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diff --git a/5239-h/5239-h.htm b/5239-h/5239-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..adacd03 --- /dev/null +++ b/5239-h/5239-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5348 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!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"> + <head> + <title> + The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Volume 6 + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h2> + THE CONFESSIONS OF HARRY LORREQUER, Vol. 6 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Vol.6 +by Charles James Lever (1806-1872) + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Vol.6 + +Author: Charles James Lever (1806-1872) + +Release Date: October 27, 2006 [EBook #5239] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARRY LORREQUER, VOL. 6 *** + + + + +Produced by Mary Munarin and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + THE CONFESSIONS OF HARRY LORREQUER + </h2> + <h3> + [By Charles James Lever (1806-1872)] + </h3> + <h3> + Dublin + </h3> + <h3> + MDCCCXXXIX. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Volume 6. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> <img alt="bookcover.jpg (95K)" src="images/bookcover.jpg" + height="986" width="650" /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <img alt="spine.jpg (51K)" + src="images/spine.jpg" height="1207" width="650" /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> + <img alt="titlepage.jpg (48K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" height="1141" + width="601" /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> [Note: Though the title page has no + author's name inscribed,<br /> this work is generally attributed to Charles + James Lever.] <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="The_Inn_at_Munich" id="The_Inn_at_Munich">The Inn at Munich</a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> <a href="images2/00aTheInnatMunich.jpg"><img + alt="00a The Inn at Munich (96K)" + src="images/00aTheInnatMunich.jpg" height="1179" width="693" /></a> + <br /> Click on this or any of the following images<br /> to view the + engraving in black and white detail. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <b> "We talked of pipe-clay regulation caps—<br /> + Long twenty-fours—short culverins and mortars—<br /> + Condemn'd the 'Horse Guards' for a set of raps,<br /> + And cursed our fate at being in such quarters.<br /> Some smoked, some + sighed, and some were heard to snore;<br /> Some + wished themselves five fathoms 'neat the Solway;<br /> And some did + pray—who never prayed before—<br /> That + they might get the 'route' for Cork or Galway."<br /> </b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + + <h3> + CONTENTS + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#ch42">CHAPTER XLII</a> <br /> The Journey <br /> <br /> <a + href="#ch43">CHAPTER XLIII</a> <br /> The Journey <br /> <br /> <a + href="#ch44">CHAPTER XLIV</a> <br /> A Reminscence of the East <br /> + <br /> <a href="#ch45">CHAPTER XLV</a> <br /> A Day in the Phoenix <br /> + <br /> <a href="#ch46">CHAPTER XLVI</a> <br /> An Adventure in Canada + <br /> <br /> <a href="#ch47">CHAPTER XLVII</a> <br /> The Courier's + Passport <br /> <br /> <a href="#ch48">CHAPTER XLVIII</a> <br /> A Night + in Strasbourg <br /> <br /> <a href="#ch49">CHAPTER XLIX</a> <br /> A + Surprise <br /> <br /> <a href="#ch50">CHAPTER L</a> <br /> Jack Waller's + Story <br /> <br /> <a href="#ch51">CHAPTER LI</a> <br /> Munich <br /> + <br /> <a href="#ch52">CHAPTER LII</a> <br /> Inn at Munich <br /> <br /> + <a href="#ch53">CHAPTER LIII</a> <br /> The Ball <br /> <br /> <a + href="#ch54">CHAPTER LIV</a> <br /> A Discovery <br /> <br /> <a + href="#ch55">CHAPTER LV</a> <br /> Conclusion <br /> <br /> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch42" id="ch42"></a>CHAPTER XLII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE JOURNEY. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Trevanion came at last. He had obtained my passport, and engaged a + carriage to convey me about eight miles, where I should overtake the + diligence—such a mode of travelling being judged more likely to + favour my escape, by attracting less attention than posting. It was past + ten when I left the Rue St. Honore, having shaken hands with Trevanion for + the last time, and charged him with ten thousand soft messages for the + "friends" I left behind me. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at the village of St. Jacques, the diligence had not come + up. To pass away the time, I ordered a little supper and a bottle of St. + Julien. Scarcely had I seated myself to my "cotelette," when the rapid + whirl of wheels was heard without, and a cab drew up suddenly at the door. + So naturally does the fugitive suspect pursuit, that my immediate + impression was, that I was followed. In this notion I was strengthened by + the tones of a cracked, discordant voice, asking in very peculiar French + if the "diligence had passed?" Being answered in the negative he walked + into the room where I was, and speedily by his appearance, removed any + apprehensions I had felt as to my safety. Nothing could less resemble the + tall port and sturdy bearing of a gendarme, than the diminutive and + dwarfish individual before me. His height could scarcely have reached five + feet, of which the head formed fully a fourth part; and even this was + rendered in appearance still greater by a mass of loosely floating black + hair that fell upon his neck and shoulders, and gave him much the air of a + "black lion" on a sign board. His black frock, fur-collared and braided—his + ill-made boots, his meerschaum projecting from his breast-pocket, above + all, his unwashed hands, and a heavy gold ring upon his thumb—all + made up an ensemble of evidences that showed he could be nothing but a + German. His manner was bustling, impatient, and had it not been ludicrous, + would certainly be considered as insolent to every one about him, for he + stared each person abruptly in the face, and mumbled some broken + expressions of his opinion of them half-aloud in German. His comments ran + on:—"Bon soir, Monsieur," to the host: "Ein boesewicht, ganz sicher"—"a + scoundrel without doubt;" and then added, still lower, "Rob you here as + soon as look at you." "Ah, postillion! comment va?"—"much more like + a brigand after all—I know which I'd take you for." "Ver fluchte + fraw"—"how ugly the woman is." This compliment was intended for the + hostess, who curtsied down to the ground in her ignorance. At last + approaching me, he stopped, and having steadily surveyed me, muttered, + "Ein echter Englander"—"a thorough Englishman, always eating." I + could not resist the temptation to assure him that I was perfectly aware + of his flattering impression in my behalf, though I had speedily to regret + my precipitancy, for, less mindful of the rebuke than pleased at finding + some one who understood German, he drew his chair beside me and entered + into conversation. + </p> + <p> + Every one has surely felt, some time or other in life, the insufferable + annoyance of having his thoughts and reflections interfered with, and + broken in upon by the vulgar impertinence and egotism of some "bore," who, + mistaking your abstraction for attention and your despair for delight, + inflicts upon you his whole life and adventures, when your own immediate + destinies are perhaps vacillating in the scale. + </p> + <p> + Such a doom was now mine! Occupied as I was by the hope of the future, and + my fears lest any impediment to my escape should blast my prospects for + ever, I preferred appearing to pay attention to this confounded fellow's + "personal narrative" lest his questions, turning on my own affairs, might + excite suspicions as to the reasons of my journey. + </p> + <p> + I longed most ardently for the arrival of the diligence, trusting that + with true German thrift, by friend might prefer the cheapness of the + "interieure" to the magnificence of the "coupe," and that thus I should + see no more of him. But in this pleasing hope I was destined to be + disappointed, for I was scarcely seated in my place when I found him + beside me. The third occupant of this "privileged den," as well as my + lamp-light survey of him permitted, afforded nothing to build on as a + compensation for the German. He was a tall, lanky, lantern-jawed man, with + a hook nose and projecting chin; his hair, which had only been permitted + to grow very lately, formed that curve upon his forehead we see in certain + old fashioned horse-shoe wigs; his compressed lip and hard features gave + the expression of one who had seen a good deal of the world, and didn't + think the better of it in consequence. I observed that he listened to the + few words we spoke while getting in with some attention, and then, like a + person who did not comprehend the language, turned his shoulder towards + us, and soon fell asleep. I was now left to the "tender mercies" of my + talkative companion, who certainly spared me not. Notwithstanding my + vigorous resolves to turn a deaf ear to his narratives, I could not avoid + learning that he was the director of music to some German prince—that + he had been to Paris to bring out an opera which having, as he said, a + "succes pyramidal," he was about to repeat in Strasbourg. He further + informed me that a depute from Alsace had obtained for him a government + permission to travel with the courier; but that he being "social" withal, + and no ways proud, preferred the democracy of the diligence to the + solitary grandeur of the caleche, (for which heaven confound him,) and + thus became my present companion. + </p> + <p> + Music, in all its shapes and forms made up the staple of the little man's + talk. There was scarcely an opera or an overture, from Mozart to + Donizetti, that he did not insist upon singing a scene from; and wound up + all by a very pathetic lamentation over English insensibility to music, + which he in great part attributed to our having only one opera, which he + kindly informed me was "Bob et Joan." However indisposed to check the + current of his loquacity by any effort of mine, I could not avoid the + temptation to translate for him a story which Sir Walter Scott once + related to me, and was so far apropos, as conveying my own sense of the + merits of our national music, such as we have it, by its association with + scenes, and persons, and places we are all familiar with, however + unintelligible to the ear of a stranger. + </p> + <p> + A young French viscomte was fortunate enough to obtain in marriage the + hand of a singularly pretty Scotch heiress of an old family and good + fortune, who, amongst her other endowments, possessed a large + old-fashioned house in a remote district of the highlands, where her + ancestors had resided for centuries. Thither the young couple repaired to + pass their honeymoon; the enamoured bridegroom gladly availing himself of + the opportunity to ingratiate himself with his new connexion, by adopting + the seclusion he saw practised by the English on such occasions. However + consonant to our notions of happiness, and however conducive to our + enjoyment this custom be—and I have strong doubts upon the subject + —it certainly prospered ill with the volatile Frenchman, who pined + for Paris, its cafes, its boulevards, its maisons de jeu, and its soirees. + His days were passed in looking from the deep and narrow windows of some + oak-framed room upon the bare and heath-clad moors, or watching the + cloud's shadows as they passed across the dark pine trees that closed the + distance. + </p> + <p> + Ennuyee to death, and convinced that he had sacrificed enough and more + than enough to the barbarism which demanded such a "sejour," he was + sitting one evening listlessly upon the terrace in front of the house, + plotting a speedy escape from his gloomy abode, and meditating upon the + life of pleasure that awaited him, when the discordant twang of some + savage music broke upon his ear, and roused him from his reverie. The wild + scream and fitful burst of a highland pibroch is certainly not the most + likely thing in nature to allay the irritable and ruffled feelings of an + irascible person—unless, perhaps, the hearer eschew breeches. So + thought the viscomte. He started hurriedly up, and straight before him, + upon the gravel-walk, beheld the stalwart figure and bony frame of an old + highlander, blowing, with all his lungs, the "Gathering of the clans." + With all the speed he could muster, he rushed into the house, and, calling + his servants, ordered them to expel the intruder, and drive him at once + outside the demesne. When the mandate was made known to the old piper, it + was with the greatest difficulty he could be brought to comprehend it—for, + time out of mind, his approach had been hailed with every demonstration of + rejoicing; and now—but no; the thing was impossible—there must + be a mistake somewhere. He was accordingly about to recommence, when a + second and stronger hint suggested to him that it were safer to depart. + "Maybe the 'carl' did na like the pipes," said the highlander musingly, as + he packed them up for his march. "Maybe he did na like me;" "perhaps, too, + he was na in the humour of music." He paused for an instant as if + reflecting—not satisfied, probably, that he had hit upon the true + solution—when suddenly his eye brightened, his lips curled, and + fixing a look upon the angry Frenchman, he said—"Maybe ye are right + enow—ye heard them ower muckle in Waterloo to like the skirl o' them + ever since;" with which satisfactory explanation, made in no spirit of + bitterness or raillery, but in the simple belief that he had at last hit + the mark of the viscomte's antipathy, the old man gathered up his plaid + and departed. + </p> + <p> + However disposed I might have felt towards sleep, the little German + resolved I should not obtain any, for when for half an hour together I + would preserve a rigid silence, he, nowise daunted, had recourse to some + German "lied," which he gave forth with an energy of voice and manner that + must have aroused every sleeper in the diligence: so that, fain to avoid + this, I did my best to keep him on the subject of his adventures, which, + as a man of successful gallantry, were manifold indeed. Wearying at last, + even of this subordinate part, I fell into a kind of half doze. The words + of a student song he continued to sing without ceasing for above an hour—being + the last waking thought on my memory. + </p> + <p> + Less as a souvenir of the singer than a specimen of its class I give here + a rough translation of the well-known Burschen melody called <br /> + </p> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + THE POPE<br /> <br /> I.<br /> The Pope, he leads a happy life,<br /> He + fears not married care, nor strife,<br /> He drinks the best of Rhenish + wine,<br /> I would the Pope's gay lot were mine.<br /> <br /> CHORUS.<br /> + He drinks the best of Rhenish wine.<br /> I would the Pope's gay lot + were mine.<br /> <br /> II.<br /> But then all happy's not his life,<br /> + He has not maid, nor blooming wife;<br /> Nor child has he to raise his + hope—<br /> I would not wish to be the Pope.<br /> <br /> III.<br /> + The Sultan better pleases me,<br /> His is a life of jollity;<br /> His + wives are many as he will—<br /> I would the Sultan's throne then + fill.<br /> <br /> IV.<br /> But even he's a wretched man,<br /> He must + obey his Alcoran;<br /> And dares not drink one drop of wine—<br /> + I would not change his lot for mine.<br /> <br /> V.<br /> So then I'll + hold my lowly stand,<br /> And live in German Vaterland;<br /> I'll kiss + my maiden fair and fine,<br /> And drink the best of Rhenish wine.<br /> + <br /> VI.<br /> Whene'er my maiden kisses me,<br /> I'll think that I + the Sultan be;<br /> And when my cheery glass I tope,<br /> I'll fancy + then I am the Pope.<br /> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch43" id="ch43"></a>CHAPTER XLIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE JOURNEY. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was with a feeling of pleasure I cannot explain, that I awoke in the + morning, and found myself upon the road. The turmoil, the bustle, the + never-ending difficulties of my late life in Paris had so over-excited and + worried me, that I could neither think nor reflect. Now all these cares + and troubles were behind me, and I felt like a liberated prisoner as I + looked upon the grey dawn of the coming day, as it gradually melted from + its dull and leaden tint to the pink and yellow hue of the rising sun. The + broad and richly-coloured plains of "la belle France" were before me—and + it is "la belle France," however inferior to parts of England in rural + beauty—the large tracts of waving yellow corn, undulating like a sea + in the morning breeze—the interminable reaches of forest, upon which + the shadows played and flitted, deepening the effect and mellowing the + mass, as we see them in Ruysdael's pictures—while now and then some + tall-gabled, antiquated chateau, with its mutilated terrace and + dowager-like air of bye-gone grandeur, would peep forth at the end of some + long avenue of lime trees, all having their own features of beauty—and + a beauty with which every object around harmonizes well. The sluggish + peasant, in his blouse and striped night-cap—the heavily caparisoned + horse, shaking his head amidst a Babel-tower of gaudy worsted tassels and + brass bells—the deeply laden waggon, creeping slowly along—are + all in keeping with a scene, where the very mist that rises from the + valley seems indolent and lazy, and unwilling to impart the rich perfume + of verdure with which it is loaded. Every land has its own peculiar + character of beauty. The glaciered mountain, the Alpine peak, the dashing + cataract of Switzerland and the Tyrol, are not finer in their way than the + long flat moorlands of a Flemish landscape, with its clump of stunted + willows cloistering over some limpid brook, in which the oxen are standing + for shelter from the noon-day heat—while, lower down, some rude + water-wheel is mingling its sounds with the summer bees and the merry + voices of the miller and his companions. So strayed my thoughts as the + German shook me by the arm, and asked if "I were not ready for my + breakfast?" Luckily to this question there is rarely but the one answer. + Who is not ready for his breakfast when on the road? How delightful, if on + the continent, to escape from the narrow limits of the dungeon-like + diligence, where you sit with your knees next your collar-bone, fainting + with heat and suffocated by dust, and find yourself suddenly beside the + tempting "plats" of a little French dejeune, with its cutlets, its fried + fish, its poulet, its salad, and its little entre of fruit, tempered with + a not despicable bottle of Beaune. If in England, the exchange is nearly + as grateful—for though our travelling be better, and our equipage + less "genante," still it is no small alterative from the stage-coach to + the inn parlour, redolent of aromatic black tea, eggs, and hot toast, with + a hospitable side-board of red, raw surloins, and York hams, that would + made a Jew's mouth water. While, in America, the change is greatest of + all, as any one can vouch for who has been suddenly emancipated from the + stove-heat of a "nine-inside" leathern "conveniency," bumping ten miles an + hour over a corduroy road, the company smoking, if not worse; to the ample + display of luxurious viands displayed upon the breakfast-table, where, + what with buffalo steaks, pumpkin pie, gin cock-tail, and other + aristocratically called temptations, he must be indeed fastidious who + cannot employ his half-hour. Pity it is, when there is so much good to + eat, that people will not partake of it like civilized beings, and with + that air of cheerful thankfulness that all other nations more or less + express when enjoying the earth's bounties. But true it is, that there is + a spirit of discontent in the Yankee, that seems to accept of benefits + with a tone of dissatisfaction, if not distrust. I once made this remark + to an excellent friend of mine now no more, who, however, would not permit + of my attributing this feature to the Americans exclusively, adding, + "Where have you more of this than in Ireland? and surely you would not + call the Irish ungrateful?" He illustrated his first remark by the + following short anecdote:— + </p> + <p> + The rector of the parish my friend lived in was a man who added to the + income he derived from his living a very handsome private fortune, which + he devoted entirely to the benefit of the poor around him. Among the + objects of his bounty one old woman—a childless widow, was + remarkably distinguished. Whether commiserating her utter helplessness or + her complete isolation, he went farther to relieve her than to many, if + not all, the other poor. She frequently was in the habit of pleading her + poverty as a reason for not appearing in church among her neighbours; and + he gladly seized an opportunity of so improving her condition, that on + this score at least no impediment existed. When all his little plans for + her comfort had been carried into execution, he took the opportunity one + day of dropping in, as if accidentally, to speak to her. By degrees he led + the subject to her changed condition in life—the alteration from a + cold, damp, smoky hovel, to a warm, clean, slated house—the cheerful + garden before the door that replaced the mud-heap and the duck-pool—and + all the other happy changes which a few weeks had effected. And he then + asked, did she not feel grateful to a bountiful Providence that had + showered down so many blessings upon her head? + </p> + <p> + "Ah, troth, its thrue for yer honour, I am grateful," she replied, in a + whining discordant tone, which astonished the worthy parson. + </p> + <p> + "Of course you are, my good woman, of course you are—but I mean to + say, don't you feel that every moment you live is too short to express + your thankfulness to this kind Providence for what he has done?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, darlin', it's all thrue, he's very good, he's mighty kind, so he is." + </p> + <p> + "Why then, not acknowledge it in a different manner?" said the parson, + with some heat—"has he not housed you, and fed you, and clothed + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, alanah, he done it all." + </p> + <p> + "Well, where is your gratitude for all these mercies?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, sure if he did," said the old crone, roused at length by the + importunity of the questioner—"sure if he did, doesn't he take it + out o' me in the corns?" + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch44" id="ch44"></a>CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A REMINISCENCE OF THE EAST. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The breakfast-table assembled around it the three generations of men who + issued from the three subdivisions of the diligence, and presented that + motley and mixed assemblage of ranks, ages, and countries, which forms so + very amusing a part of a traveller's experience. + </p> + <p> + First came the "haute aristocratie" of the coupe, then the middle class of + the interieure, and lastly, the tiers etat of the rotonde, with its + melange of Jew money-lenders, under-officers and their wives, a Norman + nurse with a high cap and a red jupe; while, to close the procession, a + German student descended from the roof, with a beard, a blouse, and a + meerschaum. Of such materials was our party made up; and yet, differing in + all our objects and interests, we speedily amalgamated into a very social + state of intimacy, and chatted away over our breakfast with much good + humour and gaiety. Each person of the number seeming pleased at the + momentary opportunity of finding a new listener, save my tall companion of + the coupe. He preserved a dogged silence, unbroken by even a chance + expression to the waiter, who observed his wants and supplied them by a + species of quick instinct, evidently acquired by practice. As I could not + help feeling somewhat interested about the hermit-like attachment he + evinced for solitude, I watched him narrowly for some time, and at length + as the "roti" made its appearance before him, after he had helped himself + and tasted it, he caught my eye fixed upon him, and looking at me intently + for a few seconds, he seemed to be satisfied in some passing doubt he + laboured under, as he said with a most peculiar shake of the head—"No + mangez, no mangez cela." + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said I, detecting in my friend's French his English origin, "you are + an Englishman I find." + </p> + <p> + "The devil a doubt of it, darlin'," said he half testily. + </p> + <p> + "An Irishman, too—still better," said I. + </p> + <p> + "Why then isn't it strange that my French always shows me to be English, + and my English proves me Irish? It's lucky for me there's no going farther + any how." + </p> + <p> + Delighted to have thus fallen upon a "character," as the Irishman + evidently appeared, I moved my chair towards his; and finding, however, he + was not half pleased at the manner in which my acquaintance had been made + with him, and knowing his country's susceptibility of being taken by a + story, I resolved to make my advances by narrating a circumstance which + had once befallen me in my early life. + </p> + <p> + Our countrymen, English and Irish, travel so much now a days, that one + ought never to feel surprised at finding them anywhere. The instance I am + about to relate will verify to a certain extent the fact, by showing that + no situation is too odd or too unlikely to be within the verge of + calculation. + </p> + <p> + When the 10th foot, to which I then belonged, were at Corfu, I obtained + with three other officers a short leave of absence, to make a hurried tour + of the Morea, and taking a passing glance at Constantinople—in those + days much less frequently visited by travellers than at present. + </p> + <p> + After rambling pleasantly about for some weeks, we were about to return, + when we determined that before sailing we should accept an invitation some + officers of the "Dwarf" frigate, then stationed there, had given us, to + pass a day at Pera, and pic-nic in the mountain. + </p> + <p> + One fine bright morning was therefore selected—a most appetizing + little dinner being carefully packed up—we set out, a party of + fourteen, upon our excursion. + </p> + <p> + The weather was glorious, and the scene far finer than any of us had + anticipated—the view from the mountain extending over the entire + city, gorgeous in the rich colouring of its domes and minarets; while, at + one side, the golden horn was visible, crowded with ships of every nation, + and, at the other, a glimpse might be had of the sea of Marmora, blue and + tranquil as it lay beneath. The broad bosom of the Bosphorus was sheeted + out like a map before us—peaceful yet bustling with life and + animation. Here lay the union-jack of old England, floating beside the + lilies of France—we speak of times when lilies were and barricades + were not—the tall and taper spars of a Yankee frigate towering above + the low timbers and heavy hull of a Dutch schooner—the gilded poop + and curved galleries of a Turkish three-decker, anchored beside the raking + mast and curved deck of a suspicious looking craft, whose red-capped and + dark-visaged crew needed not the naked creese at their sides to bespeak + them Malays. The whole was redolent of life, and teeming with food for + one's fancy to conjure from. + </p> + <p> + While we were debating upon the choice of a spot for our luncheon, which + should command the chief points of view within our reach, one of the party + came to inform us that he had just discovered the very thing we were in + search of. It was a small kiosk, built upon a projecting rock that looked + down upon the Bosphorus and the city, and had evidently, from the extended + views it presented, been selected as the spot to build upon. The building + itself was a small octagon, open on every side, and presenting a series of + prospects, land and seaward, of the most varied and magnificent kind. + </p> + <p> + Seeing no one near, nor any trace of habitation, we resolved to avail + ourselves of the good taste of the founder; and spreading out the contents + of our hampers, proceeded to discuss a most excellent cold dinner. When + the good things had disappeared, and the wine began to circulate, one of + the party observed that we should not think of enjoying ourselves before + we had filled a bumper to the brim, to the health of our good king, whose + birth-day it chanced to be. Our homeward thoughts and loyalty uniting, we + filled our glasses, and gave so hearty a "hip, hip, hurra," to our toast, + that I doubt if the echoes of those old rocks ever heard the equal of it. