kissed it tenderly, and read it all over again to herself, and + then put it into her bosom as naively as a milkmaid in love. + </p> + <p> + Edward's letter was short enough, and Mrs. Dodd allowed Julia to read it + to her, which she did with panting breath, and glowing cheeks, and a + running fire of comments. + </p> + <p> + “'Dear Mamma, I hope you and Ju are quite well——'” + </p> + <p> + “Ju,” murmured Mrs. Dodd plaintively. + </p> + <p> + “'And that there is good news about papa coming home. As for me, I have + plenty on my hands just now; all this term I have been ('training' + scratched out, and another word put in: C — R — oh, I know) + 'cramming.'” + </p> + <p> + “'Cramming,' love?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is the Oxfordish for studying.” + </p> + <p> + “'—For smalls.'” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd contrived to sigh interrogatively. Julia, who understood her + every accent, reminded her that “smalls” was the new word for “little go.” + </p> + <p> + “'—Cramming for smalls; and now I am in two races at Henley, and + that rather puts the snaffie on reading and gooseberry pie' (Goodness me), + 'and adds to my chance of being ploughed for smalls.'” + </p> + <p> + “What does it all mean?” inquired mamma, “'gooseberry pie'? and 'the + snaffle'? and 'ploughed'?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the gooseberry pie is really too deep for me: but 'ploughed' is the + new Oxfordish for 'plucked.' O mamma, have you forgotten that? 'Plucked' + was vulgar, so now they are 'ploughed.' 'For smalls; but I hope I shall + not be, to vex you and Puss.'” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid he should be so disgraced! But what has the cat to do with + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing on earth. Puss? that is me. How dare he? Did I not forbid all + these nicknames and all this Oxfordish, by proclamation, last Long.” + </p> + <p> + “Last Long?” + </p> + <p> + “Hem! last protracted vacation.” + </p> + <p> + “'—Dear mamma, sometimes I cannot help being down in the mouth,' + (why, it is a string of pearls) 'to think you have not got a son like + Hardie.'” At this unfortunate reflection it was Julia's turn to suffer. + She deposited the letter in her lap, and fired up. “Now, have not I cause + to hate, and scorn, and despise le petit Hardie?” + </p> + <p> + “Julia!” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to dislike with propriety, and gently to abominate—Mr. + Hardie, junior.” + </p> + <p> + “'—Dear mamma, do come to Henley on the tenth, you and Ju. The + university eights will not be there, but the head boats of the Oxford and + Cambridge river will; and the Oxford head boat is Exeter, you know; and I + pull Six.'” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am truly sorry to hear it; my poor boy will overtask his strength; + and how unfair of the other young gentlemen; it seems ungenerous; + unreasonable; my poor child against so many.” + </p> + <p> + “'—And I am entered for the sculls as well, and if you and “the + Impetuosity”' (Vengeance!) 'were looking on from the bank, I do think I + should be lucky this time. Henley is a long way from Barkington, but it is + a pretty place; all the ladies admire it, and like to see both the + universities out and a stunning race.' Oh, well, there <i>is</i> an + epithet. One would think thunder was going to race lightning, instead of + Oxford Cambridge.” + </p> + <p> + “'—If you can come, please write, and I will get you nice lodgings; + I will not let you go to a noisy inn. Love to Julia and no end of kisses + to my pretty mamma. —From your affectionate Son, + </p> + <h3> + “'EDWARD DODD.'” + </h3> + <p> + They wrote off a cordial assent, and reached Henley in time to see the + dullest town in Europe; and also to see it turn one of the gayest in an + hour or two; so impetuously came both the universities pouring into it—in + all known vehicles that could go <i>their</i> pace—by land and + water. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + IT was a bright hot day in June. Mrs. Dodd and Julia sat half reclining, + with their parasols up, in an open carriage, by the brink of the Thames at + one of its loveliest bends. + </p> + <p> + About a furlong up stream a silvery stone bridge, just mellowed by time, + spanned the river with many fair arches. Through these the coming river + peeped sparkling a long way above, then came meandering and shining down; + loitered cool and sombre under the dark vaults, then glistened on again + crookedly to the spot where sat its two fairest visitors that day; but at + that very point flung off its serpentine habits, and shot straight away in + a broad stream of scintillating water a mile long, down to an island in + mid-stream: a little fairy island with old trees, and a white temple. To + curl round this fairy isle the broad current parted, and both silver + streams turned purple in the shade of the grove; then winded and melted + from the sight. + </p> + <p> + This noble and rare passage of the silvery Thames was the Henley + racecourse. The starting-place was down at the island, and the goal was up + at a point in the river below the bridge, but above the bend where Mrs. + Dodd and Julia sat, unruffled by the racing, and enjoying luxuriously the + glorious stream, the mellow bridge crowded with carriages—whose fair + occupants stretched a broad band of bright colour above the dark figures + clustering on the battlements—and the green meadows opposite with + the motley crowd streaming up and down. + </p> + <p> + Nor was that sense, which seems especially keen and delicate in women, + left unregaled in the general bounty of the time. The green meadows on the + opposite bank, and the gardens at the back of our fair friends, flung + their sweet fresh odours at their liquid benefactor gliding by; and the + sun himself seemed to burn perfumes, and the air to scatter them, over the + motley merry crowd, that bright, hot, smiling, airy day in June. + </p> + <p> + Thus tuned to gentle enjoyment, the fair mother and her lovely daughter + leaned back in a delicious languor proper to their sex, and eyed with + unflagging though demure interest, and furtive curiosity, the wealth of + youth, beauty, stature, agility, gaiety, and good temper, the two great + universities had poured out upon those obscure banks; all dressed in neat + but easy-fitting clothes, cut in the height of' the fashion; or else in + jerseys white or striped, and flannel trousers, and straw hats, or cloth + caps of bright and various hues; betting, strolling, laughing, chaffing, + larking, and whirling stunted bludgeons at Aunt Sally. + </p> + <p> + But as for the sport itself they were there to see, the center of all + these bright accessories, “The Racing,” my ladies did not understand it, + nor try, nor care a hook-and-eye about it. But this mild dignified + indifference to the main event received a shock at 2 p. m.: for then the + first heat for the cup came on, and Edward was in it. So then Racing + became all in a moment a most interesting pastime—an appendage to + Loving. He left to join his crew. And, soon after, the Exeter glided down + the river before their eyes, with the beloved one rowing quietly in it: + his jersey revealed not only the working power of his arms, as sunburnt + below the elbow as a gipsy's, and as corded above as a blacksmith's, but + also the play of the great muscles across his broad and deeply indented + chest: his oar entered the water smoothly, gripped it severely, then came + out clean, and feathered clear and tunably on the ringing rowlock: the + boat jumped and then glided, at each neat, easy, powerful stroke. “Oh, how + beautiful and strong he is!” cried Julia. “I had no idea.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the competitor for this heat came down: the Cambridge boat, + rowed by a fine crew in broad-striped jerseys. “Oh, dear” said Julia, + “they are odious and strong in this boat too. I wish I was in it—with + a gimlet; he <i>should</i> win, poor boy.” + </p> + <p> + Which corkscrew staircase to Honour being inaccessible, the race had to be + decided by two unfeminine trifles called “Speed” and “Bottom.” + </p> + <p> + Few things in this vale of tears are more worthy a pen of fire than an + English boat-race is, as seen by the runners; of whom I have often been + one. But this race I am bound to indicate, not describe; I mean, to show + how it appeared to two ladies seated on the Henley side of the Thames, + nearly opposite the winning-post. These fair novices then looked all down + the river, and could just discern two whitish streaks on the water, one on + each side the little fairy isle, and a great black patch on the Berkshire + bank. The threatening streaks were the two racing boats: the black patch + was about a hundred Cambridge and Oxford men, ready to run and hallo with + the boats all the way, or at least till the last puff of wind should be + run plus halloed out of their young bodies. Others less fleet and + enduring, but equally clamorous, stood in knots at various distances, ripe + for a shorter yell and run when the boats should come up to them. Of the + natives and country visitors, those who were not nailed down by bounteous + Fate ebbed and flowed up and down the bank, with no settled idea but of + getting in the way as much as possible, and of getting knocked into the + Thames as little as might be. + </p> + <p> + There was a long uneasy suspense. + </p> + <p> + At last a puff of smoke issued from a pistol down at the island; two oars + seemed to splash into the water from each white streak; and the black + patch was moving; so were the threatening streaks. Presently was heard a + faint, continuous, distant murmur, and the streaks began to get larger, + and larger, and larger; and the eight splashing oars looked four instead + of two. + </p> + <p> + Every head was now turned down the river. Groups hung craning over it like + nodding bulrushes. + </p> + <p> + Next the runners were swelled by the stragglers they picked up; so were + their voices; and on came the splashing oars and roaring lungs. + </p> + <p> + Now the colours of the racing jerseys peeped distinct. The oarsmen's heads + and bodies came swinging back like one, and the oars seemed to lash the + water savagely, like a connected row of swords, and the spray squirted at + each vicious stroke. The boats leaped and darted side by side, and, + looking at them in front, Julia could not say which was ahead. On they + came nearer and nearer, with hundreds of voices vociferating “Go it, + Cambridge” “Well pulled, Oxford!” “You are gaining, hurrah!” “Well pulled + Trinity!” “Hurrah!” “Oxford!” “Cambridge!” “Now is your time, Hardie; pick + her up!” “Oh, well pulled, Six!” “Well pulled, Stroke!” “Up, up! lift her + a bit!” “Cambridge!” “Oxford!” “Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + At this Julia turned red and pale by turns. “O mamma!” said she, clasping + her hands and colouring high, “would it be very wrong if I was to <i>pray</i> + for Oxford to win?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd had a monitory finger; it was on her left hand; she raised it; + and that moment, as if she had given a signal, the boats, fore-shortened + no longer, shot out to treble the length they had looked hitherto, and + came broadside past our palpitating fair, the elastic rowers stretched + like greyhounds in a chase, darting forward at each stroke so boldly they + seemed flying out of the boats, and surging back as superbly, an eightfold + human wave: their nostrils all open, the lips of some pale and glutinous, + their white teeth all clenched grimly, their young eyes all glowing, their + supple bodies swelling, the muscles writhing beneath their jerseys, and + the sinews starting on each bare brown arm; their little shrill coxswains + shouting imperiously at the young giants, and working to and fro with + them, like jockeys at a finish; nine souls and bodies flung whole into + each magnificent effort; water foaming and flying, rowlocks ringing, crowd + running, tumbling, and howling like mad; and Cambridge a boat's nose + ahead. + </p> + <p> + They had scarcely passed our two spectators, when Oxford put on a furious + spurt, and got fully even with the leading boat. There was a louder roar + than ever from the bank. Cambridge spurted desperately in turn, and stole + those few feet back; and so they went fighting every inch of water. Bang! + A cannon on the bank sent its smoke over both competitors; it dispersed in + a moment, and the boats were seen pulling slowly towards the bridge—Cambridge + with four oars, Oxford with six, as if that gum had winged them both. + </p> + <p> + The race was over. + </p> + <p> + But who had won our party could not see, and must wait to learn. + </p> + <p> + A youth, adorned with a blue and yellow rosette, cried out, in the hearing + of Mrs. Dodd, “I say, they are properly pumped, both crews are:” then, + jumping on to a spoke of her carriage-wheel, with a slight apology, he + announced that two or three were shut up in the Exeter. + </p> + <p> + The exact meaning of these two verbs passive was not clear to Mrs. Dodd; + but their intensity was. She fluttered, and wanted to go to her boy and + nurse him, and turned two most imploring eyes on Julia, and Julia + straightway kissed her with gentle vehemence, and offered to ruin and see. + </p> + <p> + “What, amongst all those young gentlemen, love? I fear that would not be + proper. See, all the ladies remain apart.” So they kept quiet and + miserable, after the manner of females. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the Cantab's quick eye had not deceived him; in each racing boat + were two young gentlemen leaning collapsed over their oars; and two more, + who were in a cloud, and not at all clear whether they were in this world + still, or in their zeal had pulled into a better. But their malady was not + a rare one in racing boats, and the remedy always at hand: it combined the + rival systems; Thames was sprinkled in their faces—Homoeopathy: and + brandy in a teaspoon trickled down their throats—Allopathy: youth + and spirits soon did the rest; and, the moment their eyes opened, their + mouths opened; and, the moment their mouths opened, they fell a chaffing. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd's anxiety and Julia's were relieved by the appearance of Mr. + Edward, in a tweed shooting-jacket sauntering down to them, hands in his + pockets, and a cigar in his mouth, placidly unconscious of their + solicitude on his account. He was received with a little guttural cry of + delight; the misery they had been in about him was duly concealed from him + by both, and Julia asked him warmly who had won. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Cambridge.” + </p> + <p> + “Cambridge! Why, then you are beaten?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather.” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + “And you can come here with that horrible calm, and cigar, owning defeat, + and puffing tranquillity, with the same mouth. Mamma, we are beaten. + Beaten! actually.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said Edward kindly; “you have seen a capital race, the + closest ever known on this river; and one side or other must lose.” + </p> + <p> + “And if they did not quite win, they very nearly did,” observed Mrs. Dodd + composedly; then, with heartfelt content, “He is not hurt, and that is the + main thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my Lady Placid, and Mr. Imperturbable, I am glad neither of your + equanimities is disturbed; but defeat is a Bitter Pill to me.” + </p> + <p> + Julia said this in her earnest voice, and drawing her scarf suddenly round + her, so as almost to make it speak, digested her Bitter Pill in silence. + During which process several Exeter men caught sight of Edward, and came + round him, and an animated discussion took place. They began with asking + him how it had happened, and, as he never spoke in a hurry, supplied him + with the answers. A stretcher had broken in the Exeter? No, but the + Cambridge was a much better built boat, and her bottom cleaner. The bow + oar of the Exeter was ill, and not fit for work. Each of these solutions + was advanced and combated in turn, and then all together. At last the + Babel lulled, and Edward was once more appealed to. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will tell you the real truth,” said he, “how it happened.” + (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + There was a pause of expectation, for the young man's tone was that of + conviction, knowledge, and authority. + </p> + <p> + “The Cambridge men pulled faster than we did.” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + The hearers stared and then laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Come, old fellows,” said Edward, “never win a boat-race on dry land! That + is such a <i>plain</i> thing to do; gives the other side the laugh as well + as the race. I have heard a stretcher or two told, but I saw none broken. + (Puff.) Their boat is the worst I ever saw; it dips every stroke. (Puff.) + Their strength lies in the crew. It was a good race and a fair one. + Cambridge got a lead and kept it. (Puff.) They beat us a yard or two at + rowing; but hang it all, don't let them beat us at telling the truth, not + by an inch.” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + “All right, old fellow!” was now the cry. One observed, however, that + Stroke did not take the matter so coolly as Six; for he had shed a tear + getting out of the boat. + </p> + <p> + “Shed a fiddlestick!” squeaked a little sceptic. + </p> + <p> + “No” said another, “he didn't quite shed it; his pride wouldn't let him.” + </p> + <p> + “So he decanted it, and put it by for supper, suggested Edward, and + puffed. + </p> + <p> + “None of your chaff, Six. He had a gulp or two, and swallowed the rest by + main force.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you talk: you can swallow anything, it seems.” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + “Well, I believe it,” said one of Hardie's own set. “Dodd doesn't know him + as we do. Taff Hardie can't bear to be beat.” + </p> + <p> + When they were gone, Mrs. Dodd observed, “Dear me! what if the young + gentleman did cry a little, it was very excusable; after such great + exertions it <i>was</i> disappointing, mortifying. I pity him for one, and + wish he had his mother alive and here, to dry them.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Oh where, <i>and</i> oh where, <i>was</i> her Lindley Murray gone? +</pre> + <p> + “Mamma, it is you for reading us,” cried Edward, slapping his thigh. + “Well, then, since you can feel for a fellow, Hardie <i>was</i> a good + deal cut up. You know the university was in a manner beaten, and he took + the blame. He never cried; that was a cracker of those fellows. But he did + give one great sob, that was all, and hung his head on one side a moment. + But then he fought out of it directly, like a man; and there was an end of + it, or ought to have been. Hang chatterboxes!” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you say to console him, Edward?” inquired Julia warmly. + </p> + <p> + “What—me? Console my senior, and my Stroke? No, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + At this thunderbolt of etiquette both ladies kept their countenances this + was <i>their</i> muscular feat that day—and the racing for the + sculls came on: six competitors, two Cambridge, three Oxford, one London. + The three heats furnished but one good race, a sharp contest between a + Cambridge man and Hardie, ending in favour of the latter; the Londoner + walked away from his opponent; Sir Imperturbable's competitor was + impetuous, and ran into him in the first hundred yards; Sir I. consenting + calmly. The umpire, appealed to on the spot, decided that it was a foul, + Mr. Dodd being in his own water. He walked over the course, and explained + the matter to his sister, who delivered her mind thus— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if races are to be won by going slower than the other, we may shine + yet: <i>only,</i> I call it Cheating, not Racing.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled unmoved; she gave her scarf the irony twist, and they all went + to dinner. The business recommenced with a race between a London boat and + the winner' of yesterday's heat, Cambridge. Here the truth of Edward's + remark appeared. The Cambridge boat was too light for the men, and kept + burying her hose; the London craft, under a heavy crew, floated like a + cork. The Londoners soon found out their advantage, and, overrating it, + steered into their opponents water prematurely, in spite of a warning + voice from the bank. Cambridge saw, and cracked on for a foul; and for + about a minute it was anybody's race. But the Londoners pulled gallantly, + and just scraped clear ahead. This peril escaped, they kept their backs + straight and a clear lead to the finish. Cambridge followed a few feet in + their wake, pulling wonderfully fast to the end, but a trifle out of form, + and much distressed. + </p> + <p> + At this both universities looked blue, their humble aspiration being, + first to beat off all the external world, and then tackle each other for + the prize. + </p> + <p> + Just before Edward left his friends for “the sculls,” the final heat, a + note was brought to him. He ran his eye over it, and threw it open into + his sister's lap. The ladies read it. Its writer had won a prize poem, and + so now is our time to get a hint for composition: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR,—Oxford must win something. Suppose we go in for these + sculls. You are a horse that can stay; Silcock is hot for the lead at + starting, I hear; so I mean to work him out of wind; then you can wait on + us, and pick up the race. My head is not well enough to-day to win, but I + am good to pump the Cockney; he is quick, but a little stale—Yours + truly, + </p> + <h3> + “ALFRED HARDIE” + </h3> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd remarked that the language was sadly figurative; but she hoped + Edward might be successful in spite of his correspondent's style. + </p> + <p> + Julia said she did not dare hope it. “The race is not always to the + slowest and the dearest.” This was in allusion to yesterday's “foul.” + </p> + <p> + The skiffs started down at the island, and, as they were longer coming up + than the eight oars, she was in a fever for nearly ten minutes. At last, + near the opposite bank, up came the two leading skiffs struggling, both + men visibly exhausted—Silcock ahead, but his rudder overlapped by + Hardie's bow; each in his own water. + </p> + <p> + “We are third,” sighed Julia, and turned her head away from the river + sorrowfully. But only for a moment, for she felt Mrs. Dodd start and press + her arm; and lo! Edward's skiff was shooting swiftly across from their + side of the river. He was pulling just within himself, in beautiful form, + and with far more elasticity than the other two had got left. As he + passed his mother and sister, his eyes seemed to strike fire, and he laid + out all his powers, and went at the leading skiffs hand over head. There + was a yell of astonishment and delight from both sides of the Thames. He + passed Hardie, who upon that relaxed his speed. In thirty seconds more he + was even with Silcock. Then came a keen struggle: but the new comer was + “the horse that could stay:” he drew steadily ahead, and the stern of his + boat was in a line with Silcock's person when the gun fired; and a fearful + roar from the bridge, the river, and the banks, announced that the + favourite university had picked up the sculls in the person of Dodd of + Exeter. + </p> + <p> + In due course he brought the little silver sculls, and pinned them on his + mother. + </p> + <p> + While she and Julia were telling him how proud they were, and how happy + they should be, but for their fears that he would hurt himself, beating + gentlemen ever so much older than himself, came two Exeter men with wild + looks hunting for him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Dodd! Hardie wants you directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you go, Edward,” whispered Julia; “why should you be at Mr. + Hardie's beck and call? I never heard of such a thing. That youth <i>will</i> + make me hate him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I think I had better just go and see what it is about,” replied + Edward: “I shall be back directly.” And on this understanding he went off + with the men. + </p> + <p> + Half-an-hour passed; an hour; two hours, and he did not return. Mrs. Dodd + and Julia sat wondering what had become of him, and were looking all + around, and getting uneasy, when at last they did hear something about + him, but indirectly, and from an unexpected quarter. A tall young man in a + jersey and flannel trousers, and a little straw hat, with a purple + rosette, came away from the bustle to the more secluded part where they + sat, and made eagerly for the Thames as if he was a duck, and going in. + But at the brink he flung himself into a sitting posture, and dipped his + white handkerchief into the stream, then tied it viciously round his brow, + doubled himself up with his head in his hands, and rocked himself like an + old woman—minus the patience, of course. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd and Julia, sitting but a few paces behind him, interchanged, a + look of intelligence. The young gentleman was a stranger; but they had + recognised a faithful old acquaintance at the bottom of his pantomime. + They discovered, too, that the afflicted one was a personage: for he had + not sat there long when quite a little band of men came after him. + Observing his semi-circularity and general condition, they hesitated a + moment; and then one of them remonstrated eagerly.: “For Heaven's sake + come back to the boat! There is a crowd of all the colleges come round us; + and they all say Oxford is being sold. We had a chance for the four-oared + race, and you are throwing it away.” + </p> + <p> + “What do I care what they all say?” was the answer, delivered with a kind + of plaintive snarl. + </p> + <p> + “But we care.” + </p> + <p> + “Care then! I pity you.” And he turned his back fiercely on them, and then + groaned by way of half apology. Another tried him: “Come, give us a civil + answer, please.” + </p> + <p> + “People that intrude upon a man's privacy, racked with pain, have no right + to demand civility,” replied the sufferer, more gently, but sullenly + enough. + </p> + <p> + “Do you call this privacy?” + </p> + <p> + “It was, a minute ago. Do you think I left the boat, and came here among + the natives, for company? and noise? With my head splitting?” + </p> + <p> + Here Julia gave Mrs. Dodd a soft pinch, to which Mrs. Dodd replied by a + smile. And so they settled who this petulant young invalid must be. + </p> + <p> + “'There, it is no use,” observed one, <i>sotto voce,</i> “the bloke really + has awful headaches, like a girl, and then he always shuts up this way. + You will only rile him, and get the rough side of his tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Here, then, the conference drew towards a close. But a Wadham man, who was + one of the ambassadors, interposed. “Stop a minute,” said he. “Mr. Hardie, + I have not the honour to be acquainted with you, and I am not here to + annoy you, nor to be affronted by you. But the university has a stake in + this race, and the university expostulates through us—through me, if + you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Who have I the honour?” inquired Hardie, assuming politeness sudden and + vast. + </p> + <p> + “Badham, of Wadham.” + </p> + <p> + “Badham o' Wadham? Hear that, ye tuneful nine! Well, Badham o' Wadham, you + are no acquaintance of mine; so you may possibly not be a fool. Let us + assume by way of hypothesis that you are a man of sense, a man of reason + as well as of rhyme. Then follow my logic. Hardie of Exeter is a good man + in a boat when he has not got a headache. + </p> + <p> + “When he has got a headache, Hardie of Exeter is not worth a straw in a + boat. + </p> + <p> + “Hardie of Exeter has a headache now. + </p> + <p> + “Ergo, the university would put the said Hardie into a race, headache and + all, and reduce defeat to a certainty. + </p> + <p> + “And, ergo, on the same premises, I, not being an egotist, nor an ass, + have taken Hardie of Exeter and his headache out of the boat, as I should + have done any other cripple. + </p> + <p> + “Secondly, I have put the best man on the river into this cripple's place. + </p> + <p> + “Total, I have given the university the benefit of my brains; and the + university, not having brains enough to see what it gains by the exchange, + turns again and rends me, like an animal frequently mentioned in + Scripture; but, <i>nota bene,</i> never once with approbation.” + </p> + <p> + And the afflicted Rhetorician attempted a diabolical grin, but failed + signally; and groaned instead. + </p> + <p> + “Is this your answer to the university, sir?” + </p> + <p> + At this query, delivered in a somewhat threatening tone, the invalid sat + up all in a moment, like a poked lion. “Oh, if Badham o' Wadham thinks to + crush me <i>auctoritate sua et totius universitatis,</i> Badham o' Wadham + may just tell the whole university to go and be d——d, from the + Chancellor down to the junior cook at Skimmery Hall, with my compliments.” + </p> + <p> + “Ill-conditioned brute!” muttered Badham of Wadham. “Serve you right if + the university were to chuck you into the Thames.” And with this comment + they left him to his ill temper. One remained; sat quietly down a little + way off, struck a sweetly aromatic lucifer, and blew a noisome cloud; but + the only one which betokens calm. + </p> + <p> + As for Hardie, he held his aching head over his knees, absorbed in pain, + and quite unconscious that sacred pity was poisoning the air beside him, + and two pair of dovelike eyes resting on him with womanly concern. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd and Julia had heard the greatest part of this colloquy. They had + terribly quick ears and nothing better to do with them just then. Indeed, + their interest was excited. + </p> + <p> + Julia went so far as to put her salts into Mrs. Dodd's hand with a little + earnest look. But Mrs. Dodd did not act upon the hint. She had learned who + the young man was: had his very name been strange to her, she would have + been more at her ease with him. Moreover, his rudeness to the other men + repelled her a little. Above all, he had uttered a monosyllable and a + stinger: a thorn of speech not in her vocabulary, nor even in society's. + Those might be his manners, even when not aching. Still, it seems, a + feather would have turned the scale in his favour, for she whispered, “I + have a great mind; if I could but catch his eye.” + </p> + <p> + While feminine pity and social reserve were holding the balance so nicely, + and nonsensically, about half a split straw, one of the racing four-oars + went down close under the Berkshire bank. “London!” observed Hardie's + adherent. + </p> + <p> + “What, are you there, old fellow?” murmured Hardie, in a faint voice. + “Now, that is like a friend, a real friend, to sit by me, and not make a + row. Thank you! thank you!” + </p> + <p> + Presently the Cambridge four-oar passed: it was speedily followed by the + Oxford; the last came down in mid-stream, and Hardie eyed it keenly as it + passed. “There,” he cried, “was I wrong? There is a swing for you; there + is a stroke. I did not know what a treasure I had got sitting behind me.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies looked, and lo! the lauded Stroke of the four-oar was their + Edward. + </p> + <p> + “Sing out and tell him it is not like the sculls. We must fight for the + lead at starting, and hold it with his eyelids when he has got it.” + </p> + <p> + The adherent bawled this at Edward, and Edward's reply came ringing back + in a clear, cheerful voice, “We mean to try all we know.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the odds?” inquired the invalid faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Even on London; two to one against Cambridge; three to one against us.” + </p> + <p> + “Take all my tin and lay it on,” sighed the sufferer. + </p> + <p> + “Fork it out, then. Hallo! eighteen pounds? Fancy having eighteen pounds + at the end of term. I'll get the odds up at the bridge directly. Here's a + lady offering you her smelling-bottle.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie rose and turned round, and sure enough there were two ladies seated + in their carriage at some distance, one of whom was holding him out three + pretty little things enough, a little smile, a little blush, and a little + cut-glass bottle with a gold cork. The last panegyric on Edward had turned + the scale. + </p> + <p> + Hardie went slowly up to the side of the carriage, and took off his hat to + them with a half-bewildered air. Now that he was so near, his face showed + very pale; the more so that his neck was a good deal tanned; his eyelids + were rather swollen, and his young eyes troubled and almost filmy with the + pain. The ladies saw, and their gentle bosoms were touched: they had heard + of him as a victorious young Apollo trampling on all difficulties of mind + and body; and they saw him wan, and worn, with feminine suffering: the + contrast made him doubly interesting. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the side of the carriage, he almost started at Julia's beauty. + It was sun-like, and so were her two lovely earnest eyes, beaming soft + pity on him with an eloquence he had never seen in human eyes before; for + Julia's were mirrors of herself; they did nothing by halves. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her and her mother, and blushed, and stood irresolute, + awaiting their commands. This sudden contrast to his petulance with his + own sex paved the way. “You have a sad headache, sir,” said Mrs. Dodd; + “oblige me by trying my salts.” + </p> + <p> + He thanked her in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “And, mamma,” inquired Julia, “ought he to sit in the sun?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. You had better sit there, sir, and profit by our shade and + our parasols.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mamma, but you know the real place where he ought to be is Bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray don't say that,” implored the patient. + </p> + <p> + But Julia continued, with unabated severity, “And that is where he would + go this minute, if I was his mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “Instead of his junior, and a stranger,” said Mrs. Dodd, somewhat coldly, + dwelling with a very slight monitory emphasis on the “stranger.” + </p> + <p> + Julia said nothing, but drew in perceptibly, and was dead silent ever + after. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madam!” said Hardie eagerly, “I do not dispute her authority, nor + yours. You have a right to send me where you please, after your kindness + in noticing my infernal head, and doing me the honour to speak to me, and + lending me this. But if I go to bed, my head will be my master. Besides, I + shall throw away what little chance I have of making your acquaintance; + and the race just coming off!” + </p> + <p> + “We will not usurp authority, sir,” said Mrs. Dodd quietly; “but we know + what a severe headache is, and should be glad to see you sit still in the + shade, and excite yourself as little as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam,” said the youth humbly, and sat down like a lamb. He glanced + now and then at the island, and now and then peered up at the radiant + young mute beside him. + </p> + <p> + The silence continued till it was broken by—a fish out of water. An + undergraduate in spectacles came mooning along, all out of his element. It + was Mr. Kennet, who used to rise at four every morning to his Plato, and + walk up Shotover Hill every afternoon, wet or dry, to cool his eyes for + his evening work. With what view he deviated to Henley has not yet been + ascertained. He was blind as a bat, and did not care a button about any + earthly boat-race, except the one in the AEneid, even if he could have + seen one. However, nearly all the men of his college went to Henley, and + perhaps some branch, hitherto unexplored, of animal magnetism drew him + after. At any rate, there was his body; and his mind at Oxford and Athens, + and other venerable but irrelevant cities. He brightened at sight of his + doge, and asked him warmly if he had heard the news. + </p> + <p> + “No: what? Nothing wrong, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, two of our men are ploughed; that is all,” said Kennet, affecting + with withering irony to undervalue his intelligence. + </p> + <p> + “Confound it, Kennet, how you frightened me! I was afraid there was some + screw loose with the crew.” + </p> + <p> + At this very instant, the smoke of the pistol was seen to puff out from + the island, and Hardie rose to his feet. “They are off!” cried he to the + ladies, and after first putting his palms together with a hypocritical + look of apology, he laid one hand on an old barge that was drawn up + ashore, and sprang like a mountain goat on to the bow, lighting on the + very gunwale. The position was not tenable an instant, but he extended one + foot very nimbly and boldly, and planted it on the other gunwale; and + there he was in a moment, headache and all, in an attitude as large and + inspired as the boldest gesture antiquity has committed to marble—he + had even the advantage in stature over most of the sculptured forms of + Greece. But a double opera-glass at his eye “spoiled the lot,” as Mr. + Punch says. + </p> + <p> + I am not to repeat the particulars of a distant race coming nearer and + nearer. The main features are always the same; only this time it was more + exciting to our fair friends, on account of Edward's high stake in it. And + then their grateful though refractory patient, an authority in their eyes, + indeed all but a river-god, stood poised in air, and in excited whispers + interpreted each distant and unintelligible feature down to them: + </p> + <p> + “Cambridge was off quickest.” + </p> + <p> + “But not much.” + </p> + <p> + “Anybody's race at present, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “If this lasts long we may win. None of them can stay like us.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, the favourite is not so very dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “Cambridge looks best.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't change with either, so far.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, in forty seconds more, I shall be able to pick out the winner.” + </p> + <p> + Julia went up this ladder of thrills to a high state of excitement; and, + indeed, they were all so tuned to racing pitch, that some metal nerve or + other seemed to jar inside all three, when the piercing, grating voice of + Kennet broke in suddenly with— + </p> + <p> + “How do you construe [Greek text]?” + </p> + <p> + The wretch had burrowed in the intellectual ruins of Greece the moment the + pistol went off, and college chat ceased. Hardie raised his opera-glass, + and his first impulse was to brain the judicious Kennet, gazing up to him + for an answer, with spectacles goggling like supernatural eyes of dead + sophists in the sun. + </p> + <p> + “How do you construe <i>'Hoc age''</i>? you incongruous dog. Hold your + tongue, and mind the race.” + </p> + <p> + “There, I thought so. Where's your three to one, now? The Cockneys are out + of this event, any way. Go on, Universities, and order their suppers!” + </p> + <p> + “But which is first, sir?” asked Julia imploringly. “Oh, which is first of + all?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither. Never mind; it looks well. London is pumped; and if Cambridge + can't lead him before this turn in the river, the race will be ours. Now, + look out! By Jove, we are <i>ahead!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The leading boats came on, Oxford pulling a long, lofty, sturdy stroke, + that seemed as if it never could compete with the quick action of its + competitor. Yet it was undeniably ahead, and gaining at every swing. + </p> + <p> + Young Hardie writhed on his perch. He screeched at them across the Thames, + “Well pulled, Stroke! Well pulled all! Splendidly pulled, Dodd! You are + walking away from them altogether. Hurrah, Oxford for ever, hurrah!” The + gun went off over the heads of the Oxford crew in advance, and even Mrs. + Dodd and Julia could see the race was theirs. + </p> + <p> + “We have won at last,” cried Julia, all on fire, “and fairly; only think + of that!” + </p> + <p> + Hardie turned round, grateful to beauty for siding with his university. + “Yes, and the fools may thank me; or rather my man, Dodd. Dodd for ever! + Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + At this climax even Mrs. Dodd took a gentle share in the youthful + enthusiasm that was boiling around her, and her soft eyes sparkled, and + she returned the fervid pressure of her daughter's hand; and both their + faces were flushed with gratified pride and affection. + </p> + <p> + “Dodd!” broke in “the incongruous dog,” with a voice just like a saw's. + “Dodd? Ah, that's the man who is just ploughed for smalls.” + </p> + <p> + Ice has its thunderbolts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + WINNING boat-races was all very fine; but a hundred such victories could + not compensate Mr. Kennet's female hearers for one such defeat as he had + announced—a defeat that, to their minds, carried disgrace. Their + Edward plucked! At first they were benumbed, and sat chilled, with red + cheeks, bewildered between present triumph and mortification at hand. Then + the colour ebbed out of their faces, and they encouraged each other feebly + in whispers, “Might it not be a mistake?” + </p> + <p> + But unconscious Kennet robbed them of this timid hope. He was now in his + element, knew all about it, rushed into details, and sawed away all doubt + from their minds. The sum was this. Dodd's general performance was + mediocre, but passable; he was plucked for his Logic. Hardie said he was + very sorry for it. “What does it matter?” answered Kennet; “he is a + boating-man. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and I am a boating-man. Why, you told me yourself, the other day, + poor Dodd was anxious about it on account of his friends. And, by-the-bye, + that reminds me they say he has got two pretty sisters here.” + </p> + <p> + Says Kennet briskly, “I'll go and tell him; I know him just to speak to.” + </p> + <p> + “What! doesn't he know?” + </p> + <p> + “How can he know?” said Kennet jealously; “the testamurs were only just + out as I came away.” And within this he started on his congenial errand. + </p> + <p> + Hardie took two or three of his long strides, and fairly collared him. + “You will do nothing of the kind.” + </p> + <p> + “What, not tell a man when he's ploughed? That is a good joke.” + </p> + <p> + “No. There's time enough. Tell him after chapel to-morrow, or in chapel if + you must; but why poison his triumphal cup? And his sisters, too, why + spoil their pleasure? Hang it all, not a word about 'ploughing' to any + living soul to-day.” + </p> + <p> + To his surprise, Kennet's face expressed no sympathy, nor even bare + assent. At this Hardie lost patience, and burst out impetuously, “Take + care how you refuse me; take care how you thwart me in this. He is the + best-natured fellow in college. It doesn't matter to you, and it does to + him; and if you <i>do,</i> then take my name off the list of your + acquaintance, for I'll never speak a word to you again in this world; no, + not on my death-bed, by Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + The threat was extravagant; but Youth's glowing cheek and eye, and + imperious lip, and simple generosity, made it almost beautiful. + </p> + <p> + Kennet whined, “Oh, if you talk like that, there is an end to fair + argument.” + </p> + <p> + “End it then, and promise me; upon your honour!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? What bosh! There, I promise. Now, how do you construe [Greek + text]?” + </p> + <p> + The incongruous dog (“I thank thee, Taff, for teaching me that word”) put + this query with the severity of an inquisitor bringing back a garrulous + prisoner to the point. Hardie replied gaily, “Any way you like, now you + are a good fellow again.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, that is evasive. My tutor says it cannot be rendered by any one + English word; no more can [Greek text].” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what on earth can he know about English? [Greek text] is a + Cormorant: [Greek text] is a Skinflint; and your tutor is a Duffer. Hush! + keep dark now! here he comes.” And he went hastily to meet Edward Dodd: + and by that means intercepted him on his way to the carriage. “Give me + your hand, Dodd,” he cried; “you have saved the university. You must be + stroke of the eight-oar after me. Let me see more of you than I have, old + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Within all my heart,” replied Edward calmly, but taking the offered hand + cordially; though he rather wanted to get away to his mother and sister. + “We will pull together, and read together into the bargain,” continued + Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “Read together? You and I? What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see I am pretty well up in the Imigliner books; what I have got + to rub up is my Divinity and my Logic—especially my Logic. Will you + grind Logic with me? Say 'Yes,' for I know you will keep your word.” + </p> + <p> + “It is too good an offer to refuse, Hardie; but now I look at you, you are + excited: wonderfully excited: within the race, eh? Now, just—you—wait—quietly—till + next week, and then, if you are so soft as to ask me in cool blood——” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a week?” cried the impetuous youth. “No, not a minute. It is + settled. There, we cram Logic together next term.” + </p> + <p> + And he shook Edward's hand again with glistening eyes and an emotion that + was quite unintelligible to Edward; but not to the quick, sensitive + spirits, who sat but fifteen yards off. + </p> + <p> + “You really must excuse me just now,” said Edward, and ran to the + carriage, and put out both hands to the fair occupants. They kissed him + eagerly, with little tender sighs; and it cost them no slight effort not + to cry publicly over “the beloved,” “the victorious,” “the ploughed.” + </p> + <p> + Young Hardie stood petrified. What? These ladies Dodd's sisters. Why, one + of them had called the other mamma. Good heavens! all his talk in their + hearing had been of Dodd; and Kennet and he between them had let out the + very thing he wanted to conceal, especially from Dodd's relations. He + gazed at them, and turned hot to the very forehead. Then, not knowing what + to do or say, and being after all but a clever boy, not a cool, “never + unready” man of the world, he slipped away, blushing. Kennet followed, + goggling. + </p> + <p> + Left to herself, Mrs. Dodd would have broken the bad news to Edward at + once, and taken the line of consoling him under her own vexation: it would + not have been the first time that she had played that card. But young Mr. + Hardie had said it would be unkind to poison Edward's day: and it is sweet + woman's nature to follow suit; so she and Julia put bright faces on, and + Edward passed a right jocund afternoon with them. He was not allowed to + surprise one of the looks they interchanged to relieve their secret + mortification. But, after dinner, as the time drew near for him to go back + to Oxford, Mrs. Dodd became silent, and a little <i>distraite;</i> and at + last drew her chair away to a small table, and wrote a letter. + </p> + <p> + In directing it she turned it purposely, so that Julia could catch the + address: <i>“Edward Dodd, Esq., Exeter College, Oxford.</i>” + </p> + <p> + Julia was naturally startled at first, and her eye roved almost comically + to and fro the letter and its Destination, seated calm and unconscious of + woman's beneficent wiles. But her heart soon divined the mystery: it was + to reach him the first thing in the morning, and spare him the pain of + writing the news to them; and, doubtless, so worded as not to leave him a + day in doubt of their forgiveness and sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Julia took the missive unobserved by the Destination, and glided out of + the room to get it quietly posted. + </p> + <p> + The servant-girl was waiting on the second-floor lodgers, and told her so, + with a significant addition, viz., that the post was in this street, and + only a few doors off. Julia was a little surprised at her coolness, but + took the hint with perfect good temper, and just put on her shawl and + bonnet, and went with it herself. The post-office was not quite so near as + represented; but she was soon there, for she was eager till she had posted + it. But she came back slowly and thoughtfully; here in the street, lighted + only by the moon, and an occasional gaslight, there was no need for + self-restraint, and soon her mortification betrayed itself in her speaking + countenance. And to think that her mother, on whom she doted, should have + to write to her son, there present, and post the letter! This made her + eyes fill, and before she reached the door of the lodging, they were + brimming over. + </p> + <p> + As she put her foot on the step, a timid voice addressed her in a low + tone of supplication. “May I venture to speak one word to you, Miss Dodd?—one + single word?” + </p> + <p> + She looked up surprised; and it was young Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + His tall figure was bending towards her submissively, and his face, as + well as his utterance, betrayed considerable agitation. + </p> + <p> + And what led to so unusual a rencontre between a young gentleman and lady + who had never been introduced? + </p> + <p> + “The Tender Passion,” says a reader of many novels. + </p> + <p> + Why, yes; the tenderest in all our nature: + </p> + <p> + Wounded Vanity. + </p> + <p> + Naturally proud and sensitive, and inflated by success and flattery, + Alfred Hardie had been torturing himself ever since he fled Edward's + female relations. He was mortified to the core. He confounded “the fools” + (his favourite synonym for his acquaintance) for going and calling Dodd's + mother an elder sister, and so not giving him a chance to divine her. And + then that he, who prided himself on his discrimination, should take them + for ladies of rank, or, at all events, of the highest fashion and, climax + of humiliation, that so great a man as he should go and seem to court them + by praising Dodd of Exeter, by enlarging upon Dodd of Exeter, by offering + to grind Logic with Dodd of Exeter. Who would believe that this was a + coincidence, a mere coincidence? They could not be expected to believe it; + female vanity would not let them. He tingled, and was not far from hating + the whole family; so bitter a thing is that which I have ventured to dub + “The Tenderest Passion.” He itched to soothe his irritation by explaining + to Edward. Dodd was a frank, good-hearted fellow; he would listen to + facts, and convince the ladies in turn. Hardie learned where Dodd's party + lodged, and waited about the door to catch him alone: Dodd must be in + college by twelve, and would leave Henley before ten. He waited till he + was tired of waiting. But at last the door opened; he stepped forward, and + out tripped Miss Dodd. “Confound it!” muttered Hardie, and drew back. + However, he stood and admired her graceful figure and action, her ladylike + speed without bustling. Had she come back at the same pace, he would never + have ventured to stop her: on such a thread do things hang: but she + returned very slowly, hanging her head. Her look at him and his headache + recurred to him—a look brimful of goodness. She would do as well as + Edward, better perhaps. He yielded to impulse, and addressed her, but with + all the trepidation of a youth defying the giant Etiquette for the first + time in his life. + </p> + <p> + Julia was a little surprised and fluttered, but did not betray it; she had + been taught self-command by example, if not by precept. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Mr. Hardie,” said she, within a modest composure a young + coquette might have envied under the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Hardie had now only to explain himself; but instead of that, he stood + looking at her within silent concern. The fair face she raised to him was + wet with tears; so were her eyes, and even the glorious eyelashes were + fringed with that tender spray; and it glistened in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + This sad and pretty sight drove the vain but generous youth's calamity + clean out of his head. “Why, you are crying! Miss Dodd, what is the + matter? I hope nothing has happened.” + </p> + <p> + Julia turned her head away a little fretfully, with a “No, no!” But soon + her natural candour and simplicity prevailed; a simplicity not without + dignity; she turned round to him and looked him in the face. “Why should I + deny it to you, sir, who have been good enough to sympathise with us? We + are mortified, sadly mortified, at dear Edward's disgrace; and it has cost + us a struggle not to disobey you, and <i>poison his triumphal cup</i> + with sad looks. And mamma had to write to him, and console him against + to-morrow: but I hope he will not feel it so severely as she does: and I + have just posted it myself, and, when I thought of our dear mamma being + driven to such expedients, I—Oh!” And the pure young heart, having + opened itself by words, must flow a little more. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray don't cry,” said young Hardie tenderly; “don't take such a + trifle to heart so. You crying makes me feel guilty for letting it happen. + It shall never occur again. If I had only known, it should never have + happened at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Once is enough,” sighed Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you take it too much to heart. It is only out of Oxford a plough + is thought much of; especially a single one; that is so very common. You + see, Miss Dodd, an university examination consists of several items: + neglect but one, and Crichton himself would be ploughed; because + brilliancy in your other papers is not allowed to count; that is how the + most distinguished man of our day got ploughed for Smalls. I had a narrow + escape, I know, for one. But, Miss Dodd, if you knew how far your + brother's performance on the river outweighs a mere slip in the schools, + in all university men's eyes, the dons' and all, you would not make this + bright day end sadly to Oxford by crying. Why, I could find you a thousand + men who would be ploughed to-morrow with glory and delight to win one such + race as your brother has won two.” + </p> + <p> + Julia sighed again. But it sounded now half like a sigh of relief—the + final sigh, with which the fair consent to be consoled. + </p> + <p> + And indeed this improvement in the music did not escape Hardie. He felt he + was on the right tack: he enumerated fluently, and by name, many good men, + besides Dean Swift, who had been ploughed, yet had cultivated the field of + letters in their turn; and, in short, he was so earnest and plausible, + that something like a smile hovered about his hearer's lips, and she + glanced askant at him with furtive gratitude from under her silky lashes. + But it soon recurred to her that this was rather a long interview to + accord to “a stranger,” and under the moon; so she said a little stiffly, + “And was this what you were good enough to wish to say to me, Mr. Hardie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Dodd, to be frank, it was not. My motive in addressing you, + without the right to take such a freedom, was egotistical. I came here to + clear myself; I—I was afraid you must think me a humbug, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I feared you and Mrs. Dodd might think I praised Dodd so, and did + what little I did for him, knowing who you were, and wishing to curry + favour with you by all that; and that is so underhand and paltry a way of + going to work, I should despise myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Hardie,” said the young lady, smiling, “How foolish: why, of + course, we knew you had no idea.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I had not; but how could you know it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, we saw it. Do you think we have no eyes? Ah, and much keener ones + than gentlemen have. It is mamma and I who are to blame, if anybody; we + ought to have declared ourselves: it would have been more generous, more—manly. + But we cannot all be gentlemen, you know. It was so sweet to hear Edward + praised by one who did not know us; it was like stolen fruit; and by one + whom others praise: so, if you can forgive us our slyness, there is an end + of the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive you? you have taken a thorn out of my soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am so glad you summoned courage to speak to me without ceremony. + Mamma would have done better, though; but after all, do not I know her? my + mamma is all goodness and intelligence. And be assured, sir, she does you + justice; and is quite sensible of your <i>disinterested</i> kindness to + dear Edward.” With this she was about to retire. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! But you, Miss Dodd? with whom I have taken this unwarrantable + liberty?” said Hardie imploringly. + </p> + <p> + “Me, Mr. Hardie? You do me the honour to require my opinion of your + performances: including of course this self-introduction?” + </p> + <p> + Hardie hung his head; there was a touch of satire in the lady's voice, he + thought. + </p> + <p> + Her soft eyes rested demurely on him a moment; she saw he was a little + abashed. + </p> + <p> + “My opinion of it all is that you have been very kind to us; in being most + kind to our poor Edward. I never saw, nor read of anything more generous, + more manly. And then <i>so</i> thoughtful, <i>so</i> considerate, <i>so</i> + delicate! So instead of criticising you, as you seem to expect, his sister + only blesses you, and thanks you from the very bottom of her heart.” + </p> + <p> + She had begun within a polite composure borrowed from mamma; but, once + launched, her ardent nature got the better: her colour rose and rose, and + her voice sank and sank, and the last words came almost in a whisper; and + such a lovely whisper: a gurgle from the heart; and, as she concluded, her + delicate hand came sweeping out with a heaven-taught gesture of large and + sovereign cordiality, that made even the honest words and the divine tones + more eloquent. It was too much; the young man, ardent as herself, and not, + in reality, half so timorous, caught fire; and seeing a white, eloquent + hand rather near him, caught it, and pressed his warm lips on it in mute + adoration and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + At this she was scared and offended. “Oh; keep that for the Queen!” cried + she, turning scarlet, and tossing her fair head into the air, like a + startled stag; and she drew her hand away quickly and decidedly, though + not roughly. He stammered a lowly apology—in the very middle of it + she said quietly, “Good-bye, Mr. Hardie,” and swept, with a gracious + little curtsey, through the doorway, leaving him spell-bound. + </p> + <p> + And so the virginal instinct of self-defence carried her off swiftly and + cleverly. But none too soon; for, on entering the house, that external + composure her two mothers Mesdames Dodd and Nature had taught her, fell + from her like a veil, and she fluttered up the stairs to her own room with + hot cheeks, and panted there like some wild thing that has been grasped at + and grazed. She felt young Hardie's lips upon the palm of her hand + plainly; they seemed to linger there still; it was like light but live + velvet. This, and the ardent look he had poured into her eyes, set the + young creature quivering. Nobody had looked at her so before, and no young + gentleman had imprinted living velvet on her hand. She was alarmed, + ashamed, and uneasy. What right had he to look at her like that? What + shadow of a right to go and kiss her hand? He could not pretend to think + she had put it out to be kissed; ladies put forth the back of the hand for + that, not the palm. The truth was he was an impudent fellow, and she hated + him now, and herself too, for being so simple as to let him talk to her: + mamma would not have been so imprudent when she was a girl. + </p> + <p> + She would not go down, for she felt there must be something of this kind + legibly branded on her face: “Oh! oh! just look at this young lady! She + has been letting a young gentleman kiss the palm of her hand; and the feel + has not gone off yet; you may see that by her cheeks.” + </p> + <p> + But then, poor Edward! she must go down. + </p> + <p> + So she put a wet towel to her tell-tale cheeks, and dried them by artistic + dabs, avoiding friction, and came downstairs like a mouse, and turned the + door-handle noiselessly, and glided into the sitting-room looking so + transparent, conscious, and all on fire with beauty and animation, that + even Edward was startled, and, in a whisper, bade his mother observe what + a pretty girl she was: “Beats all the country girls in a canter.” Mrs. + Dodd did look; and, consequently, as soon as ever Edward was gone to + Oxford, she said to Julia, “You are feverish, love; you have been excited + with all this. You had better go to bed.” + </p> + <p> + Julia complied willingly; for she wanted to be alone and think. She + retired to her own room, and went the whole day over again; and was happy + and sorry, exalted and uneasy, by turns; and ended by excusing Mr. + Hardie's escapade, and throwing the blame on herself. She ought to have + been more distant; gentlemen were not expected, nor indeed much wanted, to + be modest. A little assurance did not misbecome them. “Really, I think it + sets them off,” said she to herself. + </p> + <p> + Grand total: “What <i>must</i> he think of me?” + </p> + <p> + Time gallops in reverie: the town clock struck twelve, and with its iron + tongue remorse entered her youthful conscience. Was this obeying mamma? + Mamma had said, “Go to bed:” not, “Go upstairs and meditate: upon young + gentlemen.” She gave an expressive shake of her fair shoulders, like a + swan flapping the water off its downy wings, and so dismissed the subject + from her mind. + </p> + <p> + Then she said her prayers. + </p> + <p> + Then she rose from her knees, and in tones of honey said, “Puss! puss! + pretty puss!” and awaited a result. + </p> + <p> + Thieves and ghosts she did not believe in, yet credited cats under beds, + and thought them neither “harmless” nor “necessary” there. + </p> + <p> + After tenderly evoking the dreaded and chimerical quadruped, she proceeded + none the less to careful research, especially of cupboards. The door of + one resisted, and then yielded with a crack, and blew out the candle. + “There now,” said she. + </p> + <p> + It was her only light, except her beauty. They allotted each Hebe but one + candle, in that ancient burgh. “Well,” she thought, “there is moonlight + enough to <i>un</i>dress by.” She went to draw back one of the curtains; + but in the act she started back with a little scream. There was a tall + figure over the way watching the house. + </p> + <p> + The moon shone from her side of the street full on him, and in that + instant her quick eye recognised Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said she aloud, and with an indescribable inflexion; and hid + herself swiftly in impenetrable gloom. + </p> + <p> + But, after a while, Eve's daughter must have a peep. She stole with + infinite caution to one side of the curtain, and made an aperture just big + enough for one bright eye. Yes, there he was, motionless. “I'll tell + mamma,” said she to him, malignantly, as if the sound could reach him. + </p> + <p> + Unconscious of the direful threat, he did not budge. + </p> + <p> + She was unaffectedly puzzled at this phenomenon; and, not being the least + vain, fell to wondering whether he played the nightly sentinel opposite + every lady's window who exchanged civilities within him. “Because, if he + does, he is a fool,” said she, promptly. But on reflection, she felt sure + he did nothing of the kind habitually, for he had too high an opinion of + himself; she had noted that trait in him at a very early stage. She + satisfied herself, by cautious examination, that he did not know her room. + He was making a temple of the whole lodging. “How ridiculous of him!” Yet + he appeared to be happy over it; there was an exalted look in his moonlit + face; she seemed now first to see his soul there. She studied his + countenance like an inscription, and deciphered each rapt expression that + crossed it; and stored them in her memory. + </p> + <p> + Twice she left her ambuscade to go to bed, and twice Curiosity, or + Something, drew her back. At last, having looked, peered, and peeped, till + her feet were cold, and her face the reverse, she informed herself that + the foolish Thing had tired her out. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Mr. Policeman,” said she, pretending to bawl to him. “And oh! + Do rain! As hard as ever you can.” With this benevolent aspiration, a + little too violent to be sincere, she laid her cheek on her pillow + doughtily. + </p> + <p> + But her sentinel, when out of sight, had more power to disturb her. She + lay and wondered whether he was still there, and what it all meant, and + whatever mamma would say; and which of the two, she or he, was the head + culprit in this strange performance, to which Earth, she conceived, had + seen no parallel; and, above all, what he would do next. Her pulse + galloped, and her sleep was broken; and she came down in the morning a + little pale. Mrs. Dodd saw it at once, with the quick maternal eye; and + moralised: “It is curious; youth is so fond of pleasure; yet pleasure + seldom agrees with youth; this little excitement has done your mother + good, who is no longer young; but it has been too much for you. I shall be + glad to have you back to our quiet home.” + </p> + <p> + Ah! Will that home be as tranquil now? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + THE long vacation commenced about a month afterwards, and Hardie came to + his father's house, to read for honours, unimpeded by university races and + college lectures; and the ploughed and penitent one packed up his Aldrich + and his Whately, the then authorities in Logic, and brought them home, + together with a firm resolution to master that joyous science before the + next examination for Smalls in October. But lo! ere he had been an hour at + home, he found his things put neatly away in his drawers on the feminine + or vertical system—deep strata of waistcoats, strata of trousers, + strata of coats, strata of papers—and his Logic gone. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the evening he taxed his sister good-humouredly, and + asked “What earthly use that book was to her, not wearing curls.” + </p> + <p> + “I intend to read it, and study it, and teach you it,” replied Julia, + rather languidly—considering the weight of the resolve. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if you have boned it to read, I say no more; the crime will punish + itself.” + </p> + <p> + “Be serious, Edward, and think of mamma! I cannot sit with my hands before + me, and let you be reploughed.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want. But—reploughed!—haw, haw! but you can't help me + at Logic, as you used at Syntax. Why, all the world knows a girl can't + learn Logic.” + </p> + <p> + “A girl can learn anything she chooses to learn. What she can't learn is + things other people set her down to.” Before Edward could fully digest + this revelation, she gave the argument a new turn by adding fretfully, + “And don't be so unkind, thwarting and teasing me!” and all in a moment + she was crying. + </p> + <p> + “Halloa!” ejaculated Edward, taken quite by surprise. “What is the matter, + dears?” inquired maternal vigilance from the other end of the room. “You + did not speak brusquely to her, Edward?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Julia eagerly. “It is I that am turned so cross and so + peevish. I am quite a changed girl. Mamma, what <i>is</i> the matter with + me?” And she laid her brow on her mother's bosom. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd caressed the lovely head soothingly with one hand, and made a + sign over it to Edward to leave them alone. She waited quietly till Julia + was composed: and then said, softly, “Come, tell me what it is: nothing + that Edward said to you; for I heard almost every word, and I was just + going to smile, or nearly, when you—— And, my love, it is not + the first time, you know. I would not tell Edward, but I have more than + once seen your eyes with tears in them.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, mamma?” said Julia, scarcely above a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you know I have. But I said to myself it was no use forcing + confidence. I thought I would be very patient, and wait till you came to + me with it; so now, what is it, my darling? Why do you speak of one thing + and think of another? and cry without any reason that your mother can + see?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, mamma,” said Julia, hiding her head. “I think it is because + I sleep so badly. I rise in the morning hot and quivering, and more tired + than I lay down.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd inquired how long this had been. + </p> + <p> + Julia did not answer this question; she went on, with her face still + hidden: “Mamma, I do feel so depressed and hysterical, or else in violent + spirits: but not nice and cheerful as you are, and I used to be; and I go + from one thing to another, and can settle to nothing—even in church + I attend by fits and starts: I forgot to water my very flowers last night: + and I heard Mrs. Maxley out of my window tell Sarah I am losing my colour. + Am I? But what does it matter? I am losing my sense; for I catch myself + for ever looking in the glass, and that is a sure sign of a fool, you + know. And I cannot pass the shops: I stand and look in, and long for the + very dearest silks, and for diamonds in my hair.” A deep sigh followed the + confession of these multiform imperfections; and the culprit half raised + her head to watch their effect. + </p> + <p> + As for Mrs. Dodd, she opened her eyes wide with surprise; but at the end + of the heterogeneous catalogue she smiled, and said, “I cannot believe <i>that.</i> + If ever there was a young lady free from personal vanity, it is my Julia. + Why, your thoughts run by nature away from yourself; you were born for + others.” + </p> + <p> + Her daughter kissed her gratefully, and smiled: but after a pause, said, + sorrowfully, “Ah! that was the old Julia, as seen with your dear eyes. I + have almost forgotten <i>her.</i> The new one is what I tell you, dear + mamma, and that” (within sudden fervour) “is a dreamy, wandering, vain, + egotistical, hysterical, abominable girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me kiss this monster that I have brought into the world,” said Mrs. + Dodd. “And now let me think.” She rested her eyes calm and penetrating + upon her daughter; and at this mere look, but a very searching one, the + colour mounted and mounted in Julia's cheek strangely. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said Mrs. Dodd thoughtfully, “yours is a critical age. + Perhaps my child is turning to a woman; my rosebud to a rose. And she + sighed. Mothers will sigh at things none other ever sighed at. + </p> + <p> + “To a weed, I fear,” replied Julia. “What will you say when I own I felt + no real joy at Edward's return this time? And yesterday I cried, 'Do get + away, and don't pester me!'” + </p> + <p> + “To your brother? Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, mamma, that was to poor Spot. He jumped on me in a reverie, all + affection, poor thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for your comfort, dogs do not appreciate the niceties of our + language.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid they do; when we kick them.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled at the admission implied here, and the deep penitence it + was uttered with. But Julia remonstrated, “Oh no! no! don't laugh at me, + but help me within your advice: you are so wise and so experienced: you + must have been a girl before you were an angel. You <i>must</i> know what + is the matter with me. Oh, do pray cure me, or else kill me, for I cannot + go on like this, all my affections deadened and my peace disturbed.” + </p> + <p> + And now the mother looked serious and thoughtful enough; and the daughter + watched her furtively. “Julia,” said Mrs. Dodd, very gravely, “if it was + not my child, reared under my eye, and never separated from me a single + day, I should say, this young lady is either afflicted with some + complaint, and it affects her nerves and spirits; or else she has—she + is—what inexperienced young people call 'in love.' You need not look + so frightened, child; nobody in their senses suspects <i>you</i> of + imprudence or indelicacy; and therefore I feel quite sure that your + constitution is at a crisis, or your health has suffered some shock—pray + Heaven it may not be a serious one. You will have the best advice, and + without delay, I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + That very evening, Mrs. Dodd sent a servant into the town with a note like + a cocked-hat for Mr. Osmond, a consulting surgeon, who bore a high + reputation in Barkington. He came, and proved too plump for that complete + elegance she would have desired in a medical attendant; but had a soft + hand, a gentle touch, and a subdued manner. He spoke to the patient with a + kindness which won the mother directly; had every hope of setting her + right without any violent or disagreeable remedies; but, when she had + retired, altered his tone; and told Mrs. Dodd seriously she had done well + to send for him in time: it was a case of “Hyperaesthesia” (Mrs. Dodd + clasped her hands in alarm), “or as unprofessional persons would say, + 'excessive sensibility.'” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was somewhat relieved. Translation blunts thunderbolts. She told + him she had always feared for her child on that score. But was sensibility + curable? Could a nature be changed? + </p> + <p> + He replied that the Idiosyncrasy could not; but its morbid excess could, + especially when taken in time. Advice was generally called in too late. + However, here the only serious symptom was the Insomnia. “We must treat + her for that,” said he, writing a prescription; “but for the rest, active + employment, long walks or rides, and a change of scene and associations, + will be all that will be required. In these cases,” resumed Mr. Osmond, + “connected as they are with Hyperaemia, some medical men considered + moderate venesection to be indicated.” He then put on his gloves saying, + “The diet, of course, must be Antiphlogistic. Let us say then, for + breakfast, dry toast with very little butter—no coffee—cocoa + (from the nibs), or weak tea: for luncheon, beef-tea or mutton-broth: for + dinner, a slice of roast chicken, and tapioca or semolina pudding. I would + give her one glass of sherry, but no more, and barley-water; it would be + as well to avoid brown meats, at all events for the present. With these + precautions, my dear madam, I think your anxiety will soon be happily + removed.” + </p> + <p> + Julia took her long walks and light diet; and became a little pale at + times, and had fewer bursts of high spirits in the intervals of + depression. Her mother went with her case to a female friend. The lady + said she would not trust to surgeons and apothecaries; she would have a + downright physician. “Why not go to the top of the tree at once, and call + in Dr. Short? You have heard of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; I have even met him in society; a most refined person: I will + certainly follow your advice and consult him. Oh, thank you, Mrs. + Bosanquet! <i>A propos,</i> do you consider him skilful? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, immensely; he is a particular friend of my husband's.” + </p> + <p> + This was so convincing, that off went another three-cocked note, and next + day a dark-green carriage and pair dashed up to Mrs. Dodd's door, and Dr. + Short bent himself in an arc, got out, and slowly mounted the stairs. He + was six feet two, wonderfully thin, livid, and gentleman-like. Fine homing + head, keen eye, lantern jaws. At sight of him Mrs. Dodd rose and smiled. + Julia started and sat trembling. He stepped across the room inaudibly, and + after the usual civilities, glanced at the patient's tongue, and touched + her wrist delicately. “Pulse is rapid,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd detailed the symptoms. Dr. Short listened within the patient + politeness of a gentleman, to whom all this was superfluous. He asked for + a sheet of note-paper, and divided it so gently, he seemed to be + persuading one thing to be two. He wrote a pair of prescriptions, and + whilst thus employed looked up every now and then and conversed with the + ladies. + </p> + <p> + “You have a slight subscapular affection, Miss Dodd: I mean, a little pain + under the shoulder-blade.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Julia quietly. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Short looked a little surprised; his female patients rarely + contradicted him. Was it for them to disown things he was so a good as to + assign them? + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said he, “you are not conscious of it: all the better; it must be + slight; a mere uneasiness: no more.” He then numbered the prescriptions, + 1, 2, and advised Mrs. Dodd to drop No. 1 after the eighth day, and + substitute No. 2, to be continued until convalescence. He put on his + gloves to leave. Mrs. Dodd then, with some hesitation, asked him humbly + whether she might ask him what the disorder was. “Certainly, madam,” said + he graciously; “your daughter is labouring under a slight torpidity of the + liver. The first prescription is active, and is to clear the gland itself, + and the biliary ducts, of the excretory accumulation; and the second is + exhibited to promote a healthy normal habit in that important part of the + vascular system.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then, it is not Hyperaemia?” + </p> + <p> + “Hyperaemia? There is no such disorder in the books.” + </p> + <p> + “You surprise me,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Dr. Osmond certainly thought it was + Hyperaemia.” And she consulted her little ivory tablets, whereon she had + written the word. + </p> + <p> + But meantime, Dr. Short's mind, to judge by his countenance, was away + roaming distant space in search of Osmond. + </p> + <p> + “Osmond? Osmond? I do not know that name in medicine.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh, oh!” cried Julia, “and they both live in the same street!” Mrs. + Dodd held up her finger to this outspoken patient. + </p> + <p> + But a light seemed to break in on Dr. Short. “Ah! you mean Mr. Osmond: a + surgeon. A very respectable man, a most respectable man. I do not know a + more estimable person—in his grade of the profession—than my + good friend Mr. Osmond. And so he gives opinions in medical cases, does + he?” Dr. Short paused, apparently to realise this phenomenon in the world + of Mind. He resumed in a different tone: “You may have misunderstood him. + Hyperaemia exists, of course; since he says so. But Hyperaemia is not a + complaint; it is a symptom. Of biliary derangement. My worthy friend looks + at disorders from a mental point; very natural: his interest lies that + way, perhaps you are aware: but profounder experience proves that mental + sanity is merely one of the results of bodily health: and I am happy to + assure you that, the biliary canal once cleared, and the secretions + restored to the healthy habit by these prescriptions, the Hyperaemia, and + other concomitants of hepatic derangement, will disperse, and leave our + interesting patient in the enjoyment of her natural intelligence, her + friends' affectionate admiration, and above all, of a sound constitution. + Ladies, I have the honour” and the Doctor eked out this sentence by + rising. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, Dr. Short,” said Mrs. Dodd, rising within him; “you + inspire me with confidence and gratitude.” As if under the influence of + these feelings only, she took Dr. Short's palm and pressed it. Of the two + hands, which met for a moment then, one was soft and melting, the other a + bunch of bones; but both were very white, and so equally adroit, that a + double fee passed without the possibility of a bystander suspecting it. + </p> + <p> + For the benefit of all young virgins afflicted like Julia Dodd, here are + the Doctor's prescriptions:— + </p> + <h3> + FOR MISS DODD. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rx Pil: Hydrarg: Chlor: Co: + singuml: nocte sumend: + Decoc: Aloes Co: 3j + omni mane + viii. Sept. J. S. +</pre> + <h3> + ———- + </h3> + <h3> + FOR MISS DODD. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rx Conf: Sennae. + Potass: Bitartrat. + Extr: Tarax: a a 3ss + Misft: Elect: + Cujus sum: 3j omni mane. + xviii. Sept. J. S. +</pre> + <h3> + ———- + </h3> + <p> + Id: Anglie reddit: per me Carol: Arundin: + </p> + <p> + The same done into English by me. C. R. + </p> + <h3> + FOR MISS DODD. + </h3> + <p> + 1. O Jupiter aid us!! Plummer's pill to be taken every night, 1 oz. + compound decoction of Aloes every morning. + </p> + <p> + 8th Sept. J. S. + </p> + <h3> + FOR MISS DODD. + </h3> + <p> + 2. O Jupiter aid us!! with Confection of Senna, Bitartrate of Potash, + extract of Dandelion, of each half an ounce, let an electuary be mixed; of + which let her take 1 drachm every morning. + </p> + <p> + 18th Sept. J. S. + </p> + <h3> + ———- + </h3> + <p> + “Quite the courtier,” said Mrs. Dodd, delighted. Julia assented: she even + added, with a listless yawn, “I had no idea that a skeleton was such a + gentlemanlike thing; I never saw one before.” + </p> +<p> + Mrs. Dodd admitted he was very thin. +</p> + <p> + “Oh no, mamma; 'thin' implies some little flesh. When he felt my pulse, a + chill struck to my heart. Death in a black suit seemed to steal up to me, + and lay a finger on my wrist: and mark me for his own.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd forbade her to give way to such gloomy ideas; and expostulated + firmly with her for judging learned men by their bodies. “However,” said + she, “if the good, kind doctor's remedies do not answer his expectations + and mine, I shall take you to London directly. I do hope papa will soon be + at home.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Dodd was herself slipping into a morbid state. A mother + collecting Doctors! It is a most fascinating kind of connoisseurship, + grows on one like Drink; like Polemics; like Melodrama; like the + Millennium; like any Thing. + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, the very next week she and Julia sat patiently at the morning + levee of an eminent and titled London surgeon. Full forty patients were + before them: so they had to wait and wait. At last they were ushered into + the presence-chamber, and Mrs. Dodd entered on the beaten ground of her + daughter's symptoms. The noble surgeon stopped her civilly but promptly. + “Auscultation will give us the clue,” said he, and drew his stethoscope. + Julia shrank and cast an appealing look at her mother; but the impassive + chevalier reported on each organ in turn without moving his ear from the + key-hole: “Lungs pretty sound,” said he, a little plaintively: “so is the + liver. Now for the——Hum? There is no kardiac insufficiency, I + think, neither mitral nor tricuspid. If we find no tendency to hypertrophy + we shall do very well. Ah! I have succeeded in diagnosing a slight + diastolic murmur; very slight.” He deposited the instrument, and said, not + without a certain shade of satisfaction that his research had not been + fruitless, “The heart is the peccant organ.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir! is it serious?” said poor Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “By no means. Try this” (he scratched a prescription which would not have + misbecome the tomb of Cheops), “and come again in a month.” Ting! He + struck a bell. That “ting” said, “Go, live, Guinea; and let another come.” + </p> + <p> + “Heart-disease now!” said Mrs. Dodd, sinking back in her hired carriage, + and the tears were in her patient eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My own, own mamma,” said Julia earnestly, “do not distress yourself. I + have no disease in the world, but my old, old, old one, of being a + naughty, wayward girl. As for you, mamma, you have resigned your own + judgment to your inferiors, and that is both our misfortunes. Dear, dear + mamma, do take me to a doctress next time, if you have not had enough.” + </p> + <p> + “To a what, love?” + </p> + <p> + “A she-doctor, then.” + </p> + <p> + “A female physician, child? There is no such thing. No; assurance is + becoming a characteristic of our sex; but we have not yet intruded + ourselves into the learned professions, thank Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, mamma, there are one or two; for the newspapers say so.” + </p> + <p> + “'Well, dear, there are none in this country, happily.” + </p> + <p> + “'What, not in London?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what <i>is</i> the use of such a great overgrown place, all smoke, + if there is nothing in it you cannot find in the country? Let us go back + to Barkington this very day, this minute, this instant; oh, pray, pray.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you shall—to-morrow. But you must pity your poor mother's + anxiety, and see Dr. Chalmers first.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma, not another surgeon! He frightened me; he hurt me. I never + heard of such a thing; oh, please not another surgeon.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not a surgeon, dear; it is the Court Physician.” + </p> + <p> + The Court Physician detected “a somewhat morbid condition of the great + nervous centres.” To an inquiry whether there was heart-disease, he + replied, “Pooh!” On being told Sir William had announced heart-disease, he + said, “Ah! <i>that alters the case entirely.</i>” He maintained, however, + that it must be trifling, and would go no further, the nervous system once + restored to its healthy tone. “O Jupiter, aid us! Blue pill and Seidhitz + powder.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Kenyon found the mucous membrane was irritated and required soothing. + “O Jupiter, &c.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd returned home consoled and confused; Julia listless and + apathetic. Tea was ordered, with two or three kinds of bread, thinnest + slices of meat, and a little blane mange, &c., their favourite repast + after a journey; and whilst the tea was drawing, Mrs. Dodd looked over the + card-tray and enumerated the visitors that had called during their + absence. “Dr. Short— Mr. Osmond—Mrs. Hetherington—Mr. + Alfred Hardie—Lady Dewry—Mrs. and Miss Bosanquet. What a pity + Edward was not at home, dear; Mr. Alfred Hardie's visit must have been to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, of course, mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “A very manly young gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, yes. No. He is so rude.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he? Ah! he was ill just then, and pain irritates gentlemen; they are + not accustomed to it, poor Things.” + </p> + <p> + “That is like you, dear mamma; making excuses for one.” Julia added + faintly, “But he is so impetuous.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a daughter who reconciles me to impetuosity. And he <i>must</i> + have a good heart, he was so kind to my boy.” + </p> + <p> + Julia looked down smiling; but presently seemed to be seized with a spirit + of contradiction: she began to pick poor Alfred to pieces; he was this, + that, and the other; and then so bold, she might say impudent. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd replied calmly that he was very kind to her boy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma, you cannot approve all the words he spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not worth while to remember all the words young gentlemen speak + now-a-days. He was very kind to my boy, I remember that.” + </p> + <p> + The tea was now ready, and Mrs. Dodd sat down, and patted a chair, with a + smile of invitation for Julia to come and sit beside her. But Julia said, + “In one minute, dear,” and left the room. + </p> + <p> + When she came back, she fluttered up to her mother and kissed her + vehemently, then sat down radiant. “Ah!” said Mrs. Dodd, “why, you are + looking yourself once more. How do you feel now? Better?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I feel? Let me see: The world seems one e-nor-mous flower-garden, + and Me the butterfly it all belongs to.” She spake, and to confirm her + words the airy thing went waltzing, sailing, and fluttering round the + room, and sipping mamma every now and then on the wing. + </p> + <p> + In this buoyancy she remained some twenty-four hours; and then came clouds + and chills, which, in their turn, gave way to exultation, duly followed by + depression. Her spirits were so uncertain, that things too minute to + justify narration turned the scale either way: a word from Mrs. Dodd—a + new face at St. Anne's Church looking devoutly her way—a piece of + town gossip distilled in her ear by Mrs. Maxley—and she was + sprightly or languid, and both more than reason. + </p> + <p> + One drizzly afternoon they were sitting silent and saddish in the + drawing-room, Mrs. Dodd correcting the mechanical errors in a drawing of + Julia's, and admiring the rare dash and figure, and Julia doggedly + studying Dr. Whately's Logic, with now and then a sigh, when suddenly a + trumpet seemed to articulate in the little hall: “Mestress Doedd at home?” + </p> + <p> + The lady rose from her seat, and said with a smile of pleasure, “I hear a + voice.” + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and in darted a grey-headed man, with handsome but + strongly marked features, laughing and shouting like a schoolboy broke + loose. He cried out, “Ah! I've found y' out at last.” Mrs. Dodd glided to + meet him, and put out both her hands, the palms downwards, with the + prettiest air of ladylike cordiality; he shook them heartily. “The + vagabins said y' had left the town; but y' had only flitted from the quay + to the subbubs; 'twas a pashint put me on the scint of ye. And how are y' + all these years? an' how's Sawmill?” + </p> + <p> + “Sawmill! What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “It's just your husband. Isn't his name Sawmill?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear no! Have you forgotten?—David.” + </p> + <p> + “Ou, ay. I knew it was some Scripcher Petrarch or another, Daavid, or + Naathan, or Sawmill. And how is he, and where is he?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd replied that he was on the seas, but expect—— + </p> + <p> + “Then I wish him well off 'em, confound 'em oncannall! Halloa! why, this + will be the little girl grown up int' a wumman while ye look round.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my good friend; and her mother's darling.” + </p> + <p> + “And she's a bonny lass, I can tell ye. But no freend to the Dockers, I + see.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mrs. Dodd sadly, “looks are deceitful; she is under medical + advice at this very——” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that won't hurt her, unless she takes it.” And he burst into a + ringing laugh: but in the middle of it, stopped dead short, and his face + elongated. “Lord sake, mad'm,” said he impressively, “mind what y' are at, + though; Barkton's just a trap for fanciful femuls: there's a n'oily ass + called Osmond, and a canting cut-throat called Stephenson and a genteel, + cadaveris old assassin called Short, as long as a maypole; they'd soon + take the rose out of Miss Floree's cheek here. Why, they'd starve Cupid, + an' veneseck Venus, an' blister Pomonee, the vagabins.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd looked a little confused, and exchanged speaking glances with + Julia. “However,” she said calmly, “I <i>have</i> consulted Mr. Osmond and + Dr. Short; but have not relied on them alone. I have taken her to Sir + William Best. And to Dr. Chalmers. And to Dr. Kenyon.” And she felt + invulnerable behind her phalanx of learning and reputation. + </p> + <p> + “Good Hivens!” roared the visitor, “what a gauntlet o' gabies for one girl + to run; and come out alive! And the picter of health. My faith, Miss + Floree, y' are tougher than ye look.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter's name is Julia,” observed Mrs. Dodd, a little haughtily; but + instantly recovering herself, she said, “This is Dr. Sampson, love—an + old friend of your mother's.” + </p> + <p> + “And th' Author an' Invintor of th' great Chronothairmal Therey o' + Midicine, th' Unity Perriodicity an' Remittency of all disease,” put in + the visitor, with such prodigious swiftness of elocution that the words + went tumbling over one another like railway carriages out on pleasure, and + the sentence was a pile of loud, indistinct syllables. + </p> + <p> + Julia's lovely eyes dilated at this clishmaclaver, and she bowed coldly. + Dr. Sampson had revealed in this short interview nearly all the + characteristics of voice, speech, and manner, she had been taught from + infancy to shun: boisterous, gesticulatory, idiomatic; and had taken the + discourse out of her mamma's mouth twice. Now Albion Villa was a Red + Indian hut in one respect: here nobody interrupted. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd had little personal egotism, but she had a mother's, and could + not spare this opportunity of adding another Doctor to her collection: so + she said hurriedly, “Will you permit me to show you what your learned + confreres have prescribed her?” Julia sighed aloud, and deprecated the + subject with earnest furtive signs; Mrs. Dodd would not see them. Now, Dr. + Sampson was himself afflicted with what I shall venture to call a mental + ailment; to wit, a furious intolerance of other men's opinions; he had not + even patience to hear them. “Mai—dear—mad'm,” said he hastily, + “when you've told me their names, that's enough. Short treats her for + liver, Sir William goes in for lung disease or heart, Chalmers sis it's + the nairves, and Kinyon the mookis membrin; and <i>I</i> say they are + fools and lyres all four.” + </p> + <p> + “Julia!” ejaculated Mrs. Dodd, “this is very extraordinary.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not extraordinary,” cried Dr. Sampson defiantly; “nothing is + extraordinary. D'ye think I've known these shallow men thirty years, and + not plumbed 'um?” + </p> + <p> + “Shallow, my good friend? Excuse me! they are the ablest men in your own + branch of your own learned profession.” + </p> + <p> + “Th' ablest! Oh, you mean the money-makingest: now listen me! our lairned + Profession is a rascally one. It is like a barrel of beer. What rises to + the top?” Here he paused for a moment, then answered himself furiously, + “THE SCUM.” + </p> + <p> + This blast blown, he moderated a little. “Look see!” said he, “up to three + or four thousand a year, a Docker is often an honest man, and sometimes + knows something of midicine; not much, because it is not taught anywhere. + But if he is making over five thousand, he must be a rogue or else a fool: + either he has booed an' booed, an' cript an' crawled, int' wholesale + collusion with th' apothecary an' the accoucheur—the two jockeys + that drive John Bull's faemily coach—and they are sucking the + pashint togither, like a leash o' leeches: or else he has turned + spicialist; has tacked his name to some poplar disorder, real or + imaginary; it needn't exist to be poplar. Now, those four you have been to + are spicialists, and that means monomaniues—their buddies exspatiate + in West-ind squares, but their souls dwell in a n'alley, ivery man jack of + 'em: Aberford's in Stomich Alley, Chalmers's in Nairve Court, Short's + niver stirs out o' Liver Lane, Paul's is stuck fast in Kidney Close, + Kinyon's in Mookis Membrin Mews, and Hibbard's in Lung Passage. Look see! + nixt time y' are out of sorts, stid o' consultin' three bats an' a n'owl + at a guinea the piece, send direct to me, and I'll give y' all their + opinions, and all their prescriptions, <i>gratis.</i> And deevilich dear + ye'll find 'em at the price, if ye swallow 'm.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd thanked him coldly for the offer, but said she would be more + grateful if he would show his superiority to persons of known ability by + just curing her daughter on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will,” said he carelessly: and all his fire died out of him. “Put + out your tongue!—Now your pulse!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd knew her man (ladies are very apt to fathom their male + acquaintance—too apt, <i>I</i> think); and, to pin him to the only + medical theme which interested her, seized the opportunity while he was in + actual contact with Julia's wrist, and rapidly enumerated her symptoms, + and also told him what Mr. Osmond had said about Hyperaesthesia. + </p> + <p> + “GOOSE GREECE!” barked Sampson, loud, clear, and sharp as an irritated + watch-dog; but this one bow-wow vented, he was silent as abruptly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled, and proceeded to Hyperaemia, and thence to the + Antiphlogistic Regimen. + </p> + <p> + At that unhappy adjective, Sampson jumped up, cast away his patient's + hand, forgot her existence—she was but a charming individual—and + galloped into his native region, Generalities. + </p> + <p> + “Antiphlogistic! Mai—dear—mad'm, that one long fragmint of + ass's jaw has slain a million. Adapted to the weakness of human nature, + which receives with rivirince ideas however childish, that come draped in + long-tailed and exotic words, that aasimine polysyllable has riconciled + the modern mind to the chimeras of th' ancients, and outbutchered the + guillotine, the musket, and the sword: ay, and but for me + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Had barred the door + For cinturies more +</pre> + <p> + on the great coming sceince, the sceince of healing diseases, instead of + defining and dividing 'em and lengthening their names and their durashin, + and shortening nothing but the pashint. Th' Antiphlogistic Therey is this: + That disease is fiery, and that any artificial exhaustion of vital force + must cool the system, and reduce the morbid fire, called, in their donkey + Latin 'flamma,' and in their compound donkey Latin 'inflammation,' and in + their Goose Greece, 'phlogosis,' 'phlegmon,' &c. And accordingly th' + Antiphlogistic Practice is, to cool the sick man by bleeding him, and, + when blid, either to rebleed him with a change of instrument, bites and + stabs instid of gashes, or else to rake the blid, and then blister the + blid and raked, and then push mercury till the teeth of the blid, raked, + and blistered shake in their sockets, and to starve the blid, purged, + salivated, blistered wretch from first to last. This is the Antiphlogistic + system. It is seldom carried out entire, because the pashint, at the first + or second link in their rimedial chain, expires; or else gives such plain + signs of sinking, that even these ass-ass-ins take fright, and try t' undo + their own work, not disease's, by tonics an' turtle, and stimulants: which + things given at the right time instead of the wrong, given when the + pashint was merely weakened by his disorder, and not enfeebled by their + didly rinmedies, would have cut th' ailment down in a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” said Mrs. Dodd; “and now, my good friend, with respect to <i>my + daughter</i>—— + </p> + <p> + “N' list <i>me!</i>” clashed Sampson; “ye're goen to fathom th' + antiphlogistics, since they still survive an' slay in holes and corners + like Barkton and d'Itly; I've driven the vamperes out o' the cintres o' + civilisation. Begin with their coolers! Exhaustion is not a cooler, it is + a feverer, and they know it; the way parrots know sentences. Why are we + all more or less feverish at night? Because we are weaker. Starvation is + no cooler, it is an inflamer, and they know it—as parrots know + truths, but can't apply them: for they know that burning fever rages in + ivery town, street, camp, where Famine is. As for blood-letting, their + prime cooler, it is inflammatory; and they know it (parrot-wise), for the + thumping heart and bounding pulse of pashints blid by butchers in black, + and bullocks blid by butchers in blue, prove it; and they have recorded + this in all their books: yet stabbed, and bit, and starved, and mercuried, + and murdered on. But mind ye, all their sham coolers are real weakeners (I + wonder they didn't inventory Satin and his brimstin lake among their + refrijrators), and this is the point whence t' appreciate their + imbecility, and the sairvice I have rendered mankind in been the first t' + attack their banded school, at a time it seemed imprignable.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! this promises to be very interesting,” sighed Mrs. Dodd; “and before + you enter on so large a field, perhaps it would be as well to dispose of a + little matter which lies at my heart. Here is <i>my poor daughter</i>——” + </p> + <p> + “NLISSMEE! A human Bean is in a constant state of flux and reflux; his + component particles move, change, disappear, and are renewed; his life is + a round of exhaustion and repair. Of this repair the brain is the + sovereign ajint by night and day, and the blood the great living material, + and digestible food th' indispensible supply. And this balance of + exhaustion and repair is too nice to tamper with: disn't a single + sleepless night, or dinnerless day, write some pallor on the face, and + tell against the buddy? So does a single excessive perspiration, a + trifling diary, or a cut finger, though it takes but half an ounce of + blood out of the system. And what is the cause of that rare ivint—which + occurs only to pashmints that can't afford docking—Dith from old + age? Think ye the man really succumms under years, or is mowed down by + Time? Nay, yon's just Potry an' Bosh. Nashins have been thinned by the + lancet, but niver by the scythe; and years are not forces, but misures of + events. No, Centenarius decays and dies bekase his bodil' expindituire + goes on, and his bodil' income falls off by failure of the reparative and + reproductive forces. And now suppose bodil' exhaustion and repair were a + mere matter of pecuniary, instead of vital, economy: what would you say to + the steward or housekeeper, who, to balance your accounts and keep you + solvent, should open every known channel of expinse with one hand, and + with the other—stop the supplies? Yet this is how the Dockers for + thirty cinturies have burned th' human candle at both ends, yet wondered + the light of life expired under their hands.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems irrational. Then in <i>my daughter's</i> case you would——” + </p> + <p> + “Looksee! A pashint falls sick. What haps directly? Why the balance is + troubled, and exhaustion exceeds repair. For proof obsairve the buddy when + Disease is fresh! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And you will always find a loss of flesh +</pre> + <p> + to put it economikly, and then you must understand it, bein a housekeeper— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Whativer the Disease, its form or essence, + Expinditure goes on, and income lessens. +</pre> + <p> + But to this sick and therefore weak man, comes a Docker purblind with + cinturies of Cant, Pricidint, Blood, and Goose Greece; imagines him a + fiery pervalid, though the common sense of mankind through its interpreter + common language, pronounces him an 'invalid,' gashes him with a lancet, + spills out the great liquid material of all repair by the gallon, and + fells this weak man, wounded now, and pale, and fainting, with Dith + stamped on his face, to th' earth, like a bayoneted soldier or a + slaughtered ox. If the weak man, wounded thus, and weakened, survives, + then the chartered Thugs who have drained him by the bung-hole, turn to + and drain him by the spigot; they blister him, and then calomel him: and + lest Nature should have the ghost of a chance to conterbalance these + frightful outgoings, they keep strong meat and drink out of his system + emptied by their stabs, bites, purges, mercury, and blisters; damdijjits! + And that, Asia excipted, was profissional Midicine from Hippocrates to + Sampsin. Antiphlogistic is but a modern name for an ass-ass-inating + rouutine which has niver varied a hair since scholastic midicine, the + silliest and didliest of all the hundred forms of Quackery, first rose—unlike + Seeince, Art, Religion, and all true Suns—in the West; to wound the + sick; to weaken the weak; and mutilate the hurt; and thin mankind.” + </p> + <p> + The voluble impugner of his own profession delivered these two last words + in thunder so sudden and effective as to strike Julia's work out of her + hands. But here, as in Nature, a moment's pause followed the thunderclap; + so Mrs. Dodd, who had long been patiently watching her opportunity, + smothered a shriek, and edged in a word: “This is irresistible; you have + confuted everybody, to their heart's content; and now the question is, + what course shall we substitute?” She meant, “in the great case, which + occupies me.” But Sampson attached a nobler, wider, sense to her query. + “What course? Why the great Chronothairmal practice, based on the + remittent and febrile character of all disease; above all, on + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The law of Perriodicity, a law + Midicine yet has wells of light to draw. +</pre> + <p> + By Remittency, I mean th' ebb of Disease, by Perriodicity, th' ebb and + also the flow, the paroxysm and the remission. These remit and recur, and + keep tune like the tides, not in ague and remittent fever only, as the + Profission imagines to this day, but in all diseases from a Scirrhus in + the Pylorus t' a toothache. And I discovered this, and the new path to + cure of all diseases it opens. Alone I did it; and what my reward? Hooted, + insulted, belied, and called a quack by the banded school of profissional + assassins, who, in their day hooted Harvey and Jinner—authors too of + great discoveries, but discoveries narrow in their consequences compared + with mine. T' appreciate Chronothairmalism, ye must begin at the + beginning; so just answer me—What is man?” + </p> + <p> + At this huge inquiry whirring tip all in a moment, like a cock-pheasant in + a wood, Mrs. Dodd sank back in her chair despondent. Seeing her <i>hors de + combat,</i> Sampson turned to Julia and demanded, twice as loud, “WHAT IS + MAN?” Julia opened two violet eyes at him, and then looked at her mother + for a hint how to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “How can that child answer such a question?” sighed Mrs. Dodd. “Let us + return to the point.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never strayed an inch from it. It's about 'Young Physic.'” + </p> + <p> + “No, excuse me, it is about a young lady. Universal Medicine: what have I + to do with that?” + </p> + <p> + “Now this is the way with them all,” cried Sampson, furious; “there lowed + John Bull. The men and women of this benighted nashin have an ear for + anything, provided it matters nothing: talk Jology, Conchology, + Entomology, Theology, Meteorology, Astronomy, Deuteronomy, Botheronomy, or + Boshology, and one is listened to with rivirence, because these are all + far-off things in fogs; but at a word about the great, near, useful art of + Healing, y'all stop your ears; for why? your life and dailianhourly + happiness depend on it. But 'no,' sis John Bull, the knowledge of our own + buddies, and how to save our own Bakin—Beef I mean—day by day, + from disease and chartered ass-ass-ins, all that may interest the thinkers + in Saturn, but what the deevil is it t' <i>us?</i> Talk t' <i>us</i> of + the hiv'nly buddies, not of our own; babble o' comets an' meteors an' + Ethereal nibulae (never mind the nibulae in our own skulls). Discourse t' + us of Predistinashin, Spitzbairgen seaweed, the last novel, the siventh + vile; of Chrisehinising the Patagonians on condition they are not to come + here and Chrischinise the Whitechapelians; of the letter to the <i>Times</i> + from the tinker wrecked at Timbuctoo; and the dear Professor's lecture on + the probabeelity of snail-shells in the backyard of the moon: but don't + ask us to know ourselves—Ijjits!!” + </p> + <p> + The eloquent speaker, depressed by the perversity of Englishmen in giving + their minds to every part of creation but their bodies, suffered a + momentary loss of energy; then Mrs. Dodd, who had long been watching + lynx-like, glided in. “Let us compound. You are for curing all the world, + beginning with Nobody. My ambition is to cure <i>my girl,</i> and leave + mankind in peace. Now, if you will begin with <i>my Julia,</i> I will + submit to rectify the universe in its proper turn. Any time will do to set + the human race right; you own it is in no hurry: but <i>my child's</i> + case presses; so do pray cure her for me. Or at least tell me what her + Indisposition is.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! What! didn't I tell you? Well, there's nothing the matter with her.” + </p> + <p> + At receiving this cavalier reply for the reward of all her patience, Mrs. + Dodd was so hurt, and so nearly angry, that she rose with dignity from her + seat, her cheek actually pink, and the water in her eyes. Sampson saw she + was ruffled, and appealed to Julia—of all people. “There now, Miss + Julia,” said he, ruefully; “she is in a rage because I won't humbug her. + Poplus voolt decipee. I tell you, ma'am, it is not a midical case. Give me + disease and I'll cure 't. Stop, I'll tell ye what do: let her take and + swallow the Barkton Docks' prescriptions, and Butcher Best's, and canting + Kinyon's, and after those four tinkers there'll be plenty holes to mend; + then send for me!” + </p> + <p> + Here was irony. Mrs. Dodd retorted by <i>finesse.</i> She turned on him + with a treacherous smile, and said: “Never mind doctors and patients; it + is so long since we met; I do hope you will waive ceremony, and dine with + me <i>en ami.</i>” + </p> + <p> + He accepted with pleasure; but must return to his inn first and get rid of + his dirty boots and pashints. And with this he whipped out his watch, and + saw that, dealing with universal medicine, he had disappointed more than + one sick individual; so shot out as hard as he had shot in, and left the + ladies looking at one another after the phenomenon. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said Julia, with a world of meaning. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” replied Mrs. Dodd, “he <i>is</i> a little eccentric. I think + I will request them to make some addition to the dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mamma, if you please, not to put me off so transparently. If I had + interrupted, and shouted, and behaved so, you would have packed <i>me</i> + off to bed, or somewhere, directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say 'packed,' love. Dismissed me to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried Julia, “that privileged person is gone, and we must all mind + our P's and Q's once more.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, with an air of nonchalance, replied to the effect that Dr. + Sampson was not her offspring, and so she was not bound to correct his + eccentricities. “And I suppose,” said she, languidly, “we must accept + these extraordinary people as we find them. But that is no reason why <i>you</i> + should say 'P's and Q's,' darling.” + </p> + <p> + That day her hospitable board was spread over a trap. Blessed with an + oracle irrelevantly fluent, and dumb to the point, she had asked him to + dinner with maternal address. He could not be on his guard eternally; + sooner or later, through inadvertence, or in a moment of convivial + recklessness, or in a parenthesis of some grand Generality, he would cure + her child: or, perhaps, at his rate of talking, would wear out all his + idle themes, down to the very “well-being of mankind;” and them Julia's + mysterious indisposition would come on the blank tapis. With these secret + hopes she presided at the feast, all grace and gentle amity. Julia, too, + sat down with a little design, but a very different one, viz., of being + chilly company; for she disliked this new acquaintance, and hated the + science of medicine. + </p> + <p> + The unconscious Object chatted away with both, and cut their replies very + short, and did strange things: sent away Julia's chicken, regardless of + her scorn, and prescribed mutton; called for champagne and made her drink + it and pout; and thus excited Mrs. Dodd's hopes that he was attending to + the case by degrees. + </p> + <p> + But after dinner, Julia, to escape medicine universal and particular, + turned to her mother, and dilated on treachery of her literary guide, the + <i>Criticaster.</i> “It said 'Odds and Ends' was a good novel to read by + the seaside. So I thought then oh! how different it must be from most + books, if you can sit by the glorious sea and even look at it. So I sent + for it directly, and, would you believe, it was an ignoble thing; all + flirtations and curates. The sea indeed! A pond would be fitter to read it + by; and one with a good many geese on.” + </p> + <p> + “Was ever such simplicity!” said Mrs. Dodd. “Why, my dear, that phrase + about the sea does not <i>mean</i> anything. I shall have you believing + that Mr. So-and-So, a novelist, can <i>'wither fashionable folly,''</i> and + that <i>'a painful incident''</i> to one shopkeeper has <i>'thrown a gloom''</i> + over a whole market-town, and so on. Now-a-days every third phrase is of + this character; a starling's note. Once, it appears, there was an age of + gold, and then came one of iron, and then of brass. All these are gone, + and the age of 'jargon' has succeeded.” + </p> + <p> + She sighed, and Sampson generalised; he plunged from the seaside novel + into the sea of fiction. He rechristened that joyous art Feckshin, and + lashed its living professors. “You devour their three volumes greedily,” + said he, “but after your meal you feel as empty as a drum; there is no + leading idea in 'um; now there always is—in Moliere; and <i>he</i> + comprehended the midicine of his age. But what fundamental truth d'our + novelists iver convey? All they can do is pile incidents. Their customers + dictate th' article: unideaed melodrams for unideaed girls. The writers + and their feckshins belong to one species, and that's 'the non-vertebrated + animals;' and their midicine is Bosh; why, they bleed still for falls and + fevers; and niver mention vital chronometry. Then they don't look straight + at Nature, but see with their ears, and repeat one another twelve deep. + Now, listen me! there are the cracters for an 'ideaed feckshin' in + Barkington, and I'd write it, too, only I haven't time.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Julia, forgetting her resolution, broke out, “Romantic characters + in Barkington? Who? who?” + </p> + <p> + “Who <i>should</i> they be, but my pashints? Ay, ye may lauch, Miss Julee, + but wait till ye see them.” He was then seized with a fit of candour, and + admitted that some, even of his pashints, were colourless; indeed, not to + mince the matter, six or seven of that sacred band were nullity in person. + “I can compare the beggars to nothing,” said he, “but the globules of the + Do-Nothings; dee——d insipid, and nothing in 'em. But the + others make up. Man alive, I've got 'a rosy-cheeked miser,' and an + 'ill-used attorney,' and an 'honest Screw'—he is a gardener, with a + head like a cart-horse.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma! mamma! that is Mr. Maxley,” cried Julia, clapping her hands, and + thawing in her own despite. + </p> + <p> + “Then there's my virgin martyr and my puppy. They are brother and sister; + and there's their father, but he is an impenetrable dog—won't + unbosom. Howiver, he sairves to draw chicks for the other two, and so keep + 'em goen. By-the-bye, you know my puppy?” + </p> + <p> + “We have not that honour. Do we know Dr. Sampson's puppy, love?” inquired + Mrs. Dodd, rather languidly. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma!—I—I—know no one of that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell me! Why it was he sent me here told me where you lived, and I + was to make haste, for Miss Dodd was very ill: it is young Hardie, the + banker's son, ye know.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd said good-humouredly, but with a very slight touch of irony, + that really they were very much flattered by the interest Mr. Alfred + Hardie had shown; especially as her daughter had never exchanged ten words + with him. Julia coloured at this statement, the accuracy of which she had + good reason to doubt; and the poor girl felt as if an icicle passed + swiftly along her back. And then, for the first the in her life, she + thought her mother hardly gracious; and she wanted to say <i>she</i> was + obliged to Mr. Alfred Hardie, but dared not, and despised herself for not + daring. Her composure was further attacked by Mrs. Dodd looking full at + her, and saying interrogatively, “I wonder how that young gentleman could + know about your being ill?” + </p> + <p> + At this Julia eyed her plate very attentively, and murmured, “I believe it + is all over the town: and seriously too; so Mrs. Maxley says, for she + tells me that in Barkington if more than one doctor is sent for, that + bodes ill for the patient.” + </p> + <p> + “Deevelich ill,” cried Sampson heartily. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “For two physicians, like a pair of oars, + Conduck him faster to the Styjjin shores.” * + + * Garth. +</pre> + <p> + Julia looked him in the face, and coldly ignored this perversion of Mrs. + Maxley's meaning; and Mrs. Dodd returned pertinaciously to the previous + topic. “Mr. Alfred Hardie interests me; he was good to Edward. I am + curious to know why you call him a puppy?” + </p> + <p> + “Only because he is one, ma'am. And that is no reason at all with 'the + Six.' He is a juveneel pidant and a puppy, and contradicts ivery new + truth, bekase it isn't in Aristotle and th' Eton Grammar; and he's such a + chatterbox, ye can't get in a word idgeways; and he and his sister—that's + my virgin martyr—are a farce. <i>He</i> keeps sneerin' at her + relijjin, and that puts <i>her</i> in such a rage, she threatens 't' + intercede for him at the throne.” + </p> + <p> + “Jargon,” sighed Mrs. Dodd, and just shrugged her lovely shoulders. “We + breathe it—we float in an atmosphere of it. My love?” And she + floated out of the room, and Julia floated after. + </p> + <p> + Sampson sat meditating on the gullibility of man in matters medical. This + favourite speculation detained him late, and almost his first word on + entering the drawing-room was, “Good night, little girl.” + </p> + <p> + Julia coloured at this broad hint, drew herself up, and lighted a + bedcandle. She went to Mrs. Dodd, kissed her, and whispered in her ear, “I + hate him!” and, as she retired, her whole elegant person launched ladylike + defiance; under which brave exterior no little uneasiness was hidden. “Oh, + what will become of me!” thought she, “if <i>he</i> has gone and told him + about Henley?” + </p> + <p> + “Let's see the prescriptions, ma'am,” said Dr. Sampson. + </p> + <p> + Delighted at this concession, Mrs. Dodd took them out of her desk and + spread them earnestly. He ran his eye over them, and pointed out that the + mucous-membrane man and the nerve man had prescribed the same medicine, on + irreconcilable grounds; and a medicine, moreover, whose effect on the + nerves was <i>nil,</i> and on the mucous membrane was not to soothe it, + but plough it and harrow it; “and did not that open her eyes?” He then + reminded her that all these doctors in consultation would have contrived + to agree. “But you,” said he, “have baffled the collusive hoax by which + Dox arrived at a sham uniformity—honest uniformity can never exist + till scientific principles obtain. Listme! To begin, is the pashint in + love?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor put this query in just the same tone in which they inquire “Any + expectoration?” But Mrs. Dodd, in reply, was less dry and business-like. + She started and looked aghast. This possibility had once, for a moment, + occurred to her, but only to be rejected, the evidence being all against + it. + </p> + <p> + “In love?” said she. “That child, and I not know it!” + </p> + <p> + He said he had never supposed that. “But I thought I'd just ask ye; for + she has no bodily ailment, and the passions are all counterfeit diseases; + they are connected, like all diseases, with cerebral instability, have + their hearts and chills like all diseases, and their paroxysms and + remissions like all diseases. Nlistme! You have detected the signs of a + slight cerebral instability; I have ascertained th' absence of all + physical cause: then why make this healthy pashint's buddy a test-tube for + poisons? Sovereign drugs (I deal with no other, I leave the nullities to + the noodles) are either counterpoisons or poisons, and here there is + nothing to counterpoison at prisent. So I'm for caushin, and working on + the safe side th' hidge, till we are less in the dark. Mind ye, young + women at her age are kittle cattle; they have gusts o' this, and gusts o' + that, th' unreasonable imps. D'ye see these two pieces pasteboard? They + are tickets for a ball, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In Barkton town-hall.” + </pre> + <p> + “Yes, of course I see them,” said Mrs. Dodd dolefully. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I prescribe 'em. And when they have been taken, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And the pashint well shaken, +</pre> + <p> + perhaps we shall see whether we are on the right system: and if so, we'll + dose her with youthful society in a more irrashinal form; conversaziones, + cookeyshines, et citera. And if we find ourselves on the wrong <i>tack</i> + why then we'll hark <i>back.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Stick blindly to 'a course,' the Dockers cry. + But it does me harm: <i>Then</i> 'twill do good <i>by-and-bye.</i> + Where lairned ye that, Echoes of Echoes, say! + The killer ploughs 'a course,' the healer <i>'feels his way.'</i>” + </pre> + <p> + So mysterious are the operations of the human mind, that, when we have + exploded in verse tuneful as the above, we lapse into triumph instead of + penitence. Not that doggrel meets with reverence here below—the + statues to it are few, and not in marble, but in the material itself—But + then an Impromptu! A moment ago our Posy was not: and now is; with the + speed, if not the brilliancy, of lightning, we have added a handful to the + intellectual dust-heap of an oppressed nation. From this bad eminence + Sampson then looked down complacently, and saw Mrs. Dodd's face as long as + his arm. She was one that held current opinions; and the world does not + believe Poetry can sing the Practical. Verse and useful knowledge pass for + incompatibles; and, though Doggrel is not Poetry, yet it has a lumbering + proclivity that way, and so forfeits the confidence of grave sensible + people. This versification, and this impalpable and unprecedented + prescription she had waited for so long, seemed all of a piece to poor + mamma: wild, unpractical, and—“oh, horror! horror!”—eccentric. + </p> + <p> + Sampson read her sorrowful face after his fashion. “Oh, I see, ma'am,” + cried he. “Cure is not welcome unless it comes in the form consecrated by + cinturies of slaughter. Well, then, give me a sheet.” He took the paper + and rent it asunder, and wrote this on the larger fragment: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rx Die Mercur. circa x. hor: vespert: + eat in musca ad Aulam oppid: + Saltet cum xiii canicul: + praesertim meo. Dom: reddita, + 6 hora matutin: dormiat at prand: + Repetat stultit: pro re nata. +</pre> + <p> + He handed this with a sort of spiteful twinkle to Mrs. Dodd, and her + countenance lightened again. Her sex will generally compound with whoever + can give as well as take. Now she had extracted a real, grave + prescription, she acquiesced in the ball, though not a county one; “to + satisfy your whim, my good, kind friend, to whom I owe so much.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson called on his way back to town, and, in course of conversation, + praised nature for her beautiful instincts, one of which, he said, had + inspired Miss Julee, at a credulous age, not to swallow “the didly + drastics of the tinkering dox.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled, and requested permission to contradict him; her daughter + had taken the several prescriptions. + </p> + <p> + Sampson inquired brusquely if she took him for a fool. + </p> + <p> + She replied calmly: “No; for a very clever, but <i>rather</i> opinionated + personage. + </p> + <p> + “Opinionated? So is ivery man who has grounnds for his opinin. D'ye think, + because Dockers Short, an' Bist, an' Kinyon, an' Cuckoo, an' Jackdaw, an' + Starling, an' Co., don't know the dire effecks of calomel an' drastics on + the buddy, I don't know't? Her eye, her tongue, her skin, her voice, her + elastic walk, all tell <i>me</i> she has not been robbed of her vital + resources. 'Why, if she had taken that genteel old thief Short's rimidies + alone, the girl's gums would be sore, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And herself at Dith's door.” + </pre> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was amused. “Julia, this is so like the gentlemen; they are in + love with argumeunt. They go on till they reason themselves out of their + reason. Why beat about the bush; when there she sits?” + </p> + <p> + “What, go t' a wumman for the truth, when I can go t' infallible + Inference?” + </p> + <p> + “You may always go to my David's daughter for the truth,” said Mrs. Dodd, + with dignity. She then looked the inquiry; and Julia replied to her look + as follows: first, she coloured very high; then, she hid her face in both + her hands; then rose, and turning her neck swiftly, darted a glance of + fiery indignation and bitter reproach on Dr. Meddlesome, and left the + apartment mighty stag-like. + </p> + <p> + “Maircy on us!” cried Sampson. “Did ye see that, ma'am? Yon's just a bonny + basilisk. Another such thunderbolt as she dispinsed, and ye'll be ringing + for your maid to sweep up the good physician's ashes.” + </p> + <p> + Julia did not return till the good physician was gone back to London. Then + she came in with a rush, and, demonstrative toad, embraced Mrs. Dodd's + knees, and owned she had cultivated her geraniums with all those + medicines, liquid and solid; and only one geranium had died. + </p> + <p> + There is a fascinating age, when an intelligent girl is said to fluctuate + between childhood and womanhood. Let me add that these seeming + fluctuations depend much on the company she is in: the budding virgin is + princess of chameleons; and, to confine ourselves to her two most piquant + contrasts, by her mother's side she is always more or less childlike; but, + let a nice young fellow engage her apart, and, hey presto! she shall be + every inch a woman: perhaps at no period of her life are the purely mental + characteristics of her sex so supreme in her; thus her type, the rosebud, + excels in essence of rosehood the rose itself. + </p> + <p> + My reader has seen Julia Dodd play both parts; but it is her child's face + she has now been turning for several pages; so it may be prudent to remind + him she has shone on Alfred Hardie in but one light; a young but Juno-like + woman. Had she shown “my puppy” her childish qualities, he would have + despised her—he had left that department himself so recently. But + Nature guarded the budding fair from such a disaster. + </p> + <p> + We left Alfred Hardie standing in the moonlight gazing at her lodging. + This was sudden; but, let slow coaches deny it as loudly as they like, + fast coaches exist; and Love is a Passion, which, like Hate, Envy, + Avarice, &c., has risen to a great height in a single day. Not that + Alfred's was “Love at first sight;” for he had seen her beauty in the full + blaze of day with no deeper feeling than admiration; but in the moonlight + he came under more sovereign spells than a fair face: her virtues and her + voice. The narrative of their meeting has indicated the first, and as to + the latter, Julia was not one of those whose beauty goes out with the + candle; her voice was that rich, mellow, moving organ, which belongs to no + rank nor station; is born, not made; and, flow it from the lips of + dairymaid or countess, touches every heart, gentle or simple, that is + truly male. And this divine contralto, full, yet penetrating, Dame Nature + had inspired her to lower when she was moved or excited, instead of + raising it; and then she was enchanting. All unconsciously she cast this + crowning spell on Alfred, and he adored her. In a word, he caught a + child-woman away from its mother; his fluttering captive turned, put on + composure, and bewitched him. + </p> + <p> + She left him, and the moonlight night seemed to blacken. But within his + young breast all was light, new light. He leaned opposite her window in an + Elysian reverie, and let the hours go by. He seemed to have vegetated till + then, and lo! true life had dawned. He thought he should love to die for + her; and, when he was calmer, he felt he was to live for her, and welcomed + his destiny with rapture. He passed the rest of the Oxford term in a soft + ecstasy; called often on Edward, and took a sudden and prodigious interest + in him; and counted the days glide by and the happy time draw near, when + he should be four months in the same town with his enchantress. This one + did not trouble the doctors; he glowed with a steady fire; no heats and + chills, and sad misgivings; for one thing, he was not a woman, a being + tied to that stake, Suspense, and compelled to wait and wait for others' + actions. To him, life's path seemed paved with roses, and himself to march + in eternal sunshine, buoyed by perfumed wings. + </p> + <p> + He came to Barkington to try for the lovely prize. Then first he had to + come down from love's sky, and realise how hard it is here below to court + a young lady—who is guarded by a mother—without an + introduction in the usual form. The obvious course was to call on Edward. + Having parted from him so lately, he forced himself to wait a few days, + and then set out for Albion Villa. + </p> + <p> + As he went along, he arranged the coming dialogue for all the parties. + Edward was to introduce him; Mrs. Dodd to recognise his friendship for her + son; he was to say he was the gainer by it; Julia, silent at first, was to + hazard a timid observation, and he to answer gracefully, and draw her out + and find how he stood in her opinion. The sprightly affair should end by + his inviting Edward to dinner. That should lead to their inviting him in + turn, and then he should have a word with Julia, and find out what houses + she visited, and get introduced to their proprietors. Arrived at this + point, his mind went over hedge and ditch faster than my poor pen can + follow; as the crow flies, so flew he, and had reached the church-porch + under a rain of nosegays with Julia—in imagination—by then he + arrived at Albion Villa in the body. Yet he knocked timidly; his heart + beat almost as hard as his hand. + </p> + <p> + Sarah, the black-eyed housemaid, “answered the door.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Edward Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at home, sir. Left last week.” + </p> + <p> + “For long?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't rightly know, sir. But he won't be back this week, I don't + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” stammered Alfred, “the ladies—Mrs. Dodd—might be + able to tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, sir. But my mistress, she's in London just now.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's eyes flashed. “Could I learn from Miss Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “La, sir, she is in London along with her ma; why, 'tis for her they are + gone; to insult the great doctors.” + </p> + <p> + He started. “She is not ill? Nothing serious?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, we do hope not. She is pinning a bit, as young ladies will.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was anything but consoled by this off-hand account; he became + alarmed, and looked wretched. Seeming him so perturbed, Sarah, who was + blunt but good-natured, added, “But cook she says hard work would cure our + Miss of all <i>she</i> ails. But who shall I say was asking? For my work + is a bit behind-hand.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred took the hint reluctantly, and drew out his card-case, saying, “For + Mr. Edward Dodd.” She gave her clean but wettish hand a hasty wipe with + her apron, and took the card. He retired; she stood on the step and + watched him out of sight, said “Oho!” and took his card to the kitchen for + preliminary inspection and discussion. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Hardie was resolute, but sensitive. He had come on the wings of + Love and Hope; he went away heavily; a housemaid's tongue had shod his + elastic feet with lead in a moment; of all misfortunes, sickness was what + he had not anticipated, for she looked immortal. Perhaps it was that fair + and treacherous disease, consumption. Well, if it was, he would love her + all the more, would wed her as soon as he was of age, and carry her to + some soft Southern clime, and keep each noxious air at bay, and prolong + her life, perhaps save it. + </p> + <p> + And now he began to chafe at the social cobwebs that kept him from her. + But, just as his impatience was about to launch him into imprudence, he + was saved by a genuine descendant of Adam. James Maxley kept Mr. Hardie's + little pleasaunce trim as trim could be, by yearly contract. This entailed + short but frequent visits; and Alfred often talked with him; for the man + was really a bit of a character; had a shrewd rustic wit, and a ready + tongue, was rather too fond of law, and much too fond of money; but + scrupulously honest: head as long as Cudworth's, but broader; and could + not read a line. One day he told Alfred that he must knock off now, and + take a look in at Albion Villee. The captain was due: and on no account + would he, Maxley, allow that there ragged box round the captains + quarter-deck: “That is how he do name their little mossel of a lawn: and + there he walks for a wager, athirt and across, across and athirt, five + steps and then about; and I'd a'most bet ye a halfpenny he thinks hisself + on the salt sea ocean, bless his silly old heart.” + </p> + <p> + All this time Alfred, after the first start of joyful surprise, was + secretly thanking his stars for sending him an instrument. To learn + whether she had returned, he asked Maxley whether the ladies had sent for + him. “Not they,” said Maxley, rather contemptuously; “what do women-folk + care about a border, without 'tis a lace one to their nightcaps, for none + but the father of all vanity to see. Not as I have ought to say again the + pair; they keep their turf tidyish—and pay ready money—and a + few flowers in their pots; but the rest may shift for itself. Ye see, + Master Alfred,” explained Maxley, wagging his head wisely, “nobody's pride + can be everywhere. Now theirs is in-a-doors; their with-drawing-room it's + like the Queen's palace, my missus tells me; she is wrapped up in 'em, ye + know. But the captain for my money.” + </p> + <p> + The sage shouldered his tools and departed. But he left a good hint behind + him. Alfred hovered about the back-door the next day till he caught Mrs. + Maxley; she supplied the house with eggs and vegetables. “Could she tell + him whether his friend Edward Dodd was likely to come home soon?” She + thought not; he was gone away to study. “He haven't much head-piece, you + know, not like what Miss Julia have. Mrs. and Miss are to be home to-day; + they wrote to cook this morning. I shall be there to-morrow, sartain, and + I'll ask in the kitchen when Master Edward is a-coming back.” She prattled + on. The ladies of Albion Villa were good kind ladies; the very + maid-servants loved them; Miss was more for religion than her mother, and + went to St. Anne's Church Thursday evenings, and Sundays morning and + evening; and visited some poor women in the parish with food and clothes; + Mrs. Dodd could not sleep a wink when the wind blew hard at night; but + never complained, only came down pale to breakfast. Miss Julia's ailment + was nothing to speak of, but they were in care along of being so wrapped + up in her, and no wonder, for if ever there was a duck——! + </p> + <p> + Acting on this intelligence, Alfred went early the next Sunday to St. + Anne's Church, and sat down in the side gallery at its east end. While the + congregation flowed quietly in, the organist played the <i>Agnus Dei</i> + of Mozart. Those pious tender tones stole over his hot young heart, and + whispered, “Peace, be still!” He sighed wearily, and it passed through his + mind that it might have been better for him, and especially for his + studies, if he had never seen her. Suddenly the aisle seemed to lighten + up; she was gliding along it, beautiful as May, and modesty itself in + dress and carriage. She went into a pew and kneeled a minute, then seated + herself and looked out the lessons for the day. Alfred gazed at her face: + devoured it. But her eyes never roved. She seemed to have put off feminine + curiosity, and the world, at the church door. Indeed he wished she was not + quite so heavenly discreet; her lashes were delicious, but he longed to + see her eyes once more; to catch a glance from them, and, by it, decipher + his fate. + </p> + <p> + But no; she was there to worship, and did not discern her earthly lover, + whose longing looks were glued to her, and his body rose and sank with the + true worshippers, but with no more spirituality than a piston or a + Jack-in-the-box. + </p> + <p> + In the last hymn before the sermon, a well-meaning worshipper in the + gallery delivered a leading note, a high one, with great zeal, but small + precision, being about a semitone flat; at this outrage on her + too-sensitive ear, Julia Dodd turned her head swiftly to discover the + offender, and failed; but her two sapphire eyes met Alfred's point-blank. + </p> + <p> + She was crimson in a moment, and lowered them on her book again, as if to + look that way was to sin. It was but a flash: but sometimes a flash fires + a mine. + </p> + <p> + The lovely blush deepened and spread before it melted away, and Alfred's + late cooling heart warmed itself at that sweet glowing cheek. She never + looked his way again, not once: which was a sad disappointment; but she + blushed again and again before the service ended, only not so deeply. Now + there was nothing in the sermon to make her blush: I might add, there was + nothing to redden her cheek with religious excitement. There was a little + candid sourness—oil and vinegar—against sects and Low + Churchmen; but thin generality predominated. Total: “Acetate of morphia,” + for dry souls to sip. + </p> + <p> + So Alfred took all the credit of causing those sweet irrelevant blushes; + and gloated: the young wretch could not help glorying in his power to tint + that fair statue of devotion with earthly thoughts. + </p> + <p> + But stay! that dear blush, was it pleasure or pain? What if the sight of + him was intolerable? + </p> + <p> + He would know how he stood with her, and on the spot. He was one of the + first to leave the church; he made for the churchyard gate, and walked + slowly backwards and forwards by it, with throbbing heart till she came + out. + </p> + <p> + She was prepared for him now, and bowed slightly to him with the most + perfect composure, and no legible sentiment, except a certain marked + politeness many of our young ladies think wasted upon young gentlemen; and + are mistaken. + </p> + <p> + Alfred took off his hat in a tremor, and his eyes implored and inquired, + but met with no further response; and she walked swiftly home, though + without apparent effort. He looked longingly after her; but discretion + forbade. + </p> + <p> + He now crawled by Albion Villa twice every day, wet or dry, and had the + good fortune to see her twice at the drawing-room window. He was constant + at St. Anne's Church, and one Thursday crept into the aisle to be nearer + to her, and he saw her steal one swift look at the gallery, and look + grave; but soon she detected him, and though she looked no more towards + him, she seemed demurely complacent. Alfred had learned to note these + subtleties now, for Love is a microscope. What he did not know was, that + his timid ardour was pursuing a masterly course; that to find herself + furtively followed everywhere, and hovered about for a look, is apt to + soothe womanly pride and stir womanly pity, and to keep the female heart + in a flutter of curiosity and emotions, two porters that open the heart's + great gate to love. + </p> + <p> + Now the evening before his visit to the Dodds, Dr. Sampson dined with the + Hardies, and happened to mention the “Dodds” among his old patients: “The + Dodds of' Albion Villa?” inquired Miss Hardie, to her brother's no little + surprise. “Albyn fiddlestick!” said the polished doctor. “No! they live by + the water-side; used to; but now they have left the town, I hear. He is a + sea-captain and a fine lad, and Mrs. Dodd is just the best-bred woman I + ever prescribed for, except Mrs. Sampson.” + </p> + <p> + “It <i>is</i> the Dodds of Albion Villa,” said Miss Hardie. “They have two + children: a son; his name is Edward; and a daughter, Julia; she is rather + good-looking; a Gentleman's Beauty.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred stared at his sister. Was she blind? with her “rather + good-looking.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson was quite pleased at the information. “N' listen me! I saved that + girl's life when she was a year old.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she is ill now, doctor,” said Alfred hastily. “Do go and see her! + Hum! The fact is, her brother is a great favourite of mine.” He then told + him how to find Albion Villa. “Jenny, dear,” said he, when Sampson was + gone, “you never told me you knew her.” + </p> + <p> + “Knew who, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Whom? Why Dodd's sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she is a new acquaintance, and not one to interest you. We only meet + in the Lord; I do not visit Albion Villa; her mother is an amiable + worldling.” + </p> + <p> + “Unpardonable combination!” said Alfred with a slight sneer. “So you and + Miss Dodd meet only at church!” + </p> + <p> + “At church? Hardly. She goes to St. Anne's: sits under a preacher who + starves his flock with moral discourses, and holds out the sacraments of + the Church as the means of grace.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred shook his head good-humouredly. “Now, Jenny, that is a challenge; + and you know we both got into a fury the last time we were betrayed into + that miserable waste of time and temper, Theological discussion. No, no:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Let sects delight to bark and bite + For 'tis their nature to; + Let gown and surplice growl and fight, + For Satan makes them so. +</pre> + <p> + But let you and I cut High Church and Low Church, and be brother and + sister. Do tell me in English where you meet Julia Dodd; that's a dear; + for young ladies 'meeting in the Lord' conveys no positive idea to my + mind.” + </p> + <p> + Jane Hardie sighed at this confession. “We meet in the cottages of the + poor and the sick, whom He loved and pitied when on earth; and we, His + unworthy servants, try to soothe their distress, and lead them to Him who + can heal the soul as well as the body, and wipe away all the tears of all + His people.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it does you infinite credit, Jane,” said Alfred, warmly. “Now, that + is the voice of true religion; and not the whine of this sect, nor the + snarl of that. And so she joins you in this good work? I am not + surprised.” + </p> + <p> + “We meet in it now and then, dear; but she can hardly be said to have + joined me: I have a district, you know; but poor Mrs. Dodd will not allow + Julia to enlist in the service. She visits independently, and by fits and + starts; and I am afraid she thinks more of comforting their perishable + bodies than of feeding their souls. It was but the other day she confessed + to me her backwardness to speak in the way of instruction to women as old + as her mother. She finds it so much easier to let them run on about their + earthly troubles: and of course it is much <i>easier.</i> Ah! the world + holds her still in some of its subtle meshes.” + </p> + <p> + The speaker uttered this sadly; but presently, brightening up, said, with + considerable <i>bonhomie,</i> and almost a sprightly air: “But she is a + dear girl, and the Lord will yet light her candle.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred pulled a face as of one that drinketh verjuice unawares; but let it + pass: hypercriticism was not his cue just then. “Well, Jenny,” said he, “I + have a favour to ask you. Introduce me to your friend, Miss Dodd. Will + you?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Hardie coloured faintly. “I would rather not, dear Alfred: the + introduction could not be for her eternal good. Julia's soul is in a very + ticklish state; she wavers as yet between this world and the other world; + and it won't do; it won't do; there is no middle path. You would very + likely turn the scale, and then I should have fought against her + everlasting welfare—my friend's.” + </p> + <p> + “What, am I an infidel?” inquired Alfred angrily. Jane looked distressed. + “Oh no, Alfred; but you are a worldling.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred, smothering a strong sense of irritation, besought her to hear + reason; these big words were out of place here. “It is Dodd's sister; and + he will introduce me at a word, worldling as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why urge me to do it, against my conscience?” asked the young lady, + as sharply as if she had been a woman of the world. “You cannot be in <i>love</i> + with her, as you do not know her.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred did not reply to this unlucky thrust, but made a last effort to + soften her. “Can you call yourself my sister, and refuse me this trifling + service, which her brother, who loves her and esteems her ten times more + sincerely than you do, would not think of refusing me if he was at home?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should he? He is in the flesh himself; let the carnal introduce one + another. I really must decline; but I am very, very sorry that you feel + hurt about it.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am very sorry I have not an amiable worldling for my sister, + instead of an unamiable and devilish conceited Christian.” And with these + bitter words, Alfred snatched a candle and bounced to bed in a fury. So + apt is one passion to rouse up others. + </p> + <p> + Jane Hardie let fall a gentle tear: but consoled herself with the + conviction that she had done her duty, and that Alfred's anger was quite + unreasonable, and so he would see as soon as he should cool. + </p> + <p> + The next day the lover, smarting under this check, and spurred to fresh + efforts, invaded Sampson. That worthy was just going to dine at Albion + Villa, so Alfred postponed pumping him till next day. Well, he called at + the inn next day, and if the doctor was not just gone back to London! + </p> + <p> + Alfred wandered disconsolate homewards. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of Buchanan Street, an agitated treble called after him, + “Mr. Halfred! hoh, Mr. Halfred!” He looked back and saw Dick Absalom, a + promising young cricketer, brandishing a document and imploring aid. “Oh, + Master Halfred, dooce please come here. I durstn't leave the shop.” + </p> + <p> + There is a tie between cricketers far too strong for social distinctions + to divide, and, though Alfred muttered peevishly, “Whose cat is dead now?” + he obeyed the strange summons. + </p> + <p> + The distress was a singular one. Master Absalom, I must premise, was the + youngest of two lads in the employ of Mr. Jenner, a benevolent old + chemist, a disciple of Malthus. Jenner taught the virtues of drugs and + minerals to tender youths, at the expense of the public. Scarcely ten + minutes had elapsed since a pretty servant girl came into the shop, and + laid a paper on the counter, saying, “Please to make that up, young man.” + Now at fifteen we are gratified by inaccuracies of this kind from ripe + female lips: so Master Absalom took the prescription with a complacent + grin; his eye glanced over it; it fell to shaking in his hand, chill + dismay penetrated his heart; and, to speak with oriental strictness, his + liver turned instantly to water. However, he made a feeble clutch at + Mercantile Mendacity, and stammered out, “Here's a many ingredients, and + the governor's out walking, and he's been and locked the drawer where we + keeps our haulhoppy. You couldn't come again in half an hour, Miss, could + ye?” She acquiesced readily, for she was not habitually called Miss, and + she had a follower, a languid one, living hard by, and belonged to a class + which thinks it consistent to come after its followers. + </p> + <p> + Dicky saw her safe off, and groaned at his ease. Here was a prescription + full of new chemicals, sovereign, no doubt, <i>i.e.,</i> deadly when + applied Jennerically; and the very directions for use were in Latin words + he had encountered in no prescription before. A year ago Dicky would have + counted the prescribed ingredients on his fingers, and then taken down an + equal number of little articles, solid or liquid, mixed them, delivered + them, and so to cricket, serene; but now, his mind, to apply the universal + cant, was “in a transition state.” A year's practice had chilled the + youthful valour which used to scatter Epsom salts or oxalic acid, magnesia + or corrosive sublimate. An experiment or two by himself and his compeers, + with comments by the coroner, had enlightened him as to the final result + on the human body of potent chemicals fearlessly administered, leaving him + dark as to their distinctive qualities applied remedially. What should he + do? Run with the prescription to old Taylor in the next street, a chemist + of forty years? Alas! at his tender age he had not omitted to chaff that + reverend rival persistently and publicly. Humble his establishment before + the King Street one? Sooner perish drugs, and come eternal cricket! And + after all, why not? Drummer-boys, and powder-monkeys, and other imps of + his age that dealt destruction, did not depopulate gratis; Mankind + acknowledged their services in cash: but old Jenner, taught by Philosophy + through its organ the newspapers that “knowledge is riches,” was above + diluting with a few shillings a week the wealth a boy acquired behind his + counter; so his apprentices got no salary. Then why not shut up the old + rogue's shutters, and excite a little sympathy for him, to be followed by + a powerful reaction on his return from walking; and go and offer his own + services on the cricket-ground to field for the gentlemen by the hour, or + bowl at a shilling on their balls? + </p> + <p> + “Bowling is the lay for me,” said he; “you get money for that, and you + only bruise the gents a bit and break their thumbs: you can't put their + vital sparks out as you can at this work.” + </p> + <p> + By a striking coincidence the most influential member of the cricket club + passed while Dick was in this quandary. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Halfred, you was always very good to me on the ground—you + couldn't have me hired by the club, could ye? For I am sick of this trade; + I wants to bowl.” + </p> + <p> + “You little duffer!” said Alfred, “cricket is a recreation, not a + business. Besides, it only lasts five months. Unless you adjourn to the + anitipodes. Stick to the shop like a man, and make your fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Mr. Halfred,” said Dick sorrowfully, “how can I find fortune here? + Jenner don't pay. And the crowner declares he will not have it; and the + Barton <i>Chronicle</i> says us young gents ought all to be given a + holiday to go and see one of us hanged by lot. But this is what have broke + this camel's back at last; here's a dalled thing to come smiling and + smirking in with, and put it across a counter in a poor boy's hand. Oh! + oh! oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Dick,” said Alfred, “if you blubber, I'll give you a hiding. You have + stumbled on a passage you can't construe. Well, who has not? But we don't + shed the briny about it. Here, let me have a go at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I've heard you are a scholard,” said Dick, “but you won't make out + this; there's some new preparation of mercury, and there's musk, and + there's horehound, and there's a neutral salt: and dal his old head that + wrote it!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your jaw, and listen, while I construe it to you. <i>'Die Mercurii,</i> + on Wednesday—<i>decima hora vespertina,</i> at ten o'clock at night—<i>eat + in Musca:''</i> what does that mean? <i>'Eat in Musca?''</i> I see! this is + modern Latin with a vengeance. 'Let him go in a fly to the Towns-hall. <i>Saltet,</i> + let him jump—<i>cum tredecim caniculis,</i> with thirteen little + dogs—<i>praesertim meo,</i> especially with my little dog.' Dicky, + this prescription emanates from Bedlam direct. <i>'Domum reddita''</i>—hallo! + it is a woman, then. 'Let <i>her</i> go in a fly to the—Town-hall, + eh?' 'Let <i>her</i> jump, no, dance, with thirteen whelps, especially + mine.' Ha! ha! ha! And who is the woman that is to do all this I wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Woman, indeed!” said a treble at the door! “no more than I am; it's for a + young lady. O jiminy!” + </p> + <p> + This polite ejaculation was drawn out by the speaker's sudden recognition + of Alfred, who had raised his head at her remonstrance, and now started in + his turn; for it was the black-eyed servant of Albion Villa. They looked + at one another in expressive silence. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, it is for my young lady. Is it ready, young man?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it ain't: and never will,” squealed Dick angrily “It's a vile 'oax; + and you ought to be ashamed of yourself bringing it into a respectable + shop.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred silenced him, and told Sarah he thought Miss Dodd ought to know the + nature of this prescription before it went round the chemists. + </p> + <p> + He borrowed paper of Dick and wrote: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Alfred Hardie presents his compliments to Miss Dodd, and begs leave + to inform her that he has, by the merest accident, intercepted the + enclosed prescription. As it seems rather a sorry jest, and tends to + attract attention to Miss Dodd and her movements, he has ventured with + some misgivings to send it back with a literal translation, on reading + which it will be for Miss Dodd to decide whether it is to circulate. + </p> + <p> + “'On Wednesday, at ten P.M., let her go in a fly to the Town-hall, and + dance with thirteen little {little dogs, puppies, whelps,} especially with + mine: return home at six A.M. and sleep till dinner, and repeat the folly + as occasion serves.'” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I could get it into Miss's hands when she's alone?” whispered + Sarah. + </p> + <p> + “You would earn my warmest gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “'Warmest gratitude!' Is that a warm gownd, or a warm clock, I wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “It is both, when the man is a gentleman, and a pretty, dark-eyed girl + pities him and stands his friend.” + </p> + <p> + Sarah smiled, and whispered, “Give it me; I'll do my best.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred enclosed the prescription and his note in one cover, handed them to + her, and slipped a sovereign into her hand. He whispered, “Be prudent.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm dark, sir,” said she: and went off briskly homewards, and Alfred + stood rapt in dreamy joy, and so self-elated that, had he been furnished + like a peacock, he would have instantly become a “thing all eyes,” and + choked up Jenner's shop, and swept his counter. He had made a step towards + familiarity, had written her a letter; and then, if this prescription + came, as he suspected, from Dr. Sampson, she would perhaps be at the ball. + This opened a delightful vista. Meantime, Mrs. Dodd had communicated + Sampson's opinion to Julia, adding that there was a prescription besides, + gone to be made up. “However, he insists on your going to this ball.” + </p> + <p> + Julia begged hard to be excused: said she was in no humour for balls: and + Mrs. Dodd objecting that the tickets had actually been purchased, she + asked leave to send them to the Dartons. “They will be a treat to Rose and + Alice; they seldom go out: mamma, I do so fear they are poorer than people + think. May I?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be but kind,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Though really why my child should + always be sacrificed to other people's children——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a mighty sacrifice!” said Julia. She sat down and enclosed the + tickets to Rose Darton, with a little sugared note. Sarah, being out, + Elizabeth took it. Sarah met her at the gate, but did not announce her + return: she lurked in ambush till Julia happened to go to her own room, + then followed her, and handed Alfred's missive, and watched her slily, and + being herself expeditious as the wind in matters of the heart, took it for + granted the enclosure was something very warm indeed; so she said with + feigned simplicity, “I suppose it is all right now, miss?” and retreated + swelling with a secret, and tormented her fellow-servants all day with + innuendoes dark as Erebus. + </p> + <p> + Julia read the note again and again: her heart beat at those few + ceremonious lines. “He does not like me to be talked of,” she said to + herself. “How good he is! What trouble he takes about me! Ah! <i>he will + be there!</i>” + </p> + <p> + She divined rightly; on Wednesday, at ten, Alfred Hardie was in the + ball-room. It was a magnificent room, well lighted, and at present not + half filled, though dancing had commenced. The figure Alfred sought was + not there; and he wondered he had been so childish as to hope she would + come to a city ball. He played the fine gentleman; would not dance. He got + near the door with another Oxonian, and tried to avenge himself for her + absence on the townspeople who were there by quizzing them. + </p> + <p> + But in the middle of this amiable occupation, and indeed in the middle of + a sentence, he stopped short, and his heart throbbed, and he thrilled from + head to foot; for two ladies glided in at the door, and passed up the room + with the unpretending composure of well-bred people. They were equally + remarkable; but Alfred saw only the radiant young creature in flowing + muslin, with the narrowest sash in the room, and no ornament but a + necklace of large pearls and her own vivid beauty. She had altered her + mind about coming, with apologies for her vacillating disposition so + penitent and disproportionate that her indulgent and unsuspecting mother + was really quite amused. Alfred was not so happy as to know that she had + changed her mind with his note. Perhaps even this knowledge could have + added little to that exquisite moment, when, unhoped for, she passed close + to him, and the fragrant air from her brushed his cheek, and seemed to + whisper, “Follow me and be my slave.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + HE did follow her, and, convinced that she would be engaged ten deep in + five minutes, hustled up to the master of the ceremonies and begged an + introduction. The great banker's son was attended to at once. Julia saw + them coming, as her sex can see, without looking. Her eyes were on fire, + and a delicious blush on her cheeks, when the M. C. introduced Mr. Alfred + Hardie with due pomp. He asked her to dance. + </p> + <p> + “I am engaged for this dance, sir,” said she softly. + </p> + <p> + “The next?” asked Hardie timidly. + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + But when they had got so far they were both seized with bashful silence; + and just as Alfred was going to try and break it, Cornet Bosanquet, aged + 18, height 5 feet 4 inches, strutted up with clanking heel, and, glancing + haughtily up at him, carried Julia off, like a steam-tug towing away some + fair schooner. To these little thorns society treats all anxious lovers, + but the incident was new to Alfred, and discomposed him; and, besides, he + had nosed a rival in Sampson's prescription. So now he thought to himself, + “that little ensign is 'his puppy.'” + </p> + <p> + To get rid of Mrs. Dodd he offered to conduct her to a seat. She thanked + him; she would rather stand where she could see her daughter dance: on + this he took her to the embrasure of a window opposite where Julia and her + partner stood, and they entered a circle of spectators. The band struck + up, and the solemn skating began. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this lovely creature in white?” asked a middle-aged solicitor. “In + white? I did not see any beauty in white,” replied his daughter. “Why + there, before your eyes,” said the gentleman, loudly. + </p> + <p> + “What, that girl dancing with the little captain? I don't see much beauty + in her. <i>And</i> what a rubbishing dress.” + </p> + <p> + “It never cost a pound, making and all,” suggested another Barkingtonian + nymph. + </p> + <p> + “But what splendid pearls!” said a third: “can they be real?” + </p> + <p> + “Real! what an idea!” ejaculated a fourth: “who puts on real pearls as big + as peas with muslin at twenty pence the yard?” + </p> + <p> + “Weasels!” muttered Alfred, and quivered all over: and he felt to Mrs. + Dodd so like a savage going to spring, that she laid her hand upon his + wrist, and said gently, but with authority, “Be calm, sir! and oblige me + by not noticing these people.” + </p> + <p> + Then they threw dirt on her bouquet, and then on her shoes, while she was + winding in and out before their eyes a Grace, and her soft muslin drifting + and flowing like an appropriate cloud round a young goddess. + </p> + <p> + “A little starch would make it set out better. It's as limp as a towel on + the line.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be sworn it was washed at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Where it was made.” + </p> + <p> + “I call it a rag, not a gown.” + </p> + <p> + “Do let us move,” whispered Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “I am very comfortable here,” whispered Mrs. Dodd. “How can these things + annoy my ears while I have eyes? Look at her: she is the best-dressed lady + in the room; her muslin is Indian, and of a quality unknown to these + provincial shopkeepers; a rajah gave it us: her pearls were my mother's, + and have been in every court in Europe; and she herself is beautiful, + would be beautiful dressed like the dowdies who are criticising her: and I + think, sir, she dances as well as any lady can encumbered with an Atom + that does not know the figure.” All this with the utmost placidity. + </p> + <p> + Then, as if to extinguish all doubt, Julia flung them a heavenly smile; + she had been furtively watching them all the time, and she saw they were + talking about her. + </p> + <p> + The other Oxonian squeezed up to Hardie. “Do you know the beauty? She + smiled your way. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Hardie, deliberately, “you mean that young lady with the court + pearls, in that exquisite Indian muslin, which floats so gracefully, while + the other muslin girls are all crimp and stiff; like little pigs clad in + crackling.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! ha! Yes. Introduce me.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not take such a liberty with the queen of the ball.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled, but felt nervous and ill at ease. She thought to + herself, “Now here is a generous, impetuous thing.” As for the hostile + party, staggered at first by the masculine insolence of young Hardy, it + soon recovered, and, true to its sex, attacked him obliquely, through his + white ladye. + </p> + <p> + “Who <i>is</i> the beauty of the ball?” asked one, haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, but not that mawkish thing in limp muslin.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say Miss Hetherington is the belle,” suggested a third. + </p> + <p> + “Which is Miss Hetherington?” asked the Oxonian coolly of Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she won't do for us. It is that little chalk-faced girl, dressed in + pink with red roses; the pink of vulgarity and bad taste.” + </p> + <p> + At this both Oxonians laughed arrogantly, and Mrs. Dodd withdrew her hand + from the speaker's arm and glided away behind the throng. Julia looked at + him with marked anxiety. He returned her look, and was sore puzzled what + it meant, till he found Mrs. Dodd had withdrawn softly from him; then he + stood confused, regretting too late he had not obeyed her positive + request, and tried to imitate her dignified forbearance. + </p> + <p> + The quadrille ended. He instantly stepped forward, and bowing politely to + the cornet, said authoritatively, “Mrs. Dodd sends me to conduct you to + her. With your permission, sir.” His arm was offered and taken before the + little warrior knew where he was. + </p> + <p> + He had her on his arm, soft, light, and fragrant as zephyr, and her cool + breath wooing his neck; oh, the thrill of that moment! but her first word + was to ask him, with considerable anxiety, “Why did mamma leave you?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dodd, I am the most unhappy of men.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt! no doubt!” said she, a little crossly. She added with one of + her gushes of naivete, “and I shall be unhappy too if you go and displease + mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “What could I do? A gang of snobbesses were detracting from—somebody. + To speak plainly, they were running down the loveliest of her sex. Your + mamma told me to keep quiet. And so I did till I got a fair chance, and + then I gave it them in their teeth.” He ground his own, and added, “I + think I was very good not to kick them.” + </p> + <p> + Julia coloured with pleasure, and proceeded to turn it off. “Oh! most + forbearing and considerate,” said she. “Ah! by the way, I think I did hear + some ladies express a misgiving as to the pecuniary value of my costume; + ha! ha! Oh—you—foolish!—Fancy noticing that! Why it is + in little sneers that the approval of the ladies shows itself at a ball, + and it is a much sincerer compliment than the gentlemen's bombastical + praises: 'the fairest of her sex,' and so on; that none but the 'silliest + of her sex' believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dodd, I never said the fairest of her sex. I said the loveliest.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that alters the case entirely,” said Julia, whose spirits were + mounting with the lights and music, and Alfred's company; “so now come and + be reconciled to the best and wisest of her sex; ay, and the + beautifullest, if you but knew her sweet, dear, darling face as I do. + There she is; let us fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, here is a penitent for you, real or feigned, I don't know which.” + </p> + <p> + “Real, Mrs. Dodd,” said Alfred. “I had no right to disobey you and risk a + scene. You served me right by abandoning me; I feel the rebuke and its + justice. Let me hope your vengeance will go no further.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled at the grandiloquence of youth, and told him he had + mistaken her character. “I saw I had acquired a generous, hot-headed ally, + who was bent on doing battle with insects; so I withdrew; but so I should + at Waterloo, or anywhere else where people put themselves in a passion.” + </p> + <p> + The band struck up again. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Julia, “and I promised you this dance; but it is a waltz and my + guardian angel objects to the <i>valse a deux temps.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly. Should all the mothers in England permit their daughters to + romp and wrestle in public, and call it waltzing, I must stand firm till + they return to their senses.” + </p> + <p> + Julia looked at Alfred despondently. He took his cue and said with a + smile, “Well, perhaps it is a little rompy; a donkey's gallop and then + twirl her like a mop.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you admit that, perhaps you can waltz properly?” said Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + Alfred said he ought; he had given his whole soul to it in Germany last + Long. + </p> + <p> + “Then I can have the pleasure of dropping the tyrant. Away with you both + while there is room to circulate.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred took his partner delicately; they made just two catlike steps + forward, and melted into the old-fashioned waltz. + </p> + <p> + It was an exquisite moment. To most young people Love comes after a great + deal of waltzing. But this pair brought the awakened tenderness and + trembling sensibilities of two burning hearts to this their first + intoxicating whirl. To them, therefore, everything was an event, + everything was a thrill—the first meeting and timid pressure of + their hands, the first delicate enfolding of her supple waist by his + strong arm but trembling hand, the delightful unison of their unerring + feet, the movement, the music, the soft delicious whirl, her cool breath + saluting his neck, his ardent but now liquid eyes seeking hers tenderly, + and drinking them deep, hers that now and then sipped his so sweetly—all + these were new and separate joys, that linked themselves in one soft + delirium of bliss. It was not a waltz it was an Ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + Starting almost alone, this peerless pair danced a gauntlet. On each side + admiration and detraction buzzed all the time. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful! They are turning in the air.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite gone by. That's how the old fogies dance.” + </p> + <p> + Chorus of shallow males: “How well she waltzes.” + </p> + <p> + Chorus of shallow females: “How well he waltzes.” + </p> + <p> + But they noted neither praise nor detraction: they saw nothing, heard + nothing, felt nothing, but themselves and the other music, till two + valsers <i>a deux temps</i> plunged into them. Thus smartly reminded they + had not earth all to themselves, they laughed good-humouredly and paused. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I am happy!” gushed from Julia. She hushed at herself, and said + severely, “You dance very well, sir.” This was said to justify her + unguarded admission, and did, after a fashion. “I think it is time to go + to mamma,” said she demurely. + </p> + <p> + “So soon? And I had so much to say to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well. I am all attention.” + </p> + <p> + The sudden facility offered set Alfred stammering a little. “I wanted to + apologise to you for something—you are so good you seem to have + forgotten it—but I dare not hope that—I mean at Henley—when + the beauty of your character, and your goodness, so overpowered me, that a + fatal impulse——” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, sir?” said Julia, looking him full in the face, like an + offended lion, while, with true feminine and Julian inconsistency her + bosom fluttered like a dove. “I never exchanged one word with you in my + life before to-day; and I never shall again if you pretend the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred stood stupified, and looked at her in piteous amazement. + </p> + <p> + “I value your acquaintance highly, Mr. Hardie, now I have made it, as + acquaintances are made; but please to observe, I never saw you before—scarcely; + not even in church.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please,” said he, recovering his wits in part. “What you say I'll + swear to.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I say, never remind a lady of what you ought to wish her to forget.” + </p> + <p> + “I was a fool, and you are an angel of tact and goodness.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, now I am sure it is time to join mamma,” said she in the driest, + drollest way. <i>“Valsons.</i>” + </p> + <p> + They waltzed down to Mrs. Dodd, exchanging hearts at every turn, and they + took a good many in the space of a round table, for in truth both were + equally loth to part. + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock Mrs. Dodd resumed common-place views of a daughter's + health, and rose to go. + </p> + <p> + Her fly had played her false, and, being our island home, it rained + buckets. Alfred ran, before they could stop him, and caught a fly. He was + dripping. Mrs. Dodd expressed her regrets; he told her it did not matter; + for him the ball was now over, the flowers faded, and the lights darkness + visible. + </p> + <p> + “The extravagance of these children!” said Mrs. Dodd to Julia, with a + smile, as soon as he was out of hearing. Julia made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Next day she was at evening church: the congregation was very sparse. The + first glance revealed Alfred Hardie standing in the very next pew. He wore + a calm front of conscious rectitude; under which peeped sheep-faced + misgivings as to the result of this advance; for, like all true lovers, he + was half impudence, half timidity; and both on the grand scale. + </p> + <p> + Now Julia in a ball-room was one creature, another in church. After the + first surprise, which sent the blood for a moment to her cheek, she found + he had come without a prayer-book. She looked sadly and half reproachfully + at him; then put her white hand calmly over the wooden partition, and made + him read with her out of her book. She shared her hymn-book with him, too, + and sang her Maker's praise modestly and soberly, but earnestly, and quite + undisturbed by her lover's presence. It seemed as if this pure creature + was drawing him to heaven holding by that good book, and by her touching + voice. He felt good all over. To be like her, he tried to bend his whole + mind on the prayers of the church, and for the first time realised how + beautiful they are. + </p> + <p> + After service he followed her to the door. Island home again, by the + pailful; and she had a thick shawl but no umbrella. He had brought a large + one on the chance; he would see her home. + </p> + <p> + “Quite unnecessary; it is so near.” + </p> + <p> + He insisted; she persisted; and, persisting, yielded. They said but + little; yet they seemed to interchange volumes; and, at each gaslight they + passed, they stole a look and treasured it to feed on. + </p> + <p> + That night was one broad step more towards the great happiness, or great + misery, which awaits a noble love. Such loves, somewhat rare in Nature, + have lately become so very rare in Fiction that I have ventured, with many + misgivings, to detail the peculiarities of its rise and progress. But now + for a time it advanced on beaten tracks. Alfred had the right to call at + Albion Villa, and he came twice; once when Mrs. Dodd was out. This was the + time he stayed the two hours. A Mrs. James invited Jane and him to tea and + exposition. There he met Julia and Edward, who had just returned. Edward + was taken with Jane Hardie's face and dovelike eyes; eyes that dwelt with + a soft and chastened admiration on his masculine face and his model form, + and their owner felt she had received “a call” to watch over his spiritual + weal. So they paired off. + </p> + <p> + Julia's fluctuating spirits settled now into a calm, demure, complacency. + Her mother, finding this strange remedial virtue in youthful society, gave + young parties, inviting Jane and Alfred in their turn. Jane hesitated, + but, as she could no longer keep Julia from knowing her worldly brother, + and hoped a way might be opened for her to rescue Edward, she relaxed her + general rule, which was to go into no company unless some religious + service formed part of the entertainment. Yet her conscience was ill at + ease; and, to set them an example, she took care, when she asked the Dodds + in return, to have a clergyman there of her own party, who could pray and + expound with unction. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, not to throw cold water on what seemed to gratify her children, + accepted Miss Hardie's invitation; but she never intended to go, and at + the last moment wrote to say she was slightly indisposed. The nature of + her <i>indisposition</i> she revealed to Julia alone. “That young lady + keeps me on thorns. I never feel secure she will not say or do something + extravagant or unusual: she seems to suspect sobriety and good taste of + being in league with impiety. Here I succeed in bridling her a little; but + encounter a female enthusiast in her own house? <i>merci!</i> After all, + there must be something good in her, since she is your friend, and you are + hers. But I have something more serious to say before you go there: it is + about her brother. He is a flirt: in fact, a notorious one, more than one + lady tells me.” + </p> + <p> + Julia was silent, but began to be very uneasy; they were sitting and + talking after sunset, yet without candles. She profited for once by that + prodigious gap in the intelligence of “the sex.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear he pays you compliments, and I have seen a disposition to single + you out. Now, my love, you have the good sense to know that, whatever a + young gentleman of that age says to you, he says to many other ladies; but + your experience is not equal to your sense; so profit by mine. A girl of + your age must never be talked of with a person of the other sex: it is + fatal; fatal! but if you permit yourself to be singled out, you will be + talked of, and distress those who love you. It is easy to avoid + injudicious duets in society; oblige me by doing so to-night.” To show how + much she was in earnest, Mrs. Dodd hinted that, were her admonition + neglected, she should regret for once having kept clear of an enthusiast. + </p> + <p> + Julia had no alternative; she assented in a faint voice. After a pause she + faltered out, “And suppose he should esteem me seriously?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd replied quickly, “Then that would be much worse. But,” said she, + “I have no apprehensions on that score; you are a child, and he is a + precocious boy, and rather a flirt. But forewarned is forearmed. So now + run away and dress, sweet one: my lecture is quite ended.” + </p> + <p> + The sensitive girl went up to her room with a heavy heart. All the fears + she had lulled of late revived. She saw plainly now that Mrs. Dodd only + accepted Alfred as a pleasant acquaintance: as a son-in-law he was out of + the question. “Oh, what will she say when she knows all?” thought Julia. + </p> + <p> + Next day, sitting near the window, she saw him coming up the road. After + the first movement of pleasure at the bare sight of him, she was sorry he + had come. Mamma's suspicions awake at last, and here he was again; the + third call in one fortnight! She dared not risk an interview with him, + ardent and unguarded, under that penetrating eye, which she felt would now + be on the watch. She rose hurriedly, said as carelessly as she could, “I + am going to the school,” and tying her bonnet on all in a flurry, whipped + out at the back-door with her shawl in her hand just as Sarah opened the + front door to Alfred. She then shuffled on her shawl, and whisked through + the little shrubbery into the open field, and reached a path that led to + the school, and so gratified was she at her dexterity in evading her + favourite, that she hung her head, and went murmuring, “Cruel, cruel, + cruel!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred entered the drawing-room gaily, with a good-sized card and a + prepared speech. His was not the visit of a friend, but a functionary; the + treasurer of the cricket-ground come to book two of his eighteen to play + against the All-England Eleven next month. “As for you, my worthy sir + (turning to Edward), I shall just put you down without ceremony. But I + must ask leave to book Captain Dodd. Mrs. Dodd, I come at the universal + desire of the club; they say it is sure to be a dull match without Captain + Dodd. Besides, he is a capital player.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, don't you be caught by his chaff,” said Edward, quietly. “Papa is + no player at all. Anything more unlike cricket than his way of making + runs!” + </p> + <p> + “But he makes them, old fellow; now you and I, at Lord's the other day, + played in first-rate form, left shoulder well up, and achieved—with + neatness, precision, dexterity, and despatch—the British duck's-egg. + </p> + <p> + <i>“Misericorde!</i> What is that?” inquired Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Why, a round O,” said the other Oxonian, coming to his friend's aid. + </p> + <p> + “And what is that, pray?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred told her “the round O,” which had yielded to “the duck's egg,” and + was becoming obsolete, meant the cypher set by the scorer against a + player's name who is out without making a run. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” sighed Mrs. Dodd. “The jargon of the day penetrates to your very + sports and games. And why British?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, 'British' is redundant: thrown in by the universities.” + </p> + <p> + “But what does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It means nothing. That is the beauty of it. British is inserted in + imitation of our idols, the Greeks; they adored redundancy.” + </p> + <p> + In short, poor Alfred, though not an M. P., was talking to put off time, + till Julia should come in: so he now favoured Mrs. Dodd, of all people, + with a flowery description of her husband's play, which I, who have not + his motive for volubility, suppress. However, he wound up with the + captains “moral influence.” “Last match,” said he, “Barkington did not do + itself justice. Several, that could have made a stand, were frightened + out, rather than bowled, by the London professionals. Then Captain Dodd + went in, and treated those artists with the same good-humoured contempt he + would a parish bowler, and, in particular, sent Mynne's over-tossed balls + flying over his head for five, or to square leg for four, and, on his + retiring with twenty-five, scored in eight minutes, the remaining + Barkingtonians were less funky, and made some fair scores.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled a little ironically at this tirade, but said she thought + she might venture to promise Mr. Dodd's co-operation, should he reach home + in time. Then, to get rid of Alfred before Julia's return, the amiable + worldling turned to Edward. “Your sister will not be back, so you may as + well ring the bell for luncheon at once. Perhaps Mr. Hardie will join us.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred declined, and took his leave with far less alacrity than he had + entered; Edward went down-stairs with him. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dodd gone on a visit?” asked Alfred, affecting carelessness. + </p> + <p> + “Only to the school. By-the-bye, I will go and fetch her.” + </p> + <p> + “No, don't do that; call on my sister instead, and then you will pull me + out of a scrape. I promised to bring her here; but her saintship was so + long adorning 'the poor perishable body,' that I came alone.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand you,” said Edward. “I am not the attraction here; it + is Julia.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that? When a young lady interests herself in an + undergraduate's soul, it is a pretty sure sign she likes the looks of him. + But perhaps you don't want to be converted; if so, keep clear of <i>her.</i> + 'Bar the fell dragon's blighting way; but shun that lovely snare.'” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” said Edward calmly, “I only wish she could make me as + good as she is, or half as good.” + </p> + <p> + “Give her the chance, old fellow, and then it won't be your fault if she + makes a mess of it. Call at two, and Jenny will receive you very kindly, + and will show you you are in the 'gall of bitterness and the bond of + iniquity.' Now, won't that be nice?” + </p> + <p> + “I will go,” said Edward gravely. + </p> + <p> + They parted. Where Alfred went the reader can perhaps guess; Edward to + luncheon. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” said he, with that tranquillity which sat so well on him, “don't + you think Alfred Hardie is spoony upon our Julia?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd suppressed a start, and (perhaps to gain time before replying + sincerely) said she had not the honour of knowing what “spoony” meant. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sighs for her, and dies for her, and fancies she is prettier than + Miss Hardie. He must be over head and ears to think that.” + </p> + <p> + “Fie, child!” was the answer. “If I thought so, I should withdraw from + their acquaintance. Excuse me; I must put on my bonnet at once, not to + lose this fine afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + Edward did not relish her remark: it menaced more Spoons than one. + However, he was not the man to be cast down at a word: he lighted a cigar, + and strolled towards Hardie's house. Mr. Hardie, senior, had left three + days ago on a visit to London; Miss Hardie received him; he passed the + afternoon in calm complacency, listening reverently to her admonitions, + and looking her softly out of countenance, and into earthly affections, + with his lion eyes. + </p> + <p> + Meantime his remark, so far from really seeming foolish to Mrs. Dodd, was + the true reason for her leaving him so abruptly “Even this dear slow Thing + sees it,” thought she. She must talk to Julia more seriously, and would go + to the school at once. She went up-stairs, and put on her bonnet and shawl + before the glass; then moulded on her gloves, and came down equipped. On + the stairs was a large window, looking upon the open field; she naturally + cast her eyes through it in the direction she was going, and what did she + see but a young lady and gentleman coming slowly down the path towards the + villa. Mrs. Dodd bit her lip with vexation, and looked keenly at them, to + divine on what terms they were. And the more she looked the more uneasy + she grew. + </p> + <p> + The head, the hand, the whole body of a sensitive young woman walking + beside him she loves, betray her heart to experienced eyes watching + unseen; and especially to female eyes. And why did Julia move so slowly, + especially after that warning? Why was her head averted from that + encroaching boy, and herself so near him? Why not keep her distance, and + look him full in the face? Mrs. Dodd's first impulse was that of + leopardesses, lionesses, hens, and all the mothers in nature; to dart from + her ambush and protect her young; but she controlled it by a strong + effort; it seemed wiser to descry the truth, and then act with resolution: + besides, the young people were now almost at the shrubbery; so the + mischief if any, was done. + </p> + <p> + They entered the shrubbery. + </p> + <p> + To Mrs. Dodd's surprise and dismay, they did not come out this side so + quickly. She darted her eye into the plantation; and lo! Alfred had seized + the fatal opportunity foliage offers, even when thinnish: he held Julia's + hand, and was pleading eagerly for something she seemed not disposed to + grant; for she turned away and made an effort to leave him. But Mrs. Dodd, + standing there quivering with maternal anxiety, and hot with shame, could + not but doubt the sincerity of that graceful resistance. If she had been + quite in earnest, Julia had fire enough in her to box the little wretch's + ears. She ceased even to doubt, when she saw that her daughter's + opposition ended in his getting hold of two hands instead of one, and + devouring them with kisses, while Julia still drew her head and neck away, + but the rest of her supple frame seemed to yield and incline, and draw + softly towards her besieger by some irresistible spell. + </p> + <p> + “I can bear no more!” gasped Mrs. Dodd aloud, and turned to hasten and + part them; but even as she curved her stately neck to go, she caught the + lovers' parting; and a very pretty one too, if she could but have looked + at it, as these things ought always to be looked at: artistically. + </p> + <p> + Julia's head and lovely throat, unable to draw the rest of her away, + compromised: they turned, declined, drooped, and rested one half moment on + her captor's shoulder, like a settling dove: the next, she scudded from + him, and made for the house alone. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, deeply indignant, but too wise to court a painful interview, + with her own heart beating high, went into the drawing-room, and there sat + down, to recover some little composure. But she was hardly seated when + Julia's innocent voice was heard calling “Mamma, mamma!” and soon she came + bounding into the drawing-room, brimful of good news, her cheeks as red as + fire and her eyes wet with happy tears; and there confronted her mother, + who had started up at her footstep, and now, with one hand nipping the + back of the chair convulsively, stood lofty, looking strangely agitated + and hostile. + </p> + <p> + The two ladies eyed one another, silent, yet expressive, like a picture + facing a statue; but soon the colour died out of Julia's face as well, and + she began to cower with vague fears before that stately figure, so gentle + and placid usually, but now so discomposed and stern. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been, Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “Only at the school,” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Who was your companion home?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't be angry with me! It was Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred! His Christian name! You try my patience too hard.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me. I was not to blame this time, indeed! indeed! You frighten + me. What will become of me? What have I done for my own mamma to look at + me so?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd groaned. “Was that young coquette I watched from my window the + child I have reared? No face on earth is to be trusted after this. 'What + have you done' indeed? Only risked your own mother's esteem, and nearly + broken her heart!” And with these words her own courage began to give way, + and she sank into a chair with a deep sigh. + </p> + <p> + At this Julia screamed, and threw herself on her knees beside her, and + cried “Kill me! oh, pray kill me! but don't drive me to despair with such + cruel words and looks!” and fell to sobbing so wildly that Mrs. Dodd + altered her tone with almost ludicrous rapidity. “There, do not terrify me + with your impetuosity, after grieving me so. Be calm, child; let me see + whether I cannot remedy your sad imprudence; and, that I may, pray tell me + the whole truth. How did this come about?” + </p> + <p> + In reply to this question, which she somewhat mistook, Julia sobbed out, + “He met me c-coming out of the school, and asked to s-see me home. I said + 'No thank you,' because I th-thought of your warning. 'Oh yes!' said he, + and <i>would</i> walk with me, and keep saying he loved me. So, to stop + him, I said, 'M-much ob-liged, but I was b-busy and had no time to flirt.' + 'Nor have I the in-inclination,' said he. 'That is not what others say of + you,' said I—you know what you t-told me, mamma—so at last he + said d-did ever he ask any lady to be his wife? 'I suppose not,' said I, + 'or you would be p-p-private property by now instead of p-public.'” + </p> + <p> + “Now there was a foolish speech; as much as to say nobody could resist + him.” + </p> + <p> + “W-wasn't it? And n-no more they could. You have no idea how he makes + love; <i>so</i> unladylike: keeps advancing and advancing, and never once + retreats, nor even st-ops. 'But I ask <i>you</i> to be my wife,' said he. + Oh, mamma, I trembled so. Why did I tremble? I don't know. I made myself + cold and haughty; 'I should make no reply to such ridiculous questions; + say that to mamma, if you dare!' I said.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd bit her lip, and said, “Was there ever such simplicity?” + </p> + <p> + “Simple! Why that was my cunning. You are the only creature he is afraid + of; so I thought to stop his mouth with you. But instead of that, my lord + said calmly, 'That was understood; he loved me too well to steal me from + her to whom he was indebted for me.' Oh, he has always an answer ready. + And that makes him such a p-pest.” + </p> + <p> + “It was an answer that did him credit.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear mamma! now did it not? Then at parting he said he would come + to-morrow, and ask you for my hand; but I must intercede with you first, + or you would be sure to say 'No.' So I declined to interfere: 'W-w-what + was it to me?' I said. He begged and prayed me: 'Was it likely you would + give him such a treasure as Me unless I stood his friend?' (For the + b-b-brazen Thing turns humble now and then.) And, oh, mamma, he did so + implore me to pity him, and kept saying no man ever loved as he loved me, + and with his begging and praying me so passionately—oh, so + passionately—I felt something warm drop from his poor eyes on my + hand. Oh! oh! oh! oh!—What could I do? And then, you know, I wanted + to get away from him. So I am afraid I did just say 'Yes.' But only in a + whisper. Mamma! my own, good, kind, darling mamma, have pity on him and on + me; we love one another so.” + </p> + <p> + A shower of tender tears gushed out in support of this appeal and in a + moment she was caught up with Love's mighty arms, and her head laid on her + mother's yearning bosom. No word was needed to reconcile these two. + </p> + <p> + After a long silence, Mrs. Dodd said this would be a warning never to + judge her sweet child from a distance again, nor unheard. “And therefore,” + said she, “let me hear from your own lips how so serious an attachment + could spring up. Why, it is scarcely a month since you were first + introduced at that ball.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” murmured Julia, hanging her head, “you are mistaken; we knew each + other before.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd looked all astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Now I <i>will</i> ease my heart,” said Julia, impetuously, addressing + some invisible obstacle. “I tell you I am sick of having secrets from my + own mother.” And with this out it all came. She told the story of her + heart better than I have; and, woman-like, dwelt on the depths of loyalty + and delicate love she had read in Alfred's moonlit face that night at + Henley. She said no eloquence could have touched her like it. “Mamma, + something said to me, 'Ay, look at him well, for that is your husband to + be.'” She even tried to solve the mystery of her <i>soi-disant</i> + sickness: “I was disturbed by a feeling so new and so powerful,* but, + above all, by having a secret from you; the first—the last.