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diff --git a/old/5622-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/5622-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cb55d88 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/5622-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,10496 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + At Last, by Marion Harland + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of At Last, by Marion Harland + +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: At Last + +Author: Marion Harland + + +Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5622] +This file was first posted on July 24, 2002 +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT LAST *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Aldarondo and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + AT LAST + </h1> + <h2> + A Novel + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Marion Harland + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h5> + New York: 1870 + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>AT LAST</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — DEWLESS ROSES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — AN EXCHANGE OF CONFIDENCES. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — UNWHOLESOME VAPORS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — “FOUNDED UPON A ROCK.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — CLEAN HANDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — CRAFT—OR DIPLOMACY! + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — WASSAIL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — HE DEPARTETH IN DARKNESS. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — ROSA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — IN THE REBOUND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — AUNT RACHEL WAXES + UNCHARITABLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — JULIUS LENNOX. — </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — “BORN DEAD.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — THE GOOD SAMARITAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — THE HONEST HOUR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — THUNDER IN THE AIR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — NEMESIS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — INDIAN SUMMER. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + AT LAST + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — DEWLESS ROSES. + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Rachel Sutton was a born match maker, and she had cultivated the gift + by diligent practice. As the sight of a tendrilled vine suggests the need + and fitness of a trellis, and a stray glove invariably brings to mind the + thought of its absent fellow, so every disengaged spinster of marriageable + age was an appeal—pathetic and sure—to the dear woman's + helpful sympathy, and her whole soul went out in compassion over such + “nice” and an appropriated bachelors as crossed her orbit, like blind and + dizzy comets. + </p> + <p> + Her propensity, and her conscientious indulgence of the same, were + proverbial among her acquaintances, but no one—not even prudish and + fearsome maidens of altogether uncertain age, and prudent mammas, equally + alive to expediency and decorum—had ever labelled her “Dangerous,” + while with young people she was a universal favorite. Although, with an + eye single to her hobby, she regarded a man as an uninteresting molecule + of animated nature, unless circumstances warranted her in recognizing in + him the possible lover of some waiting fair one, and it was notorious that + she reprobated as worse than useless—positively demoralizing, in + fact—such friendships between young persons of opposite sexes as + held out no earnest of prospective betrothal, she was confidante-general + to half the girls in the county, and a standing advisory committee of one + upon all points relative to their associations with the beaux of the + region. The latter, on their side, paid their court to the worthy and + influential widow as punctiliously, if not so heartily, as did their + gentle friends. Not that the task was disagreeable. At fifty years of age, + Mrs. Button was plump and comely; her fair curls unfaded, and still full + and glossy; her blue eyes capable of languishing into moist appreciation + of a woful heart-history, or sparkling rapturously at the news of a + triumphant wooing; her little fat hands were swift and graceful, and her + complexion so infantine in its clear white and pink as to lead many to + believe and some—I need not say of which gender—to practise + clandestinely upon the story that she had bathed her face in warm milk, + night and morning, for forty years. The more sagacious averred, however, + that the secret of her continued youth lay in her kindly, unwithered + heart, in her loving thoughtfulness for others' weal, and her avoidance, + upon philosophical and religions grounds, of whatever approximated the + discontented retrospection winch goes with the multitude by the name of + self-examination. + </p> + <p> + Our bonnie widow had her foibles and vanities, but the first were amiable, + the latter superficial and harmless, usually rather pleasant than + objectionable. She was very proud, for instance, of her success in the + profession she had taken up, and which she pursued con amore; very jealous + for the reputation for connubial felicity of those she had aided to couple + in the leash matrimonial, and more uncharitable toward malicious meddlers + or thoughtless triflers with the course of true love; more implacable to + match-breakers than to the most atrocious phases of schism, heresy, and + sedition in church or state, against which she had, from her childhood, + been taught to pray. The remotest allusion to a