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was the last cheer dying away in the distance, when the door of + the kiosk opened, and a negro dressed in white muslin appeared, his arms + and ancles bearing those huge rings of massive gold, which only persons of + rank distinguish their servants by. + </p> + <p> + After a most profound obeisance to the party, he explained in very + tolerable French, that his master the Effendi, Ben Mustapha Al Halak, at + whose charge (in house rent) we were then resting, sent us greetings, and + begged that if not considered as contrary to our usages, we should permit + him and his suite to approach the kiosk and observe us at our meal. + </p> + <p> + Independent of his politeness in the mode of conveying the request, as he + would prove fully as entertaining a sight to us as we could possibly be to + him, we immediately expressed our great willingness to receive his visit, + coupled with a half hint that perhaps he might honour us by joining the + party. + </p> + <p> + After a half hour's delay, the door was once more thrown open, and a + venerable old Turk entered: he salaamed three times most reverently, and + motioned to us to be seated, declining, at the same time, by a gentle + gesture of his hand, our invitation. He was followed by a train of six + persons, all splendidly attired, and attesting, by their costume and + manner, the rank and importance of their chief. Conceiving that his visit + had but one object—to observe our convivial customs—we + immediately reseated ourselves, and filled our glasses. + </p> + <p> + As one after another the officers of the effendi's household passed round + the apartments, we offered them a goblet of champagne, which they + severally declined, with a polite but solemn smile—all except one, a + large, savage-looking Turk, with a most ferocious scowl, and the largest + black beard I ever beheld. He did not content himself with a mute refusal + of our offer, but stopping suddenly, he raised up his hands above his + head, and muttered some words in Turkish, which one of the party informed + us was a very satisfactory recommendation of the whole company to Satan + for their heretic abomination. + </p> + <p> + The procession moved slowly round the room, and when it reached the door + again retired, each member of it salaaming three times as they had done on + entering. Scarcely had they gone, when we burst into a loud fit of + laughter at the savage-looking fellow who thought proper to excommunicate + us, and were about to discuss his more than common appearance of disgust + at our proceedings, when again the door opened, and a turbaned head peeped + in, but so altered were the features, that although seen but the moment + before, we could hardly believe them the same. The dark complexion—the + long and bushy beard were there—but instead of the sleepy and solemn + character of the oriental, with heavy eye and closed lip, there was a + droll, half-devilry in the look, and partly open mouth, that made a most + laughable contrast with the head-dress. He looked stealthily around him + for an instant, as if to see that all was right, and then, with an accent + and expression I shall never forget, said, "I'll taste your wine, + gentleman, an it be pleasing to ye." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch45" id="ch45"></a>CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A DAY IN THE PHOENIX. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + When we were once more in the coupe of the diligence, I directed my entire + attention towards my Irish acquaintance, as well because of his apparent + singularity, as to avoid the little German in the opposite corner. + </p> + <p> + "You have not been long in France, then, sir," said I, as we resumed our + conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Three weeks, and it seems like three years to me—nothing to eat—nothing + to drink—and nobody to speak to. But I'll go back soon—I only + came abroad for a month." + </p> + <p> + "You'll scarcely see much of the Continent in so short a time." + </p> + <p> + "Devil a much that will grieve me—I didn't come to see it." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing of the kind; I only came—to be away from home." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! I perceive." + </p> + <p> + "You're quite out there," said my companion, misinterpreting my meaning. + "It wasn't any thing of that kind. I don't owe sixpence. I was laughed out + of Ireland—that's all, though that same is bad enough." + </p> + <p> + "Laughed out of it!" + </p> + <p> + "Just so—and little you know of Ireland if that surprises you." + </p> + <p> + After acknowledging that such an event was perfectly possible, from what I + myself had seen of that country, I obtained the following very brief + account of my companion's reasons for foreign travel: + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir," began he, "it is about four months since I brought up to + Dublin from Galway a little chesnut mare, with cropped ears and a short + tail, square-jointed, and rather low—just what you'd call a smart + hack for going to cover with—a lively thing on the road with a light + weight. Nobody ever suspected that she was a clean bred thing—own + sister to Jenny, that won the Corinthians, and ran second to Giles for the + Riddlesworth—but so she was, and a better bred mare never leaped the + pound in Ballinasloe. Well, I brought her to Dublin, and used to ride her + out two or three times a week, making little matches sometimes to trot—and, + for a thorough bred, she was a clipper at trotting—to trot a mile or + so on the grass—another day to gallop the length of the nine acres + opposite the Lodge—and then sometimes, back her for a ten pound + note, to jump the biggest furze bush that could be found—all or + which she could do with ease, nobody thinking, all the while, that the + cock-tailed pony was out of Scroggins, by a 'Lamplighter mare.' As every + fellow that was beat to-day was sure to come back to-morrow, with + something better, either of his own or a friend's, I had matches booked + for every day in the week—for I always made my little boy that rode, + win by half a neck, or a nostril, and so we kept on day after day + pocketing from ten to thirty pounds or thereabouts. + </p> + <p> + "It was mighty pleasant while it lasted, for besides winning the money, I + had my own fun laughing at the spoonies that never could book my bets fast + enough. Young infantry officers and the junior bar—they were for the + most part mighty nice to look at, but very raw about racing. How long I + might have gone on in this way I cannot say; but one morning I fell in + with a fat, elderly gentleman, in shorts and gaiters, mounted on a dun cob + pony, that was very fidgety and hot tempered, and appeared to give the + rider a great deal of uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + "'He's a spicy hack you're on, sir,' said I, 'and has a go in him, I'll be + bound.' + </p> + <p> + "'I rayther think he has,' said the old gentleman, half testily. + </p> + <p> + "'And can trot a bit, too.' + </p> + <p> + "'Twelve Irish miles in fifty minutes, with my weight.' Here he looked + down at a paunch like a sugar hosghead. + </p> + <p> + "'Maybe he's not bad across a country,' said I, rather to humour the old + fellow, who, I saw, was proud of his poney. + </p> + <p> + "'I'd like to see his match, that's all.' Here he gave a rather + contemptuous glance at my hack. + </p> + <p> + "Well, one word led to another, and it ended at last in our booking a + match, with which one party was no less pleased than the other. It was + this: each was to ride his own horse, starting from the school in the + Park, round the Fifteen Acres, outside the Monument, and back to the start—just + one heat, about a mile and a half—the ground good, and only soft + enough. In consideration, however, of his greater weight, I was to give + odds in the start; and as we could not well agree on how much, it was at + length decided that he was to get away first, and I to follow as fast as I + could, after drinking a pewter quart full of Guinness's double stout—droll + odds, you'll say, but it was the old fellow's own thought, and as the + match was a soft one, I let him have his way. + </p> + <p> + "The next morning the Phoenix was crowded as if for a review. There were + all the Dublin notorieties, swarming in barouches, and tilburies, and + outside jaunting-cars—smart clerks in the post-office, mounted upon + kicking devils from Dycer's and Lalouette's stables—attorney's wives + and daughters from York-street, and a stray doctor or so on a hack that + looked as if it had been lectured on for the six winter months at the + College of Surgeons. My antagonist was half an hour late, which time I + occupied in booking bets on every side of me—offering odds of ten, + fifteen, and at last, to tempt the people, twenty-five to one against the + dun. At last, the fat gentleman came up on a jaunting-car, followed by a + groom leading the cob. I wish you heard the cheer that greeted him on his + arrival, for it appeared he was a well-known character in town, and much + in favour with the mob. When he got off the car, he bundled into a tent, + followed by a few of his friends, where they remained for about five + minutes, at the end of which he came out in full racing costume—blue + and yellow striped jacket, blue cap and leathers—looking as funny a + figure as ever you set eyes upon. I now thought it time to throw off my + white surtout, and show out in pink and orange, the colours I had been + winning in for two months past. While some of the party were sent on to + station themselves at different places round the Fifteen Acres, to mark + out the course, my fat friend was assisted into his saddle, and gave a + short preliminary gallop of a hundred yards or so, that set us all + a-laughing. The odds were now fifty to one in my favour, and I gave them + wherever I could find takers. 'With you, sir, if you please, in pounds, + and the gentleman in the red whiskers, too, if he likes—very well, + in half sovereigns, if you prefer it.' So I went on, betting on every + side, till the bell rung to mount. As I knew I had plenty of time to + spare, I took little notice, and merely giving a look to my girths, I + continued leisurely booking my bets. At last the time came, and at the + word 'Away!' off went the fat gentleman on the dun, at a spluttering + gallop, that flung the mud on every side of us, and once more threw us all + a-laughing. I waited patiently till he got near the upper end of the park, + taking bets every minute; and now that he was away, every one offered to + wager. At last, when I had let him get nearly half round, and found no + more money could be had, I called out to his friends for the porter, and, + throwing myself into the saddle, gathered up the reins in my hand. The + crowd fell back on each side, while from the tent I have already mentioned + came a thin fellow with one eye, with a pewter quart in his hand: he + lifted it up towards me, and I took it; but what was my fright to find + that the porter was boiling, and the vessel so hot I could barely hold it. + I endeavoured to drink, however: the first mouthful took all the skin off + my lips and tongue—the second half choked, and the third nearly + threw me into an apoplectic fit—the mob cheering all the time like + devils. Meantime, the old fellow had reached the furze, and was going + along like fun. Again I tried the porter, and a fit of coughing came on + that lasted five minutes. The pewter was now so hot that the edge of the + quart took away a piece of my mouth at every effort. I ventured once more, + and with the desperation of a madman I threw down the hot liquid to its + last drop. My head reeled—my eyes glared—and my brain was on + fire. I thought I beheld fifty fat gentlemen galloping on every side of + me, and all the sky raining jackets in blue and yellow. Half mechanically + I took the reins, and put spurs to my horse; but before I got well away, a + loud cheer from the crowd assailed me. I turned, and saw the dun coming in + at a floundering gallop, covered with foam, and so dead blown that neither + himself nor the rider could have got twenty yards farther. The race was, + however, won. My odds were lost to every man on the field, and, worse than + all, I was so laughed at, that I could not venture out in the streets, + without hearing allusions to my misfortune; for a certain friend of mine, + one Tom O'Flaherty—" + </p> + <p> + "Tom of the 11th light dragoons?" + </p> + <p> + "The same—you know Tom, then? Maybe you have heard him mention me—Maurice + Malone?" + </p> + <p> + "Not Mr. Malone, of Fort Peak?" + </p> + <p> + "Bad luck to him. I am as well known in connexion with Fort Peak, as the + Duke is with Waterloo. There is not a part of the globe where he has not + told that confounded story." + </p> + <p> + As my readers may not possibly be all numbered in Mr. O'Flaherty's + acquaintance, I shall venture to give the anecdote which Mr. Malone + accounted to be so widely circulated. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch46" id="ch46"></a>CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + AN ADVENTURE IN CANADA. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Mr._Malone_and_His_Friend" id="Mr._Malone_and_His_Friend">Mr. + Malone and His Friend</a> + </h3> + <p> + <a href="images2/Ch46MrMaloneandFriend.jpg"> <img + alt="Ch 46 Mr Malone and Friend.jpg (70K)" + src="images/Ch46MrMaloneandFriend.jpg" height="780" + width="480" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of the last war with America, a small detachment of + military occupied the little block house of Fort Peak, which, about eight + miles from the Falls of Niagara, formed the last outpost on the frontier. + The Fort, in itself inconsiderable, was only of importance as commanding a + part of the river where it was practicable to ford, and where the easy + ascent of the bank offered a safe situation for the enemy to cross over, + whenever they felt disposed to carry the war into our territory. + </p> + <p> + There having been, however, no threat of invasion in this quarter, and the + natural strength of the position being considerable, a mere handful of + men, with two subaltern officers, were allotted for this duty—such + being conceived ample to maintain it till the arrival of succour from + head-quarters, then at Little York, on the opposite side of the lake. The + officers of this party were our old acquaintance Tom O'Flaherty, and our + newly-made one Maurice Malone. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be the merits of commanding officers, one virtue they + certainly can lay small claim to—viz. any insight into character, or + at least any regard for the knowledge. Seldom are two men sent off on + detachment duty to some remote quarter, to associate daily and hourly for + months together, that they are not, by some happy chance, the very people + who never, as the phrase is, "took to each other" in their lives. The + grey-headed, weather-beaten, disappointed "Peninsular" is coupled with the + essenced and dandified Adonis of the corps; the man of literary tastes and + cultivated pursuits, with the empty headed, ill informed youth, fresh from + Harrow or Westminster. This case offered no exception to the rule; for + though there were few men possessed of more assimilating powers than + O'Flaherty, yet certainly his companion did put the faculty to the test, + for any thing more unlike him, there never existed. Tom all good humour + and high spirits—making the best of every thing—never + non-plussed—never taken aback—perfectly at home, whether + flirting with a Lady Charlotte in her drawing-room, or crossing a grouse + mountain in the highlands—sufficiently well read to talk on any + ordinary topic—and always ready-witted enough to seem more so. A + thorough sportsman, whether showing forth in the "park" at Melton, + whipping a trout-stream in Wales, or filling a country-house with black + cock and moor-fowl; an unexceptionable judge of all the good things in + life, from a pretty ancle to a well hung tilbury—from the odds at + hazard to the "Comet vintage." Such, in brief, was Tom. Now his confrere + was none of these; he had been drafted from the Galway militia to the + line, for some election services rendered by his family to the government + candidate; was of a saturnine and discontented habit; always miserable + about some trifle or other, and never at rest till he had drowned his + sorrows in Jamaica rum—which, since the regiment was abroad, he had + copiously used as a substitute for whiskey. To such an extent had this + passion gained upon him, that a corporal's guard was always in attendance + whenever he dined out, to convey him home to the barracks. + </p> + <p> + The wearisome monotony of a close garrison, with so ungenial a companion, + would have damped any man's spirits but O'Flaherty's. He, however, upon + this, as other occasions in life, rallied himself to make the best of it; + and by short excursions within certain prescribed limits along the river + side, contrived to shoot and fish enough to get through the day, and + improve the meagre fare of his mess-table. Malone never appeared before + dinner—his late sittings at night requiring all the following day to + recruit him for a new attack upon the rum bottle. + </p> + <p> + Now, although his seeing so little of his brother officer was any thing + but unpleasant to O'Flaherty, yet the ennui of such a life was gradually + wearing him, and all his wits were put in requisition to furnish + occupation for his time. Never a day passed without his praying ardently + for an attack from the enemy; any alternative, any reverse, had been a + blessing compared with his present life. No such spirit, however, seemed + to animate the Yankee troops; not a soldier was to be seen for miles + around, and every straggler that passed the Fort concurred in saying that + the Americans were not within four day's march of the frontier. + </p> + <p> + Weeks passed over, and the same state of things remaining unchanged, + O'Flaherty gradually relaxed some of his strictness as to duty; small + foraging parties of three and four being daily permitted to leave the Fort + for a few hours, to which they usually returned laden with wild turkeys + and fish—both being found in great abundance near them. + </p> + <p> + Such was the life of the little garrison for two or three long summer + months—each day so resembling its fellow, that no difference could + be found. + </p> + <p> + As to how the war was faring, or what the aspect of affairs might be, they + absolutely knew nothing. Newspapers never reached them; and whether from + having so much occupation at head-quarters, or that the difficulty of + sending letters prevented, their friends never wrote a line; and thus they + jogged on, a very vegetable existence, till thought at last was stagnating + in their brains, and O'Flaherty half envied his companion's resource in + the spirit flask. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of affairs at the Fort, when one evening O'Flaherty + appeared to pace the little rampart that looked towards Lake Ontario, with + an appearance of anxiety and impatience strangely at variance with his + daily phlegmatic look. It seemed that the corporal's party he had + despatched that morning to forage, near the "Falls," had not returned, and + already were four hours later than their time away. + </p> + <p> + Every imaginable mode of accounting for their absence suggested itself to + his mind. Sometimes he feared that they had been attacked by the Indian + hunters, who were far from favourably disposed towards their poaching + neighbours. Then, again, it might be merely that they had missed their + track in the forest; or could it be that they had ventured to reach Goat + Island in a canoe, and had been carried down the rapids. Such were the + torturing doubts that passed as some shrill squirrel, or hoarse night owl + pierced the air with a cry, and then all was silent again. While thus the + hours went slowly by, his attention was attracted by a bright light in the + sky. It appeared as if part of the heavens were reflecting some strong + glare from beneath, for as he looked, the light, at first pale and + colourless, gradually deepened into a rich mellow hue, and at length, + through the murky blackness of the night, a strong clear current of flame + rose steadily upwards from the earth, and pointed towards the sky. From + the direction, it must have been either at the Falls, or immediately near + them; and now the horrible conviction flashed upon his mind that the party + had been waylaid by the Indians, who were, as is their custom, making a + war feast over their victims. + </p> + <p> + Not an instant was to be lost. The little garrison beat to arms; and, as + the men fell in, O'Flaherty cast his eyes around, while he selected a few + brave fellows to accompany him. Scarcely had the men fallen out from the + ranks, when the sentinel at the gate was challenged by a well-known voice, + and in a moment more the corporal of the foraging party was among them. + Fatigue and exhaustion had so overcome him, that for some minutes he was + speechless. At length he recover sufficiently to give the following brief + account:— + </p> + <p> + The little party having obtained their supply of venison above Queenston, + were returning to the Fort, when they suddenly came upon a track of feet, + and little experience in forest life soon proved that some new arrivals + had reached the hunting grounds, for on examining them closely, they + proved neither to be Indian tracks, nor yet those made by the shoes of the + Fort party. Proceeding with caution to trace them backwards for three or + four miles, they reached the bank of the Niagara river, above the + whirlpools, where the crossing is most easily effected from the American + side. The mystery was at once explained: it was a surprise party of the + Yankees, sent to attack Fort Peak; and now the only thing to be done was + to hasten back immediately to their friends, and prepare for their + reception. + </p> + <p> + With this intent they took the river path as the shortest, but had not + proceeded far when their fears were confirmed; for in a little embayment + of the bank they perceived a party of twenty blue coats, who, with their + arms piled, were lying around as if waiting for the hour of attack. The + sight of this party added greatly to their alarm, for they now perceived + that the Americans had divided their force—the foot-tracks first + seen being evidently those of another division. As the corporal and his + few men continued, from the low and thick brushwood, to make their + reconnaisance of the enemy, they observed with delight that they were not + regulars, but a militia force. With this one animating thought, they + again, with noiseless step, regained the forest, and proceeded upon their + way. Scarcely, however, had they marched a mile, when the sound of voices + and loud laughter apprised them that another party was near, which, as + well as they could observe in the increasing gloom, was still larger than + the former. They were now obliged to make a considerable circuit, and + advance still deeper into the forest—their anxiety hourly + increasing, lest the enemy should reach the Fort before themselves. In + this dilemma it was resolved that the party should separate—the + corporal determining to proceed alone by the river bank, while the others, + by a detour of some miles, should endeavour to learn the force of the + Yankees, and, as far as they could, their mode of attack. From that + instant the corporal knew no more; for, after two hours' weary exertion, + he reached the Fort, which, had it been but another mile distant, his + strength had not held out for him to attain. + </p> + <p> + However gladly poor O'Flaherty might have hailed such information under + other circumstances, now it came like a thunderbolt upon him. Six of his + small force were away, perhaps ere this made prisoners by the enemy; the + Yankees, as well as he could judge, were a numerous party; and he himself + totally without a single adviser—for Malone had dined, and was, + therefore, by this time in that pleasing state of indifference, in which + he could only recognise an enemy, in the man that did not send round the + decanter. + </p> + <p> + In the half indulged hope that his state might permit some faint exercise + of the reasoning faculty, O'Flaherty walked towards the small den they had + designated as the mess-room, in search of his brother officer. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the apartment, little disposed as he felt to mirth at such a + moment, the tableau before him was too ridiculous not to laugh at. At one + side of the fire-place sat Malone, his face florid with drinking, and his + eyeballs projecting. Upon his head was a small Indian skull cap, with two + peacock feathers, and a piece of scarlet cloth which hung down behind. In + one hand he held a smoking goblet of rum punch, and in the other a long, + Indian Chibook pipe. Opposite to him, but squatted upon the floor, reposed + a red Indian, that lived in the Fort as a guide, equally drunk, but + preserving, even in his liquor, an impassive, grave aspect, strangely + contrasting with the high excitement of Malone's face. The red man wore + Malone's uniform coat, which he had put on back foremost—his + head-dress having, in all probability been exchanged for it, as an + amicable courtesy between the parties. There they sat, looking fixedly at + each other; neither spoke, nor even smiled—the rum bottle, which at + brief intervals passed from one to the other, maintained a friendly + intercourse that each was content with. + </p> + <p> + To the hearty fit of laughing of O'Flaherty, Malone replied by a look of + drunken defiance, and then nodded to his red friend, who returned the + courtesy. As poor Tom left the room, he saw that nothing was to be hoped + for in this quarter, and determined to beat the garrison to arms without + any further delay. Scarcely had he closed the door behind him, when a + sudden thought flashed through his brain. He hesitated, walked forward a + few paces, stopped again, and calling out to the corporal, said— + </p> + <p> + "You are certain they were militia?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; quite sure." + </p> + <p> + "Then, by Jove, I have it," cried O'Flaherty. "If they should turn out to + be the Buffalo fencibles, we may get through this scrape better than I + hoped for." + </p> + <p> + "I believe you are right, sir; for I heard one of the men as I passed + observe, 'what will they say in Buffalo when it's over?'." + </p> + <p> + "Send Mathers here, corporal; and do you order four rank and file, with + side-arms to be in readiness immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Mathers, you have heard the news," said O'Flaherty, as the sergeant + entered. "Can the Fort hold out against such a force as Jackson reports? + You doubt; well, so do I; so let's see what's to be done. Can you + remember, was it not the Buffalo militia that were so tremendously + thrashed by the Delawares last autumn?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, they chased them for two days and nights, and had they not + reached the town of Buffalo, the Delawares would not have left a scalp in + the regiment." + </p> + <p> + "Can you recollect the chief's name—it was Carran—something, + eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Caudan-dacwagae." + </p> + <p> + "Exactly. Where is he supposed to be now?" + </p> + <p> + "Up in Detroit, sir, they say, but no one knows. Those fellows are here + to-day, and there to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + "Well then, sergeant, here's my plan." Saying these words, O'Flaherty + proceeded to walk towards his quarters, accompanied by the sergeant, with + whom he conversed for some time eagerly—occasionally replying, as it + appeared, to objections, and offering explanations as the other seemed to + require them. The colloquy lasted half an hour—and although the + veteran sergeant seemed difficult of conviction, it ended by his saying, + as he left the room, + </p> + <p> + "Well, sir, as you say, it can only come to hard knocks at worst. Here + goes—I'll send off the scout party to make the fires and choose the + men for the out picquets, for no time is to be lost." + </p> + <p> + In about an hour's time from the scene I have mentioned, a number of + militia officers, of different grades, were seated round a bivouac fire, + upon the bank of the Niagara river. The conversation seemed of an angry + nature, for the voices of the speakers were loud and irrascible, and their + gestures evidenced a state of high excitement. + </p> + <p> + "I see," said one, who seemed the superior of the party—"I see well + where this will end. We shall have another Queenston affair, as we had + last fall with the Delawares." + </p> + <p> + "I only say," replied another, "that if you wish our men to stand fire + to-morrow morning, the less you remind them of the Delawares the better. + What is that noise? Is not that a drum beating?" + </p> + <p> + The party at these words sprung to their legs, and stood in an attitude of + listening for some seconds. + </p> + <p> + "Who goes there?" sung out a sentinel from his post; and then, after a + moment's delay, added—"Pass flag of truce to Major Brown's + quarters." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words spoken, when three officers in scarlet, preceded + by a drummer with a white flag, stood before the American party. + </p> + <p> + "To whom may I address myself?" said one of the British—who, I may + inform my reader, en passant, was no other than O'Flaherty—"To whom + may I address myself as the officer in command?" + </p> + <p> + "I am Major Brown," said a short, plethoric little man, in a blue uniform + and round hat—"And who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Major O'Flaherty, of his majesty's fifth foot," said Tom, with a very + sonorous emphasis on each word—"the bearer of a flag of truce and an + amicable proposition from Major-General Allen, commanding the garrison of + Fort Peak." + </p> + <p> + The Americans, who were evidently taken by surprise at their intentions of + attack being known, were silent, while he continued— + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen, it may appear somewhat strange that a garrison, possessing the + natural strength of a powerful position—supplied with abundant + ammunition and every muniment of war—should despatch a flag of truce + on the eve of an attack, in preference to waiting for the moment, when a + sharp and well-prepared reception might best attest its vigilance and + discipline. But the reasons for this step are soon explained. In the first + place, you intend a surprise. We have been long aware of your projected + attack. Our spies have tracked you from your crossing the river above the + whirlpool to your present position. Every man of your party is numbered by + us; and, what is still more, numbered by our allies —yes, gentlemen, + I must repeat it, 'allies'—though, as a Briton, I blush at the word. + Shame and disgrace for ever be that man's portion, who first associated + the honourable usages of war with the atrocious and bloody cruelties of + the savage. Yet so it is: the Delawares of the hills"—here the + Yankees exchanged very peculiar looks—"have this morning arrived at + Fort Peak, with orders to ravage the whole of your frontier, from Fort + George to Lake Erie. They brought us the information of your approach, and + their chief is, while I speak, making an infamous proposition, by which a + price is to paid for every scalp he produces in the morning. Now, as the + general cannot refuse to co-operate with the savages, without compromising + himself with the commander-in-chief, neither can he accept of such + assistance without some pangs of conscience. He has taken the only course + open to him: he has despatched myself and my brother officers here"—O'Flaherty + glanced at two privates dressed up in his regimentals—"to offer you + terms"— + </p> + <p> + O'Flaherty paused when he arrived thus far, expecting that the opposite + party would make some reply; but they continued silent: when suddenly, + from the dense forest, there rung forth a wild and savage yell, that rose + and fell several times, like the pibroch of the highlander, and ended at + last in a loud whoop, that was echoed and re-echoed again and again for + several seconds after. + </p> + <p> + "Hark!" said O'Flaherty, with an accent of horror—"Hark! the war-cry + of the Delawares! The savages are eager for their prey. May it yet be time + enough to rescue you from such a fate! Time presses—our terms are + these—as they do not admit of discussion, and must be at once + accepted or rejected, to your own ear alone can I impart them." + </p> + <p> + Saying which, he took Major Brown aside, and, walking apart from the + others, led him, by slow steps, into the forest. While O'Flaherty + continued to dilate upon the atrocities of Indian war, and the revengeful + character of the savages, he contrived to be always advancing towards the + river side, till at length the glare of a fire was perceptible through the + gloom. Major Brown stopped suddenly, and pointed in the direction of the + flame. + </p> + <p> + "It is the Indian picquet," said O'Flaherty, calmly; "and as the facts I + have been detailing may be more palpable to your mind, you shall see them + with your own eyes. Yes, I repeat it, you shall, through the cover of this + brushwood, see Caudan-dacwagae himself—for he is with them in + person." + </p> + <p> + As O'Flaherty said this, he led Major Brown, now speechless with terror, + behind a massive cork tree, from which spot they could look down upon the + river side, where in a small creek sat five or six persons in blankets, + and scarlet head-dresses; their faces streaked with patches of yellow and + red paint, to which the glare of the fire lent fresh horror. In the midst + sat one, whose violent gestures and savage cries gave him the very + appearance of a demon, as he resisted with all his might the efforts of + the others to restrain him, shouting like a maniac all the while, and + struggling to rise. + </p> + <p> + "It is the chief," said O'Flaherty; "he will wait no longer. We have + bribed the others to keep him quiet, if possible, a little time; but I see + they cannot succeed." + </p> + <p> + A loud yell of triumph from below interrupted Tom's speech. The infuriated + savage—who was no other than Mr. Malone—having obtained the + rum bottle, for which he was fighting with all his might—his temper + not being improved in the struggle by occasional admonitions from the red + end of a cigar, applied to his naked skin by the other Indians—who + were his own soldiers acting under O'Flaherty's orders. + </p> + <p> + "Now," said Tom, "that you have convinced yourself, and can satisfy your + brother officers, will you take your chance? or will you accept the + honoured terms of the General—pile your arms, and retreat beyond the + river before day-break? Your muskets and ammunition will offer a bribe to + the cupidity of the savage, and delay his pursuit till you can reach some + place of safety." + </p> + <p> + Major Brown heard the proposal in silence, and at last determined upon + consulting his brother officers. + </p> + <p> + "I have outstaid my time," said O'Flaherty, "but stop; the lives of so + many are at stake, I consent." Saying which, they walked on without + speaking, till they arrived where the others were standing around the + watch-fire. + </p> + <p> + As Brown retired to consult with the officers, Tom heard with pleasure how + much his two companions had worked upon the Yankees' fears, during his + absence, by details of the vindictive feelings of the Delawares, and their + vows to annihilate the Buffalo militia. + </p> + <p> + Before five minutes they had decided. Upon a solemn pledge from O'Flaherty + that the terms of the compact were to be observed as he stated them, they + agreed to march with their arms to the ford, where, having piled them, + they were to cross over, and make the best of their way home. + </p> + <p> + By sunrise the next morning, all that remained of the threatened attack on + Fort Peak, were the smouldering ashes of some wood fires—eighty + muskets piled in the fort—and the yellow ochre, and red stripes that + still adorned the countenance of the late Indian chief,—but now + snoring Lieutenant Maurice Malone. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch47" id="ch47"></a>CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE COURIER'S PASSPORT. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + A second night succeeded the long dreary day of the diligence, and the + only one agreeable reflection arose in the feeling that every mile + travelled, was diminishing the chance of pursuit, and removing me still + further from that scene of trouble and annoyance that was soon to furnish + gossip for Paris—under the title of "The Affaire O'Leary." + </p> + <p> + How he was ever to extricate himself from the numerous and embarrassing + difficulties of his position, gave me, I confess, less uneasiness than the + uncertainty of my own fortunes. Luck seemed ever to befriend him—me + it had always accompanied far enough through life to make its subsequent + desertion more painful. How far I should blame myself for this, I stopped + not to consider; but brooded over the fact in a melancholy and + discontented mood. The one thought uppermost in my mind was, how will Lady + Jane receive me—am I forgotten—or am I only remembered as the + subject of that unlucky mistake, when, under the guise of an elder son, I + was feted and made much of. What pretensions I had, without fortune, rank, + influence, or even expectations of any kind, to seek the hand of the most + beautiful girl of the day, with the largest fortune as her dowry, I dare + not ask myself—the reply would have dashed all my hopes, and my + pursuit would have at once been abandoned. "Tell the people you are an + excellent preacher," was the advice of an old and learned divine to a + younger and less experienced one—"tell them so every morning, and + every noon, and every evening, and at last they will begin to believe it." + So thought I. I shall impress upon the Callonbys that I am a most + unexceptionable "parti." Upon every occasion they shall hear it—as + they open their newspapers at breakfast—as they sip their soup at + luncheon—as they adjust their napkin at dinner—as they chat + over their wine at night. My influence in the house shall be unbounded—my + pleasures consulted—my dislikes remembered. The people in favour + with me shall dine there three times a-week—those less fortunate + shall be put into schedule A. My opinions on all subjects shall be a law—whether + I pronounce upon politics, or discuss a dinner: and all this I shall + accomplish by a successful flattery of my lady—a little bullying of + my lord—a devoted attention to the youngest sister—a special + cultivation of Kilkee—and a very "prononce" neglect of Lady Jane. + These were my half-waking thoughts, as the heavy diligence rumbled over + the pave into Nancy; and I was aroused by the door being suddenly jerked + open, and a bronzed face, with a black beard and moustache, being thrust + in amongst us. + </p> + <p> + "Your passports, Messieurs," as a lantern was held up in succession across + our faces, and we handed forth our crumpled and worn papers to the + official. + </p> + <p> + The night was stormy and dark—gusts of wind sweeping along, bearing + with them the tail of some thunder cloud—mingling their sounds with + a falling tile from the roofs, or a broken chimney-pot. The officer in + vain endeavoured to hold open the passports while he inscribed his name; + and just as the last scrawl was completed, the lantern went out. Muttering + a heavy curse upon the weather, he thrust them in upon us en masse, and, + banging the door to, called out to the conducteur, "en route." + </p> + <p> + Again we rumbled on, and, ere we cleared the last lamps of the town, the + whole party were once more sunk in sleep, save myself. Hour after hour + rolled by, the rain pattering upon the roof, and the heavy plash of the + horses' feet contributing their mournful sounds to the melancholy that was + stealing over me. At length we drew up at the door of a little auberge; + and, by the noise and bustle without, I perceived there was a change of + horses. Anxious to stretch my legs, and relieve, if even for a moment, the + wearisome monotony of the night, I got out and strode into the little + parlour of the inn. There was a cheerful fire in an open stove, beside + which stood a portly figure in a sheepskin bunta and a cloth travelling + cap, with a gold band; his legs were cased in high Russia leather boots, + all evident signs of the profession of the wearer, had even his haste at + supper not bespoke the fact that he was a government courier. + </p> + <p> + "You had better make haste with the horses, Antoine, if you don't wish the + postmaster to hear of it," said he, as I entered, his mouth filled with + pie crust and vin de Beaune, as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + A lumbering peasant, with a blouse, sabots, and a striped nightcap, + replied in some unknown patois; when the courier again said— + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, take the diligence horses; I must get on at all events; they + are not so presse, I'll be bound; besides it will save the gens-d'armes + some miles of a ride if they overtake them here." + </p> + <p> + "Have we another vise of our passports here, then?" said I, addressing the + courier, "for we have already been examined at Nancy?" + </p> + <p> + "Not exactly a vise," said the courier, eyeing me most suspiciously as he + spoke, and then continuing to eat with his former voracity. + </p> + <p> + "Then, what, may I ask, have we to do with the gens-d'armes?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a search," said the courier, gruffly, and with the air of one who + desired no further questioning. + </p> + <p> + I immediately ordered a bottle of Burgundy, and filling the large goblet + before him, said, with much respect, + </p> + <p> + "A votre bonne voyage, Monsier le Courier." + </p> + <p> + To this he at once replied, by taking off his cap and bowing politely as + he drank off the wine. + </p> + <p> + "Have we any runaway felon or a stray galerien among us?" said I, + laughingly, "that they are going to search us?" + </p> + <p> + "No, monsieur," said the courier; "but there has been a government order + to arrest a person on this road connected with the dreadful Polish plot, + that has just eclated at Paris. I passed a vidette of cavalry at Nancy, + and they will be up here in half an hour." + </p> + <p> + "A Polish plot! Why, I left Paris only two days ago, and never heard of + it." + </p> + <p> + "C'est bien possible, Monsieur? Perhaps, after all, it may only be an + affair of the police; but they have certainly arrested one prisoner at + Meurice, charged with this, as well as the attempt to rob Frascati, and + murder the croupier." + </p> + <p> + "Alas," said I, with a half-suppressed groan, "it is too true; that + infernal fellow O'Leary has ruined me, and I shall be brought back to + Paris, and only taken from prison to meet the open shame and ignominy of a + public trial." + </p> + <p> + What was to be done?—every moment was precious. I walked to the door + to conceal my agitation. All was dark and gloomy. The thought of escape + was my only one; but how to accomplish it! Every stir without suggested to + my anxious mind the approaching tread of horses—every rattle of the + harness seemed like the clink of accoutrements. + </p> + <p> + While I yet hesitated, I felt that my fate was in the balance. Concealment + where I was, was impossible; there were no means of obtaining horses to + proceed. My last only hope then rested in the courier; he perhaps might be + bribed to assist me at this juncture. Still his impression as to the + enormity of the crime imputed, might deter him; and there was no time for + explanation, if even he would listen to it. I returned to the room; he had + finished his meal, and was now engaged in all the preparations for + encountering a wet and dreary night. I hesitated; my fears that if he + should refuse my offers, all chance of my escape was gone, deterred me for + a moment. At length as he wound a large woollen shawl around his throat, + and seemed to have completed his costume, I summoned nerve for the effort, + and with as much boldness in my manner as I could muster, said— + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur le Courier, one word with you." I here closed the door, and + continued. "My fortunes—my whole prospects in life depend upon my + reaching Strasbourg by to-morrow night. You alone can be the means of my + doing so. Is there any price you can mention, for which you will render me + this service?—if so, name it." + </p> + <p> + "So then, Monsieur," said the Courier, slowly—"so, then, you are the—" + </p> + <p> + "You have guessed it," said I, interrupting. "Do you accept my proposal?" + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible," said he, "utterly impossible; for even should I be + disposed to run the risk on my own account, it would avail you nothing; + the first town we entered your passport would be demanded, and not being + vised by the minister to travel en courier, you would at once be detained + and arrested." + </p> + <p> + "Then am I lost," said I, throwing myself upon a chair; at the same + instant my passport, which I carried in my breast pocket, fell out at the + feet of the courier. He lifted it and opened it leisurely. So engrossed + was I by my misfortunes, that for some minutes I did not perceive, that as + he continued to read the passport, he smiled from time to time, till at + length a hearty fit of laughing awoke me from my abstraction. My first + impulse was to seize him by the throat; controlling my temper, however, + with an effort, I said— + </p> + <p> + "And pray, Monsieur, may I ask in what manner the position I stand in at + this moment affords you so much amusement? Is there any thing so + particularly droll—any thing so excessively ludicrous in my + situation—or what particular gift do you possess that shall prevent + me throwing you out of the window?" + </p> + <p> + "Mais, Monsieur," said he, half stifled with laughter, "do you know the + blunder I fell into? it is really too good. Could you only guess who I + took you for, you would laugh too." + </p> + <p> + Here he became so overcome with merriment, that he was obliged to sit + down, which he did opposite to me, and actually shook with laughter. + </p> + <p> + "When this comedy is over," thought I, "we may begin to understand each + other." Seeing no prospect of this, I became at length impatient, and + jumping on my legs, said— + </p> + <p> + "Enough, sir, quite enough of this foolery. Believe me, you have every + reason to be thankful that my present embarrassment should so far engross + me, that I cannot afford time to give you a thrashing." + </p> + <p> + "Pardon, mille pardons," said he humbly; "but you will, I am sure, forgive + me when I tell you that I was stupid enough to mistake you for the + fugitive Englishman, whom the gens-d'armes are in pursuit of. How good, + eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! devilish good—but what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, the fellow that caused the attack at Frascati, and all that, and—" + </p> + <p> + "Yes—well, eh? Did you think I was him?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure I did, till I saw your passport." + </p> + <p> + "Till you saw my passport!" Why, what on earth can he mean? thought I. + "No, but," said I, half jestingly, "how could you make such a blunder?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, your confused manner—your impatience to get on—your + hurried questions, all convinced me. In fact, I'd have wagered any thing + you were the Englishman." + </p> + <p> + "And what, in heaven's name, does he think me now?" thought I, as I + endeavoured to join the laugh so ludicrous a mistake occasioned. + </p> + <p> + "But we are delaying sadly," said the courier. "Are you ready?" + </p> + <p> + "Ready?—ready for what?" + </p> + <p> + "To go on with me, of course. Don't you wish to get early to Strasbourg?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure I do." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, come along. But, pray, don't mind your luggage, for my + caleche is loaded. Your instruments can come in the diligence." + </p> + <p> + "My instruments in the diligence! He's mad—that's flat." + </p> + <p> + "How they will laugh at Strasbourg at my mistake." + </p> + <p> + "That they will," thought I. "The only doubt is, will you join in the + merriment?" + </p> + <p> + So saying, I followed the courier to the door, jumped into his caleche, + and in another moment was hurrying over the pave at a pace that defied + pursuit, and promised soon to make up for all our late delay. Scarcely was + the fur-lined apron of the caleche buttoned around me, and the German + blinds let down, when I set to work to think over the circumstance that + had just befallen me. As I had never examined my passport from the moment + Trevanion handed it to me in Paris, I knew nothing of its contents; + therefore, as to what impression it might convey of me, I was totally + ignorant. To ask the courier for it now might excite suspicion; so that I + was totally at sea how to account for his sudden change in my favour, or + in what precise capacity I was travelling beside him. Once, and once only, + the thought of treachery occurred to me. Is he about to hand me over to + the gens-d'armes? and are we now only retracing our steps towards Nancy? + If so, Monsieur le Courier, whatever be my fate, your's is certainly an + unenviable one. My reflections on this head were soon broken in upon, for + my companion again returned to the subject of his "singular error," and + assured me that he was as near as possible leaving me behind, under the + mistaken impression of my being "myself;" and informed me that all + Strasbourg would be delighted to see me, which latter piece of news was + only the more flattering, that I knew no one there, nor had ever been in + that city in my life; and after about an hour's mystification as to my + tastes, habits, and pursuits, he fell fast asleep, leaving me to solve the + difficult problem as to whether I was not somebody else, or the only + alternative—whether travelling en courier might not be prescribed by + physicians as a mode of treating insane patients. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch48" id="ch48"></a>CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A NIGHT IN STRASBOURG. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a name="Lorrequer_s_Debut_at_Strasburg" + id="Lorrequer_s_Debut_at_Strasburg">Lorrequer's Debut at Strasburg</a> + </h3> + <p> + <a href="images2/Ch48LorrequersDebutatStrasburg.jpg"> + <img alt="Ch 48 Lorrequer's Debut at Strasburg.jpg (81K)" + src="images/Ch48LorrequersDebutatStrasburg.jpg" height="770" + width="480" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + With the dawn of day my miseries recommenced; for after letting down the + sash, and venting some very fervent imprecations upon the postillion for + not going faster than his horses were able, the courier once more recurred + to his last night's blunder, and proceeded very leisurely to catechise me + as to my probable stay at Strasbourg, when I should go from there, As I + was still in doubt what or whom he took me for, I answered with the + greatest circumspection—watching, the while, for any clue that might + lead me to a discovery of myself. Thus, occasionally evading all pushing + and home queries, and sometimes, when hard pressed, feigning drowsiness, I + passed the long and anxious day—the fear of being overtaken ever + mingling with the thoughts that some unlucky admission of mine might + discover my real character to the courier, who, at any post station, might + hand me over to the authorities. Could I only guess at the part I am + performing, thought I, and I might manage to keep up the illusion; but my + attention was so entirely engrossed by fencing off all his threats, that I + could find out nothing. At last, as night drew near, the thought that we + were approaching Strasbourg rallied my spirits, suggesting an escape from + all pursuit, as well as the welcome prospect of getting rid of my present + torturer, who, whenever I awoke from a doze, reverted to our singular + meeting with a pertinacity that absolutely seemed like malice. + </p> + <p> + "As I am aware that this is your first visit to Strasbourg," said the + courier, "perhaps I can be of service to you in recommending a hotel. Put + up, I advise you, at the 'Bear'—a capital hotel, and not ten + minutes' distance from the theatre." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him for the counsel; and, rejoicing in the fact that my + prototype, whoever he might be, was unknown in the city, began to feel + some little hope of getting through this scrape, as I had done so many + others. + </p> + <p> + "They have been keeping the 'Huguenots' for your arrival, and all + Strasbourg is impatient for your coming." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed!" said I, mumbling something meant to be modest. "Who the devil am + I, then, to cause all this fracas? Heaven grant, not the new 'prefect,' or + the commander of the forces." + </p> + <p> + "I am told the 'Zauberflotte' is your favourite opera?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't say that I ever heard it—that is, I mean that I could say—well + got up." + </p> + <p> + Here I floundered on having so far forgot myself as to endanger every + thing. + </p> + <p> + "How very unfortunate! Well, I hope you will not long have as much to say. + Meanwhile, here we are—this is the 'Bear.'" + </p> + <p> + We rattled into the ample porte cochere of a vast hotel—the + postillion cracking his enormous whip, and bells ringing on every side, as + if the crown prince of Russia had been the arrival, and not a poor sub. in + the __th. + </p> + <p> + The courier jumped out, and running up to the landlord, whispered a few + words in his ear, to which the other answered by a deep "ah, vraiment!" + and then saluted me with an obsequiousness that made my flesh quake. + </p> + <p> + "I shall make 'mes hommages' in the morning," said the courier, as he + drove off at full speed to deliver his despatches, and left me to my own + devices to perform a character, without even being able to guess what it + might be. My passport, too, the only thing that could throw any light upon + the affair, he had taken along with him, promising to have it vised, and + save me any trouble. + </p> + <p> + Of all my difficulties and puzzling situations in life, this was certainly + the worst; for however often my lot had been to personate another, yet + hitherto I had had the good fortune to be aware of what and whom I was + performing. Now I might be any body from Marshal Soult to Monsieur Scribe; + one thing only was certain, I must be a "celebrity." The confounded pains + and trouble they were taking to receive me, attested that fact, and left + me to the pleasing reflection that my detection, should it take place, + would be sure of attracting a very general publicity. Having ordered my + supper from the landlord, with a certain air of reserve, sufficient to + prevent even an Alsace host from obtruding any questions upon me, I took + my opportunity to stroll from the inn down to the river side. There lay + the broad, rapid Rhine, separating me, by how narrow a gulph, from that + land, where, if I once arrived, my safety was certain. Never did that + great boundary of nations strike me so forcibly, as now when my own petty + interests and fortunes were at stake. Night was fast settling upon the low + flat banks of the stream, and nothing stirred, save the ceaseless ripple + of the river. One fishing barque alone was on the water. I hailed the + solitary tenant of it, and after some little parley, induced him to ferry + me over. This, however, could only be done when the night was farther + advanced—it being against the law to cross the river except at + certain hours, and between two established points, where officers of the + revenue were stationed. The fisherman was easily bribed, however, to evade + the regulation, and only bargained that I should meet him on the bank + before daybreak. Having settled this point to my satisfaction, I returned + to my hotel in better spirits; and with a Strasbourg pate, and a flask of + Nierensteiner, drank to my speedy deliverance. + </p> + <p> + How to consume the long, dreary hours between this time and that of my + departure, I knew not; for though greatly fatigued, I felt that sleep was + impossible; the usual resource of a gossip with the host was equally out + of the question; and all that remained was the theatre, which I happily + remembered was not far from the hotel. + </p> + <p> + It was an opera night, and the house was crowded to excess; but with some + little management, I obtained a place in a box near the stage. The piece + was "Les Franc Macons," which was certainly admirably supported, and drew + down from the audience—no mean one as judges of music—the + loudest thunders of applause. As for me, the house was a great a curiosity + as the opera. The novel spectacle of some hundred (thousand?) people + relishing and appreciating the highest order of musical genius, was + something totally new and surprising to me. The curtain at length fell + upon the fifth act. + </p> + <p> + And now the deafening roar of acclamation was tremendous; and amid a + perfect shout of enthusiasm, the manager announced the opera for the + ensuing evening. Scarcely had this subsided, when a buzz ran through the + house; at first subdued, but gradually getting louder—extending from + the boxes to the balcone—from the balcone to the parterre—and + finally even to the galleries. Groups of people stood upon the benches, + and looked fixedly in one part of the house; then changed and regarded as + eagerly the other. + </p> + <p> + What can this mean? thought I. Is the theatre on fire? Something surely + has gone wrong! + </p> + <p> + In this conviction, with the contagious spirit of curiosity, I mounted + upon a seat, and looked about me on every side; but unable still to catch + the object which seemed to attract the rest, as I was about to resume my + place, my eyes fell upon a well-known