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Perhaps even this faint attempt at self-analysis was due to + the influence of Dr. Whately. For, by nature, young ladies + of this age seldom turn the eye inward. +</pre> + <p> + “Well, darling, then why have a secret? Why not trust me, your friend as + well as your mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why, indeed? I am a puzzle to myself. I wanted you to know, and yet I + could not tell you. I kept giving you hints, and hoped so you would take + them, and make me speak out. But when I tried to tell you plump, something + kept pull—pull—pulling me inside, and I couldn't. Mark my + words! some day it will turn out that I am neither more nor less than a + fool.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd slighted this ingenious solution. She said, after a moment's + reflection, that the fault of this misunderstanding lay between the two. + “I remember now I have had many hints; my mind must surely have gone to + sleep. I was a poor simple woman who thought her daughter was to be always + a child. And you were very wrong to go and set a limit to your mother's + love: there is none—none whatever.” She added: “I must import a + little prudence and respect for the world's opinion into this new + connection; but whoever you love shall find no enemy in me.” + </p> + <p> + Next day Alfred came to know his fate. He was received with ceremonious + courtesy. At first he was a good deal embarrassed, but this was no sooner + seen than it was relieved by Mrs. Dodd with tact and gentleness. When her + turn came, she said, “Your papa? Of course you have communicated this step + to him?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred looked a little confused, and said, “No: he left for London two + days ago, as it happens.” + </p> + <p> + “That is unfortunate,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Your best plan would be to write + to him at once. I need hardly tell you that we shall enter no family + without an invitation from its head.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred replied that he was well aware of that, and that he knew his + father, and could answer for him. “No doubt,” said Mrs. Dodd, “but, as a + matter of reasonable form, I prefer he should answer for himself.” Alfred + would write by this post. “It is a mere form,” said he, “for my father has + but one answer to his children, 'Please yourselves.' He sometimes adds, + 'and how much money shall you want?' These are his two formulae.” + </p> + <p> + He then delivered a glowing eulogy on his father; and Mrs. Dodd, to whom + the boy's character was now a grave and anxious study, saw with no common + satisfaction his cheek flush and his eyes moisten as he dwelt on the calm, + sober, unvarying affection, and reasonable indulgence he and his sister + had met with all their lives from the best of parents. Returning to the + topic of topics, he proposed an engagement. “I have a ring in my pocket,” + said this brisk wooer, looking down. But this Mrs. Dodd thought premature + and unnecessary. “You are nearly of age,” said she, “and then you will be + able to marry, if you are in the same mind.” But, upon being warmly + pressed, she half conceded even this. “Well,” said she, “on receiving your + father's consent, you can <i>propose</i> an engagement to Julia, and she + shall use her own judgment; but, until then, you will not even mention + such a thing to her. May I count on so much forbearance from you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Mrs. Dodd,” said Alfred, “of course you may. I should indeed be + ungrateful if I could not wait a post for that. May I write to my father + here?” added he, naively. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled, furnished him with writing materials, and left him, with + a polite excuse. + </p> + <p> + “ALBION VILLA, <i>September 29.</i> + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR FATHER,—You are too thorough a man of the world, and too + well versed in human nature, to be surprised at hearing that I, so long + invulnerable, have at last formed a devoted attachment to one whose + beauty, goodness, and accomplishments I will not now enlarge upon; they + are indescribable, and you will very soon see them and judge for yourself. + The attachment, though short in weeks and months, has been a very long one + in hopes, and fears, and devotion. I should have told you of it before you + left, but in truth I had no idea I was so near the goal of all my earthly + hopes; there were many difficulties: but these have just cleared away + almost miraculously, and nothing now is wanting to my happiness but your + consent. It would be affectation, or worse, in me to doubt that you will + grant it. But, in a matter so delicate, I venture to ask you for something + more: the mother of my ever and only beloved Julia is a lady of high + breeding and sentiments: she will not let her daughter enter any family + without a cordial invitation from its head. Indeed she has just told me + so. I ask, therefore, not your bare consent, of which I am sure, since my + happiness for life depends on it, but a consent so gracefully worded—and + who can do this better than you?—as to gratify the just pride and + sensibilities of the high-minded family about to confide its brightest + ornament to my care. + </p> + <p> + “My dear father, in the midst of felicity almost more than mortal, the + thought has come that this letter is my first step towards leaving the + paternal roof under which I have been so happy all my life, thanks to you. + I should indeed be unworthy of all your goodness if this thought caused me + no emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I do but yield to Nature's universal law. And, should I be master of + my own destiny, I will not go far from you. I have been unjust to + Barkington: or rather I have echoed, without thought, Oxonian prejudices + and affectation. On mature reflection, I know no better residence for a + married man. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember about a year ago you mentioned a Miss Lucy Fountain to us + as 'the most perfect gentlewoman you had ever met?' Well, strange to say, + it is that very lady's daughter; and I think when you see her you will say + the breed has anything but declined, in spite of Horace mind his <i>'damnosa + quid non.'</i> Her brother is my dearest friend, and she is Jenny's; so a + more happy alliance for all parties was never projected. + </p> + <p> + “Write to me by return, dear father, and believe me, ever your dutiful and + grateful son, + </p> + <p> + “ALFRED HARDlE.” + </p> + <p> + As he concluded, Julia came in, and he insisted on her reading this + masterpiece. She hesitated. Then he told her with juvenile severity that a + good husband always shares his letters with his wife. + </p> + <p> + “His wife! Alfred!” and she coloured all over. “Don't call me <i>names,</i>” + said she, turning it off after her fashion. “I can't bear it: it makes me + tremble. With fury.” + </p> + <p> + “This will never do, sweet one,” said Alfred gravely. “You and I are to + have no separate existence now; you are to be I, and I am to be you. + Come!” + </p> + <p> + “No; you read me so much of it as is proper for me to hear. I shall not + like it so well from your lips: but never mind.” + </p> + <p> + When he came to read it, he appreciated the delicacy that had tempered her + curiosity. He did not read it all to her, but nearly. + </p> + <p> + “It is a beautiful letter,” said she; “a little pomposer than mamma and I + write. 'The paternal roof!' But all that becomes you; you are a scholar: + and, dear Alfred, if I should separate you from your papa, I will never + estrange you from him; oh, never, never. May I go for my work? For + methinks, O most erudite, the 'maternal dame,' on domestic cares intent, + hath confided to her offspring the recreation of your highness.” The gay + creature dropt him a curtsey, and fled to tell Mrs. Dodd the substance of + “the sweet letter the dear high-flown Thing had written.” + </p> + <p> + By then he had folded and addressed it, she returned and brought her work: + charity children's great cloaks: her mother had cut them, and in the + height of the fashion, to Jane Hardie's dismay; and Julia was binding, + hooding, etcetering them. + </p> + <p> + How demurely she bent her lovely head over her charitable work, while + Alfred poured his tale into her ears! How careful she was not to speak, + when there was a chance of his speaking! How often she said one thing so + as to express its opposite, a process for which she might have taken out a + patent! How she and Alfred compared heart-notes, and their feelings at + each stage of their passion! Their hearts put forth tendril after tendril, + and so curled, and clung, round each other. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon of the second blissful day, Julia suddenly remembered + that this was dull for her mother. To have such a thought was to fly to + her; and she flew so swiftly that she caught Mrs. Dodd in tears, and + trying adroitly and vainly to hide them. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? I am a wretch. I have left you alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not think me so peevish, love! you have but surprised the natural + regrets of a mother at the loss of her child.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma,” said Julia, warmly, “and do you think all the marriage in the + world can ever divide you and me—can make me lukewarm to my own + sweet, darling, beautiful, blessed, angel mother? Look at me: I am as much + your Julia as ever; and shall be while I live. Your son is your son till + he gets him a wife: but your daughter's your daughter, ALL—THE——DAYS—OF + HER LIFE.” + </p> + <p> + Divine power of native eloquence: with this trite distich you made + hexameters tame; it gushed from that great young heart with a sweet + infantine ardour, that even virtue can only pour when young, and youth + when virtuous; and, at the words I have emphasised by the poor device of + capitals, two lovely, supple arms flew wide out like a soaring albatross's + wings, and then went all round the sad mother, and gathered every bit of + her up to the generous young bosom. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, I know it!” cried Mrs. Dodd, kissing her; “I shall never lose + my daughter while she breathes. But I am losing my child. You are turning + to a woman visibly: and you were such a happy child. Hence my misgivings, + and these weak tears, which you have dried with a word: see!” And she + contrived to smile. “And now go down, dearest: he may be impatient; men's + love is so fiery.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Mrs. Dodd took Julia apart and asked her whether there was an + answer from Mr. Hardie. Julia replied, from Alfred, that Jane had received + a letter last night, and, to judge by the contents, Mr. Hardie must have + left London before Alfred's letter got there. “He is gone to see poor + Uncle Thomas.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you call him 'poor?'” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is not very clever; has not much mind, Alfred says; indeed, hardly + any.” + </p> + <p> + “You alarm me, Julia!” cried Mrs. Dodd. “What? madness in the family you + propose to marry into?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, mamma,” said Julia, in a great hurry; “no madness; only a little + imbecility.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd's lip curved at this Julian answer; but just then her mind was + more drawn to another topic. A serious doubt passed through her, whether, + if Mr. Hardie did not write soon, she ought not to limit his son's + attendance on her daughter. “He follows her about like a little dog,” said + she half fretfully. + </p> + <p> + Next day, by previous invitation, Dr. Sampson made Albion Villa his + head-quarters. Darting in from London, he found Alfred sitting very close + to Julia over a book. + </p> + <p> + “Lordsake!” cried he, “here's 'my puppy,' and 'm' enthusiast,' cheek by + chowl.” Julia turned scarlet, and Alfred ejaculated so loudly, that + Sampson inquired “what on airth was the matter now?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing; only here have I been jealous of my own shadow, and + pestering her who 'your puppy' was: and she never would tell me. All I + could get from her,” added he, turning suddenly from gratitude to revenge, + “was that he was no greater a puppy than yourself, doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Alfred, no; I only said no vainer,” cried Julia in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is true,” said Sampson contentedly, and proceeded to dissect + himself just as he would a stranger. “I am a vain man; a remarkably vain + man. But then I'm a man of great mirit.” + </p> + <p> + “All vain people are that,” suggested Alfred dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Who should know better than you, young Oxford? Y' have got a hidache.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell lies now. Ye can't deceive me; man, I've an eye like a hawk. + And what's that ye're studying with her? Ovid, for a pound.” + </p> + <p> + “No; medicine; a treatise on your favourite organ, the brain, by one Dr. + Whately.” + </p> + <p> + “He is chaffing you, doctor,” said Edward; “it is logic. He is coaching + her; and then she will coach me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I forbid the chaff-cutting, young Pidant. Logic is an ill plaster to + a sore head.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, 'the labour we delight in, physics pain.'” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Jinnyus, Jinnyus; + Take care o' your carkuss,” + </pre> + <p> + retorted the master of doggrel. “And that is a profounder remark than you + seem to think, by your grinning, all of ye.” + </p> + <p> + Julia settled the question by putting away the book. And she murmured to + Alfred, “I wish I could steal your poor dear headaches: you might give me + half of them at least; you would, too, if you really loved me.” + </p> + <p> + This sound remonstrance escaped criticism by being nearly inaudible, and + by Mrs. Dodd entering at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + After the first greeting, Sampson asked her with merry arrogance, how his + prescription had worked? “Is her sleep broken still, ma'am? Are her + spirits up and down? Shall we have to go back t' old Short and his black + draught? How's her mookis membrin? And her biliary ducks? an'—she's + off like a flash.” + </p> + <p> + “And no wonder,” said Mrs. Dodd reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + Thus splashed Sampson among the ducks: one of them did not show her face + again till dinner. + </p> + <p> + Jane Hardie accompanied her brother by invitation. The general amity was + diversified and the mirth nowise lessened by constant passages of arms + between Messrs. Sampson and Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + After tea came the first <i>contretemps.</i> Sampson liked a game of + cards: he could play, yet talk chronothermalism, as the fair can knit + babies' shoes and imbibe the poetasters of the day. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd had asked Edward to bring a fresh pack. He was seen by his + guardian angel to take them out of his pocket and undo them; presently + Sampson, in his rapid way, clutched hold of them; and found a slip of + paper curled round the ace of spades, with this written very clear in + pencil, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “REMEMBER THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH!” + </pre> + <p> + “What is this?” cried Sampson, and read it out aloud. Jane Hardie + coloured, and so betrayed herself. Her “word in season” had strayed. It + was the young and comely Edward she wished to save from the diabolical + literature, the painted perdition, and not the uninteresting old sinner + Sampson, who proceeded to justify her preference by remarking that + “Remember not to trump your partner's best card, ladies,” would be more to + the point. + </p> + <p> + Everybody, except this hardened personage, was thoroughly uncomfortable. + As for Alfred, his face betrayed a degree of youthful mortification little + short of agony. Mrs. Dodd was profoundly disgusted, but fortunately for + the Hardies, caught sight of his burning cheeks and compressed lips. “Dr. + Sampson,” said she, with cold dignity, “you will, I am sure, oblige me by + making no more comments; sincerity is not always discreet; but it is + always respectable: it is one of your own titles to esteem. I dare say,” + added she with great sweetness, “our resources are not so narrow that we + need shock anybody's prejudices, and, as it happens, I was just going to + ask Julia to sing: open the piano, love, and try if you can persuade Miss + Hardie to join you in a duet.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Jane and Julia had an earnest conversation at the piano, and + their words, uttered in a low voice, were covered by a contemporaneous + discussion between Sampson and Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jane.</i> No, you must not ask me: I have forsworn these vanities. I + have not opened my piano this two years. + </p> + <p> + <i>Julia.</i> Oh, what a pity; music is so beautiful; and surely we can + choose our songs, as easily as our words; ah, how much more easily. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jane.</i> Oh, I don't go so far as to call music wicked: but music in + society is <i>such</i> a snare. At least I found it so; my playing was + highly praised, and that stirred up vanity: and so did my singing, with + which I had even more reason to be satisfied. Snares! snares! + </p> + <p> + <i>Julia.</i> Goodness me! I don't find them so. Now you mention it, + gentlemen do praise one; but, dear me, they praise every lady, even when + we have been singing every other note out of tune. The little unmeaning + compliments of society, can they catch anything so great as a soul? + </p> + <p> + <i>Jane.</i> I pray daily not to be led into temptation, and shall I go + into it of my own accord? + </p> + <p> + <i>Julia.</i> Not if you find it a temptation. At that rate I ought to + decline. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jane.</i> That doesn't follow. My conscience is not a law to yours. + Besides, your mamma said “sing:” and a parent is not to be disobeyed upon + a doubt. If papa were to insist on my going to a ball even, or reading a + novel, I think I should obey; and lay the whole case before Him. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mrs. Dodd</i> (from a distance). Come, my dears, Dr. Sampson is getting + <i>so</i> impatient for your song. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sampson.</i> Hum! for all that, young ladies' singing is a poor + substitute for cards, and even for conversation. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mrs. Dodd.</i> That depends upon the singer, I presume. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sampson.</i> Mai—dear—madam, they all sing alike; just as + they all write alike. I can hardly tell one fashionable tune from another; + and nobody can tell one word from another, when they cut out all the + consonants. N' listen me. This is what I heard sung by a lady last night. + </p> + <p> + Eu un Da' ei u aa an oo. By oo eeeeyee aa Vaullee, Vaullee, Vaullee, + Vaullee, Vaullee om is igh eeaa An ellin in is ud. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mrs. Dodd.</i> That sounds like gibberish. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sampson.</i> It is gibberish, but it's Drydenish in articulating + mouths. It is— + </p> + <p> + He sung Darius great and good, By too severe a fate Fallen, fallen, + fallen, fallen, Fallen from his high estate, And wiltering in his blood. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mrs. Dodd.</i> I think you exaggerate. I will answer for Julia that she + shall speak as distinctly to music as you do in conversation. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sampson</i> (all unconscious of the tap). Time will show, madam. At + prisent they seem to be in no hurry to spatter us with their word-jelly. + Does some spark of pity linger in their marble bos'ms? or do they prefer + inaud'ble chit-chat t' inarticulate mewing? + </p> + <p> + Julia, thus pressed, sang one of those songs that come and go every + season. She spoke the words clearly, and with such variety and + intelligence, that Sampson recanted, and broke in upon the—“very + pretty”—“how sweet”—and “who is it by?” of the others, by + shouting, “Very weak trash very cleanly sung. Now give us something worth + the wear and tear of your orgins. Immortal vairse widded t' immortal + sounds; that is what I understand b' a song.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred whispered, “No, no, dearest; sing something suitable to you and + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Out of the question. Then go farther away, dear; I shall have more + courage.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed, and she turned over two or three music-books, and finally sung + from memory. She cultivated musical memory, having observed the contempt + with which men of sense visit the sorry pretenders to music, who are + tuneless and songless among the nightingales, and anywhere else away from + their books. How will they manage to sing in heaven? Answer me that. + </p> + <p> + The song Julia Dodd sang on this happy occasion, to meet the humble but + heterogeneous views of Messrs. Sampson and Hardie, was a simple eloquent + Irish song called Aileen Aroon. Whose history, by-the-bye, was a curious + one. Early in this century it occurred to somebody to hymn a son of George + the Third for his double merit in having been born, and going to a ball. + People who thus apply the fine arts in modern days are seldom artists; + accordingly, this parasite could not invent a melody; so he coolly stole + Aileen Aroon, soiled it by inserting sordid and incongruous jerks into the + refrain, and called the stolen and adulterated article Robin Adair. An + artisan of the same kidney was soon found to write words down to the + degraded ditty: and, so strong is Flunkeyism, and so weak is Criticism, in + these islands, that the polluted tune actually superseded the clean + melody; and this sort of thing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who was in uniform at the ball? + Silly Billy, +</pre> + <p> + smothered the immortal lines. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Dodd's severe taste in music rejected those ignoble jerks, and + her enthusiastic daughter having the option to hymn immortal Constancy or + mortal Fat, decided thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When like the early rose, + Aileen aroon, + Beauty in childhood glows, + Aileen aroon, + + When like a diadem, + Buds blush around the stem, + Which is the fairest gem? + Aileen aroon. + + Is it the laughing eye? + Aileen aroon. + Is it the timid sigh? + Aileen aroon. + + Is it the tender tone? + Soft as the string'd harp's mean? + No; it is Truth alone, + Aileen aroon. + + I know a valley fair, + Aileen aroon. + I know a cottage there, + Aileen aroon. + + Far in that valley's shade, + I know a gentle maid, + Flower of the hazel glade, + Aileen aroon. + + Who in the song so sweet? + Aileen aroon, + Who in the dance so fleet? + Aileen aroon. + + Dear are her charms to me, + Dearer her laughter free, + Dearest her constancy. + Aileen aroon. + + Youth must with time decay, + Aileen aroon, + Beauty must fade away, + Aileen aroon. + + Castles are sacked in war, + Chieftains are scattered far, + Truth is a fixed star, + Aileen areon. +</pre> + <p> + The way the earnest singer sang these lines is beyond the conception of + ordinary singers, public or private. Here one of nature's orators spoke + poetry to music with an eloquence as fervid and delicate as ever rung in + the Forum. She gave each verse with the same just variety as if she had + been reciting, and, when she came to the last, where the thought rises + abruptly, and is truly noble, she sang it with the sudden pathos, the + weight, and the swelling majesty, of a truthful soul hymning truth with + all its powers. + </p> + <p> + All the hearers, even Sampson, were thrilled, astonished, spell-bound: so + can one wave of immortal music and immortal verse (alas! how seldom they + meet!) heave the inner man when genius interprets. Judge, then, what it + was to Alfred, to whom, with these great words and thrilling tones of her + rich, swelling, ringing voice, the darling of his own heart vowed + constancy, while her inspired face beamed on him like an angel's. + </p> + <p> + Even Mrs. Dodd, though acquainted with the song, and with her daughter's + rare powers, gazed at her now with some surprise, as well as admiration, + and kept a note Sarah had brought her, open, but unread, in her hand, + unable to take her eyes from the inspired songstress. However, just before + the song ended, she did just glance down, and saw it was signed Richard + Hardie. On this her eye devoured it; and in one moment she saw that the + writer declined, politely but peremptorily, the proposed alliance between + his son and her daughter. + </p> + <p> + The mother looked up from this paper at that living radiance and incarnate + melody in a sort of stupor: it seemed hardly possible to her that a + provincial banker could refuse an alliance with a creature so peerless as + that. But so it was; and despite her habitual self-government, Mrs. Dodd's + white hand clenched the note till her nails dented it; and she reddened to + the brow with anger and mortification. + </p> + <p> + Julia, whom she had trained never to monopolise attention in society, now + left the piano in spite of remonstrance, and soon noticed her mother's + face; for from red it had become paler than usual. “Are you unwell, dear?” + said she <i>sotto voce.</i> + </p> + <p> + “No, love.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything the matter, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! We have guests: our first duty is to them.” With this Mrs. Dodd + rose, and, endeavouring not to look at her daughter at all, went round and + drew each of her guests out in turn. It was the very heroism of courtesy; + for their presence was torture to her. At last, to her infinite relief, + they went, and she was left alone with her children. She sent the servants + to bed, saying she would undress Miss Dodd, and accompanied her to her + room. There the first thing she did was to lock the door; and the next was + to turn round and look at her full. + </p> + <p> + “I always thought you the most lovable child I ever saw; but I never + admired you as I have to-night, my noble, my beautiful daughter, who would + grace the highest family in England.” With this Mrs. Dodd began to choke, + and kissed Julia eagerly with the tears in her eyes, and drew her with + tender, eloquent defiance to her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “My own mamma,” said Julia softly, “what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “My darling,” said Mrs. Dodd, trembling a little, “have you pride? have + you spirit?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I have.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so: for you will need them both. Read that!” + </p> + <p> + And she held out Mr. Hardie's letter, but turned her own head away, not to + see her girl's face under the insult. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + JULIA took Mr. Hardie's note and read it:— + </h3> + <p> + “MADAM,—I have received a very juvenile letter from my son, by which + I learn he has formed a sudden attachment to your daughter. He tells me, + however, at the same time, that you await my concurrence before giving + your consent. I appreciate your delicacy; and it is with considerable + regret I now write to inform you this match is out of the question. I have + thought it due to you to communicate this to yourself and without delay, + and feel sure that you will, under the circumstances, discountenance my + son's further visits at your house—I am, Madam, with sincere + respect, your faithful servant, + </p> + <h3> + “RICHARD HARDIE.” + </h3> + <p> + Julia read this letter, and re-read it in silence. It was an anxious + moment to the mother. + </p> + <p> + “Shall our pride be less than this <i>parvenu's?</i>” she faltered. “Tell + me yourself, what ought we to do?” + </p> + <p> + “What we ought to do is, never to let the name of Hardie be mentioned + again in this house.” + </p> + <p> + This reply was very comforting to Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I write to him, or do you feel strong enough?” + </p> + <p> + “I feel that, if I do, I may affront him. He had no right to pretend that + his father would consent. You write, and then we shall not lose our + dignity though we are insulted.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel so weary, mamma.” Life seems ended. + </p> + <p> + “I could have loved him well. And now show me how to tear him out of my + heart; or what will become of me?” + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. Dodd wrote to Alfred Hardie, Julia sank down and laid her head + on her mother's knees. The note was shown her; she approved it languidly. + A long and sad conversation followed; and, after kissing her mother and + clinging to her, she went to bed chilly and listless, but did not shed a + single tear. Her young heart was benumbed by the unexpected blow. + </p> + <p> + Next morning early, Alfred Hardie started gaily to spend the day at Albion + Villa. Not a hundred yards from the gate he met Sarah, with Mrs. Dodd's + letter, enclosing a copy of his father's to her. Mrs. Dodd here reminded + him that his visits had been encouraged only upon a misapprehension of his + father's sentiments; for which misapprehension he was in some degree to + blame: not that she meant to reproach him on that score, especially at + this unhappy moment: no, she rather blamed herself for listening to the + sanguine voice of youth; but the error must now be repaired. She and Julia + would always wish him well, and esteem him, provided he made no further + attempt to compromise a young lady who could not be his wife. The note + concluded thus— + </p> + <p> + “Individually I think I have some right to count on your honourable + feeling to hold no communication with my daughter, and not in any way to + attract her attention, under the present circumstances.—I am, dear + Mr. Alfred Hardie, with many regrets at the pain I fear I am giving you, + your sincere friend and well-wisher, + </p> + <h3> + “LUCY DODD.” + </h3> + <p> + Alfred on reading this letter literally staggered: but proud and + sensitive, as well as loving, he manned himself to hide his wound from + Sarah, whose black eyes were bent on him in merciless scrutiny. He said + doggedly, though tremulously, “Very well!” then turned quickly on his + heel, and went slowly home. Mrs. Dodd, with well-feigned indifference, + questioned Sarah privately: the girl's account of the abrupt way in which + he had received the missive added to her anxiety. She warned the servants + that no one was at home to Mr. Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Two days elapsed, and then she received a letter from him. Poor fellow, it + was the eleventh. He had written and torn up ten. + </p> + <p> + “DEAR MRS. DODD,—I have gained some victories in my life; but not + one without two defeats to begin with; how then can I expect to obtain + such a prize as dear Julia without a check or two? You need not fear that + I shall intrude after your appeal to me as a gentleman: but I am not going + to give in because my father has written a hasty letter from Yorkshire. He + and I must have many a talk face to face before I consent to be miserable + for life. Dear Mrs. Dodd, at first receipt of your cruel letter, so kindly + worded, I was broken-hearted; but now I am myself again: difficulties are + made for ladies to yield to, and for men to conquer. Only for pity's sake + do not you be my enemy; do not set her against me for my father's fault. + Think, if you can, how my heart bleeds at closing this letter without one + word to her I love better, a thousand times better, than my life—I + am, dear Mrs. Dodd, yours sorrowfully, but not despairing, + </p> + <h3> + “ALFRED HARDIE.” + </h3> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd kept this letter to herself. She could not read it quite + unmoved, and therefore she felt sure it would disturb her daughter's heart + the more. + </p> + <p> + Alfred had now a soft but dangerous antagonist in Mrs. Dodd. All the + mother was in arms to secure her daughter's happiness, <i>coute qu'il + coute!</i> and the surest course seemed to be to detach her affections + from Alfred. What hope of a peaceful heart without this? and what real + happiness without peace? But, too wise and calm to interfere blindly, she + watched her daughter day and night, to find whether Love or Pride was the + stronger, and this is what she observed— + </p> + <p> + Julia never mentioned Alfred. She sought occupation eagerly: came oftener + than usual for money, saying, it was for “Luxury.” She visited the poor + more constantly, taking one of the maids with her, at Mrs. Dodd's request. + She studied Logic with Edward. She went to bed rather early, fatigued, it + would appear, by her activity: and she gave the clue to her own conduct + one day: “Mamma,” said she, “nobody is downright unhappy who is good.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd noticed also a certain wildness and almost violence, with which + she threw herself into her occupations, and a worn look about the eyes + that told of a hidden conflict. On the whole Mrs. Dodd was hopeful; for + she had never imagined the cure would be speedy or easy. To see her child + on the right road was much. Only the great healer Time could “medicine her + to that sweet peace which once she owned;” and even Time cannot give her + back her childhood, thought the mother, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + One day came an invitation to an evening party at a house where they + always wound up with dancing. Mrs. Dodd was for declining as usual for + since that night Julia had shunned parties. “Give me the sorrows of the + poor and afflicted,” was her cry; “the gaiety of the hollow world jars me + more than I can bear.” But now she caught with a sort of eagerness at this + invitation. “Accept. They shall not say I am wearing the willow.” + </p> + <p> + “My brave girl,” said Mrs. Dodd joyfully, “I would not press it; but you + are right; we owe it to ourselves to outface scandal. Still, let there be + no precipitation; we must not undertake beyond our strength.” + </p> + <p> + “Try me to-night,” said Julia; “you don't know what I can do. I dare say + <i>he</i> is not pining for <i>me.</i>” + </p> + <p> + She was the life and soul of the party, and, indeed, so feverishly + brilliant, that Mrs. Dodd said softly to her, “Gently, love; moderate your + spirits, or they will deceive our friends as little as they do me.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime it cost Alfred Hardie a severe struggle to keep altogether aloof + from Julia. In fact, it was a state of daily self-denial, to which he + would never have committed himself, but that he was quite sure he could + gradually win his father over. At his age we are apt to count without our + antagonist. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard Hardie was “a long-headed man.” He knew the consequence of + giving one's reasons: eternal discussion ending in war. He had taken care + not to give any to Mrs. Dodd, and he was as guarded and reserved with + Alfred. The young man begged to know the why and the wherefore, and being + repulsed, employed all his art to elicit them by surprise, or get at them + by inference: but all in vain. Hardie senior was impenetrable; and + inquiry, petulance, tenderness, logic, were all shattered on him as the + waves break on Ailsa Craig. + </p> + <p> + Thus began dissension, decently conducted at first, between a father + indulgent hitherto and an affectionate son. + </p> + <p> + In this unfortunate collision of two strong and kindred natures, every + advantage was at present on the father's side: age, experience, authority, + resolution, hidden and powerful motives, to which my reader even has no + clue as yet; a purpose immutable and concealed. Add to these a colder + nature and a far colder affection; for Alfred loved his father dearly. + </p> + <p> + At last, one day, the impetuous one lost his self-command, and said he was + a son, not a slave, and had little respect for Authority when afraid or + ashamed to appeal to Reason. Hardie senior turned on him with a gravity + and dignity no man could wear more naturally. “Alfred, have I been an + unkind father to you all these years?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, father, no; I have said nothing that can be so construed. And that + is the mystery to me; you are acting quite out of character.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I been one of those interfering, pragmatical fathers who cannot let + their children enjoy themselves their own way?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; you have never interfered, except to pay for anything I wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Then make the one return in your power, young man: have a little faith in + such a father, and believe that he does not interfere now but for your + good, and under a stern necessity; and that when he does interfere for + once, and say, 'This thing shall not be,' it shall not be—by + Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was overpowered by the weight and solemnity of this. Sorrow, + vexation, and despondency all rushed into his heart together, and unmanned + him for a moment; he buried his face in his hands, and something very like + a sob burst from his young heart. At this Hardie senior took up the + newspaper with imperturbable coldness, and wore a slight curl of the lip. + All this was hardly genuine, for he was not altogether unmoved; but he was + a man of rare self-command, and chose to impress on Alfred that he was no + more to be broken or melted than a mere rock. + </p> + <p> + It is always precarious to act a part; and this cynicism was rather able + than wise: Alfred looked up and watched him keenly as he read the monetary + article with tranquil interest; and then, for the first time in his life, + it flashed into the young man's mind that his father was not a father. “I + never knew him till now,” thought he. “This man is [Greek text].” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Without bowels of affection. +</pre> + <p> + Thus a gesture, so to speak, sowed the first seed of downright disunion in + Richard Hardie's house—disunion, a fast-growing plant, when men set + it in the soil of the passions. + </p> + <p> + Alfred, unlike Julia, had no panacea. Had any lips, except perhaps hers, + told him that “to be good is to be happy here below,” he would have + replied: <i>“Negatur;</i> contradicted by daily experience.” It never + occurred to him, therefore, to go out of himself, and sympathise with the + sordid sorrows of the poor, and their bottomless egotism in contact with + the well-to-do. He brooded on his own love, and his own unhappiness, and + his own father's cruelty. His nights were sleepless and his days leaden. + He tried hard to read for his first class, but for once even ambition + failed: it ended in flinging books away in despair. He wandered about + dreaming and moping for some change, and bitterly regretting his excessive + delicacy, which had tied his own hands and brought him to a stand-still. + He lost his colour and what little flesh he had to lose; for such young + spirits as this are never plump. In a word, being now strait-jacketed into + feminine inactivity, while void of feminine patience, his ardent heart was + pining and fretting itself out. He was in this condition, when one day + Peterson, his Oxonian friend, burst in on him open-mouthed with delight, + and, as usual with bright spirits of this calibre, did not even notice his + friend's sadness. “Cupid had clapped him on the shoulder,” as Shakespeare + hath it; and it was a deal nicer than the bum-bailiff rheumatism. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, such a divine creature! Met her twice; you know her by sight; her + name is Dodd. But I don't care; it shall be Peterson; the rose by any + other name, &c.” Then followed a rapturous description of the lady's + person, well worth omitting. “And such a jolly girl! brightens them all up + wherever she goes; and such a dancer; did the cachouka with a little + Spanish bloke Bosanquet has got hold of, and made his black bolus eyes + twinkle like midnight cigars: danced it with castanets, and smiles, and + such a what d'ye call 'em, my boy, you know; such a 'go.'” + </p> + <p> + “You mean such an 'abandon,'” groaned Alfred, turning sick at heart. + </p> + <p> + “That's the word. Twice the spirit of Duvernay, and ten times the beauty. + But just you hear her sing, that is all; Italian, French, German, English + even.” + </p> + <p> + “Plaintive songs?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, whatever they ask for. Make you laugh or make you cry to order; never + says no. Just smiles and sits down to the music-box. Only she won't sing + two running: they have to stick a duffer in between. I shall meet her + again next week; will you come? Any friend of mine is welcome. Wish me + joy, old fellow; I'm a gone coon.” + </p> + <p> + This news put Alfred in a phrensy of indignation and fear. Julia dancing + the cachouka! Julia a jolly girl! Julia singing songs pathetic or merry, + whichever were asked for! The heartless one! He called to mind all he had + read in the classics, and elsewhere, about the fickleness of woman. But + this impression did not last long; he recalled Julia's character, and all + the signs of a love tender and true she had given him. He read her by + himself, and, lover-like, laid all the blame on another. It was all her + cold-blooded mother. “Fool that I have been. I see it all now. She appeals + to my delicacy to keep away; then she goes to Julia and says, 'See, he + deserts you at a word from his father. Be proud, be gay! He never loved + you; marry another.' The shallow plotter forgets that whoever she does + marry I'll kill. How many unsuspicious girls have these double-faced + mothers deluded so? They do it in half the novels, especially in those + written by women; and why? because these know the perfidy and mendacity of + their sex better than we do; they see them nearer, and with their souls + undrest. War, Mrs. Dodd! war to the death! From this moment I am alone in + the world with her. I have no friend but Alfred Hardie: and my bitterest + enemies are my cold-blooded father and her cold-blooded mother.” + </p> + <p> + The above sentences, of course, were never uttered. But they represent his + thoughts accurately, though in a condensed form, and are, as it were, a + miniature of this young heart boiling over. + </p> + <p> + From that moment he lay in wait for her, and hovered about the house day + and night, determined to appeal to her personally, and undeceive her, and + baffle her mother's treachery. But at this game he was soon detected: Mrs. + Dodd lived on the watch now. Julia, dressed to go out, went to the window + one afternoon to look at the weather; but retreated somewhat hastily and + sat down on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “You flutter, darling,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Ah! he is there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better take off your things.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. I tremble at the thoughts of meeting him. Mamma, he is changed, + sadly changed. Poor, poor Alfred!” She went to her own room and prayed for + him. She informed the Omniscient that, though much greater and better in + other respects than she was, he had not Patience. She prayed, with tears, + that he might have Christian patience granted Him from on high. + </p> + <p> + “Heart of stone! she shuns me,” said Alfred, outside. He had seen her in + her bonnet. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd waited several days to see whether this annoyance would not die + of itself: waiting was her plan in most things. Finding he was not to be + tired out, she sent Sarah out to him with a note carefully sealed. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Alfred Hardie,—Is it generous to confine my daughter to the + house?—Yours regretfully, + </p> + <h3> + “LUCY DODD.” + </h3> + <p> + A line came back instantly in pencil. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Dodd,—Is all the generosity and all the good faith to be on + one side?—Yours in despair, + </p> + <h3> + “ALFRED HARDIE.” + </h3> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd coloured faintly: the reproach pricked her, but did not move + her. She sat quietly down that moment, and wrote to a friend in London, to + look out for a furnished villa in a healthy part of the suburbs, with + immediate possession. “Circumstances,” said she, “making it desirable we + should leave Barkington immediately, and for some months.” + </p> + <p> + The Bosanquets gave a large party; Mrs. and Miss Dodd were there. The + latter was playing a part in a charade to the admiration of all present, + when in came Mr. Peterson, introducing his friend, Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Julia caught the name, and turned a look of alarm on her mother, but went + on acting. + </p> + <p> + Presently she caught sight of him at some distance. He looked very pale, + and his glittering eye was fixed on her with a sort of stern wonder. + </p> + <p> + Such a glance from fiery eyes, that had always dwelt tenderly on her till + then, struck her like a weapon. She stopped short, and turned red and pale + by turns. “There, that is nonsense enough,” said she bitterly, and went + and sat by Mrs. Dodd. The gentlemen thronged round her with compliments, + and begged her to sing. She excused herself. Presently she heard an + excited voice, towards which she dared not look; it was inquiring whether + any lady could sing Aileen Aroon. With every desire to gratify the young + millionaire, nobody knew Aileen Aroon, nor had ever heard of it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, impossible!” cried Alfred. “Why, it is in praise of Constancy, a + virtue ladies shine in: at least, they take credit for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” whispered Julia terrified, “get me away, or there will be a + scene. He is reckless.” + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, love,” said Mrs. Dodd, “there shall be none.” She rose and + glided up to Alfred Hardie, looked coldly in his face; then said with + external politeness and veiled contempt, “I will attempt the song, sir, + since you desire it.” She waved her hand, and he followed her sulkily to + the piano. She sung Aileen Aroon, not with her daughter's eloquence, but + with a purity and mellowness that charmed the room: they had never heard + the genius sing it. + </p> + <p> + As spirits are said to overcome the man at whose behest they rise, so this + sweet air, and the gush of reminiscence it awakened, overpowered him who + had evoked them; Alfred put his Hand unconsciously to his swelling heart, + cast one look of anguish at Julia, and hurried away half choked. Nobody + but Julia noticed. + </p> + <p> + A fellow in a rough great-coat and tattered white hat opened the fly door + for Mrs. Dodd. As Julia followed her, he kissed her skirt unseen by Mrs. + Dodd, but her quick ears caught a heart-breaking sigh. She looked and + recognised Alfred in that disguise; the penitent fit had succeeded to the + angry one. Had Julia observed? To ascertain this without speaking of him, + Mrs. Dodd waited till they had got some little distance, then quietly put + out her hand and rested it for a moment on her daughter's; the girl was + trembling violently “Little wretch!” came to Mrs. Dodd's lips, but she did + not utter it. They were near home before she spoke at all, and then she + only said very kindly, “My love, you will not be subjected again to these + trials:” a remark intended quietly to cover the last occurrence as well as + Alfred's open persecution. + </p> + <p> + They had promised to go out the very next day; but Mrs. Dodd went alone, + and made excuses for Miss Dodd. On her return she found Julia sitting up + for her, and a letter come from her friend describing a pleasant cottage, + now vacant, near Maida Vale. Mrs. Dodd handed the open letter to Julia; + she read it without comment. + </p> + <p> + “We will go up to-morrow and take it for three months. Then the Oxford + vacation will terminate.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mamma.” + </p> + <p> + I am now about to relate a circumstance by no means without parallels, but + almost impossible to account for; and, as nothing is more common and + contemptible than inadequate solutions, I will offer none at all: but so + it was, that Mrs. Dodd awoke in the middle of that very night in a + mysterious state of mental tremor; trouble, veiled in obscurity, seemed to + sit heavy on her bosom. So strong, though vague, was this new and + mysterious oppression, that she started up in bed and cried aloud, “David!—Julia!—Oh, + what is the matter?” The sound of her own voice dispelled the cloud in + part, but not entirely. She lay awhile, and then finding herself quite + averse to sleep, rose and went to her window, and eyed the weather + anxiously. It was a fine night; soft fleecy clouds drifted slowly across a + silver moon. The sailor's wife was reassured on her husband's behalf. Her + next desire was to look at Julia sleeping; she had no particular object: + it was the instinctive impulse of an anxious mother whom something had + terrified. She put on her slippers and dressing-gown, and, lighting a + candle at her night-lamp, opened her door softly and stepped into the + little corridor. But she had not taken two steps when she was arrested by + a mysterious sound. + </p> + <p> + It came from Julia's room. + </p> + <p> + What was it? + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd glided softly nearer and nearer, all her senses on the stretch. + </p> + <p> + The sound came again. It was a muffled sob. + </p> + <p> + The stifled sound, just audible in the dead stillness of the night, went + through and through her who stood there listening aghast. Her bowels + yearned over her child, and she hurried to the door, but recollected + herself, and knocked, very gently. “Don't be alarmed, love; it is only me. + May I come in?” She did not wait for the answer, but turned the handle and + entered. She found Julia sitting up in bed, looking wildly at her, with + cheeks flushed and wet. She sat on the bed and clasped her to her breast + in silence: but more than one warm tear ran down upon Julia's bare neck; + the girl felt them drop, and her own gushed in a shower. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what have I done?” she sobbed. “Am I to make you wretched too?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd did not immediately reply. She was there to console, and her + admirable good sense told her that to do that she must be calmer than her + patient; so even while she kissed and wept over Julia, she managed + gradually to recover her composure. “Tell me, my child,” said she, “why do + you act a part with me? Why brave it out under my eye, and spend the night + secretly in tears? Are you still afraid to trust me?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, no; but I thought I was so strong, so proud: I undertook miracles. + I soon found my pride was a molehill and my love a mountain. I could not + hold out by day if I did not ease my breaking heart at night. How + unfortunate! I kept my head under the bed-clothes, too; but you have such + ears. I thought I would stifle my grief, or else perhaps you would be as + wretched as I am: forgive me! pray forgive me!” + </p> + <p> + “On one condition,” said Mrs. Dodd, struggling with the emotion these + simple words caused her. + </p> + <p> + “Anything to be forgiven,” cried Julia, impetuously. “I'll go to London. + I'll go to Botany Bay. I deserve to be hanged.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, from this hour, no half-confidences between us. Dear me, you carry + in your own bosom a much harsher judge, a much less indulgent friend, than + I am. Come! trust me with your heart. Do you love him very much? Does your + happiness depend on him?” + </p> + <p> + At this point-blank question Julia put her head over Mrs. Dodd's shoulder, + not to be seen; and, clasping her tight, murmured scarce above a whisper, + “I don't know how much I love him. When he came in at that party I felt + his slave—his unfaithful adoring slave; if he had ordered me to sing + Aileen Aroon, I should have obeyed; if he had commanded me to take his + hand and leave the room, I think I should have obeyed. His face is always + before me as plain as life; it used to come to me bright and loving; now + it is pale, and stern, and sad. I was not so wretched till I saw he was + pining for me, and thinks me inconstant—oh, mamma, so pale! so + shrunk I so reckless! He was sorry for misbehaving that night: he changed + clothes with a beggar to kiss my dress, poor thing! poor thing! Who ever + loved as he does me! I am dying for him; I am dying.” + </p> + <p> + “There! there!” said Mrs. Dodd soothingly. “You have said enough. This + must be love. I am on your Alfred's side from this hour.” + </p> + <p> + Julia opened her eyes, and was a good deal agitated as well as surprised. + “Pray do not raise my hopes,” she gasped. “We are parted for ever. His + father refuses. Even you seemed averse; or have I been dreaming?” + </p> + <p> + “Me, dearest? How can I be averse to anything lawful on which I find your + heart is really set, and your happiness at stake? Of course I have stopped + the actual intercourse, under existing circumstances; but these + circumstances are not unalterable: your only obstacle is Mr. Richard + Hardie.” + </p> + <p> + “But what an obstacle!” sighed Julia. “His father! a man of iron! so + everybody says; for I have made inquiries—oh!” And she was abashed. + She resumed hastily, “And that letter, so cold, so cruel! I feel it was + written by one not open to gentle influences. He does not think me worthy + of his son so accomplished, so distinguished at the very university where + our poor Edward—has—you know——” + </p> + <p> + “Little simpleton!” said Mrs. Dodd, and kissed her tenderly; “your iron + man is the commonest clay, sordid, pliable; and your stern heroic Brutus is + a shopkeeper: he is open to the gentle influences which sway the kindred + souls of the men you and I buy our shoes, our tea, our gloves, our + fish-kettles of: and these influences I think I command, and am prepared + to use them to the utmost.” + </p> + <p> + Julia lay silent, and wondering what she could mean. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Dodd hesitated now: it pained and revolted her to show her + enthusiastic girl the world as it is. She said as much, and added—“I + seem to be going to aid all these people to take the bloom from my own + child's innocence. Heaven help me!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind that,” cried Julia in her ardent way; “give me Truth + before Error, however pleasing.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd replied only by a sigh: grand general sentiments like that never + penetrated her mind: they glided off like water from a duck's back. “We + will begin with this mercantile Brutus, then,” said she, with such a curl + of the lip. Brutus had rejected her daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Richard Hardie was born and bred in a bank; one where no wild thyme + blows, my poor enthusiast, nor cowslips nor the nodding violet grows; but + gold and silver chink, and Things are discounted, and men grow rich, + slowly but surely, by lawful use of other people's money. Breathed upon by + these 'gentle influences,' he was, from his youth, a remarkable man—measured + by Trade's standard. At five-and-twenty divine what he did! He saved the + bank. You have read of bubbles: the Mississippi Bubble and the South Sea + Bubble. Well, in the year 1825, it was not one bubble but a thousand; + mines by the score, and in distant lands; companies by the hundred; loans + to every nation or tribe; down to Guatemala, Patagonia, and Greece; two + hundred new ships were laid on the stocks in one year, for your dear papa + told me; in short, a fever of speculation, and the whole nation raging + with it: my dear, Princes, Dukes, Duchesses, Bishops, Poets, Lawyers, + Physicians, were seen struggling with their own footmen for a place in the + Exchange: and, at last, good, steady, old Mr. Hardie, Alfred's + grandfather, was drawn into the vortex. Now, to excuse him and appreciate + the precocious Richard, you must try and realise that these bubbles, when + they rise, are as alluring and reasonable as they are ridiculous and + incredible when one looks back on them; even soap bubbles, you know, have + rainbow hues till they burst: and, indeed, the blind avarice of men does + but resemble the blind vanity of women: look at our grandmothers' hoops, + and our mothers' short waists and monstrous heads! Yet in their day what + woman did not glory in these insanities? Well then, Mr. Richard Hardie, at + twenty-five, was the one to foresee the end of all these bubbles; he came + down from London and brought his people to their senses by sober reason + and 'sound commercial principles'—that means, I believe, 'get other + people's money, but do not risk your own.' His superiority was so clear, + that his father resigned the helm to him, and, thanks to his ability, the + bank weathered the storm, while all the other ones in the town broke or + suspended their trade. Now, you know, youth is naturally ardent and + speculative; but Richard Hardie's was colder and wiser than other people's + old age: and that is one trait. Some years later, in the height of his + prosperity—I reveal this only for your comfort, and on your sacred + promise as a person of delicacy, never to repeat it to a soul—Richard + Hardie was a suitor for my hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ejaculate, sweetest. It discomposes me. 'Nothing is + extraordinary,' as that good creature Dr. Sampson says. He must have + thought it would <i>answer,</i> in one way or another, to have a + gentlewoman at the head of his table; and I was not penniless, <i>bien + entendu.</i> Failing in this, he found a plain little Thing, with a gloomy + temper, and no accomplishments nor graces; but her father could settle + twenty thousand pounds. He married her directly: and that is a trait. He + sold his father's and grandfather's house and place of business, in spite + of all their associations, and obtained a lease of his present place from + my uncle Fountain: it seemed a more money-making situation. A trait. He + gives me no reason for rejecting my daughter. Why? because he is not proud + of his reasons: this walking Avarice has intelligence: a trait. Now put + all this together, and who more transparent than the profound Mr. Hardie? + He has declined our alliance because he takes for granted we are poor. + When I undeceive him on that head he will reopen <i>negotiations</i> in a + letter—No. 2 of the correspondence; copied by one of his clerks—it + will be calm, plausible, flattering: in short, it will be done like a + gentleman: though he is nothing of the kind. And this brings me to what I + ought to have begun with: your dear father and I have always lived within + our income for our children's sake; he is bringing home the bulk of our + savings this very voyage, and it amounts to fourteen thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what an enormous sum!” + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, it is not a fortune in itself. But it is a considerable sum + to possess, independent of one's settlement and one's income. It is loose + cash, to speak <i>a la</i> Hardie; that means I can do what I choose with + it and of course I choose—to make you happy. How I shall work on + what you call Iron and I venture to call Clay must be guided by + circumstances. I think of depositing three or four thousand pounds every + month with Mr. Hardie; he is our banker, you know. He will most likely + open his eyes, and make some move before the whole sum is in his hands. If + he does not, I shall perhaps call at his bank, and draw a cheque for + fourteen thousand pounds. The wealthiest provincial banker does not keep + such a sum floating in his shop-tills. His commercial honour, the one + semi-chivalrous sentiment in his soul, would be in peril. He would yield, + and with grace: none the less readily that his house and his bank, which + have been long heavily mortgaged to our trustees, were made virtually + theirs by agreement yesterday (I set this on foot with twelve hours of Mr. + Iron's impertinent letter), and he will say to himself, 'She can—post + me, I think these people call it—this afternoon for not cashing her + cheque, and she can turn me and my bank into the street to-morrow:' and + then, of course, he shall see by my manner the velvet paw is offered as + well as the claw. He is pretty sure to ask himself which will suit the <i>ledger</i> + best—this cat's friendship and her fourteen thousand pounds, or—an + insulted mother's enmity?” And Mrs. Placid's teeth made a little click + just audible in the silent night. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma! my heart is sick. Am I to be bought and sold like this?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed, but said calmly, “You must pay the penalty for loving a + <i>parvenu's</i> son. Come, Julia, no peevishness, no more romance, no + more vacillation. You have tried Pride and failed pitiably: now I insist + on your trying Love! Child, it is the bane of our sex to carry nothing + out: from that weakness I will preserve you. And, by-the-bye, we are not + going to marry Mr. Richard Hardie, but Mr. Alfred. Now, Mr. Alfred, with + all his faults and defects—” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma! what faults? what defects?” + </p> + <p> + “—Is a gentleman; thanks to Oxford, and Harrow, and nature. My + darling, pray to Heaven night and day for your dear father's safe return; + for on him, and him alone, your happiness depends: as mine does.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma!” cried Julia, embracing her, “what do poor girls do who have lost + their mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Look abroad and see,” was the grave reply. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd then begged her to go to sleep, like a good child, for her + health's sake; all would be well; and with this was about to return to her + own room; but a white hand and arm darted out of the bed and caught her. + “What! Hope has come to me by night in the form of an angel, and shall I + let her go back to her own room? Never! never! never! never! never!” And + she patted the bed expressively, and with the prettiest impatience. + </p> + <p> + “Well, let Hope take off her earrings first,” suggested Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, come here directly, earrings and all.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you; or I shall have <i>them</i> wounding you next.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Hope quietly removed her earrings, and the tender pair passed the + rest of the night in one another's arms. The young girl's tears were + dried; and hope revived, and life bloomed again: only, henceforth her + longing eyes looked out to sea for her father, homeward bound. + </p> + <p> + Next day, as they were seated together in the drawing-room, Julia came + from the window with a rush, and kneeled at Mrs. Dodd's knees, with bright + imploring face upturned. + </p> + <p> + “He is there; and—I am to speak to him? Is that it?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear, dear mamma!” was the somewhat oblique reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, bring me my things.” + </p> + <p> + She was ten minutes putting them on: Julia tried to expedite her and + retarded her. She had her pace, and could not go beyond it. + </p> + <p> + Now by this time Alfred Hardie was thoroughly miserable. Unable to move + his father, shunned by Julia, sickened by what he had heard, and indeed + seen, of her gaiety and indifference to their separation, stung by + jealousy and fretted by impatience, he was drinking nearly all the bitters + of that sweet passion, Love. But as you are aware, he ascribed Julia's + inconstancy, lightness, and cruelty all to Mrs. Dodd. He hated her + cordially, and dreaded her into the bargain; he played the sentinel about + her door all the more because she had asked him not to do it “Always do + what your enemy particularly objects to,” said he, applying to his own + case the wisdom of a Greek philosopher, one of his teachers. + </p> + <p> + So, when the gate suddenly opened, and instead of Julia, this very Mrs. + Dodd walked towards him, his feelings were anything but enviable. He + wished himself away, heartily, but was too proud to retreat. He stood his + ground. She came up to him; a charming smile broke out over her features. + “Ah! Mr. Hardie,” said she, “if you have nothing better to do, will you + give me a minute?” He assented with surprise and an ill grace. + </p> + <p> + “May I take your arm?” + </p> + <p> + He offered it with a worse. + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand lightly on it, and it shuddered at her touch. He felt + like walking with a velvet tigress. + </p> + <p> + By some instinct she divined his sentiment, and found her task more + difficult than she had thought; she took some steps in silence. At last, + as he was no dissembler, he burst out passionately, “Why are you my + enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not your enemy,” said she quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Not openly, but all the more dangerous. You keep us apart, you bid her be + gay and forget me; you are a cruel, hard-hearted lady.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not, sir,” said Mrs. Dodd simply. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I believe you are good and kind to all the rest of the world; but you + know you have a heart of iron for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am my daughter's friend, but not your enemy; it is you who are too + inexperienced to know how delicate, how difficult, my duties are. It is + only since last night I see my way clear; and, look, I come at once to you + with friendly intentions. Suppose I were as impetuous as you are? I + should, perhaps, be calling you ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + He retorted bitterly. “Give me something to be grateful for, and you shall + see whether that baseness is in my nature.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a great mind to put you to the proof,” said she archly. “Let us + walk down this lane; then you can be as unjust to me <i>as you think + proper,</i> without attracting public attention.” + </p> + <p> + In the lane she told him quietly she knew the nature of his father's + objections to the alliance he had so much at heart, and they were + objections which her husband, on his return, would remove. On this he + changed his tone a little, and implored her piteously not to deceive him. + </p> + <p> + “I will not,” said she, “upon my honour. If you are as constant as my + daughter is in her esteem for you—notwithstanding her threadbare + gaiety worn over loyal regret, and to check a parcel of idle ladies' + tongues—you have nothing to fear from me, and everything to expect. + Come, <i>Alfred</i>—may I take that liberty with you?—let us + understand one another. We only want that to be friends.” + </p> + <p> + This was hard to resist and at his age. His lip trembled, he hesitated, + but at last gave her his hand. She walked two hours with him, and laid + herself out to enlighten, soothe, and comfort his sore heart His hopes and + happiness revived under her magic, as Julia's had. In the midst of it all, + the wise woman quietly made terms. He was not to come to the house but on + her invitation, unless indeed he had news of the <i>Agra</i> to + communicate; but he might write once a week to her, and enclose a few + lines to Julia. On this concession he proceeded to mumble her white wrist, + and call her his best, dearest, loveliest friend; his mother. “Oh, + remember,” said he, with a relic of distrust, “you are the only mother I + can ever hope to have.” + </p> + <p> + That touched her. Hitherto, he had been to her but a thing her daughter + loved. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes filled. “My poor, warm-hearted, motherless boy,” she said, “pray + for my husband's safe return. For on that your happiness depends, and + hers, and mine.” + </p> + <p> + So now two more bright eyes looked longingly seaward for the <i>Agra</i> + homeward bound. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + NORTH latitude 23.5, longitude east 113; the time March of this same year; + the wind southerly; the port Whampoa, in the Canton river. Ships at anchor + reared their tall masts here and there, and the broad stream was enlivened + and coloured by junks and boats of all sizes and vivid hues, propelled on + the screw principle by a great scull at the stern, with projecting + handles, for the crew to work; and at times a gorgeous mandarin boat, with + two great glaring eyes set in the bows, came flying, rowed with forty + paddles by an armed crew, whose shields hung on the gunwale and flashed + fire in the sunbeams: the mandarin, in conical and buttoned hat, sitting + on the top of his cabin calmly smoking Paradise, <i>alias</i> opium, while + his gong boomed and his boat flew fourteen miles an hour, and all things + scuttled out of his celestial way. And there, looking majestically down on + all these water-ants, the huge <i>Agra,</i> cynosure of so many loving + eyes and loving hearts in England, lay at her moorings; homeward bound. + </p> + <p> + Her tea not being yet on board, the ship's hull floated high as a castle, + and to the subtle, intellectual, doll-faced, bolus-eyed people that + sculled to and fro busy as bees, though looking forked mushrooms, she + sounded like a vast musical shell: for a lusty harmony of many mellow + voices vibrated in her great cavities, and made the air ring cheerily + around her. The vocalists were the Cyclops, to judge by the tremendous + thumps that kept clean time to their sturdy tune. Yet it was but human + labour, so heavy and so knowing, that it had called in music to help. It + was the third mate and his gang completing his floor to receive the coming + tea-chests. Yesterday he had stowed his dunnage, many hundred bundles of + light flexible canes from Sumatra and Malacca; on these he had laid tons + of rough saltpetre, in 200 lb. gunny-bags: and was now mashing it to + music, bags and all. His gang of fifteen, naked to the waist, stood in + line, with huge wooden beetles called commanders, and lifted them high and + brought them down on the nitre in cadence with true nautical power and + unison, singing as follows, with a ponderous bump on the first note in + each bar. + </p> + <p> + [music notation] + </p> + <p> + And so up to fifteen, when the stave was concluded with a shrill “Spell, + oh!” and the gang relieved, streaming with perspiration. When the + saltpetre was well mashed, they rolled ton water-butts on it, till the + floor was like a billiard table. A fleet of chop boats then began to + arrive, so many per day, with the tea-chests. Mr. Grey proceeded to lay + the first tier on his saltpetre floor, and then built the chests, tier + upon tier, beginning at the sides, and leaving in the middle a lane + somewhat narrower than a tea-chest Then he applied a screw jack to the + chests on both sides, and so enlarged his central aperture, and forced the + remaining tea-chests in; and behold the enormous cargo packed as tight as + ever shopkeeper packed a box—nineteen thousand eight hundred and six + chests, sixty half chests, fifty quarter chests. + </p> + <p> + While Mr. Grey was contemplating his work with singular satisfaction, a + small boat from Canton came alongside, and Mr. Tickell, midshipman, ran up + the side, skipped on the quarterdeck, saluted it first, and then the first + mate; and gave him a line from the captain, desiring him to take the ship + down to Second Bar—for her water—at the turn of the tide. + </p> + <p> + Two hours after receipt of this order the ship swung to the ebb. Instantly + Mr. Sharpe unmoored, and the <i>Agra</i> began her famous voyage, with her + head at right angles to her course; for the wind being foul, all Sharpe + could do was to set his topsails, driver, and jib, and keep her in the + tide way, and clear of the numerous craft, by backing or filling as the + case required; which he did with considerable dexterity, making the sails + steer the helm for the nonce: he crossed the Bar at sunset, and brought to + with the best bower anchor in five fathoms and a half. Here they began to + take in their water, and on the fifth day the six-oared gig was ordered up + to Canton for the captain. The next afternoon he passed the ship in her, + going down the river to Lin-Tin, to board the Chinese admiral for his + chop, or permission to leave China. All night the <i>Agra</i> showed three + lights at her mizen peak for him, and kept a sharp look out. But he did + not come: he was having a very serious talk with the Chinese admiral; at + daybreak, however, the gig was reported in sight: Sharpe told one of the + midshipmen to call the boatswain and man the side. Soon the gig ran + alongside; two of the ship's boys jumped like monkeys over the bulwarks, + lighting, one on the main channels, the other on the midship port, and put + the side ropes assiduously in the captain's hands; he bestowed a slight + paternal smile on them, the first the imps had ever received from an + officer, and went lightly up the sides. The moment his foot touched the + deck, the boatswain gave a frightful shrill whistle; the men at the sides + uncovered; the captain saluted the quarter-deck, and all the officers + saluted him, which he returned, and stepping for a moment to the weather + side of his deck, gave the loud command, “All hands heave anchor.” He then + directed Mr. Sharpe to get what sail he could on the ship, the wind being + now westerly, and dived into his cabin. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain piped three shrill pipes, and “All hands up anchor,” was + thrice repeated forward, followed by private admonitions, “Rouse and + bitt!” “Show a leg!” &c., and up tumbled the crew with homeward bound + written on their tanned faces. + </p> + <p> + (Pipe.) “Up all hammocks.” + </p> + <p> + In ten minutes the ninety and odd hammocks were all stowed neatly in the + netting, and covered with a snowy hammock-cloth; and the hands were + active, unbitting the cable, shipping the capstan bars, &c. + </p> + <p> + “All ready below, sir,” cried a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Man the bars,” returned Mr. Sharpe from the quarter-deck. “Play up, + fifer. Heave away.” + </p> + <p> + Out broke the merry fife, with a rhythmical tune, and tramp, tramp, tramp + went a hundred and twenty feet round and round, and, with brawny chests + pressed tight against the capstan bars, sixty fine fellows walked the ship + up to her anchor, drowning the fife at intervals with their sturdy song, + as pat to their feet as an echo:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Heave with a will, ye jolly boys, + Heave around: + We're off from Chainee, jolly boys, + Homeward bound. +</pre> + <p> + “Short stay apeak, sir,” roars the boatswain from forward. + </p> + <p> + “Unship the bars. Way aloft. Loose sails. Let fall.” + </p> + <p> + The ship being now over her anchor, and the top-sails set, the capstan + bars were shipped again, the men all heaved with a will, the messenger + grinned, the anchor was torn out of China with a mighty heave, and then + ran up with a luff tackle and secured; the ship's head cast to port. + </p> + <p> + “Up with the jib—man the taupsle halliards—all hands make + sail.” Round she came slow and majestically; the sails filled, and the + good ship bore away for England. + </p> + <p> + She made the Bogue forts in three or four tacks, and there she had to come + to again for another chop, China being a place as hard to get into as + Heaven, and to get out of as—Chancery. At three P.M. she was at + Macao, and hove to four miles from the land to take in her passengers. + </p> + <p> + A gun was fired from the forecastle. No boats came off. Sharpe began to + fret; for the wind, though light, had now got to the N.W., and they were + wasting it. After a while the captain came on deck, and ordered all the + carronades to be scaled. The eight heavy reports bellowed the great ship's + impatience across the water and out pulled two boats with the passengers. + While they were coming, Dodd sent and ordered the gunner to load the + carronades with shot, and secure and apron them. The first boat brought + Colonel Kenealy, Mr. Fullalove, and a prodigious negro, who all mounted by + the side-ropes. But the whip was rigged for the next boat, and the + Honourable Mrs. Beresford and poodle hoisted on board, item her white + maid, item her black nurse, item her little boy and male Oriental in + charge thereof, the strangest compound of dignity and servility, and of + black and white, being clad in snowy cotton and japanned to the nine. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford was the wife of a member of council in India. She had been + to Macao for her boy's health, intending to return to Calcutta: but + meantime her husband was made a director, and went home: so she was going + to join him. A tall, handsome lady, with too curved a nose. + </p> + <p> + Like most aquiline women, she was born to domineer a bit; and, for the + last ten years, Orientals clinging at her knee and Europeans flattering at + her ear had nursed this quality high and spoiled her with all their + might. A similar process had been applied to her boy Frederick from + infancy; he was now nearly six. Arrogance and caprice shone so in both + their sallow faces, and spoke so in every gesture, that as they came on + board, Sharpe, a reader of passengers, whispered the second mate: + “Bayliss, we have shipped the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “And a cargo of his imps,” grunted Mr. Bayliss. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fullalove was a Methodist parson—to the naked eye: grave, sober, + lean, lank-haired. But some men are hidden fires. Fullalove was one of the + extraordinary products of an extraordinary nation, the United States of + America. He was an engineer for one thing, and an inventive and practical + mechanician; held two patents of his own creating, which yielded him a + good income both at home and in Great Britain. Such results are seldom + achieved without deep study and seclusion; and, accordingly, Joshua + Fullalove, when the inventive fit was on, would be buried deep as + Archimedes for a twelvemonth, burning the midnight oil: then, his active + element predominating, the pale student would dash into the forest or the + prairie, with a rifle and an Indian, and come out bronzed, and more or + less be-panthered or be-buffaloed; thence invariably to sea for a year or + two. There, Anglo-Saxon to the backbone, his romance had ever an eye to + business; he was always after foreign mechanical inventions—he was + now importing a excellent one from Japan—and ready to do lucrative + feats of knowledge: thus he bought a Turkish ship at the bottom of the + Dardanelles for twelve hundred dollars, raised her cargo (hardware), and + sold it for six thousand dollars; then weighed the empty ship, pumped her, + repaired he; and navigated her himself into Boston harbour, Massachusetts. + On the way he rescued, with his late drowned ship, a Swedish vessel, and + received salvage. He once fished eighty elephants' tusks out of a craft + foundered in the Firth of Forth, to the disgust of elder Anglo-Saxons + looking on from the shore. These unusual pursuits were varied by a + singular recreation: he played at elevating the African character to + European levels. With this view he had bought Vespasian for eighteen + hundred dollars; whereof anon. America is fertile in mixtures: what do we + not owe her? Sherry cobbler, gin sling, cocktail, mint julep, brandy + smash, sudden death, eye openers. Well, one day she outdid herself, and + mixed Fullalove: Quaker, Nimrod, Archimedes, Philanthropist, decorous Red + Rover, and What Not. + </p> + <p> + The passenger boats cast loose. + </p> + <p> + “All hands make sail.” + </p> + <p> + The boatswain piped, the light-heeled topsmen sped up the ratlines and lay + out the yards, while all on deck looked up as usual to see them work. Out + bellied sail after sail aloft; the ship came curtseying round to the + southward, spread her snowy pinions high and wide, and went like a bird + over the wrinkled sea—homeward bound. + </p> + <p> + It was an exhilarating start, and all faces were bright—but one. The + captain looked somewhat grave and thoughtful, and often scanned the + horizon with his glass; he gave polite but very short answers to his + friend Colonel Kenealy, who was firing nothings in his ear, and sent for + the gunner. + </p> + <p> + While that personage, a crusty old Niler called Monk, is cleaning himself + to go on the quarter-deck, peep we into captain Dodd's troubled mind, and + into the circumstances which connect him with the heart of this story, + despite the twelve thousand miles of water between him and the lovers at + Barkington. + </p> + <p> + It had always been his pride to lay by money for his wife and children, + and, under advice of an Indian friend, he had, during the last few years, + placed considerable sums, at intervals, in a great Calcutta house, which + gave eight per cent for deposits: swelled by fresh capital and such high + interest, the hoard grew fast. When his old ship, sore battered off the + Cape, was condemned by the company's agents at Canton, he sailed to + Calcutta, intending to return thence to England as a passenger. But while + he was at Calcutta, the greatest firm there suspended payment carrying + astonishment and dismay into a hundred families. At such moments the press + and the fireside ring for a little while with the common-sense cry,* “Good + interest means bad security.” As for Dodd, who till then had revered all + these great houses with nautical or childlike confidence, a blind terror + took the place of blind trust in him; he felt guilty towards his children + for risking their money (he had got to believe it was theirs, not his), + and vowed, if he could only get hold of it once more, he would never trust + a penny of it out of his own hands again, except, perhaps, to the Bank of + England. But should he ever get it? It was a large sum. He went to Messrs. + Anderson & Anderson, and drew for his fourteen thousand pounds. To his + dismay, but hardly to his surprise, the clerks looked at one another, and + sent the cheque into some inner department. Dodd was kept waiting. His + heart sank with him: there was a hitch. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *The Duke of Wellington (the iron one) is the author of this + saying. +</pre> + <p> + Meantime came a Government officer, and paid in an enormous sum in notes + and mercantile bills, principally the latter. + </p> + <p> + Presently Dodd was invited into the manager's room. + </p> + <p> + “Leaving the country, Captain Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better take some of your money in bills at sight on London.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather have notes, sir,” faltered Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bills by Oliveira upon Baring are just as good, even without our + endorsement. However, you can have half and half. Calcutta does but little + in English bank-notes, you know.” + </p> + <p> + They gave him his money. The bills were all manifestly good. But he + recognised one of them as having just been paid in by the civilian. He + found himself somehow safe in the street clutching the cash, with one half + of his great paternal heart on fire, and the other half freezing. He had + rescued his children's fortune, but he had seen destruction graze it. The + natural chill at being scraped by peril soon passed, the triumphant glow + remained. The next sentiment was precaution: he filled with it to the + brim; he went and bought a great broad pocket-book with a key to it; + though he was on dry land. He covered it with oiled silk against the + water; and sewed the whole thing to his flannel waistcoat, and felt for it + with his hand a hundred times a day: the fruit of his own toil, his + children's hoard, the rescued treasure he was to have the joy of bringing + home safe to the dear partner of all his joys. + </p> + <p> + Unexpectedly he was ordered out to Canton to sail the <i>Agra</i> to the + Cape. Then a novel and strange feeling came over him like a cloud; that + feeling was, a sense of personal danger: not that the many perils of the + deep were new to him: he had faced them this five-and-twenty years: but + till now they were little present to his imagination: they used to come, + be encountered, be gone: but now, though absent, they darkened the way. It + was the pocket-book. The material treasure, the hard cash, which had + lately set him in a glow, seemed now to load his chest and hang heavy + round the neck of his heart. Sailors are more or less superstitious, and + men are creatures of habit, even in their courage. Now David had never + gone to sea with a lot of money on him before. As he was a stout-hearted + man, these vague forebodings would, perhaps, have cleared away with the + bustle, when the <i>Agra</i> set her studding sails off Macao, but for a + piece of positive intelligence he had picked up at Lin-Tin. The Chinese + admiral had warned him of a pirate, a daring pirate, who had been lately + cruising in these waters: first heard of south the line, but had since + taken a Russian ship at the very mouth of the Canton river, murdered the + crew in sight of land, and sold the women for slaves, or worse. Dodd asked + for particulars: was he a Ladroner, a Malay, a Bornese? In what latitude + was he to be looked for? The admiral on this examined his memoranda: by + these it appeared little was known as yet about the miscreant, except that + he never cruised long on one ground; the crew was a mixed one: the captain + was believed to be a Portuguese, and to have a consort commanded by his + brother: but this was doubtful; at all events, the pair had never been + seen at work together. + </p> + <p> + The gunner arrived and saluted the quarter-deck; the captain on this + saluted him, and beckoned him to the weather side. On this the other + officers kept religiously to leeward. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Monk,” said Dodd, “you will clean and prepare all the small arms + directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir,” said the old Niler, with a gleam of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “How many of your deck-guns are serviceable?” + </p> + <p> + This simple question stirred up in one moment all the bile in the poor old + gentleman's nature. + </p> + <p> + “My deck-guns serviceable! how the —— <i>can</i> they when + that son of a sea-cook your third mate has been and lashed the water butts + to their breechings, and jammed his gear in between their nozzles, till + they can't breathe, poor things, far less bark. I wish <i>he</i> was + lashed between the devil's hind-hocks with a red hot cable as tight as he + has jammed my guns. + </p> + <p> + “Be so good as not to swear, Mr. Monk,” said Dodd. “At your age sir, I + look to you to set an example to the petty officers.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I won't swear no more, sir, d—d if I do!” He added very + loudly, and with a seeming access of ire, “And I ax your pardon, captain, + and the deck's.” + </p> + <p> + When a man has a deep anxiety, some human midge or mosquito buzzes at him. + It is a rule. To Dodd, heavy with responsibility, and a dark misgiving he + must not communicate, came delicately, and by degrees, and with a + semigenuflexion every three steps, one like a magpie; and, putting his + hands together, as our children do to approach the Almighty, delivered + himself thus, in modulated tones, and good Hindostanee. “The Daughter of + light, in whose beams I, Ramgolam, bask, glows with an amicable desire to + see the lord commander of the ship resembling a mountain; and to make a + communication.” + </p> + <p> + Taught by sad experience how weighty are the communications the daughters + of light pour into nautical commanders at sea, Dodd hailed Mr. Tickell, a + midshipman, and sent him down to the lady's cabin. Mr. Tickell soon came + back reddish, but grinning, to say that nothing less than the captain + would do. + </p> + <p> + Dodd sighed, and dismissed Monk with a promise to inspect the gun-deck + himself; then went down to Mrs. Beresford and found her indignant. Why had + he stopped the ship miles and miles from Macao, and given her the trouble + and annoyance of a voyage in that nasty little boat? Dodd opened his great + brown eyes, “Why, madam, it is shoal water off Macao; we dare not come + in.” + </p> + <p> + “No evasion, sir. What have I to do with your shoal water? It was + laziness, and want of consideration for a lady who has rented half your + ship.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the kind, madam, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you the person they call Gentleman Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don't contradict a lady, or I shall take the liberty to dispute your + title.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd took no notice of this, and with a patience few nautical commanders + would have shown, endeavoured to make her see that he was obliged to give + Macao shoals a wide berth, or cast away the ship. She would not see it. + When Dodd saw she wanted, not an explanation, but a grievance, he ceased + to thwart her. “I am neglecting my duties to no purpose,” said he, and + left her without ceremony. This was a fresh offence; and, as he went out, + she declared open war. And she made it too from that hour: a war of pins + and needles. + </p> + <p> + Dodd went on the gun-deck and found that the defence of the ship had, as + usual in these peaceful days, been sacrificed to the cargo. Out of twenty + eighteen-pounders she carried on that deck, he cleared three, and that + with difficulty. To clear any more he must have sacrificed either + merchandise or water: and he was not the man to do either on the mere + chance of a danger so unusual as an encounter with a pirate. He was a + merchant captain, not a warrior. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the <i>Agra</i> had already shown him great sailing qualities: + the log was hove at sundown and gave eleven knots; so that with a good + breeze abaft, few fore-and-aft rigged pirates could overhaul her. And this + wind carried her swiftly past one nest of them, at all events: the Ladrone + isles. At nine P.M., all the lights were ordered out. Mrs. Beresford had + brought a novel on board, and refused to comply; the master-at-arms + insisted; she threatened him with the vengeance of the Company, the + premier, and the nobility and gentry of the British realm. The + master-at-arms, finding he had no chance in argument, doused the glim—pitiable + resource of a weak disputant—then basely fled the rhetorical + consequences. + </p> + <p> + The northerly breeze died out, and light variable winds baffled the ship. + It was the 6th April ere she passed the Macclesfield Bank in latitude 16. + And now they sailed for many days out of sight of land. Dodd's chest + expanded: his main anxiety at this part of the voyage lay in the state + cabin; of all the perils of the sea, none shakes a sailor like fire. He + set a watch day and night on that spoiled child. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st May they passed the great Nantuna, and got among the Bornese + and Malay islands: at which the captain's glass began to sweep the horizon + again, and night and day at the dizzy foretop gallant mast-head he perched + an Eye. + </p> + <p> + They crossed the line in longitude 107, with a slight breeze, but soon + fell into the Doldrums. A dead calm, and nothing to do but kill time. Dodd + had put down Neptune: that old blackguard could no longer row out on the + ship's port side and board her on the starboard, pretending to come from + ocean's depths; and shave the novices with a rusty hoop and dab a soapy + brush in their mouths. But champagne popped, the sexes flirted, and the + sailors span fathomless yarns, and danced rattling hornpipes, fiddled to + by the grave Fullalove. “If there is a thing I <i>can</i> dew, it's + fiddle,” said he. He and his friend, as he systematically called + Vespasian, taught the crew Yankee steps, and were beloved. One honest + saltatory British tar offered that Western pair his grog for a week. Even + Mrs. Beresford emerged, and walked the deck, quenching her austere regards + with a familiar smile on Colonel Kenealy, her escort. This gallant + good-natured soldier flattered her to the nine, and, finding her sweeten + with his treacle, tried to reconcile her to his old friend Dodd. Straight + she soured, and forbade the topic imperiously. + </p> + <p> + By this time the mates and midshipmen of the <i>Agra</i> had fathomed + their captain. Mr. Tickell delivered the mind of the united midshipmen + when he proposed Dodd's health in their mess-room, “as a navigator, a + mathematician, a seaman, a gentleman, and a brick, with three times + three.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd never spoke to his officers like a ruffian, nor yet palavered them, + but he had a very pleasant way of conveying appreciation of an officer's + zeal, by a knowing nod with a kindly smile on the heels of it. As for the + men, they seldom came in contact with the captain of a well-officered + ship: this crew only knew him at first as a good-tempered soul, who didn't + bother about nothing. But one day, as they lay becalmed south of the line, + a jolly foretopman came on the quarter-deck with a fid of soup, and + saluting and scraping, first to the deck, then to the captain, asked him + if he would taste that. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my man. Smoked!” + </p> + <p> + “Like —— and blazes, your honour, axing your pardon, and the + deck's.” + </p> + <p> + “Young gentleman,” said Dodd to Mr. Meredith, a midshipman, “be so good as + to send the cook aft.” + </p> + <p> + The cook came, and received, not an oath nor a threat but a remonstrance, + and a grim warning. + </p> + <p> + In the teeth of this he burnt the soup horribly the very next day. The + crew sent the lucky foretopman aft again. He made his scrape and presented + his fid. The captain tasted the soup, and sent Mr. Grey to bid the + boatswain's mate pipe the hands on deck and bring the cook aft. + </p> + <p> + “Quartermaster, unsling a fire-bucket and fill it from the men's kids: Mr. + Tickell, see the cook swallow his own mess. Bosen's mate, take a bight of + the flying jib sheet stand over him, and start him if he dailies with it.” + With this the captain went below, and the cook, supping at the bucket + delivered himself as follows: “Well, ye lubbers, it is first—rate. + <i>There's</i> no burn in it. It goes down like oil. Curse your ladylike + stomachs; you ain't fit for a ship; why don't ye go ashore and man a + gingerbread coach and feed off French frogs and Italian baccy-pipe stems? + (Whack.) What the —— is that for?” + </p> + <p> + <i>Boatswain's mate.</i> “Sup more, and jaw less.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am supping as fast as I can. (Whack, whack.) Bloody end to ye, + what are ye about? (Whack, whack, whack.) Oh, Joe, Lord bless you, I <i>can't</i> + eat any more of it. (Whack.) I'll give you my grog for a week only to let + me fling the —— stuff over the side. (Whack, whack, whack.) + Oh, good, kind, dear Mr. Tickell, do go down to the captain for me.” + (Whack, whack.) + </p> + <p> + “Avast!” cried the captain, reappearing; and the uplifted rope fell + harmless. + </p> + <p> + “Silence, fore and aft!” + </p> + <p> + (Pipe.) + </p> + <p> + “The cook has received a light punishment this time, for spoiling the + men's mess. My crew shall eat nothing I can't eat myself. My care is + heavier than theirs is; but not my work, nor my danger in time of danger. + Mind that, or you'll find I can be as severe as any master afloat. + Purser.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Double the men's grog: they have been cheated of their meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And stop the cook's and his mate's for a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Bosen, pipe down.” + </p> + <p> + “Shipmates, listen to me,” said the foretopman. “This old <i>Agra</i> is a + d——d com—for—table ship.” + </p> + <p> + The oracular sentence was hailed with a ringing cheer. Still, it is + unlucky the British seaman is so enamoured of theological terms; for he + constantly misapplies them. + </p> + <p> + After lying a week like a dead log on the calm but heaving waters, came a + few light puffs in the upper air and inflated the topsails only: the ship + crawled southward, the crew whistling for wind. + </p> + <p> + At last, one afternoon, it began to rain, and after the rain came a gale + from the eastward. The watchful skipper saw it purple the water to + windward, and ordered the topsails to be reefed and the lee ports closed. + This last order seemed an excess of precaution; but Dodd was not yet + thoroughly acquainted with his ship's qualities: and the hard cash round + his neck made him cautious. The lee ports were closed, all but one, and + that was lowered. Mr. Grey was working a problem in his cabin, and wanted + a little light and a little air, so he just drooped his port; but, not to + deviate from the spirit of his captain's instructions, he fastened a + tackle to it; that he might have mechanical force to close it with should + the ship lie over. + </p> + <p> + Down came the gale with a whoo, and made all crack. The ship lay over + pretty much, and the sea poured in at Mr. Grey's port. He applied his + purchase to close it. But though his tackle gave him the force of a dozen + hands, he might as well have tried to move a mountain; on the contrary, + the tremendous sea rushed in and burst the port wide open. Grey, after a + vain struggle with its might, shrieked for help; down tumbled the nearest + hands, and hauled on the tackle in vain. Destruction was rushing on the + ship, and on them first. But meantime the captain, with a shrewd guess at + the general nature of the danger he could not see, had roared out, “Slack + the main sheet.” The ship righted, and the port came flying to, and + terror-stricken men breathed hard, up to their waists in water and + floating boxes. Grey barred the unlucky port and went aft, drenched in + body, and wretched in mind, to report his own fault. He found the captain + looking grim as death. He told him, almost crying, what he had done, and + how he had miscalculated the power of the water. + </p> + <p> + Dodd looked and saw his distress. “Let it be a lesson, sir,” said he, + sternly. “How many ships have been lost by this in fair weather, and not a + man saved to tell how the craft was fooled away?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain, bid me fling myself over the side, and I'll do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hummph! I'm afraid I can't afford to lose a good officer for a fault he—will—never—repeat” + </p> + <p> + It blew hard all night and till twelve the next day. The <i>Agra</i> + showed her weak point: she rolled abominably. A dirty night came on. At + eight bells Mr. Grey, touched by Dodd's clemency and brimful of zeal, + reported a light in Mrs. Beresford's cabin. It had been put out as usual + by the master-at-arms; but the refractory one had relighted it. + </p> + <p> + “Go and take it away,” said Dodd. + </p> + <p> + Soon screams were heard from the cabin. “Oh, mercy! mercy! I will not be + drowned in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd, who had kept clear of her so long, went down and tried to reassure + her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the tempest! the tempest!” she cried. “AND TO BE DROWNED IN THE + DARK!” + </p> + <p> + “Tempest? It is blowing half a gale of wind; that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “Half a gale! Ah! that is the way you always talk to us ladies. Oh, pray + give me my light, and send me a clergyman.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd took pity, and let her have her light, with a midshipman to watch it. + He even made her a hypocritical promise that should there be one grain of + danger, he would lie to; but said he must not make a foul wind of a fair + one for a few lee lurches. The <i>Agra</i> broke plenty of glass and + crockery though, with her fair wind and her lee lurches. + </p> + <p> + Wind down at noon next day, and a dead calm. + </p> + <p> + At two P. M. the weather cleared; the sun came out high in heaven's + centre; and a balmy breeze from the west. + </p> + <p> + At six twenty-five, the grand orb set calm and red, and the sea was + gorgeous with miles and miles of great ruby dimples: it was the first + glowing smile of southern latitude. The night stole on so soft, so clear, + so balmy, all were loth to chose their eyes on it: the passengers lingered + long on deck, watching the Great Bear dip, and the Southern Cross rise, + and overhead a whole heaven of glorious stars most of us have never seen, + and never shall see in this world. No belching smoke obscured, no plunging + paddles deafened; all was musical; the soft air sighing among the sails; + the phosphorescent water bubbling from the ship's bows; the murmurs from + little knots of men on deck subdued by the great calm: home seemed near, + all danger far; Peace ruled the sea, the sky, the heart: the ship, making + a track of white fire on the deep, glided gently yet swiftly homeward, + urged by snowy sails piled up like alabaster towers against a violet sky, + out of which looked a thousand eyes of holy tranquil fire. So melted the + sweet night away. + </p> + <p> + Now carmine streaks tinged the eastern sky at the water's edge; and that + water blushed; now the streaks turned orange, and the waves below them + sparkled. Thence splashes of living gold flew and settled on the ship's + white sails, the deck, and the faces; and with no more prologue, being so + near the line, up came majestically a huge, fiery, golden sun, and set the + sea flaming liquid topaz. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the look-out at the foretop-gallant-mast-head hailed the deck + below. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “STRANGE SAIL! RIGHT AHEAD!” + </pre> + <p> + The strange sail was reported to Captain Dodd, then dressing in his cabin. + He came soon after on deck and hailed the lookout: “Which way is she + standing?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't say, sir. Can't see her move any.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd ordered the boatswain to pipe to breakfast; and taking his deck glass + went lightly up to the fore-top-gallant-mast crosstrees. Thence, through + the light haze of a glorious morning, he espied a long low schooner, + lateen-rigged, lying close under Point Leat, a small island about nine + miles distant on the weather bow, and nearly in the <i>Agra's</i> course, + then approaching the Straits of Gaspar, 4 latitude S. + </p> + <p> + “She is hove-to,” said Dodd very gravely. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock, the stranger lay about two miles to windward, and still + hove-to. + </p> + <p> + By this time all eyes were turned upon her, and half a dozen glasses. + Everybody, except the captain, delivered an opinion. + </p> + <p> + She was a Greek lying-to for water: she was a Malay coming north with + canes, and short of hands: she was a pirate watching the Straits. + </p> + <p> + The captain leaned silent and sombre with his arms on the bulwarks, and + watched the suspected craft. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fullalove joined the group, and levelled a powerful glass, of his own + construction. His inspection was long and minute, and, while the glass was + at his eye, Sharpe asked him half in a whisper, could he make out + anything? + </p> + <p> + “Wal,” said he, “the varmint looks considerable snaky.” Then, without + removing his glass, he let drop a word at a time, as if the facts were + trickling into his telescope at the lens, and out at the sight “One—two—four—seven, + false ports.” + </p> + <p> + There was a momentary murmur among the officers all round. But British + sailors are undemonstrative: Colonel Kenealy, strolling the deck with his + cigar, saw they were watching another ship with maritime curiosity, and + making comments but he discerned no particular emotion nor anxiety in what + they said, nor in the grave low tones they said it in. Perhaps a brother + seaman would though. + </p> + <p> + The next observation that trickled out of Fullalove's tube was this: “I + judge there are too few hands on deck, and too many—white—eyeballs—glittering + at the portholes.” + </p> + <p> + “Confound it,” muttered Bayliss, uneasily; “how can you see that?” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove replied only by quietly handing his glass to Dodd. The captain + thus appealed to, glued his eye to the tube. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir; see the false ports, and the white eyebrows?” asked Sharpe + ironically. + </p> + <p> + “I see this is the best glass I ever looked through,” said Dodd doggedly, + without interrupting his inspection. + </p> + <p> + “I think he is a Malay pirate,” said Mr. Grey. + </p> + <p> + Sharpe took him up very quickly, and indeed angrily: “Nonsense. And if he + is, he won't venture on a craft of this size.” + </p> + <p> + “Says the whale to the swordfish,” suggested Fullalove, with a little + guttural laugh. + </p> + <p> + The captain, with the American glass at his eye, turned half round to the + man at the wheel: “Starboard!” + </p> + <p> + “Starboard it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Steer south-south-east” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir.” And the ship's course was thus altered two points. + </p> + <p> + This order lowered Dodd fifty per cent. in Mr. Sharpe's estimation. He + held his tongue as long as he could: but at last his surprise and + dissatisfaction burst out of him, “Won't that bring him out on us!” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, sir,” replied Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Begging your pardon, captain, would it not be wiser to keep our course, + and show the blackguard we don't fear him?” + </p> + <p> + “When we <i>do!</i> Sharpe, he has made up his mind an hour ago whether to + lie still or bite; my changing my course two points won't change his mind, + but it may make him declare it; and <i>I</i> must know what he does intend + before I run the ship into the narrows ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see,” said Sharpe, half convinced. + </p> + <p> + The alteration in the <i>Agra's</i> course produced no movement on the + part of the mysterious schooner. She lay-to under the land still, and with + only a few hands on deck, while the <i>Agra</i> edged away from her and + entered the Straits between Long Island and Point Leat, leaving the + schooner about two miles and a half distant to the N.W. + </p> + <p> + Ah! The stranger's deck swarms black with men. + </p> + <p> + His sham ports fell as if by magic, his gums grinned through the gaps like + black teeth; his huge foresail rose and filled, and out he came in chase. + </p> + <p> + The breeze was a kiss from Heaven, the sky a vaulted sapphire, the sea a + million dimples of liquid, lucid gold. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + AMONGST the curiosities of human reasoning is this: one forms a judgment + on certain statements; they turn out incorrect, yet the judgment sound. + </p> + <p> + This occurs oftenest when, to divine what any known person will do in a + case stated, we go boldly by his character, his habits, or his interest: + for these are great forces, towards which men gravitate through various + and even contrary circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Now women, sitting at home out of detail's way, are somewhat forced, as + well as naturally inclined, to rely on their insight into character; and, + by this broad clue, often pass through false or discoloured data to a + sound calculation. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was Mrs. Dodd applied her native sagacity to divine why Richard + Hardie declined Julia for his son's wife, and how to make him withdraw + that dissent: and the fair diviner was much mistaken in detail but right + in her conclusion; for Richard Hardie <i>was</i> at that moment the + unlikeliest man in Barkington to decline Julia Dodd—with Hard Cash + in five figures—for his daughter-in-law. + </p> + <p> + I am now about to make a revelation to the reader, that will incidentally + lead him to Mrs. Dodd's conclusion, but by a different path. + </p> + <p> + The outline she gave her daughter and my reader of Richard Hardie's cold + and prudent youth was substantially correct; but something had occurred + since then, unknown to her, unknown to all Barkington. The centuries had + blown a respectable bubble. + </p> + <p> + About two hundred and fifty years ago, some genius, as unknown as the + inventor of the lathe, laid the first wooden tramroad, to enable a horse + to draw forty-two cwt. instead of seventeen. The coalowners soon used it + largely. In 1738, iron rails were invented; but prejudice, stronger than + that metal, kept them down, and the wooden ones in vogue, for some thirty + years. Then iron prevailed. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, a much greater invention had been creeping up to join the metal + way; I mean the locomotive power of steam, whose history is not needed + here. Enough that in 1804 took place as promising a wedding as + civilisation ever saw; for then an engine built by Trevethick, a great + genius frittered for want of pluck, drew carriages, laden with ten tons, + five miles an hour on a Welsh railway. Next stout Stephenson came on the + scene, and insisted on benefiting mankind in spite of themselves, and of + shallow legislators, <i>a priori</i> reasoners, and a heavy <i>Review</i> + whose political motto was, “Stemus super antiquas vias;” which may be + rendered, “Better stand still on turnpikes than move on rails.” + </p> + <p> + His torments and triumph are history. + </p> + <p> + Two of his repartees seem neat: 1. To Lord Noodle, or Lord Doodle, which + was it? objecting haughtily, “And suppose a cow should get in the way of + your engine, sir?” he replied, “Why, then it would be bad—for the + coow.” The objector had overrated the obstructive power of his honoured + parent. + </p> + <p> + 2. To the <i>a priori</i> reasoners, who sat in their studies and + demonstrated with complete unanimity that uncogged wheels would revolve on + a smooth rail, but leave the carriage <i>in statu quo,</i> he replied by + building an engine with Lord Ravensworth's noble aid, hooking on eight + carriages, and rattling off up an incline. <i>“Solvitur ambulando,</i>” + quoth Stephenson the stout-hearted to Messrs. <i>A Priori.</i> + </p> + <p> + Next a coach ran on the Stockton and Darlington rail. Next the Liverpool + and Manchester line was projected. Oh, then, what bitter opposition to the + national benefactors, and the good of man! + </p> + <p> + Awake from the tomb echoes of dead Cant. + </p> + <p> + “The revolving wheels might move the engine on a rail; but what would that + avail if they could not move them in the closet, and on a mathematical + paper? Railways would be bad for canals, bad for morals, bad for + highwaymen, bad for roadside inns: the smoke would kill the partridges + ('Aha! thou hast touched us nearly,' said the country gentlemen), the + travellers would go slowly to their destination, but swift to + destruction.” And the <i>Heavy Review,</i> whose motto was <i>“Stemus + super</i> turnpikes,” offered “to back old Father Thames against the + Woolwich railway for any sum.” And Black Will, who drove the next heaviest + ephemeral in the island, told a schoolboy, who now writes these pages, + “there's nothing can ever be safe at twenty miles an hour, without 'tis a + bird in the air;” and confirmed it with an oath. Briefly, buzz! buzz! + buzz! + </p> + <p> + Gray was crushed, Trevethick driven out of the country, stout Steevie + thwarted, badgered, taunted, and even insulted, and bespattered with dirt—I + might say with dung, since his opponents discharged their own brains at + him by speech and writing. At last, when, after the manner of men, they + had manured their benefactor well, they consented to reap him. Railways + prevailed, and increased, till lo and behold a Prime Minister with a spade + delving one in the valley of the Trent. The tide turned; good working + railways from city to city became an approved investment of genuine + capital, notwithstanding the frightful frauds and extortion to which the + projectors were exposed in a Parliament which, under a new temptation, + showed itself as corrupt and greedy as any nation or age can parallel. + </p> + <p> + When this sober state of things had endured some time, there came a year + that money was loose, and a speculative fever due in the whirligig of + time. Then railways bubbled. New ones were advertised, fifty a month, and + all went to a premium. High and low scrambled for the shares, even when + the projected line was to run from the town of Nought to the village of + Nothing across a goose common. The flame spread, fanned by prospectus and + advertisement, two mines of glowing fiction, compared with which the + legitimate article is a mere tissue of understatements; princes sat in + railway tenders, and clove the air like the birds whose effigies surmount + their armorials; our stiffest Peers relaxed into Boards; Bishops warned + their clergy against avarice, and buttered Hudson an inch thick for + shares; and turned their little aprons into great pockets; men, stainless + hitherto, put down their infants, nurses included, as independent + subscribers, and bagged the coupons, <i>capturi tartaros.</i> Nearly + everything that had a name, and, by some immense fortuity, could write it, + demanded its part in the new and fathomless source of wealth: a + charwoman's two sons were living in a garret on fifteen shillings apiece + per week; down went their excellencies' names for L. 37,000 worth of + bubbling iron; another shareholder applied imperiously from a house in + Grosvenor Square; he had breakfasted on the steps. Once more in Time's + whirligig gentlemen and their footmen jostled one another on the Exchange, + and a motley crew of peers and printers, vicars and admirals, professors, + cooks, costermongers, cotton-spinners, waiters, coachmen, priests, + potboys, hankers, braziers, dairymen, mail-guards, barristers, spinsters, + butchers, beggars, duchesses, rag-merchants—in one word, of Nobs and + Snobs; fought and scrambled pell mell for the popular paper, and all to + get rich in a day.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *For the humours of the time see the parliamentary return of + Railway Subscribers, published 1846: Francis's British + Railway: Evan's Commercial Crisis; and the pamphlets and + journals of the day. +</pre> + <p> + Richard Hardie had some money in existing railways, but he declined to + invest his hard cash upon hypotheticals. He was repeatedly solicited to be + a director, but always declined. Once he was offered a canny bribe of a + thousand pounds to let his name go on a provisional committee. He refused + with a characteristic remark: “I never buy any merchandise at a fancy + price, not even hard cash.” + </p> + <p> + Antidote to the universal mania, Barkington had this one wet blanket; an + unpopular institution; but far more salutary than a damp sheet especially + in time of Bubble. + </p> + <p> + Nearly all his customers consulted Richard Hardie, and this was the + substance of his replies: “The Bubbles of History, including the great one + of my youth, were national, as well as individual, follies. It is not so + now: the railways, that ruin their allottees and directors, will be pure + additions to the national property, and some day remove one barrier more + from commerce. The Dutch tulip frenzy went on a petty fancy: the Railway + fury goes on a great fact. Our predecessors blew mere soap bubbles; we + blow an iron bubble: but here the distinction ends. In 1825 the country + undertook immediate engagements, to fulfil which a century's income would + not have sufficed: today a thousand railway companies are registered, + requiring a capital of six hundred million and another thousand projected, + to cost another five hundred million. Where is the money to come from? If + the world was both cultivated and civilised (instead of neither), and this + nation could be sold, with every building, ship, quadruped, jewel, and + marketable female in it, it would not fetch the money to make these + railways; yet the country undertakes to create them in three years <i>with + its floating capital.</i> Arithmetic of Bedlam! The thing cannot last a + year without collapsing.” Richard Hardie <i>talked</i> like this from + first to last. But, when he saw that shares invariably mounted; that even + those who, for want of interest, had to buy them at a premium, sold them + at a profit; when he saw paupers making large fortunes in a few months, by + buying into every venture and selling the next week—he itched for + his share of the booty, and determined to profit in act by the credulity + of mankind, as well as expose it in words. He made use of his large + connections to purchase shares, which he took care to part with speedily. + He cleared a good deal of money, and that made him hungrier: he went + deeper and deeper into what he called Flat-catching, till one day he stood + to win thirty thousand pounds at a <i>coup.</i> + </p> + <p> + But it is dangerous to be a convert, real or false, to Bubble: the game is + to be rash at once, and turn prudent at the full tide. When Richard Hardie + was up to his chin in these time bargains, came an incident not easy to + foresee: the conductors of the <i>Times,</i> either from patriotism or + long-sighted policy, punctured the bladder, though they were making + thousands weekly by the railway advertisements. The time was so well + chosen, and the pin applied, that it was a death-blow: shares declined + from that morning, and the inevitable panic was advanced a week or two. + The more credulous speculators held on in hopes of a revival; but Hardie, + who knew that the collapse had been merely hastened, saw the gravity of + the situation, and sold largely at a heavy loss. But he could not sell all + the bad paper he had accumulated for a temporary purpose: the panic came + too swiftly and too strong; soon there were no buyers at any price. The + biter was bit: the fox who had said, “This is a trap; I'll lightly come + and lightly go,” was caught by the light fantastic toe. + </p> + <p> + In this emergency he showed high qualities: vast financial ability, great + fortitude, and that sense of commercial honour which Mrs. Dodd justly + called his semi-chivalrous sentiment. He mustered all his private + resources to meet his engagements and maintain his high position. Then + commenced a long and steady struggle, conducted with a Spartan dignity and + self-command, and a countenance as close as wax. Little did any in + Barkington guess the doubts and fears, the hopes and despondencies, which + agitated and tore the heart and brain that schemed, and throbbed, and + glowed, and sickened by turns beneath that steady modulated exterior. And + so for months and months he secretly battled with insolvency; sometimes it + threatened in the distance, sometimes at hand, but never caught him + unawares: he provided for each coming danger, he encountered each + immediate attack. But not unscathed in morals. Just as matters looked + brighter, came a concentration of liabilities he could not meet without + emptying his tills, and so incurring the most frightful danger of all. He + had provided for its coming too; but a decline, greater than he had + reckoned on, in the value of his good securities, made that provision + inadequate. Then it was he committed a <i>faux-pas.</i> He was one of his + own children's trustees, and the other two signed after him like machines. + He said to himself: “My honour is my children's; my position is worth + thousands <i>to them.</i> I have sacrificed a fortune to preserve it; it + would be madness to recoil now.” He borrowed three thousand pounds of the + trust money, and, soon after, two thousand more: it kept him above water; + but the peril, and the escape on such terms, left him gasping inwardly. + </p> + <p> + At last, when even his granite nature was almost worn down with labour, + anxiety, and struggling all alone without a word of comfort—for the + price of one grain of sympathy would have been “Destruction”—he + shuffled off his iron burden and breathed again. + </p> + <p> + One day he spent in a sort of pleasing lethargy, like a strong swimmer + who, long and sore buffeted by the waves, has reached the shore at last. + </p> + <p> + The next day his cashier, a sharp-visaged, bald-headed old man called + Young Skinner, invited his attention rather significantly to the high + amount of certain balances compared with the cash at his (Skinner's) + disposal. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said Hardie quietly; “that must be regulated.” He added + graciously, as if conferring a great favour, “I'll look into the books + myself, Skinner.” + </p> + <p> + He did more: he sat up all night over the books; and his heart died with + him. Bankruptcy seemed coming towards him, slow perhaps, but sure. And + meantime to live with the sword hanging over him by a hair! + </p> + <p> + Soon matters approached a crisis; several large drafts were drawn, which + would have cleaned the bank out, but that the yearly rents of a wealthy + nobleman had for some days past been flowing in. This nobleman had gone to + explore Syria and Assyria. He was a great traveller, who contrived to live + up to his income at home, but had never been able to spend a quarter of it + abroad, for want of enemies and masters—better known as friends and + servants—to help him. So Hardie was safe for some months, unless + there should be an extraordinary run on him, and that was not likely this + year; the panic had subsided, and, <i>nota bene,</i> his credit had never + stood higher. The reason was, he had been double-faced; had always spoken + against railways: and his wise words were public, whereas his fatal acts + had been done in the dark. + </p> + <p> + But now came a change, a bitter revulsion, over this tossed mind: hope and + patience failed at last, and his virtue, being a thing of habit and + traditions rather than of the soul, wore out; nay more, this man, who had + sacrificed so nobly to commercial integrity, was filled with hate of his + idol and contempt of himself. “Idiot!” said he, “to throw away a fortune + fighting for honour—a greater bubble than that which has ruined me—instead + of breaking like a man, with a hidden purse, and starting fair again, as + sensible traders do.” + </p> + <p> + No honest man in the country that year repented of his vices so sincerely + as Richard Hardie loathed his virtue. And he did not confine his penitence + to sentiment: he began to spend his days at the bank poring over the + books, and to lay out his arithmetical genius in a subtle process, that + should enable him by degrees to withdraw a few thousands from human eyes + for his future use, despite the feeble safeguards of the existing law. In + other words, Richard Hardie, like thousands before him, was fabricating + and maturing a false balance-sheet. + </p> + <p> + One man in his time plays many animals. Hardie at this period turned mole. + He burrowed darkling into <i>oes alienum.</i> There is often one of these + sleek miners in a bank: it is a section of human zoology the journals have + lately enlarged on, and drawn the painstaking creature grubbing and mining + away to brief opulence—and briefer penal servitude than one could + wish. I rely on my reader having read these really able sketches of my + contemporaries, and spare him minute details, that possess scarcely a new + feature, except one: in that bank was not only a mole, but a mole-catcher; + and, contrary to custom, the mole was the master, the mole-catcher the + servant. The latter had no hostile views; far from it: he was rather + attached to his master. But his attention was roused by the youngest + clerk, a boy of sixteen, being so often sent for into the bank parlour, to + copy into the books some arithmetical result, without its process. + Attention soon became suspicion; and suspicion found many little things to + feed on, till it grew to certainty. But the outer world was none the + wiser: the mole-catcher was no chatterbox; he was a solitary man—no + wife nor mistress about him; and he revered the mole, and liked him better + than anything in the world—<i>except money.</i> + </p> + <p> + Thus the great banker stood, a colossus of wealth and stability to the + eye, though ready to crumble at a touch; and indeed self-doomed, for + bankruptcy was now his game. + </p> + <p> + This was a miserable man, far more miserable than his son, whose happiness + he had thwarted: his face was furrowed and his hair thinned by a secret + struggle; and of all the things that gnawed him, like the fox, beneath his + Spartan robe, none was more bitter than to have borrowed five thousand + pounds of his children and sunk it. + </p> + <p> + His wife's father, a keen man of business, who saw there was little + affection on his side, had settled his daughter's money on her for life, + and in case of her death, on the children upon coming of age. The marriage + of Alfred or Jane would be sure to expose him; settlements would be + proposed; lawyers engaged to peer into the trust, &c. No; they <i>must</i> + remain single for the present, or else marry wealth. + </p> + <p> + So, when his son announced an attachment to a young lady living in a + suburban villa, it was a terrible blow, though he took it with outward + calm, as usual. But if, instead of prating about beauty, virtue, and + breeding, Alfred had told him hard cash in five figures could be settled + by the bride's family on the young couple, he would have welcomed the + wedding with great external indifference, but a secret gush of joy; for + then he could throw himself on Alfred's generosity, and be released from + that one corroding debt; perhaps allowed to go on drawing the interest of + the remainder. + </p> + <p> + Thus, in reality, all the interests with which this story deals converged + towards one point: the fourteen thousand pounds. Richard Hardie's + opposition was a mere misunderstanding; and if he had been told of the + Cash, and to what purpose Mrs. Dodd destined it, and then put on board the + <i>Agra</i> in the Straits of Gaspar, he would have calmly taken off his + coat, and help to defend the bearer of It against all assailants as + stoutly, and, to all appearance, imperturbably, as he had fought that + other bitter battle at home. For there was something heroic in this erring + man, though his rectitude depended on circumstances. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + THE way the pirate dropped the mask, showed his black teeth, and bore up + in chase, was terrible: so dilates and bounds the sudden tiger on his + unwary prey. There were stout hearts among the officers of the peaceable + <i>Agra</i>; but danger in a new form shakes the brave, and this was their + first pirate: their dismay broke out in ejaculations not loud but deep. + “Hush,” said Dodd doggedly; “the lady!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford had just come on deck to enjoy the balmy morning. + </p> + <p> + “Sharpe,” said Dodd, in a tone that conveyed no suspicion to the + new-comer, “set the royals and flying jib.—Port!” + </p> + <p> + “Port it is,” cried the man at the helm. + </p> + <p> + “Steer due south!” And, with these words in his mouth, Dodd dived to the + gun-deck. + </p> + <p> + By this time elastic Sharpe had recovered the first shock, and the order + to crowd sail on the ship galled his pride and his manhood. He muttered + indignantly, “The white feather!” This eased his mind, and he obeyed + orders briskly as ever. While he and his hands were setting every rag the + ship could carry on that tack, the other officers having unluckily no + orders to execute, stood gloomy and helpless, with their eyes glued, by a + sort of sombre fascination, on that coming fate; and they literally jumped + and jarred when Mrs. Beresford, her heart opened by the lovely day, broke + in on their nerves with her light treble. + </p> + <p> + “What a sweet morning, gentlemen! After all, a voyage is a delightful + thing. Oh, what a splendid sea! and the very breeze is warm. Ah! and + there's a little ship sailing along: here, Freddy, Freddy darling, leave + off beating the sailor's legs, and come here and see this pretty ship. + What a pity it is so far off. Ah! ah! what is that dreadful noise?” + </p> + <p> + For her horrible small talk, that grated on those anxious souls like the + mockery of some infantine fiend, was cut short by ponderous blows and + tremendous smashing below. It was the captain staving in water-casks: the + water poured out at the scuppers. + </p> + <p> + “Clearing the lee guns,” said a middy, off his guard. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Kenealy pricked up his ears, drew his cigar from his mouth, and + smelt powder. “What, for action?” said he briskly. “Where's the enemy?” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove made him a signal, and they went below. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford had not heard or not appreciated the remark: she prattled + on till she made the mates and midshipmen shudder. + </p> + <p> + Realise the situation, and the strange incongruity between the senses and + the mind in these poor fellows! The day had ripened its beauty; beneath a + purple heaven shone, sparkled, and laughed a blue sea, in whose waves the + tropical sun seemed to have fused his beams; and beneath that fair, + sinless, peaceful sky, wafted by a balmy breeze over those smiling, + transparent, golden waves, a bloodthirsty Pirate bore down on them with a + crew of human tigers; and a lady babble babble babble babble babble babble + babbled in their quivering ears. + </p> + <p> + But now the captain came bustling on deck, eyed the loftier sails, saw + they were drawing well, appointed four midshipmen a staff to convey his + orders: gave Bayliss charge of the carronades, Grey of the cutlasses, and + directed Mr. Tickell to break the bad news gently to Mrs. Beresford, and + to take her below to the orlop deck; ordered the purser to serve out beet + biscuit, and grog to all hands, saying, “Men can't work on an empty + stomach: and fighting is hard work;” then beckoned the officers to come + round him. “Gentlemen,” said he, confidentially, “in crowding sail on this + ship I had no hope of escaping that fellow on this tack, but I was, and + am, most anxious to gain the open sea, where I can square my yards and run + for it, if I see a chance. At present I shall carry on till he comes + within range: and then, to keep the Company's canvas from being shot to + rags, I shall shorten sail; and to save ship and cargo and all our lives, + I shall fight while a plank of her swims. Better be killed in hot blood + than walk the plank in cold.” + </p> + <p> + The officers cheered faintly; the captain's dogged resolution stirred up + theirs. + </p> + <p> + The pirate had gained another quarter of a mile and more. The ship's crew + were hard at their beef and grog, and agreed among themselves it was a + comfortable ship. They guessed what was coming, and woe to the ship in + that hour if the captain had not won their respect. Strange to say, there + were two gentlemen in the <i>Agra</i> to whom the pirate's approach was + not altogether unwelcome. Colonel Kenealy and Mr. Fullalove were rival + sportsmen and rival theorists. Kenealy stood out for a smooth bore and a + four-ounce ball; Fullalove for a rifle of his own construction. Many a + doughty argument they had, and many a bragging match; neither could + convert the other. At last Fullalove hinted that by going ashore at the + Cape, and getting each behind a tree at one hundred yards, and popping at + one another, one or other would be convinced. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” said Kenealy, “if he is dead, he will be no wiser. Besides, + to a fellow like me, who has had the luxury of popping at his enemies, + popping at a friend is poor insipid work.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” said the other regretfully. “But I reckon we shall never + settle it by argument.” + </p> + <p> + Theorists are amazing; and it was plain, by the alacrity with which these + good creatures loaded the rival instruments, that to them the pirate came + not so much as a pirate as a solution. Indeed, Kenealy, in the act of + charging his piece, was heard to mutter, “Now, this is lucky.” However, + these theorists were no sooner loaded than something occurred to make them + more serious. They were sent for in haste to Dodd's cabin; they found him + giving Sharpe a new order. + </p> + <p> + “Shorten sail to the taupsles and jib, get the colours ready on the + halyards, and then send the men aft.” + </p> + <p> + Sharpe ran out full of zeal, and tumbled over Ramgolam, who was stooping + remarkably near the keyhole. Dodd hastily bolted the cabin-door, and + looked with trembling lip and piteous earnestness in Kenealy's face and + Fullalove's. They were mute with surprise at a gaze so eloquent and yet + mysterious. + </p> + <p> + He manned himself, and opened his mind to them with deep emotion, yet not + without a certain simple dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel,” said he, “you are an old friend; <i>you,</i> sir, are a new + one; but I esteem you highly, and what my young gentlemen chaff you about, + you calling all men brothers, and making that poor negro love you instead + of fear you, that shows me you have a great heart. My dear friends, I have + been unlucky enough to bring my children's fortune on board this ship: + here it is under my shirt. Fourteen thousand pounds! This weighs me down. + Oh, if they should lose it after all! Do pray give me a hand apiece and + pledge your sacred words to take it home safe to my wife at Barkington, if + you, or either of you, should see this bright sun set to-day, and I should + not.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Dodd, old fellow,” said Kenealy cheerfully, “this is not the way to + go into action.” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel,” replied Dodd, “to save this ship and cargo, I must be wherever + the bullets are, and I will too.” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove, more sagacious than the worthy colonel, said earnestly—“Captain + Dodd, may I never see Broadway again, and never see Heaven at the end of + my time, if I fail you. There's my hand.” + </p> + <p> + “And mine,” said Kenealy warmly. + </p> + <p> + They all three joined hands, and Dodd seemed to cling to them. “God bless + you both! God bless you! Oh, what a weight your true hands have pulled off + my heart. Good-bye, for a few minutes. The time is short. I'll just offer + a prayer to the Almighty for wisdom, and then I'll come up and say a word + to the men and fight the ship, according to my lights.” + </p> + <p> + Sail was no sooner shortened and the crew ranged, than the captain came + briskly on deck, saluted, jumped on a carronade, and stood erect. He was + not the man to show the crew his forebodings. + </p> + <p> + (Pipe.) “Silence fore and aft.” + </p> + <p> + “My men, the schooner coming up on our weather quarter is a Portuguese + pirate. His character is known; he scuttles all the ships he boards, + dishonours the women, and murders the crew. We cracked on to get out of + the narrows, and now we have shortened sail to fight this blackguard, and + teach him to molest a British ship. I promise, in the Company's name, + twenty pounds prize-money to every man before the mast if we beat him off + or out-manoeuvre him; thirty if we sink him; and forty if we tow him + astern into a friendly port. Eight guns are clear below, three on the + weather side, five on the lee; for, if he knows his business, he will come + up on the lee quarter: if he doesn't that is no fault of yours nor mine. + The muskets are all loaded, the cutlasses ground like razors——” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + “We have got women to defend——” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + “A good ship under our feet, the God of justice overhead, British hearts + in our bosoms, and British colours flying—run 'em up!—over our + heads.” (The ship's colours flew up to the fore, and the Union Jack to the + mizen peak.) “Now, lads, I mean to fight this ship while a plank of her + (stamping on the deck) swims beneath my foot, and—what do you say?” + </p> + <p> + The reply was a fierce “hurrah!” from a hundred throats, so loud, so deep, + so full of volume, it made the ship vibrate, and rang in the creeping-on + pirate's ears. Fierce, but cunning, he saw mischief in those shortened + sails, and that Union Jack, the terror of his tribe, rising to a British + cheer; he lowered his mainsail, and crawled up on the weather quarter. + Arrived within a cable's length, he double-reef'ed his foresail to reduce + his rate of sailing nearly to that of the ship; and the next moment a + tongue of flame, and then a gush of smoke, issued from his lee bow, and + the ball flew screaming like a seagull over the <i>Agra's</i> mizen top. + He then put his helm up, and fired his other bow-chaser, and sent the shot + hissing and skipping on the water past the ship. This prologue made the + novices wince. Bayliss wanted to reply with a carronade; but Dodd forbade + him sternly, saying, “If we keep him aloof we are done for.” + </p> + <p> + The pirate drew nearer, and fired both guns in succession, hulled the <i>Agra</i> + amidships, and sent an eighteen-pound ball through her foresail. Most of + the faces were pale on the quarter-deck; it was very trying to be shot at, + and hit, and make no return. The next double discharge sent one shot smash + through the stern cabin window, and splintered the bulwark with another, + wounding a seaman slightly. + </p> + <p> + “LIE DOWN FORWARD!” shouted Dodd. “Bayliss, give him a shot.” + </p> + <p> + The carronade was fired with a tremendous report but no visible effect. + The pirate crept nearer, steering in and out like a snake to avoid the + carronades, and firing those two heavy guns alternately into the devoted + ship. He hulled the <i>Agra</i> now nearly every shot. + </p> + <p> + The two available carronades replied noisily, and jumped as usual; they + sent one thirty-two pound shot clean through the schooner's deck and side; + but that was literally all they did worth speaking of. + </p> + <p> + “Curse them!” cried Dodd; “load them with grape! they are not to be + trusted with ball. And all my eighteen-pounders dumb! The coward won't + come alongside and give them a chance.” + </p> + <p> + At the next discharge the pirate chipped the mizen mast, and knocked a + sailor into dead pieces on the forecastle. Dodd put his helm down ere the + smoke cleared, and got three carronades to bear, heavily laden with grape. + Several pirates fell, dead or wounded, on the crowded deck, and some holes + appeared in the foresail; this one interchange was quite in favour of the + ship. + </p> + <p> + But the lesson made the enemy more cautious; he crept nearer, but steered + so adroitly, now right astern, now on the quarter, that the ship could + seldom bring more than one carronade to bear, while he raked her fore and + aft with grape and ball. + </p> + <p> + In this alarming situation, Dodd kept as many of the men below as + possible; but, for all he could do, four were killed and seven wounded. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove's worth came too true: it was the swordfish and the whale: it + was a fight of hammer and anvil; one hit, the other made a noise. Cautious + and cruel, the pirate hung on the poor hulking creature's quarters and + raked her at point-blank distance. He made her pass a bitter time. And her + captain! To see the splintering hull, the parting shrouds, the shivered + gear, and hear the shrieks and groans of his wounded; and he unable to + reply in kind! The sweat of agony poured down his face. Oh, if he could + but reach the open sea, and square his yards, and make a long chase of it; + perhaps fall in with aid. Wincing under each heavy blow, he crept + doggedly, patiently on towards that one visible hope. + </p> + <p> + At last, when the ship was choved with shot, and peppered with grape, the + channel opened; in five minutes more he could put her dead before the + wind. + </p> + <p> + No! The pirate, on whose side luck had been from the first, got half a + broadside to bear at long musket-shot, killed a midshipman by Dodd's side, + cut away two of the <i>Agra</i>'s mizen shrouds, wounded the gaff, and cut + the jib-stay. Down fell that powerful sail into the water, and dragged + across the ship's forefoot, stopping her way to the open sea she panted + for. The mates groaned; the crew cheered stoutly, as British tars do in + any great disaster: the pirates yelled with ferocious triumph, like the + devils they looked. + </p> + <p> + But most human events, even calamities, have two sides. The <i>Agra</i> + being brought almost to a standstill, the pirate forged ahead against his + will, and the combat took a new and terrible form. The elephant gun popped + and the rifle cracked in the <i>Agra's</i> mizen top, and the man at the + pirate's helm jumped into the air and fell dead: both Theorists claimed + him. Then the three carronades peppered him hotly; and he hurled an iron + shower back with fatal effect. Then at last the long eighteen-pounders on + the gun-deck got a word in. The old Niler was not the man to miss a vessel + alongside in a quiet sea: he sent two round shot clean through him; the + third splintered his bulwark and swept across his deck. + </p> + <p> + “His masts—fire at his masts!” roared Dodd to Monk, through his + trumpet. He then got the jib clear, and made what sail he could without + taking all the hands from the guns. + </p> + <p> + This kept the vessels nearly alongside a few minutes, and the fight was + hot as fire. The pirate now for the first time hoisted his flag. It was + black as ink. His crew yelled as it rose: the Britons, instead of + quailing, cheered with fierce derision; the pirate's wild crew of yellow + Malays, black chinless Papuans, and bronzed Portuguese, served their side + guns, twelve-pounders, well, and with ferocious cries. The white Britons, + drunk with battle now, naked to the waist, grimed with powder, and spotted + like leopards with blood, their and their mates', replied with loud + undaunted cheers and a deadly hail of grape from the quarter-deck; while + the master-gunner and his mates, loading with a rapidity the mixed races + opposed could not rival, hulled the schooner well between wind and water, + and then fired chain-shot at her masts, as ordered, and began to play the + mischief with her shrouds and rigging. Meantime, Fullalove and Kenealy, + aided by Vespasian, who loaded, were quietly butchering the pirate crew + two a minute, and hoped to settle the question they were fighting for: + smooth bore <i>v.</i> rifle; but unluckily neither fired once without + killing; so “there was nothing proven.” + </p> + <p> + The pirate, bold as he was, got sick of fair fighting first. He hoisted + his mainsail and threw rapidly ahead, with a slight bearing to windward, + and dismounted a carronade and stove in the ship's quarter-boat, by way of + a parting kick. + </p> + <p> + The men hurled a contemptuous cheer after him; they thought they had + beaten him off. But Dodd knew better. He was but retiring a little way to + make a more deadly attack than ever: he would soon wear, and cross the <i>Agra's</i> + defenceless bows, to rake her fore and aft at pistol-shot distance; or + grapple, and board the enfeebled ship, two hundred strong. + </p> + <p> + Dodd flew to the helm, and with his own hands put it hard a-weather, to + give the deck-guns one more chance, the last, of sinking or disabling the + Destroyer. As the ship obeyed, and a deck-gun bellowed below him, he saw a + vessel running out from Long Island, and coming swiftly up on his lee + quarter. + </p> + <p> + It was a schooner. Was she coming to his aid? + </p> + <p> + Horror! A black flag floated from her foremast head. + </p> + <p> + While Dodd's eyes were staring almost out of his head at this deathblow to + hope, Monk fired again; and just then a pale face came close to Dodd's, + and a solemn voice whispered in his ear: “Our ammunition is nearly done!” + </p> + <p> + Dodd seized Sharpe's hand convulsively, and pointed to the pirate's + consort coming up to finish them; and said, with the calm of a brave man's + despair, “Cutlasses! and die hard!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the master-gunner fired his last gun. It sent a chain-shot + on board the retiring pirate, took off a Portuguese head and spun it clean + into the sea ever so far to windward, and cut the schooner's foremast so + nearly through that it trembled and nodded, and presently snapped with a + loud crack, and came down like a broken tree, with the yard and sail; the + latter overlapping the deck and burying itself, black flag and all, in the + sea; and there, in one moment, lay the Destroyer buffeting and wriggling—like + a heron on the water with his long wings broken—an utter cripple. + </p> + <p> + The victorious crew raised a stunning cheer. + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” roared Dodd, with his trumpet. “All hands make sail!” + </p> + <p> + He set his courses, bent a new jib, and stood out to windward close + hauled, in hopes to make a good offing, and then put his ship dead before + the wind, which was now rising to a stiff breeze. In doing this he crossed + the crippled pirate's bows, within eighty yards; and sore was the + temptation to rake him; but his ammunition being short, and his danger + being imminent from the other pirate, he had the self-command to resist + the great temptation. + </p> + <p> + He hailed the mizen top: “Can you two hinder them from firing that gun?” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think we can,” said Fullalove; “eh, Colonel?” and he tapped his + long rifle. + </p> + <p> + The ship no sooner crossed the schooner's bows* than a Malay ran forward + with a linstock. Pop went the colonel's ready carbine, and the Malay fell + over dead, and the linstock flew out of his hand. A tall Portuguese, with + a movement of rage, snatched it up and darted to the gun: the Yankee rifle + cracked, but a moment too late. Bang! went the pirate's bow-chaser, and + crashed into the <i>Agra's</i> side, and passed nearly through her. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Being disabled, the schooner's head had come round to + windward, though she was drifting to leeward. +</pre> + <p> + “Ye missed him! Ye missed him!” cried the rival theorist joyfully. He was + mistaken: the smoke cleared, and there was the pirate captain leaning + wounded against the mainmast with a Yankee bullet in his shoulder, and his + crew uttering yells of dismay and vengeance. They jumped, and raged, and + brandished their knives, and made horrid gesticulations of revenge; and + the white eyeballs of the Malays and Papuans glittered fiendishly; and the + wounded captain raised his sound arm and had a signal hoisted to his + consort, and she bore up in chase, and jamming her fore lateen flat as a + board, lay far nearer the wind than the <i>Agra</i> could, and sailed + three feet to her two besides. On this superiority being made clear, the + situation of the merchant vessel, though not so utterly desperate as + before Monk fired his lucky shot, became pitiable enough. If she ran + before the wind, the fresh pirate would cut her off: if she lay to + windward, she might postpone the inevitable and fatal collision with a foe + as strong as that she had only escaped by a rare piece of luck; but this + would give the crippled pirate time to refit and unite to destroy her. Add + to this the failing ammunition and the thinned crew! + </p> + <p> + Dodd cast his eyes all round the horizon for help. + </p> + <p> + The sea was blank. + </p> + <p> + The bright sun was hidden now; drops of rain fell, and the wind was + beginning to sing, and the sea to rise a little. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said he, “let us kneel down and pray for wisdom, in this sore + strait.” + </p> + <p> + He and his officers kneeled on the quarter-deck. When they rose, Dodd + stood rapt about a minute: his great thoughtful eye saw no more the enemy, + the sea, nor anything external; it was turned inward. His officers looked + at him in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Sharpe,” said he at last, “there <i>must</i> be a way out of them both + with such a breeze as this is now; if we could but see it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, <i>if,</i>” groaned Sharpe. + </p> + <p> + Dodd mused again. + </p> + <p> + “About ship!” said he softly, like an absent man. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Steer due north!” said he, still like one whose mind was elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + While the ship was coming about, he gave minute orders to the mates and + the gunner, to ensure co-operation in the delicate and dangerous + manoeuvres that were sure to be at hand. + </p> + <p> + The wind was W.N.W: lie was standing north; one pirate lay on his lee beam + stopping a leak between wind and water, and hacking the deck clear of his + broken mast and yards. The other, fresh, and thirsting for the easy prey, + came up to weather on him and hang on his quarter, pirate fashion. + </p> + <p> + When they were distant about a cable's length, the fresh pirate, to meet + the ship's change of tactics, changed his own, luffed up, and gave the + ship a broadside, well aimed but not destructive, the guns being loaded + with ball. + </p> + <p> + Dodd, instead of replying immediately, put his helm hard up and ran under + the pirate's stern, while he was jammed up in the wind, and with his five + eighteen pounders raked him fore and aft, then paying off, gave him three + carronades crammed with grape and canister. The rapid discharge of eight + guns made the ship tremble, and enveloped her in thick smoke; loud shrieks + and groans were heard from the schooner: the smoke cleared; the pirate's + mainsail hung on deck, his jib-boom was cut off like a carrot and the sail + struggling; his foresail looked lace, lanes of dead and wounded lay still + or writhing on his deck, and his lee scuppers ran blood into the sea. Dodd + squared his yards and bore away. + </p> + <p> + The ship rushed down the wind, leaving the schooner staggered and all + abroad. But for long; the pirate wore and fired his bow chasers at the now + flying <i>Agra</i>, split one of the carronades in two, and killed a + Lascar, and made a hole in the foresail. This done, he hoisted his + mainsail again in a trice, sent his wounded below, flung his dead + overboard, to the horror of their foes, and came after the flying ship, + yawing and firing his bow chasers. The ship was silent. She had no shot to + throw away. Not only did she take these blows like a coward, but all signs + of life disappeared on her, except two men at the wheel and the captain on + the main gangway. + </p> + <p> + Dodd had ordered the crew out of the rigging, armed them with cutlasses, + and laid them flat on the forecastle. He also compelled Kenealy and + Fullalove to come down out of harm's way, no wiser on the smooth bore + question than they went up. + </p> + <p> + The great patient ship ran environed by her foes; one destroyer right in + her course, another in her wake, following her with yells of vengeance, + and pounding away at her—but no reply. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the yells of the pirates on both sides ceased, and there was a + moment of dead silence on the sea. + </p> + <p> + Yet nothing fresh had happened. + </p> + <p> + Yes, this had happened: the pirates to windward and the pirates to leeward + of the <i>Agra</i> had found out, at one and the same moment, that the + merchant captain they had lashed, and bullied, and tortured was a patient + but tremendous man. It was not only to rake the fresh schooner he had put + his ship before the wind, but also by a double, daring, masterstroke to + hurl his monster ship bodily on the other. Without a foresail she could + never get out of her way. The pirate crew had stopped the leak, and cut + away and unshipped the broken foremast, and were stepping a new one, when + they saw the huge ship bearing down in full sail. Nothing easier than to + slip out of her way could they get the foresail to draw; but the time was + short, the deadly intention manifest, the coming destruction swift. + </p> + <p> + After that solemn silence came a storm of cries and curses, as their + seamen went to work to fit the yard and raise the sail while their + fighting men seized their matchlocks and trained the guns. They were well + commanded by an heroic able villain. Astern the consort thundered; but the + <i>Agra's</i> response was a dead silence more awful than broadsides. + </p> + <p> + For then was seen with what majesty the enduring Anglo-Saxon fights. + </p> + <p> + One of that indomitable race on the gangway, one at the foremast, two at + the wheel, conned and steered the great ship down on a hundred matchlocks + and a grinning broadside, just as they would have conned and steered her + into a British harbour. + </p> + <p> + “Starboard!” said Dodd, in a deep calm voice, with a motion of his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Starboard it is.” + </p> + <p> + The pirate wriggled ahead a little. The man forward made a silent signal + to Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Port!” said Dodd quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Port it is.” + </p> + <p> + But at this critical moment the pirate astern sent a mischievous shot and + knocked one of the men to atoms at the helm. + </p> + <p> + Dodd waved his hand without a word, and another man rose from the deck, + and took his place in silence, and laid his unshaking hand on the wheel + stained with that man's warm blood whose place he took. + </p> + <p> + The high ship was now scarce sixty yards distant; <i>she seemed to know:</i> + she reared her lofty figure-head with great awful shoots into the air. + </p> + <p> + But now the panting pirates got their new foresail hoisted with a joyful + shout: it drew, the schooner gathered way, and their furious consort close + on the <i>Agra's</i> heels just then scourged her deck with grape. + </p> + <p> + “Port!” said Dodd calmly. + </p> + <p> + “Port it is.” + </p> + <p> + The giant prow darted at the escaping pirate. That acre of coming canvas + took the wind out of the swift schooner's foresail; it flapped: oh, then + she was doomed! That awful moment parted the races on board her: the + Papuans and Sooloos, their black faces livid and blue with horror, leaped + yelling into the sea, or crouched and whimpered; the yellow Malays and + brown Portuguese, though blanched to one colour now, turned on death like + dying panthers, fired two cannon slap into the ship's bows, and snapped + their muskets and matchlocks at their solitary executioner on the ship's + gangway, and out flew their knives like crushed wasp's stings. CRASH! the + Indiaman's cutwater in thick smoke beat in the schooner's broadside: down + went her masts to leeward like fishing-rods whipping the water; there was + a horrible shrieking yell; wild forms heaped off on the <i>Agra</i>, and + were hacked to pieces almost ere they reached the deck—a surge, a + chasm in the sea, filled with an instant rush of engulphing waves, a long, + awful, grating, grinding noise, never to be forgotten in this world, all + along under the ship's keel—and the fearful majestic monster passed + on over the blank she had made, with a pale crew standing silent and + awestruck on her deck; a cluster of wild heads and staring eyeballs + bobbing like corks in her foaming wake, sole relic of the blotted-out + Destroyer: and a wounded man staggering on the gangway, with hands + uplifted and staring eyes. + </p> + <p> + Shot in two places, the head and the breast! + </p> + <p> + With a loud cry of pity and dismay, Sharpe, Fullalove, Kenealy, and others + rushed to catch him; but ere they got near, the captain of the triumphant + ship fell down on his hands and knees, his head sunk over the gangway, and + his blood ran fast and pattered in the midst of them on the deck he had + defended so bravely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + THEY got to the wounded captain and raised him: he revived a little; and, + the moment he caught sight of Mr. Sharpe, he clutched him, and cried, + “Stunsels!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, captain,” said Sharpe, “let the ship go; it is you we are anxious for + now.” + </p> + <p> + At this Dodd lifted up his hands and beat the air impatiently, and cried + again in the thin, querulous voice of' a wounded man, but eagerly, + “STUNSELS! STUNSELS!” + </p> + <p> + On this, Sharpe gave the command. + </p> + <p> + “Make sail. All hands set stunsels 'low and aloft!” + </p> + <p> + While the unwounded hands swarmed into the rigging, the surgeon came aft + in all haste; but Dodd declined him till all his men should have been + looked to: meantime he had himself carried to the poop and laid on a + mattress, his bleeding head bound tight with a wet cambric handkerchief, + and his pale face turned towards the hostile schooner astern. She had to + hove to, and was picking up the survivors of her blotted-out consort. The + group on the <i>Agra's</i> quarter-deck watched her to see what she would + do next; flushed with immediate success, the younger officers crowed their + fears she would not be game to attack them again. Dodd's fears ran the + other way: he said, in the weak voice to which he was now reduced, “They + are taking a wet blanket aboard; that crew of blackguards we swamped won't + want any more of us: it all depends on the pirate captain: if he is not + drowned, then blow wind, rise sea, or there's trouble ahead for us.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the schooner had picked up the last swimmer, she hoisted + foresail, mainsail, and jib with admirable rapidity, and bore down in + chase. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Agra</i> had, meantime, got a start of more than a mile, and was + now running before a stiff breeze with studding sails alow and aloft. + </p> + <p> + In an hour the vessels ran nearly twelve miles, and the pirate had gained + half a mile. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the next hour they were out of sight of land, wind and sea + rising, and the pirate only a quarter of a mile astern. + </p> + <p> + The schooner was now rising and falling on the waves; the ship only + nodding, and firm as a rock. + </p> + <p> + “Blow wind, rise sea!” faltered Dodd. + </p> + <p> + Another half-hour passed without perceptibly altering the position of the + vessels. Then suddenly the wounded captain laid aside his glass, after a + long examination, and rose unaided to his feet in great excitement, and + found his manly voice for a moment: he shook his fist at the now pitching + schooner and roared, “Good-bye! ye Portuguese lubber—outfought—outmanoeuvred—AND + OUTSAILED!” + </p> + <p> + It was a burst of exultation rare for him; he paid for it by sinking faint + and helpless into his friend's arms; and the surgeon, returning soon + after, insisted on his being taken to his cabin and kept quite quiet. + </p> + <p> + As they were carrying him below, the pirate captain made the same + discovery, that the ship was gaining on him: he hauled to the wind + directly and abandoned the chase. + </p> + <p> + When the now receding pirate was nearly hull down, the sun began to set. + Mr. Tickell looked at him and said, “Hallo! old fellow, what are <i>you</i> + about? Why, it isn't two o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + The remark was quite honest: he really feared, for a moment, that orb was + mistaken and would get himself—and others—into trouble. + However, the middy proved to be wrong, and the sun right to a minute: Time + flies fast fighting. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford came on deck with brat and poodle: Fred, a destructive + child, clapped his hands with glee at the holes in the canvas: Snap + toddled about smelling the blood of the slain, and wagging his tail by + halves, perplexed. “Well, gentlemen,” said Mrs. Beresford, “I hope you + have made noise enough over one's head: and what a time you did take to + beat that little bit of a thing. Freddy, be quiet; you worry me; where is + your bearer? Will anybody oblige me by finding Ramgolam?” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Mr. Tickell hastily, and ran off for the purpose; but he + returned after some time with a long face. No Ramgolam to be found. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove referred her—with humour-twinkling eye—to Vespasian. + “I have a friend here who says he can tell you something about him.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you, my good man?” inquired the lady, turning haughtily towards the + negro. + </p> + <p> + “Iss, Missy,” said Vespasian, showing his white teeth in a broad grin, + “dis child knows where to find dat ar niggar, widout him been and + absquatulated since.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go and fetch him directly.” + </p> + <p> + Vespasian went off with an obedient start. + </p> + <p> + This annoyed Fullalove; interfered with his system: “Madam,” said he + gravely, “would you oblige me by bestowing on my friend a portion of that + courtesy with which you favour me, and which becomes you so gracefully?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied Mrs. Beresford. “Mr. Fullalove, I am out of + patience with you: the idea of a sensible intelligent gentleman like you + calling that creature your friend! And you an American, where they do + nothing but whip them from morning till night. Who ever heard of making + friends with a black?—Now what is the meaning of this? I detest + practical jokes.” For the stalwart negro had returned, bringing a tall + bread-bag in his arms: he now set it up before her, remarking, “Dis yar + bag white outside, but him 'nation black inside.” To confirm his words, he + drew off the bag, and revealed Ramgolam, his black skin powdered with + meal. The good-natured negro then blew the flour off his face, and dusted + him a bit: the spectators laughed heartily, but Ramgolam never moved a + muscle: not a morsel discomposed at what would have made an European + miserably ashamed, even in a pantomime—the Caucasian darkie retained + all his dignity while the African one dusted him; but, being dusted, he + put on his obsequiousness, stepped forward, joined his palms together to + Mrs. Beresford—like medieval knights and modern children at their + devotions—and addressed her thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Daughter of light, he who basks in your beams said to himself, 'The + pirates are upon us, those children of blood, whom Sheitan their master + blast for ever! They will ravish the Queen of Sunshine and the ayahs, and + throw the sahibs and sailors into the sea; but, bread being the staff of + existence, these foxes of the water will not harm it, but keep it for + their lawless appetites; therefore Ramgolam, son of Chittroo, son of + Soonarayan, will put the finger of silence on the lip of discretion, and + be bread in the day of adversity: the sons of Sheitan will peradventure + return to dry land and close the eye of watchfulness; then will I emerge + like the sun from a cloud, and depart in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well,” said Mrs. Beresford; “then you are an abominable egotist, + that is all, and a coward: and thank Heaven Freddy and I were defended by + English and Americans, and—hem!—their friends, and not by + Hindoos.” She added charmingly, “This shows me my first words on coming + here ought to have been to offer my warmest thanks to the brave men who + have defended me and my child;” and swept them so queenly a curtesy, that + the men's hats and caps flew off in an instant “Mr. Black,” said she, + turning with a voice of honey to Vespasian, but aiming obliquely at + Fullalove's heart, <i>“would</i> you oblige me by kicking that dog a <i>little:</i> + he is always smelling what does not belong to him—why, it is blood; + oh!” and she turned pale in a moment. + </p> + <p> + Sharpe thought some excuse necessary. “You see, ma'am, we haven't had time + to clean the decks since.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the blood of men—of the poor fellows who have defended us so + nobly,” faltered the lady, trembling visibly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am,” said Sharpe, still half apologetically, “you know a ship + can't fight all day long without an accident or two.” He added, with + nautical simplicity and love of cleanliness, “However, the deck will be + cleaned and holy-stoned to-morrow, long before you turn out.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford was too much overcome to explain how much deeper her + emotion was than a dislike to stained floors. She turned faint, and on + getting the better of that, went down to her cabin crying. Thence issued a + royal order that the wounded were to have wine and every luxury they could + fancy, without limit or stint—at her expense. + </p> + <p> + The next day a deep gloom reigned in the ship; the crew were ranged in + their Sunday clothes and bare-headed; a grating was rigged; Sharpe read + the burial service; and the dead, each man sewed up in his hammock with a + 32-lb. shot, glided off the grating into the sea with a sullen plunge; + while their shipmates cried so that the tears dripped on the deck. + </p> + <p> + With these regrets for the slain, too violent to last, was mingled a + gloomy fear that Death had a heavier blow in store. The surgeon's report + of Captain Dodd was most alarming; he had become delirious about midnight, + and so continued. + </p> + <p> + Sharpe commanded the ship; and the rough sailors stepped like cats over + that part of the deck beneath which their unconscious captain lay. If two + men met on the quarter-deck, a look of anxious, but not hopeful, inquiry + was sure to pass between them. + </p> + <p> + Among the constant inquirers was Ramgolam. The grave Hindoo often waylaid + the surgeon at the captain's door, to get the first intelligence This + marked sympathy with a hero in extremity was hardly expected from a sage + who at the first note of war's trumpet had vanished in a meal-bag. + However, it went down to his credit. One person, however, took a dark view + of this innocent circumstance But then that hostile critic was Vespasian, + a rival in matters of tint. He exploded in one of those droll rages + darkies seem liable to: “Massa cunnel,” said he, “what for dat yar niggar + always prowling about the capn's door? What for he ask so many stupid + questions? Dat ole fox arter no good: him heart so black as um skin: dam + ole niggar!” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove suggested slily that a person with a dark skin might have a + grateful heart: and the colonel, who dealt little in innuendo, said, + “Come, don't you be so hard on jet, you ebony!” + </p> + <p> + “Bery well, gemmen,” replied Vespasian ceremoniously, and with seeming + acquiescence. Then, with sudden ire, “Because Goramighty made you white, + you tink you bery wise without any more trouble. Dat ar niggar am an + abominable egotisk.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray what does that mean?” inquired Kenealy innocently. + </p> + <p> + “What him mean? what him mean? Yah! yah!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. What does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + “What him mean? Yah! What didn't you hear Missy Besford miscall him an + abominable egotisk?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Fullalove, winking to Kenealy; “but we don't know what it + means. Do you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Iss, sar. Dat ar expression he signify a darned old cuss dat says to dis + child, 'My lord Vespasium, take benevolence on your insidious slave, and + invest me in a bread-bag,' instead of fighting for de ladies like a + freenindependum citizen. Now you two go fast asleep; dis child lie shut + one eye and open de oder bery wide open on dat ar niggar.” And with this + mysterious threat he stalked away. + </p> + <p> + His contempt for a black skin, his ebullitions of unexpected ire, his + turgid pomposity, and love of long terms, may make the reader smile; but + they could hardly amuse his friends just then; everything that touched + upon Dodd was too serious now. The surgeon sat up with him nearly all + night: in the daytime those two friends sat for hours in his cabin, + watching sadly, and silently moistening his burning brow and his parched + lips. + </p> + <p> + At length, one afternoon, there came a crisis, which took an unfavourable + turn. Then the surgeon, speaking confidentially to these two staunch + friends, inquired if they had asked themselves what should be done with + the body? “Why I ask,” said he, “is because we are in a very hot latitude; + and if you wish to convey it to Barkington, the measures ought to be taken + in time: in fact, within an hour or two after death.” + </p> + <p> + The poor friends were shocked and sickened by this horrible piece of + foresight. But Colonel Kenealy said, with tears, in his eyes, that his old + friend should never be buried like a kitten. + </p> + <p> + “Then you had better ask Sharpe to give me an order for a barrel of + spirits,” said the surgeon. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, for two if you like. Oh, don't die, Dodd, my poor old fellow. + How shall I ever face his wife—I remember her, the loveliest girl + you ever saw—with such a tale as this? She will think it a cruel + thing I should come out of it without a scratch, and a ten times better + man to be dead: and so it is; it is cruel, it is unjust, it is monstrous; + him to be lying there, and we muffs to be sitting croaking over him and + watching for his last breath like three cursed old ravens.” And the stout + colonel groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + When the surgeon left them, they fell naturally upon another topic, the + pledge they had given Dodd about the L. 14,000. They ascertained it was + upon him, next his skin; but it seemed as unnecessary as it was repugnant + to remove it from his living person. They agreed, however, that instantly + on his decease they would take possession of it, note the particulars, + seal it up, and carry it to Mrs. Dodd, with such comfort as they could + hope to give her by relating the gallant act in which his precious life + was lost. + </p> + <p> + At 9 P.M. the surgeon took his place by Dodd's bedside; and the pair, whom + one thing after another had drawn so close together, retired to Kenealy's + cabin. + </p> + <p> + Many a merry chat they had had there, and many a gaseonade, being rival + hunters; but now they were together for physical companionship in sorrow + rather than for conversation. They smoked their cigars in moody silence, + and at midnight shook hands with a sigh and parted. That sigh meant to say + that in the morning all would be over. + </p> + <p> + They turned in; but, ere either of them was asleep, suddenly the captain's + cabin seemed to fill with roars and shrieks of wild beasts, that made the + whole ship ring in the silent night The savage cries were answered on deck + by shouts of dismay and many pattering feet making for the companion + ladder; but the nearest persons to the cabin, and the first to reach it, + were Kenealy and Fullalove, who burst in, the former with a drawn sword, + the latter with a revolver, both in their nightgowns; and there saw a + sight that took their breath away. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon was not there; and two black men, one with a knife, and one + with his bare claws, were fighting and struggling and trampling all over + the cabin at once, and the dying man sitting up in his cot, pale, and + glaring at them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + THE two supple dusky forms went whirling so fast, there was no grasping + them to part them. But presently the negro seized the Hindoo by the + throat; the Hindoo just pricked him in the arm with his knife, and the + next moment his own head was driven against the side of the cabin with a + stunning crack, and there he was, pinned, and wriggling, and bluish with + fright, whereas the other swart face close against his was dark-grey with + rage, and its two fireballs of eyes rolled fearfully, as none but African + eyes can roll. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove pacified him by voice and touch; he withdrew his iron grasp with + sullen and lingering reluctance, and glared like a disappointed mastiff: + The cabin was now full, and Sharpe was for putting both the blacks in + irons. No splitter of hairs was he. But Fullalove suggested there might be + a moral distinction between things that looked equally dark to the eye. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, speak quick, both of you,” said Sharpe, “or I'll lay ye both + by the heels. Ye black scoundrels, what business have you in the captain's + cabin, kicking up the devil's delight?” + </p> + <p> + Thus threatened, Vespasian panted out his tale; he had discovered this + nigger, as he persisted in calling the Hindoo, eternally prowling about + the good captain's door, and asking stupid questions: he had watched him, + and, on the surgeon coming out with the good news that the captain was + better, in had crawled “this yar abominable egotisk.” And he raised a + ponderous fist to point the polysyllables: with this aid the sarcasm would + doubtless have been crushing; but Fullalove hung on the sable orator's + arm, and told him drily to try and speak without gesticulating. “The + darned old cuss,” said Vespasian, with a pathetic sigh at not being let + hit him. He resumed and told how he had followed the Hindoo stealthily, + and found him with a knife uplifted over the captain—a tremor ran + through all present—robbing him. At this a loud murmur filled the + room; a very ugly one, the sort of snarl with which dogs fly at dogs' + throats with their teeth, and men fly at men's throats with a cord. + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet,” said Sharpe imperiously. “I'll have no lynching in a vessel I + command. Now then, you, sir, how do you know he was robbing the captain?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know! Yah! yah! Cap'n, if you please you tell dis unskeptical + gemman whether you don't miss a lilly book out of your bosom!” + </p> + <p> + During this extraordinary scene, Dodd had been looking from one speaker to + another in great surprise and some confusion; but at the negro's direct + appeal, his hand went to his breast and clutched it with a feeble but + heartrending cry. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, him not gone far. Yah! yah!” and Vespasian stooped, and took up an + oilskin packet off the floor, and laid it on the bed. “Dis child seen him + in dat ar niggar's hand, and heard him go whack on de floor.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd hurried the packet into his bosom, then turned all gratitude to his + sable friend: “Now God bless you! God bless you! Give me your honest hand! + You don't know what you have done for me and mine.” + </p> + <p> + And, sick as he was, he wrung Vespasian's hand with convulsive strength, + and would not part with it. Vespasian patted him soothingly all over, and + whimpered out: “Nebber you mind, cap'n! You bery good man: this child bery + fond of you a long time ago. You bery good man, outrageous good man! dam + good man! I propose your health: invalesee directly!” + </p> + <p> + While Dodd was speaking, the others were silent out of respect; but now + Sharpe broke in, and, with the national desire to hear both sides, called + on Ramgolam for his version. The Hindoo was now standing with his arms + crossed on his breast, looking all the martyr, meek and dignified. He + inquired of Sharpe, in very broken English, whether he spoke Hindostanee. + </p> + <p> + “Not I: nor don't act it neither,” said Sharpe. + </p> + <p> + At this confession Ramgolam looked down on him with pity and mild + contempt. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tickell was put forward as interpreter. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam (in Hindostanee).</i> He whom Destiny, too strong for mortals, + now oppresses with iron hand and feeds with the bread of affliction—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Mr. Tickell (translating).</i> He who by bad luck has got into trouble—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> Has long observed the virtues that embellish the + commander of this ship resembling a mountain, and desired to imitate them—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Tickell.</i> Saw what a good man the captain is, and wanted to be like + him—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Vespasian.</i> The darned old cuss. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> Seeing him often convey his hand to his bosom, I ascribed + his unparalleled excellence to the possession of some sovereign talisman. + (Tickell managed to translate this sentence all but the word talisman, + which he rendered—with all a translator's caution—“article.”) + Finding him about to depart to the regions of the blessed, where such + auxiliaries are not needed, and being eager to emulate his perfections + here below, I came softly to the place where he lay—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Tickell.</i> When I saw him going to slip his cable, I wanted to be as + good a fellow as he is, so I crept alongside—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> And gently, and without force, made myself proprietor of + the amulet and inheritor of a good man's qualities—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Tickell.</i> And quietly boned the article, and the captain's virtues. + I don't know what the beggar means. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> Then a traitor with a dark skin, but darker soul—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Tickell.</i> Then another black-hearted nigger—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> Came furiously and misappropriated the charm thus piously + obtained—— + </p> + <p> + <i>Tickell.</i> Ran in and stole it from me. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ramgolam.</i> And bereft me of the excellences I was inheriting: and— + </p> + <p> + Here Sharpe interrupted the dialogue by putting the misappropriator of + other men's virtues in irons, and the surgeon insisted on the cabin being + cleared. But Dodd would not part with the three friends yet; he begged + them to watch him, and see nobody else came to take his children's + fortune. + </p> + <p> + “I'll sink or swim with it; but oh! I doubt we shall have no luck while it + is aboard me. I never had a pirate alongside before, in all these years. + What is this?—here's something in it now—something hard—something + heavy: and—why, it's a bullet!” + </p> + <p> + On this announcement, an eager inspection took place: and, sure enough, a + bullet had passed through Dodd's coat and waistcoat, &c., and through + the oilskin and the leather pocketbook, and just dented the “Hard Cash;” + no more. + </p> + <p> + There was a shower of comments and congratulations. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this discovery on the sick man's spirits was remarkable. “I + was a villain to belie it,” said he. “It is my wife's and my children's, + and it has saved my life for them.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed it and placed it in his bosom, and soon after sunk into a + peaceful slumber. The excitement had not the ill effect the surgeon + feared: it somewhat exhausted him, and he slept long; but on awakening, + was pronounced out of danger. To tell the truth, the tide had turned in + his favour overnight, and it was to convey the good news on deck the + surgeon had left him. + </p> + <p> + While Dodd was recovering, the <i>Agra</i> was beating westward with light + but contrary winds, and a good month elapsed without any incident + affecting the Hard Cash, whose singular adventures I have to record. In + this dearth, please put up with a little characteristic trifle, which did + happen one moonlight night. Mr. Fullalove lay coiled below decks in deep + abstraction meditating a patent; and being in shadow and silent, he saw + Vespasian in the moonlight creeping on all fours like a guilty thing into + the bedroom of Colonel Kenealy, then fast asleep. A horrible suspicion + thrilled through Fullalove: a suspicion he waited grimly to verify. + </p> + <p> + The transatlantic Mixture, Fullalove, was not merely an inventor, a + philanthrope, a warrior, a preacher, a hunter, a swimmer, a fiddler, a + sharp fellow, a good fellow, a Puritan, and a Bohemian; he was also a + Theorist: and his Theory, which dub we + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE AFRICAN THEORY, +</pre> + <p> + had two branches. 1. That the races of men started equal; but accident + upon accident had walked some tribes up a ladder of civilisation, and + kicked others down it, and left others, standing at the foot. + </p> + <p> + 2. That the good work of centuries could be done, at a pinch, in a few + generations, by artificial condensation of the favourable circumstances. + For instance, secure this worker in Ebony 150 years' life, and he would + sign a penal bond to produce Negroes of the fourth descent equal in mind + to the best contemporary white. “You can breed Brains,” said he, “under + any skin, as inevitably as Fat. It takes time and the right crosses; but + so does Fat—or rather it did; for Fat is an institution now.” And + here our Republican must have a slap at thrones. “Compare,” said he, “the + opportunities of these distinguished Gentlemen and Ladies with their acts. + Their seats have been high, but their minds low, I swan. They have been + breeders for ages, and known the two rudiments of the science; have + crossed and crossed for grenadiers, racehorses, poultry, and + prize-bullocks; and bred in and in for fools; but which of them has ever + aspired to breed a Newton, a Pascal, a Shakespeare, a Solon, a Raphael? + Yet all these were results to be obtained by the right crosses, as surely + as a swift horse or a circular sow. Now fancy breeding shorthorns when you + might breed long heads.” So Vespasian was to engender Young Africa; he was + to be first elevated morally and intellectually as high as he would go, + and then set to breed; his partner, of course, to be elected by Fullalove, + and educated as high as she would consent to without an illicit connection + with the Experimentalist. He would be down on their Pickaninnies before + the parents could transfer the remnant of their own weaknesses to them, + polysyllables included, and would polish these ebony chips; and at the + next cross reckoned to rear a genius, by which time, as near as he could + calculate, he the Theorist would be in his dotage: and all the better; + make a curious contrast in favour of Young Africa. + </p> + <p> + Vespasian could not hit a barn door sitting—with a rifle! it was + purely with a view to his moral improvement mind you, that Fullalove + invited him into the mizentop to fight the pirate. The Patient came + gingerly and shivered there with fear. But five minutes elapsing, and he + not killed, that weakness gave way to a jocund recklessness; and he kept + them all gay with his quaint remarks, of which I must record but one. When + they crossed the stern of the pirate, the distance was so small that the + faces of that motley crew were plainly visible. Now, Vespasian was a + merciless critic of coloured skins. “Wal,” said he, turning up his nose + sky-high, “dis child never seen such a mixallaneous biling 'o darkies as + this yar; why darned ef there ain't every colour in the rainbow, from the + ace of spades, down to the fine dissolving views.” This amazing + description, coupled with his look of affront and disgust, made the white + men roar; for men fighting for their lives have a greater tendency to + laugh than one would think possible. Fullalove was proud of the critic, + and for a while lost sight of the pirate in his theory; which also may + seem strange. But your true theorist is a man apart: he can withdraw into + himself under difficulties. What said one of the breed two thousand years + ago? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Media inter praelia semper + Sideribus coelique plagis Superisque vacavi.” + </pre> + <p> + “Oh, the great African heart!” said Fullalove after the battle. “By my + side he fears no danger. Of all men, negroes are the most capable of + friendship; their affection is a mine: and we have only worked it with the + lash; and that is a ridiculous mining tool, I rather think.” + </p> + <p> + When Vespasian came out so strong <i>versus</i> Ramgolam, Fullalove was + even more triumphant: for after all it is not so much the heart as the + intelligence of the negro we albiculi affect to doubt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the great African intellect!” said Fullalove publicly, taking the + bull by the horns. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Mrs. Beresford maliciously; “it is down in the maps as the + great African Desert.” + </p> + <p> + To balance his many excellences Vespasian had an infirmity. This was an + ungovernable itch for brushing whites. If he was talking with one of that + always admired, and now beloved, race, and saw a speck of dirt on him, he + would brush him unobtrusively, but effectually, in full dialogue: he would + steal behind a knot of whites and brush whoever needed it, however little. + Fullalove remonstrated, but in vain; on this one point Instinct would not + yield to Reason. He could not keep his hands off a dusty white. He would + have died of the Miller of Dee. But the worst was he did not stop at + clothes; he loathed ill-blacked shoes. Woe to all foot-leather that did + not shine; his own skin furnished a perilous standard of comparison. He + was eternally blacking boots <i>en amateur.</i> Fullalove got in a rage at + this, and insisted on his letting his fellow-creatures' leather alone. + Vespasian pleaded hard, especially for leave to black Colonel Kenealy. + “The cunnell,” said he pathetically, “is such a tarnation fine gentleman + spoilt for want of a lilly bit of blacking.” Fullalove replied that the + colonel had got a servant whose mission it was to black his shoes. This + simply amused Vespasian. “A servant?” said he. “Yah! yah! What is the use + of white servants? They are not biddable. Massa Fullalove, sar, Goramighty + he reared all white men to kick up a dust, white servants inspecially, and + the darkies to brush 'em; and likewise additionally to make their boots + she a lilly bit.” He concluded with a dark hint that the colonel's white + servant's own shoes, though better blacked than his master's, were + anything but mirrors, and that this child had his eye on them. + </p> + <p> + The black desperado emerged on tiptoe from Kenealy's cabin, just as + Macbeth does from the murdered Duncan's chamber: only with a pair of boots + in his hand instead of a pair of daggers; got into the moonlight, and + finding himself uninterrupted, assumed the whistle of innocence, and + polished them to the nine, chuckling audibly. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove watched him with an eye like a rattlesnake, but kept quiet. He + saw interference would only demoralise him worse: for it is more ignoble + to black boots clandestinely, than bravely; men ditto. + </p> + <p> + He relieved his heart with idioms. “Darn the critter, he's fixed my flint + eternally. Now I cave. I swan to man. I may just hang up my fiddle; for + this darkie's too hard a row to hoe.” + </p> + <p> + It was but a momentary dejection. The Mixture was <i>(inter alia)</i> a + Theorist and an Anglo-Saxon; two indomitables. He concluded to temporise + with the Brush, and breed it out. + </p> + <p> + “I'm bound to cross the obsequious cuss with the catawamptiousest gal in + Guinea, and one that never saw a blacking bottle, not even in a dream.” <i>Majora + canamus.</i> + </p> + <p> + Being now about a hundred miles south of the Mauritius, in fine weather + with a light breeze, Dodd's marine barometer began to fall steadily; and + by the afternoon the declension had become so remarkable, that he felt + uneasy, and, somewhat to the surprise of the crew,—for there was now + scarce a breath of air,—furled his slight sails, treble reefed his + topsails, had his top-gallant and royal yards and gaff topsail bent on + deck, got his flying jib-boom in, &c., and made the ship snug. + </p> + <p> + Kenealy asked him what was the matter? + </p> + <p> + “Barometer going down; moon at the full; and Jonah aboard,” was the reply, + uttered doggedly. + </p> + <p> + Kenealy assured him it was a beautiful evening, precursor of a fine day. + “See how red the sunset is. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Evening red and morning grey + Are the sure signs of a fine day.'” + </pre> + <p> + Dodd looked, and shook his head. The sun was red, but the wrong red: an + angry red: and, as he dipped into the wave, discharged a lurid coppery hue + that rushed in a moment like an embodied menace over the entire heavens. + The wind ceased altogether: and in the middle of an unnatural and + suspicious calm the glass went down, down, down. + </p> + <p> + The moon rose, and instantly all eyes were bent on her with suspicion; for + in this latitude the hurricanes generally come at the full moon. She was + tolerably clear, however; but a light scud sailing across her disc showed + there was wind in the upper regions. + </p> + <p> + Dodd trusted to science; barred the lee-ports, and had the dead lights put + into the stem cabin and secured: then turned in for an hour's sleep. + </p> + <p> + Science proved a prophet. Just at seven bells, in one moment like a + thunderbolt from the sky, a heavy squall struck the ship. Under a less + careful captain her lee-ports would have been open, and she might have + gone to the bottom like a bullet. + </p> + <p> + “Let go the main sheet!” roared Sharpe hastily to a hand he had placed + there on purpose. He let go, and there was the sail flapping like thunder, + and the sheet lashing everything in the most dangerous way. Dodd was on + deck in a moment “Helm hard up! Hands shorten sail!” + </p> + <p> + (Pipe.) “All hands furl sail, ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + Up tumbled the crew, went cheerily to work, and by three bells in the + middle watch had hauled up what was left of the shivered mainsail, and + hove the ship to under close-reefed main topsail and storm stay-sails; and + so the voyage was suspended. + </p> + <p> + A heavy sea got up under a scourging wind, that rose and rose, till the <i>Agra</i>, + under the pressure of that single sail treble reefed, heeled over so as to + dip her lee channels. This went on till the waves rolled so high, and the + squalls were so bitter, that sheets of water were actually torn off their + crests and launched incessantly on deck, not only drenching Dodd and his + officers, which they did not mind, but threatening to flood the ship. + </p> + <p> + Dodd battened down the hatches and stopped that game. + </p> + <p> + Then came a danger no skill could avert: the ship lurched so violently + now, as not merely to clip, but bury, her lower deck port-pendents: and so + a good deal of water found ingress through the windage. Then Dodd set a + gang to the pumps: for, he said, “We can hardly hope to weather this out + without shipping a sea: and I won't have water coming in upon water.” + </p> + <p> + And now the wind, raging and roaring like discharges of artillery, and not + like wind as known in our seas, seemed to have put out all the lights of + heaven. The sky was inky black, and quite close to their heads: and the + wind still increasing, the vessel came down to her extreme bearings, and + it was plain she would soon be on her beam ends. Sharpe and Dodd met, and + holding on by the life-lines, applied their speaking trumpets tight to + each other's ears; and even then they had to bawl. + </p> + <p> + “She can't carry a rag much longer.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; not half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Can we furl that main taupsle?” + </p> + <p> + Sharpe shook his head. “The first moment we start a sheet, the sail will + whip the mast out of her.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right Well, then, I'll cut it away.” + </p> + <p> + “Volunteers, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, twelve: no more. Send them to my cabin.” + </p> + <p> + Sharpe's difficulty was to keep the men back, so eager were the fine + fellows to risk their lives. However, he brought twelve to the cabin, + headed by Mr. Grey, who had a right, as captain of the watch, to go with + them; on which right he insisted, in spite of Dodd's earnest request that + he would forego it. When Dodd saw his resolution, he dropped the friend + and resumed the captain; and spoke to them through a trumpet; the first + time he had ever used one in a cabin, or seen one used. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Grey and men, going aloft to save the mainmast by cutting the sail + away.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Service of danger, great danger!” + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + “But great dangers can be made smaller by working the right way. Attend! + Lay out all on the yard, and take your time from one man at the lee + yard-arm: don't know who that will be; but one of the smartest men in the + ship. Order to <i>him</i> is: hold his knife hand well up; rest to see! + and then in knives altogether: mind and cut from you, and below the reef + band; and then I hope to see all come down alive.