divorce case threw her + into a cold perspiration, and apologies for such legal severance of the + hallowed bond were commented upon as rank and noxious blasphemy, to which + no Christian or virtuous woman should lend her ear for an instant. If she + had ever entertained “opinions” hinting at the allegorical nature of the + Mosaic account of the Fall, her theory would unquestionably have been that + Satan's insidious whisper to the First Mother prated of the beauties of + feminine individuality, and enlarged upon the feasibility of an elopement + from Adam and a separate maintenance upon the knowledge-giving, forbidden + fruit. Upon second marriages—supposing the otherwise indissoluble + tie to have been cut by Death—she was a trifle less severe, but it + was generally understood that she had grave doubts as to their propriety—unless + in exceptional cases. + </p> + <p> + “When there is a family of motherless children, and the father is himself + young, it seems hard to require him to live alone for the rest of his + life,” she would allow candidly. “Not that I pretend to say that a + connection formed through prudential motives is a real marriage in the + sight of Heaven. Only that there is no human law against it. And the odds + are as eight to ten that an efficient hired housekeeper would render his + home more comfortable, and his children happier than would a stepmother. + As for a woman marrying twice”—her gentle tone and eyes growing + sternly decisive—“it is difficult for one to tolerate the idea. That + is, if she really loved her first husband. If not, she may plead this as + some excuse for making the venture—poor thing! But whether, even + then, she has the moral right to lessen some good girl's chances of + getting a husband by taking two for herself, has ever been and must remain + a mooted question in my mind.” + </p> + <p> + Her conduct in this respect was thoroughly consistent with her avowed + principles. She was but thirty when her husband died, after living happily + with her for ten years. Her only child had preceded him to the grave four + years before, and the attractive relict of Frederic Sutton, comfortably + jointured and without incumbrance of near relatives, would have become a + toast with gay bachelors and enterprising widowers, but for the quiet + propriety of her demeanor, and the steadiness with which she insisted—for + the most part, tacitly—upon her right to be considered a married + woman still. + </p> + <p> + “Once Frederic's wife—always his!” was the sole burden of her answer + to a proposal of marriage received when she was forty-five, and the + discomfited suitor filed it in his memory alongside of Caesar's hackneyed + war dispatch. + </p> + <p> + She had laid off crape and bombazine at the close of the first lustrum of + her widowhood as inconvenient and unwholesome wear, but never assumed + colored apparel. On the morning on which our story opens, she took her + seat at the breakfast-table in her nephew's house—of which she was + matron and supervisor-in-chief—clad in a white cambric wrapper, + belted with black; her collar fastened with a mourning-pin of Frederic's + hair, and a lace cap, trimmed with black ribbon, set above her luxuriant + tresses. She looked fresh and bright as the early September day, with her + sunny face and in her daintily-neat attire, as she arranged cups and + saucers for seven people upon the waiter before her, instructing the + butler, at the same time, to ring the bell again for those she was to + serve. She was very busy and happy at that date. The neighborhood was gay, + after the open-hearted, open-handed style of hospitality that + distinguished the brave old days of Virginia plantation-life. A merry + troup of maidens and cavaliers visited by invitation one homestead after + another, crowding bedrooms beyond the capacity of any chambers of equal + size to be found in the land, excepting in a country house in the Old + Dominion; surrounding bountiful tables with smiling visages and restless + tongues; dancing, walking, driving, and singing away the long, warm days, + that seemed all too short to the soberest and plainest of the company; + which sped by like dream-hours to most of the number. + </p> + <p> + Winston Aylett, owner and tenant of the ancient mansion of Ridgeley—the + great house of a neighborhood where small houses and men of narrow means + were infrequent—had gone North about the first of June, upon a tour + of indefinite length, but which was certainly to include Newport, the + lakes, and Niagara, and was still absent. His aunt, Mrs. Sutton, and his + only sister, Mabel, did the honors of his home in his stead, and, if the + truth must be admitted, more acceptably to their guests than he had ever + succeeded in doing. For a week past, the house had been tolerably well + filled—ditto Mrs. Sutton's hands; ditto her great, heart. Had she + not three love affairs, in different but encouraging stages of + progression, under her roof and her patronage! And were not all three, to + her apprehension, matches worthy of Heaven's making, and her co-operation? + A devout Episcopalian, she was yet an unquestioning believer in + predestination and “special Providences”—and what but Providence had + brought together the dear creatures now basking in the benignant beam of + her smile, sailing smoothly toward the haven of Wedlock before the + prospering breezes of Circumstance (of her manufacture)? + </p> + <p> + While putting sugar and cream into the cups intended for the happy pairs, + she reviewed the situation rapidly in her mind, and sketched the day's + manoeuvres. + </p> + <p> + First, there was the case of Tom Barksdale and Imogene Tabb—highly + satisfactory and creditable to all the parties concerned in it, but not + romantic. Tom, a sturdy young planter, who had studied law while at the + University, but