face, which in an instant I + remembered was that of my late fellow-traveller the courier. Anxious to + avoid his recognition, I attempted to get down at once; but before I could + accomplish it, the wretch had perceived and recognised me; and I saw him, + even with a gesture of delight, point me out to some friends beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Confound the fellow," muttered I; "I must leave this at once, or I shall + be involved in some trouble." + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was my my resolve taken, when a new burst of voices arose from + the pit—the words "l'Auteur," "l'Auteur," mingling with loud cries + for "Meerberger," "Meerberger," to appear. So, thought I, it seems the + great composer is here. Oh, by Jove! I must have a peep at him before I + go. So, leaning over the front rail of the box, I looked anxiously about + to catch one hasty glimpse of one of the great men of his day and country. + What was my surprise, however, to perceive that about two thousand eyes + were firmly rivetted upon the box I was seated in; while about half the + number of tongues called out unceasingly, "Mr. Meerberger—vive + Meerberger—vive l'Auteur des Franc Macons—vive Franc Macons," + Before I could turn to look for the hero of the scene, my legs were taken + from under me, and I felt myself lifted by several strong men and held out + in front of the box, while the whole audience, rising en masse, saluted me—yes, + me, Harry Lorrequer—with a cheer that shook the building. Fearful of + precipitating myself into the pit beneath, if I made the least effort, and + half wild with terror and amazement, I stared about like a maniac, while a + beautiful young woman tripped along the edge of the box, supported by her + companion's hand, and placed lightly upon my brow a chaplet of roses and + laurel. Here the applause was like an earthquake. + </p> + <p> + "May the devil fly away with half of ye," was my grateful response, to as + full a cheer of applause as ever the walls of the house re-echoed to. + </p> + <p> + "On the stage—on the stage!" shouted that portion of the audience + who, occupying the same side of the house as myself, preferred having a + better view of me; and to the stage I was accordingly hurried, down a + narrow stair, through a side scene, and over half the corps de ballet who + were waiting for their entree. Kicking, plunging, buffetting like a + madman, they carried me to the "flats," when the manager led me forward to + the foot lights, my wreath of flowers contrasting rather ruefully with my + bruised cheeks and torn habiliments. Human beings, God be praised, are + only capable of certain efforts—so that one-half the audience were + coughing their sides out, while the other were hoarse as bull-frogs from + their enthusiasm in less than five minutes. + </p> + <p> + "You'll have what my friend Rooney calls a chronic bronchitis for this, + these three weeks," said I, "that's one comfort," as I bowed my way back + to the "practicable" door, through which I made my exit, with the thousand + faces of the parterre shouting my name, or, as fancy dictated, that of one + of "my" operas. I retreated behind the scenes, to encounter very nearly as + much, and at closer quarters, too, as that lately sustained before the + audience. After an embrace of two minutes duration from the manager, I ran + the gauntlet from the prima donna to the last triangle of the orchestra, + who cut away a back button of my coat as a "souvenir." During all this, I + must confess, very little acting was needed on my part. They were so + perfectly contented with their self-deception, that if I had made an + affidavit before the mayor—if there be such a functionary in such an + insane town—they would not have believed me. Wearied and exhausted + at length, by all I had gone through, I sat down upon a bench, and, + affecting to be overcome by my feelings, concealed my face in my + handkerchief. This was the first moment of relief I experienced since my + arrival; but it was not to last long, for the manager, putting down his + head close to my ear, whispered— + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Meerberger, I have a surprise for you—such as you have not + had for some time, I venture to say"— + </p> + <p> + "I defy you on this head," thought I. "If they make me out king Solomon + now, it will not amaze me"— + </p> + <p> + "And when I tell you my secret," continued he, "you will acknowledge I + cannot be of a very jealous disposition. Madame Baptiste has just told me + she knew you formerly, and that—she—that is, you—were—in + fact, you understand—there had been—so to say—a little + 'amourette' between you." + </p> + <p> + I groaned in spirit as I thought, now am I lost without a chance of escape—the + devil take her reminiscences. + </p> + <p> + "I see," continued le bon mari, "you cannot guess of whom I speak; but + when I tell you of Amelie Grandet, your memory will, perhaps, be better." + </p> + <p> + "Amelie Grandet!" said I, with a stage start. I need not say that I had + never heard the name before. "Amelie Grandet here!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that she is," said the manager, rubbing his hands; "and my wife, + too"— + </p> + <p> + "Married!—Amelie Grandet married! No, no; it is impossible—I + cannot believe it. But were it true—true, mark me—for worlds + would I not meet her." + </p> + <p> + "Comment il est drole," said the manager, soliloquising aloud; "for my + wife takes it much easier, seeing they never met each other since they + were fifteen." + </p> + <p> + "Ho, ho!" thought I, "the affair is not so bad either—time makes + great changes in that space." "And does she still remember me?" said I, in + a very Romeo-in-the-garden voice. + </p> + <p> + "Why, so far as remembering the little boy that used to play with her in + the orchard at her mother's cottage near Pirna, and with whom she used to + go boating upon the Elbe, I believe the recollection is perfect. But come + along—she insists upon seeing you, and is this very moment waiting + supper in our room for you." + </p> + <p> + "A thorough German she must be," thought I, "with her sympathies and her + supper—her reminiscences and her Rhine wine hunting in couples + through her brain." + </p> + <p> + Summoning courage from the fact of our long absence from each other, I + followed the manager through a wilderness of pavilions, forests, clouds + and cataracts, and at length arrived at a little door, at which he knocked + gently. + </p> + <p> + "Come in," said a soft voice inside. We opened, and beheld a very + beautiful young woman, in Tyrolese costume. She was to perform in the + afterpiece—her low boddice and short scarlet petticoat displaying + the most perfect symmetry of form and roundness of proportion. She was + dressing her hair before a low glass as we came in, and scarcely turned at + our approach; but in an instant, as if some sudden thought had struck her, + she sprung fully round, and looking at me fixedly for above a minute—a + very trying one for me—she glanced at her husband, whose countenance + plainly indicated that she was right, and calling out, "C'est lui—c'est + bien lui," threw herself into my arms, and sobbed convulsively. + </p> + <p> + "If this were to be the only fruits of my impersonation," thought I, "it + is not so bad—but I am greatly afraid these good people will find + out a wife and seven babies for me before morning." + </p> + <p> + Whether the manager thought that enough had been done for stage effect, I + know not; but he gently disengaged the lovely Amelie, and deposited her + upon a sofa, to a place upon which she speedily motioned me by a look from + a pair of very seducing blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Francois, mon cher, you must put off La Chaumiere. I can't play + to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Put it off! But only think of the audience, ma mie—they will pull + down the house." + </p> + <p> + "C'est possible," said she, carelessly. "If that give them any pleasure, I + suppose they must be indulged; but I, too, must have a little of my own + way. I shall not play." + </p> + <p> + The tone this was said in—the look—the easy gesture of command—no + less than the afflicted helplessness of the luckless husband, showed me + that Amelie, however docile as a sweetheart, had certainly her own way as + wife. + </p> + <p> + While Le cher Francois then retired, to make his proposition to the + audience, of substituting something for the Chaumiere—the "sudden + illness of Madame Baptiste having prevented her appearance,"—we + began to renew our old acquaintance, by a thousand inquiries from that + long-past time, when we were sweethearts and lovers. + </p> + <p> + "You remember me then so well?" said I. + </p> + <p> + "As of yesterday. You are much taller, and your eyes darker; but still—there + is something. You know, however, I have been expecting to see you these + two days; and tell me frankly how do you find me looking?" + </p> + <p> + "More beautiful, a thousand times more beautiful than ever—all save + in one thing, Amelie." + </p> + <p> + "And that is—" + </p> + <p> + "You are married." + </p> + <p> + "How you jest. But let us look back. Do you ever think on any of our old + compacts?" Here she pulled a leaf from a rose bud in her bouquet, and + kissed it. "I wager you have forgotten that." + </p> + <p> + How I should have replied to this masonic sign, God knows; but the manager + fortunately entered, to assure us that the audience had kindly consented + not to pull down the house, but to listen to a five act tragedy instead, + in which he had to perform the principal character. "So, then, don't wait + supper, Amelie; but take care of Monsieur Meerberger till my return." + </p> + <p> + Thus, once more were we left to our souvenirs, in which, whenever hard + pushed myself, I regularly carried the war into the enemy's camp, by + allusions to incidents, which I need not observe had never occurred. After + a thousand stories of our early loves, mingled with an occasional sigh + over their fleeting character—now indulging a soft retrospect of the + once happy past—now moralising on the future—Amelie and I + chatted away the hours till the conclusion of the tragedy. + </p> + <p> + By this time, the hour was approaching for my departure; so, after a very + tender leave-taking with my new friend and my old love, I left the + theatre, and walked slowly along to the river. + </p> + <p> + "So much for early associations," thought I; "and how much better pleased + are we ever to paint the past according to our own fancy, than to remember + it as it really was. Hence all the insufferable cant about happy infancy, + and 'the glorious schoolboy days,' which have generally no more foundation + in fact than have the 'Chateaux en Espagne' we build up for the future. I + wager that the real Amant d'enfance, when he arrives, is not half so great + a friend with the fair Amelie as his unworthy shadow. At the same time, I + had just as soon that Lady Jane should have no 'premiers amours' to look + back upon, except such as I have performed a character in." + </p> + <p> + The plash of oars near me broke up my reflections, and the next moment + found me skimming the rapid Rhine, as I thought for the last time. What + will they say in Strasbourg to-morrow? How will they account for the + mysterious disappearance of Monsieur Meerberger? Poor Amelie Grandet! For + so completely had the late incidents engrossed my attention, that I had + for the moment lost sight of the most singular event of all—how I + came to be mistaken for the illustrious composer. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch49" id="ch49"></a>CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A SURPRISE. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was late upon the following day ere I awoke from the long deep sleep + that closed my labours in Strasbourg. In the confusion of my waking + thoughts, I imagined myself still before a crowded and enthusiastic + audience—the glare of the foot-lights—the crash of the + orchestra—the shouts of "l'Auteur," "l'Auteur," were all before me, + and so completely possessed me, that, as the waiter entered with hot + water, I could not resist the impulse to pull off my night-cap with one + hand, and press the other to my heart in the usual theatrical style of + acknowledgments for a most flattering reception. The startled look of the + poor fellow as he neared the door to escape, roused me from my + hallucination, and awakened me to the conviction that the suspicion of + lunacy might be a still heavier infliction than the personation of + Monsieur Meerberger. + </p> + <p> + With thoughts of this nature, I assumed my steadiest demeanour—ordered + my breakfast in the most orthodox fashion—eat it like a man in his + senses; and when I threw myself back in the wicker conveniency they call a + caleche, and bid adieu to Kehl, the whole fraternity of the inn would have + given me a certificate of sanity before any court in Europe. + </p> + <p> + "Now for Munich," said I, as we rattled along down the steep street of the + little town. "Now for Munich, with all the speed that first of postmasters + and slowest of men, the Prince of Tour and Taxis, will afford us." + </p> + <p> + The future engrossed all my thoughts; and puzzling as my late adventures + had been to account for, I never for a moment reverted to the past. "Is + she to be mine?" was the ever-rising question in my mind. The thousand + difficulties that had crossed my path might long since have terminated a + pursuit where there was so little of promise, did I not cherish the idea + in my heart, that I was fated to succeed. Sheridan answered the ribald + sneers of his first auditory, by saying, "Laugh on; but I have it in me, + and by ____ it shall come out." So I whispered to myself:—Go on + Harry. Luck has been hitherto against you, it is true; but you have yet + one throw of the dice, and something seems to say, a fortunate one in + store; and, if so——, but I cannot trust myself with such + anticipations. I am well aware how little the world sympathises with the + man whose fortunes are the sport of his temperament—that April-day + frame of mind is ever the jest and scoff of those hardier and sterner + natures, who, if never overjoyed by success, are never much depressed by + failure. That I have been cast in the former mould, these Confessions + have, alas! plainly proved; but that I regret it, I fear also, for my + character for sound judgment, I must answer "No." + </p> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + Better far to be<br /> In utter darkness lying,<br /> Than be blest with + light, and see<br /> That light for ever flying<br /> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + is, doubtless, very pretty poetry, but very poor philosophy. For myself + —and some glimpses of sunshine this fair world has afforded me, + fleeting and passing enough, in all conscience—and yet I am not so + ungrateful as to repine at my happiness, because it was not permanent, as + I am thankful for those bright hours of "Love's young dream," which, if + nothing more, are at least delightful souvenirs. They form the golden + thread in the tangled web of our existence, ever appearing amid the darker + surface around, and throwing a fair halo of brilliancy on what, without + it, were cold, bleak, and barren. No, no— The light that lies<br /> + In woman's eyes, + </p> + <p> + were it twice as fleeting—as it is ten times more brilliant—than + the forked lightning, irradiates the dark gloom within us for many a long + day after it has ceased to shine upon us. As in boyhood it is the + humanizing influence that tempers the fierce and unruly passions of our + nature, so in manhood it forms the goal to which all our better and higher + aspirations tend, telling us there is something more worthy than gold, and + a more lofty pinnacle of ambition than the praise and envy of our + fellow-men; and we may rest assured, that when this feeling dies within + us, that all the ideal of life dies with it, and nothing remains save the + dull reality of our daily cares and occupations. "I have lived and have + loved," saith Schiller; and if it were not that there seems some tautology + in the phrase, I should say, such is my own motto. If Lady Jane but prove + true—if I have really succeeded—if, in a word—but why + speculate upon such chances?—what pretensions have I?—what + reasons to look for such a prize? Alas! and alas! were I to catechise + myself too closely, I fear that my horses' heads would face towards + Calais, and that I should turn my back upon the only prospect of happiness + I can picture to myself in this world. In reflections such as these, the + hours rolled over, and it was already late at night when we reached the + little village of Merchem. While fresh horses were being got ready, I + seized the occasion to partake of the table d'hote supper of the inn, at + the door of which the diligence was drawn up. Around the long, and not + over-scrupulously clean table, sat the usual assemblage of a German + "Eilwagen"—smoking, dressing salad, knitting, and occasionally + picking their teeth with their forks, until the soup should make its + appearance. Taking my place amid this motley assemblage of mustachioed + shopkeepers and voluminously-petticoated frows, I sat calculating how long + human patience could endure such companionship, when my attention was + aroused by hearing a person near me narrate to his friend the + circumstances of my debut at Strasbourg, with certain marginal notes of + his own that not a little surprised me. + </p> + <p> + "And so it turned out not to be Meerberger, after all,": said the + listener. + </p> + <p> + "Of course not," replied the other. "Meerberger's passport was stolen from + him in the diligence by this English escroc, and the consequence was, that + our poor countryman was arrested, the other passport being found upon him; + while the Englishman, proceeding to Strasbourg, took his benefit at the + opera, and walked away with above twelve thousand florins. + </p> + <p> + "Sappermint" said the other, tossing off his beer. "He must have been a + clever fellow, though, to lead the orchestra in the Franc Macons." + </p> + <p> + "That is the most astonishing part of all; for they say in Strasbourg that + his performance upon the violin was far finer than Paganini's; but there + seems some secret in it, after all: for Madame Baptiste swears that he is + Meerberger; and in fact the matter is far from being cleared up—nor + can it be till he is apprehended." + </p> + <p> + "Which shall not be for some time to come," said I to myself, as, slipping + noiselessly from the room, I regained my "caleche," and in ten minutes + more was proceeding on my journey. So much for correct information, + thought I. One thing, however, is certain—to the chance interchange + of passports I owe my safety, with the additional satisfaction that my + little German acquaintance is reaping a pleasant retribution for all his + worry and annoyance of me in the coupe. + </p> + <p> + Only he who has toiled over the weary miles of a long journey—exclusively + occupied with one thought—one overpowering feeling—can + adequately commiserate my impatient anxiety as the days rolled slowly over + on the long tiresome road that leads from the Rhine to the south of + Germany. + </p> + <p> + The morning was breaking on the fourth day of my journey as the tall + spires of Munich rose to my view, amid the dull and arid desert of sand + that city is placed in. At last! was my exclamation as the postilion + tapped at the window with his whip, and then pointed towards the city. At + last! Oh! what would be the extacy of my feelings now could I exchange the + torturing anxieties of suspense for the glorious certainty my heart throbs + for; now my journey is nearing its end to see me claim as my own what I + now barely aspire to in the sanguine hope of a heart that will not + despair. But cheer up, Harry. It is a noble stake you play for; and it is + ever the bold gambler that wins. Scarcely was this reflection made half + aloud, when a sudden shock threw me from my seat. I fell towards the door, + which, bursting open, launched me out upon the road, at the same moment + that the broken axletree of the caleche had upset it on the opposite side, + carrying one horse along with it, and leaving the other with the + postillion on his back, kicking and plunging with all his might. After + assisting the frightened fellow to dismount, and having cut the traces of + the restive animal, I then perceived that in the melee I had not escaped + scatheless. I could barely stand; and, on passing my hand upon my instep, + perceived I had sprained my ancle in the fall. The day was only breaking, + no one was in sight, so that after a few minutes' consideration, the best + thing to do, appeared to get the other horse upon his legs, and + despatching the postillion to Munich, then about three leagues distant, + for a carriage, wait patiently on the road-side for his return. No sooner + was the resolve made than carried into execution; and in less than a + quarter of an hour from the moment of the accident, I was seated upon the + bank, watching the retiring figure of the postillion, as he disappeared + down a hill, on his way to Munich. When the momentary burst of impatience + was over, I could not help congratulating myself, that I was so far + fortunate in reaching the end of my journey ere the mischance befell me. + Had it occurred at Stuttgard I really think that it would have half driven + me distracted. + </p> + <p> + I was not long in my present situation till a number of peasants, with + broad-brimmed hats, and many-buttoned coats, passed on their way to work; + they all saluted me respectfully; but although they saw the broken + carriage, and might well guess at the nature of my accident, yet not one + ever thought of proffering his services, or even indulging curiosity, by + way of inquiry. "How thoroughly German," thought I; "these people are the + Turks of Europe, stupified with tobacco and 'starkes bier.' They have no + thought for any thing but themselves, and their own immediate + occupations." Perceiving at length one whose better dress and more + intelligent look bespoke a rank above the common, I made the effort with + such "platt deutsch," as I could muster, to ask if there were any house + near, where I could remain till the postillion's return? and learned + greatly to my gratification, that by taking the path which led through a + grove of pine trees near me, I should find a chateau; but who was the + proprietor he knew not; indeed the people were only newly come, and he + believed were foreigners. English he thought. Oh, how my heart jumped as I + said, "can they be the Callonbys; are they many in family; are there + ladies—young ladies, among them?"—he knew not. Having hastily + arranged with my new friend to watch the carriage till my return, I took + the path he showed me, and smarting with pain at every step, hurried along + as best I could towards the chateau. I had not walked many minutes, when a + break in the wood gave me a view of the old mansion, and at once dispelled + the illusion that was momentarily gaining upon me. "They could not be the + Callonbys." The house was old; and though it had once been a fine and + handsome structure, exhibited now abundant traces of decay; the rich + cornices which supported the roof had fallen in many places, and lay in + fragments upon the terrace beneath; the portico of the door was half + tumbling; and the architraves of the windows were broken and dismantled; + the tall and once richly ornamented chimnies, were bereft of all their + tracery, and stood bolt upright in all their nakedness above the high + pitched roof. A straggling "jet d'eau" was vigorously fighting its way + amid a mass of creeping shrubs and luxuriant lichens that had grown around + and above a richly carved fountain, and fell in a shower of sparkling dew + upon the rank grass and tall weeds around. The gentle murmur was the only + sound that broke the stillness of the morning. + </p> + <p> + A few deities in lead and stone, mutilated and broken, stood like the + Genii loci, guarding the desolation about them, where an old, + superannuated peacock, with dropping, ragged tail was the only living + thing to be seen. All bespoke the wreck of what once was great and noble, + and all plainly told me that such could not be the abode of the Callonbys. + </p> + <p> + Half doubting that the house were inhabited, and half scrupling if so to + disturb its inmates from their rest, I sat down upon the terrace steps and + fell into a fit of musing on the objects about. That strange propensity of + my countrymen to settle down in remote and unfrequented spots upon the + continent, had never struck me so forcibly; for although unquestionably + there were evident traces of the former grandeur of the place, yet it was + a long past greatness; and in the dilapidated walls, broken statues, weed + grown walls, and dark and tangled pine grove, there were more hints for + sadness than I should willingly surround myself by in a residence. The + harsh grating of a heavy door behind roused me; I turned and beheld an old + man in a species of tarnished and worm-eaten livery, who, holding the + door, again gazed at me with a mingled expression of fear and curiosity. + Having briefly explained the circumstances which had befallen me, and + appealed to the broken caleche upon the road to corroborate a testimony + that I perceived needed such aid, the old man invited me to enter, saying + that his master and mistress were not risen, but that he would himself + give me some breakfast, of which by this time I stood much in want. The + room into which I was ushered, corresponded well with the exterior of the + house. It was large, bleak, and ill furnished; the ample, uncurtained + windows; the cold, white pannelled walls; the uncarpeted floor; all giving + it an air of uninhabitable misery. A few chairs of the Louis-quatorze + taste, with blue velvet linings, faded and worn, a cracked marble table + upon legs that once had been gilt; two scarcely detectable portraits of a + mail-clad hero and a scarcely less formidable fair, with a dove upon her + wrist, formed the principal articles of furniture in the dismal abode, + where so "triste" and depressing did every thing appear, that I half + regretted the curiosity that had tempted me from the balmy air, and + cheerful morning without, to the gloom and solitude around me. + </p> + <p> + The old man soon re-appeared with a not despicable cup of "Cafe noir," and + a piece of bread as large as a teaspoon, and used by the Germans pretty + much in the same way. As the adage of the "gift horse" is of tolerably + general acceptation, I eat and was thankful, mingling my acknowledgments + from time to time with some questions about the owners of the mansion, + concerning whom I could not help feeling curious. The ancient servitor, + however, knew little or nothing of those he served; his master was the + honourable baron; but of his name he was ignorant; his mistress was young; + they had not been many months there; they knew no one—had no + visitors—he had heard they were English, but did not know it + himself; they were "Gute leute," "good people," and that was enough for + him. How strange did all this seem, that two people, young, too, should + separate themselves from all the attractions and pleasures of the world, + and settle down in the dark and dreary solitude, where every association + was of melancholy, every object a text for sad reflections. Lost in these + thoughts I sat down beside the window, and heeded not the old man as he + noiselessly left the room. My thoughts ran on over the strange phases in + which life presents itself, and how little after all external influences + have to do with that peace of mind whose origin is within. The Indian, + whose wigwam is beside the cataract, heeds not its thunders, nor feels its + sprays as they fall in everlasting dews upon him; the Arab of the desert + sees no bleakness in those never ending plains, upon whose horizon his eye + has rested from childhood to age. Who knows but he who inhabits this + lonely dwelling may have once shone in the gay world, mixing in its + follies, tasting of its fascination; and to think that now —the low + murmurs of the pine tops, the gentle rustle of the water through the rank + grass, and my own thoughts combining, overcame me at length, and I slept—how + long I know not; but when I awoke, certain changes about showed me that + some length of time had elapsed; a gay wood fire was burning on the + hearth; an ample breakfast covered the table; and the broadsheet of the + "Times" newspaper was negligently reposing in the deep hollow of an arm + chair. Before I had well thought how to apologize for the cool insouciance + of my intrusion, the door opened, and a tall, well built man entered; his + shooting jacket and gaiters were evidence of his English origin, while a + bushy moustache and most ample "Henri quatre" nearly concealed features, + that still were not quite unknown to me; he stopped, looked steadily at + me, placed a hand on either shoulder, and calling out, "Harry—Harry + Lorrequer, by all that's glorious!" rushed from the room in a transport of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + If my escape from the gallows depended upon my guessing my friend, I + should have submitted to the last penalty of the law; never was I so + completely nonplussed. Confound him what does he mean by running away in + that fashion. It would serve him right were I to decamp by one of the + windows before he comes back; but hark! some one is approaching. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you I cannot be mistaken," said the man's voice from without. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, impossible!" said a lady-like accent that seemed not heard by me for + the first time. + </p> + <p> + "Judge for yourself; though certainly the last time you saw him may + confuse your memory a little." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil does he mean by that?" said I, as the door opened, and a + very beautiful young woman came forward, who, after a moment's hesitation, + called out— + </p> + <p> + "True, indeed, it is Mr. Lorrequer, but he seems to have forgotten me." + </p> + <p> + The eyes, the lips, the tone of the voice, were all familiar. What! can it + be possible? Her companion who had now entered, stood behind her, holding + his sides with ill-suppressed mirth; and at length called out— + </p> + <p> + "Harry, my boy, you scarcely were more discomposed the last morning we + parted, when the yellow plush—" + </p> + <p> + "By Jove it is," said I, as I sprang forward, and seizing my fair friend + in my arms, saluted upon both cheeks my quondam flame, Miss Kamworth, now + the wife of my old friend Jack Waller, of whom I have made due mention in + an early chapter of these Confessions. + </p> + <p> + Were I given a muster roll of my acquaintance to say which of them might + inhabit this deserted mansion, Jack Waller would certainly have been the + last I should have selected—the gay, lively, dashing, high-spirited + Jack, fond of society, dress, equipage, living greatly in the world, known + to and liked by every body, of universal reputation. Did you want a + cavalier to see your wife through a crush at the opera, a friend in a + duel, a rider for your kicking horse in a stiff steeple chase, a bow oar + for your boat at a rowing match, Jack was your man. Such then was my + surprise at finding him here, that although there were many things I + longed to inquire about, my first question was— + </p> + <p> + "And how came you here?" + </p> + <p> + "Life has its vicissitudes," replied Jack, laughing; "many stranger things + have come to pass than my reformation. But first of all let us think of + breakfast; you shall have ample satisfaction for all your curiosity + afterwards." + </p> + <p> + "Not now, I fear; I am hurrying on to Munich." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I perceive; but you are aware that—your friends are not there." + </p> + <p> + "The Callonbys not at Munich!" said I, with a start. + </p> + <p> + "No; they have been at Saltzburgh, in the Tyrol, for some weeks; but don't + fret yourself, they are expected to-morrow in time for the court + masquerade; so that until then at least you are my guest." + </p> + <p> + Overjoyed at this information, I turned my attention towards madame, whom + I found much improved; the embonpoint of womanhood had still farther + increased the charms of one who had always been handsome; and I could not + help acknowledging that my friend Jack was warrantable in any scheme for + securing such a prize. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch50" id="ch50"></a>CHAPTER L. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + JACK WALLER'S STORY. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The day passed quickly over with my newly-found friends, whose curiosity + to learn my adventures since we parted, anticipated me in my wish to learn + theirs. After an early dinner, however, with a fresh log upon the hearth, + a crusty flask of red hermitage before us, Jack and I found ourselves + alone and at liberty to speak freely together. + </p> + <p> + "I scarcely could have expected such would be our meeting, Jack," said I, + "from the way we last parted." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, by Jove, Harry; I believe I behaved but shabbily to you in that + affair; but 'Love and War,' you know; and besides we had a distinct + agreement drawn up between us." + </p> + <p> + "All true; and after all you are perhaps less to blame than my own + miserable fortune that lies in wait to entrap and disappoint me at every + turn in life. Tell me what do you know of the Callonbys?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing personally; we have met them at dinner, a visit passed + subsequently between us, 'et voila tout;' they have been scenery hunting, + picture hunting, and all that sort of thing since their arrival; and + rarely much in Munich; but how do you stand there? to be or not to be—eh?" + </p> + <p> + "That is the very question of all others I would fain solve; and yet am in + most complete ignorance of all about it; but the time approaches which + must decide all. I have neither temper nor patience for further + contemplation of it; so here goes; success to the Enterprize." + </p> + <p> + "Or," said Jack, tossing off his glass at the moment, "or, as they would + say in Ireland, 'your health and inclinations, if they be virtuous.'" + </p> + <p> + "And now, Jack, tell me something of your own fortunes since the day you + passed me in the post-chaise and four." + </p> + <p> + "The story is soon told. You remember that when I carried off Mary, I had + no intention of leaving England whatever: my object was, after making her + my wife, to open negociations with the old colonel, and after the approved + routine of penitential letters, imploring forgiveness, and setting forth + happiness only wanting his sanction to make it heaven itself, to have + thrown ourselves at his feet 'selon les regles,' sobbed, blubbered, blew + our noses, and dressed for dinner, very comfortable inmates of that + particularly snug residence, 'Hydrabad Cottage.' Now Mary, who behaved + with great courage for a couple of days, after that got low-spirited and + depressed; the desertion of her father, as she called it, weighed upon her + mind, and all my endeavours to rally and comfort her, were fruitless and + unavailing. Each day, however, I expected to hear something of, or from, + the colonel, that would put an end to this feeling of suspense; but no—three + weeks rolled on, and although I took care that he knew of our address, we + never received any communication. You are aware that when I married, I + knew Mary had, or was to have, a large fortune; and that I myself had not + more than enough in the world to pay the common expenses of our wedding + tour. My calculation was this —the reconciliation will possibly, + what with delays of post—distance—and deliberation, take a + month—say five weeks—now, at forty pounds per week, that makes + exactly two hundred pounds—such being the precise limit of my + exchequer, when blessed with a wife, a man, and a maid, three imperials, a + cap-case, and a poodle, I arrived at the Royal Hotel, in Edinburgh. Had I + been Lord Francis Egerton, with his hundred thousand a year, looking for a + new 'distraction,' at any price; or still more—were I a London + shopkeeper, spending a Sunday in Boulogne sur Mer, and trying to find out + something expensive, as he had only one day to stay, I could not have more + industriously sought out opportunities for extravagance, and each day + contrived to find out some two or three acquaintances to bring home to + dinner. And as I affected to have been married for a long time, Mary felt + less genee among strangers, and we got on famously; still the silence of + the colonel weighed upon her mind, and although she partook of none of my + anxieties from that source, being perfectly ignorant of the state of my + finances, she dwelt so constantly upon this subject, that I at length + yielded to her repeated solicitations, and permitted her to write to her + father. Her letter was a most proper one; combining a dutiful regret for + leaving her home, with the hope that her choice had been such as to excuse + her rashness, or, at least, palliate her fault. It went to say, that her + father's acknowledgment of her, was all she needed or cared for, to + complete her happiness, and asking for his permission to seek it in + person. This was the substance of the letter, which upon the whole, + satisfied me, and I waited anxiously for the reply. At the end of five + days the answer arrived. It was thus:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <blockquote> + <p> + "'Dear Mary, + </p> + <p> + "'You have chosen your own path in life, and having done so, I have + neither the right nor inclination to interfere with your decision; I + shall neither receive you, nor the person you have made your husband; + and to prevent any further disappointment, inform you that, as I leave + this to-morrow, any future letters you might think proper to address, + will not reach me. + </p> + <p> + "'Yours very faithful,<br /> C. Kamworth, Hydrabad Cottage.' + </p> + </blockquote> + </blockquote> + <p> + "This was a tremendous coup, and not in the least anticipated by either of + us; upon me the effect was stunning, knowing, as I did, that our + fast-diminishing finances were nearly expended. Mary on the other hand, + who neither knew nor thought of the exchequer, rallied at once from her + depression, and after a hearty fit of crying, dried her eyes, and putting + her arm round my neck, said: + </p> + <p> + "'Well, Jack, I must only love you the more, since papa will not share any + of my affection.' + </p> + <p> + "'I wish he would his purse though,' muttered I, as I pressed her in my + arms, and strove to seem perfectly happy. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not prolong my story by dwelling upon the agitation this letter + cost me; however, I had yet a hundred pounds left, and an aunt in + Harley-street, with whom I had always been a favourite. This thought, the + only rallying one I possessed, saved me for the time; and as fretting was + never my forte, I never let Mary perceive that any thing had gone wrong, + and managed so well in this respect, that my good spirits raised her's, + and we set out for London one fine sunshiny morning, as happy a looking + couple as ever travelled the north road. + </p> + <p> + "When we arrived at the 'Clarendon,' my first care was to get into a cab, + and drive to Harley-street. I rung the bell; and not waiting to ask if my + aunt was at home, I dashed up stairs to the drawing-room; in I bolted, and + instead of the precise old Lady Lilford, sitting at her embroidery, with + her fat poodle beside her, beheld a strapping looking fellow, with a black + moustache, making fierce love to a young lady on a sofa beside him. + </p> + <p> + "'Why, how is this—I really—there must be some mistake here.' + In my heart I knew that such doings in my good aunt's dwelling were + impossible. + </p> + <p> + "'I should suspect there is, sir,' drawled out he of the moustache, as he + took a very cool survey of me, through his glass. + </p> + <p> + "'Is Lady Lilford at home, may I ask,' said I, in a very apologetic tone + of voice. + </p> + <p> + "'I haven't the honor of her ladyship's acquaintance,' replied he in a + lisp, evidently enjoying my perplexity, which was every moment becoming + more evident. + </p> + <p> + "'But this is her house,' said I, 'at least—' + </p> + <p> + "'Lady Lilford is at Paris, sir,' said the young lady, who now spoke for + the first time. 'Papa has taken the house for the season, and that may + perhaps account for your mistake.' + </p> + <p> + "What I muttered by way of apology for my intrusion, I know not; but I + stammered—the young lady blushed—the beau chuckled, and turned + to the window, and when I found myself in the street, I scarcely knew + whether to laugh at my blunder, or curse my disappointment. + </p> + <p> + "The next morning I called upon my aunt's lawyer, and having obtained her + address in Paris, sauntered to the 'Junior Club,' to write her a letter + before post hour. As I scanned over the morning papers, I could not help + smiling at the flaming paragraph which announced my marriage, to the only + daughter and heiress of the Millionaire, Colonel Kamworth. Not well + knowing how to open the correspondence with my worthy relative, I folded + the paper containing the news, and addressed it to 'Lady Lilford, Hotel de + Bristol, Paris.' + </p> + <p> + "When I arrived at the 'Clarendon,' I found my wife and her maid + surrounded by cases and band-boxes; laces, satins and velvets were + displayed on all sides, while an emissary from 'Storr and Mortimer' was + arranging a grand review of jewellery on a side table, one half of which + would have ruined the Rajah of Mysore, to purchase. My advice was + immediately called into requisition; and pressed into service, I had + nothing left for it, but to canvass, criticise, and praise, between times, + which I did, with a good grace, considering that I anticipated the + 'Fleet,' for every flounce of Valenciennes lace; and could not help + associating a rich diamond aigrette, with hard labour for life, and the + climate of New South Wales. The utter abstraction I was in, led to some + awkward contre temps; and as my wife's enthusiasm for her purchases + increased, so did my reverie gain ground. + </p> + <p> + "'Is it not beautiful, Jack?—how delicately worked—it must + have taken a long time to do it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Seven years,' I muttered, as my thoughts ran upon a very different + topic. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, no—not so much,' said she laughing; 'and it must be such a + hard thing to do.' + </p> + <p> + "'Not half so hard as carding wool, or pounding oyster shells.' + </p> + <p> + "'How absurd you are. Well, I'll take this, it will look so well in—' + </p> + <p> + "'Botany Bay,' said I, with a sigh that set all the party laughing, which + at last roused me, and enabled me to join in the joke. + </p> + <p> + "As, at length, one half of the room became filled with millinery, and the + other glittered with jewels and bijouterie, my wife grew weary with her + exertions, and we found ourselves alone. + </p> + <p> + "When I told her that my aunt had taken up her residence in Paris, it + immediately occurred to her, how pleasant it would be to go there too; + and, although I concurred in the opinion for very different reasons, it + was at length decided we should do so; and the only difficulty now existed + as to the means, for although the daily papers teem with 'four ways to go + from London to Paris;' they all resolved themselves into one, and that + one, unfortunately to me, the most difficult and impracticable—by + money. + </p> + <p> + "There was, however, one last resource open—the sale of my + commission. I will not dwell upon what it cost me to resolve upon this—the + determination was a painful one, but it was soon come to, and before + five-o'clock that day, Cox and Greenwood had got their instructions to + sell out for me, and had advanced a thousand pounds of the purchase. Our + bill settled—the waiters bowing to the ground (it is your ruined man + that is always most liberal)—the post-horses harnessed, and + impatient for the road, I took my place beside my wife, while my valet + held a parasol over the soubrette in the rumble, all in the approved + fashion of those who have an unlimited credit with Coutts and Drummond; + the whips cracked, the leaders capered, and with a patronizing bow to the + proprietor of the 'Clarendon,' away we rattled to Dover. + </p> + <p> + "After the usual routine of sea sickness, fatigue, and poisonous cookery, + we reached Paris on the fifth day, and put up at the 'Hotel de Londres,' + Place Vendome. + </p> + <p> + "To have an adequate idea of the state of my feelings as I trod the + splendid apartments of this princely Hotel, surrounded by every luxury + that wealth can procure, or taste suggest, you must imagine the condition + of a man, who is regaled with a sumptuous banquet on the eve of his + execution. The inevitable termination to all my present splendour, was + never for a moment absent from my thoughts, and the secrecy with which I + was obliged to conceal my feelings, formed one of the greatest sources of + my misery. The coup, when it does come, will be sad enough, and poor Mary + may as well have the comfort of the deception, as long as it lasts, + without suffering as I do. Such was the reasoning by which I met every + resolve to break to her the real state of our finances, and such the frame + of mind in which I spent my days at Paris, the only really unhappy ones I + can ever charge my memory with. + </p> + <p> + "We had scarcely got settled in the hotel, when my aunt, who inhabited the + opposite side of the 'Place,' came over to see us and wish us joy. She had + seen the paragraph in the Post, and like all other people with plenty of + money, fully approved a match like mine. + </p> + <p> + "She was delighted with Mary, and despite the natural reserve of the old + maiden lady, became actually cordial, and invited us to dine with her that + day, and every succeeding one we might feel disposed to do so. So far so + well, thought I, as I offered her my arm to see her home; but if she knew + of what value even this small attention is to us, am I quite so sure she + would offer it?—however, no time is to be lost; I cannot live in + this state of hourly agitation; I must make some one the confidant of my + sorrows, and none so fit as she who can relieve as well as advise upon + them. Although such was my determination, yet somehow I could not pluck up + courage for the effort. My aunt's congratulations upon my good luck, made + me shrink from the avowal; and while she ran on upon the beauty and grace + of my wife, topics I fully concurred in, I also chimed in with her + satisfaction at the prudential and proper motives which led to the match. + Twenty times I was on the eve of interrupting her, and saying, 'But, + madam, I am a beggar—my wife has not a shilling—I have + absolutely nothing—her father disowns us—my commission is + sold, and in three weeks, the 'Hotel de Londres' and the 'Palais Royale,' + will be some hundred pounds the richer, and I without the fare of a cab, + to drive me to the Seine to drown myself.' + </p> + <p> + "Such were my thoughts; but whenever I endeavoured to speak them, some + confounded fulness in my throat nearly choked me; my temples throbbed, my + hands trembled, and whether it was shame, or the sickness of despair, I + cannot say; but the words would not come, and all that I could get out was + some flattery of my wife's beauty, or some vapid eulogy upon my own + cleverness in securing such a prize. To give you in one brief sentence an + idea of my state, Harry—know, then, that though loving Mary with all + my heart and soul, as I felt she deserved to be loved, fifty times a day I + would have given my life itself that you had been the successful man, on + the morning I carried her off, and that Jack Waller was once more a + bachelor, to see the only woman he ever loved, the wife of another. + </p> + <p> + "But, this is growing tedious, Harry, I must get over the ground faster; + two months passed over at Paris, during which we continued to live at the + 'Londres,' giving dinners, soirees, dejeuners, with the prettiest equipage + in the 'Champs Elysees,' we were quite the mode; my wife, which is rare + enough for an Englishwoman, knew how to dress herself. Our evening parties + were the most recherche things going, and if I were capable of partaking + of any pleasure in the eclat, I had my share, having won all the pigeon + matches in the Bois de Boulegard, and beat Lord Henry Seymour himself in a + steeple chase. The continual round of occupation in which pleasure + involves a man, is certainly its greatest attraction—reflection is + impossible—the present is too full to admit any of the past, and + very little of the future; and even I, with all my terrors awaiting me, + began to feel a half indifference to the result in the manifold cares of + my then existence. To this state of fatalism, for such it was becoming, + had I arrived, when the vision was dispelled in a moment, by a visit from + my aunt, who came to say, that some business requiring her immediate + presence in London, she was to set out that evening, but hoped to find us + in Paris on her return. I was thunderstruck at the news, for, although as + yet I had obtained no manner of assistance from the old lady, yet, I felt + that her very presence was a kind of security to us, and that in every + sudden emergency, she was there to apply to. My money was nearly expended, + the second and last instalment of my commission was all that remained, and + much of even that I owed to trades-people. I now resolved to speak out—the + worst must be known, thought I, in a few days—and now or never be + it. So saying, I drew my aunt's arm within my own, and telling her that I + wished a few minutes conversation alone, led her to one of the less + frequented walks in the Tuilleries gardens. When we had got sufficiently + far to be removed from all listeners, I began then—'my dearest aunt, + what I have suffered in concealing from you so long, the subject of my + present confession, will plead as my excuse in not making you sooner my + confidante.' When I had got thus far, the agitation of my aunt was such, + that I could not venture to say more for a minute or two. At length, she + said, in a kind of hurried whisper, 'go on;' and although then I would + have given all I possessed in the world to have continued, I could not + speak a word. + </p> + <p> + "'Dear John, what is it, any thing about Mary—for heavens sake + speak.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' dearest aunt, 'it is about Mary, and entirely about Mary.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah, dear me, I feared it long since; but then, John, consider she is + very handsome—very much admired—and—' + </p> + <p> + "'That makes it all the heavier, my dear aunt—the prouder her + present position, the more severely will she feel the reverse.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, but surely, John, your fears must exaggerate the danger.' + </p> + <p> + "'Nothing of the kind—I have not words to tell you—' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh dear, oh dear, don't say so,' said the old lady blushing, 'for though + I have often remarked a kind of gay flirting manner she has with men—I + am sure she means nothing by it—she is so young—and so—' + </p> + <p> + "I stopped, stepped forward, and looking straight in my aunt's face, broke + out into a fit of laughter, that she, mistaking for hysterical from its + violence, nearly fainted upon the spot. + </p> + <p> + "As soon as I could sufficiently recover gravity to explain to my aunt her + mistake, I endeavoured to do so, but so ludicrous was the contre temps, + and so ashamed the old lady for her gratuitous suspicions, that she would + not listen to a word, and begged me to return to her hotel. Such an + unexpected turn to my communication routed all my plans, and after a very + awkward silence of some minutes on both sides, I mumbled something about + our expensive habits of life, costly equipage, number of horses, , and + hinted at the propriety of retrenchment. + </p> + <p> + "'Mary rides beautifully,' said my aunt, drily.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, but my dear aunt, it was not exactly of that I was going to speak, + for in fact—' + </p> + <p> + "Oh John,' said she, interrupting—'I know your delicacy too well to + suspect; but, in fact, I have myself perceived what you allude to, and + wished very much to have some conversation with you on the subject.' + </p> + <p> + "'Thank God,' said I to myself, 'at length, we understand each other—and + the ice is broken at last.' + </p> + <p> + "'Indeed, I think I have anticipated your wish in the matter; but as time + presses, and I must look after all my packing, I shall say good by for a + few weeks, and in the evening, Jepson, who stays here, will bring you, + "what I mean," over to your hotel; once more, then, good by.' + </p> + <p> + "'Good by, my dearest, kindest friend,' said I, taking a most tender adieu + of the old lady. 'What an excellent creature she is,' said I, half aloud, + as I turned towards home—'how considerate, how truly kind—to + spare me too all the pain of explanation.' Now I begin to breathe once + more. 'If there be a flask of Johannisberg in the "Londres," I'll drink + your health this day, and so shall Mary;' so saying, I entered the hotel + with a lighter heart, and a firmer step than ever it had been my fortune + to do hitherto. + </p> + <p> + "'We shall miss the old lady, I'm sure, Mary, she is so kind.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh! indeed she is; but then, John, she is such a prude.' + </p> + <p> + "Now I could not help recurring in my mind to some of the conversation in + the Tuilleries garden, and did not feel exactly at ease. + </p> + <p> + "'Such a prude, and so very old-fashioned in her notions.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, Mary,' said I, with more gravity than she was prepared for, 'she is + a prude; but I am not certain that in foreign society, where less + liberties are tolerated than in our country, if such a bearing be not + wiser.' What I was going to plunge into, heaven knows, for the waiter + entered at the moment, and presenting me with a large and carefully sealed + package, said, 'de la part de mi ladi Lilfore,'—'but stay, here + comes, if I am not mistaken, a better eulogy upon my dear aunt, than any I + can pronounce.' + </p> + <p> + "How heavy it is, said I to myself, balancing the parcel in my hand. + 'There is no answer,' said I, aloud to the waiter, who stood as if + expecting one. + </p> + <p> + "'The servant wishes to have some acknowledgment in writing, sir, that it + has been delivered into your own hands.' + </p> + <p> + "Jepson entered,—'well, George, your parcel is all right, and here + is a Napoleon to drink my health.' + </p> + <p> + "Scarcely had the servants left the room, when Mary, whose curiosity was + fully roused, rushed over, and tried to get the packet from me; after a + short struggle, I yielded, and she flew to the end of the room, and + tearing open the seals, several papers fell to the ground; before I could + have time to snatch them up, she had read some lines written on the + envelope, and turning towards me, threw her arms around my neck, and said, + 'yes Jack, she is, indeed, all you have said; look here,' I turned and + read—with what feeling I leave to you to guess—the following:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <blockquote> + <p> + "'Dear Nephew and Niece, + </p> + <p> + "'The enclosed will convey to you, with my warmest wishes for your + happiness, a ticket on the Francfort Lottery, of which I inclose the + scheme. I also take the opportunity of saying that I have purchased + the Hungarian pony for Mary—which we spoke of this morning. It + is at Johnston's stable, and will be delivered on sending for it.' + </p> + </blockquote> + </blockquote> + <p> + "'Think of that, Jack, the Borghese poney, with the silky tail; mine—Oh! + what a dear good old soul; it was the very thing of all others I longed + for, for they told me the princess had refused every offer for it.' + </p> + <p> + "While Mary ran on in this strain, I sat mute and stupified; the sudden + reverse my hopes had sustained, deprived me, for a moment, of all thought, + and it was several minutes before I could rightly take in the full extent + of my misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + "How that crazy old maid, for such, alas, I called her to myself now, + could have so blundered all my meaning—how she could so palpably + have mistaken, I could not conceive; what a remedy for a man overwhelmed + with debt—a ticket in a German lottery, and a cream-coloured pony, + as if my whole life had not been one continued lottery, with every day a + blank; and as to horses, I had eleven in my stables already. Perhaps she + thought twelve would read better in my schedule, when I, next week, + surrendered as insolvent. + </p> + <p> + "Unable to bear the delight, the childish delight of Mary, on her new + acquisition, I rushed out of the house, and wandered for several hours in + the Boulevards. At last I summoned up courage to tell my wife. I once more + turned towards home, and entered her dressing-room, where she was having + her hair dressed for a ball at the Embassy. My resolution failed me—not + now thought I—to-morrow will do as well—one night more of + happiness for her and then—I looked on with pleasure and pride, as + ornament after ornament, brilliant with diamonds and emeralds, shone in + her hair, and upon her arms, still heightened her beauty, and lit up with + a dazzling brilliancy her lovely figure.