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grey and his twelve men left the cabin: and hey! for the main top. The + men let the officer lead them as far as Jacob's ladder, and then hurrah + for the lee yard-arm! That was where all wanted to be, and but one could + be. Grey was as anxious as the rest; but officers of his rank seldom go + aloft, and soon fall out of their catlike habits. He had done about six + ratlines, when, instead of going hand over head, he spread his arms to + seize a shroud on each side of him: by this he weakened his leverage, and + the wind just then came fiercer, caught him, and flattened him against the + rigging as tight as if Nature had caught up a mountain for a hammer and + nailed him with a cedar; he was spread-eagled. The men accepted him at + once as a new patent ratline with a fine resisting power: they went up + him, and bounded three ordinary ratlines at a go off all his promontories, + especially his shoulders and his head, receiving his compliments in the + shape of hearty curses. They gained the top and lay out on the yard with + their hair flying like streamers: and who got the place of honour but + Thompson, the jolly fore-topman who couldn't stand smoked pea-soup. So + strong and so weak are men. + </p> + <p> + Thompson raised his knife high; there was a pause: then in went all their + knives, and away went the sail into the night of the storm, and soon + seemed a sheet of writing-paper, and more likely to hit the sky than the + sea. The men came down, picked their officer off the rigging, had a dram + in the captain's cabin, and saw him enter their names in the log-book for + good service, and in the purser's for extra grog on Sundays from there to + Gravesend. + </p> + <p> + The ship was relieved; and all looked well till the chronometer, their + only guide now, announced sunset: when the wind, incredible as it may + appear, increased, and one frightful squall dipped the muzzles of the lee + carronades in the water. + </p> + <p> + Then was heard the first cry of distress: an appalling sound; the wail of + brave men. And they had borne it all so bravely, so cheerfully, till now. + But now they knew something must go, or else the ship; the suspense was + awful, but very short. Crack! crash! the fore and main topmast both gone + short off by the caps; and the ship recovered slowly, hesitatingly, + tremblingly. + </p> + <p> + Relieving her from one danger, this subjected her to another and a + terrible one. The heavy spars that had fallen, unable to break loose from + the rigging, pounded the ship so savagely as to threaten to stave in her + side. Add to this that, with labouring so long and severely, some of the + ship's seams began now to open and shut and discharge the oakum, which is + terrible to the bravest seamen. Yet neither this stout captain nor his + crew shirked any danger men had ever grappled with since men were. Dodd + ordered them to cut away the wreck to leeward; it was done: then to + windward; this, the more ticklish operation, was also done smartly: the + wreck passed under the ship's quarter, and she drifted clear of it They + breathed again. + </p> + <p> + At eight bells in the first watch it began to thunder and lighten + furiously; but the thunder, though close, was quite inaudible in the + tremendous uproar of the wind and sea. It blew a hurricane: there were no + more squalls now; but one continuous tornado, which in its passage through + that great gaunt skeleton, the ship's rigging and bare poles, howled and + yelled and roared so terrifically, as would have silenced a salvo of + artillery fired alongside. The overwhelming sea ran in dark watery + mountains crested with devilish fire. The inky blackness added + supernatural horror; the wrath of the Almighty seemed upon them; and His + hand to drop the black sky down on them for their funeral pall. Surely + Noah from his ark saw nothing more terrible. + </p> + <p> + What is that? Close on the lee bow: chose: the flash of a gun, another; + another; another. A ship in distress firing minute-guns in their ears; yet + no sound: human thunder silenced, as God's thunder was silenced, by the + uproar of His greater creatures in their mad rage. The <i>Agra</i> fired + two minute-guns to let the other poor ship know she had a companion in her + helplessness and her distress, and probably a companion in her fate. Even + this companionship added its mite of danger: for both ships were mere + playthings of the elements; they might be tossed together; and then, what + would be their fate? Two eggs clashed together in a great boiling caldron, + and all the life spilt out. + </p> + <p> + Yet did each flash shoot a ray of humanity and sympathy into the thick + black supernatural horror. + </p> + <p> + And now came calamity upon calamity. A tremendous sea broke the tiller at + the rudder-head, and not only was the ship in danger of falling off and + shipping the sea, but the rudder hammered her awfully, and bade fair to + stave in her counter, which is another word for Destruction. Thus death + came at them with two hands open at once. + </p> + <p> + These vessels always carry a spare tiller: they tried to ship it; but the + difficulty was prodigious. No light but the miserable deck-lantern—one + glowworm in Egypt supernaturally darkened—the <i>Agra</i> never on + an even keel, and heeling over like a seesaw more than a ship; and then + every time they did place the tiller, and get the strain on with their + luff tackles, the awful sea gave it a blow and knocked it away like a + hair. + </p> + <p> + At last they hit it off, or thought they had, for the ponderous thumps of + the rudder ceased entirely. However, the ship did not obey this new tiller + like the old one: her head fell off in an unlucky moment when seven waves + were rolling in one, and, on coming to the windward again, she shipped a + sea. It came in over her bow transversely; broke as high as the mainstay, + and hid and buried the whole ship before the mast; carried away the waist + bulwarks on both sides, filled the launch, and drowned the live stock + which were in it; swept four water-butts and three men away into the sea, + like corks and straws; and sent tons of water down the forescuttle and + main hatchway, which was partly opened, not to stifle the crew, and + flooded the gun-deck ankle-deep. + </p> + <p> + Dodd, who was in his cabin, sent the whole crew to the pumps, except the + men at the wheel, and prepared for the worst. + </p> + <p> + In men so brave as he was, when Hope dies Fear dies. His chief care now + was to separate the fate of those he loved from his own. He took a bottle, + inserted the fatal money in it with a few words of love to his wife, and + of direction to any stranger that should fall in with it; secured the cork + with melted sealing-wax, tied oilskin over it and melted wax on that; + applied a preparation to the glass to close the pores; and to protect it + against other accidents, and attract attention, fastened a black painted + bladder to it by a stout tarred twine, and painted <i>“Agra</i>, lost at + sea,” in white on the bladder. He had logged each main incident of the + storm with that curt business-like accuracy which reads so cold and small + a record of these great and terrible tragedies. He now made a final entry + a little more in character with the situation: + </p> + <p> + “About eight bells in the morning watch shipped a heavy sea forward. The + rudder being now damaged, and the ship hardly manageable, brought the log + and case on check, expecting to founder shortly. Sun and moon hidden this + two days, and no observation possible; but by calculation of wind and + current, we should be about fifty miles to the southward of the Mauritius. + God's will be done.” + </p> + <p> + He got on deck with the bottle in his pocket and the bladder peeping out: + put the log and its case down on deck, and by means of the life-lines + crawled along on his knees, and with great difficulty, to the wheel. + Finding the men could hardly hold on, and dreading another sea, Dodd, with + his own hands, lashed them to the helm. + </p> + <p> + While thus employed, he felt the ship give a slight roll, a very slight + roll to windward. His experienced eye lightened with hope, he cast his + eager glance to leeward. There it is a sailor looks for the first spark of + hope. Ay, thereaway was a little gleam of light. He patted the helmsman on + the shoulder and pointed to it; for now neither could one man speak for + the wind, nor another hear. The sailor nodded joyfully. + </p> + <p> + Presently the continuous tornado broke into squalls. + </p> + <p> + Hope grew brighter. + </p> + <p> + But, unfortunately, in one furious squall the ship broke round off, so as + to present her quarter to the sea at an unlucky moment: for it came seven + deep again, a roaring mountain, and hurled itself over her stern and + quarter. The mighty mass struck her stem frame with the weight of a + hundred thousand tons of water, and drove her forward as a boy launches + his toy-boat on a pond; and though she made so little resistance, stove in + the dead lights and the port frames, burst through the cabin bulkheads, + and washed out all the furniture, and Colonel Kenealy in his nightgown + with a table in his arms borne on water three feet deep, and carried him + under the poop awning away to the lee quarter-deck scuppers, and flooded + the lower deck. Above, it swept the quarter-deck clean of everything + except the shrieking helmsmen; washed Dodd away like a cork, and would + have carried him overboard if he had not brought up against the mainmast + and grasped it like grim death, half drowned, half stunned, sorely + bruised, and gasping like a porpoise ashore. + </p> + <p> + He held on by the mast in water and foam, panting. He rolled his + despairing eyes around; the bulwarks fore and aft were all in ruins, with + wide chasms, as between the battlements of some decayed castle; and + through the gaps he saw the sea yawning wide for him. He dare not move: no + man was safe a moment unless lashed to mast or helm. He held on, expecting + death. But presently it struck him he could see much farther than before. + He looked up: it was clearing overhead, and the uproar abating visibly. + And now the wind did not decline as after a gale: extraordinary to the + last, it blew itself out. + </p> + <p> + Sharpe came on deck, and crawled on all fours to his captain, and helped + him to a life-line. He held on by it, and gave his orders. The wind was + blown out, but the sea was as dangerous as ever. The ship began to roll to + windward. If that was not stopped, her fate was sealed. Dodd had the main + trysail set and then the fore trysail, before he would yield to go below, + though drenched, and sore, and hungry, and worn out. Those sails steadied + the ship; the sea began to go down by degrees; the celestial part of + nature was more generous: away flew every cloud, out came the heavenly sky + bluer and lovelier than ever they had seen it; the sun flamed in its + centre. Nature, after three days' eclipse, was so lovely, it seemed a new + heavens and a new earth. If there was an infidel on board who did not + believe in God, now his soul felt Him, in spite of the poor little head. + As for Dodd, who was naturally pious, he raised his eyes towards that + lovely sky in heartfelt, though silent, gratitude to its Maker for saving + the ship and cargo and her people's lives, not forgetting the private + treasure he was carrying home to his dear wife and children. + </p> + <p> + With this thought, he naturally looked down, but missed the bladder that + had lately protruded from his pocket He clapped his hand to his pocket all + in a flutter. The bottle was gone. In a fever of alarm and anxiety, but + with good hopes of finding it, he searched the deck; he looked in every + cranny, behind every coil of rope the sea had not carried away. + </p> + <p> + In vain. + </p> + <p> + The sea, acting on the buoyant bladder attached, had clearly torn the + bottle out of his pocket, when it washed him against the mast. His + treasure then must have been driven much farther; and how far? Who could + tell? + </p> + <p> + It flashed on the poor man with fearful distinctness that it must either + have been picked up by somebody in the ship ere now, or else carried out + to sea. + </p> + <p> + Strict inquiry was made amongst the men. + </p> + <p> + No one had seen it + </p> + <p> + The fruit of his toil and prudence, the treasure Love, not Avarice, had + twined with his heartstrings, was gone. In its defence he had defeated two + pirates, each his superior in force; and now conquered the elements at + their maddest. And in the very moment of that great victory—It was + gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + IN the narrative of home events I skipped a little business, not quite + colourless, but irrelevant to the love passages then on hand. It has, + however, a connection with the curious events now converging to a point: + so, with the reader's permission, I will place it in logical sequence, + disregarding the order of time. The day Dr. Sampson splashed among the + ducks, and one of them hid till dinner, the rest were seated at luncheon, + when two patients were announced as waiting—Mr. and Mrs. Maxley. + Sampson refused to see them, on this ground: “I will not feed and heal.” + But Mrs. Dodd interceded, and he yielded. “Well, then, show them in here. + They are better cracters than pashints.” On this, a stout fresh-coloured + woman, the picture of health, was ushered in and curtseyed all round. + “Well, what is the matter now?” inquired Sampson rather roughly. “Be + seated, Mrs. Maxley,” said Mrs. Dodd, benignly. + </p> + <p> + “I thank ye kindly, ma'am;” and she sat down. “Doctor, it is that pain.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't say 'that pain.' Describe it. Now listen all of ye; ye're + goen to get a clinical lecture.” + </p> + <p> + “If <i>you</i> please, ma'am,” said the patient, “it takes me here under + my left breest, and runs right to my elbow, it do; and bitter bad 'tis + while it do last; chokes me mostly; and I feel as I must die: and if I was + to move hand or fut, I think I <i>should</i> die, that I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor woman!” said Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she isn't dead yet,” cried Sampson cheerfully. “She'll sell addled + eggs over all our tombstones; that is to say, if she minds what I bid her. + When was your last spasm?” + </p> + <p> + “No longer agone that yestereen, ma'am; and so I said to my master, 'The + doctor he is due to-morrow, Sally up at Albion tells me; and——'” + </p> + <p> + “Whist! whist! who cares what you said to Jack, and Jill said to you? What + was the cause?” + </p> + <p> + “The cause! What, of my pain? He says, 'What was the cause?'” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, the cause. Just obsairve, jintlemen,” said Sampson, addressing + imaginary students, “how startled they all are if a docker deviates from + profissional habits into sceince, and takes the right eend of the stick + for once b' asking for the cause.” + </p> + <p> + “The cause was the will of God, I do suppose,” said Mrs. Maxley. + </p> + <p> + “Stuff!” shouted Sampson angrily. “Then why come to mortal me to cure + you?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred put in his oar. “He does not mean the 'final cause;' he means the + 'proximate cause. + </p> + <p> + “My poor dear creature, I bain't no Latiner,” objected the patient. + </p> + <p> + Sampson fixed his eyes sternly on the slippery dame. “What I want to know + is, had you been running up-stairs? or eating fast? or drinking fast? or + grizzling over twopence? or quarrelling with your husband! Come now, which + was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Me quarrel with my man! We haven't never been disagreeable, not once, + since we went to church a pair and came back a couple. I don't say but + what we mayn't have had a word or two at odd times, as married folk will.” + </p> + <p> + “And the last time you had a word or two—y' infairnal quibbler—was + it just before your last spasm, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it might; I am not gainsaying that: but you said quarrel, says you. + 'Quarrel' it were your word; and I defy all Barkton, gentle and simple, to + say as how me and my master——” + </p> + <p> + “Whisht! whisht! Now, jintlemen, ye see what the great coming sceince—the + sceince of Healing—has to contind with. The dox are all fools, but + one: and the pashints are lyres, ivery man Jack. N' listen me; y' have got + a disease that you can't eradicate; but you may muzzle it for years, and + die of something quite different when your time's up.” + </p> + <p> + “Like enough, sir. If <i>you</i> please, ma'am, Dr. Stephenson do blame my + indigestion for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Stephenson's an ass.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear heart, how cantankerous you be. To be sure Dr. Osmond he says no: + it's muscular, says he.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Osmond's an ijjit. List me; You mustn't grizzle about money; you + mustn't gobble, nor drink your beer too fast.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, doctor; I never drink no beer: it costs——” + </p> + <p> + “Your catlap, then. And above all, no grizzling! Go to church whenever you + can without losing a farthing. It's medicinal; soothes the brain, and + takes it off worldly cares. And have no words with your husband, or he'll + outlive you; it's his only chance of getting the last word. Care killed a + cat, a nanimal with eight lives more than a chatterbox. If you worry or + excite your brain, little Maxley, you will cook your own goose—by a + quick fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear heart, these be unked sayings. Won't ye give me nothing to make me + better, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I never tinker; I go to the root: you may buy a vile of chlorofm and + take a puff if you feel premonory symps: but a quiet brain is your only + real chance. Now slope, and send the male screw.” + </p> + <p> + “Anan?” + </p> + <p> + “Your husband.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will, sir. Your sarvant, doctor; your sarvant, ma'am; sarvant, all + the company.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd hoped the poor woman had nothing very serious the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is a mortal disease,” replied Sampson, as cool as a cucumber. “She + has got angina pictoris or brist-pang, a disorder that admirably + eximplifies the pretinsions of midicine t' seeince.” And with this he + dashed into monologue. + </p> + <p> + Maxley's tall gaunt form came slouching in, and traversed the floor, + pounding it with heavy nailed boots. He seated himself gravely at Mrs. + Dodd's invitation, took a handkerchief out of his hat, wiped his face, and + surveyed the company, grand and calm. In James Maxley all was ponderous: + his head was huge, his mouth, when it fairly opened, revealed a chasm, and + thence issued a voice naturally stentorian by its volume and native + vigour; but, when the owner of this incarnate bassoon had a mind to say + something sagacious, he sank at once from his habitual roar to a sound + scarce above a whisper; a contrast mighty comical to hear, though on paper + <i>nil.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it Maxley! Rheumatism again?” + </p> + <p> + “No, that it ain't,” bellowed Maxley defiantly. + </p> + <p> + “What then? Come, look sharp.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, doctor, I'll tell you. I'm sore troubled—with—a—mouse.” + </p> + <p> + This malady, announced in the tone of a proclamation, and coming after so + much solemn preparation, amused the party considerably, although + parturient mountains had ere then produced muscipular abortions. + </p> + <p> + “A mouse!” inquired Sampson disdainfully. “Where? Up your sleeve? Don't + come to me: go t' a sawbones and have your arm cut off. I've seen 'em + mutilate a pashint for as little.” + </p> + <p> + Maxley said it was not up his sleeve, worse luck. + </p> + <p> + On this Alfred hazarded a conjecture. “Might it not have gone down his + throat? Took his potato-trap for the pantry-door. Ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I hear ye, young man, a-laughing at your own sport,” said Maxley, + winking his eye; “but 'tain't the biggest mouth as catches the most. You + sits yander fit to bust; but (with a roar like a lion) ye never offers <i>me</i> + none on't, neither sup nor bit.” + </p> + <p> + At this sudden turn of Mr. Maxley's wit, light and playful as a tap of the + old English quarter-staff, they were a little staggered; all but Edward, + who laughed and supplied him zealously with sandwiches. + </p> + <p> + “You're a gentleman, you are,” said Maxley, looking full at Sampson and + Alfred to point the contradistinction. + </p> + <p> + Having thus disposed of his satirists, he contemplated the sandwiches with + an inquiring and philosophic eye. “Well,” said he, after long and + thoughtful inspection, “you gentlefoiks won't die of hard work; your + sarvants must cut the very meat to fit your mouths.” And not to fall + behind the gentry in a great and useful department of intelligence, he + made precisely one mouthful of each sandwich. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was secretly amazed, and, taking care not to be noticed by + Maxley, said confidentially, <i>“Monsieur avait bien raison; le souris a + passe: par la.</i>” + </p> + <p> + The plate cleared, and washed down with a tumbler of port, Maxley resumed, + and informed the doctor that the mouse was at this moment in his garden + eating his bulbs. “And I be come here to put an end to her, if I've any + luck at all.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson told him he needn't trouble. “Nature has put an end to her as long + as her body.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Maxley was puzzled for a moment, then opened his mouth from ear to ear + in a guffaw that made the glasses ring. His humour was perverse. He was + wit-proof and fun-proof; but at a feeble jest would sometimes roar like a + lion inflated with laughing-gas. Laughed he ever so loud and long, he + always ended abruptly and without gradation—his laugh was a clean + spadeful dug out of Merriment. He resumed his gravity and his theme all in + an instant. “White arsenic she won't look at for I've tried her; but they + tell me there's another sweetmeat come up, which they call it striek + nine.” + </p> + <p> + “Hets! let the poor beasty alone. Life's as sweet tit as tus.” + </p> + <p> + “If <i>you</i> was a gardener, you'd feel for the bulbs, not for the + varmin,” remonstrated Maxley rather arrogantly. + </p> + <p> + “But bein' a man of sceince, I feel for th' higher organisation. Mice are + a part of Nature, as much as market-gardeners.” + </p> + <p> + “So be stoats, and adders, and doctors.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson appealed: “Jintlemen, here's a pretty pashint: reflects on our + lairned profission, and it never cost him a guinea, for the dog never + pays.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't let my chaff choke ye, doctor. That warn't meant for <i>you</i> + altogether. So if you <i>have</i> got a little bit of that 'ere about you——” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not a ratcatcher, my man: I don't go with dith in my pocket, like the + surgeons that carry a lancet. And if I had Murder in both pockets, you + shouldn't get any. Here's a greedy dog! got a thousand pounds in the bank, + and grudges his healer a guinea, and his mouse a stand-up bite.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, who have been a telling you lies?” inquired Maxley severely. “My + missus, for a farthing. I'm not a thousand-pound man; I'm a + nine-hundred-pound man; and it's all safe at Hardie's.” Here he went from + his roar to his whisper, “I don't hold with Lunnon banks; they be like my + missus's eggs: all one outside, and the rotten ones only known by + breaking. Well (loud) I <i>be</i> pretty close, I don't deny it; but + (confidentially) my missus beats me. I look twice at a penny; but she + looks twice at both sides of a halfpenny before she will let him go: and + it's her being so close have raised all this here bobbery; and so I told + her; says I, 'Missus, if you would but leave an end of a dip, or a paring + of cheese, about your cupboard, she would hide at home; but you hungers + her so, you drives her afield right on atop o' my roots.' 'Oh,' says my + missus, 'if <i>I</i> was to be as wasteful as <i>you</i> be, where should + <i>we</i> be come Christmas day? Every tub on its own bottom,' says she; + 'man and wife did ought to keep theirselves to theirselves, she to the + house, and I to the garden.' 'So be it, says I, 'and by the same toaken, + don't let me catch them “Ns” in my garden again, or I'll spoil their + clucking and scratching,' says I, 'for I'll twist their dalled necks: + ye've got a yard,' says I, 'and a roost, and likewise a turnpike, you and + your poultry: so bide at home the lot, and don't come a scratching o' me,' + and with that we had a ripput; and she took one of her pangs; and then I + behoved to knock under; and that is allus the way if ye quarrel with + woman-folk; they are sworn to get the better of ye by hook or by crook. + Now dooe give me a bit of that ere, to quiet this here, as eats me up by + the roots and sets my missus and me by the ears.” + </p> + <p> + “Justum ac tenacem propositi virum,” whispered Alfred to Edward. + </p> + <p> + Sampson told him angrily to go to a certain great personage. + </p> + <p> + “Not afore my betters,” whispered Mr. Maxley, smit with a sudden respect + for etiquette “Won't ye, now?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see ye hanged first, ye miserly old assassin.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I have nothing to thank <i>you</i> for,” roared Maxley, and made his + adieux, ignoring with marked contempt the false physician who declined to + doctor the foe of his domestic peace and crocuses. + </p> + <p> + “Quite a passage of arms,” said Edward. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs. Dodd, “and of bludgeons and things, rather than the + polished rapier. What expressions to fall from two highly educated + gentlemen! Slope—Potato-trap—Sawbones—Catlap—<i>je + n'en finirais pas.</i>” + </p> + <p> + She then let them know that she meditated a “dictionary of jargon;” in + hopes that its bulk might strike terror into honest citizens, and excite + an anti-jargon league to save the English language, now on the verge of + dissolution. + </p> + <p> + Sampson was pleased with this threat. “Now, that is odd,” said he. “Why, I + am compilin' a vocabulary myself. I call 't th' ass-ass-ins' dickshinary; + showing how, by the use of mealy-mouthed and d'exotic phrases, knaves can + lead fools by th' ear a vilent dith. F'r instance; if one was to say to + John Bull, 'Now I'll cut a great gash in your arm and let your blood run + till ye drop down senseless,' he'd take fright and say, 'Call another + time!' So the profissional ass-ass-in words it thus: 'I'll bleed you from + a large orifice till the occurrence of syncope.' All right sis John: he's + bled from a lar j'orifice and dies three days after of th' assassin's + knife hid in a sheath o' goose grease. But I'll bloe the gaff with my + dictionary.” + </p> + <p> + “Meantime <i>there</i> is another contribution to mine,” said Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + And they agreed in the gaiety of their hearts to compare their rival + Lexicons. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + THE subsiding sea was now a liquid Paradise: its great pellucid braes and + hillocks shone with the sparkle and the hues of all the jewels in an + emperor's crown. Imagine—after three days of inky sea, and pitchy + sky, and Death's deep jaws snapping and barely missing—ten thousand + great slopes of emerald, aquamarine, amethyst and topaz, liquid, alive, + and dancing jocundly beneath a gorgeous sun: and you will have a faint + idea of what met the eyes and hearts of the rescued looking out of that + battered, jagged ship, upon ocean smiling back to smiling Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Yet one man felt no buoyancy, nor gush of joy. He leaned against a + fragment of the broken bulwark, confused between the sweetness of life + preserved and the bitterness of treasure lost—his wife's and + children's treasured treasure; benumbed at heart, and almost weary of the + existence he had battled for so stoutly. He looked so moody, and answered + so grimly and unlike himself, that they all held aloof from him; heavy + heart among so many joyful ones, he was in true solitude; the body in a + crowd, the soul alone. And he was sore as well as heavy; for of all the + lubberly acts he had ever known, the way he had lost his dear ones' + fortune seemed to him the worst. + </p> + <p> + A voice sounded in his ear: “Poor thing! she has s foundered.” + </p> + <p> + It was Fullalove scanning the horizon with his famous glass. + </p> + <p> + “Foundered? Who?” said Dodd; though he did not care much who sank, who + swam. Then he remembered the vessel, whose flashing guns had shed a human + ray on the unearthly horror of the black hurricane. He looked all round. + </p> + <p> + Blank. + </p> + <p> + Ay, she had perished with all hands. The sea had swallowed her, and spared + him—ungrateful. + </p> + <p> + This turned his mind sharply. Suppose the <i>Agra</i> had gone down, the + money would be lost as now, and his life into the bargain—a life + dearer to all at home than millions of gold: he prayed inwardly to Heaven + for gratitude and goodness to feel its mercy. This softened him a little; + and his heart swelled so, he wished he was a woman to cry over his + children's loss for an hour, and then shake all off and go through his + duty somehow; for now he was paralysed, and all seemed ended. Next, + nautical superstition fastened on him. That pocket-book of his was Jonah: + it had to go or else the ship; the moment it did go, the storm had broken + as by magic. + </p> + <p> + Now Superstition is generally stronger than rational Religion, whether + they lie apart or together in one mind; and this superstitious notion did + something toward steeling the poor man. “Come,” said he to himself “my + loss has saved all these poor souls on board this ship. So be it! Heaven's + will be done! I must bustle, or else go mad.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to and worked like a horse: and with his own hands helped the + men to rig parallel ropes—a substitute for bulwarks—till the + perspiration ran down him. + </p> + <p> + Bayliss now reported the well nearly dry, and Dodd was about to bear up + and make sail again, when one of the ship-boys, a little fellow with a + bright eye and a chin like a monkey's, came up to him and said— + </p> + <p> + “Please, captain!” Then glared with awe at what he had done, and broke + down. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my little man?” said Dodd gently. + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, the boy gave a great gulp, and burst in in a brogue, “Och + your arnr, sure there's no rudder on her at all barrin the tiller.” + </p> + <p> + “What d'ye mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't murder me, your arnr, and I'll tell ye. It's meself looked over the + starrn just now; and I seen there was no rudder at all at all. Mille + diaoul, sis I; ye old bitch, I'll tell his arur what y'are after, slipping + your rudder like my granny's list shoe, I will.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd ran to the helm and looked down; the brat was right: the blows which + had so endangered the ship, had broken the rudder, and the sea had washed + away more than half of it. The sight and the reflection made him faintish + for a moment. Death passing so very close to a man sickens him <i>afterwards,</i> + unless he has the luck to be brainless. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name, urchin?” + </p> + <p> + “Ned Murphy, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Murphy, then you are a fine little fellow, and have wiped all + our eyes in the ship: run and send the carpenter aft.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The carpenter came. Like most artisans, he was clever in a groove: take + him out of that, and lo! a mule, a pig, an owl. He was not only unable to + invent, but so stiffly disinclined: a makeshift rudder was clean out of + his way; and, as his whole struggle was to get away from every suggestion + Dodd made back to groove aforesaid, the thing looked hopeless. Then + Fullalove, who had stood by grinning, offered to make a bunkum rudder, + provided the carpenter and mates were put under his orders. “But” said he, + “I must bargain they shall be disrated if they attempt to reason.” + </p> + <p> + “That is no more than fair,” said Dodd. The Yankee inventor demanded a + spare maincap, and cut away one end of the square piece, so as to make it + fit the stem-post: through the circle of the cap he introduced a spare + mizen topmast: to this he seized a length of junk, another to that, + another to that, and so on: to the outside junk he seized a spare + maintop-gallant mast, and this conglomerate being now nearly as broad as a + rudder, he planked over all. The sea by this time was calm; he got the + machine over the stern, and had the square end of the cap bolted to the + stern-post. He had already fixed four spans of nine-inch hawser to the + sides of the makeshift, two fastened to tackles, which led into the + gunroom ports, and were housed taut—these kept the lower part of the + makeshift close to the stern post—and two, to which guys were now + fixed and led through the aftermost ports on to the quarter-deck, where + luff- tackles were attached to them, by means of which the makeshift was + to be worked as a rudder. + </p> + <p> + Some sail was now got on the ship, and she was found to steer very well. + Dodd tried her on every tack, and at last ordered Sharpe to make all sail + and head for the Cape. + </p> + <p> + This electrified the first mate. The breeze was very faint but southerly, + and the Mauritius under their lee. They could make it in a night and there + refit, and ship a new rudder. He suggested the danger of sailing sixteen + hundred miles steered by a gimcrack; and implored Dodd to put into port. + </p> + <p> + Dodd answered with a roughness and a certain wildness never seen in him + before: “Danger, sir! There will be no more foul weather this voyage; + Jonah is overboard.” Sharpe stared an inquiry. “I tell you we shan't lower + our topgallants once from this to the Cape: Jonah is overboard:” and he + slapped his forehead in despair; then, stamping impatiently with his foot, + told Sharpe his duty was to obey orders, not discuss them. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir,” said Sharpe sullenly, and went out of the cabin with + serious thoughts of communicating to the other mates an alarming suspicion + about Dodd, that now, for the first time, crossed his mind. But long habit + of discipline prevailed, and he made all sail on the ship, and bore away + for the Cape with a heavy heart. The sea was like a mill-pond, but in that + he saw only its well-known treachery, to lead them on to this unparalleled + act of madness: each sail he hoisted seemed one more agent of Destruction + rising at his own suicidal command. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening it became nearly dead calm. The sea heaved a little, but + was waveless, glassy, and the colour of a rose, incredibly brave and + delicate. + </p> + <p> + The look-out reported pieces of wreck to windward. As the ship was making + so little way, Dodd beat up towards them: he feared it was a British ship + that had foundered in the storm, and thought it his duty to ascertain and + carry the sad news home. In two tacks they got near enough to see with + their glasses that the fragments belonged, not to a stranger, but to the + <i>Agra</i> herself. There was one of her waterbutts, and a broken mast + with some rigging: and as more wreck was descried coming in at a little + distance, Dodd kept the ship close to the wind to inspect it: on drifting + near, it proved to be several pieces of the bulwark, and a mahogany table + out of the cuddy This sort of flotsam was not worth delaying the ship to + pick it up; so Dodd made sail again, steering now south-east. + </p> + <p> + He had sailed about half a mile when the look-out hailed the deck again. + </p> + <p> + “A man in the water!” + </p> + <p> + “Whereabouts?” + </p> + <p> + “A short league on the weather quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we can't beat to windward for <i>him,</i>” said Sharpe; “he is dead + long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Holds his head very high for a corpse,” said the look-out. + </p> + <p> + “I'll soon know,” cried Dodd. “Lower the gig; I'll go myself.” + </p> + <p> + The gig was lowered, and six swift rowers pulled him to windward, while + the ship kept on her course. + </p> + <p> + It is most unusual for a captain to leave the ship at sea on such petty + errands: but Dodd half hoped the man might be alive; and he was so + unhappy; and, like his daughter, who probably derived the trait from him, + grasped instinctively at a chance of doing kindness to some poor fellow + alive or dead. That would soothe his own sore, good heart. + </p> + <p> + When they had pulled about two miles, the sun was sinking into the + horizon. “Give way, men,” said Dodd, “or we shall not be able to see him.” + The men bent to their oars and made the boat fly. + </p> + <p> + Presently the coxswain caught sight of an object bobbing on the water + abeam. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that must be it,” said he: “the lubber! to take it for a man's head. + Why, it is nothing but a thundering old bladder, speckled white.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” cried Dodd, and fell a-trembling. “Steer for it! Give way!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” + </p> + <p> + They soon came alongside the bladder, and the coxswain grabbed it. “Hallo! + here's something lashed to it: a bottle!” + </p> + <p> + “Give it me!” gasped Dodd in a voice choked with agitation. “Give it me! + Back to the ship! Fly! fly! Cut her off, or she'll give us the slip <i>now.</i>” + </p> + <p> + He never spoke a word more, but sat in a stupor of joyful wonder. + </p> + <p> + They soon caught the ship; he got into his cabin, he scarce knew how: + broke the bottle to atoms, and found the indomitable Cash uninjured. With + trembling hands he restored it to its old place in his bosom, and sewed it + tighter than ever. + </p> + <p> + Until he felt it there once more, he could hardly realise a stroke of good + fortune that seemed miraculous—though, in reality, it was less + strange than the way he had lost it;* but now, laid bodily on his heart, + it set his bosom on fire. Oh, the bright eye, the bounding pulse, the + buoyant foot, the reckless joy! He slapped Sharpe on the back a little + vulgarly for him:— + </p> + <p> + “Jonah is on board again, old fellow: look out for squalls.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *The <i>Agra</i>, being much larger than the bottle, had drifted + faster to leeward in the storm. +</pre> + <p> + He uttered this foreboding in a tone of triumph, and with a gay elastic + recklessness, which harmonised so well with his makeshift rudder, that + Sharpe groaned aloud, and wished himself under any captain in the world + but this, and in any other ship. He looked round to make sure he was not + watched, and then tapped his forehead significantly. This somewhat + relieved him, and he did his duty smartly for a man going to the bottom + with his eyes open. + </p> + <p> + But ill luck is not to be bespoken any more than good: the <i>Agra's</i> + seemed to have blown itself out; the wind veered to the south-west, and + breathed steadily in that quarter for ten days. The topgallant sails were + never lowered nor shifted day nor night all that time, and not a single + danger occurred between this and the Cape, except to a monkey, which I + fear I must relate, on account of its remoter consequences. One fine + afternoon, everybody was on deck amusing themselves as they could: Mrs. + Beresford, to wit, was being flattered under the Poop awning by Kenealy. + The feud between her and Dodd continued, but under a false impression. The + lady had one advantage over the gentler specimens of her sex; she was + never deterred from a kind action by want of pluck, as they are. Pluck? + Aquilina was brimful of it. When she found Dodd was wounded, she cast her + wrongs to the wind, and offered to go and nurse him. Her message came at + an unlucky moment, and by an unlucky messenger: the surgeon said hastily, + “I can't have him bothered.” The stupid servant reported, “He can't be + worried;” and Mrs. Beresford, thinking Dodd had a hand in this answer, was + bitterly mortified; and with some reason. She would have forgiven him, + though, if he had died; but, as he lived, she thought she had a right to + detest him, and did; and showed her sentiments like a lady, by never + speaking to him, nor looking at him, but ignoring him with frigid + magnificence on his own quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + Now, among the crew of this ship was a favourite goat, good-tempered, + affectionate, and playful; but a single vice counterbalanced all his + virtues: he took a drop. A year or two ago some light-hearted tempter + taught him to sip grog; he took to it kindly, and was now arrived at such + a pitch that at grog-time he used to butt his way in among the sailors, + and get close to the canteen; and, by arrangement, an allowance was always + served out to him. On imbibing it, he passed with quadrupedal rapidity + through three stages, the absurd, the choleric, the sleepy; and was never + his own goat again until he awoke from the latter. Now Master Fred + Beresford encountered him in the second stage of inebriety, and, being a + rough playfellow, tapped his nose with a battledore. Instantly Billy + butted at him; mischievous Fred screamed and jumped on the bulwarks. + Pot-angry Billy went at him there; whereupon the young gentleman, with all + eldrich screech, and a comparative estimate of perils that smacked of + inexperience, fled into the sea, at the very moment when his anxious + mother was rushing to save him. She uttered a scream of agony, and would + actually have followed him, but was held back, uttering shriek after + shriek, that pierced every heart within hearing. + </p> + <p> + But Dodd saw the boy go overboard, and vaulted over the bulwark near the + helm, roared in the very air, “Heave the ship to!” and went splash into + the water about ten yards from the place. He was soon followed by + Vespasian, and a boat was lowered as quickly as possible. Dodd caught + sight of a broad straw hat on the top of a wave, swam lustily to it, and + found Freddy inside: it was tied under his chin, and would have floated + Goliath. Dodd turned to the ship, saw the poor mother with white face and + arms outstretched as if she would fly at them, and held the urchin up high + to her with a joyful “hurrah.” The ship seemed alive and to hurrah in + return with giant voice: the boat soon picked them up, and Dodd came up + the side with Freddy in his arms, and placed him in his mother's with + honest pride and deep parental sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Guess how she scolded and caressed her child all in a breath, and sobbed + over him! For this no human pen has ever told, nor ever will. All I can + just manage to convey is that, after she had all but eaten the little + torment, she suddenly dropped him, and made a great maternal rush at Dodd. + She flung her arms round him, and kissed him eagerly, almost fiercely: + then, carried away wild by mighty Nature, she patted him all over in the + strangest way, and kissed his waistcoat, his arms, his hands, and rained + tears of joy and gratitude on them. + </p> + <p> + Dodd was quite overpowered. “No! no!” said he. “Don't now, pray, don't! + There! there! I know, my dear, I know; I'm a father.” And he was very near + whimpering himself; but recovered the man and the commander, and said, + soothingly, “There! there!” and he handed her tenderly down to her cabin. + </p> + <p> + All this time he had actually forgotten the packet. But now a horrible + fear came on him. He hurried to his own cabin and examined it. A little + salt water had oozed through the bullet-hole and discoloured the leather; + but that was all. + </p> + <p> + He breathed again. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven I forgot all about it!” said he: “it would have made a cur + of me.” + </p> + <p> + Lady Beresford's petty irritation against Dodd melted at once—before + so great a thing: she longed to make friends with him; but for once felt + timid. It struck her now all of a sudden that she had been misbehaving. + However, she caught Dodd alone on the deck, and said to him softly, “I + want so to end our quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Our quarrel, madam!” said he; “why, I know of none: oh, about the light + eh? Well, you see the master of a ship is obliged to be a tyrant in some + things.” + </p> + <p> + “I make no complaint,” said the lady hastily, and hung her head. “All I + ask you is to forgive one who has behaved like a fool, without even the + excuse of being one; and—will you give me your hand, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and with all my heart,” said Dodd warmly, enclosing the soft little + hand in his honest grasp. + </p> + <p> + And with no more ado these two highflyers ended one of those little + misunderstandings petty spirits nurse into a feud. + </p> + <p> + The ship being in port at the Cape, and two hundred hammers tapping at + her, Dodd went ashore in search of Captain Robarts, and made the <i>Agra</i> + over to him in the friendliest way, adding warmly that he had found every + reason to be satisfied with the officers and the crew. To his surprise, + Captain Robarts received all this ungraciously. “You ought to have + remained on board, sir, and made me over the command on the quarter-deck.” + Dodd replied politely that it would have been more formal. “Suppose I + return immediately, and man the side for you: and then you board her, say, + in half-an-hour?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall come when I like,” replied Robarts crustily. + </p> + <p> + “And when will you like to come?” inquired Dodd, with imperturbable + good-humour. + </p> + <p> + “Now, this moment: and I'll trouble you to come along with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir.” + </p> + <p> + They got a boat and went out to the ship: on coming alongside, Dodd + thought to meet his wishes by going first and receiving him. But the + jealous, cross-grained fellow, shoved roughly before him and led the way + up the ship's side. Sharpe and the rest saluted him: he did not return the + salute, but said hoarsely, “Turn the hands up to muster.” + </p> + <p> + When they were all aft, he noticed one or two with their caps on. “Hats + off and be —— to you!” cried he. “Do you know where you are? + Do you know who you are looking at? If not, I'll show you. I'm here to + restore discipline to this ship: so mind how you run athwart my hawse: + don't you play with the bull, my men; or you'll find his horns —— + sharp. Pipe down! Now, you, sir, bring me the log-book.” + </p> + <p> + He ran his eye over it, and closed it contemptuously: “Pirates, and + hurricanes! <i>I</i> never fell in with pirates nor hurricanes: I have + heard of a breeze, and a gale, but I never knew a seaman worth his salt + say 'hurricane.' Get another log-book, Mr. Sharpe; put down that it begins + this day at noon; and enter that Captain Robarts came on deck, found the + ship in a miserable condition, took the command, mustered the officers and + men, and stopped the ship's company's grog for a week for receiving him + with hats on.” + </p> + <p> + Even Sharpe, that walking Obedience, was taken aback. “Stop—the + ship's company's—grog—for a week, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, for a week; and if you fling my orders back in my face instead + of clapping on sail to execute them, I'll have you towed ashore on a + grating. Your name is Sharpe; well my name is Dammedsharpe, and so you'll + find.” + </p> + <p> + In short, the new captain came down on the ship like a blight. + </p> + <p> + He was especially hard on Dodd: nothing that commander had done was right, + nor, had he done the contrary, would that have been right: he was + disgracefully behind time; and he ought to have put in to the Isle of + France, which would have retarded him: his rope bulwarks were lubberly: + his rudder a disgrace to navigation: he, Robarts, was not so green as to + believe that any master had really sailed sixteen hundred miles with it, + and if he had, more shame for him. Briefly, a marine criticaster. + </p> + <p> + All this was spoken <i>at</i> Dodd—a thing no male does unless he is + an awful snob—and grieved him, it was so unjust. He withdrew wounded + to the little cabin he was entitled to as a passenger, and hugged his + treasure for comfort. He patted the pocket-book, and said to it, “Never <i>you</i> + mind! The greater Tartar he is, the less likely to sink you or run you on + a lee shore.” + </p> + <p> + With all his love of discipline, Robarts was not so fond of the ship as + Dodd. + </p> + <p> + While his repairs were going on he was generally ashore, and by this means + missed a visit. Commodore Collier, one of the smartest sailors afloat, + espied the Yankee makeshift from the quarter-deck of his vessel, the <i>Salamanca,</i> + fifty guns. In ten minutes he was under the <i>Agra's</i> stern inspecting + it; then came on board, and was received in form by Sharpe and the other + officers. “Are you the master of this ship, sir?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, commodore. I am the first mate: the captain is ashore.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for it. I want to talk about his rudder.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, <i>he</i> had nothing to do with that,” replied Sharpe, eagerly: + “that was our dear old captain: he is on board. Young gentleman! ask + Captain Dodd to oblige me by coming on deck! Hy! and Mr. Fullalove too.” + </p> + <p> + “Young gentleman?” inquired Collier. “What the devil officer is that?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a name we give the middies; I don't know why.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I neither; ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + Dodd and Fullalove came on deck, and Commodore Collier bestowed the + highest compliments on the “makeshift.” Dodd begged him to transfer them + to the real inventor, and introduced Fullalove. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Collier, “I know you Yankees are very handy. I lost my rudder + at sea once, and had to ship a makeshift; but it was a cursed complicated + thing, not a patch upon yours, Mr. Fullalove. Yours is ingenious and <i>simple.</i> + Ship has been in action, I see: pray how was that, if I may be so bold?” + </p> + <p> + “Pirates, commodore,” said Sharpe. “We fell in with a brace of Portuguese + devils, lateen-rigged, and carrying ten guns apiece, in the Straits of + Gaspar: fought 'em from noon till sundown, riddled one, and ran down the + other, and sunk her in a moment. That was all your doing, Captain: so + don't try to shift it on other people; for we won't stand it.” + </p> + <p> + “If he denies it, I won't believe him,” said Collier, “for he has got it + in his eye. Gentlemen, will you do me the honour to dine with me to-day on + board the flag-ship?” + </p> + <p> + Dodd and Fullalove accepted. Sharpe declined, with regret, on the score of + duty. And as the cocked hat went down the side, after saluting him + politely, he could not help thinking to himself what a difference between + a real captain, who had something to be proud of, and his own unlicked cub + of a skipper with the manners of a pilot-boat. He told Robarts the next + day: Robarts said nothing, but his face seemed to turn greenish, and it + embittered his hatred of Dodd the inoffensive. + </p> + <p> + It is droll, and sad, but true, that Christendom is full of men in a hurry + to hate. And a fruitful cause is jealousy. The schoolmen, or rather + certain of the schoolmen—for nothing is much shallower than to speak + of all those disputants as one school—defined woman, “a featherless + biped vehemently addicted to jealousy.” Whether she is more featherless + than the male can be decided at a trifling expense of time, money, and + reason: you have but to go to court. But as for envy and jealousy, I think + it is pure, unobservant, antique Cant which has fixed them on the female + character distinctively. As a molehill to a mountain is women's jealousy + to men's. Agatha may have a host of virtues and graces, and yet her female + acquaintance will not hate her, provided she has the moderation to abstain + from being downright pretty. She may sing like an angel, paint like an + angel, talk, write, nurse the sick, all like an angel, and not rouse the + devil in her fair sisters, so long as she does not dress like an angel. + But the minds of men being much larger than women's, yet very little + greater, they hang jealousy on a thousand pegs. Where there was no peg, I + have seen them do with a pin. + </p> + <p> + Captain Robarts took a pin, ran it into his own heart, and hung that + sordid passion on it. + </p> + <p> + He would get rid of all the Doddites before he sailed. He insulted Mr. + Tickell, so that he left the service and entered a mercantile house + ashore: he made several of the best men desert, and the ship went to sea + short of hands. This threw heavier work on the crew, and led to many + punishments and a steady current of abuse. Sharpe became a mere machine, + always obeying, never speaking: Grey was put under arrest for + remonstrating against ungentlemanly language; and Bayliss, being at bottom + of the same breed as Robarts, fell into his humour, and helped hector the + petty officers and men. The crew, depressed and irritated, went through + their duties pully-hauly-wise. There was no song under the forecastle in + the first watch, and often no grog on the mess table at one bell. Dodd + never came on the quarter-deck without being reminded he was only a + passenger, and the ship was now under naval discipline. <i>“I</i> was + reared in the royal navy, sir,” would Robarts say, “second lieutenant + aboard the <i>Atalanta:</i> that is the school, sir, that is the only + school that breeds seamen.” Dodd bore scores of similar taunts as a + Newfoundland puts up with a terrier in office: he seldom replied, and, + when he did, in a few quiet dignified words that gave no handle. + </p> + <p> + Robarts, who bore the name of a lucky captain, had fair weather all the + way to St. Helena. + </p> + <p> + The guard-ship at this island was the <i>Salamanca.</i> She had left the + Cape a week before the <i>Agra.</i> Captain Robarts, with his + characteristic good-breeding, went to anchor in-shore of Her Majesty's + ship: the wind failed at a critical moment, and a foul became inevitable. + Collier was on his quarter-deck, and saw what would happen long before + Robarts did; he gave the needful orders, and it was beautiful to see how + in half a minute the frigate's guns were run in, her ports lowered, her + yards toppled on end, and a spring carried out and hauled on. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Agra</i> struck abreast her own forechains on the <i>Salamanca's</i> + quarter. + </p> + <p> + (Pipe.) “Boarders away. Tomahawks! cut everything that holds!” was heard + from the frigate's quarter-deck. Rush came a boarding party on to the + merchant ship and hacked away without mercy all her lower rigging that + held on to the frigate, signal halyards and all; others boomed her off + with capstan bars, &c., and in two minutes the ships were clear. A + lieutenant and boat's crew came for Robarts, and ordered him on board the + <i>Salamanca,</i> and, to make sure of his coming, took him back with + them. He found Commodore Collier standing stiff as a ramrod on his + quarter-deck. “Are you the master of the <i>Agra?</i>” (His quick eye had + recognised her in a moment.) + </p> + <p> + “I am, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she was commanded by a seaman, and is now commanded by a lubber. + Don't apply for your papers this week; for you won't get them. Good + morning. Take him away.” + </p> + <p> + They returned Robarts to his ship, and a suppressed grin on a score of + faces showed him the clear commanding tones of the commodore had reached + his own deck. He soothed himself by stopping the men's grog and + mast-heading three midshipmen that same afternoon. + </p> + <p> + The night before he weighed anchor this disciplinarian was drinking very + late in a low public-house. There was not much moon, and the officer in + charge of the ship did not see the gig coming till it was nearly + alongside: then all was done in a flurry. + </p> + <p> + “Hy! man the side! Lanterns there! Jump, you boys, or you'll catch + pepper.” + </p> + <p> + The boys did jump, and little Murphy, not knowing the surgeon had ordered + the ports to be drooped, bounded over the bulwarks like an antelope, + lighted on the midship port, which stood at this angle /, and glanced off + into the ocean, lantern foremost: he made his little hole in the water + within a yard of' Captain Robarts. That Dignity, though splashed, took no + notice of so small an incident as a gone ship-boy: and if Murphy had been + wise and stayed with Nep. all had been well. But the poor urchin + inadvertently came up again, and without the lantern. One of the gig's + crew grabbed him by the hair, and prolonged his existence by an + inconsiderate impulse. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the other lantern?” was Robarts' first word on reaching the + deck: as if he didn't know. + </p> + <p> + “Gone overboard, sir, with the boy Murphy.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand forward, you, sir,” growled Robarts. + </p> + <p> + Murphy stood forward, dripping and shivering with cold and fear. + </p> + <p> + “What d'ye mean by going overboard with the ship's lantern?” + </p> + <p> + “Och, your arnr, sure some unasy divil drooped the port; and the lantern + and me we had no foothold at all at all, and the lantern went into the + say, bad luck to ut; and I went afther to try and save ut—for your + arnr.” + </p> + <p> + “Belay all that!” said Robarts; “do you think you can blarney me, you + young monkey? Here, Bosen's mate, take a rope's-end and start him!—Again!—Warm + him well!—That's right.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the poor child's shrieks subsided into sobs, the disciplinarian + gave him Explanation for Ointment: “I can't have the Company's stores + expended this way.” + </p> + <p> + The force of discipline could no farther go than to flog zeal for falling + overboard: so, to avoid anticlimax in that port, Robarts weighed anchor at + daybreak; and there was a southwesterly breeze waiting for this favourite + of fortune, and carried him past the Azores. Off Ushant it was westerly, + and veered to the nor'-west just before they sighted the Land's End: never + was such a charming passage from the Cape. The sailor who had the luck to + sight Old England first nailed his starboard shoe to the mainmast for + contributions; and all hearts beat joyfully—none more than David + Dodd's. His eye devoured the beloved shore: he hugged the treasure his own + ill luck had jeopardised—but Robarts had sailed it safe into British + waters—and forgave the man his ill manners for his good luck. + </p> + <p> + Robarts steered in for the Lizard; but, when abreast the Point, kept well + out again, and opened the Channel and looked out for a pilot + </p> + <p> + One was soon seen working out towards him, and the <i>Agra</i> brought to. + The pilot descended from his lugger into his little boat, rowed alongside, + and came on deck; a rough, tanned sailor, clad in flushing, and in build + and manner might have passed for Robarts' twin brother. + </p> + <p> + “Now then, you, sir, what will you take this ship up to the Downs for?” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty pounds.” + </p> + <p> + Roberts told him roughly he would not get thirty pounds out of' <i>him.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Thyse and no higher, my Bo,” answered the pilot sturdily: he had been + splicing the main brace, and would have answered an admiral. + </p> + <p> + Robarts swore at him lustily: Pilot discharged a volley in return with + admirable promptitude. Robarts retorted, the other rough customer + rejoined, and soon all Billingsgate thundered on the <i>Agra's</i> + quarter-deck. Finding, to his infinite disgust, his visitor as great a + blackguard as himself, and not to be outsworn, Robarts ordered him to quit + the ship on pain of being man-handled over the side. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's it, is it?” growled the other: “here's fill and be off then.” + He prudently bottled the rest of his rage till he got safe into his boat, + then shook his fist at the <i>Agra</i>, and cursed her captain sky-high. + “You see the fair wind, but you don't see the Channel fret a-coming, ye + greedy gander. Downs! You'll never see them: you have saved your —— + money, and lost your —— ship, ye —— lubber.” + </p> + <p> + Robarts hurled back a sugar-plum or two of the same and then ordered + Bayliss to clap on all sail, and keep a mid-channel course through the + night. + </p> + <p> + At four bells in the middle watch, Sharpe, in charge of the ship, tapped + at Robarts' door. “Blowing hard, sir, and the weather getting thickish.” + </p> + <p> + “Wind fair still?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then call me if it blows any harder,” grunted Robarts. + </p> + <p> + In two hours more, tap, tap, came Bayliss, in charge. “If we don't take + sail in, they'll take themselves out.” + </p> + <p> + “Furl to-gallen'sels, and call me if it gets any worse.” + </p> + <p> + In another hour Bayliss was at him again. “Blowing a gale, sir, and a + Channel fog on.” + </p> + <p> + “Reef taupsles, and call me if it gets any worse.” + </p> + <p> + At daybreak Dodd was on deck, and found the ship flying through a fog so + thick that her forecastle was quite invisible from the poop, and even her + foremast loomed indistinct and looked distant. “You'll be foul of + something or other, Sharpe,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “What is that to you?” inquired a loud rough voice behind him. “I don't + allow passengers to handle my ship.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do pray handle her yourself; captain! Is this weather to go tearing + happy-go-lucky up the Channel?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to sail her without your advice, sir; and, being a seaman, I shall + get all I can out of a fair wind.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right Captain Robarts, if you had but the British Channel all to + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will leave me my deck all to myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be delighted: but my anxiety will not let me.” With this Dodd + retired a few steps, and kept a keen look-out. + </p> + <p> + At noon a lusty voice cried “Land on the weather beam!” + </p> + <p> + All eyes were turned that way and saw nothing. + </p> + <p> + Land in sight was reported to Captain Robarts. + </p> + <p> + Now that worthy was in reality getting secretly anxious: so he ran on deck + crying, “Who saw it?” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Dodd, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! Nobody else?” + </p> + <p> + Dodd came forward, and, with a respectful air, told him that, being on the + look-out, he had seen the coast of the Isle of Wight in a momentary lift + of the haze. + </p> + <p> + “Isle of Fiddlestick!” was the polite reply; “Isle of Wight is eighty + miles astern by now.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd answered firmly that he was well acquainted with every outline in the + Channel, and that the land he had seen was St. Katherine's Point + </p> + <p> + Robarts deigned no reply, but had the log heaved: it showed the vessel to + be running twelve knots an hour. He then went to his cabin and consulted + his chart; and, having worked his problem, came hastily on deck, and went + from rashness to wonderful caution. “Turn the hands out, and heave the + ship to!” + </p> + <p> + The manoeuvre was executed gradually and ably, and scarce a bucketful of + water shipped. “Furl taupsles and set the main trysail! There, Mr. Dodd, + so much for you and your Isle of Wight. The land you saw was Dungeness, + and <i>you</i> would have run on into the North Sea, I'll be bound.” + </p> + <p> + When a man, habitually calm, turns anxious, he becomes more irritable; and + the mixture of timidity and rashness he saw in Robarts made Dodd very + anxious. + </p> + <p> + He replied angrily, “At all events, I should not make a foul wind out of a + fair one by heaving to; and if I did, I would heave to on the right tack.” + </p> + <p> + At this sudden facer—one, too, from a patient man—Robarts + staggered a moment. He recovered, and with an oath ordered Dodd to go + below, or he would have him chucked into the hold. + </p> + <p> + “Come, don't be an ass, Robarts,” said Dodd contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + Then, lowering his voice to a whisper, “Don't you know the men only want + such an order as that to chuck you into the sea?” + </p> + <p> + Robarts trembled. “Oh, if you mean to head a mutiny——” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid, sir! But I won't leave the deck in dirty weather like this + till the captain knows where he is.” + </p> + <p> + Towards sunset it got clearer, and they drifted past a revenue cutter, who + was lying to with her head to the northward. She hoisted no end of + signals, but they understood none of them, and her captain gesticulated + wildly on her deck. + </p> + <p> + “What is that Fantoccio dancing at?” inquired Captain Robarts brutally. + </p> + <p> + “To see a first-class ship drift to leeward in a narrow sea with a fair + wind,” said Dodd bitterly. + </p> + <p> + At night it blew hard, and the sea ran high and irregular. The ship began + to be uneasy, and Robarts very properly ordered the top-gallant and royal + yards to be sent down on deck. Dodd would have had them down twelve hours + ago. The mate gave the order: no one moved. The mate went forward angry. + He came back pale. The men refused to go aloft: they would not risk their + lives for Captain Robarts. + </p> + <p> + The officers all assembled and went forward: they promised and threatened; + but all in vain. The crew stood sullen together, as if to back one + another, and put forward a spokesman to say that “there was not one of + them the captain hadn't started, and stopped his grog a dozen times: he + had made the ship hell to them; and now her masts and yards and hull might + go there along with her skipper, for them.” + </p> + <p> + Robarts received this tidings in sullen silence. “Don't tell that Dodd, + whatever you do,” said he. “They will come round now they have had their + growl: they are too near home to shy away their pay.” + </p> + <p> + Robarts had not sufficient insight into character to know that Dodd would + instantly have sided with him against a mutiny. + </p> + <p> + But at this juncture the ex-captain of the <i>Agra</i> was down in the + cabin with his fellow-passengers, preparing a general remonstrance: he had + a chart before him, and a pair of compasses in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “St. Katherine's Point lay about eight miles to windward at noon; and we + have been drifting south and east this twelve hours, through lying to on + the starboard tack; and besides, the ship has been conned as slovenly as + she is sailed. I've seen her allowed to break off a dozen times, and + gather more leeway. Ah! here is Captain Robarts. Captain, you saw the rate + we passed the revenue cutter. That vessel was nearly stationary; so what + we passed her at was our own rate of drifting, and our least rate. Putting + all this together, we can't be many miles from the French coast, and, + unless we look sharp and beat to windward, I pronounce the ship in + danger.” + </p> + <p> + A horselaugh greeted this conclusion. + </p> + <p> + “We are nearer Yarmouth sands than France, I promise you, and nothing + under our lee nearer than Rotterdam.” + </p> + <p> + A loud cry from the deck above, “A LIGHT ON THE LEE BOW!” + </p> + <p> + “There!” cried Robarts with an oath: “foul of <i>her</i> next! through me + listening to your nonsense.” He ran upon deck, and shouted through his + trumpet, “All hands wear ship!” + </p> + <p> + The crew, who had heard the previous cry, obeyed orders in the presence of + an immediate danger; and perhaps their growl had really relieved their + ill-humour. Robarts with delight saw them come tumbling up, and gave his + orders lustily: “Brail up the trysel! up with the helm! in with the + weather main brace! square the after yards!” + </p> + <p> + The ship's bow turned from the wind, and, as soon as she got way on her, + Robarts ran below again, and entered the cabin triumphant. + </p> + <p> + “That is all right: and now, Captain Dodd, a word with you. You will + either retire at once to your cabin, or will cease to breed disaffection + in my crew, and groundless alarm in my passengers, by instilling your own + childish, ignorant fears. The ship has been underlogged a hundred miles, + sir; and but for my caution in lying to for clear weather we should be + groping among the Fern Isl——” + </p> + <h3> + CRASH! + </h3> + <p> + An unheard-of shock threw the speaker and all the rest in a mass on the + floor, smashed every lamp, put out every light; and, with a fierce grating + noise, the ship was hard and fast on the French coast, with her stern to + the sea. + </p> + <p> + One awful moment of silence; then, amidst shrieks of agony, the sea struck + her like a rolling rock, solid to crush, liquid to drown, and the comb of + a wave smashed the cabin windows and rushed in among them as they + floundered on the floor, and wetted and chilled them to the marrow. A + voice in the dark cried, “O God! we are dead men.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + “ON deck for your lives!” cried Dodd, forgetting in that awful moment he + was not the captain; and drove them all up, Robarts included, and caught + hold of Mrs. Beresford and Freddy at their cabin door and half carried + them with him. Just as they got on deck the third wave, a high one, struck + the ship and lifted her bodily up, canted her round, and dashed her down + again some yards to leeward, throwing them down on the hard and streaming + deck. + </p> + <p> + At this tremendous shock the ship seemed a live thing, shrieking and + wailing, as well as quivering with the blow. + </p> + <p> + But one voice dissented loudly from the general dismay. “All right men,” + cried Dodd, firm and trumpet-like. “She is broadside on now. Captain + Robarts, look alive, sir; speak to the men! don't go to sleep!” + </p> + <p> + Robarts was in a lethargy of fear. At this appeal he started into a fury + of ephemeral courage. “Stick to the ship,” he yelled; “there is no danger + if you stick to the ship,” and with this snatched a life-buoy, and hurled + himself into the sea. + </p> + <p> + Dodd caught up the trumpet that fell from his hand and roared, “I command + this ship. Officers come round me! Men to your quarters! Come, bear a hand + here and fire a gun. That will show us where we are, and let the Frenchmen + know.” + </p> + <p> + The carronade was fired, and its momentary flash revealed that the ship + was ashore in a little bay; the land abeam was low and some eighty yards + off; but there was something black and rugged nearer the ship's stern. + </p> + <p> + Their situation was awful. To windward huge black waves rose like + tremendous ruins, and came rolling, fringed with devouring fire; and each + wave as it charged them, curled up to an incredible height and dashed down + on the doomed ship—solid to crush, liquid to drown—with a + ponderous stroke that made the poor souls stagger, and sent a sheet of + water so clean over her that part fell to leeward, and only part came down + on deck, foretaste of a watery death; and each of these fearful blows + drove the groaning, trembling vessel farther on the sand, bumping her + along as if she had been but a skiff. + </p> + <p> + Now it was men showed their inner selves. + </p> + <p> + Seeing Death so near on one hand, and a chance of escape on the other, + seven men proved unable to resist the two great passions of Fear and Hope + on a scale so gigantic and side by side. Bayliss, a midshipman, and five + sailors stole the only available boat and lowered her. + </p> + <p> + She was swamped in a moment + </p> + <p> + Many of the crew got to the rum, and stupefied themselves to their + destruction. + </p> + <p> + Others rallied round their old captain, and recovered their native courage + at the brave and hopeful bearing he wore over a heart full of anguish. He + worked like a horse, encouraging, commanding, doing; he loaded a carronade + with a pound of powder and a coil of rope, with an iron bar attached to a + cable, and shot the rope and bar ashore. + </p> + <p> + A gun was now fired from the guard-house, whose light Robarts had taken + for a ship. But no light being shown any nearer on the coast, and the ship + expected every minute to go to pieces, Dodd asked if any one would try to + swim ashore with a line made fast to a hawser on board. + </p> + <p> + A sailor offered to go if any other man would risk his life along with + him. Instantly Fullalove stripped, and Vespasian next. + </p> + <p> + “Two is enough on such a desperate errand,” said Dodd with a groan. + </p> + <p> + But now emulation was up, and neither Briton, Yankee, nor negro would give + way. A line was made fast to the sailor's waist, and he was lowered to + leeward; his venturesome rivals followed. The sea swallowed those three + heroes like crumbs, and small was the hope of life for them. + </p> + <p> + The three heroes being first-rate swimmers and divers, and going with the + tide, soon neared the shore on the ship's lee quarter; but a sight of it + was enough: to attempt to land on that rock with such a sea on was to get + their skulls smashed like eggshells in a moment. They had to coast it, + looking out for a soft place. + </p> + <p> + They found one, and tried to land; but so irresistible was the suction of + the retiring wave, that, whenever they got foot on the sand, and tried to + run, they were wrenched out to sea again, and pounded black and blue and + breathless by the curling breaker they met coming in. + </p> + <p> + After a score of vain efforts, the negro, throwing himself on his back, + went in with a high wave, and, on touching the sand, turned, dug all his + ten claws into it clenched his teeth, and scrambled like a cat at a wall. + Having more power in his toes than the Europeans, and luckily getting one + hand on a firm stone, his prodigious strength just enabled him to stick + first while the wave went back; and then, seizing the moment, he tore + himself ashore, but bleeding and bruised all over, and with a tooth + actually broken by clenching in the convulsive struggle. + </p> + <p> + He found some natives dancing about in violent agitation with a rope, but + afraid to go in and help him; and no wonder, not being seagulls. By the + light of their lanterns, he saw Fullalove washing in and out like a log. + He seized one end of the rope, and dashed in and grabbed his friend, and + they were hauled ashore together, both breathless, and Fullalove + speechless. + </p> + <p> + The negro looked round for the sailor, but could not see him. Soon, + however, there was a cry from some more natives about fifty yards off and + laterns held up; away he dashed with the rope just in time to see Jack + make a last gallant attempt to land. It ended in his being flung up like a + straw into the air on the very crest of a wave fifteen feet high, and out + to sea with his arms whirling, and a death shriek which was echoed by + every woman within hearing. + </p> + <p> + In dashed Vespasian with the rope, and gripped the drowning man's long + hair with his teeth: then jerked the rope, and they were both pulled + ashore with infinite difficulty. The good-natured Frenchmen gave them all + three lots of <i>vivats</i> and brandy and pats on the back, and carried + the line for them to a flagstaff on the rocks nearer the stern of the + ship. + </p> + <p> + The ship began to show the first signs of breaking up: hammered to death + by the sea, she discharged the oakum from her opening seams, and her decks + began to gape and grin fore and aft. Corpses of drunken sailors drowned + between decks now floated up amidships, and washed and rolled about among + the survivors' feet These, seeing no hope, went about making up all + quarrels, and shaking hands in token of a Christian end. One or two came + to Dodd with their hands out. + </p> + <p> + “Avast ye lubbers!” said he angrily; “do you think I have time for + nonsense? Foksel ahoy! axes, and cut the weather shrouds!” + </p> + <p> + It was done; the foremast went by the board directly, and fell to leeward: + a few blows of the axe from Dodd's own hand sent the mainmast after it. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Agra</i> rose a streak; and the next wave carried her a little + farther on shore. + </p> + <p> + And now the man in charge of the hawser reported with joy that there was a + strain on it. + </p> + <p> + This gave those on board a hope of life. Dodd bustled and had the hawser + carefully payed out by two men, while he himself secured the other end in + the mizen top: he had left that mast standing on purpose. + </p> + <p> + There was no fog here; but great heavy black clouds flying about with + amazing swiftness extinguished the moon at intervals: at others she + glimmered through a dull mist in which she was veiled, and gave the poor + souls on the <i>Agra</i> a dim peep of the frail and narrow bridge they + must pass to live. A thing like a black snake went down from the + mizen-top, bellying towards the yawning sea, and soon lost to sight: it + was seen rising again among some lanterns on the rock ashore: but what + became of it in the middle? The darkness seemed to cut it in two; the sea + to swallow it. Yet, to get from a ship going to pieces under them, the + sailors precipitated themselves eagerly on that black thread bellying to + the sea and flickering in the wind. They went down it, one after another, + and anxious eyes straining after them saw them no more: but this was seen, + that scarce one in three emerged into the lights ashore. + </p> + <p> + Then Dodd got an axe, and stood in the top, and threatened to brain the + first man who attempted to go on the rope. + </p> + <p> + “We must make it taut first,” said he; “bear a hand here with a tackle.” + </p> + <p> + Even while this was being done, the other rope, whose end he had fired + ashore, was seen moving to windward. The natives, it seems, had found it, + half buried in sand. + </p> + <p> + Dodd unlashed the end from the bulwarks and carried it into the top, and + made it fast: and soon there were two black snakes dipping shrorewards and + waving in the air side by side. + </p> + <p> + The sailors scrambled for a place, and some of them were lost by their own + rashness. Kenealy waited coolly, and went by himself. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Dodd was left in the ship with Mr. Sharpe and the women, and + little Murphy, and Ramgolam, whom Robarts had liberated to show his + contempt of Dodd. + </p> + <p> + He now advised Mrs. Beresford to be lashed to Sharpe and himself, and + venture the passage; but she screamed and clung to him, and said, “I dare + not! oh I dare not!” + </p> + <p> + “Then I must lash you to a spar,” said he, “for she can't last much + longer.” He ordered Sharpe ashore. Sharpe shook hands with him, and went + on the rope with tears in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Dodd went hard to work, lashed Mrs. Beresford to a piece of broken + water-butt: filled Fred's pockets with corks and sewed them up (you never + caught Dodd without a needle; only, unlike the women's, it was always kept + threaded). Mrs. Beresford threw her arms round his neck and kissed him + wildly: a way women have in mortal peril: it is but their homage to + courage. “All right!” said Dodd, interpreting it as appeal to his + protection, and affecting cheerfulness: “we'll get ashore together on the + poop awning, or somehow; never you fear. I'd give a thousand pounds to + know where high water is.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment, with a report like a cannon, the lower decks burst fore + and aft: another still louder, and the <i>Agra's</i> back broke. She + parted amidships with a fearful yawn, and the waves went toppling and + curling clean through her. + </p> + <p> + At this appalling sound and sight, the few creatures left on the poop + cowered screaming and clinging at Dodd's knees, and fought for a bit of + him. + </p> + <p> + Yes, as a flood brings incongruous animals together on some little isle in + brotherhood of fear—creatures who never met before without one + eating the other; and there they cuddle—so the thief Ramgolam clung + to the man he had tried to rob; the Hindoo Ayan and the English maid + hustled their mistress, the haughty Mrs. Beresford, and were hustled by + her, for a bit of this human pillar; and little Murphy and Fred Beresford + wriggled in at him where they could: and the poor goat crept into the + quivering mass trembling like an aspen, and not a butt left either in his + head or his heart. Dodd stood in the middle of these tremblers, a rock of + manhood: and when he was silent and they heard only the voice of the + waves, they despaired; and whenever he spoke, they started at the + astounding calmness of his voice and words, and life sounded possible. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said he, “this won't do any longer. All hands into the mizen-top!” + </p> + <p> + He helped them all up, and stood on the ratlines himself: and, if you will + believe me, the poor goat wailed like a child below. He found in that new + terror and anguish a voice goat was never heard to speak in before. But + they had to leave him on deck: no help for it. Dodd advised Mrs. Beresford + once more to attempt the rope: she declined. “I dare not! I dare not!” she + cried, but she begged Dodd hard to go on it and save himself. + </p> + <p> + It was a strong temptation: he clutched the treasure in his bosom, and one + sob burst from the strong man. + </p> + <p> + That sob was but the tax paid by Nature; for pride, humanity, and manhood + stood staunch in spite of it. “No, no, I can't,” said he “I mustn't. Don't + tempt me to leave you in this plight, and be a cur! Live or die, I must be + the last man on her. Here's something coming out to us, the Lord in Heaven + be praised!” + </p> + <p> + A bright light was seen moving down the black line that held them to the + shore; it descended slowly within a foot of the billows, and lighting them + up showed their fearful proximity to the rope in mid-passage: they had + washed off many a poor fellow at that part. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that! Thank Heaven you did not try it!” said Dodd to Mrs. + Beresford. + </p> + <p> + At tins moment a higher wave than usual swallowed up the light: there was + a loud cry of dismay from the shore, and a wail of despair from the ship. + </p> + <p> + No! not lost after all! The light emerged, and mounted, and mounted + towards the ship. + </p> + <p> + It came near, and showed the black shiny body of Vespasian, with very + little on but a handkerchief and a lantern—the former round his + waist, and the latter lashed to his back: he arrived with a “Yah! yah!” + and showed his white teeth in a grin. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford clutched his shoulder, and whimpered, “Oh, Mr. Black!” + </p> + <p> + “Iss, Missy, dis child bring good news. Cap'n! Massah Fullalove send you + his congratulations, and the compliments of the season; and take the + liberty to observe the tide am turn in twenty minutes.” + </p> + <p> + The good news thus quaintly announced caused an outburst of joy from Dodd, + and, sailor-like, he insisted on all hands joining in a cheer. The shore + re-echoed it directly. And this encouraged the forlorn band still more; to + hear other hearts beating for them so near. Even the intervening waves + could not quite annul the sustaining power of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + At this moment came the first faint streaks of welcome dawn, and revealed + their situation more fully. + </p> + <p> + The vessel lay on the edge of a sandbank. She was clean in two, the stern + lying somewhat higher than the stem. The sea rolled through her amidships + six feet broad, frightful to look at, and made a clean breach over her + forward, all except the bowsprit to the end of which the poor sailors were + now discovered to be clinging. The afterpart of the poop was out of water, + and in a corner of it the goat crouched like a rabbit: four dead bodies + washed about beneath the party trembling in the mizen-top, and one had got + jammed in the wheel, face uppermost and glared up at them, gazing + terror-stricken down. + </p> + <p> + No sign of the tide turning yet, and much reason to fear it would turn too + late for them and the poor fellows shivering on the bowsprit. + </p> + <p> + These fears were well founded. + </p> + <p> + A huge sea rolled in, and turned the forepart of the vessel half over, + buried the bowsprit, and washed the men off into the breakers. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford sank down, and prayed, holding Vespasian by the knee. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, as in that vessel wrecked long syne on Melita, “the hind part + of the ship stuck fast and remained immovable.” + </p> + <p> + But for how long? + </p> + <p> + Each wave now struck the ship's weather quarter with a sound like a cannon + fired in a church, and sent the water clear into the mizen-top. It hit + them like strokes of a whip. They were drenched to the skin, chilled to + the bone, and frozen to the heart with fear. They made acquaintance that + hour with Death. Ay, Death itself has no bitterness that forlorn cluster + did not feel: only the insensibility that ends that bitterness was + wanting. + </p> + <p> + Now the sea, you must know, was literally strewed with things out of the + <i>Agra</i>; masts, rigging, furniture, tea-chests, bundles of canes, + chairs, tables; but of all this jetsam, Dodd's eye had been for some + little time fixed on one object: a live sailor drifting ashore on a great + wooden case. It struck him after a while that the man made very little + way, and at last seemed to go up and down in one place. By-and-bye he saw + him nearer and nearer, and recognised him. It was one of the three washed + off the bowsprit. + </p> + <p> + He cried joyfully, “The tide has turned! here's Thompson coming out to + sea.” + </p> + <p> + Then there ensued a dialogue, incredible to landsmen, between these two + sailors, the captain of the ship and the captain of the foretop, one + perched on a stationary fragment of that vessel, the other drifting on a + pianoforte, and both bawling at one another across the jaws of death. + </p> + <p> + “Thompson ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + “Hal-lo!” + </p> + <p> + “Whither bound?” + </p> + <p> + “Going out with the tide, and be d——d to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, can't ye swim?” + </p> + <p> + “Like a brass figure-head. It's all over with poor Jack, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “All over! Don't tell me! Look out now as you drift under our stern, and + we'll lower you the four-inch hawser.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you, sir, do, pray!” cried Thompson, losing his recklessness + with the chance of life. + </p> + <p> + By this time the shore was black with people, and a boat was brought down + to the beach, but to attempt to launch it was to be sucked out to sea. + </p> + <p> + At present all eyes were fixed on Thompson drifting to destruction. + </p> + <p> + Dodd cut the four-inch hawser, and Vespasian, on deck, lowered it with a + line, so that Thompson presently drifted right athwart it. “All right, + sir!” said he, grasping it, and, amidst thundering acclamations, was drawn + to land full of salt water and all but insensible. The piano landed at + Dunkirk three weeks later. + </p> + <p> + In the bustle of this good and smart action the tide retired perceptibly. + </p> + <p> + By-and-bye the sea struck lower and with less weight. + </p> + <p> + At 9 P. M. Dodd took his little party down on deck again, being now the + safest place; for the mast might go. + </p> + <p> + It was a sad scene: the deck was now dry, and the dead bodies lay quiet + around them with glassy eyes; and, grotesquely horrible, the long hair of + two or three was stiff and crystallised with the saltpetre in the ship. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford clung to Vespasian: she held his bare black shoulder with + one white and jewelled hand, and his wrist with the other, tight. “Oh, Mr. + Black,” said she, “how brave you are! It is incredible. Why, you came + back! I must feel a brave man with both my hands or I shall die. Your skin + is nice and soft, too. I shall never outlive this dreadful day.” + </p> + <p> + And now that the water was too low to wash them off the hawser, several of + the ship's company came back to the ship to help the women down. + </p> + <p> + By noon the <i>Agra's</i> deck was thirty feet from the sand. The rescued + ones wanted to break their legs and necks, but Dodd would not permit even + that. He superintended the whole manoeuvre, and lowered, first the dead, + then the living, not omitting the poor goat, who was motionless and limp + with fright. + </p> + <p> + When they were all safe on the sand, Dodd stood alone upon the poop a + minute, cheered by all the sailors, French and English, ashore, then slid + down a rope and rejoined his companions. + </p> + <p> + To their infinite surprise, the undaunted one was found to be snivelling. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear! what is the matter?” said Mrs. Beresford tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “The poor <i>Agra</i>, ma'am! She was such a beautiful sea-boat: and just + look at her now! Never sail again: never! never! She was a little crank in + beating, I can't deny it; but how she did fly with the wind abaft. She + sank a pirate in the straits, and weathered a hurricane off the Mauritius; + and after all for a lubber to go and lay her bones ashore in a fair wind: + poor dear beauty!” + </p> + <p> + He maundered thus, and kept turning back to look at the wreck, till he + happened to lay his hand on his breast He stopped in the middle of his + ridiculous lament wore a look of self-reproach, and cast his eyes upward + in heartfelt gratitude. + </p> + <p> + The companions of so many adventures dispersed. + </p> + <p> + A hospitable mayoress entertained Mrs. Beresford and suite; and she took + to her bed, for she fell seriously ill as soon as ever she could do it + with impunity. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Kenealy went off to Paris: “I'll gain that, any way, by being + wrecked,” said he. + </p> + <p> + If there be a lover of quadrupeds here, let him know that Billy's weakness + proved his strength. Being brandied by a good-natured French sailor, he + winked his eye; being brandied greatly, he staggered up and butted his + benefactor like a man. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove had dry clothes and a blazing fire ready for Dodd at a little + rude auberge. He sat over it and dried a few bank-notes he had loose about + him, and examined his greater treasure, his children's. The pocket-book + was much stained, but no harm whatever done to the contents. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this employment the shadow of an enormous head was + projected right upon his treasure. + </p> + <p> + Turning with a start, he saw a face at the window: one of those vile mugs + which are found to perfection amongst the <i>canaille</i> of the French + nation—bloated, blear-eyed, grizzly, and wild-beast like. The ugly + thing, on being confronted, passed slowly out of the sun, and Dodd thought + no more of it. + </p> + <p> + The owner of this sinister visage was Andre Thibout, of whom it might be + said, like face like life; for he was one of those ill-omened creatures + who feed upon the misfortunes of their kind, and stand on shore in foul + weather hoping the worst, instead of praying for the best: briefly, a + wrecker. He and his comrade, Jacques Moinard, had heard the <i>Agra's</i> + gun fired, and came down to batten on the wreck: but ho! at the turn of + the tide, there were gensdarmes and soldiers lining the beach, and the + Bayonet interposed between Theft and Misfortune. So now the desperate pair + were prowling about like hungry, baffled wolves, curses on their lips and + rage at their hearts. + </p> + <p> + Dodd was extremely anxious to get to Barkington before the news of the + wreck; for otherwise he knew his wife and children would suffer a year's + agony in a single day. The only chance he saw was to get to Boulogne in + time to catch the <i>Nancy</i> sailing packet; for it was her day. But + then Boulogne was eight leagues distant, and there was no public + conveyance going. Fullalove, entering heartily into his feelings, was gone + to look for horses to hire, aided by the British Consul. The black hero + was upstairs clearing out with a pin two holes that had fallen into decay + for want of use. These holes were in his ears. + </p> + <p> + And now, worn out by anxiety and hard work, Dodd began to nod in his chair + by the fire. + </p> + <p> + He had not been long asleep when the hideous face of Thibout reappeared at + the window and watched him. Presently a low whistle was uttered outside, + and soon the two ruffians entered the room, and, finding the landlady + there as well as Dodd, called for a little glass apiece of absinthe. While + drinking it, they cast furtive glances towards Dodd, and waited till she + should go about her business, and leave them alone with him. + </p> + <p> + But the good woman surmised their looks, and knowing the character of the + men, poured out a cup of coffee from a great metal reservoir by the fire, + and waked Dodd without ceremony: “Voici votre cafe, Monsieur!” making + believe he had ordered it. + </p> + <p> + “Merci, Madame!” replied he, for his wife had taught him a little French. + </p> + <p> + “One may sleep <i>mal a propos,</i>” muttered the woman in his ear. “My + man is at the fair, and there are people here who are not worth any great + things.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd rubbed his eyes and saw those two foul faces at the end of the + kitchen: for such it was, though called <i>salle a manger.</i> “Humph!” + said he; and instinctively buttoned his coat. + </p> + <p> + At that Thibout touched Moinard's knee under the table. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove came in soon after to say he had got two horses, and they would + be here in a quarter of an hour. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but Vespasian? how is he to go?” inquired Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we'll send him on ahead, and then ride and tie.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Dodd, “I'll go ahead. That will shake me up. I think I + should tumble off a horse; I'm so dead sleepy.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he started to walk on the road to Boulogne. + </p> + <p> + He had not been gone three minutes when Moinard sauntered out. + </p> + <p> + Moinard had not been gone two minutes when Thibout strolled out. + </p> + <p> + Moinard kept Dodd in sight and Thibout kept Moinard. + </p> + <p> + The horses were brought soon after, but unfortunately the pair did not + start immediately, though, had they known it, every moment was precious. + They wasted time in argument. Vespasian had come down with a diamond ring + in one ear, and a ruby in the other. Fullalove saw this retrograde step, + and said grimly, “Have you washed but half your face, or is this a return + to savagery?” + </p> + <p> + Vespasian wore an air of offended dignity. “No, sar; these yar decorations + come off a lady ob i cibilisation: Missy Beresford donated 'em me. Says + she, 'Massah Black'—yah! yah! She always nick-nominates dis child + Massa Black—'while I was praying Goramighty for self and pickaninny, + I seen you out of one corner of my eye admirationing my rings; den just + you take 'em,' says dat ar aristocracy: 'for I don't admirationise 'em + none: I've been shipwrecked.' So I took 'em wid incredible condescension; + and dat ar beautiful lady says to me, 'Oh, get along wid your nonsense + about coloured skins! I have inspectionated your conduct, Massa Black, and + likewise your performances on the slack rope,' says she, 'in time of + shipwreck: and darn me,' says she, 'but you are a man, you are.' 'No, + Missy,' says I superciliously, 'dis child am not a man, if you please, but + a coloured gemman.'” He added, he had put them in his ears because the + biggest would not go on his little finger. + </p> + <p> + Fullalove groaned. “And of course, the next thing, you'll ring your snout + like a pig or a Patagonian. There, come along, ye darn'd—Anomaly.” + </p> + <p> + He was going to say “Cuss,” but remembering his pupil's late heroic + conduct, softened it down to Anomaly. + </p> + <p> + But Vespasian always measured the force of words by their length or + obscurity. “Anomaly” cut him to the heart: he rode off in moody silence + and dejection, asking himself sorrowfully what he had done that such a + mountain of vituperation should fall on him. “Anomaly!!” + </p> + <p> + They cantered along in silence; for Fullalove was digesting this new trait + in his pupil, and asking himself could he train it out, or must he cross + it out. Just outside the town they met Captain Robarts walking in; he had + landed three miles off down the coast. “Hallo!” said Fullalove. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you thought I was drowned?” said Robarts spitefully; “but you + see I'm alive still.” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove replied, “Well, captain, that is only one mistake more you've + made, I reckon.” + </p> + <p> + About two English miles from the town they came to a long straight slope + up and down, where they could see a league before them; and there they + caught sight of David Dodd's tall figure mounting the opposite rise. + </p> + <p> + Behind him at some little distance were two men going the same way, but on + the grass by the roadside, whereas David was on the middle of the road. + </p> + <p> + “He walks well for Jacky Tar,” said Fullalove. + </p> + <p> + “Iss, sar,” said Vespasian sulkily; “but dis 'Analogy' tink he not walk so + fast as those two behind him, cos they catch him up.” + </p> + <p> + Now Vespasian had hardly uttered these words when a thing occurred, so + sudden and alarming, that the speaker's eyes protruded, and he was + dumfounded a moment; the next a loud cry burst from both him and his + companion at once, and they lashed their horses to the gallop and went + tearing down the hill in a fury of rage and apprehension. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Fullalove was right, I think: a sailor is seldom a smart walker; but + Dodd was a cricketer, you know, as well. He swung along at a good pace and + in high spirits. He had lost nothing but a few clothes, and a quadrant, + and a chronometer; it was a cheap wreck to him, and a joyful one: for + peril past is present delight. He had saved his life, and what he valued + more, his children's money. Never was that dear companion of his perils so + precious to him as now. One might almost fancy that, by some strange + sympathy, he felt the immediate happiness of his daughter depended on it. + Many in my day believe that human minds can thus communicate, overleaping + material distances. Not knowing, I can't say. However, no such solution is + really needed here. All the members of a united and loving family feel + together and work together—without specific concert—though + hemispheres lie between: it is one of the beautiful traits of true family + affection. Now the Dodds, father, mother, sister, brother, were more one + in heart and love than any other family I ever saw: woe to them if they + had not. + </p> + <p> + David, then, walked towards Boulogne that afternoon a happy man. Already + he tasted by anticipation the warm caresses of his wife and children, and + saw himself seated at the hearth, with those beloved ones clustering close + round him. How would he tell them Its adventures—Its dangers from + pirates—Its loss at sea—Its recovery—Its wreck—Its + coming ashore dry as a bone; and conclude by taking It out of his bosom + and dropping It in his wife's lap with “Cheer, boys, cheer!” + </p> + <p> + Trudging on in this delightful reverie, his ear detected a pitpat at some + distance behind him: he looked round with very slight curiosity and saw + two men coming up. Even in that hasty glance he recognised the foulface of + Andre Tiribout, a face not to be forgotten in a day. I don't know how it + was, but he saw in a moment that face was after him to rob him, and he + naturally enough concluded It was their object. + </p> + <p> + And he was without a weapon, and they were doubtless armed. Indeed, + Thibout was swinging a heavy cudgel. + </p> + <p> + Poor Dodd's mind went into a whirl and his body into a cold sweat. In such + moments men live a year. To gain a little time he walked swiftly on, + pretending not to have noticed them: but oh! his eyes roved wildly to each + side of the road for a chance of escape. He saw none. To his right was a + precipitous rock; to his left a profound ravine with a torrent below, and + the sides scantily clothed with fir-trees and bushes: he was, in fact, + near the top of a long rising ground called <i>“La Mauvaise Cote,</i>” on + account of a murder committed there two hundred years ago. + </p> + <p> + Presently he heard the men close behind him. At the same moment he saw at + the side of the ravine a flint stone about the size of two fists: he made + but three swift strides, snatched it up, and turned to meet the robbers, + drawing himself up high, and showing fight in every inch. + </p> + <p> + The men were upon him. His change of attitude was so sudden and fiery that + they recoiled a step. But it was only for a moment: they had gone too far + to retreat; they divided, and Thibout attacked him on his left with + uplifted cudgel, and Moinard on his right with a long glittering knife. + The latter, to guard his head from the stone, whipped off his hat and held + it before his head: but Dodd was what is called “left handed:” + “ambidexter” would be nearer the mark (he carved and wrote with his right + hand, heaved weights and flung cricket-balls with his left). He stepped + forward, flung the stone in Thibout's face with perfect precision, and + that bitter impetus a good thrower lends at the moment of delivery, and + almost at the same moment shot out his right hand and caught Moinard by + the throat. Sharper and fiercer collision was never seen than of these + three. + </p> + <p> + Thibout's face crashed; his blood squirted all round the stone, and eight + yards off lay that assailant on his back. + </p> + <p> + Moinard was more fortunate: he got two inches of his knife into Dodd's + left shoulder, at the very moment Dodd caught him in his right-hand vice. + And now one vengeful hand of iron grasped him felly by the throat; another + seized his knife arm and twisted it back like a child's. He kicked and + struggled furiously, but in half a minute the mighty English arm and iron + fingers held the limp body of Jacques Moinard with its knees knocking, + temples bursting, throat relaxed, eyes protruding, and livid tongue + lolling down to his chin. A few seconds more, and, with the same stalwart + arm that kept his relaxed and sinking body from falling, Dodd gave him one + fierce whirl round to the edge of the road, then put a foot to his middle, + and spurned his carcase with amazing force and fury down the precipice. + Crunch! crunch! it plunged from tree to tree, from bush to bush, and at + last rolled into a thick bramble, and there stuck in the form of a + crescent But Dodd had no sooner sent him headlong by that mighty effort, + than his own sight darkened, his head swam, and, after staggering a little + way, he sank down in a state bordering on insensibility. Meantime + Fullalove and Vespasian were galloping down the opposite hill to his + rescue. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, Andre Thibout was not dead, nor even mortally wounded. He + was struck on the nose and mouth; that nose was flat for the rest of his + life, and half of his front teeth were battered out of their sockets, but + he fell, not from the brain being stunned, but the body driven to earth by + the mere physical force of so momentous a blow, knocked down like a + ninepin. He now sat up bewildered, and found himself in a pool of blood, + his own. He had little sensation of pain, but he put his hand to his face, + and found scarce a trace of his features, and his hand came away gory. He + groaned. + </p> + <p> + Rising to his feet, he saw Dodd sitting at some distance; his first + impulse was to fly from so terrible an antagonist, but, as he made for the + ravine, he observed that Dodd was in a helpless condition, wounded perhaps + by Moinard. And where was Moinard? + </p> + <p> + Nothing visible of him but his knife: that lay glittering in the road. + </p> + <p> + Thibout with anxious eye turned towards Dodd, kneeled to pick it up, and + in the act a drop of his own blood fell on the dust beside it. He snarled + like a wounded tiger, spat out half-a-dozen teeth, and crept on tiptoe to + his safe revenge. + </p> + <p> + Awake from your lethargy or you are a dead man! + </p> + <p> + No! Thibout got to him unperceived, and the knife glittered over his head. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the air seemed to fill with clattering hoofs and voices, + and a pistol-shot rang. Dodd heard and started, and so saw his peril. He + put up his left hand to parry the blow, but feebly. Luckily for him + Thibout's eyes were now turned another way, and glaring with stupid terror + out of his mutilated visage: a gigantic mounted fiend, with black face and + white gleaming, rolling eyes was coming at him like the wind, uttering + horrid howls. Thibout launched himself at the precipice with a shriek of + dismay, and went rolling after his comrade; but ere he had gone ten yards + he fell across a young larch-tree and hung balanced. Up came the foaming + horses: Fullalove dismounted hastily and fired three deliberate shots down + at Thibout from his revolver. He rolled off, and never stopped again till + he splashed into the torrent, and lay there staining it with blood from + his battered face and perforated shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Vespasian jumped off, and with glistening eyes administered some good + brandy to Dodd. He, unconscious of his wound, a slight one, relieved their + anxiety by assuring them somewhat faintly he was not hurt, but that, ever + since that “tap on the head” he got in the Straits of Gaspar, any angry + excitement told on him, made his head swim, and his temples seem to swell + from the inside. + </p> + <p> + “I should have come off second-best but for you, my dear friends. Shake + hands over it, do! O, Lord bless you! Lord bless you both. As for you, + Vespasian, I do think you are my guardian angel. Why, this is the second + time you've saved my life. No, it isn't: for it's the third.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you git along, Massa Cap'n,” said Vespasian. “You berry good man, + ridicalous good man; and dis child ar'nt no gardening angel at all; he ar + a darned Anatomy” (with such a look of offended dignity at Fullalove). + </p> + <p> + After examining the field of battle and comparing notes, they mounted Dodd + on Vespasian's horse, and walked quietly till Dodd's head got better; and + then they cantered on three abreast, Vespasian in the middle with one + sinewy hand on each horse's mane; and such was his muscular power, that he + often relieved his feet by lifting himself clean into the air, and the + rest of the time his toe but touched the ground, and he sailed like an + ostrich and grinned and chattered like a monkey. + </p> + <p> + Sad to relate, neither Thibout nor Moinard was ended. The guillotine stood + on its rights. Meantime, what was left of them crawled back to the town + stiff and sore, and supped together—Moinard on liquids only—and + vowed revenge on all wrecked people. + </p> + <p> + The three reached Boulogne in time for the <i>Nancy,</i> and put Dodd on + board: the pair decided to go to the Yankee Paradise—Paris. + </p> + <p> + They parted with regret and tenderly, like old tried friends; and + Vespasian told Dodd, with tears in his eyes, that though he was in point + of fact only a darned Anemo, he felt like a coloured gemman at parting + from his dear old Captain. + </p> + <p> + The master of the <i>Nancy</i> knew Dodd well, and gave him a nice cot to + sleep in. He tumbled in with a bad headache and quite worn out, and never + woke for fifteen hours. + </p> + <p> + And when he did wake, he was safe at Barkington. + </p> + <p> + He and It landed on the quay. He made for home. + </p> + <p> + On the way he passed Hardie's bank, a firm synonymous in his mind with the + Bank of England. + </p> + <p> + A thrill of joy went through him. Now it <i>was</i> safe. When he first + sewed It on in China, It seemed secure nowhere except on his own person. + But since then, the manifold perils by sea and land It had encountered + through being on him, had caused a strong reaction in his mind on that + point. He longed to see It safe out of his own hands and in good custody. + </p> + <p> + He made for Hardie's door with a joyful rush, waved his cap over his head + in triumph, and entered the bank with It. + </p> + <p> + Ah! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + CHRONOLOGY.—The Hard Cash sailed from Canton months before the boat + race at Henley recorded in Chapter I., but it landed in Barkington a + fortnight after the last home event I recorded in its true series. + </p> + <p> + Now this fortnight, as it happens, was fruitful of incidents, and must be + dealt with at once. After that, “Love” and “Cash,” the converging branches + of this story, will flow together in one stream. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Hardie kept faith with Mrs. Dodd, and, by an effort she + appreciated, forbore to express his love for Julia except by the pen. He + took in Lloyd's shipping news, and got it down by rail, in hopes there + would be something about the <i>Agra;</i> then he could call at Albion + Villa. Mrs. Dodd had given him that loophole: meantime he kept moping for + an invitation, which never came. + </p> + <p> + Julia was now comparatively happy, and so indeed was Alfred; but then the + male of our species likes to be superlatively happy, not comparatively; + and that Mrs. Dodd forgot or perhaps had not observed. + </p> + <p> + One day Sampson was at Albion Villa, and Alfred knew it. Now, though it + was a point of honour with poor Alfred not to hang about after Julia until + her father's return, he had a perfect right to lay in wait for Sampson and + hear something about her; and he was so deep in love that even a word at + second-hand from her lips was a drop of dew to his heart. + </p> + <p> + So he strolled up towards the villa. He had nearly reached it, when a + woman ran past him making the most extraordinary sounds: I can only + describe it as screaming under her breath. Though he only saw her back, he + recognised Mrs. Maxley. One back differeth from another, whatever you may + have been told to the contrary in novels and plays. He called to her: she + took no notice, and darted wildly through the gate of Albion Villa. + Alfred's curiosity was excited, and he ventured to put his head over the + gate. But Mrs. Maxley had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Alfred had half a mind to go in and inquire if anything was the matter: it + would be a good excuse. + </p> + <p> + While he hesitated, the dining-room window was thrown violently up, and + Sampson looked out. “Hy! Hardie! my good fellow! for Heaven's sake a fly, + and a fast one!” + </p> + <p> + It was plain something very serious had occurred: so Alfred flew towards + the nearest fly-stand. On the way, he fell in with a chance fly drawn up + at a public-house; he jumped on the box and drove rapidly towards Albion + Villa. Sampson was hobbling to meet him—he had sprained his ankle or + would not have asked for a conveyance—to save time he got up beside + Alfred, and told him to drive hard to Little Friar Street. On the way he + explained hurriedly: Mrs. Maxley had burst in on him at Albion Villa to + say her husband was dying in torment: and indeed the symptoms she gave + were alarming, and, if correct, looked very like lockjaw. But her + description had been cut short by a severe attack, which choked her and + turned her speechless and motionless, and white to the very lips. + </p> + <p> + “'Oho,' sis I, 'brist-pang!' And at such a time, ye know. But these women + are as unseasonable as they are unreasonable. Now, angina pictoris or + brist-pang is not curable through the lungs, nor the stomick, nor the + liver, nor the stays, nor the saucepan, as the bunglintinkerindox of the + schools pretind, but only through that mighty mainspring the Brain; and + instid of going meandering to the Brain round by the stomick, and so + giving the wumman lots o' time to die first, which is the scholastic + practice, I wint at the Brain direct, took a puff o' chlorofm put m' arm + round her neck, laid her back in a chair—she didn't struggle, for, + when this disorrder grips ye, ye cant move hand nor foot—and had my + lady into the land of Nod in half a minute; thin off t' her husband; so + here's th' Healer between two stools—spare the whipcord, spoil the + knacker!—it would be a good joke if I was to lose both pashints for + want of a little unbeequity, wouldn't it—Lash the lazy vagabin!—Not + that I care: what interest have I in their lives? they never pay: but ye + see custom's second nature; an d'Ive formed a vile habit; I've got to be a + Healer among the killers: an d'a Triton among—the millers. Here we + are at last, Hiven be praised.” And he hopped into the house faster than + most people can run on a good errand. Alfred flung the reins to a cad and + followed him. + </p> + <p> + The room was nearly full of terrified neighbours: Sampson shouldered them + all roughly out of his way, and there, on a bed, lay Maxley's gaunt figure + in agony. + </p> + <p> + His body was drawn up by the middle into an arch, and nothing touched the + bed but the head and the heels; the toes were turned back in the most + extraordinary contortion, and the teeth set by the rigour of the + convulsion, and in the man's white face and fixed eyes were the horror and + anxiety, that so often show themselves when the body feels itself in the + grip of Death. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Osmond the surgeon was there; he had applied a succession of hot + cloths to the pit of the stomach, and was trying to get laudanum down the + throat, but the clenched teeth were impassable. + </p> + <p> + He now looked up and said politely, “Ah! Dr. Sampson, I am glad to see you + here. The seizure is of a cataleptic nature, I apprehend. The treatment + hitherto has been hot epithems to the abdomen, and——” + </p> + <p> + Here Sampson, who had examined the patient keenly, and paid no more + attention to Osmond than to a fly buzzing, interrupted him as + unceremoniously— + </p> + <p> + “Poisoned,” said he philosophically. + </p> + <p> + “Poisoned!!” screamed the people. + </p> + <p> + “Poisoned!” cried Mr. Osmond, in whose little list of stereotyped maladies + poisoned had no place. “Is there any one you have reason to suspect?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't suspect, nor conject, sir: I know. The man is poisoned, the + substance strychnine. Now stand out of the way you gaping gabies, and let + me work. Hy, young Oxford! you are a man: get behind and hold both his + arms for your life! That's you!” + </p> + <p> + He whipped off his coat laid hold of Osmond's epithems, chucked them + across the room, saying, “You may just as well squirt rose-water at a + house on fire;” drenched his handkerchief with chloroform, sprang upon the + patient like a mountain cat and chloroformed him with all his might. + </p> + <p> + Attacked so skilfully and resolutely, Maxley resisted little for so strong + a man; but the potent poison within fought virulently: as a proof, the + chloroform had to be renewed three times before it could produce any + effect. At last the patient yielded to the fumes and became insensible. + </p> + <p> + Then the arched body subsided and the rigid muscles relaxed and turned + supple. Sampson kneaded the man like dough by way of comment. + </p> + <p> + “It is really very extraordinary,” said Osmond. + </p> + <p> + “Mai—dearr—sirr, nothing's extraornary t' a man that knows the + reason of iverything.” + </p> + <p> + He then inquired if any one in the room had noticed at what intervals of + time the pains came on. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to say it is continuous,” said Osmond. + </p> + <p> + “Mai—dearr—sirr, nothing on airth is continuous: iverything + has paroxysms and remissions—from a toothache t' a cancer.” + </p> + <p> + He repeated his query in various forms, till at last a little girl + squeaked out, “If—<i>you</i>—-please, sir, the throes do come + about every ten minutes, for I was a looking at the clock; I carries + father his dinner at twelve.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please, ma'am, there's half a guinea for you for not being such + an' ijjit as the rest of the world, especially the Dockers.” And he jerked + her half a sovereign. + </p> + <p> + A stupor fell on the assembly. They awoke from it to examine the coin, and + see if it was real, or only yellow air. + </p> + <p> + Maxley came to and gave a sigh of relief. When he had been insensible, yet + out of pain, nearly eight minutes by the clock, Sampson chloroformed him + again. “I'll puzzle ye, my friend strych,” said he. “How will ye get your + perriodical paroxysms when the man is insensible? The Dox say y' act + direct on the spinal marrow. Well, there's the spinal marrow where you + found it just now. Act on it again, my lad! I give ye leave—if ye + can. Ye can't; bekase ye must pass through the Brain to get there: and I + occupy the Brain with a swifter ajint than y' are, and mean to keep y' out + of it till your power to kill evaporates, being a vigitable.” + </p> + <p> + With this his spirits mounted, and he indulged in a harmless and favourite + fiction: he feigned the company were all males and medical students, + Osmond included, and he the lecturer. “Now, jintlemen,” said he, “obsairve + the great Therey of the Perriodeecity and Remitteney of all disease, in + conjunckshin with its practice. All diseases have paroxysms and + remissions, which occur at intervals; sometimes it's a year, sometimes a + day, an hour, ten minutes; but whatever th' interval, they are true to it: + they keep time. Only when the disease is retirin, the remissions become + longer, the paroxysms return at a greater interval, and just the revairse + when the pashint is to die. This, jintlemen, is man's life from the womb + to the grave: the throes that precede his birth are remittent like ivery + thing else, but come at diminished intervals when he has really made up + his mind to be born (his first mistake, sirs, but not his last); and the + paroxysms of his mortal disease come at shorter intervals when he is + really goon off the hooks: but still chronometrically; just as watches + keep time whether they go fast or slow. Now, jintlemen, isn't this a + beautiful Therey?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mercy! Oh, good people help me! Oh, Jesus Christ have pity on me!” + And the sufferer's body was bent like a bow, and his eyes filled with + horror, and his toes pointed at his chin. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor hurled himself on the foe. “Come,” said he, “smell to this, + lad! That's right! He is better already, jintlemen, or he couldn't howl, + ye know. Deevil a howl in um before I gave um puff chlorofm. Ah! would ye? + would ye?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! oh! oh! oh! ugh!——ah!” + </p> + <p> + The Doctor got off the insensible body, and resumed his lecture calmly, + like one who has disposed of some childish interruption. “And now to th' + application of the Therey: If the poison can reduce the tin minutes' + interval to five minutes, this pashint will die; and if I can get the tin + minutes up t' half hour, this pashint will live. Any way, jintlemen, we + won't detain y' unreasonably: the case shall be at an end by one o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing this considerate stipulation, up went three women's aprons to + their eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Alack! poor James Maxley! he is at his last hour: it be just gone twelve, + and a dies at one.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson turned on the weepers. “Who says that, y' ijjits? I said the case + would end at one: a case ends when the pashint gets well or dies.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is good news for poor Susan Maxley; her man is to be well by one + o'clock, Doctor says.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson groaned, and gave in. He was strong, but not strong enough to make + the populance suspend an opinion. + </p> + <p> + Yet, methinks it might be done: by chloroforming them. + </p> + <p> + The spasms came at longer intervals and less violent, and Maxley got so + fond of the essence of Insensibility, that he asked to have some in his + own hand to apply at the first warning of the horrible pains. + </p> + <p> + Sampson said, “Any fool can complete the cure;” and, by way of practical + comment, left him in Mr. Osmond's charge; but with an understanding that + the treatment should not be varied; that no laudanum should be given; but, + in due course, a stiff tumbler of brandy and water, or two. “If he gets + drunk, all the better; a little intoxication weakens the body's memory of + the pain it has endured, and so expedites the cure. Now off we go to th' + other.” + </p> + <p> + “The body's memory!” said Mr. Osmond to himself: “what on earth does the + quack mean?” + </p> + <p> + The driver <i>de jure</i> of the fly was not quite drunk enough to lose + his horse and vehicle without missing them. He was on the look out for the + robber, and as Alfred came round the corner full pelt, darted at the reins + with a husky remonstrance, and Alfred cut into him with the whip: an angry + explanation—a guinea—and behold the driver sitting behind + complacent and nodding. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at Albion Villa, Alfred asked Sampson submissively if he might + come in and see the wife cured. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course,” said Sampson, not knowing the delicate position. + </p> + <p> + “Then ask me in before Mrs. Dodd,” murmured Alfred coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + “Oo, ay,” said the Doctor knowingly: “I see.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxley was in the dining-room: she had got well of herself, but was + crying bitterly, and the ladies would not let her go home yet; they feared + the worst and that some one would blurt it out to her. + </p> + <p> + To this anxious trio entered Sampson radiant. “There, it's all right. + Come, little Maxley, ye needn't cry; he has got lots more mischief to do + in the world yet; but, O wumman, it is lucky you came to me and not to any + of the tinkering dox. No more cat and dog for you and him but for the + Chronothairmal Therey. And you may bless my puppy's four bones too: he ran + and stole a fly like a man, and drove hilter-skilter. Now, if I had got to + your house two minutes later, your Jamie would have lairned the great + secret ere this.” He threw up the window. “Haw you! come away and receive + the applause due from beauty t' ajeelity.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred came in timidly, and was received with perfect benignity and + self-possession by Mrs. Dodd, but Julia's face was dyed with blushes, and + her eyes sparkled the eloquent praise she was ashamed to speak before them + all. But such a face as her scarce needed the help of a voice at such a + time. And indeed both the lovers' faces were a pretty sight and a study. + How they stole loving glances, but tried to keep within bounds, and not + steal more than three per minute! and how unconscious they endeavoured to + look the intervening seconds! and what windows were the demure complacent + visages they thought they were making shutters of! Innocent love has at + least this advantage over melodramatic, that it can extract exquisite + sweetness out of so small a thing. These sweethearts were not alone, could + not open their hearts, must not even gaze too long; yet to be in the same + room even on such terms was a taste of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + “But, dear heart!” said Mrs. Maxley, “ye don't tell me what he ailed. + Ma'am, if you had seen him you would have said he was taken for death.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray what <i>is</i> the complaint?” inquired Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, didn't I tell ye? Poisoned.” + </p> + <p> + This intelligence was conveyed with true scientific calmness, and received + with feminine ejaculations of horror. Mrs. Maxley was indignant into the + bargain: “Don't ye go giving my house an ill name! We keeps no poison.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson fixed his eyes sternly on her: “Wumman, ye know better: ye keep + strychnine, for th' use and delectation of your domestic animal.” + </p> + <p> + “Strychnine! I never heard tell of it. Is that Latin for arsenic?” + </p> + <p> + “Now isn't this lamentable? Why, arsenic is a mital; strychnine a + vigitable. N'hist me! Your man was here seeking strychnine to poison his + mouse; a harmless, domistic, necessary mouse. I told him mice were a part + of Nature as much as Maxleys, and life as sweet tit as tim: but he was dif + to scientific and chrisehin preceps; so I told him to go to the Deevil: 'I + will,' sis he, and went t' a docker. The two assassins have poisoned the + poor beastie between 'em; and thin, been the greatest miser in the world, + except one, he will have roasted his victim, and ate her on the sly, + imprignated with strychnine. 'I'll steal a march on t'other miser,' sis + he; and that's you: t' his brain flew the strychnine: his brain sint it to + his spinal marrow: and we found my lorrd bent like a bow, and his jaw + locked, and nearer knowin the great secret than any man in England will be + this year to live: and sairves the assassinating old vagabin right.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forgive you, Doctor,” said Mrs. Maxley, half mechanically. + </p> + <p> + “For curin a murrderer? Not likely.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxley, who had shown signs of singular uneasiness during Sampson's + explanation, now rose, and said in a very peculiar tone she must go home + directly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd seemed to enter into her feelings, and made her go in the fly, + taking care to pay the fare and the driver out of her own purse. As the + woman got into the fly, Sampson gave her a piece of friendly and practical + advice. “Nixt time he has a mind to breakfast on strychnine, you tell me; + and I'll put a pinch of arsenic in the salt-cellar, and cure him safe as + the bank. But this time he'd have been did and stiff long before such a + slow ajint as arsenic could get a hold on um.” + </p> + <p> + They sat down to luncheon, but neither Alfred nor Julia fed much, except + upon sweet stolen looks; and soon the active Sampson jumped up, and + invited Alfred to go round his patients. Alfred could not decline, but + made his adieux with regret so tender and undisguised, that Julia's sweet + eyes filled, and her soft hand instinctively pressed his at parting to + console him. She blushed at herself afterwards, but at the time she was + thinking only of him. + </p> + <p> + Maxley and his wife came up in the evening with a fee. They had put their + heads together, and proffered one guinea. “Man and wife be one flesh, you + know, Doctor,” said the rustic miser. + </p> + <p> + Sampson, whose natural choler was constantly checked by his humour, + declined this profuse proposal. “Here's vanity!” said he. “Now do you + really think your two lives are worth a guinea? Why, it's 252 pence! 1008 + farthings!” + </p> + <p> + The pair affected disappointment—vilely. + </p> + <p> + At all events, he must accept this basket of gudgeons Maxley had brought + along. Being poisoned was quite out of Maxley's daily routine, and had so + unsettled him, that he had got up, and gone fishing—to the amazement + of the parish. + </p> + <p> + Sampson inspected the basket. “Why, they are only fish,” said he; <i>“I + was in hopes they were pashints.</i>” He accepted the gudgeons, and + inquired how Maxley got poisoned. It came out that Mrs. Maxley, seeing her + husband set apart a portion of his Welsh rabbit, had “grizzled,” and asked + what that was for; and being told “for the mouse,” and to “mind her own + business,” had grizzled still more, and furtively conveyed a portion back + into the pan for her master's own use. She had been quaking dismally all + the afternoon at what she had done, but finding Maxley—hard but just—did + not attack her for an involuntary fault, she now brazened it out, and + said, “Men didn't ought to have poison in the house unbeknown to their + wives. Jem had got no more than he worked for,” &c. But, like a woman, + she vowed vengeance on the mouse: whereupon Maxley threatened her with the + marital correction of neck-twisting if she laid a finger on it. + </p> + <p> + “My eyes be open now to what a poor creature do feel as dies poisoned. Let + her a be: there's room in our place for her and we.” + </p> + <p> + Next day he met Alfred, and thanked him with warmth, almost with emotion. + “There ain't many in Barkington as ever done me a good turn, Master + Alfred; you be one on 'em: you comes after the Captain in my book now.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred suggested that his claims were humble compared with Sampson's. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Maxley, going down to his whisper, and looking, monstrous + wise: “Doctor didn't go out of his business for me: you did.” + </p> + <p> + The sage miser's gratitude had not time to die a natural death before + circumstances occurred to test it. On the morning of that eventful day + which concluded my last chapter, he received a letter from Canada. His + wife was out with eggs; so he caught little Rose Sutton, that had more + than once spelled an epistle for him; and she read it out in a loud and + reckless whine: “'At — noon — this — very — daie + — Muster —Hardie's a-g-e-n-t, aguent — d-i-s dis, h-o-n + — honour<i>ed</i> —dis-honour<i>ed</i>—a—bill; and + sayed.'” Here she made a full stop. Then on to the next verse. + </p> + <p> + “'There — were no — more — asses.'” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy on us! but it can't be asses, wench: drive your spe-ad into't + again.” + </p> + <p> + “'A-s-s-e-t-s. Assets.'” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Go an! go an!” + </p> + <p> + “'Now — Fatther — if — you — leave — a + s-h-i-l-l-i-n-g, shilling —at —Hardie's — after — + this — b-l-a-m-e, ble-am — your — self —not— + me — for — this — is — the — waie — + the r-o-g-u-e-s, rogews — all— bre-ak — they — go + — at — a— d-i-s-t-a-n-c-e, distance —first— + and — then — at — h-o-m-e, whuoame. — Dear — + fatther' —Lawk o' daisy, what ails you, Daddy Maxley? You be as + white as a Sunday smock. Be you poisoned again, if <i>you</i> please?” + </p> + <p> + “Worse than that—worse!” groaned Maxhey, trembling all over. “Hush!—hold + your tongue! Give me that letter! Don't you never tell nobody nothing of + what you have been a reading to me, and I'll—I'll—It's only + Jem's fun: he is allus running his rigs—that's a good wench now, and + I'll give ye a halfpenny.” + </p> + <p> + “La, Daddy,” said the child, opening her eyes, “I never heeds what I <i>re-ads:</i> + I be wrapped up in the spelling. Dear heart, what a sight of long words + folks puts in a letter, more than ever drops out of their mouths; which + their fingers be longer than their tongues, I do suppose.” + </p> + <p> + Maxley hailed thus information characteristically. “Then we'll say no more + about the halfpenny.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Rose raised a lamentable cry, and pearly tears gushed forth. + </p> + <p> + “There, there!” said Maxley, deprecatingly; “here's two apples for ye; ye + can't get them for less: and a halfpenny or a haporth is all one to you, + but it is a great odds to me. And apples they rot; halfpence don't.” + </p> + <p> + It was now nine o'clock. The bank did not open till ten; but Maxley went + and hung about the door, to be the first applicant. + </p> + <p> + As he stood there trembling with fear lest the bank should not open at + all, he thought hard, and the result was a double resolution: he would + have his money out to the last shilling; and, this done, would button up + his pockets and padlock his tongue. It was not his business to take care + of his neighbours; nor to blow the Hardies, if they paid him his money on + demand. “So not a word to my missus, nor yet to the town-crier,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Ten o'clock struck, and the bank shutters remained up. Five minutes more, + and the watcher was in agony. Three minutes more, and up came a boy of + sixteen whistling, and took down the shutters with an indifference that + amazed him. “Bless your handsome face!” said Maxley with a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + He now summoned up all his firmness, and, having recourse to an art in + which these shrewd rustics are supreme, made his face quite inexpressive, + and so walked into the bank the every-day Maxley externally, but within a + volcano ready to burst if there should be the slightest hesitation to pay + him his money. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, Mr. Maxley,” said young Skinner. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What can we do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'll wait my turn, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is your turn now, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “How much have you got of mine, if you please, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Your balance? I'll see. Nine hundred and four pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, then, if <i>you</i> please, I'll draa <i>that.</i>” + </p> + <p> + (“It has come!” thought Skinner.) “What, going to desert us?” he + stammered. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the other, trembling inwardly, but not moving a facial muscle: + “it is only for a day or two, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see, going to make a purchase. By-the-bye, I believe Mr. Hardie + means to offer you some grounds he is buying outside the town: will that + suit your book?” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say it will, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps you will wait till our governor comes in?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no objection.” + </p> + <p> + “He won't be long. Fine weather for the gardens, Mr. Maxley.” + </p> + <p> + “Moderate, sir. I'll take my money if you please. Counting it out, that + will help pass the time till Muster Hardie comes. You han't made away with + it?” + </p> + <p> + “What d'ye mean, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardies bain't turned thieves, be they?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad or intoxicated, Mr. Maxley?” + </p> + <p> + 'Neither, sir; but I wants my own, and I wool have it too: so count out on + this here counter, or I'll cry the town round that there door.” + </p> + <p> + “Henry, score James Maxley's name off the books,” said Skinner with cool + dignity. But when he had said this, he was at his wits' end: there were + not nine hundred pounds of hard cash in the bank, nor anything like it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + SKINNER—called “young” because he had once had a father on the + premises—was the mole-catcher. The feelings with which he had now + for some months watched his master grubbing were curiously mingled. There + was the grim sense of superiority every successful detective feels as he + sees the watched one working away unconscious of the eye that is on him; + but this was more than balanced by a long habit of obsequious reverence. + When A. has been looking up to B. for thirty years, he cannot look down on + him all of a sudden, merely because he catches him falsifying accounts. + Why, Man is a cooking animal: bankrupt Man especially. + </p> + <p> + And then Richard Hardie overpowered Skinner's senses: he was Dignity in + person: he was six feet two, and always wore a black surtout buttoned + high, and a hat with a brim a little broader than his neighbours', yet not + broad enough to be eccentric or slang. He moved down the street touching + his hat—while other hats were lifted high to him—a walking + volume of cash. And when he took off this ebon crown and sat in the bank + parlour, he gained in appearance more than he lost; for then his whole + head was seen, long, calm, majestic: that senatorial front and furrowed + face overawed all comers. Even the little sharp-faced clerk would stand + and peep at it, utterly puzzled between what he knew and what he eyed: nor + could he look at that head and face without excusing them. What a lot of + money they must have sunk before they came down to fabricating a + balance-sheet! + </p> + <p> + And by-and-bye custom somewhat blunted his sense of the dishonesty, and he + began to criticise the thing arithmetically instead of morally. That view + once admitted, he was charmed with the ability and subtlety of his + dignified sharper; and so the mole-catcher began gradually, but + effectually, to be corrupted by the mole. He who watches a dishonest + process and does not stop it, is half way towards conniving: who connives, + is half way towards abetting. + </p> + <p> + The next thing was, Skinner felt mortified at his master not trusting him. + Did he think old Bob Skinner's son would blow on Hardie after all these + years? + </p> + <p> + This rankled a little, and set him to console himself by admiring his own + cleverness in penetrating this great distrustful man. Now of all + sentiments, Vanity is the most restless and the surest to peep out. + Skinner was no sooner inflated than his demure obsequious manner underwent + a certain change: slight and occasional only; but Hardie was a subtle man, + and the perilous path he was treading made him wonderfully watchful, + suspicious, and sagacious. He said to himself, “What has come to Skinner? + I must know.” So he quietly watched his watcher; and soon satisfied + himself he suspected something amiss. From that hour Skinner was a doomed + clerk. + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock: Hardie had just arrived, and sat in the parlour, + Cato-like, and cooking. + </p> + <p> + Skinner was in high spirits: it was owing to his presence of mind the bank + had not been broken some hours ago by Maxley. So now, while concluding his + work, he was enjoying by anticipation his employer's gratitude. “He can't + hold aloof after this,” said Skinner; “he must honour me with his + confidence. And I will deserve it. I do deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + A grave, calm, passionless voice invited him into the parlour. + </p> + <p> + He descended from his desk and went in, swelling with demure complacency. + </p> + <p> + He found Mr. Hardie seated garbling his accounts with surpassing dignity. + The great man handed him an envelope, and cooked majestic on. A wave of + that imperial hand, and Skinner had mingled with the past. + </p> + <p> + For know that the envelope contained three things: a cheque for a month's + wages; a character; and a dismissal, very polite and equally peremptory. + </p> + <p> + Skinner stood paralysed: the complacency died out of his face, and rueful + wonder came instead. It was some time before he could utter a word: at + last he faltered, “Turn me away, sir? turn away Noah Skinner? Your father + would never have said such a word to <i>my</i> father.” Skinner uttered + this his first remonstrance in a voice trembling with awe, but gathered + courage when he found he had done it, yet lived. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie evaded his expostulation by a very simple means: he made no + reply, but continued his work, dignified as Brutus, inexorable as Fate, + cool as Cucumber. + </p> + <p> + Skinner's anger began to rise, he watched Mr. Hardie in silence, and said + to himself, “Curse you! you were born without a heart!” + </p> + <p> + He waited, however, for some sign of relenting, and, hoping for it the + water came into his own eyes. But Hardie was impassive as ice. + </p> + <p> + Then the little clerk, mortified to the core as well as wounded, ground + his teeth and drew a little nearer to this incarnate Arithmetic, and said + with an excess of obsequiousness, “Will you condescend to give me a reason + for turning me away all in a moment after five-and-thirty years' faithful + services?” + </p> + <p> + “Men of business do not deal in reasons,” was the cool reply: “it is + enough for you that I give you an excellent character, and that we part + good friends.” + </p> + <p> + “That we do not,” replied Skinner sharply: “if we stay together we are + friends; but we part enemies, if we do part.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please, Mr. Skinner. I will detain you no longer.” + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Hardie waved him away so grandly that he started and almost ran to + the door. When he felt the handle, it acted like a prop to his heart. He + stood firm, and rage supplied the place of steady courage. He clung to the + door, and whispered at his master—such a whisper: so loud, so + cutting, so full of meaning and malice; it was like a serpent hissing at a + man. + </p> + <p> + “But I'll give <i>you</i> a reason, a good reason, why you had better not + insult me so cruel: and what is more, I'll give you two: and one is that + but for me the bank must have closed this day at ten o'clock—ay, you + may stare; it was I saved it, not you—and the other is that, if you + make an enemy of me, you are done for. I know too much to be made an enemy + of, sir—a great deal too much.” + </p> + <p> + At this Mr. Hardie raised his head from his book and eyed his crouching + venomous assailant full in the face, majestically, as one can fancy a lion + rearing his ponderous head, and looking lazily and steadily at a snake + that has just hissed in a corner. Each word of Skinner's was a barbed + icicle to him, yet not a muscle of his close countenance betrayed his + inward suffering. + </p> + <p> + One thing, however, even he could not master: his blood; it retired from + that stoical cheek to the chilled and foreboding heart; and the sudden + pallor of the resolute face told Skinner his shafts had gone home. “Come, + sir,” said he, affecting to mingle good fellowship with his defiance, “why + bundle me off these premises, when you will be bundled off them yourself + before the week is out?” + </p> + <p> + “You insolent scoundrel! Humph! Explain, Mr. Skinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what, have I warmed your marble up a bit? Yes, I'll explain. The bank + is rotten, and can't last forty-eight hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed! blighted in a day—by the dismissal of Mr. Noah Skinner. + Do not repeat that after you have been turned into the streets, or you + will be indicted: at present we are confidential. Anything more before you + quit the rotten bank?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, plenty. I'll tell you your own history, past, present, and to + come. The road to riches is hard and rugged to the likes of me, but your + good father made it smooth and easy to you, sir. You had only to take the + money of a lot of fools that fancy they can't keep it themselves; invest + it in Consols and Exchequer bills, live on half the profits, put by the + rest, and roll in wealth. But this was too slow and too sure for you: you + must be Rothschild in a day; so you went into blind speculation, and flung + old Mr. Hardie's savings into a well. And now for the last eight months + you have been doctoring the ledger”—Hardie winced just perceptibly—“You + have put down our gains in white, our losses in black, and so you keep + feeding your pocket-book and empty our tills; the pear will soon be ripe, + and then you will let it drop, and into the Bankruptcy Court we go. But, + what you forget, fraudulent bankruptcy isn't the turnpike way of trade: it + is a broad road, but a crooked one: skirts the prison wall, sir, and + sights the herring-pond.” + </p> + <p> + An agony went across Mr. Hardie's great face, and seemed to furrow as it + ran. + </p> + <p> + “Not but what you are all right, sir,” resumed his little cat-like + tormentor, letting him go a little way, to nail him again by-and-bye: “You + have cooked the books in time: and Cocker was a fool to you. 'Twill be all + down in black and white. Great sacrifices: no reserve: creditors take + everything; dividend fourpence in the pound, furniture of house and bank, + Mrs. Hardie's portrait, and down to the coalscuttle. Bankrupt saves + nothing but his honour, and—the six thousand pounds or so he has + stitched into his old great-coat: hands his new one to the official + assignees, like an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie uttered something between a growl and a moan. + </p> + <p> + “Now comes the per contra: poor little despised Noah Skinner has kept + genuine books while you have been preparing false ones. I took the real + figures home every afternoon on loose leaves, and bound 'em: and very + curious they will read in court alongside of yours. I did it for amusement + o' nights: I'm so solitary, and so fond of figures. I must try and turn + them to profit; for I'm out of place now in my old age. Dearee me! how + curious that you should go and pick out me of all men to turn into the + street—like a dog—like a dog—like a dog.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie turned his head away; and in that moment of humiliation and abject + fear, drank all the bitterness of moral death. + </p> + <p> + His manhood urged him to defy Skinner and return to the straight path, + cost what it might. But how could he? His own books were all falsified. He + could place a true <i>total</i> before his creditors by simply adding the + contents of his secret hoard to the assets of the Bank; but with this true + arithmetical result he could not square his books, except by conjectural + and fabricated details, which would be detected, and send him to prison; + for who would believe he was lying in figures only to get back to the + truth? No, he had entangled himself in his own fraud, and was at the mercy + of his servant. He took his line. “Skinner, it was your interest to leave + me whilst the bank stood; then you would have got a place directly; but + since you take umbrage at my dismissing you for your own good, I must + punish you—by keeping you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite ready to stay and serve you, sir,” replied Skinner hastily + “and as for my angry words, think no more of them! It went to my heart to + be turned away at the very time you need me most.” + </p> + <p> + (“Hypocritical rogue!” thought Hardie.) “That is true, Skinner,” said he; + “I do indeed need a faithful and sympathising servant, to advise, support, + and aid me. Ask yourself whether any man in England needs a confidant more + than I. It was bitter at first to be discovered even by you: but now I am + glad you know all; for I see I have undervalued your ability as well as + your zeal.” + </p> + <p> + Thus Mr. Hardie bowed his pride to flatter Skinner, and soon saw by the + little fellow's heightened colour that this was the way to make him a + clerk of wax. + </p> + <p> + The banker and his clerk were reconciled. Then the latter was invited to + commit himself by carrying on the culinary process in his own hand. He + trembled a little, but complied, and so became an accomplice. On this his + master took him into his confidence, and told him everything it was + impossible to hide from him. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir,” said Skinner, “let me tell you what I did for you this + morning. Then perhaps you won't wonder at my being so peppery. Maxley <i>suspects:</i> + he came here and drew out every shilling. I was all in a perspiration what + to do. But I put a good face on, and——” + </p> + <p> + Skinner then confided to his principal how he had evaded Maxley and saved + the Bank; and the stratagem seemed so incredible and droll, that they both + laughed over it long and loud. And in fact it turned out a first-rate + practical jest: cost two lives. + </p> + <p> + While they were laughing, the young clerk looked in and said, “Captain + Dodd, to speak with you, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Dodd!!!” And all Mr. Hardie's forced merriment died away, and his + face betrayed his vexation for once. “Did you go and tell him I was here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir: I had no orders; and he said you would be sure to see <i>him.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunate! Well, you may show him in when I ring your bell.” + </p> + <p> + The youngster being gone, Mr. Hardie explained to his new ally in a few + hurried words the danger that threatened him from Miss Julia Dodd. “And + now,” said he, “the women have sent her father to soften his. I shall be + told his girl will die if she can't have my boy, &c. As if I care who + lives or dies.” + </p> + <p> + On this Skinner got up all in a hurry and offered to go into the office. + </p> + <p> + “On no account,” said Mr. Hardie sharply. “I shall make my business with + you the excuse for cutting this love-nonsense mighty short. Take your book + to the desk, and seem buried in it.” + </p> + <p> + He then touched the bell, and both confederates fell into an attitude: + never were a pair so bent over their little accounts—lies, like + themselves. + </p> + <p> + Instead of the heart-broken father their comedy awaited, in came the + gallant sailor with a brown cheek reddened by triumph and excitement and + almost shouted in a genial jocund voice, “How d'ye do sir? It is a long + time since I came across your hawse.” And with this he held out his hand + cordially. Hardie gave his mechanically, and remained on his guard, but + somewhat puzzled. Dodd shook his cold hand heartily. “Well, sir, here I + am, just come ashore, and visiting you before my very wife; what d'ye + think of that?” + </p> + <p> + “I am highly honoured, sir,” said Hardie: then, rather stiffly and + incredulously, “and to what may I owe this extraordinary preference? Will + you be good enough to state the purport of this visit—briefly—as + Mr. Skinner and I are much occupied?” + </p> + <p> + “The purport? Why, what does one come to a banker about? I have got a lot + of money I want to get rid of.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie stared, but was as much on his guard as ever; only more and more + puzzled. + </p> + <p> + Then David winked at him with simple cunning, took out his knife, undid + his shirt, and began to cut the threads which bound the Cash to his + flannel. + </p> + <p> + At this Skinner wheeled round on his stool to look, and both he and Mr. + Hardie inspected the unusual pantomime with demure curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Dodd next removed the oilskin cover, and showed the pocket-book, brought + it down with a triumphant smack on the hollow of his hand, and, in the + pride of his heart, the joy of his bosom and the fever of his blood—for + there were two red spots on his cheek all the time—told the cold + pair Its adventures in a few glowing words: the Calcutta firm—the + two pirates—the hurricane—the wreck—the land-sharks—he + had saved it from. “And here It is, safe in spite of them all. But I won't + carry It on me any more: it is unlucky; so you must be so good as to take + charge of It for me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Captain Dodd. You wish it placed to Mrs. Dodd's account, I + suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No! no! I have nothing to do with that: this is between you and me.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye see it is a good lump, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed!” said Hardie a little sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + “I call it a thundering lot o' money. But I suppose it is not much to a + rich banker like you.” Then he lowered his voice, and said with a certain + awe: “It's—fourteen—thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Fourteen thousand pounds!!!” cried Hardie. Then with sudden and + consummate coolness, “Why, certainly an established bank like this deals + with more considerable deposits than that. Skinner, why don't you give the + Captain a chair?” + </p> + <p> + “No! no!” said Dodd. “I'll heave-to till I get this off my mind, but I + won't anchor anywhere but at home.” He then opened the pocket-book and + spread the contents out before Mr. Hardie, who ran over the notes and + bills, and said the amount was L. 14,010, 12s. 6d. + </p> + <p> + Dodd asked for a receipt. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is not usual when there is an account.” + </p> + <p> + Dodd's countenance fell: “Oh, I should not like to part with it unless I + had a receipt.” + </p> + <p> + “You mistake me,” said Hardie with a smile. “An entry in your banker's + book is a receipt. However, you can have one in another form.” He then + unlocked a desk, took out a banker's receipt; and told Skinner to fill it + in. This done, he seemed to be absorbed in some more important matter. + </p> + <p> + Skinner counted the notes and left them with Mr. Hardie; the bills he took + to his desk to note them on the back of the receipt. Whilst he was writing + this with his usual slowness and precision, poor Dodd's heart overflowed. + “It is my children's fortune, ye see: I don't look on a sixpence of it as + mine: that it is what made me so particular. It belongs to my little + Julia, bless her:—she is a rosebud if ever there was one; and oh! + such a heart; and so fond of her poor father; but not fonder than he is of + her—and to my dear boy Edward; he is the honestest young chap you + ever saw: what he says, you may swear to with your eyes shut. But how + could they miss either good looks or good hearts, and <i>her</i> children? + the best wife and the best mother in England. She has been a true consort + to me this many a year, and I to her, in deep water and shoal, let the + wind blow high or low. Here is a Simple Simon vaunting his own flesh and + blood! No wonder that little gentleman there is grinning at me. Well, grin + away, lad! perhaps you haven't got any children. But you have, sir: and + you know how it is with us fathers; our hearts are so full of the little + darlings, out it must come. You can understand how joyful I feel at saving + their fortune from land-sharks and sea-sharks, and landing it safe in an + honest man's hands like you and your father before you.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner handed him the receipt. + </p> + <p> + He cast his eye over it. “All right, little gentleman. Now my heart is + relieved of such a weight: I feel to have just cleared out a cargo of + bricks. Good-bye: shake hands. I wish you were as happy as I am. I wish + all the world was happy. God bless you! God bless you both!” + </p> + <p> + And with this burst he was out of the room and making ardently for Albion + Villa. + </p> + <p> + The banker and his clerk turned round on their seats and eyed one another + a long time in silence and amazement. Was this thing a dream? their faces + seemed to ask. Then Mr. Hardie rested his senatorial head on his hand and + pondered deeply. Skinner too reflected on this strange freak of Fortune: + and the result was that he burst in on his principal's reverie with a + joyful shout: “The bank is saved! Hardie's is good for another hundred + years.” + </p> + <p> + The banker started, for Skinner's voice sounded like a pistol-shot in his + ear, so high strung was he with thought. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush!” he said, and pondered again in silence. At last he turned to + Skinner. “You think our course is plain? I tell you it is so dark and + complicated it would puzzle Solomon to know what is best to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Save the bank, sir, whatever you do.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I save the bank with a few thousand pounds, which I must refund + when called on? You look keenly into what is under your eye, Skinner, but + you cannot see a yard beyond your nose. Let me think.” + </p> + <p> + After a while he took a sheet of paper, and jotted down “the materials,” + as he called them, and read them out to his accomplice:— + </p> + <p> + “1. A bank too far gone to be redeemed. If I throw this money into it, I + shall ruin Captain Dodd, and do myself no good, but only my creditors. + </p> + <p> + “2. Miss Julia Dodd, virtual proprietor of this L. 14,000, or of the + greater part, if I choose. The child that marries first usually jockeys + the other. + </p> + <p> + “3. Alfred Hardie, my son, and my creditor, deep in love with No. 2, and + at present somewhat alienated from me by my thwarting a silly love affair; + which bids fair to improve into a sound negotiation. + </p> + <p> + “4. The L. 14,000 paid to me personally after banking hours, and not + entered on the banking books, nor known but to you and me. + </p> + <p> + “Now suppose I treat this advance as a personal trust? The bank breaks: + the money disappears. Consternation of the Dodds, who, until enlightened + by the public settlement, will think it has gone into the well. + </p> + <p> + “In that interval I talk Alfred over, and promise to produce the L.14,000 + intact, with my paternal blessing on him and Miss Dodd, provided he will + release me from my debt to him, and give me a life interest in half the + money settled on him by my wife's father, to my most unjust and insolent + exclusion. Their passion will soon bring the young people to reason, and + then they will soon melt the old ones.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner was struck with this masterly little sketch. But he detected one + fatal flaw: “You don't say what is to become of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I haven't thought of that yet.” + </p> + <p> + “But do think of it, sir, that I may have the pleasure of co-operating. It + would never do for you and me to be pulling two ways, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not forget you,” said Hardie, wincing under the chain this little + wretch held him with, and had jerked him by way of reminder. + </p> + <p> + “But surely, Skinner, you agree with me it would be a sin and a shame to + rob this honest captain of his money—for my creditors—curse + them! Ah! you are not a father. How quickly he found that out! Well, I am, + and he touched me to the quick. I love my little Jane as dearly as he + loves his Julia, every bit: and I feel for <i>him.</i> And then he put me + in mind of my own father, poor man. That seems strange, doesn't it? a + sailor and a banker. Ah! it was because they were both honest men. Yes, it + was like a wholesome flower coming into a close room, and then out again + and heaving a whiff behind was that sailor. He left the savour of Probity + and Simplicity behind, though he took the things themselves away again. + Why, why couldn't he leave us what is more wanted here than even his + money? His integrity: the pearl of price, that my father, whom I used to + sneer at, carried to his grave; and died simple, but wise; honest, but + rich—rich in money, in credit, in honour, and eternal hopes. Oh, + Skinner! Skinner! I wish I had never been born.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner was surprised: he was not aware that intelligent men who sin are + subject to fits of remorse. Nay, more, he was frightened; for the emotion + of this iron man, so hard to move, was overpowering when it came: it did + not soften, it convulsed him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't talk so, sir,” said the little clerk. “Keep up your heart! Have a + drop of something.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Mr. Hardie gloomily; “it is idle to talk: we are all + the slaves of circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + With this, he unlocked a safe that stood against the wall, chucked the L. + 14,000 in, and shammed the iron door sharply; and, as it closed upon the + Cash with a clang, the parlour door burst open as if by concert, and David + Dodd stood on the threshold, looking terrible. His ruddy colour was all + gone, and he seemed black and white with anger and anxiety; and out of + this blanched yet lowering face his eyes glowed like coals, and roved + keenly to and fro between the banker and the clerk. + </p> + <p> + A thunder-cloud of a man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <p> + JAMES MAXLEY came out of the bank that morning with nine hundred and four + pounds buttoned up tight in the pocket of his leather breeches, a joyful + man; and so to his work, and home at one o'clock to dinner. + </p> + <p> + At 2 P.M. he was thoughtful; uneasy at 3; wretched at 3.30. He was + gardener as well as capitalist, and Mr. Hardie owed him 30s. for work. + Such is human nature in general, and Maxley's in particular, that the L. + 900 in pocket seemed small, and the 30s. in jeopardy large. + </p> + <p> + “I can't afford to go with the creditors,” argued Maxley: “Dividend on + 30s.! Why, that will be about thirty pence: the change for a hard* + half-crown.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<i>i.e.</i> a half-crown in one piece. +</pre> + <p> + He stuck his spade in the soil and made for his debtor's house. As he came + up the street, Dodd shot out of the bank radiant, and was about to pass + him without notice, full of his wife and children; but Maxley stopped him + with a right cordial welcome, and told him he had given them all a fright + this time. + </p> + <p> + “What, is it over the town already that my ship has been wrecked?” And + Dodd looked annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “Wrecked? No; but you have been due this two months, ye know. Wrecked? + Why, Captain, you haven't ever been wrecked?” And he looked him all over + as if he expected to see “WRECKED” branded on him by the elements. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, James, wrecked on the French coast, and lost my chronometer, and a + tip-top sextant. But what of that? I saved <i>It.</i> I have just landed + It in the Bank. Good-bye; I must sheer off: I long to be home.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay a bit, Captain,” said Maxley. “I am not quite easy in my mind. I saw + you come out of Hardie's. I thought in course you had been in to draa: but + you says different. Now what was it you did leave behind you at that there + shop, if <i>you</i> please: not money?” + </p> + <p> + “Not money? Only L. 14,000. How the man stares! Why, it's not mine, James; + it's my children's: there, good-bye;” and he was actually off this time. + But Maxley stretched his long limbs, and caught him in two strides, and + griped his shoulder without ceremony. “Be you mad?” said he sternly. + </p> + <p> + “No, but I begin to think you are.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to be seen,” said Maxley gravely. “Before I lets you go, you must + tell me whether you be jesting, or whether you have really been so simple + as to drop fourteen—thousand—pounds at Hardie's?” No judge + upon the bench, nor bishop in his stall, could be more impressive than + this gardener was, when he subdued the vast volume of his voice to a low + grave utterance of this sort. + </p> + <p> + Dodd began to be uneasy. “Why, good heavens, there is nothing wrong with + the old Barkington Bank?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing wrong?” roared Maxley: then whispered': “Holt! I was laad once + for slander, and cost me thirty pounds: nearly killed my missus it did.” + </p> + <p> + “Man!” cried Dodd, “for my children's sake tell me if you know anything + amiss. After all, I'm like a stranger here; more than two years away at a + time.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you all I know,” whispered Maxley, “'tis the least I can do. + What (roaring) do—you—think—I've forgotten you saving my + poor boy out o' that scrape, and getting him a good place in Canada, and—why, + he'd have been put in prison but for you, and that would ha' broken my + heart and his mother's—and——” The stout voice began to + quaver. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bother all that now,” said Dodd impatiently. “The bank! you have + grounded me on thorns.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell ye: but you must promise faithful not to go and say I + told ye, or you'll get me laad again: and I likes to laa <i>them,</i> not + for <i>they</i> to laa me.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise, I promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, I got a letter to-day from my boy, him as you was so good to, + and here 'tis in my breeches-pocket.—Laws! how things do come round + sure<i>ly:</i> why, lookee here now; if so be <i>you</i> hadn't been a + good friend to <i>he, he</i> wouldn't be where he is; and if so be <i>he</i> + warn't where <i>he</i> is, <i>he</i> couldn't have writ <i>me</i> this + here, and then where should <i>you</i> and <i>I</i> be?” + </p> + <p> + “Belay your jaw and show me this letter,” cried David, trembling all over. + </p> + <p> + “That I wool,” said Maxley, diving a hand into his pocket. “Hush! lookee + yander now; if there ain't Master Alfred a-watching of us two out of his + window: and he have got an eye like a hawk, <i>he</i> have. Step in the + passage, Captain, and I'll show it to you.” + </p> + <p> + He drew him aside into the passage, and gave him the letter. Dodd ran his + eye over it hastily, uttered a cry like a wounded lion, dropped it, gave a + slight stagger, and rushed away. + </p> + <p> + Maxley picked up his letter and watched Dodd into the bank again and + reflected on his work. His heart was warmed at having made a return to the + good captain. + </p> + <p> + His head suggested that he was on the road which leads to libel. + </p> + <p> + But he had picked up at the assizes a smattering of the law of evidence; + so he coolly tore the letter in pieces. “There now,” said he to himself, + “if Hardies do laa me for publishing of this here letter, why they pours + their water into a sieve. Ugh!” And with this exclamation he started, and + then put his heavy boot on part of the letter, and ground it furtively + into the mud; for a light hand had settled on his shoulder, and a keen + young face was close to his. + </p> + <p> + It was Alfred Hardie, who had stolen on him like a cat. “I'm laad,” + thought Maxley. + </p> + <p> + “Maxley, old fellow,” said Alfred, in a voice as coaxing as a woman's, + “are you in a good humour?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Master, Halfred, sight of you mostly puts me in one, especially + after that there strychnine job.” + </p> + <p> + “Then tell me,” whispered Alfred, his eyes sparkling and his face beaming, + “who was that you were talking to just now? Was it?—wasn't it?—who + was it?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <p> + WHILE Dodd stood lowering in the doorway, he was nevertheless making a + great effort to control his agitation. + </p> + <p> + At last he said in a stern but low voice, in which, however, a quick ear + might detect a tremor of agitation: “I have changed my mind, sir: I want + my money back.” + </p> + <p> + At this, though David's face had prepared him, Mr. Hardie's heart sank: + but there was no help for it. He said faintly, “Certainly. May I ask——?” + and there he stopped; for it was hardly prudent to ask anything. + </p> + <p> + “No matter,” replied Dodd, his agitation rising even at this slight delay. + “Come! my money! I must and will have it.” + </p> + <p> + Hardie drew himself up majestically. “Captain Dodd, this is a strange way + of demanding what nobody here disputes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I beg your pardon,” said Dodd, a little awed by his dignity and + fairness, “but I can't help it.” + </p> + <p> + The quick, supple banker saw the slight advantage he had gained, and his + mind went into a whirl. What should he do? It was death to part with this + money and gain nothing by it. Sooner tell Dodd of the love affair, and + open a treaty on this basis: he clung to this money like limpet to its + rock; and so intense and rapid were his thoughts and schemes how to retain + it a little longer, that David's apologies buzzed in his ear like the + drone of a beetle. + </p> + <p> + The latter went on to say, “You see, sir, it's my children's fortune, my + boy Edward's, and my little Julia's: and so many have been trying to get + it from me, that my blood boils up in a moment about it now.—My poor + head!—You don't seem to understand what I am saying! There then, I + am a sailor; I can't go beating and tacking like you landsmen, with the + wind dead astern. The long and the short is, I don't feel It safe here: + don't feel It safe anywhere, except in my wife's lap. So no more words: + here's your receipt; give me my money.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Captain Dodd. Call to-morrow morning at the bank, and it will + be paid on demand in the regular way: the bank opens at ten o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; I can't wait. I should be dead of anxiety before then. Why not + pay it me here and now? You took it here.” + </p> + <p> + “We receive deposits till four o'clock, but we do not disburse after + three. This is the system of all banks.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all nonsense: if you are open to receive money, you are open to + pay it.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, if you were not entirely ignorant of business, you would be + aware that these things are not done in this way. Money received is passed + to account, and the cashier is the only person who can honour your draft + on it. But, stop; if the cashier is in the bank, we may manage it for you + yet. Skinner, run and see whether he has left: and if not, send him to me + directly.” The cashier took his cue and ran out. + </p> + <p> + David was silent. + </p> + <p> + The cashier speedily returned, saying, with a disappointed air, “The + cashier has been gone this quarter of an hour.” + </p> + <p> + David maintained an ominous silence. + </p> + <p> + “That is unfortunate,” remarked Hardie. “But, after all, it is only till + to-morrow morning. Still I regret this circumstance, sir; and I feel that + all these precautions we are obliged to take must seem unreasonable to + you. But experience dictates this severe routine, and, were we to deviate + from it, our friends' money would not be so safe in our hands as it always + has been at present.” + </p> + <p> + David eyed him sternly, but let him run on. When he had concluded his + flowing periods, David said quietly, “So you can't give me my own because + your cashier has carried it away?” + </p> + <p> + Hardie smiled. “No, no; but because he has locked it up and carried away + the key.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not in this room, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure?” + </p> + <p> + “Positive.” + </p> + <p> + “What, not in that safe of yours, there?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said Hardie stoutly. + </p> + <p> + “Open the safe: the keys are in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Open the safe? What for?” + </p> + <p> + “To show me It is not in the right-hand partition of that safe; there: + there.” And David pointed at the very place where it was. + </p> + <p> + The dignified Mr. Hardie felt ready to sink with shame: a kind of shudder + passed through him, and he was about to comply, heart-sick; but then + wounded pride and the rage of disappointment stung him, and he turned in + defiance. “You are impertinent, sir, and I shall not reward your curiosity + and your insolence by showing you the contents of my safe.” + </p> + <p> + “My money! my money!” cried David fiercely: “no more words, for I shan't + listen to them: I know you now for what you are—a thief! I saw you + put it into that safe: a liar is always a thief. You want to steal my + children's money: I'll have your life first. My money! ye pirate! or I'll + strangle you.” And he advanced upon him purple with rage, and shot out his + long threatening arm and brown fingers working in the air. “D'ye know what + I did to a French land-shark that tried to rob me of It? I throttled him + with these fingers till his eyes and his tongue started out of him. He + came for my children's money, and I killed him so—so—so—as + I'll kill you, you thief! you liar! you scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + His face black and convulsed with rage, and his outstretched fingers + working convulsively, and hungering for a rogue's throat, made the + resolute Hardie quake. He whipped out of the furious man's way, and got to + the safe, pale and trembling. “Hush! no violence!” he gasped: “I'll give + you your money this moment you ruffian.” + </p> + <p> + While he unlocked the safe with trembling hands, Dodd stood like a man + petrified, his arm and fingers stretched out and threatening; and Skinner + saw him pull at his necktie furiously, like one choking. + </p> + <p> + Hardie got the notes and bills all in a hurry, and held them out to Dodd. + </p> + <p> + In which act, to his consternation and surprise and indignation, he + received a back-handed blow on the eye that dazzled him for an instant; + and there was David with his arms struggling wildly and his fists + clenched, his face purple, and his eyes distorted so that little was seen + but the whites the next moment his teeth gnashed loudly together, and he + fell headlong on the floor with a concussion so momentous that the windows + rattled and the room shook violently; the dust rose in a cloud. + </p> + <p> + A loud ejaculation burst from Hardie and Skinner, + </p> + <p> + And then there was an awful silence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <p> + WHEN David fell senseless on the floor, Mr. Hardie was somewhat confused + by the back-handed blow from his convulsed and whirling arm. But Skinner + ran to him, held up his head, and whipped off his neckcloth. + </p> + <p> + Then Hardie turned to seize the bell and ring for assistance; but Skinner + shook his head and said it was useless: this was no faint: old Betty could + not help him. + </p> + <p> + “It is a bad day's work, sir,” said he, trembling: “he is a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead? Heaven forbid!” + </p> + <p> + “Apoplexy!” whispered Skinner. + </p> + <p> + “Run for a doctor then: lose no time: don't let us have his blood on our + hands! Dead?” + </p> + <p> + And he repeated the word this time in a very different tone, a tone too + strange and significant to escape Skinner's quick ear. However, he laid + David's head gently down and rose from his knees to obey. + </p> + <p> + What did he see now, but Mr. Hardie, with his back turned, putting the + notes and bills softly into the safe again out of sight. He saw, + comprehended, and took his own course with equal rapidity. + </p> + <p> + “Come, run!” cried Mr. Hardie; “I'll take care of him; every moment is + precious.” + </p> + <p> + (“Wants to get rid of me!” thought Skinner.) “No, sir,” said he, “be ruled + by me: let us take him to his friends: he won't live; and we shall get all + the blame if we doctor him.” + </p> + <p> + Already egotism had whispered Hardie, “How lucky if he should die!” and + now a still guiltier thought flashed through him: he did not try to + conquer it; he only trembled at himself for entertaining it. + </p> + <p> + “At least: give him air!” said he in a quavering voice, consenting to a + crime, yet compromising with his conscience, feebly. + </p> + <p> + He threw the window, open with great zeal—with prodigious zeal; for, + he wanted to deceive himself as well as Skinner. With equal parade he + helped carry Dodd to the window; it opened, on the ground: this done, the + self-deceivers put their heads together, and soon managed matters so that + two porters, known to Skinner, were introduced into the garden, and + informed that a gentleman had fallen down in a fit, and they were to take + him home to his friends, and not talk about it: there might be an inquest, + and that was so disagreeable to a gentleman like Mr. Hardie. The men + agreed at once for a sovereign apiece. It was all done in a great hurry + and agitation, and while Skinner accompanied the men to see that they did + not blab, Mr. Hardie went into the garden to breathe and think. But he + could do neither. + </p> + <p> + He must have a look at It. + </p> + <p> + He stole back, opened the safe, and examined the notes and bills. + </p> + <p> + He fingered them. + </p> + <p> + They seemed to grow to his finger. + </p> + <p> + He lusted after them. + </p> + <p> + He said to himself, “The matter has gone too far to stop; I <i>must</i> go + on borrowing this money of the Dodds, and make it the basis of a large + fortune: it will be best for all parties in the end.” + </p> + <p> + He put It into his pocket-book; that pocket-book into his breast-pocket; + and passed by his private door into the house, and to his dressing-room. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later he left the house with a little black bag in his band. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + “WHAT will ye give me, and I'll tell ye?” said Maxley to Alfred Hardie. + </h3> + <p> + “Five pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “That is too much.” + </p> + <p> + “Five shillings, then.” + </p> + <p> + “That is too little. Lookee here; your garden owes me thirty shillings for + work: suppose you pays me, and that will save me from going to your Dad + for it.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred consented readily, and paid the money. Then Maxley told him it was + Captain Dodd he had been talking with. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so! I thought so!” cried Alfred joyfully, “but I was afraid to + believe it: it was too delightful. Maxley, you're a trump you don't know + what anxiety you have relieved me of. Some fool has gone and reported the + <i>Agia</i> wrecked; look here!” and he showed him his Lloyd's. “Luckily + it has only just come, so I haven't been miserable long.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, to be sure, news flies fast now-a-days. He have been wrecked for + that matter.” He then surprised Alfred by telling him all he had just + learned from Dodd; and was going to let out about the L. 4,000, when he + recollected this was the banker's son, and while he was talking to him, it + suddenly struck Maxley that this young gentleman would come down in the + world should the bank break, and then the Dodds, he concluded, judging + others by himself, would be apt to turn their backs on him. Now he liked + Alfred, and was disposed to do him a good turn, when he could without + hurting James Maxley. “Mr. Alfred,” said he, “I know the world better than + you do: you be ruled by me, or you'll rue it. You put on your Sunday coat + this minute, and off like a shot to Albyn Villee; you'll get there before + the Captain; he have got a little business to do first; that is neither + here nor there: besides, you are young and lissom. You be the first to + tell Missus Dodd the good news; and, when the Captain comes, there sits + you aside Miss Julee: and don't you be shy and shamefaced, take him when + his heart is warm, and tell him why you are there: 'I love her dear,' says + you. He be only a sailor and they never has no sense nor prudence; he is + a'most sure to take you by the hand, at such a time: and once you get his + word, he'll stand good, to his own hurt. He's one of that sort, bless his + silly old heart.” + </p> + <p> + A good deal of this was unintelligible to Alfred, but the advice seemed + good—advice generally does when it squares with our own wishes. He + thanked Maxley, left him, made a hasty toilet, and ran to Albion Villa. + </p> + <p> + Sarah opened the door to him in tears. + </p> + <p> + The news of the wreck had come to Albion Villa just half an hour ago, and + in that half hour they had tasted more misery than hitherto their peaceful + lot had brought them in years. Mrs. Dodd was praying and crying in her + room; Julia had put on her bonnet, and was descending in deep distress and + agitation, to go down to the quay and learn more if possible. + </p> + <p> + Alfred saw her on the stairs, and at sight of her pale, agitated face flew + to her. + </p> + <p> + She held out both hands piteously to him: “O Alfred!” + </p> + <p> + “Good news!” he panted. “He is alive—Maxley has seen him—I + have seen him—he will be here directly—my own love, dry your + eyes—calm your fears—he is safe—he is well: hurrah! + hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + The girl's pale face flushed red with hope, then pale again with emotion, + then rosy red with transcendent joy. “Oh, bless you! bless you!” she + murmured, in her sweet gurgle so full of heart: then took his head + passionately with both her hands, as if she was going to kiss him: uttered + a little inarticulate cry of love and gratitude over him, then turned and + flew up the stairs, crying “Mamma! mamma!” and burst into her mother's + room. When two such Impetuosities meet as Alfred and Julia, expect quick + work. + </p> + <p> + What happened in Mrs. Dodd's room may be imagined: and soon both ladies + came hastily out to Alfred, and he found himself in the drawing-room + seated between them, and holding a hand of each, and playing the man + delightfully, soothing and assuring them. Julia believed him at a word, + and beamed with unmixed delight and anticipation of the joyful meeting. + Mrs. Dodd cost him more trouble: her soft hand trembled still in his, and + she put question upon question. But when he told her he with his own eyes + had seen Captain Dodd talking to Maxley, and gathered from Maxley he had + been shipwrecked on the coast of France, and lost his chronometer and his + sextant, these details commanded credit. Bells were rung: the Captain's + dressing-room ordered to be got ready; the cook put on her mettle, and + Alfred invited to stay and dine with the long-expected one: and the house + of mourning became the house of joy. + </p> + <p> + “And then it was he who brought the good news,” whispered Julia to her + mother, “and that is so sweet.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear,” said Mrs. Dodd, “he will make even me love him. The L. + 14,000! I hope that was not lost in the wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma! who cares when his own dear, sweet, precious life has been in + danger, and is mercifully preserved? Why does he not come? I shall scold + him for keeping us waiting. You know I am not a bit afraid of him, though + he is papa. Indeed, I am ashamed to say I govern him with a rod of—no + matter what. Do, do, do let us all three put on our bonnets, and run and + meet him. I want him so to love somebody the very first day.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd said, “Well, wait a few minutes, and then, if he is not here, + you two shall go. I dare hardly trust myself to meet my darling husband in + the open street.” + </p> + <p> + Julia ran to Alfred: “If he does not come in ten minutes, you and I may go + and meet him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an angel,” murmured Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “You are another,” said Julia haughtily. “Oh, dear, I can't sit down, and + I don't want flattery: I want papa. A waltz! a waltz! then one can go mad + with joy without startling propriety. I can't answer for the consequences + if I don't let off a little, little happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will,” said Mrs. Dodd; “for I am as happy as you, and happier.” + She played a waltz. + </p> + <p> + Julia's eyes were a challenge: Alfred started up and took her ready hand, + and soon the gay young things were whirling round, the happiest pair in + England. + </p> + <p> + But in the middle of the joyous whirl, Julia's quick ear, on the watch all + the time, heard the gate swing to: she glided like an eel from Alfred's + arm and ran to the window. Arrived there, she made three swift vertical + bounds like a girl with a skipping rope, only her hands were clapping in + the air at the same time; then down the stairs, screaming, “His chest his + chest! he is coming, coming, come!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred ran after her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, unable to race with such antelopes, slipped quietly out into + the little balcony. + </p> + <p> + Julia had seen two men carrying a trestle with a tarpauling over it, and a + third walking beside. Dodd's heavy sea-chest had been more than once + carried home this way. She met the men at the door, and overpowered them + with questions:— + </p> + <p> + “Is it his clothes? Then he wasn't so much wrecked after all. Is he with + you? Is he coming directly? Why don't you tell me?” + </p> + <p> + The porters at first wore the stolid impassive faces of their tribe; but + when this bright young creature questioned them, brimming over with ardour + and joy, their countenances fell and they hung their heads. + </p> + <p> + The little sharp-faced man, who was walking beside the others stepped + forward to reply to Julia. + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by a terrible scream from the balcony. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was leaning wildly over it, with dilating eyes and quivering + hand, that pointed down to the other side of the trestle: “Julia!! + Julia!!” + </p> + <p> + Julia ran round, and stood petrified, her pale lips apart, and all her + innocent joy frozen in a moment. + </p> + <p> + The tarpauling was scanty there, and a man's hand and part of his arm + dangled helpless out. + </p> + <p> + The hand was blanched, and wore a well-known ring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <p> + IN the terror and confusion no questions were then asked: Alfred got to + David's head, and told Skinner to take his feet; Mrs. Dodd helped, and + they carried him up and laid him on her bed. The servant girls cried and + wailed, and were of little use: Mrs. Dodd hurried them off for medical + aid, and she and Julia, though pale as ghosts, and trembling in every + limb, were tearless and almost silent, and did all for the best. They + undid a shirt button that confined his throat: they set his head high, and + tried their poor little eau-de-Cologne and feminine remedies; and each of + them held an insensible hand in both hers, clasping it piteously and + trying to hold him tight, so that Death should not take him away from + them. + </p> + <p> + “My son, where is my son?” sighed Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + Alfred threw his arm round her neck: “You have one son here: what shall I + do?” + </p> + <p> + The next minute he was running to the telegraph office for her. + </p> + <p> + At the gate he found Skinner hanging about, and asked him hurriedly how + the calamity had happened. Skinner said Captain Dodd had fallen down + senseless in the street, and he had passed soon after, recognised him, and + brought him home: “I have paid the men, sir; I wouldn't let them ask the + ladies at such a time.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you! thank you, Skinner! I will repay you; it is me you have + obliged.” And Alfred ran off with the words in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + Skinner looked after him and muttered: “I forgot <i>him.</i> It is a nice + mess. Wish I was out of it.” And he went back, hanging his head, to + Alfred's father. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Osmond met him. Skinner turned and saw him enter the villa. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Osmond came softly into the room, examined Dodd's eye, felt his pulse, + and said he must be bled at once. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was averse to this. “Oh, let us try everything else first,” said + she. But Osmond told her there was no other remedy: “All the functions we + rely on in the exhibition of medicines are suspended.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Short now drove up, and was ushered in. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd asked him imploringly whether it was necessary to bleed. But Dr. + Short knew his business too well to be entrapped into an independent + opinion where a surgeon had been before him. He drew Mr. Osmond apart, and + inquired what he had recommended: this ascertained, he turned to Mrs. Dodd + and said, “I advise venesection or cupping.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Dr. Short, pray have pity and order something less terrible. Dr. + Sampson is so averse to bleeding.” + </p> + <p> + “Sampson? Sampson? never heard of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the chronothermal man,” said Osmond. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ah! but this is too serious a case to be quacked. Coma with stertor, + and a full, bounding pulse, indicates liberal bloodletting. I would try + venesection; then cup, if necessary, or leech the temple. I need not say, + sir, calomel must complete the cure. The case is simple, and, at present, + surgical: I leave it in competent hands.” And he retired, leaving the + inferior practitioner well pleased with him and with himself; no + insignificant part of a physicians art. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone, Mr. Osmond told Mrs. Dodd that however crotchety Dr. + Sampson might be, he was an able man, and had very properly resisted the + indiscriminate use of the lancet: the profession owed him much. “But in + apoplexy the leech and the lancet are still our sheet-anchor.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd utter a faint shriek: “Apoplexy! Oh, David! Oh, my darling, have + you come home for this?” + </p> + <p> + Osmond assured her apoplexy was not necessarily fatal; provided the + cerebral blood-vessels were relieved in time by depletion. + </p> + <p> + The fixed eye and terrible stertorous breathing on the one hand, and the + promise of relief on the other, overpowered Mrs. Dodd's reluctance. She + sent Julia out of the room on a pretext, and then consented with tears to + David's being bled. But she would not yield to leave the room. No; this + tender woman nerved herself to see her husband's blood flow, sooner than + risk his being bled too much by the hard hand of custom. Let the peevish + fools, who make their own troubles in love, compare their slight and + merited pangs with this: she was his true lover and his wife, yet there + she stood with eye horror-stricken yet unflinching, and saw the stab of + the little lancet, and felt it deeper than she would a javelin through her + own body, and watched the blood run that was dearer to her than her own. + </p> + <p> + At the first prick of the lancet David shivered, and, as the blood + escaped, his eye unfixed, and the pupils contracted and dilated, and once + he sighed. “Good sign that!” said Osmond. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is enough, sir,” said Mrs. Dodd: “we shall faint if you take any + more.” + </p> + <p> + Osmond closed the vein, observing that a local bleeding would do the rest. + When he had staunched the blood, Mrs. Dodd sank half fainting in her + chair. By some marvellous sympathy it was she who had been bled, and whose + vein was now closed. Osmond sprinkled water on her face; she thanked him, + and said sweetly, “You see I could not have lost any more.” + </p> + <p> + When it was over she came to tell Julia; she found her sitting on the + stairs crying and pale as marble. She suspected. And there was Alfred + hanging over her, and in agony at her grief: out came his love for her in + words and accents unmistakable, and this in Osmond's hearing and the + maid's. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hush! hush!” cried poor Mrs. Dodd, and her face was seen to burn + through her tears. + </p> + <p> + And this was the happy, quiet, little villa of my opening chapters. + </p> + <p> + Ah! Richard Hardie! Richard Hardie! + </p> + <p> + The patient was cupped on the nape of the neck by Mr. Osmond, and, on the + glasses drawing, showed signs of consciousness, and the breathing was + relieved. These favourable symptoms were neither diminished nor increased + by the subsequent application of the cupping needles. + </p> + <p> + “We have turned the corner.” said Mr. Osmond cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + Rap! rap! rap! came a telegraphic message from Dr. Sampson, and was + brought up to the sick-room. + </p> + <p> + “Out visiting patients when yours came. In apoplexy with a red face and + stertorous breathing, put the feet in mustard bath and dash much cold + water on the head from above. On revival give emetic: cure with sulphate + of quinine. In apoplexy with a white face, treat as for a simple faint: + here emetic dangerous. In neither apoplexy bleed. Coming down by train.” + </p> + <p> + This message added to Mrs. Dodd's alarm; the whole treatment varied so far + from what had been done. She faltered her misgivings. Osmond reassured + her. “Not bleed in apoplexy!” said he superciliously; “why, it is the + universal practice. Judge for yourself. You see the improvement.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd admitted it. + </p> + <p> + “Then as to the cold water,” said Osmond, “I would hardly advise so rough + a remedy. And he is going on so well. But you can send for ice; and + meantime give me a good-sized stocking.” + </p> + <p> + He cut and fitted it adroitly to the patient's head, then drenched it with + eau-de-Cologne, and soon the head began to steam. + </p> + <p> + By-and-bye, David muttered a few incoherent words, and the anxious + watchers thanked God aloud for them. + </p> + <p> + At length Mr. Osmond took leave with a cheerful countenance, and left them + all grateful to him, and with a high opinion of his judgment and skill, + especially Julia. She said Dr. Sampson was very amusing to talk to, but + she should be sorry to trust to that rash, reckless, boisterous man in + time of danger. + </p> + <p> + About two in the morning a fly drove rapidly up to the villa, and Sampson + got out. + </p> + <p> + He found David pale and muttering, and his wife and children hanging over + him in deep distress. + </p> + <p> + He shook hands with them in silence, and eyed the patient keenly. He took + the nightcap off, removed the pillows, lowered his head, and said quietly, + “This is the cold fit come on: we must not shut our eyes on the pashint. + Why, what is this? he has been cupped!” And Sampson changed colour and his + countenance fell. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd saw and began to tremble. “I could not hear from you; and Dr. + Short and Mr. Osmond felt quite sure: and he seems better. Oh, Dr. + Sampson, why were you not here? We have bled him as well. Oh, don't, + don't, don't say it was wrong! He would have died; they said so. Oh, + David! David! your wife has killed you.” And she knelt and kissed his hand + and implored his pardon, insensible. + </p> + <p> + Julia clung sobbing to her mother, in a vain attempt to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + Sampson groaned. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said he: “don't go on so, my poor soul; you did all for the + best; and now we must make the best of what is done. Hartshorn! brandy! + and caution! For those two assassins have tied my hands.” + </p> + <p> + While applying these timid remedies, he inquired if the cause was known. + They told him they knew nothing; but that David had been wrecked on the + coast of France, and had fallen down senseless in the street: a clerk of + Mr. Hardie's had recognised him, and brought him home: so Alfred said. + </p> + <p> + “Then the cause is mintil,” said Sampson, “unless he got a blow on the hid + in bein' wrecked.”' + </p> + <p> + He then examined David's head carefully, and found a long scar. + </p> + <p> + “But this is not it,” said he; “this is old.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd clasped her hands, and assured him it was new to her: her David + had no scar there when he left her last. + </p> + <p> + Pursuing his examination, Sampson found an open wound in his left + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + He showed it them; and they were all as pale as the patient in a moment. + He then asked to see his coat, and soon discovered a corresponding + puncture in it, which he examined long and narrowly. + </p> + <p> + “It is a stab—with a one-edged knife.” + </p> + <p> + There was a simultaneous cry of horror. + </p> + <p> + “Don't alarm yourselves for that,” said Sampson; “it is nothing: a mere + flesh-wound. It is the vein-wound that alarms me. This school knows + nothing about the paroxysms and remissions of disease. They have bled and + cupped him for a <i>passing fit.</i> It has passed into the cold stage, + but no quicker than it would have done without stealing a drop of blood. + To-morrow, by disease's nature, he will have another hot fit in spite of + their bleeding. Then those ijjits would leech his temples; and on that + paroxysm remitting by the nature of the disease, would fancy their leeches + had cured it.” + </p> + <p> + The words were the old words, but the tone and manner was so different: no + shouting, no anger: all was spoken low and gently, and with a sort of sad + and weary and worn-out air. + </p> + <p> + He ordered a kettle of hot water and a quantity of mustard, and made his + preparations for the hot fit, as he called it, maintaining the + intermittent and febrile character of all disease. + </p> + <p> + The patient rambled a good deal, but quite incoherently, and knew nobody. + </p> + <p> + But about eight o'clock in the morning he was quite quiet and apparently + sleeping: so Mrs. Dodd stole out of the room to order some coffee for + Sampson and Edward. They were nodding, worn out with watching. + </p> + <p> + Julia, whose high-strung nature could dispense with sleep on such an + occasion, was on her knees praying for her father. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there came from the bed, like a thunder-clap, two words uttered + loud and furiously— + </p> + <h3> + “HARDIE! VILLAIN!” + </h3> + <p> + Up started the drowsy watchers, and rubbed their eyes. They had heard the + sound, but not the sense. + </p> + <p> + Julia rose from her knees bewildered and aghast: she had caught the + strange words distinctly—words that were to haunt her night and day. + </p> + <p> + They were followed immediately by a loud groan, and the stertorous + breathing recommenced, and the face was no longer pale, but flushed and + turgid. On this Sampson hurried Julia from the room, and, with Edward's + help, placed David on a stool in the bath, and getting on a chair, + discharged half a bucket of cold water on his head: the patient gasped: + another, and David shuddered, stared wildly, and put his hand to his head; + a third, and he staggered to his feet. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Mrs. Dodd coming hastily into the room, he looked steadily + at her, and said, “Lucy!” + </p> + <p> + She ran to throw her arms round him, but Sampson interfered. “Gently! + gently!” said he; “we must have no violent emotions.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I will be prudent.” And she stood quiet with her arms still + extended, and cried for joy. + </p> + <p> + They got David to bed again, anti Sampson told Mrs. Dodd there was no + danger now from the malady, but only from the remedies. + </p> + <p> + And in fact David fell into a state of weakness and exhaustion, and kept + muttering unintelligibly. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Short called in the morning, and was invited to consult with Dr. + Sampson. He declined. “Dr. Sampson is a notorious quack: no physician of + any eminence will meet him in consultation.” + </p> + <p> + “I regret that resolution,” said Mrs. Dodd quietly, “as it will deprive me + of the advantage of your skill.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Short bowed stifly. “I shall be at your service, madam, when that + empiric has given the patient up.” And he drove away. + </p> + <p> + Osmond, finding Sampson installed, took the politic line; he contrived to + glide by fine gradations into the empiric's opinions, without recanting + his own, which were diametrically opposed. + </p> + <p> + Sampson, before he shot back to town, asked him to provide a good reliable + nurse. + </p> + <p> + He sent a young woman of iron. She received Sampson's instructions, and + assumed the command of the sick-room, and was jealous of Mrs. Dodd and + Julia, looked on them as mere rival nurses, amateurs, who, if not snubbed, + might ruin the professionals. She seemed to have forgotten in the + hospitals all about the family affections and their power of turning + invalids themselves into nurses. + </p> + <p> + The second night she got the patient all to herself for four hours, from + eleven till two. + </p> + <p> + The ladies having consented to this arrangement its order to recruit + themselves for the work they were not so mad as to intrust wholly to a + hireling, nurse's feathers smoothed themselves perceptibly. + </p> + <p> + At twelve the patient was muttering and murmuring incessantly about + wrecks, and money, and things: of which vain babble nurse showed her + professional contempt by nodding. + </p> + <p> + At 12.30 she slept + </p> + <p> + At 1.20 she snored very loud, and woke instantly at the sound. + </p> + <p> + She took the thief out of the candle, and went like a good sentinel to + look at her charge. + </p> + <p> + He was not there. + </p> + <p> + She rubbed her eyes, and held the candle over the place where he ought to + be—where, in fact, he must be; for he was far too weak to move. + </p> + <p> + She tore the bedclothes down: she beat and patted the clothes with her + left hand, and the candle began to shake violently in her right. + </p> + <p> + The bed was empty. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was half asleep when a hurried tap came to her door: she started + up in a moment and great dread fell on her; was David sinking? + </p> + <p> + “Ma'am! Ma'am! Is he here?” + </p> + <p> + “He! Who?” cried Mrs. Dodd, bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Why, <i>him!</i> He can't be far off” + </p> + <p> + In a moment Mrs. Dodd had opened the door, and her tongue and the nurse's + seemed to dash together, so fast came the agitated words from each in + turn; and crying, “Call my son! Alarm the house!” Mrs. Dodd darted into + the sickroom. She was out again in a moment, and up in the attics rousing + the maids, while the nurse thundered at Edward's door and Julia's, and + rang every bell she could get at. The inmates were soon alarmed, and + flinging on their clothes: meantime Mrs. Dodd and the nurse scoured the + house and searched every nook in it down to the very cellar: they found no + David. + </p> + <p> + But they found something. + </p> + <p> + The street door ajar. + </p> + <p> + It was a dark drizzly night. + </p> + <p> + Edward took one road, Mrs. Dodd and Elizabeth another. + </p> + <p> + They were no sooner gone, than Julia drew the nurse into a room apart and + asked her eagerly if her father had said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Said nothing, Miss? Why he was a-talking all the night incessant.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say anything particular? think now.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss: he went on as they all do just before a change. I never minds + 'em; I hear so much of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nurse! nurse! have pity on me; try and recollect.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miss, to oblige you then; it was mostly fights this time—and + wrecks—and villains—and bankers—and sharks.” + </p> + <p> + “Bankers??!” asked Julia eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss, and villains, they come once or twice, but most of the time it + was sharks, and ships, and money, and—hotch-potch I call it the way + they talk. Bless your heart, they know no better: everything they ever + saw, or read, or heard tell of—it all comes out higgledy-piggledy + just before they goes off. We that makes it a business never takes no + notice of what they says, Miss, and never repeats it out of one sick house + into another, that you <i>may</i> rely on.” + </p> + <p> + Julia scarcely heard this: her hands were tight to her brow as if to aid + her to think with all her force. + </p> + <p> + The result was, she told Sarah to put on her bonnet and rushed upstairs. + </p> + <p> + She was not gone three minutes, but in that short interval the nurse's + tongue and Sarah's clashed together swiftly and incessantly. + </p> + <p> + Julia heard them. She came down with a long cloak on, whipped the hood + over her head, beckoned Sarah quickly, and darted out. Sarah followed + instinctively, but ere they had gone many yards from the house, said, “Oh, + Miss, nurse thinks you had much better not go.” + </p> + <p> + “Nurse thinks! Nurse thinks! What does she know of me and my griefs?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Miss, she is a very experienced woman, and she says—Oh, dear! + oh, dear! And such a dark cold night for you to be out!” + </p> + <p> + “Nurse? Nurse? What did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I haven't the heart to tell you: if you would but come back home with + me! She says as much as that poor master's troubles will be over long + before we can get to him.” And with this Sarah burst out sobbing. + </p> + <p> + “Come quicker,” cried Julia despairingly. But after a while she said, + “Tell me; only don't stop me.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss, she says she nursed Mr. Campbell, the young curate that died last + harvest-time but one, you know; and he lay just like master, and she + expecting a change every hour: and oh, Miss, she met him coming + down-stairs in his nightgown: and he said, 'Nurse, I am all right now,' + says he, and died momently in her arms at the stair-foot. And she nursed + an old farmer that lay as weak as master, and just when they looked for + him to go, lo! and behold him dressed and out digging potatoes, and fell + down dead before they could get hands on him mostly: and nurse have a + friend, that have seen more than she have, which she is older than nurse, + and says a body's life is all one as a rushlight, flares up strong + momently just before it goes out altogether. Dear heart! where ever are we + going to in the middle of the night?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see? To the quay.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't go there, Miss, whatever! I can't abide the sight of the water + when a body's in trouble.” Here a drunken man confronted them, and asked + then if they wanted a beau; and on their slipping past him in silence, + followed them, and offered repeatedly to treat them. Julia moaned and + hurried faster. “Oh, Miss,” said Sarah, “what could you expect, coming out + at this time of night? I'm sure the breath is all out of me, you do tear + along so.” + </p> + <p> + “Tear? we are crawling. Ah! Sarah, you are not his daughter. There, follow + me! I cannot go so slow.” And she set off to run. + </p> + <p> + Presently she passed a group of women standing talking at a corner of the + street, and windows were open with nightcapped heads framed in them. + </p> + <p> + She stopped a moment to catch the words; they were talking about a ghost + which was said to have just passed down the street, and discussing whether + it was a real ghost or a trick to frighten people. + </p> + <p> + Julia uttered a low cry and redoubled her speed, and was soon at Mr. + Richard Hardie's door; but the street was deserted, and she was + bewildered, and began to think she had been too hasty in her conjecture. A + chill came over her impetuosity. The dark, drizzly, silent night, the tall + masts, the smell of the river—how strange it all seemed: and she to + be there alone at such an hour! + </p> + <p> + Presently she heard voices somewhere near. She crossed over to a passage + that seemed to lead towards them; and then she heard the voices plainly, + and among them one that did not mingle with the others, for it was the + voice she loved. She started back and stood irresolute. Would he be + displeased with her? + </p> + <p> + Feet came trampling slowly along the passage. + </p> + <p> + His voice came with them. + </p> + <p> + She drew back and looked round for Sarah. + </p> + <p> + While she stood fluttering, the footsteps came close, and there emerged + from the passage into the full light of the gas-lamp Alfred and two + policemen carrying a silent senseless figure in a night-gown, with a + great-coat thrown over part of him. + </p> + <p> + It was her father, mute and ghastly. + </p> + <p> + The policemen still tell of that strange meeting under the gaslight by + Hardie's Bank; and how the young lady flung her arms round her father's + head, and took him for death, and kissed his pale cheeks, and moaned over + him; and how the young gentleman raised her against her will, and sobbed + over her; and how they, though policemen, cried like children. And to them + I must refer the reader: I have not the skill to convey the situation. + </p> + <p> + They got more policemen to help, and carried him to Albion Villa. + </p> + <p> + On the way something cold and mysterious seemed to have come between Julia + and Alfred. They walked apart in gloomy silence, broken only by foreboding + sighs. + </p> + <p> + I pass over the tempest of emotions under which that sad burden entered + Albion Villa, and hurry to the next marked event. + </p> + <p> + Next day the patient had lost his extreme pallor, and wore a certain + uniform sallow hue; and at noon, just before Sampson's return, he opened + his eyes wide, and fixed them on Mrs. Dodd and Julia, who were now his + nurses. They hailed this with delight, and held their breath to hear him + speak to them the first sweet words of reviving life and love. + </p> + <p> + But soon, to their surprise and grief, they found he did not know them. + They spoke to him, each in turn, and told him piteously who they were, and + implored him with tears to know them and speak to them. But no; he fixed a + stony gaze on them that made them shudder, and their beloved voices passed + over him like an idle wind. + </p> + <p> + Sampson, when he came, found the ladies weeping by the bedside. + </p> + <p> + They greeted him with affection, Julia especially: the boisterous + controversialist had come out a gentle, zealous artist in presence of a + real danger. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson knew nothing of what had happened in his absence. He stepped + to the bedside cheerfully, and the ladies' eyes were bent keenly on his + face in silence. + </p> + <p> + He had no sooner cast eyes on David than his countenance fell, and his + hard but expressive features filled with concern. + </p> + <p> + That was enough for Mrs. Dodd. “And he does not know me,” she cried: “he + does not know my voice. <i>His</i> voice would call me back from the grave + itself. He is dying. He will never speak to me again. Oh, my poor orphan + girl!” + </p> + <p> + “No! no!” said Samson, “you are quite mistaken: he will not die. But——” + </p> + <p> + His tongue said no more. His grave and sombre face spoke volumes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <p> + To return to the bank. Skinner came back from the Dodds' that miserable + afternoon in a state of genuine agitation and regret. He was human, and + therefore mixed, and their desolation had shocked him. + </p> + <p> + The footman told him Mr. Hardie was not at home; gone to London, he + believed. Skinner walked away dejected. What did this mean? Had he left + the country? + </p> + <p> + He smiled at his fears, and felt positive Mr. Hardie had misled the + servants, and was quietly waiting for him in the bank parlour. + </p> + <p> + It was now dusk: he went round to that little dark nook of the garden the + parlour window opened on, and tapped: there was no reply; the room looked + empty. He tried the sash: it yielded. Mr. Hardie had been too occupied + with embezzling another's property to take common precautions in defence + of his own; never in his life before had he neglected to fasten the iron + shutters with his own hand, and to-day he had left the very window + unfastened. This augured ill. “He is off: he has done me along with the + rest,” thought Skinner. He stepped into the room, found a lucifer-box, + shut the shutters, lighted a candle, and went peering about amongst the + banker's papers, to see if he could find a clue to his intentions; and, as + he pottered and peered, he quaked as well: a detector by dishonest means + feels thief-like, and is what he feels. He made some little discoveries + that guided him in his own conduct; he felt more and more sure his + employer would outwit him if he could, and resolved it should be diamond + cut diamond. + </p> + <p> + The church clock struck one. + </p> + <p> + He started at the hour, crept out and closed the window softly, then away + by the garden gate. + </p> + <p> + A light was still burning in Alfred's room, and at this Skinner had + another touch of compunction. “There is one won't sleep this night along + of our work,” thought he. + </p> + <p> + At three next afternoon Mr. Hardie reappeared. + </p> + <p> + He had gone up to town to change the form of the deposit:—He took + care to think of it as a deposit still, the act of deposit having been + complete, the withdrawal incomplete, and by no fault of his, for he had + offered it back; but Fate and Accident had interposed. He had converted + the notes into gold direct, and the bills into gold through notes; this + was like going into the river to hide his trail. Next process: he turned + his gold into L. 500 notes, and came flying home with them. + </p> + <p> + His return was greeted by Skinner with a sigh of relief. Hardie heard it, + interpreted it aright, and sent for him into the parlour, and there told + him with a great affectation of frankness what he had done, then asked + significantly if there was any news at Albion Villa. + </p> + <p> + Skinnier in reply told Mr. Hardie of the distress he had witnessed up at + Albion Villa: “And, sir,” said he, lowering his voice, “Mr. Alfred helped + carry the body upstairs. It is a nice mess altogether, sir, when you come + to think.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! all the better,” was the cool reply: “he will be useful to let us + know what we want; he will tell Jane, and Jane me. You don't think he will + live, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Live! no: and then who will know the money is here?” + </p> + <p> + “Who should know? Did not he say he had just landed, and been shipwrecked? + Shipwrecked men do not bring fourteen thousand pounds ashore.” The + speaker's eyes sparkled: Skinner watched him demurely. “Skinner,” said he + solemnly, “I believe my daughter Jane is right, and that Providence really + interferes sometimes in the affairs of this world. You know how I have + struggled to save my family from disgrace and poverty: those struggles + have failed in a great degree: but Heaven has seen them, and saved this + money from the sea, and dropped it into my very hands to retrieve my + fortunes with. I must be grateful: spend a portion of it in charity, and + rear a noble fortune on the rest. Confound it all!” + </p> + <p> + And his crestfallen countenance showed some ugly misgiving had flashed on + him quite suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “What sir? what?” asked Skinner eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “The receipt!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <p> + “THE receipt? Oh, is that all? <i>You</i> have got that,” said Skinner + very coolly. + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think so?” inquired the other keenly. He instantly + suspected Skinner of having it. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, I saw it in his hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it has got to Albion Villa, and we are ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, sir; you won't hear me: I am sure I saw it fall out of his hand + when he was taken ill; and I think, but I won't be sure, he fell on it. + Anyway, there was nothing in his hands when I delivered him at Albion + Villa; so it must be here. I daresay you have thrown it into a drawer or + somewhere, promiscuously.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Skinner,” said Mr. Hardie, with increasing alarm: “it is useless + for us to deceive ourselves. I was not three minutes in the room, and + thought of nothing but getting to town and cashing the bills.” + </p> + <p> + He rang the bell sharply, and on Betty coming in, asked her what she had + done with that paper that was on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Took it up and put it on the table, sir. This was it, I think.” And she + had her finger upon a paper. + </p> + <p> + “No! no!” said Mr. Hardie. “The one I mean was much smaller than that.” + </p> + <p> + “What” said she, with that astonishing memory for trifles people have who + never read, “was it a little crumpled up paper lying by the basket?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! yes! that sounds like it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I put that <i>into</i> the basket.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie's eye fell directly on the basket, but it was empty. She caught + his glance, and told him she had emptied it in the dust-hole as usual. Mr. + Hardie uttered an angry exclamation. Betty, an old servant of his wife's, + resented it with due dignity by tossing her head as she retired. + </p> + <p> + “There is no help for it,” said Mr. Hardie bitterly; “we must go and grub + in the dust-hole now.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, your name is not on it, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter? A man is bound by the act of his agent; besides, + it is my form, and my initials on the back. Come, let us put a good face + on the thing.” And he led the way to the kitchen, and got up a little + laugh, and asked the scullery-maid if she could show Mr. Skinner and him + the dust-hole. She stared, but obeyed, and the pair followed her, making + merry. + </p> + <p> + The dust-hole was empty. + </p> + <p> + The girl explained: “It is the dustman's day: he came at eleven o'clock in + the morning and carried all the dust away: and grumbled at the paper and + the bones, he did. So I told him beggars musn't be choosers: just like his + impudence! when he gets it for nothing, and sells it for a mint outside + the town.” The unwonted visitors left her in dead silence almost before + she had finished her sentence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie sat down in his parlour thoroughly discomposed; Skinner watched + him furtively. + </p> + <p> + At last the former broke out: “This is the devil's doing: the devil in + person. No intelligence nor ability can resist such luck. I almost wish we + had never meddled with it: we shall never feel safe, never be safe.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner made light of the matter, treated the receipt as thrown into the + sea. “Why, sir,” said he, “by this time it will have found its way to that + monstrous heap of ashes on the London Road; and who will ever look for it + there, or notice it if they find it?” Hardie shook his head: “That + monstrous heap is all sold every year to the farmers. That receipt, worth + L. 14,000 to me, will be strewed on the soil for manure; then some + farmer's man, or some farmer's boy that goes to the Sunday-school, will + read it, see Captain Dodd's name, and bring it to Albion Villa, in hopes + of a sixpence: a sixpence! Heaven help the man who does a doubtful act and + leaves damnatory evidence on paper kicking about the world.” + </p> + <p> + From that hour the cash Hardie carried in his bosom, without a right to + it, began to blister. + </p> + <p> + He thought of telling the dustman he had lost a paper, and setting him to + examine the mountain of ashes on the London Road; but here caution stepped + in: how could he describe the paper without awakening curiosity and + defeating his own end? He gave that up. It was better to let the sleeping + dog lie. + </p> + <p> + Finally, he resolved to buy security in a world where after all one has to + buy everything: so he employed an adroit agent, and quietly purchased that + mountain, the refuse of all Barkington. But he felt so ill-used, he paid + for it in his own notes: by this means the treaty reverted to the + primitive form of barter*—ashes for rags. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Or exchange of commodities without the aid of money: see + Homer, and Welsh Villages, <i>passim.</i> +</pre> + <p> + This transaction he concealed from his confederate. + </p> + <p> + When he had completed it he was not yet secure; for another day had passed + and Captain Dodd alive still. Men often recover from apoplexy, especially + when they survive the first twenty-four hours. Should he live, he would + not now come into any friendly arrangement with the man who had so nearly + caused his death. So then good-bye to the matrimonial combination Hardie + had at first relied on to patch his debt to Alfred and his broken + fortunes. Then as to keeping the money and defying Dodd, that would be + very difficult and dangerous. Mercantile bills are traceable things, and + criminal prosecutions awkward ones. He found himself in a situation he + could not see his way through by any mental effort; there were so many + objections to every course, and so many to its opposite. “He walked among + fires,” as the Latins say. But the more he pondered on the course to be + taken should Dodd live, the plainer did this dilemma stare him in the + fade: either he must refund or fly the country with another man's money, + and leave behind him the name of a thief. Parental love and the remains of + self-respect writhed at this thought; and with these combined a sentiment + less genuine, but by no means feeble: the love of reputation. So it was + with a reluctant and sick heart he went to the shipping office, and peered + at the posters to see when the next ship sailed for the United States. + Still, he did go. + </p> + <p> + Intent on his own schemes, and expecting every day to be struck in front, + he did not observe that a man in a rusty velveteen coat followed him, and + observed this act, and indeed all his visible acts. + </p> + <p> + Another perplexity was, when he should break? There were objections to + doing it immediately, and objections to putting it off. + </p> + <p> + With all this the man was in a ferment: by day he sat waiting and fearing, + by night he lay sleepless and thinking; and, though his stoical + countenance retained its composure, the furrows deepened in it, and the + iron nerves began to twitch at times, from strain of mind and want of + sleep, and that rack, suspense. Not a night that he did not awaken a dozen + times from his brief dozes with a start, and a dread of exposure by some + mysterious, unforeseen means. + </p> + <p> + It is remarkable how truths sometimes flash on men at night in hours of + nervous excitement; it was in one of these nightly reveries David Dodd's + pocket-book flashed back upon Mr. Hardie. He saw it before his eyes quite + plain, and on the inside of the leather cover a slip of paper pasted, and + written on in pencil or pale ink, he could not recall which. + </p> + <p> + What was that writing? It might be the numbers of the notes, the + description of the bills. Why had he not taken it out of the dying man's + pocket? “Fool! fool!” he groaned, “to do anything by halves.” + </p> + <p> + Another night he got a far severer shock. Lying in his bed dozing and + muttering as usual, he was suddenly startled out of that uneasy slumber by + three tremendous knocks at the street door. + </p> + <p> + He sprang out of bed, and in his confusion made sure the officers of + justice were come for him: he began to huddle on his clothes with a vague + notion of flight. + </p> + <p> + He had got on his trousers and slippers, and was looking under his pillow + for the fatal Cash, when he heard himself called loudly and repeatedly by + name; but this time the sound came from the garden into which his bedroom + looked. He opened it very softly, in trepidation and wonder, which were + speedily doubled by what met his eyes; for there, right in front of his + window, stood an unearthly figure, corresponding in every particular to + that notion of a ghost in which we are reared, and which, when our nerves + are healthy, we can ridicule as it deserves; but somehow it is never + cleaned out of our imagination so thoroughly as it is out of our judgment. + </p> + <p> + The figure was white as a sheet and seemed supernaturally tall; and it + cried out in a voice like a wounded lion's, “You villain! you Hardie! give + me back my money: my fourteen thousand pounds. Give me my children's + money, or may your children die before your eyes: give me my darlings' + money, or may the eternal curse of God light on you and yours, you + scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + And the figure kneeled on the grass, and repeated the terrible imprecation + almost in the same words, with such energy that Hardie shrank back, and, + resolute as he was, cowered, with superstitious awe. + </p> + <p> + But this sentiment soon gave way to vulgar fears; the man would alarm the + town. And in fact Mr. Hardie, in the midst of his agitation, was dimly + conscious of hearing a window open softly not very far from him. But it + was a dark night. He put his head out in great agitation, and whispered, + “Hush! hush! I'll bring it you down directly.” + </p> + <p> + Internally cursing his hard fate, he got the fatal Cash, put on his coat, + hunted for the key of the bank parlour, and, having found it, went softly + down the stairs, unlocked the door, and went to open the shutters. + </p> + <p> + At this moment his ear caught a murmur, a low buzzing of voices in the + garden. + </p> + <p> + He naturally thought that Captain Dodd was exposing him to some of the + townspeople. He was puzzled what to do, and, like a cautious man as he + was, remained passive but on the watch. + </p> + <p> + Presently the voices were quiet, and he heard footsteps come very slowly + towards the window at which he stood, and then make for the little gate. + On this he slipped into the kitchen, which faced the street and got to a + window there, and listened. His only idea was to catch their intentions if + possible, and meet them accordingly. He dared not open the window; for + about him on the pavement he saw a female figure half standing, half + crouching: but soon that figure rushed wildly out of his sight to meet the + footsteps, and then he ventured to open the window, and listening, heard + cries of despair, and a young heart-broken voice say her father was dead. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!! that is all right,” muttered Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Still, even this profound egotist was not yet so hardened but that he felt + one chill of horror at himself for the thought—a passing chill. + </p> + <p> + He listened and listened, and by-and-bye he heard the slow feet recommence + their journey, amidst sobs and sights; and those sorrowful feet, and the + sobs and sighs of his causing, got fainter, and fainter, retreated, and + left him in quiet possession of the L. 14,000 he had brought down to give + it up: two minutes ago it was not worth as many pence to him. + </p> + <p> + He drew a long breath of relief. “It is mine; I am to keep it. It is the + will of Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Heaven! + </p> + <p> + He went to his bed again, and by a resolute effort composed himself and + determined to sheep. And in fact he was just dropping off, when suddenly + he started wide awake again: for it recurred to him vividly that a window + in his house had opened while David was cursing him and demanding his + children's money. + </p> + <p> + Whose window? + </p> + <p> + Half-a-dozen people and more slept on that side of the house. + </p> + <p> + Whose window could it be? + </p> + <p> + He walked among fires. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <p> + NOT many days after this a crowd of persons stood in front of the old + bank, looking half stupefied at the shutters, and at a piece of paper + pasted on them announcing a suspension, only for a months or so, and + laying the blame on certain correspondents not specified. + </p> + <p> + So great was the confidence inspired by the old bank, that many said it + would come round, it must come round in a month: but other of Mr. Hardie's + unfortunate clients recognised in the above a mere formula to let them + down by degrees: they had seen many statements as hopeful end in a + dividend of sixpence in the pound. + </p> + <p> + Before the day closed, the scene at the bank door was heart-rending: + respectable persons, reduced to pauperism in that day, kept arriving and + telling their fellow-sufferers their little all was with Hardie, and + nothing before them but the workhouse or the almshouse: ruined mothers + came and held up their ruined children for the banker to see; and the + doors were hammered at, and the house as well as the bank was beleaguered + by a weeping, wailing, despairing crowd. + </p> + <p> + But like an idle wave beating on a rock, all this human misery dashed + itself in vain against the banker's brick walls and shutters, hard to them + as his very heart. + </p> + <p> + The next day they mobbed Alfred and hissed him at the back-door. Jane was + too ashamed and too frightened to stir out. Mr. Hardie sat calmly putting + the finishing strokes to his fabricated balance-sheet. + </p> + <p> + Some innocent and excited victims went to the mayor for redress; to the + aldermen, the magistrates—in vain. + </p> + <p> + Towards afternoon the banker's cool contempt for his benefactors, whose + lives he had darkened, received a temporary check. A heavy stone was flung + at the bank shutters: this ferocious blow made him start and the place + rattle: it was the signal for a shower; and presently tink, tink, went the + windows of the house, and in came the stones, starring the mirrors, + upsetting the chairs, denting the papered walls, chipping the + mantelpieces, shivering the bell glasses and statuettes, and strewing the + room with dirty pebbles, and painted fragments, and glittering ruin. + </p> + <p> + Hardie winced: this was the sort of appeal to touch him. But soon he + recovered his <i>sang froid.</i> “Thank you,” said he, “I'm much obliged + to you; now I'm in the right and you are in the wrong.” And he put himself + under protection of the police; and fee'd them so royally that they were + zealous on his behalf and rough and dictatorial even with those who + thronged the place only to moan and lament and hold up their ruined + children. “You <i>must</i> move on, you Misery,” said the police. And they + were right: Misery gains nothing by stopping the way; nothing by bemoaning + itself. + </p> + <p> + But if the banker, naturally egotistical, and now entirely wrapped in his + own plans, and fears, and well-earned torments, was deaf to the anguish of + his clients, there were others in his house who felt it keenly and deeply. + Alfred and Jane were heart-broken: they sat hand in hand in a little room, + drawn closer by misfortune, and heard the groans at their door; and the + tears of pity ran down their own cheeks hot with shame; and Alfred wrote + on the fly-leaf of his “Ethics” a vow to pay every shilling his father + owed these poor people—before he died. It was like him, and like his + happy age, at which the just and the generous can command, in imagination, + the means to do kindred deeds. + </p> + <p> + Soon he found, to his horror, that he had seen but a small percentage of + the distress his father had caused; the greater griefs, as usual, stayed + at home. Behind the gadding woes lay a terrible number of silent, decent + ruined homes and broken hearts, and mixed sorrows so unmerited, so + complicated, so piteous, and so cruel, that he was ready to tear his hair, + to know them and not be able to relieve them instantly. + </p> + <p> + Of that mere sample I give a mere sample: divine the bulk then; and + revolve a page of human history often turned by the people, but too little + studied by statisticians and legislators. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Esgar, a respectable merchant, had heavy engagements, to meet which + his money lay at the old bank. Living at a distance, he did not hear the + news till near dinner-time, and he had promised to take his daughters to a + ball that night. He did so; left them there; went home, packed up their + clothes and valuables, and next day levanted with them to America, taking + all the money he could scrape together in London, and so he passed his + ruin on to others. Esgar was one of those who wear their honesty long but + loose: it was his first disloyal act in business. “Dishonesty made me + dishonest,” was his excuse. <i>Valeat quantum.</i> + </p> + <p> + John Shaw, a steady footman, had saved and saved, from twenty-one years + old to thirty-eight, for “Footman's Paradise,” a public-house. He was now + engaged to a comely barmaid, who sympathised with him therein, and he had + just concluded a bargain for the “Rose and Crown” in the suburbs. + Unluckily—for him—the money had not been paid over. The blow + fell: he lost his all; not his money only, but his wasted life. He could + not be twenty-one again; so he hanged himself within forty-eight hours, + and was buried by the parish, grumbling a little, pitying none. + </p> + <p> + James and Peter Gilpin, William Scott, and Joel Paton, were poor fishermen + and Anglo-Saxon heroes—that is, heroes with an eye to the main + chance; they risked their lives at sea to save a ship and get salvage; + failing there, they risked their lives all the same, like fine fellows as + they were, to save the crew. They succeeded, but ruined their old boat. A + subscription was raised, and prospered so, that a boat-builder built them + a new one on tick, price L. 85; and the publicans said, “Drink, boys, + drink; the subscription will cover all; it is up to L. 120 already.” The + subscription money was swallowed with the rest, and the Anglo-Saxon heroes + hauled to prison. + </p> + <p> + Doctor Phillips, aged seventy-four, warned by growing infirmities, had + sold a tidy practice, with house, furniture, and good-will, for a fair + price, and put it in the bank, awaiting some investment. The money was + gone now, and the poor old doctor, with a wife and daughter and a crutch, + was at once a pauper and an exile: for he had sold under the usual + condition, not to practise within so many miles of his successor. He went + to that successor, and begged permission to be his assistant at a small, + small salary. “I want a younger man,” was the reply. Then he went round to + his old patients, and begged a few half-guineas to get him a horse and + chaise and keep him over the first month in his new place. They pitied + him, but most of them were sufferers too by Hardie, and all they gave him + did but buy a donkey and cart; and with that he and his went slowly and + sadly to a village ten miles distant from the place where all his life had + been spent in comfort and good credit. The poor old gentleman often looked + back from his cart at the church spires of Barkington. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “From seventeen till now, almost fourscore, + There lived he, but now lived there no more. + At seventeen many their fortunes seek; + But at fourscore it is too old a week.” + </pre> + <p> + Arrived at his village, he had to sell his donkey and trust to his crutch. + And so Infirmity crept about begging leave to cure Disease—with what + success may be inferred from this: Miss Phillips, a lady-like girl of + eighteen, was taken up by Farmer Giles before Squire Langton for stealing + turnips out of a field: the farmer was hard, and his losses in Hardie's + Bank had made him bitter hard; so the poor girl's excuse, that she could + not let her father starve, had no effect on him: to jail she should go.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *I find, however, that Squire Langton resolutely refused to + commit Miss Phillips. The real reason, I suspect, was, that + he had a respect for the Gospel, and not much for the law, + except those invaluable clauses which restrain poaching. The + reason he gave was: “Turnips be hanged! If she hadn't eaten + them, the fly would.” However, he found means to muzzle + Giles, and sent the old doctor two couple of rabbits. +</pre> + <p> + Took to the national vice, and went to the national dogs, Thomas Fisher, a + saving tinman, and a bachelor: so I expect no pity for him. + </p> + <p> + To the same goal, by the same road, dragging their families, went the Rev. + Henry Scudamore, a curate; Philip Hall, a linen-draper; Neil Pratt, a + shoemaker; Simon Harris, a greengrocer; and a few more; but the above were + all prudent, laborious men, who took a friendly glass, but seldom + exceeded, until Hardie's bankruptcy drove them to the devil of drink for + comfort. + </p> + <p> + Turned professional thief, Joseph Locke, working locksmith, who had just + saved money enough to buy a shop and good-will, and now lost it every + penny. + </p> + <p> + Turned atheist, and burnt the family Bible before his weeping wife and + terrified children and gaping servant-girl, Mr. Williams, a Sunday-school + teacher, known hitherto only as a mild, respectable man, a teetotaler, and + a good parent and husband. He did not take to drinking; but he did to + cursing, and forbade his own flesh and blood ever to enter a church again. + This man became an outcast, shunned by all. + </p> + <p> + Three elderly sisters, the Misses Lunley, well born and bred, lived + together on their funds, which, small singly, united made a decent + competence. Two of them had refused marriage in early life for fear the + third should fall into less tender hands than theirs. For Miss Blanche + Lunley was a cripple: disorder of the spine had robbed her, in youth's + very bloom, of the power not only to dance, as you girls do, but to walk + or even stand upright, leaving her two active little hands, and a heart as + nearly angelic as we are likely to see here on earth. + </p> + <p> + She lay all day long on a little iron bedstead at the window of their + back-parlour, that looked on a sunny little lawn, working eagerly for the + poor; teaching the poor, young and old, to read, chiefly those of her own + sex; hearing the sorrows of the poor, composing the quarrels of the poor, + relieving their genuine necessities with a little money and much ingenuity + and labour. + </p> + <p> + Some poor woman, in a moment of inspiration, called Miss Blanche “The + sunshine of the poor.” The word was instantly caught up in the parish, and + had now this many years gently displaced “Lunley,” and settled on her here + below, and its echo gone before her up to Heaven. + </p> + <p> + The poor “sunshine of the poor” was happy: life was sweet to her. To know + whether this is so, it is useless to inquire of the backbone or the limbs: + look at the face! She lay at her window in the kindred sunshine, and in a + world of sturdy, able, agile cursers, grumblers, and yawners, her face, + pale its ashes, wore the eternal sunshine of a happy, holy smile. + </p> + <p> + But there came one to her bedside and told her the bank was broken, and + all the money gone she and her sisters had lent Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + The saint clasped her hands and said, “Oh, my poor people! What will + become of them?” And the tears ran down her pale and now sorrowful cheeks. + </p> + <p> + At this time she did not know the full extent of their losses. But they + had given Mr. Hardie a power of attorney to draw out all their consols. + That remorseless man had abused the discretion this gave him, and beggared + them—they were his personal friends, too—to swell his secret + hoard. + </p> + <p> + When “the sunshine of the poor” heard this, and knew that she was now the + poorest of the poor, she clasped her hands and cried, “Oh, my poor + sisters! my poor sisters!” and she could work no more for sighing. + </p> + <p> + The next morning found “the sunshine of the poor” extinct in her little + bed: ay, died of grief with no grain of egotism in it; gone straight to + heaven without one angry word against Richard Hardie or any other. + </p> + <p> + Old Betty had a horror of the workhouse. To save her old age from it she + had deposited her wages in the bank for the last twenty years, and also a + little legacy from Mr. Hardie's father. She now went about the house of + her master and debtor, declaring she was sure he would not rob <i>her,</i> + and, if he did, she would never go into the poorhouse. “I'll go out on the + common and die there. Nobody will miss <i>me.</i>” + </p> + <p> + The next instance led to consequences upon consequences: and that is my + excuse for telling it the reader somewhat more fully than Alfred heard it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxley one night found something rough at her feet in bed. “What on + earth is this?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind,” said Maxley: “say it's my breeches; what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what on earth does the man put his breeches to bed for?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my business,” roared Maxley, and whispered drily, “'tain't for + you to wear 'em, howsever.” + </p> + <p> + This little spar led to his telling her he had drawn out all their money, + but, when she asked the reason, he snubbed her again indirectly, + recommending her to sleep. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, the small-clothes were full of bank-notes; and Maxley always + followed them into bed now, for fear of robbers. + </p> + <p> + The bank broke on a Tuesday: Maxley dug on impassive; and when curious + people came about him to ask whether he was a loser, he used to inquire + very gravely, and dwelling on every syllable, “Do—you—see—anything—green—in + this ere eye.” + </p> + <p> + Friday was club day; the clubsmen met at the “Greyhound” and talked over + their losses. Maxley sat smoking complacently; and when his turn came to + groan, he said drily: “I draad all mine a week afore. (Exclamations.) I + had a hinkling: my boy Jack he wrote to me from Canada as how Hardie's was + rotten out there; now these here bankers they be like an oak tree; they do + go at the limbs first and then at the heart.” + </p> + <p> + The club was wroth. “What, you went and made yourself safe and never gave + any of us a chance? Was that neighbourly? was that—clubbable?” + </p> + <p> + To a hailstorm of similar reproaches, Maxley made but one reply, “'Twarn't + <i>my</i> business to take care o' <i>you.</i>” He added, however, a + little sulkily, “I was laad for slander once: scalded dog fears lue-warm + water.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said one, “I don't believe him. He puts a good face on it but his + nine hundred is gone along with ourn.” + </p> + <p> + “'Taiu't gone far, then.” With this he put his hand in his pocket, and, + after some delay, pulled out a nice new crisp note and held it up. “What + is that? I ask the company.” + </p> + <p> + “Looks like a ten-pun note, James.” + </p> + <p> + “Welt the bulk 'grees with the sample; I knows where to find eightscore + and nine to match this here.” + </p> + <p> + The note was handed round: and on inspection each countenance in turn wore + a malicious smile; till at last Maxley, surrounded by grinning faces, felt + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “What be 'e all grinning at like a litter o' Chessy cats? Warn't ye ugly + enough without showing of your rotten teeth?” + </p> + <p> + “Haw! Haw!” + </p> + <p> + “Better say 'tain't money at all, but only a wench's curl paper:” and he + got up and snatched it fiercely out of the last inspector's hand. “Ye + can't run your rigs on me,” said he. “What an if I can't read words, I can + figures; and I spelt the ten out on every one of them, afore I'd take it.” + </p> + <p> + A loud and general laugh greeted this boast. + </p> + <p> + Then Maxley snatched up his hat in great wrath and some anxiety, and went + out followed by a peal. + </p> + <p> + In five minutes he was at home; and tossed the note into his wife's lap. + She was knitting by a farthing dip. “Dame,” said he, controlling all + appearance of anxiety, “what d'ye call that?” + </p> + <p> + She took up the note and held it close to the candle. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jem, it is a ten-pound note, one of Hardie's—<i>as was.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Then what were those fools laughing at?” And he told her all that had + happened. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Maxley dropped her knitting and stood up trembling. “Why, you told me + you had got our money all safe out!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and so I have, ye foolish woman; and he drew the whole packet out + of his pocket and flung them fiercely on the table. Mrs. Maxley ran her + finger and eye over them, and uttered a scream of anger and despair. + </p> + <p> + “These! these be all Hardie's notes,” she cried; “and what vally be + Hardie's notes when Hardie's be broke?” + </p> + <p> + Maxley staggered as if he had been shot. + </p> + <p> + The woman's eyes flashed fury at him. “This is your work, ye born idiot: + 'mind your own business,' says you: you <i>must</i> despise your wedded + wife, that has more brains in her finger than you have in all your great + long useless carease: you <i>must</i> have your secrets: one day poison, + another day beggary: you have ruined me, you have murdered me: get out of + my sight! for if I find a knife I'll put it in you, I will.” And in her + ungovernable passion, she actually ran to the dresser for a knife: at + which Maxley caught up a chair and lifted it furiously, above his head to + fling at her. + </p> + <p> + Luckily the man had more self-command than the woman; he dashed the chair + furiously on the floor, and ran out of the house. + </p> + <p> + He wandered about half stupid, and presently his feet took him + mechanically round to his garden. He pottered about among his plants, + looking at them, inspecting them closely, and scarce seeing them. However, + he covered up one or two, and muttered, “I think there will be a frost + to-night: I think there will be a frost” Then his legs seemed to give way. + He sat down and thought of his wedding-day: he began to talk to himself + out loud, as some people do in trouble. “Bless her comely face,” said he, + “and to think I had my arm lifted to strike her, after wearing her so low, + and finding her good stuff upon the whole. Well, thank my stars I didn't + We must make the best on't: money's gone; but here's the garden and our + hands still; and 'tain't as if we were single to gnaw our hearts alone: + wedded life cuts grief a two. Let's make it up and begin again. Sixty come + Martinmas, and Susan forty-eight: and I be a'most weary of turning + moulds.” + </p> + <p> + He went round to his front door. + </p> + <p> + There was a crowd round it; a buzzing crowd with all their faces turned + towards his door. + </p> + <p> + He came at their backs, and asked peevishly what was to do now. Some of + the women shrieked at his voice. The crowd turned about; and a score of + faces peered at him: some filled with curiosity, some with pity. + </p> + <p> + “Lord help us!” said the poor man, “is there any more trouble a foot + to-day? Stand aside, please, and let me know.” + </p> + <p> + “No! no!” cried a woman, “don't let him.” + </p> + <p> + “Not let me go into my own house, young woman?” said Maxley with dignity: + “be these your manners?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, James: I meant you no ill. Poor man!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor soul!” said another. + </p> + <p> + “Stand aloof!” said a strange man. “Who has as good a right to be there as + he have?” + </p> + <p> + A lane was made directly, and Maxley rushed down between two rows of + peering faces, with his knees knocking together, and burst into his own + house. A scream from the women inside as he entered, and a deep groan from + the strong man bereaved of his mate, told the tragedy. Poor Susan Maxley + was gone. + </p> + <p> + She had died of breast-pang within a minute of his leaving her; and the + last words of two faithful spouses were words of anger. + </p> + <p> + All these things, and many more less tragic, but very deplorable, came to + Alfred Hardie's knowledge, and galled and afflicted him deeply. And + several of these revelations heaped discredit high upon Richard Hardie, + till the young man, born with a keen sense of justice, and bred amongst + honourable minds, began to shudder at his own father. + </p> + <p> + Herein he was alone; Jane, with the affectionate blindness of her sex, + could throw her arms round her father's neck, and pity him for his losses—by + his own dishonesty—and pity him most when some victim of his + unprincipled conduct died or despaired. “Poor papa will feel this so + deeply,” was her only comment on such occasions. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was not sorry she could take this view, and left her unmolested to + confound black with white, and wrong with right, at affection's dictates; + but his own trained understanding was not to be duped in matters of plain + morality. And so, unable to cure the wrongs he deplored, unable to put his + conscience into his pocket like Richard Hardie, or into his heart like + Jane, he wandered alone, or sat brooding and dejected: and the attentive + reader, if I am so fortunate as to possess one, will not be surprised to + learn that he was troubled, too, with dark mysterious surmises he half + dreaded, yet felt it his duty to fathom. These and Mrs. Dodd's loss by the + bank combined to keep him out of Albion Villa. He often called to ask + after Captain Dodd, but was ashamed to enter the house. + </p> + <p> + Now Richard Hardie's anxiety to know whether David was to die or live had + not declined, but rather increased. If the latter, he was now resolved to + fly to the United States with his booty, and cheat his alienated son along + with the rest: he had come by degrees down to this. It was on Alfred he + had counted to keep him informed of David's state; but, on his putting a + smooth inquiry, the young man's face flushed with shame, or anger, or + something, and he gave a very short, sharp, and obscure reply. In reality, + he did not know much, nor did Sarah, his informant; for of late the + servants had never been allowed to enter David's room. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie, after this rebuff, never asked Alfred again; but having heard + Sampson's name mentioned as Dodd's medical attendant, wrote and asked him + to come and dine next time he should visit Barkington. + </p> + <p> + “You will find me a fallen man,” said he; “to-morrow we resign our house + and premises and furniture to the assignees, and go to live at a little + furnished cottage not very far from your friends the Dodds. It is called + 'Musgrove Cottage.' There, where we have so little to offer besides a + welcome, none but true friends will come near us; indeed, there are very + few I should venture to ask for such a proof of fidelity to your broken + friend, + </p> + <h3> + “R. H.” + </h3> + <p> + The good-hearted Sampson sent a cordial reply, and came to dinner at + Musgrove Cottage. + </p> + <p> + Now all Hardie wanted of him in reality was to know about David; so when + Jane had retired and the decanter circulated, he began to pump him by his + vanity. “I understand,” said he, “you have wrought one of your surprising + cures in this neighbourhood. Albion Villa!” + </p> + <p> + Sampson shook his head sorrowfully: Mr. Hardie's eyes sparkled. Alfred + watched him keenly and bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “How can I work a great cure after these ass-ass-ins Short and Osmond? + Look, see! the man had been wounded in the hid, and lost blood: thin + stabbed in the shoulder, and lost more blood.”—Both the Hardies + uttered an ejaculation of unfeigned surprise.—“So, instid of + recruiting the buddy thus exhausted of the great liquid material of all + repair, the profissional ass-ass-in came and exhausted him worse: stabbed + him while he slept; stabbed him unconscious, stabbed him in a vein: and + stole more blood from him. Wasn't that enough? No! the routine of + profissional ass-ass-ination had but begun; nixt they stabbed him with + cupping-needles, and so stole more of his life-blood. And they were goen + from their stabs to their bites, goen to leech his temples, and so hand + him over to the sixton.” + </p> + <p> + “But you came in and saved him,” cried Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “I saved his life,” said Sampson sorrowfully; “but life is not the only + good thing a man may be robbed of by those who steal his life-blood, and + so impoverish and water the contints of the vessels of the brain.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor Sampson,” said Alfred, “what do you mean by these mysterious + words? You alarm me.” + </p> + <p> + “What, don't you know? Haven't they told you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have not had the courage to enter the house since the bank——” + he stopped in confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I understand,” said Sampson: “however, it can't be hidden now:— + </p> + <p> + “He is a maniac.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson made this awful announcement soberly and sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + Alfred groaned aloud, and even his father experienced a momentary remorse; + but so steady had been the progress of Corruption, that he felt almost + unmixed joy the next instant; and his keen-witted son surprised the latter + sentiment in his face, and shuddered with disgust. + </p> + <p> + Sampson went on to say that he believed the poor man had gone flourishing + a razor; and Mrs. Dodd had said, “Yes, kill me, David: kill the mother of + your children,” and never moved: which feminine, or in other words + irrational, behaviour had somehow disarmed him. But it would not happen + again: his sister had come; a sensible, resolute woman. She had signed the + order, and Osmond and he the certificates, and he was gone to a private + asylum. “Talking of that,” said Sampson, rising suddenly, “I must go and + give them a word of comfort; for they are just breaking their hearts at + parting with him, poor things. I'll be back in an hour.” + </p> + <p> + On his departure, Jane returned and made the tea in the dining-room: they + lived like that now. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie took it from his favourite's lithe white hand, and smiled on + her: he should not have to go to a foreign land after all: who would + believe a madman if he should rave about his thousands? He sipped his tea + luxuriously, and presently delivered himself thus, with bland + self-satisfaction:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Alfred, some time ago you wished to marry a young lady without + fortune. You thought that I had a large one; and you expected me to supply + all deficiencies. You did not overrate my parental feeling, but you did my + means. I would have done this for you, and with pleasure, but for my own + coming misfortunes. As it was, I said 'No,' and when you demanded, + somewhat peremptorily, my reasons, I said 'Trust me.' Well, you see I was + right: such a marriage would have been your utter ruin. However, I + conclude, after what Dr. Sampson has told us, you have resigned it on + other grounds. Jane, my dear, Captain Dodd, I am sorry to say, is + afflicted. He has gone mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Gone mad?! Oh, how shocking! What will become of his poor children?” She + thought of Edward first. + </p> + <p> + “We have just heard it from Sampson. And I presume, Alfred, you are not so + far gone as to insist on propagating insanity by a marriage with his + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + At this conclusion, which struck her obliquely, though aimed at Alfred, + Jane sighed gently, and her dream of earthly happiness seemed to melt + away. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred ground his teeth, and replied with great bitterness and + emotion: “I think, sir, you are the last man who ought to congratulate + yourself on the affliction that has fallen on that unhappy family I aspire + to enter, all the more that now they have calamities for me to share——” + </p> + <p> + “More fool you,” put in Mr. Hardie calmly. + </p> + <p> + “—For I much fear you are one of the causes of that calamity.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie assumed a puzzled air. “I don't see how that can be: do you, + Jenny? Sampson told us the causes: a wound on the head, a wound in the + arm, bleeding, cupping, &c.” + </p> + <p> + “There may be other causes Dr. Sampson has not been told of—yet” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly. I really don't know what you allude to.” + </p> + <p> + The son fixed his eyes on the father, and leaned across the table to him, + till their faces nearly met. + </p> + <p> + “The fourteen thousand pounds, sir.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <p> + MR. HARDIE was taken by surprise for once, and had not a word to say, but + looked in his son's face, mute and gasping as a fish. + </p> + <p> + During this painful silence his children eyed him inquiringly, but not + with the same result; for one face is often read differently by two + persons. To Jane, whose intelligence had no aids, he seemed unaffectedly + puzzled; but Alfred discerned beneath his wonder the terror of detection + rising, and then thrust back by the strong will: that stoical face shut + again like an iron door, but not quickly enough: the right words, the + “open sesame,” had been spoken, and one unguarded look had confirmed + Alfred's vague suspicions of foul play. He turned his own face away: he + was alienated by the occurrences of the last few months, but Nature and + tender reminiscences still held him by some fibres of the heart—in a + moment of natural indignation he had applied the touchstone, but its + success grieved him. He could not bear to go on exposing his father; so he + left the room with a deep sigh, in which pity mingled with shame and + regret. He wandered out into the silent night, and soon was leaning on the + gate of Albion Villa, gazing wistfully at the windows, and sore perplexed + and nobly wretched. + </p> + <p> + As he was going out, Mr. Hardie raised his eyebrows with a look of + disinterested wonder and curiosity; and touched his forehead to Jane, as + much as to say, “Is he disordered in his mind?” + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were alone, he asked her coolly what Alfred meant. She + said she had no idea. Then he examined her keenly about this fourteen + thousand pounds, and found, to his relief, Alfred had never even mentioned + it to her. + </p> + <p> + And now Richard Hardie, like his son, wanted to be alone, and think over + this new peril that had risen in the bosom of his own family, and, for + once, the company of his favourite child was irksome: he made an excuse + and strolled out in his turn into the silent night. It was calm and clear: + the thousand holy eyes, under which men prefer to do their crimes—except + when they are in too great a hurry to wait—looked down and seemed to + wonder anything can be so silly as to sin; and beneath their pure gaze the + man of the world pondered with all his soul. He tormented himself with + conjectures: through what channel did Alfred suspect him? Through the + Dodds? Were they aware of their loss? Had the pocket-book spoken? If so, + why had not Mrs. Dodd or her son attacked him? But then perhaps Alfred was + their agent: they wished to try a friendly remonstrance through a mutual + friend before proceeding to extremities; this accorded with Mrs. Dodd's + character as he remembered her. + </p> + <p> + The solution was reasonable; but he was relieved of it by recollecting + what Alfred had said, that he had not entered the house since the bank + broke. + </p> + <p> + On this he began to hope Alfred's might be a mere suspicion he could not + establish by any proof; and at all events, he would lock it in his own + breast like a good son: his never having given a hint even to his sister + favoured this supposition. + </p> + <p> + Thus meditating, Mr. Hardie found himself at the gate of Albion Villa. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had strolled out with no particular intention of going there. Had + his mind, apprehensive of danger from that quarter, driven his body + thither? + </p> + <p> + He took a look at the house, and the first thing he saw was a young lady + leaning over the balcony, and murmuring softly to a male figure below, + whose outline Mr. Hardie could hardly discern, for it stood in the shadow. + Mr. Hardie was delighted. + </p> + <p> + “Aha, Miss Juliet,” said he, “if Alfred does not visit you, some one else + does. You have soon supplied your peevish lover's place.” He then withdrew + softly from the gate, not to disturb the intrigue, and watched a few yards + off; determined to see who Julia's nightly visitor was, and give Alfred + surprise for surprise. + </p> + <p> + He had not long to wait: the man came away directly, and walked, head + erect, past Mr. Hardie, and glanced full in his face, but did not + vouchsafe him a word. It was Alfred himself. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie was profoundly alarmed and indignant. “The young traitor! Never + enter the house? no; but he comes and tells her everything directly under + her window on the sly; and, when he is caught—defies me to my face.” + And now he suspected female cunning and malice in the way that thunderbolt + had been quietly prepared for him and launched, without warning, in his + very daughter's presence, and the result just communicated to Julia Dodd. + </p> + <p> + In a very gloomy mood he followed his son, and heard his firm though + elastic tread on the frosty ground, and saw how loftily he carried his + head; and from that moment feared, and very, very nearly hated him. + </p> + <p> + The next day he feigned sick and sent for Osmond. That worthy prescribed a + pill and a draught, the former laxative, the latter astringent. This + ceremony performed, Mr. Hardie gossipped with him; and, after a detour or + two, glided to his real anxiety. “Sampson tells me you know more about + Captain Dodd's case than he does: he is not very clear as to the cause of + the poor man's going mad.” + </p> + <p> + “The cause? Why, apoplexy.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I mean what caused the apoplexy?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Osmond replied that apoplexy was often idiopathic.* Captain Dodd, as + he understood, had fallen down in the street in a sudden fit: “but as for + the mania, that is to be attributed to an insufficient evacuation of blood + while under the apoplectic coma.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * “Arising of itself.” A term rather hastily applied to + disorders the coming signs of which have not been detected + by the medical attendant. +</pre> + <p> + The birth of Topsy was idiopathic—in that learned lady's opinion.—— + </p> + <p> + “Not bled enough! Why, Sampson says it is because he was bled too much.” + </p> + <p> + Osmond was amused at this, and repeated that the mania came of not being + bled enough. + </p> + <p> + The discussion was turned into an unexpected quarter by the entrance of + Jane Hardie, who came timidly in and said, “Oh, Mr. Osmond, I cannot let + you go without telling you how anxious I am about Alfred. He is so thin, + and pale, and depressed.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, Jane,” said Mr. Hardie; “have we not all cause to be dejected + in this house?” But she persisted gently that there was more in it than + that; and his headaches were worse, and she could not be easy any longer + without advice. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! those headaches,” said Mr. Osmond, “they always made me uneasy. To + tell the truth, Miss Hardie, I have noticed a remarkable change in him, + but I did not like to excite apprehensions. And so he mopes, does he? + seeks solitude, and is taciturn, and dejected?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But I do not mind that so much as his turning so pale and thin.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is all part of one malady.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you know what is the matter?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I think I do; and yours is a wise and timely anxiety. Your brother's is +a very delicate case of hyperaesthetic character; and I should like to +have the advice of a profound physician. Let me see, Dr. Wycherley will +be with me to-morrow: may I bring him over as a friend?” + </pre> + <p> + This proposal did not at all suit Mr. Hardie. He put his own construction + on Alfred's pallor and dejection, and was uneasy at the idea of his being + cross-questioned by a couple of doctors: + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said he; “Taff has fancies enough already. I cannot have you + gentlemen coming here to fill his head with many more.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he has fancies, has he?” said Osmond keenly. “My dear sir, we shall + not say one word to <i>him:</i> that might irritate him: but I should like + <i>you</i> to hear a truly learned opinion.” + </p> + <p> + Jane looked so imploringly that Mr. Hardie yielded a reluctant assent, on + those terms. + </p> + <p> + So the next day, by appointment, Mr. Osmond introduced his friend Dr. + Wycherley: bland and bald with a fine bead, and a face naturally + intelligent, but crossed every now and then by gleams of vacancy; a man of + large reading, and of tact to make it subserve his interests. A voluminous + writer on certain medical subjects, he had so saturated himself with + circumlocution, that it distilled from his very tongue: he talked like an + Article, a Quarterly one; and so gained two advantages: 1st, he rarely + irritated a fellow-creature; for if he began a sentence hot, what with its + length, and what with its windiness, he ended it cool: item, stabs by + polysyllables are pricks by sponges. 2ndly, this foible earned him the + admiration of fools; and that is as invaluable as they are innumerable. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Yet was there in the mother-tongue he despised one gem of a word he +vastly admired: like most Quarterly writers. That charming word, the pet +of the polysyllabic, was “OF.” + + He opened the matter in a subdued and sympathising tone well calculated +to win a loving father, such as Richard Hardie—was not. +</pre> + <p> + “My good friend here informs me, sir, you are so fortunate as to possess a + son of distinguished abilities, and who is at present labouring under some + of those precursory indications of incipient disease of the + cerebro-psychical organs, of which I have been, I may say, somewhat + successful in diagnosing the symptoms. Unless I have been misinformed, he + has, for a considerable time, experienced persistent headache of a + kephalalgic or true cerebral type, and has now advanced to the succeeding + stage of taciturnity and depression, not* unaccompanied with isolation, + and probably constipation: but as yet without hallucination, though + possibly, and, as my experience of the great majority of these cases would + induce me to say, probably he is not** undisturbed by one or more of those + latent, and, at first, trifling aberrations, either of the intelligence or + the senses, which in their preliminary stages escape the observation of + all but the expert nosologist.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Anglice, “accompanied.” + + **Anglice, “disturbed.” + </pre> + <p> + “There, you see,” said Osmond, “Dr. Wycherley agrees with me: yet I assure + you I have only detailed the symptoms, and not the conclusion I had formed + from them.” + </p> + <p> + Jane inquired timidly what that conclusion was. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Hardie, we think it one of those obscure tendencies which are very + curable if taken in time——” Dr. Wycherley ended the sentence: + “But no longer remediable if the fleeting opportunity is allowed to + escape, and diseased action to pass into diseased organisation.” + </p> + <p> + Jane looked awestruck at their solemnity; but Mr. Hardie, who was taking + advice against the grain, turned satirical. “Gentleman,” said he, “be + pleased to begin by moderating your own obscurity; and then perhaps I + shall see better how to cure my son's disorder. What the deuce are you + driving at?” + </p> + <p> + The two doctors looked at one another inquiringly, and so settled how to + proceed. Dr. Wycherley explained to Mr. Hardie that there was a sort of + general unreasonable and superstitious feeling abroad, a kind of terror of + the complaint with which his son was threatened; <i>“and which,</i> + instead of the most remediable of disorders, is looked at as the most + incurable of maladies:” it was on this account he had learned to approach + the subject with singular caution, and even with a timidity which was + kinder in appearance than in reality; that he must admit. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you may speak out, as far as I am concerned,” said Mr. Hardie, with + consummate indifference. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” said Jane, in a fever of anxiety; “pray conceal nothing from + us.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, sir, I have not as yet had the advantage of examining your + son personally, but, from the diagnostics, I have no doubt whatever he is + labouring under the first fore-shadowings of cerebro-psychical + perturbation. To speak plainly, the symptoms are characteristic of the + initiatory stage of the germination of a morbid state of the phenomena of + intelligence.” + </p> + <p> + His unprofessional hearers only stared. + </p> + <p> + “In one word, then,” said Dr. Wycherley, waxing impatient at their + abominable obtuseness, “it is the premonitory stage of the precursory + condition of an organic affection of the brain.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Mr. Hardie, “the brain!* I see; the boy is going mad.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * What a blessing there are a few English words left in all + our dialects. +</pre> + <p> + The doctors stared in their turn at the prodigious coolness of a tender + parent. “Not exactly,” said Dr. Wycherley; “I am habitually averse to + exaggeration of symptoms. Your son's suggest to me 'the Incubation of + Insanity,' nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + Jane uttered an exclamation of horror; the doctor soothed her with an + assurance that there was no cause for alarm. “Incipient aberration” was of + easy cure: the mischief lay in delay. “Miss Hardie,” said he paternally, + “during a long and busy professional career, it has been my painful + province to witness the deplorable consequences of the non-recognition, by + friends and relatives, of the precedent symptoms of those organic + affections of the brain, the relief of which was within the reach of + well-known therapeutic agents if exhibited seasonably.” + </p> + <p> + He went on to deplore the blind prejudice of unprofessional persons, who + choose to fancy that other diseases creep, but Insanity pounces, on a man; + which he expressed thus neatly: “that other deviations from organic + conditions of health are the subject of clearly defined though delicate + gradations, but that the worst and most climacteric forms of + cerebro-psychical disorder are suddenly developed affections presenting no + evidence of any antecedent cephalic organic change, and unaccompanied by a + premonitory stage, or by incipient symptoms.” + </p> + <p> + This chimera he proceeded to confute by experience: he had repeatedly been + called in to cases of mania described as sudden, and almost invariably + found the patient had been cranky for years; which he condensed thus: “His + conduct and behaviour for many years previously to any symptom of mental + aberration being noticed, had been characterised by actions quite + irreconcilable with the supposition of the existence of perfect sanity of + intellect.” + </p> + <p> + He instanced a parson, whom he had lately attended, and found him as + constipated and as convinced he was John the Baptist engaged to the + Princess Mary as could be. “But,” continued the learned doctor, “upon + investigation of this afflicted ecclesiastic's antecedent history, I + discovered that, for years before this, he had exhibited conduct + incompatible with the hypothesis of a mind whose equilibrium had been + undisturbed. He had caused a number of valuable trees to be cut down on + his estate, without being able to offer a sane justification for such an + outrageous proceeding; and had actually disposed of a quantity of his + patrimonial acres, <i>'and which''</i> clearly he never would have parted + with had he been in anything resembling a condition of sanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he sell the land and timber below the market price?” inquired Mr. + Hardie, perking up, and exhibiting his first symptoms of interest in the + discussion. + </p> + <p> + “On that head, sir, my informant, his heir-at-law, gave me no information: + nor did I enter into that class of detail. You naturally look at morbid + phenomena in a commercial spirit, but we regard them medically—and + all this time most assiduously visiting the sick of his parish and + preaching admirable serious.” + </p> + <p> + The next instance he gave was of a stockbroker suffering under general + paralysis and a rooted idea that all the <i>specie</i> in the Bank of + England was his, and ministers in league with foreign governments to keep + him out of it. “Him,” said the doctor, “I discovered to have been for + years guilty of conduct entirely incompatible with the hypothesis of + undisordered mental functions. He had accused his domestics of peculation, + and had initiated legal proceedings with a view of prosecuting in a court + of law one of his oldest friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Whence you infer that, if my son has not for years been doing cranky + acts, he is not likely to be deranged at present.” + </p> + <p> + This adroit twist of the argument rather surprised Dr. Wycherley. However, + he was at no loss for a reply. “It is not Insanity, but the Incubation of + Insanity, which is suspected in your intelligent son's case: and the best + course will be for me to enumerate in general terms the several symptoms + of 'the Incubation of Insanity:'” he concluded with some severity. “After + that, sir, I shall cease to intrude what I fear is an unwelcome + conviction.” + </p> + <p> + The parent, whose levity and cold reception of good tidings he had thus + mildly, yet with due dignity, rebuked, was a man of the world, and liked + to make friends, not enemies: so he took the hint, and made a very civil + speech, assuring Dr. Wycherley that, if he ventured to differ from him, he + was none the less obliged by the kind interest he took in a comparative + stranger: and would be very glad to hear all about the “Incubation of + Insanity.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley bowed slightly and complied: + </p> + <p> + “One diagnostic preliminary sign of abnormal cerebral action is + Kephalalgia, or true cerebral headache; I mean persistent headache not + accompanied by a furred tongue, or other indicia significant of abdominal + or renal disorder as its origin.” + </p> + <p> + Jane sighed. “He has sad headaches.” + </p> + <p> + “The succeeding symptom is a morbid affection of sleep. Either the patient + suffers from Insomnia, or else from Hypersomnia, which we subdivide into + sopor, carus, and lethargus; or thirdly from Kakosomnia, or a propensity + to mere dozing, and to all the morbid phenomena of dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa,” said Jane, “poor Alfred sleeps very badly: I hear him walking at + all hours of the night.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much,” said Dr. Wycherley; “Insomnia is the commonest + feature. To resume; the insidious advance of morbid thought is next marked + by high spirits, or else by low spirits; generally the latter. The patient + begins by moping, then shows great lassitude and ennui, then becomes + abstracted, moody, and occupied with a solitary idea.” + </p> + <p> + Jane clasped her hands and the tears stood in her eyes; so well did this + description tally with poor Alfred's case. + </p> + <p> + “And at this period,” continued Dr. Wycherley, “my experience leads me to + believe that some latent delusion is generally germinating in the mind, + though often concealed with consummate craft by the patient: the open + development of this delusion is the next stage, and, with this last morbid + phenomenon, Incubation ceases and Insanity begins. Sometimes, however, the + illusion is physical rather than psychical, of the sense rather than of + the intelligence. It commences at night: the incubator begins by seeing + nocturnal visions, often of a photopsic* character, or hearing nocturnal + sounds, neither of which have any material existence, being conveyed to + his optic or auricular nerves not from without, but from within, by the + agency of a disordered brain. These the reason, hitherto unimpaired, + combats at first, especially when they are nocturnal only; but being + reproduced, and becoming diurnal, the judgment succumbs under the morbid + impression produced so repeatedly. These are the ordinary antecedent + symptoms characteristic of the incubation of insanity; to which are + frequently added somatic exaltation, or, in popular language, physical + excitability—a disposition to knit the brows—great activity of + the mental faculties—or else a well-marked decline of the powers of + the understanding—an exaggeration of the normal conditions of + thought—or a reversal of the mental habits and sentiments, such as a + sudden aversion to some person hitherto beloved, or some study long + relished and pursued.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Luminous. +</pre> + <p> + Jane asked leave to note these all down in her note-book. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie assented adroitly; for he was thinking whether he could not + sift some grain out of all this chaff. Should Alfred blab his suspicions, + here were two gentlemen who would at all events help him to throw ridicule + on them. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley having politely aided Jane Hardie to note down the + “preliminary process of the Incubation of disorders of the Intellect,” + resumed: “Now, sir, your son appears to be in a very inchoate stage of the + malady: he has cerebral Kephalalgia and Insomnia——” + </p> + <p> + “And, oh, doctor,” said Jane, “he knits his brows often and has given up + his studies; won't go back to Oxford this term.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly; and seeks isolation, and is a prey to morbid distraction and + reverie: but has no palpable illusions, has he?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I know of,” said Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” objected Jane, “did not he say something to you very curious + the other night about Captain Dodd and fourteen thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie's blood ran cold. “No,” he stammered, “not that I remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, he did, papa: you have forgotten it: but at the time you were + quite puzzled what he could meant: and you did <i>so.</i>” She put her + finger to her forehead, and the doctors interchanged a meaning glance. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are right, Jenny,” said Mr. Hardie, taking the cue so + unexpectedly offered him: “he did say some nonsense I could not make head + nor tail of; but we all have our crotchets. There, run away, like a good + girl, and let me explain all this to our good friends here: and mind, not + a word about it to Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + When she was gone, he said, “Gentlemen, my son is over head and ears in + love; that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Erotic monomania is a very ordinary phase of insanity,” said Dr. + Wycherley. + </p> + <p> + “His unreasonable passion for a girl he knows he can never marry makes him + somewhat crotchety and cranky: that, and over-study, may have unhinged his + mind a little. Suppose I send him abroad? My good brother will find the + means; or we could advance it him, I and the other trustees; he comes into + ten thousand pounds in a month or two.” + </p> + <p> + The doctors exchanged a meaning look. They then dissuaded him earnestly + from the idea of Continental travel. + </p> + <p> + “Coelum non animam mutant qui trans mare currunt,” said Wycherley, and + Osmond explained that Alfred would brood abroad as well as at home, if he + went alone; and Dr. Wycherley summed up thus: “The most advisable course + is to give him the benefit of the personal superintendence of some skilful + physician possessed of means and appliances of every sort for soothing and + restraining the specific malady.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie did not at first see the exact purport of this oleaginous + periphrasis. Presently he caught a glimpse; but said he thought + confinement was hardly the thing to drive away melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “Not in all respects,” replied Dr. Wycherley; “but, on the other hand, a + little gentle restraint is the safest way of effecting a disruption of the + fatal associations that have engendered and tend to perpetuate the + disorder. Besides, the medicinal appliances are invaluable, including, as + they do, the nocturnal and diurnal attendance of a Psycho-physical + physician, who knows the Psychosomatic relation of body and mind, and can + apply physical remedies, of the effect of which on the physical instrument + of intelligence, the grey matter of the brain, we have seen so many + examples.” + </p> + <p> + The good doctor then feelingly deplored the inhumanity of parents and + guardians in declining to subject their incubators to opportune and + salutary restraint under the more than parental care of a Psychosomatic + physician. On this head he got quite warm, and inveighed against the + abominable <i>cruelty</i> of the thing. “It is contrary,” said he, “to + every principle of justice and humanity, that a fellow-creature, deranged + perhaps only on one point, should, for the want of the early attention of + those whose duty it is to watch over him, linger out his existence + separated from all who are dear to him, and condemned without any crime to + be a prisoner for life.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie was puzzled by this sentence, in which the speaker's usual + method was reversed, and the thought was bigger than the words. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said he at last, “I see. We ought to incarcerate our children to + keep them from being incarcerated.” + </p> + <p> + “That is one way of putting it with a vengence,” said Mr. Osmond staring. + “No; what my good friend means——” + </p> + <p> + “Is this; where the patient is possessor of an income of such a character + as to enable his friends to show a sincere affection by anticipating the + consequences of neglected morbid phenomena of the brain, there a + lamentable want of humanity is exhibited by the persistent refusal to the + patient, on the part of his relatives, of the incalculable advantage of + the authoritative advice of a competent physician accompanied with the + safeguards and preventives of——” + </p> + <p> + But ere the mellifluous pleonast had done oiling his paradox with fresh + polysyllables, to make it slip into the banker's narrow understanding, he + met with a curious interruption. Jane Hardie fluttered in to say a man was + at the door accusing himself of being deranged. + </p> + <p> + “How often this sort of coincidence occurs,” said Osmond philosophically. + </p> + <p> + “Do not refuse him, dear papa; it is not for money: he only wants you to + give him an order to go into a lunatic asylum.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Now, there is a sensible man,</i>” said Dr. Wycherley. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” objected Mr. Hardie, “if he is a sensible man, why does he + want to go to an asylum?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they are all sensible at times,” observed Mr. Osmond. + </p> + <p> + <i>“Singularly so,</i>” said Dr. Wycherley, warmly. And he showed a desire + to examine this paragon, who had the sense to know he was out of his + senses. + </p> + <p> + “It would be but kind of you, sir,” said Jane; “poor, poor man!” She + added, he did not like to come in, and would they mind just going out to + him? + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, not in the least: especially as you seem interested in him.” + </p> + <p> + And they all three rose and went out together, and found the petitioner at + the front door. Who should it be but James Maxley! + </p> + <p> + His beard was unshaven, his face haggard, and everything about him showed + a man broken in spirit as well as fortune: even his voice had lost half + its vigour, and, whenever he had uttered a consecutive sentence or two, + his head dropped on his breast pitiably: indeed, this sometimes occurred + in the middle of a sentence, and then the rest of it died on his lips. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard Hardie was not prepared to encounter one of his unhappy + creditors thus publicly, and, to shorten the annoyance, would have + dismissed him roughly: but he dared not; for Maxley was no longer alone + nor unfriended. When Jane left him to intercede for him, a young man + joined him, and was now comforting him with kind words, and trying to get + him to smoke a cigar; and this good-hearted young gentleman was the + banker's son in the flesh, and his opposite in spirit, Mr. Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Finding these two in contact, the Doctors interchanged demurest glances. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie asked Maxley sullenly what he wanted of them. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Maxley despondingly, “I have been to all the other + magistrates in the borough; for what with losing my money, and what with + losing my missus, I think I bain't quite right in my head; I do see such + curious things, enough to make a body's skin creep at times.” And down + went his head on his chest. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said Mr. Hardie, peevishly: “go on: you went to the magistrates, + and what then?” + </p> + <p> + Maxley looked up, and seemed to recover the thread: “Why they said 'no,' + they couldn't send me to the 'sylum, not from home: I must be a pauper + first. So then my neighbours they said I had better come to you.” And down + went his head again. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” said Mr. Hardie, “you cannot expect me to go against the + other magistrates.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, sir? You have had a hatful o' money of me: the other gentlemen + han't had a farthing. They owes me no service, but you does: nine hundred + pounds' worth, if ye come to that.” + </p> + <p> + There was no malice in this; it was a plain broken-hearted man's notion of + give and take; but it was a home-thrust all the same; and Mr. Hardie was + visibly discountenanced, and Alfred more so. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Osmond, to relieve a situation so painful, asked Maxley rather hastily + what were the curious things he saw. + </p> + <p> + Maxley shuddered. “The unreasonablest beasts, sir, you ever saw or heard + tell on: mostly snakes and dragons. Can't stoop my head to do no work for + them, sir. Bless your heart, if I was to leave you gentlemen now, and go + and dig for five minutes in my garden, they would come about me as thick + as slugs on cabbage. Why 'twas but yester'en I tried to hoe a bit, and up + come the fearfullest great fiery sarpint: scared me so I heaved my hoe and + laid on un' properly: presently I seemed to come out of a sort of a kind + of a red mist into the clear: and there laid my poor missus's favourite + hen; I had been and killed her for a sarpint!” He sighed, then, after a + moment's pause, lowered his voice to a whisper: “Now suppose I was to go + and take some poor Christian for one of these gre-at bloody dragons I do + see at odd times, I might do him a mischief, you know, and not mean him no + harm neither. Oh, dooee take and have me locked up, gentlemen, dooee now: + tellee I ain't fit to be about, my poor head is so mazed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said Mr. Hardie, “I'll give you an order for the Union.” + </p> + <p> + “What, make a pauper of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot help it,” said the magistrate: “it is the routine; and it was + settled at a meeting of the bench last month that we must adhere to the + rule as strictly as possible; the asylum is so full: and you know, Maxley, + it is not as if you were dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “That I be, sir: I don't know what I'm a looking at or a doing. Would I + ha' gone and killed my poor Susan's hen if I hadn't a been beside myself? + and she in her grave, poor dear: no, not for untold gold: and I be fond of + that too—used to be, however: but now I don't seem to care for money + nor nothing else.” And his head dropped. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Maxley, old fellow,” said Alfred sarcastically, “you must go + to the workhouse, and stay there till you hoe a pauper; take him for a + crocodile and kill him; then you will get into an asylum whether the + Barkington magistrates like it or not: that is the <i>routine,</i> I + believe; and as reasonable as most routine.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley admired Alfred for this, and whispered Mr. Osmond, “How + subtly they reason.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie did not deign to answer his son, who indeed had spoken at him, + and not to him. + </p> + <p> + As for poor Maxley, he was in sad and sober earnest, and could not relish + nor even take in Alfred's irony. He lifted his head and looked Mr. Hardie + in the face. + </p> + <p> + “You be a hard man,” said he, trembling with emotion. “You robbed me and + my missus of our all; you ha' broke her heart, and turned my head, and if + I was to come and kill <i>you,</i> 'twould only be clearing scores. 'Stead + of that, I comes to you like a lamb, and says give me your name on a bit + of paper, and put me out of harm's way. 'No,' says you, 'go to the + workhouse!' Be <i>you</i> in the workhouse—you that owes me nine + hundred pounds and my dead missus?” With this he went into a rage, took a + packet out of his pocket, and flung L. 900 of Mr. Hardie's paper at Mr. + Hardie's head before any one could stop him. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred saw his game, stepped forward, and caught it with one hand, and + with the dexterity of a wicket-keeper, within a foot of his father's nose. + “How's that, Umpire?” said he: then, a little sternly, “Don't do that + again, Mr. Maxley, or I shall have to give you a hiding—to keep up + appearances.” He then put the notes in his pocket, and said quietly, <i>“I</i> + shall give you your money for these before the year ends.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't be quite so mad as that, I hope,” remonstrated his father. But + he made no reply: they very seldom answered one another now. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Dr. Wycherley, inspecting him like a human curiosity, “nullum + magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae.” + </p> + <p> + “Nec parvum sine mixtura stultitiae,” retorted Alfred in a moment and met + his offensive gaze with a point-blank look of supercilious disdain. + </p> + <p> + Then having shut him up, he turned to Osmond: “Come,” said he, “prescribe + for this poor fellow, who asks for a hospital, so Routine gives him a + workhouse. Come, you know there is no limit to your skill and good nature: + you cured Spot of the worms, cure poor old Maxley of his snakes: oblige + me.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will, Mr. Alfred,” said Osmond heartily: and wrote a prescription + on a leaf of his memorandum-book, remarking that though a simple + purgative, it had made short work of a great many serpents and dragons, + and not a few spectres and hobgoblins into the bargain. + </p> + <p> + The young gentleman thanked him graciously, and said kindly to Maxley, + “Get that made up—here's a guinea—and I'll send somebody to + see how you are to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + The poor man took the guinea, and the prescription, and his head drooped + again, and he slouched away. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley remarked significantly that his conduct was worth imitating + by <i>all persons similarly situated:</i> and concluded oracularly: + “Prophylaxis is preferable to therapeusis.” + </p> + <p> + “Or, as <i>Porson</i> would say, 'Prevention is better than cure.'” + </p> + <p> + With this parting blow the Oxonian suddenly sauntered away, unconscious, + it seemed, of the existence of his companions. + </p> + <p> + “I never saw a plainer case of Incubation,” remarked Dr. Wycherley with + vast benevolence of manner. + </p> + <p> + “Maxley's?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; that is parochial. It is your profoundly interesting son I + alluded to. Did you notice his supercilious departure? <i>And his morbid + celerity of repartee?</i>” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie replied with some little hesitation, “Yes; and, excuse me, I + thought he had rather the best of the battle with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indubitably so,” replied Dr. Wycherley: “they always do: at least such is + my experience. If ever I break a lance of wit with an incubator! I + calculate with confidence on being unhorsed with abnormal rapidity, and + rare, indeed, are the instances in which my anticipations are not promptly + and fully realised. By a similar rule of progression the incubator is + seldom a match for the confirmed maniac, either in the light play of + sarcasm, the coruscations of wit or the severer encounters of dialectical + ratiocination.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear, dear! Then how is one to know a genius from a madman?” + inquired Jane. + </p> + <p> + <i>“By sending for a psychological physician.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “If I understand the doctor right, the two things are not opposed,” + remarked Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley assented, and made a remarkable statement in confirmation: + “One half of the aggregate of the genius of the country is at present + under restraint; fortunately for the community; and still more fortunately + for itself.” + </p> + <p> + He then put on his gloves, and, with much kindness but solemnity, warned + Mr. Hardie not to neglect his son's case, nor to suppose that matters + could go on like this without “disintegrating or disorganising the grey + matter of the brain. I admit” said he, “that in some recorded cases of + insanity the brain on dissection has revealed no signs of structural or + functional derangement, and, that, on the other hand, considerable + encephalic disorganisation has been shown to have existed in other cases + without aberration or impairment of the reason: but such phenomena are to + be considered as pathological curiosities, with which the empiric would + fain endeavour to disturb the sound general conclusions of science. The + only safe mode of reasoning on matters so delicate and profound is <i>a + priori:</i> and, as it may safely be assumed as a self-evident + proposition, that disturbed intelligence bears the same relation to the + brain as disordered respiration does to the lungs, it is not logical, + reasoning <i>a priori,</i> to assume the possibility that the studious or + other mental habits of a Kephalalgic, and gifted youth, can be reversed, + and erotic monomania germinate, with all the morbid phenomena of + isolation, dejection of the spirits, and abnormal exaltation of the powers + of wit and ratiocination, without some considerable impairment, + derangement, disturbance, or modification, of the psychical, motorial, and + sensorial functions of the great cerebral ganglion. But it would be + equally absurd to presuppose that these several functions can be + disarranged for months, without more or less disorganisation of the + medullary, or even of the cineritious, matter of the encephialon. <i>Therefore</i>—dissection + of your talented son would doubtless reveal at this moment either + steatonatous or atheromatous deposits in the cerebral blood-vessels, or an + encysted abscess, probably of no very recent origin, or, at the least, + considerable inspissation, and opacity, of the membranes of the + encephalon, or more or less pulpy disorganisation of one or other of the + hemispheres of the brain: <i>good</i> morning!!” + </p> + <p> + “Good morning, sir: and a thousand thanks for your friemidly interest in + my unhappy boy.” + </p> + <p> + The Psycho-cerebrals “took their departure” (Psycho-cerebral for “went + away”), and left Jane Hardie brimful of anxiety. Alfred was not there to + dispose of the tirade in two words “Petitio principii,” and so smoke on; + and, not being an university woman, she could not keep her eye on the + original assumption while following the series of inferences the learned + doctor built so neatly, story by story, on the foundation <i>of</i> the + quicksand <i>of</i> a loose conjecture.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * So novices sitting at a conjuror see him take a wedding- + ring, and put it in a little box before a lady; then cross + the theatre with another little box, and put that before + another lady: “Hey! presto! pass!” in box 2 is discovered a + wedding-ring, which is instantly <i>assumed</i> to be <i>the</i> ring: + on this the green minds are fixed, and with this is sham + business done: Box 1, containing the real ring all the time, + is overlooked: and the confederate, in livery or not, does + what he likes with it; imprisons it in an orange—for the + good of its health. +</pre> + <p> + So poor Argan, when Fleurant enumerates the consequences of his omitting a + single—dose shall I say?—is terrified by the threatened + disorders, which succeed to each other logically enough: all the absurdity + being in the first link of the chain; and from that his mind is diverted.—— + </p> + <p> + “Now not a word of this to Alfred,” said Mr. Hardie. “I shall propose him + a little foreign tour, to amuse his mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but papa, if some serious change is really going on inside his poor + head.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie smiled sarcastically. “Don't you see that if the mind can wound + the brain, the mind can cure it?” Then, after a while, he said parentally, + “My child, I must give you a lesson: men of the world use enthusiasts—like + those two I have just been drawing out—for their tools; we don't let + them make tools of us. Osmond, you know, is jackal to an asylum in London; + Dr. Wycherley, I have heard, keeps two or three such establishments by + himself or his agents: blinded by self-interest and that of their clique—what + an egotistical world it is, to be sure!—they would confine a + melancholy youth in a gloomy house, among afflicted persons, and give him + nothing to do but brood; and so turn the scale against his reason. But I + have my children's interest at heart more than my own: I shall send him + abroad, and so amuse his mind with fresh objects, break off sad + associations, and restore him to a brilliant career. I count on you to + second me in my little scheme for his good.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will, papa.” + </p> + <p> + “Somehow, I don't know why, he is coolish to me.” + </p> + <p> + “He does not understand you as I do, my own papa.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is affectionate with you, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, more than ever: trouble has drawn us closer. Papa, in the midst + of our sorrow, how much we have to be thankful for to the Giver of all + good things!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, little angel: and you must improve Heaven's goodness by working on + your brother's affection, and persuading him to this continental tour.” + </p> + <p> + Thus appealed to, Jane promised warmly: and the man of the world, finding + he had a blind and willing instrument in the one creature he loved, kissed + her on the forehead, and told her to run away, for here was Mr. Skinner, + who no doubt wanted to speak on business. + </p> + <p> + Skinner, who had in fact been holding respectfully aloof for some time, + came forward on Jane's retiring, and in a very obsequious tone requested a + private interview. Mr. Hardie led the way into the little dining-room. + </p> + <p> + They were no sooner alone than Skinner left off fawning, very abruptly; + and put on a rugged resolute manner that was new to him: “I am come for my + commission,” said he sturdily. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie looked an inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you don't know what I mean, of course,” said the little clerk almost + brutally: “I've waited, and waited, to see if you would have the decency, + and the gratitude, and the honesty, to offer me a trifle out of It; but I + see I might wait till dooms-day before you would ever think of thinking of + anybody but yourself. So now shell out without more words or I'll blow the + gaff” The little wretch raised his voice louder and louder at every + sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! Skinner,” said Mr. Hardie anxiously, “you are under some + delusion. When did ever I decline to recognise your services? I always + intended to make you a present, a handsome present.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why didn't ye <i>do</i> it without being forced? Come, sir, you + can't draw the wool over Noah Skinner's eyes. I have had you watched, and + you are looking towards the U. S., and that is too big a country for me to + hunt you in. I'm not to be trifled with: I'm not to be palavered: give me + a thousand pounds of It this moment or I'll blow the whole concern and you + along with it.” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand pounds!” + </p> + <p> + “Now look at that!” shrieked Skinner. “Serves me right for not saying + seven thousand. What right have you to a shilling of it more than I have? + If I had the luck to be a burglar's pal instead of a banker's, I should + have half. Give it me this moment, or I'll go to Albion Villa and have you + took up for a thief; as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “But I haven't got it on me.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a lie: you carry it where <i>he</i> did; close to your heart: I + can see it bulge: there, Job was a patient man, but his patience went at + last.” With this he ran to the window and threw it open. + </p> + <p> + Hardie entreated him to be calm. “I'll give it you, Skinner,” said he, + “and with pleasure, if you will give me some security that you will not + turn round, as soon as you have got it, and be my enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Enemy of a gent that pays me a thousand pounds? Nonsense! Why should I? + We are in the same boat: behave like a man, and you know you have nothing + to fear from me: but I will—not—go halves in a theft for + nothing: would <i>you?</i> Come, how is it to be, peace or war? Will you + be content with thirteen thousand pounds that don't belong to you, not a + shilling of it, or will you go to jail a felon, and lose it every penny?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie groaned aloud, but there was no help for it. Skinner was on + sale: and <i>must</i> be bought. + </p> + <p> + He took out two notes for five hundred pounds each, and laid them on the + table, after taking their numbers. + </p> + <p> + Skinner's eyes glistened: “Thank you, sir,” said he. He put them in his + pocket. Then he said quietly, “Now you have taken the numbers, sir; so + I'll trouble you for a line to make me safe against the criminal law. You + are a deep one; you might say I robbed you.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a very unworthy suspicion, Skinner, and a childish one.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is diamond cut diamond. A single line, sir, just to say that in + return for his faithful services, you have given Noah Skinner two notes + for L. 500, Nos. 1084 and 85.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart—on your giving me a receipt for them.” + </p> + <p> + It was Skinner's turn to hesitate. After reflecting, however, on all the + possible consequences, he saw nothing to fear; so he consented. + </p> + <p> + The business completed, a magic change took place in the little clerk. + “Now we are friends again, sir: and I'll give you a piece of advice. Mind + your eye with Mr. Alfred: he is down on us.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” inquired Mr. Hardie with ill-disguised anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you, sir. He met me this morning: and says he to me, 'Skinner, + old boy, I want to speak a word to you.' He puts his hands on my shoulder, + and turns me round, and says he all at one time, 'The fourteen thousand + pounds!' You might have knocked me down with a feather. And he looked me + through like a gimlet mind ye. 'Come now,' says he, 'you see I know all; + make a clean breast of it.' So then I saw he didn't know <i>all,</i> and I + brazened up a bit: told him I hadn't a notion what he meant. 'Oh yes, I + did,' he said, 'Captain Dodd's fourteen thousand pounds! It had passed + through my hands.' Then I began to funk again at his knowing that: perhaps + he only guessed it after all: but at the time I thought he knew it; I was + flustered, ye see. But I said, 'I'd look at the books; but I didn't think + his deposit was anything like that.' 'You little equivocating humbug,' + says he: 'and which was better, to tell the truths at once and let Captain + Dodd, who never did me any harm, have his own, or to hear it told me in + the felon's dock?' Those were his words, sir: and they made my blood run + cold; and if he had gone on at me like that, I should have split, I know I + should: but he just said, 'There, your face has given your tongue the lie: + you haven't brains enough to play the rogue.' Oh, and another thing—he + said he wouldn't talk to the sparrow-hawk any more, when there was the + kite hard by: so by that I guess your turn is coming, sir; so mind your + eye. And then he turned his back on me with a look as if I was so much + dirt. But I didn't mind that; I was glad to be shut of him at any price.” + </p> + <p> + This intelligence discomposed Mr. Hardie terribly; it did away with all + hope that Alfred meant to keep his suspicions to himself. “Why did you not + tell me this before?” said he reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + Skinner's sharp visage seemed to sharpen as he replied, “Because I wanted + a thousand pounds first.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse your low cunning!” + </p> + <p> + Skinner laughed. “Good-bye, sir: take care of yourself and I'll take care + of mine. I'm afraid of Mr. Alfred and the stone jug, so I'm off to London, + and there I'll un-Skinner myself into Mr. Something or other, and make my + thousand pounds breed ten.” And he whipped out, leaving his master filled + with rage and dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Outwitted even by this little wretch!” + </p> + <p> + He was now accountable for fourteen thousand pounds, and had only thirteen + thousand left, if forced to reimburse; so that it was quite on the cards + for him to lose a thousand pounds by robbing his neighbour and risking his + own immortal jewel. This galled him to the quick; and altogether his + equable temper began to give way; it had already survived half the iron of + his nerves. He walked up and down the parlour chafing like an irritated + lion. In which state of his mind the one enemy he now feared and hated + walked quietly into the room, and begged for a little serious conversation + with him. + </p> + <p> + “It is like your effrontery,” said Mr. Hardie: “I wonder you are not + ashamed to look your father in the face.” + </p> + <p> + “Having wronged nobody I can look anybody in the face,” replied Alfred, + looking him in the face point-blank. + </p> + <p> + At this swift rejoinder, Mr. Hardie felt like a too confident swordsman, + who, attacking in a passion suddenly receives a prick that shows him his + antagonist is not one to be trifled with. He was on his guard directly, + and said coldly, “You have been belying me to my very clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir: you are mistaken; I have never mentioned your name to your + clerk.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie reflected on what Skinner had told him, and found he had made + another false move. He tried again: “Nor to the Dodds?” with an + incredulous sneer. + </p> + <p> + “Nor to the Dodds,” replied Alfred calmly. + </p> + <p> + “What, not to Miss Julia Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I have seen her but once, since—I discovered about the + fourteen thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “What fourteen thousand pounds?” inquired Mr. Hardie innocently. + </p> + <p> + “What fourteen thousand pounds!” repeated the young man disdainfully. Then + suddenly turning on his father, with red brow and flashing eyes: “The + fourteen thousand pounds Captain Dodd brought home from India: the + fourteen thousand pounds I heard him claim of you with curses: ay, + miserable son, and miserable man, that I am, I heard my own father called + a villain; and what did my father reply? Did you hurl the words back into + your accuser's throat? No: you whispered, 'Hush! hush! I'll bring it you + down.' Oh, what a hell Shame is!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie turned pale, and almost sick: with these words of Alfred's fled + all hope of ever deceiving him. + </p> + <p> + “There, there,” said the young man, lowering his voice from rage to + profound sorrow: “I don't come here to quarrel with my father, nor to + insult him, God knows: and I entreat you for both our sakes not to try my + temper too hard by these childish attempts to blind me: and, sir, pray + dismiss from your mind the notion that I have disclosed to any living soul + my knowledge of this horrible secret: on the contrary, I have kept it + gnawing my heart and almost maddening me at times. For my own personal + satisfaction I have applied a test both to you and Skinner; but that is + all I have done: I have not told dear Julia, nor any of her family; and + now, if you will only listen to me, and do what I entreat you to do, she + shall never know; oh, never.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho!” thought Mr. Hardie, “he comes with a proposal: I'll hear it, + anyway.” + </p> + <p> + He then took a line well known to artful men: he encouraged Alfred to show + his hand; maintaining a complete reserve as to his own; “You say you did + not communicate your illusion about this fourteen thousand pounds to Julia + Dodd that night: May I ask then (without indiscretion) what did pass + between you two?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you, sir. She saw me standing there, and asked me in her own + soft angel voice if I was unhappy. I told her I must be a poor creature if + I could be happy. Then she asked me, with some hesitation I thought, why I + was unhappy. I said, because I could not see the path of honour and duty + clear: that at least was the purport. Then she told me that in all + difficulties she had found the best way was to pray to God to guide her; + and she begged me to lay my care before Him and ask His counsel. And then + I thanked her; and bade her good-night, and she me; and that was all that + passed between us two unhappy lovers, whom you have made miserable; and + even cool to one another; but not hostile to you. And you played the spy + on us, sir; and misunderstood us, as spies generally do. Ah, sir! a few + months ago you would not have condescended to that.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie coloured, but did not reply. He had passed from the irritable + into the quietly vindictive stage. + </p> + <p> + Alfred then deprecated further discussion of what was past, and said + abruptly, “I have an offer to make you: in a very short time I shall have + ten thousand pounds; I will not resign my whole fortune; that would be + unjust to myself, and my wife; and I loathe and despise Injustice in all + its forms, however romantic or plausible. But, if you will give the Dodds + their L. 14,000, I will share my little fortune equally with you: and + thank you, and bless you. Consider, sir, with your abilities and + experience five thousand pounds may yet be the nucleus of a fortune; a + fortune built on an honourable foundation. I know you will thrive with my + five thousand pounds ten times more than with their fourteen thousand; and + enjoy the blessing of blessings, a clear conscience.” + </p> + <p> + Now this offer was no sooner made than Mr. Hardie shut his face, and went + to mental arithmetic, like one doing a sum behind a thick door. He would + have taken ten thousand: but five thousand did not much tempt him: + besides, would it be five thousand clear? He already owed Alfred two + thousand five hundred. It flashed through him that a young man who loathed + and despised Injustice—even to himself—would not consent to be + diddled by him out of one sum while making him a present of another: and + then there was Skinner's thousand to be reimbursed. He therefore declined + in these terms: + </p> + <p> + “This offer shows me you are sincere in these strange notions you have + taken up. I am sorry for it: it looks like insanity. These nocturnal + illusions, these imaginary sights and sounds, come of brooding on a single + idea, and often usher in a calamity one trembles to think of. You have + made me a proposal: I make you one: take a couple of hundred pounds (I'll + get it from your trustees) and travel the Continent for four months; + enlarge and amuse your mind with the contemplation of nature and manners + and customs; and if that does not clear this phantom L. 14,000 out of your + head, I am much mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred replied that foreign travel was his dream: but he could not leave + Barkington while there was an act of justice to be done. + </p> + <p> + “Then do me justice, boy,” said Mr. Hardie, with wonderful dignity, all + things considered. “Instead of brooding on your one fantastical idea, and + shutting out all rational evidence to the contrary, take the trouble to + look through my books: and they will reveal to you a fortune, not of + fourteen thousand, but of eighty thousand pounds, honourably sacrificed in + the vain struggle to fulfil my engagements: who, do you think, will + believe, against such evidence, the preposterous tale you have concocted + against your poor father? Already the tide is turning, and all who have + seen the accounts of the Bank pity me; they will pity me still more if + ever they hear my own flesh and blood insults me in the moment of my fall; + sees me ruined by my honesty and living in a hovel, yet comes into that + poor but honest abode, and stabs me to the heart by accusing me of + stealing fourteen thousand pounds: a sum that would have saved me, if I + could only have laid my hands on it.” + </p> + <p> + He hid his face, to conceal its incongruous expression: and heaved a deep + sigh. + </p> + <p> + Alfred turned his head away and groaned. + </p> + <p> + After a while he rose from his seat and went to the door; but seemed + reluctant to go: he cast a longing, lingering look on his father, and said + beseechingly: “Oh think! you are not my flesh and blood more than I am + yours; is all the love to be on my side? Have I no influence even when + right is on my side?” Then he suddenly turned and threw himself + impetuously on his knees: “Your father was the soul of honour; your son + loathed fraud and injustice from his cradle; you stand between two + generations of Hardies, and belong to neither; do but reflect one moment + how bright a thing honour is, how short and uncertain a thing life is, how + sure a thing retribution is, in this world or the next: it is your + guardian angel that kneels before you now, and not your son: oh, for + Christ's sake, for my mother's sake, listen to my last appeal. You don't + know me: I cannot compound with injustice. Pity me, pity her I love, pity + yourself!” + </p> + <p> + “You young viper!” cried the father, stung with remorse, but not touched + with penitence. “Get away, you amorous young hypocrite; get out of my + house, get out of my sight, or I shall spurn you and curse you at my + feet.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” said Alfred, rising and turning suddenly calm as a statue: “let + us be gentlemen, if you please, even though we must be enemies. Good-bye, + my father that <i>was.</i>” + </p> + <p> + And he walked gently out of the room, and, as he passed the window Mr. + Hardie heard his great heart sob. + </p> + <p> + He wiped his forehead with his handkerchief. “A hard tussle,” thought he, + “and with my own unnatural, ungrateful flesh and blood, but I have won it: + he hasn't told the Dodds; he never will; and, if he did, who would believe + him, or them?” + </p> + <p> + At dinner there was no Alfred; but after dinner a note to Jane informing + her he had taken lodgings in the town, and requesting her to send his + books and clothes in the evening. Jane handed the note to her father: and + sighed deeply. Watching his face as he read it, she saw him turn rather + pale, and look more furrowed than ever. + </p> + <p> + “Papa!” said she, “what <i>does</i> it all mean!” + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking.” + </p> + <p> + Then, after a long pause, he ground his teeth and said, “It means—War: + War between my own son and me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <p> + LONG before this open rupture Jane Hardie had asked her father + sorrowfully, whether she was to discontinue her intimacy with the Dodds: + she thought of course he would say “Yes;” and it cost her a hard struggle + between inclination and filial duty to raise the question. But Mr. Hardie + was anxious her friendship with that family should continue; it furnished + a channel of news, and in case of detection might be useful to avert or + soften hostilities; so he answered rather sharply, “On no account: the + Dodds are an estimable family: pray be as friendly with them as ever you + can.” Jane coloured with pleasure at this most unexpected reply; but her + wakeful conscience reminded her, this answer was given in ignorance of her + attachment to Edward Dodd, and urged her to confession. But at that Nature + recoiled: Edward had not openly declared his love to her; so modest pride, + as well as modest shame, combined with female cowardice to hold back the + avowal. + </p> + <p> + So then Miss Tender Conscience tormented herself; and recorded the + struggle in her diary; but briefly, and in terms vague and typical; not a + word about “a young man”—or “crossed in love”—but one obscure + and hasty slap at the carnal affections, and a good deal about “the saints + in prison,” and “the battle of Armageddon.” + </p> + <p> + Yet, to do her justice, laxity of expression did not act upon her conduct + and warp that as it does most mystical speakers. + </p> + <p> + To obey her father to the letter, she maintained a friendly correspondence + with Julia Dodd, exchanging letters daily; but, not to disobey him in the + spirit, she ceased to visit Albion Villa. Thus she avoided Edward, and + extracted from the situation the utmost self-denial, and the least + possible amount of “carnal pleasure,” as she naively denominated an + interchange of worldly affection, however distant and respectful. + </p> + <p> + One day she happened to mention her diary, and say it was a present + comfort to her, and instructive to review. Julia, catching at every straw + of consolation, said she would keep one too, and asked a sight of Jane's + for a model. “No, dear friend,” said Jane: “a diary should be one's self + on paper.” + </p> + <p> + This was fortunate: it precluded that servile imitation, in which her sex + excels even mine; and consequently the two records reflect two good girls, + instead of one in two skins; and may be trusted to conduct this narrative + forward, and relieve its monotony a little: only, of course, the reader + must not expect to see the plot of a story carried minutely out in two + crude compositions written with an object so distinct: he must watch for + glimpses and make the most of indications. Nor is this an excessive demand + upon his intelligence; for, if he cannot do this with a book, how will he + do it in real life, where male and female characters reveal their true + selves by glimpses only, and the gravest and most dramatic events give the + diviner so few and faint signs of their coming? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Extracts from Julia Dodd's Diary.</i> +</pre> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 5th.</i>—It is all over; they have taken papa away to an + asylum: and the house is like a grave, but for our outbursts of sorrow. + Just before he went away the medal came—oh no, I cannot. Poor, poor + mamma! + </p> + <p> + “8 P. M. In the midst of our affliction Heaven sent us a ray of comfort: + the kindest letter from a lady, a perfect stranger. It came yesterday; but + now I have got it to copy: oh, bless it; and the good, kind writer.” + </p> + <p> + “'DEAR MADAM,—I scarcely know whether to hope or to fear that your + good husband may have mentioned my name to you: however, he is just the + man to pass over both my misbehaviour and his own gallantry; so I beg + permission to introduce myself. I and my little boy were passengers by the + <i>Agra;</i> I was spoiled by a long residence in India, and gave your + husband sore trouble by resisting discipline, refusing to put out my light + at nine o'clock, and in short by being an unreasonable woman, or rather a + spoiled child. Well, all my little attempts at a feud failed; Captain Dodd + did his duty, and kept his temper provokingly; the only revenge he took + was a noble one; he jumped into the sea after my darling Freddy, and saved + him from a watery grave, and his mother from madness or death; yet he was + himself hardly recovered from a wound he had received in defending us all + against pirates. Need I say more to one who is herself a mother? You will + know how our little misunderstanding ended after that. As soon as we were + friends I made him talk of his family; yourself, Edward, Julia, I seem to + know you all. + </p> + <p> + “'When the ruffian, who succeeded our good captain, had wrecked poor us, + and then deserted us, your husband resumed the command, and saved Freddy + and me once more by his courage, his wonderful coolness, and his skill. + Since then the mouse has been at work for the lion: I despair of conveying + any pleasure by it to a character so elevated as Captain Dodd; his reward + must be his own conscience; but we poor little women like external shows, + do we not? and so I thought a medal of the Humane Society might give some + pleasure to you and Miss Dodd. Never did medal nor order repose on a + nobler heart. The case was so strong, and so well supported, that the + society did not hesitate: and you will receive it very soon after this. + </p> + <p> + “'You will be surprised, dear madam, at all this from a stranger to + yourself, and will perhaps set it down to a wish to intrude on your + acquaintance. Well, then, dear madam, you will not be far wrong. I <i>should</i> + like much to know one, whose character I already seem acquainted with; and + to convey personally my gratitude and admiration of your husband: I could + pour it out more freely to you, you know, than to him.—I am, dear + Madam, Yours very faithfully, + </p> + <h3> + “'LOUISA BERESFORD.'” + </h3> + <p> + “And the medal came about an hour before the fly to take him away. His + dear name was on it and his brave courageous acts. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, shall I ever be old enough and hard enough to speak of this without + stopping to cry? + </p> + <p> + “We fastened it round his dear neck with a ribbon. Mamma would put it + inside his clothes for fear the silver should tempt some wretch; I should + never have thought of that: is there a creature so base? And we told the + men how he had gained it (they were servants of the asylum), and we showed + them how brave and good he was, and would be again if they would be kind + to him and cure him. And mamma bribed them with money to use him kindly: I + thought they would be offended and refuse it: but they took it, and their + faces showed she was wiser than I am. <i>He</i> keeps away from us too. It + is nearly a fortnight now.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 7th.</i>—Aunt Eve left to-day. Mamma kept her room and + could not speak to her; cannot forgive her interfering between papa and + her. It does seem strange that any one but mamma should be able to send + papa out of the house, and to such a place; but it is the law: and Edward, + who is all good sense, says it was necessary. He says mamma is unjust; + grief makes her unreasonable. I don't know who is in the right: and I + don't much care; but I know I am sorry for Aunt Eve, and very, very sorry + for mamma.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 8th.</i>—I am an egotist: found myself out this morning; + and it is a good thing to keep a diary. It* was overpowered at first by + grief for mamma: but now the house is sad and quiet I am always thinking + of <i>him;</i> and that is egotism. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Egotism. The abstract quality evolved from the concrete + term egotist by feminine art, without the aid of grammar. +</pre> + <p> + “Why <i>does</i> he stay away so? I almost wish I could think it was + coldness or diminished affection; for I fear something worse; something to + make <i>him</i> wretched. Those dreadful words papa spoke before he was + afflicted! words I will never put on paper; but they ring in my ears + still; they appal me: and then found at their very door! Ah! and I knew I + <i>should</i> find him near that house. And now <i>he</i> keeps away.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 9th.</i>—All day trying to comfort mamma. She made a great + effort and wrote to Mrs. Beresford.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + POOR MAMMA'S LETTER +</pre> + <p> + “DEAR MADAM,—Your kind and valued letter reached us in deep + affliction; and I am little able to reply to you as you deserve. My poor + husband is very ill; so ill that he no longer remembers the past, neither + the brave acts that have won him your esteem, nor even the face of his + loving and unhappy wife, who now thanks you with many tears for your sweet + letter. Heart-broken as my children and I are, we yet derive some + consolation from it. We have tied the medal round his neck, madam, and + thank you far more than we can find words to express. + </p> + <p> + “In conclusion, I pray Heaven that, in your bitterest hour, you may find + the consolation you have administered to us: no, no, I pray you may never, + never stand in such need of comfort—I am dear madam, yours + gratefully and sincerely, + </p> + <h3> + “LUCY DODD.” + </h3> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 10th, Sunday.</i>—At St. Anne's in the morning. Tried hard + to apply the sermon. He spoke of griefs, but <i>so</i> coldly; surely he + never felt one; <i>he</i> was not there. Mem.: always pray against + wandering thoughts on entering church.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 11th.</i>—A diary is a dreadful thing. Everything must go + down now, and, amongst the rest that the poor are selfish. I could not + interest one of mine in mamma's sorrows; no, they must run back to their + own little sordid troubles, about money and things. I was so provoked with + Mrs. Jackson (she owes mamma so much) that I left her hastily; and that + was Impatience. I had a mind to go back to her; but would not; and that + was Pride. Where is my Christianity? + </p> + <p> + “A kind letter from Jane Hardie. But no word of <i>him.</i>” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 12th.</i>—To-day Edward told me plump I must not go on + taking things out of the house for the poor: mamma gave me the reason. 'We + are poor ourselves, thanks to——' And then she stopped. Does + she suspect? How can she? She did hear not those two dreadful words of + papa's? They are like two arrows in my heart. And so we are poor: she says + we have scarcely anything to live upon after paying the two hundred and + fifty pounds a year for papa.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 13th.</i>—A comforting letter from Jane. She sends me + Hebrews xii. 11, and says, 'Let us take a part of the Bible, and read two + chapters prayerfully at the same hour of the day: will ten o'clock in the + morning suit you? and, if so, will you choose where to begin?' I will, + sweet friend, I will; and then, though some cruel mystery keeps us apart, + our souls will be together over the sacred page, as I hope they will one + day be together in heaven; yours will, at any rate. Wrote back, yes, and a + thousand thanks, and should like to begin with the Psalms; they are + sorrowful, and so are we. And I must pray not to think too much of <i>him.</i> + </p> + <p> + “If everything is to be put down one does, I cried long and bitterly to + find I had written that I must pray to God against <i>him.</i>” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 14th.</i>—It is plain he never means to come again. Mamma + says nothing, but that is out of pity for me: I have not read her dear + face all these years for nothing. She is beginning to think him unworthy, + when she thinks of him at all.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a mystery; a dreadful mystery; may he not be as mystified, too, + and perhaps tortured like me with doubts and suspicions? They say he is + pale and dejected. Poor thing! + </p> + <p> + “But then, oh why not come to me and say so? Shall I write to him? No, I + will cut my hand off sooner.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 16th.</i>—A blessed letter from Jane. She says, 'Letter + writing on ordinary subjects is a sad waste of time and very unpardonable + among His people.' And so it is; and my weak hope, daily disappointed, + that there may be something in her letter, only shows how inferior I am to + my beloved friend. She says, 'I should like to fix another hour for us two + to meet at the Throne together: will five o'clock suit you? We dine at + six; but I am never more than half an hour dressing.' + </p> + <p> + “The friendship of this saint, and her bright example, is what Heaven + sends me in infinite mercy and goodness to sooth my aching heart a little: + for <i>him</i> I shall never see again. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen him this very evening.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a beautiful night: I went to look at—the world to come I + call it—for I believe the redeemed are to inhabit those very stars + hereafter, and visit them all in turn—and this world I now find is a + world of sorrow and disappointment—so I went on the balcony to look + at a better one: and oh it seemed so holy, so calm, so pure, that heavenly + world I gazed and stretched my hands towards it for ever so little of its + holiness and purity; and, that moment I heard a sigh. I looked, and there + stood a gentleman just outside our gate, and it was <i>him.</i> I nearly + screamed, and my heart beat so. He did not see me: for I had come out + softly, and his poor head was down, down upon his breast; and he used to + carry it so high, a little, little, while ago—too high some said; + but not I. I looked, and my misgivings melted away, it flashed on me as if + one of those stars had written it with its own light in my heart—'There + stands Grief; not Guilt.' And before I knew what I was about I had + whispered 'Alfred!' The poor boy started and ran towards me: but stopped + short and sighed again. My heart yearned; but it was not for me to make + advances to him, after his unkindness: so I spoke to him as coldly as ever + I could, and I said, 'You are unhappy.' + </p> + <p> + “He looked up to me, and then I saw even by that light that he is enduring + a bitter, bitter struggle: <i>so</i> pale, <i>so</i> worn, <i>so</i> + dragged!—Now how many times have I cried, this last month? more than + in all the rest of my life a great deal.—'Unhappy!' he said; 'I must + be a contemptible thing if I was not unhappy.' And then he asked me should + not I despise him if he was happy. I did not answer that: but I asked him + why he was unhappy. And when I had, I was half frightened; for he never + evades a question the least bit. + </p> + <p> + “He held his head higher still, and said, 'I am unhappy because I cannot + see the path of honour.' + </p> + <p> + “Then I babbled something, I forget what: then he went on like this—ah, + I never forget what <i>he</i> says—he said Cicero says 'AEquitas + ipsa lucet per se; something significat* something else:' and he repeated + it slowly for me—he knows I know a little Latin; and told me that + was as much as to say 'Justice is so clear a thing, that whoever hesitates + must be on the road of wrong. And yet,' he said bitterly, '<i>I</i> + hesitate and doubt, in a matter of right and wrong, like an Academic + philosopher weighing and balancing mere speculative straws.' Those were + his very words. 'And so,' said he, 'I am miserable; deserving to be + miserable.' + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Dubitatio cogitationem significat injuriae. +</pre> + <p> + “Then I ventured to remind him that he, and I, and all Christian souls, + had a resource not known to heathen philosophers, however able. And I + said, 'Dear Alfred, when I am in doubt and difficulty, I go and pray to + Him to guide me aright: have you done so?' No, that had never occurred to + him: but he would, if I made a point of it; and at any rate he could not + go on in this way. I should soon see him again, and, once his mind was + made up, no shrinking from mere consequences, he promised me. Then we bade + one another good night and he went off holding his head as proudly as he + used: and poor silly me fluttered, and nearly hysterical, as soon as I + quite lost sight of him.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 17th.</i>—At church in the morning: a good sermon. Notes + and analysis. In the evening Jane's clergyman preached. She came. Going + out I asked her a question about what we had heard; but she did not answer + me. At parting she told me she made it a rule not to speak coming from + church, not even about the sermon. This seemed austere to poor me. But of + course she is right. Oh, that I was like her.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 18th.</i>—Edward is coming out. This boy, that one has + taught all the French, all the dancing, and nearly all the Latin he knows, + turns out to be one's superior, infinitely: I mean in practical good + sense. Mamma had taken her pearls to the jeweller and borrowed two hundred + pounds. He found this out and objected. She told him a part of it was + required to keep him at Oxford. 'Oh indeed,' said he: and we thought of + course there was an end: but next morning he was off before breakfast and + the day after he returned from Oxford with his caution money, forty + pounds, and gave it mamma; she had forgotten all about it. And he had + taken his name off the college books and left the university for ever. The + poor, gentle tears of mortification ran down his mother's cheeks, and I + hung round her neck, and scolded him like a vixen—as I am. We might + have spared tears and fury both, for he is neither to be melted nor + irritated by poor little us. He kissed us and coaxed us like a superior + being, and set to work in his quiet, sober, ponderous way, and proved us a + couple of fools to our entire satisfaction, and that without an unkind + word! for he is as gentle as a lamb, and as strong as ten thousand + elephants. He took the money back and brought the pearls home again, and + he has written 'SOYEZ DE VOTRE SIECLE' in great large letters, and has + pasted it on all our three bed-room doors, inside. And he has been all + these years quietly cutting up the <i>Morning Advertiser,</i> and + arranging the slips with wonderful skill and method. He calls it + 'digesting the <i>Tiser!''</i> and you can't ask for any <i>modern</i> + information, great or small, but he'll find you something about it in this + digest. Such a folio! It takes a man to open and shut it. And he means to + be a sort of little papa in this house, and mamma means to let him. And + indeed it is so sweet to be commanded; besides, it saves thinking for + oneself, and that is such a worry.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 19th.</i>—Yes, they have settled it: we are to leave here, + and live in lodgings to save servants. How we are to exist even so, mamma + cannot see; but Edward can: he says we two have got popular talents, and + <i>he knows the markets</i> (what does that mean, I wonder), and the world + in general. I asked him wherever he picked it up, his knowledge: he said, + 'In the <i>'Tiser.'</i> I asked him would he leave the place where <i>she</i> + lives. He looked sad, but said, 'Yes: for the good of us all.' So he is + better than I am; but who is not? I wasted an imploring look on him; but + not on mamma: she looked back to me, and then said sadly, 'Wait a few + days, Edward, for—<i>my</i> sake.' That meant for poor credulous + Julia's, who still believes in him. My sweet mother!” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 21st.</i>—Told Mamma to-day I would go for a governess, to + help her, since we are all ruined. She kissed me and trembled; but she did + not say 'No;' so it will come to that. He will be sorry. When I do go, I + think I shall find courage to send him a line: just to say I am sure <i>he</i> + is not to blame for withdrawing. Indeed how could I ever marry a man whose + father I have heard my father call——” (the pen was drawn + through the rest). + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 22nd.</i>—A miserable day: low spirited and hysterical. We + are really going away. Edward has begun to make packing-cases: I stood + over him and sighed, and asked him questions: he said he was going to take + unfurnished rooms in London, send up what furniture is absolutely + necessary, and sell the rest by auction, with the lease of our dear, dear + house, where we were all so happy once. So, what with his 'knowledge of + the markets, and the world,' and his sense, and his strong will, we have + only to submit. And then he is so kind, too: 'Don't cry, little girl,' he + said. 'Not but what I could turn on the waters myself if there was + anything to be gained by it. <i>Shall</i> I cry, Ju,' said he, 'or shall I + whistle? I think I'll whistle.' And he whistled a tune right through while + he worked with a heart as sick as my own, perhaps. Poor Edward!” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 23rd.</i>—My Christian friend has her griefs, too. But then + <i>she</i> puts them to profit: she says today, 'We are both tasting the + same flesh-crucifying but soul-profiting experience.' Her every word is a + rebuke to me: torn at this solemn season of the year with earthly + passions. Went down after reading her letter, and played and sang the <i>Gloria + in Excelsis</i> of Pergolesi, with all my soul. So then I repeated it, and + burst out crying in the middle. Oh shame! shame!” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 24th.</i>—Edward started for London at five in the morning + to take a place for us. The servants were next told, and received warning; + the one we had the poorest opinion of, she is such a flirt, cried, and + begged mamma to let her share our fallen fortunes, and said she could cook + a little and would do her best. I kissed her violently, and quite forgot I + was a young lady till she herself reminded me; and she looked frightened + at mamma. But mamma only smiled through her tears and said, 'Think of it + quietly, Sarah, before you commit yourself.'” + </p> + <p> + “I am now sitting in my old room, cold as a stone: for I have packed up + some things: so the first step is actually taken. Oh, if I but knew that + he was happy! Then I could endure anything. But how can I think so? Well, + I will go, and never tell a soul what I suspect, and he cannot tell, even + if he knows: for it is his father. Jane, too, avoids all mention of her + own father and brother more than is natural. Oh, if I could only be a + child again! + </p> + <p> + “Regrets are vain; I will cease even to record them; these diaries feed + one's selfishness, and the unfortunate passion, that will make me a bad + daughter and an ungrateful soldier of Him who was born as to-morrow: to + your knees, false Christian! to your knees!” + </p> + <p> + “I am calmer now; and feel resigned to the will of Heaven; or benumbed; or + something. I will pack this box and then go down and comfort my mother; + and visit my poor people, perhaps for the last time: ah me! + </p> + <p> + “A knock at the street door! his knock! I know every echo of his hand, and + his foot. Where is my composure now? I flutter like a bird. I will not go + down. He will think I love him so. + </p> + <p> + “At least I will wait till he has nearly gone. + </p> + <p> + “Elizabeth has come to say I am wanted in the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “So I <i>must</i> go down whether I like or no. + </p> + <p> + “Bedtime. Oh that I had the pen of a writer to record the scene I have + witnessed, worthily. When I came in, I found mamma and him both seated in + dead silence. He rose and looked at me and I at him: and years seemed to + have rolled over his face since last I saw it. I was obliged to turn my + head away; I curtseyed to him distantly, and may Heaven forgive me for + that: and we sat down, and presently turned round and all looked at one + another like the ghosts of the happy creatures we once were altogether. + </p> + <p> + “Then Alfred began, not in his old imperative voice, but scarce above a + whisper; and oh the words such as none but himself in the wide world would + have spoken—I love him better than ever; I pity him; I adore him; he + is a scholar; he is a chevalier; he is the soul of honour; he is the most + unfortunate and proudest gentleman beneath the sun; oh, my darling! my + darling!! + </p> + <p> + “He said, 'Mrs. Dodd, and you Miss Dodd, whom I loved before I lost the + right to ask you to be mine, and whom I shall love to the last hour of my + miserable existence, I am come to explain my own conduct to you, and to do + you an act of simple justice, too long delayed. To begin with myself, you + must know that my understanding is of the Academic School: I incline to + weigh proofs before I make up my mind. But then I differ from that school + in this, that I cannot think myself to an eternal standstill; (such an + expression! but what does that matter, it was <i>his;)</i> I am a man of + action: in Hamlet's place I should have either turned my ghost into + ridicule, or my uncle into a ghost; so I kept away from you while in + doubt, but now I doubt no longer. I take my line: ladies, you have been + swindled out of a large sum of money. + </p> + <p> + “My blood ran cold at these words. Surely nothing on earth but a man could + say this right out like that. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma and I looked at one another; and what did I see in her face, for + the first time? Why that she had her suspicions too, and had been keeping + them from me. Pitying angel! + </p> + <p> + “He went on: 'Captain Dodd brought home several thousand pounds?' + </p> + <p> + “Mamma said 'Yes.' And I think she was going to say how much, but he + stopped her and made her write the amount in an envelope, while he took + another and wrote in it with his pencil. He took both envelopes to me, and + asked me to read them out in turn: I did, and mamma's said fourteen + thousand pounds: and his said fourteen thousand pounds. Mamma looked such + a look at me. + </p> + <p> + “Then he turned to me: 'Miss Dodd, do you remember that night you and I + met at Richard Hardie's door? Well, scarce five minutes before that, your + father was standing on our lawn and called to the man, who was my father, + in a loud voice—it rings in my ears now—“Hardie, Villain! give + me back my money, my fourteen thousand pounds! give me my children's + money, or may your children die before your eyes.” Ah, you wince to hear + me whisper these dreadful words: what if you had been where I was and + heard them spoken, and in a terrible voice; the voice of Despair; the + voice of Truth! Soon a window opened cautiously, and a voice whispered, + “Hush! I'll bring it you down.” And <i>this</i> voice was the voice of + fear, of dishonesty, and of Richard Hardie.' + </p> + <p> + “He turned deadly white when he said this, and I cried to mamma, 'Oh, stop + him! stop him!' And she said, 'Alfred, think what you are saying. Why do + you tell us what we had better never know?' He answered directly. + </p> + <p> + “'Because it is the truth: and because I loathe injustice. Some time + afterwards I taxed Mr. Richard Hardie with this fourteen thousand pounds: + and his face betrayed him. I taxed his clerk, Skinner: and Skinner's face + betrayed him: and he fled the town that very night. + </p> + <p> + “My mother looked much distressed and said, 'To what end do you raise this + pitiable subject? Your father is a bankrupt, and we but suffer with the + rest.' + </p> + <p> + “'No, no,' said he, 'I have looked through the bankrupt's books, and there + is no mention of the sum. And then who brought Captain Dodd here? Skinner? + and Skinner is his detected confederate. It is clear to me poor Captain + Dodd trusted that sum to <i>us</i> before he had the fit; beyond this all + is conjecture.' + </p> + <p> + “Mamma looked at me again, and said, 'What am I to do; or say?' + </p> + <p> + 'I screamed, 'Do nothing, say nothing: oh pray, pray make him hold his + tongue, and let the vile money go. It is not <i>his</i> fault.' + </p> + <p> + “'Do?' said the obstinate creature: 'why tell Edward, and let him employ a + sharp attorney: you have a supple antagonist and a daring one. Need I say + I have tried persuasion, and even bribes: but he defies me. Set an + attorney on him, or the police. Fiat Justitia, ruat coelum.' I put both + hands out to him and burst out 'Oh, Alfred, why did you tell? A son expose + his own father? For shame; for shame! I have suspected it all long ago: + but <i>I</i> would never have told.' + </p> + <p> + “He started a little; but said, 'Miss Dodd, you were very generous to me: + but that is not exactly a reason why I should be a cur to you; and an + accomplice in a theft by which you suffer. I have no pretensions to + religion like my sister: so I can't afford to tamper with plain right and + wrong. What, look calmly on and see one man defraud another? I can't do + it. See <i>you</i> defrauded? you, Mrs. Dodd, for whom I profess affection + and friendship? You, Miss Dodd, for whom I profess love and constancy? + Stand and see you swindled into poverty? Of what do you think I am made? + My stomach rises against it, my blood boils against it, my flesh creeps at + it, my soul loathes it:' then after this great burst he seemed to turn <i>so</i> + feeble: 'Oh,' said he, faltering, 'I know what I have done; I have signed + the death warrant of our love, dear to me as life. But I can't help it. + Oh, Julia, Julia, my lost love, you can never look on me again; you must + not love a man you cannot marry. Cheat Hardie's wretched son. But what + could I do? Fate offers me but the miserable choice of desolation or + cowardly rascality. I choose desolation and I mean to stand by my choice + like a man. So good-bye, ladies.' + </p> + <p> + “The poor proud creature rose from his seat, and bowed stiffly and + haughtily to us both, and was going away without another word, and I do + believe for ever. But his soul had been too great for his body; his poor + lips turned pale and he staggered; and would have fallen, but mamma + screamed to me, and she he loves so dearly, and abandons so cruelly, woke + from a stupor of despair, and flew and caught him fainting in these arms.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <p> + “WE laid the poor proud creature on the sofa, and bathed his face with eau + de Cologne. He spoke directly, and said that was nice, and 'His head! his + head!' And I don't think he was ever quite insensible, but he did not know + what was going on, for presently he opened his eyes wide, and stared at us + so, and then closed them with, oh such a sigh; it swelled my heart almost + to bursting. And to think I could say nothing: but mamma soothed him and + insisted on his keeping quiet; for he wanted to run away from us. She was + never so good to him before: she said, 'My dear child, you have my pity + and my esteem; alas! that at your age you should be tried like this. How + few in this sorry world would have acted like you: I should have sided + with my own flesh and blood, for one.' + </p> + <p> + “'What, right or wrong?' he asked. + </p> + <p> + “'Yes,' said she, 'right or wrong.' Then she turned to me: 'Julia, shall + all the generosity be on his side?' + </p> + <p> + “I kissed her and clung to her, but dared not speak; but I was mad enough + to hope, I scarcely know what, till she said in the same kind, sorrowful + voice, 'I agree with you; you can never be my son; nor Julia's husband. + But as for that money, it revolts me to proceed to extremes against one, + who after all is your father, my poor, poor, chivalrous boy.' But she + would decide nothing without Edward; he had taken his father's place in + this house. So then I gave all up, for Edward is made of iron. Alfred was + clearer sighted than I, and never had a hope: he put his arm round mamma + and kissed her, and she kissed him: and he kissed my hand, and crept away, + and I heard his step on the stair, and on the road ever so far, and life + seemed ended for me when I heard it no more. + </p> + <p> + “Edward has come home. Mamma told him all: he listened gravely: I hung + upon his hips; and at last the oracle spoke; and said 'This is a nice + muddle.' + </p> + <p> + “More we could not get from him; he must sleep on it. O suspense! you + torture! He had seen a place he thinks will suit us: it is a bad omen his + saying that so soon after. As I went to bed I could not help whispering, + 'If he and I are parted, so will you and Jane.' The cruel boy answered me + Â <i>out loud,</i> 'Thank you, little girl: that is a temptation; and you + have put me on my guard.' + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how hard it is to understand a <i>man!</i> they <i>are</i> so + impracticable with their justice and things. I came away with my cheeks + burning, and my heart like a stone; to bed, but not to sleep. My poor, + poor unhappy, noble Alfred!” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 27th.</i>—Mamma and Edward have discussed it: they say + nothing to me. Can they have written to him? I go about my duties like a + ghost; and pray for submission to the Divine will.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 28th</i>—To-day as I was reading by main force to Mrs. + Eagleton's sick girl, came Sarah all in a hurry with, I was wanted, Miss. + But I <i>would</i> finish my chapter, and O how hard the devil tried to + make me gabble it; so I clenched my teeth at him, and read it as if I was + spelling it; and then <i>didn't</i> I fly? + </p> + <p> + <i>“He</i> was there; and they all sat waiting for me. I was hot and cold + all at the same time, and he rose and bowed to me, and I curtseyed to him, + and sat down and took my work, and didn't know one bit what I was doing. + </p> + <p> + “And our new oracle, Edward, laid down the law like anything. 'Look here, + Hardie,' said he, 'if anybody but you had told us about this fourteen + thousand pounds, I should have set the police on your governor before now. + But it seems to me a shabby thing to attack a father on the son's + information, especially when it's out of love for one of us he has + denounced his own flesh and blood.'” + </p> + <p> + “'No, no,' said Alfred eagerly, 'out of love of justice.'” + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, you think so, my fine fellow, but you would not have done it for a + stranger,' said Edward. Then he went on: 'Of all blunders, the worst is to + fall between two stools. Look here, mamma: we decide, for the son's sake, + not to attack the father: after that it would be very inconsistent to turn + the cold shoulder to the son. Another thing, who suffers most by this + fraud? Why the man that marries Julia.' Alfred burst out impetuously, 'Oh, + prove that to me, and let me be that sufferer.' Edward turned calmly to + mamma: 'If the fourteen thousand pounds was in our hands, what should you + do with it?' + </p> + <p> + “The dear thing said she should settle at least ten thousand of it on Me, + and marry Me to this poor motherless boy, 'whom I have learned to love + myself,' said she. + </p> + <p> + “'There,' said Edward, 'you see it is you who lose by your governor's—I + won't say what—if you marry my sister.' + </p> + <p> + “Alfred took his hand, and said, 'God bless you for telling me this.' + </p> + <p> + “Then Edward turned to mamma and me; and said, 'This poor fellow has left + his father's house because he wronged us: then this house ought to open + its arms to him: that is only justice. But now to be just to our side; I + have been to Mr. Crawford, the lawyer, and I find this Hardie junior has + ten thousand pounds of his own. That ought to be settled on Julia, to make + up for what she loses by Hardie senior's—I won't say what.' + </p> + <p> + “'If anybody settles any of their trash on <i>me,</i> I'll beat them, and + throw it in the fire,' said I; 'and I hated money.' + </p> + <p> + “The oracle asked me directly did I hate clothes and food, and charity to + the poor, and cleanliness, and decency? Then I didn't hate money, 'for + none of these things can exist without money, you little romantic humbug; + you shut up!' + </p> + <p> + “Mamma rebuked him for his expressions, but approved his sentiments. But I + did not care for his sentiments: for <i>he</i> smiled on me, and said, 'We + two are of one mind; we shall transfer our fortune to Captain Dodd, whom + my father has robbed. Julia will consent to share my honest poverty.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, we will talk about that,' said Edward pompously. + </p> + <p> + “'Talk about it without me, then,' I cried, and got up, and marched out + indignant: only it was partly my low cunning to hide my face that I could + not keep the rapture out of. And, as soon as I had retired with cold + dignity, off I skipped into the garden to let my face loose, and I think + they sent him after me; for I heard his quick step behind me; so I ran + away from him as hard as I could; so of course he soon caught me; in the + shrubbery where he first asked me to be his; and he kissed both my hands + again and again like wildfire, as he is, and he said, 'You are right, + dearest; let them talk of their trash while I tell you how I adore you; + poverty with you will be the soul's wealth; even misfortune, by your side, + would hardly be misfortune: let all the world go, and let you and I be + one, and live together; and die together; for now I see I could not have + lived without you, nor without your love.' And I whispered something on + his shoulder—no matter what; what signifies the cackle of a goose? + And we mingled our happy tears, and our hearts, and our souls. Ah, Love is + a sweet a dreadful passion: what we two have gone through for one another + in a few months! He dined with us, and Edward and he sat a long, long time + talking; I dare say it was only about their odious money; still I envied + Edward having him so long. But at last he came up, and devoured me with + his lovely grey eyes, and I sang him Aileen Aroon, and he whispered things + in my ear, oh, such sweet sweet, idiotic, darling things; I will not part + with even the shadow of one of them by putting it on paper, only I am the + blessedest creature in all the world; and I only hope to goodness it is + not very wicked to be so happy as I am.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Dec. 31st.</i>—It is all settled. Alfred returns to Oxford to + make up for lost time; the time spent in construing me instead of Greek: + and at the end of term he is to come of age and marry—somebody. + Marriage! what a word to put down! it makes me tingle; it thrills me; it + frightens me deliciously: no, not deliciously; anything but: for suppose, + being both of us fiery, and they all say one of them ought to be cold + blooded for a pair to be happy, I should make him a downright bad wife. + Why then I hope I shall die in a year or two out of my darling's way, and + let him have a good one instead. I'd come back from the grave and tear her + to pieces. + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 4th.</i>—Found a saint in a garret over a stable. Took her + my luncheon clandestinely; that is lady-like for 'under my apron:' and was + detected and expostulated by Ned. He took me into his studio—it is + carpeted with shavings—and showed me the <i>'Tiser</i> digest, an + enormous book he has made of newspaper cuttings all in apple-pie order; + and out of this authority he proved vice and poverty abound most wherever + there are most charities. Oh, 'and the poor' a set of intoxicated sneaks, + and me a Demoralising Influence. It is all very fine: but why are there + saints in garrets, and half-starved? That rouses all my evil passions, and + I cannot bear it; it <i>is</i> no use. + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 6th.</i>—Once a gay day; but now a sad one. Mamma gone to + see poor papa, where he is. Alfred found me sorrowful, and rested my + forehead on his shoulder; that soothed me, while it lasted. I think I + should like to grow there. Mem! to burn this diary; and never let a + creature see a syllable. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as he was gone, prayed earnestly on my knees not to make an idol + of him. For it is our poor idols that are destroyed for our weakness. + Which really I cannot quite see the justice of.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 8th.</i>—Jane does not approve my proposal that we should + praise now and then at the same hour instead of always praying. The dear + girl sends me her unconverted diary 'to show me she is “a brand.”' I have + read most of it. But really it seems to me she was always goodish: only + she went to parties, and read novels, and enjoyed society. + </p> + <p> + “There, I have finished it. Oh dear, how like her <i>un</i>converted diary + is to my <i>con</i>verted one!” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 14th.</i>—A sorrowful day: he and I parted, after a + fortnight of the tenderest affection, and that mutual respect without + which neither of us, I think, could love long. I had resolved to be very + brave; but we were alone, and his bright face looked so sad; the change in + it took me by surprise, and my resolution failed; I clung to him. If + gentlemen could interpret, as we can, he would never have left me. It is + better as it is. He kissed my tears away as fast as they came: it was the + first time he had ever kissed more than my hand; so I shall have that to + think of, and his dear promised letters: but it made me cry more at the + time, of course. Some day, when we have been married years and years, I + shall tell him not to go and pay a lady for every tear; if he wants her to + leave off. + </p> + <p> + “The whole place so gloomy and vacant now.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 20th.</i>—Poverty stares us in the face. Edward says we + could make a modest living in London; and nobody be the wiser: but here we + are known, and <i>'must</i> be ladies and gentlemen, and fools,' he says. + He has now made me seriously promise not to give money and things out of + the house to the poor: it is robbing my mother and him. Ah, now I see it + <i>is</i> nonsense to despise money: here I come home sad from my poor + people; and I used to return warm all over. And the poor old souls do not + enjoy my sermons half so much as when I gave them nice things to eat along + with them. + </p> + <p> + “The dear boy, that I always loved dearly, but <i>admire</i> and love now + that he has turned an intolerable tyrant and he used to be Wax, has put + down two maids out of our three, and brings our dinner up himself in a + jacket, then puts on his coat and sits down with us, and we sigh at him + and he grins and derides us; he does not care one straw for Pomp. And + mamma and I have to dress one another now. And I like it.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Jan. 30th.</i>—He says we may now, by great economy, subsist + honestly till my wedding-day; but then mamma and he must <i>'absquatulate.'</i> + Oh, what stout hearts men have. They can jest at sorrow even when, in + spite of their great thick skins, they feel it. Ah, the real poor are + happy: they marry, and need not leave the parish where their mother + lives.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Feb. 4th.</i>—A kind and most delicate letter from Jane. She + says, 'Papa and I are much grieved at Captain Dodd's affliction, and + deeply concerned at your loss by the Bank. Papa has asked Uncle Thomas for + two hundred pounds, and I entreat you to oblige me by receiving it at my + hands and applying it according to the dictates of your own affectionate + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Actually our Viceroy will not let me take it: he says he will not accept + a crumb from the man who owes us a loaf.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Feb. 8th.</i>—Jane mortified, and no wonder. If she knew how + very poor we are, she would be surprised as well. I have implored her not + to take it to heart, for that all will be explained one day, and she will + see we <i>could</i> not. + </p> + <p> + “His dear letters! I feed on them. We have no secrets, no two minds. He is + to be a first class and then a private tutor. Our money is to go to mamma: + it is he and I that are to work our fingers to the bone (I am so happy!), + and never let them be driven by injustice from their home. But all this is + a great secret. The Viceroy will be defeated, only I let him talk till + Alfred is here to back me. No; it is <i>not</i> just the rightful owner of + fourteen thousand pounds should be poor. + </p> + <p> + “How shallow female education is: I was always led to suppose modesty is + the highest virtue. No such thing! Justice is the queen of the virtues: <i>He</i> + is justice incarnate.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 10th.</i>—On reperusing this diary, it is demoralising; + very: it feeds self. Of all the detestable compositions: Me, Me, Me, from + one end to another: for when it is not about myself, it is about Alfred, + and that it is my he-Me though not my she-one. So now to turn over a new + leaf: from this day I shall record only the things that happen in this + house and what my betters say to <i>me,</i> not what I say; and the texts; + and outline of the sermons; and Jane's Christian admonitions.” + </p> + <p> + Before a resolve so virtuous all impure spirits retire, taking off their + hats, and bowing down to the very ground, but apprehending Small Beer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Extracts from Jane Hardie's Diary.</i> +</pre> + <p> + <i>“March 3rd.</i>—In my district again, the first time since my + illness, from which I am indeed but half recovered. Spoke faithfully to + Mrs. B. about her infidel husband: told her not to try and talk to him, + but to talk to God about him. Gave her my tract 'A quiet heart.' Came home + tired. Prayed to be used to sharpen the sickles of other reapers.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 4th.</i>—At St. Philip's to hear the Bishop. In the midst + of an excellent sermon on Gen. i. 2, he came out with the waters of + baptism, to my horror: he disclaimed the extravagant views some of them + take, then hankered after what he denied, and then partly unsaid <i>that</i> + too. While the poor man was trimming his sails, I slunk behind a pillar in + the corner of my pew, and fell on my knees, and prayed (a) against the + stream of poison flowing on the congregation. Oh, I felt like Jeremiah in + his dungeon.” + </p> + <p> + “In the evening papa forbade me to go to church again: said the wind was + too cold: I kissed him, and went up to my room and put my head between the + pillows not to hear the bells. Prayed for poor (b) Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 5th.</i>—Sadly disappointed in J. D. I did hope he was + embittering the world to her by degrees. But for some time past she writes + in ill-concealed spirits. + </p> + <p> + “Another friend, after seeking rest in the world, is now seeking it in + ritualism. May both be drawn from their rotten reeds to the cross + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'And oh this moral may my heart retain, + All hopes of happiness on earth are vain.'” + </pre> + <p> + <i>“March 6th.</i>—The cat is out of the bag. She is corresponding + with Alfred: indeed she makes no secret of it. Wrote her a (c) faithful + letter. Received a short reply, saying I had made her unhappy, and begging + me to suspend my judgment till she could undeceive me without giving me + too much pain. What mystery is this?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>March 7th.</i>—Alfred announces his unalterable determination to + marry Julia. I read the letter to papa directly. He was silent for a long + time: and then said: 'All the worse for both of them.' It was all I could + do to suppress a thrill of carnal complacency at the thought this might in + time pave the way to another union. Even to think of that now is a sin. 1 + Cor. vii. 20-4, plainly shows that whatever position (d) of life we are + placed in, there it is our duty to abide. A child, for instance, is placed + in subjection to her parents; and must not leave them without their + consent.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 8th.</i>—Sent two cups of cold water to two + fellow-pilgrims of mine on the way to Jerusalem, viz: to E. H., Rom. viii. + 1; to Mrs. M., Philipp. ii. 27. + </p> + <p> + “Prayed for increase of humility. I am so afraid my great success in His + vineyard has seduced me into feeling as if there was a spring of living + water in myself, instead of every drop being derived from the true + fountain.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 9th.</i>—Dr. Wycherley closeted two hours with papa—papa + had sent for him, I find. What is it makes me think that man is no true + friend to Alfred in his advice? I don't like these roundabout speakers: + the lively oracles are not roundabout.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 10th.</i>—My beloved friend and fellow-labourer, Charlotte + D——, ruptured a blood-vessel (x) at three P. M., and was + conveyed in the chariots of angels to the heavenly banqueting-house, to go + no more out. May I be found watching.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 11th.</i>—Dreadfully starved with these afternoon sermons. + If they go on like this, I really must stay at home, and feed upon the + word.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 12th.</i>—Alfred has written to his trustees, and + announced his coming marriage, and told them he is going to settle all his + money upon the Dodds. Papa quite agitated by this news: it did not come + from Alfred; one of the trustees wrote to papa. Oh, the blessing of Heaven + will never rest on this unnatural marriage. Wrote a faithful letter to + Alfred while papa was writing to our trustee.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 13th.</i>—My book on Solomon's Song now ready for + publication. But it is so difficult now-a-days to find a publisher for + such a subject. The rage is for sentimental sermons, or else for fiction + (f) under a thin disguise of religious biography.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 14th.</i>—Mr. Plummer, of whose zeal and unction I had + heard so much, was in the town and heard of me, and came to see me by + appointment just after luncheon. <i>Such</i> a sweet meeting. He came in + and took my hand, and in that posture prayed that the Holy Spirit might be + with us to make our conversation profitable to us, and redound to His + glory. Poor man, his wife leads him a cat and dog life, I hear, with her + jealousy. We had a <i>sweet</i> talk; he admires Canticles almost as much + as I do (z): and has promised to take my book and get it cast on the Lord + (g) for me.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 15th.</i>—To <i>please,</i> one must not be faithful. (h) + Miss L., after losing all her relations, and at thirty years of age, is to + be married next week. She came to me and gushed out about the blessing of + having at last one earthly friend to whom she could confide everything. On + this I felt it my duty to remind her she might lose him by death, and then + what a blank; and I was going on to detach her from the arm of flesh, when + she burst out crying, and left me abruptly; couldn't bear the truth, poor + woman. + </p> + <p> + “In the afternoon met <i>him</i> and bowed, and longed to speak, but + thought it my duty not to: cried bitterly on reaching home.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March l7th.</i>—Transcribed all the (i) texts on Solomon's Song. + It seems to be the way He (j) has marked out for me to serve him.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 19th.</i>—Received this letter from Alfred: + </p> + <p> + 'DEAR JANE,—I send you a dozen kisses and a piece of advice; learn + more; teach less: study more; preach less: and don't be in such a hurry to + judge and condemn your intellectual and moral superiors, on insufficient + information.—Your affectionate brother, + </p> + <h3> + ALFRED.' + </h3> + <p> + “A poor return for me loving his soul as my own. I do but advise him the + self-denial I myself pursue. Woe be to him if he rejects it.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 20th.</i>—A perverse reply from J. D. I had proposed we + should plead for our parents at the Throne. She says she fears that might + seem like assuming the office of the mediator: and besides her mother is + nearer Heaven than she is. What blindness! I don't know a more thoroughly + unhealthy mind than poor Mrs. (k) Dodd's. I am learning to pray walking. + Got this idea from Mr. Plummer. How closely he walks! his mind so <i>exactly</i> + suits mine.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 22nd.</i>—Alfred returned. Went to meet him at the + station. How bright and handsome he looked! He kissed me so + affectionately; and was as kind and loving as could be: I, poor unfaithful + wretch, went hanging (m) on his arm, and had not the heart to dash his + carnal happiness just then. + </p> + <p> + “He is gone <i>there.</i>” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 24th.</i>—Stole into Alfred's lodging when he was out; + and, after prayer, pinned Deuteronomy xxvii. 16, Proverbs xiii. 1, and xv. + 5, and Mark vii. 10, upon his bed-curtains.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 25th.</i>—Alfred has been in my room, and nailed Matthew + vii. 1, Mark x. 7, and Ezek. xviii. 20, on my wall. He found my diary, and + has read it, not to profit by, alas! but to scoff.” + </p> + <p> + [Specimen of Alfred's comments. <i>N.B.</i> Fraternal criticism: + </p> + <p> + A. Nolo Episcopari. + </p> + <p> + B. It's an ill wind that blows nobody good. + </p> + <p> + D. The old trick; picking one text, straining it; and ignoring six. So + then nobody who is not born married, must get married. + </p> + <p> + E. Recipe. To know people's real estimate of themselves, study their + language of self-depreciation. If, even when they undertake to lower + themselves, they cannot help insinuating self-praise, be sure their + humility is a puddle, their vanity is a well. This sentence is typical of + the whole Diary or rather Iary; it sounds Publican, smells Pharisee. + </p> + <p> + X. How potent a thing is language in the hand of a master: Here is sudden + death made humorous by a few incongruous phrases neatly disposed. + </p> + <p> + F. Excuse me; there is still a little market for the Liquefaction of Holy + Writ, and the perversion of Holy Writ; two deathless arts, which meet in + your comment on the song you ascribe to Solomon. + </p> + <p> + Z. More than Mrs. Plummer does, apparently. + </p> + <p> + G. Apotheosis of the British public. How very like profaneness some + people's piety is! + </p> + <p> + C. H. Faith, with this school, means anything the opposite of Charity. + </p> + <p> + I. You are morally truthful: but intellectually mendacious. The texts on + Solomon's Song! You know very well there is not one. No grave writer in + all Scripture has ever deigned to cite, or notice, that coarse + composition; puellarum deliciae. + </p> + <p> + J. Modest periphrasis for “I like it.” Motto for this Diary; “Ego, et Deus + meus.” + </p> + <p> + K. In other words, a good, old-fashioned, sober, humble Christian, to whom + the daring familiarities of your school seem blasphemies. + </p> + <p> + M. Here I recognise my sister; somewhat spoiled by a detestable sect; but + lovable by nature (which she is for ever abusing); and therefore always + amiable, when off her guard. + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 28th.</i>—Mr. Crawford the attorney called and told papa + his son had instructed him to examine the trust-deed, and to draw his + marriage settlement. Papa treated him with the greatest civility, and + brought him the deed. He wanted to take it away to copy; but papa said he + had better send a clerk here. Poor papa hid his distress from this + gentleman, though not from me; and gave him a glass of wine. + </p> + <p> + “Then Mr. Crawford chatted, and let out Alfred had asked him to advance a + hundred pounds for the wedding presents, &c. Papa said he might do so + with perfect safety. + </p> + <p> + “But the moment he was gone, his whole manner changed. He walked about in + terrible anger and agitation: and then sat down and wrote letters; one was + to uncle Thomas; and one to a Mr. Wycherley; I believe a brother of the + doctor's. I never knew him so long writing two letters before. + </p> + <p> + “Heard a noise in the road, and it was Mr. Maxley, and the boys after him + hooting; they have found out his infirmity: what a savage animal is man, + till grace changes him! The poor soul had a stick, and now and then turned + and struck at them but his tormentors were too nimble. I drew papa to the + window, and showed him, and reminded him of the poor man's request. He + answered impatiently what was that to him? 'We have a worse case nearer + hand. Charity begins at home.' I ventured to say yes, but it did not begin + <i>and</i> end at home.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“March 31st.</i>—Mr. Osmond here to-day; and over my work I heard + papa tell him Alfred is blackening his character in the town with some + impossible story about fourteen thousand pounds. Mr. Osmond very kind and + sympathising; set it all down to illusion; assured papa there was neither + malice nor insincerity in it. 'But what the better am I for that?' said + poor papa; 'if I am slandered, I am slandered.' And they went out + together. + </p> + <p> + “Papa seems to feel this engagement more than all his troubles, and, + knowing by sad experience it is useless to expostulate with Alfred, I + wrote a long and faithful letter to Julia just before luncheon, putting it + to her as a Christian whether she could reconcile it to her profession to + set a son against his father, and marry him in open defiance. + </p> + <p> + “She replied, 3 P. M., that her mother approved the marriage, and she owed + no obedience, nor affection either, to <i>my</i> parent. + </p> + <p> + “3.30. Sent back a line rebuking her for this quibble. + </p> + <p> + “At 5 received a note from Mrs. Dodd proposing that the correspondence + between myself and her daughter should cease <i>for the present.</i> + </p> + <p> + “5.30. Retorted with an amendment that it should cease <i>for ever.</i> No + reply. Such are worldlings! Remonstrance only galls them. And so in one + afternoon's correspondence ends one more of my Christian friendships with + persons of my own sex. This is the eighth to which a carnal attachment has + been speedily fatal. + </p> + <p> + “In the evening Alfred came in looking very red, and asked me whether it + was not self-reliant and uncharitable of me to condemn so many estimable + persons, all better acquainted with the circumstances than I am. I replied + with the fifth commandment. He bit his lip and said, 'We had better not + meet again, until you have found out which is worthiest of honour, your + father or your brother.' And with this he left abruptly; and something + tells me I shall not see him again. My faithfulness has wounded him to the + quick. Alas! Prayed for him and cried myself to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“April 4th.</i> Met <i>him</i> disguised as a common workman, and + carrying a sack full of things. I was so shocked I could not maintain my + resolution: I said, 'Oh, Mr. Edward, what are you doing?' He blushed a + little, but told me he was going to sell some candlesticks and things of + his making: and he should get a better price in that dress; all traders + looked on a <i>gentleman</i> as a thing made to be pillaged. Then he told + me he was going to turn them into a bonnet and a wreath; and his beautiful + brown eyes sparkled with affection. What egotistical creatures <i>they</i> + must be! I was quite overcome, and said, Oh why did he refuse our offer? + Did he hate me so very much that he would not even take his due from my + hand? 'No,' he said, 'nobody in our house is so unjust to you as to hate + you; my sister honours you, and is very sorry you think ill of her: and, + as for me, I love you; you know how I love you.' I hid my face in my + hands; and sobbed out, 'Oh, you must not; you must not; my poor father has + one disobedient child already.' He said softly, 'Don't cry, dear one; have + a little patience; perhaps the clouds will clear: and, meantime, why think + so ill of us? Consider, we are four in number, of different dispositious, + yet all of one mind about Julia marrying Alfred. May we not be right; may + we not know something we love you too well to tell you?' His words and his + rich manly voice were so soothing; I gave him just one hand while I still + hid my burning face with the other; he kissed the hand I yielded him, and + left me abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “If Alfred should be right! I am staggered now; he puts it so much more + convincingly.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“April 5th.</i> A letter from Alfred, announcing his wedding by special + license for the 11th. + </p> + <p> + “Made no reply. What <i>could</i> I say? + </p> + <p> + “Papa, on my reading it out left his very breakfast half finished, and + packed up his bag and rushed up to London. I caught a side view of his + face; and I am miserable. Such a new, such a terrible expression! a vile + expression! Heaven forgive me, it seemed the look of one who meditated a + <i>crime.</i>” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <p> + THE spirit of dissension in Musgrove Cottage penetrated to the very + kitchen. Old Betty sided with Alfred, and combated in her place the creed + of the parlour: “Why, according to Miss, the young sparrows are bound + never to fly out of the nest; or else have the Bible flung at 'em. She do + go on about God's will: seems to me 'tis His will the world should be + peopled by body and beast—which they are both His creatures—and, + by the same toaken, if they don't marry they does wus. Certainly whilst a + young man bides at home, it behoves him to be dutiful; but that ain't to + say he <i>is</i> to bide at home for ever. Master Alfred's time is come to + leave we, and be master in a house of his own, as his father done before + him, which he forgets that now; he is grown to man's estate, and got his + mother's money, and no more bound to our master than I be.” She said, too, + that “parting blights more quarrels than it breeds:” and she constantly + invited Peggy to speak up, and gainsay her. But Peggy was a young woman + with white eyelashes, and given to looking down, and not to speaking up: + she was always watching Mr. Hardie in company, like a cat cream; and + hovering about him when alone. Betty went so far as to accuse her of + colloguing with him against Alfred, and of “setting her cap at master,” + which accusation elicited no direct reply, but stinging innuendoes hours + after. + </p> + <p> + Now, if one looks into the thing, the elements of discord had attacked + Albion Villa quite as powerfully as Musgrove Cottage; but had hitherto + failed signally: the mutual affection of the Dodds was so complete, and no + unprincipled person among them to split the good. + </p> + <p> + And, now that the wedding drew near, there was but one joyful heart within + the walls, though the others were too kind and unselfish to throw cold + water. Mrs. Dodd's own wedding had ended in a piteous separation, and now + to part with her darling child and launch her on the uncertain waves of + matrimony! She heaved many a sigh when alone: but as there were no bounds + to her maternal love, so there were no exceptions to her politeness: over + her aching heart she forced on a wedding face, subdued, but hopeful, for + her daughter, as she would for any other young lady about to be married + beneath her roof. + </p> + <p> + It wanted but six days, when one morning after breakfast the bereaved + wife, and mother about to be deserted, addressed her son and Viceroy thus: + “Edward, we <i>must</i> borrow fifty pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty pounds! what for? who wants that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, <i>I</i> want it,” said Mrs. Dodd stoutly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if <i>you</i> want it—what to do, please?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to buy her wedding clothes, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought what her 'I' would come to,” said Julia reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + Edward shook his head, and said, “He who goes a borrowing goes a + sorrowing.' + </p> + <p> + “But she is not a he,” objected Mrs. Dodd with the subtlety of a + schoolman: “and who ever heard of a young lady being married without some + things to be married <i>in?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I've heard Nudity is not the cheese on public occasions: but why + not go dressed like a lady as she always does, only with white gloves; and + be married without any bother and nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “You talk like a boy,” said Mrs. Dodd. “I could not bear it. My poor + child!” and she cast a look of tenderest pity on the proposed victim. + “Well, suppose we make the poor child the judge,” suggested Edward. He + then put it to Julia whether, under the circumstances, she would wish them + to run in debt, buying her finery to wear for a day. “It was not fair to + ask <i>her,</i>” said Mrs. Dodd with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + Julia blushed and hesitated, and said she would be candid; and then + stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh!” ejaculated Edward. “This is a bad beginning. Girl's candour! Now + for a masterpiece of duplicity.” + </p> + <p> + Julia inquired how he dared; and Mrs. Dodd said warmly that Julia was not + like other people, she could be candid; had actually done it, more than + once, within her recollection. The young lady justified the exception as + follows: “If I was going to be married to myself, or to some gentleman I + did not care for, I would not spend a shilling. But I am going to marry <i>him;</i> + and so—oh, Edward, think of them saying, 'What has he married? a + dowdy: why she hadn't new things on to go to church with him: no bonnet, + no wreath, no new white dress!' To mortify him the very first day of our——” + The sentence remained unfinished, but two lovely eyes filled to the very + brim without running over, and completed the sense, and did the Viceroy's + business, though a brother. “Why you dear little goose,” said he: “of + course, I don't mean that. I have as good as got the things we must buy; + and those are a new bonnet——” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “A wreath of orange blossoms——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh you good boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Four pair of gloves: two white—one is safe to break—two dark; + very dark: invisible green, or visible black; last the honeymoon. All the + rest you must find in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “What, fit her out with a parcel of old things? so cruel, so unreasonable, + dear Edward?” + </p> + <p> + “Old things! Why, where is all your gorgeous attire from Oriental climes? + I see the splendiferous articles arrive, and then they vanish for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, shawls and Indian muslins! pray what use are they to a bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what looks nicer than a white muslin dress?” + </p> + <p> + “Married in muslin? The very idea makes me shiver.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, clap her on another petticoat.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you be so childish? Muslin is not the <i>the thing.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “No more is running in debt.” + </p> + <p> + He then suggested that a white shawl or two should be cut into a bridal + dress. At this both ladies' fair throats opened on him with ridicule: cut + fifty guinea shawls into ten-pound dresses; that was male economy! was it? + Total, a wedding was a wedding: new things always <i>had</i> had to be + bought for a wedding, and always would <i>in secula seculorum.</i> + </p> + <p> + “New things? Yes,” said the pertinacious wretch; “but they need not be + new-bought things. You ladies go and confound the world's eyes with your + own in the drollest way: If Gorgeous Attire has lain long in your drawers, + you fancy the world will detect on its glossy surface how long you had it, + and gloated over it, and made it stale to your eye, before you could bring + your mind to wear it. That is your delusion, that and the itch for going + out shopping; oh, I'm down on you. Mamma dear, you open that gigantic + wardrobe of yours; and I'll oil my hair, white-wash my mug (a little moan + from Mrs. D.) and do the counterjumping business to the life; hand the + things down to you, unrol 'em, grin, charge you 100 per cent over value, + note them down in a penny memorandum-book, sing out 'Caesh! Caesh!' &c. + &c.: and so we shall get all Julia wants, and go through the ritual of + shopping without the substantial disgrace of running in debt.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled admiringly, as ladies generally do at the sauciness of a + young male; but proposed an amendment. She would open her wardrobe, and + look out all the contents for Edward's inspection; and, if the mere sight + of them did not convince him they were inappropriate to a bride, why then + she would coincide with his views, and resign her own. + </p> + <p> + “All right!” said he. “That will take a jolly time, I know; so I'll go to + my governor first for the bonnet and wreath.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd drew in at this last slang word; she had heard young gentlemen + apply it to their fathers. Edward, she felt sure, would not so sully that + sacred relation; still the word was obnoxious for its past offences; and + she froze at it: “I have not the honour to know who the personage is you + so describe,” said she formally. Edward replied very carelessly that it + was an upholsterer at the north end of the town. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, a tradesman you patronise.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! Well, yes, that is the word, mamma, haw! haw! I have been making + the bloke a lot of oak candlesticks, and human heads with sparkling eyes, + for walking-sticks, &c. And now I'll go and draw my—protege's—blunt.” + The lady's hands were uplifted towards pitying Heaven with one impulse. + The young workman grinned: “Soyons de notre siecle,” said he, and departed + whistling in the tenor clef. He had the mellowest whistle. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes well spent in deploring the fall of her Oxonian, and + gently denouncing his motto, and his century, its ways, and above all its + words, Mrs. Dodd took Julia to her bedroom, and unlocked drawers and doors + in her wardrobe; and straightway Sarah, who was hurriedly flogging the + chairs with a duster, relaxed, and began to work on a cheval-glass as + slowly as if she was drawing Nelson's lions at a thousand pounds the tail. + Mrs. Dodd opened a drawer and took out three pieces of worked Indian + muslin, a little discoloured by hoarding: “There, that must be bleached + and make you some wrappers for the honeymoon, if the weather is at all + fine; and petticoats to match;” next an envelope consisting of two + foolscap sheets tacked: this, carefully undone upon the bed revealed a + Brussels lace flounce and a veil: “It was my own,” said Mrs. Dodd softly. + “I saved it for you; see here is your name written on it seventeen years + ago. I thought 'this dear little toddler will have wings some day, and + then she will leave me.' But now I am almost afraid to let you wear it; it + might bring you misfortune: suppose after years of wedded love you should + be bereaved of——” Mrs. Dodd choked, and Julia's arms were + round her neck in a moment. + </p> + <p> + “I'll risk it,” cried she impetuously. “If it but makes me as beloved as + you are, I'll wear it, come weal come woe! And then I shall feel it over + me at the altar like my guardian angel's wings, my own sweet, darling + mamma. Oh what an idiot, what a wretch I am, to leave you at all.” + </p> + <p> + This unfortunate, unexpected burst, interrupted business sadly. Mrs. Dodd + sank down directly on the bed and wept; Julia cried over her, and Sarah + plumped herself down in a chair and blubbered. But wedding flowers are + generally well watered in the private apartments. + </p> + <p> + Patient Mrs. Dodd soon recovered herself: “This is childish of me. When I + think that there are mothers who see their children go from the house + corpses, not brides, I ought to be ashamed of myself. Come! a l'oeuvre. + Ah, here is something.” And she produced a white China crape shawl. “Oh, + how sweet,” said Julia; “why have you never worn it?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, child, what use would things be to those I love, if I went and + <i>wore</i> them?” + </p> + <p> + The next article she laid her hand on was a roll of white poplin, and drew + an exclamation from Mrs. Dodd herself: “If I had not forgotten this, and + it is the very thing. Your dear papa bought me this in London, and I + remonstrated with him well for buying me such a delicate thing, only once + wear. I kissed it and put it away, and forgot it. They <i>say</i> if you + keep a thing seven years. It <i>is</i> just seven years since he gave it + to me. Really, the dear boy is a witch: this is your wedding dress, my + precious precious.” She unrolled a few yards on the bed to show it; and + asked the gloating Sarah with a great appearance of consideration whether + they were not detaining her from her occupations? + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, mum. This glass have got so dull; I'm just polishing of it a bit. + I shan't be a minute now, mum.” + </p> + <p> + From silver tissue paper, Mrs. Dodd evolved a dress (unmade) of white + crape embroidered in true lover's-knots of violet silk, and ears of wheat + in gold. Then there was a scream at the glass, and Sarah seen in it with + ten claws in the air very wide apart: she had slily turned the mirror and + was devouring the reflexion of the finery, and this last Indian fabric + overpowered her. Her exclamation was instantly followed by much polishing; + but Mrs. Dodd replied to it after the manner of her sex: “Well it <i>is</i> + lovely,” said she to Julia: “but where is the one with beetle wings? Oh + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Real beetles' wings, mamma?” inquired Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, love.” + </p> + <p> + “So they are, and how wicked! and what a lovely green! I will never wear + them: they are prismatic: now, if ever I am to be a Christian, I had + better begin: everything <i>has</i> a beginning. Oh vanity of women, you + stick at nothing. A thousand innocent lives stolen to make one dress!” And + she put one hand before her eyes, and with the other ordered the dress + back into the wardrobe with genuine agitation. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, what expressions! And you need not wear it; indeed neither of + them is fit for that purpose. But you <i>must</i> have a pretty thing or + two about you. I have hoarded these a good many years; now it is your turn + to have them by you. And let me see; you want a travelling cloak: but the + dear boy will not let us; so choose a warm shawl.” + </p> + <p> + A rich but modest one was soon found, and Julia tried it on, arching her + supple neck, and looking down over her shoulder to see the effect behind, + in which attitude oh for an immortal brush to paint her, or anything half + as bright, supple, graceful, and every inch a woman. At this moment Mrs. + Dodd threw a lovely blue Indian shawl on the bed, galvanising Sarah so + that up went her hands again, and the door opened softly and a handsome + head in a paper cap peeped on the scene, inquiring with mock timidity “May + 'The British Workman' come in?” + </p> + <p> + He was invited warmly; Julia whipped his cap off, and tore it in two, + reddening, and Mrs. Dodd, intending to compliment his foresight, showed + him the bed laden with the treasures they had disinterred from vanity's + mahogany tomb. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother,” said he, “you were right, and I was wrong: they are + inappropriate enough, the whole lot.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies looked at one another, and Sarah permitted herself a species of + snort. + </p> + <p> + “Do we want Sarah?” he asked quietly. She retired bridling. + </p> + <p> + “Inappropriate?” exclaimed Mrs. Dodd. “There is nothing here unfit for a + bride's trousseau.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens! Would you trick her out like a Princess?” + </p> + <p> + “We must. We are too poor to dress her like a lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Cinderella; at your service,” observed Julia complacently, and pirouetted + before him in her new shawl. + </p> + <p> + Ideas rejected peremptorily at the time often rankle, and bear fruit + by-and-bye. Mrs. Dodd took up the blue shawl, and said she would make + Julia a peignoir of it; and the border, being narrowish, would do for the + bottom. “That was a good notion, of yours, darling,” said she, bestowing a + sweet smile on Edward. He grunted. Then she took out a bundle of lace: + “Oh, for pity's sake, no more,” cried the “British Workman.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, dearest, you have interfered once in feminine affairs, and we + submitted. But, if you say another word, I will trim her poplin with + Honiton two feet deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Quarter! quarter!” cried Edward. “I'm dumb; grant me but this; have + nothing made up for her out of the house: you know there is no dressmaker + in Barkington can cut like you: and then that will put some limit to our + inconsistency.” Mrs. Dodd agreed; but she must have a woman in to sew. + </p> + <p> + Edward grunted at this, and said: “I wish I could turn you these gowns + with my lathe; what a deal of time and bother it would save. However, if + you want any stuffing, come to me; I'll lend you lots of shavings; make + the silk rustle. Oh, here is my governor's contribution.” And he produced + L. 7, 10s. + </p> + <p> + “Now, look there,” said Julia sorrowfully, “it is money. And I thought you + were going to bring me the very bonnet yourself. Then I should have valued + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” replied the young gentleman ironically; “can I choose a bonnet + to satisfy such swells as you and mamma? I'll tell you what I'll do; I'll + go with you and look as wise as Solomon, all the time you are choosing + it.” + </p> + <p> + “A capital plan,” said Julia. + </p> + <p> + Edward then shook his fist at the finery: and retired to work again for + his governor: “Flowers,” he observed, “are indispensable, at a wedding + breakfast; I hear too it is considered the right cheese to add something + in the shape of grub.” Exit whistling in the tenor clef; and keeping their + hearts up, like a man. + </p> + <p> + So now there were two workshops in Albion Villa. Ned's study, as he called + it, and the drawing-room. In the former shavings flew, and settled at + their ease, and the whirr of the lathe slept not; the latter was all + patterns, tapes, hooks and eyes, whalebone, cuttings of muslin, poplin and + paper; clouds of lining-muslin, snakes of piping; skeins, shreds; and the + floor literally sown with pins, escaped from the fingers of the fair, + those taper fingers so typical of the minds of their owners: or they have + softness, suppleness, nimbleness, adroitness, and “a plentiful lack” of + tenacity. + </p> + <p> + The days passed in hard work, and the evenings in wooing, never sweeter + than when it has been so earned: and at last came the wedding eve. Dr. + Sampson, who was to give the bride away, arrived just before dinner-time: + the party, including Alfred, sat down to a charming little dinner; they + ate beetles' wings, and drank Indian muslin fifteen years in the wood. For + the lathe and the chisel proved insufficient, and Julia having really + denied herself, as an aspirant to Christianity, that assassin's robe, Mrs. + Dodd sold it under the rose to a fat old dowager—for whom nothing + was too fine—and so kept up appearances. + </p> + <p> + Julia and Alfred were profoundly happy at bottom; yet their union was + attended with too many drawbacks for boisterous gaiety, and Alfred, up to + this time, had shown a seriousness and sobriety of bliss, that won Mrs. + Dodd's gratitude: it was the demeanour of a delicate mind; it became his + own position, at odds with his own flesh and blood for Julia's sake; it + became him as the son-in-law of a poor woman so lately bereaved of her + husband, and reduced to poverty by one bearing the name of Hardie. + </p> + <p> + But now Dr. Sampson introduced a gayer element. He had seen a great deal + of Life; <i>i.e.,</i> of death and trouble. This had not hardened him, + but, encountering a sturdy, valiant, self-protecting nature, had made him + terribly tough and elastic; it was now his way never to go forward or + backward a single step after sorrow. He seldom mentioned a dead friend or + relation; and, if others forced the dreary topic on him, they could never + hold him to it; he was away directly to something pleasant or useful, like + a grasshopper skipping off a grave into the green grass. He had felt + keenly about David while there was anything to be done: but now his poor + friend was in a madhouse, thanks to the lancet: and there was an end of <i>him.</i> + Thinking about him would do him no good. The present only is irresistible; + past and future ills the mind can bar out by a resolute effort. The bride + will very likely die of her first child! Well then, forget that just now. + Her father is in an asylum! Well then, don't remember him at the wrong + time: there sit female beauty and virtue ready to wed manly wit and + comeliness, seated opposite; see their sweet stolen glances; a few hours + only between them and wedded rapture: and I'm here to give the lovely + virgin away: fill the bumper high! <i>dum vivimus vivamus.</i> In this + glorious spirit he rattled on, and soon drew the young people out, and + silvery peals of laughter rang round the genial board. + </p> + <p> + This jarred on Mrs. Dodd. She bore it in silence some time; but with the + grief it revived and sharpened by contrast, and the polite effort to hide + her distress, found herself becoming hysterical: then she made the usual + signal to Julia, and beat an early retreat. She left Julia in the + drawing-room, and went and locked herself in her own room. “Oh, how can + they be so cruel as to laugh and giggle in my David's house!” She wept + sadly, and for the first time felt herself quite lonely in the world: for + what companionship between the gay and the sad hearted? Poor thing, she + lived to reproach herself even with this, the nearest approach she ever + made to selfishness. + </p> + <p> + Ere long she crept into Julia's room and humbly busied herself packing her + trunks for the wedding tour. The tears fell fast on her white hands. + </p> + <p> + She would not have been left alone a minute if Julia's mind had not been + occupied just then with an affectionate and amiable anxiety: she earnestly + desired to reconcile her Alfred and his sister before the wedding; and she + sat in the drawing-room thinking whether it could be done, and how. + </p> + <p> + At last she sat down blushing, and wrote a little note, and rang the bell + for Sarah, and sent it courageously into the dining-room. + </p> + <p> + Sarah very prudently listened at the keyhole before entering, for she said + to herself, “If they are talking free, I shan't go in till it's over.” + </p> + <p> + The persons so generously suspected were discussing a parchment Alfred had + produced, and wanted signed: “You are our trustee, my boy,” said he to + Edward: “so just write your name here, and mine comes here, and the + witness's there: the Doctor and Sarah will do. Send for a pen.” + </p> + <p> + “Let's read it first, please.” + </p> + <p> + “Read it! What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Catch me signing a paper without reading it, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “What, can't you trust me?” inquired Alfred, hurt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes. And can't you trust me?” + </p> + <p> + “There's a question: why I have appointed you my Trusty in the Deed; he, + he.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then trust me without my signing, and I'll trust you without + reading.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson laughed at this retort, and Alfred reddened; he did not want the + Deed read. But while he hesitated, Sarah came in with Julia's note, asking + him to come to her for a minute. This sweet summons made him indifferent + to prosaic things. “Well, read away,” said he: “one comfort, you will be + no wiser.” + </p> + <p> + “What, is it in Latin?” asked Edward with a wry face. + </p> + <p> + “No such luck. Deeds used to be in Latin; but Latin could not be made + obscure enough. So now Dark Deeds are written in an unknown tongue called + 'Lawyerish,' where the sense is 'as one grain of wheat in two bushels of + chaff,' pick it out if you can. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever man has done man may do,” said Dr. Sampson stoutly. “You have + rid it, and yet understood it: so why mayn't we, ye monster o' conceit?” + </p> + <p> + “Read it?” said Alfred. “I never read it: would not read it for a great + deal of money. The moment I saw what a senseless rigmarole it was, I flung + it down and insisted on the battological author furnishing me with an + English translation. He complied: the crib occupies just twenty lines; the + original three folio pages, as you see. That crib, gentlemen,” added he + severely, “is now in my waistcoat pocket; and you shall never see it—for + your impudence. No, seat yourself by that pool of parchment (sedet + eternumque sedebit, &c.) and fish for Lawyer Crawford's ideas, rari + nantes in gurgite vasto.” And with this he flew up-stairs on the wings of + love. Julia met him in the middle of the room all in a flutter: “It is to + ask you a favour. I am unhappy—about one thing.” + </p> + <p> + She then leaned one hand softly on his shoulder, and curving her lovely + supple neck looked round into his face and watched it as she preferred her + petition: “It is about Jane and you. I cannot bear to part you two in this + way: only think six days you have not spoken, and I am the cause.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the only cause, love.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, darling. But it is very cruel. I have got my dear mother + and Edward; you have nobody—but Me. Alfred,” said she with gentle + impetuosity, “now is your time; your papa is away.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, is he?” said Alfred carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Sarah says Betty says he is gone to Uncle Thomas. So I know you + won't refuse me, my own Alfred: it is to go to your sister this minute and + make it up.” + </p> + <p> + “What, and leave you?” objected Alfred ruefully. + </p> + <p> + “No, no; you are with the gentlemen, you know: you are not here, <i>in + reality,</i> till tea. Make them an excuse: say the truth; say it is Me; + and come back to me with good news.” + </p> + <p> + He consented on these terms. + </p> + <p> + Then she armed him with advice: “You go to make peace; it is our last + chance; now remember, you must be very generous, very sweet-tempered. + Guard against your impetuosity. Do take warning by me; see how impetuous I + am. And then, you know, after all, she is only a lady, and a great + creature like you ought not to be ruffled by anything so small as a lady's + tongue: the idea! And, dearest, don't go trusting to your logic, but <i>do</i> + descend to the arts of persuasion, because they are far more convincing + somehow: please try them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Enumerate them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, kissing and coaxing, and—don't ask <i>me.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Will you bestow a specimen of those arts on me if I succeed?” + </p> + <p> + “Try me,” said she: and looked him earnestly in the face; but lowered her + long lashes slowly and shyly, as she realised to what her Impetuosity was + pledging itself. + </p> + <p> + Alfred got his hat and ran to Musgrove Cottage. + </p> + <p> + A man stepped out of the shadow of a hedge opposite Albion Villa, and + followed him, keeping in shadow as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + The door of Musgrove Cottage was opened to him by old Betty with a joyful + start! “Mr. Alfred, I <i>de</i>clare! Come in; there's only me and Miss. + Master is in Yorkshire, and that there crocodile, Peggy, she is turned + away—for sauce—and a good riddance of bad rubbish: Miss is in + the parlour.” + </p> + <p> + She ushered him triumphantly in. Jane was seated reading: she dropped her + book, and ran and kissed him with a cry of joy. So warm a reception + surprised him agreeably, and simplified his task. He told her he was come + to try and make it up with her before the wedding: “We lose your presence, + dear Jenny,” said he, “and that is a great grief to us, valuing you as we + do: don't refuse us your good wishes to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Alfred,” said she, “can you think it? I pray for you day and + night. And I have begun to blame myself for being so sure you were in the + wrong and poor papa faultless. What you sent me half in jest, I take in + earnest 'Judge not that ye be not judged.'” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jenny,” said Alfred, “how red your eyes are.” + </p> + <p> + At this observation the young saint laid her head on her brother's + shoulder and had a good cry like any other girl. When she recovered a + little she told him, yes, she had been very unhappy: that he had always + been a dear good brother to her, and the only one she had; and that it cut + her to the heart not to be at his wedding; it seemed so unkind. + </p> + <p> + Alfred set her on his knee—she had more soul than body—and + kissed her and comforted her: and, in this happy revival of natural + affection, his heart opened, he was off his guard, and told her all: gave + her the several proofs their father had got the L. 14,000. Jane, arrested + by the skill and logical clearness with which he marshalled the proofs, + listened in silence; and presently a keen shudder ran through her frame, + and reminded him he was setting a daughter against her father. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said he, “I always said I would never tell you, and now I've done + it. Well, at least you will see with what consideration, and unheard-of + leniency, the Dodds for our sake are treating Mr. Richard Hardie. Just + compare their conduct to him with his to them. And which is most to his + advantage? that I should marry Julia, and give Mrs. Dodd the life interest + in my ten thousand pounds, to balance his dishonesty, or for him to be + indicted as a thief? Ned Dodd told us plainly he would have set the police + on him, had any other but his son been the informant.” + </p> + <p> + “Did <i>he</i> say that? Oh, Alfred, this is a miserable world.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't see that: it is the jolliest world in the world: everything is + bright and lovely, and everybody is happy except a few sick people, and a + few peevish ones that run to meet trouble. To-morrow I marry my sweet + Julia; Richard Hardie will find we two don't molest him, nor trouble our + heads about him. He will get used to us; and one fine day we shall say to + him, 'Now, we know all about the L. 14,000: just leave it by will to dear + Jenny, and let my friend Dodd marry her, and you can enjoy it unmolested + for your lifetime.' He will consent: and you will marry Ned, and then + you'll find the world has been wickedly slandered by dishonest men and + dismal dogs.” + </p> + <p> + In this strain he continued till he made her blush a good deal and smile a + little; a sad smile. + </p> + <p> + But at last she said, “If I was sure all this is true, I think I should go—with + a heavy heart—to your wedding. If I don't, the best part of me will + be there, my prayers, and my warm, warm wishes for you both. Kiss her for + me, and tell her so; and that I hope we shall meet round His throne soon, + if we cannot meet at His altar to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Brother and sister then kissed one another affectionately; and Alfred ran + back like the wind to Albion Cottage. Julia was not in the drawing-room, + and some coolish tea was. After waiting half an hour he got impatient, and + sent Sarah to say he had a message for her. Sarah went upstairs to Mrs. + Dodd's room, and was instantly absorbed. After waiting again for a long + time, Alfred persuaded Edward to try his luck. Edward went up to Mrs. + Dodd's room, and was absorbed. + </p> + <p> + The wedding dress was being solemnly tried on. A clean linen sheet was on + the floor, and the bride stood on it, receiving the last touches of the + milliner's art. With this and her white poplin and lace veil she seemed + framed in white, and her cheeks bloomed so, and her eyes beamed, with + excitement and innocent vanity, that altogether she was supernaturally + lovely. + </p> + <p> + Once enter the room enchanted by this snow-chad rose, and—<i>Vestigia + nulla retrorsum.</i> + </p> + <p> + However, Edward escaped at last and told Alfred what was on foot, and drew + a picture of the Bride with white above and white below. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let me see her,” implored the lover. + </p> + <p> + Edward must ask mamma about that. He did, and mamma said “Certainly not; + the last person in the world that shall see her in her wedding dress.” But + she should come down to him in half an hour. It seemed a very long + half-hour. However, by way of compensation, he was alone when she did + come. “Good news?” she asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Capital: we are the best of friends. Why she is half inclined to <i>come.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Then—oh how good you are: oh, how I love you.” + </p> + <p> + And she flung a tender arm round his neck, like a young goddess making + love; and her sweet face came so near his, he had only to stoop a little, + and their lips met in a long blissful kiss. + </p> + <p> + That kiss was an era in her life. Innocence itself, she had put up her + delicious lips to her lover in pure, though earnest affection; but the + male fire with which his met them, made her blush as well as thrill, and + she drew back a little, ashamed and half scared, and nestled on his + shoulder, hiding a face that grew redder and redder. + </p> + <p> + He bent his graceful head, and murmured down to her, “Are you afraid of + me, sweetest?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, no! Yes, a little. I don't know. I was afraid I had made too free + with my Treasure; you don't quite belong to me yet, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I do; and, what is more, you belong to me. Don't you, sweet + rebel?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that I do, heart and soul, my own, own, own.” + </p> + <p> + A few more soft delicious murmurs, and then Julia was summoned to more + rites of vanity, and the lovers parted with tender reluctance for those + few hours. + </p> + <p> + Alfred went home to his lodgings. He had not been there above ten minutes, + when he came out hastily, and walked quickly to the “White Lion,” the + principal inn in Barkington. He went into the stable-yard, and said a few + words to the ostler: then returned to his lodgings. + </p> + <p> + The man followed him at a distance from Albion Terrace; watched him home; + dogged him to the “White Lion;” and, by-and-bye, entered the yard and + offered the ostler a glass of ale at the tap. + </p> + <p> + At Albion Villa they were working on Julia's dresses till past midnight: + and then Mrs. Dodd insisted on her going to bed. She obeyed; but when the + house was all quiet, came stealing out to her mother, and begged to sleep + with her: the sad mother strained her in a tearful embrace: and so they + passed the night; clinging to one another more as the parting drew near. + </p> + <p> + Edward arranged the wedding breakfast for after the ceremony; and sent the + ladies up a cup of coffee, and a bit of toast apiece. They could hardly + find appetite even for this; or indeed time; there was so much still to + do. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock Julia was still in the height of dressing, delayed by <i>contretemps</i> + upon <i>contretemps.</i> Sarah and her sister did her hair up too loose, + and, being a glorious mass, it threatened all to come down and, meantime, + a hair-pin quietly but persistently bored her cream-white poll. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, run for mamma!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + Mamma came half dressed, had the hair all down again, and did it up with + adroit and loving hand, and put on the orange wreath, kissed her + admiringly, and retired to her own toilet; and the girls began to lace the + bride's body. + </p> + <p> + Bump came Edward's foot against the door, making them all shriek. + </p> + <p> + “Now I don't want to hurry you; but Dr. Sampson is come.” The handmaids, + flustered, tried to go faster; and, when the work was done, Julia took her + little handglass and inspected her back: “Oh,” she screamed, “I am + crooked. There, go for mamma!” + </p> + <p> + Mamma soon came, and the poor bride held out imploring hands, “I'm all + awry; I'm as crooked as a ram's horn.” + </p> + <p> + “La, miss,” said Sarah, “it's only behind; nobody will notice it.” + </p> + <p> + “How can they help it? Mamma! <i>am</i> I deformed?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd smiled superior and bade her be calm: “It is the lacing, dear. + No, Sarah, it is no use your <i>pulling</i> it; all the pulling in the + world will not straighten it. I thought so: you have missed the second top + hole.” + </p> + <p> + Julia's little foot began to beat a tattoo on the floor: “There is not a + soul in the house but you can do the simplest thing. Eyes and no eyes! + Fingers and no fingers! I never did.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, love, we all do our best.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am sure of that; poor things.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Nobody</i> can lace you if you fidget about love,” objected Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + (Bump)! “Now I don't want to hurry any man's cattle: but the bridesmaids + are come.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, I shall never be ready in time,” said Julia; and the tattoo + recommenced. + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of time, love,” said Mrs. Dodd, quietly lacing: “not half-past ten + yet. Sarah, go and see if the bridegroom has arrived.” + </p> + <p> + Sarah returned with the reassuring tidings that the bridegroom had not yet + arrived; though the carriages had. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank Heaven, <i>he</i> is not come,” said Julia. “If I keep him + waiting to-day, he might say—'Oho!'” + </p> + <p> + Under dread of a comment so significant she was ready at last, and said + majestically he might come now whenever he liked. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, down stairs an uneasiness of the opposite kind was growing. Ten + minutes past the appointed time, and the bridegroom not there. So while + Julia, now full dressed, and easy in her mind, was directing Sarah's + sister to lay out her plain travelling dress, bonnet and gloves on the + bed, Mrs. Dodd was summoned downstairs. She came down with Julia's white + gloves in her hand, and a needle and thread, the button sewed on by + trade's fair hand having flown at the first strain. Edward met her on the + stairs: “What had we better do, mother?” said he, <i>sotto voce:</i> + “there must be some mistake. Can you remember? Wasn't he to call for me on + the way to the church?” + </p> + <p> + “I really do not know,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Is he at the church, do you + think?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, either he was to call for me here, or I for him. I'll go to the + church, though: it is only a step.” + </p> + <p> + He ran off, and in a little more than five minutes came into the + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “No, he is not there. I must go to his lodgings. Confound him, he has got + reading Aristotle, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + This passed before the whole party, Julia excepted. + </p> + <p> + Sampson looked at his watch, and said he could conduct the ladies to the + church while Edward went for Alfred. “Division of labour,” said he + gallantly, “and mine the delightful half.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd demurred to the plan. She was for waiting quietly in one place. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but” said Edward, “we may overdo that; here it is a quarter-past + eleven, and you know they can't be married after twelve. No, I really + think you had better all go with the doctor. I dare say we shall be there + as soon as you will.” + </p> + <p> + This was agreed on after some discussion. Edward, however, to provide + against all contingencies, begged Sampson not to wait for him should + Alfred reach the church by some other road: “I'm only groomsman, you + know,” said he. He ran off at a racing pace. The bride was then summoned, + admired, and handed into one carriage with her two bridesmaids, Miss + Bosanquet and Miss Darton. Sampson and Mrs. Dodd went in the other; and by + half-past eleven they were all safe in the church. + </p> + <p> + A good many people, high and low, were about the door and in the pews, + waiting to see the beautiful Miss Dodd married to the son of a personage + once so popular as Mr. Hardie: it had even transpired that Mr. Hardie + disapproved the match. They had been waiting a long time, and were + beginning to wonder what was the matter, when, at last the bride's party + walked up the aisle with a bright April sun shining on them through the + broad old windows. The bride's rare beauty, and stag-like carriage of her + head, imperial in its loveliness and orange wreath, drew a hum of + admiration. + </p> + <p> + The party stood a minute or two at the east end of the church, and then + the clergyman came out and invited them into the vestry. + </p> + <p> + Their reappearance was eagerly expected; in silence at first, but + presently in loud and multitudinous whispers. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a young lady, with almost perfect features and sylph-like + figure, modestly dressed in dove-coloured silk, but with a new chip bonnet + and white gloves, entered a pew near the west door, and said a little + prayer; then proceeded up the aisle, and exchanged a word with the clerk, + then into the vestry. + </p> + <p> + “Cheep! cheep! cheep!” went fifty female tongues, and the arrival of the + bridegroom's sister became public news. + </p> + <p> + The bride welcomed her in the vestry with a sweet guttural of surprise and + delight, and they kissed one another like little tigers. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my darling Jane, how kind of you! have I got you back to make my + happiness complete?” + </p> + <p> + Now none of her own party had thought it wise to tell Julia there was any + hitch: but Miss Hardie blurted out naturally enough, “But where's Alfred?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, dear,” said Julia innocently. “Are not he and Edward in + another part of the church? I thought we were waiting till twelve o'clock, + perhaps. Mamma dear, you know everything; I suppose this is all right?” + </p> + <p> + Then, looking round at her friends' faces, she saw in a moment that it was + all wrong. Sampson's, in particular, was burning with manly indignation, + and even her mother's discomposed, and trying to smile. + </p> + <p> + When the innocent saw this, she suspected her beloved was treating her + cavalierly, and her poor little mouth began to work, and she had much ado + not to whimper. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, to encourage her, told her not to be put out: it had been + arranged all along that Edward should go for him: “Unfortunately we had an + impression it was the other way: but now Edward is gone to his lodgings.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mamma,” said Julia; “Alfred was to call for Edward; because our house + was on the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure, my child?” asked Mrs. Dodd very gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, mamma,” said Julia, beginning to tremble; “at a quarter before + eleven: I heard them settle it.” + </p> + <p> + The matter was terribly serious now; indeed, it began to look hopeless. + Weather overclouded: rain-drops falling; and hard upon twelve o'clock. + </p> + <p> + They all looked at one another in despair. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a loud, long buzzing heard outside, and the house of + God turned into a gossiping fair. “Talk of money changers,” said Satan + that day, “give <i>me</i> the exchangers of small talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven they are come,” said Mrs. Dodd. But, having thus relieved + her mind, she drew herself up and prepared a freezing reception for the + defaulter. + </p> + <p> + A whisper reached their excited ears: “It is young Mr. Dodd” and next + moment Edward came into the vestry—alone: the sight of him was + enough; his brow wet with perspiration, his face black and white with + bitter wrath. + </p> + <p> + “Come home, <i>my</i> people,” he said sternly: “there will be no wedding + here to-day!” + </p> + <p> + The bridesmaids cackled questions at him; he turned his back on them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd knew her son's face too well to waste inquiries. “Give me my + child!” she cried, in such a burst of mother's anguish long restrained, + that even the insult to the bride was forgotten for one moment, till she + was seen tottering into her mother's arms and cringing and trying to hide + bodily in her: “Oh, throw a shawl over me,” she moaned; “hide all this.” + </p> + <p> + Well, they all did what they could. Jane hung round her neck and sobbed, + and said, “I've a sister now, and no brother.” The bridesmaids cried. The + young curate ran and got the fly to the vestry-door: “Get into it,” he + said, “and you will at least escape the curious crowd.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, Mr. Hurd,” said Edward, half choked. He hurried the + insulted bride and her mother in; Julia huddled and shrank into a corner + under Mrs. Dodd's shawl: Mrs. Dodd had all the blinds down in a moment; + and they went home as from a funeral. + </p> + <p> + Ay, and a funeral it was; for the sweetest girl in England buried her + hopes, her laugh, her May of youth, in that church that day. + </p> + <p> + When she got to Albion Villa, she cast a wild look all around for fear she + should be seen in her wedding clothes, and darted moaning into the house. + </p> + <p> + Sarah met her in the hall, smirking; and saying, “Wish you j——” + </p> + <p> + The poor bride screamed fearfully at the mocking words, and cut the + conventional phrase in two as with a razor; then fled to her own room and + tore off her wreath, her veil, her pearls, and had already strewed the + room, when Mrs. Dodd, with a foot quickened by affection, burst in and + caught her half fainting, and laid her weary as old age, and cold as a + stone, upon her mother's bosom, and rocked her as in the days of happy + childhood never to return, and bedewed the pale face with her own tears. + </p> + <p> + Sampson took the bridesmaids each to her residence, on purpose to leave + Edward free. He came home, washed his face, and, sick at heart, but more + master of himself, knocked timidly at Julia's door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, <i>my son,</i>” said a broken voice. + </p> + <p> + He crept in, and saw a sorry sight. The travelling dress and bonnet were + waiting still on the bed; the bridal wreath and veil lay on the floor; and + so did half the necklace, and the rest of the pearls all about the floor; + and Julia, with all her hair loose and hanging below her waist, lay + faintly quivering in her mother's arms. + </p> + <p> + Edward stood and looked, and groaned. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd whispered to him over Julia: “Not a tear! not a tear!” + </p> + <p> + “Dead, or false?” moaned the girl: “dead, or false? Oh that I could + believe he was false; no, no, he is dead, dead.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd whispered again over her girl. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her something: give us tears—the world for one tear!” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I say?” gasped Edward. + </p> + <p> + “Tell her the truth, and trust to God, whose child she is.” Edward knelt + on the floor and took her hand— + </p> + <p> + “My poor little Ju,” he said, in a voice broken with pity and emotion, + “would you rather have him dead, or false to you?” + </p> + <p> + “'Why false, a thousand times. It's Edward. Bless your sweet face, my own, + own brother; tell me he is false, and not come to deadly harm.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall judge for yourself,” he groaned. “I went to his lodgings. He + had left the town. The woman told me a letter came for him last night. A + letter in—a female hand. The scoundrel came in from us; got this + letter; packed up his things directly; paid his lodging; and went off in a + two-horse fly at eight o'clock in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <p> + AT these plain proofs of Alfred's infidelity, Julia's sweet throat began + to swell hysterically, and then her bosom to heave and pant: and, after a + piteous struggle, came a passion of sobs and tears so wild, so + heart-broken, that Edward blamed himself bitterly for telling her. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Dodd sobbed “No, no, I would rather have her so; only leave her + with me now: bless you, darling: leave us quickly.” + </p> + <p> + She rocked and nursed her deserted child hours and hours: and so the + miserable day crawled to its close. + </p> + <p> + Downstairs the house looked strange and gloomy: she, who had brightened it + all, was darkened herself. The wedding breakfast and flowers remained in + bitter mockery. Sarah cleared half the table, and Sampson and Edward dined + in moody silence. + </p> + <p> + Presently Sampson's eye fell upon the Deed: it lay on a small table with a + pen beside it, to sign on their return from church. + </p> + <p> + Sampson got hold of it and dived in the verbiage. He came up again with a + discovery. In spite of its feebleness, verbosity, obscurity, and idiotic + way of expressing itself, the Deed managed to convey to David and Mrs. + Dodd a life interest in nine thousand five hundred pounds, with reversion + to Julia and the children of the projected marriage. Sampson and Edward + put their heads over this, and it puzzled them, “Why, man,” said Sampson, + “if the puppy had signed this last night, he would be a beggar now.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Edward, “but after all he did not sign it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but that was your fault, not his: the lad was keen to sign.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true; and perhaps if we had pinned him to this, last night, he + would not have dared insult my sister to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson changed the subject by inquiring suddenly which way he was gone. + </p> + <p> + “Curse him, I don't know; and don't care. Go where he will I shall meet + him again some day; and then—Edward spoke almost in a whisper, but a + certain grind of his white teeth and flashing of his lion eyes made the + incomplete sentence very expressive. + </p> + <p> + “What ninnies you young men are,” said the Doctor; “even you, that I dub + 'my fathom o' good sense:' just finish your denner and come with me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Doctor; I'm off my feed for once: if you had been upstairs and seen + my poor sister! Hang the grub; it turns my stomach.” And he shoved his + plate away, and leaned over the back of his chair. + </p> + <p> + Sampson made him drink a glass of wine, and then they got up from the + half-finished meal and went hurriedly to Alfred's lodgings, the Doctor, + though sixty, rushing along with all the fire and buoyancy of early youth. + They found the landlady surrounded by gossips curious as themselves, and + longing to chatter, but no materials. The one new fact they elicited was + that the vehicle was a White Lion fly, for she knew the young man by the + cast in his eye. “Come away,” shouted the Doctor unceremoniously, and in + two minutes they were in the yard of the White Lion. + </p> + <p> + Sampson called the ostler: out came a hard-featured man, with a strong + squint. Sampson concluded this was his man, and said roughly: “Where did + you drive young Hardie this morning?” + </p> + <p> + He seemed rather taken aback by this abrupt question; but reflected and + slapped his thigh: “Why, that is the party from Mill Street.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Druv him to Silverton station, sir: and wasn't long about it, either—gent + was in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “What train did he go by?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know, sir; I left him at the station.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, where did he take his ticket for? Where did he tell the + porter he was going? Think now, and I'll give y' a sovereign.” + </p> + <p> + The ostler scratched his head, and seemed at first inclined to guess for + the sovereign, but at last said: “I should only be robbing you gents. Ye + see, he paid the fly then and there, and gave me a crown: and I druv away + directly.” + </p> + <p> + On this they gave him a shilling and left him. But on leaving the yard + Edward said: “Doctor, I don't like that fellow's looks: let us try the + landlord.” They went into the bar and made similar inquiries. The landlord + was out, the mistress knew nothing about it, but took a book out of a + drawer, and turned over the leaves. She read out an entry to this effect— + </p> + <p> + “Pair horse fly to Silverton: take up in Mill Street at eight o'clock. Is + that it, sir?” Sampson assented; but Edward told her the ostler said it + was Silverton station. + </p> + <p> + “No: it is Silverton in the book, sir. Well, you see it is all one to us; + the station is further than the town, but we charge seven miles whichever + 'tis.” + </p> + <p> + Bradshaw, inspected then and there, sought in vain to conceal that four + trains reach Silverton from different points between 8.50 and 9.25 A. M. + </p> + <p> + The friends retired with this scanty information. Alfred could hardly have + gone to London; for there was a train up from Barkington itself at 8.30. + But he might have gone to almost any other part of the island, or out of + it for that matter. Sampson fell into a brown study. + </p> + <p> + After a long silence, which Edward was too sad to break, he said + thoughtfully: “Bring sceince to bear on this hotch-potch. Facks are never + really opposed to facks; they onnly seem to be: and the true solution is + the one which riconciles all the facks: for instance, the chronothairmal + Therey riconciles all th' undisputed facks in midicine. So now sairch for + a solution to riconcile the Deed with the puppy levanting.” + </p> + <p> + Edward searched, but could find none; and said so. + </p> + <p> + “Can't you?” said Sampson; “then I'll give you a couple. Say he is touched + in the upper story for one.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Mad?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh: there are degrees of Phrinzy. Here is th' inconsistency of conduct + that marks a disturbance of the reason: and, to tell the truth, I once + knew a young fellow that played this very prank at a wedding, and the nixt + thing we hard, my lorrd was in Bedlam.” + </p> + <p> + Edward shook his head: “It is the villain's heart, not his brain.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson then offered another solution, in which he owned he had more + confidence— + </p> + <p> + “He has been courting some other wumman first: she declined, or made + believe; but, when she found he had the spirit to go and marry an innocent + girl, then the jade wrote to him and yielded. It's a married one, likely. + I've known women go further for hatred of a wumman than they would for + love of a man and here was a temptation! to snap a lover off th' altar, + and insult a rival, all at one blow. He meant to marry: he meant to sign + that deed: ay and at his age, even if he had signed it, he would have gone + off at passion's call, and beggared himself. What enrages me is that we + didn't let him sign it, and so nail the young rascal's money.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse his money,” said Edward, “and him too. Wait till I can lay my hand + on him: I'll break every bone in his skin.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'll help you.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning, Mrs. Dodd left Julia for a few minutes expressly to ask + Sampson's advice. After Alfred's conduct she was free, and fully + determined, to defend herself and family against spoliation by any means + in her power: so she now showed the doctor David's letter about the L. + 14,000; and the empty pocket-book; and put together the disjointed + evidence of Julia, Alfred, and circumstances, in one neat and luminous + statement. Sampson was greatly struck with the revelation: he jumped off + his chair and marched about excited: said truth was stranger than fiction, + and this was a manifest swindle: then he surprised Mrs. Dodd in her turn + by assuming that old Hardie was at the bottom of yesterday's business. + Neither Edward nor his mother could see that, and said so: his reply was + characteristic: “Of course you can't; you are Anglosaxins; th' Anglosaxins + are good at drawing distinctions: but they can't gineralise. I'm a Celt, + and gineralise—as a duck swims. I discovered th' unity of all + disease: it would be odd if I could not trace the maniform iniquities you + suffer to their one source.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is the connecting link?” asked Mrs. Dodd, still incredulous. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Richard Hardie's interest.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but the letter?” objected Edward. + </p> + <p> + “There goes th' Anglosaxin again,” remonstrated Sampson: “puzzling his + head over petty details; and they are perhaps mere blinds thrown out by + the enemy. Put this and that together: Hardie senior always averse to this + marriage; Hardie senior wanting to keep L. 14,000 of yours: if his son, + who knows of the fraud, became your mother's son, the swinidle would be + hourly in danger (no connection? y' unhappy Anglosaxins; why the two + things are interwoven). And so young Hardie is got out of the way: old + Hardie's doing, or I'm a Dutchman.” + </p> + <p> + This reasoning still appeared forced and fanciful to Edward but it began + to make some little impression on Mrs. Dodd, and encouraged her to own + that her poor daughter suspected foul play. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is possible, too: whativer tempted man has done, tempted man + will do: but more likely he has bribed Jezebel to write and catch the + goose by the heart. Gintlennen, I'm a bit of a physiognomist: look at old + Hardie's lines; his cords, I might say: and deeper every time I see him. + Sirs, there's an awful weight on that man's mind. Looksee! I'll just send + a small trifle of a detective down to watch his game, and pump his people: + and, as soon as it is safe, we'll seize the old bird, and, once he is + trapped the young one will reappear like magic: th' old one will disgorge; + we'll just compound the felony—been an old friend—and recover + the cash.” + </p> + <p> + A fine sketch; but Edward thought it desperately wild, and Mrs. Dodd + preferred employing a respectable attorney to try and obtain justice in + the regular way. Sampson laughed at her; what was the use of attacking in + the regular way an irregular genius like old Hardie? “Attorneys are too + humdrum for such a job,” said he; “they start with a civil letter putting + a rogue on his guard; they proceed t' a writ and then he digs a hole in + another county and buries the booty; or sails t' Australia with it. + N'list'me; I'm an old friend, and an insane lover of justice—I say + insane, because my passion is not returned, or the jade wouldn't keep out + of my way so all these years—you leave all this to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop a minute,” said Edward; “you must not go compromising us: and we + have no money to pay for luxuries like detectives.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't compromise any one of you: and my detective shan't cost y' a + penny.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my dear friend,” said Mrs. Dodd, “the fact is, you do not know all + the difficulties that beset us. Tell him, Edward. Well, then, let <i>me.</i> + The poor boy is attached to this gentleman's daughter, whom you propose to + treat like a felon: and he is too good a son and too good a friend for me + to—what, what, shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + Edward coloured up to the eyes. “Who told you that, mother?” said he. + “Well, yes, I do love her, and I'm not ashamed of it. Doctor,” said the + poor fellow after a while, “I see now I am not quite the person to advise + my mother in this matter. I consent to leave it in your hands.” + </p> + <p> + And in pursuance of this resolution, he retired to his study. + </p> + <p> + “There's a damnable combination,” said Sampson drily. “Truth is sairtainly + more wonderful than feckshin. Here's my fathom o' good sense in love with + a wax doll, and her brother jilting his sister, and her father pillaging + his mother. It <i>beats</i> hotch-potch.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd denied the wax doll: but owned Miss Hardie was open to vast + objections: “An inestimable young lady; but so odd; she is one of these + uneasy-minded Christians that have sprung up: a religious egotist, and <i>malade + imaginaire,</i> eternally feeling her own spiritual pulse——” + </p> + <p> + “I know the disorrder,” cried Sampson eagerly: “the pashints have a hot + fit (and then they are saints): followed in due course by the cold fit + (and then they are the worst of sinners): and so on in endless rotation: + and, if they could only realise my great discovery, the perriodicity of + all disease, and time their sintiments, they would find the hot fit and + the cold return chronometrically, at intervals as rigular as the tide's + ebb and flow; and the soul has nothing to do with either febrile symptom. + Why Religion, apart from intermittent Fever of the Brain, is just the + caumest, peaceablest, sedatest thing in all the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are too deep for me, my good friend. All I know is that she is + one of this new school, whom I take the liberty to call 'THE FIDGETY + CHRISTIANS.' They cannot let their poor souls alone a minute; and they + pester one day and night with the millennium; as if we shall not all be + dead long before that. But the worst is, they apply the language of + earthly passion to the Saviour of mankind, and make one's flesh creep at + their blasphemies; so coarse, so familiar: like that rude multitude which + thronged and pressed Him when on earth. But, after all, she came to the + church, and took my Julia's part; so that shows she has <i>principle;</i> + and do pray spare me her feelings in any step you take against that + dishonourable person her father. I must go back to his victim, my poor, + poor child—I dare not leave her long. Oh, Doctor, such a night! and, + if she dozes for a minute, it is to wake with a scream and tell me she + sees him dead: sometimes he is drowned; sometimes stained with blood, but + always dead.” + </p> + <p> + This evening Mr. Hardie came along in a fly with his luggage on the box, + returning to Musgrove Cottage as from Yorkshire: in passing Albion Villa + he cast it a look of vindictive triumph. He got home and nodded by the + fire in his character of a man wearied by a long journey. Jane made him + some tea, and told him how Alfred had disappeared on his wedding-day. + </p> + <p> + “The young scamp,” said he; he added, coolly, “It is no business of mine. + I had no hand in making the match, thank Heaven.” In the conversation that + ensued, he said he had always been averse to the marriage; but not so + irreconcilably as to approve this open breach of faith with a respectable + young lady. “This will recoil upon our name, you know, at this critical + time,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Then Jane mustered courage to confess that she had gone to the wedding + herself: “Dear papa,” said she, “it was made clear to me that the Dodds + are acting in what they consider a most friendly way to you. They think—I + cannot tell you what they think. But, if mistaken, they are sincere: and + so, after prayer, and you not being here for me to consult, I did go to + the church. Forgive me, papa: I have but one brother; and she is my dear + friend.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie's countenance fell at this announcement, and he looked almost + diabolical. But on second thoughts he cleared up wonderfully: “I will be + frank with you, Jenny: if the wedding had come off; I should have been + deeply hurt at your supporting that little monster of ingratitude. He not + only marries against his father's will (that is done every day), but + slanders and maligns him publicy in his hour of poverty and distress. But + now that he has broken faith and insulted Miss Dodd as well as me, I + declare I am glad you were there, Jenny. It will separate us from his + abominable conduct. But what does he say for himself? What reason does he + give?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is all mystery as yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but he must have sent some explanation to the Dodds.” + </p> + <p> + “He may have: I don't know. I have not ventured to intrude on my poor + insulted friend. Papa, I hear her distress is fearful; they fear for her + reason. Oh, if harm comes to her, God will assuredly punish him whose + heartlessness and treachery has brought her to it. Mark my words,” she + continued with great emotion, “this cruel act will not go unpunished even + in this world.” + </p> + <p> + “There, there, change the subject,” said Mr. Hardie peevishly. “What have + I to do with his pranks? He has disowned me for his father, and I disown + him for my son.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Peggy Black called, and asked to see master. Old Betty, after + the first surprise, looked at her from head to foot, and foot to head, as + if measuring her for a suit of disdain; and told her she might carry her + own message; then flounced into the kitchen, and left her to shut the + street door, which she did. She went and dropped her curtsey at the + parlour door, and in a miminy piminy voice said she was come to make her + submission, and would he forgive her, and give her another trial? Her + penitence, after one or two convulsive efforts, ended in a very fair flow + of tears. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie shrugged his shoulders, and asked Jane if the girl had ever + been saucy to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, papa: indeed I have no fault to find with poor Peggy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, go to your work, and try and not offend Betty; remember she + is older than you.” + </p> + <p> + Peggy went for her box and bandbox, and reinstated herself quietly, and + all old Betty's endeavours to irritate her only elicited a calm cunning + smile, with a depression of her downy eyelashes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Albion Villa.</i> +</pre> + <p> + Next morning Edward Dodd was woke out of a sound sleep at about four + o'clock, by a hand upon his shoulder: he looked up, and rubbed his eyes; + it was Julia standing by his bedside, dressed, and in her bonnet. + “Edward,” she said in a hurried whisper, “there is foul play: I cannot + sleep, I cannot be idle. He has been decoyed away, and perhaps murdered. + Oh, pray get up and go to the police office or somewhere with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; but wait till morning.” + </p> + <p> + “No; now; now—now—now. I shall never go out of doors in the + daytime again. Wait? I'm going crazy with wait, wait, wait, wait, + waiting.” + </p> + <p> + Her hand was like fire on him, and her eyes supernaturally bright. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Edward with a groan, “go downstairs, and I will be with you + directly.” + </p> + <p> + He came down: they went out together: her little burning hand pinched his + tight, and her swift foot seemed scarcely to touch the ground; she kept + him at his full stride till they got to the central police station. There, + at the very thought of facing men, the fiery innocent suddenly shrank + together, and covered her blushing face with her hot hands. She sent him + in alone. He found an intelligent superintendent, who entered into the + case with all the coolness of an old official hand. + </p> + <p> + Edward came out to his sister, and as he hurried her home, told her what + had passed: “The superintendent asked to see the letter; I told him he had + taken it with him: that was a pity, he said. Then he made me describe + Alfred to a nicety: and the description will go up to London this morning, + and all over Barkington, and the neighbourhood, and the county.” + </p> + <p> + She stopped to kiss him, then went on again with her head down, and + neither spoke till they were nearly home: then Edward told her “the + superintendent felt quite sure that the villain was not dead; nor in + danger of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bless him! bless him! for saying so.” + </p> + <p> + “And that he will turn up in London before very long; not in this + neighbourhood. He says he must have known the writer of the letter, and + his taking his luggage with him shows he has gone off deliberately. My + poor little Ju, now do try and look at it as he does, and everybody else + does; try and see it as you would if you were a bystander.” + </p> + <p> + She laid her soft hand on his shoulder as if to support herself floating + in her sea of doubt: “I do see I am a poor credulous girl; but how can my + Alfred be false to me? Am I to doubt the Bible? Am I to doubt the sun? Is + nothing true in heaven or earth? Oh, if I could only have died as I was + dressing for church—died while he seemed true! He <i>is</i> true; + the wicked creature has cast some spell on him: he has gone in a moment of + delirium; he will regret what he has done, perhaps regrets it now. I am + ungrateful to you, Edward, and to the good policeman, for saying he is not + dead. What more do I require? He is dead to me. Edward, let us leave this + place. We <i>were</i> going: let us go to-day; this very day; oh, take me, + and hide me where no one that knows me can ever see me again.” A flood of + tears came to her relief: and she went along sobbing and kissing her + brother's hand every now and then. + </p> + <p> + But, as they drew near the gate of Albion Villa, twilight began to usher + in the dawn. Julia shuddered at even that faint light, and fled like a + guilty thing, and hid herself sobbing in her own bedroom. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richard Hardie slept better now than he had done for some time past, + and therefore woke more refreshed and in better spirits. He knew an honest + family was miserable a few doors off; but he did not care. He got up and + shaved with a mind at ease. One morning, when he had removed the lather + from one half his face, he happened to look out of window, and saw on the + wall opposite—a placard: a large placard to this effect: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS REWARD! +</pre> + <p> + Whereas, on the 11th instant Mr. Alfred Hardie disappeared mysteriously + from his lodgings in 15 Mill Street, under circumstances suggesting a + suspicion of foul play, know all men that the above reward will be paid to + any person or persons who shall first inform the undersigned where the + said Alfred Hardie is to be found, and what person or persons, if any, + have been concerned in his disappearance. + </p> + <p> + “ALEXANDER SAMPSON, 39 Pope Street, Napoleon Square London.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> + <p> + THE note Alfred Hardie received, on the 10th of April, was from Peggy + Black. The letters were well formed, for she had been educated at the + national school: but the style was not upon a par. + </p> + <p> + “MR. ALFRED, SIR,—Margaret Black sends her respects, and if you want + to know the truth about the money, I can tell you all, and where it is at + this present time. Sir, I am now in situation at Silverton Grove House, + about a furlong from the station; and if you will be so good to call there + and ask for Margaret, I will tell you where it is, which I mean the L. + 14,000; for it is a sin the young lady should be beguiled of her own. Only + you must please come this evening, or else to-morrow before ten o'clock, + by reason my mistress and me we are going up to London that day early, and + she talk of taking me abroad along with her.—I remain, Sir, yours + respectfully to command, + </p> + <h3> + “MARGARET BLACK. + </h3> + <p> + “If you please, sir, not to show this letter on no account.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred read this twice over, and felt a contemptuous repugnance towards + the writer, a cashiered servant, who offered to tell the truth out of + spite, having easily resisted every worthy motive. Indeed, I think he + would have perhaps dismissed the subject into the fire, but for a strange + circumstance that had occurred to him this very afternoon; but I had no + opportunity to relate it till now. Well, just as he was going to dress for + dinner, he received a visit from Dr. Wycherley, a gentleman he scarcely + knew by name. Dr. Wycherley inquired after his kephalalgia: Alfred stared + and told him it was much the same; troubled him occasionally. + </p> + <p> + “And your insomnia.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know the word: have you any authority for it?” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley smiled with a sort of benevolent superiority that galled his + patient, and proceeded to inquire after his nightly visions and voices. + But at this Alfred looked grave as well as surprised and vexed. He was on + his guard now, and asked himself seriously what was the meaning of all + this, and could his father have been so mad as to talk over his own shame + with this stranger: he made no reply whatever. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley's curiosity was not of a very ardent kind: for he was one of + those who first form an opinion, and then collect the materials of one: + and a very little fact goes a long way with such minds. So, when he got no + answer about the nocturnal visions and voices, he glided calmly on to + another matter. “By-the-bye, that L. 14,000!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred started, and then eyed him keenly: “What L. 14,000?” + </p> + <p> + “The fabulous sum you labour under the impression of your father having + been guilty of clandestinely appropriating.” + </p> + <p> + This was too much for Alfred's patience. “I don't know who you are, sir,” + said he; “I never exchanged but three words in my life with you; and do + you suppose I will talk to a stranger on family matters of so delicate a + kind as this? I begin to think you have intruded yourself on me simply to + gratify an impertinent curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “The hypothesis is at variance with my established character,” replied the + oleaginous one. “Do me the justice to believe in the necessity of this + investigation, and that it is one of a most friendly character.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I decline the double nuisance: your curiosity and your friendship! + Take them both out of my room, sir, or I shall turn them both out by one + pair of shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall smart for this,” said the doctor, driven to plain English by + anger, that great solvent of circumlocution with which Nature has + mercifully supplied us. He made to the door, opened it, and said in + considerable excitement to some one outside, “Excited!—Very!” + </p> + <p> + Now Dr. Pleonast had no sooner been converted to the vernacular, and + disappeared, than another stranger entered the room. He had evidently been + lurking in the passage: it was a man of smallish stature, singularly + gaunt, angular, and haggard, but dressed in a spruce suit of black, tight, + new, and glossy. In short, he looked like Romeo's apothecary gone to + Stultz with the money. He fluttered in with pale cheek and apprehensive + body, saying hurriedly, “Now, my <i>dear</i> sir, <i>be</i> calm: <i>pray</i> + be calm. I have come down all the way from London to see you, and I am <i>sure</i> + you won't make me lose my journey; will you now?” + </p> + <p> + “And pray who asked you to come all the way from London, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “A person to whom your health is very dear.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh indeed; so I have secret friends, have I? Well, you may tell my + secret, underhand, <i>friends,</i> I never was better in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am truly glad to hear it,” said the little man: “let me introduce + myself, as Dr. Wycherley forgot to do it.” And he handed Alfred a card, on + which his name and profession were written. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Speers,” said Alfred, “I have only a moment to give you, for I + must dress for dinner. What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I come, sir, in hopes of convincing your friends you are not so very ill; + not incurable. Why your eye is steady, your complexion good: a little high + with the excitement of this conversation; but, if we can only get over + this little delusion, all will be well.” + </p> + <p> + “What little delusion?” + </p> + <p> + “About the L. 14,000, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “What L. 14,000? I have not mentioned L. 14,000 to you, have I?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir: you seem to shun it like poison; that is the worst of it. You + talk about it to others fast enough: but to Dr. Wycherley and myself, who + could cure you of it, you would hide all about it, if you could.” + </p> + <p> + At this Alfred rose and put his hands in his pockets and looked down + grimly on his inquisitor. “Mr. Speers,” said he, “you had better go. There + is no credit to be gained by throwing so small an apothecary as you out of + that window; and <i>you</i> won't find it pleasant either; for, if you + provoke me to it, I shall not stand upon ceremony: I shan't open the + window first, as I should for Dr. What's his confounded name.” + </p> + <p> + At these suggestive words, spoken with suppressed ire and flashing eyes, + Speers scuttled to the door crabwise, holding the young lion in check + conventionally—to wit, with an eye as valiant as a sheep's; and a + joyful apothecary was he when he found himself safe outside the house and + beside Dr. Wycherley, who was waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + Alfred soon cooled, and began to laugh at his own anger and the unbounded + impudence of his visitors: but, on the other hand, it struck him as a + grave circumstance that so able a man as his father should stir muddy + water; should go and talk to these strangers about the money he had + misappropriated. He puzzled himself all the time he was dressing: and, not + to trouble the reader with all the conjectures that passed through his + mind, he concluded at last, that Mr. Hardie must feel very strong, very + sure there was no evidence against him but his son's, or he would not take + the eighth commandment by the horns like this. + </p> + <p> + “Injustice carries it with a high hand,” thought Alfred, with a sigh. He + was not the youth to imitate his father's shamelessness: so he locked this + last incident in his own breast; did not even mention it to Julia. + </p> + <p> + But now, on reading Peggy's note, his warlike instincts awoke, and, though + he despised his correspondent and her motives, he could not let such a + chance pass of defeating brazen injustice. It was unfortunate and awkward + to have to go to Silverton on his wedding morning; but, after all, there + was plenty of time. He packed up his things at once for the wedding tour, + and in the morning took them with him in the fly to Silverton: his plan + was to come back direct to Albion Villa: so he went to Silverton Grove + full dressed, all ready for the wedding. + </p> + <p> + As it happened he overtook his friend Peterson just outside the town, + called to him gaily, and invited him to church and breakfast. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise the young gentleman replied sullenly that he should + certainly not come. + </p> + <p> + “Not come, old fellow?” said Alfred, hurt. + </p> + <p> + “You have a good cheek to ask me,” retorted the other. + </p> + <p> + This led to an explanation. Peterson's complaint was that he had told + Alfred he was in love with Julia, and Alfred had gone directly and fallen + in love with her just to cut him out. + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking about?” said Alfred. “So this is the reason you have + kept away from me of late: why, I was engaged to her at the very time; + only my father was keeping us apart.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why didn't you say so?” + </p> + <p> + “Because my love is not of the prattling sort.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nonsense; I don't believe a word of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't believe my word! Did you ever know me tell a lie? At that rate + think what you please, sir: drive on, Strabo.” + </p> + <p> + And so ended that little friendship. + </p> + <p> + On the road our ardent youth arranged in his head a noble scheme. He would + bring Peggy Black home with him, compensating her liberally for the place + she would thereby lose: would confront her privately with his father, and + convince him it was his interest to restore the Dodds their money with a + good grace, take the L. 5000 he had already offered, and countenance the + wedding by letting Jane be present at it. It was hard to do all this in + the time, but well worth trying for, and not impossible. A two-horse fly + is not a slow conveyance, and he offered the man a guinea to drive fast; + so that it was not nine o'clock when they reached Silverton Grove House, a + place Alfred had never heard of. This, however, I may observe, was no + wonder: for it had not borne that name a twelve-month. + </p> + <p> + It was a large square mansion of red brick, with stone facings and + corners, and with balustrades that hid the garret windows. It stood in its + own grounds, and the entrance was through handsome iron gates, one of + which was wide open to admit people on foot or horseback. The flyman got + down and tried to open the other, but could not manage it. “There, don't + waste time,” said Alfred impatiently, “let me out.” + </p> + <p> + He found a notice under the bell, “Ring and enter.” He rang accordingly, + and at the clang the hall-door opened, as if he had pulled a porter along + with the bell; and a grey-haired servant out of livery stood on the steps + to receive him. Alfred hurried across the plat, which was trimmed as + neatly as a college green, and asked the servant if he could see Margaret + Black. + </p> + <p> + “Margaret Black?” said the man doubtfully: “I'll inquire, sir. Please to + follow me.” + </p> + <p> + They entered a handsome hall, with antlers and armour: from this a double + staircase led up to a landing with folding doors in the centre of it; one + of these doors was wide open like the iron gate outside. The servant + showed Alfred up the left-hand staircase, through the open door, into a + spacious drawing-room, handsomely though not gaily furnished and + decorated, but a little darkened by Venetian blinds. + </p> + <p> + The old servant walked gravely on and on, till Alfred began to think he + would butt the wall; but he put his hand out and opened a door that might + very well escape a stranger's notice; for it was covered with + looking-glass, and matched another narrow mirror in shape and size. This + door led into a very long room, as plain and even sordid as the + drawing-room was inviting: the unpapered walls were a cold drab, and + wanted washing; there was a thick cobweb up in one corner, and from the + ceiling hung the tail of another, which the housemaid's broom had scotched + not killed: that side of the room they entered by was all books. The + servant said, “Stay here a moment, sir, and I'll send her to you.” With + this he retired into the drawing-room, closing the door softly after him: + once closed it became invisible; it fitted like wax, and left nothing to + be seen but books; not even a knob. It shut to with that gentle but clean + click which a spring bolt, however polished and oiled and gently closed, + will emit. Altogether it was enough to give some people a turn. But + Alfred's nerves were not to be affected by trifles; he put his hands in + his pockets and walked up and down the room, quietly enough at first, but + by-and-bye uneasily. “Confound her for wasting my time,” thought he; “why + doesn't she come?” + </p> + <p> + Then, as he had learned to pick up the fragments of time, and hated + dawdling, he went to take a book from the shelves. + </p> + <p> + He found it was a piece of iron, admirably painted: it chilled his hand + with its unexpected coldness: and all the books on and about the door were + iron and chilly. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” thought he, “this is the first dummy ever took me in. What a fool + the man must be! Why he could have bought books with ideas in them for the + price of these impostors.” + </p> + <p> + Still Peggy did not come. So he went to a door opposite, and at right + angles to the farthest window, meaning to open it and inquire after her: + lo and behold he found this was a knob without a door. There had been a + door but it was blocked up. The only available door on that side had a + keyhole, but no latch, nor handle. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + He no sooner found this out than he began to hammer on the door with his + fists, and call out. + </p> + <p> + This had a good effect, for he heard a woman's dress come rustling: a key + was inserted, and the door opened. But, instead of Peggy, it was a tall + well-formed woman of thirty, with dark grey eyes, and straightish eyebrows + massive and black as jet. She was dressed quietly but like a lady. Mrs. + Archbold, for that was her name, cast on Alfred one of those swift, + all-devouring glances, with which her sex contrive to take in the + features, character, and dress of a person from head to foot, and smiled + most graciously on him, revealing a fine white set of teeth. She begged + him to take a seat; and sat down herself. She had left the door ajar. + </p> + <p> + “I came to see Margaret Black,” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Margaret Black? There is no such person here,” was the quiet reply. + </p> + <p> + “What! has she gone away so early as this?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold smiled, and said soothingly, “Are you sure she ever existed; + except in your imagination?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred laughed at this, and showed her Peggy's letter. She ran her eye + over it, and returned it him with a smile of a different kind, half + pitying, half cynical. But presently resuming her former manner, “I + remember now,” said she in dulcet tones: “the anxiety you are labouring + under is about a large sum of money, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “What, can you give me any information about it?” said he, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “I think we can render you great <i>service</i> in the matter, infinite + service, Mr. Hardie,” was the reply, in a voice of very honey. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was amazed at this. “You say you don't know Peggy! And yet you seem + to know me. I never saw you in my life before, madam; what on earth is the + meaning of all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself,” said Mrs. Archbold, laying a white and finely moulded + hand upon his arm, “there is no wonder nor mystery in the matter: <i>you + were expected.</i>” + </p> + <p> + The colour rushed into Alfred's face, and he started to his feet; some + vague instinct told him to be gone from this place. + </p> + <p> + The lady fixed her eyes on him, put her hand to a gold chain that was + round her neck, and drew out of her white bosom, not a locket, nor a key, + but an ivory whistle. Keeping her eye steadily fixed on Alfred, she + breathed softly into the whistle. Then two men stepped quietly in at the + door; one was a short, stout snob, with great red whiskers, the other a + wiry gentleman with iron-grey hair. The latter spoke to Alfred, and began + to coax him. If Mrs. Archbold was honey, this personage was treacle. “Be + calm, my dear young gentleman; don't agitate yourself. You have been sent + here for your good; and that you may be cured, and so restored to society + and to your anxious and affectionate friends.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking about? what do you mean?” cried Alfred; “are you + mad?” + </p> + <p> + “No, <i>we</i> are not,” said the short snob, with a coarse laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Have done with this fooling, then,” said Alfred sharply; “the person I + came to see is not here; good morning.” + </p> + <p> + The short man instantly stepped to the door, and put his back to it. The + other said calmly, “No, Mr. Hardie, you cannot leave the house at + present.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't I? Why not, pray?” said Alfred, drawing his breath hard: and his + eyes began to glitter dangerously. + </p> + <p> + “We are responsible for your safety: we have force at hand if necessary; + pray do not compel us to summon it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, where am I?” said Alfred, panting now; “is this a prison?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Mrs. Archbold soothingly: “it is a place where you will be + cured of your headaches and your delusions, and subjected to no + unnecessary pain nor restraint.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bother,” said the short snob brutally. “Why make two bites of a + cherry? You are in my asylum, young gentleman, and a devilish lucky thing + for you.” + </p> + <p> + At this fatal word, “asylum,” Alfred uttered a cry of horror and despair, + and his eyes roved wildly round the room in search of escape. But the + windows of the room, though outside the house they seemed to come as low + as those of the drawing-room, were partly bricked-up within, and made just + too high to be reached without a chair. And his captors read that wild + glance directly, and the doctor whipped one chair away, while Mrs. + Archbold, with more tact, sat quietly down on the other. They all three + blew their whistles shrilly. + </p> + <p> + Alfred uttered an oath and rushed at the door; but heard heavy feet + running on stone passages towards the whistles, and felt he had no chance + out that way: his dilating eye fell upon the handle of the old defunct + door: he made a high leap, came down with his left foot on its knob of + brass, and, though of course he could not stand on it, contrived to spring + from it slap at the window—Mrs. Archbold screamed—he broke the + glass with his shoulder, and tore and kicked the woodwork, and squeezed + through on to a stone ledge outside, and stood there bleeding and panting, + just as half a dozen keepers burst into the room at his back. He was more + than twenty feet from the ground: to leap down was death or mutilation: he + saw the flyman driving away. He yelled to him, “Hy! hy! stop! stop!” The + flyman stopped and looked round. But soon as he saw who it was, he just + grinned: Alfred could see his hideous grin; and there was the rattle of + chairs being brought to the window, and men were mounting softly to secure + him. A coarse hand stole towards his ankle; he took a swift step and + sprang desperately on to the next ledge—it was an old manor house, + and these ledges were nearly a foot broad—from this one he bounded + to the next, and then to a third, the last but one on this side of the + building. The corner ledge was but half the size, and offered no safe + footing: but close to it he saw the outside leaves of a tree. That tree, + then, must grow close to the corner; could he but get round to it he might + yet reach the ground whole. Urged by that terror of a madhouse which is + natural to a sane man, and in England is fed by occasional disclosures, + and the general suspicion they excite, he leaped on to a piece of stone no + bigger than one's hat, and then whirled himself round into the tree, all + eyes to see and claws to grasp. + </p> + <p> + It was a weeping ash: he could get hold of nothing but soft yielding + slivers, that went through his fingers, and so down with him like a + bulrush, and souse he went with his hands full of green leaves over head + and ears into the water of an enormous iron tank that fed the baths. + </p> + <p> + The heavy plunge, the sudden cold water, the instant darkness, were + appalling: yet, like the fox among the hounds, the gallant young gentleman + did not lose heart nor give tongue. He came up gurgling and gasping, and + swimming for his life in manly silence: he swam round and round the edge + of the huge tank, trying in vain to get a hold upon its cold rusty walls. + He heard whistles and voices about: they came faint to him where he was, + but he knew they could not be very far off. + </p> + <p> + Life is sweet. It flashed across him how, a few years before, a university + man of great promise had perished miserably in a tank on some Swiss + mountain—a tank placed for the comfort of travellers. He lifted his + eyes to Heaven in despair, and gave one great sob. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned upon his back and floated: but he was obliged to paddle + with his hands a little to keep up. + </p> + <p> + A window opened a few feet above him, and a face peered out between the + bars. + </p> + <p> + Then he gave all up for lost, and looked to hear a voice denounce him; but + no: the livid face and staring eyes at the window took no notice of him: + it was a maniac, whose eyes, bereft of reason, conveyed no images to the + sentient brain. Only by some half vegetable instinct this darkened man was + turning towards the morning sun, and staring it full in the face. Alfred + saw the rays strike and sparkle on those glassy orbs, and fire them; yet + they never so much as winked. He was appalled yet fascinated by this weird + sight: could not take his eyes off it, and shuddered at it in the very + water. With such creatures as that he must be confined, or die miserably + like a mouse in a basin of water. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated between two horrors. + </p> + <p> + Presently his foot struck something, and he found it was a large pipe that + entered the tank to the distance of about a foot This pipe was not more + than three feet under water, and Alfred soon contrived to get upon it, and + rest his fingers upon the iron edge of the tank. The position was painful: + yet so he determined to remain till night: and then, if possible, steal + away. Every faculty of mind and body was strung up to defend himself + against the wretches who had entrapped him. + </p> + <p> + He had not been long in this position, when voices approached, and next + the shadow of a ladder moved across the wall towards him. The keepers were + going to search his pitiable hiding-place. They knew, what he did not, + that there was no outlet from the premises: so now, having hunted every + other corner and cranny, they came by what is called the exhaustive + process of reasoning to this tank; and when they got near it, something in + the appearance of the tree caught the gardener's quick eye. Alfred quaking + heard him say, “Look here! He is not far from this.” + </p> + <p> + Another voice said, “Then the Lord have mercy on him; why there's seven + foot of water; I measured it last night.” + </p> + <p> + At this Alfred was conscious of a movement and a murmur, that proved + humanity was not extinct; and the ladder was fixed close to the tank, and + feet came hastily up it. + </p> + <p> + Alfred despaired. + </p> + <p> + But, as usual with spirits so quickwitted and resolute, it was but for a + moment. “One man in his time plays many animals;” he caught at the words + he had heard, and played the game the jackal desperate plays in India, the + fox in England, the elephant in Ceylon: he feigned death; filled his mouth + with water, floated on his back paddling imperceptibly, and half closed + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + He was rewarded by a loud shout of dismay just above his head, and very + soon another ladder was placed on the other side, and with ropes and hands + he was drawn out and carried down the ladder: he took this opportunity to + discharge the water from his mouth, on which a coarse voice said, “Look + there! <i>His</i> troubles are at an end.” + </p> + <p> + However, they laid him on the grass, and sent for the doctor; then took + off his coat, and one of them began to feel his heart to see whether there + was any pulsation left: he found it thumping. “Look out,” he cried in some + alarm; “he's shamming Abraham.” + </p> + <p> + But, before the words were well uttered, Alfred, who was a practised + gymnast, bounded off the ground without touching it with his hands, and + fled like a deer towards the front of the house: for he remembered the + open iron gate. The attendants followed shouting, and whistle answered + whistle all over the grounds. Alfred got safe to the iron gate: alas! it + had been closed at the first whistle twenty minutes ago. He turned in rage + and desperation, and the head-keeper, a powerful man, was rushing + incautiously upon him. Alfred instantly steadied himself, and with his + long arm caught the man in full career a left-handed blow like the kick of + a pony, that laid his cheek open and knocked him stupid and staggering. He + followed it up like lightning with his right, and, throwing his whole + weight into this second blow, sent the staggering man to grass; slipped + past another, and skirting the south side of the house got to the tank + again well in advance of his pursuers, seized the ladder, carried it to + the garden wall, and was actually half way up it, and saw the open country + and liberty, when the ladder was dragged away and he fell heavily to the + ground, and a keeper threw himself bodily on him. Alfred half expected + this, and drawing up his foot in time, dashed it furiously in the coming + face, actually knocking the man backwards. Another kneeled on his chest: + Alfred caught him by the throat so felly that he lost all power, and they + rolled over and over together, and Alfred got clear and ran for it again, + and got on the middle of the lawn, and hallooed to the house:—“Hy! + hy! Are there any more sane men imprisoned there? Come out, and fight for + your lives!” Instantly the open windows were filled with white faces, some + grinning, some exulting, all greatly excited; and a hideous uproar shook + the whole place—for the poor souls were all sane in their own + opinion—and the whole force of attendants, two of them bleeding + profusely from his blows, made a cordon and approached him. But he was too + cunning to wait to be fairly surrounded; he made his rush at an + under-keeper, feinted at his head, caught him a heavy blow in the pit of + the stomach, doubled him up in a moment, and off again, leaving the man on + his knees vomiting and groaning. Several mild maniacs ran out in vast + agitation, and, to curry favour, offered to help catch him. Vast was their + zeal. But when it came to the point, they only danced wildly about and + cried, “Stop him! for God's sake stop him! he's ill, dreadfully ill; poor + wretch! knock out his brains!” And, whenever he came near them, away they + ran whining like kicked curs. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold, looking out at a window, advised them all to let him alone, + and she would come out and persuade him. But they would not be advised: + they chased him about the lawn; but so swift of foot was he, and so long + in the reach, that no one of them could stop him, nor indeed come near + him, without getting a facer that came like a flash of lightning. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, they got so well round him, he saw his chance was gone: + he took off his hat to Mrs. Archbold at the window, and said quietly, “I + surrender to <i>you,</i> madam.” + </p> + <p> + At these words they rushed on him rashly. On this he planted two blows + right and left, swift as a cat attacked by dogs; administered two fearful + black eyes, and instantly folded his arms, saying haughtily, “It was to + the lady I yielded, not to you fellows.” + </p> + <p> + They seized him, shook their fists in his face, cursed him, and pinned + him. He was quite passive: they handcuffed him, and drove him before them, + shoving him every now and then roughly by the shoulders. He made no + resistance, spoke no word. They took him to the strong-room, and manacled + his ankles together with an iron hobble, and then strapped them to the + bed-posts, and fastened his body down by broad bands of ticking with + leathern straps at the ends: and so left him more helpless than a swaddled + infant. The hurry and excitement of defence were over, and a cold stupor + of misery came down and sat like lead on him. He lay mute as death in his + gloomy cell, a tomb within a living tomb. And, as he lay, deeper horror + grew and grew in his dilating eyes: gusts of rage swept over him, shook + him, and passed: then gusts of despairing tenderness; all came and went, + but his bonds. What would his Julia think? If he could only let her know! + At this thought he called, he shouted, he begged for a messenger; there + was no reply. The cry of a dangerous lunatic from the strong-room was less + heeded here than a bark from any dog-kennel in Christendom. “This is my + father's doing,” he said. “Curse him! Curse him Curse him!” and his brain + seemed on fire, his temples throbbed: he vowed to God to be revenged on + his father. + </p> + <p> + Then he writhed at his own meanness in coming to visit a servant and his + folly in being caught by so shallow an artifice. He groaned aloud. The + clock in the hall struck ten. There was just time to get back if they + would lend him a conveyance. He shouted, he screamed, he prayed. He + offered terms humbly, piteously; he would forgive his father, forgive them + all, he would say no more about the money, would do anything, consent to + anything, if they would only let him keep faith with his Julia: they had + better consent, and not provoke his vengeance. “Have mercy on me!” he + cried. “Don't make me insult her I love. They will all be waiting for me. + It is my wedding-day; you can't have known it is my wedding-day; fiends, + monsters, I tell you it is my wedding-day. Oh, pray send the lady to me; + she can't be all stone, and my misery might melt a stone.” He listened for + an answer, he prayed for an answer. There was none. Once in a mad-house, + the sanest man is mad, however interested and barefaced the motive of the + relative who has brought two of the most venal class upon the earth to + sign away his wits behind his back. And once hobbled and strapped, he is a + <i>dangerous</i> maniac, for just so many days, weeks, or years, as the + hobbles, handcuffs, and jacket happen to be left upon him by inhumanity, + economy, or simple carelessness. Poor Alfred's cries and prayers were + heard, but no more noticed than the night howl of a wolf on some distant + mountain. All was sullen silence, but the grating tongue of the clock, + which told the victim of a legislature's shallowness and a father's + avarice—that Time, deaf to his woe, as were the walls, the men, the + women, and the cutting bands, was stealing away with iron finger his last + chance of meeting his beloved at the altar. + </p> + <p> + He closed his eyes, and saw her lovelier than ever, dressed all in white, + waiting for him with sweet concern in that peerless face. “Julia! Julia!” + he cried, with a loud heart-broken cry. The half-hour struck. At that he + struggled, he writhed, he bounded: he made the very room shake, and + lacerated his flesh; but that was all. No answer. No motion. No help. No + hope. + </p> + <p> + The perspiration rolled down his steaming body. The tears burst from his + young eyes and ran down his cheeks. He sobbed, and sobbing almost choked, + so tight were his linen bands upon his bursting bosom. + </p> + <p> + He lay still exhausted. + </p> + <p> + The clock ticked harshly on: the rest was silence. With this miserable + exception: ever and anon the victim's jammed body shuddered so terribly it + shook and rattled the iron bedstead, and told of the storm within, the + agony of the racked and all foreboding soul. + </p> + <p> + For then rolled over that young head hours of mortal anguish that no + tongue of man can utter, nor pen can shadow. Chained sane amongst the mad; + on his wedding-day; expecting with tied hands the sinister acts of the + soul-murderers who had the power to make their lie a truth! We can paint + the body writhing vainly against its unjust bonds; but who can paint the + loathing, agonised soul in a mental situation so ghastly? For my part I + feel it in my heart of hearts; but am impotent to convey it to others; + impotent, impotent. + </p> + <p> + Pray think of it for yourselves, men and women, if you have not <i>sworn</i> + never to think over a novel. Think of it for your own sakes: Alfred's turn + to-day, it may be yours to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <p> + AT two o'clock an attendant stole on tiptoe to the strong-room, unlocked + the door, and peeped cautiously in. Seeing the dangerous maniac quiet, he + entered with a plate of lukewarm beef and potatoes, and told him bluntly + to eat. The crushed one said he could not eat. “You must,” said the man. + “Eat!” said Alfred; “of what do you think I am made! Pray put it down and + listen to me. I'll give you a hundred pounds to let me out of this place; + two hundred; three.” + </p> + <p> + A coarse laugh greeted this proposal. “You might as well have made it a + thousand when you was about it.” + </p> + <p> + “So I will,” said Alfred eagerly, “and thank you on my knees besides. Ah, + I see you don't believe I have money. I give you my honour I have ten + thousand pounds: it was settled on me by my grandfather, and I came of age + last week.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's like enough,” said the man carelessly. “Well, you <i>are</i> + green. Do you think them as sent you here will let you spend your money? + No, your money is theirs now.” + </p> + <p> + And he sat down with the plate on his knee and began to cut the meat in + small pieces; while his careless words entered Alfred's heart, and gave + him such a glimpse of sinister motives and dark acts to come as set him + shuddering. + </p> + <p> + “Come none o' that,” said the man, suspecting this shudder. He thought it + was the prologue to some desperate act; for all a chained madman does is + read upon this plan: his terror passes for rage, his very sobs for snarls. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, be honest with me,” said Alfred imploringly; “do you think it is to + steal my money the wretch has stolen my liberty?” + </p> + <p> + “What wretch?” + </p> + <p> + “My father.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing about it,” said the man sullenly, “in course there's + mostly money behind, when young gents like you come to be took care of. + But you musn't go thinking of that, or you'll excite yourself again. Come + you eat your vittles like a Christian, and no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave it, that is a good fellow; and then I'll try and eat a little + by-and-bye. But my grief is great—oh Julia! Julia! what shall I do? + And I am not used to eat at this time. Will you, my good fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will, now you behave like a gentleman,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred coaxed him to take off the handcuffs. He refused, but ended by + doing it; and so left him. + </p> + <p> + Four more leaden hours rolled by, and then this same attendant (his name + was Brown) brought him a cup of tea. It was welcome to his parched throat; + he drank it, and ate a mouthful of the meat to please the man, and even + asked for some more tea. + </p> + <p> + At eight four keepers came into his room, undressed him, compelled him to + make his toilette, &c., before them, which put him to shame—being + a gentleman—almost as much as it would a woman. They then hobbled + him, and fastened his ankles to the bed, and put his hands into muffles, + but did not confine his body; because they had lost a lucrative lodger + only a month ago, throttled at night in a strait-waistcoat. + </p> + <p> + Alfred lay in this plight, and compared with anguish unspeakable his + joyful anticipations of this night with the strange and cruel reality. “My + wedding night! my wedding night!” he cried aloud, and burst into a passion + of grief. + </p> + <p> + By-and-bye he consoled himself a little with the hope that he could not + long be incarcerated as a madman, being sane; and his good wit told him + his only chance was calmness. He would go to sleep and recover composure + to bear his wrongs with dignity, and quietly baffle his enemies. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was dropping off' he felt something crawl over his face. + Instinctively he made a violent motion to put his hands up. Both hands + were confined; he could not move them. He bounded, he flung, he writhed. + His little persecutors were quiet a moment, but the next they began again. + In vain he rolled and writhed, and shuddered with loathing inexpressible. + They crawled, they smelt, they bit. + </p> + <p> + Many a poor soul these little wretches had distracted with the very + sleeplessness the madhouse professed to cure, not create, in conjunction + with the opiates, the confinement and the gloom of Silverton House, they + had driven many a feeble mind across the line that divides the weak and + nervous from the unsound. + </p> + <p> + When he found there was no help, Alfred clenched his teeth and bore it:—“Bite + on, ye little wretches,” he said “bite on, and divert my mind from deeper + stings than yours—if you can.” + </p> + <p> + And they did; a little. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed the night in mental agony, and bodily irritation and disgust. + At daybreak the feasters on his flesh retired, and utterly worn out and + exhausted, he sank into a deep sleep. + </p> + <p> + At half-past seven the head keeper and three more came in, and made him + dress before them. They handcuffed him, and took him down to breakfast in + the noisy ward; set him down on a little bench by the wall like a naughty + boy, and ordered a dangerous maniac to feed him. + </p> + <p> + The dangerous maniac obeyed, and went and sat beside Alfred with a basin + of thick gruel and a great wooden spoon. He shovelled the gruel down his + charge's throat mighty superciliously from the very first; and presently, + falling into some favourite and absorbing train of thought, he fixed his + eye on vacancy, and handed the spoonfuls over his left shoulder with such + rapidity and recklessness that it was more like sowing than feeding. + Alfred cried out “Quarter! I can't eat so fast as that, old fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Something in his tone struck the maniac; he looked at Alfred full, Alfred + looked at him in return, and smiled kindly but sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo!” cried the maniac. + </p> + <p> + “What's up now?” said a keeper fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “Why this man is sane. As sane as I am.” + </p> + <p> + At this there was a horse laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Saner,” persisted the maniac; “for I am a little queer at times, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + “And no mistake, Jemmy. Now what makes you think he is sane?” + </p> + <p> + “Looked me full in the face, and smiled at me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is your test, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is. You try it on any of those mad beggars there and see if they + can stand it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who invented gunpowder?” said one of the insulted persons, looking as sly + and malicious as a magpie going to steal. + </p> + <p> + Jemmy exploded directly: “I did, ye rascal, ye liar, ye rogue, ye + Baconian!” and going higher, and higher in this strain, was very soon + handcuffed with Alfred's handcuffs, and seated on Alfred's bench and tied + to two rings in the wall. On this his martial ardour went down to zero: + “Here is treatment, sir,” said he piteously to Alfred. “I see you are a + gentleman; now look at this. All spite and jealousy because I invented + that invaluable substance, which has done so much to prolong human life + and alleviate human misery.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was now ordered to feed Jemmy; which he did: so quickly were their + parts inverted. + </p> + <p> + Directly after breakfast Alfred demanded to see the proprietor of the + asylum. + </p> + <p> + Answer: Doesn't live here. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor then. + </p> + <p> + Oh, he has not come. + </p> + <p> + This monstrosity irritated Alfred: “Well, then,” said he, “whoever it is + that rules this den of thieves, when those two are out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I rule in Mr. Baker's absence,” said the head keeper, “and I'll teach you + manners, you young blackguard. Handcuff him.” + </p> + <p> + In five minutes Alfred was handcuffed and flung into a padded room. + </p> + <p> + “Stay there till you know how to speak to your betters,” said the head + keeper. + </p> + <p> + Alfred walked up and down grinding his teeth with rage for five long + hours. + </p> + <p> + Just before dinner Brown came and took him into a parlour, where Mrs. + Archbold was seated writing. Brown retired. The lady finished what she was + doing, and kept Alfred standing like a schoolboy going to be lectured. At + last she said, “I have sent for you to give you a piece of advice: it is + to try and make friends with the attendants.” + </p> + <p> + “Me make friends with the scoundrels! I thirst for their lives. Oh, madam, + I fear I shall kill somebody here.” + </p> + <p> + “Foolish boy; they are too strong for you. Your worst enemies could wish + nothing worse for you than that you should provoke them.” In saying these + words she was so much more kind and womanly that Alfred conceived hopes, + and burst out, “Oh, madam, you are human then; you seem to pity me; pray + give me pen and paper, and let me write to my friends to get me out of + this terrible place; do not refuse me.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold resumed her distant manner without apparent effort: she said + nothing, but she placed writing materials before him. She then left the + room, and locked him in. + </p> + <p> + He wrote a few hasty ardent words to Julia, telling her how he had been + entrapped, but not a word about his sufferings—he was too generous + to give her needless pain—and a line to Edward, imploring him to + come at once with a lawyer and an honest physician, and liberate him. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold returned soon after, and he asked her if she would lend him + sealing-wax: “I dare not trust to an envelope in such a place as this,” + said he. She lent him sealing-wax. + </p> + <p> + “But how am I to post it?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Easily: there is a box in the house; I will show you.” + </p> + <p> + She took him and showed him the box: he put his letters into it, and in + the ardour of his gratitude kissed her hand. She winced a little and said, + “Mind, this is not by my advice; I would never tell my friends I had been + in a madhouse; oh, never. I would be calm, make friends with the servants—they + are the real masters—and never let a creature know where I had + been.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you don't know my Julia,” said Alfred; “she will never desert me, + never think the worse of me because I have been entrapped illegally into a + madhouse.” + </p> + <p> + “Illegally, Mr. Hardie! you deceive yourself; Mr. Baker told me the order + was signed by a relation, and the certificates by first-rate lunacy + doctors.” + </p> + <p> + “What on earth has that to do with it, madam, when I am as sane as you + are?” + </p> + <p> + “It has everything to do with it. Mr. Baker could be punished for + confining a madman in this house without an order and two certificates; + but he couldn't for confining a sane person under an order and two + certificates.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred could not believe this, but she convinced him that it was so. + </p> + <p> + Then he began to fear he should be imprisoned for years: he turned pale, + and looked at her so piteously, that to soothe him she told him sane + people were never kept in asylums now; they only used to be. + </p> + <p> + “How can they?” said she. “The London asylums are visited four times a + year by the commissioners, and the country asylums six times, twice by the + commissioners, and four times by the justices. <i>We</i> shall be + inspected this week or next; and then you can speak to the justices: mind + and be calm; say it is a mistake; offer testimony; and ask either to be + discharged at once or to have a commission of lunacy sit on you. Ten to + one your friends will not face public proceedings: but you must begin at + the foundation, by making the servants friendly—and by—being + calm.” She then fixed her large grey eyes on him and said, “Now if I let + you dine with me and the first-class patients, will you pledge me your + honour to 'be calm,' and not attempt to escape?” Alfred hesitated at that. + Her eye dissected his character all the time. “I promise,” said he at last + with a deep sigh. “May I sit by you? There is something so repugnant in + the very idea of mad people.” + </p> + <p> + “Try and remember it is their misfortune, not their crime,” said Mrs. + Archbold, just like a matronly sister admonishing a brother from school. + </p> + <p> + She then whistled in a whisper for Brown, who was lurking about unseen all + the time. He emerged and walked about with Alfred, and by-and-bye, looking + down from a corridor, they saw Mrs. Archbold driving the second-class + women before her to dinner like a flock of animals. Whenever one stopped + to look at anything, or try and gossip, the philanthropic Archbold went at + her just like a shepherd's dog at a refractory sheep, caught her by the + shoulders, and drove her squeaking headlong. + </p> + <p> + At dinner Alfred was so fortunate as to sit opposite a gentleman, who + nodded and grinned at him all dinner with a horrible leer. He could not, + however, enjoy this to the full for a little distraction at his elbow: his + right hand neighbour kept forking pieces out of his plate and substituting + others from his own. There was even a tendency to gristle in the latter. + Alfred remonstrated gently at first; the gentleman forbore a minute, then + recommenced. Alfred laid a hand very quietly on his wrist and put it back. + Mrs. Archbold's quick eye surprised this gesture: “What is the matter + there?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing serious, madam,” replied Alfred; “only this gentleman does me + the honour to prefer the contents of my plate to his own.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Cooper!” said the Archbold sternly. + </p> + <p> + Cooper, the head keeper, pounced on the offender, seized him roughly by + the collar, dragged him from the table, knocking his chair down, and + bundled him out of the room with ignominy and fracas, in spite of a + remonstrance from Alfred, “Oh, don't be so rough with the poor man.” + </p> + <p> + Then the novice laid down his knife and fork, and ate no more. “I am + grieved at my own ill-nature in complaining of such a trifle,” said he + when all was quiet. + </p> + <p> + The company stared considerably at this remark: it seemed to them a most + morbid perversion of sensibility; for the deranged, thin-skinned beyond + conception in their own persons, and alive to the shadow of the shade of a + wrong, are stoically indifferent to the woes of others. + </p> + <p> + Though Alfred was quiet as a lamb all day, the attendants returned him to + the padded room at night, because he had been there last night. But they + only fastened one ankle to the bed-post: so he encountered his + Lilliputians on tolerably fair terms—numbers excepted: they swarmed. + Unable to sleep, he put out his hand and groped for his clothes. But they + were outside the door, according to rule. + </p> + <p> + Day broke at last: and he took his breakfast quietly with the first-class + patients. It consisted of cool tea in small basins instead of cups, and + table-spoons instead of tea-spoons; and thick slices of stale bread thinly + buttered. A few patients had gruel or porridge instead of tea. After + breakfast Alfred sat in the first-class patients' room and counted the + minutes and the hours till Edward should come. After dinner he counted the + hours till tea-time. Nobody came; and he went to bed in such grief and + disappointment as some men live to eighty without ever knowing. + </p> + <p> + But when two o'clock came next day, and no Edward, and no reply, then the + distress of his soul deepened. He implored Mrs. Archbold to tell him what + was the cause. She shook her head and said gravely, it was but too common; + a man's nearest and dearest were very apt to hold aloof from him the + moment he was put into an asylum. + </p> + <p> + Here an old lady put in her word. “Ah, sir, you must not hope to hear from + anybody in this place. Why, I have been two years writing and writing, and + can't get a line from my own daughter. To be sure she is a fine lady now: + but it was her poor neglected mother that pinched and pinched to give her + a good education, and that is how she caught a good husband. But it's my + belief the post in our hall isn't a real post: but only a box; and I think + it is contrived so as the letters fall down a pipe into that Baker's + hands, and so then when the postman comes——” The Archbold bent + her bushy brows on this chatty personage. “Be quiet, Mrs. Dent; you are + talking nonsense, and exciting yourself: you know you are not to speak on + that topic. Take care.” + </p> + <p> + The poor old woman was shut up like a knife; for the Archbold had a way of + addressing her own sex that crushed them. The change was almost comically + sudden to the mellow tones in which she addressed Alfred the very next + moment, on the very same subject: “Mr. Baker, I believe, sees the letters: + and, where our poor patients (with a glance at Dent) write in such a way + as to wound and perhaps terrify those who are in reality their best + friends, they are not always sent. But I conclude <i>your</i> letters have + gone. If you feel you can be calm, why not ask Mr. Baker? He is in the + house now; for a wonder.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred promised to be calm; and she got him an interview with Mr. Baker. + </p> + <p> + He was a full-blown pawnbroker of Silverton town, whom the legislature, + with that keen knowledge of human nature which marks the British senate, + permitted, and still permits, to speculate in Insanity, stipulating, + however, that the upper servant of all in his asylum should be a doctor; + but omitting to provide against the instant dismissal of the said doctor + should he go and rob his employer of a lodger—by curing a patient. + </p> + <p> + As you are not the British legislature, I need not tell you that to this + pawnbroker insanity mattered nothing, nor sanity: his trade lay in + catching, and keeping, and stinting, as many lodgers, sane or insane, as + he could hold. + </p> + <p> + There are certain formulae in these quiet retreats, which naturally impose + upon greenhorns such as Alfred certainly was, and some visiting justices + and lunacy commissioners would seem to be. Baker had been a lodging-house + keeper for certified people many years, and knew all the formulae: some + call them dodges: but these must surely be vulgar minds. Baker worked “the + see-saw formula.” + </p> + <p> + “Letters, young gentleman?” said he: “they are not in my department They + go into the surgery, and are passed by the doctor, except those he + examines and orders to be detained.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred demanded the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “He is gone,” was the reply. (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + Alfred found it as hard to be calm as some people find it easy to say that + word over the wrongs <i>of others.</i> + </p> + <p> + The next day, but not till the afternoon, he caught the doctor: “My + letters! Surely, sir, you have not been so cruel as to intercept them?” + </p> + <p> + “I intercept no letters,” said the doctor, as if scandalised at the very + idea. “I see who writes them, and hand them to Mr. Baker, with now and + then a remark. If any are detained, the responsibility rests with him.” + </p> + <p> + “He says it rests with you.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have misunderstood him.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, sir. One thing is clear; my letters have been stolen either + by him or you; and I will know which.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor parried with a formula. + </p> + <p> + “You are <i>excited,</i> Mr. Hardie. Be calm, sir, be calm: or you will be + here all the longer.” + </p> + <p> + All Alfred obtained by this interview was a powerful opiate. The + head-keeper brought it him in bed. He declined to take it. The man + whistled, and the room filled with keepers. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Cooper, “down with it, or you'll have to be drenched with this + cowhorn.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better take it, sir,” said Brown; “the doctor has ordered it + you.” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor? Well, let me see the doctor about it.” + </p> + <p> + “He is gone.” + </p> + <p> + “He never ordered it me,” said Alfred. Then fixing his eyes sternly on + Cooper, “You miscreants, you want to poison me. No, I will not take it. + Murder! murder!” + </p> + <p> + Then ensued a struggle, on which I draw a veil: but numbers won the day, + with the help of handcuffs and a cowhorn. + </p> + <p> + Brown went and told Mrs. Archbold, and what Alfred had said. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be alarmed,” said that strong-minded lady: “it is only one of the + old fool's composing draughts. It will spoil the poor boy's sleep for one + night, that is all. Go to him the first thing in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + About midnight Alfred was seized with a violent headache and fever: + towards morning he was light-headed, and Brown found him loud and + incoherent: only he returned often to an expression Mr. Brown had never + heard before— + </p> + <p> + “Justifiable parricide. Justifiable parricide. Justifiable patricide.” + </p> + <p> + Most people dislike new phrases. Brown ran to consult Mrs. Archbold about + this one. After the delay inseparable from her sex, she came in a morning + wrapper; and they found Alfred leaning over the bed and bleeding violently + at the nose. They were a good deal alarmed, and tried to stop it: but + Alfred was quite sensible now, and told them it was doing him good. + </p> + <p> + “I can manage to see now,” he said; “a little while ago I was blind with + the poison.” + </p> + <p> + They unstrapped his ankle and made him comfortable, and Mrs. Archbold sent + Brown for a cup of strong coffee and a glass of brandy. He tossed them + off; and soon after fell into a deep sleep that lasted till tea-time. This + sleep the poor doctor ascribed to the sedative effect of his opiate. It <i>was</i> + the natural exhaustion consequent on the morbid excitement caused by his + cursed opiate. + </p> + <p> + “Brown,” said Mrs. Archbold, “if Dr. Bailey prescribes again, let me know. + He shan't square <i>this</i> patient with his certificates, whilst I am + here.” + </p> + <p> + This was a shrewd, but uncharitable, speech of hers. Dr. Bailey was not + such a villain as that. + </p> + <p> + He was a less depraved, and more dangerous animal: he was a fool. + </p> + <p> + The farrago he had administered would have done an excited maniac no good, + of course, but no great harm. It was dangerous to a sane man: and Alfred + to the naked eye was a sane man. But then Bailey had no naked eye left: he + had been twenty years an M. D. The certificates of Wycherley and Speers + were the green spectacles he wore—very green ones—whenever he + looked at Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps in time he will forget those certificates, and, on his spectacles + dropping off, he will see Alfred is sane. If he does, he will publish him + as one of his most remarkable <i>cures.</i> + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the whole treatment of this ill-starred young gentleman + gravitated towards insanity. The inner mind was exasperated by barefaced + injustice and oppression; above all, by his letters being stopped; for + that convinced him both Baker and Bailey, with their see-saw evasions, + knew he was sane, and dreaded a visit from honest, understanding men: and + the mind's external organ, the brain, which an asylum professes to soothe, + was steadily undermined by artificial sleeplessness. A man can't sleep in + irons till he is used to them and, when Alfred was relieved of these, his + sleep was still driven away by biting insects and barking dogs, two + opiates provided in many of these placid Retreats, with a view to the + permanence rather than the comfort of the lodgers. + </p> + <p> + On the eighth day Alfred succeeded at last in an object he had steadily + pursued for some time: he caught the two see-saw humbugs together. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, <i>“you</i> say <i>he</i> intercepts my letters; and <i>he</i> + says it is <i>you</i> who do it. Which is the truth?” + </p> + <p> + They were staggered, and he followed up his advantage: “Look me in the + face, gentlemen,” said he. “Can you pretend you do not know I am sane? Ah, + you turn your heads away. You can only tell this bare-faced lie behind my + back. Do you believe in God, and in a judgment to come? Then, if you + cannot release me, at least don't be such scoundrels as to stop my + letters, and so swindle me out of a fair trial, an open, public trial.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor parried with a formula. “Publicity would be the greatest + misfortune could befall you. Pray be calm.” + </p> + <p> + Now, an asylum is a place not entirely exempt from prejudices: and one of + them is, that any sort of appeal to God Almighty is a sign or else + forerunner of maniacal excitement. + </p> + <p> + These philosophers forget that by stopping letters, evading public trials, + and, in a word, cutting off all appeals to human justice, they compel the + patient to turn his despairing eyes, and lift his despairing voice to Him, + whose eye alone can ever really penetrate these dark abodes. + </p> + <p> + However, the patient who appealed to God above a whisper in Silverton + Grove House used to get soothed directly. And the tranquillising + influences employed were morphia, croton oil, or a blister. + </p> + <p> + The keeper came to Alfred in his room. “Doctor has ordered a blister.” + </p> + <p> + “What for? Send for him directly.” + </p> + <p> + “He is gone.” + </p> + <p> + This way of ordering torture, and then coolly going, irritated Alfred + beyond endurance. Though he knew he should soon be powerless, he showed + fight; made his mark as usual on a couple of his zealous attendants; but + not having room to work in was soon overpowered, hobbled, and handcuffed: + then they cut off his hair, and put a large blister on the top of his + head. + </p> + <p> + The obstinate brute declined to go mad. They began to respect him for this + tenacity of purpose: a decent bedroom was allotted him; his portmanteau + and bag were brought him, and he was let walk every day on the lawn with a + keeper; only there were no ladders left about, and the trap-door was + locked, <i>i.e.</i> the iron gate. + </p> + <p> + On one of these occasions he heard the gatekeeper whistle three times + consecutively; his attendant followed suit, and hurried Alfred into the + house, which soon rang with treble signals. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” inquired Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “The visiting justices are in sight: go into your room, please.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'll go,” said Alfred, affecting cheerful compliance, and the man + ran off. + </p> + <p> + The whole house was in a furious bustle. All the hobbles, and chains, and + instruments of restraint were hastily collected and bundled out of sight, + and clean sheets were being put on many a filthy bed whose occupant had + never slept in sheets since he came there, when two justices arrived and + were shown into the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + During the few minutes they were detained there by Mrs. Archbold, who was + mistress of her whole business, quite a new face was put on everything and + everybody; ancient cobwebs fell; soap and water explored unwonted + territories: the harshest attendants began practising pleasant looks and + kind words on the patients, to get into the way of it, so that it might + not come too abrupt and startle the patients visibly under the visitors' + eyes: something like actors working up a factitious sentiment at the wing + for the public display, or like a racehorse's preliminary canter. Alfred's + heart beat with joy inexpressible. He had only to keep calm, and this was + his last day at Silverton Grove. The first thing he did was to make a + careful toilet. + </p> + <p> + The stinginess of relations, and the greed of madhouse proprietors, make + many a patient look ten times madder than he is, by means of dress. + Clothes wear out in an asylum, and are not always taken off, though + Agriculture has long and justly claimed them for her own. And when it is + no longer possible to refuse the Reverend Mad Tom or Mrs. Crazy Jane some + new raiment, then consanguineous munificence does not go to Pool or Elise, + but oftener to paternal or maternal wardrobes, and even to the ancestral + chest, the old oak one, singing: + </p> + <p> + “Poor things, they are out of the world: what need for them to be in the + fashion!” (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + This arrangement keeps the bump of self-esteem down, especially in women, + and so co-operates with many other little arrangements to perpetuate the + lodger. + </p> + <p> + Silverton Grove in particular was supplied with the grotesque in dress + from an inexhaustible source. Whenever money was sent Baker to buy a + patient a suit, he went from his lunacy shop to his pawnbroker's, dived + headlong into unredeemed pledges, dressed his patient as gentlemen are + dressed to reside in cherry-trees; and pocketed five hundred per cent. on + the double transaction. Now Alfred had already observed that many of the + patients looked madder than they were—thanks to short trousers and + petticoats, holey gloves, ear-cutting shirt-collars, frilled bosoms, shoes + made for and declined by the very infantry: coats short in the waist and + long in the sleeves, coalscuttle bonnets, and grand-maternal caps. So he + made his toilet with care, and put his best hat on to hide his shaven + crown. He then kept his door ajar, and waited for a chance of speaking to + the justices. One soon came: a portly old gentleman, with a rubicund face + and honest eye, walked slowly along the corridor, looking as wise as he + could, cringed on by Cooper and Dr. Bailey; the latter had arrived post + haste, and Baker had been sent for. Alfred came out, touched his hat + respectfully, and begged a private interview with the magistrate. The old + gentleman bowed politely, for Alfred's dress, address, and countenance, + left no suspicion of insanity possible in an unprejudiced mind. + </p> + <p> + But the doctor whispered in his ear, “Take care, sir. Dangerous!” + </p> + <p> + Now this is one of the most effective of the formulae in a private asylum. + How can an inexperienced stranger know for certain that such a statement + is a falsehood? And even the just do not love justice—<i>to others</i>—quite + so well as they love their own skins. So Squire Tollett very naturally + declined a private interview with Alfred; and even drew back a step, and + felt uneasy at being so near him. Alfred implored him not to be imposed + upon. “An honest man does not whisper,” said he. “Do not let him poison + your mind against me; on my honour, I am as sane as you are, and he knows + it. Pray, pray use your own eyes and ears, sir, and give yourself a chance + of discovering the truth in this stronghold of lies.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't excite yourself, Mr. Hardie,” put in the doctor parentally. + (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + “Don't you interrupt me, doctor; I am as calm as you are. Calmer; for, + see, you are pale at this moment; that is with fear that your wickedness + in detaining a sane man here is going to be exposed. Oh, sir,” said he, + turning to the justice, “fear no violence from me, not even angry words; + my misery is too deep for irritation, or excitement. I am an Oxford man, + sir, a prize man, an Ireland scholar. But, unfortunately for me, my mother + left me ten thousand pounds, and a heart. I love a lady whose name I will + not pollute by mentioning it in this den of thieves. My father is the + well-known banker, bankrupt, and cheat, of Barkington. He has wasted his + own money, and now covets his neighbour's and his son's. He had me + entrapped here on my wedding-day, to get hold of my money, and rob me of + her I love. I appeal to you, sir, to discharge me, or, if you have not so + much confidence in your own judgment as to do that, then I demand a + commission of lunacy, and a public inquiry.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Bailey said, “That would be a most undesirable exposure, both to + yourself and your friends.” (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + “It is only the guilty who fear the light, sir,” was the prompt reply. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tollett said he thought the patient had a legal right to a commission + of lunacy if there was property, and he took note of the application. He + then asked Alfred if he had any complaint to make of the food, the beds, + or the attendants. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Alfred, “I leave those complaints to the insane ones: with me + the gigantic wrong drives out the petty worries. I cannot feel my stings + for my deep wound.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, you admit you are not treated <i>unkindly</i> here?” + </p> + <p> + “I admit nothing of the kind, sir. I merely decline to encumber your + memory with petty injuries, when you are good enough to inquire into a + monstrous one.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that is very sensible and considerate,” said Mr. Tollett. “I will see + you, sir, again before we leave.” + </p> + <p> + With this promise Alfred was obliged to be content. He retired + respectfully, and the justice said, “He seems as sane as I am.” The doctor + smiled. The justice observed it, and not aware that this smile was a + formula, as much so as a prizefighter's or a ballet-dancer's, began to + doubt a little: He reflected a moment, then asked who had signed the + certificates. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Wycherley for one.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Wycherley? that is a great authority.” + </p> + <p> + “One of the greatest in the country, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then one would think he must be more or less deranged.” + </p> + <p> + “Dangerously so at times. But in his lucid intervals you never saw a more + quiet gentlemanly creature.” (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + “How sad!” + </p> + <p> + “Very. He is my most interesting patient (formula), though terribly + violent at times. Would you like to see the medical journal about him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; by-and-bye.” + </p> + <p> + The inspection then continued: the inspector admired the clean sheets that + covered the beds, all of them dirty, some filthy: and asked the more + reasonable patients to speak freely and say if they had any complaint to + make. This question being, with the usual sagacity of public inspectors, + put in the presence of Cooper and the doctor, who stuck to Tollett like + wax, the mad people all declared they were very kindly treated. The reason + they were so unanimous was this: they knew by experience that, if they + told the truth, the justices could not at once remedy their discomforts, + whereas the keepers, the very moment the justices left the house, would + knock them down, beat them, shake them, strait-jacket them, and starve + them: and the doctor, less merciful, would doctor them. So they shook in + their shoes, and vowed they were very comfortable in Silverton Grove. + </p> + <p> + Thus, in later days, certain Commissioners of Lunacy inspecting Accomb + House, extracted nothing from Mrs. Turner, but that she was happy and + comfortable under the benignant sway of Metcalf the mild—there + present. It was only by a miracle the public learned the truth, and + miracles are rare. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Alfred had a misgiving. The plausible doctor had now Squire + Tollett's ear, and Tollett was old, and something about him reminded the + Oxonian of a trait his friend Horace had detected in old age: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Vel quod res omnes timide gelide que ministrat. + Dilator, spe longus, iners,” &c. +</pre> + <p> + He knew there was another justice in the house, but he knew also he should + not be allowed to get speech with him, if by cunning or force it could be + prevented. He kept his door ajar. Presently Nurse Hannah came bustling + along with an apronful of things, and let herself into a vacant room hard + by. This Hannah was a young woman with a pretty and rather babyish face, + diversified by a thick biceps muscle in her arm that a blacksmith need not + have blushed for. And I suspect it was this masculine charm, and not her + feminine features, that had won her the confidence of Baker and Co., and + the respect of his female patients: big or little, excited or not excited, + there was not one of them this bicipital baby-face could not pin by the + wrists, and twist her helpless into a strong-room, or handcuff her unaided + in a moment; and she did it, too, on slight provocation. Nurse Hannah + seldom came into Alfred's part of the house; but when she did meet him, + she generally gave him a kind look in passing; and he had resolved to + speak to her, and try if he could touch her conscience, or move her pity. + He saw what she was at, but was too politic to detect her openly and + irritate her. He drew back a step, and said softly, “Nurse Hannah! Are you + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am here,” said she sharply, and came out of the room hastily, and + shut it. “What do you want, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred clasped his hands together. “If you are a woman, have pity on me.” + </p> + <p> + She was taken by surprise. “What can I do?” said she in some agitation. “I + am only a servant.” + </p> + <p> + “At least tell me where I can find the Visiting Justice, before the + keepers stop me.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! Speak lower,” said Hannah. “You <i>have</i> complained to one, + haven't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he seems a feeble old fogy. Where is the other? Oh, pray tell + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I mustn't: I mustn't In the noisy ward. There, run.” + </p> + <p> + And run he did. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was lucky enough to get safe into the noisy ward without being + intercepted. And then he encountered a sunburnt gentleman, under thirty, + in a riding-coat, with a hunting-whip in his hand: it was Mr. Vane, a Tory + squire and large landholder in the county. + </p> + <p> + Now, as Alfred entered at one door, Baker himself came in at the other, + and they nearly met at Vane. But Alfred saluted him first, and begged + respectfully for an interview. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir,” said Mr. Vane. + </p> + <p> + “Take care, sir; he is dangerous,” whispered Baker. Instantly Mr. Vane's + countenance changed. But this time Alfred overheard the formula, and said + quietly: “Don't believe him, sir. I am not dangerous; I am as sane as any + man in England. Pray examine me, and judge for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that is his delusion,” said Baker. “Come, Mr. Hardie, I allow you + great liberties, but you abuse them. You really must not monopolise his + Worship with your fancies. Consider, sir, you are not the only patient he + has to examine.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's heart sank: he turned a look of silent agony on Mr. Vane. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vane, either touched by that look, or irritated by Baker's pragmatical + interference, or perhaps both, looked that person coolly in the face, and + said sternly: “Be silent, sir; and let <i>the gentleman</i> speak to me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + ALFRED thus encouraged told his story with forced calmness, and without a + word too much. Indeed, so clear and telling was the narrative, and the + logic so close, that incoherent patients one or two stole up and listened + with wonder and a certain dreamy complacency; the bulk, however, held + aloof apathetic: inextricably wrapped in fictitious Autobiography. + </p> + <p> + His story told, Alfred offered the Dodds in evidence that the fourteen + thousand pounds was no illusion, and referred to his sister and several + friends as witnesses to his sanity, and said the letters he wrote were all + stopped in the asylum: and why? That no honest man or woman might know + where he was. + </p> + <p> + He ended by convincing Mr. Vane he was a sane and injured man, and his + father a dark designing person. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vane asked him whether he had any other revelations to make. Alfred + replied, “Not on my own account, but for the sake of those afflicted + persons who are here for life. Well, the beds want repaving; the vermin + thinning; the instruments of torture want abolishing, instead of hiding + for an hour or two when you happen to come: what do the patients gain by + that? The madmen dare not complain to you, sir, because the last time one + did complain to the justices (it was Mr. Petworth), they had no sooner + passed through the iron gate, than Cooper made an example of him; felled + him with his fist, and walked up and down him on his knees, crying, 'I'll + teach you to complain to the justices.' But one or two gentlemanly madmen, + who soon found out that I am not one of <i>them,</i> have complained to <i>me</i> + that the attendants wash them too much like Hansom cabs, strip them naked, + and mop them on the flag-stones, then fling on their clothes without + drying them. They say, too, that the meat is tough and often putrid, the + bread stale, the butter rancid, the vegetables stinted, since they can't + be adulterated. And as for sleep, it is hardly known; for the beds are so + short your feet stick out; insects, without a name to ears polite, but + highly odoriferous and profoundly carnivorous, bite you all night; and + dogs howl eternally outside; and, when exhausted nature defies even these + enemies of rest, then the doctor, who seems to be in the pay of Insanity, + claps you on a blister by brute force, and so drives away sleep, + Insanity's cure, or hocuses you by brute force as he did me, and so steals + your sleep, and tries to steal your reason, with his opium, henbane, + morphia, and other tremendous brain-stealers. With such a potion, sir, + administered by violence, he gave me in one night a bursting fever, + headache, loss of sight, and bleeding at the nose; as Mrs. Archbold will + tell you. Oh, look into these things, sir, in pity to those whom Heaven + has afflicted: to me they are but strokes with a feather. I am a sane man + torn from love and happiness, and confined among the mad; discomfort is + nothing to me; comfort is nothing; you can do nothing for me but restore + me to my dignity as a man, my liberty as a Briton, and the rights as a + citizen I have been swindled out of by a fraudulent bankrupt and his + tools, two venal doctors, who never saw me but for one five minutes, but + came to me ready bribed at a guinea apiece, and so signed away my wits + behind my back.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Baker,” said Vane, “what do you say to all this?” + </p> + <p> + Baker smiled with admirable composure, and replied with crafty moderation, + “He is a gentleman, and believes every word he says; but it is all his + delusions. Why, to begin, sir, his father has nothing to do with putting + him in here; nothing on earth. (Alfred started; then smiled incredulous.) + And, in the next place, there are no instruments of restraint here, but + two pair of handcuffs and two strait jackets, and these never hardly used; + we trust to the padded rooms, you know. And, sir,” said he, getting warm, + which instantly affected his pronunciations “if there's a hinsect in the + ouse, I'll heat im.” + </p> + <p> + Delusion is a big word, especially in a mad-house; it overpowers a + visitor's understanding. Mr. Vane was staggered. Alfred, whose eager eyes + were never off his face, saw this with dismay, and feeling that, if he + failed in the simpler matter, he should be sure to fail in establishing + his sanity, he said with inward anxiety, though with outward calmness, + “Suppose we test these delusions?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said Vane. + </p> + <p> + Baker's countenance fell. + </p> + <p> + “Begin with the instruments of restraint. Find me them.” + </p> + <p> + Baker's countenance brightened up; he had no fear of their being found. + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Alfred: “please to follow me.” + </p> + <p> + Baker grinned with anticipated triumph. + </p> + <p> + Alfred led the way to a bedroom near his own; and asked Mr. Baker to + unlock it. Baker had not the key; no more had Cooper. The latter was sent + for it; he returned, saying the key was mislaid. + </p> + <p> + “That I expected,” said Alfred. “Send for the kitchen poker, sir: I'll + soon unlock it.” + </p> + <p> + “Fetch the kitchen poker,” said Vane. + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious! sir,” said Cooper; “he only wants that to knock all our + brains out. You have no idea of his strength and ferocity.” + </p> + <p> + “Well lied, Cooper,” said Alfred ironically. + </p> + <p> + “Fetch <i>me</i> the poker,” said Vane. + </p> + <p> + Cooper went for it, and came back with the key instead. + </p> + <p> + The door was opened, and they all entered. Alfred looked under the bed. + The rest stood round it. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to be seen but a year's dust + </p> + <p> + Alfred was dumb-foundered, and a cold perspiration began to gather on his + brow. He saw at once a false move would be fatal to him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Vane grimly. “Where are they?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred caught sight of a small cupboard; he searched it; it was empty. + Baker and Cooper grinned at his delusion quietly, but so that Vane might + see that formula. Alfred returned to the bed and shook it. Cooper and + Baker left off grinning; Alfred's quick eye caught this, and he shook the + bed violently, furiously. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mr. Vane, “I hear a chink.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an iron bedstead and old,” suggested Baker. + </p> + <p> + Alfred tore off the bed-clothes, and then the mattress. Below the latter + was a framework, and below the framework a receptacle about six inches + deep, five feet long, and three broad, filled with chains, iron belts, + wrist-locks, muffles, and screw-locked hobbles, &c.; a regular + Inquisition. + </p> + <p> + If Baker had descended from the Kemble family, instead of rising from + nothing, he could not have acted better. “Good Heavens!” cried he, “where + do these come from? They must have been left here by the last proprietor.” + </p> + <p> + Vane replied only by a look of contempt, and ordered Cooper to go and ask + Mr. Tollett to come to him. + </p> + <p> + Alfred improved the interval. “Sir,” said he, “all my delusions, fairly + tested, will turn out like this.” + </p> + <p> + “They <i>shall</i> be tested, sir; I give you my word.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tollett came, and the two justices commenced a genuine scrutiny—their + first. They went now upon the true method, in which all these dark places + ought to be inspected. They did not believe a word; they suspected + everything; they examined patients apart, detected cruelty, filth and + vermin under philanthropic phrases and clean linen; and the upshot was + they reprimanded Baker and the attendants severely, and told him his + licence should never be renewed, unless at their next visit the whole + asylum was reformed. They ordered all the iron body-belts, chains, + leg-locks, wrist-locks, and muffs, to be put into Mr. Tollett's carriage, + and concluded a long inspection by inquiring into Alfred's sanity: at this + inquiry they did not allow Baker to be even present, but only Dr. Bailey. + </p> + <p> + First they read the order; and found it really was not Alfred's father who + had put him into the asylum. Then they read the certificates, especially + Wycherley's. It accused Alfred of headache, insomnia, nightly visions, a + rooted delusion (pecuniary), a sudden aversion to an affectionate father; + and at the doctor's last visit, a wild look (formula), great excitement, + and threats of violence without any provocation to justify them. This + overpowered the worthy squires' understandings to begin. But they + proceeded to examine the three books an asylum has to keep by law: the + visitor's book, the case book, and the medical journal. All these were + kept with the utmost looseness in Silverton House as indeed they are in + the very best of these places. However, by combining the scanty notices in + the several books, they arrived at this total: + </p> + <p> + “Admitted April 11. Had a very wild look, and was much excited. Attempted + suicide by throwing himself into a tank. Attacked the keepers for rescuing + him, with prodigious strength and violence. Refused food.” + </p> + <p> + And some days after came an entry with his initials instead of his name, + which was contrary to law. “A. H. Much excited. Threats. Ordered composing + draught.” + </p> + <p> + And a day or two after: “A. H. Excited. Blasphemous. Ordered blister.” + </p> + <p> + The first entry, however, was enough. The doctor had but seen real facts + through his green spectacles, and lo! “suicide,” “homicide,” and “refusal + of food,” three cardinal points of true mania. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vane asked Dr. Bailey whether he was better since he came. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, infinitely better,” said Dr. Bailey. “We hope to cure him in a month + or two.” + </p> + <p> + They then sent for Mrs. Archbold, and had a long talk with her, + recommending Alfred to her especial care: and, having acted on his + judgment and information in the teeth of those who called him insane, + turned tail at a doctor's certificate; distrusted their eyesight at an + unsworn affidavit. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was packing up his things to go away; bright as a lark. Mrs. + Archbold came to him, and told him she had orders to give him every + comfort; and the justices hoped to liberate him at their next visit. + </p> + <p> + The poor wretch turned pale. “At their next visit!” he cried, “What, not + to-day? When is their next visit?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold hesitated: but at last she said, “Why you know; I told you; + they come four times every year.” + </p> + <p> + The disappointment was too bitter. The contemptible result of all his + patience, self-command, and success, was too heart-breaking. He groaned + aloud. “And you can come with a smile and tell me that; you cruel woman.” + Then he broke down altogether and burst out crying. “You were born without + a heart,” he sobbed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold quivered at that. “I wish I had been,” said she, in a + strange, soft, moving voice; then, casting an eloquent look of reproach on + him, she went away in visible agitation, and left him sobbing. Once out of + his sight she rushed into another room, and there, taking no more notice + of a gentle madwoman, its occupant, than of the bed or the table, she sank + into a chair, and, throwing her head back with womanly abandon, hid her + hand upon her bosom that heaved tempestuously. + </p> + <p> + And soon the tears trickled out of her imperious eyes, and ran + unrestrained. + </p> + <p> + The mind of Edith Archbold corresponded with her powerful frame, and bushy + brows. Inside this woman all was vigour: strong passions, strong good + sense to check or hide them; strong will to carry them out. And between + these mental forces a powerful struggle was raging. She was almost + impenetrable to mere personal beauty, and inclined to despise early youth + in the other sex; and six months spent with Alfred in a quiet country + house would probably have left her reasonably indifferent to him. But the + first day she saw him in Silverton House he broke through her guard, and + pierced at once to her depths; first he terrified her by darting through + the window to escape: and terror is a passion. So is pity; and never in + her life had she overflowed with it as when she saw him drawn out of the + tank and laid on the grass. If, after all, he was as sane as he looked, + that brave high-spirited young creature, who preferred death to the touch + of coarse confining hands! + </p> + <p> + No sooner had he filled her with dismay and pity, than he bounded from the + ground before her eyes and fled. She screamed, and hoped he would escape; + she could not help it. Next she saw him fighting alone against seven or + eight, and with unheard-of prowess almost beating them. She sat at the + window panting, with clenched teeth and hands, and wished him to beat, and + admired him, wondered at him. He yielded, but not to them: to her. All the + compliments she had ever received were tame compared with this one. It + thrilled her vanity. He was like the men she had read of, and never seen: + the young knights of chivalry. She glowed all over at him, and detecting + herself in time was frightened. Her strong good sense warned her to beware + of this youth, who was nine years her junior, yet had stirred her to all + her depths in an hour; and not to see him nor think of him too much. + Accordingly she kept clear of him altogether at first. Pity soon put an + end to that; and she protected and advised him, but with a cold and lofty + demeanour put on express. What with her kind acts and her cold manner he + did not know what to make of her; and often turned puzzled earnest eyes + upon her, as much as to say, Are you really my friend or not? Once she + forgot herself and smiled so tenderly in answer to these imploring eyes, + that his hopes rose very high indeed. He flattered himself she would let + him out of the asylum before long. That was all Julia's true lover thought + of. + </p> + <p> + A feeling hidden, and not suppressed, often grows fast in a vigorous + nature. Mrs. Archbold's fancy for Alfred was subjected to this dangerous + treatment; and it smouldered, and smouldered, till from a <i>penchant</i> + it warmed to a fancy, from a fancy to a passion. But <i>penchant,</i> + fancy, or passion, she hid it with such cunning and resolution, that + neither Alfred nor even those of her own sex saw it; nor did a creature + even suspect it, except Nurse Hannah; but her eyes were sharpened by + jealousy, for that muscular young virgin was beginning to sigh for him + herself, with a gentle timidity that contrasted prettily with her biceps + muscle and prowess against her own sex. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold had more passion than tenderness, but what woman is not to + be surprised and softened? When her young favourite, the greatest fighter + she had ever seen, broke down at the end of his gallant effort and began + to cry like a girl, her bowels of compassion yearned within her, and she + longed to cry with him. She only saved herself from some imprudence by + flight, and had her cry alone. After a flow of tears, such a woman is + invincible; she treated Alfred at tea-time with remarkable coldness and + reserve. This piece of acting led to unlooked-for consequences: it + emboldened Cooper, who was raging against Alfred for telling the justices, + but had forborne from violence for fear of getting the house into a fresh + scrape. He now went to the doctor, and asked for a powerful drastic. + Bailey gave him two pills, or rather boluses, containing croton oil—<i>inter + alia;</i> for Bailey was one of the <i>farraginous</i> fools of the + unscientific science. Armed with this weapon of destruction, Cooper + entered Alfred's bedroom at night, and ordered him to take them: he + refused. Cooper whistled, and four attendants came. Alfred knew he should + soon be powerless. He lost no time, sprang at Cooper, and with his long + arm landed a blow that knocked him against the wall, and in this position, + where his body could not give, struck him again with his whole soul, and + cut his cheek right open. The next minute he was pinned, handcuffed, and + in a straitjacket, after crippling one assailant with a kick on the knee. + </p> + <p> + Cooper, half stunned, and bleeding like a pig, recovered himself now, and + burned for revenge. He uttered a frightful oath, and jumped on Alfred as + he lay bound and powerless, and gave him a lesson he never forgot. + </p> + <p> + Every art has its secrets: the attendants in such madhouses as this have + been for years possessed of one they are too modest to reveal to justices, + commissioners, or the public; the art of breaking a man's ribs, or + breast-bone, or both, without bruising him externally. The convicts at + Toulon arrive at a similar result by another branch of the art: they stuff + the skin of a conger eel with powdered stone; then give the obnoxious + person a sly crack with it; and a rib backbone is broken with no contusion + to mark the external violence used. But Mr. Cooper and his fellows do + their work with the knee-joint: it is round, and leaves no bruise. They + subdue the patient by walking up and down him on their knees. If they + don't jump on him, as well as promenade him, the man's spirit is often the + only thing broken; if they do, the man is apt to be broken bodily as well + as mentally. Thus died Mr. Sizer in 1854, and two others quite recently. + And how many more God only knows: we can't count the stones at the bottom + of a dark well. + </p> + <p> + Cooper then sprang furiously on Alfred, and went kneeling up and down him. + Cooper was a heavy man, and his weight crushed and hurt the victim's legs; + but that was a trifle: as often as he kneeled on Alfred's chest, the + crushed one's whole framework seemed giving way, and he could scarcely + breathe. But Brown drew Cooper back by the collar, saying, “D'ye want to + kill him?” And at this moment Mrs. Archbold, who was on the watch, came in + with Hannah and another nurse, and the three women at a word from their + leader pinned Cooper simultaneously, and, taking him at a disadvantage, + handcuffed him in a moment with a strength, sharpness, skill, and + determination not to be found in women out of a madhouse—luckily for + the newspaper husbands. + </p> + <p> + The other keepers looked astounded at this masterstroke; but, as no + servant had ever affronted Mrs. Archbold without being dismissed directly, + they took their cue and said, “We advised him, ma'am, but he would not + listen to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Cooper,” said Mrs. Archbold as soon as she recovered her breath, “you are + not fit for your place. To-morrow you go, or I go.” + </p> + <p> + Cooper, cowed in a moment by the handcuffs, began to whine and say that it + was all Alfred's fault. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Archbold was now carried away by two passions instead of one, and + they were together too much for prudence. She took a handful of glossy + locks out of her bosom and shook them in Cooper's face. + </p> + <p> + “You monster!” said she; “you should go, for <i>that,</i> if you were my + own brother.” + </p> + <p> + The two young nurses assented loudly, and turned and cackled at Cooper for + cutting off such lovely hair. + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders at them, and said sulkily to Mrs. Archbold, “Oh, + I didn't know. Of course, if you have fallen in love with him, my cake is + burnt. 'Tisn't the first lunatic you have taken a fancy to.” + </p> + <p> + At this brutal speech, all the more intolerable for not being quite false, + Mrs. Archbold turned ashy pale, and looked round for a weapon to strike + him dead; but found none so handy and so deadly as her tongue. + </p> + <p> + “It's not the first you have tried to MURDER,” said she. “I know all about + that death in Calton Retreat: you kept it dark before the coroner; but it + is not too late, I'll open the world's eyes. I was only going to dismiss + you, sir: but you have insulted me. I'll hang you in reply.” + </p> + <p> + Cooper turned very pale and was silent; his tongue clove to the roof of + his mouth. + </p> + <p> + But a feeble, unexpected voice issued from the bed and murmured + cheerfully, though with some difficulty, a single word— + </p> + <p> + “Justice!” + </p> + <p> + At an expression so out of place they all started with surprise. + </p> + <p> + Alfred went on: “You are putting the saddle on the wrong horse. The fault + lies with those villains Baker and Bailey. Cooper is only a servant, you + know, and obeys orders.” + </p> + <p> + “What business had the wretch to cut your hair off?” said Mrs. Archbold, + turning on Alfred with flashing eyes. Her blood once up, she was ready to + quarrel even with him for taking part against himself. + </p> + <p> + “Because he was ordered to put on a blister, and hair must come off before + a blister can go on,” replied Alfred soberly. + </p> + <p> + “That is no excuse for him beating you and trying to break your front + teeth.” + </p> + <p> + She didn't mind so much about his side ribs. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Alfred. “But I hit him first: look at the bloke's face. Dear + Mrs. Archbold, you are my best friend in this horrid place, and you have + beautiful eyes; and, talk of teeth, look at yours! But you haven't much + sense of justice, forgive me for saying so. Put the proposition into + signs; there is nothing like that for clearing away prejudice. B. and C. + have a scrimmage: B begins it, C. gets the worst of it; in comes A. and + turns away—C. Is that justice? It is me you ought to turn away; and + I wish to Heaven you would: dear Mrs. Archbold, do pray turn me away, and + keep the other blackguard.” + </p> + <p> + At this extraordinary and, if I may be allowed the expression, Alfredian + speech, the men first stared, and then laughed; the women smiled, and then + were nearer crying than laughing. + </p> + <p> + And so it was, that justice handcuffed, straitjacketed, blistered, and + impartial, sent from its bed of torture a beam through Cooper's tough hide + to his inner heart. He hung his head and stepped towards Alfred: “You're + what I call a man,” he said. “I don't care a curse whether I stay or go, + after what she has said to me. But, come what may, you're a gentleman, and + one as can put hisself in a poor man's place. Why, sir, I wasn't always so + rough; but I have been twenty years at it; and mad folk they'd wear the + patience out of Jove, and the milk of human kindness out of saints and + opossums. However, if I was to stay here all my life, instead of going + to-morrow, I'd never lift hand to trouble you again, for you taking my + part again yourself like that.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll put that to the test,” said Mrs. Archbold sharply. “Stay—on + your probation. Hannah!” + </p> + <p> + And Baby-face biceps at a look took off his handcuffs; which she had been + prominent in putting on. + </p> + <p> + This extraordinary scene ended in the men being dismissed, and the women + remaining and going to work after their kind. + </p> + <p> + “The bed is too short for one thing,” said Hannah. “Look at his poor feet + sticking out and cold as a stone: just feel of them, Jane.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; murder!” cried Alfred; “that tickles.” + </p> + <p> + Hannah ran for a chair, Jane for another pillow. Mrs. Archbold took off + his handcuffs, and, passing her hand softly and caressingly over his head, + lamented the loss of his poor hair. Amongst them they relieved him of his + straitjacket, set up his head, covered his feet, and he slept like a top + for want of drastics and opiates, and in spite of some brilliant charges + by the Lilliputian cavalry. + </p> + <p> + After this the attendants never molested Alfred again; nor did the doctor; + for Mrs. Archbold got his boluses, and sent them up to a famous analysing + chemist in London, and told him she had; and said, “I'll thank you not to + prescribe at random for <i>that</i> patient any more.” He took the lady's + prescription, coming as it did in a voice quietly grim, and with a + momentary but wicked glance shot from under her black brows. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was all the more miserable at his confinement: his melancholy + deepened now there was no fighting to excite him. A handsome bright young + face clouded with sadness is very pitiable, and I need not say that both + the women who had fallen in love with him had their eyes, or at least the + tails of their eyes, for ever on his face. The result varied with the + characters of the watchers. That young face, ever sad, made Mrs. Archbold + sigh, and long to make him happy under her wing. How it wrought on the + purer and more womanly Hannah will be revealed by the incident I have to + relate. Alfred was sitting on a bench in the corridor bowed down by grief, + and the Archbold lurking in a room hard by, feasting her eyes on him + through an aperture in the door caused by the inspection plate being under + repair—when an erotic maniac was driven past. She had obtained + access—with marvellous cunning—to the men's side; but was now + coming back with a flea in her ear, and faster than she went; being + handcuffed and propelled by Baby-face biceps. On passing the disconsolate + Alfred the latter eyed him coyly, gave her stray sheep a coarse push—as + one pushes a <i>thing</i>—and laid a timid hand, gentle as falling + down, upon the rougher sex. Contrast sudden and funny. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be so sad, sir,” she murmured, cooing like the gentlest of doves. + “I can't bear to see you look like that.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred looked up, and met her full with his mournful honest eyes. “Ah, + Hannah, how can I be anything but sad, imprisoned here, sane amongst the + mad?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and so am I, sir; so is Mrs. Archbold herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but you have not been entrapped, imprisoned on your wedding-day. I + cannot even get a word sent to my Julia, my wife that ought to be. Only + think of the affront they have made me put on her I love better, ten times + better, than myself. Why, she must have been waiting for me; humiliated + perhaps by my absence. What will she think of me? The rogues will tell her + a thousand lies: she is very high spirited, Hannah, impetuous like myself, + only so gentle and so good. Oh, my angel, my angel; I shall lose you for + ever.” + </p> + <p> + Hannah clasped her hands, with tears in her eyes: “No, no,” she cried; “it + is a burning shame to part true lovers like you and her. Hush! speak low. + Brown told me you are as well as he is.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless him for it, then.” + </p> + <p> + “You have got money, they say; try it on with Brown.” + </p> + <p> + “I will. Oh you darling. What is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + For Baby-face was beginning to whimper. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing, sir; only you are so glad to go; and we shall be sorry to + part with you: but you won't care for that—oh! oh! oh!” + </p> + <p> + “What, do you think I shall forget you and your kindness? Never: I'll + square accounts with friends and foes; not one shall be forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't offer me any of your money,” sobbed Hannah, “for I wouldn't touch + it. Good-bye,” said she: “I shan't have as much as a kiss for it I'll be + bound: good-bye,” said she again, and never moved. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, won't you, though,” cried Alfred gaily. “What is that? and that? and + that? Now, what on earth are you crying about? Dry your tears, you dear + good-hearted girl: no, I'll dry them for you.” + </p> + <p> + He took out a white handkerchief and dried her cheeks gently for her, and + gave her a parting kiss. But the Archbold's patience was exhausted: a door + opened nearly opposite, and there she stood yellow with jealousy and + sombre as night with her ebon brows. At sight of this lowering figure + Hannah uttered a squawk, and fled with cheeks red as fire. Alfred, not + aware of Mrs. Archbold's smouldering passion, and little dreaming that + jealous anguish and rage stood incarnate before him, burst out laughing + like a mischievous boy! On this she swept upon him, and took him by both + shoulders, and awed him with her lowering brows close to his. “You + ungrateful wretch,” she said violently, and panted. + </p> + <p> + His colour rose. “Ungrateful? That I am not madam. Why do you call me so?” + </p> + <p> + “You are—you are. What have I done to you that you run from me to + the very servants? However, she shall be packed off this very night, and + you to thank for it.” + </p> + <p> + This was the way to wound the generous youth. “Now it is you that are + ungenerous,” he said. “What harm has the poor girl done? She had a + virtuous movement and pitied me for the heartless fraud I suffer by; that + is all. Pray, do you never pity me?” + </p> + <p> + “Was it this virtuous movement set her kissing you?” said the Archbold, + clenching her teeth as if the word stung her, like the sight. + </p> + <p> + “She didn't, now,” said Alfred; “it was I kissed her.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you pretend to love your Julia so truly?” + </p> + <p> + “This is no place for that sacred name, madam. But be sure I have no + secrets from her, and kiss nobody she would not kiss herself.” + </p> + <p> + “She must be a very accommodating young lady.” + </p> + <p> + At this insult Alfred rose pale with anger, and was about to defy his + monitor mortally; but the quick-witted woman saw and disarmed him. In one + moment, before ever he could speak, she was a transformed creature, a + penitent; she put her hands together supplicatingly, and murmured— + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean it; I respect <i>her;</i> and your love for her; forgive + me, Alfred: I am so unhappy, oh forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + And behold she held his hand between her soft, burning palms, and her + proud head sank languidly on his shoulder, and the inevitable tears ran + gently. + </p> + <p> + Morals apart, it was glorious love-making. + </p> + <p> + “Bother the woman,” thought Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Promise me not to do it again,” she murmured, “and the girl shall stay.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, lord, yes, I promise; though I can't see what it matters to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, cruel boy, alas! but it matters to her; for——” She + kissed Alfred's hand gently, and rose to her feet and moved away; but at + the second step turned her head sudden as a bird and finished her sentence—“if + you kiss her before me, I shall kill her before you.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a fresh complication! The men had left off blistering, torturing, + and bullying him; but his guardian angels, the women, were turning up + their sleeves to pull caps over him, and plenty of the random scratches + would fall on him. If anything could have made him pine more to be out of + the horrid place, this voluptuous prospect would. He hunted everywhere for + Brown. But he was away the day with a patient. At night he lay awake for a + long time, thinking how he should open the negotiation. He shrank from it. + He felt a delicacy about bribing Beelzebub's servant to betray him. + </p> + <p> + As Hannah had originated the idea, he thought he might very well ask her + to do the dirty work of bribing Brown, and he would pay her for it; only + in money, not kisses. With this resolution he sank to sleep, and his + spirit broke prison: he stood with Julia before the altar, and the priest + made them one. Then the church and the company and daylight disappeared, + and her own sweet low moving voice came thrilling, “My own, own, own,” she + murmured. “I love you ten times more for all you have endured for me;” and + with this her sweet lips settled on his like the dew. + </p> + <p> + Impartial sleep flies at the steps of the scaffold and the gate of + Elysium: so Alfred awoke at the above; but doubted whether he was quite + awake; for two velvet lips seemed to be still touching his. He stirred, + and somebody was gone like the wind, with a rustle of flying petticoats, + and his door shut in a moment. It closed with a catch-lock; this dastardly + vision had opened it with her key, and left it open to make good her + retreat if he should awake. Alfred sat up in bed indignant, and somewhat + fluttered. “Confound her impudence,” said he. But there was no help for + it; he grinned and bore it, as he had the blisters, and boluses, &c., + rolled the clothes round his shoulders, and off to the sleep of the just + again. Not so the passionate hypocrite, who, maddened by a paroxysm of + jealousy, had taken this cowardly advantage of a prisoner. She had sucked + fresh poison from those honest lips, and filled her veins with molten + fire. She tossed and turned the livelong night in a high fever of passion, + nor were the cold chills wanting of shame and fear at what she had done. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, Alfred remembered this substantial vision, and determined + to find out which of those two it was. “I shall know by her looks,” said + he; “she won't be able to meet my eye.” Well, the first he saw was Mrs. + Archbold. She met his eye full with a mild and pensive dignity. “Come, it + is not you,” thought Alfred. Presently he fell in with Hannah. She wore a + serene, infantine face, the picture of unobtrusive modesty. Alfred was + dumbfoundered. “It's not this one, either,” said he. “But then, it must. + Confound her impudence for looking so modest.” However, he did not speak + to her; he was looking out for a face that interested him far more: the + weather-beaten countenance of Giles Brown. He saw him once or twice, but + could not get him alone till the afternoon. He invited him into his room: + and when he got him there, lost no time. “Just look me in the face, + Brown,” said he quietly. Brown looked him in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir, am I mad or sane?” + </p> + <p> + Brown turned his head away. Alfred laughed. “No, no, none of your tricks, + old fellow: look me in the face while you answer.” + </p> + <p> + The man coloured. “I can't look a gentleman like you in the face, and tell + him he is mad.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think not. Well, now; what shall I give you to help me escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! don't mention that, sir; it's as much as my place is worth even to + listen to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! then I must give you as much as your place is worth. Please to + calculate that, and name the figure.” + </p> + <p> + “My place! I wouldn't lose it for a hundred pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. Then I'll give you a hundred guineas.” + </p> + <p> + “And how am I to get my money, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “The first time you are out, come to Albion Villa, in Barkington, and I'll + have it all ready for you.” + </p> + <p> + “And suppose you were to say, 'No: you didn't ought ever to have been + confined'?” + </p> + <p> + “I must trouble you to look in my face again, Mr. Brown. Now, do you see + treason, bad faith, avarice, ingratitude, rascality in it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a grain of 'em,” said Brown, with an accent of conviction. “Well, + now, I'll tell you the truth; I can read a gent by this time: and I'm no + more afeared for the money than if I had it in my hand. But ye see, my + stomach won't let me do it.” + </p> + <p> + This was a sad disappointment; so sudden, too. “Your stomach?” said Alfred + ruefully. “'What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, my stomach. Wouldn't <i>your</i> stomach rise against serving a man + that had done you the worst turn one man can do another—been and + robbed you of your sweetheart?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred stared with amazement. + </p> + <p> + Brown continued, and now with some emotion: “Hannah Blake and I were very + good friends till you came, and I was thinking of asking her to name the + day; but now she won't look at me. 'Don't come teasing me,' says she, 'I + am meat for your master.' It's you that have turned the girl's head, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Bother the women!” said Alfred cordially. “Oh, what plagues they are! And + how unjust <i>you</i> are, to spite me for the fault of another. Can I + help the fools from spooning upon me?” He reflected a moment then burst + out: “Brown, you are a duffer, a regular duffer. What, don't you see your + game is to get me out of the place? If you do, in forty-eight hours I + shall be married to my Julia, and that dumpling-faced girl will be cured. + But if you keep me here, by Gee, sir, I'll make hot love to your Hannah, + boiling hot, hotter than ever was—out of the isles of Greece. Oh do + help me out, and I'll give you the hundred pounds, and I'll give Hannah + another hundred pounds, on condition she marries you: and, if she won't + marry you, she shan't have a farthing, only a good hiding.” + </p> + <p> + Brown was overpowered by his maniac's logic. “You have a head,” said he; + “there's my hand; I'll go in, if I die for it.” + </p> + <p> + They now put their heads together over the means. Brown's plan was to + wait, and wait, for an opportunity. Alfred's was to make one this very + night. + </p> + <p> + “But how can I?” said Brown. “I shan't have the key of your room. I am not + on watch in your part to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Borrow Hannah's.” + </p> + <p> + “Hannah's? She has got no key of the male patients rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, she has; of mine, at all events.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think that, sir?” said Brown suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + Alfred didn't know what to say: he could not tell him why he felt sure she + had a key. + </p> + <p> + “Just go quietly and ask her for it” said he: “don't tell her I sent you, + now.” + </p> + <p> + Brown obeyed, and returned in half-an-hour with the key of the vacant + bedroom, where the hobbles and chains were hidden on the arrival of the + justices. + </p> + <p> + She tells me this is the only key she has of any room in this corridor. + “But dear heart,” said Brown, “how quicksighted the women are. She said, + says she, 'If it is to bring sorrowful true lovers together again, Giles, + or the like of that I'll try and get the key you want off Mrs. Archbold's + bunch, though I get the sack for it,' says she. 'I know she heaves them in + the parlour at night' says Hannah. She is a trump, you must allow.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred coloured up. He suspected he had been unjust. + </p> + <p> + “She is a good, kind, single-hearted girl,” said he; “and neither of you + shall find me ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + It was evident by the alacrity Brown now showed, that he had got his + orders from Hannah. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that Alfred should be down at night in his clothes, ready to + seize the right moment; that Hannah should get the key, and watch the + coast clear, and let him out into the corridor; and Brown get him down by + a back stairs, and out on the lawn, There he would find a ladder close by + the wall, and his own arms and legs must do the rest. + </p> + <p> + And now Alfred was a changed creature: his eye sparkled; he walked on air, + and already sniffed the air of liberty. + </p> + <p> + After tea Brown brought in some newspapers, and made Alfred a signal, + previously agreed on, that the ladder was under the east wall. He went to + bed early, put on his tweed shooting-jacket and trousers, and lay + listening to the clock with beating heart. + </p> + <p> + At first, feet passed to and fro from time to time. These became less + frequent as the night wore on. + </p> + <p> + Presently a light foot passed, stopped at the door, and made a sharp + scratch on it with some metal instrument. + </p> + <p> + It was the key. The time was not ripe to use it, but good Hannah had taken + this way to let him know she had got it. + </p> + <p> + This little scratch outside his door, oh it made his heart leap and + thrill. One great difficulty was overcome. He waited, and waited, but with + glowing, hopeful heart; and at last a foot came swiftly, the key turned, + and Hannah opened the door. She had a bull's-eye lantern. + </p> + <p> + “Take your shoes in your hand,” she whispered, “and follow me.” + </p> + <p> + He followed her. She led him in and out, to the door of the public room + belonging to the second-class patients. Then she drew her whistle, and + breathed very softly. Brown answered as softly from the other end. He was + waiting at the opposite door. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said she; “the dangerous part is over.” She put a key into + the door, and said very softly, “Good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, Hannah,” said Alfred, with deep emotion. “God in heaven + bless you for this!” + </p> + <p> + “He will, He does,” said the single-hearted girl, and put her other hand + to her breast with a great gulp. She opened the door slowly. “Good-bye, + dear. I shall never see you again.” + </p> + <p> + And so these two parted; for Hannah could not bear the sight of Giles at + that moment. He was welcome to Alfred, though, most welcome, and conducted + him by devious ways to the kitchen, lantern in hand. + </p> + <p> + He opened the kitchen door softly, and saw two burly strangers seated at + the table, eating with all their souls, and Mrs. Archbold standing before + the fire, but looking towards him: for she had heard his footsteps ever so + far off. + </p> + <p> + The men looked up, and saw Alfred. They rose to their feet, and said, + “This will be the gentleman, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs. Archbold. + </p> + <p> + “Your servant, sir,” said the man very civilly. “If you are ready we are.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + SAMPSON'S placard was on Barkington walls, and inside the asylum Alfred + was softening hearts and buying consciences, as related; so, in fact, he + had two strings to his bow. + </p> + <p> + But mark how strangely things turn; these two strings got entangled. His + father, alarmed by the placard, had called at the pawnbroker's shop, and + told him he must move Alfred directly to a London asylum. Baker raised + objections; Mr. Hardie crushed them with his purse, <i>i.e.,</i> with his + son's and victim's sweetheart's father's money. So then, as Baker after + all could not resist the project, but only postpone it for a day or two, + he preferred to take a handsome present, and cooperate. He even connived + at Mr. Hardie's signing the requisite name to the new order. This the + giddy world calls forgery; but, in these calm retreats, far from the + public's inquisitive eye, it goes for nothing. Why, Mrs. Archbold had + signed Baker's name and Dr. Bailey's more than a hundred several times to + orders, statements, and certificates; depriving Englishmen of their + liberty and their property with a gesture of her taper fingers; and + venting the conventional terms, “Aberration,” “Exaltation,” “Depression,” + “Debility,” “Paralysis,” “Excitable,” “Abnormal,” as boldly and blindly as + any male starling in the flock. + </p> + <p> + On the very night, then, of Alfred's projected escape, two keepers came + down from Dr. Wycherley's asylum to Silverton station: Baker met them and + drove them to Silverton House in his dog-cart. They were to take Alfred up + by the night train; and, when he came into the kitchen with Brown, they + suspected nothing, nor did Baker or Cooper, who presently emerged from the + back kitchen. Brown saw, and recovered his wits partially. “Shall I go for + his portmanteau, sir?” stammered he, making a shrewd and fortunate guess + at what was up. Baker assented; and soon after went out to get the horse + harnessed. On this Mrs. Archbold, pale, sorrowful, and silent hitherto, + beckoned Alfred into the back kitchen, and there gave him his watch and + his loose money. “I took care of them for you,” said she; “for the like + have often been stolen in this place. Put the money in your shoes; it may + be useful to you.” + </p> + <p> + He thanked her somewhat sullenly; for his disappointment was so deep and + bitter that small kindnesses almost irritated him. + </p> + <p> + She sighed. “It is cruel to be angry with <i>me,</i>” she said: “I am not + the cause of this; it is a heavier blow to me than to you. Sooner or later + you will be free—and then you will not waste a thought on me, I fear—but + I must remain in this odious prison without your eyes and your smile to + lighten me, yet unable to forget you. Oh, Alfred, for mercy's sake, + whisper me one kind word at parting; give me one kind look to remember and + dote upon.” + </p> + <p> + She put out both hands as eloquently as she spoke, and overpowered his + prudence so far that he took her offered hands—they were as cold now + as they were burning hot the last time—and pressed them, and said— + </p> + <p> + “I shall be grateful to you while I live.” + </p> + <p> + The passionate woman snatched her hands away. “Gratitude is too cold for + me,” she cried; “I scorn even yours. Love me or hate me.” + </p> + <p> + He made no reply. And so they parted. + </p> + <p> + “Will you pledge your honour to make no attempt at escape on the road?” + asked the pawnbroker on his return. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see you d——d first,” replied the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + On this he was handcuffed, and helped into the dog-cart. + </p> + <p> + They went up to town by the midnight train; but, to Alfred's astonishment + and delight did not take a carriage to themselves. + </p> + <p> + However, station after station was passed, and nobody came into their + carriage. At last they stopped at a larger station, and a good many people + were on the platform: Alfred took this opportunity and appealed in gentle + but moving terms to the first good and intelligent face he saw. “Sir,” + said he, “I implore your assistance.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman turned courteously to him. The keepers, to Alfred's + surprise, did not interrupt. + </p> + <p> + “I am the victim of a conspiracy, sir; they pretend I am mad: and are + taking me by force to a madhouse, a living tomb.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly don't appear to be mad,” said the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + The head keeper instantly showed him the order and a copy of the + certificates. + </p> + <p> + “Don't look at <i>them,</i> sir,” cried Alfred; “they are signed by men + who were bribed to sign them. For pity's sake, sir, judge for yourself. + Test my memory, my judgment, by any question you please. Use your own good + sense; don't let those venal rogues judge for you.” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman turned cold directly. + </p> + <p> + “I could not take on me to interfere,” said he. The unsworn affidavits had + overpowered his senses. He retired with a frigid inclination. Alfred wrung + his handcuffed hands, and the connecting chain rattled. + </p> + <p> + The men never complained: his conduct was natural; and they knew their + strength. At the next station he tested a snob's humanity instead of a + gentleman's. He had heard they were more tender-hearted. The answer was a + broad grin, repeated at intervals. + </p> + <p> + Being called mad was pretty much the same thing as being mad to a mind of + this class: and Alfred had admitted he was called mad. + </p> + <p> + At the next station he implored a silvery-haired old gentleman. Old age, + he had heard, has known griefs, and learned pity. + </p> + <p> + The keeper showed the certificates. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Senex; “poor young man. Now don't agitate yourself. It is all + for your good. Pray go quietly. Very painful, very painful.” And he + hobbled away as fast as he could. It is by shirking the painful some live + to be silvery old. + </p> + <p> + Next he tried a policeman. Bobby listened to him erect as a dart. + </p> + <p> + The certificates were shown him. + </p> + <p> + He eyed them and said sharply, “All right.” Nor could Alfred's entreaties + and appeals to common sense attract a word or even a look from him. Alfred + cried “Help! murder! If you are Englishmen, if you are Christians, help + me.” + </p> + <p> + This soon drew a crowd round him, listening to his fiery tale of wrong, + and crying “Shame, shame! Let him go.” The keepers touched their heads, + winked, and got out and showed the certificates; the crowd melted away + like wax before those two suns of evidence (unsworn). The train moved on. + </p> + <p> + It was appalling. How could he ever get free? Between his mind and that of + his fellows there lay a spiritual barrier more impassible than the walls + of fortified cities. + </p> + <p> + Yet, at the very next station, with characteristic tenacity of purpose, he + tried again; for he saw a woman standing near, a buxom country woman of + forty. Then he remembered that the Naked Eye was not yet an extinct + institution among her sex. He told her his tale, and implored her to use + her own eyes. She seemed struck, and did eye him far more closely than the + men had: and told the keepers they ought to be ashamed of themselves; he + was no madman, for she had seen madmen. They showed her the certificates. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am no scholar!” said she contemptuously; “ye can't write my two + eyes out of my head.” + </p> + <p> + The keeper whipped off Alfred's cap and showed his shaven crown. + </p> + <p> + “La! so he is,” said she, lowering her tone; “dear heart, what a pity. And + such a pretty young gentleman.” And after that all he could say only drew + the dew of patient pity to her eyes. + </p> + <p> + The train went on, and left her standing there, a statue of negative + clemency. Alfred lost heart. He felt how impotent he was. “I shall die in + a madhouse,” he said. He shivered in a corner, hating man, and doubting + God. + </p> + <p> + They reached Dr. Wycherley's early in the morning. Alfred was shown into a + nice clean bedroom, and asked whether he would like to bathe or sleep. + “Oh, a bath,” he said; and was allowed to bathe himself. He had not been + long in the water when Dr. Wycherley's medical assistant tapped at the + door, and then entered without further ceremony—a young gentleman + with a longish down on his chin, which, initiated early in the secrets of + physiology, he was too knowing to shave off and so go to meet his trouble. + He came in looking like a machine, with a note-book in his hand, and stood + by the bath side dictating notes to himself and jotting them down. + </p> + <p> + “Six contusions: two on the thorax, one on the abdomen, two on the thighs, + one near the patella; turn, please.” Alfred turned in the water. “A slight + dorsal abrasion; also of the wrists; a severe excoriation of the ankle. + Leg-lock, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Iron leg-lock. Head shaved. Large blister. Good! Any other injuries + external or internal under old system?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, confined as a madman though sane, as <i>you,</i> I am sure, + have the sense to see.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind that; we are all sane here—except the governor and + I.” + </p> + <p> + He whipped out, and entered the condition of the new patient's body with + jealous minuteness in the case-book. As for his mind, he made no inquiry + into that: indeed he was little qualified for researches of the kind. + </p> + <p> + At breakfast Alfred sat with a number of mad ladies and gentlemen, who by + firmness, kindness, and routine, had been led into excellent habits: the + linen was clean and the food good. He made an excellent meal, and set + about escaping: with this view he explored the place. Nobody interfered + with him; but plenty of eyes watched him. The house was on the + non-restraint system. He soon found this system was as bad for him as it + was good for the insane. Non-restraint implied a great many attendants, + and constant vigilance. Moreover, the doors were strong, the windows + opened only eight inches, and that from the top: their framework was iron, + painted like wood, &c. It was next to impossible to get into the yard + at night: and then it looked quite impossible to get any further, for the + house was encompassed by high walls. + </p> + <p> + He resigned all hope of escape without connivance. He sounded a keeper; + the man fired at the first word. “Come, none of that, sir; you should know + better than tempt a poor man.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred coloured to the eyes and sighed deeply. To have honour thrown in + his face, and made the reason for not aiding him to baffle a dishonourable + conspiracy! But he took the reproof so sweetly, the man was touched, and + by-and-bye, seeing him deeply dejected, said good-naturedly, “Don't be + down on your luck, sir. If you are really better, which you don't look to + have much the matter now, why not write to the Commissioners and ask to be + let out?” + </p> + <p> + “Because my letters will be intercepted.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to your friends; but not to the Commissioners of Lunacy. Not in this + house, any way.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you!” cried Alfred impetuously. “You are my benefactor; you are + an honest fellow; give me your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why not? Only you mustn't excite yourself. Take it easy.” + (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no cant among friends!” said Alfred: “wouldn't you be excited at the + hope of getting out of prison?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know but I might. Bound I am as sick of it as you are.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred got paper and sketched the letter on which so much depended. It + took him six hours. He tore up two; he cooled down the third, and + condensed it severely: by this means, after much thought, he produced a + close and telling composition. He also weeded it of every trait and every + term he had observed in mad people's talk, or the letters they had shown + him. So there was no incoherency, no heat, no prolixity, no “spies,” no + “conspiracy,” no italics. A simple, honest, earnest story, with bitter + truth stamped on every line; a sober, strong appeal from a sore heart but + hard head to the arbiters of his fate. + </p> + <p> + To the best of my belief no madman, however slightly touched, or however + cunning, ever wrote a letter so gentle yet strong, so earnest yet calm, so + short yet full, and withal so lucid and cleanly jointed as this was. And I + am no contemptible judge; for I have accumulated during the last few years + a large collection of letters from persons deranged in various degrees, + and studied them minutely, more minutely than most Psychologicals study + anything but Pounds, Shillings, and Verbiage. + </p> + <p> + The letter went, and he hoped but scarcely expected an answer by return of + post. It did not come. He said to his heart, “Be still;” and waited. + Another day went by; and another: he gnawed his heart and waited: he + pined, and waited on. The Secret Tribunal, which was all a shallow + legislature had left him, “took it easy.” Secret Tribunals always do. + </p> + <p> + But, while the victim-suitor longed and pined and languished for one sound + from the voice of Justice and Humanity, and while the Secret Tribunal, not + being in prison itself all this time, “took it easy,” events occurred at + Barkington that bade fair to throw open the prison doors and bring father + and son, bride and bridegroom, together again under one roof. + </p> + <p> + But at what a price. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV + </h2> + <p> + AT sight of Sampson's placard Mr. Hardie was seized with a tremor that + suspended the razor in mid air: he opened the window, and glared at the + doctor's notice. + </p> + <p> + At this moment he himself was a picture: not unlike those half cleaned + portraits the picture restorers hang out as specimens of their art. + </p> + <p> + “Insolent interfering fool,” he muttered, and began to walk the room in + agitation. After a while he made a strong effort, shaved the other half, + and dressed slowly, thinking hard all the time. The result was, he went + out before breakfast (which he had not done for years), and visited Mr. + Baker—for what purpose has been already shown. + </p> + <p> + On his return, Jane was waiting breakfast. The first word to him was: + “Papa, have you seen?” + </p> + <p> + “What, the Reward!” said he indifferently. “Yes, I noticed it at our door + as I came home.” + </p> + <p> + Jane said it was a very improper and most indelicate interference in their + affairs, and went on to say with heightened colour: “I have just told + Peggy to take it down. + </p> + <p> + “Not for the world!” cried Mr. Hardie, losing all his calmness real or + feigned; and he rang the bell hastily. On Peggy's appearing, he said + anxiously, “I do not wish that Notice interfered with.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't think of touching it without your order, sir,” said she + quietly, and shot him a feline glance from under her pale lashes. + </p> + <p> + Jane coloured, and looked a little mortified: but on Peggy's retiring, Mr. + Hardie explained that, whether judicious or not, it was a friendly act of + Dr. Sampson's; and to pull down his notice would look like siding with the + boy against those he had injured: “Besides,” said he, “why should you and + I burk inquiry? Ill as he has used me, I am his father, and not altogether + without anxiety. Suppose those doctors should be right about him, you + know?” + </p> + <p> + Jane had for some time been longing to call at Albion Villa and sympathise + with her friend; and now curiosity was superadded: she burned to know + whether the Dodds knew of or approved this placard. She asked her father + whether he thought she could go there with propriety. “Why not?” said he + cheerfully, and with assumed carelessness. + </p> + <p> + In reality it was essential to him that Jane should visit the Dodds. + Surrounded by pitfalls, threatened with a new and mysterious assailant in + the eccentric, but keen and resolute Sampson, this artful man, who had now + become a very Machiavel—constant danger and deceit had so sharpened + and deepened his great natural abilities—was preparing amongst other + defences a shield; and that shield was a sieve; and that sieve was his + daughter. In fact, ever since his return, he had acted and spoken at the + Dodds through Jane, but with a masterly appearance of simplicity and mere + confidential intercourse. At least I think this is the true clue to all + his recent remarks. + </p> + <p> + Jane, a truthful, unsuspicious girl, was all the fitter instrument of the + cunning monster. She went and called at Albion Villa, and was received by + Edward, Mrs. Dodd being upstairs with Julia, and in five minutes she had + told him what her father, she owned, had said to her in confidence. “But,” + said she, “the reason I repeat these things is to make peace, and that you + may not fancy there is any one in our house so cruel, so unchristian, as + to approve Alfred's perfidy. Oh, and papa said candidly he disliked the + match, but then he disliked this way of ending it far more.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd came down in due course, and kissed her; but told her Julia + could not see even her at present. “I think, dear,” said she, “in a day or + two she will see you; but no one else: and for her sake we shall now hurry + our departure from this place, where she was once so happy.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd did not like to begin about Alfred; but Jane had no such + scruples; she inveighed warmly against his conduct, and ere she left the + house, had quite done away with the faint suspicion Sampson had + engendered, and brought both Mrs. Dodd and Edward back to their original + opinion that the elder Hardie had nothing on earth to do with the perfidy + of the younger. + </p> + <p> + Just before dinner a gentleman called on Edward, and proved to be a + policeman in plain clothes. He had been sent from the office to sound the + ostler at the “White Lion,” and, if necessary, to threaten him. The police + knew, though nobody else in Barkington did, that this ostler had been in + what rogues call trouble, twice, and, as the police can starve a man of + the kind by blowing on him, and can reward him by keeping dark, he knows + better than withhold information from them. + </p> + <p> + However, on looking for this ostler, he had left his place that very + morning; had decamped with mysterious suddenness. + </p> + <p> + Here was a puzzle. + </p> + <p> + Had the man gone without noticing the reward? Had somebody outbid the + reward? Or was it a strange coincidence, and did he after all know + nothing? + </p> + <p> + The police thought it was no coincidence, and he did know something; so + they had telegraphed to the London office to mark him down. + </p> + <p> + Edward thanked his visitor; but, on his retiring, told his mother he could + make neither head nor tail of it; and she only said, “We seem surrounded + by mystery.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, unknown to these bewildered ones, Greek was meeting Greek only a + few yards off. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie was being undermined by a man of his own calibre, one too + cautious to communicate with the Dodds, or any one else, till his work + looked ripe. + </p> + <p> + The game began thus: a decent mechanic, who lodged hard by, lounging with + his pipe near the gate of Musgrove Cottage, offered to converse with old + Betty. She gave him a rough answer; but with a touch of ineradicable + vanity must ask Peggy if she wanted a sweetheart, because there was a + hungry one at the gate: “Why: he wanted to begin on an old woman like me.” + Peggy inquired what he had said to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he begun where most of them ends—if they get so far at all: + axed me was I comfortable here; if not, he knew a young man wanted a nice + tidy body to keep house for him.” + </p> + <p> + Peggy pricked up her ears; and, in less than a quarter of an hour, went + for a box of lucifers in a new bonnet and clean collar. She tripped past + the able mechanic very accidentally, and he bestowed an admiring smile on + her, but said nothing—only smoked. However, on her return, he + contrived to detain her, and paid her a good many compliments, which she + took laughingly and with no great appearance of believing them. However, + there is no going by that: compliments sink: and within forty-eight hours + the able mechanic had become a hot wooer of Peggy Black, always on the + look-out for her day and night, and telling her all about the lump of + money he had saved, and how he could double his income, if he had but a + counter, and tidy wife behind it. Peggy gossiped in turn, and let out + amongst the rest that she had been turned off once, just for answering a + little sharply; and now it was the other way; her master was a trifle too + civil at times. + </p> + <p> + “Who could help it?” said the able mechanic rapturously; and offered a + pressing civility, which Peggy fought off. + </p> + <p> + “Not so free, young man,” said she. “Kissing is the prologue to sin.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” inquired the able mechanic, with the sly humour of + his class. + </p> + <p> + “It is a saying,” replied Peggy demurely. + </p> + <p> + At last, one night, Mr. Green the detective, for he it was, put his arm + round his new sweetheart's waist, and approached the subject nearest his + heart. He told her he had just found out there was money enough to be made + in one day to set them up for life in a nice little shop; and she could + help in it. + </p> + <p> + After this inviting preamble, he crept towards the L. 14,000 by artful + questions; and soon elicited that there had been high words between Master + and Mr. Alfred about that very sum: she had listened at the door and + heard. Taking care to combine close courtship with cunning + interrogatories, he was soon enabled to write to Dr. Sampson, and say that + a servant of Mr. Hardie's was down on him, and reported that he carried a + large pocket-book in his breast-pocket by day; and she had found the dent + of it under his pillow at night—a stroke of observation very + creditable in an unprofessional female: on this he had made it his + business to meet Mr. Hardie in broad day, and sure enough the pocket-book + was always there. He added, that the said Hardie's face wore an expression + which he had seen more than once when respectable parties went in for + felony: and altogether thought they might now take out a warrant and + proceed in the regular way. + </p> + <p> + Sampson received this news with great satisfaction: but was crippled by + the interwoven relations of the parties. + </p> + <p> + To arrest Mr. Hardie on a warrant would entail a prosecution for felony, + and separate Jane and Edward for ever. + </p> + <p> + He telegraphed Green to meet him at the station; and reached Barkington at + eight that very evening. Green and he proceeded to Albion Villa, and there + they held a long and earnest consultation with Edward; and at last, on + certain conditions, Mr. Green and Edward consented to act on Sampson's + plan. Green, by this time, knew all Mr. Hardie's out-of-door habits; and + assured them that at ten o'clock he would walk up and down the road for at + least half an hour, the night being dry. It wanted about a quarter to ten, + when Mrs. Dodd came down, and proposed supper to the travellers. Sampson + declined it for the present; and said they had work to do at eleven. Then, + making the others a signal not to disclose anything at present he drew her + aside and asked after Julia. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed—“She goes from one thing to another, but always + returns to one idea; that he is a victim, not a traitor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell her in one hour the money shall be in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “The money! What does she care?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, say we shall know all about Alfred by eleven o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend, be prudent,” said Mrs. Dodd. “I feel alarmed: you were + speaking almost in a whisper when I came in.” + </p> + <p> + “Y' are very obsairvant: but dawnt be uneasy; we are three to one. Just go + and comfort Miss Julee with my message.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that I will,” she said. + </p> + <p> + She was no sooner gone than they all stole out into the night, and a pitch + dark night it was; but Green had a powerful dark lantern to use if + necessary. + </p> + <p> + They waited, Green at the gate of Musgrove Cottage, the other two a little + way up the road. + </p> + <p> + Ten o'clock struck. Some minutes passed without the expected signal from + Green; and Edward and Sampson began to shiver. For it was very cold and + dark, and in the next place they were honest men going to take the law + into their own hands and the law sometimes calls that breaking the law. + “Confound him!” muttered Sampson; “if he does not soon come I shall run + away. It is bitterly cold.” + </p> + <p> + Presently footsteps were heard approaching; but no signal: it proved to be + only a fellow in a smock-frock rolling home from the public-house. + </p> + <p> + Just as his footsteps died away a low hoot like a plaintive owl was heard, + and they knew their game was afoot. + </p> + <p> + Presently, tramp, tramp, came the slow and stately march of him they had + hunted down. + </p> + <p> + He came very slowly, like one lost in meditation: and these amateur + policemen's hearts beat louder and louder, as he drew nearer and nearer. + </p> + <p> + At last in the blackness of the night a shadowy outline was visible; + another tramp or two, it was upon them. + </p> + <p> + Now the cautious Mr. Green had stipulated that the pocketbook should first + be felt for, and, if not there, the matter should go no farther. So Edward + made a stumble and fell against Mr. Hardie and felt his left breast: the + pocket-book was there:—“Yes,” he whispered: and Mr. Hardie, in the + act of remonstrating at his clumsiness, was pinned behind, and his arms + strapped with wonderful rapidity and dexterity. Then first he seemed to + awake to his hunger, and uttered a stentorian cry of terror, that rang + through the night and made two of his three captors tremble. + </p> + <p> + “Cut that” said Green sternly, “or you'll get into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie lowered his voice directly: “Do not kill me, do not hurt me,” + he murmured; “I am but a poor man now. Take my little money; it is in my + waistcoat pocket; but spare my life. You see I don't resist.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, stash your gab, my lad,” said Green contemptuously, addressing him + just as he would any other of the birds he was accustomed to capture. + “It's not your stiff that is wanted, but Captain Dodd's.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Dodd's?” cried the prisoner with a wonderful assumption of + innocence. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, the pocket-book,” said Green; “here, this! this!” He tapped on the + pocket-book, and instantly the prisoner uttered a cry of agony, and sprang + into the road with an agility no one would have thought possible but + Edward and Green soon caught him, and, the Doctor joining, they held him, + and Green tore his coat open. + </p> + <p> + The pocket-book was not there. He tore open his waistcoat; it was not in + the waistcoat: but it was sewed to his very shirt on the outside. + </p> + <p> + Green wrenched it away, and bidding the other two go behind the prisoner + and look over his shoulder, unseen themselves, slipped the shade of his + lantern. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie had now ceased to struggle and to exclaim; he stood sullen, + mute, desperate; while an agitated face peered eagerly over each of his + shoulders at the open pocket-book in Green's hands, on which the lantern + now poured a narrow but vivid stream of light. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + THERE was not a moment to lose, so Green emptied the pocketbook into his + hat, and sifted the contents in a turn of the hand, announcing each + discovery in a whisper to his excited and peering associates. + </p> + <p> + “A lot of receipts.” + </p> + <p> + “Of no use to any one but me,” said the prisoner earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Two miniatures; gold rims, pinchbeck backs.” + </p> + <p> + “They are portraits of my children when young: Heaven forgive me, I could + not give them up to my creditors: surely, surely, you will not rob me of + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Stash your gab,” said Mr. Green roughly. “Here's a guinea, Queen Anne's + reign.” + </p> + <p> + “It belonged to my great-grandfather: take it, but you will let me redeem + it; I will give L. 5 for it poor as I am: you can leave it on my + door-step, and I'll leave the L. 5.” + </p> + <p> + “Stow your gab. Letters; papers covered with figures. Stay, what is this? + a lot of memoranda.” + </p> + <p> + “They are of the most private and delicate character. Pray do not expose + my family misfortunes.” And Mr. Hardie, who of late had been gathering + composure, showed some signs of agitation; the two figures glaring over + his shoulder shared it, and his remonstrance only made Green examine the + papers keenly: they might contain some clue to the missing money. It + proved a miscellaneous record: the price of Stocks at various days; notes + of the official assignee's remarks in going over the books, &c. At + last, however, Green's quick eye fell upon a fainter entry in pencil; + figures: 1, 4; yes, actually L. 14,000. “All right,” he said: and took the + paper close to the lantern, and began to spell it out— + </p> + <p> + “'This day Alfred told me to my face I had L. 14,000 of Captain Dodd's. We + had an angry discussion. What can he mean? Drs. Wycherley and Osmond, this + same day, afflicted me with hints that he is deranged, or partly. I saw no + signs of it before. Wrote to my brother entreating him to give me L. 200 + to replace the sum which I really have wronged this respectable and now + most afflicted family of. I had better withdraw——'” Here Mr. + Hardie interrupted him with sorrowful dignity: “These are mere family + matters; if you are a man, respect them.” + </p> + <p> + Green went reading on like Fate: “'Better withdraw my opposition to the + marriage, or else it seems my own flesh and blood will go about the place + blackening my reputation.'” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie stamped on the ground. “I tell you, on my honour as a + gentleman, there's no money there but my grandfather's guinea. My money is + all in my waistcoat pocket, where you <i>will not</i> look.” + </p> + <p> + A flutter of uneasiness seemed to come over the detective: he darkened his + lantern, and replaced the pocket-book hurriedly in the prisoner's breast, + felt him all over in a minute, and to keep up the farce, robbed him. + </p> + <p> + “Only eight yellow boys,” said he contemptuously to his mates. He then + shipped the money back into Hardie's coat-pocket, and conducted him to his + own gate, tied him to it by the waist, and ordered him not to give the + alarm for ten minutes on pain of death. + </p> + <p> + “I consent,” said Mr. Hardie, “and thank you for abstaining from + violence.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, my tulip,” said Mr. Green cheerfully, and drew his companions + quietly away. But the next moment he began to run, and making a sudden + turn, dived into a street then into a passage, and so winded and doubled + till he got to a small public-house: he used some flash word, and they + were shown a private room. “Wait here an hour for me,” he whispered; “I + must see who liberates him, and whether he is really as innocent as he + reads, or we have been countermined by the devil's own tutor.” + </p> + <p> + The unexpected turn the evidence had taken—evidence of their own + choosing, too—cleared Mr. Hardie with the unprofessionals. Edward + embraced this conclusion as a matter of course, and urged the character of + that gentleman's solitary traducer: Alfred was a traitor, and therefore + why not a slanderer? + </p> + <p> + Even Sampson, on the whole, inclined to a similar conclusion. + </p> + <p> + At this crisis of the discussion a red-haired pedlar, with very large + whiskers and the remains of a black eye, put his head in, and asked + whether Tom Green was there. “No,” said the Doctor stoutly, not desiring + company of this stamp. “Don't know the lad.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar laughed: “There is not many that do know him at all hours; + however, he <i>is</i> here, sir.” And he whipped off the red hair, and + wiped off the black eye, and ho, Green <i>ipse.</i> He received their + compliments on his Protean powers, and told them he had been just a minute + too late. Mr. Hardie was gone, and so he had lost the chance of seeing who + came to help him, and of hearing the first words that passed between the + two. This, he said, was a very great pity; for it would have shown him in + one moment whether certain suspicions of his were correct. Pressed as to + what these suspicions were, he begged to be excused saying any more for + the present. The Doctor, however, would not let him off so, but insisted + on his candid opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Green, “I never was more puzzled in my life, owing to + not being near hand when he was untied. It looks all square, however. + There's one little thing that don't fit somehow.” + </p> + <p> + They both asked in a breath what that was. + </p> + <p> + “The sovs. were all marked.” + </p> + <p> + They asked how he knew; and had he got them in his pocket to show? + </p> + <p> + Green uttered a low chuckling laugh: “What, me fake the beans, now I live + on this side of the hedge? Never knew a cove mix his liquors that way but + it hurt his health soon or late. No, I took them out of one pocket and + felt of them as I slipped them into the other. Ye see, gents, to do any + good on my lay, a man must train his senses as well as his mind: he must + have a hare's ear, and a hawk's eye, a bloodhound's nose, and a lady's + hand with steel fingers and a silk skin. Now look at that bunch of fives,” + continued the master; and laid a hand white and soft as a duchess's on the + table: “it can put the bracelets on a giant, or find a sharper's nail-mark + on the back of the knave of clubs. The beans were marked. Which it is a + small thing, but it don't fit the rest. Here's an unsuspicious gent took + by surprise, in moonlight meditation fancy free, and all his little + private family matters found in his innocent bosom, quite promiscuous; but + his beans marked. That don't dovetail nohow. Gents, did ever you hear of + the man that went to the bottom of the bottomless pit to ease his mind? + Well, he was the head of my family. I must go to the bottom whether + there's one or not. And just now I see but one way.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that?” inquired both his companions in some alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I mustn't threaten it,” said Green, “or I shall never have the + stomach to do it. But dear me, this boozing ken is a very unfit place for + you,—you are champagne-gents, not dog's nose ones. Now you part and + make tracks for home, one on foot and one in a fly. You won't see me, nor + hear of me again, till I've something fresh.” + </p> + <p> + And so the confederates parted, and Sampson and Edward met at Albion + Villa; and Edward told his mother what they had done, and his conviction + that Mr. Hardie was innocent, and Alfred a slanderer as well as a traitor: + “And indeed,” said he, “if we had but stopped to reflect, we should have + seen how unlikely the money was not to be lost in the <i>Agra.</i> Why, + the <i>'Tiser</i> says she went to pieces almost directly she struck. What + we ought to have done was, not to listen to Alfred Hardie like fools, but + write to Lloyd's like people in their senses. I'll do it this minute, and + find out the surviving officers of the ship: they will be able to give us + information on that head.” Mrs. Dodd approved; and said she would write to + her kind correspondent Mrs. Beresford, and she did sit down to her desk at + once. As for Sampson, he returned to town next morning, not quite + convinced, but thoroughly staggered; and determined for once to resign his + own judgment, and abide the result of Mrs. Dodd's correspondence and Mr. + Green's sagacity. All he insisted on was, that his placard about Alfred + should be continued: he left money for this, and Edward, against the + grain, consented to see it done. But placards are no monopoly: in the + afternoon only a section of Sampson's was visible in most parts of the + town by reason of a poster to this effect pasted half over it:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “FIFTY GUINEAS REWARD. +</pre> + <p> + “Whereas, yesterday evening at ten o'clock Richard Hardie, Esq., of + Musgrove Cottage, Barkington, was assaulted at his own door by three + ruffians, who rifled his pockets, and read his private memoranda, and + committed other acts of violence, the shock of which has laid him on a bed + of sickness, the above reward shall be paid to any person, or persons, who + will give such information as shall lead to the detection of all or any + one of the miscreants concerned in this outrage. + </p> + <p> + “The above reward will be paid by Mr. Thomas Hardie of Clare Court, + Yorkshire.” + </p> + <p> + On this the impartial police came to Mr. Hardie's and made inquiries. He + received them in bed, and told them particulars: and they gathered from + Peggy that she had heard a cry of distress, and opened the kitchen door, + and that Betty and she had ventured out together, and found poor master + tied to the gate with an old cord: this she produced, and the police + inspected and took it away with them. + </p> + <p> + At sight of that Notice, Edward felt cold and then hot and realised the + false and perilous position into which he had been betrayed: “So much for + being wiser than the law,” he said: “what are we now but three footpads?” + This, and the insult his sister had received made the place poison to him; + and hastened their departure by a day or two. The very next day (Thursday) + an <i>affiche</i> on the walls of Albion Villa announced that Mr. + Chippenham, auctioneer, would sell, next Wednesday, on the premises, the + greater part of the furniture, plate, china, glass, Oriental inlaid boxes + and screens, with several superb India shawls, scarfs, and dresses; also a + twenty-one years' lease of the villa, seventeen to run. + </p> + <p> + Edward took unfurnished apartments in London, near Russell Square: a + locality in which, as he learned from the <i>'Tiser,</i> the rooms were + large and cheap. He packed just so much furniture as was essential; no + knick-knacks. It was to go by rail on Monday; Mrs. Dodd and Julia were to + follow on Tuesday: Edward to stay at Barkington and look after the sale. + </p> + <p> + Meantime their secret ally, Mr. Green, was preparing his threatened <i>coup.</i> + The more he reflected the more he suspected that he had been outwitted by + Peggy Black. She had led him on, and the pocket-book had been planted for + him. If so, why Peggy was a genius, and in his own line; and he would + marry her, and so kill two birds with one stone: make a Detective of her + (there was a sad lack of female detectives); and, once his wife, she would + split on her master, and he should defeat that old soldier at last, and + get a handsome slice of the L. 14,000. + </p> + <p> + He manoeuvred thus: first, he went back to London for a day or two to do + other jobs, and to let this matter cool; then he returned, and wrote from + a town near Barkington to Peggy Black, telling her he had been sent away + suddenly on a job, but his heart had remained behind with his Peggy: would + she meet him at the gate at nine that evening? he had something very + particular to say to her. As to the nature of the business, the enclosed + would give her a hint. She might name her own day, and the sooner the + better. + </p> + <p> + The enclosed was a wedding-ring. + </p> + <p> + At nine this extraordinary pair of lovers met at the gate; but Peggy + seemed hardly at her ease; said her master would be coming out and + catching her; perhaps they had better walk up the road a bit. “With all my + heart,” said Green; but he could not help a little sneer: “Your master?” + said he: “why he is your servant, as I am. What, is he jealous?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean, young man,” said Peggy. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you when we are married.” + </p> + <p> + “La, that is a long time to wait for my answer: why we ain't asked in + church yet.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no need of that; I can afford a special licence.” + </p> + <p> + “Lawk a daisy: why you be a gentleman, then.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I can keep my wife like a lady.” + </p> + <p> + “You sounds very tempting,” murmured Peggy, throwing her skirt over her + head—for a drizzle was beginning—and walking slower and + slower. + </p> + <p> + Then he made hot love to her, and pressed her hard to name the day. + </p> + <p> + She coquetted with the question till they came near the mouth of a dark + lane, called Lovers' Walk; then, as he insisted on an answer, she hung her + head bashfully, and coughed a little cough. At which preconcerted signal a + huge policeman sprang out of the lane and collared Mr. Green. + </p> + <p> + On this Peggy, who was all Lie from head to heel, uttered a little scream + of dismay and surprise. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Green laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you <i>are</i> a downy one,” said he. “I'll marry you all the more + for thus.” + </p> + <p> + The detective put his hands suddenly inside the policeman's, caught him by + the bosom with his right hand by way of fulcrum; and with his left by the + chin, which he forced violently back, and gave him a slight Cornish trip + at the same moment; down went the policeman on the back of his head a + fearful crack. Green then caught the astonished Peggy round the neck, + kissed her lips violently, and fled like the wind; removed all traces of + his personal identity, and up to London by the train in the character of a + young swell, with a self-fitting eyeglass and a long moustache the colour + of his tender mistress's eyebrow: tow. + </p> + <p> + From town he wrote to her, made her a formal offer of marriage; and gave + her an address to write to “should she at any time think more kindly of + him and of his sincere affection.” + </p> + <p> + I suppose he specified sincere because it was no longer sincere: he hurled + the offer into Musgrove Cottage by way of an apple of discord—at + least so I infer from the memorandum, with which he retired at present + from the cash hunt. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardie has the stiff, I think: but, if so, it is planted somewhere—doesn't + carry it about him; my Peggy is his mistress: nothing to be done till they + split.” + </p> + <p> + Victorious so far, Mr. Hardie had still one pressing anxiety: Dr. + Sampson's placard: this had been renewed, and stared him everywhere in the + face. Every copy of it he encountered made him shiver. If he had been a + man of impulse, he would have torn it down wherever he saw it; but he knew + that would not do. However, learning from Jane, who had it from old Betty, + who had it from Sarah, that Mrs. and Miss Dodd would leave for London the + day before the sale, and Edward the day after it, he thought he might + venture in the busy intermediate time to take some liberties with it. This + he did with excellent tact and judgment. Peggy and a billsticker were seen + in conference, and, soon after, the huge bills of a travelling circus were + pasted right over both the rival advertisements in which the name of + Hardie figured. The consequence was, Edward raised no objection: he was + full of the sale for one thing; but I suspect he was content to see his + own false move pasted over on such easy terms. + </p> + <p> + One morning Peggy brought in the letters, and Jane saw one in Alfred's + handwriting. She snatched it up, and cried “Papa, from Alfred!” And she + left off making the tea, while her father opened it with comparative + composure. + </p> + <p> + This coolness, however, did not outlast the perusal: “The young ruffian!” + said he; “would you believe it Jenny, he accuses me of being the cause of + his last business.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see, papa.” + </p> + <p> + He held her out the letter; but hesitated and drew it back. “My dear, it + would give you pain to see your poor father treated so. Here's a specimen: + 'What could they expect but that the son of a sharper would prove a + traitor? You stole her money; I her affections, of which I am unworthy.' + Now what do you think of that?” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy Alfred!” said Jane. “No, papa, I would not read it, if you are + insulted in it. But where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “The letter is dated Paris. See!” And he showed her the date. “But he says + here he is coming back to London directly; and he orders me in the most + peremptory way to be ready with my accounts, and pay him over his fortune. + Well, he is alive, at all events: really my good, kind, interfering, + pragmatical friend Sampson, with his placards, made me feel uneasy, more + uneasy than I would own to you, Jenny.” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy Alfred!” cried Jane, with the tears in her eyes; “and poor papa!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind me,” said Mr. Hardie; “now that I know no harm has come to + him, I really don't care a straw: I have got one child that loves me, and + that I love.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah yes, dear, dear papa, and that will always love you, and never, never + disobey you in small things or great.” She rose from the table and sealed + this with a pious kiss; and, when she sat down with a pink flush on her + delicate cheek, his hard eye melted and dwelt on her with beaming + tenderness. His heart yearned over her, and a pang went through it: to + think that he must deceive even her, the one sweet soul that loved him! + </p> + <p> + It was a passing remorse: the successful plotter soon predominated, and it + was with unmixed satisfaction he saw her put on her bonnet directly after + breakfast and hurry off to Albion Villa to play the part of his + unconscious sieve. + </p> + <p> + He himself strolled in the opposite direction, not to seem to be watching + her. + </p> + <p> + He was in good spirits: felt like a general, who, after repulsing many + desperate attacks successfully, orders an advance, and sees the tide of + battle roll away from his bayonets. His very body seemed elastic, + indomitable; he walked lustily out into the country, sniffed the perfumed + hedges, and relished life. To be sure he could not walk away from all + traces of his misdeeds; he fell in with objects that to an ordinary sinner + might have spoiled the walk, and even marred the spring-time. He found his + creditor Maxley with grizzly beard and bloodshot eyes, belabouring a + milestone; and two small boys quizzing him, and pelting him with mud: and + soon after he met his creditor, old Dr. Phillips, in a cart, coming back + to Barkington to end his days there, at the almshouse. But to our + triumphant Bankrupt and Machiavel these things were literally nothing: he + paced complacently on, and cared no more for either of those his wrecks + than the smiling sea itself seems to care for the dead ships and men it + washed ashore a week ago. + </p> + <p> + He came home before luncheon for his gossip with Jane; but she had not + returned. All the better; her budget would be the larger. + </p> + <p> + To while the time he got his file of the <i>Times,</i> and amused himself + noting down the fluctuations in Peruvian bonds. + </p> + <p> + While thus employed he heard a loud knock at his door, and soon after + Peggy's voice and a man's in swift collision. Hasty feet came along the + passage, the parlour door opened, and a young man rushed in pale as ashes, + and stared at him; he was breathless, and his lips moved, but no sound + came. + </p> + <p> + It was Edward Dodd. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie rose like a tower and manned himself to repulse this fresh + assault. + </p> + <p> + The strange visitor gasped out, “You are wanted at our house.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + JANE HARDIE had found Albion Villa in the miserable state that precedes an + auction: the house raw, its contents higgledy-piggledy. The stair carpets, + and drawing-room carpets, were up, and in rolls in the dining-room; the + bulk of the furniture was there too; the auction was to be in that room. + The hall was clogged with great packages, and littered with small, all + awaiting the railway carts; and Edward, dusty and deliquescent, was + cording, strapping, and nailing them at the gallop, in his shirt sleeves. + </p> + <p> + Jane's heart sank at the visible signs of his departure. She sighed; and + then, partly to divert his attention, told him hastily there was a letter + from Alfred. On this he ran upstairs and told Mrs. Dodd; and she came + downstairs, and after a conversation took Jane up softly to her friend's + room. + </p> + <p> + They opened the door gently, and Jane saw the grief she was come to + console—or to embitter. + </p> + <p> + Such a change! instead of the bright, elastic, impetuous young beauty, + there sat a pale, languid girl, with “weary of the world” written on every + part of her eloquent body; her right hand dangled by her side, and on the + ground beneath it lay a piece of work she had been attempting; but it had + escaped from those listless fingers: her left arm was stretched at full + length on the table with an unspeakable abandon, and her brow laid wearily + on it above the elbow. So lies the wounded bird, so droops the broken + lily. + </p> + <p> + She did not move for Jane's light foot. She often sat thus, a drooping + statue, and let the people come and go unheeded. + </p> + <p> + Jane's heart yearned for her. She came softly and laid a little hand + lightly on her shoulder, and true to her creed that we must look upward + for consolation, said in her ear, and in solemn silvery tones, “Our light + affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding + and eternal weight of glory.” + </p> + <p> + Julia turned at this and flung her arms round Jane's neck, and panted + heavily. + </p> + <p> + Jane kissed her, and with tears in her eyes, proceeded to pour out, from a + memory richly stored with Scripture, those blessed words it is full of, + words that in our hours of ease or biblical criticism pass over the mind + like some drowsy chime but in the bitter day of anguish and bereavement, + when the body is racked, the soul darkened, shine out like stars to the + mariner; seem then first to swell to their real size and meaning, and come + to writhing mortals like pitying seraphim, divinity on their faces and + healing on their wings. + </p> + <p> + Julia sighed heavily: “Ah,” she said, “these are sweet words. But I am not + ripe for them. You show me the true path of happiness: but I don't <i>want</i> + to be happy; it's  <i>him</i> I want to be happy. If the angels came for + me and took me to heaven this moment, I should be miserable there, if I + thought <i>he</i> was in eternal torment. Ay, I should be as miserable + there as I am here. Oh, Jane, when God means to comfort me, He will show + me <i>he</i> is alive; till then words are wasted on me, even Bible + words.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell her your news, my dear,” said Mrs. Dodd quietly. She was one of + those who take human nature as it is, and make the best of it. + </p> + <p> + “Julia dear,” said Jane, “your fears are extravagant; indeed: Alfred is + alive, we know.” + </p> + <p> + Julia trembled, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “He has written to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! To you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, to papa.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it. Why to him?” + </p> + <p> + “But I saw the letter, dear; I had it my hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you read it?” asked Julia, trembling now like an aspen, and + fluttering like a bird. + </p> + <p> + “No, but I read the address, and the date inside, and I saw the + handwriting; and I was offered the letter, but papa told me it was full of + abuse of him, so I declined* to read it; however, I will get it for <i>you.</i>” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This was one of those involuntary inaccuracies which creep + into mortal statements. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd thanked her warmly; but asked her if she could not in the + meantime give some idea of the contents. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, Mrs. Dodd: papa read me out a great deal of it. He was in Paris, + but just starting for London: and he demanded his money and his accounts. + You know papa is one of his trustees.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” said Mrs. Dodd, “there was nothing—nothing about——?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, there was,” said Jane, “only I—well then, for dear Julia's + sake—the letter said, 'What wonder the son of a sharper should prove + a traitor? <i>You</i> have stolen her money and <i>I</i> her affections, + and'—oh, I can't, I can't.” And Jane Hardie began to cry. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd embraced her like a mother, and entered into her filial + feelings: Mrs. Dodd had never seen her so weak, and, therefore, never + thought her so amiable. Thus occupied they did not at first observe how + these tidings were changing Julia. + </p> + <p> + But presently looking up, they saw her standing at her full height on fire + with wrath and insulted pride. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you have brought me comfort,” she cried. “Mamma, I shall hate and + scorn this man some day, as much as I hate and scorn myself now for every + tear I have shed for him.” + </p> + <p> + They tried to calm her, but in vain; a new gust of passion possessed the + ardent young creature and would have vent. She reddened from bosom to + brow, and the scalding tears ran down her flaming cheeks, and she repeated + between her clenched teeth, “My veins are not filled with skim-milk, I can + tell you: you have seen how I can love, you shall see how I can hate.” And + with this she went haughtily out of the room, not to expose the passion + which overpowered her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd took advantage of her absence to thank Jane for her kindness, + and told her she had also received some letters by this morning's post, + and thought it would be neither kind on her part nor just to conceal their + purport from her. She then read her a letter from Mrs. Beresford, and + another from Mr. Grey, in answer to queries about the L. 14,000. + </p> + <p> + Sharpe, I may as well observe, was at sea; Bayliss drowned. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Beresford knew nothing about the matter. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grey was positive Captain Dodd, when in command, had several thousand + pounds in his cabin; Mrs. Beresford's Indian servant had been detected + trying to steal it, and put in irons: believed the lady had not been told + the cause—out of delicacy! and Captain Roberts had liberated him. As + to whether the money had escaped the wreck—if on Captain Dodd's + person, it might have been saved; but if not, it was certainly lost: for + Captain Dodd to his knowledge had run on deck from the passenger's cabin + the moment the ship struck, and had remained there till she went to + pieces; and everything was washed out of her. + </p> + <p> + “Our own opinion,” said Mrs. Dodd, “I mean Edward's and mine, is now, that + the money was lost in the ship; and you can tell your papa so if you + like.” + </p> + <p> + Jane thanked her, and said she thought so too: and what a sad thing it + was. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this Julia returned, pale and calm as a statue, and sat down + humbly beside Jane. “Oh, pray with me,” she said: “pray that I may not + hate, for to hate is to be wicked; and pray that I may not love, for to + love is to be miserable.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd retired, with her usual tact and self-denial. + </p> + <p> + Then Jane Hardie, being alone with her friend, and full of sorrow, + sympathy, and faith, found words of eloquence almost divine to raise her. + </p> + <p> + With these pious consolations Julia's pride and self-respect now + co-operated. Relieved of her great terror, she felt her insult to her + fingers' ends: “I'll never degrade myself so far as to pine for another + lady's lover,” she said. “I'll resume my duties in another sphere, and try + to face the world by degrees. I am not quite alone in it; I have my mother + still—and my Redeemer.” + </p> + <p> + Some tears forced their way at these brave, gentle words. Jane gave her + time. + </p> + <p> + Then she said: “Begin by putting on your bonnet, and visiting with me. + Come with one who is herself thwarted in the carnal affections; come with + her and see how sick some are, and we two in health; how racked with pain + some are, and we two at ease; how hungry some, and we have abundance; and, + above all, in what spiritual deserts some lie, while we walk in the Gospel + light.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh that I had the strength,” said Julia; “I'll try.” + </p> + <p> + She put on her bonnet, and went down with her friend; but at the street + door the strange feeling of shame overpowered her; she blushed and + trembled, and begged to substitute the garden for the road. Jane + consented, and said everything must have a beginning. + </p> + <p> + The fresh air, the bursting buds, and all the face of nature, did Julia + good, and she felt it. “You little angel,” said she, with something of her + old impetuosity, “you have saved me. I was making myself worse by shutting + myself up in that one miserable room.” + </p> + <p> + They walked hand in hand for a good half hour, and then Jane said she must + go; papa would miss her. Julia was sorry to part with her, and almost + without thinking, accompanied her through the house to the front gate; and + that was another point gained. “I never was so sorry to part with you, + love,” said she. “When will you come again? We leave to-morrow. I am + selfish to detain you; but it seems as if my guardian angel was leaving + me.” + </p> + <p> + Jane smiled. “I must go,” said she, “but I'll leave better angels than I + am behind me. I leave you this: 'Humble yourself under the mighty hand of + God!' When it seems most harsh, then it is most loving. Pray for faith to + say with me, 'Lead us by a way that we know not.'” + </p> + <p> + They kissed one another, and Julia stood at the gate and looked lovingly + after her, with the tears standing thick in her own violet eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now Maxley was coming down the road, all grizzly and bloodshot, baited by + the boys, who had gradually swelled in number as he drew nearer the town. + </p> + <p> + Jane was shocked at their heathenish cruelty, and went off the path to + remonstrate with them. + </p> + <p> + On this, Maxley fell upon her, and began beating her about the head and + shoulders with his heavy stick. + </p> + <p> + The miserable boys uttered yells of dismay, but did nothing. + </p> + <p> + Julia uttered a violent scream, but flew to her friend's aid, and crying, + “Oh you wretch! you wretch!” actually caught the man by the throat and + shook him violently. He took his hand off Jane Hardie, who instantly sank + moaning on the ground, and he cowered like a cur at the voice and the + purple gleaming eyes of the excited girl. + </p> + <p> + The air filled with cries, and Edward ran out of the house to see what was + the matter; but on the spot nobody was game enough to come between the + furious man and the fiery girl. The consequence was, her impetuous courage + began to flag and her eye to waver; the demented man found this out by + some half animal instinct, and instantly caught her by the shoulder and + whirled her down on her knees; then raised his staff high to destroy her. + </p> + <p> + She screamed, and was just putting up her hands, womanlike, not to see her + death as well as feel it, when something dark came past her like a rushing + wind—a blow, that sounded exactly like that of a paving ram, caught + Maxley on the jaw: and there was Edward Dodd blowing like a grampus with + rage, and Maxley on his back in the road. But men under cerebral + excitement are not easily stunned, and know no pain: he bounded off the + ground, and came at Edward like a Spanish bull. Edward slipped aside, and + caught him another ponderous blow that sent him staggering, and his + bludgeon flew out of his hand, and Edward caught it. Lo! the maniac flew + at him again more fiercely than ever; but the young Hercules had seen Jane + bleeding on the ground: he dealt her assailant in full career such a + murderous stroke with the bludgeon, that the people, who were running from + all quarters, shrieked with dismay—not for Jane, but for Maxley; and + well they might; that awful stroke laid him senseless, motionless and + mute, in a pool of his own blood. + </p> + <p> + “Don't kill him, sir; don't kill the man,” was the cry. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” said Edward sternly. He then kneeled over his sweetheart and + lifted her in his arms like a child. Her bonnet was all broken, her eyes + were turned upwards and set, and a little blood trickled down her cheek; + and that cheek seemed streaked white and red. + </p> + <p> + He was terrified, agonised; yet he gasped out, “You are safe, dear; don't + be frightened.” + </p> + <p> + She knew the voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Edward!” she said piteously and tenderly, and then moaned a little on + his broad bosom. He carried her into the house out of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Poor old doctor Phillips, coming in to end his days in the almshouse, had + seen it all: he got out of his cart and hobbled up. He had been in the + army, and had both experience and skill. He got her bonnet off, and at + sight of her head looked very grave. + </p> + <p> + In a minute a bed was laid in the drawing-room, and all the windows and + doors open: and Edward, trembling now in every limb, ran to Musgrove + Cottage, while Mrs. Dodd and Julia loosened the poor girl's dress, and + bathed her wounds with tepid water (the doctor would not allow cold), and + put wine carefully to her lips with a teaspoon. + </p> + <p> + “Wanted at your house, pray what for?” said Mr. Hardie superciliously. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir,” said Edward, “such a calamity. Pray come directly. A ruffian + has struck her, has hurt her terribly, terribly.” + </p> + <p> + “Her! Who?” asked Mr. Hardie, beginning to be uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “Who! why Jane, your daughter, man; and there you sit chattering, instead + of coming at once.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie rose hurriedly and put on his hat, and accompanied him, half + confused. + </p> + <p> + Soon Edward's mute agitation communicated itself to him, and he went + striding and trembling by his side. + </p> + <p> + The crowd had gone with insensible Maxley to the hospital, but the traces + of the terrible combat were there. Where Maxley fell the last time, a + bullock seemed to have been slaughtered at the least. + </p> + <p> + The miserable father came on this, and gave a great scream like a woman, + and staggered back white as a sheet. + </p> + <p> + Edward laid his hand on him, for he seemed scarce able to stand. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no,” he cried, comprehending the mistake at last; “that is not + hers—Heaven forbid! That is the madman's who did it; I knocked him + down with his own cudgel.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you! you've killed him, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir, be more merciful, and then perhaps He will be merciful to us, + and not take this angel from us.” + </p> + <p> + “No! no! you are right; good young man. I little thought I had such a + friend in your house.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't deceive yourself, sir,” said Edward; “it's not you I care for:” + then, with a great cry of anguish, <i>“I love her.</i>” + </p> + <p> + At this blunt declaration, so new and so offensive to him, Mr. Hardie + winced, and stopped bewildered. + </p> + <p> + But they were at the gate, and Edward hurried him on. At the house door he + drew back once more; for he felt a shiver of repugnance at entering this + hateful house, of whose happiness he was the destroyer. + </p> + <p> + But enter it he must; it was his fate. + </p> + <p> + The wife of the poor Captain he had driven mad met him in the passage, her + motherly eyes full of tears for him, and both hands held out to him like a + pitying angel. “Oh, Mr. Hardie,” she said in a broken voice, and took him, + and led him, wonder-struck, stupefied, shivering with dark fears, to the + room where his crushed daughter lay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + MR. HARDIE found his daughter lying ashy pale on a little bed in the + drawing-room of Albion Villa. She was now scarce conscious. The old doctor + sat at her head looking very grave; and Julia kneeled over her beloved + friend, pale as herself; with hands clasped convulsively, and great eyes + of terror and grief. + </p> + <p> + That vivid young face, full of foreboding and woe, struck Mr. Hardie the + moment he entered, and froze his very heart. The strong man quivered and + sank slowly like a felled tree by the bedside; and his face and the poor + girl's, whose earthly happiness he had coldly destroyed, nearly met over + his crushed daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Jane, my child,” he gasped; “my poor little Jane!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh let me sleep,” she moaned feebly. + </p> + <p> + “Darling, it's your own papa,” said Julia softly. + </p> + <p> + “Poor papa!” said she, turning rather to Julia than to him. “Let me + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + She was in a half lethargic state. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie asked the doctor in an agitated whisper if he might move her + home. The doctor shook his head: “Not by my advice; her pulse is scarce + perceptible. We must not move her nor excite her, nor yet let her sink + into lethargy. She is in great danger, very great.” + </p> + <p> + At these terrible words Mr. Hardie groaned: and they all began to speak + below the breath. + </p> + <p> + “Edward,” murmured Mrs. Dodd hurriedly, “run and put off the auction: put + it off altogether; then go to the railway; nothing must come here to make + a noise, and get straw put down directly. Do that first, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “You are kinder to me than I deserve,” muttered Mr. Hardie humbly, quite + cowed by the blow that had fallen on him. The words agitated Mrs. Dodd + with many thoughts, but she whispered as calmly as she could, “Let us + think of nothing now but this precious life.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie begged to see the extent of the injury. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd dissuaded him, but he persisted. Then the doctor showed her poor + head. + </p> + <p> + At that the father uttered a scream and sat quivering. Julia buried her + face in the bed-clothes directly, and sobbed vehemently. It passed faintly + across the benumbed and shuddering father, “How she loves my child; they + all love her,” but the thought made little impression at the time; the + mind was too full of terror and woe. The doctor now asked for brandy in a + whisper. Mrs. Dodd left the room with stealthy foot, and brought it. He + asked for a quill. Julia went with swift, stealthy foot, and brought it. + With adroit and tender hands they aided the doctor, and trickled + stimulants down her throat. Then sat like statues of grief about the bed; + only every now and then eye sought eye, and endeavoured to read what the + other thought. Was there hope? Was there none? And by-and-bye, so roving + is the mind, especially when the body is still, these statues began to + thrill with thoughts of the past as well as the absorbing present. + </p> + <p> + Ay, here were met a strange party; a stranger, for its size, methinks, + never yet met on earth, to mingle their hearts together in one grief. + </p> + <p> + Just think! Of him who sat there with his face hidden in his hands, and + his frame shuddering, all the others were the victims. + </p> + <p> + Yet the lady, whose husband he had robbed and driven mad, pitied and + sympathised with him, and he saw it; the lady, whom he had insulted at the + altar and blighted her young heart and life, pitied and sympathised with + him; the poor old doctor pitied and sympathised, and was more like an + anxious father than a physician. + </p> + <p> + Even Jane was one of his victims; for she fell by the hand of a man he had + dishonestly ruined and driven out of his senses. + </p> + <p> + Thinking of all he had done, and this the end of it, he was at once + crushed and melted. + </p> + <p> + He saw with awe that a mightier hand than man's was upon him; it had + tossed him and his daughter into the house and the arms of the injured + Dodds, in defiance of all human calculation; and he felt himself a straw + in that hand: so he was, and the great globe itself. Oh, if Jane should + die! the one creature he loved, the one creature, bereaved of whom he + could get no joy even from riches. + </p> + <p> + What would he not give to recall the past, since all his schemes had but + ended in this. Thus stricken by terror of the divine wrath, and touched by + the goodness and kindness of those he had cruelly wronged, all the man was + broken with remorse. Then he vowed to undo his own work as far as + possible: he would do anything, everything, if Heaven would spare him his + child. + </p> + <p> + Now it did so happen that these resolves, earnest and sincere but somewhat + vague, were soon put to the test; and, as often occurs, what he was called + on to do first was that which he would rather have done last. Thus it was: + about five o'clock in the afternoon Jane Hardie opened her eyes and looked + about her. + </p> + <p> + It was a moment of intense anxiety. They all made signals, but held their + breath. She smiled at sight of Mr. Hardie, and said, “Papa! dear papa!” + </p> + <p> + There was great joy: silent on the part of Mrs. Dodd and Julia; but Mr. + Hardie, who saw in this a good omen, Heaven recognising his penitence, + burst out: “She knows me; she speaks; she will live. How good God is! Yes, + my darling child, it is your own father. You will be brave and get well, + for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + Jane did not seem to pay much heed to these words: she looked straight + before her like one occupied with her own thought, and said distinctly and + solemnly, “Papa—send for Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + It fell on all three like a clap of thunder, those gentle but decided + tones, those simple natural words. + </p> + <p> + Julia's eyes flashed into her mother's, and then sought the ground + directly. + </p> + <p> + There was a dead silence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie was the one to speak “Why for him, dear? Those who love you + best are all here.” + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake, don't thwart her, sir,” said the doctor, in alarm. + “This is no time to refuse her anything in your power. Sometimes the very + expectation of a beloved person coming keeps them alive; stimulates the + powers.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie was sore perplexed. He recoiled from the sudden exposure that + might take place, if Alfred without any preparation or previous + conciliatory measures were allowed to burst in upon them. And while his + mind was whirling within him in doubt and perplexity, Jane spoke again; + but no longer calmly and connectedly; she was beginning to wander. + Presently in her wandering she spoke of Edward; called him dear Edward. + Mrs. Dodd rose hastily, and her first impulse was to ask both gentlemen to + retire: so instinctively does a good woman protect her own sex against the + other. But, reflecting that this was the father, she made an excuse and + retired herself instead, followed by Julia. The doctor divined, and went + to the window. The father sat by the bed, and soon gathered his daughter + loved Edward Dodd. + </p> + <p> + The time was gone by when this would have greatly pained him. + </p> + <p> + He sighed like one overmatched by fate; but said, “You shall have him, my + darling; he is a good young man, he shall be your husband, you shall be + happy. Only live for my sake, for all our sakes.” She paid no attention + and wandered on a little; but her mind gradually cleared, and by-and-bye + she asked quietly for a glass of water. Mr. Hardie gave it her. She + sipped, and he took it from her. She looked at him close, and said + distinctly, “Have you sent for Alfred?” + </p> + <p> + “No, love, not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet? There is no time to lose,” she said gravely. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie trembled. Then, being alone with her, the miserable man unable + to say no, unwilling to say yes, tried to persuade her not to ask for + Alfred. “My dear,” he whispered, “I will not refuse you: but I have a + secret to confide to you. Will you keep it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, papa, faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Alfred is not himself. He has delusions: he is partly insane. My + brother Thomas has thought it best for us all to put him under gentle + restraint for a time. It would retard his cure to have him down here and + subject him to excitement.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa,” said Jane, “are you deceiving me, or are you imposed upon? Alfred + insane! It is a falsehood. He came to me the night before the wedding that + was to be. Oh, my brother, my darling brother, how dare they say you are + insane! That letter you showed me then was a falsehood? Oh, papa!” + </p> + <p> + “I feared to frighten you,” said Mr. Hardie, and hung his head. + </p> + <p> + “I see it all,” she cried “those wicked men with their dark words have + imposed on you. Bring him to me that I may reconcile you all, and end all + this misery ere I go hence and be no more seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my child, don't talk so,” cried Mr. Hardie, trembling. “Think of your + poor father.” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” she cried, “I do. Oh, papa, I lie here between two worlds, and see + them both so clear. Trust to me: and, if you love me——” + </p> + <p> + “If I love you, Jane? Better than all the world twice told.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don't refuse me this one favour: the last, perhaps, I shall ever ask + you. I want my brother here before it is too late. Tell him he must come + to his little sister, who loves him dearly, and—is dying. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no! no! no!” cried the agonised father, casting everything to the + winds. “I will. He shall be here in twelve hours. Only promise me to bear + up. Have a strong will; have courage. You shall have Alfred, you shall + have anything you like on earth, anything that money can get you. What am + I saying? I have no money; it is all gone. But I have a father's heart. + Madam, Mrs. Dodd!” She came directly. + </p> + <p> + “Can you give me paper? No, I won't trust to a letter. I'll send off a + special messenger this moment. It is for my son, madam. He will be here + to-morrow morning. God knows how it will all end. But how can I refuse my + dying child? Oh, madam, you are good, kind, forgiving; keep my poor girl + alive for me: keep telling her Alfred is coming; she cares more for him + than for her poor heart-broken father.” + </p> + <p> + And the miserable man rushed out, leaving Mrs. Dodd in tears for him. + </p> + <p> + He was no sooner gone than Julia came in; and clasped her mother, and + trembled on her bosom. Then Mrs. Dodd knew she had overheard Mr. Hardie's + last words. + </p> + <p> + Jane Hardie, too, though much exhausted by the scene with her father, put + out her hand to Julia, and took hers, and said feebly, but with a sweet + smile, “He is coming, love; all shall be well.” Then to herself as it + were, and looking up with a gentle rapture in her pale face— + </p> + <p> + “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of + God.” + </p> + <p> + On this thought she seemed to feed with innocent joy; but for a long time + was too weak to speak again. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie, rushing from the house, found Edward at work outside; he was + crying undisguisedly, and with his coat off, working harder at spreading + the straw than both the two men together he had got to help him. Mr. + Hardie took his hand and wrung it, but could not speak. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour a trusty agent he had often employed was at the station + waiting for the up train, nearly due. + </p> + <p> + He came back to Albion Villa. Julia met him on the stairs with her fingers + to her lips. “She is sleeping; the doctor has hopes. Oh, sir, let us all + pray for her day and night.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie blessed her; it seemed the face of an angel, so earnest, so + lovely, so pious. He went home: and at the door of his own house Peggy met + him with anxious looks. He told her what he had done. + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” said she; “have you forgotten? He says he will kill you + the first day he gets out. You told me so yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Baker said so. I can't help it. I don't care what becomes of me; I + care only for my child. Leave me, Peggy; there, go, go.” + </p> + <p> + He was no sooner alone than he fell upon his knees, and offered the Great + Author of life and death—a bargain. “O God,” he cried, “I own my + sins, and I repent them. Spare but my child, who never sinned against + Thee, and I will undo all I have done amiss in Thy sight. I will refund + that money on which Thy curse lies. I will throw myself on their mercy. I + will set my son free. I will live on a pittance. I will part with Peggy. I + will serve Mammon no more. I will attend Thine ordinances. I will live + soberly, honestly, and godly all the remainder of my days; only do Thou + spare my child. She is Thy servant, and does Thy work on earth, and there + is nothing on earth I love but her.” + </p> + <p> + And now the whistle sounded, the train moved, and his messenger was flying + fast to London, with a note to Dr. Wycherley: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR,—My poor daughter lies dangerously wounded, and perhaps at + the point of death. She cries for her brother. He must come down to us + instantly with the bearer of this. Send one of your people with him if you + like. But it is not necessary. I enclose a blank cheque, signed, which + please fill at your discretion.—I am, with thanks, yours in deep + distress, + </p> + <h3> + “RICHARD HARDIE” + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + DR. SHORT arrived, approved Dr. Phillips's treatment, and said the case + was severe but not hopeless, and he would call again. A bed was prepared + in the house for Mr. Hardie: but neither he nor any of the Dodds closed an + eye that sorrowful night. + </p> + <p> + About midnight, after a short slumber, the sufferer became uneasy, and + begged to be left with Julia. Julia was sent for, and found her a good + deal excited. She inquired more than once if they were quite alone, and + then asked for paper and a pencil. She wrote a few lines, and made Julia + put them in a cover and seal them. “Now, dear friend,” she said, “promise + me not to open this, nor even to let your mother; it is not for your + happiness that what I have written should be seen by her or you; no, no, + much better not. Come; dear friend, pledge me your honour.” Julia pledged + her honour. + </p> + <p> + Then Jane wrote on the cover, “From a dying sister.” Julia saw that; and + wept sore. + </p> + <p> + Jane comforted her. “Do not weep for me, love: I am content to go, or + stay. This is not my doing; so I know it must be for the best. He is + leading me by a way that I know not. Oh, my beloved friend, how sweet it + is to lie in His hands, and know no will but His. Ay, I thank Him for + crossing my will, and leading me to Himself by His own good way, and not + by poor blind, foolish mine.” + </p> + <p> + In this spirit of full resignation she abode constant, and consoled her + weeping friends from time to time, whenever she was quite herself. + </p> + <p> + About daybreak, being alone with her father, she shed a few tears at his + lonely condition. “I fear you will miss me,” said she. “Take my advice, + dear; be reconciled with Alfred at once, and let Julia be your daughter, + since I am leaving you. She is all humility and heart. Dying, I prize her + and her affection more highly; I seem to see characters clearer, all + things clearer, than I did before my summons came.” + </p> + <p> + The miserable father tried to be playful and scold her: “You must not talk + nor think of death,” he said. “Your bridal-day is to come first; I know + all; Edward Dodd has told me he loves you. He is a fine noble fellow; you + shall marry him: I wish it. Now, for his sake, summon all your resolution, + and make up your mind to live. Why, at your age, it needs but to say, 'I + will live, I will, I will;' and when all the prospect is so smiling, when + love awaits you at the altar, and on every side! If you could leave your + poor doting father, do not leave your lover: and here he is with his + mother crying for you. Let me comfort him; let me tell him you will live + for his sake and mine.” + </p> + <p> + Even this could not disturb the dying Christian. “Dear Edward,” she said; + “it is sweet to know he loves me. Ah, well, he is young; he must live + without me till I become but a tender memory of his youth. And oh, I pray + for him that he may cherish the words I have spoken to him for his soul's + good far longer than he can remember these features that are hastening to + decay.” + </p> + <p> + At ten in the morning Mr. Hardie's messenger returned without Alfred, and + with a note from Dr. Wycherley to this effect, that, the order for + Alfred's admission into his asylum being signed by Mr. Thomas Hardie, he + could not send him out even for a day except on Thomas Hardie's authority; + it would be a violation of the law. Under the circumstances, however, he + thought he might venture to receive that order by telegraph. If, then, Mr. + Hardie would telegraph Thomas Hardie in Yorkshire to telegraph him + (Wycherley), Alfred should be sent with two keepers wherever Mr. T. Hardie + should so direct. + </p> + <p> + Now Mr. Hardie had already repented of sending for Alfred at all. So, + instead of telegraphing Yorkshire, he remained passive, and said sullenly + to Mrs. Dodd, “Alfred can't come, it seems.” + </p> + <p> + Thus Routine kept the brother from his dying sister. + </p> + <p> + They told Jane, with aching hearts, there was reason to fear Alfred could + not arrive that day. + </p> + <p> + She only gave a meaning look at Julia, about the paper; and then she said + with a little sigh, “God's will be done.” + </p> + <p> + This was the last disappointment Heaven allowed Earth to inflict on her; + and the shield of Faith turned its edge. + </p> + <p> + One hour of pain, another of delirium, and now the clouds that darken this + mortal life seemed to part and pass, and Heaven to open full upon her. She + spoke of her coming change no longer with resignation; it was with + rapture. “Oh!” she cried, “to think that from this very day I shall never + sin again, shall never again offend Him by unholy temper, by + un-Christ-like behaviour!” + </p> + <p> + The strong and healthy wept and groaned aloud; but she they sorrowed for + was all celestial bliss. In her lifetime she had her ups and downs of + religious fervour; was not without feverish heats, and cold misgivings and + depression; but all these fled at that dread hour when the wicked are a + prey to dark misgivings, or escape into apathy. This timid girl that would + have screamed at a scratch, met the King of Terrors with smiles and + triumph. For her the grave was Jordan, and death was but the iron gate of + life everlasting. <i>Mors janua vitae.</i> Yet once or twice she took + herself to task: but only to show she knew what the All-Pure had forgiven + her. “I often was wanting in humility,” she said; “I almost think that if + I were to be sent back again into this world of sin and sorrow I am + leaving behind, I should grow a little in humility; for I know the ripe + Christian is like the ripe corn, holds his head lower than when he was + green; and the grave it seems to be ripening me. But what does it matter? + since He who died for me is content to take me as I am. Come quickly, Lord + Jesus, oh, come quickly! Relieve Thy servant from the burden of the flesh, + and of the sins and foibles that cling to it and keep her these many years + from Thee.” + </p> + <p> + This prayer was granted; the body failed more and more; she could not + swallow even a drop of wine; she could not even praise her Redeemer; that + is to say, she could not speak. Yet she lay and triumphed. With hands put + together in prayer, and eyes full of praise and joy unspeakable, she + climbed fast to God. While she so mounted in the spirit, her breath came + at intervals unusually long, and all were sent for to see Death conquer + the body and be conquered by the soul. + </p> + <p> + At last, after an unnaturally long interval, she drew a breath like a + sigh. They waited for another; waited, waited in vain. + </p> + <p> + She had calmly ceased to live. + </p> + <p> + The old doctor laid down her hand reverently, and said “She is with us no + more.” Then with many tears, “Oh, may we all meet where she is now, and + may I go to her the first.” + </p> + <p> + Richard Hardie was led from the room in a stupor. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after death all the disfiguring effect of pain retired, and + the happy soul seemed to have stamped its own celestial rapture on the + countenance at the moment of leaving it; a rapture so wonderful, so + divine, so more than mortal calm, irradiated the dead face. The good + Christians she left behind her looked on and feared to weep, lest they + should offend Him, who had taken her to Himself, and set a visible seal + upon the house of clay that had held her. “Oh, mamma,” cried Julia with + fervour, “look! look! Can we, dare we, wish that angel back to this world + of misery and sin?” And it was some hours before she cooled, and began to + hang on Edward's neck and weep his loss and hers, as weep we mortals must, + though the angels of Heaven are rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + Thus died in the flower of her youth, and by what we call a violent death, + the one child Richard Hardie loved; member of a religious party whose + diction now and then offends one to the soul: but the root of the matter + is in them; allowance made for those passions, foibles, and infirmities of + the flesh, even you and I are not entirely free from, they live fearing + God, and die loving Him. + </p> + <p> + There was an inquest next day, followed in due course by a public trial of + James Maxley. But these are matters which, though rather curious and + interesting, must be omitted, or touched hereafter and briefly. + </p> + <p> + The effect of Jane's death on Richard Hardie was deplorable. He saw the + hand of Heaven; but did not bow to it: so it filled him with rage, + rebellion, and despair. He got his daughter away and hid himself in the + room with her; scarce stirring out by night or day. He spoke to no one; he + shunned the Dodds: he hated them. He said it was through visiting their + house she had met her death, and at their door. He would not let himself + see it was he who had sent her there with his lie. He loathed Alfred, + calling him the cause of all. + </p> + <p> + He asked nobody to the funeral: and, when Edward begged permission to + come, he gave a snarl like a wild beast and went raging from him. But + Edward would go: and at the graveside pitying Heaven relieved the young + fellow's choking heart with tears. But no such dew came to that parched + old man, who stood on its other side like the withered Archangel, his eyes + gloomy and wild, his white cheek ploughed deep with care and crime and + anguish, his lofty figure bowed by his long warfare, his soul burning and + sickening by turns, with hatred and rebellion, with desolation and + despair. + </p> + <p> + He went home and made his will; for he felt life hang on him like lead, + and that any moment he might kill himself to be rid of it. Strange to say, + he left a sum of money to Edward Dodd. A moment before, he didn't know he + was going to do it: a moment after, he was half surprised he had done it, + and minded to undo it; but would not take the trouble. He went up to + London, and dashed into speculation as some in their despair take to + drink. For this man had but two passions; avarice, and his love for his + daughter. Bereaved of her, he must either die, or live for gain. He sought + the very cave of Mammon; he plunged into the Stock Exchange. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Hardie said, “Alfred can't come, it seems,” Mrs. Dodd + misunderstood him, naturally enough. She thought the heartless young man + had sent some excuse: had chosen to let his sister die neglected rather + than face Julia: “As if she would leave her own room while <i>he</i> was + in my house,” said Mrs. Dodd, with sovereign contempt. From this moment + she conceived a horror of the young man. Edward shared it fully, and the + pair always spoke of him under the title of “the Wretch:” this was when + Julia was not by. In her presence he was never mentioned. By this means + she would in time forget him, or else see him as they saw him. + </p> + <p> + And as, after all, they knew little to Mr. Hardie's disadvantage, except + what had come out of “the Wretch's” mouth, and as moreover their hearts + were softened towards the father by his bereavement, and their sight of + his misery, and also by his grateful words, they quite acquitted him of + having robbed them, and felt sure the fourteen thousand pounds was at the + bottom of the sea. + </p> + <p> + They were a little surprised that Mr. Hardie never spoke nor wrote to them + again; but being high-minded and sweet tempered, they set it down to + all-absorbing grief, and would not feel sore about it. + </p> + <p> + And now they must leave the little villa where they had been so happy and + so unhappy. + </p> + <p> + The scanty furniture went first; Mrs. Dodd followed, and arranged it in + their apartments. Julia would stay behind to comfort Edward, inconsolable + herself. The auction came off. Most of the things went for cruelly little + money compared to their value: and with the balance the sad young pair + came up to London, and were clasped in their mother's arms. The tears were + in her tender eyes. “It is a poor place to receive my treasures,” she + said: Edward looked round astonished: “It was a poor place,” said he, “but + you have made a little palace of it, somehow or another.” + </p> + <p> + “My children's love can alone do that,” replied Mrs. Dodd, kissing them + both again. + </p> + <p> + Next day they consulted together how they were to live. Edward wished to + try and get his father into a public asylum; then his mother would have a + balance to live upon out of her income. But Mrs. Dodd rejected this + proposal with astonishment. In vain Edward cited the <i>'Tiser</i> that + public asylums are patterns of comfort, and cure twice as many patients as + the private ones do. She was deaf alike to the <i>'Tiser</i> and to + statistics. “Do not argue me out of my common sense,” said she. “My + husband, your father, in a public asylum, where anybody can go and stare + at my darling!” + </p> + <p> + She then informed them she had written to her Aunt Bazalgette and her + Uncle Fountain, and invited them to contribute something towards David's + maintenance. + </p> + <p> + Edward was almost angry at this. “Fancy asking favours of <i>them,</i>” + said he. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I must not sacrifice my family to false pride,” said Mrs. Dodd; + “besides they are entitled to know.” + </p> + <p> + While waiting for their answers, a word about the parties and their niece. + </p> + <p> + Our Mrs. Dodd, born Lucy Fountain, was left at nineteen to the care of two + guardians: 1, her Uncle Fountain, an old bachelor, who loved comfort, + pedigree, and his own way; 2, her Aunt Bazalgette, who loved flirting, + dressing, and her own way; both charming people, when they got their own + way; verjuice, when they didn't: and, to conclude, egotists deep as ocean. + From guardians they grew match-makers and rivals by proxy: uncle schemed + to graft Lucy on to a stick called Talboys, that came in with the + Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, known in pedigrees as “the Norman + Conquest.” Aunt, wife of a merchant of no Descent, except from a high + stool, devoted her to Richard Hardie. An unlooked-for obstacle encountered + both: Lucy was not amorous. She loved these two egotists and their + quadrupeds; but there she stopped dead short. They persisted; and, while + they pulled her to and fro and ruffled her native calm, David Dodd, first + mate of the Something or other East Indiaman—brown cheek, honest + speech, heart of gold—fell deep in love and worshipped her at a + distance. His timidity and social insignificance made him harmless; so + egotist Fountain had him in to dessert to spin yarns; egotist Bazalgette + invited him to her house to flirt with. At this latter place he found + Hardie and Talboys both courting Lucy; this drove him mad, and in his fury + he popped. Lucy declined him <i>secundum artem:</i> he went away blessing + her, with a manly sob or two. Lucy cried a little and took a feminine + spite against his rivals, who remained to pester her. Now Talboys, spurred + by uncle, had often all but popped; only some let, hindrance, or just + impediment had still interposed: once her pony kept prancing at each + effort he made towards Hymen; they do say the subtle virgin kept probing + the brute with a hair pin, and made him caracole and spill the treacle as + fast as it came her way. However, now Talboys elected to pop by sea. It + was the element his ancestors had invaded fair England by; and on its + tranquil bosom a lover is safe from prancing steeds, and the myriad + anti-pops of <i>terra firma.</i> Miss Lucy consented to the water + excursion demurely, designing to bring her sickly wooer to the point and + so get rid of him for ever and ever. Plot and counter-plot were baffled by + the elements: there came an anti-pop out of the south-west called a gale. + Talboys boated so skilfully that he and his intended would have been + united without ceremony by Father Nep, at the bottom of the British + Channel, but for David Dodd, who was hovering near in jealous anguish and + a cutter. He saved them both, but in the doing of it missed his ship, and + professional ruin faced him. Then good-hearted Lucy was miserable, and + appealed to Mr. Bazalgette, and he managed somehow to get David made + captain of the <i>Rajah.</i> The poor girl thought she had squared the + account with David; but he refused the ship unless she would go halves, + and while her egotists bullied and vexed her, he wrought so upon her pity, + and teased her so, that to get rid of his importunity she married him. In + time she learned to love him ten times better than if she had begun all + flames. Uncle and aunt cut her tolerably dead for some years. Uncle came + round the first; some antiquarian showed him that Dodd was a much more + ancient family than Talboys. “Why, sir, they were lords of sixteen manors + under the Heptarchy, and hold some of them to this day.” Mrs. Bazalgette, + too, had long corresponded with her periodically, and on friendly terms. + </p> + <p> + The answers came on the same day, curiously enough. Uncle Fountain, ruined + by railway speculation, was living on an allowance from creditors; but his + house was at their service, if they liked to live with him—and board + themselves. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bazalgette's was the letter of a smooth woman, who has hoarded + imperishable spite. She reminded her niece after all these years, that her + marriage with David was an act of disobedience and ingratitude. She then + enumerated her own heavy expenses, all but the L. 400 a year she spent in + bedizening her carcass, and finally, amidst a multitude of petty insults, + she offered to relieve Mrs. Dodd of—Julia. Now Poetry has reconciled + us to an asp in a basket of figs; but here was a scorpion in a bundle of + nettles. Poor Mrs. Dodd could not speak after reading it. She handed it to + Edward, and laid her white forehead wearily in her hand. Edward put the + letter in an envelope and sent it back with a line in his own hand + declining all further correspondence with the writer. + </p> + <p> + “Now then, ladies,” said he, “don't you be cast down. Let this be a + warning to us, never to ask favours of anybody. Let us look the thing in + the face; we must work or starve: and all the better for us. Hard work + suits heavy hearts. Come, have you any plan?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure we have,” said Julia eagerly. “I mean to go for a governess, + and then I shall cost mamma nothing, and besides I can send her the money + the people give me.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty plan!” said Edward sadly; “what! we three part company? Don't + you feel lonely enough without that? I do then. How can we bear our + burdens at all, if we are not to be all together to cheer one another + along the weary road? What! are we to break up? Is it not enough to be + bereaved?” + </p> + <p> + He could say no more for the emotion his own words caused him; thinking of + Jane, he broke down altogether, and ran out of the room. + </p> + <p> + However, he came back in an hour with his eyes red, but his heart + indomitable; determined to play a man's part for all their sakes. “You + ladies,” said he, with something of his old genial way, that sounded so + strange to one looking at his red eyes, and inspired a desire to hug him, + “are full of talent, but empty of invention. The moment you are ruined or + that sort of thing, it is, <i>go</i> for a governess, <i>go</i> for a + companion, <i>go</i> here, <i>go</i> there, in search of what? + Independence? No; dependence. Besides all this <i>going</i> is bosh. + Families are strong if they stick together, and if they go to pieces they + are weak. I learned one bit of sense out of that mass of folly they call + antiquity; and that was the story of the old bloke with his twelve sons, + and fagot to match. 'Break 'em apart,' he said, and each son broke his + stick as easy as shelling peas. 'Now break the twelve all tied together:' + devil a bit could the duffers break it then. Now we are not twelve, we are + but three: easy to break one or two of us apart, but not the lot together. + No; nothing but death shall break this fagot, for nothing less shall part + us three.” + </p> + <p> + He stood like a colossus, and held out his hand to them; they clung round + his neck in a moment, as if to illustrate his words; clung tight, and + blessed him for standing so firm and forbidding them to part. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed, after the first burst of enthusiastic affection, and + said: “If he would only go a step further and tell us what to do in + company.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, there it is,” said Julia. “Begin with me. What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, paint.” + </p> + <p> + “What, to sell? Oh dear, my daubs are not good enough for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Stuff! Nothing is too bad to <i>sell.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I really think you might,” said Mrs. Dodd, “and I will help you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, mamma, I want you for something better than the fine arts. You + must go in one of the great grooves: Female vanity: you must be a + dressmaker; you are a genius at it.” + </p> + <p> + “My mamma a dressmaker,” cried Julia; “oh Edward, how can you. How dare + you. Poor, poor mamma!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be so impetuous, dear. I think he is right: yes, it is all I am + fit for. If ever there was a Heaven-born dressmaker, it's me.” + </p> + <p> + “As for myself,” said Edward, “I shall look out for some business in which + physical strength goes further than intellectual attainments. Luckily + there are plenty such. Breaking stones is one. But I shall try a few + others first.” + </p> + <p> + It is easy to settle on a business, hard to get a footing in one. Edward + convinced that the dressmaking was their best card, searched that mine of + various knowledge, the <i>'Tiser,</i> for an opening: but none came. At + last one of those great miscellaneous houses in the City advertised for a + lady to cut cloaks. He proposed to his mother to go with him. She shrank + from encountering strangers. No, she would go to a fashionable dressmaker + she had employed some years, and ask her advice. Perhaps Madame Blanch + would find her something to do. “I have more faith in the <i>'Tiser,</i>” + said Edward, clinging to his idol. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd found Madame Blanch occupied in trying to suit one of those + heart-breaking idiots, to whom dress is the one great thing, and all + things else, sin included, the little ones. She had tried on a scarf three + times; and it discontented her when on, and spoilt all else when off. Mrs. + Dodd saw, and said obligingly, “Perhaps were I to put it on, you could + better judge.” Mrs. Dodd, you must know, had an admirable art of putting + on a shawl or scarf. With apparent <i>nonchalance</i> she settled the + scarf on her shapely shoulders so happily that the fish bit, and the scarf + went into its carriage; forty guineas, or so. Madame cast a rapid but + ardent glance of gratitude Dodd-wards. The customer began to go, and after + fidgeting to the door and back for twenty minutes actually went somehow. + Then madame turned round, and said, “I'm sure, ma'am, I am much obliged to + you; you sold me the scarf: and it is a pity we couldn't put her on your + bust and shoulders, ma'am, then perhaps a scarf might please her. What can + I do for you, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd blushed, and with subdued agitation told Madame Blanch that this + time she was come not to purchase but to ask a favour. Misfortune was + heavy on her; and, though not penniless, she was so reduced by her + husband's illness and the loss of L. 14,000 by shipwreck, that she must + employ what little talents she had to support her family. + </p> + <p> + The woman explored her from head to foot to find the change of fortune in + some corner of her raiment: but her customer was as well, though plainly + dressed as ever, and still looked an easy-going duchess. + </p> + <p> + “Could Madame Blanch find her employment in her own line? What talent I + have,” said Mrs. Dodd humbly, “lies in that way. I could not cut as well + as yourself, of course; but I think I can as well as some of your people.” + </p> + <p> + “That I'll be bound you can,” said Madame Blanch drily. “But dear, dear, + to think of your having come down so. Have a glass of wine to cheer you a + bit; do now, that is a good soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, madam. I thank you; but wine cannot cheer me: a little bit of good + news to take back to my anxious children, that would cheer me, madam. <i>Will</i> + you be so good?” + </p> + <p> + The dressmaker coloured and hesitated; she felt the fascination of Dignity + donning Humility, and speaking Music: but she resisted. “It won't do, at + least here. I shouldn't be mistress in my own place. I couldn't drive you + like I am forced to do the rest; and, then, I should be sure to favour + you, being a real lady, which is my taste, and you always will be, rich or + poor; and then all my ladies would be on the bile with jealousy.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam,” sighed Mrs. Dodd, “you treat me like a child; you give me + sweetmeats, and refuse me food for my family.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said the woman hastily, “I don't say I mightn't send you out + some work to do at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, madam.” <i>N.B.</i> The dressmaker had dropped the Madam, + so the lady used it now at every word. + </p> + <p> + “Now stop a bit,” said Madame Blanch. “I know a firm that's in want. + Theirs is easy work by mine, and they cut up a piece of stuff every two or + three days.” She then wrote on one of her own cards, Messrs. Cross, + Fitchett, Copland, and Tylee, 11, 12, 13, and 14, Primrose Lane, City. + “Say, I recommend you. To tell the truth, an old hand of my own was to + come here this very morning about it, but she hasn't kept her time; so + this will learn her business doesn't stand still for lie-a-beds to catch + it.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd put the card in her bosom and pressed the hand extended to her + by Madame Zaire Blanch; whose name was Sally White, spinster. She went + back to her children and showed them the card, and sank gracefully into a + chair, exhausted as much by the agitation of asking favours as by the + walk. “Cross, Fitchett, Copland? Why they were in the <i>'Tiser</i> + yesterday,” said Edward: “look at this; a day lost by being wiser than the + <i>'Tiser.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I'll waste no more then,” said Mrs. Dodd, rising quietly from the chair. + They begged her to rest herself first. No, she would not. “I saw this lost + by half an hour,” said she. “Succeed or fail, I will have no remissness to + reproach myself with.” And she glided off in her quiet way, to encounter + Cross, Fitchett, Copland and Tylee, in the lane where a primrose was + caught growing—six hundred years ago. She declined Edward's company + rather peremptorily. “Stay and comfort your sister,” said she. But that + was a blind; the truth was, she could not bear her children to mingle in + what she was doing. No, her ambition was to ply the scissors and thimble + vigorously, and so enable them to be ladies and gentlemen at large. She + being gone, Julia made a parcel of water-colour drawings, and sallied + forth all on fire to sell them. But, while she was dressing, Edward + started on a cruise in search of employment. He failed entirely. They met + in the evening, Mrs. Dodd resigned, Edward dogged, Julia rather excited. + “Now, let us tell our adventures,” she said. “As for me, shop after shop + declined my poor sketches. They all wanted something about as good, only a + little different: nobody complained of the grand fault, and that is, their + utter badness. At last, one old gentleman examined them, and oh! he was so + fat; there, round. And he twisted his mouth so” (imitating him) “and + squinted into them so. Then I was full of hope; and said to myself; 'Dear + mamma and Edward!' And so, when he ended by saying, 'No,' like all the + rest, I burst out crying like a goose. + </p> + <p> + “My poor girl,” cried Mrs. Dodd, with tears in her own eyes, “why expose + yourself to these cruel rebuffs?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't waste your pity, mamma; those great babyish tears were a happy + thought of mine. He bought two directly to pacify me; and there's the + money. Thirty shillings!” And she laid it proudly on the table. + </p> + <p> + “The old cheat,” said Edward; “they were worth two guineas apiece, I + know.” + </p> + <p> + “Not they; or why would not anybody else give twopence for them?” + </p> + <p> + “Because pictures are a drug.” + </p> + <p> + He added that even talent was not saleable unless it got into the Great + Grooves; and then looked at Mrs. Dodd, she replied that unfortunately + those Grooves were not always accessible. The City firm had received her + stiffly, and inquired for whom she had worked. “Children, my heart fell at + that question. I was obliged to own myself an amateur and beg a trial. + However, I gave Madame Blanch's card: but Mr.—I don't know which + partner it was—said he was not acquainted with her: then he looked a + little embarrassed, I thought, and said the Firm did not care to send its + stuff to ladies not in the business. I might cut it to waste, or—he + said no more; but I do really think he meant I might purloin it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why wasn't I there to look him into the earth? Oh, mamma, that you should + be subjected to all this!” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, child; I had only to put on my armour; and do you know what my + armour is? Thinking of my children. So I put on my armour, and said + quietly, we were not so poor but we could pay for a piece of cloth should + I be so unfortunate as to spoil it; and I offered in plain terms to + deposit the price as security. But he turned as stiff at that as his yard + measure; 'that was not Cross and Co.'s way of doing business,' he said. + But it is unreasonable to be dejected at a repulse or two; and I am not + out of spirits; not much:” with this her gentle mouth smiled; and her + patient eyes were moist. + </p> + <p> + The next day, just after breakfast, was announced a gentleman from the + City. He made his bow and produced a parcel, which proved to be a pattern + cloak. “Order, ladies,” said he briskly, “from Cross, Fitchett, and Co., + Primrose Lane. Porter outside with the piece. You can come in, sir.” + Porter entered with a bale. “Please sign this, ma'am.” Mrs. Dodd signed a + receipt for the stuff, with an undertaking to deliver it in cloaks, at 11 + Primrose Lane, in such a time. Porter retreated. The other said, “Our Mr. + Fitchett wishes you to observe this fall in the pattern. It is new.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sir. Am I to trouble you with any money—by way of deposit, + sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No orders about it, ma'am. Ladies, your most obedient. Good morning, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + And he was away. + </p> + <p> + All this seemed like a click or two of City clock-work: followed by rural + silence. Yet in that minute Commerce had walked in upon genteel poverty, + and left honest labour and modest income behind her. + </p> + <p> + Great was the thankfulness, strange and new the excitement. Edward was + employed to set up a very long deal table for his mother to work on, Julia + to go and buy tailors' scissors. Calculations were made how to cut the + stuff to advantage, and in due course the heavy scissors were heard snick, + snick, snicking all day long. + </p> + <p> + Julia painted zealously, and Edward, without saying a word to them, walked + twenty miles a day hunting for a guinea a week; and finding it not. Not + but what employment was often bobbed before his eyes: but there was no + grasping it. At last he heard of a place peculiarly suited to him; a + packing foreman's in a warehouse at Southwark; he went there, and was + referred to Mr. A.'s private house. Mr. A. was in the country for a day. + Try Mr. B. Mr. B. was dining with the Lord Mayor. Returning belated, he + fell in with a fire; and, sad to say, life was in jeopardy: a little old + man had run out at the first alarm, when there was no danger, and, as soon + as the fire was hot, had run in again for his stockings, or some such + treasure. Fire does put out some people's reason; clean. While he was + rummaging madly, the staircase caught, and the smoke cut off his second + exit, and drove him up to a little staircase window at the side of the + house. Here he stood, hose in hand, scorching behind and screeching in + front. A ladder had been brought: but it was a yard short: and the poor + old man danced on the window-ledge and dare not come down to a gallant + fireman who stood ready to receive him at great personal peril. In the + midst of shrieks and cries and shouts of encouragement, Edward, a + practised gymnast, saw a chance. He ran up the ladder like a cat, begged + the fireman to clasp it tight; then got on his shoulders and managed to + grasp the window-sill. He could always draw his own weight up by his + hands: so he soon had his knee on the sill, and presently stood erect. He + then put his left arm inside the window, collared the old fellow with his + right, and, half persuasion, half force, actually lowered him to the + ladder with one Herculean arm amidst a roar that made the Borough ring. + Such a strain could not long be endured; but the fireman speedily relieved + him by seizing the old fellow's feet and directing them on to the ladder, + and so, propping him by the waist, went down before him, and landed him + safe. Edward waited till they were down: then begged them to hold the + ladder tight below; he hung from the ledge, got his eye well on the ladder + below him, let himself quietly drop, and caught hold of it with hands of + iron, and twisting round, came down the ladder on the inside hand over + head without using his feet, a favourite gymnastic exercise of his learnt + at the Modern Athens. He was warmly received by the crowd and by the + firemen. “You should be one of us, sir,” said a fine young fellow who had + cheered him and advised him all through. “I wish to Heaven I was,” said + Edward. The other thought he was joking, but laughed and said, “Then you + should talk to our head man after the business; there is a vacancy, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + Edward saw the fire out, and rode home on the engine. There he applied to + the head man for the vacancy. + </p> + <p> + “You are a stranger to me, sir,” said the head man. “And I am sure it is + no place for you; you are a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; is there anything ungentlemanly in saving people's lives and + property?” + </p> + <p> + “Hear! hear!” said a comic fireman. + </p> + <p> + The compliment began to tell, though. Others put in their word. “Why, Mr. + Baldwin, if a gentleman ain't ashamed of us, why should we be ashamed of + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Where will ye get a better?” asked another; and added, “He is no + stranger; we've seen him work.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop a bit,” said the comic fireman: “what does the dog say? Just call + him, sir, if you please; his name is Charlie.” + </p> + <p> + Edward called the fire-dog kindly; he came and fawned on him; then gravely + snuffed him all round, and retired wagging his tail gently, as much as to + say, “I was rather taken by surprise at first, but, on the whole, I see no + reason to recall my judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all right,” said the firemen in chorus; and one that had not yet + spoken to Edward now whispered him mysteriously, “Ye see that there dog—he + knows more than we do.” + </p> + <p> + After the dog, a biped oracle at head-quarters was communicated with, and + late that very night Edward was actually enrolled a fireman; and went home + warmer at heart than he had been for some time. They were all in bed; and + when he came down in the morning, Julia was reading out of the <i>'Tiser</i> + a spirited and magniloquent description of a fire in Southwark, and of the + heroism displayed by a young gentleman unknown, but whose name the writer + hoped at so much the line would never be allowed to pass into oblivion, + and be forgotten. In short, the <i>'Tiser</i> paid him in one column, for + years of devotion. Now Edward, of course, was going to relate his + adventure; but the journal told it so gloriously, he hesitated to say, “I + did all that.” He just sat and stared, and wondered, and blushed, and + grinned like an imbecile. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately looks seldom escaped the Doddesses. “What is that for?” + inquired Julia reproachfully. “Is that sheepish face the thing to wear + when a sister is reading out an heroic action? Ah, these are the things + that make one long to be a man, to do them. What are you thinking about, + dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am thinking the <i>'Tiser</i> is pitching it rather strong.” + </p> + <p> + “My love, what an expression!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, to be honest, I agree with you that it is a jolly thing to + fight with fire and save men's lives; and I am glad you see it in that + light; for now you will approve the step I have taken. Ladies, I have put + myself in the way of doing this sort of thing every week of my life. I'm a + fireman.” + </p> + <p> + “You are jesting, I trust?” said Mrs. Dodd anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “No, mamma. I got the place late last night, and I'm to enter on my duties + and put on the livery next Monday. Hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the admirers of fiery heroes at a distance overflowed with grief + and mortification at the prospect of one in their own family. They could + not speak at all at first: and, when they did, it was only “Cruel! cruel!” + from Julia; and “Our humiliation is now complete,” from Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + They soon dashed Edward's spirits, and made him unhappy; but they could + not convince him he had done wrong. However, in the heat of remonstrance, + they let out at last that they had just begun to hope by dint of scissors + and paint-brush to send him back to Oxford. He also detected, under a + cloud of tender, loving, soothing, coaxing and equivocating expressions, + their idea of a Man: to wit, a tall, strong, ornamental creature, whom the + women were to cocker up, and pet, and slave for; and be rewarded by + basking, dead tired, in an imperial smile or two let fall by their + sovereign <i>protege</i> from his arm-chair. And, in fact, good women have + often demoralised their idols down to the dirt by this process; to be sure + their idols were sorryish clay, to begin. + </p> + <p> + Edward was anything but flowery, so he paraded no manly sentiments in + reply; he just bluntly ridiculed the idea of his consenting to prey on + them; and he said humbly, “I know I can't contribute as much to our living + as you two can—the petticoats carry the brains in our family—but, + be a burden to you? Not if I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Pride! pride! pride!” objected Julia, lifting her grand violet orbs like + a pensive Madonna. + </p> + <p> + “And such pride! The pride that falls into a fire-bucket,” suggested + prosaic mamma. + </p> + <p> + “That is cutting,” said Edward: “but, <i>soyons de notre siecle;</i> + flunkeyism is on the decline. I'll give you something to put in both your + pipes: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Honour and rank from no condition rise. + Act well thy part; in that the honour lies.'” + </pre> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Mrs. Dodd, “only first choose your part; and let your + choice be reasonable.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine was Hobson's, and he never chooses wrong. Come, come,” said he, and + appealed calmly to their reason, by which means he made no impression at + all. Then he happened to say, “Besides, I must do something. I own to you + I am more cast down than I choose to show. Mother, I feel like lead ever + since she died.” Now on this, their faces filled with sympathy directly. + So encouraged he went on to say: “But when I got my hand on that old + duffer's collar, and lowered him to the ladder, and the fire shot roaring + out of the window after him, too late to eat him, and the crowd cheered + the fireman and me, I did feel warm about the waistcoat, and, for the + first time this ever so long, life seemed not quite ended. I felt there + was a little bit of good left, that even a poor dunce like me could do, + and she could approve—if she can look down and see me, as I hope she + can.” + </p> + <p> + “There, there,” said Mrs. Dodd tearfully, “I am disarmed, But, my darling, + I do not know what you are talking about: Stay; why, Edward, surely—I + hope—you were not the young gentleman in the paper, the one that + risked his life so nobly, so foolishly—if it was you. + </p> + <p> + “Why, mother, didn't I tell you it was me?” said Edward, colouring. + </p> + <p> + “No, that you did not,” said Julia. “Was it? was it? oh do be quick and + tell one. There, it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was: ah, I remember now; that splendiferous account shut me up. + Oh, I say, didn't the <i>'Tiser</i> pitch it strong?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” cried Julia; “I believe every word, and ever so much more. + Mamma, we have got a hero, and here he is at breakfast with us, like an + ordinary mortal.” She rose suddenly with a burst of her old fire and fell + upon him and kissed him, and said earnestly how proud she was of him; “And + so is mamma. She may say what she likes.” + </p> + <p> + “Proud of him! ah, that I am; very proud, and very unhappy. <i>Heroes are + my horror.</i> How often, and how earnestly have I prayed that my son + might not be brave like his father, but stay quietly at home out of harm's + way.” + </p> + <p> + Here remonstrance ended; the members of this family, happy by nature, + though unhappy by accident, all knew when to yield to each other. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, in proportion as all these excitements great and small + died, and her life became quiet and uniform, the depth of Julia's wound + showed itself more and more. She never sang nor hummed, as she used to do, + going about the house. She never laughed. She did burst out with fervid + sentiments now and then, but very rarely; on the whole, a pensive languor + took the place of her lovely impetuosity. Tears rushed in a moment to her + eyes with no visible cause. She often stole to the window, and looked all + up and down the street; and when she was out of doors, she looked down + every side street she passed; and sometimes, when a quick light step came + behind them, or she saw a tall young gentleman at a great distance, her + hand twitched her mother's arm or trembled on it. And, always, when they + came home, she lingered a moment at the door-step and looked all round + before she went in. + </p> + <p> + At all these signs one half of Mrs. Dodd's heart used to boil with + indignation, and the other half melt with pity. For she saw her daughter + was looking for “the Wretch.” Indeed Mrs. Dodd began to fear she had done + unwisely in ignoring “the Wretch.” Julia's thoughts dwelt on him none the + less; indeed all the more as it seemed; so the topic interdicted by tacit + consent bade fair to become a barrier between her and Mrs. Dodd, hitherto + her bosom friend as well as her mother. This was intolerable to poor Mrs. + Dodd: and at last she said one day, “My darling, do not be afraid of me; + rob me of your happy thoughts if you will, but oh, not of your sad ones.” + </p> + <p> + Julia began to cry directly. “Oh no, mamma,” she sobbed, “do not you + encourage me in my folly. I know I have thrown away my affections on one + who——I shall never see him again: shall I, mamma? Oh, to think + I can say those words, and yet go living on.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed. “And if you saw him, would that mend the chain he has + chosen to break?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; but if I could only see him to part friends! It is cruel to + hate him now he has lost his sister; and then I have got her message to + give him. And I want to ask him why he was afraid of me: why he could not + tell me he had altered his mind: did he think I wanted to have him against + his will? Oh, mamma,” said she imploringly, “he seemed to love me; he + seemed all truth. I am a poor unfortunate girl.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd had only caresses to soothe her with. She could not hold out any + hopes. + </p> + <p> + One day Julia asked her timidly if she might be a district visitor: “My + dear friend was, and advised me to be one too; but I was wilful in those + days and chose to visit by fits and starts, and be independent. I am + humbled now a little: may I, mamma? Since she died every word of hers + seems a law to me.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd assented cordially; as she would to anything else her wounded + one had proposed. + </p> + <p> + This project brought Julia into communication with the new curate; and who + should it prove to be but Mr. Hurd? At sight of him she turned white and + red, and the whole scene in the church came back to her. But Mr. Hurd + showed considerable tact for so young a man; he spoke to her in accents of + deep respect, but confined his remarks strictly to the matter in hand. She + told her mother when she got home; and expressed her gratitude to Mr. + Hurd, but said she wished they did not live in the same parish with him. + This feeling, however, wore off by degrees, as her self-imposed duties + brought her more and more into contact with him, and showed her his good + qualities. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Hurd, he saw and understood her vivid emotion at sight of him; + saw and pitied; not without wonder that so beautiful a creature should + have been jilted. And from the first he marked his sense of Alfred's + conduct by showing her a profound and chivalrous respect which he did not + bestow on other young ladies in his parish; on the contrary, he rather + received homage from them than bestowed it. By-and-bye he saw Julia + suppress if not hide her own sorrow, and go sore-hearted day by day to + comfort the poor and afflicted: he admired and almost venerated her for + this. He called often on Mrs. Dodd, and was welcome. She concealed her + address for the present from all her friends except Dr. Sampson; but Mr. + Hurd had discovered her, and ladies do not snub the clergy. Moreover, Mr. + Hurd was a gentleman, and inclined to High Church. This she liked. He was + very good-looking too, and quiet in his manners. Above all, he seemed to + be doing her daughter good; for Julia and Mr. Hurd had one great sentiment + in common. When the intimacy had continued some time on these easy terms, + Mrs. Dodd saw that Mr. Hurd was falling in love with Julia; and that sort + of love warm, but respectful, which soon leads to marriage, especially + when the lover is a clergyman. This was more than Mrs. Dodd bargained for; + she did not want to part with her daughter, and under other circumstances + would have drawn in her horns. But Mr. Hurd's undisguised homage gratified + her maternal heart, coming so soon after that great insult to her + daughter; and then she said to herself: “At any rate, he will help me cure + her of 'the Wretch.'” She was not easy in her mind, though; could not tell + what would come of it all. So she watched her daughter's pensive face as + only mothers watch; and saw a little of the old peach bloom creeping back. + </p> + <p> + That was irresistible: she let things go their own way, and hoped for the + best. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL + </h2> + <p> + THE tenacity of a private lunatic asylum is unique. A little push behind + your back and you slide into one; but to get out again is to scale a + precipice with crumbling sides. Alfred, luckier than many, had twice + nearly escaped; yet now he was tighter in than ever. His father at first + meant to give him but a year or two of it, and let him out on terms, his + spirit broken and Julia married. But his sister's death was fatal to him. + By Mrs. Hardie's settlement the portion of any child of hers dying a + minor, or intestate and childless, was to go to the other children; so now + the prisoner had inherited his sister's ten thousand pounds, and a good + slice of his bereaved enemy's and father's income. But this doubled his + father's bitterness—that he, the unloved one, should be enriched by + the death of the adored one!—and also tempted his cupidity: and + unfortunately shallow legislation conspired with that temptation. For when + an Englishman, sane or insane, is once pushed behind his back into a + madhouse, those relatives who have hidden him from the public eye, <i>i.e.,</i> + from the eye of justice, can grab hold of his money behind his back, as + they certified away his wits behind his back, and can administer it in the + dark, and embezzle it, chanting “But for us the 'dear deranged' would + waste it.” Nor do the monstrous enactments which confer this + unconstitutional power on subjects, and shield its exercise from the light + and safeguard of Publicity, affix any penalty to the abuse of that power, + if by one chance in a thousand detected. In Lunacy Law extremes of + intellect meet; the British senator plays at Satan; and tempts human + frailty and cupidity beyond what they are able to bear. + </p> + <p> + So behold a son at twenty-one years of age devoted by a father to + imprisonment for life. But stop a minute; the mad statutes, which by the + threefold temptation of Facility, Obscurity, and Impurity, insure the + occasional incarceration and frequent detention of sane but moneyed men, + do provide, though feebly, for their bare liberation, if perchance they + should not yield to the <i>genius loci,</i> and the natural effect of + confinement plus anguish, by going mad or dying. The Commissioners of + Lunacy had power to liberate Alfred in spite of his relations. And that + power, you know, he had soberly but earnestly implored them to exercise. + </p> + <p> + After a delay that seemed as strange to him as postponing a hand to a + drowning man, he received an official letter from Whitehall. With bounding + heart he broke the seal, and devoured the contents. They ran thus— + </p> + <p> + “Sir,—By order of the Commissioners of Lunacy, I am directed to + inform you that they are in the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, + which will be laid before the Board at their next meeting.—I am, + &c.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was bitterly disappointed at the small advance he had made. + However, it was a great point to learn that his letters were allowed to go + to the Commissioners at all, and would be attended to by degrees. + </p> + <p> + He waited and waited, and struggled hard to possess his soul in patience. + At times his brain throbbed and his blood boiled, and he longed to kill + the remorseless, kinless monsters who robbed him of his liberty, his + rights as a man, and his Julia. But he knew this would not do; that what + they wanted was to gnaw his reason away, and then who could disprove that + he had always been mad? Now he felt that brooding on his wrong would + infuriate him; so he clenched his teeth, and vowed a solemn vow that + nothing should drive him mad. By advice of a patient he wrote again to the + Commissioners begging for a special Commission to inquire into his case; + and, this done, with rare stoicism, self-defence, and wisdom in one so + young, he actually sat down to read hard for his first class. Now, to do + this, he wanted the Ethics, Politics, and Rhetoric of Aristotle, certain + dialogues of Plato, the Comedies of Aristophanes, the first-class + Historians, Demosthenes, Lucretius, a Greek Testament, Wheeler's Analysis, + Prideaux, Horne, and several books of reference sacred and profane. But he + could not get these books without Dr. Wycherley, and unfortunately he had + cut that worthy dead in his own asylum. + </p> + <p> + “The Scornful Dog” had to eat wormwood pudding and humble pie. He gulped + these delicacies as he might; and Dr. Wycherley showed excellent + qualities; he entered into his maniac's studies with singular alacrity, + supplied him with several classics from his own shelves, and borrowed the + rest at the London Library. Nor did his zeal stop there; he offered to + read an hour a day with him; and owned it would afford him the keenest + gratification to turn out an Oxford first classman from his asylum. This + remark puzzled Alfred and set him thinking; it bore a subtle family + resemblance to the observations he heard every day from the patients; it + was so one-eyed. + </p> + <p> + Soon Alfred became the doctor's pet maniac. They were often closeted + together in high discourse, and indeed discussed Psychology, Metaphysics, + and Moral Philosophy with indefatigable zest, long after common sense + would have packed them both off to bed, the donkeys. In fact, they got so + thick that Alfred thought it only fair to say one day, “Mind, doctor, all + these pleasant fruitful hours we spend together so sweetly will not + prevent my indicting you for a conspiracy as soon as I get out: it will + rob the retribution of half its relish, though.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my dear young friend and fellow-student,” said the doctor blandly, + “let us not sacrifice the delights of our profitable occupation of + imbibing the sweets of intellectual intercourse to vague speculations as + to our future destiny. During the course of a long and not, I trust, + altogether unprofitable career, it has not unfrequently been my lot to + find myself on the verge of being indicted, sued, assassinated, hung. Yet + here I sit, as yet unimmolated on the altar of phrenetic vengeance. This + is ascribable to the fact that my friends and pupils always adopt a more + favourable opinion of me long before I part with them; and ere many days + (and this I divine by infallible indicia), <i>your</i> cure will commence + in earnest; and in proportion as you progress to perfect restoration of + the powers of judgment, you will grow in suspicion of the fact of being + under a delusion; or rather I should say a very slight perversion and + perturbation of the forces of your admirable intellect, and a proper + subject for temporary seclusion. Indeed this consciousness of insanity is + the one diagnostic of sanity that never deceives me and, on the other + hand, an obstinate persistence in the hypothesis of perfect rationality + demonstrates the fact that insanity yet lingers in the convolutions and + recesses of the brain, and that it would not be humane as yet to cast the + patient on a world in which he would inevitably be taken some ungenerous + advantage of.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred ventured to inquire whether this was not rather paradoxical. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said the ready doctor; “and paradoxicality is an indicial + characteristic of truth in all matters beyond the comprehension of the + vulgar.” + </p> + <p> + “That <i>sounds</i> rational,” said the maniac very drily. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon, grinding hard for his degree, he was invited downstairs to + see two visitors. + </p> + <p> + At that word he found out how prison tries the nerves. He trembled with + hope and fear. It was but for a moment: he bathed his face and hands to + compose himself; made his toilet carefully, and went into the + drawing-room, all on his guard. There he found Dr. Wycherley and two + gentlemen; one was an ex-physician, the other an ex-barrister, who had + consented to resign feelessness and brieflessness for a snug L. 1500 a + year at Whitehall. After a momentary greeting they continued the + conversation with Dr. Wycherley, and scarcely noticed Alfred. They were + there <i>pro forma;</i> a plausible lunatic had pestered the Board, and + extorted a visit of ceremony. Alfred's blood boiled, but he knew it must + not boil over. He contrived to throw a short, pertinent remark in every + now and then. This, being done politely, told; and at last Dr. Eskell, + Commissioner of Lunacy, smiled and turned to him: “Allow me to put a few + questions to you.” + </p> + <p> + “The more the better, sir,” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Eskell then asked him to describe minutely, and in order, all he had + done since seven o'clock that day. And he did it. Examined him in the + multiplication table. And he did it. And, while he was applying these + old-fashioned tests, Wycherley's face wore an expression of pity that was + truly comical. Now this Dr. Eskell had an itch for the classics: so he + went on to say, “You have been a scholar, I hear.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not old enough to be a scholar, sir,” said Alfred; “but I am a + student.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; now can you tell me what follows this line— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Jusque datum sceleri canimus populuinque potentem'?” + </pre> + <p> + “Why, not at the moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, surely you can,” said Dr. Eskell ironically. “It is in a tolerably + well-known passage. Come, try.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll <i>try,</i>” said Alfred, sneering secretly. “Let me see— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Mum—mum—mum—populumque potentem, + In sua victrici conversum viscera dextra.'” + </pre> + <p> + “Quite right; now go on, if you can.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred, who was playing with his examiner all this time, pretended to + cudgel his brains, then went on, and warmed involuntarily with the lines— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Cognatasque acies et rupto foedere regni + Certatum totis concussi viribus orbis + In commune nefas; infestis que obvia signis + Signa, pares aquilas, et pila minantia pilis.” + </pre> + <p> + “He seems to have a good memory,” said the examiner, rather taken aback. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is nothing for him,” observed Wycherley; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He has Horace all by heart; you'd wonder: + And mouths out Homer's Greek like thunder.” + </pre> + <p> + The great faculty of Memory thus tested, Dr. Eskell proceeded to a + greater: Judgment. “Spirited lines those, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; but surely rather tumid. 'The whole <i>forces</i> of the shaken + globe?' But little poets love big words.” + </p> + <p> + “I see; you agree with Horace, that so great a work as an epic poem should + open modestly with an invocation.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Alfred. “I think that rather an arbitrary and peevish + canon of friend Horace. The AEneid, you know, begins just as he says an + epic ought not to begin; and the AEneid is the greatest Latin Epic. In the + next place the use of Modesty is to keep a man from writing an epic poem + at all but, if he will have that impudence, why then he had better have + the courage to plunge into the Castalian stream, like Virgil and Lucan, + not crawl in funking and holding on by the Muse's apron-string. But—excuse + me—quorsum haec tam putida tendunt? What have the Latin poets to do + with this modern's sanity or insanity?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbott snorted contemptuously in support of the query. But Dr. Eskell + smiled, and said: “Continue to answer me as intelligently, and you may + find it has a great deal to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred took this hint, and said artfully, “Mine was a thoughtless remark: + of course a gentleman of your experience can test the mind on any subject, + however trivial.” He added piteously, “Still, if you would but leave the + poets, who are all half crazy themselves, and examine me in the + philosophers of Antiquity. Surely it would be a higher criterion.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley explained in a patronising whisper, “He labours under an + abnormal contempt for poetry, dating from his attack. Previously to that + he actually obtained a prize poem himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, doctor, and after that am I wrong to despise poetry?” + </p> + <p> + They might have comprehended this on paper, but spoken it was too keen for + them all three. The visitors stared. Dr. Wycherley came to their aid “You + might examine my young friend for hours and not detect the one crevice in + the brilliancy of his intellectual armour.” + </p> + <p> + The maniac made a face as one that drinketh verjuice suddenly. “For pity's + sake, doctor, don't be so inaccurate. Say a spot on the brilliancy, or a + crevice in the armour; but not a crevice in the brilliancy. My good friend + here, gentlemen, deals in conjectural certificates and broken metaphors. + He dislocates more tropes, to my sorrow, than even his friend Shakespeare, + whom he thinks a greater philosopher than Aristotle, and who calls the + murder of an individual sleeper the murder of sleep, confounding the + concrete with the abstract, and then talks of taking arms against a sea of + troubles; query, a cork jacket and a flask of brandy?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Hardie,” said Dr. Eskell, rather feebly, “let me tell you those + passages, which so shock your <i>peculiar</i> notions, are among the most + applauded.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely, sir,” retorted the maniac, whose logic was up; “but + applauded only in a nation where the <i>floods</i> clap their hands every + Sunday morning, and we all pray for peace, giving as our exquisite reason + that we have got the God of hosts on our side in war.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbott, the other commissioner, had endured all this chat with an air + of weary indifference. He now said to Dr. Wycherley, “I wish to put to you + a question or two in private.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was horribly frightened: this was the very dodge that had ruined + him at Silverton House. “Oh no, gentlemen,” he cried imploringly. “Let me + have fair play. You have given me no secret audience; then why give my + accuser one? I am charged with a single delusion; for mercy's sake, go to + the point at once, and examine me on that head.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you talk sense,” said Mr. Abbott; as if the previous topics had been + chosen by Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “But that will excite him,” objected Dr. Eskell? “it always does excite + them.” + </p> + <p> + “It excites the insane, but not the sane,” said Alfred. “So there is + another test; you will observe whether it excites me.” Then, before they + could interrupt him, he glided on. “The supposed hallucination is this: I + strongly suspect my father, a bankrupt—and therefore dishonest—banker, + of having somehow misappropriated a sum of fourteen thousand pounds, which + sum is known to have been brought from India by one Captain Dodd, and has + disappeared.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop a minute,” said Mr. Abbott. “Who knows it besides you?” + </p> + <p> + “The whole family of the Dodds. They will show you his letter from India, + announcing his return with the money.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do they live?” + </p> + <p> + “Albion Villa, Barkington.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbott noted the address in his book, and Alfred, mightily cheered and + encouraged by this sensible act, went on to describe the various + indications, which, insufficient singly, had by their united force driven + him to his conclusion. When he described David's appearance and words on + his father's lawn at night, Wycherley interrupted him quietly: “Are you + quite sure this was not a vision, a phantom of the mind heated by your + agitation, and your suspicions?” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Eskell nodded assent, knowing nothing about the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Pray, doctor, was I the only person who saw this vision?” inquired Alfred + slily. + </p> + <p> + “I conclude so,” said Wycherley, with an admirable smile. + </p> + <p> + “But why do you conclude so? Because you are one of those who reason in a + circle of assumptions. Now it happens that Captain Dodd was seen and felt + on that occasion by three persons besides myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Name them,” said Mr. Abbott sharply. + </p> + <p> + “A policeman called Reynolds, another policeman, whose name I don't know, + and Miss Julia Dodd. The policemen helped me lift Captain Dodd off the + grass, sir; Julia met us chose by, and we four carried Dr. Wycherhey's + phantom home together to Albion Villa.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abbott noted down all the names, and then turned to Dr. Wycherley. + “What do you say to that?” + </p> + <p> + “I say it is a very important statement,” said the doctor blandly; “and + that I am sure my young friend would not advance it unless he was firmly + persuaded of its reality.” + </p> + <p> + “Much obliged, doctor; and you would not contradict me so rashly in a + matter I know all about and you know nothing about, if it was not your + fixed habit to found facts on theories instead of theories on facts.” + </p> + <p> + “There, that is enough,” said Mr. Abbott. “I have brought you both to an + issue at last. I shall send to Barkington, and examine the policemen and + the Dodds.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, sir,” cried Alfred with emotion. “If you once apply + genuine tests like that to my case, I shall not be long in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Prison?” said Wycherley reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any complaint, then, to make of your treatment here?” inquired + Dr. Eskell. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, sir,” said Alfred warmly. “Dr. Wycherley is the very soul of + humanity. Here are no tortures, no handcuffs nor leg-locks, no brutality, + no insects that murder Sleep—without offence to Logic. In my last + asylum the attendants inflicted violence, here they are only allowed to + endure it. And, gentlemen, I must tell you a noble trait in my enemy + there: nothing can make him angry with madmen; their lies, their + groundless and narrow suspicions of him, their deplorable ingratitude to + him, of which I see examples every day that rile me on his account; all + these things seem to glide off him, baffled by the infinite kindness of + his heart and the incomparable sweetness of his temper; and he returns the + duffers good for evil with scarcely an effort.” + </p> + <p> + At this unexpected tribute the water stood in the doctor's eyes. It was no + more than the truth; but this was the first maniac he had met intelligent + enough to see his good qualities clearly and express them eloquently. + </p> + <p> + “In short,” continued Alfred, “to be happy in his house all a man wants is + to be insane. But, as I am not insane, I am miserable; no convict, no + galley slave is so wretched as I am, gentlemen. And what is my crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said Dr. Eskell kindly, “I think it likely you will not be + very long in confinement.” They then civilly dismissed him; and on his + departure asked Dr. Wycherley his candid opinion. Dr. Wycherley said he + was now nearly cured; his ability to discuss his delusion without + excitement was of itself a proof of that. But in another month he would be + better still. The doctor concluded his remarks thus— + </p> + <p> + “However, gentlemen, you have heard him: now judge for yourselves whether + anybody can be as clever as he is, without the presence of more or less + abnormal excitement of the organs of intelligence.” + </p> + <p> + It was a bright day for Alfred; he saw he had made an excellent impression + on the Commissioners, and, as luck does not always come single, after many + vain attempts to get a letter posted to Julia, he found this very + afternoon a nurse was going away next day. He offered her a guinea, and + she agreed to post a letter. Oh the hapiness it was to the poor prisoner + to write it, and unburden his heart and tell his wrongs. He kept his + manhood for his enemies; his tears fell on the paper he sent to his + forlorn bride. He had no misgivings of her truth; he judged her by + himself: gave her credit for anxiety, but not for doubt. He concluded a + long, ardent, tender letter by begging her to come and see him, and, if + refused admission, to publish his case in the newspapers, and employ a + lawyer to proceed against all the parties concerned in his detention. Day + after day he waited for an answer to his letter; none came. Then he began + to be sore perplexed, and torn with agonising doubts. What if her mind was + poisoned too! What if she thought him mad! What if some misfortune had + befallen her! What if she had believed him dead, and her heart had broken! + Hitherto he had seen his own trouble chiefly; but now he began to think + day and night on hers; and though he ground on for his degree not to waste + time, and not to be driven mad, yet it was almost superhuman labour; sighs + issued from his labouring breast while his hard, indomitable brain + laboured away, all uphill, at Aristotle's Divisions and Definitions. + </p> + <p> + On the seventh day, the earliest the mad statute allowed, the two + Commissioners returned, and this time Mr. Abbott took the lead, and told + him that the policeman Reynolds had left the force, and the Dodds had left + the town, and were in London, but their address not known. + </p> + <p> + At this Alfred was much agitated. She was alive, and perhaps near him. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard a good deal of your story,” said Mr. Abbott, “and coupling + it with what we have seen of you, we think your relatives have treated + you, and a young lady of whom everybody speaks with respect—” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you for saying that! God bless you!” + </p> + <p> + “—treated you both, I say, with needless severity.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Eskell then told him the result of the Special Commission, now closed. + “I believe you to be cured,” said he; “and Mr. Abbott has some doubts + whether you were ever positively insane. We shall lay your case before the + Board at once, and the Board will write to the party who signed the order, + and propose to him to discharge you at once.” + </p> + <p> + At this magnificent project Alfred's countenance fell, and he stared with + astonishment. “What! have you not the power to do me justice without + soliciting Injustice to help you?” + </p> + <p> + “The Board has the power,” said Dr. Eskell; “but for many reasons they + exercise it with prudence and reserve. Besides, it is only fair to those + who have signed the order, to give them the graceful office of liberating + the patient; it paves the way to reconciliation.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred sighed. The Commissioners, to keep up his heart, promised to send + him copies of their correspondence with the person who had signed the + order. “Then,” said Mr. Abbott kindly, “you will see your case is not + being neglected.” + </p> + <p> + The following precis, though imperfect, will give some idea of the + correspondence: + </p> + <p> + 1. The Board wrote to Thomas Hardie, letting him know the result of the + Special Commission, and requesting him to discharge his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Thomas quaked. Richard smiled, and advised Thomas to take no notice. By + this a week was gained to Injustice, and lost to Justice. + </p> + <p> + 2. The Board pointed out Thomas Hardie's inadvertence in not answering No. + 1; enclosed copy of it, and pressed for a reply. + </p> + <p> + Thomas quaked, Richard smiled. + </p> + <p> + 3. Thomas Hardie to the Board. From what he had heard, it would be + premature to discharge Alfred. Should prefer to wait a month or two. + </p> + <p> + 4. Board to Alfred, conveying this in other terms. + </p> + <p> + 5. Alfred to Board, warning them against this proposal. To postpone + justice was to refuse justice, certainly for a time, probably for ever. + </p> + <p> + 6. The Board to Thomas Hardie, suggesting that if not released immediately + Alfred ought to have a trial—<i>i.e.,</i> be allowed to go into the + world with a keeper. + </p> + <p> + 7. Alfred to the Board, begging that Dr. Sampson, an honest independent + physician, might be allowed to visit him and report to them. + </p> + <p> + 8. The Board to Alfred, declining this, for the present as unadvisable, + they being in correspondence with the person who had signed the order—with + a view to his liberation. + </p> + <p> + 9. T. Hardie to the Board, shuffling, and requesting time to make further + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + 10. The Board, suggesting there should be some reasonable limit to delay. + </p> + <p> + 11. T. Hardie, asking for a month to see about it. + </p> + <p> + 12. The Board, suggesting a week. + </p> + <p> + 13. Alfred Hardie, asking permission to be visited by a solicitor with a + view to protection of his liberty and property. + </p> + <p> + 14. The Board, declining this, pending their correspondence with other + parties; but asking him for the names and addresses of all his trustees. + </p> + <p> + 15. Thomas Hardie, informing the Board he had now learned Alfred had + threatened to kill his father as soon as ever he should get out, and + leaving the Board to discharge him on their own responsibility if they + chose after this warning: but declining peremptorily to do so himself. + </p> + <p> + 16, 17, 18. The Board, by advice of Mr. Abbott, to Alfred's trustees, + warning them against any alienation of Alfred's money under the notion + that he was legally a lunatic; and saying that a public inquiry appeared + inevitable, owing to Mr. T. Hardie's unwillingness to enter into their + views. + </p> + <p> + 19. To Alfred, inquiring whether he wished to encounter the expense of + Chancery proceedings to establish his sanity. + </p> + <p> + 20. Alfred to the Board, imploring them to use their powers and discharge + him without further delay, and assuring them he meditated no violence on + his liberation, but should proceed against all parties under legal advice. + </p> + <p> + 21. The Board to T. Hardie, warning him that he must in future pay + Alfred's maintenance in Asylum out of his own pocket, and pressing him + either to discharge the young man, or else to apply to the Lord Chancellor + for a Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo, and enclosing copy of a letter + from Wycherley saying the patient was harmless. + </p> + <p> + 22. T. Hardie respectfully declining to do either, but reminding the + Commissioners that the matter could be thrown into Chancery without his + consent; only the expense, which would be tremendous, would fall on the + lunatic's estate, which might hereafter be regretted by the party himself. + He concluded by promising to come to town and visit Alfred with his family + physician, and write further in a week. + </p> + <p> + Having thus thrown dust in the eyes of the Board, Thomas Hardie and + Richard consulted with a notoriously unscrupulous madhouse keeper in the + suburbs of London, and effected a masterstroke; whereof anon. + </p> + <p> + The correspondence had already occupied three months, and kept Alfred in a + fever of the mind; of all the maddening things with which he had been + harassed by the pretended curers of insanity, this tried him hardest. To + see a dozen honest gentlemen wishing to do justice, able to do justice by + one manly stroke of the pen, yet forego their vantage-ground, and descend + to coax an able rogue to do their duty and undo his own interest and + rascality! To see a strong cause turned into a weak one by the timidity of + champions clad by law in complete steel; and a rotten cause, against which + Law and Power, as well as Truth, Justice, and Common Sense, had now + declared, turned into a strong one by the pluck and cunning of his one + unarmed enemy! The ancients feigned that the ingenious gods tortured + Tantalus in hell by ever-present thirst, and water flowing to just the + outside of his lips. A Briton can thirst for liberty as hard as Tantalus + or hunted deer can thirst for cooling springs and this soul-gnawing + correspondence brought liberty, and citizenhood, and love, and happiness, + to the lips of Alfred's burning, pining, aching heart, again, and again, + and again; then carried them away from him in mockery. Oh, the sickening + anguish of Hope deferred, and deferred: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The Hell it is in suing long to bide.” + </pre> + <p> + But indeed his hopes began to sicken for good when he found that the Board + would not allow any honest independent physician to visit him, or any + solicitor to see him. At first, indeed, they refused it because Mr. Thomas + Hardie was going to let him out: but when T. Hardie would not move at + their request, then on a fresh application they refused it, giving as + their reason that they had already refused it. Yet in so keen a battle he + would not throw away a chance: so he determined to win Dr. Wycherley + altogether by hook or by crook, and get a certificate of sanity from him. + Now a single white lie, he knew would do the trick. He had only to say + that Hamlet was mad. And “Hamlet was mad” is easily said. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley was a collector of mad people, and collectors are always + amateurs, and very seldom connoisseurs. His turn of mind co-operating with + his interests, led him to put down any man a lunatic, whose intellect was + manifestly superior to his own. Alfred Hardie, and one or two more + contemporaries, had suffered by this humour of the good doctor's. Nor did + the dead escape him entirely. Pascal, according to Wycherley, was a madman + with an illusion about a precipice; John Howard a moral lunatic in whom + the affections were reversed; Saul a moping maniac with homicidal + paroxysms and nocturnal visions; Paul an incoherent lunatic, who in his + writings flies off at a tangent, and who admits having once been the + victim of a photopsic illusion in broad daylight; Nebuchadnezzar a + lycanthropical lunatic; Joan of Arc a theomaniac; Bobby Burton and Oliver + Cromwell melancholy maniacs; Napoleon an ambitious maniac, in whom the + sense of impossibility became gradually extinguished by visceral and + cerebral derangement; Porson an oinomaniac; Luther a phrenetic patient of + the old demoniac breed, alluded to by Shakespeare: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “One sees more devils than vast Hell can hold. + That is the madman.” + </pre> + <p> + But without intending any disrespect to any of these gentlemen, he + assigned the golden crown of Insanity to Hamlet. To be sure, this + character tells his friends in the play he shall <i>feign</i> insanity, + and swears them not to reveal the reason; and after this hint to his + friends and the pit (it is notorious he was not written for readers) he + keeps his word, and does it as cleverly as if his name was David or Brutus + instead of Hamlet; indeed, like Edgar, he rather overdoes it, and so + puzzles his enemies in the play, and certain German criticasters and + English mad doctors in the closet, and does not puzzle his bosom friend in + the play one bit, nor the pit for whom he was created. Add to this his + sensibility, and his kindness to others, and his eloquent grief at the + heart-rending situation which his father's and mother's son was placed in + and had brains to realise, though his psychological critics, it seems, + have not; and add to all that the prodigious extent of his mind, his keen + observation, his deep reflection; his brilliant fancy, united for once in + a way with the great Academic, or judicial, intellect, that looks down and + sees all the sides of everything—and what can this rare intellectual + compound be? Wycherley decided the question. Hamlet was too much greater + in the world of mind than S. T. Coleridge and his German criticasters; too + much higher, deeper, and broader than Esquirol, Pinel, Sauze, Haslam, + Munro, Pagan, Wigan, Prichard, Romberg, Wycherley, and such small deer, to + be anything less than a madman. + </p> + <p> + Now, in their midnight discussions, Dr. Wycherley more than once alluded + to the insanity of Hamlet; and offered proofs. But Alfred declined the + subject as too puerile. “A man must exist before he can be insane,” said + the Oxonian philosopher, severe in youthful gravity. But when he found + that Dr. Wycherley, had he lived in Denmark at the time, would have + conferred cannily with Hamlet's uncle, removed that worthy relative's + disbelief in Hamlet's insanity, and signed the young gentleman away behind + his back into a lunatic asylum, Alfred began to sympathise with this + posthumous victim of Psychological Science. “I believe the bloke was no + madder than I am,” said he. He got the play, studied it afresh, compared + the fiction with the legend, compared Hamlet humbugging his enemies and + their tool, Ophelia, with Hamlet opening his real mind to himself or his + Horatio the very next moment; contrasted the real madness the author has + portrayed in the plays of Hamlet and Lear by the side of these extravagant + imitations, to save, if possible, even dunces, and dreamers, and + criticasters from being taken in by the latter; and at their next seance + pitched into the doctor's pet chimera, and what with logic, fact, + ridicule, and the author's lines, knocked it to atoms. + </p> + <p> + Now, in their midnight discussions, Dr. Wycherley had always handled the + question of Alfred Hardie's Sanity or Insanity with a philosophical + coolness the young man admired, and found it hard to emulate; but this + philosophic calmness deserted him the moment Hamlet's insanity was + disputed, and the harder he was pressed the angrier, the louder, the more + confused the Psychological physician became; and presently he got furious, + burst out of the anti-spasmodic or round-about style and called Alfred a d—d + ungrateful, insolent puppy, and went stamping about the room; and, + finally, to the young man's horror, fell down in a fit of an epileptic + character, grinding his teeth and foaming at the mouth. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was filled with regret, and, though alarmed, had the presence of + mind not to call for assistance. The fit was a very mild one in reality, + though horrible to look at. The doctor came to, and asked feebly for wine. + Alfred got it him, and the doctor, with a mixture of cunning and alarm in + his eye, said he had fainted away, or nearly. Alfred assented coaxingly, + and looked sheepish. After this he took care never to libel Hamlet's + intellect again by denying his insanity; for he was now convinced of what + he had long half suspected, that the doctor had a bee in his own bonnet; + and Alfred had studied true insanity all this time, and knew how inhumane + it is to oppose a monomaniac's foible; it only infuriates and worries him. + No power can convince him. + </p> + <p> + But now he resolved to play on the doctor's foible. It went against his + conscience; but the temptation was so strong. He came to him with a + hang-dog air. + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” said he, “I have been thinking over your arguments, and I + capitulate. If Hamlet ever existed, he was as mad as a March hare.” And he + blushed at this his first quibble. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley beamed with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “My young friend, this gives me sincere pleasure; not on my account, but + on your own. There goes one of your illusions then. Now tell me—the + L. 4,000! Have you calmly reconsidered that too?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred hung his head, and looked guiltier and guiltier. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said he, “that never amounted to anything more than a strong + suspicion. It has long ceased to occupy my mind in excess. However, should + I ever be so fortunate as to recover my liberty, I have no objection to + collect the evidence about it pro and con., and then make you the judge + instead of myself.” This he delivered with an admirable appearance of + indifference. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir,” said the doctor drily. “Then, now I have a piece of good + news for <i>you.</i> + </p> + <p> + “Oh, doctor, what is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Your cure is complete; that is all! You are now a sane man, as sane as I + am.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was a little disappointed at this piece of news; but recovering + himself, asked him to certify that and let him send the certificate to the + Board. Dr. Wycherley said he would with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “I'll bring it to you when I make my round,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Alfred retired triumphant, and went in at Plato with a good heart. + </p> + <p> + In about an hour Dr. Wycherley paid him the promised visit. But what may + not an hour bring forth? He came with mortification and regret in his face + to tell Alfred that an order of transfer had been signed by the proper + parties, and counter-signed by two Commissioners, and he was to go to Dr. + Wolf's asylum that day. + </p> + <p> + Alfred groaned. “I knew my father would out-wit my feeble friends somehow + or other,” said he. “What is his game! do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose to obtain a delay; and meantime get you into an asylum, where + they will tell the Commissioners you are worse again, and perhaps do + something to make their words good. Dr. Wolf, between ourselves, will say + or do almost anything for money. And his asylum is conducted on the old + system; though he pretends not.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend,” said Alfred, “will you do me a favour?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I deny you anything at this sorrowful moment?” + </p> + <p> + “Here is an advertisement I want inserted in the <i>Morning Advertiser.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I can't do that, I fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at it before you break my heart by refusing me.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley looked at it, and said it was innocent, being + unintelligible: and he would insert it himself. + </p> + <p> + “Three insertions, dear doctor,” said Alfred. “Here is the money. + </p> + <p> + The doctor then told him sorrowfully he must pack up his things—Dr. + Wolf's keepers were waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + The moment of parting came. Then Alfred solemnly forgave Dr. Wycherley for + signing away his wits, and thanked him for all his kindness and humanity. + “We shall never meet again, I fear,” said he; “I feel a weight of + foreboding here about my heart I never felt before; yet my trials have + been many and great. I think the end is at hand.” Dr. Wolf's keepers + received him, and their first act was to handcuff him. The cold steel + struck into him deeper than his wrist, and reminded him of Silverton + Grove; he could not suppress a shudder. The carriage rolled all through + London with him. He saw the Parks with autumn's brown and golden tints: he + saw the people, some rich, some poor, but none of them prisoners. He saw a + little girl all rags. “Oh if I could be as ragged as you are,” he said, + “and free.” + </p> + <p> + At last they reached Drayton House—a huge old mansion, fortified + into a jail. His handcuffs were whipped off in the yard. He was ushered + into a large gloomy drawing-room. Dr. Wolf soon came to him, and they + measured each other by the eye like two prize-fighters. Dr. Wolf's eye + fell under Alfred's, and the latter felt he was capable of much foul play. + He was one of the old bull-necked breed: and contained the bull-dog and + the spaniel in his single nature. “I hope you will be comfortable here, + sir,” said he doggedly. + </p> + <p> + “I will try, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The first-class patients dine in half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I will be ready, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Full dress in the evening; there are several ladies.” Alfred assented by + a bow. Dr. Wolf rang a bell, and told a servant to show Mr. Hardie his + room. + </p> + <p> + He had just time to make his toilet when the bell rang for dinner. + </p> + <p> + As he went down a nurse met him, held up something white to him as she + came, lowered it quickly, and dropped it at his feet in passing. + </p> + <p> + It was a billet-doux. + </p> + <p> + It was twisted into a pretty shape, scented and addressed to Mr. Hardie, + in a delicate Italian hand, and in that pale ink which seems to reflect + the charming timidity of the fair who use it. + </p> + <p> + He wondered; carried it into a recess; then opened it and read it. It + contained but this one line— + </p> + <p> + <i>“Drink nothing but water at dinner.</i>” + </p> + <p> + These words in that delicate Italian hand sent a chill through Alfred. + What on earth was all this? Was he to be poisoned? Was his life aimed at + now instead of his reason? What was this mysterious drama prepared for him + the very moment he set his foot in the place, perhaps before? A poisoner, + and a friend! Both strangers. He went down to dinner: and contrived to + examine every lady and gentleman at the table. But they were all + strangers. Presently a servant filled his glass with beer; he looked and + saw it was poured from a small jug holding only his portion. Alfred took + his ring off his finger, and holding the glass up dropped his ring in. + </p> + <p> + “What is that for?” inquired one or two. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my ring has a peculiar virtue, it tells me what is good for me. Ah! + what do I see? My ruby changes colour. Fetch me a clean glass.” And he + filled it with water from a caraffe. “No, sir, leave the beer. I'll + analyse it in my room after dinner. I'm a chemist.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf changed colour, and was ill at ease. Here was a bold and ugly + customer. However, he said nothing, and felt sure his morphia could not be + detected in beer by any decomposer but the stomach. Still he was rather + mystified. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Alfred came dressed into the drawing-room, and found + several gentlemen and ladies there. One of the ladies seemed to attract + the lion's share of male homage. Her back was turned to Alfred: but it was + a beautiful back, with great magnificent neck and shoulders, and a skin + like satin; she was tall but rounded and symmetrical, had a massive but + long and shapely white arm, and perfect hand: and masses of thick black + hair sat on her grand white poll like a raven on a marble pillar. + </p> + <p> + It was not easy to get near her; for the mad gentlemen were fawning on her + all round; like Queen Elizabeth's courtiers. + </p> + <p> + However, Dr. Wolf, seeing Alfred standing alone, said, “Let me introduce + you,” and took him round to her. The courtiers fell back a little. The + lady turned her stately head, and her dark eyes ran lightly all over + Alfred in a moment. + </p> + <p> + He bowed, and blushed like a girl. She curtseyed composedly and without a + symptom of recognition—deep water runs still—and Dr. Wolf + introduced them ceremoniously. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardie—Mrs. Archbold.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI + </h2> + <p> + ON Alfred's leaving Silverton, Mrs. Archbold was prostrated. It was a + stunning blow to her young passion, and left her weary, desolate. + </p> + <p> + But she was too strong to lie helpless under disappointed longings. Two + days she sat stupefied with the heartache; after that she bustled about + her work in a fervour of half-crazy restlessness, and ungovernable + irritability, quenched at times by fits of weeping. As she wept apart, but + raged and tyrannised in public, she soon made Silverton House Silverton + Oven, especially to those who had the luck to be of her sex. Then Baker + timidly remonstrated; at the first word she snapped him up and said a + change would be good for both of them. He apologised; in vain: that very + day she closed by letter with Dr. Wolf, who had often invited her to be + his “Matron.” Her motive, half hidden from herself, was to be anywhere + near her favourite. + </p> + <p> + Installed at Drayton House, she waited some days, and coquetted woman-like + with her own desires, then dressed neatly but soberly, and called at Dr. + Wycherley's; sent in a note explaining who she was with a bit of soft + sawder, and asked to see Alfred. + </p> + <p> + She was politely but peremptorily refused. She felt this rebuff bitterly. + She went home stung and tingling to the core. But Bitters wholesome be: + offended pride now allied with strong good sense to wither a wild + affection; and, as it was no longer fed by the presence of its object, her + wound healed, all but the occasional dull throbbing that precedes a + perfect cure. + </p> + <p> + At this stage of her convalescence Dr. Wolf told her in an off-hand way + that Mr. Hardie, a patient of doubtful insanity, was coming to his asylum, + to be kept there by hook or by crook. (She was entirely in Wolf's + confidence, and he talked of these things to her in English.) The + impenetrable creature assented outwardly, with no sign of emotion + whatever, but one flash of the eye, and one heave of the bosom swiftly + suppressed. She waited calmly and patiently till she was alone; then + yielded to joy and triumph; they seemed to leap inside her. But this very + thing alarmed her. “Better for me never to see him again,” she thought. + “His power over me is too terrible. Ah, good-bye to the peace and comfort + I have been building up! He will scatter them to the winds. He has.” + </p> + <p> + She tried not to think of him too much. And, while she was so struggling, + Wolf let out that Alfred was to have morphia at dinner the first day—morphia, + the accursed drug with which these dark men in these dark places coax the + reason away out of the head by degrees, or with a potent dose stupefy the + victim, then act surprise, alarm; and make his stupor the ground for + applying medical treatment to the doomed wretch. Edith Archbold knew the + game, and at the word morphia, Pity and Passion rose in her bosom + irresistible. She smiled in Dr. Wolf's face, and hated him; and secretly + girt herself up to baffle him, and protect Alfred's reason, and win his + heart through his gratitude. + </p> + <p> + She received him as I have related, to throw dust in Dr. Wolf's eyes: but + she acted so admirably that some went into Alfred's. “Ah,” thought he, + “she is angry with herself for her amorous folly; and, with the justice of + her sex, she means to spite poor me for it.” He sighed; for he felt her + hostility would be fatal to him. To give her no fresh offence, he fell + into her manner, and treated her with a world of distant respect. Then + again, who else but she could have warned him against poison? Then again, + if so, why look so cold and stern at him? He cast one or two wistful + glances at her; but the artful woman of thirty was impenetrable in public + to the candid man of twenty-one. Even her passion could not put them on an + equality. + </p> + <p> + That night he could not sleep. He lay wondering what would be the next + foul practice, and how he should parry it. + </p> + <p> + He wrote next morning to the Commissioners that two of their number, + unacquainted with the previous proceedings of the Board, had been + surprised into endorsing an order of transfer to an asylum bearing a very + inferior character to Dr. Wycherley's; the object of this was clearly foul + play. Accordingly, Dr. Wolf had already tried to poison his reason, by + drugging his beer at dinner. He added that Dr. Wycherley had now signed a + certificate of his sanity, and implored the Board to inspect it, and + discharge him at once, or else let a solicitor visit him at once, and take + the requisite steps towards a public inquiry. + </p> + <p> + While waiting anxiously for the answer, it cost him all his philosophy to + keep his heart from eating itself. But he fought the good fight of Reason; + he invited the confidences of the quieter mad people, and established a + little court, and heard their grievances, and by impartial decisions and + good humour won the regard of the moderate patients and of the attendants, + all but three; Rooke, the head keeper, a morose burly ruffian; Hayes, a + bilious subordinate, Rooke's shadow; and Vulcan, a huge mastiff that would + let nobody but Rooke touch him; he was as big as a large calf, and + formidable as a small lion, though nearly toothless with age. He was let + loose in the yard at night, and was an element in the Restraint system; + many a patient would have tried to escape but for Vulcan. He was also an + invaluable howler at night, and so cooperated with Dr. Wolf's bugs and + fleas to avert sleep, that vile foe to insanity and all our diseases, + private asylums included. + </p> + <p> + Alfred treated Mrs. Archbold with a distant respect that tried her hard. + But that able woman wore sweetness and unobtrusive kindness, and bided her + time. + </p> + <p> + In Drayton House the keeperesses eclipsed the keepers in cruelty to the + poorer patients. No men except Dr. Wolf and his assistant had a pass-key + into their department, so there was nobody they could deceive, nobody they + held worth the trouble. In the absence of male critics they showed their + real selves, and how wise it is to trust that gentle sex in the dark with + irresponsible power over females. With unflagging patience they applied + the hourly torture of petty insolence, needless humiliation, unreasonable + refusals to the poor madwomen; bored them with the poisoned gimlet, and + made their hearts bleeding pin-cushions. But minute cruelty and wild + caprice were not enough for them, though these never tired nor rested; + they must vilify them too with degrading and savage names. Billingsgate + might have gone to school to Drayton House. <i>Inter alia,</i> they seemed + in love with a term that Othello hit upon; only they used it not once, but + fifty times a day, and struck decent women with it on the face, like a + scorpion whip; and then the scalding tears were sure to run in torrents + down their silly, honest, burning cheeks. But this was not all; they had + got a large tank in a flagged room, nominally for cleanliness and cure, + but really for bane and torture. For the least offence, or out of mere + wantonness, they would drag a patient stark naked across the yard, and + thrust her bodily under water again and again, keeping her down till + almost gone with suffocation, and dismissing her more dead than alive with + obscene and insulting comments ringing in her ears, to get warm again in + the cold. This my ladies called “tanking.” + </p> + <p> + In the ordinary morning ablutions they tanked without suffocating. But the + immersion of the whole body in cold water was of itself a severe trial to + those numerous patients in whom the circulation was weak; and as medical + treatment, hurtful and even dangerous. Finally, these keeperesses, with + diabolical insolence and cruelty, would bathe twenty patients in this + tank, and then make them drink that foul water for their meals. + </p> + <p> + “The dark places of the land are full of horrible cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + One day they tanked so savagely that Nurse Eliza, after months of sickly + disapproval, came to the new redresser of grievances, and told. + </p> + <p> + What was he to do? He seized the only chance of redress; he ran panting + with indignation to Mrs. Archbold, and blushing high, said imploringly, + “Mrs. Archbold, you used to be kindhearted——” and could say no + more for something rising in his throat. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold smiled encouragingly on him, and said softly, “I am the same + I always was—to you Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you; then pray send for Nurse Eliza, and hear the cruelties + that are being done to the patients within a yard of us.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better tell me yourself, if you want me to pay any attention.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't. I don't know how to speak to a lady of such things as are done + here. The brutes! the cowardly she-devils! Oh, how I should like to kill + them.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold laughed a little at his enthusiasm (fancy caring so what was + done to a pack of women), and sent for Nurse Eliza. She came and being + questioned told Mrs. Archbold more than she had Alfred. “And, ma'am,” said + she, whimpering, “they have just been tanking one they had no business to + touch; it is Mrs. Dale, her that is so close on her confinement. They + tanked her cruel they did, and kept her under water till she was nigh + gone. I came away; I couldn't stand it.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was walking about in a fury, and Nurse Eliza, in making this last + revolting communication, lowered her voice for him not to hear, but his + senses were quick. I think he heard, for he turned and came quickly to + them. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Archbold, you are strong and brave—for a woman; oh, do go in + to them and take them by the throat and shake the life out of them, the + merciless, cowardly beasts! Oh that I could be a woman for an hour, or + they could be men, I'd soon have my foot on some of the wretches.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold acted Ignition. “Come with me both of you,” she said, and + they were soon in the female department. Up came keeperesses directly, + smirking and curtseying to her, and pretending not to look at Adonis. + “Which of you nurses tanked Mrs. Dale?” said she sternly. + </p> + <p> + “'Twasn't I, ma'am, 'twasn't I.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fie!” said Eliza to one, “you know you were at the head of it.” + </p> + <p> + She pointed out two as the leaders. The Archbold instantly had them seized + by the others—who, with treachery equal to their cowardice, turned + eagerly against their fellow-culprits, to make friends with Power—and, + inviting all the sensible maniacs who had been tanked, to assist or + inspect, she bared her own statuesque arms, and, ably aided, soon plunged + the offenders, screaming, crying, and whining, like spaniel bitches + whipped, under the dirty water. They swallowed some, and appreciated their + own acts. Then she forced them to walk twice round the yard with their wet + clothes clinging to them, hooted by the late victims. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Alfred, “let that teach you men will not own hyaenas in + petticoats for women.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Alfred took all the credit of this performance; but in fact, when the + Archbold invited him to bear a hand, he showed the white feather. + </p> + <p> + <i>“I</i> won't touch the blackguardesses,” said he, haughtily turning it + off on the score of contempt. <i>“You</i> give it them! Again, again! + Brava!” + </p> + <p> + Mosaic retribution completed, Mrs. Archbold told the nurses if ever + “tanking recurred she would bundle the whole female staff into the street, + and then have them indicted by the Commissioners.” + </p> + <p> + These virtuous acts did Edith Archbold for love for a young man. Whether + mad women or sane, women pregnant, or the reverse, were tanked or not, she + cared at heart no more than whether sheep were washed or no in Ettrick's + distant dale. She was retiring with a tender look at Alfred, and her pulse + secretly unaccelerated by sheep-washing of she-wolves, when her grateful + favourite appealed to her again: + </p> + <p> + “Dear Mrs. Archbold, shall we punish and not comfort? This poor Mrs. + Dale!” + </p> + <p> + The Archbold could have boxed his ears. “Dear boy,” she murmured tenderly, + “you teach us all our duty.” She visited the tanked one, found her in a + cold room after it, shivering like ague, and her teeth chattering. Mrs. + Archbold had her to the fire, and got her warm clothes and a pint of wine, + and probably saved her life and her child's—for love of a young man. + </p> + <p> + Why I think Mrs. Dale would otherwise have left this shifting scene, Mrs. + Carey, the last woman in her condition they tanked and then turned into a + flagged cell that only wanted one frog of a grotto, was found soon after + moribund; on which they bundled her out of the asylum to die. She did die + next day, at home, but murdered by the asylum; and they told the + Commissioners she died through her friends taking her away from the asylum + too soon. The Commissioners had nothing to do but believe this, and did + believe it. Inspectors who visit a temple of darkness, lies, cunning, and + hypocrisy, four times a year, know mighty little of what goes on there the + odd three hundred and sixty-one days, five hours, forty-eight minutes, and + fifty-seven seconds.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Arithmetic of my boyhood. I hear the world revolves some + minutes quicker now. +</pre> + <p> + “Now, Alfred,” said Mrs. Archbold, “I can't be everywhere, or know + everything; so you come to me when anything grieves you, and let me be the + agent of your humanity.” + </p> + <p> + She said this so charmingly he was surprised into kissing her fair hand; + then blushed, and thanked her warmly. Thus she established a chain between + them. When he let too long elapse without appealing to her, she would ask + his advice about the welfare of this or that patient; and so she cajoled + him by the two foibles she had discerned in him—his vanity and his + humanity. + </p> + <p> + Besides Alfred, there were two patients in Drayton House who had never + been insane; a young man, and an old woman; of whom anon. There were also + three ladies and one gentleman, who had been deranged, but had recovered + years ago. This little incident, Recovery, is followed in a public asylum + by instant discharge; but, in a private one, Money, not Sanity, is apt to + settle the question of egress. The gentleman's case was scarce credible in + the nineteenth century: years ago, being undeniably cracked, he had done + what Dr. Wycherley told Alfred was a sure sign of sanity: <i>i.e.,</i> he + had declared himself insane; and had even been so reasonable as to sign + his own order and certificates, and so imprison himself illegally, but + with perfect ease; no remonstrance against that illegality from the + guardians of the law! When he got what plain men call sane, he naturally + wanted to be free, and happening to remember he alone had signed the order + of imprisonment, and the imaginary doctor's certificates, he claimed his + discharge from illegal confinement. Answer: “First obtain a legal order + for your discharge.” On this he signed an order for his discharge. “That + is not a legal order.”—“It is as legal as the order on which I am + here.” “Granted; but, legally or not, the asylum has got you; the open air + has not got you. Possession is ninety-nine points of Lunacy law. Die your + own illegal prisoner, and let your kinsfolk eat your land, and drink your + consols, and bury you in a pauper's shroud” All that Alfred could do for + these victims was to promise to try and get them out some day, D.V. But + there was a weak-minded youth, Francis Beverley, who had the honour to be + under the protection of the Lord Chancellor. Now a lunatic or a Softy, + protected by that functionary, is literally a lamb protected by a wolf, + and that wolf <i>ex officio</i> the cruellest, cunningest old mangler and + fleecer of innocents in Christendom. Chancery lunatics are the richest + class, yet numbers of them are flung among pauper and even criminal + lunatics, at a few pounds a year, while their committees bag four-fifths + of the money that has been assigned to keep the patient in comfort. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately the protection of the Chancellor extends to Life and Reason, + as well as Fleece; with the following result: + </p> + <p> + In public asylums about forty per cent. are said to be cured. + </p> + <p> + In private ones twenty-five per cent, at least; most of them poorish. + </p> + <p> + Of Chancery Lunatics not five per cent. + </p> + <p> + Finally, one-third of all the Chancery Lunatics do every six years + exchange the living tombs they are fleeced and bullied in for dead tombs + where they rest; and go from the sham protection of the Lord Chancellor of + England to the real protection of their Creator and their Judge. + </p> + <p> + These statistics have been long before the world, and are dead figures to + the Skimmer of things, but tell a dark tale to the Reader of things, so + dark, that I pray Heaven to protect me, and all other weak inoffensive + persons, from the protection of my Lord Chancellor in this kind. + </p> + <p> + Beverley was so unfortunate as to exist before the date of the above + petition: and suffered the consequences. + </p> + <p> + He was an aristocrat by birth, noble on both sides of his house, and + unluckily had money. But for that he would have been a labouring man, and + free. My Lord Protector committed him with six hundred pounds a year + maintenance money to the care of his committee, the Honourable Fynes + Beverley. + </p> + <p> + Now this corporate, yet honourable individual, to whom something was + committed, and so Chancery Lane called him in its own sweet French the + thing committed, was a gentleman of birth, breeding, and intelligence. He + undertook to take care of his simple cousin; and what he did take care of + was himself. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE SUB-LETTING SWINDLE. +</pre> + <p> + I. The Honourable Fynes Beverley, Anglo-French committee, or crown tenant, + sub-let soft Francis for L. 300 a year, pocketed L. 300, and washed his + hands of Frank. + </p> + <p> + 2. Mr. Heselden, the sub-tenant, sub-let the Softy of high degree for L. + 150, pocketed the surplus, and washed his hands of him. + </p> + <p> + 3. The L. 150 man sub-let him to Dr. Wolf at L. 60 a year, pouched the + surplus, and washed his hands of him. + </p> + <p> + And now what on earth was left for poor Dr. Wolf to do? Could he + sub-embezzle a Highlander's breeks? Could he subtract more than her skin + from off the singed cat? Could he peel the core of a rotten apple? Could + he pare a grated cheese rind? Could he flay a skinned flint? Could he + fleece a hog after Satan had shaved it as clean as a bantam's egg? + </p> + <p> + Let no man dare to limit genius; least of all the genius of extortion. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf screwed comparatively more out of young Frank than did any of the + preceding screws. He turned him into a servant of all work and half + starved him; money profit, L. 45 out of the L. 60, or three-fourths, + whereas the others had only bagged one-half. But by this means he got a + good servant without wages, and on half a servant's food, clearing L. 22 + and L. 12 in these two items. + </p> + <p> + Victim of our great national vice and foible, Vicariousness, this scion of + a noble house, protected in theory by the Crown, vicariously sub-protected + by the Chancellor, sub-vicariously sub-sham protected by his kin, was + really flung unprotected into the fleece market, and might be seen—at + the end of the long chain of subs. pros, vices, locos, shams, shuffles, + swindles, and lies—shaking the carpets, making the beds, carrying + the water, sweeping the rooms, and scouring the sordid vessels, of thirty + patients in Drayton House, not one of whom was his equal either in birth + or wealth; and of four menials, who were all his masters and hard ones. + His work was always doing, never done. He was not the least mad nor bad, + but merely of feeble intellect all round. Fifty thousand gentlemen's + families would have been glad of him at L. 300 a year, and made a son and + a brother of him. But he was under the vicarious protection of the Lord + Chancellor. Thin, half-starved, threadbare, out at elbows, the universal + butt, scoffed at by the very lunatics, and especially ill treated by the + attendants whose work he did gratis, he was sworn at, jeered, insulted, + cuffed and even kicked, every day of his hard, hard life. And yet he was a + gentleman, though a soft one; his hands, his features, his carriage, his + address, had all an indefinable stamp of race. How had it outlived such + crushing, degrading usage? I don't know; how does a daisy survive the iron + roller? Alfred soon found him out, and to everybody's amazement, + especially Frank's, remonstrated gently but resolutely and eloquently, and + soon convinced the majority, sane and insane, that a creature so meek and + useful merited special kindness, not cruelty. One keeper, The Robin, <i>alias</i> + Tom Wales, an ex—prize fighter, was a warm convert to this view. + Among the maniacs only one held out, and said contemptuously he couldn't + see it. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Alfred, “lay a finger on him after this, and I'll lay a hand + on you, and aid your intellectual vision.” + </p> + <p> + Rooke and Hayes treated remonstrance with open and galling contempt. Yet + the tide of opinion changed so, they did not care to defy it openly: but + they bullied poor Beverley now and then on the sly, and he never told. He + was too inoffensive for this world. But one day, as Alfred was sitting + with his door ajar, writing a letter of earnest expostulation to the + Commissioners, who had left his first unanswered, he heard Hayes at the + head of the stairs call roughly, “Frank! Frank!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied the soft little voice of young Beverley. + </p> + <p> + “Come, be quick, young shaver.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm coming, sir,” and up ran Beverley. + </p> + <p> + “Here, take this tray downstairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, there's a bit of bread for you.” And Hayes chucked him a crust, as + one throws it to another man's dog. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Mr. Beverley, stooping down for it, and being + habitually as hungry as a ratcatcher's tyke, took an eager bite in that + position. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you eat it there,” said Hayes brutally: “take it to your own + crib: come, mizzle.” And with that lent him a contemptuous kick behind, + which owing to his position sent him off his balance flat on the tray; a + glass broke under him. Poor young Mr. Beverley uttered a cry of dismay, + for he knew Hayes would not own himself the cause. Hayes cursed him for an + awkward idiot, and the oath went off into a howl, for Alfred ran out at + him brimful of Moses, and with a savage kick in the back and blow on the + neck, administered simultaneously, hurled him head foremost down the + stairs. Alighting on the seventh step, he turned a somersault, and bounded + like a ball on to the landing below, and there lay stupefied. He picked + himself up by slow degrees, and glared round with speechless awe and + amazement up at the human thunderbolt that had shot out on him and sent + him flying like a feather. He shook his fist, and limped silently away all + bruises and curses, to tell Rooke and concert vengeance. Alfred, trembling + still with ire, took Beverley to his room (the boy was as white as a + sheet), and encouraged him, and made him wash properly, brushed his hair, + dressed him in a decent tweed suit he had outgrown, and taking him under + his arm, and walking with his own nose haughtily in the air, paraded him + up and down the asylum, to show them all the best man in the house + respected the poor soft gentleman. Ah, what a grand thing it is to be + young! Beverley clung to his protector too much like a girl, but walked + gracefully and kept step, and every now and then looked up at Alfred with + a loving adoration, that was sweet, yet sad to see. Alfred marched him to + Mrs. Archbold, and told his tale; for he knew Hayes would misrepresent it, + and get him into trouble. She smiled on the pair; gently deplored her + favourite's impetuosity, entreated him not to go fighting with that great + monster Rooke, and charmed him by saying, “Well, and Frank <i>is</i> a + gentleman, when he is dressed like one.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't he?” said Alfred eagerly. “And whose fault is it he is not always + dressed like one? Whose fault that here's an earl's nephew, 'Boots in + Hell'?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yours, Alfred, nor mine,” was the honeyed reply. + </p> + <p> + In vain did Mr. Hayes prefer his complaint to Dr. Wolf. The Archbold had + been before him, and the answer was, “Served you right.” + </p> + <p> + These and many other good deeds did Alfred Hardie in Drayton House. But, + as the days rolled on, and no answer came from the Commissioners, his own + anxiety, grief, and dismay left him less and less able to sympathise with + the material but smaller wrongs around him. He became silent, dejected. + </p> + <p> + At last he came to Mrs. Archbold, and said sternly his letters to the + Commissioners were intercepted. + </p> + <p> + “I can't believe that,” said she. “It is against the law.” + </p> + <p> + So it was: but law and custom are two. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of it,” said he; “and may the eternal curse of Heaven light on + the cowardly traitor and miscreant who has done it.” And he stalked + gloomily away. + </p> + <p> + When he left her, she sighed at this imprecation from his lips; but did + not repent. “I <i>can't</i> part with him,” she said despairingly; “and if + I did not stop his poor dear letters, Wolf would:” and the amorous + crocodile shed a tear, and persisted in her double-faced course. + </p> + <p> + By-and-by, when she saw him getting thinner and paler, and his bright face + downcast and inexpressibly sad, she shared his misery: ay, shed scalding + tears for him: yet could not give him up; for her will was as strong as + the rest of her was supple; and hers was hot love, but not true love like + Julia's. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps a very subtle observer, seeing this man and woman wax pale and + spiritless together in one house, might have divined her secret. Dr. Wolf, + then, was no such observer, for she made him believe she had a rising <i>penchant</i> + for him. He really had a strong one for her. + </p> + <p> + While Alfred's visible misery pulled at her heart-strings, and sometimes + irritated, sometimes melted her, came curious complications; one of which + requires preface. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd then was not the wife to trust blindly where her poor husband + was concerned. She bribed so well that a keeperess in David's first asylum + told her David had been harshly used by an attendant. She instantly got + Eve Dodd to take him away: and transfer him to a small asylum nearer + London, and kept by a Mrs. Ellis. “Women are not cruel to men,” said the + sagacious Lucy Dodd. + </p> + <p> + But, alas! if women are not cruel where sex comes in and mimics that wider + sentiment, Humanity, women are deadly economical. Largely gifted with that + household virtue, Mrs. Ellis kept too few servants, and, sure consequence + in a madhouse, too many straitjackets, hobbles, muffs, leg-locks, + bodybelts, &c. &c. Hence half her patients were frequently kept + out of harm's way by cruel restraints administered, not out of hearty + cruelty, but female parsimony. Mrs. and Miss Dodd invaded the house one + day when the fair economist was out, and found seven patients out of the + twelve kept out of mischief thus: one in a restraint chair, two hobbled + like asses, two chained like dogs, and two in straight-waistcoats, and + fastened to beds by webbing and straps; amongst the latter, David, though + quiet as a lamb. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd cried over him as if her heart would break, and made Miss Dodd + shift him to a large asylum, where I believe he was very well used. But + here those dreadful newspapers interfered; a prying into sweet secluded + spots. They diversified Mrs. Dodd's breakfast by informing her that the + doctor of this asylum had just killed a patient; the mode of execution + bloodless and sure, as became fair science. It was a man between sixty and + seventy; an age at which the heart can seldom stand very much shocking, or + lowering, especially where the brain is diseased. So they placed him in a + shower-bath, narrow enough to impede respiration, without the falling + water, which of necessity drives out air. In short a vertical box with + holes all round the top. + </p> + <p> + Here the doctor ordered him a cold shower-bath of unparalleled duration: + half an hour. To be followed by an unprecedented dose of tartar emetic. + This double-barrelled order given, the doctor went away. (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + The water was down to forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Half an hour's + shower-bath at that temperature in a roomy bath would kill the youngest + and strongest man in her Majesty's dominions. + </p> + <p> + For eight-and-twenty mortal minutes the poor old man stood in this + vertical coffin under this cold cascade. Six hundred gallons of icy water + were in that his last hour, his last half-hour, discharged upon his + devoted head and doomed body. + </p> + <p> + He had to be helped away from this death-torrent he had walked into in + high spirits, poor soul. + </p> + <p> + Even this change awakened no misgivings, no remorse; though you or I, or + any man or woman picked at hazard out of the streets, would at once have + seen that he was dying, he was duly dozed by the fire with four spoonfuls + of antimonial tincture—<i>to mak' sicker.</i> But even the + “Destructive Art of Healing” cannot slay the slain. The old man cheated + the emetic; for, before it could hurt him, he died of the bath; And his + body told its own sad tale; to use the words of a medical eye-witness, it + was “A PIECE OF ALABASTER.” The death-torrent had driven the whole + circulation from the surface.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This mode of execution is well known in the United States. + They settle refractory prisoners with it periodically. But + half an hour is not needed; twenty minutes will do the + trick. <i>“Harper's Weekly,</i>” a year or two ago, contained an + admirable woodcut of a negro's execution by water. In this + remarkable picture you see the poor darkie seated powerless, + howling and panting his life away under the deadly cascade, + and there stands the stolid turnkey, erect, formal, stiff as + a ramrod, pulling the deadly string with a sort of drill + exercise air, and no more compunction nor reflection than if + he himself was a machine constructed to pull strings or + triggers on his own string being pulled by butcher or fool. + A picture well studied, and so worth study. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was terrified, and in spite of Sampson's assurance that this was + the asylum of all others they would not settle another patient in until + the matter should have blown over, got Eve Dodd to write to Dr. Wolf, and + offer L. 300 a year if he would take David at once, and treat him with + especial consideration. + </p> + <p> + He showed this letter triumphantly to Mrs. Archbold, and she, blinded for + a moment by feeling, dissuaded him from receiving Captain Dodd. He stared + at her. “What, turn away a couple of thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + “But they will come to visit him; and perhaps see him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that can be managed. You must be on your guard: and I'll warn Rooke. + I can't turn away money on a chance.” + </p> + <p> + One day Alfred found himself locked into his room. This was unusual: for, + though they called him a lunatic in words, they called him sane by all + their acts. He half suspected that the Commissioners were in the house. + </p> + <p> + Had he known who really was in the house, he would have beaten himself to + pieces against the door. + </p> + <p> + At dinner there was a new patient, very mild and silent, with a beautiful + large brown eye, like some gentle animal's. + </p> + <p> + Alfred was very much struck with this eye, and contrived to say a kind + word to him after dinner. Finding himself addressed by a gentleman, the + new comer handled his forelock and made a sea scrape, and announced + himself as William Thompson; he added with simple pride, “Able Seaman;” + then touching his forelock again, “Just come aboard, your honour.” After + this, which came off glibly, he was anything but communicative. However, + Alfred contrived to extract from him that he was rather glad to leave his + last ship, on account of having been constantly impeded there in his + duties by a set of lubbers, that clung round him and kept him on deck + whenever the first lieutenant ordered him into the top. + </p> + <p> + The very next day, pacing sadly the dull gravel of his prison yard, Alfred + heard a row; and there was the able seaman struggling with the Robin and + two other keepers. He wanted to go to his duties in the foretop: to wit, + the fork of a high elm-tree in the court-yard. Alfred had half a mind not + to interfere. “Who cares for <i>my</i> misery?” he said. But his better + nature prevailed, and he told the Robin he was sure going up imaginary + rigging would do Thompson more good than harm. + </p> + <p> + On this the men reluctantly gave him a trial, and he went up the tree with + wonderful strength and agility, but evident caution. Still Alfred quaked + when he crossed his thighs tight over a limb of the tree forty feet from + earth, and went carefully and minutely through the whole process of + furling imaginary sails. However, he came down manifestly soothed by the + performance, and, singular phenomenon, he was quite cool; and it was the + spectators on deck who perspired. + </p> + <p> + “And what a pleasant voice he has,” said Alfred; “it quite charms my ear; + it is not like a mad voice. It is like—I'm mad myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And he has got a fiddle, and plays it like a hangel, by all accounts,” + said the Robin; “only he won't touch it but when he has a mind.” + </p> + <p> + At night Alfred dreamed he heard Julia's sweet mellow voice speaking to + him; and he looked, and lo! it was the able seaman. He could sleep no + more, but lay sighing. + </p> + <p> + Ere the able seaman had been there three days, Mrs. Dodd came unexpectedly + to see him; and it was with the utmost difficulty Alfred was smuggled out + of the way. Mrs. Archbold saw by her loving anxiety these visits would be + frequent, and, unless Alfred was kept constantly locked up, which was + repugnant to her, they would meet some day. She knew there are men who ply + the trade of spies, and where to find them; she set one of them to watch + Mrs. Dodd's house, and learn her habits, in hopes of getting some clue as + to when she might be expected. + </p> + <p> + Now it so happened that, looking for one thing, she found another which + gave her great hopes and courage. And then the sight of Alfred's misery + tried her patience, and then he was beginning half to suspect her of + stopping his letters. Passion, impatience, pity, and calculation, all + drove her the same road, and led to an extraordinary scene, so impregnated + with the genius of the madhouse—a place where the passions run out + to the very end of their tether—that I feel little able to describe + it. I will try and indicate it. + </p> + <p> + One fine Sunday afternoon, then, she asked Alfred languidly would he like + to walk in the country. + </p> + <p> + “Would I like? Ah, don't trifle with a prisoner,” said he sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “No, no, it will not be a happy walk. Rooke, who hates + you, is to follow us with that terrible mastiff, to pull you down if you + try to escape. I could not get Dr. Wolf to consent on any other terms. + Alfred, let us give up the idea. I fear your rashness.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I won't try to escape—from you. I have not seen a blade of + grass this six months.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The accomplished dissembler hesitated, yielded. They passed through +the yard and out at the back door, which Alfred had so often looked +wistfully at; and by-and-by reached a delicious pasture. A light golden +haze streamed across it. Nature never seemed so sweet, so divine, to +Alfred before; the sun as bright as midsummer, though not the least hot, +the air fresh, yet genial, and perfumed with Liberty and the smaller +flowers of earth. Beauty glided rustling by his side, and dark eyes +subdued their native fire into softness whenever they turned on him; and +scarce fifty yards in the rear hung a bully and a mastiff ready to tear +him down if he should break away from beauty's light hand, that rested +so timidly on his. He was young, and stout-hearted, and relished his +peep of liberty and nature, though blotted by Vulcan and Rooke. He +chatted to Mrs. Archbold in good spirits. She answered briefly, and +listlessly. + + At last she stopped under a young chestnut-tree as if overcome with a +sudden reflection, and turning half away from him leaned her head and +hand upon a bough, and sighed. The attitude was pensive and womanly. He +asked her with innocent concern what was the matter; then faintly should +he take her home. All her answer was to press his hand with hers that +was disengaged, and, instead of sighing, to cry. +</pre> + <p> + The novice in woman's wiles set himself to comfort her—in vain; to + question her—in vain at first; but by degrees she allowed him to + learn that it was for him she mourned; and so they proceeded on the old, + old plan, the man extorting from the woman bit by bit just so much as she + wanted all along to say, and would have poured in a stream if let quite + alone. + </p> + <p> + He drew from his distressed friend that Dr. Wolf for reasons of his own + had made special inquiries about the Dodds; that she had fortunately or + unfortunately heard of this, and had questioned the person employed, + hoping to hear something that might comfort Alfred. “Instead of that,” + said she, “I find Miss Dodd is like most girls; out of sight is out of + mind with her.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” said Alfred, trembling suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask me. What a weak fool I was to let you see I was unhappy for + you.” + </p> + <p> + “The truth is the truth,” gasped Alfred; “tell me at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Must I? I am afraid you will hate me; for I should hate any one who told + me your faults. Well, then—if I must—Miss Dodd has a beau.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a lie!” cried Alfred furiously. + </p> + <p> + “I wish it was. But she has two in fact, both of them clergymen. However, + one seems the favourite; at least they are engaged to be married; it is + Mr. Hurd, the curate of the parish she lives in. By what I hear she is one + of the religious ones; so perhaps that has brought the pair to an + understanding.” + </p> + <p> + At these words a cold sickness rushed all over Alfred, beginning at his + heart. He stood white and stupefied a moment; then, in the anguish of his + heart, broke out into a great and terrible cry; it was like a young lion + wounded with a poisoned shaft. + </p> + <p> + Then he was silent, and stood stock still, like petrified despair. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold was prepared for an outburst: but not of this kind. His + anguish was so unlike a woman's that it staggered her. Her good and bad + angels, to use an expressive though somewhat too poetical phrase, battled + for her. She had an impulse to earn his gratitude for life, to let him out + of the asylum ere Julia should be Mrs. Hurd, and even liberty come too + late for true love. She looked again at the statue of grief by her side; + and burst out crying in earnest. + </p> + <p> + This was unfortunate. Shallow pity exuding in salt water leaves not enough + behind to gush forth in good deeds. + </p> + <p> + She only tried to undo her own work in part; to comfort him a little with + commonplaces. She told him in a soothing whisper there were other women in + the world besides this inconstant girl, others who could love him as he + deserved. + </p> + <p> + He made no answer to all she could say, but just waved his hand once + impatiently. Petty consolation seemed to sting him. + </p> + <p> + She drew back discouraged; but only for a while. He was silent. + </p> + <p> + With one grand serpentine movement she came suddenly close to him, and, + standing half behind him, laid her hand softly on his shoulder, and poured + burning love in his ear. “Alfred,” she murmured, “we are both unhappy; let + us comfort one another. I had pity on you at Silverton House, I pity you + now: pity <i>me</i> a little in turn: take me out of this dreadful house, + out of this revolting life, and let me be with you. Let me be your + housekeeper, your servant, your slave. This news that has shocked you so + has torn the veil from my eyes. I thought I had cooled my love down to + friendship and tender esteem; but no, now I see you as unhappy as myself, + now I can speak and wrong no one, I own I—oh Alfred my heart burns + for you, bleeds for you, yearns for you, sickens for you, dies for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hush! hush! Mrs. Archbold. You are saying things you will blush for + the next moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I blush now, but cannot hush; I have gone too far. And your happiness as + well as mine is at stake. No young girl can understand or value such a man + as you are: but I, like you, have suffered; I, like you, am constant; I, + like you, am warm and tender; at my age a woman's love is bliss to him who + can gain it; and I love you with all my soul, Alfred. I worship the ground + you walk on, my sweet, sweet boy. Say you the word, dearest, and I will + bribe the servants, and get the keys, and sacrifice my profession for ever + to give you liberty (see how sweet the open face of nature is, sweeter + than anything on earth, but love); and all I ask is a little, little of + your heart in return. Give me a chance to make you mine for ever; and, if + I fail, treat me as I shall deserve; desert me at once; and then I'll + never reproach you; I'll only die for you; as I have lived for you ever + since I first saw your heavenly face.” + </p> + <p> + The passionate woman paused at last, but her hot cheek and heaving bosom + and tender convulsive hand prolonged the pleading. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid few men of her own age would have resisted her; for voice and + speech and all burning, melting, and winning; and then, so reasonable, + lads; she did not stipulate for constancy. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred turned round to her blushing and sorrowful. “For shame!” he + said; “this is not love: you abuse that sacred word. Indeed, if you had + ever really loved, you would have pitied me and Julia long ago, and + respected our love; and saved us by giving me my freedom long ago. I am + not a fool: do you think I don't know that you are my jailer, and the + cunningest and most dangerous of them all?” + </p> + <p> + “You cruel, ungrateful!” she sobbed. + </p> + <p> + “No; I am not ungrateful either,” said he more gently. “You have always + come between me and that kind of torture which most terrifies vulgar + souls: and I thank you for it. Only if you had also pitied the deeper + anguish of my heart, I should thank you more still. As it is, I forgive + you for the share you have had in blasting my happiness for life; and + nobody shall ever know what you have been mad enough in an unguarded + moment to say; but for pity's sake talk no more of love, to mock my + misery.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold was white with ire long before he had done this sentence. + “You insolent creature,” said she; “you spurn my love; you shall feel my + hate.” + </p> + <p> + “So I conclude,” said he coldly: “such love as yours is hard by hate.” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” said she: “and I know how I'll combine the two. To-day I loved + you, and you spurned me; ere long you shall love me and I'll despise you; + and not spurn you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand you,” said Alfred, feeling rather uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “What,” said she, “don't you see how the superior mind can fascinate the + inferior? Look at Frank Beverley—how he follows you about and fawns + on you like a little dog.” + </p> + <p> + “I prefer his sort of affection to yours.” + </p> + <p> + “A gentleman and a man would have kept that to himself; but you are + neither one nor the other; or you would have taken my offer, and then run + away from me the next day, you fool. A man betrays a woman; he doesn't + insult her. Ah, you admire Frank's affection; well, you shall imitate it. + You couldn't love me like a man; you shall love me like a dog.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you manage that, pray?” he inquired with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “I'll drive you mad.” + </p> + <p> + She hissed this fiendish threat out between her white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, sir,” she said, “hitherto your reason has only encountered men. You + shall see now what an insulted woman can do. A lunatic you shall be ere + long, and then I'll make you love me, dote on me, follow me about for a + smile: and then I'll leave off hating you, and love you once more, but not + the way I did five minutes ago.” + </p> + <p> + At this furious threat Alfred ground his teeth, and said, “Then I give you + my honour that the moment I see my reason the least shaken, I'll kill you: + and so save myself from the degradation of being your lover on any terms.” + </p> + <p> + “Threaten your own sex with that,” said the Archbold contemptuously; “you + may kill me whenever you like; and the sooner the better. Only, if you + don't do it very quickly, you shall be my property, my brain-sick, + love-sick slave.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI + </h2> + <p> + AFTER a defiance so bitter and deadly, Alfred naturally drew away from his + inamorata. But she, boiling with love and hate, said bitterly, “We need + not take Mr. Rooke into our secrets. Come, sir, your arm!” + </p> + <p> + He stuck it out ungraciously, and averted his head; she took it, + suppressed with difficulty a petty desire to pinch, and so walked by his + side. He was as much at his ease as if promenading jungles with a panther. + She felt him quiver with repugnance under her soft hand; and prolonged the + irritating contact. She walked very slowly, and told him with much meaning + she was waiting for a signal. “Till then,” said she, “we will keep one + another company;” biting the word with her teeth as it went out. + </p> + <p> + By-and-by a window was opened in the asylum, and a table-cloth hung out. + Mrs. Archbold pointed it out to Alfred; he stared at it; and after that + she walked him rapidly home in silence. But, as soon as the door was + double-locked on him, she whispered triumphantly in his ear— + </p> + <p> + “Your mother-in-law was expected to-day; that signal was to let me know + she was gone.” + </p> + <p> + “My mother-in-law!” cried the young man, and tried in vain to conceal his + surprise and agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Ay; your mother-in-law, that shall never be. Mrs. Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Dodd here!” said Alfred, clasping his hands. Then he reflected, and + said coolly: “It is false; what should she come here for?” + </p> + <p> + “To see your father-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “My father-in-law? What, is he here, too?” said Alfred with an incredulous + sneer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the raving maniac that calls himself Thompson, and that you took to + from the first: he is your precious father-in-law—that shall never + be.