—But it must come—and + whenever the hour arrives—the reverse will be fully as bitter; + besides I am able now—and when I may again be so, who can tell—now + then be it, said I, as I told the waiting-maid to retire; and taking a + chair beside my wife, put my arm round her. + </p> + <p> + "'There, John dearest, take care; don't you see you'll crush all that + great affair of Malines lace, that Rosette has been breaking her heart to + manage this half hour.' + </p> + <p> + "'Et puis,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Et puis. I could not go to the ball, naughty boy. I am bent on great + conquest to-night; so pray don't mar such good intentions.' + </p> + <p> + "'And you should be greatly disappointed were you not to go?' + </p> + <p> + "'Of course I should; but what do you mean; is there any reason why I + should not? You are silent, John—speak—oh speak—has any + thing occurred to my—' + </p> + <p> + "'No, no, dearest—nothing that I know has occurred to the Colonel.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well then, who is it? Oh tell me at once.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, my dear, there is no one in the case but ourselves;' so saying, + despite the injunction about the lace, I drew her towards me, and in as + few words, but as clearly as I was able, explained all our circumstances + —my endeavour to better them—my hopes—my fears—and + now my bitter disappointment, if not despair. + </p> + <p> + "The first shock over, Mary showed not only more courage, but more sound + sense than I could have believed. All the frivolity of her former + character vanished at the first touch of adversity; just as of old, Harry, + we left the tinsel of our gay jackets behind, when active service called + upon us for something more sterling. She advised, counselled, and + encouraged me by turns; and in half an hour the most poignant regret I had + was in not having sooner made her my confidante, and checked the progress + of our enormous expenditure somewhat earlier. + </p> + <p> + "I shall not now detain you much longer. In three weeks we sold our + carriages and horses, our pictures, (we had begun this among our other + extravagances,) and our china followed; and under the plea of health set + out for Baden; not one among our Paris acquaintances ever suspecting the + real reason of our departure, and never attributing any monied + difficulties to us—for we paid our debts. + </p> + <p> + "The same day we left Paris, I despatched a letter to my aunt, explaining + fully all about us, and suggesting that as I had now left the army for + ever, perhaps she would interest some of her friends—and she has + powerful ones—to do something for me. + </p> + <p> + "After some little loitering on the Rhine, we fixed upon Hesse Cassel for + our residence. It was very quiet—very cheap. The country around + picturesque, and last but not least, there was not an Englishman in the + neighbourhood. The second week after our arrival brought us letters from + my aunt. She had settled four hundred a year upon us for the present, and + sent the first year in advance; promised us a visit as soon as we were + ready to receive her; and pledged herself not to forget when an + opportunity of serving me should offer. + </p> + <p> + "From that moment to this," said Jack, "all has gone well with us. We + have, it is true, not many luxuries, but we have no wants, and better + still, no debts. The dear old aunt is always making us some little present + or other; and somehow I have a kind of feeling that better luck is still + in store; but faith, Harry, as long as I have a happy home, and a warm + fireside, for a friend when he drops in upon me, I scarcely can say that + better luck need be wished for." + </p> + <p> + "There is only one point, Jack, you have not enlightened me upon, how came + you here? You are some hundred miles from Hesse, in your present chateau." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! by Jove, that was a great omission in my narrative; but come, this + will explain it; see here"—so saying, he drew from a little drawer a + large lithographic print of a magnificent castellated building, with + towers and bastions, keep, moat, and even draw-bridge, and the walls + bristled with cannon, and an eagled banner floated proudly above them. + </p> + <p> + "What in the name of the Sphynxes is this?" + </p> + <p> + "There," said Jack, "is the Schloss von Eberhausen; or, if you like it in + English, Eberhausen Castle, as it was the year of the deluge; for the + present mansion that we are now sipping our wine in bears no very close + resemblance to it. But to make the mystery clear, this was the great prize + in the Francfort lottery, the ticket of which my aunt's first note + contained, and which we were fortunate enough to win. We have only been + here a few weeks, and though the affair looks somewhat meagre, we have + hopes that in a little time, and with some pains, much may be done to make + it habitable. There is a capital chasses of some hundred acres; plenty of + wood and innumerable rights, seignorial, memorial, , which, fortunately + for my neighbours, I neither understand nor care for; and we are therefore + the best friends in the world. Among others I am styled the graf or count—." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, Monsieur Le Comte, do you intend favouring me with your + company at coffee this evening; for already it is ten o'clock; and + considering my former claim upon Mr. Lorrequer, you have let me enjoy very + little of his society." + </p> + <p> + We now adjourned to the drawing-room, where we gossipped away till past + midnight; and I retired to my room, meditating over Jack's adventures, and + praying in my heart, that despite all his mischances, my own might end as + happily. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch51" id="ch51"></a>CHAPTER LI. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + MUNICH. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The rest and quietness of the preceding day had so far recovered me from + the effects of my accident, that I resolved, as soon as breakfast was + over, to take leave of my kind friends, and set out for Munich. + </p> + <p> + "We shall meet to-night, Harry," said Waller, as we parted—"we shall + meet at the Casino—and don't forget that the Croix Blanche is your + hotel; and Schnetz, the tailor, in the Grande Place, will provide you with + every thing you need in the way of dress." + </p> + <p> + This latter piece of information was satisfactory, inasmuch as the greater + part of my luggage, containing my uniform, , had been left in the French + diligence; and as the ball was patronised by the court, I was greatly + puzzled how to make my appearance. + </p> + <p> + Bad roads and worse horses made me feel the few leagues I had to go the + most tiresome part of my journey. But, of course, in this feeling + impatience had its share. A few hours more, and my fate should be decided; + and yet I thought the time would never come. If the Callonbys should not + arrive—if, again, my evil star be in the ascendant, and any new + impediment to our meeting arise—but I cannot, will not, think this—Fortune + must surely be tired of persecuting me by this time, and, even to sustain + her old character for fickleness, must befriend me now. Ah! here we are in + Munich—and this is the Croix Blanche—what a dingy old mansion! + Beneath a massive porch, supported by heavy stone pillars, stood the stout + figure of Andreas Behr, the host. A white napkin, fastened in one + button-hole, and hanging gracefully down beside him—a soup-ladle + held sceptre-wise in his right hand, and the grinding motion of his nether + jaw, all showed that he had risen from his table d'hote to welcome the new + arrival; and certainly, if noise and uproar might explain the phenomenon, + the clatter of my equipage over the pavement might have risen the dead. + <br /><br /><br /> <a href="images2/00aTheInnatMunich.jpg"> + <img alt="00a The Inn at Munich.jpg" + src="images/00aTheInnatMunich.jpg" height="780" width="480" /></a> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + While my postillion was endeavouring, by mighty efforts, with a heavy + stone, to turn the handle of the door, and thus liberate me from my cage, + I perceived that the host came forward and said something to him—on + replying, to which, he ceased his endeavours to open the door, and looked + vacantly about him. Upon this I threw down the sash, and called out— + </p> + <p> + "I say, is not this the Croix Blanche?" + </p> + <p> + "Ya," said the man-mountain with the napkin. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, open the door, pray—I'm going to stop here." + </p> + <p> + "Nein." + </p> + <p> + "No! What do you mean by that? Has not Lord Callonby engaged rooms here?" + </p> + <p> + "Ya." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, I am a particular friend of his, and will stay here also." + </p> + <p> + "Nein." + </p> + <p> + "What the devil are you at, with your ya and nein?" said I. "Has your + confounded tongue nothing better than a monosyllable to reply with." + </p> + <p> + Whether disliking the tone the controversy was assuming, or remembering + that his dinner waited, I know not, but at these words my fat friend + turned leisurely round, and waddled back into the house; where, in a + moment after, I had the pleasure of beholding him at the head of a long + table, distributing viands with a very different degree of activity from + what he displayed in dialogue. + </p> + <p> + With one vigorous jerk, I dashed open the door, upsetting, at the same + time, the poor postillion, who had recommenced his operations on the lock, + and, foaming with passion, strode into the "salle a manger." Nothing is + such an immediate damper to any sudden explosion of temper, as the placid + and unconcerned faces of a number of people, who, ignorant of yourself and + your peculiar miseries at the moment, seem only to regard you as a madman. + This I felt strongly, as, flushed in face and tingling in my fingers, I + entered the room. + </p> + <p> + "Take my luggage," said I to a gaping waiter, "and place a chair there, do + you hear?" + </p> + <p> + There seemed, I suppose, something in my looks that did not admit of much + parley, for the man made room for me at once at the table, and left the + room, as if to discharge the other part of my injunction, without saying a + word. As I arranged my napkin before me, I was collecting my energies and + my German, as well as I was able, for the attack of the host, which, I + anticipated from his recent conduct, must now ensue; but, greatly to my + surprise, he sent me my soup without a word, and the dinner went on + without any interruption. When the desert had made its appearance, I + beckoned the waiter towards me, and asked what the landlord meant by his + singular reception of me. The man shrugged his shoulders, and raised his + eyebrows, without speaking, as if to imply, "it's his way." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, no matter," said I. "Have you sent my luggage up stairs?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, there is no room—the house is full." + </p> + <p> + "The house full! Confound it—this is too provoking. I have most + urgent reasons for wishing to stay here. Cannot you make some arrangement—see + about it, waiter." I here slipped a Napoleon into the fellow's hand, and + hinted that as much more awaited the finale of the negociation. + </p> + <p> + In about a minute after, I perceived him behind the host's chair, pleading + my cause with considerable energy; but to my complete chagrin, I heard the + other answer all his eloquence by a loud "Nein," that he grunted out in + such a manner as closed the conference. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot succeed, sir," said the man, as he passed behind me, "but don't + leave the house till I speak with you again." + </p> + <p> + What confounded mystery is there in all this, thought I. Is there any + thing so suspicious in my look or appearance, that the old bear in the fur + cap will not even admit me. What can it all mean. One thing I'm resolved + upon—nothing less than force shall remove me. + </p> + <p> + So saying I lit my cigar, and in order to give the waiter an opportunity + of conferring with me unobserved by his master, walked out into the porch + and sat down. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he joined me, and after a stealthy look on each side, + said— + </p> + <p> + "The Herr Andreas is a hard man to deal with, and when he says a thing, + never goes back of it. Now he has been expecting the new English Charge + d'Affaires here these last ten days, and has kept the hotel half empty in + consequence; and as mi Lor Callonby has engaged the other half, why we + have nothing to do; so that when he asked the postillion if you were mi + Lor, and found that you were not, he determined not to admit you." + </p> + <p> + "But why not have the civility to explain that?" + </p> + <p> + "He seldom speaks, and when he does only a word or two at a time. He is + quite tired with what he has gone through to-day, and will retire very + early to bed; and for this reason I have requested you to remain, for as + he never ventures up stairs, I will then manage to give you one of the + ambassador's rooms, which, even if he come, he'll never miss. So that if + you keep quiet, and do not attract any particular attention towards you, + all will go well." + </p> + <p> + This advice seemed so reasonable, that I determined to follow it—any + inconvenience being preferable, provided I could be under the same roof + with my beloved Jane; and from the waiter's account, there seemed no doubt + whatever of their arrival that evening. In order, therefore, to follow his + injunctions to the letter, I strolled out toward the Place in search of + the tailor, and also to deliver a letter from Waller to the chamberlain, + to provide me with a card for the ball. Monsieur Schnetz, who was the very + pinnacle of politeness, was nevertheless, in fact, nearly as untractable + as my host of the "Cross." All his "sujets" were engaged in preparing a + suit for the English Charge d'Affaires, whose trunks had been sent in a + wrong direction, and who had despatched a courier from Frankfort, to order + a uniform. This second thwarting, and from the same source, so nettled me, + that I greatly fear, all my respect for the foreign office and those who + live thereby, would not have saved them from something most unlike a + blessing, had not Monsieur Schnetz saved diplomacy from such desecration + by saying, that if I could content myself with a plain suit, such as + civilians wore, he would do his endeavour to accommodate me. + </p> + <p> + "Any thing, Monsieur Schnetz—dress me like the Pope's Nuncio, or the + Mayor of London, if you like, but only enable me to go." + </p> + <p> + Although my reply did not seem to convey a very exalted idea of my taste + in costume to the worthy artiste, it at least evinced my anxiety for the + ball; and running his measure over me, he assured me that the dress he + would provide was both well looking and becoming; adding, "At nine + o'clock, sir, you'll have it—exactly the same size as his Excellency + the Charge d'Affaires." + </p> + <p> + "Confound the Charge d'Affaires!" I added, and left the house. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch52" id="ch52"></a>CHAPTER LII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + INN AT MUNICH. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + As I had never been in Munich before, I strolled about the town till dusk. + At that time the taste of the present king had not enriched the capital + with the innumerable objects of art which render it now second to none in + Europe. There were, indeed, then but few attractions—narrow streets, + tall, unarchitectural-looking houses, and gloomy, unimpressive churches. + Tired of this, I turned towards my inn, wondering in my mind if Antoine + had succeeded in procuring me the room, or whether yet I should be obliged + to seek my lodging elsewhere. Scarcely had I entered the porch, when I + found him waiting my arrival, candle in hand. He conducted me at once up + the wide oaken stair, then along the gallery, into a large wainscotted + room, with a most capacious bed. A cheerful wood fire burned and crackled + away in the grate—the cloth was already spread for supper—(remember + it was in Germany)—the newspapers of the day were placed before me—and, + in a word, every attention showed that I had found the true avenue to + Antoine's good graces, who now stood bowing before me, in apparent ecstasy + at his own cleverness. + </p> + <p> + "All very well done, Antoine, and now for supper—order it yourself + for me—I never can find my way in a German 'carte de diner;' and be + sure to have a fiacre here at nine—nine precisely." + </p> + <p> + Antoine withdrew, leaving me to my own reflections, which now, if not + gloomy, were still of the most anxious kind. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was the supper placed upon the table, when a tremendous tramping + of horses along the street, and loud cracking of whips, announced a new + arrival. + </p> + <p> + "Here they are," said I, as, springing up, I upset the soup, and nearly + threw the roti into Antoine's face, as he was putting it before me. + </p> + <p> + Down stairs I rushed, through the hall, pushing aside waiters and + overturning chambermaids in my course. The carriage was already at the + door. Now for a surprise, thought I, as I worked through the crowd in the + porch, and reached the door just as the steps were clattered down, and a + gentleman began to descend, whom twenty expectant voices, now informed of + his identity, welcomed as the new Charge d'Affaires. <br /> <br /> <br /> <a + href="images2/00bArrivalofChargedAffairs.jpg"> <img + alt="00b Arrival of Charge d'Affairs.jpg (99K)" + src="images/00bArrivalofChargedAffairs.jpg" height="780" + width="480" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "May all the—" + </p> + <p> + What I wished for his excellency it would not be polite to repeat, nor + most discreet even to remember; but, certes, I mounted the stairs with as + little good will towards the envoy extraordinary as was consistent with + due loyalty. + </p> + <p> + When once more in my room, I congratulated myself that now at least no + more "false starts" could occur—"the eternal Charge d'Affaires, of + whom I have been hearing since my arrival, cannot come twice—he is + here now, and I hope I'm done with him." + </p> + <p> + The supper—some greasiness apart—was good—the wine + excellent. My spirits were gradually rising, and I paced my room in that + mingled state of hope and fear, that amid all its anxieties, has such + moments of ecstasy. A new noise without—some rabble in the street; + hark, it comes nearer—I hear the sound of wheels; yes, there go the + horses—nearer and nearer. Ah, it is dying away again—stay—yes, + yes—here it is—here they are. The noise and tumult without now + increased every instant—the heavy trot of six or eight horses shook + the very street, and I heard the round, dull, rumbling sound of a heavy + carriage, as it drew up at last at the door of the inn. Why it was I know + not, but this time I could not stir—my heart beat almost loud enough + for me to hear—my temples throbbed, and then a cold and clammy + perspiration came over me, and I sank into a chair. Fearing that I was + about to faint, sick as I was, I felt angry with myself, and tried to + rally, but could not, and only at length was roused by hearing that the + steps were let down, and shortly after the tread of feet coming along the + gallery towards my room. + </p> + <p> + They are coming—she is coming, thought I. Now then for my doom! + </p> + <p> + There was some noise of voices outside. I listened, for I still felt + unable to rise. The talking grew louder—doors were opened and shut—then + came a lull—then more slamming of doors, and more talking—then + all was still again—and at last I heard the steps of people as if + retiring, and in a few minutes after the carriage door was jammed to, and + again the heavy tramp of the horses rattled over the pave. At this instant + Antoine entered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Antoine," said I, in a voice trembling with weakness and agitation, + "not them yet?" + </p> + <p> + "It was his Grace the Grand Mareschal," said Antoine, scarcely heeding my + question, in the importance of the illustrious visitor who had arrived. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, the Grand Mareschal," said I, carelessly; "does he live here?" + </p> + <p> + "Sappermint nein, Mein Herr; but he has just been to pay his respects to + his Excellency the new Charge d'Affaires." + </p> + <p> + In the name of all patience, I ask, who could endure this? From the hour + of my arrival I am haunted by this one image—the Charge d'Affaires. + For him I have been almost condemned to go houseless, and naked; and now + the very most sacred feelings of my heart are subject to his influence. I + walked up and down in an agony. Another such disappointment, and my brain + will turn, thought I, and they may write my epitaph—"Died of love + and a Charge d'Affaires." + </p> + <p> + "It is time to dress," said the waiter. + </p> + <p> + "I could strangle him with my own hands," muttered I, worked up into a + real heat by the excitement of my passion. + </p> + <p> + "The Charge—" + </p> + <p> + "Say that name again, villain, and I'll blow your brains out," cried I, + seizing Antoine by the throat, and pinning him against the wall; "only + dare to mutter it, and you'll ever breathe another syllable." + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow grew green with terror, and fell upon his knees before me. + </p> + <p> + "Get my dressing things ready," said I, in a more subdued tone. "I did not + mean to terrify you—but beware of what I told you." + </p> + <p> + While Antoine occupied himself with the preparations for my toilette, I + sat broodingly over the wood embers, thinking of my fate. + </p> + <p> + A knock came to the door. It was the tailor's servant with my clothes. He + laid down the parcel and retired, while Antoine proceeded to open it, and + exhibit before me a blue uniform with embroidered collar and cuffs—the + whole, without being gaudy, being sufficiently handsome, and quite as + showy as I could wish. + </p> + <p> + The poor waiter expressed his unqualified approval of the costume, and + talked away about the approaching ball as something pre-eminently + magnificent. + </p> + <p> + "You had better look after the fiacre, Antoine," said I; "it is past + nine." + </p> + <p> + He walked towards the door, opened it, and then, turning round, said, in a + kind of low, confidential whisper, pointing, with the thumb of his left + hand, towards the wall of the room as he spoke— + </p> + <p> + "He won't go—very strange that." + </p> + <p> + "Who do you mean?" said I, quite unconscious of the allusion. + </p> + <p> + "The Charge d'Aff—" + </p> + <p> + I made one spring at him, but he slammed the door to, and before I could + reach the lobby, I heard him rolling from top to bottom of the oak + staircase, making noise enough in his fall to account for the fracture of + every bone in his body. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch53" id="ch53"></a>CHAPTER LIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE BALL. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + As I was informed that the King would himself be present at the ball, I + knew that German etiquette required that the company should arrive before + his Majesty; and although now every minute I expected the arrival of the + Callonbys, I dared not defer my departure any longer. + </p> + <p> + "They are certain to be at the ball," said Waller, and that sentence never + left my mind. + </p> + <p> + So saying, I jumped into the fiacre, and in a few minutes found myself in + the long line of carriages that led to the "Hof saal." Any one who has + been in Munich will testify for me, that the ball room is one of the most + beautiful in Europe, and to me who for some time had not been living much + in the world, its splendour was positively dazzling. The glare of the + chandeliers—the clang of the music—the magnificence of the + dresses—the beauty of the Bavarian women too, all surprized and + amazed me. There were several hundred people present, but the king not + having yet arrived, dancing had not commenced. Feeling as I then did, it + was rather a relief to me than otherwise, that I knew no one. There was + quite amusement enough in walking through the saloons, observing the + strange costumes, and remarking the various groups as they congregated + around the trays of ices and the champagne glacee. The buzz of talking and + the sounds of laughter and merriment prevailed over even the orchestra; + and, as the gay crowds paraded the rooms, all seemed pleasure and + excitement. Suddenly a tremendous noise was heard without—then came + a loud roll of the drums, which lasted for several seconds, and the clank + of musketry—then a cheer;—it is the king. + </p> + <p> + The king! resounded on all sides; and in another moment the large + folding-doors at the end of the saal were thrown open, and the music + struck up the national anthem of Bavaria. + </p> + <p> + His majesty entered, accompanied by the queen, his brother, two or three + archduchesses, and a long suite of officers. + </p> + <p> + I could not help remarking upon the singular good taste with which the + assembly—all anxious and eager to catch a glimpse of his majesty—behaved + on this occasion. There was no pressing forward to the "estrade" where he + stood,—no vulgar curiosity evinced by any one, but the group + continued, as before, to gather and scatter. The only difference being, + that the velvet chair and cushion, which had attracted some observers + before, were, now that they were tenanted by royalty, passed with a deep + and respectful salutation. How proper this, thought I, and what an + inducement for a monarch to come among his people, who remember to receive + him with such true politeness. While these thoughts were passing through + my mind, as I was leaning against a pillar that supported the gallery of + the orchestra, a gentleman whose dress, covered with gold and embroidery, + bespoke him as belonging to the court, eyed me aside with his lorgnette + and then passed rapidly on. A quadrille was now forming near me, and I was + watching, with some interest, the proceeding, when the same figure that I + remarked before, approached me, bowing deeply at every step, and shaking a + very halo of powder from his hair at each reverence. + </p> + <p> + "May I take the liberty of introducing myself to you?" said he.—"Le + Comte Benningsen." Here he bowed again, and I returned the obeisance still + deeper. "Regretted much that I was not fortunate enough to make your + acquaintance this evening, when I called upon you." + </p> + <p> + "Never heard of that," said I to myself. + </p> + <p> + "Your excellency arrived this evening?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, "only a few hours since." + </p> + <p> + "How fond these Germans are of titles," thought I. Remembering that in + Vienna every one is "his grace," I thought it might be Bavarian politeness + to call every one his excellency. + </p> + <p> + "You have not been presented, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said I; "but I hope to take an early opportunity of paying 'mes + homages' to his majesty." + </p> + <p> + "I have just received his orders to present you now," replied he, with + another bow. + </p> + <p> + "The devil, you have," thought I. "How very civil that." And, although I + had heard innumerable anecdotes of the free-and-easy habits of the + Bavarian court, this certainly surprized me, so that I actually, to + prevent a blunder, said, "Am I to understand you, Monsieur le Comte, that + his majesty was graciously pleased"— + </p> + <p> + "If you will follow me," replied the courtier, motioning with his chapeau; + and in another moment I was elbowing my way through the mob of marquisses + and duchesses, on my way to the raised platform where the king was + standing. + </p> + <p> + "Heaven grant I have not misunderstood all he has been saying," was my + last thought as the crowd of courtiers fell back on either side, and I + found myself bowing before his majesty. How the grand mareschal entitled + me I heard not; but when the king addressed me immediately in English, + saying, + </p> + <p> + "I hope your excellency has had a good journey?" + </p> + <p> + I felt, "Come, there is no mistake here, Harry; and it is only another + freak of fortune, who is now in good humour with you." + </p> + <p> + The king, who was a fine, tall, well-built man, with a large, bushy + moustache, possessed, though not handsome, a most pleasing expression; his + utterance was very rapid, and his English none of the best, so that it was + with the greatest difficulty I contrived to follow his questions, which + came thick as hail upon me. After some commonplaces about the roads, the + weather, and the season, his majesty said, + </p> + <p> + "My Lord Callonby has been residing some time here. You know him?" And + then, not waiting for a reply, added, "Pleasant person—well informed—like + him much, and his daughters, too, how handsome they are." Here I blushed, + and felt most awkwardly, while the king continued. + </p> + <p> + "Hope they will remain some time—quite an ornament to our court. + Monsieur le Comte, his excellency will dance?" I here muttered an apology + about my sprained ankle, and the king turned to converse with some of the + ladies of the court. His majesty's notice brought several persons now + around me, who introduced themselves; and, in a quarter of an hour, I felt + myself surrounded by acquaintances, each vieing with the other in showing + me attention. + </p> + <p> + Worse places than Munich, Master Harry, thought I, as I chaperoned a fat + duchess, with fourteen quarterings, towards the refreshment-room, and had + just accepted invitations enough to occupy me three weeks in advance. + </p> + <p> + "I have been looking every where for your excellency," said the grand + mareschal, bustling his way to me, breathless and panting. "His majesty + desires you will make one of his party at whist, so pray come at once." + </p> + <p> + "Figaro qua, Figaro la," muttered I. "Never was man in such request. God + grant the whole royal family of Bavaria be not mad, for this looks very + like it. Lady Jane had better look sharp, for I have only to throw my eyes + on an archduchess, to be king of the Tyrol some fine morning." + </p> + <p> + "You play whist, of course; every Englishman does," said the king. "You + shall be my partner." + </p> + <p> + Our adversaries were the Prince Maximilian, brother to his Majesty and the + Prussian Ambassador. As I sat down at the table, I could not help saying + in my heart, "now is your time, Harry, if my Lord Callonby should see you, + your fortune is made." Waller passed at this moment, and as he saluted the + king, I saw him actually start with amazement as he beheld me—"better + fun this than figuring in the yellow plush, Master Jack," I muttered as he + passed on actually thunder-struck with amazement. But the game was begun, + and I was obliged to be attentive. We won the first game, and the king was + in immense good humour as he took some franc pieces from the Prussian + minister, who, small as the stake was, seemed not to relish losing. His + majesty now complimented me upon my play, and was about to add something + when he perceived some one in the crowd, and sent an Aide de camp for him. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my Lord, we expected you earlier," and then said some words in too + low a tone for me to hear, motioning towards me as he spoke. If Waller was + surprised at seeing me where I was, it was nothing to the effect produced + upon the present party, whom I now recognized as Lord Callonby. Respect + for the presence we were in, restrained any expression on either side, and + a more ludicrous tableau than we presented can scarcely be conceived. What + I would have given that the whist party was over, I need not say, and + certainly his majesty's eulogy upon my play came too soon, for I was now + so "destrait and unhinged," my eyes wandering from the table to see if + Lady Jane was near, that I lost every trick, and finished by revoking. The + king rose half pettishly, observing that "Son Excellence a apparement + perdu la tete," and I rushed forward to shake hands with Lord Callonby, + totally forgetting the royal censure in my delight at discovering my + friend. + </p> + <p> + "Lorrequer, I am indeed rejoiced to see you, and when did you arrive." + </p> + <p> + "This evening." + </p> + <p> + "This evening! and how the deuce have you contrived already, eh? why you + seem quite chez vous here?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall hear all," said I hastily, "but is Lady Callonby here?" + </p> + <p> + "No. Kilkee only is with me, there he is figuranting away in a gallope. + The ladies were too tired to come, particularly as they dine at court + to-morrow, the fatigue would be rather much." + </p> + <p> + "I have his majesty's order to invite your Excellency to dinner + to-morrow," said the grand Mareschal coming up at this instant. + </p> + <p> + I bowed my acknowledgments, and turned again to Lord Callonby, whose + surprise now seemed to have reached the climax. + </p> + <p> + "Why Lorrequer, I never heard of this? when did you adopt this new + career?" + </p> + <p> + Not understanding the gist of the question, and conceiving that it applied + to my success at court, I answered at random, something about "falling + upon my legs, good luck, ," and once more returned to the charge, + enquiring most anxiously for Lady Callonby's health. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! she is tolerably well. Jane is the only invalid, but then we hope + Italy will restore her." Just at this instant, Kilkee caught my eye, and + rushing over from his place beside his partner, shook me by both hands, + saying, + </p> + <p> + "Delighted to see you here Lorrequer, but as I can't stay now, promise to + sup with me to-night at the 'Cross'." + </p> + <p> + I accepted of course, and the next instant, he was whirling along in his + waltze, with one of the most lovely German girls I ever saw. Lord Callonby + saw my admiration of her, and as it were replying to my gaze, remarked, + </p> + <p> + "Yes, very handsome indeed, but really Kilkee is going too far with it. I + rely upon you very much to reason him out of his folly, and we have all + agreed that you have most influence over him, and are most likely to be + listened to patiently." + </p> + <p> + Here was a new character assigned me, the confidential friend and adviser + of the family, trusted with a most delicate and important secret, likely + to bring me into most intimate terms of intercourse with them all, for the + "we" of Lord Callonby bespoke a family consultation, in which I was + deputed as the negociator. I at once promised my assistance, saying, at + the same time, that if Kilkee really was strongly attached, and had also + reason to suppose that the Lady liked him, it was not exactly fair; that + in short, if the matter had gone beyond flirtation, any interference of + mine would be imprudent, if not impertinent. Lord Callonby smiled slightly + as he replied, + </p> + <p> + "Quite right, Lorrequer, I am just as much against constraint as yourself, + if only no great barriers exist; but here with a difference of religion, + country, language, habits, in fact, everything that can create disparity, + the thing is not to be thought of." + </p> + <p> + I suspected that his Lordship read in my partial defence of Kilkee, a + slight attempt to prop up my own case, and felt confused and embarrassed + beyond measure at the detection. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we shall have time enough for all this. Now let us hear something + of my old friend Sir Guy. How is he looking?" + </p> + <p> + "I am unfortunately unable to give you any account of him. I left Paris + the very day before he was expected to arrive there." + </p> + <p> + "Oh then, I have all the news myself in that case, for in his letter which + I received yesterday, he mentions that we are not to expect him before + Tuesday." + </p> + <p> + "Expect him. Is he coming here then?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Why, I thought you were aware of that, he has been long promising to + pay us a visit, and at last, by great persuasion, we have succeeded in + getting him across the sea, and, indeed, were it not that he was coming, + we should have been in Florence before this." + </p> + <p> + A gleam of hope shot through my heart as I said to myself, what can this + visit mean? and the moment after I felt sick, almost to fainting, as I + asked if "my cousin Guy were also expected." + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes. We shall want him I should think" said Lord Callonby with a very + peculiar smile. + </p> + <p> + I thought I should have fallen at these few words. Come, Harry, thought I, + it is better to learn your fate at once. Now or never; death itself were + preferable to this continued suspense. If the blow is to fall, it can + scarcely sink me lower than I now feel: so reasoning, I laid my hand upon + Lord Callonby's arm, and with a face pale as death, and a voice all but + inarticulate, said, + </p> + <p> + "My Lord, you will pardon, I am sure—" + </p> + <p> + "My dear Lorrequer," said his lordship interrupting me, "for heaven's sake + sit down. How ill you are looking, we must nurse you, my poor fellow." + </p> + <p> + I sank upon a bench—the light danced before my eyes—the clang + of the music sounded like the roar of a waterfall, and I felt a cold + perspiration burst over my face and forehead; at the same instant, I + recognized Kilkee's voice, and without well knowing why, or how, + discovered myself in the open air. + </p> + <p> + "Come, you are better now," said Kilkee, "and will be quite well when you + get some supper, and a little of the tokay, his majesty has been good + enough to send us." + </p> + <p> + "His majesty desires to know if his excellency is better," said an aide de + camp. + </p> + <p> + I muttered my most grateful acknowledgments. + </p> + <p> + "One of the court carriages is in waiting for your excellency," said a + venerable old gentleman in a tie wig, whom I recognized as the minister + for foreign affairs—as he added in a lower tone to Lord Callonby, "I + fear he has been greatly overworked lately—his exertions on the + subject of the Greek loan are well known to his majesty." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed," said Lord Callonby, with a start of surprise, "I never heard of + that before." + </p> + <p> + If it had not been for that start of amazement, I should have died of + terror. It was the only thing that showed me I was not out of my senses, + which I now concluded the old gentleman must be, for I never had heard of + the Greek loan in my life before. + </p> + <p> + "Farewell, mon cher colleague," said the venerable minister as I got into + the carriage, wondering as well I might what singular band of brotherhood + united one of his majesty's __th with the minister for foreign affairs of + the Court of Bavaria. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at the White-cross, I found my nerves, usually proof to any + thing, so shaken and shattered, that fearing with the difficult game + before me any mistake, however trivial, might mar all my fortunes for + ever, I said a good night to my friends, and went to bed. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch54" id="ch54"></a>CHAPTER LIV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A DISCOVERY. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "A note for Monsieur," said the waiter, awaking me at the same time from + the soundest sleep and most delightful dream. The billet was thus:— + </p> + <p> + "If your excellency does not intend to slumber during the next twenty-four + hours, it might be as well to remember that we are waiting breakfast. Ever + yours, + </p> + <p> + "Kilkee." + </p> + <p> + "It is true, then," said I—following up the delusion of my dream. + "It is true, I am really domesticated once more with the Callonbys. My + suit is prospering, and at length the long-sought, long-hoped for moment + is come—" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Harry," said Kilkee, as he dashed open the door. "Well, Harry, how + are you, better than last night, I hope?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes, considerably. In fact, I can't think what could have been the + matter with me; but I felt confoundedly uncomfortable." + </p> + <p> + "You did! Why, man, what can you mean; was it not a joke?" + </p> + <p> + "A joke," said I, with a start. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, to be sure. I thought it was only the sequel of the other humbug." + </p> + <p> + "The sequel of the other humbug!" Gracious mercy! thought I, getting pale + with horror, is it thus he ventures to designate my attachment to his + sister? + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, it's all over now. What the devil could have persuaded you to + push the thing so far?" + </p> + <p> + "Really, I am so completely in the dark as to your meaning that I only get + deeper in mystery by my chance replies. What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "What do I mean! Why, the affair of last night of course. All Munich is + full of it, and most fortunately for you, the king has taken it all in the + most good-humoured way, and laughs more than any one else about it." + </p> + <p> + Oh, then, thought I, I must have done or said something last night during + my illness, that I can't remember now. "Come, Kilkee, out with it. What + happened last night, that has served to amuse the good people of Munich? + for as I am a true man, I forget all you are alluding to." + </p> + <p> + "And don't remember the Greek Loan—eh?" + </p> + <p> + "The Greek Loan!" + </p> + <p> + "And your Excellency's marked reception by his Majesty? By Jove though, it + was the rarest piece of impudence I ever heard of; hoaxing a crowned head, + quizzing one of the Lord's anointed is un peu trop fort." + </p> + <p> + "If you really do not wish to render me insane at once, for the love of + mercy say, in plain terms, what all this means." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, I see you are incorrigible; but as breakfast is waiting all + this time, we shall have your explanations below stairs." + </p> + <p> + Before I had time for another question Kilkee passed his arm within mine, + and led me along the corridor, pouring out, the entire time a whole + rhapsody about the practical joke of my late illness, which he was pleased + to say would ring from one end of Europe to the other. + </p> + <p> + Lord Callonby was alone in the breakfast-room when we entered, and the + moment he perceived me called out, + </p> + <p> + "Eh, Lorrequer, you here still? Why, man, I thought you'd have been over + the frontier early this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, my lord, I am not exactly aware of any urgent reason for so rapid + a flight." + </p> + <p> + "You are not! The devil, you are not. Why, you must surely have known his + majesty to be the best tempered man in his dominions then, or you would + never have played off such a ruse, though I must say, there never was + anything better done. Old Heldersteen, the minister for foreign affairs, + is nearly deranged this morning about it—it seems that he was the + first that fell into the trap; but seriously speaking, I think it would be + better if you got away from this; the king, it is true, has behaved with + the best possible good feeling; but—" + </p> + <p> + "My lord, I have a favour to ask, perhaps, indeed in all likelihood the + last I shall ever ask of your lordship, it is this—what are you + alluding to all this while, and for what especial reason do you suggest my + immediate departure from Munich?" + </p> + <p> + "Bless my heart and soul—you surely cannot mean to carry the thing + on any further—you never can intend to assume your ministerial + functions by daylight?" + </p> + <p> + "My what!—my ministerial functions." + </p> + <p> + "Oh no, that were too much—even though his majesty did say—that + you were the most agreeable diplomate he had met for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "I, a diplomate." + </p> + <p> + "You, certainly. Surely you cannot be acting now; why, gracious mercy, + Lorrequer! can it be possible that you were not doing it by design, do you + really not know in what character you appeared last night?" + </p> + <p> + "If in any other than that of Harry Lorrequer, my lord, I pledge my + honour, I am ignorant." + </p> + <p> + "Nor the uniform you wore, don't you know what it meant?" + </p> + <p> + "The tailor sent it to my room." + </p> + <p> + "Why, man, by Jove, this will kill me," said Lord Callonby, bursting into + a fit of laughter, in which Kilkee, a hitherto silent spectator of our + colloquy, joined to such an extent, that I thought he should burst a + bloodvessel. "Why man, you went as the Charge d'Affaires." + </p> + <p> + "I, the Charge d'Affaires!" + </p> + <p> + "That you did, and a most successful debut you made of it." + </p> + <p> + While shame and confusion covered me from head to foot at the absurd and + ludicrous blunder I had been guilty of, the sense of the ridiculous was so + strong in me, that I fell upon a sofa and laughed on with the others for + full ten minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Your Excellency is, I am rejoiced to find, in good spirits," said Lady + Callonby, entering and presenting her hand. + </p> + <p> + "He is so glad to have finished the Greek Loan," said Lady Catherine, + smiling with a half malicious twinkle of the eye. Just at this instant + another door opened, and Lady Jane appeared. Luckily for me, the increased + mirth of the party, as Lord Callonby informed them of my blunder, + prevented their paying any attention to me, for as I half sprung forward + toward her, my agitation would have revealed to any observer, the whole + state of my feelings. I took her hand which she extended to me, without + speaking, and bowing deeply over it, raised my head and looked into her + eyes, as if to read at one glance, my fate, and when I let fall her hand, + I would not have exchanged my fortune for a kingdom. + </p> + <p> + "You have heard, Jane, how our friend opened his campaign in Munich last + night." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I hope, Mr. Lorrequer, they are only quizzing. You surely could not—" + </p> + <p> + "Could not. What he could not—what he would not do, is beyond my + calculation to make out," said Kilkee, laughing, "anything in life, from + breaking an axletree to hoaxing a king;" I turned, as may be imagined, a + deaf ear to this allusion, which really frightened me, not knowing how far + Kilkee's information might lead, nor how he might feel disposed to use it. + Lady Jane turned a half reproachful glance at me, as if rebuking my folly; + but in the interest she thus took in me, I should not have bartered it for + the smile of the proudest queen in Christendom. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast over, Lord Callonby undertook to explain to the Court the + blunder, by which I had unwittingly been betrayed into personating the + newly arrived minister, and as the mistake was more of their causing than + my own, my excuses were accepted, and when his lordship returned to the + hotel, he brought with him an invitation for me to dine at Court in my own + unaccredited character. By this time I had been carrying on the siege as + briskly as circumstances permitted; Lady Callonby being deeply interested + in her newly arrived purchases, and Lady Catherine being good-natured + enough to pretend to be so also, left me, at intervals, many opportunities + of speaking to Lady Jane. + </p> + <p> + As I feared that such occasions would not often present themselves, I + determined on making the best use of my time, and at once led the + conversation towards the goal I aimed at, by asking, "if Lady Jane had + completely forgotten the wild cliffs and rocky coast of Clare, amid the + tall mountains and glaciered peaks of the Tyrol?" + </p> + <p> + "Far from it," she replied. "I have a most clear remembrance of bold + Mogher and the rolling swell of the blue Atlantic, and long to feel its + spray once more upon my cheek; but then, I knew it in childhood—your + acquaintance with it was of a later date, and connected with fewer happy + associations." + </p> + <p> + "Fewer happy associations—how can you say so? Was it not there the + brightest hours of my whole life were passed, was it not there I first met—" + </p> + <p> + "Kilkee tells me," said Lady Jane, interrupting me shortly, "that Miss + Bingham is extremely pretty." + </p> + <p> + This was turning my flank with a vengeance; so I muttered something about + differences of tastes, and continued, "I understand my worthy cousin Guy, + had the good fortune to make your acquaintance in Paris." + </p> + <p> + It was now her turn to blush, which she did deeply, and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + "He is expected, I believe, in a few days at Munich," said I, fixing my + eyes upon her, and endeavouring to read her thoughts; she blushed more + deeply, and the blood at my own heart ran cold, as I thought over all I + had heard, and I muttered to myself "she loves him." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lorrequer, the carriage is waiting, and as we are going to the + Gallery this morning, and have much to see, pray let us have your escort." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am sure," said Catherine, "his assistance will be considerable—particularly + if his knowledge of art only equals his tact in botany. Don't you think + so, Jane?"—But Jane was gone. + </p> + <p> + They left the room to dress, and I was alone—alone with my anxious, + now half despairing thoughts, crowding and rushing upon my beating brain. + She loves him, and I have only come to witness her becoming the wife of + another. I see it all, too plainly;—my Uncle's arrival—Lord + Callonby's familiar manner—Jane's own confession. All—all + convince me, that my fate is decided. Now, then, for one last brief + explanation, and I leave Munich, never to see her more. Just as I had so + spoken, she entered. Her gloves had been forgotten in the room, and she + came in not knowing that I was there. What would I not have given at that + moment, for the ready witted assurance, the easy self-possession, with + which I should have made my advances had my heart not been as deeply + engaged as I now felt it. Alas! My courage was gone; there was too much at + stake, and I preferred, now, that the time was come, any suspense, any + vacillation, to the dreadful certainty of refusal. + </p> + <p> + These were my first thoughts, as she entered; how they were followed, I + cannot say. The same evident confusion of my brain, which I once felt when + mounting the breach in a storm-party, now completely beset me; and as + then, when death and destruction raged on every side, I held on my way + regardless of every obstacle, and forgetting all save the goal before me; + so did I now, in the intensity of my excitement, disregard every thing, + save the story of my love, which I poured forth with that fervour which + truth only can give. But she spoke not,—her averted head,—her + cold and tremulous hand, and half-drawn sigh were all that replied to me, + as I waited for that one word upon which hung all my fortune. At length + her hand, which I scarcely held within my own, was gently withdrawn. She + lifted it to her eyes, but still was silent. + </p> + <p> + "Enough," said I, "I seek not to pain you more. The daring ambition that + prompted me to love you, has met its heaviest retribution. Farewell,—You, + Lady Jane, have nothing to reproach yourself with—You never + encouraged, you never deceived me. I, and I alone have been to blame, and + mine must be the suffering. Adieu, then once more, and now for ever." + </p> + <p> + She turned slowly round, and as the handkerchief fell from her hand,—her + features were pale as marble,—I saw that she was endeavouring to + speak, but could not; and at length, as the colour came slowly back to her + cheek, her lips moved, and just as I leaned forward, with a beating heart + to hear, her sister came running forward, and suddenly checked herself in + her career, as she said, laughingly,— + </p> + <p> + "Mille pardons, Jane, but his Excellency must take another occasion to + explain the quadruple alliance, for mamma has been waiting in the carriage + these ten minutes." + </p> + <p> + I followed them to the door, placed them in the carriage, and was turning + again towards the house, when Lady Callonby said— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. Lorrequer, we count upon you—you must not desert us." + </p> + <p> + I muttered something about not feeling well. + </p> + <p> + "And then, perhaps, the Greek loan is engaging your attention," said + Catherine; "or, mayhap, some reciprocity treaty is not prospering." + </p> + <p> + The malice of this last sally told, for Jane blushed deeply, and I felt + overwhelmed with confusion. + </p> + <p> + "But pray come—the drive will do you good." + </p> + <p> + "Your ladyship will, I am certain, excuse"— + </p> + <p> + Just as I had got so far, I caught Lady Jane's eye, for the first time + since we had left the drawing-room. What I read there, I could not, for + the life of me, say; but, instead of finishing my sentence, I got into the + carriage, and drove off, very much to the surprise of Lady Callonby, who, + never having studied magnetism, knew very little the cause of my sudden + recovery. + </p> + <p> + The thrill of hope that shot through my heart succeeding so rapidly the + dark gloom of my despairing thoughts, buoyed me up, and while I whispered + to myself, "all may not yet be lost," I summoned my best energies to my + aid. Luckily for me, I was better qualified to act as cicerone in a + gallery than as a guide in a green-house; and with the confidence that + knowledge of a subject ever inspires, I rattled away about art and + artists, greatly to the edification of Lady Callonby—much to the + surprise of Lady Catherine—and, better than all, evidently to the + satisfaction of her, to win whose praise I would gladly have risked my + life. + </p> + <p> + "There," said I, as I placed my fair friend before a delicious little + madonna of Carl Dolci—"there is, perhaps, the triumph of colouring—for + the downy softness of that cheek—the luscious depth of that blue eye—the + waving richness of those sunny locks, all is perfect—fortunately so + beautiful a head is not a monopoly, for he painted many copies of this + picture." + </p> + <p> + "Quite true," said a voice behind, "and mine at Elton is, I think, if + anything, better than this." + </p> + <p> + I turned, and beheld my good old uncle, Sir Guy, who was standing beside + Lady Callonby. While I welcomed my worthy relative, I could not help + casting a glance around to see if Guy were also there, and not perceiving + him, my heart beat freely again. + </p> + <p> + My uncle, it appeared, had just arrived, and lost no time in joining us at + the gallery. His manner to me was cordial to a degree; and I perceived + that, immediately upon being introduced to Lady Jane, he took considerable + pains to observe her, and paid her the most marked attention. + </p> + <p> + The first moment I could steal unnoticed, I took the opportunity of asking + if Guy were come. That one fact were to me all, and upon the answer to my + question, I hung with deep anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "Guy here!—no, not yet. The fact is, Harry, my boy, Guy has not got + on here as well as I could have wished. Everything had been arranged among + us—Callonby behaved most handsomely—and, as far as regarded + myself, I threw no impediment in the way. But still, I don't know how it + was, but Guy did not advance, and the matter now"— + </p> + <p> + "Pray, how does it stand? Have you any hopes to put all to rights again?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Harry, I think, with your assistance, much may be done." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, count upon me by all means," said I, with a sneering bitterness, that + my uncle could not have escaped remarking, had his attention not been + drawn off by Lady Callonby. + </p> + <p> + What have I done—what sin did I meditate before I was born, that I + should come into the world branded with failure in all I attempt? Is it + not enough that my cousin, my elder by some months, should be rich while I + am poor—honoured and titled, while I am unknown and unnoticed?—but + is he also to be preferred to me in every station in life? Is there no + feeling of the heart so sacred that it must not succumb to primogeniture? + </p> + <p> + "What a dear old man Sir Guy is," said Catherine, interrupting my sad + reflections, "and how gallant; he is absolutely flirting with Lady Jane." + </p> + <p> + And quite true it was. The old gentleman was paying his devoirs with a + studied anxiety to please, that went to my very heart as I witnessed it. + The remainder of that day to me was a painful and suffering one. My + intention of suddenly leaving Munich had been abandoned, why, I knew not. + I felt that I was hoping against hope, and that my stay was only to + confirm, by the most "damning proof," how surely I was fated to + disappointment. My reasonings all ended in one point. If she really love + Guy, then my present attentions can only be a source of unhappiness to + her; if she do not, is there any prospect that from the bare fact of my + attachment, so proud a family as the Callonbys will suffer their daughter + to make a mere "marriage d'inclination?" + </p> + <p> + There was but one answer to this question, and I had at last the courage + to make it: and yet the Callonbys had marked me out for their attentions, + and had gone unusually out of their way to inflict injury upon me, if all + were meant to end in nothing. If I only could bring myself to think that + this was a systematic game adopted by them, to lead to the subsequent + arrangement with my cousin!