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was now utterly amazed, and bewildered. Mrs. Archbold eyed him in + silent scorn. + </p> + <p> + “Poor man,” said he at last; and hung his head sorrowfully. “No wonder + then his voice went so to my heart. How strange it all is! and how will it + all end?” + </p> + <p> + “In your being a madman instead of an insolent fool,” hissed the viper. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Beverley appeared at the end of the yard. Mrs. Archbold + whistled him to her like a dog. He came running zealously. “Who was that + called while I was out?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “A polite lady, madam: she said sir to me, and thanked me.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds like Mrs. Dodd,” said the Archbold quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but,” continued Frank, “there was another with her a beautiful young + lady; oh, so beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Julia Dodd,” said the Archbold grimly. + </p> + <p> + Alfred panted, and his eyes roved wildly in search of a way to escape and + follow her; she could not be far off. + </p> + <p> + “Anybody else, Frank?” inquired Mrs. Archbold. + </p> + <p> + “No more ladies, madam; but there was a young gentleman all in black. I + think he was a clergyman—or a butler.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that was her husband that is to be; that was Mr. Hurd. She can go + nowhere without him, not even to see her old beau.” + </p> + <p> + At these words, every one of them an adder, Alfred turned on her + furiously, and his long arm shot out of its own accord, and the fingers + opened like an eagle's claw. She saw, and understood, but never blenched. + Her vindictive eye met his dilating flashing orbs unflinchingly. + </p> + <p> + “You pass for a woman,” he said, “and I am too wretched for anger.” He + turned from her with a deep convulsive sob, and, almost staggering, leaned + his brow against the wall of the house. + </p> + <p> + She had done what no man had as yet succeeded in; she had broken his + spirit. And here a man would have left him alone. But the rejected beauty + put her lips to his ear, and whispered into them, “This is only the + beginning.” Then she left him and went to his room and stole all his + paper, and pens, and ink, and his very Aristotle. He was to have no + occupation now, except to brood, and brood, and brood. + </p> + <p> + As for Alfred, he sat down upon a bench in the yard a broken man: up to + this moment he had hoped his Julia was as constant as himself. But no; + either she had heard he was mad, and with the universal credulity had + believed it, or perhaps, not hearing from him at all believed herself + forsaken; and was consoling herself with a clergyman. Jealousy did not as + yet infuriate Alfred. Its first effect resembled that of a heavy blow. + Little Beverley found him actually sick, and ran to the Robin. The + ex-prizefighter brought him a thimbleful of brandy, but he would not take + it. “Ah no, my friends,” he said, “that cannot cure me; it is not my + stomach; it is my heart. Broken, broken!” + </p> + <p> + The Robin retired muttering. Little Beverley kneeled down beside him, and + kissed his hand with a devotion that savoured of the canine. Yet it was + tender, and the sinking heart clung to it. “Oh, Frank!” he cried, “my + Julia believes me mad, or thinks me false, or something, and she will + marry another before I can get out to tell her all I have endured was for + loving her. What shall I do? God protect my reason! What will become of + me?” + </p> + <p> + He moaned, and young Frank sorrowed over him, till the harsh voice of + Rooke summoned him to some menial duty. This discharged, he came running + back; and sat on the bench beside his crushed benefactor without saying a + word. At last he delivered this sapient speech: “I see. You want to get + out of this place.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred only sighed hopelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Then I must try and get you out,” said Frank. Alfred shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Just let me think,” said Frank solemnly; and he sat silent looking like a + young owl: for thinking soon puzzled him, and elicited his intellectual + weakness, whereas in a groove of duties he could go as smoothly as half + the world, and but for his official, officious Protector, might just as + well have been Boots at the Swan, as Boots and Chambermaid at the Wolf. + </p> + <p> + So now force and cunning had declared war on Alfred, and feebleness in + person enlisted in his defence. His adversary lost no time; that afternoon + Rooke told him he was henceforth to occupy a double bedded room with + another patient. + </p> + <p> + “If he should be violent in the middle of the night, sing out, and we will + come—if we hear you,” said the keeper with a malicious smile. + </p> + <p> + The patient turned out to be the able seaman. Here Mrs. Archbold aimed a + double stroke; to shake Alfred's nerves, and show him how very mad his + proposed father-in-law was. She thought that, if he could once be forced + to realise this, it might reconcile him to not marrying the daughter. + </p> + <p> + The first night David did get up and paraded an imaginary deck for four + mortal hours. Alfred's sleep was broken; but he said nothing, and David + turned in again, his watch completed. + </p> + <p> + Not a day passed now but a blow was struck. Nor was the victim passive; + debarred writing materials, he cut the rims off several copies of the <i>Times,</i> + and secreted them: then catching sight of some ink-blots on the back of + Frank's clothes-brush, scraped them carefully off, melted them in a very + little water, and with a toothpick scrawled his wrongs to the + Commissioners; he rolled the slips round a half-crown, and wrote outside, + “Good Christian, keep this half-crown, and take the writing to the Lunacy + Commissioners at Whitehall, for pity's sake.” This done, he watched, and + when nobody was looking, flung his letter, so weighted, over the gates; he + heard it fall on the public road. + </p> + <p> + Another day he secreted a spoonful of black currant preserve, diluted it + with a little water, and wrote a letter, and threw it into the road as + before: another day, hearing the Robin express disgust at the usage to + which he was now subjected, he drew him apart, and offered him a hundred + pounds to get him out. Now the ex-prizefighter was rather a tender-hearted + fellow, and a great detester of foul play. What he saw made him now side + heartily with Alfred; and all he wanted was to be indemnified for his + risk. + </p> + <p> + He looked down and said, “You see, sir, I have a wife and child to think + of.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred offered him two hundred pounds. + </p> + <p> + “That is more than enough, sir,” said the Robin; “but you see I can't do + it alone. I must have a pal in it. Could you afford as much to Garrett? He + is the likeliest; I've heard him say as much as that he was sick of the + business.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred jumped at the proposal: he would give them two hundred apiece. + </p> + <p> + “I'll sound him,” said the Robin; “don't you speak to him, whatever. He + might blow the gaff. I must begin by making him drunk, then he'll tell me + his real mind.” + </p> + <p> + One fine morning the house was made much cleaner than usual; the rotatory + chair, in which they used to spin a maniac like a teetotum, the restraint + chairs, and all the paraphernalia were sent into the stable, and so + disposed that, even if found, they would look like things scorned and + dismissed from service: for Wolf, mind you, professed the non-restraint + system. + </p> + <p> + Alfred asked what was up, and found all this was in preparation for the + quarterly visit of the Commissioners: a visit intended to be a surprise; + but Drayton House always knew when they were coming, and the very names of + the two thunderbolts that thought to surprise them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold communicated her knowledge in off-hand terms. “It is only + two old women: Bartlett and Terry.” + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen thus flatteringly heralded arrived next day. One an aged, + infirm man, with a grand benevolent head, bald front and silver hair, and + the gold-headed cane of his youth, now a dignified crutch: the other an + ordinary looking little chap enough, with this merit—he was what he + looked. They had a long interview with Mrs. Archbold first, for fear they + should carry a naked eye into the asylum. Mr. Bartlett, acting on + instructions, very soon inquired about Alfred; Mrs. Archbold's face put on + friendly concern directly. “I am sorry to say he is not so well as he was + a fortnight ago—not nearly so well. We have given him walks in the + country, too; but I regret to say they did him no real good; he came back + much excited, and now he shuns the other patients, which he used not to + do.” In short, she gave them the impression that Alfred was a moping + melancholiac. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I had better see him,” said Mr. Bartlett, “just to satisfy the + Board.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was accordingly sent for, and asked with an indifferent air how he + was. + </p> + <p> + He said he was very well in health, but in sore distress of mind at his + letters to the Commissioners being intercepted by Mrs. Archbold or Dr. + Wolf. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold smiled pityingly. Mr. Bartlett caught her glance, and + concluded this was one of the patient's delusions. (Formula.) + </p> + <p> + Alfred surprised the glances, and said, “You can hardly believe this, + because the act is illegal. But a great many illegal acts, that you never + detect, are done in asylums. However, it is not a question of surmise; I + sent four letters in the regular way since I came. Here are their several + dates. Pray make a note to inquire whether they have reached Whitehall or + not.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly, to oblige you,” said Mr. Bartlett, and made the note. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold looked rather discomposed at that. + </p> + <p> + “And now, gentlemen,” said Alfred, “since Mrs. Archbold has had a private + interview, which I see she has abused to poison your mind against me, I + claim as simple justice a private interview to disabuse you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the first patient ever told me to walk out of my own + drawing-room,” said Mrs. Archbold, rising white with ire and apprehension, + and sweeping out of the room. + </p> + <p> + By this piece of female petulance she gave the enemy a point in the game; + for, if she had insisted on staying, Mr. Bartlett was far too weak to have + dismissed her. As it was, he felt shocked at Alfred's rudeness: and so + small a thing as justice did not in his idea counterbalance so great a + thing as discourtesy; so he listened to Alfred's tale with the deadly + apathy of an unwilling hearer. “Pour on: I will endure,” as poor Lear + says. + </p> + <p> + As for Dr. Terry, he was pictorial, but null; effete; emptied of brains by + all-scooping-Time. If he had been detained that day at Drayton House, and + Frank Beverley sent back in his place to Whitehall, it would have mattered + little to him, less to the nation, and nothing to mankind. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Bartlett gave Alfred some hopes he was taking in the truth; + for he tore a leaf out of his memorandum-book, wrote on it, and passed it + to Dr. Terry. The ancient took it with a smile, and seemed to make an + effort to master it, but failed; it dropped simultaneously from his finger + and his mind. + </p> + <p> + Not a question was put to Alfred; so he was fain to come to an end; he + withdrew suddenly, and caught Mrs. Archbold at the keyhole. “Noble + adversary!” said he, and stalked away, and hid himself hard by: and no + sooner did the inspectors come out, and leave the coast clear, than he + darted in and looked for the paper Mr. Bartlett had passed to Dr. Terry. + </p> + <p> + He found it on the floor: and took it eagerly up; and full of hope, and + expectation, read these words: + </p> + <p> + WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE STUFF THE MATRON'S GOWN IS MADE OF? I SHOULD LIKE + TO BUY MRS. BARTLETT ONE LIKE IT. + </p> + <p> + Alfred stood and read this again, and again he searched for some hidden + symbolical meaning in the words. High-minded, and deeply impressed with + his own wrongs, he could not conceive a respectable man, paid fifteen + hundred a year to spy out wrongs, being so heartless hard as to write this + single comment during the earnest recital of a wrong so gigantic as his. + Poor Alfred learned this to his cost, that to put small men into great + places is to create monsters. When he had realised the bitter truth, he + put the stony-hearted paper in his pocket, crept into the yard, and sat + down, and, for all he could do, scalding tears ran down his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Homunculi quanti sunt!” he sobbed; “homunculi quanti sunt!” + </p> + <p> + Presently he saw Dr. Terry come wandering towards him alone. The Archbold + had not deigned to make him safe; senectitude had done that. Alfred, all + heart—sick as he was, went to the old gentleman out of veneration + for the outside of his head—which was Shakespearian—and pity + for his bodily infirmity; and offered him an arm. The doctor thanked him + sweetly, and said, “Pray, young man, have you anything to communicate?” + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred saw that the ancient man had already forgotten his face, and + so looking at him with that rare instrument of official inspection, the + naked eye, had seen he was sane; and consequently taken him for a keeper. + </p> + <p> + How swiftly the mind can roam, and from what a distance gather the + materials of a thought! Flashed like lightning through Alfred's mind this + line from one of his pets, the Greek philosophers: + </p> + <p> + [Greek text] + </p> + <p> + “And this is the greatest stroke of art, to turn an evil into a good.” + </p> + <p> + Now the feebleness of this aged Inspector was an evil: the thing then was + to turn it into a good. Shade of Plato, behold how thy disciple worked + thee! “Sir,” said he, sinking his voice mysteriously, “I have: but I am a + poor man: you won't say I told you: it's as much as my place is worth.” + </p> + <p> + “Confidence, strict confidence,” replied Nestor, going over beaten tracks; + for he had kept many a queer secret with the loyalty which does his + profession so much honour. + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir, there's a young gentleman confined here, who is no more mad + than you and I; and never was mad.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so.” + </p> + <p> + “That I do, sir: and they know they are doing wrong, sir, for they stop + all his letters to the Commissioners; and that is unlawful, you know. + Would you like to take a note of it all, sir?” + </p> + <p> + The old fogie said he thought he should, and groped vaguely for his + note-book: he extracted it at last like a loose tooth, fumbled with it, + and dropped it: Alfred picked it up fuming inwardly. + </p> + <p> + The ancient went to write, but his fingers were weak and hesitating, and + by this time he had half forgotten what he was going to say. Alfred's + voice quavered with impatience; but he fought it down, and offered as + coolly as he could to write it for him: the offer was accepted, and he + wrote down in a feigned hand, very clear— + </p> + <p> + “DRAYTON HOUSE, <i>Oct. 5.</i>—A sane patient, Alfred Hardie, + confined here from interested motives. Has written four letters to the + Commissioners, all believed to be intercepted. Communicated to me in + confidence by an attendant in the house. Refer to the party himself, and + his correspondence with the Commissioners from Dr. Wycherley's: also to + Thomas Wales, another attendant; and to Dr. Wycherley: also to Dr. Eskell + and Mr. Abbott, Commissioners of Lunacy.” + </p> + <p> + After this stroke of address Alfred took the first opportunity of leaving + him, and sent Frank Beverley to him. + </p> + <p> + Thus Alfred, alarmed by the hatred of Mrs. Archbold, and racked with + jealousy, exerted all his intelligence and played many cards for liberty. + One he kept in reserve; and a trump card too. Having now no ink nor + colouring matter, he did not hesitate, but out penknife, up sleeve, and + drew blood from his arm, and with it wrote once more to the Commissioners, + but kept this letter hidden for an ingenious purpose. What that purpose + was my reader shall divine. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII + </h2> + <p> + WE left Julia Dodd a district visitor. Working in a dense parish she + learned the depths of human misery, bodily and mental. + </p> + <p> + She visited an honest widow, so poor that she could not afford a farthing + dip, but sat in the dark. When friends came to see her they sometimes + brought a candle to talk by. + </p> + <p> + She visited a cripple who often thanked God sincerely for leaving her the + use of one thumb. + </p> + <p> + She visited a poor creature who for sixteen years had been afflicted with + a tumour in the neck, and had lain all those years on her back with her + head in a plate; the heat of a pillow being intolerable. Julia found her + longing to go, and yet content to stay: and praising God in all the lulls + of that pain which was her companion day and night. + </p> + <p> + But were I to enumerate the ghastly sights, the stifling loathsome odours, + the vulgar horrors upon horrors this refined young lady faced, few of my + readers would endure on paper for love of truth what she endured in + reality for love of suffering humanity, and of Him whose servant she + aspired to be. + </p> + <p> + Probably such sacrifices of selfish ease and comfort are never quite in + vain; they tend in many ways to heal our own wounds: I won't say that + bodily suffering is worse than mental; but it is realised far more vividly + by a spectator. The grim heart-breaking sights she saw arrayed Julia's + conscience against her own grief; the more so when she found some of her + most afflicted ones resigned, and even grateful. “What,” said she, “can + they, all rags, disease and suffering, bow so cheerfully to the will of + Heaven, and have I the wickedness, the impudence, to repine?” + </p> + <p> + And then, happier than most district visitors, she was not always obliged + to look on helpless, or to confine her consolations to good words. Mrs. + Dodd was getting on famously in her groove. She was high in the confidence + of Cross and Co., and was inspecting eighty ladies, as well as working; + her salary and profits together were not less than five hundred pounds a + year, and her one luxury was charity, and Julia its minister. She carried + a good honest basket, and there you might see her Bible wedged in with + wine and meat, and tea and sugar: and still, as these melted in her round, + a little spark of something warm would sometimes come in her own sick + heart. Thus by degrees she was attaining not earthly happiness, but a + grave and pensive composure. + </p> + <p> + Yet across it gusts of earthly grief came sweeping often; but these she + hid till she was herself again. + </p> + <p> + To her mother and brother she was kinder, sweeter, and dearer, if + possible, than ever. They looked on her as a saint; but she knew better; + and used to blush with honest shame when they called her so. “Oh don't, + pray don't,” she would say with unaffected pain. “Love me as if I was an + angel; but do not praise me; that turns my eyes inward and makes me see + myself. I am not a Christian yet, nor anything like one.” + </p> + <p> + Returning one day from her duties very tired, she sat down to take off her + bonnet in her own room, and presently heard snatches of an argument that + made her prick those wonderful little ears of hers which could almost hear + through a wall. The two concluding sentences were a key to the whole + dialogue. + </p> + <p> + “Why disturb her?” said Mrs. Dodd. “She is getting better of 'the Wretch;' + and my advice is, say nothing: what harm can that do?” + </p> + <p> + “But then it is so unfair, so ungenerous, to keep anything from the poor + girl that may concern her.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Julia came softly into the room with her curiosity hidden + under an air of angelic composure. + </p> + <p> + Her mother asked after Mrs. Beecher, to draw her into conversation. She + replied quietly that Mrs. Beecher was no better, but very thankful for the + wine Mrs. Dodd had sent her. This answer given, she went without any + apparent hurry and sat by Edward, and fixed two loving imploring eyes on + him in silence. Oh, subtle sex! This feather was to turn the scale, and + make him talk unquestioned. It told. She was close to him too, and mamma + at the end of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Ju,” said he, putting his hands in his pockets, “we two have + always been friends as well as brother and sister; and somehow it does not + seem like a friend to keep things dark;” then to Mrs. Dodd: “She is not a + child, mother, after all; and how can it be wrong to tell her the truth, + or right to suppress the truth? Well then, Ju, there's an advertisement in + the <i>'Tiser,</i> and it's a regular riddle. Now mind, I don't really + think there is anything in it; but it is a droll coincidence, very droll; + if it wasn't there are ladies present, and one of them a district visitor, + I would say, d—d droll. So droll,” continued he, getting warm, “that + I should like to punch the advertiser's head.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it, dear,” said Julia. “I dare say it is nothing worth + punching about.” + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Edward. “I've marked it.” + </p> + <p> + Julia took the paper, and her eye fell on this short advertisement: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + AILEEN AROON.—DISTRUST APPEARANCES. +</pre> + <p> + Looking at her with some anxiety, they saw the paper give one sharp rustle + in her hands, and then quiver a little. She bowed her head over it, and + everything seemed to swim. But she never moved: they could neither of them + see her face, she defended herself with the paper. The letters cleared + again, and, still hiding her face, she studied and studied the + advertisement. + </p> + <p> + “Come, tell us what you think of it,” said Edward. “Is it anything? or a + mere coincidence?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pure coincidence,” said Mrs. Dodd, with an admirable imitation of + cool confidence. + </p> + <p> + Julia said nothing; but she now rose and put both arms round Edward's + neck, and kissed him fervidly again and again, holding the newspaper tight + all the time. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said Mrs. Dodd: “see what you have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is all right,” said Edward cheerfully. “The British fireman is + getting hugged no end. Why, what is the matter? have you got the hiccough, + Ju?” + </p> + <p> + “No; no! You are a true brother. I knew all along that he would explain + all if he was alive: and he is alive.” So saying she kissed the <i>'Tiser</i> + violently more than once; then fluttered away with it to her own room + ashamed to show her joy, and yet not able to hide it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd shook her head sorrowfully: and Edward began to look rueful, and + doubt whether he had done wisely. I omit the discussion that followed. But + the next time his duties permitted him to visit them Mrs. Dodd showed him + the <i>'Tiser</i> in her turn, and with her pretty white taper finger, and + such a look, pointed to the following advertisement: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + AILEEN AROON.—I <i>do</i> DISTRUST + APPEARANCES. But if you ever loved me + explain them at once. I have something for + you from your dear sister. +</pre> + <p> + “Poor simple girl,” said Mrs. Dodd, “not to see that, if he could explain + at all, he <i>would</i> explain, not go advertising an enigma after acting + a mystification. And to think of my innocent dove putting in that she had + something for him from his sister; a mighty temptation for such a wretch!” + </p> + <p> + “It was wonderfully silly,” said Edward; “and such a clever girl, too; but + you ladies can't stick to one thing at a time; begging your pardon, + mamma.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd took no notice of this remark. + </p> + <p> + “To see her lower herself so!” she said. “Oh, my son, I am mortified.” And + Mrs. Dodd leaned her cheek against Edward's, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Now don't you cry, mammy,” said he sorrowfully. “I'll break every bone in + his skin for your comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid!” cried Mrs. Dodd anxiously; “what, are you not aware she + would hate you?” + </p> + <p> + “Hate me: her brother!” + </p> + <p> + “She would hate us all if we laid a finger on that wretch. Pray interfere + no more, love; foolish child, talking to me about women, and it is plain + you know nothing of their hearts: and a good thing <i>for</i> you.” She + then put on maternal authority (nobody could do it more easily) and + solemnly forbade all violence. + </p> + <p> + He did not venture to contradict her now; but cherished his resolution all + the more, and longed for the hour when he might take “the Wretch” by the + throat, and chastise him, the more publicly the better. + </p> + <p> + Now, the above incident that revealed Julia's real heart, which she had + been hiding more or less all this time from those who could not sympathise + with her, took eventually a turn unfavourable to “the Wretch.” So he might + well be called. Her great and settled fear had always been that Alfred was + dead. Under the immediate influence of his father's cunning, she had for a + moment believed he was false; but so true and loving a heart could not + rest in that opinion. In true love so long as there is one grain of + uncertainty, there is a world of faith and credulous ingenuity. So, as + Alfred had never been seen since, as nobody could say he was married to + another, there was a grain of uncertainty as to his unfaithfulness, and + this her true heart magnified to a mountain. + </p> + <p> + But now matters wore another face. She was sure he had written the + advertisement. Who but he, out of the few that take the words of any song + to heart, admired Aileen Aroon? Who but he out of the three or four people + who might possibly care for that old song, had appearances to explain + away? And who but he knew they took in the <i>Morning Advertiser?</i> She + waited then for the explanation she had invited. She read the advertising + column every day over and over. + </p> + <p> + Not a word more. + </p> + <p> + Then her womanly pride was deeply wounded. What, had she courted an + explanation where most ladies would have listened to none; and courted it + in vain! + </p> + <p> + Her high spirit revolted. Her heart swelled against the repeated insults + she had received: this last one filled the bitter cup too high. + </p> + <p> + And then her mother came in and assured her he had only inserted that + advertisement to keep her in his power. He has heard you are recovering, + and are admired by others more worthy of your esteem. + </p> + <p> + Julia cried bitterly at these arguments, for she could no longer combat + them. + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Hurd was very attentive and kind. And when he spoke to Julia, and + Julia turned away, her eye was sure to meet Mrs. Dodd's eye imploring her + secretly not to discourage the young man too much. And so she was gently + pulled by one, and gently thrust by another, away from her first lover and + towards his successor. + </p> + <p> + It is an old, old story. Fate seems to exhaust its malice on our first + love. For the second the road is smoother. Matters went on so some weeks, + and it was perfectly true that Mr. Hurd escorted both ladies one day to + Drayton House, at Julia's request, and not Mrs. Dodd's. Indeed, the latter + lady was secretly hurt at his being allowed to come with them. + </p> + <p> + One Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Dodd went alone to Drayton House by + appointment. David was like a lamb, but, as usual, had no knowledge of + her. Mrs. Archbold told her a quiet, intelligent, patient had taken a + great fancy to him, and she thought this was adding much to his happiness. + “May I see him to thank him?” asked Mrs. Dodd. “Oh, certainly,” said Mrs. + Archbold; “I'll inquire for him.” She went out but soon returned, saying, + “He is gone out for a walk with the head keeper: we give him as much air + and amusement as we can; we hope soon to send him out altogether cured.” + “Truly kind and thoughtful,” said Mrs. Dodd. Soon after, she kissed Mrs. + Archbold, and pressed a valuable brooch upon her: and then took leave. + However, at the gate she remembered her parasol. Mrs. Archbold said she + would go back for it. Mrs. Dodd would not hear of that: Mrs. Archbold + insisted, and settled the question by going. She was no sooner in the + house, than young Frank Beverley came running to Mrs. Dodd, and put the + missing parasol officiously into her hand. “Oh, thank you, sir,” said she; + “will you be so kind as to tell Mrs. Archbold I have it.” And with this + they parted, and the porter opened the gate to her, and she got into her + hired cab. She leaned her head back, and, as usual was lost in the + sorrowful thoughts of what had been, and what now was. Poor wife, each + visit to Drayton House opened her wound afresh. On reaching the stones, + there was a turnpike This roused her up; she took out her purse and paid + it. As she drew back to her seat, she saw out of the tail of her feminine + eye the edge of something white under her parasol. She took up the + parasol, and found a written paper pinned on to it: she detached this + paper, and examined it all over with considerable curiosity. It consisted + of a long slip about an inch and a quarter broad, rolled like tape, and + tied with packthread. She could not see the inside, of course, but she + read the superscription: it was firmly but clearly written, in red ink + apparently. + </p> + <p> + Of the words I shall only say at present that they were strong and simple, + and that their effect on the swift intelligence and tender heart of Mrs. + Dodd was overpowering. They knocked at her heart; they drew from her an + audible cry of pity more eloquent than a thousand speeches: and the next + moment she felt a little faint; for she knew now the appeal was not in red + ink, but in something very fit to pass between the heart of woe and the + heart of pity. She smelt at her salts, and soon recovered that weakness: + and next her womanly bosom swelled so with the milk of human kindness that + her breath came short. After a little struggle she gushed out aloud, “Ah, + that I will, poor soul; this very moment.” + </p> + <p> + Now, by this time she was close to her own house. + </p> + <p> + She stopped the cab at her door, and asked the driver if his horse was + fresh enough to carry her to the Board of Lunacy: “It is at Whitehall, + sir,” said she. “Lord bless you, ma'am,” said the cabman, “Whitehall? Why, + my mare would take you to Whitechapel and back in an hour, let alone + Whitehall.” + </p> + <p> + Reassured on that point Mrs. Dodd went in just to give the servant an + order: but as she stood in the passage, she heard her children's voices + and also a friend's; the genial, angry tones of Alexander Sampson, M. D. + </p> + <p> + She thought, “Oh, I <i>must</i> just show them all the paper, before I go + with it;” and so after a little buzz about dinner and things with Sarah, + mounted the stairs, and arrived among them singularly <i>apropos,</i> as + it happened. + </p> + <p> + Men like Sampson, who make many foes, do also make stauncher friends than + ever the Hare does, and are faithful friends themselves. The boisterous + doctor had stuck to the Dodds in all their distresses; and if they were + ever short of money, it certainly was not his fault: for almost his first + word, when he found them in a lodging, was, “Now, ye'll be wanting a + Chick. Gimme pen and ink, and I'll just draw ye one; for a hundre.” This + being declined politely by Mrs. Dodd, he expostulated. “Mai—dear—Madam, + how on airth can ye go on in such a place as London without a Chick?” + </p> + <p> + He returned to the charge at his next visit and scolded her well for her + pride. “Who iver hard of refusing a Chick? a small inoffensive chick, from + an old friend like me? Come now, behave! Just a wee chick, I'll let y' off + for fifty.” + </p> + <p> + “Give us your company and your friendship,” said Mrs. Dodd; “we value them + above gold: we will not rob your dear children, while we have as many + fingers on our hands as other people.” + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion Dr. Sampson, whose affectionate respect for the + leading London physicians has already displayed itself, was inveighing + specially against certain specialists, whom, in the rapidity of his lusty + eloquence, he called the Mad Ox. He favoured Julia and Edward with a full + account of the maniform enormities he had detected them in during thirty + years' practice; and so descended to his present grievance. A lady, an old + friend of his, was being kept in a certain asylum month after month + because she had got money and relations, and had once been delirious. “And + why was she delirious? because she had a brain fever, she got well in a + fortnight.” This lady had thrown a letter over the wall addressed to him; + somebody had posted it: he had asked the Commissioners to let him visit + her; they had declined for the present. “Yon Board always sides with the + strong against the weak,” said he. So now he had bribed the gardener, and + made a midnight assignation with the patient; and was going to it with six + stout fellows to carry her off by force. “That is my recipe for alleged + Insanity,” said he. “The business will be more like a mejaeval knight + carrying off a namorous nun out of a convint, than a good physician saving + a pashint from the Mad Ox. However, Mrs. Saampson's in the secret; I daunt + say sh' approves it; for she doesn't. She says, 'Go quietly to the Board + o' Commissioners.' Sis I, 'My dear, Boards are a sort of cattle that go + too slow for Saampson, and no match at all for the Mad Ox.'” + </p> + <p> + At this conjuncture, or soon after, Mrs. Dodd came in with her paper in + her hand, a little flurried for once, and after a hasty curtsey, said— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Doctor Sampson, oh, my dears, what wickedness there is in the world! + I'm going to Whitehall this moment; only look at what was pinned on my + parasol at Drayton House.” + </p> + <p> + The writing passed from hand to hand, and left the readers looking very + gravely at one another. Julia was quite pale and horror-stricken. All were + too deeply moved, and even shocked, to make any commonplace comment; for + it looked and read like a cry from heart to hearts. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>“If you are a Christian, if + you are human, pity a sane + man here confined in, fraud, + and take this to the Board of + Lunacy at Whitehall. Torn + by treachery from her I love, + my letters all intercepted, pens + and paper kept from me, I + write this with a toothpick + and my blood on a rim of + 'The Times.' Oh God, direct + it to some one who has suf- + fered, and can feel for an- + other's agony.</i>” + </pre> + <p> + Dr. Sampson was the first to speak. “There,” said he, under his breath: + “didn't I tell you? This man is sane. There's sanity in every line.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” said Edward, “do you mean to say that in the present day—” + </p> + <p> + “Mai—dearr—sirr. Mankind niver changes. Whativer the muscles + of man <i>can</i> do in the light, the mind and conscience of man will + consent to do in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + Julia said never a word. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd, too, was for action not for talk. She bade them all a hasty + adieu, and went on her good work. + </p> + <p> + Ere she got to the street door, she heard a swift rustle behind her; and + it was Julia flying down to her, all glowing and sparkling with her old + impetuosity, that had seemed dead for ever. “No, no,” she cried, panting + with generous emotion; “it is to me it was sent. <i>I</i> am torn from him + I love, and by some treachery I dare say: and <i>I</i> have suffered—oh + you shall never know what I have suffered. Give it <i>me,</i> oh pray, + pray, pray give it <i>me. I'll</i> take it to Whitehall.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII + </h2> + <h3> + IF we could always know at the time what we are doing. + </h3> + <p> + Two ladies carried a paper to Whitehall out of charity to a stranger. + </p> + <p> + Therein the elder was a benefactress to a man she had never spoken of but + as “the Wretch;” the younger held her truant bridegroom's heart, I may + say, in her hand all the road and was his protectress. Neither recognised + the hand-writing; for no man can write his own hand with a toothpick. + </p> + <p> + They reached Whitehall, and were conducted upstairs to a gentleman of + pleasant aspect but powerful brow, seated in a wilderness of letters. + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand, and a clerk set them chairs: he soon after laid down + his pen, and leaned gravely forward to hear their business. They saw they + must waste no time; Julia looked at her mother, rose, and took Alfred's + missive to his desk, and handed it him with one of her eloquent looks, + grave and pitiful. He seemed struck by her beauty and her manner. + </p> + <p> + “It was pinned on my parasol, sir, by a poor prisoner at Drayton House,” + said Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed,” said the gentleman, and began to read the superscription + with a cold and wary look. But thawed visibly as he read. He opened the + missive and ran his eye over it. The perusal moved him not a little: a + generous flush mounted to his brow; he rang the bell sharply. A clerk + answered it; the gentleman wrote on a slip of paper, and said earnestly, + “Bring me every letter that is signed with that name, and all our + correspondence about him.” + </p> + <p> + He then turned to Mrs. Dodd, and put to her a few questions, which drew + out the main facts I have just related. The papers were now brought in. + “Excuse me a moment,” said he, and ran over them. “I believe the man is + sane,” said he, “and that you will have enabled us to baffle a conspiracy, + a heartless conspiracy.” + </p> + <p> + “We do hope he will be set free, sir,” said Mrs. Dodd piteously. + </p> + <p> + “He shall, madam, if it is as I suspect. I will stay here all night but I + will master this case; and lay it before the Board myself without delay.” + </p> + <p> + Julia looked at her mother, and then asked if it would be wrong to inquire + “the poor gentleman's name?” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said the official; “I ought not to reveal that without his + consent. But stay! he will owe you much, and it really seems a pity he + should not have an opportunity of expressing his gratitude. Perhaps you + will favour me with your address: and trust to my discretion. Of course, + if he does not turn out as sane as he seems, I shall never let him know + it.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd then gave her address; and she and Julia went home with a glow + about the heart selfish people, thank Heaven, never know. + </p> + <p> + Unconsciously these two had dealt their enemy and Alfred's a heavy blow; + had set the train to a mine. Their friend at the office was a man of + another stamp than Alfred had fallen in with. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Alfred was subjected to hourly mortifications and irritations. He + guessed the motive, and tried to baffle it by calm self-possession: but + this was far more difficult than heretofore, because his temper was now + exacerbated and his fibre irritated by broken sleep (of this poor David + was a great cause), and his heart inflamed and poisoned by that cruel, + that corroding passion jealousy. + </p> + <p> + To think, that while he was in prison, a rival was ever at his Julia's + ear, making more and more progress in her heart! This corroder was his + bitter companion day and night; and perhaps of all the maddeners human + cunning could have invented this was the worst. It made his temples beat + and his blood run boiling poison. Indeed, there were times when he was so + distempered by passion that homicide seemed but an act of justice, and + suicide a legitimate relief. For who could go on for ever carrying Hell in + his bosom up and down a prison yard? He began to go alone! to turn + impatiently from the petty troubles and fathomless egotism of those + afflicted persons he had hitherto forced his sore heart to pity. Pale, + thin, and wo-begone, he walked the weary gravel, like the lost ones in + that Hall of Eblis whose hearts were a devouring fire. Even an inspector + with a naked eye would no longer have distinguished him at first sight + from a lunatic of the unhappiest class, the melancholiac. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ipse suum cor edens hominum vestigia vitans.” + </pre> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold looked on and saw this sad sight, not with the pity it would + once have caused, but with a sort of bitter triumph lightened by no + pleasure, and darkened by the shadow of coming remorse. Yet up to this + time she had shown none of that inconstancy of purpose which marks her + sex; while she did go far to justify the poet's charge: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.” + </pre> + <p> + Rooke had a hint to provoke Alfred to violence such as would justify them + in subjecting so popular a patient to bodily restraint, composing + draughts, and other quick maddeners. Rooke entered into the game zealously + from two motives; he was devoted to Mrs. Archbold, and he hated Alfred, + who had openly defied him, and mortified his vanity about Frank Beverley. + </p> + <p> + One Saturday Alfred was ordered out to walk with Rooke and Hayes and + Vulcan. He raised no objection: suspected, felt homicidal, suppressed the + impulse, and by this self-command he got time to give that letter to + Beverley with instructions. + </p> + <p> + But, all the walk, he was saying to himself that Julia was in the house, + and he was kept away from her, and a rival with her; this made him sicken + and rage by turns. He came back in a state verging on fury. + </p> + <p> + On entering the yard poor Beverley, who had done his bit of cunning, and + by reaction now relapsed into extra simplicity, came running, and said, + “I've done it; she has got it.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you done? Who has got what?” cried Rooke. + </p> + <p> + “Don't tell, Frank.” + </p> + <p> + “If you don't I'll shake your life out, ye young blackguard,” cried Rooke, + seizing him and throttling him till he was black in the face. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's long-pent fury broke out: he gnashed his teeth and dashed his + fist in Rooke's face. + </p> + <p> + Rooke staggered back and bellowed with pain and anger, then rushing at him + incautiously, received a stinger that staggered him, and nearly closed his + right eye. He took the hint, and put himself in a posture that showed he + was skilled in the art of self-defence. He stopped two blows neatly, and + returned a heavy one upon the ribs. Alfred staggered back some steps, but + steadied himself, and, as Rooke rushed in too hastily to improve his + advantage, caught him heavily on the other eye, but lost his own balance a + little, which enabled Rooke to close; then came a sharp short rally of + re-echoing blows, and Rooke, not to be denied, got hold of his man, and a + wrestling bout ensued, in which Alfred being somewhat weakened by misery + and broken rest, Rooke's great weight and strength enabled him, after a + severe struggle, to fall with his antagonist under him, and knock the + breath out of his body for the moment. Then Hayes, who had stood prudently + aloof, came in and helped handcuff him. They could not walk up and down + him for the Robin, who stood by with a professional air to see fair play. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, cold iron is your best chance,” he said satirically. “Never you mind, + sir: you hit quick and well: I'd back <i>you</i> at long odds in the ring: + both his peepers are in deep mourning.” He added, “A cow can beat a man + wrestling.” + </p> + <p> + When Alfred was handcuffed they turned him loose. It soon transpired, + however, that he was now a dangerous maniac (Formula) and to be confined + in the noisy ward. + </p> + <p> + On hearing this he saw the trap he had fallen into; saw and trembled. He + asked himself what on earth he should do; and presently the saying came + back to him, “And this is the highest stroke of art, to turn evil into + good.” He argued thus: Wolf's love of money is my great evil; he will + destroy me for money, do anything for money. Then suppose I offer him + money to be honest. He begged an interview with Dr. Wolf on business. This + was accorded at once. He asked the doctor plump whether he received a + large sum to detain him under pretence of insanity. + </p> + <p> + “Not very, considering the trouble you sometimes give, Mr. Hardie,” was + the dry reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Justice shall outbid rascality for once. I am a sane man, and + you know it; a man of my word, and you know it. I'll give you a thousand + pounds to let me out of this place.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf's eyes sparkled. + </p> + <p> + “You shall have any bond or security you like; and the money within a week + of my deliverance.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf said he should be delighted to do it, if he could + conscientiously. + </p> + <p> + At this piece of hypocrisy Alfred's cheek reddened, and he could not + speak. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, I do see a great change in you for the better,” said Dr. + Wolf. “If, as I suspect, you are convalescent, I will part with you + without a thousand pounds or a thousand pence.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred stared. Had he mistaken his man? + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what, though,” said the smooth doctor. “I have got two + pictures, one by Raphael, one by Correggio.” + </p> + <p> + “I know them,” said the quick-witted Alfred; “they are worth more than a + thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course they are, but I would take a thousand pounds from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Throw me in my liberty, and I'll make it guineas.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see about that.” And with this understanding the men of business + parted. Dr. Wolf consulted Mrs. Archbold then and there. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible,” said she; “the law would dissolve such a bargain, and you + would be exposed and ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “But a thousand pounds!” said the poor doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he offered me more than that,” said Mrs. Archbold. + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say so; when was that?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember one Sunday that I walked him out, to keep clear of Mrs. + Dodd? Have you not observed that I have not repeated the experiment?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But I really don't know why.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you promise me faithfully not to take any notice if I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor promised. + </p> + <p> + Then she owned to him with manifest reluctance that Alfred had taken + advantage of her kindness, her indiscretion, in walking alone with him, + and made passionate love to her. “He offered me not a thousand pounds,” + said she, “but his whole fortune, and his heart, if I would fly with him + from <i>these odious walls;</i> that was his expression.” + </p> + <p> + Then seeing out of a corner of her eye that the doctor was turning almost + green with jealousy, this artist proceeded to describe the love scene + between her and Alfred, with feigned hesitation, yet minute detail. Only + she inverted the parts: Alfred in her glowing page made the hot love; she + listened abashed, confused, and tried all she could think of to bring him + to better sentiments. She concluded this chapter of history inverted with + a sigh, and said, “So now he hates me, I believe, poor fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you regret your refusal?” asked Dr. Wolf uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, my dear friend. Of course, my judgment says that few women at my + age and in my position would have refused. But we poor women seldom go by + our judgments.” And she cast a tender look down at the doctor's feet. + </p> + <p> + In short, she worked on him so, that he left Alfred at her disposition, + and was no sooner gone to his other asylum six miles off; than the + calumniated was conducted by Hayes and Rooke through passage after + passage, and door after door, to a wing of the building connected with the + main part only by a covered way. As they neared it, strange noises became + audible. Faint at first, they got louder and louder. Singing, roaring, + howling like wolves. Alfred's flesh began to creep. He stopped at the + covered way: he would have fought to his last gasp sooner than go further, + but he was handcuffed. He appealed to the keepers; but he had used them + both too roughly: they snarled and forced him on, and shut him into a + common flagged cell, with a filthy truckle-bed in it, and all the vessels + of gutta-percha. Here he was surrounded by the desperate order of maniacs + he at present scarcely knew but by report. Throughout that awful night he + could never close his eyes for the horrible unearthly sounds that assailed + him. Singing, swearing, howling like wild beasts! His right-hand neighbour + reasoned high of faith and works, ending each pious argument with a sudden + rhapsody of oaths and never slept a wink. His left-hand neighbour + alternately sang, and shouted, “Cain was a murderer, Cain was a murderer;” + and howled like a wolf, making night hideous. His opposite neighbour had + an audience, and every now and then delivered in a high nasal key, “Let us + curse and pray;” varying it sometimes thus: “Brethren, let us work double + tides.” And then he would deliver a long fervent prayer, and follow it up + immediately with a torrent of blasphemies so terrific, that coming in such + a contrast they made Alfred's body wet with perspiration to hear a poor + creature so defy his Creator. No rest, no peace. When it was still, the + place was like the grave; and ever and anon, loud, sharp, tremendous, + burst a thunderclap of curses, and set those poor demented creatures all + yelling again for half-an-hour, making the tombs ring. And at clock-like + intervals a harmless but dirty idiot, who was allowed to roam the ward, + came and chanted through the keyhole, “Everything is nothing, and nothing + is everything.” + </p> + <p> + This was the only observation he had made for many years. + </p> + <p> + His ears assailed with horrors, of which you have literally no conception, + or shadow of a conception, his nose poisoned with ammoniacal vapours, and + the peculiar wild-beast smell that marks the true maniac, Alfred ran + wildly about his cell trying to stop his ears, and trembling for his own + reason. When the fearful night rolled away, and morning broke, and he + could stand on his truckle-bed and see the sweet hoar-frost on a square + yard of grass level with his prison bars, it refreshed his very soul, and + affected him almost to tears. He was then, to his surprise, taken out, and + allowed to have a warm bath and to breakfast with David and the rest; but + I suspect it was done to watch the effect of the trial he had been + submitted to. After breakfast, having now no place to go, he lay on a + bench, and there exhausted nature overpowered him, and he fell fast + asleep. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold came by on purpose, and saw him. He looked very pale and + peaceful. There was a cut on his forehead due to Rooke's knuckles. Mrs. + Archbold looked down, and the young figure and haughty face seemed so + unresisting and peaceful sad, she half relented, and shed some bitter + tears. That did not, however, prevent her setting her female spies to + watch him more closely than ever. + </p> + <p> + He awoke cold but refreshed, and found little Beverley standing by him + with wet eyes. Alfred smiled and held out his hand like a captive monarch + to his faithful vassal. “They shan't put you in the noisy ward again,” + sobbed Frank. “This is your last night here.” + </p> + <p> + “Hy, Frank, you rascal, my boots!” roared Rooke from an open window. + </p> + <p> + “Coming, sir—coming!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's next visitor was the Robin. He came whispering, “It is all right + with Garrett, sir, and he has got a key of the back gate; but you must get + back to your old room, or we can't work.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to Heaven I could, Robin; another night or two in the noisy ward + will drive me mad, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I'll tell you what you do: which we all have to do it at odd + times: hold a candle to the devil: here she comes: I think she is + everywhere all at one time.” The Robin then sauntered away, affecting + nonchalance: and Alfred proceeded to hold the candle as directed. “Mrs. + Archbold,” said he timidly rising from his seat at her approach. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said she haughtily, and affecting surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I have a favour to ask you, madam. Would you be so kind as to let me go + back to my room?” + </p> + <p> + “What, you have found I am not so powerless as you thought!” + </p> + <p> + “I find myself so weak, and you so powerful that—you can afford to + be generous.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no more power over you than you have over me.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it was so.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll prove it,” said she. “Who has got the key of your room? Hayes?” She + whistled, and sent for him; and gave him the requisite order before + Alfred. Alfred thanked her warmly. + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and went away disposed to change her tactics, and, having + shown him how she could torment, try soothing means, and open his heart by + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + But presently looking out of her window she saw the Robin and him + together; and somehow they seemed to her subtle, observant eyes, to be + plotting. The very suspicion was fatal to that officer. His discharge was + determined on. Meantime she set her spies to watch him, and tell her if + they saw or heard anything. + </p> + <p> + Now Mrs. Archbold was going out to tea that evening, and, as soon as ever + this transpired, the keepers secretly invited the keeperesses to a party + in the first-class patients drawing-room. This was a rare opportunity, and + the Robin and Garrett put their heads together accordingly. + </p> + <p> + In the dusk of the evening the Robin took an opportunity and slipped a new + key of the back gate into Alfred's hand, and told him “the trick was to be + done that very night:” he was to get Thompson to go to bed early; and, + instead of taking off his clothes, was to wait in readiness. “We have been + plying Hayes already,” said the Robin, “and, as soon as <i>she</i> is off, + we shall hocuss him, and get the key; and, while they are all larking in + the drawing-room, off you go to Merrimashee.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you dear Robin! You have taken my breath away. But how about Vulcan?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we know how to make him amiable: a dog-fancier, a friend of mine, has + provided the ondeniable where dogs is concerned: whereby Garrett draws the + varmint into the scullery, and shuts him in, while I get the key from the + other. <i>It's</i> all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Robin,” said Alfred, “it sounds too good to be true. What? this my + last day here!” + </p> + <p> + The minutes seemed to creep very slowly till eight o'clock came. Then he + easily persuaded David to go to bed; Hayes went up and unlocked the door + for them: it closed with a catch-lock. Hayes was drunk, but full of + discipline, and insisted on the patients putting out their clothes; so + Alfred made up a bundle from his portmanteau, and threw it out. Hayes eyed + it suspiciously, but was afraid to stoop and inspect it closer: for his + drunken instinct told him he would pitch on his head that moment: so he + retired grumbling and dangling his key. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the corridor he met Mrs. Archbold full dressed, and with a + candle in her hand. She held the candle up and inspected him; and a little + conversation followed that sobered Mr. Hayes for a minute or two. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold was no sooner gone to her little tea-party than all the + first-class ladies and gentlemen were sent to bed to get a good sleep for + the good of their health, and the keepers and keeperesses took their place + and romped, and made such a row, sleep was not easy within hearing of + them. They sat on the piano, they sang songs to a drum accompaniment + played on the table, they danced, drank, flirted, and enjoyed themselves + like schoolboys. Hayes alone was gloomy and morose: so the Robin and + Garrett consoled him, drank with him, and soothed him with the balm of + insensibility: in which condition they removed him under charitable + pretences, and searched his pockets in the passage for the key of Alfred's + room. + </p> + <p> + To their infinite surprise and disappointment it was not upon him. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, Mrs. Archbold had snatched it from him in her wrath, and put + it in her own pocket. How far her suspicions went, how much her spies had + discovered, I really don't know; but somehow or other she was uneasy in + her mind, and, seeing Hayes in such a state, she would not trust him + during her absence, but took the key away with her. + </p> + <p> + The Robin and Garrett knew nothing of this, and were all abroad, but they + thought Rooke must have the key; so they proceeded to drink with him, and + were just about to administer a really effective soporific in his grog, + when they and all the merry party were suddenly startled by violent + ringing at the bell, and thundering and halloaing at the hall door. The + men jumped to their feet and balanced themselves, and looked half wild, + half stupid. The women sat, and began to scream: for they had heard a word + that has terrors for us all: peculiar terrors for them. + </p> + <p> + This alarm was due to a personage hitherto undervalued in the + establishment. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Francis Beverley had been THINKING. So now, finding all the patients + boxed up, and their attendants romping in the drawing-room, he lighted + seven fires, skilfully on the whole, for practice makes perfect; but, + singular oversight, he omitted one essential ingredient in the fire, and + that was the grate. + </p> + <p> + To be plain, Mr. Francis made seven bonfires of bed-curtains, chairs, and + other combustibles in the servants' garrets, lighted them + contemporaneously, and retired to the basement, convinced he had taken the + surest means to deliver his friend out of Drayton House: and with a + certain want of candour that characterises the weak, proceeded to black + his other bad master's shoes with singular assiduity. + </p> + <p> + There was no wind to blow the flame; but it was a clear frost; and soon + fiery tongues shot out of three garret-windows into the night, and lurid + gleams burnished four more, and the old house was burning merrily + overhead, and ringing with hilarity on the first floor. + </p> + <p> + But the neighbours saw, pointed, wondered, comprehended, shouted, rang, + knocked, and surged round the iron gate. “Fire! fire! fire!” and “Fire!” + went down the road, and men on horseback galloped for engines; and the + terror-stricken porter opened and the people rushed in and hammered at the + hall doors, and when Rooke ran down and opened, “Fire!” was the word that + met him from a score of eager throats and glittering eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Fire! Where?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “Where! Why, <i>you</i> are on fire. Blazing!” + </p> + <p> + He ran out and looked up at the tongues of flame and volleys of smoke. + “Shut the gate,” he roared. “Call the police. Fire! fire!” And he dashed + back, and calling to the other keepers to unlock all the doors they had + keys of, ran up to the garrets to see what could be done. He came out + awe-stricken at what he saw. He descended hastily to the third floor. Now + the third floor of that wing was occupied principally by servants. In + fact, the only patients at that time were Dodd and Alfred. Rooke called to + the men below to send Hayes up to No. 75 with his key directly; he then + ran down to the next floor—of which he had keys—and opened all + the doors, and said to the inmates with a ghastly attempt at cheerfulness, + belied by his shaking voice, “Get up, gentlemen; there is a ball and + supper going on below.” He was afraid to utter the word “fire” to them. + The other keepers were as rapid, each on his beat, and soon the more + rational patients took the alarm and were persuaded or driven out + half-dressed into the yard, where they cowered together in extremity of + fear; for the fire began to roar overhead like a lion, and lighted up the + whole interior red and bright. All was screaming and confusion; and then + came a struggle to get the incurable out from the basement story. There + was no time to handcuff them. The keepers trusted to the terror of the + scene to cow them, and so opened the doors and got them out anyhow. Wild, + weird forms, with glaring eyes and matted hair, leaped out and ran into + the hall, and laughed, and danced, and cursed in the lurid reflection of + the fires above. Hell seemed discharging demons. Men recoiled from them. + And well they did; for now the skylight exploded, and the pieces fell + tinkling on the marble hall fast as hail. The crowd recoiled and ran; but + those awful figures continued their gambols. One picked up the burning + glass and ground it in his hands that bled directly: but he felt neither + burn nor cut. The keepers rushed in to withdraw them from so dangerous a + place: all but one obeyed with sudden tameness: that one struggled and + yelled like a demon. In the midst of which fearful contest came a sudden + thundering at a door on the third floor. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” cried Rooke. + </p> + <p> + “It is Mr. Hardie,” screamed the Robin. “You have left him locked in.” + </p> + <p> + “I told Hayes to let him out long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “But Hayes hasn't got the key. You've got it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no. I tell you Hayes has got it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! Murder! murder! They are dead men. Run for Mrs. Archbold, + somebody. Run! Here, hammers, hammers! for God's sake, come and help me, + break the door. Oh, Rooke, Rooke!” + </p> + <p> + “As I'm a man Hayes has got the key,” cried Rooke, stamping on the ground, + and white with terror. + </p> + <p> + By this time Garrett had got a hammer, and he and Wales rushed wildly up + the stairs to batter in the strong door if they could. They got to the + third floor, but with difficulty; the smoke began to blind them and choke + them, and fiery showers fell on them, and drove them back smarting and + choking. Garrett sank down gasping at the stair-foot. Wales ran into the + yard uttering pitiful cries, and pointing wildly upwards; but before he + got there, a hand had broken through the glass of a window up in the third + floor, the poor white hand of a perishing prisoner, and clutched the + framework and tore at it. + </p> + <p> + At this hand a thousand white faces were now upturned amid groans of pity + and terror, such as only multitudes can utter. Suddenly those anxious + faces and glistening eyes turned like one, for an attempt, wild and + unintelligible, but still an attempt, was about to be made to save that + hand and its owner out of the very jaws of death. + </p> + <p> + Now amongst the spectators was one whose life and reason were at stake on + that attempt. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was hurrying homeward from this very neighbourhood when the fire + broke out. Her son Edward was coming at nine o'clock to tea, and, better + still, to sleep. He was leaving the fire brigade. It had disappointed him; + he found the fire-escape men saved the lives, the firemen only the + property. He had gone into the business earnestly too; he had invented a + thing like a treble pouch hook, which could be fastened in a moment to the + end of a rope, and thrown into the window, and would cling to the bare + wall, if there was nothing better, and enable him to go up and bring life + down. But he had never got a chance to try it; and, <i>per contra,</i> he + was on the engine when they went tearing over a woman and broke her arm + and collar-bone in the Blackfriars Road; and also when they went tearing + over their own fire-dog, and crippled him. All this seemed out of + character, and shocked Edward; and then his mother could not get over the + jacket. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour he was to take off the obnoxious jacket for ever, + and was now lounging at the station smoking a short pipe, when a man + galloped up crying “Fire!” + </p> + <p> + “All right!” said Edward, giving a whiff. “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Lunatic Asylum. Drayton House.” + </p> + <p> + Guess how long before the horses were to, and the engine tearing at a + gallop down the road, and the firemen shouting “Fire! fire!” to clear the + way, and Edward's voice the loudest. + </p> + <p> + When the report of fire swept townward past Mrs. Dodd, she turned, and saw + the glow. + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear,” said she, “that must be somewhere near Drayton House.” And full + of the tender fears that fill such bosoms as hers for those they love, she + could not go home till she had ascertained that it was not Drayton House. + Moreover, Edward's was the nearest station; she had little hope now of + seeing him to tea. She sighed, and retraced her steps, and made timid + inquiries, but could gain no clear information. Presently she heard + galloping behind her, and the fireman's wild sharp cry of fire. An engine + drawn by two powerful brown horses came furiously, all on fire itself with + red paint and polished steel gleaming in the lights; helmeted men + clustered on it, and out of one of these helmets looked a face like a + fighting lion's, the eyes so dilated, the countenance in such towering + excitement, the figure half rising from his seat as though galloping was + too slow and he wanted to fly. It was Edward. Mother and son caught sight + of one another as the engine thundered by, and he gave her a solemn ardent + look, and pointed towards the fire; by that burning look and eloquent + gesture she knew it was something more than a common fire. She trembled + and could not move. But this temporary weakness was followed by an influx + of wild vigour; she forgot her forty-two years, and flew to hover round + the fire as the hen round water. Unfortunately she was too late to get any + nearer than the road outside the gates, the crowd was so dense. And, while + her pale face and anxious eyes, the eyes of a wife and a mother, were bent + on that awful fire, the human tide flowed swiftly up behind her, and there + she was wedged in. She was allowed her foot of ground to stand and look + like the rest—no more. Mere unit in that mass of panting humanity, + hers was one of the thousands of upturned faces lurid in the light of the + now blazing roof. She saw with thousands the hand break the window and + clutch the frame; she gasped with the crowd at that terrible and piteous + sight, and her bosom panted for her fellow-creature in sore peril. But + what is this? The mob inside utter a great roar of hope; the crowd outside + strain every eye. + </p> + <p> + A gleaming helmet overtops the outer wall. It is a fireman mounting the + great elm-tree in the madhouse yard. The crowd inside burst in a cheer. He + had a rope round his loins; his face was to the tree. He mounted and + mounted like a cat; higher, and higher, and higher, till he reached a + branch about twelve feet above the window and as many distant from it + laterally; the crowd cheered him lustily. But Mrs. Dodd, half distracted + with terror, implored them not to encourage him. “It is my child!” she + cried despairingly; “my poor reckless darling! Come down, Edward; for your + poor mother's sake, come down.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear heart,” said a woman, “it is the lady's son. Poor thing!” + </p> + <p> + “Stand on my knee, ma'am,” said a coal-heaver. + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, sir, no. I could not look at him for the world. I can only pray + for him. Good people, pray for us!” And she covered her face, and prayed + and trembled and sobbed hysterically. A few yards behind was another + woman, who had arrived later, yet like her was wedged immovable. This + woman was more terror-stricken than Mrs. Dodd; and well she might; for <i>she</i> + knew who was behind that fatal window: the woman's name was Edith + Archbold. The flames were now leaping through the roof, and surging up + towards heaven in waves of fire six feet high. Edward, scorched and half + blinded, managed to fasten his rope to the bough, and, calculating the + distances vertical and lateral he had to deal with, took up rope + accordingly, and launched himself into the air. + </p> + <p> + The crowd drew their breath so hard it sounded like a murmur. To their + horror he missed the window, and went swinging back. + </p> + <p> + There was a cry of dismay. But Edward had never hoped to leap into the + window; he went swinging by the rope back to the main stem of the tree, + gave it a fierce spang with his feet, and by this means and a powerful + gesture of his herculean loins got an inch nearer the window: back again, + and then the same game; and so he went swinging to and fro over a wider + and wider space; and, by letting out an inch of cord each swing, his + flying feet came above the window-ledge, then a little higher, then higher + still; and now, oh sight strange and glorious—as this helmeted hero, + with lips clenched and great eyes that stared unflinchingly at the surging + flames, and gleamed supernaturally with inward and outward fire, swang to + and fro on his frail support still making for the window—the heads + of all the hoping, fearing, admiring, panting crowd went surging and + waving to and fro beneath; so did not their hearts only but their agitated + bodies follow the course of his body, as it rushed to and fro faster and + faster through the hot air starred with snow-flakes, and hail, of fire. + And those his fellow-men for whom the brave fireman made this supernatural + effort, did they know their desperate condition? Were they still alive? + One little hour ago Alfred sat on the bed, full of hope. Every minute he + expected to hear the Robin put a key into the door. He was all ready, and + his money in his pocket. Alas! his liberator came not; some screw loose + again. Presently he was conscious of a great commotion in the house. Feet + ran up and down. Then came a smell of burning. The elm-tree outside was + illuminated. He was glad at first; he had a spite against the place. But + soon he became alarmed, and hammered at the door and tried to force it. + Impossible. “Fire!” rang from men's voices. Fire crackled above his head; + he ran about the room like a wild creature; he sprang up at the window and + dashed his hand through, but fell back. He sprang again and got his hand + on some of the lighter woodwork; he drew himself up nearly to the window, + and then the wood gave way and he fell to the ground, and striking the + back of his head, nearly stunned himself; the flames roared fearfully now; + and at this David, who had hitherto sat unconcerned, started up, and in a + stentorian voice issued order upon order to furl every rag of sail and + bring the ship to the wind. He thought it was a tempest. “Oh hush! hush!” + cried Alfred in vain.. A beam fell from the roof to the floor, precursor + of the rest. On this David thought the ship was ashore, and shouted a + fresh set of orders proper to the occasion, so terribly alike are the + angry voices of the sister-elements. But Alfred implored him, and got him + to kneel down with him, and held his hand, and prayed. + </p> + <p> + And, even while they kneeled and Alfred prayed, Death and Life met and + fought for them. Under the door, tight as it was, and through the keyhole, + struggled a hot stifling smoke, merciful destroyer running before fire; + and the shadow of a gigantic figure began to flicker in from the outside, + and to come and go upon the wall. Alfred did not know what that was, but + it gave him a vague hope: he prayed aloud as men pray only for their + bodies. (The crowd heard him and hushed itself breathless.) + </p> + <p> + The smoke penetrated faster, blinding and stifling; the giant shadow came + and went. But now the greater part of the roof fell in with an awful + report; the blazing timbers thundered down to the basement with endless + clatter of red-hot tiles; the walls quivered, and the building belched + skyward a thousand jets of fire like a bouquet of rockets: and then a + cloud of smoke. Alfred gave up all hope, and prepared to die. Crash! as if + discharged from a cannon, came bursting through the window, with the roar + of an applauding multitude and a mother's unheeded scream, a helmeted + figure, rope in hand, and alighted erect and commanding on the floor + amidst a shower of splinters and tinkling glass. “Up, men, for your + lives,” roared this fire-warrior, clutching them hard, and dragged them + both up to their feet by one prodigious gesture: all three faces came + together and shone in the lurid light; and he knew his father and “the + Wretch,” and “the Wretch” knew him. “Oh!” “Ah!” passed like pistol shots; + but not a word: even this strange meeting went for little, so awful was + the moment, so great are Death and Fire. Edward clawed his rope to the + bed; up to the window by it, dropped his line to fireman Jackson planted + express below, and in another moment was hauling up a rope ladder: this he + attached, and getting on it and holding his own rope by way of banister, + cried, “Now, men, quick, for your lives.” But poor David called that + deserting the ship, and demurred, till Alfred assured him the captain had + ordered it. He then submitted directly, touched his forelock to Edward, + whom he took for that officer, and went down the ladder; Alfred followed. + </p> + <p> + Now the moment those two figures emerged from the burning pile, Mrs. Dodd, + already half dead with terror for her son, saw and knew her husband: for + all about him it was as light as day. + </p> + <p> + What terror! what joy! what gratitude! what pride! what a tempest of + emotions! + </p> + <p> + But her fears were not ended: Edward, not to overweight the ladder, went + dangling by his hands along the rope towards the tree. And his mother's + eyes stared fearfully from him to the other, and her heart hung trembling + on her husband descending cautiously, and then on his preserver, her son, + who was dangling along by the hands on that frail support. The mob cheered + him royally, but she screamed and hid her face again. At last both her + darlings were safe, and then the lusty cheers made her thrill with pride + and joy, till all of a sudden they seemed to die away, and the terrible + fire to go out; and the sore-tried wife and mother drooped her head and + swooned away, wedged in and kept from falling by the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Inside, the mob parted and made two rushes, one at the rescued men, one at + the gallant fireman. Alfred and David were overpowered with curiosity and + sympathy. They had to shake a hundred honest hands, and others still + pressing on hurried them nearly off their feet. + </p> + <p> + “Gently, good friends; don't part us,” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “He is the keeper,” said one of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm his keeper: and I want to get him quietly away. This excitement + will do him harm else; good friends, help me out by that door.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” was the cry, and they rushed with him to the back door. + Rooke, who was about twenty yards off saw and suspected this movement. He + fought his way and struggled after Alfred in silence. Presently, to his + surprise, Alfred unlocked the door and whipped out with David, leaving the + door open. Rooke shouted and halloaed: “Stop him! he is escaping,” and + struggled madly to the door. Now another crowd had been waiting in the + meadows; seeing the door open they rushed in and the doorway was jammed + directly. In the confusion Alfred drew David along the side of the wall; + told him to stay quiet, bolted behind an outhouse, and then ran across + country for the bare life. + </p> + <p> + To his horror David followed him, and with a madman's agility soon caught + him. + </p> + <p> + He snorted like a spirited horse, and shouted cheerily, “Go ahead, + messmate; I smell blue water.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on, then,” cried Alfred, half mad himself with excitement, and the + pair ran furiously, and dashed through hedges and ditches, torn, bleeding, + splashed, triumphant; behind them the burning madhouse, above them the + spangled sky, the fresh free air of liberty blowing in their nostrils, and + rushing past their ears. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's chest expanded, he laughed for joy, he sang for joy, he leaped as + he went; nor did he care where he went. David took the command, and kept + snuffing the air, and shaping his course for blue water. And so they + rushed along the livelong night. + </p> + <p> + Free. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV + </h2> + <p> + A REPORT came round that the asylum was open in the rear. A rush was made + thither from the front: and this thinned the crowd considerably; so then + Mrs. Dodd was got out by the help of some humane persons, and carried into + the nearest house, more dead than alive. There she found Mrs. Archbold in + a pitiable state. That lady had been looking on the fire, with the key in + her pocket, by taking which she was like to be a murderess: her terror and + remorse were distracting, and the revulsion had thrown her into violent + hysterics. Mrs. Dodd plucked up a little strength, and characteristically + enough tottered to her assistance, and called for the best remedies, and + then took her hand and pressed it, and whispered soothingly that both were + now safe, meaning David and Edward. Mrs. Archbold thought she meant Alfred + and David: this new shock was as good for her as cold water: she became + quieter, and presently gulped out, “You saw them? You knew them (ump) all + that way off?” + </p> + <p> + “Knew them?” said Mrs. Dodd; “why one was my husband, and the other my + son.” Mrs. Archbold gave a sigh of relief. “Yes, madam,” continued Mrs. + Dodd, “the young fireman, who went and saved my husband, was my own son, + my Edward; my hero; oh, I am a happy wife, a proud mother.” She could say + no more for tears of joy, and while she wept deliciously, Mrs. Archbold + cried too, and so invigorated and refreshed her cunning, and presently she + perked up and told Mrs. Dodd boldly that Edward had been seeking her, and + was gone home; she had better follow him, or he would be anxious. “But my + poor husband!” objected Mrs. Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “He is safe,” said the other; “I saw him (ump) with an attendant.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Mrs. Dodd, with meaning, “that other my son rescued was an + attendant, was he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” (Ump.) + </p> + <p> + She then promised to take David under her especial care, and Mrs. Dodd + consented, though reluctantly, to go home. + </p> + <p> + To her surprise Edward had not yet arrived, and Julia was sitting up, very + anxious; and flew at her with a gurgle, and kissed her eagerly, and then, + drawing back her head, searched the maternal eyes for what was the matter. + “Ah, you may well look,” said Mrs. Dodd. “Oh, my child! what a night this + has been;” and she sank into a chair, and held up her arms. Julia settled + down in them directly, and in that position Mrs. Dodd told all the night's + work, told it under a running accompaniment of sighs and kisses, and + ejaculations, and “dear mammas” and “poor mammas,” and bursts of sympathy, + astonishment, pity and wonder. Thus embellished and interrupted, the + strange tale was hardly ended, when a manly step came up the stairs, and + both ladies pinched each other, and were still as mice, and in walked a + fireman with a wet livery, and a face smirched with smoke. Julia flew at + him with a gurgle of the first degree, and threw her arms round his neck, + and kissed both his blackened cheeks again and again, crying, “Oh my own, + my precious, my sweet, brave darling, kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, you are a + hero, a Christian hero, that saves life, not takes it—” Mrs. Dodd + checked her impetuous career by asking piteously if his mother was not to + have him. On this, Julia drew him along by the hand, and sank with him at + Mrs. Dodd's knees, and she held him at arm's length and gazed at him, and + then drew him close and enfolded him, and thanked God for him; and then + they both embraced him at once, and interwove him Heaven knows how, and + poured the wealth of their womanly hearts out on him in a torrent, and + nearly made him snivel. But presently something in his face struck Mrs. + Dodd accustomed to read her children. “Is there anything the matter, + love?” she inquired anxiously. He looked down and said, “I am dead sleepy, + mamma, for one thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he is, poor child,” said Julia, doing the submaternal; “wait + till I see everything is comfortable,” and she flew off, turned suddenly + at the door with “Oh, you darling!” and up to his bedroom and put more + coals on his fire, and took a swift housewifely look all round. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd seized the opportunity. “Edward, there is something amiss.” + </p> + <p> + “And no mistake,” said he drily. “But I thought if I told you before her + you might scold me.” + </p> + <p> + “Scold you, love? Never. Hush! I'll come to your room by-and-by.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after this they all bade each other good night; and presently Mrs. + Dodd came and tapped softly at her son's door, and found him with his vest + and coat off, and his helmet standing on the table reflecting a red coal; + he was seated by the fire in a brown study, smoking. He apologised, and + offered to throw the weed away. “No, no,” said she, suppressing a cough, + “not if it does you good.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother, when you are in a fix, smoke is a soother, you know, and + I'm in a regular fix.” + </p> + <p> + “A fix,” sighed Mrs. Dodd resignedly, and waited patiently all ears. + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” said the fire-warrior, becoming speculative under the dreamy + influence of the weed, “I wonder whether such a muddle ever was before. + When a man is fighting with fire, what with the heat and what with the + excitement, his pulse is at a hundred and sixty, and his brain all in a + whirl, and he scarce knows what he is doing till after it is done. But + I've been thinking of it all since. (Puff.) There was my poor little mamma + in the mob; I double myself up for my spring, and I go at the window, and + through it; now, on this side of it I hear my mother cry, 'Edward come + down;' on the other side I fall on two men perishing in an oven; one is my + own father, and the other is, who do you think? 'The Wretch.'” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd held up her hands in mute amazement. + </p> + <p> + “I had promised to break every bone in his skin at our first meeting; and + I kept my promise by saving his skin and bones, and life and all.” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd groaned aloud. “I thought it was he,” she said faintly. “That + tall figure, that haughty grace! But Mrs. Archbold told me positively it + was an attendant.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she told you a cracker. It was not an attendant, but a madman, and + that madman was Alfred Hardie, upon my soul! Our Julia's missing + bridegroom.” + </p> + <p> + He smoked on in profound silence waiting for her to speak. But she lay + back in her chair mute and all relaxed, as if the news had knocked her + down. + </p> + <p> + “Come, now,” said Edward at last; “what is to be done? May I tell Julia? + that is the question.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for the world,” said Mrs. Dodd, shocked into energy. “Would you + blight her young life for ever, as mine is blighted?” She then assured him + that, if Alfred's sad state came to Julia's ears, all her love for him + would revive, and she would break with Mr. Hurd, and indeed never marry + all her life. “I see no end to her misery,” continued Mrs. Dodd, with a + deep sigh; “for she is full of courage; she would not shrink from a + madhouse (why she visits lazar-houses every day); she would be always + going to see her Alfred, and so nurse her pity and her unhappy love. No, + no; let <i>me</i> be a widow with a living husband, if it is God's will: I + have had my happy days. But my child she shall not be so withered in the + flower of her days for any man that ever breathed; she shall not, I say.” + The mother could utter no more for emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Edward, “you know best. I generally make a mess of it when I + disobey you. But concealments are bad things too. We used to go with our + bosoms open. Ah!” (Puff.) + </p> + <p> + “Edward,” said Mrs. Dodd, after some consideration, “the best thing is to + marry her to Mr. Hurd at once. He has spoken to me for her, and I sounded + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he? Well, and what did she say?” + </p> + <p> + “She said she would rather not marry at all, but live and die with me. + Then I pressed her a little, you know. Then she did say she could never + marry any but a clergyman, now she had lost her poor Alfred. And then I + told her I thought Mr. Hurd could make her happy, and she would make me + happy if she could esteem him; and marry him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mamma, and what then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why then, my poor child gave me a look that haunts me still—a look + of unutterable love, and reproach, and resignation, and despair, and burst + out crying so piteously I could say no more. Oh! oh! oh! oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you cry, mammy dear,” said Edward. “Ah, I remember when a tear was + a wonder in our house.” And the fire-warrior sucked at his cigar, to stop + a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “And n—now n—ot a d—day without them,” sighed Mrs. Dodd + “But <i>you</i> have cost me none, my precious boy.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm waiting my time. (Puff.) Mamma, take my advice; don't you fidget so. + Let things alone. Why hurry her into marrying Mr. Hurd or anybody? Look + here; I'll keep dark to please you, if you'll keep quiet to please me.” + </p> + <p> + At breakfast time came a messenger with a line from Mrs. Archbold, to say + that David had escaped from Drayton House, in company with another + dangerous maniac. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd received the blow with a kind of desperate resignation. She rose + quietly from the table without a word, and went to put on her bonnet, + leaving her breakfast and the note; for she did not at once see all that + was implied in the communication. She took Edward with her to Drayton + House. The firemen had saved one half of that building; the rest was a + black shell. Mrs. Archbold came to them, looking haggard, and told them + two keepers were already scouring the country, and an advertisement sent + to all the journals. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madam!” said Mrs. Dodd, “if the other should hurt him, or lead him + somewhere to his death?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold said she might dismiss this fear; the patient in question + had but one illusion, and, though terribly dangerous when thwarted in + that, was most intelligent in a general way, and much attached to Mr. + Dodd; they were always together. + </p> + <p> + A strange expression shot into Mrs. Dodd's eye: she pinched Edward's arm + to keep him quiet, and said with feigned indifference— + </p> + <p> + “Then it was the one who was in such danger with my husband last night?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mrs. Archbold off her guard. It had not occurred to her that + this handsome, fashionably-dressed young gentleman, was the fireman of + last night. She saw her mistake, though, the moment he said bluntly, “Why, + you told my mother it was an attendant.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I, madam?” asked Mrs. Archbold, mighty innocently: “I suppose I + thought so. Well, I was mistaken, unfortunately.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was silent a moment, then, somewhat hastily bade Mrs. Archbold + good-bye. She told the cabman to drive to an old acquaintance of ours, Mr. + Green. He had set up detective on his own account. He was not at his + office, but expected. She sat patiently down till he came in. They put + their heads together, and Green dashed down to the asylum with a myrmidon, + while Mrs. Dodd went into the City to obtain leave of absence from Cross + and Co. This was politely declined at first, but on Mrs. Dodd showing + symptoms of leaving them altogether, it was conceded. She returned home + with Edward, and there was Mr. Green: he had actually traced the fugitives + by broken fences, and occasional footsteps in the side clay of ditches, so + far as to leave no doubt they had got upon the great south-eastern road. + Then Mrs. Dodd had a female inspiration. “The Dover road! Ah! my husband + will make for the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't wonder, being a sailor,” said Green. “It is a pleasure to + work with a lady like you, that puts in a good hint. Know anything about + the other one, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd almost started at this off-hand question. But it was a natural + one for Green to ask. + </p> + <p> + She said gravely, “I do. To my cost.” + </p> + <p> + Green's eye sparkled, and he took out his note-book. “Now where is <i>he</i> + like to make for?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd seemed to wince at the question, and then turned her eyes inward + to divine. The result was she gave a downright shudder, and said + evasively, “Being with David, I hope and pray he will go towards the + coast.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Green, “it won't do to count on that altogether. How do we + know which of the two will lead the other? You must please to put Mr. Dodd + out of the question, ma'am, for a moment. Now we'll say No. 2 had escaped + alone: where would he be like to run to?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd thus pressed, turned her eyes more and more inward, and said at + last in a very low voice, and with a sort of concentrated horror—“He + will come to my house.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Green booked this eagerly. The lady's emotion was nothing to him; the + hint was invaluable, the combination interesting. “Well, ma'am,” said he, + “I'll plant a good man in sight of your door: and I'll take the Dover road + directly with my drag. My teeth weren't strong enough for the last nut you + gave me to crack: let us try this one. Tom Green isn't often beat twice + running.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go with you, Mr. Green.” + </p> + <p> + “Honoured and proud, ma'am. But a lady like you in my dog-cart along o' me + and my mate!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd waived this objection almost contemptuously; she was all wife + now. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that Green should drive round for her in an hour. He + departed for the present, and Edward proposed to go in the dog-cart too, + but she told him no; she wanted him at home to guard his sister against + “the Wretch.” Then seeing him look puzzled, “Consider, Edward,” said she, + “he is not like your poor father: he has not forgotten. That + advertisement, Aileen Aroon, it was from him, you know. And then why does + he attach himself so to poor papa? Do you not see it is because he is + Julia's father? 'The Wretch' loves her still.” + </p> + <p> + Edward from puzzled looked very grave. “What a head you have got, mamma!” + he said. “I should never have seen all this: yet it's plain enough now, as + you put it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is plain. Our darling is betrothed to a maniac; that maniac loves + her, and much I fear she loves him. Some new calamity is impending. Oh, my + son, I feel it already heavy on my heart. What is it to be? Is your father + to be led to destruction, or will that furious wretch burst in upon your + sister, and kill her, or perhaps kill Mr. Hard, if he catches them + together? What may not happen now? The very air seems to me swarming with + calamities.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'll take care of all that,” said Edward. And he comforted her a + little by promising faithfully not to let Julia go out of his sight till + her return. + </p> + <p> + She put on a plain travelling-dress. The dog-cart came. She slipped fifty + sovereigns into Mr. Green's hands for expenses, and off they went at a + slapping pace. The horse was a great bony hunter of rare speed and + endurance, and his long stride and powerful action raised poor Mrs. Dodd's + hopes, and the rushing air did her good. Green, to her surprise, made few + inquiries for some miles on the Dover road; but he explained to her that + the parties they were after had probably walked all night. “They don't + tire, that sort,” said Mr. Green. + </p> + <p> + At Dartford they got a doubtful intimation, on the strength of which he + rattled on to Rochester. There he pulled up, deposited Mrs. Dodd at the + principal inn till morning, and scoured the town for intelligence. + </p> + <p> + He inquired of all the policemen; described his men, and shrewdly added + out of his intelligence, “Both splashed and dirty.” + </p> + <p> + No, the Bobbies had not seen them. + </p> + <p> + Then he walked out to the side of the town nearest London, and examined + all the dealers in food. At last he found a baker who, early that morning, + had sold a quartern loaf to two tall men without hats, “and splashed + fearful;” he added, “thought they had broken prison; but 'twas no business + of mine: they paid for the bread right enough.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing they had entered Rochester hatless, the shrewd Mr. Green made + direct to the very nearest slop-shop; and his sagacity was rewarded: the + shopkeeper was a chatterbox, and told him yes, two gents out on a frolic + had bought a couple of hats of him, and a whole set of sailor's clothes. + “I think they were respectable, too; but nothing else would satisfy him. + So the young one he humoured him, and bought them. I took his old ones in + exchange.” + </p> + <p> + At that Green offered a sovereign for the old clothes blindfold. The + trader instantly asked two pounds, and took thirty shillings. + </p> + <p> + Green now set the police to scour the town for a gentleman and a common + sailor in company, offered a handsome reward, and went to bed in a small + inn, with David's clothes by the kitchen fire. Early in the morning he + went to Mrs. Dodd's hotel with David's clothes, nicely dried, and told her + his tale. She knew the clothes directly, kissed them, and cried over them: + then gave him her hand with a world of dignity and grace: “What an able + man! Sir, you inspire me with great confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “And you me with zeal, ma'am,” said the delighted Green. “Why I'd go + through fire and water for a lady like you, that pays well, and doesn't + grudge a fellow a bit of praise. Now you must eat a bit, ma'am, if it's + ever so little, and then we'll take the road; for the police think the + parties have left the town, and by their night's work they must be good + travellers.” + </p> + <p> + The dog-cart took the road, and the ex-hunter stepped out thirteen miles + an hour. + </p> + <p> + Now at this moment Alfred and David were bowling along ahead with a + perfect sense of security. All that first night, the grandest of his life, + Alfred walked on air, and drank the glorious exhilarating breath of + Freedom. But, when the sun dawned on them, his intoxicating joy began to + be dashed with apprehension: hatless and bemired, might they not be + suspected and detained by some officious authority? + </p> + <p> + But the slop-shop set that all right. He took a double-bedded room in The + Bear, locked the door, put the key under his pillow, and slept till + eleven. At noon they were on the road again, and as they swung lustily + along in the frosty but kindly air, Alfred's chest expanded, his spirits + rose, and he felt a man all over. Exhilarated by freedom, youth, and + motion, and a little inflated by reviving vanity, his heart, buoyant as + his foot, now began to nurse aspiring projects: he would indict his own + father, and the doctors, and immolate them on the altar of justice and + publicly wipe off the stigma they had cast on him, and meantime he would + cure David and restore him to his family. + </p> + <p> + He loved this harmless companion of his cell, his danger, and his flight; + loved him for Julia's sake, loved him for his own. Youth and vanity + whispered, “I know more about madness than the doctors; I have seen it + closer.” It struck him David's longing for blue water was one of those + unerring instincts that sometimes guide the sick to their cure. And then + as the law permits the forcible recapture of a patient—without a + fresh order or certificates—within fourteen days of his escape from + an asylum, he did not think it prudent to show himself in London till that + time should have elapsed. So, all things considered, why not hide a few + days with David in some insignificant seaport, and revel in liberty and + blue water with him all day long, and so by associations touch the spring + of memory, and begin the cure? As for David, he seemed driven seaward by + some unseen spur; he fidgeted at all delay; even dinner fretted him; he + panted so for his natural element. Alfred humoured him, and an hour after + sunset they reached the town of Canterbury. Here Alfred took the same + precautions as before, and slept till nine o'clock. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke, he found David walking to and fro impatiently. “All right, + messmate,” said Alfred, “we shall soon be in blue water.” He made all + haste, and they were on the road again by ten, walking at a gallant pace. + </p> + <p> + But the dog-cart was already rattling along about thirty miles behind + them. Green inquired at all the turnpikes and vehicles; the scent was cold + at first, but warmer by degrees, and hot at Canterbury. Green just baited + his gallant horse, and came foaming on, and just as the pair entered the + town of Folkestone, their pursuers came up to the cross-roads, not five + miles behind them. + </p> + <p> + Alfred went to a good inn in Folkestone and ordered a steak, then strolled + with David by the beach, and gloried in the water with him. “After dinner + we will take a boat, and have a sail,” said he. “See, there's a nice boat, + riding at anchor there.” + </p> + <p> + David snuffed the breeze and his eye sparkled, and he said, “Wind due + east, messmate.” And this remark, slight as it was was practical, and gave + Alfred great delight: strengthened his growing conviction that not for + nothing had this charge been thrown on him. He should be the one to cure + his own father; for Julia's father was his: he had no father now. “All + right,” said he gaily, “we'll soon be on blue water: but first we'll have + our dinner, old boy, for I am starving.” David said nothing and went + rather doggedly back to the inn with him. + </p> + <p> + The steak was on the table. Alfred told the waiter to uncover and David to + fall to, while he just ran upstairs to wash his hands. He came down in + less than two minutes; but David was gone, and the waiter standing there + erect and apathetic like a wooden sentinel. + </p> + <p> + “Why, where is he?” said Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Gent's gone out,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “And you stood there and let him? you born idiot. Which way is he gone?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said the waiter angrily, “I ain't a p'liceman. None but + respectable gents comes here, as don't want watching.” Alfred darted out + and scoured the town; he asked everybody if they had seen a tall gentleman + dressed like a common sailor. Nobody could tell him: there were so many + sailors about the port; that which in an inland town would have betrayed + the truant concealed him here. A cold perspiration began to gather on + Alfred's brow, as he ran wildly all over the place. + </p> + <p> + He could not find him, nor any trace of him. At last it struck him that he + had originally proposed to go to Dover, and had spoken of that town to + David, though he had now glanced aside, making for the smaller ports on + the south coast: he hired a horse directly, and galloped furiously to + Dover. He rode down to the pier, gave his horse to a boy to hold, and ran + about inquiring far David. He could not find him: but at last he found a + policeman, who told him he thought there was another party on the same lay + as himself: “No,” said the man correcting himself, “it was two they were + after, a gentleman and a sailor. Perhaps you are his mate.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred's blood ran cold. Pursued! and so hotly: “No, no,” he stammered; “I + suspect I am on the same business.” Then he said cunningly (for asylums + teach the frankest natures cunning), “Come and have a glass of grog and + tell me all about it.” Bobby consented, and under its influence described + Mrs. Dodd and her companions to him. + </p> + <p> + But not everybody can describe minutely. In the bare outlines, which were + all this artist could furnish him, Alfred recognised at once, whom do you + think? Mrs. Archbold, Dr. Wolf, and his arch enemy Rooke, the keeper. + Doubtless his own mind, seizing on so vague a description, adapted it + rather hastily to what seemed probable. Mrs. Dodd never occurred to him, + nor that David was the sole, or even the main object of the pursuit. He + was thoroughly puzzled what to do. However, as his pursuers had clearly + scoured Dover, and would have found David if there, he made use of their + labours and galloped back towards Folkestone. But he took the precaution + to inquire at the first turnpike, and there he learned a lady and two men + had passed through about an hour before in a dog-cart; it was a wonder he + had missed them. Alfred gnashed his teeth; “Curse you,” he muttered. + “Well, do my work in Folkestone, I'll find him yet, and baffle you.” He + turned his horse's head westward and rode after David. Convinced that his + lost friend would not go inland, he took care to keep near the cliffs, and + had ever an eye on the beach when the road came near enough. + </p> + <p> + About eight miles west of Folkestone he saw a dog-cart going down a hill + before him: but there was only a single person in it. However, he + increased his pace and got close behind it as it mounted the succeeding + hill which was a high one. Walking leisurely behind it his quick eye + caught sight of a lady's veil wrapped round the iron of the seat. + </p> + <p> + That made him instantly suspect this might be the dog-cart after all. But, + if so, how came a stranger in it? He despised a single foe, and resolved + to pump this one and learn where the others were. + </p> + <p> + While he was thinking how he should begin, the dog-cart stopped at the top + of the hill, and the driver looked seaward at some object that appeared to + interest him. + </p> + <p> + It was a glorious scene. Viewed from so great a height the sea expanded + like ocean, and its light-blue waters sparkled and laughed innumerable in + the breeze. “A beautiful sight, sir,” said the escaped prisoner, “you may + well stop to look at it.” The man touched his hat and chuckled. “I don't + think you know what I am looking at, sir,” he said politely. + </p> + <p> + “I thought it was the lovely sea view; so bright, so broad, so <i>free.</i> + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; not but what I can enjoy that a bit, too: but what I'm looking + at is an 'unt. Do you see that little boat? Sailing right down the coast + about eight miles off. Well, sir, what do you think there is in that boat? + But you'll never guess. A madman.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “Curious, sir, isn't it: a respectable gentleman too he is, and sails + well; only stark staring mad. There was two of 'em in company: but it + seems they can't keep together long. <i>Our</i> one steals a fisherman's + boat, and there he goes down channel. And now look here, sir; see this + steam-tug smoking along right in front of us: she's after him, and see + there's my governor aboard standing by the wheel with a Bobby and a lady: + and if ever there was a lady she's one;” here he lowered his voice. “She's + that mad gentleman's wife, sir, as I am a living sinner.” + </p> + <p> + They both looked down on the strange chase in silence. “Will they catch + her?” asked Alfred at last, under his breath. + </p> + <p> + “How can we be off it? steam against sails. And if he runs ashore, I shall + be there to nab him.” Alfred looked, and looked: the water came into his + eyes. “It's the best thing that can befall him now,” he murmured. He gave + the man half-a-crown, and then turned his horse's head and walked him down + the hill towards Folkestone. On his arrival there he paid for his horse, + and his untasted dinner, and took the first train to London, a little + dispirited; and a good deal mortified; for he hated to be beat. But David + was in good hands, that was one comfort; and he had glorious work on hand, + love and justice. He went to an out of the way inn in the suburbs, and, + when he had bought a carpet-bag and some linen and other necessaries, he + had but one sovereign left. + </p> + <p> + His heart urged him vehemently to go at once and find his Julia: but alas! + he did not even know where she lived; and he dared not at present make + public inquiries: that would draw attention to himself, and be his + destruction; for Wolf stood well with the police, and nearly always + recaptured his truant patients by their aid before the fourteen days had + elapsed. He determined to go first to a solicitor: and launch him against + his enemies, while compelled to shirk them in his own person. Curious + position! Now, amongst his father's creditors was Mr. Compton, a + solicitor, known for an eccentric, but honourable man, and for success in + litigation. Mr. Compton used to do his own business in Barkington, and + employ an agent in London: but Alfred remembered to have heard just before + his incarceration that he had reversed the parts, and now lived in London. + Alfred found him out by the Directory, and called at his chambers in + Lincoln's Inn Fields. He had to wait some time in the outer office + listening to a fluent earnest client preaching within: but presently a + sharp voice broke in upon the drone, and, after a few sentences, Mr. + Compton ushered out a client with these remarkable words: “And as for your + invention, it has been invented four times before you invented it, and + never was worth inventing at all. And you have borrowed two hundred pounds + of me in ninety loans, each of which cost me an hour's invaluable time: I + hold ninety acknowledgments in your handwriting; and I'll put them all in + force for my protection;” with this he turned to his head clerk: “Mr. + Colls, take out a writ against this client; what is your Christian name, + sir? I forget.” + </p> + <p> + “Simon,” said the gaping client, off his guard. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Mr. Compton with sudden politeness: then resuming + hostilities—“A writ in the Common Pleas against Simon Macfarlane: + keep it in your drawer, Colls, and if ever the said Macfarlane does me the + honour to call on me again serve him with it on the spot; and, if not, + not; good morning, sir.” And with this he bolted into his own room and + slammed its door. 'The clerks opened the outer door to Mr. Macfarlane with + significant grins, and he went out bewildered sorely, yea even like one + that walketh abroad in his sleep. “Now, sir,” said Mr. Colls cheerfully to + Alfred. But the new client naturally hesitated now: he put on his most + fascinating smile, and said: “Well, Mr. Colls, what do you advise? Is this + a moment to beard the lion in his den?” + </p> + <p> + At Alfred's smile and address Colls fell in love with him directly, and + assured him <i>sotto voce,</i> and with friendly familiarity, that now was + his time. “Why, he'll be as sweet as honey now he has got rid of a + client.” With this he took Alfred's name, and ushered him into a room + piled with japanned tin boxes, where Mr. Compton sat, looking all + complacency, at a large desk table, on which briefs, and drafts, and + letters lay in seeming confusion. He rose, and with a benignant courtesy + invited Alfred to sit down and explain his business. + </p> + <p> + The reader is aware our Oxonian could make a close and luminous statement. + He began at the beginning, but soon disposed of preliminaries and came to + his capture at Silverton. Then Mr. Compton quietly rang the bell, and with + a slight apology to Alfred requested Colls to search for the draft of Mrs. + Holloway's will. Alfred continued. Mr. Compton listened keenly, noted the + salient points on a sheet of brief-paper, and demanded the exact dates of + every important event related. + </p> + <p> + The story finished, the attorney turned to Colls, and said mighty coolly, + “You may go. The will is in my pocket: but I made sure he was a madman. + They generally are, these ill-used clients.” (Exit Colls) “Got a copy of + the settlement, sir, under which you take this ten thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Any lawyer seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes; Mr. Crauford, down at Barkington.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. Friend of mine. I'll write to him. Names and addresses of your + trustees?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred gave them. + </p> + <p> + “You have brought the order on which you were confined, and the two + certificates?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” said Alfred. “I have begged and prayed for a sight of them, and + never could get one. That is one of the galling iniquities of the system; + I call it 'THE DOUBLE SHUFFLE.' Just bring your mind to bear on this, sir: + The prisoner whose wits and liberty have been signed away behind his back + is not allowed to see the order and certificate on which he is confined—until + <i>after</i> his release: that release he is to obtain by combating the + statements in the order and certificates. So to get out he must first see + and contradict the lies that put him in; but to see the lies that put him + in, he must first get out. So runs the circle of Iniquity. Now, is that + the injustice of Earth, or the injustice of Hell?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton asked a moment to consider: “Well, I think is of the earth, + earthy. There's a mixture of idiocy in it the Devil might fairly + repudiate. Young gentleman, the English Statutes of Lunacy are famous + monuments of legislatorial incapacity: and indeed, as a general rule, if + you want justice and wisdom, don't you go to Acts of Parliament, but to + the Common Law of England.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred did not appreciate this observation: he made no reply to it, but + inquired, with some heat, “what he could do to punish the whole gang; his + father, the certifying doctors, and the madhouse keepers?” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! You might indict them all for a conspiracy,” said Mr. Compton; + “but you would be defeated. As a rule, avoid criminal proceedings where + you have a civil remedy. A jury will give a verdict and damages where they + would not convict on the same evidence. Yours is just one of those cases + where Temper says, 'indict!' but Prudence says, 'sue!' and Law, through + John Compton, its oracle in this square, says, sue the defendant and no + other. Now, who is the true defendant here, or party liable in law?” + </p> + <p> + “The keeper of the asylum, for one.” + </p> + <p> + “No. If I remember right, all proceedings against him are expressly barred + by a provision in the last statute. Let us see.” + </p> + <p> + He took down the statutes of the realm, and showed Alfred the clause which + raises the proprietor of a madhouse above the civic level of Prince Royal. + “Curse the law,” said Alfred bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “No, don't curse the Law. Curse the Act if you like; but we can't get on + without the Law, neither of us. Try again.” + </p> + <p> + “The certifying doctor, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Mr. Compton, knitting his brows: “a jury might give you a + verdict. But it would probably be set aside by the full court, or else by + a court of error. For, unless you could prove informality, barefaced + negligence, or <i>mala fides,</i> what does it come to? A professional + man, bound to give medical opinions to all comers, is consulted about you, + and says he thinks you are insane: you turn out sane. Well, then, he was + mistaken: but not more than he is in most of his professional opinions. We + lawyers know what guesswork Medicine is: we see it in the witness-box. I + hate suing opinions: it is like firing bullets at snipes in a wind. Try + again.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred groaned. “Why there is nobody left but the rogue who signed the + order.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you were a lawyer, that alone would tell you he is the defendant. + Where a legal wrong has been committed by A. B. and C., and there is no + remedy against A. or B., there must either be one against C., or none at + all: but this Law abhors as Nature does a vacuum. Besides, this defendant + has <i>done</i> the wrong complained of. In his person you sue an act, not + an opinion. But of course you are not cool enough to see all this just at + first.” + </p> + <p> + “Cool, sir,” said Alfred despairingly; “I am frozen with your remorseless + law. What, of all these villains, may I only attack one, and can't I + imprison even him, as he has me? Such narrow law encourages men to + violence, who burn under wrongs like mine.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton looked keenly at his agitated, mortified client, but made no + concession. He gave him a minute to digest the law's first bitter pill: + and then said, “If I am to act for you, you had better write a line to the + Commissioners of Lunacy requesting them to hand me copies of the order and + certificates.” Alfred wrote it. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Mr. Compton thoughtfully, “I don't think they will venture + to recapture you during the fourteen days. But still they might; and we + attorneys are wary animals. So please give me at once a full authority to + act under advice of counsel for your protection.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred wrote as requested, and Mr. Compton put the paper in his drawer, + remarking, “With this I can proceed by law or equity, even should you get + into the asylum again.” He then dismissed Alfred somewhat abruptly, but + with an invitation to call again after three clear days. Like most ardent + suitors after their first interview with passionless law, he went away + sadly chilled, and so home to his cheerless lodging, to count the hours + till he could see Julia, and learn his fate from her lips. + </p> + <p> + This very morning a hasty note came to Edward from Folkestone, worded + thus: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Edward: my worst misgivings! The two have parted. Poor papa has taken + a man's boat and is in sight. We shall follow directly in a steamboat. But + the other! You know my fears; you must be father and mother to that poor + child till I come home—Your sad mother, + </p> + <h3> + “LUCY DODD.” + </h3> + <p> + Julia held out her hand for the note. Edward put it in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “What is that for?” said the young lady. + </p> + <p> + “Why surely I may put my own property in my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly. I only want to look at it first.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in earnest, Edward? Not let me see dear mamma's letter?” and the + vivid face looked piteously surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'll tell you the contents. Papa had got to Folkestone and taken a + boat, and gone to sea: then mamma took a steamboat and after him: so she + will soon catch him, and is not that a comfort?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” cried Julia, and was for some time too interested and excited + to think of anything else. But presently she returned to the charge. + “Anything else, dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Humph? Well, not of equal importance.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if it is of no importance, there can be no reason for not telling me. + What was it?” + </p> + <p> + Edward coloured but said nothing. He thought however, and thus ran his + thoughts: “She's my intellectual superior and I've got to deceive her; and + a nice mess I shall make of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It <i>is</i> of importance,” said Julia, eyeing him. “You have told a + story: and you don't love your sister.” This fulminated, she drew herself + up proudly and was silent. A minute afterwards, stealing a look at her, he + saw her eyes suddenly fill with tears, <i>apropos</i> of nothing tangible. + </p> + <p> + “Now this is nice,” said he to himself + </p> + <p> + At noon she put on her bonnet to visit her district. He put on his hat + directly, and accompanied her. Great was her innocent pleasure at that: it + was the first time he had done her the honour. She took him to her poor + people, and showed him off with innocent pride. + </p> + <p> + “Hannah, this is my brother.” Then in a whisper, “Isn't he beautiful?” + Presently she saw him looking pale; unheard of phenomenon! “There now, you + are ill,” said she. “Come home directly, and be nursed.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said he. “I only want a little fresh air. What horrid places + what horrid sights and smells! I say, you must have no end of pluck to + face them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no. Dearest, I pray for strength: that is how I manage. And oh, + Edward, you used to think the poor were not to be pitied. But now you + see.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see, and smell and all. You are a brave, good girl. Got any salts + about you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course. There. But fancy a young lion smelling salts.” + </p> + <p> + “A young duffer, you mean; that has passed for game through the thing not + being looked into close.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you can he close enough, where I want you to be open.” + </p> + <p> + No answer. + </p> + <p> + The next day he accompanied her again, but remained at the stairfoot while + she went in to her patients; and, when she came down, asked her, Could no + good Christian be found to knock that poor woman on the head who lived in + a plate. + </p> + <p> + “No good Heathen, you mean,” said Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes,” said he; “the savages manage these things better.” + </p> + <p> + He also accompanied her shopping, and smoked phlegmatically outside the + shops; nor could she exhaust his patience. Then the quick girl put this + and that together. When they were at home again and her bonnet off, she + looked him in the face and said sweetly, “I have got a watch-dog.” He + smiled, and said nothing. “Why don't you answer?” cried Julia impetuously. + </p> + <p> + “Because least said is soonest mended. Besides, I'm down upon you: you + decoy me into a friendly conversation, and then you say biting things + directly.” + </p> + <p> + “If I bite you, you sting me. Such want of confidence! Oh how cruel! how + cruel! Why can you not trust me? Am I a child? No one is young who has + suffered what I have suffered. Secrets disunite a family: and we were so + united. And then you are so stupid; <i>you</i> keep a secret? Yes, like a + dog in a chain; you can't hide it one bit. You have undertaken a task you + are not fit for, sir; to hide a secret you must be able to tell fibs: and + you can't: not for want of badness, but cleverness to tell them smoothly; + you know it, you know it; and so out of your abominable slyness you won't + say a word. There, it is no use my trying to provoke him. I wish you were + not so good-tempered; so apathetic I mean, of course.” Then, with one of + her old rapid transitions, she began to caress him and fawn on him: she + seated him in an arm-chair and herself on a footstool, and suddenly + curling round his neck, murmured, “Dear, dear brother, have pity on a poor + girl, and tell her is there any news that I have a right to hear, only + mamma has given you your orders not to tell me; tell me, love!” This last + in an exquisite whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone, you little fascinating demon,” said he angrily. “Ask mamma. + I won't tell you a word.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” she cried, bounding to her feet; “you <i>have</i> told me. He + is alive. He loves me still. He was bewitched, seduced, deluded. He has + come to himself. Mamma has seen him. He wants to come and beg my pardon. + But you are all afraid I shall forgive him. But I will not, for at the + first word I'll stop his mouth, and say, 'If you were happy away from me, + I suppose you would not have come back.'” + </p> + <p> + And instantly she burst out singing, with inspired eloquence and defiance— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Castles are sacked in war, + Chieftains are scattered far, + Truth is a fixed star— + Aileen aroon.” + </pre> + <p> + But, unable to sustain it, the poor Impetuosity dropped as quickly as she + had mounted, and out went her arm on the table, and her forehead sank on + her arm, and the tears began to run silently down the sweet face, so brave + for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “W—will y—you allow me to light a cigar?” said Edward. “I'm + wretched and miserable; you Tempest in petticoats, you!” + </p> + <p> + She made him a sign of assent with the hand that was dangling languidly, + but she did not speak; nor did she appeal to him any more. Alienation was + commencing. But what was worse than speaking her mind, she was for ever at + the window now, looking up and down the street; and walking with her he + felt her arm often tremble, and sometimes jerk. The secret was agitating + her nerves, and destroying her tranquillity as much, or perhaps more, than + if she had known all. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd wrote from Portsmouth: whereof anon. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peterson called, and soon after him Mr. Hurd. Edward was glad to see + them, especially the latter, whose visits seemed always to do Julia good. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, as Peterson and Hurd were rivals, it afforded Edward an innocent + amusement to see their ill-concealed aversion to one another, and the + admirable address and delicacy with which his sister conducted herself + between them. + </p> + <p> + However, this pastime was cut short by Sarah coming in and saying, + “There's a young man wants to see you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Julia looked up and changed colour. + </p> + <p> + “I think he is a fireman,” said Sarah. She knew very well he was a + fireman, and also one of her followers. Edward went out and found one of + his late brethren, who told him a young gentleman had just been inquiring + for him at the station. + </p> + <p> + “What was he like?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I was a good ways off, but I saw he was a tall one.” + </p> + <p> + “Six feet?” + </p> + <p> + “Full that.” + </p> + <p> + “Give you his name?' + </p> + <p> + “No: I didn't speak to him: it was Andrew. Andrew says he asked if there + was a fireman called Dodd: so Andrew said you had left; then the swell + asked where you lived, and Andrew couldn't tell him any more than it was + in Pembroke Street. So I told him, says I, 'Why couldn't you call me? It + is number sixty-six,' says I. 'Oh, he is coming back,' says Andrew. + However, I thought I'd come and tell you.” (And so get a word with Sarah, + you sly dog.) + </p> + <p> + Edward thanked him, and put on his hat directly, for he could not disguise + from himself that this visitor might be Alfred Hardie. Indeed, what more + likely? + </p> + <p> + Messrs. Hurd and Peterson always tried to stay one another out whenever + they met at 66, Pembroke Street. However, to make sure of not leaving + Julia alone, Edward went in and asked them both to luncheon, at which time + he said he should be back. + </p> + <p> + As he walked rapidly to the station he grew more and more convinced that + it was Alfred Hardie. And his reflections ran like this. “What a headpiece + mamma has! But it did not strike her he would come to me first. Yet how + plain that looks now: for of course I'm the duffer's only clue to Julia. + These madmen are no fools, though. And how quiet he was that night! And he + made papa go down the ladder first: that was the old Alfred Hardie; he was + always generous: vain, overhearing, saucy, but noble with it all. I liked + him: he was a man that showed you his worst, and let you find his best out + by degrees. He hated to be beat: but that's no crime. He was a beautiful + oar, and handled his mawleys uncommon; he sparred with all the + prizefighters that came to Oxford, and took punishment better than you + would think; and a wonderful quick hitter; Alec Reed owned that. Poor Taff + Hardie! And when I think that God has overthrown his powerful mind, and + left me mine, such as it is! But the worst is my having gone on calling + him 'the Wretch' all this time: and nothing too bad for him. I ought to be + ashamed of myself. It grieves me very much. 'When found make a note on;' + never judge a fellow behind his back again.” + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the station, he inquired whether his friend had called again, + and was answered in the negative. He waited a few minutes, and then, with + the superintendent's permission, wrote a note to Alfred, inviting him to + dine at Simpson's at six, and left it with the fireman. This done, he was + about to return home, when another thought struck him. He got a messenger, + and sent off a single line to Dr. Wolf, to tell him Alfred Hardie would be + at Simpson's at seven o clock. + </p> + <p> + But, when the messenger was gone, he regretted what he had done. He had + done it for Alfred's good; but still it was treason. He felt unhappy, and + wended his way homeward disconsolately, realising more and more that he + had not brains for the difficulties imposed upon him. + </p> + <p> + On entering Pembroke Street he heard a buzz. He looked up, and saw a + considerable crowd collected in a semicircle. “Why that is near our + house,” he said, and quickened his steps. + </p> + <p> + When he got near he saw that all the people's eyes were bent on No. 66. + </p> + <p> + He dashed into the crowd. “What on earth is the matter?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “The matter? Plenty's the matter, young man,” cried one. + </p> + <p> + “Murder's the matter,” said another. + </p> + <p> + At that he turned pale as death. An intelligent man saw his violent + agitation, and asked him hurriedly if he belonged to the house. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. For mercy's sake, what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Make way there!” shouted the man. “He belongs. Sir, a madman has broke + loose and got into your house. And I'm sorry to say he has just killed two + men.” + </p> + <p> + “With a pistol,” cried several voices, speaking together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV + </h2> + <p> + ALFRED HARDIE spent three days writhing in his little lodging. His + situation had been sadder, but never more irritating. By right possessor + of thousands, yet in fact reduced to one suit, two shirts, and + half-a-crown: rich in intellect, yet hunted as a madman: affianced to the + loveliest girl in England, yet afraid to go near her for fear of being + torn from her again, and for ever. All this could last but one week more; + but a week's positive torture was no trifle to contemplate, with a rival + at his Julia's ear all the time. Suppose she should have been faithful all + these months, but in this last week should be worn out and give herself to + another: such things had been known. He went to Lincoln's Inn with this + irritating fear tearing him like a vulture. Mr. Compton received him + cheerfully, and told him he had begun operations in Hardie <i>versus</i> + Hardie: had written to Thomas Hardie two days ago, and inquired his London + solicitor, and whether that gentleman would accept service of the writ in + Hardie <i>versus</i> Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “To Thomas Hardie? Why, what has he to do with it?” asked Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “He is the defendant in the suit.” Then seeing amazement and incredulity + on Alfred's face, he explained that the Commissioners of Lunacy had + treated him with great courtesy; had at once furnished him with copies, + not only of the order and certificates, but of other valuable documents. + “And there,” said he, “lies the order; signed by Thomas Hardie, of Clare + Court, Yorkshire.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse his impudence,” cried Alfred in a fury; “why, sir, he is next door + to an idiot himself.” + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter? Ah, now, if I had gone in a passion and indicted + him, there would be a defence directly; 'no malice, defendant being <i>non + compos.'</i> Whereas, by gently, quietly suing him, even if he was a + lunatic, we would make him or his estate pay a round sum for falsely + imprisoning a sane Briton. By-the-by, here is counsel's opinion on your + case,” and he handed him a short opinion of a distinguished Queen's + Counsel, the concluding words of which were these: + </p> + <p> + 3. If the certificates and order are in legal form, and were made and + given <i>bona fide,</i> no action lies for the capture or detention of Mr. + Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “Why it is dead against me,” said Alfred. “There goes the one rotten reed + you had left me.” + </p> + <p> + “Singularly dead,” said the attorney coolly; “he does not even say 'I am + of opinion.' He is in great practice, and hardworked: in his hurry he has + taken up the Lunacy Acts, and has forgotten that the rights of sane + Englishmen are not the creatures of these little trumpery statutes. No, + thank you; our rights are centuries older, and prevail wherever, by good + luck, the statutes of the realm are silent; now they are all silent about + incarcerating sane men. Besides, he gives no cases. What is an opinion + without a precedent? A lawyer's guess. I thought so little of his opinion + that I sent the case to a clever junior, who has got time to think before + he writes.” Colls entered soon after with the said junior's opinion. Mr. + Compton opened it, and saying, “Now let us see what he says,” read it to + Alfred. It ran thus: + </p> + <p> + “There was clearly a right of action under the common law and it has been + exercised. <i>Anderdon v. Brothers; Paternoster v. Wynn,</i> &c. Such + a right can only be annulled by the express terms of a statute: now the 8 + and 9 Victoria, cap. 100, sect. 99, so annuls it as against the madhouse + proprietor only. That, therefore, is the statutory exception, and tends to + confirm the common right. If the facts are as represented (on which, of + course, I can form no opinion), Mr. Hardie can safely sue the person who + signed the order for his alleged false imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you that the usual course by praying the Court of Chancery + for a Commission de Lunatico Inquirendo, is timorous, and rests on + prejudice. Plt., if successful, is saddled with his own costs, and + sometimes with Deft.'s, and obtains no compensation. It seems clear that a + jury sitting at Nisi Prius can deal as well with the main fact as can a + jury sitting by the order of the Chancellor; and I need not say the costs + will go with their verdict, to say nothing of the damages, which may be + heavy. On the other hand, an indictment is hazardous; and I think you can + lose nothing by beginning with the suit. By having a shorthand writer at + the trial, you may collect materials for an indictment, and also feel the + pulse of the court; you can then confer upon the evidence with some + counsel better versed in criminal law than myself. <i>My</i> advice is to + sue Thomas Hardie; and declare in Tort. + </p> + <p> + “(Signed) BARROW. + </p> + <p> + <i>“N.B.</i>—I have been thus particular, because Hardie <i>v.</i> + Hardie (if carried to a verdict) will probably be a leading case.” + </p> + <p> + “Who shall decide when counsel disagree?” inquired Alfred satirically. + </p> + <p> + “That depends on where they do it. If in court, the judge. If here, the + attorney.” + </p> + <p> + You appear sanguine, Mr. Compton,” said Alfred; “perhaps you would not + mind advancing me a little money. I've only half-a-crown.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all ready for you in this drawer,” said Compton cheerfully. “See + thirty sovereigns. Then you need not go to a bank.” + </p> + <p> + “What, you knew I should borrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't all my clients begin by bleeding <i>me?</i> It is the rule of this + office.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why don't you give up business?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I bleed the opposite attorney's client a pound or two more than + my own bleeds me.” + </p> + <p> + He then made Alfred sign a promissory note for the thirty pounds: advised + him to keep snug for one week more, and promised to write to him in two + days, and send Thomas Hardie's answer. Alfred left his address and went + from Mr. Compton a lighter man. Convinced of his courage and prudence, he + shifted one care off his own shoulders: and thought of love alone. + </p> + <p> + But, strange as it may appear, two cares are sometimes better for a man + than one. Alfred, having now no worry to divert him from his deeper + anxiety, was all love and jealousy; and quite overbalanced: the desire of + his heart grew so strong it overpowered alike his patience and his + prudence. He jumped into a cab, and drove to all the firemen's stations on + the Surrey side of the river, inquiring for Edward. At last he hit upon + the right one, and learned that Julia lived in Pembroke Street; number + unknown. He drove home to his lodgings; bought some ready-made clothes, + and dressed like a gentleman: then told the cabman to drive to Pembroke + Street. He knew he was acting imprudently; but he could not help it. And, + besides, Mr. Compton had now written to his uncle, and begun the attack: + that would surely intimidate his enemies, and turn their thoughts to + defence, not to fresh offence. However, catching sight of a gunsmith's + shop on the way, he suddenly resolved to arm himself on the bare chance of + an attack. He stopped the cab; went in and bought a double-barrelled + pistol, with powder-flask, bullets, wads, and caps complete. This he + loaded in the cab, and felt quite prudent after it. The prudence of youth! + </p> + <p> + He paid off the cab in Pembroke Street, and set about the task of + discovering Julia. He inquired at several houses, but was unsuccessful. + Then he walked slowly all down the street, looking up at all the windows. + And I think, if he had done this the day before, he might have seen her, + or she him: she was so often at the window now. But just then she had + company to keep her in order. + </p> + <p> + He was unlucky in another respect. Edward came out of No. 66 and went up + the street, when he himself was going down it not so very many yards off. + If Alfred's face had only been turned the other way he would have seen + Edward, and all would have gone differently. + </p> + <p> + The stoutest hearts have their moments of weakness and deep dejection. Few + timings are more certain, and less realised by ordinary men than this; + from Palissy fighting with Enamel to Layard disinterring a city, this + thing is so. + </p> + <p> + Unable to find Julia in the very street she inhabited, Alfred felt weak + against fate. He said to himself, “If I find her, I shall perhaps wish I + had never sought her.” + </p> + <p> + In his hour of dejection stern reason would be heard, and asked him + whether all Mrs. Archbold had said could be pure invention; and he was + obliged to confess that was too unlikely. Then he felt so sick at heart he + was half minded to turn and fly the street. But there was a large yard + close by him, entered by a broad and lofty gateway cut through one of the + houses. The yard belonged to a dealer in hay: two empty waggons were + there, but no men visible, being their dinner-time. Alfred slipped in + here, and sat down on the shaft of a waggon; and let his courage ooze. He + sighed, and sighed, and feared to know his fate. And so he sat with his + face in his hands unmanned. + </p> + <p> + Presently a strain of music broke on his ear. It seemed to come from the + street. He raised his head to listen. He coloured, his eyes sparkled; he + stole out on tiptoe with wondering, inquiring face into the street. Once + there, he stood spell-bound, thrilling from his heart, that seemed now on + fire, to his fingers' ends. For a heavenly voice was singing to the piano, + just above his head; singing in earnest, making the very street ring. + Already listeners were gathering, and a woman of the people said, “It's a + soul singing without a body.” Amazing good things are said in the streets. + The voice was the voice of Julia; the song was Aileen Aroon, the hymn of + constancy. So sudden and full was the bliss, which poured into the long + and sore-tried listener at this sudden answer to his fears, that tears of + joy trembled in his eyes. “'Wretch that I was to doubt her,” he said: and + unable to contain his longing, unable to wait and listen even to that + which had changed his griefs and doubts into rapture, he was at the door + in a moment. A servant opened it: “Miss Dodd?” he said, or rather panted; + “you need not announce me. I am an old acquaintance.” He could not bear + any one should see the meeting between him and his beloved; he went up the + steep and narrow stair, guided by the hymn of constancy. + </p> + <p> + He stopped at the door, his heart was beating so violently. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned the handle softly, and stepped into the drawing-room; it + was a double room: he took two steps and was in the opening, and almost at + Julia's back. + </p> + <p> + Two young clergymen were bending devotedly one on each side of her; it was + to them she was singing the hymn of constancy. + </p> + <p> + Alfred started back as if he had been stung; and the music stopped dead + short. + </p> + <p> + For she had heard his step, and, womanlike, was looking into her + companions' eyes first, to see if her ear had deceived her. What she saw + there brought her slowly round with a wild look. Her hands rose toward her + face, and she shrank away sideways from him as if he was a serpent, and + her dilated eyes looked over her cringing shoulder at him, and she was + pale and red and pale and red a dozen times in as many seconds. + </p> + <p> + He eyed her sorrowfully and sternly, taking for shame that strange mixture + of emotions which possessed her. And so they met. Strange meeting for two + true lovers, who had parted last upon their wedding eve. + </p> + <p> + No doubt, if they had been alone, one or other would have spoken directly; + but the situation was complicated by the presence of two rivals, and this + tied their tongues. They devoured one another with their eyes in silence; + and then Julia rose slowly to her feet, and began to tremble from head to + foot, as she looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “Is this intrusion agreeable to you, Miss Dodd?” said Mr. Hurd + respectfully, by way of courting her. She made no reply, but only looked + wildly at Alfred still, and quivered visibly. + </p> + <p> + “Pray, sir,” said Alfred, turning on Mr. Hurd, “have you any right to + interfere between us two?” + </p> + <p> + “None whatever,” said Julia hastily. “Mr. Hurd, I need no one: I will + permit no one to say a word to him. Mr. Hardie knows he cannot enter a + house where I am—without an explanation.” + </p> + <p> + “What, before a couple of curates?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be insolent to my friends, sir,” said Julia, panting. + </p> + <p> + This wounded Alfred deeply. “Oh, as you please,” said he. “Only if you put + me on my defence before strangers, I shall, perhaps, put you to the blush + before them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you come here, sir?” said Julia, not deigning to notice his + threat. + </p> + <p> + “To see my betrothed.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed!” said she bitterly; “in that case why have you postponed your + visit so long?” + </p> + <p> + “I was in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “In prison?” + </p> + <p> + “In the worst of all prisons; where I was put because I loved you; where I + was detained because I persisted in loving you, you faithless, inconstant + girl.” + </p> + <p> + He choked at these words; she smiled—a faint, uncertain smile. It + died away, and she shook her head, and said sadly— + </p> + <p> + “Defend yourself, and then call me as many names as you like. Where was + this prison?” + </p> + <p> + “It was an asylum: a madhouse.” + </p> + <p> + The girl stared at him bewildered. He put his hand into his pocket and + took Peggy's letter. “Read that,” he said. She held it in her hand, and + looked him in the face to divine the contents. “Read it,” said he, almost + fiercely; “that was the decoy.” She held it shaking in her hands, and + stared at it. I don't know whether she read it or not. + </p> + <p> + He went on: “The same villain who defrauded your father of his money, + robbed me of my wife and my liberty: that Silverton House was a lunatic + asylum, and ever since then (Oh, Julia, the agony of that day) I have been + confined in one or other of those hells; sane amongst the mad; till + Drayton House took fire, and I escaped: for what? To be put on my defence, + by you. What have you suffered from our separations compared with the + manifold anguish I have endured, that you dare to receive the most injured + and constant of mankind like this, you who have had your liberty all this + time, and have consoled yourself for my absence with a couple of curates?” + </p> + <p> + “For shame,” said Julia, blushing to the forehead, yet smiling in a way + her companions could not understand. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dodd, will you put up with these insults?” said Mr. Hurd. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and a thousand more,” cried Julia, radiant, “and thank Heaven for + them; they prove his sincerity. You, who have thought proper to stay and + hear me insult my betrothed, and put my superior on his defence, look how + I receive his just rebuke: Dear, cruelly used Alfred, I never doubted you + in my heart, no not for a moment; forgive me for taunting you to clear + yourself; you who were always the soul of truth and honour. Forgive me: I + too have suffered; for I thought my Alfred was dead. Forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + And with this she was sinking slowly to her knees with the most touching + grace, all blushes, tears, penitence, happiness, and love; but he caught + her eagerly. “Oh! God forbid,” he cried: and in a moment her head was on + his shoulder, and they mingled their tears together. + </p> + <p> + It was Julia who recovered herself first, and shrank from him a little, + and murmured, “We are not alone.” + </p> + <p> + The misgiving came rather late: and they were alone. + </p> + <p> + The other gentlemen had comprehended at last that it was indelicate to + remain: they had melted quietly away; and Peterson rushed down the street; + but Hurd hung disconsolate about that very entry, where Alfred had just + desponded before him. + </p> + <p> + “Sit by me, my poor darling, and tell me all,” said Julia. + </p> + <p> + He began; but, ere he had told her about his first day at his first + asylum, she moaned and turned faint at the recital, and her lovely head + sank on his shoulder. He kissed her, and tried to comfort her, and said he + would not tell her any more. + </p> + <p> + But she said somewhat characteristically, “I insist on your telling me all—all. + It will kill me.” Which did not seem to Alfred a cogent reason for + continuing his narrative. He varied it by telling her that through all his + misery the thought of her had sustained him. Alas, in the midst of their + Elysium a rough voice was heard in the passage inquiring for Mr. Hardie. + Alfred started up in dismay: for it was Rooke's voice. “I am undone,” he + cried. “They are coming to take me again; and, if they do, they will drug + me; I am a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + “Fly!” cried Julia; “fly! upstairs: the leads.” + </p> + <p> + He darted to the door, and out on the landing. + </p> + <p> + It was too late. Rooke had just turned the corner of the stairs, and saw + him. He whistled and rushed after Alfred. Alfred bounded up the next + flight of stairs: but, even as he went, his fighting blood got up; he + remembered his pistol: he drew it, turned on the upper landing, and + levelled the weapon full at Rooke's forehead. The man recoiled with a + yell, and got to a respectful distance on the second landing. There he + began to parley. “Come, Mr. Hardie, sir,” said he, “that is past a joke: + would you murder a man?” + </p> + <p> + “It's no murder to kill an assassin in defence of life or liberty; and + I'll kill you, Rooke, as I would kill a wasp, if you lay a finger on me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that?” shouted Rooke to some one below. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I hear,” replied the voice of Hayes. + </p> + <p> + “Then loose the dog. And run in after him.” + </p> + <p> + There was a terrible silence; then a scratching was heard below: and, + above, the deadly click of the pistol-hammers brought to full cock. + </p> + <p> + And then there was a heavy pattering rush, and Vulcan came charging up the + stairs like a lion. He was half-muzzled; but that Alfred did not know; he + stepped forward and fired at the tremendous brute somewhat unsteadily; and + missed him, by an inch; the bullet glanced off the stairs and entered the + wall within a yard of Rooke's head: ere Alfred could fire again, the huge + brute leaped on him, and knocked him down like a child, and made a grab at + his throat; Alfred, with admirable presence of mind, seized a banister, + and, drawing himself up, put the pistol to Vulcan's ear, and fired the + other barrel just as Rooke rushed up the stairs to secure his prisoner; + the dog bounded into the air and fell over dead with shattered skull, + leaving Alfred bespattered with blood and brains, and half blinded: but he + struggled up, and tore the banister out in doing so, just as a heavy body + fell forward at his feet: it was Rooke stumbling over Vulcan's carcass so + unexpectedly thrown in his path: Alfred cleared his eyes with his hand, + and as Rooke struggled up, lifted the banister high above his head, and, + with his long sinewy arm and elastic body, discharged a blow frightful to + look at, for youth, strength, skill, and hate all swelled, and rose, and + struck together in that one furious gesture. If the wood had held, the + skull must have gone. As it was, the banister broke over' the man's head + (and one half went spinning up to the ceiling). The man's head cracked + under the banister like a glass bottle; and Rooke lay flat and mute, + within the blood running from his nose and ears. Alfred hurled the remnant + of the banister down at Hayes and the others, and darted into a room (it + was Julia's bedroom), and was heard to open the window, and then drag + furniture to the door, and barricade it. This done, he went to load his + pistol, which he thought he had slipped into his pocket after felling + Rooke. He found to his dismay it was not there. The fact was, it had + slipped past his pocket and fallen down. + </p> + <p> + During the fight, shriek upon shriek issued from the drawing-room. But now + all was still. On the stairs lay Vulcan dead, Rooke senseless: below, + Julia in a dead faint. And all in little more than a minute. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf arrived with the police and two more keepers, new ones in the + place of Wales and Garrett discharged; and urged them to break into the + bedroom and capture the maniac: but first he was cautious enough to set + two of them to watch the back of the house. “There,” he said, “where that + load of hay is going in: that is the way to it. Now stand you in the yard + and watch.” + </p> + <p> + This last mandate was readily complied with; for there was not much to be + feared on the stones below from a maniac self-immured on the second story. + But to break open that bedroom door was quite another thing. The stairs + were like a shambles already—a chilling sight to the eyes of + mercenary valour. + </p> + <p> + Rooke was but just sensible: the others hung back. But presently the + pistol was found sticking in a pool of gore. This put a new face on the + matter; and Dr. Wolf himself showed the qualities of a commander. He sent + down word to his sentinels in the yard to be prepared for any attempt on + Alfred's part, however desperate: and he sent a verbal message to a + stately gentleman who was sitting anxious in lodgings over the way, after + bribing high ad low, giving out money like water to secure the recapture, + and so escape what he called his unnatural son's vengeance; for he knew + him to be by nature bold and vindictive like himself. After these + preliminaries, Doctor Wolf headed his remaining forces—to wit, two + keepers, and two policemen, and thundered at the bedroom door, and + summoned Alfred to surrender. + </p> + <p> + Now among the spectators who watched and listened with bated breath, was + one to whom this scene had an interest of its own. Mr. Hurd, disconcerted + by Alfred's sudden reappearance, and the lovers' reconciliation, had hung + about the entry very miserable; for he was sincerely attached to Julia. + But, while he was in this stupor, came the posse to recapture Alfred, and + he heard them say so. Then the shots were fired within, then Wolf and his + men got in, and Mr. Hurd, who was now at the door, got in with them to + protect Julia, and see this dangerous and inconvenient character disposed + of. He was looking demurely on at a safish distance, when his late + triumphant rival was summoned to surrender. + </p> + <p> + No reply. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf coaxed. + </p> + <p> + No reply. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf told him he had police as well as keepers, and resistance would + be idle. + </p> + <p> + No reply. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wolf ordered his men to break in the door. + </p> + <p> + After some little delay, one of the keepers applied a chisel, while a + policeman held his truncheon ready to defend the operator. The lock gave + way. But the door could not open for furniture. + </p> + <p> + After some further delay they took it off its hinges, and the room stood + revealed. + </p> + <p> + To their surprise no rush was made at them. The maniac was not even in + sight. + </p> + <p> + “He is down upon his luck,” whispered one of the new keepers; “we shall + find him crouched somewhere.” They looked under the bed. He was not there. + They opened a cupboard; three or four dresses hung from wooden pegs; they + searched the gowns most minutely, but found no maniac hid in their ample + folds. Presently some soot was observed lying in the grate; and it was + inferred he had gone up the chimney. + </p> + <p> + On inspection the opening appeared almost too narrow. Then Dr. Wolf + questioned his sentinels in the yard. “Have you been there all the time?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Seen nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. And our eyes have never been off the window and the heads.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a mystery; and not a clue to its solution. The window was open; + but five-and-twenty feet above the paved yard; had he leaped down he must + have been dashed to pieces. + </p> + <p> + Many tongues began to go at once; in the midst of which Edward burst in, + and found the two dead men of contemporary history consisted of a dead dog + and a stunned man, who, having a head like a bullet, was now come to + himself and vowing vengeance. He found Julia very pale, supported and + consoled by Mr. Hurd. He was congratulating her on her escape from a + dangerous maniac. + </p> + <p> + She rose and tottered away from him to her brother and clung to him. He + said what he could to encourage her, then deposited her in an arm-chair + and went upstairs; he soon satisfied himself Alfred was not in the house. + On this he requested Dr. Wolf and his men to leave the premises. The + doctor demurred. Edward insisted, and challenged him to show a + magistrate's warrant for entering a private house. The doctor was obliged + to own he had none. Edward then told the policemen they were engaged in an + illegal act; the police had no authority to take part in these captures. + Now the police knew that very well; but, being handsomely bribed, they had + presumed, and not for the first time, upon that ignorance of law which is + deemed an essential part of a private citizen's accomplishments in modern + days. In a word, by temper and firmness, and a smattering of law gathered + from the omniscient <i>'Tiser,</i> Edward cleared his castle of the + lawless crew. But they paraded the street, and watched the yard till dusk, + when its proprietor ran rusty and turned them out. + </p> + <p> + Julia sat between Edward and Mr. Hurd, with her head thrown back and her + eyes closed; and received in silence their congratulations on her escape. + She was thinking of his. When they had quite done, she opened her eyes and + said, “Send for Dr. Sampson. Nobody else knows anything. Oh pray, pray, + pray send for Dr. Sampson.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hurd said he would go for Dr. Sampson. She thanked him warmly. + </p> + <p> + Then she crept away to her bedroom, and locked herself in, and sat on the + hearthrug, and thought, and thought, and recalled every word and tone of + her Alfred; comparing things old and new. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson was a few miles out of town, visiting a patient. It was nine + o'clock in the evening when he got Julia's note; but he came on to + Pembroke Street at once. Dr. Wolf and his men had retired; leaving a + sentinel in the street, on the bare chance of Alfred returning. Dr. + Sampson found brother and sister sitting sadly, but lovingly together. + Julia rose upon his entrance. “Oh, Doctor Sampson! Now <i>is</i> he—what + they say he is?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell, till I see 'm?” objected the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “But you know they call people mad who are nothing of the kind; for you + said so.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson readily assented to this. “Why it was but last year a surjin came + to me with one Jackson, a tailor, and said, 'Just sign a certificate for + this man: his wife's mad.' 'Let me see her,' sid I. 'What for,' sis he, + 'when her own husband applies.' 'Excuse me,' sis I, 'I'm not a bat, I'm + Saampson.' I went to see her; she was nairvous and excited. 'Oh, I know + what you come about,' said she. 'But you are mistaken.' I questioned her + kindly, and she told me her husband was a great trile t' her nairves. I + refused to sign. On that disn't the tailor drown himself in the canal nixt + day? He was the madman; and she knew it all the time, but wouldn't tell + us; and that's a woman all over.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” said Julia hopefully. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but,” said Sampson, “these cases are exceptions after all; and the + chances are nine to one he's mad. Daun't ye remember that was one of the + solutions offered ye, whem he levanted on his wedding-day?” He added + satirically, “And couldn't all that logic keep in a little reason?” + </p> + <p> + This cynical speech struck Julia to the heart; she could not bear it, and + retired to her own room. + </p> + <p> + Then Dr. Sampson saw his mistake, and said to Edward, with some concern, + “Maircy on us, she is not in love with Him still, is she? I thought that + young parson was the man now.” + </p> + <p> + Edward shook his head: but declined to go much into a topic so delicate as + his sister's affections: and just then an alarming letter was delivered + from Mrs. Dodd. She wrote to the effect that David, favoured by the wind, + had run into Portsmouth harbour before their eyes, and had disappeared, + hidden, it was feared, by one of those low publicans, who provide bad + ships with sailors, receiving a commission. On this an earnest + conversation between Sampson and Edward. + </p> + <p> + It was interrupted in its turn. + </p> + <p> + Julia burst suddenly into the room, pale and violently excited, clasping + her hands and crying, “He is <i>there.</i> His voice is like a child's. + Oh, Help me! He is hurt. He is dying.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI + </h2> + <p> + JULIA, as I have said, went to her own room, wounded unintentionally by a + chance speech: she sat down sick at heart; and presently opened her window + and looked out upon the starry night, and wondered where Alfred was now; + that Alfred for whom nobody else had a Human heart, it seemed. “Alfred! my + poor Alfred!” she sighed, and half-expected to hear him reply. Then she + said to herself, “They all called you false but me; yet I was right: and + now they all call you mad; but not I: I believe nothing against you. You + are my own Alfred still. Where have the wretches driven you to?” At this + her feelings carried her away, and she cried aloud on him despairingly, + and leaned upon the window-sill, and the tears ran fast for him. + </p> + <p> + Presently out of the silence of the night seemed to struggle a faint but + clear voice: + </p> + <p> + “Julia.” + </p> + <p> + She started, and a muffled scream came from her. Then she listened, all + trembling. Again the voice sighed, faintly but clear, “Julia!” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred?” said she, quavering. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Pray be cautious; give no alarm. The house is watched; bring + Edward.” + </p> + <p> + She flew downstairs, and electrified Edward and Sampson with the news. + “Oh, promise me not to betray him!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Hut!” said the doctor, starting to his feet, “what should we betray him + for? I'll cure him for you. I can cure any lunatic that has lucid + intervals. Where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” gasped Julia. “Stay. I'll get rid of the servants first. I'll + not play the fool, and betray him to his enemies.” She sent Sarah + eastward, and Jane westward, and then led the way through the kitchen door + into the yard. + </p> + <p> + They all searched about, and found nothing. Then Julia begged them to be + silent. She whispered, “Alfred!” And instantly a faint voice issued from + the top of a waggon laden with hay and covered with a tarpaulin. “Julia.” + </p> + <p> + They all stood staring. + </p> + <p> + “Who are those with you?” asked Alfred uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “Only friends, dear! Edward and Dr. Sampson.” + </p> + <p> + “Ned, old fellow,” groaned Alfred, “you pulled me out of the fire, won't + you help me out of this? I think my leg is broken.” + </p> + <p> + At this Julia wrung her hands, and Edward ran into the house for his rope, + and threw it over the waggon. He told Julia and Sampson to hold on by one + end, and seizing the other, was up on the waggon in a moment. He felt + about till he came to a protuberance; and that was Alfred under the + tarpaulin, in which he had cut breathing-holes with his penknife. Edward + sent Julia in for a carving-knife, and soon made an enormous slit: through + this a well-known figure emerged into the moonlight, and seemed + wonderfully tall to have been so hidden. His hands being uninjured, he + easily descended the rope, and stood on one leg, holding it. Then Sampson + and Edward put each an arm under his, and helped him into the house. + </p> + <p> + After the body the mind. That is the rule throughout creation. They + examined, not his reason, but his leg. Julia stood by with clasped hands, + and a face beaming with pity and anxiety, that repaid his pain. Sampson + announced there were no bones broken, but a bad sprain, and the limb very + red and swollen. “Now,” inquired he briskly of the company, “what is the + practice in sprains? Why, leeches and cold water.” + </p> + <p> + Edward offered at once to run and get them. + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad?” was the reply. “Daun't I tell ye that is the <i>practice?</i> + And isn't the practice sure to be th' opposite of the remedy? So get water + as hot as he can bear it, and no leeches.” + </p> + <p> + Julia remonstrated angrily. “Is this a case for jesting?” + </p> + <p> + “Deevil a jest in it,” replied the doctor. “'Well then, if ye must know, + th' opera-dancers apply hot water to sprains: now what is their interest? + T' expedite the cure: and the faculty apply cold water: and what is their + interest? To procrastinate the cure, and make a long job of it. So just + hold your toungues, and ring for hot water.” + </p> + <p> + Julia did not ring; she beckoned Edward, and they flew out and soon + brought a foot-pan of hot water. Edward them removed Alfred's shoes and + stockings, and Julia bared her lovely arms, and blushed like a rose. + </p> + <p> + Alfred divined her intention. “Dear Julia,” he said, “I won't let you: + that is too high an honour. Sarah can do that.” + </p> + <p> + But Julia's blood was up. “Sarah?” said she contemptuously; “she is too + heavy handed: and—hold your tongue; I don't take my orders from + you;” then more humbly to the doctor, “I am a district visitor: I nurse + all manner of strangers, and he says I must leave his poor suffering leg + to the servants.” + </p> + <p> + “Unnatural young monster,” said the doctor. “G'im a good nip.” + </p> + <p> + Julia followed this advice by handling Alfred's swollen ankle with a + tenderness so exquisite, and pressing it with the full sponge so softly, + that her divine touch soothed him as much or more than the water. After + nursing him into the skies a minute or two, she looked up blushing in his + face, and said coaxingly, “Are you mad, dear Alfred? Don't be afraid to + tell us the truth. The madder you are, the more you need me to take care + of you, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred smiled at this sapient discourse, and said he was not the least + mad, and hoped to take care of <i>her</i> as soon as his ankle was well + enough. This closed that sweet mouth of hers exceeding tight, and her face + was seen no more for a while, but hid by bending earnestly over her work, + only as her creamy poll turned pink, the colour of that hidden face was + not hard to divine. + </p> + <p> + Then Edward asked Alfred how in the world he had escaped and got into that + waggon. The thing was incredible. “Mirawculous,” said Dr. Sampson in + assent. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Alfred, “it looks stranger to you than it is. The moment I + found my pistol was gone, I determined to run. I looked down and saw a + spout with a great ornamental mouth, almost big enough to sit on; and, + while I was looking greedily at it, three horses came into the yard + drawing a load of hay. The waggoner was busy clearing the pavement with + his wheel, and the waggon almost stopped a moment right under me. There + was a lot of loose hay on the top. I let myself down, and hung by the + spout a moment, and then leaped on to the loose hay. Unfortunately there + were the hard trusses beneath it, and so I got my sprain. Oh, I say, + didn't it hurt? However, I crept under the hay and hid myself, and saw + Wolf's men come into the yard. By-and-by a few drops of rain fell, and + some fellows chucked down a tarpaulin from the loft, and nearly smothered + me: so I cut a few air-holes with my penknife. And there I lay, Heaven + knows how long: it seemed two days. At last I saw an angel at a window I + called her by the name she bears on earth: to my joy she answered, and + here I am, as happy as a prince among you all, and devilish hungry.” + </p> + <p> + “What a muff I was not to think of that,” said Edward, and made for the + larder. + </p> + <p> + “Dear doctor,” said Julia, lifting a Madonna-like face with swimming eyes, + “I see no change in him: he is very brave, and daring, and saucy. But so + he always was. To be sure he says extravagant things, and stares one out + of countenance with his eyes: well, and so he always did—ever since + <i>I</i> knew him.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayn't I even <i>look</i> my gratitude?” whined Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you need not stare it.” + </p> + <p> + “It's your own fault, Miss Julee,” said Sampson. “With you fomenting his + sprain the creature's fomenting his own insensate passion. Break every + bone in a puppy's body, and it's a puppy still; and it doesn't do to spoil + puppies, as ye're spoiling this one. Nlist me, ye vagabin. Take yonr eyes + off the lady; and look <i>me</i> in the face—if ye can: and tell me + how you came to leave us all in the lurch on your wedding morn.” + </p> + <p> + Julia fired up. “It was not his fault, poor thing; he was decoyed away + after that miserable money. Ah, you may laugh at me for hating money; but + have I not good reason to hate it?” + </p> + <p> + “Whist, whist, y' impetuous cracter; and let him tell his own tale.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred, thus invited, delivered one of his calm, luminous statements; + which had hitherto been listened to so coldly by one official after + another. But the effect was mighty different, falling now on folk not paid + to pity. As for Dr. Sampson, he bounced up very early in the narrative, + and went striding up and down the room: he was pale with indignation, and + his voice trembled with emotion, and every now and then he broke in on the + well-governed narrative with oaths and curses, and observations of this + kind—“Why dinnt ye kill um? I'd have killed um. I'd just have taken + the first knife and killed um. Man, our Liberty is our Life. Dith to + whoever attacks it!” + </p> + <p> + And so Edward coming in with Alfred's dinner on a tray, found the <i>soi-disant</i> + maniac delivering his wrongs with the lofty serenity of an ancient + philosopher discussing the wrongs of another, Julia crying furtively into + the tub, and the good physician trampling and raving about the room, like + what the stoical narrator was accused of being. Edward stopped, and looked + at them all over the tray. “Well,” said he, “if there's a madman in the + room, it is not Hardie. Ahem.” + </p> + <p> + “Madman? ye young ijjit,” roared the doctor, “he's no madder than I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid,” said Alfred drily. + </p> + <p> + “No madder than <i>you</i> are, ye young Pump.” + </p> + <p> + “That's an ungenerous skit on Edward's profession,” objected the maniac. + </p> + <p> + “Be quite now, chattering,” said the excited doctor; “I tell ye ye niver + were mad, and niver will be. It's just the most heartless imposture, the + most rascally fraud I've ever caught the Mad Ox out in. I'll expose it. + Gimme pninkpapr. Man, they'll take y' again if we don't mind. But I'll + stop that: these ineequities can only be done in the dark. I'll shed the + light of day on 'em. Eat your dinner, and hold your tongue a minute—if + ye can.” The doctor had always a high sense of <i>Alfred's</i> volubility. + </p> + <p> + He went to work, and soon produced a letter headed, “PRIVATE MADHOUSES.” + In this he related pithily Alfred's incarceration, and the present attempt + to recapture him, with the particulars of his escape. “That will interest + th' enemy,” said he drily. He vouched for Alfred's sanity at both dates, + and pledged himself to swear to it in a court of law. He then inquired + what it availed to have sent one tyrant to Phalaris and another to + Versailles in defence of our Liberty, since after all that Liberty lies + grovelling at the mercy of Dr. Pill-box and Mr. Sawbones, and a single + designing relative? Then he drew a strong picture of this free-born + British citizen skulking and hiding at this moment from a gang of rogues + and conspirators, who in France and other civilised countries that brag + less of liberty than we do, would be themselves flying as criminals from + the officers of justice; and he wound up with a warm appeal to the press + to cast its shield over the victim of bad laws and foul practices. “In + England,” said he, “Justice is the daughter of Publicity. Throughout the + world deeds of villainy are done every day in kid gloves: but, with us, at + all events, they have to be done on the sly! Here lies our true moral + eminence as a nation. Utter then your 'fiat lux,' cast the full light of + publicity on this dark villainy; and behold it will wither, and your + oppressed and injured fellow-citizen be safe from that very hour.” + </p> + <p> + He signed it and read it out to them, or rather roared it. But he had + written it so well he could not make it bad by delivery. Indeed, he was a + masterly writer of English, you must know. Julia was delighted, but Alfred + shook his head. “The editor will not put it in.” + </p> + <p> + “Th' editor! D'ye think I'm so green as to trust t' any one editor? D'ye + think I've lived all these years and not learned what poor cowardly things + men are? Moral courage! where can you find it? Except in the dickshinary? + Few to the world their honest thoughts <i>avow;</i> the groveller policy + robs justice <i>now</i>— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And none but Sampson dares to lift a hond + Against the curst corruption of the lond. +</pre> + <p> + Now, lad, I'm off to my printer with this. They are working night and day + just now: there will be two hundred copies printed in half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “And me, doctor,” said Julia. “Am poor I to have no hand in it? How cruel + of you? Oh pray, pray, pray let me help a little.” + </p> + <p> + “Put on your bonnet, then, directly,” said he: “in war never lose a + minute.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am so afraid they may be lying in wait for him outside.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll give them a good hiding: there are three of us; all good men + and staunch,” said the indomitable doctor. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said the pugnacious Alfred. “Julia does not like fighting: I + heard her screaming all the time I was defending myself on the stairs: let + us be prudent: let us throw dust in their eyes. Put me on a bonnet and + cloak.” + </p> + <p> + “And a nice little woman you'll make, ye fathom.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I can stoop—to conquer.” + </p> + <p> + Julia welcomed this plan almost with glee, and she and Edward very soon + made a handsome brazen-looking trollop six feet high. Then it had to + stoop, and Edward and Julia helped it out to the carriage, under the very + noses of a policeman and a keeper, who were watching for Alfred: seeing + which—oh frailty of woman!—the district visitor addressed it + aloud as her aunt, and begged it to take care: which she afterwards + observed was acting a falsehood, and “where was her Christianity?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was actually not recognised: the carriage bowled away to the great + printing house; it was on that side the water. The foreman entered into + the thing with spirit, and divided the copy, small as it was, among two or + three compositors: so a rough proof was ready in an incredibly short time; + the doctor corrected it: and soon they began to work off the copies. The + foreman found them Mitchell's newspaper list, and envelopes by the + hundred, and while the copies were pouring in, all hands were folding and + addressing them to the London and provincial editors. The office lent the + stamps. The doctor drove Alfred to his own lodgings, and forbade him to + reappear in Pembroke Street until the letter should come out in the London + journals. + </p> + <p> + That night the letters were all posted, and at daybreak were flying north, + south, east and west. In the afternoon the letter came out in four London + evening papers, and the next morning the metropolis and the whole kingdom + were ringing with them, and the full blaze of publicity burst upon this + dark deed. + </p> + <p> + Ay, stout Sampson, well you knew mankind, and well you knew the nation you + lived in. Richard Hardie, in the very act of setting detectives to find + Alfred's lurking-place, ran his nose against this letter in the <i>Globe.</i> + He collapsed at the sight of it; and wrote directly to Dr. Wolf, enclosing + it and saying that it would be unadvisable to make any fresh attempt. His + letter was crossed by one from Dr. Wolf, containing Sampson's thunderbolt + extracted from the <i>Sun,</i> and saying that no earthly consideration + should induce him to meddle with Alfred <i>now.</i> Richard Hardie flung + himself into the train, and went down to his brother at Clare Court. + </p> + <p> + He was ill at ease. He felt like some great general, who has launched many + attacks against the foe, very successful at first, then less successful, + then repulsed with difficulty, then repulsed with ease, till at last the + foe stands before him impregnable. Then he feels that ere long that iron + enemy will attack him in turn, and that he, exhausted by his own + onslaughts, must defend himself how he can. Yet there was a pause; he + passed a whole quiet peaceful day with his brother, assuring him that the + affair would go no further on either side; but in his secret soul he felt + this quiet day was but the ominous pause between two great battles: one of + the father against the son, the other of the son against the father. + </p> + <p> + And he was right: the very next day the late defender attacked, and in + earnest. But for certain reasons I prefer to let another relate it: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Hardie v. Hardie.</i> +</pre> + <p> + “DEAR SIR,—If you had been in my office when I received your favour + of yesterday relating deft.'s ruffian-like assault, you would have seen + the most ridiculous sight in nature—videlicet, an attorney in a + passion. I threw professional courtesy to the winds, and sent Colls off to + Clare Court to serve the writ personally. Next day, he found the deft, + walking in his garden with Mr. Richard Hardie. Having learned from the + servant which was his man, he stepped up and served copy of the writ in + the usual way. Deft turned pale, and his knees knocked together, and Colls + thinks he mistook himself for a felon, and was going to ask for mercy. But + Mr. Richard stopped him, and said his attorneys were Messrs. Heathfield, + in Chancery Lane; and was this the way Mr. Compton did business? serving a + writ personally on a gentleman in weak health. So Colls, who can sneer in + his quiet way, told him 'No,' but the invalid had declined to answer my + letter, and the invalid had made a violent attack upon our client's + person, avoiding his attorney, 'so, as his proceedings are summary, we + meet him in kind,' says little Colls. 'Oho,' says Mr. Richard, 'your are a + wit, are you? Come and have some luncheon.' This was to get him away from + the weaker brother, I take it. He gave Colls an excellent luncheon, and + some admirable conversation on policy and finance: and when he was going, + says this agreeable host: 'Well, Mr. ——-, you have had your + bellyful of chicken and Madeira; and your client shall have his bellyful + of law.' And this Colls considers emphatic but coarse.—I am, yours + faithfully, + </p> + <h3> + “JOHN COMPTON.” + </h3> + <p> + <i>“P.S.</i>—Colls elicited that no further attempt will be made to + capture you. It seems some injudicious friend of yours has been writing to + the newspapers. Pray stop that.” + </p> + <p> + On receiving this letter, Alfred bought another double pistol, loaded it, + hired a body-guard of two prizefighters, and with these at his heels, + repaired to 66 Pembroke Street. No enemy was near: the press had swept the + street alike of keepers and police with one Briarian gesture. He found + Julia and Edward in great anxiety about their father. The immediate cause + was a letter from Mrs. Dodd, which Edward gave him to read; but not till + he had first congratulated him heartily on the aegis of the press being + thrown over him. “The <i>'Tiser</i> has a leader on it,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd's letter ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “My DEAR DEAR CHILDREN,—I am coming home to you heartbroken, without + your poor father. I saw an East Indian ship go to sea, and some instinct + whispered, suppose he should be on board that ship! But, foolishly, I did + not utter my thoughts: because they call these instincts women's fancies. + But now even Mr. Green thinks he is gone to sea; for the town has been + ransacked, and no trace of him can we find. I met my cousin, Captain + Bazalgette, here, and he is promoted to the <i>Vulture</i> frigate, and + sails to-day. I have told him all our misfortunes, and he has promised to + overhaul that merchant ship if he comes up with her: but I <i>can see by + the way his eye shuns mine</i> he has no real hopes. His ship is the + swifter, but he may pass her in the night. And then he is bound for New + Zealand, not India. I told Reginald my poor husband's expression of face + is altered by his affliction, and that he takes himself for a common + sailor, and has his medal still round his neck. Our cousin is very kind, + and will do all he can. God can protect my darling at sea, as He has + ashore: and in His power alone have I any trust. Any further stay here is + vain: my heart, too, yearns for my other treasures, and dreads lest whilst + I am here, and because I am here, some evil should befall you too. Expect + me soon after this letter, and let us try and comfort one another under + this the heaviest of all our many troubles.—With sad heart, I am, + both my darlings' loving mother and friend, + </p> + <h3> + “LUCY DODD” + </h3> + <p> + In the discussion of this letter Alfred betrayed a slight defect of + character. He pooh-poohed the calamity: said David had now a chance, and a + good one, of being cured: whereas confinement was one of the common causes + of insanity even in sane persons. And he stoutly maintained that David's + going to sea was a happy inspiration. Edward coloured, but deigned no + reply. Julia was less patient, and though she was too loving and too + womanly to tell Alfred to his face he was deceiving himself, and arguing + thus indirectly to justify himself in taking her father out of the asylum + at all, yet she saw it, and it imparted a certain coldness into her + replies. Alfred noticed this, and became less confident and louder, and + prodigiously logical. + </p> + <p> + He was still flowing on with high imperious voice, which I suppose + overpowered the sound of Mrs. Dodd's foot, when she entered suddenly, pale + and weary, in her travelling-dress. + </p> + <p> + Alfred stopped, and they all started to their feet. + </p> + <p> + At sight of Alfred she stood dumbfoundered a single moment; then uttered a + faint shriek; and looked at him with unutterable terror. + </p> + <p> + He stood disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + Julia ran, and throwing her arms round Mrs. Dodd's neck, entreated her not + to be afraid of him: he was not mad; Dr. Sampson said so. Edward confirmed + her words; and then Julia poured out the story of his wrongs with great + gushes of natural eloquence that might have melted a rock, and, as + anticlimax is part of a true woman, ended innocently by begging her mother + not to look so unkindly at him; and his ankle so sprained, and him in such + pain. For the first time in her life Mrs. Dodd was deaf to her daughter's + natural eloquence; it was remarkable how little her countenance changed + while Julia appealed. She stood looking askant with horror at Alfred all + through that gentle eloquent appeal. But nevertheless her conduct showed + she had heard every word: as soon as ever her daughter's voice stopped, + she seemed to dilate bodily, and moved towards Alfred pale and lowering. + Yes, for once this gentle quiet lady looked terrible. She confronted + Alfred, “Is this true, sir?” said she, in a low stern voice. “Are you not + insane? Have you <i>never</i> been bereft of your reason?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mrs. Dodd, I have not.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what have you done with my husband, sir?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII + </h2> + <p> + IT was a thunderbolt. Alfred hung his head, and said humbly, “I did but go + upstairs for one moment to wash my hands for dinner; and he was gone.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd went on in her low stern voice, almost as if he had not answered + her at all: “By what right did you assume the charge of him? Did I + authorise you to take him from the place where he was safe, and under my + eye?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred replied sullenly: “He was not very safe, for he was almost burnt to + death. The fire liberated him, not I. After the fire I ran away from him: + he followed me; and then what could I do? I made the best of it; and gave + up my own desires to try and cure him. He longed for the sea: I tried to + indulge him: I hoped to bring him back to you sane: but fate was against + me. I am the most unfortunate of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardie,” said Mrs. Dodd, “what you have done was the act of a madman; + and, if I believed you to be anything but a madman, the sight of you would + be intolerable to me; for you have made me a widow, and my children + orphans.” + </p> + <p> + With this she gave a great shudder, and retired in tears. + </p> + <p> + Alfred rose, pale and defiant. “That is <i>her</i> notion of justice,” + said he bitterly; “pray is it yours, you two?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since you ask my opinion,” said Edward, “I think it was rather + presumptuous of you to undertake the care of my father: and, having + undertaken it, you ought not to have left him a moment out of your sight.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is your opinion, is it? And you, dear Julia?” + </p> + <p> + Julia made no reply, but hid her face in her hands and sighed deeply. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Alfred sorrowfully. “Even you are against me at heart. You + judge by the event, not the motive. There is no justice in this world for + me. I'm sick of life. I have no right to keep the mistress of the house + out of her own room: there, I'll go, my heart is broken. No, it is not, + and never shall be, by anything that breathes. Thank Heaven, I have got + one friend left in this bitter world: and I'll make her the judge whether + I have deserved this last injustice. <i>I'll go to my sister.</i>” + </p> + <p> + He jumped up and hobbled slowly across the room, while Julia and Edward + sat chilled to the bone by those five little words, so simple, so natural, + yet so incredible, and to the hearers so awful. They started, they + shuddered, they sat petrified, staring at him, while he hobbled across the + room to go to his sister. + </p> + <p> + As he opened the door to go out he heard stout Edward groan and Julia + utter a low wail. He stood confounded a moment. Then he hobbled down a + stair or two. But, ere he had gone far, there was a hasty whispering in + the drawing-room, and Edward came after him in great agitation, and begged + him to return; Julia must speak with him. He turned, and his face + brightened. Edward saw that, and turned his own face away and stammered + out, “Forget what I said to you. I am your friend, and always must be for + her sake. No, no, I cannot go into that room with you; I'll go and comfort + mamma. Hardie, old fellow, we are very unhappy, all of us. We are too + unhappy to quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + These kind words soothed Alfred's sore heart. He brightened up and entered + the drawing-room. He found Julia standing in the middle of it, the colour + of ashes. Alfred was alarmed. “You are unwell, dearest,” he cried; “you + will faint. What have I done with my ungoverned temper?” He moved towards + her with a face full of concern. + </p> + <p> + “No, Alfred,” said she solemnly, “I am not the least ill. It is sorrow, + deep sorrow for one I love better than all the world. Sit down beside me, + my poor Alfred; and—God help me to speak to him!” + </p> + <p> + Alfred began to feel dire misgivings. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, “I love you too well to let any hand but mine wound you.” + And here she took his sinewy hand with her soft palm. “I want to soften it + in the telling: and ah, how can I? Oh, why can I not throw myself body and + soul between you and all trouble, all sorrow?” + </p> + <p> + “My Julia,” said Alfred gravely, “something has happened to Jane.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Alfred. She met with a terrible accident.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “She was struck by an unfortunate man; he was not in his right mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Struck? My sister struck. What, was there no man by?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Edward nearly killed him afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless him.” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred, be patient. It was too late.” + </p> + <p> + “What, is she hurt seriously? Is she disfigured?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Alfred,” said Julia solemnly; “she is not disfigured; oh far from + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Julia, you alarm me. This comes of shutting her brother up. May Heaven's + eternal curse light on those who did it. My poor little sister! How you + weep, Julia. My heart is lead.” + </p> + <p> + “I weep for you, darling, not for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that is how they talk when those we love are——One word! I + shall never see my poor little Jenny again; shall I?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Alfred; if you will but follow her steps and believe in Him, who + soothed her last hour, and made her face shine with joy like an angel's + while we all wept around. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, he said he had but + one true friend in the world. Alas it is so; you have but me now, who pity + you and love you more than heart can utter; my own, my beloved, my + bereaved.” + </p> + <p> + What could soften such a shock as this? It fell, and his anguish was + frightful, all the more so that he ascribed the calamity to his + imprisonment, and mingled curses and threats of vengeance with his bursts + of grief. He spurned the consolations of religion: he said heaven was as + unjust as earth, as cruel as hell. + </p> + <p> + She cried out and stopped his mouth with her hand; she almost forced him + to kneel beside her, and prayed aloud for him: and when at last his agony + found vent in tears, she put her innocent arms round his neck and wept + with him. + </p> + <p> + Every now and then the poor fellow would almost shriek with remorse. “Oh, + if I had only been kinder to her! if I had but been kinder to her!” + </p> + <p> + “You were kind to her,” said Julia softly, but firmly. “Oh, no; I was + always sneering at her. And why? I knew her religion was sincere: but my + little mind fixed on a few phrases she had picked up from others, and I——” + He could say no more, but groaned with anguish. And let his remorse be a + caution to us all. Bereaved we all must be, who live on and on: but <i>this,</i> + bereavement's bitterest drop, we may avoid. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred,” said Julia, “do not torment yourself. We girls care little about + a few sarcasms; it is the cold heart that wounds us. You loved Jane, and + she knew it well, and joyed in it. You were kinder to her than you think, + and so her dying thoughts were for you. It was for you she asked, and made + your father send for you, and poor I hoped you would come. And, dearest, + her last act was to write a few words to you, and trust them to her who + she knew loved you better than heart can utter. Since it was her wish, let + us try and read them together, the last words of a saint (I have never + seen them), and, if they do not prove words of love, then I will let you + think you were not a good brother to her you and I, and poor, poor Edward, + have lost.” + </p> + <p> + He made a sad sign of assent; and Julia rose and got the enclosure. But, + as Jane's last written words reappeared on the scene in a somewhat + remarkable way, I will only say here, that both these poor young things + tried in vain to read them, and both in turn burst out sobbing, so that + they could not: so they held the paper and tried to see the words out of + their streaming eyes. And these two mourners had the room to themselves + till midnight; for even Mrs. Dodd's hostility respected Alfred then; and + as for Julia, she was one of those who rise with the occasion: she was + half wife, half angel from Heaven to her bereaved lover through all those + bitter hours. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + No life was ever yet a play: I mean, an unbroken sequence of dramatic + incidents. Calms will come; unfortunately for the readers, happily for the + read. And I remember seeing it objected to novelists, by a young gentleman + just putting his foot for the first time into “Criticism,” that the + writers aforesaid suppress the small intermediate matters which in real + life come by the score between each brilliant event: and so present the + ordinary and the extraordinary parts of life in false proportions. Now, if + this remark had been offered by way of contrast between events themselves + and all mortal attempts to reproduce them upon paper or the stage, it + would have been philosophical; but it was a strange error to denounce the + practice as distinctive of fiction: for it happens to be the one trait the + novelist and dramatist have in common with the evangelist. The Gospels + skip fifteen years of the most interesting life Creation has witnessed; + they relate Christ's birth in full, but hurry from His boyhood to the more + stirring events of His thirtieth and subsequent years. And all the + inspired histories do much the same thing. The truth is, that epics, + dramas, novels, histories, chronicles, reports of trials at law, in a + word, all narratives true or fictitious, except those which, true or + fictitious, nobody reads, abridge the uninteresting facts as Nature never + did, and dwell as Nature never did on the interesting ones. + </p> + <p> + Can nothing, however, be done to restore, in the reader's judgment, that + just balance of “the sensational” and the “soporific,” which all writers, + that have readers, disturb? Nothing, I think, without his own assistance. + But surely something with it. And, therefore, I throw myself on the + intelligence of my readers; and ask them to realise, that henceforth pages + are no strict measure of time, and that to a year big with strange events, + on which I have therefore dilated in this story, succeeded a year in which + few brilliant things happened to the personages of this tale: in short, a + year to be skimmed by chronicler or novelist, and yet (mind you) a year of + three hundred and sixty-five days six hours, or thereabouts, and one in + which the quiet, unobtrusive troubles of our friends' hearts, especially + the female hearts, their doubts, divisions, distresses, did not remit—far + from it. Now this year I propose to divide into topics, and go by logical, + rather than natural, sequence of events. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE LOVERS. +</pre> + <p> + Alfred came every day to see Julia, and Mrs. Dodd invariably left the room + at his knock. + </p> + <p> + At last Julia proposed to Alfred not to come to the house for the present; + but to accompany her on her rounds as district visitor. To see and soothe + the bitter calamities of the poor had done her own heart good in its worst + distress, and she desired to apply the same medicine to her beloved, who + needed it: that was one thing: and then another was, that she found her + own anger rising when her mother left the room at that beloved knock: and + to be angry with her poor widowed, mother was a sin. “She is as + unfortunate as I am happy,” thought Julia; “I have got <i>mine</i> back.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred assented to this arrangement with rather an ill grace. He + misunderstood Julia, and thought she was sacrificing him to what he called + her mother's injustice. This indeed was the interpretation any male would + have been pretty sure to put on it. His soreness, however, did not go very + far; because she was so kind and good to him when they were together. He + used to escort her back to the door of 66: and look imploringly; but she + never asked him in. He thought her hard for this. He did not see the tears + that flowed for that mute look of his the moment the door was closed; + tears she innocently restrained for fear the sight of them should make him + as unhappy as his imploring look made her. <i>Mauvais calcul!</i> She + should have cried right out. When we men are unhappy, we like our + sweethearts to be unhappier—that consoles <i>us.</i> + </p> + <p> + But when this had gone on nearly a month, and no change, Alfred lost + patience: so he lingered one day at the door to make a request. He asked + Julia to marry him: and so put an end to this state of things. + </p> + <p> + “Marry you, child?” cried Julia, blushing like a rose with surprise and + pleasure. “Oh, for shame!” + </p> + <p> + After the first thrill, she appealed to his candour whether that would not + be miserably selfish of her to leave her poor mother in her present + distressed condition. “Ah, Alfred, <i>so</i> pale, <i>so</i> spiritless, + and inconsolable! My poor, poor mother!” + </p> + <p> + “You will have to decide between us two one day.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid!” said Julia, turning pale at the very idea. But he + repeated doggedly that it must come to that, sooner or later. Then he + reminded her of their solemn engagement, and put it to her whether it was + a moral proceeding in her to go back from her plighted troth? What had he + done to justify her in drawing back from her word? “I admit,” said he, + “that I have <i>suffered</i> plenty of wrong for your sake: but what have + I done wrong?” + </p> + <p> + Undeterred by the fear of immorality, the monotonous girl had but one + reply to his multiform reasons: “This is no time for me to abandon my + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it is her you love: you don't care for me,” snapped Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “Don't I, dear Alfred?” murmured Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me! I'm a ruffian, a wretch.” + </p> + <p> + “You are my Alfred. But oh, have a little patience, dear.” + </p> + <p> + “A little patience? I have the patience of Job. But even his went at + last.” + </p> + <p> + [I ought to have said they were in the passage now. The encroaching youth + had gained an entrance by agitating her so at the door that she had to ask + him in to hide her own blushes from the public.] She now gently reminded + him how much happier they were than they had been for months. “Dear me,” + said she, “I am almost happy: happier than I ought to be; could be quite + so, but that I see you discontented.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you have so many about you that you love: I have only you.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is true, my poor Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + This softened him a little; and then she interwove her fingers together, + and so put both palms softly on his shoulder (you never saw a male do + that, and never will), and implored him to be patient, to be generous. + “Oh,” said she, “if you knew the distress it gives me to refuse to you + anything on earth, you would be generous, and not press me when my heart + says 'Yes,' but my lips <i>must</i> say 'No.'” + </p> + <p> + This melted him altogether, and he said he would not torment her any more. + </p> + <p> + But he went away discontented with himself for having yielded: my lord did + not call it “yielding,” but “being defeated.” And as he was not only very + deep in love, but by nature combative, he took a lodging nearly opposite + No. 66, and made hot love to her, as hot as if the attachment was just + forming. Her mother could not go out but he was at the door directly: she + could not go out but he was at her heels. This pleased her at first and + thrilled her with the sense of sweet and hot pursuit: but by-and-by, + situated as she was between him and her mother, it worried her a little at + times, and made her nervous. She spoke a little sharply to him now and + then. And that was new. It came from the nerves, not the heart. At last + she advised him to go back to Oxford. “I shall be the ruin of your mind if + we go on like this,” said she sadly. + </p> + <p> + “What, leave the field to my rivals? No, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “What rivals, sir?” asked Julia, drawing up. + </p> + <p> + “Your mother, your brother, your curates that would come buzzing the + moment I left; your sick people, who bask on your smiles and your sweet + voice till I envy them: Sarah, whom you permit to brush your lovely hair, + the piano you play on, the air you deign to breathe and brighten, + everybody and everything that is near you; they are all my rivals; and + shall I resign you to them, and leave myself desolate? I'm not such a + fool.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and could not help feeling it was sweet to be pestered. So she + said with matronly dignity, and the old Julian consistency, “You are a + foolish impetuous boy. You are the plague of my life: and—the sun of + my existence.” That passed off charmingly. But presently his evil genius + prompted Alfred to endeavour to soften Mrs. Dodd by letter, and induce her + to consent to his marriage with her daughter. He received her answer at + breakfast-time. It was wonderfully polite and cold; Mrs. Dodd feigned + unmixed surprise at the proposal, and said that insanity being + unfortunately in her own family, and the suspicion of insanity resting on + himself, such a union was not to be thought of; and therefore, + notwithstanding her respect for his many good qualities, she must decline + with thanks the honour he offered her. She inserted a poisoned sting by + way of postscript. “When you succeed in publicly removing the impression + your own relations share with me, and when my husband owes his restoration + to you, instead of his destruction, of course you will receive a very + different answer to your proposal—should you then think it + consistent with your dignity to renew it.” + </p> + <p> + As hostile testators used to leave the disinherited one shilling, not out + of a shilling's worth of kindly feeling, but that he might not be able to + say his name was omitted through inadvertency, so Mrs. Dodd inserted this + postscript merely to clench the nail and tantalise her enemy. It was a + masterpiece of feminine spite. + </p> + <p> + She would have been wonderstruck could she have seen how Alfred received + her missive. + </p> + <p> + To be sure he sat in a cold stupor of dejection for a good half hour; but + at the end of that time he lifted up his head, and said quietly, “So be + it. I'll get the trial over, and my sanity established, as soon as + possible: and then I'll hire a yacht and hunt her husband till I find + him.” + </p> + <p> + Having settled this little plan, he looked out for Julia, whose sympathy + he felt in need of after such a stern blow. + </p> + <p> + She came out much later than usual that day, for to tell the truth, her + mother had detained her to show her Alfred's letter, and her answer. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, mamma,” said poor Julia, “you don't love me as you did once. Poor + Alfred!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed at this reproach, but said she did not deserve it. No + mother in her senses would consent to such a match. + </p> + <p> + Julia bowed her head submissively and went to her duties. But when Alfred + came to her open-mouthed to complain of her mother's cruelty, she stopped + him at once, and asked him how he could go and write that foolish, + unreasonable letter. Why had he not consulted her first? “You have + subjected yourself to a rebuff,” said she angrily, “and one from which I + should have saved you. Is it nothing that mamma out of pity to me connives + at our meeting and spending hours together? Do you think she does no + violence to her own wishes here? and is she to meet with no return?” + </p> + <p> + “What, are you against me too?” said poor Alfred. + </p> + <p> + “No, it is you who are our enemy with your unreasonable impatience.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not so cold-blooded as you are, certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Humility and penitence would become you better than to retort on me. I + love you both, and pray God on my knees to show me how to do my duty to + both.” + </p> + <p> + “That is it; you are not single-hearted like me. You want to please all + the world, and reconcile the irreconcilable. It won't do: you will have to + choose between your mother and me at last.” + </p> + <p> + “Then of course I shall choose my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she claims my duty as well as my love; because she is bowed down + with sorrow, and needs her daughter just now more than you do; besides, + you are my other self, and we must deny ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “We have no more right to be unjust to ourselves than to anybody else; + injustice is injustice.” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred, you are a high-minded Heathen, and talk Morality. Morality is a + snare. What I pray to be is a Christian, as your dear sister was, and to + deny myself; and you make it, oh so difficult.” + </p> + <p> + “So I suppose it will end in turning out your heathen and then taking your + curate. Your mother would consent to that directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred,” said Julia with dignity, “these words are harsh, and—forgive + me for saying so—they are coarse. Such words would separate us two, + without my mother, if I were to hear many of them; for they take the bloom + off affection, and that mutual reverence, without which no gentleman and + lady could be blessed in holy wedlock.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was staggered and mortified too: they walked on in silence now. + </p> + <p> + “Alfred,” said Julia at last, “do not think me behind you in affection, + but wiser, for once, and our best friend. I do think we had better see + less of one another for a time, my poor Alfred.” + </p> + <p> + “And why for a time? Why not for ever?” + </p> + <p> + “If your heart draws no distinction, why not indeed?” + </p> + <p> + “So be it then: for I will be no woman's slave. There's my hand, Julia: + let us part friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for that, dear Alfred: may you find some one who can love you + more—than—I do.” + </p> + <p> + The words choked her. But he was stronger, because he was in a passion. He + reproached her bitterly. “If I had been as weak and inconstant as you are, + I might have been out of Drayton House long before I did escape. But I was + faithful to my one love. I have some right to sing 'Aileen Aroon,' you + have none. You are an angel of beauty and goodness; you will go to Heaven, + and I shall go to the devil now for want of you; but then you have no + constancy nor true fidelity: so that has parted us, and now nothing is + left me but to try and hate you.” + </p> + <p> + He turned furiously on his heel. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, go where you will,” faltered Julia. + </p> + <p> + He replied with a fierce ejaculation of despair, and dashed away. + </p> + <p> + Thus temper and misunderstanding triumphed, after so many strange and + bitter trials had failed. + </p> + <p> + But alas! it is often so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> + <p> + Both the parted lovers were wretched. Julia never complained, but drooped, + and read the Psalms, and Edward detected her in tears over them. He + questioned her and obtained a lame account; she being far more bent on + screening Alfred than on telling the truth. + </p> + <p> + Edward called on the other; and found him disconsolate, and reading a + Heathen philosopher for comfort, and finding none. Edward questioned him, + and he was reserved and even sulky. Sir Imperturbable persisted quietly, + and he exploded, and out came his wrongs. Edward replied that he was a + pretty fellow: wanted it all his own way. “Suppose my mother, with her + present feelings, was to take a leaf out of your book, and use all her + power; where would you be then? Come, old fellow, I know what love is, and + one of us <i>shall</i> have the girl he loves, unless any harm should come + to my poor father owing to your blunder—oh, that would put it out of + the question, I feel—but let us hope better. I pulled you out of the + fire, and somehow I seem to like you better than ever after that; let me + pull you out of this mess too.” + </p> + <p> + “Pull away,” cried the impetuous youth. “I'll trust you with my life: ay, + with more than my life, with my love; for you are the man for me: reason + is always uppermost with you: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Give me the man that is not passion's slave, + And I will wear him in my heart's core, ay——” + </pre> + <p> + “Oh bother that. If you are in earnest, don't mouth, but put on your hat + and come over.” + </p> + <p> + He assented; but in the middle of putting on his coat, made this little + observation: “Now I see how wise the ancients were: yes, friendship is + better than love; calmer, more constant, free from the heats and chills of + that impetuous passion; its pure bosom is ruffled by none of love's + jealousies and irritabilities. Solem e mundo tollunt qui tollunt + amicitiam.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh bother quoting; come and shake hands with Julia.” They went over; Mrs. + Dodd was in the city. Edward ushered in Alfred, saying, “Here is the other + Impetuosity;” and sagely retired for a few minutes. When he came back they + were sitting hand in hand, he gazing on her, she inspecting the carpet. + “That is all right,” said Edward drily: “now the next thing is, you must + go back to Oxford directly, and read for your first class.” + </p> + <p> + The proposal fell like a blight upon the reconciled lovers. But Edward + gave potent reasons. The delays of law were endless: Alfred's defendant + had already obtained one postponement of the trial on frivolous grounds. + Now the Oxford examination and Doncaster races come on at a fixed date, by + a Law of Nature, and admit of no “postponement swindle.” “You mark my + words, you will get your class before you will get your trial, and it + won't hurt you to go into court a first-class man: will it? And then you + won't quarrel by letter, you two; I know. Come, will you do what I tell + you: or is friendship but a name? eh, Mr. Bombast?” He ended with great + though quiet force: “Come, you two, which is better, to part like the + scissors, or part like the thread?” + </p> + <p> + Similes are no arguments; that is why they convince people so: Alfred + capitulated to the scissors and thread; and only asked with abnormal + humility to be allowed to taste the joys of reconciliation for two days. + The third found him at Oxford; he called on the head of his college to + explain what had prevented his return to Exeter in the October term twelve + months ago, and asked for rooms. Instead of siding with a man of his own + college so cruelly injured, the dignitary was alarmed by the bare + accusation, and said he must consider: insanity was a terrible thing. + </p> + <p> + “So is false accusation, and so is false imprisonment,” said Hardie + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Unquestionably. But I have at present no means of deciding how far those + words apply.” In short, he could give no answer; must consult the other + officers, and would convey the result by letter. + </p> + <p> + Alfred's pride was deeply mortified, not less by a certain cold repugnant + manner than by the words. And there came over his heart a sickening + feeling that he was now in the eyes of men an intellectual leper. + </p> + <p> + He went to another college directly, and applied to the vice-president, + the vice-president sent him with a letter to the dean; the dean looked + frightened; and told him hesitatingly the college was full; he might put + his name down, and perhaps get in next year. Alfred retired, and learned + from the porter that the college was not full. He sighed deeply, and the + sickening feeling grew on him; an ineradicable stigma seemed upon him, and + Mrs. Dodd was no worse than the rest of the world then; every mother in + England would approve her resolutions. He wandered about the scenes of his + intellectual triumphs: he stood in the great square of the schools, a + place ugly to unprejudiced eyes, but withal somewhat grand and inspiring, + especially to scholars who have fought their keen and bloodless battles + there. He looked at the windows and gilt inscription of the Schola + Metaphysices, in which he had met the scholars of his day and defeated + them for the Ireland. He wandered into the theatre, and eyed the rostrum, + whence he had not mumbled, but recited, his Latin prize poem with more + than one thunder of academic applause: thunder compared with which Drury + Lane's us a mere cracker. These places were unchanged; but he, sad + scholar, wandered among them as if he was a ghost, and all these were + stony phantoms of an intellectual past, never, never to return. + </p> + <p> + He telegraphed Sampson and Edward to furnish him with certificates that he + had never been insane, but the victim of a foul conspiracy; and, when he + received them, he went with them to St. Margaret's Hall; for he had + bethought him that the new principal was a first-rate man, and had openly + vowed he would raise that “refuge for the oft-times phoughed” to a place + of learning. + </p> + <p> + Hardie called, sent in his card, and was admitted to the principal's + study. He was about to explain who he was, when the doctor interrupted + him, and told him politely he knew him by reputation. “Tell me rather,” + said he shrewdly, “to what I owe this application from an undergraduate so + distinguished as Mr. Hardie?” + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred began to quake, and, instead of replying, put a hand suddenly + before his face, and lost courage for one moment. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Mr. Hardie,” said the principal, “don't be disconcerted: a fault + regretted is half atoned; and I am not disposed to be hard on the errors + of youth; I mean where there is merit to balance them.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Alfred sadly, “it is not a fault I have to acknowledge, but a + misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all about it,” said Dr. Alder guardedly. + </p> + <p> + He told it, omitting nothing essential that could touch the heart or + excite the ironical humour of an academician. + </p> + <p> + “Well, 'truth is more wonderful than fiction,'” said the doctor. And I + conclude the readers of this tale are all of the doctor's opinion; so + sweet to the mind is cant. + </p> + <p> + Alfred offered his certificates. + </p> + <p> + Now Dr. Alder had been asking himself in what phrases he should decline + this young genius, who was sane now, but of course had been mad, only had + forgotten the circumstance. But the temptation to get an Ireland scholar + into his Hall suddenly overpowered him. The probability that he might get + a first-class in a lucid interval was too enticing; nothing venture, + nothing have. He determined to venture a good deal. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardie,” said he, “this house shall always be open to good morals and + good scholarship while I preside over it, and it shall be open to them all + the more when they come to me dignified, and made sacred, by 'unmerited + calamity.'” + </p> + <p> + Now this fine speech, like Minerva herself, came from the head. Alfred was + overcome by it to tears. At that the doctor's heart was touched, and even + began to fancy it had originated that noble speech. + </p> + <p> + It was no use doing things by halves; so Dr. Alder gave Alfred a + delightful set of rooms; and made the Hall pleasant to him. He was + rewarded by a growing conviction that he had made an excellent + acquisition. This opinion, however, was anything but universal: and Alfred + finding the men of his own college suspected his sanity, and passed jokes + behind his back, cut them all dead, and confined himself to his little + Hall. There they petted him, and crowed about him, and betted on him for + the schools as freely as if he was a colt the Hall was going to enter for + the Derby. + </p> + <p> + He read hard, and judiciously, but without his old confidence: he became + anxious and doubtful; he had seen so many first-rate men just miss a + first-class. The brilliant creature analysed all his Aristotelian + treatises, and wrote the synopses clear with marginal references on great + pasteboard cards three feet by two, and so kept the whole subject before + his eye, till he obtained a singular mastery. Same system with the + historians: nor did he disdain the use of coloured inks. Then the + brilliant creature drew lists of all the hard words he encountered in his + reading, especially in the common books, and read these lists till + mastered. The stake was singularly heavy in his case, so he guarded every + crevice. + </p> + <p> + And at this period he was not so unhappy as he expected. The laborious + days went swiftly, and twice a week at least came a letter from Julia. Oh, + how his grave academic room with oaken panels did brighten, when her + letter lay on the table. It was opened, and seemed written with sunbeams. + No quarrels on paper! Absence made the heart grow fonder. And Edward came + to see him, and over their wine let out a feminine trait in Julia. “When + Hurd calls, she walks out of the room, just as my poor mother does when + you come. That is spite: since you are sent away, nobody else is to profit + by it. Where is her Christianity, eh? and echo answers—Got a cigar, + old fellow?” And, after puffing in silence awhile, he said resignedly, “I + am an unnatural monster.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, are you?” said the other serenely; for he was also under the benign + influence. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Edward, “I am your ally, and a mere spy in the camp of those + two ladies. I watch all their moves for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred forgave him. And thus his whole life was changed, and for nearly + twelve months (for Dr. Alder let him reside in the Hall through the + vacation) he pursued the quiet tenor of a student's life, interrupted at + times by law; but that is another topic. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + WIFE AND NO WIFE. +</pre> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd was visibly shaken by that calamity which made her shrink with + horror from the sight of Alfred Hardie. In the winter she was so unwell + that she gave up her duties with Messrs. Cross and Co. Her connection with + them had been creditable to both parties. I believe I forgot to say why + they trusted her so; well, I must tell it elsewhere. David off her hands, + she was independent, and had lost the motive and the heart for severe + work. She told the partners she could no longer do them justice, and left + them, to their regret. They then advised her to set up as a milliner, and + offered her credit for goods at cash prices up to two thousand pounds. She + thanked them like a sorrowful queen, and went her way. + </p> + <p> + In the spring she recovered some spirit and health; but at midsummer a + great and subtle misfortune befell her. Her mind was bent on David night + and day, and used to struggle to evade the laws of space that bind its + grosser companion, and find her lost husband on the sea. She often dreamt + of him, but vaguely. But one fatal night she had a dream as clear as + daylight, and sharp as white pebbles in the sun. She was on a large ship + with guns; she saw men bring a dead sailor up the side; she saw all their + faces, and the dead man's too. It was David. His face was white. A clear + voice said he was to be buried in the deep next morning. She saw the deck + at her feet, the breeches of the guns, so clear, so defined, that, when + she awoke, and found herself in the dark, she thought reality was the + illusion. She told the dream to Julia and Edward. They tried to encourage + her, in vain. “I saw him,” she said, “I saw him; it was a vision, not a + dream; my David is dead. Well, then, I shall not be long behind him.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson ridiculed her dream to her face. But to her children he told + another story. “I am anxious about her,” he said, “most anxious. There is + no mortal ill the distempered brain may not cause. Is it not devilish we + can hear nothing of him? She will fret herself into the grave, as sure as + fate, if something does not turn up.” + </p> + <p> + Her children could not console her; they tried, but something hung round + their own hearts, and chilled every effort. In a word, they shared her + fears. How came she to see him on board a ship with guns? In her waking + hours she always said he was on a merchant ship. Was it not one of those + visions, which come to mortals and give them sometimes a peep into Space, + and, far more rarely, a glance into Time? + </p> + <p> + One day in the autumn, Alfred, being in town on law business, met what + seemed the ghost of Mrs. Dodd in the streets. She saw him not; her eye was + on that ghastly face she had seen in her dreams. It flashed through his + mind that she would not live long to part him and Julia. But he + discouraged the ungenerous thought; almost forgave her repugnance to + himself, and felt it would be worse than useless to ask Julia to leave her + mother, who was leaving her visibly. + </p> + <p> + But her horror of him was anything but softened; and she used to tell Dr. + Sampson she thought the sight of that man would kill her now. Edward + himself began to hope Alfred would turn his affections elsewhere. The + house in Pembroke Street was truly the house of mourning now; all their + calamities were light compared with this. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE DISTRICT VISITOR. +</pre> + <p> + While Julia was writing letters to keep up Alfred's heart, she was very + sad herself Moreover, he had left her for Oxford but a very few days, when + she received an anonymous letter; her first. It was written in a female + hand, and couched in friendly and sympathetic terms. The writer thought it + only fair to warn her that Mr. Alfred Hardie was passionately fond of a + lady in the asylum, and had offered her marriage. If Miss Dodd wished to + be deceived, let her burn this letter and think no more of it; if not, let + her insert this advertisement in the Times: “The whole Truth.—L. + D.,” and her correspondent would communicate particulars by word or + writing. + </p> + <p> + What a barbed and poisoned arrow is to the body, was this letter to + Julia's mind. She sat cold as a stone with this poison in her hand. Then + came an impetuous impulse to send it down to Alfred, and request him to + transfer the other half of his heart to his lady of the asylum. Then she + paused; and remembered how much unjust suspicion had been levelled at him + already. What right had she to insult him? She would try and keep the + letter to herself. As to acting upon it, her good sense speedily suggested + it came from the rival in question, real or supposed. “She wants to make + use of me,” said Julia; “it is plain Alfred does not care much for her; or + why does she come to me?” She put the letter in her desk, and it rankled + in her heart. <i>Hoeret lateri lethalis arundo.</i> She trembled at + herself; she felt a savage passion had been touched in her. She prayed day + and night against jealousy. + </p> + <p> + But I must now, to justify my heading, skip some months, and relate a + remarkable incident that befell her in the said character. On the first of + August in this year, a good Christian woman, one of her patients, asked + her to call on Mr. Barkington, that lodged above. “He is a decent body, + miss, and between you and me, I think his complaint is, he don't get quite + enough to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Barkington!” said Julia, and put her hand to her bosom. She went and + tapped at his door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in,” said a shrillish voice. + </p> + <p> + She entered, and found a weazened old man seated, mending his own coat. + </p> + <p> + He rose, and she told him she was a district visitor. He said he had heard + of her; they called her the beautiful lady in that court. This was news to + her, and made her blush. She asked leave to read a chapter to him; he + listened as to some gentle memory of childhood. She prescribed him a glass + of port wine, and dispensed it on the instant. Thus physicked, her patient + became communicative, and chattered on about his native place—but + did not name it—and talked about the people there. Now our district + visitor was, if the truth must be told, a compounder. She would permit her + pupils to talk about earthly affairs, on condition they would listen to + heavenly ones before she went. So she let this old man run on, and he told + her he had been a banker's clerk all his life, and saved a thousand + pounds, and come up to London to make his fortune on the Stock Exchange; + and there he was sometimes a bull, and sometimes a bear, and whichever he + was, certain foxes called brokers and jobbers got the profit and he the + loss. “It's all the same as a gambling-table,” said he. “The jobbers and + brokers have got the same odds the bank has at Rouge et Noir, and the + little capitalist like me is doomed beforehand.” Then he told her that + there was a crossing-sweeper near the Exchange who came from his native + place, and had started as a speculator, and come down to that. Only he + called it rising, and used to speak with a shudder of when he dabbled in + the funds, and often told him to look sharp, and get a crossing. And lo! + one day when he was cleaned out, and desperate, and hovering with the + other ghosts of little capitalists about the tomb of their money, he saw + his countryman fall flat, and the broom fly out of his hand. Instantly he + made a rush, and so did a wooden-legged sailor; but he got first to the + broom, and began to sweep while others picked up his countryman, who + proved dead as a herring; and he succeeded to his broom, and it made money + by the Exchange, though he never could. Still, one day he picked up a + pocket-book in that neighbourhood, with a lump of money, which he + straightway advertised in—no newspapers. And now, Julia thought it + time to interpose the eighth commandment, the golden rule, and such + branches of learning. + </p> + <p> + He became a favourite of hers: he had so much to say: she even thought she + had seen his face before: but she could not tell where. She gave him good + books and tracts; and read to him, and ploughed his heart with her sweet + voice, and sowed the good seed in the furrows—seed which, like wheat + or other grain, often seems to fall flat and die, but comes out green + after many days. + </p> + <p> + One Saturday she invited him to dine with the servants next day. He came + during church time, and went away in the afternoon while she was with her + mother. But she asked Sarah, who proved eager to talk about him. “He was a + rum customer; kept asking questions all dinner time. 'Well,' says I, + 'you're good company you are; be you a lawyer; for you examines us; but + you don't tell us nothing.' Ye see, Miss, Jane she is that simple, she was + telling him everything, and about Mr. Alfred's lawsuit with his father and + all.” + </p> + <p> + Julia said that was indiscreet; but after all what did it matter? + </p> + <p> + “Who knows, Miss?” Sarah replied: “least said is soonest mended. If you + please, Miss, who is he? Where does he bide? Where does he come from? Does + he know Hardies?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think not. Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I'm much mistaken if he doesn't.” Then putting on a stolid look, + she asked, “Does he know your papa?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no, Sarah. How should he?” + </p> + <p> + “There now,” said Sarah; “Miss, you are all in the dark about this old + man: I'll tell you something; I took him out of the way of Jane's temper + when she began a dishing up, and I had him into the parlour for a minute; + and in course there he sees the picture of your poor papa hung up. Miss, + if you'll believe me, the moment he claps eyes on that there picture, he + halloes out, and out goes his two hands like this here. 'It's him!' says + he; 'it's him!' and stares at the picture like a stuck pig. Forgot I was + close behind him, I do believe. 'She's <i>his</i> daughter,' says he, in a + whisper, a curious whisper; seemed to come out of his stomack. 'What's the + matter now?' says I, just so. He gave a great start, as if my speaking had + wakened him from a dream, and says he, 'nothing,' as quiet as a lamb. + 'Nothing isn't much,' says I, just so. 'It usedn't to be anything at all + when I was your age,' says he, sneering. But I paid him a good coin: says + I, 'Old man, where you comes from do the folks use to start and hallo out + and cry “It's him! she's his daughter!” and fling their two arms abroad + like a wiumdmill in March, and all for—nothing?' So at that he + changed as white as my smock, and fell all of a tremble. However, at + dinner he perks up, and drew that poor simple Jane out a good one. But he + didn't look towards me much, which I set opposite to watch my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Sarah,” said Julia, “this is really curious, mysterious; you are a good, + watchful, faithful girl; and, to tell the truth, I sometimes fancy I have + seen Mr. Barkington's face. However, I will solve this little mystery + to-morrow; for I will ask him: thank you, Sarah.” + </p> + <p> + On Monday she called on Mr. Barkington to solve the mystery. But, instead + of solving, her visit thickened it: for Mr. Barkington was gone bag and + baggage. When Edward was told of this business, he thought it remarkable, + and regretted he had not seen the old man. + </p> + <p> + So do I; for it is my belief Edward would have recognised him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DAVID DODD. +</pre> + <p> + The history of a man is the history of his mind. And that is why you have + heard so little of late about the simplest, noblest, and most unfortunate + of all my personages. Insanity is as various as eccentricity. I have + spared the kind-hearted reader some of David's vagaries. However, when we + parted with him, he had settled into that strange phase of lunacy, in + which the distant past seems nearly obliterated, and memory exists, but + revolves in a narrow round of things present: this was accompanied with a + positive illusion, to wit, a fixed idea that he was an able seaman: and, + as usual, what mental power he retained came out strongest in support of + this idea. All this was marked by a bodily agility somewhat more than + natural in a man of his age. Owing to the wind astern, he was enabled to + run into Portsmouth before the steam-tug came up with him: and he did run + into port, not because he feared pursuit, but because he was desperately + hungry; and he had no suicidal tendencies whatever. + </p> + <p> + He made for a public-house, and called for some bread and cheese and beer; + they were supplied, and then lo! he had no money to pay for them. “I'll + owe you till I come back from sea, my bo,” said he coolly. On this the + landlord collared him, and David shook him off into the road, much as a + terrier throws a rat from him; then there was a row, and a naval officer, + who was cruising about for hands, came up and heard it. There was nothing + at all unseamanlike in David's conduct, and the gentleman took a + favourable view of it, and paid the small demand; but not with unleavened + motives. He was the second lieutenant of H. M. frigate <i>Vulture;</i> she + had a bad name, thanks to her last captain, and was short of hands: he + took David aside and asked him would he like to ship on board the <i>Vulture.</i> + </p> + <p> + David said yes, and suggested the foretop. “Oh yes,” growled the + lieutenant, “you all want to be there.” He then gauged this Jacky Tar's + intellects; asked him <i>inter alia</i> how to send a frigate's foretop + gallant yard down upon deck: and to show how seamanship sticks in the + brain when once it gets there, David actually told him. “You are rather + old,” said the lieutenant, “but you are a seaman:” and so took him on + board the <i>Vulture</i> at Spithead, before Green began to search the + town in earnest. Nobody acts his part better than some demented persons + do: and David made a very tolerable sailor notwithstanding his forty-five + years: and the sea did him good within certain limits. Between him and the + past lay some intellectual or cerebral barrier as impenetrable as the + great wall of China; but on the hither side of that wall his faculties + improved. Of course, the crew soon found out the gap in his poor brain, + and called him Soft Billy, and played on him at first. But by degrees he + won their affection; he was so wonderfully sweet-tempered: and besides his + mind being in an abnormal state, he loathed grog, and gave his allowance + to his messmates. One day he showed an unexpected trait; they were lying + becalmed in southern latitudes, and, time hanging heavily, each wiled it + how he might: one fiddled, another wrote to his Polly, another fished for + sharks, another whistled for a wind, scores fell into the form of + meditation without the reality, and one got a piece of yarn and amused + himself killing flies on the bulwark. Now this shocked poor Billy: he put + out his long arm and intercepted a stroke. “What is the row?” said the + operator. + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't,” said Billy solemnly, looking into his face with great + dreamy eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You be——,” said the other, and lent him a tap on the cheek + with the yarn. Billy did not seem to mind this; his skin had little + sensibility, owing to his disorder. + </p> + <p> + Jack recommenced on his flies, and the bystanders laughed. They always + laughed now at everything Billy said, as Society used to laugh when the + late Theodore Hook asked for the mustard at dinner; and would have laughed + if he had said, “You see me sad, I have just lost my poor father.” + </p> + <p> + David stood looking on at the slaughter with a helpless puzzled air. + </p> + <p> + At last he seemed to have an idea, he caught Jack up by the throat and + knee, lifted him with gigantic strength above his head, and was just going + to hurl him shrieking into the sea, when a dozen strong hands interfered, + and saved the man. Then they were going to bind Billy hand and foot; but + he was discovered to be perfectly calm; so they remonstrated instead, and + presently Billy's commander-in-chief, a ship-boy called Georgie White, + shoved in and asked him in a shrill haughty voice how he dared do that. + “My dear,” said Billy, with great humility and placidity, “he was killing + God's creatures, no allowance: * so, ye see, to save their lives, I was <i>obliged.</i>” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *Nautical phrase, meaning without stint or limit, or + niggardly admeasurement as there is of grog. +</pre> + <p> + At this piece of reasoning, and the simplicity and gentle conviction with + which it was delivered, there was a roar. It subsided, and a doubt arose + whether Billy was altogether in the wrong. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said one, “I daresay life is sweet to them little creatures, if + they could speak their minds.” + </p> + <p> + “I've known a ship founder in a fair breeze all along of killing 'em,” + said one old salt. + </p> + <p> + Finally, several sided with Billy, and intimated that “it served the + lubber right for not listening to <i>reason.</i>” And, indeed, methinks it + was lovely and touching that so divine a ray of goodness and superior + reason should have shot from his heart or from Heaven across that poor + benighted brain. + </p> + <p> + But it must be owned his mode of showing his humanity was somewhat + excessive and abnormal, and smacked of lunacy. After this, however, the + affection of his messmates was not so contemptuous. + </p> + <p> + Now the captain of the <i>Vulture</i> was Billy's cousin by marriage. + Reginald Bazalgette. Twenty years ago, when the captain was a boy, they + were great friends: of late Bazalgette had seen less of him; still it + seems strange he did not recognise him in his own ship. But one or two + causes co-operated to prevent that. In the first place, the mind when + turned in one direction is not so sharp in another; and Captain Bazalgette + had been told to look for David in a merchant ship bound for the East + Indies. In the next place, insanity alters the expression of the face + wonderfully, and the captain of a frigate runs his eye over four hundred + sailors at muster, or a hundred at work, not to examine their features, + but their dress and bearing at the one, and their handiness at the other. + The worst piece of luck was that Mrs. Dodd did not know David called + himself William Thompson. So there stood “William Thompson” large as life + on the ship's books, and nobody the wiser. Captain Bazalgette had a warm + regard and affection for Mrs. Dodd, and did all he could. Indeed, he took + great liberties: he stopped and overhauled several merchant ships for the + truant; and, by-the-by, on one occasion William Thompson was one of the + boat's crew that rowed a midshipman from the <i>Vulture</i> alongside a + merchant ship to search for David Dodd. He heard the name and circumstance + mentioned in the boat, but the very name was new to him. He remembered it, + but only from that hour; and told his loving tyrant, Georgie White, they + had been overhauling a merchant ship and looking for one David Dodd. + </p> + <p> + It was about Midsummer the <i>Vulture</i> anchored off one of the South + Sea islands, and sent a boat ashore for fruit. Billy and his dearly + beloved little tyrant, Georgie White, were among the crew. Off goes + Georgie to bathe, and Billy sits down on the beach with a loving eye upon + him. The water was calm: but the boy with the heedlessness of youth stayed + in it nearly an hour: he was seized with cramp and screamed to his + comrades. They ran, but they were half a mile from the boat. Billy dashed + into the water and came up with Georgie just as he was sinking for the + last time; the boy gripped him; but by his great strength he disentangled + himself and got Georgie on his shoulders, and swam for the shore. Meantime + the sailors got into the boat, and rowed hastily towards them. + </p> + <p> + Now Billy was undermost and his head under water at times, and Georgie, + some thought, had helped strangle him by gripping his neck with both arms. + Anyway, by the boy's account, just as they were getting into shallow + water, Billy gave a great shriek and turned over on his back; and Georgie + paddled with his hands, but Billy soon after this sunk like a dead body + while the boat was yet fifty yards off. And Georgie screamed and pointed + to the place, and the boat came up and took Georgie in; and the water was + so clear that the sailors saw Billy lie motionless at the bottom, and + hooked him with a boat hook and drew him up; but his face came up + alongside a deadly white, with staring eyes, and they shuddered and feared + it was too late. + </p> + <p> + They took him into a house and stripped him, and rubbed him, and wrapped + him in blankets, and put him by the hot fire. But all would not do. + </p> + <p> + Then, having dried his clothes, they dressed the body again and laid him + in the boat, and cast the Union Jack over him, and rowed slowly and + unwillingly back to the ship, Georgie sobbing and screaming over the body, + and not a dry eye in the boat. + </p> + <p> + The body was carried up the side, and uncovered, just as Mrs. Dodd saw in + her dream. The surgeon was sent for and examined the body: and then the + grim routine of a man-of-war dealt swiftly with the poor skipper. He was + carried below to be prepared for a sailor's grave. Then the surgeon walked + aft and reported formally to the officer of the watch the death by + drowning of William Thompson. The officer of the watch went instantly to + the captain in his cabin and reported the death. The captain gave the + stereotyped order to bury him at noon next day; and the body was stripped + that night and sewed up in his hammock, with a portion of his clothes and + bedding to conceal the outline of the corpse, and two cannon balls at his + feet; and so the poor skipper was laid out for a watery grave, and covered + by the Union Jack. + </p> + <p> + I don't know whether any of my amorous young readers are much affected by + the catastrophe I have just related. If not, I will just remind them that + even Edward Dodd was prepared to oppose the marriage of Julia and Alfred, + if any serious ill should befall his father at sea, owing to Alfred's + imprudent interference in rescuing him from Drayton House. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L + </h2> + <h3> + LAW + </h3> + <p> + MINUTE study of my fellow-creatures has revealed to me that there are many + intelligent persons who think that a suit at law commences in court. This + is not so. Many suits are fought and decided by the special pleaders, and + so never come into court; and, as a stiff encounter of this kind actually + took place in Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie, a word of prefatory explanation may + be proper. Suitors come into court only to try an issue: an issue is a + mutual lie direct: and towards this both parties are driven upon paper by + the laws of pleading, which may be thus summed: 1. Every statement of the + adversary must either be contradicted flat, or confessed and avoided: + “avoided” means neutralised by fresh matter. 2. Nothing must be advanced + by plaintiff which does not disclose a ground of action at law. 3. Nothing + advanced by defendant, which, if true, would not be a defence to the + action. These rules exclude in a vast degree the pitiable defects and + vices that mark all the unprofessional arguments one ever hears; for on a + breach of any one of the said rules the other party can demur; the + demurrer is argued before the judges in Banco, and, if successfully, the + faulty plaint or faulty plea is dismissed, and often of course the cause + won or lost thereby, and the country saved the trouble, and the suitors + the expense of trying an issue. + </p> + <p> + So the writ being served by Plt.'s attorney, and an appearance put in by + Deft.'s, the paper battle began by Alfred Hardie, through his attorney, + serving on Deft.'s attorney “THE DECLARATION.” This was drawn by his + junior counsel, Garrow, and ran thus, after specifying the court and the + date: + </p> + <p> + <i>Middlesex to wit</i> Alfred Hardie by John Compton his attorney sues + Thomas Hardie For that the Deft. assaulted Plt. gave him into custody to a + certain person and caused him to be imprisoned for a long space of time in + a certain place to wit a Lunatic Asylum whereby the Plt. was much + inconvenienced and suffered much anguish and pain in mind and body and was + unable to attend to his affairs and was injured in his credit and + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + And the Plt. claims L. 5000. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton conveyed a copy of this to Alfred, and said it was a sweet + “declaration.” “What,” said Alfred, “is that all I have suffered at these + miscreants' hands? Why, it is written with an icicle.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton explained that this was the outline: “Counsel will lay the + colours on in court as thick as you like.” + </p> + <p> + The defendant replied to the above declaration by three pleas. + </p> + <p> + By statute 8 & 9 Vic., c. 100, s. 105. + </p> + <p> + 1. The Deft. by Joseph Heathfield his attorney says he is not guilty. 2. + And for a further Plea the Deft, says that before and at the time of the + alleged imprisonment Plt, was a person of unsound mind and incompetent to + take care of himself and a proper person to be taken care of and detained + and it was unfit unsafe improper and dangerous that he should be at large + thereupon the Deft, being the uncle of the Plt. and a proper person to + cause the Plt. to be taken charge of under due care and treatment in that + behalf did cause the Plt. to be so taken charge of and detained under due + care and treatment, &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + The third plea was the stinger, but too long to cite <i>verbatim;</i> it + went to this tune, that the plaintiff at and before the time &c. had + conducted himself like a person of unsound mind &c. and two + certificates that he was insane had been given by two persons duly + authorised under the statute to sign such certificates, and the defendant + had believed and did <i>bona fide</i> believe these certificates to be + true, &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + The first of these pleas was a mere formal plea, under the statute. + </p> + <p> + The second raised the very issue at common law the plaintiff wished to + try. + </p> + <p> + The third made John Compton knit his brows with perplexity. “This is a + very nasty plea,” said he to Alfred: “a regular trap. If we join issue on + it we must be defeated; for how can we deny the certificates were in form; + and yet the plaguy thing is not loose enough to be demurred to? Colls, who + drew these pleas for them?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Colvin, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Make a note to employ him in our next stiff pleading.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred was staggered. He had thought to ride rough-shod over defendant—a + common expectation of plaintiffs; but seldom realised. Lawyers fight hard. + The pleas were taken to Garrow; he said there was but one course, to demur + to No. 3. So the plaintiff “joined issue on all the defendant's pleas, and + as to the last plea the plaintiff said the same was bad in substance.” + Defendant rejoined that the same was good in substance, and thus Hardie <i>v.</i> + Hardie divided itself into two cases, a question of law for the judges, + and an issue for the mixed tribunal loosely called a jury. And I need + hardly say that should the defendant win either of them he would gain the + cause. + </p> + <p> + Postponing the history of the legal <i>question,</i> I shall show how + Messrs. Heathfield fought off the <i>issue,</i> and cooled the ardent + Alfred and sickened him of law. + </p> + <p> + In theory every Englishman has a right to be tried by his peers: but in + fact there are five gentlemen in every court, each of whom has by + precedent the power to refuse him a jury, by simply postponing the trial + term after term, until the death of one of the parties, when the action, + if a personal one, dies too; and, by a singular anomaly of judicial + practice, if a slippery Deft. can't persuade A. or B., judges of the + common law court, to connive at what I venture to call + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE POSTPONEMENT SWINDLE, +</pre> + <p> + he can actually go to C., D., and B., one after another, with his rejected + application, and the previous refusal of the other judges to delay and + baffle justice goes for little or nothing; so that the postponing swindler + has five to one in his favour. + </p> + <p> + Messrs. Heathfield began this game unluckily. They applied to a judge in + chambers for a month to plead. Mr. Compton opposed in person, and showed + that this was absurd. The judge allowed them only four days to plead. + Issue being joined, Mr. Compton pushed on for trial, and the cause was set + down for the November term. Towards the end of the term Messrs. Heathfield + applied to one of the puisne judges for a postponement, on the ground that + a principal witness could not attend. Application was supported by the + attorney's affidavit, to the effect that Mr. Speers was in Boulogne, and + had written to him to say that he had met with a railway accident, and + feared he could not possibly come to England in less than a month. A + respectable French doctor confirmed this by certificate. Compton opposed, + but the judge would hardly hear him, and postponed the trial as a matter + of course; this carried it over the sittings into next term. Alfred + groaned, but bore it patiently; not so Dr. Sampson: he raged against + secret tribunals: “See how men deteriorate the moment they get out of the + full light of publeecity. What English judge, sitting in the light of + Shorthand, would admit 'Jack swears that Gill says' for legal evidence. + Speers has sworn to no facks. Heathfield has sworn to no facks but th' + existence of Speer's hearsay. They are a couple o' lyres. I'll bet ye ten + pounds t' a shilling Speers is as well as I'm.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton quietly reminded him there was a direct statement—the + French doctor's certificate. + </p> + <p> + “A medical certificut!” shrieked Sampson, amazed. “Mai—dearr—sirr, + a medical certificut is just an article o' commerce like an attorney's + conscience. Gimme a guinea and I'll get you sworn sick, diseased, + disabled, or dead this minute, whichever you like best.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, doctor, don't fly off: you said you'd bet ten pounds to a shilling + Speers is not an invalid at all. I say done.” + </p> + <p> + “Done.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you find out?” + </p> + <p> + “How? Why set the thief-takers on um, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + He wrote off to the prefect of police at Boulogne, and in four days + received an answer headed “Information in the interest of families.” The + prefect informed him there had been no railway accident: but that the + Sieur Speers, English subject, had really hurt his leg getting out of a + railway carriage six weeks ago, and had kept his room some days; but he + had been cured some weeks, and going about his business, and made an + excursion to Paris. + </p> + <p> + On this Compton offered Sampson the shilling. But he declined to take it. + “The lie was self-evident,” said he; “and here's a judge wouldn't see't, + and an attorney couldn't. Been all their lives sifting evidence, too. Oh + the darkness of the profissional mind!” + </p> + <p> + The next term came. Mr. Compton delivered the briefs and fees, subpoenaed + the witnesses, &c., and Alfred came up with a good heart to get his + stigma removed by twelve honest men in the light of day: but first one + case was taken out of its order and put before him, then another, till + term wore near an end. Then Messrs. Heathfield applied to another judge of + the court for a postponement. Mr. Richard Hardie, plaintiff's father, a + most essential witness, was ill at Clare Court. Medical certificate and + letter herewith. + </p> + <p> + Compton opposed. Now this judge was a keen and honourable lawyer, with a + lofty hatred of all professional tricks. He heard the two attorneys, and + delivered himself to this effect, only of course in better legal phrase: + “I shall make no order. The defendant has been here before on a doubtful + affidavit. You know, Mr. Heathfield, juries in these cases go by the + plaintiff's evidence, and his conduct under cross-examination. And I think + it would not be just nor humane to keep this plaintiff in suspense, and <i>civiliter + mortuum,</i> any longer. You can take out a commission to examine Richard + Hardie.” + </p> + <p> + To this Mr. Compton nailed him, but the commission took time; and while it + was pending, Mr. Heathfield went to another judge with another disabled + witness: Peggy Black. That naive personage was nursing her deceased + sister's children—in an affidavit: and they had scarlatina—surgeon's + certificate to that effect. Compton opposed, and pointed out the blot. + “You don't want the children in the witness-box,” said he: “and we are not + to be robbed of our trial because one of your witnesses prefer nursing + other people's children to facing the witness-box.” + </p> + <p> + The judge nodded assent. “I make no order,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heathfield went out from his presence and sent a message by telegraph + to Peggy Black. “You must have Scar. yourself, and telegraph the same at + once: certificate by post.” + </p> + <p> + The accommodating maiden telegraphed back that she had unfortunately taken + scarlatina of the children: medical certificate to follow by post. Four + judges out of the five were now awake to the move. But Mr. Heathfield + tinkered the hole in his late affidavit with Peggy's telegram, and slipped + down to Westminster to the chief judge of the court, who had had no + opportunity of watching the growth and dissemination of disease among + Deft.'s, witnesses. Compton fought this time by counsel and with a + powerful affidavit. But luck was against him. The judge had risen to go + home: he listened standing; Compton's counsel was feeble; did not feel the + wrong. How could he? Lawyers fatten by delays of justice, as physicians do + by tardy cure. The postponement was granted. + </p> + <p> + Alfred cursed them all, and his own folly in believing that an alleged + lunatic would be allowed fair play at Westminster, or anywhere else. + Compton took snuff, and Sampson appealed to the press again. He wrote a + long letter exposing with fearless irony the postponement swindle as it + had been worked in Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie: and wound up with this fiery + peroration: + </p> + <p> + “This Englishman sues not merely for damages, but to recover lost rights + dearer far than money, of which he says he has been unjustly robbed: his + right to walk in daylight on the soil of his native land without being + seized and tied up for life like a nigger or a dog; his footing in + society; a chance to earn his bread; and a place among mankind: ay, among + mankind; for a lunatic is an animal in the law's eye and society's, and an + alleged lunatic is a lunatic till a jury clears him. + </p> + <p> + “I appeal to you, gentlemen, is not such a suitor sacred in all wise and + good men's minds? Is he not defendant as well as plaintiff? Why, his stake + is enormous compared with the nominal defendant's; and, if I know right + from wrong, to postpone his trial a fourth time would be to insult Divine + justice, and trifle with human misery, and shock the common sense of + nations.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor's pen neither clipped the words nor minced the matter, you see. + Reading this the water came into Alfred's eyes. “Ah, staunch friend,” he + said, “how few are like you! To the intellectual dwarfs who conspire with + my oppressors, Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie is but a family squabble. <i>Parvis + omnia parva.</i>” Mr. Compton read it too; and said from the bottom of his + heart, “Heaven defend us from our friends! This is enough to make the + courts decline to try the case at all.” + </p> + <p> + And, indeed, it did not cure the evil: for next term another <i>malade + affidavitaire</i> was set up. Speers to wit. This gentleman deposed to + having come over on purpose to attend the trial; but having inadvertently + stepped aside as far as Wales, he lay there stricken with a mysterious + malady, and had just strength to forward medical certificate. On this the + judge in spite of remonstrance, adjourned Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie to the + summer term. Summer came, the evil day drew nigh: Mr. Heathfield got the + venue changed from Westminster to London, which was the fifth + postponement. At last the cause came on: the parties and witnesses were + all in court, with two whole days before them to try it in. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson rushed in furious. “There is some deviltry afloat,” said he. + “I was in the House of Commons last night, and there I saw the defendant's + counsel earwigging the judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” said Mr. Compton, “such suspicions are ridiculous. Do you + think they can talk of nothing but Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie?” + </p> + <p> + “Mai—dearr sirr—my son met one of Heathfield's clerks at + dinner, and he let out that the trile was not to come off. Put this and + that together now.” + </p> + <p> + “It will come off,” said Mr. Compton, “and in five minutes at farthest.” + </p> + <p> + In less than that time the learned judge came in, and before taking his + seat made this extraordinary speech: + </p> + <p> + “I hear this cause will take three days to try; and we have only two days + before us. It would be inconvenient to leave it unfinished; and I must + proceed on circuit the day after to-morrow. It must be a remanet: no man + can do more than time allows.” + </p> + <p> + Plaintiff's counsel made a feeble remonstrance; then yielded. And the + crier with sonorous voice called on the case of Bread <i>v.</i> Cheese, in + which there were pounds at stake, but no principle. Oh, with what zest + they all went into it; being small men escaping from a great thing to a + small one. Never hopped frogs into a ditch with more alacrity. Alfred left + the court and hid himself, and the scalding tears forced their way down + his cheeks at this heartless proceeding: to let all the witnesses come + into court at a vast expense to the parties: and raise the cup of justice + to the lips of the oppressed, and then pretend he knew a trial would last + more than two days, and so shirk it. “I'd have made that a reason for + sitting till midnight” said poor Alfred, “not for prolonging a poor + injured man's agony four mortal months.” He then prayed God earnestly for + this great postponer's death as the only event that could give him back an + Englishman's right of being tried by his peers, and so went down to Oxford + broken-hearted. + </p> + <p> + As for Sampson he was most indignant, and said a public man had no + business with a private ear: and wanted to appeal to the press again: but + the doughty doctor had a gentle but powerful ruler at home, as fiery + houses are best ruled by a gentle hand. Mrs. Sampson requested him to + write no more, but look round for an M. P. to draw these repeated defeats + of justice to the notice of the House. Now there was a Mr. Bite, who had + taken a prominent and honourable part in lunacy questions; headed + committees and so on: this seemed the man. Dr. Sampson sent him a letter + saying there was a flagrant case of a sane man falsely imprisoned, who had + now been near a year applying for a jury, and juggled out of this + constitutional right by arbitrary and unreasonable postponements: would + Mr. Bite give him (Dr. Sampson) ten minutes and no more, when he would + explain the case and leave documentary evidence behind him for Mr. Bite to + test his statement. The philanthropical M. P. replied promptly in these + exact words: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bite presents his compliments to Dr. Sampson to state that it is + impossible for him to go into his case, nor to give him the time he + requests to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Sampson was a little indignant at the man's insolence; but far more at + having been duped by his public assumption of philanthropy. “The little + pragmatical impostor!” he roared. “With what a sense o' relief th' animal + flings off the mask of humanity when there is no easy eclat to be gained + by putting't on.” He sent the philanthropical Bite's revelation of his + private self to Alfred, who returned it with this single remark: <i>“Homunculi + quanti sunt!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Dishonest suitors all try to postpone; but they do not gain unmixed good + thereby. These delays give time for more evidence to come in; and this + slow coming and chance evidence is singularly adverse to the unjust + suitor. Of this came a notable example in October next, and made Richard + Hardie determined to precipitate the trial, and even regret he had not + fought it out long ago. + </p> + <p> + He had just returned from consulting Messrs. Heathfield, and sat down to a + nice little dinner in his apartments (Sackville Street), when a visitor + was announced; and in came the slouching little figure of Mr. Barkington, + <i>alias</i> Noah Skinner. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Hardie suppressed a start, and said nothing. Skinner bowed low with a + mixture of his old cringing way, and a certain sly triumphant leer, so + that his body seemed to say one thing, and his face the opposite. Mr. + Hardie eyed him, and saw that his coat was rusty, and his hat napless: + then Mr. Hardie smelt a beggar, and prepared to parry all attempts upon + his purse. + </p> + <p> + “I hope I see my old master well,” said Skinner coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty well in body, Skinner; thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “I had a deal of trouble to find you, sir. But I heard of the great + lawsuit between Mr. Alfred and you, and I knew Mr. Heathfield was your + solicitor; so I watched at his place day after day: and at last you came. + Oh, I was so pleased when I saw your noble figure; but I wouldn't speak to + you in the street for fear of disgracing you. I'm such a poor little guy + to be addressing a gentleman like you.” + </p> + <p> + Now this sounded well on the surface, but below there was a subtle + something Mr. Hardie did not like at all: but he took the cue, and said, + “My poor Skinner, do you think I would turn up my nose at a faithful old + servant like you? Have a glass of wine with me, and tell me how you have + been getting on.” He went behind a screen and opened a door, and soon + returned with a decanter, leaving the door open. Now in the next room sat, + unbeknown to Skinner, a young woman with white eyelashes, sewing buttons + on Mr. Hardie's shirts. That astute gentleman gave her instructions, and + important ones too, with a silent gesture; then reappeared and filled the + bumper high to his faithful servant. They drank one another's healths with + great cordiality, real or apparent. Mr. Hardie then asked Skinner + carelessly, if he could do anything for him. Skinner said, “Well, sir, I + am very poor.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I, between you and me,” said Mr. Hardie confidentially; “I don't + mind telling you; those confounded Commissioners of Lunacy wrote to + Alfred's trustees, and I have been forced to replace a loan of five + thousand pounds. That Board always sides with the insane. That crippled + me, and drove me to the Exchange: and now what I had left is all invested + in time-bargains. A month settles my fate: a little fortune, or absolute + beggary.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll be lucky, sir, you'll be lucky,” said Skinner cheerfully; “you + have such a long head; not like poor little me; the Exchange soon burnt my + wings. Not a shilling left of the thousand pounds, sir, you were so good + as to give me for my faithful services. But you will give me another + chance, sir, I know; I'll take better care this time.” Mr. Hardie shook + his head sorrowfully, and said it was impossible. Skinner eyed him askant, + and remarked quietly, and half aside, “Of course, I <i>could</i> go to the + other party: but I shouldn't like to do that. They would come down + handsome.” + </p> + <p> + “What other party?” + </p> + <p> + “La, sir, what other party? Why Mrs. Dodd's, or Mr. Alfred's; here's the + trial coming on, you know, and of course if they could get me to go on the + box and tell all I know, or half what I know, why the judge and jury would + say locking Mr. Alfred up for mad was a conspiracy.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie quaked internally: but he hid it grandly, and once more was a + Spartan gnawed beneath his robe by this little fox. “What,” said he + sternly, “after all I and mine have done for you and yours, would you be + so base as to go and sell yourself to my enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, sir,” shouted Skinner zealously: then in a whisper, “Not if you'll + make a bid for me.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you demand?” + </p> + <p> + “Only another thousand, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand pounds!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what is that to you, sir? you are rich enough to buy the eighth + commandment out of the tables of ten per cent.: and then the lawsuit, + Hardies <i>versus</i> Hardies!” + </p> + <p> + “You have spoken plainly at last,” said Mr. Hardie grimly. “This is + extorting money by threats. Do you know that nothing is more criminal, nor + more easy to punish? I can take you before a magistrate, and imprison you + on the instant for this attempt. I will, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Try it,” said Skinner coolly. “Where's your witness?” + </p> + <p> + “Behind that screen.” + </p> + <p> + Peggy came forward directly with a pen in her hand. Skinner was manifestly + startled and disconcerted. “I have taken all your words down, Mr. + Skinner,” said Peggy softly; then to her master, “Shall I go for a + policeman, sir?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardie reflected. “Yes,” said he sternly: “there's no other course + with such a lump of treachery and ingratitude as this.” + </p> + <p> + Peggy whipped on her bonnet. + </p> + <p> + “What a hurry you are in,” whined Skinner: “a policeman ought to be the + last argument for old friends to run to.” Then, fawning spitefully, “Don't + talk of indicting me, sir,” said he; “it makes me shiver: why how will you + look when I up and tell them all how Captain Dodd was took with apoplexy + in our office, and how you nailed fourteen thousand pounds off his + senseless body, and forgot to put them down in your balance-sheet, so they + are not whitewashed off like the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Any witnesses to all this, Skinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + “Well; your own conscience <i>for one,</i>” said Skinner. + </p> + <p> + “He is mad, Peggy,” said Mr. Hardie, shrugging his shoulders. He then + looked Skinner full in the face, and said, “Nobody was ever seized with + apoplexy in my office. Nobody ever gave me L. 14,000. And if this is the + probable tale with which you come here to break the law and extort money, + leave my house this instant: and if ever you dare to utter this absurd and + malicious slander, you shall lie within four stone walls, and learn what + it is for a shabby vagabond to come without a witness to his back, and + libel a man of property and honour.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner let him run on in this loud triumphant strain till he had quite + done; then put out a brown skinny finger, and poked him lightly in the + ribs, and said quite quietly, and oh, so drily, with a knowing wink— + </p> + <p> + “I've—got—The Receipt.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI + </h2> + <p> + MR. HARDIE collapsed as if he had been a man inflated, and that touch had + punctured him. “Ah!” said he. “Ah!” said Skinner, in a mighty different + tone: insolent triumph to wit. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, Mr. Hardie made an effort and said contemptuously, “The + receipt (if any) was flung into the dusthole and carried away. Do you + think I have forgotten that?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you believe it, sir,” was the reply. “While you turned your back + and sacked the money, I said to myself, 'Oho, is that the game?' and + nailed the receipt. What a couple of scoundrels we were! I wouldn't have + her know it for all your money. Come, sir, I see its all right; you will + shell out sooner than be posted.” + </p> + <p> + Here Peggy interposed; “Mr. Skinner, be more considerate; my master is + really poor just now.” + </p> + <p> + “That is no reason why I should be insulted and indicted and trampled + under foot,” snarled Skinner all in one breath. + </p> + <p> + “Show me the receipt and take my last shilling, you ungrateful, vindictive + viper,” groaned Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “Stuff and nonsense,” said Skinner. “I'm not a viper; I'm a man of + business. Find me five hundred pounds; and I'll show you the receipt and + keep dark. But I can't afford to give it you for that, of course.” + </p> + <p> + Skinner triumphed, and made the great man apologise, writhing all the + time, and wishing he was a day labourer with Peggy to wife, and fourteen + honest shillings a week for his income. Having eaten humble pie, he agreed + to meet Skinner next Wednesday at midnight, alone, under a certain lamp on + the North Kensington Road: the interval (four days) he required to raise + money upon his scrip. Skinner bowed himself out, fawning triumphantly. Mr. + Hardie stood in the middle of the room motionless, scowling darkly. Peggy + looked at him, and saw some dark and sinister resolve forming in his mind: + she divined it, as such women can divine. She laid her hand on his arm, + and said softly, “Richard, it's not worth <i>that.</i>” He started to find + his soul read through his body so clearly. He trembled. + </p> + <p> + But it was only for a moment. “His blood be on his own head,” he snarled. + “This is not my seeking. He shall learn what it is to drive Richard Hardie + to despair.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” implored Peggy; “there are other countries beside this: why not + gather all you have, and cross the water? I'll follow you to the world's + end, Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “Mind your own business,” said he fiercely. + </p> + <p> + She made no reply, but went softly and sat down again, and sewed the + buttons on his shirts. Mr. Hardie wrote to Messrs. Heathfield to get + Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie tried as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + Meantime came a mental phenomenon: gliding down Sackville Street, + victorious Skinner suddenly stopped, and clenched his hands; and his face + writhed as if he had received a death-wound. In that instant Remorse had + struck him like lightning; and, perhaps, whence comes the lightning. The + sweet face and voice that had smiled on him, and cared for his body, and + cared for his soul, came to his mind, and knocked at his heart and + conscience. He went home miserable with an inward conflict; and it lasted + him all the four days; sometimes Remorse got the better, sometimes + Avarice. He came to the interview still undecided what he should do. But, + meantime, he had gone to a lawyer and made his will, leaving his little + all to Julia Dodd: a bad sign this; looked like compounding with his + awakened conscience. + </p> + <p> + It was a dark and gusty night. Very few people were about. Skinner waited + a little while, and shivered, for his avarice had postponed the purchase + of a greatcoat until Christmas Day. At last, when the coast seemed clear, + Mr. Hardie emerged from a side street. Skinner put his hand to his bosom. + </p> + <p> + They met. Mr. Hardie said quietly, “I must ask you, just for form, to show + me you have the Receipt.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, sir; but not so near, please: no snatching, if I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wonderfully suspicious,” said Mr. Hardie, trying to smile. + </p> + <p> + Skinner looked, and saw by the lamplight he was deadly pale. “Keep your + distance a moment, sir,” said he, and, on Mr. Hardie's complying, took the + Receipt out, and held it under the lamp. + </p> + <p> + Instantly Mr. Hardie drew a life-preserver, and sprang on him with a + savage curse—and uttered a shriek of dismay, for he was met by the + long shiny barrel of a horse-pistol, that Skinner drew from his bosom, and + levelled full in the haggard face that came at him. Mr. Hardie recoiled, + crying, “No! no! for Heaven's sake!” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried Skinner, stepping forward and hissing, “do you think I'm + such a fool as to meet a thief unarmed? Come, cash up, or I'll blow you to + atoms.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no!” said Mr. Hardie piteously, retreating as Skinner marched on + him with long extended pistol. “Skinner,” he stammered, “th-this is n-not + b-b-business.” + </p> + <p> + “Cash up, then; that's business. Fling the five hundred pounds down, and + walk away. Mind it is loaded with two bullets; I'll make a double entry on + your great treacherous carcass.” + </p> + <p> + “It's no use trying to deceive such a man as you,” said Mr. Hardie, + playing on his vanity. “I could not get the money before Saturday, and so + I listened to the dictates of despair. Forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come again Saturday night. Come alone, and I shall bring a man to + see I'm not murdered. And look here, sir, if you don't come to the hour + and do the right thing without any more of these unbusiness-like tricks, + by Heaven, I'll smash you before noon on Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll come.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll blow you to Mr. Alfred and Miss Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll come, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll post you for a thief on every brick in the Exchange.” + </p> + <p> + “Have mercy, Skinner. Have pity on the wretched man whose bread you have + eaten. I tell you I'll come.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mind you do, then, cash and all,” said Skinner sulkily, but not + quite proof against the reminiscences those humble words awakened. + </p> + <p> + Each walked backwards a good dozen steps, and then they took different + roads, Skinner taking good care not to be tracked home. He went up the + high stairs to the hole in the roof he occupied, and lighted a rushlight. + He had half a mind to kindle a fire, he felt so chilly; but he had blocked + up the vent, partly to keep out the cold, partly to shun the temptation of + burning fuel. However, he stopped the keyhole with paper, and also the + sides of the window, till he had shut the wintry air all out. Still, what + with the cold and what with the reaction after so great an excitement, his + feeble body began to shiver desperately. He thought at last he would light + a foot-warmer he had just purchased for old iron at a broker's; <i>that</i> + would only spend a halfpenneyworth of charcoal. No, he wouldn't; he would + look at his money; that would cheer him. He unripped a certain part of his + straw mattress and took out a bag of gold. He spread three hundred + sovereigns on the floor and put the candle down among them. They sparkled; + they were all new ones, and he rubbed them with an old toothbrush and + whiting every week. “That's better than any fire,” he said, “they warm the + heart. For one thing, they are my own: at all events, I did not steal + them, nor take them of a thief for a bribe to keep dark and defraud honest + folk.” Then remorse gripped him: he asked himself what he was going to do. + “To rob an angel,” was the answer. “The fourteen thousand pounds is all + hers, and I could give it her in a moment. Curse him, he would have killed + me for it.” + </p> + <p> + Then he pottered about and took out his will. “Ah,” said he, “that is all + right so far. But what is a paltry three hundred when I help do her out of + fourteen thousand? Villain!” Then, to ease his conscience, he took a slip + of paper and wrote on it a short account of the Receipt, and how he came + by it, and lo: as if an unseen power had guided his hand, he added, “Miss + Dodd lives at 66, Pembroke Street, and I am going to take it to her as + soon as I am well of my cold.” Whether this preceded an unconscious + resolve which had worked on him secretly for some time, or whether it + awakened such a resolve, I hardly know: but certain it is, that having + written it, he now thought seriously of doing it; and, the more seriously + he entertained the thought, the more good it seemed to do him. He got “The + Sinner's Friend” and another good book she had lent him, and read a bit: + then, finding his feet frozen, he lighted his chafer and blew it well, and + put it under his feet and read. The good words began to reach his heart + more and more: so did the thought of Julia's goodness. The chafer warmed + his feet and legs. “Ay,” said he, “men don't want fires; warm the feet and + the body warms itself.” He took out “The Receipt” and held it in his hand, + and eyed it greedily, and asked himself could he really part with it. He + thought he could—to Julia. Still holding it tight in his left hand, + he read on the good but solemn words that seemed to loosen his grasp upon + that ill-gotten paper. “How good it was of her,” he thought, “to come day + after day and feed a poor little fellow like him, body and soul. She asked + nothing back. She didn't know he could make her any return. Bless her! + bless her!” he screamed. “Oh, how cruel I have been to her, and she so + kind to me. She would never let me want, if I took her fourteen thousand + pounds. Like enough give me a thousand, and help me save my poor soul, + that I shall damn if I meet him again. I won't go his way again. Lead us + not into temptation. I repent. Lord have mercy on me a miserable sinner.” + And tears bedewed those wizened cheeks, tears of penitence, sincere, at + least for the time. + </p> + <p> + A sleepy languor now came over him, and the good book fell from his hand; + but his resolution remained unshaken. By-and-by waking up from a sort of + heavy dose, he took, as it were, a last look at the receipt, and murmured, + “My head, how heavy it feels.” But presently he roused himself, full of + his penitent resolution, and murmured again brokenly, “I'll—-take it + to—-Pembroke Street to—-morrow: to—-mor—-row.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII + </h2> + <p> + MR. HARDIE raised the money on his scrip, and at great inconvenience, for + he was holding on five hundred thousand pounds' worth of old Turkish Bonds + over an unfavourable settling day, and wanted every shilling to pay his + broker. If they did not rise by next settling day, he was a beggar. + However, being now a desperate gamester, and throwing for his last stake, + he borrowed this sum, and took it within a heavy heart to his appointment + with Skinner. Skinner never came. Mr. Hardie waited till one o'clock. Two + o'clock. No Skinner. Mr. Hardie went home hugging his five hundred pounds, + but very uneasy. Next day he consulted Peggy. She shook her head, and said + it looked very ugly. Skinner had most likely got angrier and angrier with + thinking on the assault. “You will never see him again till the day of the + trial: and then he will go down and bear false witness against you. Why + not leave the country?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I, simpleton? My money is all locked up in the bargains. No, I'm + tied, tied to the stake; I'll fight to the last: and, if I'm defeated and + disgraced, I'll die, and end it.” + </p> + <p> + Peggy implored him not to talk so. “I've been down to the court,” said she + softly, “to see what it is like. There's a great hall; and he must pass + through that to get into the little places where they try 'em. Let me be + in that hall with the five hundred pounds, and I promise you he shall + never appear against you. We will both go; you with the money, I with my + woman's tongue.” + </p> + <p> + He gave her his hand like a shaky monarch, and said she had more wit than + he had. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Heathfield, who had contrived to postpone Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie six + times in spite of Compton, could not hurry it on now with his + co-operation. It hung fire from some cause or another a good fortnight: + and in this fortnight Hardie senior endured the tortures of suspense. + Skinner made no sign. At last, there stood upon the paper for next day, a + short case of disputed contract, and Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie. + </p> + <p> + Now, this day, I must premise, was to settle the whole lawsuit: for while + trial of the issue was being postponed and postponed, the legal question + had been argued and disposed of. The very Queen's counsel, unfavourable to + the suit, was briefed with Garrow's views, and delivered them in court + with more skill, clearness, and effect than Garrow ever could; then sat + down, and whispered over rather contemptuously to Mr. Compton, “That is + your argument, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “And admirably put,” whispered the attorney, in reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well; now hear Saunders knock it to pieces.” + </p> + <p> + Instead of that, it was Serjeant Saunders that got maltreated: first one + judge had a peck at him: then another: till they left him scarce a feather + to fly with; and, when Alfred's counsel rose to reply, the judges stopped + him, and the chief of the court, Alfred's postponing enemy, delivered his + judgment after this fashion: + </p> + <p> + “We are all of opinion that this plea is bad in law. By the common law of + England no person can be imprisoned as a lunatic unless actually insane at + the time. It has been held so for centuries, and down to the last case. + And wisely: for it would be most dangerous to the liberty of the subject, + if a man could be imprisoned without remedy unless he could prove <i>mala + fides</i> in the breast of the party incarcerating him. As for the + statute, it does not mend the matter, but rather the reverse; for it + expressly protects duly authorised persons acting under the order and + certificates, and this must be construed to except from the protection of + the statute the person making the order.” + </p> + <p> + The three puisne judges concurred and gave similar reasons. One of them + said that if A. imprisoned B. for a <i>felon,</i> and B. sued him, it was + no defence to say that B., in his opinion, had imitated felony. They cited + Elliot <i>v.</i> Allen, Anderdon <i>v.</i> Burrows, and Lord Mansfield's + judgment in a very old case, the name of which I have unfortunately + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Judgment was entered for the plaintiff; and the defendant's ingenious plea + struck off the record; and Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie became the leading + case. But in law one party often wins the skirmish and the other the + battle. The grand fight, as I have already said, was to be to-day. + </p> + <p> + But the high hopes and ardour with which the young lovers had once come + into court were now worn out by the postponement swindle, and the adverse + events delay had brought on them. Alfred was not there: he was being + examined in the schools; and had plumply refused to leave a tribunal that + named its day and kept it—for Westminster, until his counsel should + have actually opened the case. He did not believe trial by jury would ever + be allowed him. Julia was there, but sad and comparatively listless. One + of those strange vague reports, which often herald more circumstantial + accounts, had come home, whispering darkly that her father was dead, and + buried on an island in the South Sea. She had kept this report from her + mother, contrary to Edward's wish: but she implored him to restrain his + fatal openness. In one thing both these sorely tried young people agreed, + that there could be no marriage with Alfred now. But here again Julia + entreated her brother not to be candid; not to tell Alfred this at + present. “Oh do not go and dispirit him just now,” she said, “or he will + do something rash. No, he must and shall get his first-class, and win his + trial; and then you know any lady will be too proud to marry him, and, + when he is married and happy, you can tell him I did all I could for him, + and hunted up the witnesses, and was his loving friend, though I could not—be—his—wife.” + </p> + <p> + She could not say this without crying; but she said it for all that, and + meant it too. + </p> + <p> + Besides helping Mr. Compton to get up the evidence, this true and earnest + friend and lover had attended the court day after day, to watch how things + were done, and, womanlike, to see what <i>pleased</i> and what <i>displeased</i> + the court. + </p> + <p> + The witnesses subpoenaed on either side in Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie began + to arrive at ten o'clock, and a tall stately man paraded Westminster Hall, + to see if Skinner came with them. All other anxieties had merged in this: + for the counsel had assured him if nothing unexpected turned up, Thomas + Hardie would have a verdict, or if not, the damages would be nominal. + </p> + <p> + At last the court crier cried, with a loud voice, “Hardie <i>v.</i> + Hardie.” Julia's eyes roved very anxiously for Alfred, and up rose Mr. + Garrow, and stated to the court the substance of the declaration: “To + this,” he said, “three pleas have been pleaded: first, the plea of not + guilty, which is a formal plea; also another plea, which has been demurred + to, and struck off the record; and, lastly, that at the time of the + alleged imprisonment the plaintiff was of unsound mind, and a fit person + to be confined; which is the issue now to be tried.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Garrow then sat down, very tired of this preliminary work, and + wondering when he should have the luck to conduct such a case as Hardie <i>v.</i> + Hardie; and leaned forward to be ready to prompt his senior, a portly + counsel, whom Mr. Compton had retained because he was great at addressing + juries, and no point of law could now arise in the Case. + </p> + <p> + Colt, Q. C., rose like a tower, knowing very little of the facts, and + seeming to know everything. He had a prodigious business, and was rather + indolent, and often skimmed his brief at home, and then mastered it in + court—if he got time. Now, it is a good general's policy to open a + plaintiffs case warily, and reserve your rhetoric for the reply; and Mr. + Colt always took this line when his manifold engagements compelled him, as + in Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie, to teach his case first and learn it + afterwards. I will only add, that in the course of his opening he was on + the edge of seven distinct blunders; but Garrow watched him and always + shot a whisper like a bullet just in time. Colt took it, and glided away + from incipient error imperceptibly, and with a tact you can have no + conception of. The jury did not detect the creaking of this machinery; + Serjeant Saunders did, and grinned satirically; so did poor Julia, and her + cheeks burned and her eyes flashed indignant fire. And horror of horrors, + Alfred did not appear. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Colt's opening may be thus condensed: The plaintiff was a young + gentleman of great promise and distinction, on whom, as usual in these + cases of false imprisonment, money was settled. He was a distinguished + student at Eton and Oxford, and no doubt was ever expressed of his sanity + till he proposed to marry, and take his money out of his trustees hands by + a marriage settlement. On this his father, who up to that time had managed + his funds as principal trustee, showed him great personal hostility for + some time, and looked out for a tool: that tool he soon found in his + brother, the defendant, a person who, it would be proved, had actually not + seen the plaintiff for a year and a half, yet, with great recklessness and + inhumanity, had signed away his liberty and his happiness behind his back. + Then tools of another kind—the kind that anybody can buy, a couple + of doctors—were, as usual, easily found to sign the certificates. + One of these doctors had never seen him but for five minutes, and signed + in manifest collusion with the other. They decoyed this poor young + gentleman away on his wedding morning—on his wedding morning, + gentlemen, mark that—and consigned him to the worst of all dungeons. + What he suffered there he must himself relate to you; for we, who have the + happiness to walk abroad in the air of reason and liberty, are little able + to realise the agony of mind endured by a sane man confined among the + insane. What we undertake is to prove his sanity up to the very hour of + his incarceration; and also that he was quite sane at the time when a + brutal attempt to recapture him by violence was made under the defendant's + order, and defeated by his own remarkable intelligence and courage. Along + with the facts the true reason why he was imprisoned will probably come + out. But I am not bound to prove sinister motives. It is for the defendant + to prove, if he can, that he had lawful motives for a lawless act; and + that he exercised due precaution, and did not lend himself recklessly to + the dark designs of others. If he succeed in this, that may go in + mitigation of damages, though it cannot affect the verdict. <i>Our</i> + principal object is the verdict, which will remove the foul aspersion cast + on my injured client, and restore him to society. And to this verdict we + are entitled, unless the other side can prove the plaintiff was insane. + Call Alfred Hardie. + </p> + <p> + And with this he sat down. + </p> + <p> + An official called Alfred Hardie very loud; he made no reply. Julia rose + from her seat with dismay painted on her countenance. Compton's, Garrow's, + and Colt's heads clashed together. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Colt jumped up again, and said, “My Lud, I was not aware the gentleman + they accuse of insanity is just being examined for high honours in the + University of Oxford.” Aside to Compton, “And if he doesn't come you may + give them the verdict.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the judge, “of course he will be here before you close your + case.” + </p> + <p> + On this the three heads clashed again, and Serjeant Saunders, for the + defendant, popped up and said with great politeness, and affectation of + sympathy, “My Lud, I can quite understand my learned friend's hesitation + to produce his, principal witness.” + </p> + <p> + “You understand nothing about the matter,” said Colt cavalierly. “Call Mr. + Harrington.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrington was Alfred's tutor at Eton, and deposed to his sanity + there; he was not cross-examined. After him they went on step by step with + a fresh witness for every six months, till they brought him close to the + date of his incarceration; then they put in one of Julia's witnesses, + Peterson, who swore Alfred had talked to him like a sane person that very + morning; and repeated what had passed. Cross-examination only elicited + that he and Alfred were no longer good friends, which rather strengthened + the evidence. Then Giles and Hannah, now man and wife, were called, and + swore he was sane all the time he was at Silverton House. Mr. Saunders + diminished the effect by eliciting that they had left on bad terms with + Mr. Baker, and that Alfred had given them money since. But this was half + cured on re-examination, by being set down to gratitude on Alfred's part. + And now the judge went to luncheon; and in came a telegraphic message to + say Alfred was in the fast train coming up. This was good news and bad. + They had hoped he would drop in before. They were approaching that period + of the case, when not to call the plaintiff must produce a vile + impression. The judge—out of good nature, I suspect—was longer + at luncheon than usual, and every minute was so much gained to Mr. Compton + and Julia, who were in a miserable state of anxiety. Yet it was equalled + by Richard Hardie's, who never entered the court but paced the hall the + livelong day to intercept Noah Skinner. And, when I tell you that Julia + had consulted Mr. Green, and that he had instantly pronounced Mr. + Barkington to be a man from Barkington who knew the truth about the + fourteen thousand pounds, and that the said Green and his myrmidons were + hunting Mr. Barkington like beagles, you will see that R. Hardie's was no + vain terror. At last the judge returned, and Mr. Colt was obliged to put + in his reserves; so called Dr. Sampson. Instantly a very dull trial became + an amusing one; the scorn with which he treated the opinion of Dr. + Wycherley and Mr. Speers, and medical certificates in general, was so + droll coming from a doctor, and so racily expressed, that the court was + convulsed. Also in cross-examination by Saunders he sparred away in such + gallant style with that accomplished advocate that it was mighty + refreshing. The judge put in a few intelligent questions after counsel had + done, and surprised all the doctors in court with these words: “I am + aware, sir, that you were the main instrument in putting down bloodletting + in this country.” + </p> + <p> + What made Sampson's evidence particularly strong was that he had seen the + plaintiff the evening before his imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + At this moment three men, all of them known to the reader, entered the + court; one was our old acquaintance Fullalove, another was of course + Vespasian; and the third was the missing plaintiff. + </p> + <p> + A buzz announced his arrival; and expectation rose high. Mr. Colt called + him with admirably feigned nonchalance; he stepped into the box, and there + was a murmur of surprise and admiration at his bright countenance and + manly bearing. + </p> + <p> + Of course to give his evidence would be to write “Hard Cash” over again. + It is enough to say that his examination in chief lasted all that day, and + an hour of the next. + </p> + <p> + Colt took him into the asylum, and made him say what he had suffered there + to swell the damages. The main points his examination in chief established + were his sanity during his whole life, the money settled on him, the means + the doctors took to irritate him, and then sign him excited, the + subserviency of his uncle to his father, the double motive his father had + in getting him imprisoned; the business of the L. 14,000. + </p> + <p> + When Colt sat down at eleven o'clock on the second day, the jury looked + indignant, and the judge looked very grave, and the case very black. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Saunders electrified his attorney by saying, “My advice is, don't + cross-examine him.” + </p> + <p> + Heathfield implored him not to take so strange a course. + </p> + <p> + On this Saunders shrugged his shoulders, rose, and cross-examined Alfred + about the vision of one Captain Dodd he had seen, and about his suspicions + of his father. “Had not Richard Hardie always been a kind and liberal + father?” To this he assented. “Had he not sacrificed a large fortune to + his creditors?” Plaintiff believed so. “On reflection, then, did not + plaintiff think he must have been under an illusion?” No; he had gone by + direct evidence. + </p> + <p> + Confining himself sagaciously to this one question, and exerting all his + skill and pertinacity, Saunders succeeded in convincing the court that the + Hard Cash was a myth: a pure chimera. The defendant's case looked up; for + there are many intelligent madmen with a single illusion. + </p> + <p> + The re-examination was of course very short, but telling; for Alfred swore + that Miss Julia Dodd had helped him to carry home the phantom of her + father, and that Miss Dodd had a letter from her father to say that he was + about to sail with the other phantom, the L. 14,000. + </p> + <p> + Here Mr. Saunders interposed, and said that evidence was inadmissible. Let + him call Miss Dodd. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—How do you know I'm not going to call her? + </p> + <p> + <i>The Judge.</i>—If you are, it is superfluous; if not, it is + inadmissible. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton cast an inquiring glance up at a certain gallery. A beautiful + girl bowed her head in reply, with a warm blush and such a flash of her + eye, and Mr. Colt said, “As my learned friend was afraid to cross-examine + the plaintiff on any point but this, and as I mean to respond to his + challenge, and call Miss Dodd, I will not trouble the plaintiff any + further.” + </p> + <p> + Through the whole ordeal Alfred showed a certain flavour of Eton and + Oxford that won all hearts. His replies were frank and honest, and under + cross-examination he was no more to be irritated than if Saunders had been + Harrow bowling at him, or the Robin sparring with him. The serjeant, who + was a gentleman, indicated some little regret at the possible annoyance he + was causing him. Alfred replied with a grand air of good fellowship, “Do + not think so poorly of me as to suppose I feel aggrieved because you are + an able advocate and do your duty to your client, sir.” + </p> + <p> + <i>The Judge.</i>—That is very handsomely said. I am afraid you have + got an awkward customer, in a case of this kind, Brother Saunders. + </p> + <p> + <i>Serjt. S.</i>—It is not for want of brains he is mad, my lord. + </p> + <p> + <i>Alfred.</i>—That is a comfort, any way. (Laughter.) + </p> + <p> + When counsel had done with him, the judge used his right, and put several + shrewd and unusual questions to him: asked him to define insanity. He said + he could only do it by examples: and he abridged several intelligent + madmen, their words and ways; and contrasted them with the five or six + sane people he had fallen in with in asylums; showing his lordship plainly + that <i>he</i> could tell any insane person whatever from a sane one, and + <i>vice versa.</i> This was the most remarkable part of the trial, to see + this shrewd old judge extracting from a real observer and logical thinker + those positive indicia of sanity and insanity, which exist, but which no + lawyer has ever yet been able to extract from any psychological physician + in the witness-box. At last, he was relieved, and sat sucking an orange + among the spectators; for they had parched his throat amongst them, I + promise you. + </p> + <p> + Julia Dodd entered the box, and a sunbeam seemed to fill the court. She + knew what to do: her left hand was gloved, but her white right hand bare. + She kissed the book, and gave her evidence in her clear, mellow, melting + voice; gave it reverently and modestly, for to her the court was a church. + She said how long she had been acquainted with Alfred, and how his father + was adverse, and her mother had thought it was because they did not pass + for rich, and had told her they were rich, and with this she produced + David's letter, and she also swore to having met Alfred and others + carrying her father in a swoon from his father's very door. She deposed to + Alfred's sanity on her wedding eve, and on the day his recapture was + attempted. + </p> + <p> + Saunders, against his own judgment, was instructed to cross-examine her; + and, without meaning it, he put a question which gave her deep distress. + “Are you now engaged to the plaintiff?” She looked timidly round, and saw + Alfred, and hesitated. The serjeant pressed her politely, but firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Must I reply to that?” she said piteously. + </p> + <p> + “If you please.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, no. Another misfortune has now separated him and me for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “My father is said to have died at sea: and my mother thinks <i>he</i> is + to blame.” + </p> + <p> + <i>The judge to Saunders.</i>—What on earth has this to do with + Hardie against Hardie? + </p> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—You are warmly interested in the plaintiff's + success? + </p> + <p> + <i>Julia.</i>—Oh yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt</i> (aside to Garrow).—The fool is putting his foot into it: + there's not a jury in England that would give a verdict to part two + interesting young lovers. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—You are attached to him? + </p> + <p> + <i>Julia.</i>—Ah, that I do. + </p> + <p> + This burst, intended for poor Alfred, not the court, baffled + cross-examination and grammar and everything else. Saunders was wise and + generous, and said no more. + </p> + <p> + Colt cast a glance of triumph, and declined to re-examine. He always let + well alone. The judge, however, evinced a desire to trace the fourteen + thousand pounds from Calcutta; but Julia could not help him: that + mysterious sum had been announced by letter as about to sail, and then no + more was heard about it till Alfred accused his father of having it. All + endeavours to fill this hiatus failed. However, Julia, observing that in + courts material objects affect the mind most, had provided herself with + all the <i>pieces de conviction</i> she could find, and she produced her + father's empty pocket-book, and said, when he was brought home senseless, + this was in his breast-pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Hand it up to me,” said the judge. He examined it, and said it had been + in the water. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Dodd was wrecked off the French coast,” suggested Mr. Saunders. + </p> + <p> + “My learned friend had better go into the witness-box, if he means to give + evidence,” said Mr. Colt. + </p> + <p> + “You are very much afraid of a very little truth,” retorted Saunders. + </p> + <p> + The judge stopped this sham rencontre, by asking the witness whether her + father had been wrecked. She said “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is how the money was lost,” persisted Saunders. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly,” said the judge. + </p> + <p> + “I'm darned if it was,” said Joshua Fullalove composedly. + </p> + <p> + Instantly, all heads were turned in amazement at this audacious + interruption to the soporific decorum of an English court. The + transatlantic citizen received this battery of eyes with complete + imperturbability. + </p> + <p> + “Si-lence!” roared the crier, awaking from a nap, with an instinct that + something unusual had happened. But the shrewd old judge had caught the + sincerity with which the words were uttered, and put on his spectacles to + examine the speaker. + </p> + <p> + “Are you for the plaintiff or the defendant?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know either of 'em from Adam, my lord. But I know Captain Dodd's + pocket-book by the bullet-hole.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! You had better call this witness, Mr. Colt.” + </p> + <p> + “Your lordship must excuse me; I am quite content with my evidence,” said + the wary advocate. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, I shall call him as <i>amicus curiae;</i> and the defendant's + counsel can cross-examine him.” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove went into the box, was sworn, identified the pocket-book, and + swore he had seen fourteen thousand pounds in it on two occasions. With + very little prompting, he told the sea-fight, and the Indian darkie's + attempt to steal the money, and pointed out Vespasian as the rival darkie + who had baffled the attempt. Then he told the shipwreck to an audience now + breathless—and imagine the astonished interest with which Julia and + Edward listened to this stranger telling them the new strange story of + their own father!—and lastly, the attempt of the two French wreckers + and assassins, and how it had been baffled. And so the mythical cash was + tracked to Boulogne. + </p> + <p> + The judge then put this question, “Did Captain Dodd tell you what he + intended to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + <i>Fullalove</i> (reverently).—I think, my lord, he said he was + going to give it to his wife. (Sharply.) Well, what is it, old hoss? What + are you making mugs at me for? Don't you know it's clean against law to + telegraph a citizen in the witness-box? + </p> + <p> + <i>The Judge.</i>—This won't do; this won't do. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Crier.</i>—Silence in the court. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hyar now what his lordship says?” said Fullalove, with ready tact. + “If you know anything more, come up hyar and swear it like an enlightened + citizen; do you think I am going to swear for tew?” With this Vespasian + and Fullalove proceeded to change places amidst roars of laughter at the + cool off-hand way this pair arranged forensicalities; but Serjeant + Saunders requested Fullalove to stay where he was. “Pray sir,” said he + slowly, “who retained you for a witness in this cause?” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove looked puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Of course somebody asked you to drop in here so very accidentally: come + now, who was it?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm God Almighty's witness dropped from the clouds, I cal'late.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, sir, no prevarication. How came you here just at the nick of time?” + </p> + <p> + “Counsellor, when I'm treated polite, I'm ile; but rile me, and I'm + thunder stuffed with pison: don't you raise my dander, and I'll tell you. + I have undertaken to educate this yar darkie,”—here he stretched out + a long arm, and laid his hand on Vespasian's woolly pate—“and I'm + bound to raise him to the Eu-ropean model.” (Laughter.) “So I said to him, + coming over Westminster Bridge, 'Now there's a store hyar where they sell + a very extraordinary Fixin; and it's called Justice; they sell it + tarnation dear; <i>but</i> prime. So I make tracks for the very court + where I got the prime article three years ago, against a varmint that was + breaking the seventh and eighth commandments over me, adulterating my + patent and then stealing it. Blast him!” (A roar of laughter.) “And coming + along I said this old country's got some good pints after all, old hoss. + One is they'll sell you justice dear, <i>but</i> prime in these yar + courts, if you were born at Kamschatkee; and the other is, hyar darkies + are free as air, disenthralled by the univarsal genius of British liberty; + and then I pitched Counsellor Curran's bunkum into this darkie, and he + sucked it in like mother's milk, and in we came on tiptoe, and the first + thing we heard was a freeborn Briton treated wus than ever a nigger in Old + Kentuck, decoyed away from his gal, shoved into a darned madhouse—the + darbies clapped on him——” + </p> + <p> + “We don't want your comments on the case, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “No, nor any other free and enlightened citizen's, I reckon. Wal, + Vespasian and me sat like mice in a snowdrift, and hid our feelings out of + good manners, being strangers, till his lordship got e-tarnally fixed + about the Captain's pocket-book. Vesp., says I, this hurts my feelings + powerful. Says I, this hyar lord did the right thing about my patent: he + summed up just: and now he is in an everlasting fix himself: one good turn + deserves another, I'll get him out of this fix, any way.” Here the witness + was interrupted with a roar of laughter that shook the court. Even the + judge leaned back and chuckled, genially though quietly. And right + sorrowful was every Briton there when Saunders closed abruptly the + cross-examination of Joshua Fullalove. + </p> + <p> + His lordship then said he wished to ask Vespasian a question. + </p> + <p> + Saunders lost patience. “What, another <i>amicus curiae,</i> my lud! This + is unprecedented.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse my curiosity, Brother Saunders,” said the judge ironically. “I + wish to trace this L. 14,000 as far as possible. Have you any particular + objection to the truth on this head of evidence?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lud, I never urge objections when I can't enforce them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are a wise man.” (To Vespasian, after he had been sworn), “Pray + did Captain Dodd tell you what he intended to do with this money?” + </p> + <p> + “Is, massa judge, massa captan told dis child he got a branker in some + place in de old country, called Barkinton. And he said dis branker bery + good branker, much sartiner not to break dan the brank of England. (A + howl.) De captan said he take de money to dis yer branker, and den hab no + more trouble wid it. Den it off my stomach, de captan say, and dis child + heerd him. Yah!” + </p> + <p> + The plaintiff's case being apparently concluded, the judge retired for a + few minutes. + </p> + <p> + In the buzz that followed, a note was handed to Mr. Compton; <i>“Skinner!</i> + On a hot scent. Sure to find him to-day.—<i>N.B.</i> He is wanted by + another party. There is something curious a-foot.” + </p> + <p> + Compton wrote on a slip, “For Heaven's sake, bring him directly. In half + an hour it will be too late.” + </p> + <p> + Green hurried out and nearly ran against Mr. Richard Hardie, who was + moodily pacing Westminster Hall at the climax of his own anxiety. To him + all turned on Skinner. Five minutes passed, ten, fifteen, twenty: all the + plaintiff's party had their eyes on the door; but Green did not return; + and the judge did. Then to gain a few minutes more, Mr. Colt, instructed + by Compton, rose and said with great solemnity, “We are about to call our + last witness: the living have testified to my client's sanity, and now we + shall read you the testimony of the dead.” + </p> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—That I object to, of course. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—Does my learned friend mean to say he objects at + random? + </p> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—Nothing of the kind. I object on the law of + evidence—a matter on which my learned friend seems to be under a + hallucination as complete as his client's about that L. 14,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —There's none ever feared + That the truth should be heard + But they whom the truth would indict. +</pre> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—A court of justice is not the place for old songs; + and new law. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—Really, my learned friend is the objective case + incarnate. (To Compton.—I can't keep this nonsense up for ever. Is + Skinner come?) He has a Mania for objection, and with your lordship's + permission I'll buy a couple of doctors and lock him up in an asylum as he + leaves the court this afternoon. (Laughter.) + </p> + <p> + <i>The judge.</i>—A very good plan: then you'll no longer feel the + weight of his abilities. I conclude, Mr. Colt, you intend to call a + witness who will swear to the deceased person's hand-writing and that it + was written in the knowledge Death was at hand. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—Certainly, my lord. I can call Miss Julia Dodd. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saunders.</i>—That I need not take the trouble of objecting to. + </p> + <p> + <i>The judge</i> (with some surprise).—No, Mr. Colt. That will never + do. You have examined her, and re-examined her. + </p> + <p> + I need hardly say Mr. Colt knew very well he could not call Julia Dodd. + But he was fighting for seconds now, to get in Skinner. “Call Edward + Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + Edward was sworn, and asked if he knew the late Jane Hardie. + </p> + <p> + “I knew her well,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Is that her handwriting?” + </p> + <p> + “It is.” + </p> + <p> + “Where was it written?” + </p> + <p> + “In my mother's house at Barkington.” + </p> + <p> + “Under what circumstances?” + </p> + <p> + “She was dying—of a blow given her by a maniac called Maxley.” + </p> + <p> + “Maxley!” said the judge to counsel. “I remember the Queen <i>v.</i> + Maxley. I tried him myself at the assizes: it was for striking a young + lady with a bludgeon, of which she died. Maxley was powerfully defended; + and it was proved that his wife had died, and he had been driven mad for a + time, by her father's bank breaking. The jury <i>would</i> bring in a + verdict that was no verdict at all; as I took the liberty to tell them at + the time. The judges dismissed it, and Maxley was eventually discharged.” + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—No doubt that was the case, my lord. To the witness.—Did + Jane Hardie know she was dying? + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, sir. She told us all so.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom did she give this letter?” + </p> + <p> + “To my sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to your sister? To Miss Julia Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. But not for herself. It was to give to Alfred Hardie.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you read the letter? It is rather faintly written. It is written in + pencil, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>could</i> read it, sir; but I hope you will excuse me. She that + wrote it was very, very dear to me.” + </p> + <p> + The young man's full voice faltered as he uttered these words, and he + turned his lion-like eyes soft and imploring on the judge. That venerable + and shrewd old man, learned in human nature as well as in law, + comprehended in a moment, and said kindly, “You misunderstand him. + Witnesses do not read letters <i>out</i> in court. Let the letter be + handed up to me.” This was fortunate, for the court cuckoo, who intones + most letters, would have read all the sense and pathos out of this, with + his monotonous sing-song. + </p> + <p> + The judge read it carefully to himself with his glasses, and told the jury + it seemed a genuine document: then the crier cried “Silence in the court,” + and his lordship turned towards the jury and read the letter slowly and + solemnly: + </p> + <p> + <i>“DEAR, DEAR BROTHER,—Your poor little Jane lies dying, suddenly + but not painfully, and my last earthly thoughts are for my darling + brother. Some wicked person has said you are insane. I deny this with my + dying breath and my dying hand. You came to me the night before the + wedding that was to be, and talked to me most calmly, rationally and + kindly; so that I could not resist your reasons, and went to your wedding, + which, till then, I did not intend. Show these words to your slanderers + when I am no more. But oh! Alfred, even this is of little moment compared + with the world to come. By all our affection, grant me one request. + Battered, wounded, dying in my prime, what would be my condition but for + the Saviour, whom I have loved, and with whom I hope soon to be. He + smoothes the bed of death for me, He lights the dark valley; I rejoice to + die and be with Him. Oh, turn to Him, dear brother, without one hour's + delay, and then how short will be this parting. This is your dying + sister's one request, who loves you dearly.</i>” + </p> + <p> + With the exception of Julia's sobs, not a sound was heard as the judge + read it. Many eyes were wet: and the judge himself was visibly affected, + and pressed his handkerchief a moment to his eyes. “These are the words of + a Christian woman, gentlemen,” he said. And there was silence. A girl's + hand seemed to have risen from the grave to defend her brother and rend + the veil from falsehood. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Colt, out of pure tact, subdued his voice to the key of the sentiment + thus awakened, and said impressively, “Gentlemen of the jury, that is our + case:” and so sat down. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII + </h2> + <p> + SERGEANT SAUNDERS thought it prudent to let the emotion subside before + opening the defendant's case: so he disarranged his papers, and then + rearranged them as before: and, during this, a person employed by Richard + Hardie went out and told him this last untoward piece of evidence. He + winced: but all was overbalanced by this, that Skinner had not come to + bear witness for the Plaintiff. + </p> + <p> + Sergeant Saunders rose with perfect dignity and confidence, and delivered + a masterly address. In less than ten minutes the whole affair took another + colour under that plausible tongue. The tactician began by declaring that + the plaintiff was perfectly sane, and his convalescence was a matter of + such joy to the defendant, that not even the cruel misinterpretation of + facts and motives, to which his amiable client had been exposed, could rob + him of that sacred delight “Our case, gentlemen, is, that the plaintiff is + sane, and that he owes his sanity to those prompt, wise, and benevolent + measures, which we took eighteen months ago, at an unhappy crisis of his + mind, to preserve his understanding and his property. Yes, his property, + gentlemen; that property which in a paroxysm of mania, he was going to + throw away, as I shall show you by an unanswerable document. He comes here + to slander us and mulet us out of five thousand pounds; but I shall show + you he is already ten thousand pounds the richer for that act of ours, for + which he debits us five thousand pounds instead of crediting us twice the + sum. Gentlemen, I cannot, like my learned friend, call witnesses from the + clouds, from the United States, and from the grave; for it has not + occurred to my client strong in the sense of his kindly and honourable + intentions, to engage gentlemen from foreign parts, with woolly locks and + nasal twangs, to drop in accidentally, and eke out the fatal gaps in + evidence. The class of testimony we stand upon is less romantic; it does + not seduce the imagination nor play upon the passions; but it is of a much + higher character in sober men's eyes, especially in a court of law. I + rely, not on witnesses dropped from the clouds, and the stars, and the + stripes—to order; nor even on the prejudiced statements of friends + and sweethearts, who always swear from the heart rather than from the head + and the conscience; but on the calm testimony of indifferent men, and on + written documents furnished by the plaintiff', and on contemporaneous + entries in the books of the asylum, which entries formally describe the + plaintiff's acts, and were put down at the time—at the time, + gentlemen—with no idea of a trial at law to come, but in compliance + with the very proper provisions of a wise and salutary Act. I shall also + lay before you the evidence of the medical witnesses who signed the + certificates, men of probity and honour, and who have made these subtle + maladies of the mind the special study of their whole life. I shall also + call the family doctor, who has known the plaintiff and his ailments, + bodily and mental, for many years, and communicated his suspicions to one + of the first psychological physicians of the age, declining, with a + modesty which we, who know less of insanity than he does, would do well to + imitate—declining, I say, to pronounce a positive opinion + unfavourable to the plaintiff, till he should have compared notes with + this learned man, and profited by his vast experience.” + </p> + <p> + In this strain he continued for a good hour, until the defendants case + seemed to be a thing of granite. His oration ended, he called a string of + witnesses: every one of whom bore the learned counsel out by his evidence + in chief. + </p> + <p> + But here came the grand distinction between the defendants case and the + plaintiff's. Cross-examination had hardly shaken the plaintiff's + witnesses: it literally dissolved the defendant's. Osmond was called, and + proved Alfred's headaches and pallor, and his own suspicions. But then + Colt forced him to admit that many young people had headaches without + going mad, and were pale when thwarted in love, without going mad: and + that as to the L. 14,000 and the phantom, he <i>knew</i> nothing; but had + taken all that for granted on Mr. Richard Hardie's word. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley deposed to Alfred's being insane and abnormally irritable, + and under a pecuniary illusion, as stated in his certificate: and to his + own vast experience. But the fire of cross-examination melted all his + polysyllables into guesswork and hearsay. It melted out of him that he, a + stranger, had intruded on the young man's privacy, and had burst into a + most delicate topic, his disagreement with his father, and so had himself + created the very irritation he had set down to madness. He also had to + admit that he knew nothing about the L. 14,000 or the phantom, but had + taken for granted the young man's own father, who consulted him, was not + telling him a deliberate and wicked falsehood. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—In short, sir, you were retained to make the man out + insane, just as my learned friend there is retained. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wycherley.</i>—I think, sir, it would not be consistent with the + dignity of my profession to notice that comparison. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—I leave defendant's counsel to thank you for that. + Come, never mind <i>dignity;</i> let us have a little <i>truth.</i> Is it + consistent with your dignity to tell us whether the keepers of private + asylums pay you a commission for all the patients you consign to durance + vile by your certificates? + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wycherley fenced with this question, but the remorseless Colt only + kept him longer under torture, and dragged out of him that he received + fifteen per cent. from the asylum keepers for every patient he wrote + insane; and that he had an income of eight hundred pounds a year from that + source alone. This, of course, was the very thing to prejudice a jury + against the defence: and Colt's art was to keep to their level. + </p> + <p> + Speers, cross-examined, failed to conceal that he was a mere tool of + Wycherley's, and had signed in manifest collusion, adhering to the letter + of the statute, but violating its spirit for certainly, the Act never + intended by “separate examination,” that two doctors should come into the + passage, and walk into the room alternately, then reunite, and do the + signing as agreed before they ever saw the patient. As to the illusion + about the fourteen thousand pounds, Speers owned that the plaintiff had + not uttered a word about the subject, but had peremptorily declined it. He + had to confess, too, that he had taken for granted Dr. Wycherley was + correctly informed about the said illusion. + </p> + <p> + “In short,” said the judge, interposing, “Dr. Wycherley took the very + thing for granted which it was his duty to ascertain; and you, sir, not to + be behind Dr. Wycherley, took the thing for granted at second hand.” And + when Speers had left the box, he said to Serjeant Saunders, “If this case + is to be defended seriously, you had better call Mr. Richard Hardie + without further delay.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my wish, my lud; but I am sorry to say he is in the country very + ill; and I have no hope of seeing him here before to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well; so that you <i>do</i> call him. I shall not lay hearsay before + the jury: hearsay gathered from Mr. Richard Hardie—whom you will + call in person if the reports he has circulated have any basis whatever in + truth.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Saunders said coolly, “Mr. Richard Hardie is not the defendant,” and + flowed on; nor would any but a lawyer have suspected what a terrible stab + the judge had given him so quietly. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon of Silverton House was then sworn, and produced the case book; + and there stood the entries which had been so fatal to Alfred with the + visiting justices. Suicide, homicide, self-starvation. But the plaintiff + got to Mr. Colt with a piece of paper, on which he had written his view of + all this, and cross-examination dissolved the suicide and homicide into a + spirited attempt to escape and resist a false imprisonment As for the + self-starvation, Colt elicited that Alfred had eaten at six o'clock though + not at two. “And pray, sir,” said he, contemptuously, to the witness, “do + you never stir out of a madhouse? Do you imagine that gentlemen in their + senses dine at two o'clock in the nineteenth century?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I don't say that.” + </p> + <p> + “What <i>do</i> you say, then? Is forcible imprisonment of a bridegroom in + a madhouse the thing to give a <i>gentleman</i> a <i>factitious</i> + appetite at <i>your</i> barbarous dinner-hour?” + </p> + <p> + In a word, Colt was rough with this witness, and nearly smashed him. + Saunders fought gallantly on, and put in Lawyer Crawford with his draft of + the insane deed, as he called it, by which the erotic monomaniac Alfred + divested himself of all his money in favour of the Dodds. There was no + dissolving this deed away; and Crawford swore he had entreated the + plaintiff not to insist on his drawing so unheard-of a document; but + opposition or question seemed to irritate his client, so that he had + complied, and the deed was to have been signed on the wedding-day. + </p> + <p> + All the lawyers present thought this looked really mad. Fancy a man + signing away his property to his wife's relatives!! The court, which had + already sat long beyond the usual time, broke up, leaving the defendant + with this advantage. Alfred Hardie and his friends made a little knot in + the hall outside, and talked excitedly over the incidents of the trial. + Mr. Compton introduced Fullalove and Vespasian. They all shook hands with + them, and thanked them warmly for the timely and most unexpected aid. But + Green and a myrmidon broke in upon their conversation. “I am down on Mr. + Barkington <i>alias</i> Noah Skinner. It isn't very far from here, if you + will follow me.” Green was as excited as a foxhound when Pug has begun to + trail his brush: the more so that another client of his wanted Noah + Skinner; and so the detective was doing a double stroke of business. He + led the way; it was dry, and they all went in pairs after him into the + back slums of Westminster; and a pretty part that is. + </p> + <p> + Now as they went along Alfred hung behind with Julia, and asked her what + on earth she meant by swearing that it was all over between her and him. + “Why your last letter was full of love, dearest; what could you be + thinking of to say that?” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head sadly, and revealed to him with many prayers for + forgiveness that she had been playing a part of late: that she had + concealed her father's death from him, and the fatal barrier interposed. + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid you would be disheartened, and lose your first class and + perhaps your trial. But you are safe now, dear Alfred; I am sure the judge + sees through them; for I have studied him for you. I know his face by + heart, and all his looks and what they mean. My Alfred will be cleared of + this wicked slander, and happy with some one——Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I mean to be happy with some one,” said Alfred. “I am not one of + your self-sacrificing angels; thank Heaven! Your shall not sacrifice us to + your mother's injustice nor to the caprices of fate. We have one another; + but you would immolate me for the pleasure of immolating yourself. Don't + provoke me too far, or I'll carry you off by force. I swear it, by Him who + made us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Dearest, how wildly you talk.” And with this Julia hung her head, and had + a guilty thrill. She could not help thinking that eccentric little measure + would relieve her of the sin of disobedience. + </p> + <p> + After making known to her his desperate resolution, Alfred was silent, and + they went sadly side by side; so dear, so near, yet always some infernal + thing or other coming between them. They reached a passage in a miserable + street. At the mouth stood two of Green's men, planted there to follow + Skinner should he go out: but they reported all quiet. “Bring the old + gentleman up,” said Green. “I appointed him six o'clock, and it's on the + stroke.” He then descended the passage, and striking a light led the way + up a high stair. Skinner lived on the fifth story. Green tapped at his + door. “Mr. Barkington.” + </p> + <p> + No reply. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Barkington, I've brought you some money.” + </p> + <p> + No reply. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is not at home,” said Mr. Compton. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, sir, I sent a sharp boy up, and he picked the paper out of the + keyhole and saw him sitting reading.” + </p> + <p> + He then applied his own eye to the keyhole. “I see something black,” said + he, “I think he suspects.” + </p> + <p> + While he hesitated, they became conscious of a pungent vapour stealing + through the now open keyhole. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo!” said Green, “what is this?” + </p> + <p> + Fullalove observed coolly that Mr. Skinner's lungs must be peculiarly made + if he could breathe in that atmosphere. “If you want to see him alive, let + me open the door.” + </p> + <p> + “There's something amiss here,” said Green gravely. + </p> + <p> + At that Fullalove whipped out a tool no bigger than a nutcracker, forced + the edge in, and sent the door flying open. The room or den was full of an + acrid vapour, and close to them sat he they sought motionless. + </p> + <p> + “Keep the lady back,” cried Green, and threw the vivid light of his bull's + eye on a strange, grotesque, and ghastly scene. The floor was covered with + bright sovereigns that glittered in the lamp-light. On the table was an + open book, and a candle quite burnt down: the grease had run into a + circle. + </p> + <p> + And, as was that grease to the expired light, so was the thing that sat + there in human form to the Noah Skinner they had come to seek. Dead this + many a day of charcoal fumes, but preserved from decomposition by those + very fumes, sat Noah Skinner, dried into bones and leather waiting for + them with his own Hard Cash, and with theirs; for, creeping awestruck + round that mummified figure seated dead on his pool of sovereigns, they + soon noticed in his left hand a paper: it was discoloured by the vapour, + and part hid by the dead thumb; but thus much shone out clear and amazing, + that it was a banker's receipt to David Dodd, Esq., for L. 14,010, drawn + at Barkington, and signed for Richard Hardie by Noah Skinner. Julia had + drawn back, and was hiding her face; but soon curiosity struggled with awe + in the others: they peeped at the Receipt: they touched the weird figure. + Its yellow skin sounded like a drum, and its joints creaked like a + puppets. At last Compton suggested that Edward Dodd ought to secure that + valuable document. “No no,” said Edward: “it is too like robbing the + dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will,” said Compton. + </p> + <p> + But he found the dead thumb and finger would not part with the Receipt; + then, as a trifle turns the scale, he hesitated in turn: and all but Julia + stood motionless round the body that held the Receipt, the soul of the + lost Cash, and still, as in life, seemed loth to part with it. + </p> + <p> + Then Fullalove came beside the arm-chair, and said with simple dignity, + “I'm a man from foreign parts; I have no interest here but justice: and + justice I'll do.” He took the dead arm, and the joint creaked: he applied + the same lever to the bone and parchment hand he had to the door: it + creaked too, but more faintly, and opened and let out this:— + </p> + <p> + No. 17. BARKINGTON, Nov. 10, 1847. + </p> + <p> + <i>Received of</i> DAVID DODD, Esq., <i>the sum of Fourteen Thousand and + Ten Pounds Twelve Shillings and Six Pence,</i> + </p> + <p> + to account on demand + </p> + <p> + <i>For</i> RICHARD HARDIE, + </p> + <h3> + NOAH SKINNER. + </h3> + <h3> + L. 14,010: 12: 6. + </h3> + <p> + A stately foot came up the stair, but no one heard it. All were absorbed + in the strange weird sight, and this great stroke of fate; or of + Providence. + </p> + <p> + “This is yours, I reckon,” said Fullalove, and handed the receipt to + Edward. “No, no!” said Compton. “See: I've just found a will, bequeathing + all he has in the world, with his blessing, to Miss Julia Dodd. These + sovereigns are yours, then. But above all, the paper: as your legal + adviser, I insist on your taking it immediately. Possession is nine + points. However, it is actually yours, in virtue of this bequest.” + </p> + <p> + A solemn passionless voice seemed to fall on them from the clouds, + </p> + <p> + “No; it is Mine.” + </p> + <p> + MY story must now return on board the <i>Vulture.</i> Just before noon, + the bell the half hours are struck on was tolled to collect the ship's + company; and soon the gangways and booms were crowded, and even the yards + were manned with sailors, collected to see their shipmate committed to the + deep. Next came the lieutenants and midshipmen and stood reverently on the + deck: the body was brought and placed on a grating. Then all heads being + uncovered below and aloft, the chaplain read the solemn service of the + dead. + </p> + <p> + Many tears were shied by the rough sailors, the more so that to most of + them, though not to the officers, it was now known that poor Billy had not + always been before the mast, but had seen better days, and commanded + vessels, and saved lives; and now he had lost his own. + </p> + <p> + The service is the same as ashore, with this exception: that the words “We + commit his body to the ground, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” &c., are + altered at sea, thus: “We commit his body to the deep, to be turned into + corruption, looking for the resurrection of the body, when the sea shall + give up her dead; and the life of the world to come.” At these words the + body is allowed to glide off the grating into the sea. The chaplain's + solemn voice drew near those very words, and the tears of pity fell + faster; and Georgie White, an affectionate boy, sobbed violently, and + shivered beforehand at the sullen plunge that he knew would soon come, and + then he should see no more poor Billy who had given his life for his. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the captain came flying on deck, and jumping on to a gun, + cried sharply, “Avast! Haul that body aboard.” + </p> + <p> + The sharp voice of command cut across the solemn words and tones in the + most startling way. The chaplain closed his book with a look of amazement + and indignation: the sailors stared, and for the first time did not obey + an order. To be sure it was one they had never heard before. Then the + captain got angry, and repeated his command louder, and the body was + almost jerked in board. + </p> + <p> + “Carry him to my cabin; and uncover his face.” + </p> + <p> + By this time nothing could surprise Jackey Tar. Four sailors executed the + order promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Bosen, pipe to duty.” + </p> + <p> + While the men were dispersing to their several stations, Captain + Bazalgette apologised to the chaplain, and explained to him and to the + officers. But I give his explanation in my own words. Finding the ship + quiet, the purser went to the captain down below, and asked him coolly + what entry he should make in the ship's books about this William Thompson, + who was no more William Thompson than he was. “What do you mean?” said the + captain. Then the purser told him that Thompson's messmates, in preparing + him last night for interment, had found a little bag round his neck, and + inside it, a medal of the Humane Society, and a slip of paper written on + in a lady's hand; then they had sent for him; and he had seen at once that + this was a mysterious case: this lady spoke of him as her husband, and + skipper of a merchant vessel. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” roared the captain, who hitherto had listened with scarce + half an ear. + </p> + <p> + “Skipper of a merchant vessel, sir, as sure as you command her majesty's + frigate <i>Vulture:</i> and then we found his shirt marked with the same + name as the lady's.” + </p> + <p> + “What was the lady's name?” + </p> + <p> + “Lucy Dodd; and David Dodd is on the shirt.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you tell me this before?” cried the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't know it till last night.” + </p> + <p> + “Why it is twelve o'clock. They are burying him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucy would never forgive me,” cried the captain. And to the purser's + utter amazement he clapped on his cocked hat, and flew out of the cabin on + the errand I have described. + </p> + <p> + He now returned to the cabin and looked: a glance was enough: there lay + the kindly face that had been his friend man and boy. + </p> + <p> + He hid his own with his hands, and moaned. He cursed his own blindness and + stupidity in not recognising that face among a thousand. In this he was + unjust to himself. David had never looked <i>himself</i> till now. + </p> + <p> + He sent for the surgeon, and told him the whole sad story: and asked him + what could be done. His poor cousin Lucy had more than once expressed her + horror of interment at sea. “It is very hot,” said he; “but surely you + must know some way of keeping him till we land in New Zealand: curse these + flies; how they bite!” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon's eyes sparkled; he happened to be an enthusiast in the art of + embalming. “Keep him to New Zealand?” said he contemptuously, “I'll embalm + him so that he shall go to England looking just as he does now—by-the-by, + I never saw a drowned man keep his colour so well before—ay, and two + thousand years after that, if you don't mind the expense.” + </p> + <p> + “The expense! I don't care, if it cost me a year's pay. I think of nothing + but repairing my blunder as far as I can.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon was delighted. Standing over his subject, who lay on the + captain's table, he told that officer how he should proceed. “I have all + the syringes,” he said; “a capital collection. I shall inject the veins + with care and patience; then I shall remove the brain and the viscera, and + provided I'm not stinted in arsenic and spices——” + </p> + <p> + “I give you carte blanche on the purser: make your preparations, and send + for him. Don't tell me how you do it; but do it. I must write and tell + poor Lucy I have got him, and am bringing him home to her—dead.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon was gone about a quarter of an hour; he then returned with two + men to remove the body, and found the captain still writing his letter, + very sorrowful: but now and then slapping his face or leg with a hearty + curse as the flies stung him. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon beckoned the men in softly, and pointed to the body for them + to carry it out. + </p> + <p> + Now, as he pointed, his eye, following his finger, fell on something that + struck that experienced eye as incredible: he uttered an exclamation of + astonishment so loud that the captain looked up directly from his letter; + and saw him standing with his finger pointing at the corpse, and his eyes + staring astonishment “What now?” said the captain, and rose from his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Look! look! look!” + </p> + <p> + The captain came and looked, and said he saw nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + “The fly; the fly!” cried the surgeon. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see one of them has been biting him; for there's a little blood + trickling. Poor fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “A dead man can't bleed from the small veins in his skin,” said the man of + art. “He is alive, captain, he is alive, as sure as we stand here, and + God's above. That little insect was wiser than us; he is alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Jackson, don't trifle with me, or I'll hang you at the yard-arm. God + bless you, Jackson. Is it really possible? Run some of you, get a mirror: + I have heard that is a test.” + </p> + <p> + “Mirror be hanged. Doctor Fly knows his business.” + </p> + <p> + All was now flutter and bustle: and various attempts were made to + resuscitate David, but all in vain. At last the surgeon had an idea. “This + man was never drowned at all” said he: “I am sure of it. This is + catalepsy. He may lie this way for a week. But dead he is not. I'll try + the douche.” David was then by his orders stripped and carried to a place + where they could turn a watercock on him from a height: and the surgeon + had soon the happiness of pointing out to the captain a slight blush on + David's skin in parts, caused by the falling water. All doubts ceased with + this: the only fear was lest they should shake out the trembling life by + rough usage. They laid him on his stomach, and with a bellows and pipe so + acted on the lungs, that at last a genuine sigh issued from the patient's + breast. Then they put him in a warm bed, and applied stimulants; and by + slow degrees the eyelids began to wink, the eyes to look more mellow, the + respiration to strengthen, the heart to beat: “Patience, now,” said the + surgeon, “patience, and lots of air.” + </p> + <p> + Patience was rewarded. Just four hours after the first treatment, a voice, + faint but calm and genial, issued from the bed on their astonished ears, + “Good morning to you all.” + </p> + <p> + They kept very quiet. In about five minutes more the voice broke out + again, calm and sonorous— + </p> + <p> + “Where is my money—my fourteen thousand pounds?” + </p> + <p> + These words set them all looking at one another: and very much puzzled the + surgeon: they were delivered with such sobriety and conviction. “Captain,” + he whispered, “ask him if he knows you.” + </p> + <p> + “David,” said the captain kindly, “do you know me?” David looked at him + earnestly, and his old kindly smile broke out, “Know ye, ye clog,” said + he, “why, you are my cousin Reginald. And how came you into this + thundering bank? I hope you have got no money here. 'Ware land sharks!” + </p> + <p> + “We are not in a bank, David; we are on board my ship.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce we are. But where's my money?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we'll talk about that by-and-by.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon stepped forward, and said soothingly, “You have been very ill, + sir. You have had a fit.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are right,” said David thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Will you allow me to examine your eye?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, doctor.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon examined David's eye with his thumb and finger and then looked + into it to see how the pupil dilated and contracted. + </p> + <p> + He rubbed his hands after this examination; “More good news, captain!” + then lowering his voice, <i>“Your friend is as sane as I am.</i>” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon was right. A shock had brought back the reason a shock had + taken away. But how or why I know no more than the child unborn. The + surgeon wrote a learned paper, and explained the whole most ingeniously. I + don't believe one word of his explanation, and can't better it; so confine + myself to the phenomena. Being now sane, the boundary wall of his memory + was shifted. He remembered his whole life up to his demanding his cash + back of Richard Hardie; and there his reawakened mind stopped dead short. + Being asked if he knew William Thompson, he said, “Yes, perfectly. He was + a foretopman on board the <i>Agra,</i> and rather a smart hand. The ship + was aground and breaking up: he went out to sea on a piano: but we cut the + hawser as he drifted under, and he got safe ashore.” David's recovered + reason rejected with contempt as an idle dream all that had happened while + that reason was in defect The last phenomena I have to record were bodily: + one was noted by Mr. Georgie White in these terms: “Billy's eyes used to + be like a seal's: but, now he is a great gentleman, they are like yours + and mine.” The other was more singular: with his recovered reason came his + first grey hair, and in one fortnight it was all as white as snow. + </p> + <p> + He remained a fortnight on board the <i>Vulture,</i> beloved by high and + low. He walked the quarter-deck in the dress of a private gentleman, but + looking like an admiral. The sailors touched their hats to him with a + strange mixture of veneration and jocoseness. They called him among + themselves Commodore Billy. He was supplied with funds by Reginald, and + put on board a merchant ship bound for England. He landed, amid went + straight to Barkington. There he heard his family were in London. He came + back to London, and sought them. A friend told him of Green; he went to + him, and of course Green saw directly who he was. But able men don't cut + business short. He gravely accepted David's commission to find him Mrs. + Dodd. Finding him so confident, David asked him if he thought he could + find Richard Hardie or his clerk, Noah Skinner; both of whom had levanted + from Barkington. Green, who was on a hot scent as to Skinner, demurely + accepted both commissions; and appointed David to meet him at a certain + place at six. He came; he found Green's man, who took him upstairs, and + there was that excited group determining the ownership of his receipt. + </p> + <p> + Now to David that receipt was a thing of yesterday. “It is mine,” said he. + They all turned to look at this man, with sober passionless voice, and + hair of snow. A keen cry from Julia's heart made every heart there quiver, + and in a moment she was clinging and sobbing on her father's neck. Edward + could only get his hand and press and kiss it. Instinct told them Heaven + had given them their father back, mind and all. + </p> + <p> + Ere the joy and the emotion had calmed themselves, Alfred Hardie slipped + out and ran like a deer to Pembroke Street. + </p> + <p> + Those who were so strangely reunited could not part for a long time, even + to go down the stairs one by one. + </p> + <p> + David was the first to recover his composure: indeed, great tranquillity + of spirit had ever since his cure been a remarkable characteristic of this + man's nature. His passing mania seemed to have burnt out all his + impetuosity, leaving him singularly sober, calm, and self-governed. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton took the money, and the will, and promised the Executrix, + Skinner should be decently interred and all his debts paid out of the + estate. He would look in at 66 by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + And now a happy party wended their way towards Pembroke Street. + </p> + <p> + But Alfred was beforehand with them: he went boldly up the stairs, and + actually surprised Mrs. Dodd and Sampson together. + </p> + <p> + At sight of him she rose, made him a low curtsey, and beat a retreat. He + whipped to the door, and set his back against it. “No,” said he saucily. + </p> + <p> + She drew up majestically, and the colour mounted in her pale face. “What, + sir, would you detain me by force?” + </p> + <p> + “And no mistake,” said the audacious boy. “How else can I detain you when + you hate me so?” She began to peep into his sparkling eyes to see the + reason of this strange conduct. + </p> + <p> + “C'way from the door, ye vagabin,” said Sampson. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my friend,” said Mrs. Dodd, trembling, and still peering into his + sparkling eyes. “Mr. Alfred Hardie is a gentleman, at all events: he would + not take such a liberty with me, unless he had some excuse for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wonderfully shrewd, mamma,” said Alfred admiringly. “The excuse + is, I don't hate you as you hate me; and I am very happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you call me mamma to-day? Oh, doctor, he calls me mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “Th' audacious vagabin.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I cannot think he would call me that unless he had some good news + for us both?” + </p> + <p> + “What good news can he have, except that his trile is goin' well, and you + don't care for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how can you say so? I care for all that concerns him: he would not + come here to insult my misery with his happiness. He is noble, he is + generous, with all his faults. How dare you call me mamma, sir! Call it me + again, my dear child; because then I shall <i>know</i> you are come to + save my heart from breaking.” And with this, the truth must be told, the + stately Mrs. Dodd did fawn upon Alfred with palms outstretched and piteous + eyes, and certain cajoling arts of her sex. + </p> + <p> + “Give me a kiss then, mamma,” said the impudent boy, “and I <i>will</i> + tell you a little bit of good news.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed her stately head directly, and paid the required tribute with + servile humility and readiness. + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” said Alfred, and was just going to tell her all, but caught + sight of Sampson making the most expressive pantomime to him to be + cautious. “Well,” said he, “I have seen a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “And he is sure Mr. Dodd is alive.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd lifted her hands to heaven, but could not speak. “In fact,” said + Alfred, hesitating (for he was a wretched hand at a fib), “he saw him not + a fortnight ago on board ship. But that is not all, mamma, the sailor says + he has his reason.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sank on her knees, and said no word to man, but many to the + Giver of all good. When she arose, she said to Alfred, “Bring this sailor + to me. I must speak with him directly.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred coloured. “I don't know where to find him just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed,” said Mrs. Dodd quietly: and this excited her suspicion; and + from that moment the cunning creature lay in wait for Master Alfred. She + plied him with questions, and he got more and more puzzled how to sustain + his story. At last, by way of bursting out of his own net, he said, “But I + am sorry to say his hair has turned white. But perhaps you won't mind + that.” + </p> + <p> + “And he hadn't a grey hair.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not grey, like the doctor's: it is as white as the driven snow.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Dodd sighed; then suddenly turning on Alfred, asked him, “Did the + sailor tell you that?” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated a moment and was lost. + </p> + <p> + “You have seen him,” she screamed; “he is in London: he is in the house. I + feel him near me:” and she went into something very like hysterics. Alfred + was alarmed, and whispered the truth. The doctor sent him off to meet + them, and recommended caution; her nerves were in such a state a violent + shock, even of happiness, might kill her. + </p> + <p> + Thus warned, Julia came into the room alone, and while Dr. Sampson was + inculcating self-restraint for her own sake, she listened with a superior + smile, and took quite a different line. “Mamma,” said she, “he is in the + town; but I dare not bring him here till you are composed: his reason is + restored; but his nerves are not so strong as they were. Now, if you + agitate yourself, you will agitate him, and will do him a serious + mischief.” + </p> + <p> + This crafty speech produced an incredible effect on Mrs. Dodd. It calmed + her directly: or rather her great love gave her strength to be calm. “I + will not be such a wretch,” she said. “See: I am composed, quite composed. + Bring me my darling, and you shall see how good I will be: there now, + Julia, see how calm I am, quite calm. What, have I borne so much misery, + with Heaven's help, and do you think I cannot bear this great happiness + for my dear darling's sake?” + </p> + <p> + On this they proposed she should retire to her room, and they would go for + David. + </p> + <p> + “Think over the meeting, dear, dear mamma,” said Julia, “and then you will + behave well for his sake, who was lost to us and is found.” + </p> + <p> + Husband and wife met alone in Mrs. Dodd's room. No eye, even of the + children, ventured to witness a scene so strange, so sacred. We may try + and imagine that meeting; but few of us can conceive it by the light of + our narrow experience. Yet one or two there may be—the world is + wide, and the adventures and emotions of our race are many. + </p> + <p> + One by one all were had up to that sacred room to talk to the happy pair. + They found David seated calmly at his wife's feet, her soft hand laid on + his white hair, lest he should leave her again: and they told him all the + sorrow behind them; and he, genial and kindly as ever, told them all the + happiness before them. He spoke like the master of the house, the father + of the family, the friend of them all. + </p> + <p> + But with all his goodness he was sternly resolved to have his L. 14,000 + out of Richard Hardie. He had an interview with Mr. Compton that very + night, and the lawyer wrote a letter to Mr. Hardie, saying nothing about + the death of Skinner, but notifying that his client, Captain Dodd, had + recovered from Noah Skinner the receipt No. 17 for L. 14,010 12s. 6d, and + he was instructed to sue for it unless repaid immediately. He added + Captain Dodd was mercifully restored, and remembered distinctly every + particular of the transaction. + </p> + <p> + They all thought in their innocence that Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie was now + at an end. Captain Dodd could prove Alfred's <i>soi-disant</i> illusion to + be the simple truth. But Compton thought that this evidence had come too + late. “What, may we not get up and say here is papa, and it is all true?” + cried Julia indignant. + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Dodd; our case is closed. And take my advice: don't subject your + father to the agitation of a trial. We can do without him.” + </p> + <p> + Well then, they would all go as spectators, and pray that justice might + prevail. + </p> + <p> + They did go: and all sat together to hear a matter puzzled over, which had + David come one day earlier he would have set at rest for ever. + </p> + <p> + Dick Absolom was put in to prove that Alfred had put two sovereigns on the + stumps for him to bowl if he could; and after him the defendant, Mr. + Thomas Hardie, a mild, benevolent, weak gentleman, was put into the box, + and swore the boy's father had come to him with story after story of the + plaintiff's madness, and the trouble it would get him into, and so he had + done for the best. His simplicity was manifest, and Saunders worked it + ably. When Colt got hold of him, and badgered him, he showed something + more than simplicity. He stuttered, he contradicted himself, he perspired, + he all but wept. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—Are you sure you had no spite against him? + </p> + <p> + <i>Deft.</i>—No. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—You are not sure, eh? + </p> + <p> + This candid interpretation of his words knocked the defendant stupid. He + made no reply, but looked utterly flabbergasted. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i>—Did he not provoke you? Did he not call you an idiot. + </p> + <p> + <i>Deft.</i>—He might. + </p> + <p> + <i>Colt.</i> (satirically).—Of course he might. (Laughter.) But did + he? + </p> + <p> + <i>Deft.</i> (plucking up a little spirit).—No. He called me SOFT + TOMMY. + </p> + <p> + This revelation, and the singular appropriateness of the nickname, were so + highly relished by an intelligent audience, that it was a long time before + the trial could go on for roars. The plaintiff's ringing laugh was heard + among the rest. + </p> + <p> + The cross-examination proceeded in this style till the defendant began to + drivel at the mouth a little. At last, after a struggle, he said, with a + piteous whine, that he could not help it: he hated signing his name; some + mischief always came of it; but this time he had no option. + </p> + <p> + “No option?” said Colt. “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + And with one or two more turns of the screw, out came this astounding + revelation: + </p> + <p> + “Richard said if I didn't put Taff in one, <i>he</i> would put <i>me</i> + in one.” + </p> + <p> + <i>The Judge.</i>—In one what? + </p> + <p> + <i>Deft.</i> (weeping).—In one madhouse, my lord. + </p> + <p> + A peal followed this announcement, and Colt sat down grinning. Saunders + rose smiling. “I am much obliged to the learned counsel for making my + case,” said he: “I need not prolong the sufferings of the innocent. You + can go down, Mr. Hardie.” + </p> + <p> + <i>The Judge.</i>—Have you any defence to this action? + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call Richard Hardie?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Then had you not better confine yourself to the question of damages?” + </p> + <p> + The sturdy Saunders would not take the hint; he replied upon the whole + case, and fought hard for a verdict. The line he took was bold; he + described Richard Hardie as a man who had acquired a complete power over + his weaker brother: and had not only persuaded him by statements, but even + compelled him by threats, to do what he believed would be the salvation of + his nephew. “Will you imitate the learned counsel's cruelty? Will you + strike a child?” In short, he made a powerful appeal to their pity, while + pretending to address their judgments. + </p> + <p> + Then Colt rose like a tower, and assuming the verdict as certain, asked + the jury for heavy damages. He contrasted powerfully the defendant's + paltry claim to pity with the anguish the plaintiff had undergone. He drew + the wedding party, the insult to the bride, the despair of the kidnapped + bridegroom; he lashed the whole gang of conspirators concerned in the + crime, regretted that they could only make one of all these villains + smart, but hinted that Richard and Thomas Hardie were in one boat, and + that heavy damages inflicted on Thomas would find the darker culprit out. + He rapped out Mr. Cowper's lines on liberty, and they were new to the + jury, though probably not to you; he warned the jury that all our + liberties depended on them. “In vain,” said he, “have we beheaded one + tyrant, and banished another, to secure those liberties, if men are to be + allowed to send away their own flesh and blood into the worst of all + prisons for life and not smart for it, in those lamentably few cases in + which the law finds them out and lays hold of them.” But it would task my + abilities to the utmost, and occupy more time than is left me, to do + anything like justice to the fluent fiery eloquence of Colt, Q. C., when + he got a great chance like this. <i>Tonat, fulgurat, et rapidis + eloquentiae fluctibus cuncia proruit et proturbat.</i> Bursts of applause, + that neither crier nor judge could suppress, bore witness to the deep + indignation Britons feel when their hard-earned liberties are tampered + with by power or fraud, in defiance of law; and, when he sat down, the + jury were ready to fly out at him with L. 5000 in hand. + </p> + <p> + Then rose the passionless voice of “justice according to law.” I wish I + could give the very words. The following is the effect as <i>I</i> + understood it. Lawyers, forgive my deficiencies. + </p> + <p> + “This is an important, but not a difficult case. The plaintiff sues the + defendant under <i>the law of England</i> for falsely imprisoning him in a + madhouse. The imprisonment is admitted, and the sufferings of the + plaintiff not disputed. The question is, whether he was insane at the time + of the act? Now, I must tell you, that in a case of this kind, it lies + upon the defendant to prove the plaintiff's insanity, rather than on the + plaintiff to prove his own sanity. Has the defendant overcome this + difficulty? Illusion is the best proof of insanity; and a serious + endeavour was certainly made to fasten an illusion on the plaintiff about + a sum of L. 14,000. But the proof was weak, and went partly on an + assumption that all error is hallucination; this is illusory, and would, + if acted on, set one half the kingdom imprisoning the other half; and + after all, they did not demonstrate that the plaintiff was <i>in error.</i> + They advanced no <i>undeniable proof</i> that Mr. Richard Hardie has not + embezzled this L. 14,000. I don't say it was proved on the other hand that + he did embezzle that sum. Richard Hardie sueing Alfred Hardie for libel on + this evidence might possibly obtain a verdict; for then the burden of + proof would lie on Alfred Hardie; but here it lies on those who say he is + insane. The fact appears to be that the plaintiff imbibed a reasonable + suspicion of his own father's integrity; it was a suspicion founded on + evidence, imperfect, indeed, but of a sound character as far as it went. + There had been a letter from Captain Dodd to his family, announcing his + return with L. 14,000 upon him, and, while as yet unaware of this letter, + the plaintiff heard David Dodd accuse Richard Hardie of possessing + improperly L. 14,000, the identical sum. At least, he swears to this, and + as Richard Hardie was not called to contradict him, you are at liberty to + suppose that Richard Hardie had some difficulty in contradicting him on + oath. Here, then, true or false, was a rational suspicion, and every man + has a right to a rational suspicion of his neighbour, and even to utter it + within due limits; and, if he overstep those, the party slandered has his + legal remedy; but if he omits his legal remedy, and makes an attempt of + doubtful legality not to confute, but to stifle, the voice of reasonable + suspicion, shrewd men will suspect all the more. But then comes a distinct + and respectable kind of evidence for the defendant; he urges that the + plaintiff was going to sign away his property to his wife's relations. + Now, this was proved, and a draft of the deed put in and sworn to. This + taken singly has a very extraordinary look. Still, you must consider the + plaintiff's reasonable suspicion that money belonging to the Dodds had + passed irregularly to the Hardies, and then the wonder is diminished. + Young and noble minds have in every age done generous, self-denying, and + delicate acts. The older we get, the less likely we are to be incarcerated + for a crime of this character; but we are not to imprison youth and + chivalry merely because we have outgrown them. To go from particulars to + generals, the defendant, on whom the proof lies, has advanced hearsay and + conjecture, and not put their originators into the box. The plaintiff, on + whom the proof does not lie, has advanced abundant evidence that he was + sane at the time of his incarceration: this was proved to demonstration by + friends, strangers, and by himself.” Here the judge analysed the testimony + of several of the plaintiff's witnesses. + </p> + <p> + “As to the parties themselves, it is curious how they impersonated, so to + speak, their respective lines of argument. The representative of evidence + and sound reasoning, though accused of insanity, was precise, frank, + rational and dignified in the witness-box; and I think you must have + noticed his good temper. The party, who relied on hearsay and conjecture, + was as feeble as they are; he was almost imbecile, as you observed; and, + looking at both parties, it really seems monstrous that the plaintiff + should be the one confined as a lunatic, and the defendant allowed to run + wild and lock up his intellectual superiors. If he means to lock them <i>all</i> + up, even you and I are hardly safe. (Laughter.) The only serious question, + I apprehend, is on what basis the damages ought to be assessed. The + plaintiffs counsel has made a powerful appeal to your passions, and calls + for vengeance. Now I must tell you, you have no right to make yourselves + ministers of vengeance, nor even to punish the defendant, in a suit of the + kind: still less ought you to strike the defendant harder than you + otherwise would—in the vague hope of punishing indirectly the true + mover of the defendant and the other puppets. I must warn you against that + suggestion of the learned counsel's. If the plaintiff wants vengeance, the + criminal law offers it. He comes here, not for vengeance, but for + compensation, and restoration to that society which he is every way fitted + to adorn. More than this—and all our sympathies—it is not for + us to give him. But then the defendant's counsel went too far the other + way. His client, he says, is next door to an idiot, and so, forsooth, his + purse must be spared entirely. This is all very well if it could be done + without ignoring the plaintiff and his just claim to compensation. Why, if + the defendant, instead of being weak-minded, were an idiot or a lunatic, + it would protect him from punishment as a felon, but not from damages in a + suit. A sane man is not to be falsely imprisoned by a lunatic without full + compensation from the lunatic or his estate: <i>a fortiori,</i> he is not + to be so imprisoned by a mere fool without just compensation. Supposing + your verdict, then, to be for the plaintiff, I think vindictive damages + would be unfair, on this feeble defendant, who has acted recklessly, but + under an error, and without malice, or bad faith. On the other hand, + nominal or even unsubstantial damages would be unjust to the plaintiff; + and perhaps leave in some minds a doubt that I think you do not yourselves + entertain, as to the plaintiff's perfect sanity during the whole period of + his life.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as his lordship had ended, the foreman of the jury said their + minds were quite made up long ago. + </p> + <p> + “Si-lence in the court.” + </p> + <p> + “We find for the plaintiff, with damages three thousand pounds.” + </p> + <p> + The verdict was received with some surprise by the judge, and all the + lawyers except Mr. Colt, and by the people with acclamation; in the midst + of which Mr. Colt announced that the plaintiff had just gained his first + class at Oxford. “I wish him joy,” said the judge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV + </h2> + <p> + THE verdict was a thunder-clap to Richard Hardie: he had promised Thomas + to bear him blameless. The Old Turks, into which he had bought at 72, were + down to 71, and that implied a loss of five thousand pounds. On the top of + all this came Mr. Compton's letter neatly copied by Colls: Richard Hardie + was doubly and trebly ruined. + </p> + <p> + Then in his despair and hate he determined to baffle them all, ay, and + sting the hearts of some of them once more. + </p> + <p> + He would give Peggy his last shilling; write a line to Alfred, another to + Julia, assuring them he had no money, and they had killed him. And with + that leave them both the solemn curse of a dying father, and then kill + himself. + </p> + <p> + Not to be interrupted in his plan, he temporised with Mr. Compton; wrote + that, if the Receipt was really signed by his agent, of course the loss + must fall on him; it was a large sum, but he would sell out and do his + best, in ten days from date. With this he went and bought a pistol, and at + several chemist's shops a little essential oil of almonds: his plan was to + take the poison, and, if it killed without pain, well and good; but if it + tortured him, then he would blow his brains out at once. + </p> + <p> + He soon arranged his worldly affairs, and next day gave Peggy his L. 500, + and told her she had better keep it for fear he should be arrested. He + sent her on an errand to the other part of the town: then with his poison + and the pistol before him on the table, wrote a brief but emphatic curse + for his son and Julia; and a line to Peggy to thank her for her fidelity + to one so much older than herself, and to advise her to take a + tobacconist's shop with his money. When he had done all this, he poured + out the fragrant poison and tasted it. + </p> + <p> + Ere he could drink it, one of those quidnunes, who are always interrupting + a gentleman when he has important business on hand, came running in with + all manner of small intelligence. Mr. Hardie put down the glass, and gave + him short, sullen answers, in hopes he would then go away and let him + proceed to business. And at last his visitor did rise and go. Mr. Hardie + sat down with a sigh of relief to his fragrant beverage. + </p> + <p> + Doesn't the door open, and this bore poke in his head: “Oh I forgot to + tell you; the Old Turks are going up today, like a shot.” And with this he + slammed the door again, and was off. + </p> + <p> + At this the cup began to tremble in the resolute wretch's hand. The Old + Turks going up! He poured the poison back into the phial, and put it and + the pistol and all the letters carefully into his pocket, and took a cab + to the City. + </p> + <p> + The report was true; there was an extraordinary movement in the Old Turks. + The Sultan was about to pay a portion of this loan, being at six per + cent.; this had transpired, and at four o'clock the Turks were quoted at + 73. Mr. Hardie returned a gainer of L. 5000 instead of a loser. He locked + up the means of death for the present. + </p> + <p> + And now an ordinary man would have sold out, and got clear of the fatal + trap: but this was not an ordinary man: he would not sell a share that + day. In the afternoon they rose to 74. He came home, unloaded his pistol, + and made himself some brandy-and-water, and with a grim smile, flavoured + it with a few drops of the poison—that was a delicious tumbler. The + Turks went up, up, up, to 82. Then he sold out, and cleared L. 49,000, and + all in about ten days. + </p> + <p> + With this revived the habits of his youth; no more cheating: nothing could + excuse that but the dread of poverty. He went to his appointment with Mr. + Compton; asked to see the Receipt; said “Yes; that was his form, and + Skinner's handwriting; he had never personally received one farthing of + the money; Skinner had clearly embezzled it: but that did not matter; of + course, Captain Dodd must not lose his money. Send your bill of costs in + Hardie <i>v.</i> Hardie to me, Mr. Compton,” said he, “they shall not be + taxed: you have lost enough by me already.” + </p> + <p> + There was an air of dignity and good faith about the man that half imposed + even on Compton. And when Mr. Hardie drew out the notes and said, “I + should be grateful if you would forgive me the interest; but for a great + piece of good fortune on the Stock Exchange, I could never have paid the + whole principal,” he said warmly, “the interest should never be demanded + through him.” + </p> + <p> + He called in Colls, delivered up the Receipt, and received the L. 14,010, + 12s. 6d. from Mr. Hardie. + </p> + <p> + O immortal Cash! You, like your great inventor, have then a kind of spirit + as well as a body; and on this, not on your grosser part, depends your + personal identity. So long as that survives, your body may be recalled to + its lawful owner from Heaven knows where. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Compton rushed to Pembroke Street, and put this hard, hard Cash in + David Dodd's hands once more. + </p> + <p> + Love and Constancy had triumphed: and Julia and Alfred were to be married + and go down to Albion Villa to prepare it for the whole party: tenants no + more: Alfred had bought it. The Commissioners of Lunacy had protected his + L. 20,000 zealously from the first: and his trustees had now paid the + money over. + </p> + <p> + Alfred consulted by Mrs. Dodd, whose pet of pets he now was, as to the + guests to be asked to the wedding breakfast, suggested “None but the tried + friends of our adversity.” + </p> + <p> + “What an excellent idea!” said Mrs. Dodd naively. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson being duly invited asked if he should bring his Emulsion. + </p> + <p> + This proposal puzzled all but Mrs. Dodd. She was found laughing heartily + in a corner without any sound of laughter. Being detected and pointed out + by Julia, she said, with a little crow, “He means his wife. Yes, + certainly, bring your Emulcent”—pretending he had used that more + elegant word—“and then they will all see how well you can behave.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he brought a lady, who was absurdly pretty to be the mother of + several grown young ladies and gentlemen, and two shades more quiet and + placid than Mrs. Dodd. She quietly had her chair placed by Dr. Sampson's, + and, whenever he got racy, she put a hand gently on his shoulder, and by + some mesmeric effect it moderated him as Neptune did the waves in the + AEneid. She was such a mistress of this mesmeric art, that she carried on + a perfect conversation with her other neighbour, yet modulated her lion + lord with a touch of that composing hand, in a parenthetical manner, and + even while looking another way. + </p> + <p> + This hand, soft as down, yet irresistible, suppressed the great art of + healing, vital chronometry, the wrongs of inventors, the collusions of + medicine, the Mad Ox, and all but drawing-room topics, at the very first + symptom, and only just allowed the doctor to be the life and soul of the + party. + </p> + <p> + Julia and Mrs. Dodd had a good cry at parting. Of course Alfred consoled + them: reminded them it was only for a week, and carried off his lovely + prize, who in the carriage soon dried her eyes upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Then she applied to her new lord and master for information. “They <i>say</i> + that you and me are one, now,” said she interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + He told her triumphantly it was so. + </p> + <p> + “At that rate you are Julius and I am Elfrida,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “That is a bargain,” said he, and sealed it on the sweet lips that were + murmuring Heaven so near him. + </p> + <p> + In this sore-tried and now happy pair the ardour of possession lasted + long, and was succeeded by the sober but full felicity of conjugal love + and high esteem combined. They were so young and elastic, that past + sorrows seemed but to give one zest more to the great draught of happiness + they now drank day by day. They all lived together at Albion Villa, thanks + to Alfred. He was by nature combative, and his warlike soul was roused at + the current theory that you cannot be happy under the same roof with your + wife's mother. “That is cant,” said he to Mrs. Dodd; “let us, you and I, + trample on it hand in hand.” + </p> + <p> + “My child,” said poor Mrs. Dodd sorrowfully, “I am a poor hand at + trampling; and everybody says a mother-in-law in the house bores a young + gentleman sadly.” + </p> + <p> + “If a young gentleman can't live happy with you, mamma,” said he, kissing + her, “he is a little snob, that is all, and not fit to live at all. <i>Delenda + est Cantilena!</i> That means 'Down with Cant!'” + </p> + <p> + They did live together: and behold eleven French plays, with their + thirty-three English adaptations, confuted to the end of time. + </p> + <p> + Creatures so high-bred as Mrs. Dodd never fidget one. There is a repose + about them; they are balm to all those they love, and blister to none. + Item, no stranger could tell by Mrs. Dodd's manner whether Edward or + Alfred was her own son. + </p> + <p> + Oh, you happy little villa! you were as like Paradise as any mortal + dwelling can be. A day came, however, when your walls could no longer hold + all the happy inmates. Julia presented Alfred with a lovely boy; enter + nurses, and the villa showed symptoms of bursting. Two months more, and + Alfred and his wife and boy overflowed into the next villa. It was but + twenty yards off; and there was a double reason for the migration. As + often happens after a long separation Heaven bestowed on Captain and Mrs. + Dodd another infant to play about their knees at present, and help them + grow younger instead of older: for tender parents begin life again with + their children. + </p> + <p> + The boys were nearly of a size, though the nephew was a month or two older + than his uncle, a relationship that was early impressed on their young + minds, and caused those who heard their prattle many a hearty laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Dodd,” said a lady, “I couldn't tell by your manner which is yours + and which is your daughter's.” + </p> + <p> + “Why they are both mine,” said Mrs. Dodd piteously, and opening her eyes + with gentle astonishment. + </p> + <p> + As years rolled on Dr. Sampson made many converts at home and abroad. The + foreign ones acknowledged their obligations. The leading London physicians + managed more skilfully; they came into his ideas, and bit by bit reversed + their whole practice, and, twenty years after, Sampson began to strengthen + the invalid at once, instead of first prostrating him, and so causing + either long sickness or sudden death. But, with all this, they disowned + their forerunner, and still called him a quack while adopting his + quackery. This dishonesty led them into difficulties. To hide that their + whole practice in medicine was reversed on <i>better information,</i> they + went from shuffle to shuffle, till at last they reached this climax of + fatuity and egotism—THE TYPE OF DISEASE IS CHANGED. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Natura mutatur, non nos mutamur. +</pre> + <p> + O, mutable Nature and immutable doctors! + </p> + <p> + O, unstable Omniscience, and infallible Nescience! + </p> + <p> + The former may err; the latter never—in its own opinion. + </p> + <p> + At this rate, draining the weak of their life blood was the right thing in + Cervantes' day: and when he observed that it killed men like sheep, and + said so under the head of Sangrado, he was confounding his own age with an + age to come three hundred years later, in which coming age depletion was + <i>going</i> to be wrong. + </p> + <p> + Moliere—in lashing the whole scholastic system of lancet, purge, and + blister as one of slaughter—committed the same error: mistook his + century for one to come. + </p> + <p> + And Sampson, thirty years ago, sang the same tune, and mistook his + inflammatory generation for the cool generation as yet unborn. In short, + it is the characteristic of a certain blunder called genius to see things + too far in advance. The surest way to avoid this is not to see them at + all; but go blindly by the cant of the hour. <i>Race moutonuiere va!</i> + </p> + <p> + Sampson was indignant at finding that these gentry, after denouncing him + for years as a quack, were pilfering his system, yet still reviling him. + He went in a towering passion, and hashed them by tongue and pen: told + them they were his subtractors now as well as detractors, asked them how + it happened that in countries where there is no Sampson the type of + disease remains unchanged, depletion is the practice, and death the + result, as it was in every age? + </p> + <p> + No man, however stout, can help being deeply wounded when he sees his + ideas stolen, yet their author and publisher disowned. Many men's hearts + have been broken by this: but I doubt whether they were really great men. + </p> + <p> + Don't tell me Lilliput ever really kills Brobdignag. Except, of course, + when Brobdignag takes medical advice of Lilliput. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Sampson had three shields against subtraction, detraction, and all the + wrongs inventors endure: to wit, a choleric temper, a keen sense of + humour, and a good wife. He storms and rages at his detracting pupils; but + ends with roars of laughter at their impudence. I am told he still hopes + to meet with justice some day, and to give justice a chance, he goes to + bed at ten, for, says he— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Jinny us, jinny us, + Take care of your carcass,” + </pre> + <p> + and explains that no genius ever lived to ninety without being + appreciated. + </p> + <p> + “If Chatterton and Keats had attended to this, they would have been all + right. If James Watt had died at fifty he would have been all wrong; for + at fifty he was a failure! so was the painter Etty, the English Tishin.” + And then he accumulates examples. + </p> + <p> + His last distich bearing on Hard Cash is worth recording. “Miss Julee,” + said he, “y' are goen to maerry int' a strange family— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where th' ijjit puts the jinnyus + In-til a madhus,” + </pre> + <p> + which, like most of the droll things this man said, was true: for Soft + Tommy and Alfred were the two intellectual extremes of the whole tribe of + Hardies. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Archbold, disappointed both in love and revenge, posed her + understanding, and soothed her mind, with Frank Beverley and opium. This + soon made the former deep in love with her, and his intellect grew by + contact with hers. But one day news came from Australia that her husband + was dead. Now, perhaps I shall surprise the reader, if I tell him that + this Edith Archbold began her wedded life a good, confiding, loving, + faithful woman. Yet so it was: the unutterable blackguard she had married, + he it was who laboured to spoil her character, and succeeded at last, and + drove her, unwilling at first, to other men. The news of his death was + like a shower-bath; it roused her. She took counsel with herself, and hope + revived in her strong head and miserable heart. She told Frank, and + watched him like a hawk. He instantly fell on his knees, and implored her + to marry him directly. She gave him her hand and turned away, and shed the + most womanly tear that had blessed her for years. “I am not mad, you + know,” said poor Frank; “I am only a bit of a muff.” To make a long story + short, she exerted all her intelligence, and with her help Frank took + measures towards superseding his Commission of Lunacy. Now, in such a + case, the Lord Chancellor always examines the patient in person. What was + the consequence? Instead of the vicarious old Wolf, who had been devouring + him at third and fourth hand, Frank had two interviews with the Chancellor + himself: a learned, grave, upright gentleman, who questioned him kindly + and shrewdly and finding him to be a young man of small intellectual + grasp, but not the least idiotic or mad, superseded his commission in + defiance of his greedy kinsfolk, and handed him his property. He married + Edith Archbold, and she made him as happy as the day was long. For the + first year or two she treated his adoration with good-natured contempt; + but, as years rolled on, she became more loving, and he more knowing! They + are now a happy pair, and all between her first honest love, and this her + last, seems to her a dream. + </p> + <p> + So you see a female rake can be ameliorated by a loving husband, as well + as a male rake by a loving wife. + </p> + <p> + It sounds absurd, and will offend my female readers and their unchristian + prejudices, but that black-browed jade is like to be one of the best wives + and mothers in England. But then, mind you, she had always—Brains. + </p> + <p> + I do not exactly know why Horace puts together those two epithets, “just” + and “tenacious of purpose.” Perhaps he had observed they go together. To + be honest, I am not clear whether this is so on the grand scale. But + certainly the two features did meet remarkably in one of my characters—Alfred + Hardie. The day the bank broke, he had said he would pay the creditors. He + now set to work to do it by degrees. He got the names and addresses, lived + on half his income, and paid half away to those creditors: he even asked + Julia to try and find Maxley out, and do something for him. “But don't let + me see him,” said he, trembling, “for I could not answer for myself.” + Maxley was known to be cranky, but harmless, and wandering about the + country. Julia wrote to Mr. Green about him: + </p> + <p> + Alfred's was an uphill game; but fortune favours the obstinate as well as + the bold. One day, about four years after his marriage with Julia, being + in London, he found a stately figure at the corner of a street, holding + out his hand for alms, too dignified to ask it except by that mute and + touching gesture. + </p> + <p> + It was his father. + </p> + <p> + Then, as truly noble natures must forgive the fallen, Alfred was touched + to the heart, and thought of the days of his childhood, before temptation + came. “Father,” said he, “have you come to this?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Alfred,” said Richard composedly: “I undertook too many + speculations, especially in land and houses; they seemed profitable at + first, too; but now I am entirely hampered: if you would but relieve me of + them, and give me a guinea a week to live on, I would forgive all your + disobedient conduct.” + </p> + <p> + Alfred bit his lip, had a wrestle with the old Adam; and said gently, + “Come home with me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + He took him to Barkington, bag and baggage; and his good Christian wife + received the old man with delight; she had prayed day and night for this + reconciliation. Finding his son so warm, and being himself as cool, + Richard Hardie entrapped Alfred into an agreement, to board and lodge him, + and pay him a guinea every Saturday at noon; in return for this Alfred was + to manage Richard's property, and pocket the profits, if any. Alfred + assented: the old man chuckled at his son's simplicity, and made him sign + a formal agreement to that effect. + </p> + <p> + This done he used so sit brooding and miserable nearly all the week till + guinea time came; and then brightened up a bit. One day Alfred sent for an + accountant to look after his father's papers, and see if matters were + really desperate. + </p> + <p> + The accountant was not long at work, and told Alfred the accounts were + perfectly clear, and kept in the most, admirable order. “The cash balance + is L. 60,000,” said he, “and many of the rents are due. It is an agent you + want, not an accountant.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking about? A balance of L. 60,000?” Alfred was + stupefied. + </p> + <p> + The accountant, however, soon convinced him by the figures it was so. + </p> + <p> + Alfred went with the good news to his father. + </p> + <p> + His father went into a passion. “That is one side of the account, ye + fool,” said he; “think of the rates, the taxes, the outgoings. You want to + go from your bargain, and turn me on the world; but I have got you in + black and white, tight, tight.” + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred saw the truth, and wondered at his past obtuseness. + </p> + <p> + His father was a monomaniac. + </p> + <p> + He consulted Sampson, and Sampson told him to increase the old man's + comforts on the sly, and pay him his guinea a week. “It's all you can do + for him.” + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred employed an agent, and received a large income from his + father's land and houses, and another from his consols. The old gentleman + had purchased westward of Hyde Park Square, and had bought with excellent + judgment till his mind gave way. Alfred never spent a farthing of it on + himself: but he took some for his father's creditors. “All justice is + good,” said he, “even wild justice.” Some of these unhappy creditors he + found in the workhouse; the Misses Lunley that survived were there, alas! + He paid them their four thousand pounds, and restored them to society. The + name of Hardie began to rise again from the dust. + </p> + <p> + Now, while Richard Hardie sat brooding and miserable, expecting utter + ruin, and only brightening up on guinea day, Julia had a protege with + equally false views but more cheerful ones. It was an old man with a + silver beard, and a machine with which he stamped leather into round + pieces of silver, in his opinion. Nothing could have shaken that notion + out of his mind. Julia confirmed it. She let it be known that she would + always cash five pieces of round leather from Mr. Matthews' mint per day, + and ten on Friday, when working men are poorest. + </p> + <p> + She contrived this with diabolical, no, angelical cunning, to save the old + man from ridicule, and to do his soul much good. All souls were dear to + her. What was the consequence? He went about with his mint, and relieved + poor people, and gratified his mania at the same time. His face began to + beam with benevolence and innocent self-satisfaction. On Richard Hardie's + all was cordage: and deep gloom sat on his ever-knitted brow. + </p> + <p> + Of these two men which was the rich man; he who had nothing, yet thought + he possessed enough for himself and his neighbours: or he who rolled in + wealth, but writhed under imaginary poverty? + </p> + <p> + One reflection more. Do not look to see Providence dash the cup of + prosperity from every dishonest hand; or you will often be disappointed. + Yet this, if you look closer, you shall often see: such a man holds the + glittering cup tight, and nectar to the brim; but into that cup a shadowy + hand squeezes some subtle ingredient, which turns that nectar to wormwood. + </p> + <p> + Richard Hardie died, his end being hastened by fear of poverty coming like + an armed man, and his guinea a week going. Matthews met with an accident, + and, being impervious to pain, but subject to death, was laid beside his + poor mistress in St. Anne's churchyard. Julia buried him, and had a + headstone put to his grave; and, when this was done, she took her husband + to see it. On that stone was fresh carved the true name of the deceased, + James Maxley. + </p> + <p> + “I have done what you told me,” said Julia, her sweet voice trembling a + little. Even she did not quite know how her husband would take it, or bear + it. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>know it,</i>” said Alfred softly. “I saw who your Matthews was; but + I could not speak of him, even to you.” He looked at the grave in silence. + </p> + <p> + Julia's arms were round his neck in a moment, and her wet cheek consoling + his. + </p> + <p> + “You have done right, my good Christian wife. I wish I was like you. My + poor little Jenny!” + </p> + <p> + Richard Hardie's papers were found in perfect order; and among them an old + will leaving L. 14,000 to Edward Dodd. + </p> + <p> + On this being announced to Edward, he suggested that it was a fraud: + Alfred had been at him for a long time with offers of money, and failing + there, and being a fine impetuous fellow, had lost his temper and forged a + will, in his, Edward's, favour. + </p> + <p> + This scandalous defence broke down. The document was indisputable, and the + magic sum was forced down Master Edward's throat, nilly willy. Thus rose + the Hard Cash a second time from the grave. + </p> + <p> + All this enabled the tenacious Alfred to carry out a deeply-cherished + design. Hardie's late bank had been made into a shop; but it belonged to + Mrs. Dodd. He bought it of her, and set up the bank again, with Edward as + managing partner. This just suited Edward, who sadly wanted employment. + Hardie & Co. rose again, and soon wiped out the late disgraceful + episode, and looked on to the past centuries of honour and good credit. No + creditor of Richard Hardie was left unpaid. Alfred went in for politics; + stood for Barkington, was defeated by seventeen: took it as a matter of + course; told his friends he had never succeeded in anything at first; nor + been beaten in the end; stood again, and became M. P. for Barkington, + whence to dislodge him I pity any one who tries. + </p> + <p> + For a long time Mrs. Dodd was nervous, and used to wake with a start at + night, and put out her hand to make sure David was not lost again. But + this wore off. + </p> + <p> + For years the anniversary of that fatal day, when he was brought home on + the stretcher, came back to them all as a day of gloom. But that wore off. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the happiness of her family seemed incredible to her, + remembering what they had all gone through. At first, their troubles were + too terrible and recent to be discussed. But even that wore off, and they + could talk of it all; and things bitter at the time became pleasant to + remember. + </p> + <p> + One midsummer day they had all dined together rather early at Albion + Villa, and sat on the lawn, with Mrs. Dodd's boy and Julia's boy and girl + playing about these ladies' knees. Now after a little silence, Mrs. Dodd, + who had been thinking quietly of many things, spoke to them all, and said: + “If my children and I had not been bosom-friends, we never should have + survived that terrible time we have passed through, my dears. Make friends + of your children, my child.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that I will!” said Julia; and caught up the nearest brat and kissed + it impetuously: for Wifehood and Maternity had not un-Julia'd her. + </p> + <p> + “It wasn't only our being friends, mamma,” said Edward; “it was our + sticking together so.” + </p> + <p> + In looking back on the story now ended, I incline to Mrs. Dodd's + conclusion. Almost my first word was that she and her children were + bosom-friends; and my last is to congratulate them that it was so. Think + of their various trials and temptations, and imagine what would have + become of them if family love and unity had not abounded. Their little + house was built on the sure foundation of true family affection: and so + the winds of adversity descended, and the floods came, and burst upon that + house, but could not prevail against it; it was founded on a rock. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hard Cash, by Charles Reade + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARD CASH *** + +***** This file should be named 3067-h.htm or 3067-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/0/6/3067/ + +Produced by James Rusk and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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