—if I could but satisfy my doubts on this + head——What threats of vengeance I muttered, I cannot remember, + for I was summoned at that critical moment to attend the party to the + palace. + </p> + <p> + The state of excitement I was in, was an ill preparative for the rigid + etiquette of a court dinner. All passed off, however, happily, and the + king, by a most good-natured allusion to the blunder of the night before, + set me perfectly at ease on that head. + </p> + <p> + I was placed next to Lady Jane at dinner; and half from wounded pride, + half from the momentarily increasing conviction that all was lost, chatted + away gaily, without any evidence of a stronger feeling than the mere + vicinity of a pretty person is sure to inspire. What success this game was + attended with I know not; but the suffering it cost me, I shall never + cease to remember. One satisfaction I certainly did experience—she + was manifestly piqued, and several times turned towards the person on the + other side of her, to avoid the tone of indifference in which I discussed + matters that were actually wringing my own heart at the moment. Yet such + was the bitterness of my spirit, that I set down this conduct on her part + as coquetry; and quite convinced myself that any slight encouragement she + might ever have given my attentions, was only meant to indulge a spirit of + vanity, by adding another to the list of her conquests. + </p> + <p> + As the feeling grew upon me, I suppose my manner to her became more + palpably cutting, for it ended at last in our discontinuing to speak, and + when we retired from the palace, I accompanied her to the carriage in + silence, and wished her a cold and distant good night, without any advance + to touch her hand at parting—and yet that parting, I had destined + for our last. + </p> + <p> + The greater part of that night I spent in writing letters. One was to Jane + herself owning my affection, confessing that even the "rudesse" of my late + conduct was the fruit of it, and finally assuring her that failing to win + from her any return of my passion, I had resolved never to meet her more—I + also wrote a short note to my uncle, thanking him for all he had formerly + done in my behalf, but coldly declining for the future, any assistance + upon his part, resolving that upon my own efforts alone should I now rest + my fortunes. To Lord Callonby I wrote at greater length, recapitulating + the history of our early intimacy, and accusing him of encouraging me in + expectations, which, as he never intended to confirm them, were fated to + prove my ruin. More—much more I said, which to avow, I should gladly + shrink from, were it not that I have pledged myself to honesty in these + "Confessions," and as they depict the bitterness and misery of my spirit, + I must plead guilty to them here. In a word, I felt myself injured. I saw + no outlet for redress, and the only consolation open to my wounded pride + and crushed affection, was to show, that if I felt myself a victim, at + least I was not a dupe. I set about packing up for the journey, whither, I + knew not. My leave was nearly expired, yet I could not bear the thought of + rejoining the regiment. My only desire was to leave Munich, and that + speedily. When all my arrangements were completed I went down noiselessly + to the inn yard to order post-horses by day-break, there to my surprise I + found all activity and bustle. Though so late at night, a courier had + arrived from England for Lord Callonby, with some important dispatches + from the Government; this would, at any other time, have interested me + deeply; now I heard the news without a particle of feeling, and I made all + the necessary dispositions for my journey, without paying the slightest + attention to what was going on about me. I had just finished, when Lord + Callonby's valet came to say, that his lordship wished to see me + immediately in his dressing room. Though I would gladly have declined any + further interview, I saw no means of escape, and followed the servant to + his lordship's room. + </p> + <p> + There I found Lord Callonby in his dressing gown and night cap, surrounded + by papers, letters, despatch boxes, and red tape-tied parcels, that all + bespoke business. + </p> + <p> + "Lorrequer, sit down, my boy, I have much to say to you, and as we have no + time to lose, you must forego a little sleep. Is the door closed? I have + just received most important news from England, and to begin," here his + lordship opened a letter and read as follow:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <blockquote> + <p> + "My Lord—They are out at last—the majority on Friday + increased to forty yesterday evening, when they resigned; the Duke + has, meanwhile, assumed the reins till further arrangements can be + perfected, and despatches are now preparing to bring all our friends + about us. The only rumours as yet are, L___, for the Colonies, H___, + to the Foreign Office, W____ President of the Council, and we + anxiously hope yourself Viceroy to Ireland. In any case lose no time + in coming back to England. The struggle will be a sharp one, as the + outs are distracted, and we shall want you much. Ever yours, my dear + lord, + </p> + <p> + "Henry ____." + </p> + </blockquote> + </blockquote> + <p> + "This is much sooner than I looked for, Lorrequer, perhaps almost than I + wished; but as it has taken place, we must not decline the battle; now + what I wanted with you is this—if I go to Ireland I should like your + acceptance of the Private Secretary's Office. Come, come, no objections; + you know that you need not leave the army, you can become unattached, I'll + arrange all that; apropos, this concerns you, it is from the Horse Guards, + you need not read it now though, it is merely your gazette to the company; + your promotion, however, shall not stop there; however, the important + thing I want with you is this, I wish you to start for England to-morrow; + circumstances prevent my going from this for a few days. You can see L____ + and W____, , and explain all I have to say; I shall write a few letters, + and some hints for your own guidance; and as Kilkee never would have head + for these matters, I look to your friendship to do it for me." + </p> + <p> + Looking only to the post, as the proposal suited my already made resolve + to quit Munich, I acceded at once, and assured Lord Callonby that I should + be ready in an hour. + </p> + <p> + "Quite right, Lorrequer, but still I shall not need this, you cannot leave + before eleven or twelve o'clock, in fact I have another service to exact + at your hands before we part with you; meanwhile, try and get some sleep, + you are not likely to know anything of a bed before you reach the + Clarendon." So saying, he hurried me from the room, and as he closed the + door, I heard him muttering his satisfaction, that already so far all had + been well arranged. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ch55" id="ch55"></a>CHAPTER LV. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + CONCLUSION. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Sleep came on me, without my feeling it, and amid all the distracting + cares and pressing thoughts that embarrassed me, I only awoke when the + roll of the caleche sounded beneath my window, and warned me that I must + be stirring and ready for the road. + </p> + <p> + Since it is to be thus, thought I, it is much better that this opportunity + should occur of my getting away at once, and thus obviate all the + unpleasantness of my future meeting with Lady Jane; and the thousand + conjectures that my departure, so sudden and unannounced might give rise + to. So be it, and I have now only one hope more—that the terms we + last parted on, may prevent her appearing at the breakfast table; with + these words I entered the room, where the Callonbys were assembled, all + save Lady Jane. + </p> + <p> + "This is too provoking; really, Mr. Lorrequer," said Lady Callonby, with + her sweetest smile, and most civil manner, "quite too bad to lose you now, + that you have just joined us." + </p> + <p> + "Come, no tampering with our party," said Lord Callonby, "my friend here + must not be seduced by honied words and soft speeches, from the high road + that leads to honours and distinctions—now for your instructions." + Here his lordship entered into a very deep discussion as to the conditions + upon which his support might be expected, and relied upon, which Kilkee + from time to time interrupted by certain quizzing allusions to the low + price he put upon his services, and suggested that a mission for myself + should certainly enter into the compact. + </p> + <p> + At length breakfast was over, and Lord Callonby said, "now make your + adieux, and let me see you for a moment in Sir Guy's room, we have a + little discussion there, in which your assistance is wanting." I + accordingly took my farewell of Lady Callonby, and approached to do so to + Lady Jane, but much to my surprise, she made me a very distant salute, and + said in her coldest tone, "I hope you may have a pleasant journey." Before + I had recovered my surprise at this movement, Kilkee came forward and + offered to accompany me a few miles of the road. I accepted readily the + kind offer, and once more bowing to the ladies, withdrew. And thus it is, + thought I, that I leave all my long dreamed of happiness, and such is the + end of many a long day's ardent expectation. When I entered my uncle's + room, my temper was certainly not in the mood most fit for further trials, + though it was doomed to meet them. + </p> + <p> + "Harry, my boy, we are in great want of you here, and as time presses, we + must state our case very briefly. You are aware, Sir Guy tells me, that + your cousin Guy has been received among us as the suitor of my eldest + daughter. It has been an old compact between us to unite our families by + ties still stronger than our very ancient friendship, and this match has + been accordingly looked to, by us both with much anxiety. Now, although on + our parts I think no obstacle intervenes, yet I am sorry to say, there + appear difficulties in other quarters. In fact, certain stories have + reached Lady Jane's ears concerning your cousin, which have greatly + prejudiced her against him, and we have reason to think most unfairly; for + we have succeeded in tracing some of the offences in question, not to Guy, + but to a Mr. Morewood, who it seems has personated your cousin upon more + than one occasion, and not a little to his disadvantage. Now we wish you + to sift these matters to the bottom, by your going to Paris as soon as you + can venture to leave London—find out this man, and if possible, make + all straight; if money is wanting, he must of course have it; but bear one + thing in mind, that any possible step which may remove this unhappy + impression from my daughter's mind, will be of infinite service, and never + forgotten by us. Kilkee too has taken some dislike to Guy. You have only, + however, to talk to him on the matter, and he is sure to pay attention to + you." + </p> + <p> + "And, Harry," said my uncle, "tell Guy, I am much displeased that he is + not here, I expected him to leave Paris with me, but some absurd wager at + the Jockey Club detained him." + </p> + <p> + "Another thing, Harry, you may as well mention to your cousin, that Sir + Guy has complied with every suggestion that he formerly threw out—he + will understand the allusion." + </p> + <p> + "Oh yes," said my uncle, "tell him roundly, he shall have Elton Hall; I + have fitted up Marsden for myself; so no difficulty lies in that quarter." + </p> + <p> + "You may add, if you like, that my present position with the government + enables me to offer him a speedy prospect of a Regiment, and that I think + he had better not leave the army." + </p> + <p> + "And say that by next post Hamercloth's bond for the six thousand shall be + paid off, and let him send me a note of any other large sum he owes." + </p> + <p> + "And above all things, no more delays. I must leave this for England + inevitably, and as the ladies will probably prefer wintering in Italy—" + </p> + <p> + "Oh certainly," said my uncle, "the wedding must take place." + </p> + <p> + "I scarcely can ask you to come to us on the occasion, though I need not + say how greatly we should all feel gratified if you could do so," said my + Lord. + </p> + <p> + While this cross fire went on from both sides, I looked from one to the + other of the speakers. My first impression being, that having perceived + and disliked my attention to Lady Jane, they adopted this "mauvaise + plaisanterie" as a kind of smart lesson for my future guidance. My next + impression was that they were really in earnest, but about the very + stupidest pair of old gentlemen that ever wore hair powder. + </p> + <p> + "And this is all," said I, drawing a long breath, and inwardly uttering a + short prayer for patience. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I believe, I have mentioned everything," said Lord Callonby, "except + that if anything occurs to yourself that offers a prospect of forwarding + this affair, we leave you a carte blanche to adopt it." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, then," said I, "I am to understand that as no other + difficulties lie in the way than those your Lordship has mentioned, the + feelings of the parties, their affections are mutual." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, of course, your cousin, I suppose, has made himself agreeable; he is + a good looking fellow, and in fact, I am not aware, why they should not + like each other, eh Sir Guy?" + </p> + <p> + "To be sure, and the Elton estates run half the shire with your Gloucester + property; never was there a more suitable match." + </p> + <p> + "Then only one point remains, and that being complied with, you may reckon + upon my services; nay, more, I promise you success. Lady Jane's own + consent must be previously assured to me, without this, I most positively + decline moving a step in the matter; that once obtained, freely and + without constraint, I pledge myself to do all you require." + </p> + <p> + "Quite fair, Harry, I perfectly approve of your scruples," so saying, his + Lordship rose and left the room. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Harry, and yourself, what is to be done for you, has Callonby + offered you anything yet?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes sir, his Lordship has most kindly offered me the under secretaryship + in Ireland, but I have resolved on declining it, though I shall not at + present say so, lest he should feel any delicacy in employing me upon the + present occasion." + </p> + <p> + "Why, is the boy deranged—decline it—what have you got in the + world, that you should refuse such an appointment." + </p> + <p> + The colour mounted to my cheeks, my temples burned, and what I should have + replied to this taunt, I know not, for passion had completely mastered me. + When Lord Callonby again entered the room, his usually calm and pale face + was agitated and flushed; and his manner tremulous and hurried; for an + instant he was silent, then turning towards my uncle, he took his hand + affectionately, and said, + </p> + <p> + "My good old friend, I am deeply, deeply grieved; but we must abandon this + scheme. I have just seen my daughter, and from the few words which we have + had together, I find that her dislike to the match is invincible, and in + fact, she has obtained my promise never again to allude to it. If I were + willing to constrain the feelings of my child, you yourself would not + permit it. So here let us forget that we ever hoped for, ever calculated + on a plan in which both our hearts were so deeply interested." + </p> + <p> + These words, few as they were, were spoken with deep feeling, and for the + first time, I looked upon the speaker with sincere regard. They were both + silent for some minutes; Sir Guy, who was himself much agitated, spoke + first. + </p> + <p> + "So be it then, Callonby, and thus do I relinquish one—perhaps the + only cheering prospect my advanced age held out to me. I have long wished + to have your daughter for my niece, and since I have known her, the wish + has increased tenfold." + </p> + <p> + "It was the chosen dream of all my anticipations," said Lord Callonby, + "and now Jane's affections only—but let it pass." + </p> + <p> + "And is there then really no remedy, can nothing be struck out?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing." + </p> + <p> + "I am not quite so sure, my Lord," said I tremulously. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, Lorrequer, you are a ready witted fellow I know, but this passes + even your ingenuity, besides I have given her my word." + </p> + <p> + "Even so." + </p> + <p> + "Why, what do you mean, speak out man," said Sir Guy, "I'll give you ten + thousand pounds on the spot if you suggest a means of overcoming this + difficulty." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you might not accede afterwards." + </p> + <p> + "I pledge myself to it." + </p> + <p> + "And I too," said Lord Callonby, "if no unfair stratagem be resorted to + towards my daughter. If she only give her free and willing consent, I + agree." + </p> + <p> + "Then you must bid higher, uncle, ten thousand won't do, for the bargain + is well worth the money." + </p> + <p> + "Name your price, boy, and keep your word." + </p> + <p> + "Agreed then," holding my uncle to his promise, "I pledge myself that his + nephew shall be husband of Lady Jane Callonby, and now, my Lord, read + Harry vice Guy in the contract, and I am certain my uncle is too faithful + to his plighted word, and too true to his promise not to say it shall be." + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of this rash declaration absolutely stunned them both, and + then recovering at the same moment, their eyes met. + </p> + <p> + "Fairly caught, Guy" said Lord Callonby, "a bold stroke if it only + succeeds." + </p> + <p> + "And it shall, by G—," said my uncle, "Elton is yours, Harry, and + with seven thousand a year, and my nephew to boot, Callonby won't refuse + you." + </p> + <p> + There are moments in life in which conviction will follow a bold "coup de + main," that never would have ensued from the slow process of reasoning. + Luckily for me, this was one of those happy intervals. Lord Callonby + catching my uncle's enthusiasm, seized me by the hand and said, + </p> + <p> + "With her consent, Lorrequer, you may count upon mine, and faith if truth + must be told, I always preferred you to the other." + </p> + <p> + What my uncle added, I waited not to listen to; but with one bound sprung + from the room—dashed up stairs to Lady Callonby's drawing-room—looked + rapidly around to see if SHE were there, and then without paying the + slightest attention to the questions of Lady Callonby and her younger + daughter, was turning to leave the room, when my eye caught the flutter of + a Cachmere shawl in the garden beneath. In an instant the window was torn + open—I stood upon the sill, and though the fall was some twenty + feet, with one spring I took it, and before the ladies had recovered from + their first surprise at my unaccountable conduct, put the finishing stroke + to their amazement, by throwing my arms around Lady Jane, and clasping her + to my heart. + </p> + <p> + I cannot remember by what process I explained the change that had taken + place in my fortunes. I had some very vague recollection of vows of + eternal love being mingled with praises of my worthy uncle, and the state + of my affections and finances were jumbled up together, but still + sufficiently intelligible to satisfy my beloved Jane—that this time + at least, I made love with something more than my own consent to support + me. Before we had walked half round the garden, she had promised to be + mine; and Harry Lorrequer, who rose that morning with nothing but despair + and darkness before him, was now the happiest of men. + </p> + <p> + Dear reader, I have little more to confess. Lord Callonby's politics were + fortunately deemed of more moment than maidenly scruples, and the treasury + benches more respected than the trousseau. Our wedding was therefore + settled for the following week. Meanwhile, every day seemed to teem with + its own meed of good fortune. My good uncle, under whose patronage, forty + odd years before, Colonel Kamworth had obtained his commission, undertook + to effect the reconciliation between him and the Wallers, who now only + waited for our wedding, before they set out for Hydrabad cottage, that + snug receptacle of Curry and Madeira, Jack confessing that he had rather + listen to the siege of Java, by that fire-side, than hear an account of + Waterloo from the lips of the great Duke himself. + </p> + <p> + I wrote to Trevanion to invite him to Munich for the ceremony, and the + same post which informed me that he was en route to join us, brought also + a letter from my eccentric friend O'Leary, whose name having so often + occurred in these confessions, I am tempted to read aloud, the more so as + its contents are no secret, Kilkee having insisted upon reading it to a + committee of the whole family assembled after dinner. + </p> + <blockquote> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Dear Lorrequer, + </p> + <p> + "The trial is over, and I am acquitted, but still in St. Pelagie; for + as the government were determined to cut my head off if guilty, so the + mob resolved to murder me if innocent. A pleasant place this: before + the trial, I was the most popular man in Paris; my face was in every + print shop; plaster busts of me, with a great organ behind the ear, in + all the thoroughfares; my autograph selling at six and twenty sous, + and a lock of my hair at five francs. Now that it is proved I did not + murder the "minister at war," (who is in excellent health and spirits) + the popular feeling against me is very violent; and I am looked upon + as an imposter, who obtained his notoriety under false pretences; and + Vernet, who had begun my picture for a Judas, has left off in disgust. + Your friend Trevanion is a trump; he procured a Tipperary gentleman to + run away with Mrs. Ram, and they were married at Frankfort, on Tuesday + last. By the by, what an escape you had of Emily: she was only + quizzing you all the time. She is engaged to be married to Tom + O'Flaherty, who is here now. Emily's imitation of you, with the hat a + little on one side, and a handkerchief flourishing away in one hand, + is capital; but when she kneels down and says, 'dearest Emily, ' you'd + swear it was yourself."—[Here the laughter of the auditory + prevented Kilkee proceeding, who, to my utter confusion, resumed after + a little.]—"Don't be losing your time making up to Lord + Callonby's daughter"—[here came another burst of laughter]—"they + say here you have not a chance, and moreover she's a downright flirt."—["It + is your turn now, Jane," said Kilkee, scarcely able to proceed.]—"Besides + that, her father's a pompous old Tory, that won't give a sixpence with + her; and the old curmudgeon, your uncle, has as much idea of providing + for you, as he has of dying."—[This last sally absolutely + convulsed all parties.]—"To be sure Kilkee's a fool, but he is + no use to you."—["Begad I thought I was going to escape," said + the individual alluded to, "but your friend O'Leary cuts on every side + of him."] The letter, after some very grave reflections upon the + hopelessness of my pursuit, concluded with a kind pledge to meet me + soon, and become my travelling companion. Meanwhile, added he, "I must + cross over to London, and look after my new work, which is to come out + soon, under the title of 'the Loiterings of Arthur O'Leary.'" + </p> + </blockquote> + </blockquote> + <p> + This elegant epistle formed the subject of much laughter and conversation + amongst us long after it was concluded; and little triumph could be + claimed by any party, when nearly all were so roughly handled. So passed + the last evening I spent in Munich—the next morning I was married. + </p> + <p> + THE END. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +EBOOK EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS FOR ALL VOLUMES: + +A c'est egal, mam'selle, they don't mind these things in France +A rather unlady-like fondness for snuff +A crowd is a mob, if composed even of bishops +Accept of benefits with a tone of dissatisfaction +Accustomed to the slowness and the uncertainty of the law +Air of one who seeks to consume than enjoy his time +Always a pleasure felt in the misfortunes of even our best friend +Amount of children which is algebraically expressed by an X +And some did pray—who never prayed before +Annoyance of her vulgar loquacity +Brought a punishment far exceeding the merits of the case +Chateaux en Espagne +Chew over the cud of his misfortune +Daily association sustains the interest of the veriest trifles +Dear, dirty Dublin—Io te salute +Delectable modes of getting over the ground through life +Devilish hot work, this, said the colonel +Disputing "one brandy too much" in his bill +Empty, valueless, heartless flirtation +Ending—I never yet met the man who could tell when it ended +Enjoy the name without the gain +Enough is as good as a feast +Escaped shot and shell to fall less gloriously beneath champagne +Every misfortune has an end at last +Exclaimed with Othello himself, "Chaos was come again;" +Fearful of a self-deception where so much was at stake +Fighting like devils for conciliation +Finish in sorrow what you have begun in folly +Gardez vous des femmes, and more especially if they be Irish +Green silk, "a little off the grass, and on the bottle" +Had a most remarkable talent for selecting a son-in-law +Had to hear the "proud man's contumely" +Half pleased and whole frightened with the labour before him +Has but one fault, but that fault is a grand one +Hating each other for the love of God +He first butthers them up, and then slithers them down +He was very much disguised in drink +How ingenious is self-deception +If such be a sin, "then heaven help the wicked" +Indifferent to the many rebuffs she momentarily encountered +Involuntary satisfaction at some apparent obstacle to my path +Jaunting-cars, with three on a side and "one in the well" +Least important functionaries took the greatest airs upon them +Levelling character of a taste for play +Listen to reason, as they would call it in Ireland +Memory of them when hallowed by time or distance +Might almost excite compassion even in an enemy +Misfortune will find you out, if ye were hid in a tay chest +Mistaking zeal for inclination +Mistaking your abstraction for attention +My English proves me Irish +My French always shows me to be English +Never able to restrain myself from a propensity to make love +Nine-inside leathern "conveniency," bumping ten miles an hour +No equanimity like his who acts as your second in a duel +Nothing seemed extravagant to hopes so well founded +Nothing ever makes a man so agreeable as the belief that he is +Now, young ladies, come along, and learn something, if you can +Oh, the distance is nothing, but it is the pace that kills +Opportunely been so overpowered as to fall senseless +Other bottle of claret that lies beyond the frontier of prudence +Packed jury of her relatives, who rarely recommend you to mercy +Pleased are we ever to paint the past according to our own fancy +Profoundly and learnedly engaged in discussing medicine +Profuse in his legends of his own doings in love and war +Rather better than people with better coats on them +Rather a dabbler in the "ologies" +Recovered as much of their senses as the wine had left them +Respectable heir-loom of infirmity +Seems ever to accompany dullness a sustaining power of vanity +Sixteenthly, like a Presbyterian minister's sermon +Stoicism which preludes sending your friend out of the world +Strong opinions against tobacco within doors +Suppose I have laughed at better men than ever he was +Sure if he did, doesn't he take it out o' me in the corns? +That vanity which wine inspires +That "to stand was to fall," +That land of punch, priests, and potatoes +The divil a bit better she was nor a pronoun +The tone of assumed compassion +The "fat, fair, and forty" category +There are unhappily impracticable people in the world +There is no infatuation like the taste for flirtation +They were so perfectly contented with their self-deception +Time, that 'pregnant old gentleman,' will disclose all +Unwashed hands, and a heavy gold ring upon his thumb +Vagabond if Providence had not made me a justice of the peace +We pass a considerable portion of our lives in a mimic warfare +What will not habit accomplish +What we wish, we readily believe +What we wish we readily believe +When you pretended to be pleased, unluckily, I believed you +Whenever he was sober his poverty disgusted him +Whiskey, the appropriate liquor in all treaties of this nature +Whose paraphrase of the book of Job was refused +Wretched, gloomy-looking picture of woe-begone poverty + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, +Vol.6, by Charles James Lever (1806-1872) + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARRY LORREQUER, VOL. 6 *** + +***** This file should be named 5239-h.htm or 5239-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/3/5239/ + +Produced by Mary Munarin 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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