never practised it, being already provided for by his + opulent father, had visited his relatives, the Tabbs, in August, and + straightway fallen in love with the one single daughter of his second + cousin—a pretty, amiable girl, who would inherit a neat fortune at + her parent's death, and whose pedigree became identical with that of the + Barksdales a couple of generations back, and was therefore unimpeachable. + The friends on both sides were enchanted; the lovers fully persuaded that + they were made for one another, an opinion cordially endorsed by Mrs. + Sutton, and they could confer with no higher authority. + </p> + <p> + Next came Alfred Branch and Rosa Tazewell—incipient, but promising + at this juncture, inasmuch as Rosa had lately smiled more encouragingly + upon her timid wooer than she had deigned to do before they were + domesticated at Ridgeley. Mrs. Sutton did not approve of unmaidenly + forwardness. The woman who would unsought be won, would have fared ill in + her esteem. Her lectures upon the beauties and advantages of a modest, yet + alluring reserve, were cut up into familiar and much-prized quotations + among her disciples, and were acted upon the more willingly for the + prestige that surrounded her exploits as high priestess of Hymen. But Rosa + had been too coy to Alfred's evident devotion—almost repellent at + seasons. Had these rebuffs not alternated with attacks of remorse, during + which the exceeding gentleness of her demeanor gradually pried the crushed + hopes of her adorer out of the slough, and cleansed their drooping plumes + of mud, the courtship would have fallen through, ere Mrs. Sutton could + bring her skill to bear upon it. Guided, and yet soothed by her velvet + rein, Rosa really seemed to become more steady. She was assuredly more + thoughtful, and there was no better sign of Cupid's advance upon the + outworks of a girl's heart than reverie. If her fits of musing were a + shade too pensive, the experienced eye of the observer descried no cause + for discouragement in this feature. Rosa was a spoiled, wayward child, + freakish and mischievous, to whom liberty was too dear to be resigned + without a sigh. By and by, she would wear her shackles as ornaments, like + all other sensible and loving women. + </p> + <p> + Thus preaching to Alfred, when he confided to her the fluctuations of + rapture and despair that were his lot in his intercourse with the + sometimes radiant and inviting, sometimes forbidding sprite, whose wings + he would fain bind with his embrace, and thus reassuring herself, when + perplexed by a flash of Rosa's native perverseness, Mrs. Sutton was + sanguine that all would come right in the end. What was to be would be, + and despite the rapids in their wooing, Alfred would find in Rosa a + faithful, affectionate little wife, while she could never hope to secure a + better, more indulgent, and, in most respects, more eligible, partner than + the Ayletts' well-to-do, well-looking neighbor. + </p> + <p> + But the couple who occupied the central foreground of our match-maker's + thoughts were her niece, Mabel Aylott, and her own departed husband's + namesake, Frederic Chilton. She dilated to herself and to Mabel with + especial gusto upon the “wonderful leading,” the inward whisper that had + prompted her to propose a trip to the Rockbridge Alum Springs early in + July. Neither she nor Mabel was ailing in the slightest degree, but she + imagined they would be the brighter for a glimpse of the mountains and the + livelier scenes of that pleasant Spa—and whom should they meet there + but the son of “dear Frederic's” old friend, Mr. Chilton, and of course + they saw a great deal of him—and the rest followed as Providence + meant it should. + </p> + <p> + “The rest” expressed laconically the essence of numberless walks by + moonlight and starlight; innumerable dances in the great ball-room, and + the sweeter, more interesting confabulations that made the young people + better acquainted in four weeks than would six years of conventional calls + and small-talk. They stayed the month out, although “Aunt Rachel” had, + upon their arrival, named a fortnight as the extreme limit of their + sojourn. Frederic Chilton was their escort to Eastern Virginia, and + remained a week at Ridgeley—perhaps to recover from the fatigue of + the journey. So soon as he returned to Philadelphia, in which place he had + lately opened a law-office, he wrote to Mabel, declaring his affection for + her, and suing for reciprocation. She granted him a gracious reply, and + sanctioned by fond, sympathetic Aunt Rachel, in the absence of Mabel's + brother and guardian, the correspondence was kept up briskly until + Frederic's second visit in September. Ungenerous gossips, envious of her + talents and influence, had occasionally sneered at Mrs. Sutton's + appropriation of the credit of other alliances—but this one was her + handiwork beyond dispute—hers and Providence's. She never forgot the + partnership. She had carried her head more erect, and there was a brighter + sparkle in her blue orbs since the evening Mabel had come blushingly to + her room, Fred's proposal in her hand—to ask counsel and + congratulations. Everybody saw through the discreet veil with which she + flattered herself she concealed her exultation when others than the + affianced twain were by—and while nobody was so unkind as to expose + the thinness of the pretence, she was given to understand in many and + gratifying ways that her masterpiece was considered, in the Aylett circle, + a suitable crown to the achievements that had preceded it. Mabel was + popular and beloved, and her betrothed, in appearance and manner, in + breeding and intelligence, justified Mrs. Sutton's pride in her niece's + choice. + </p> + <p> + The old lady colored up, with the quick, vivid rose-tint of sudden and + real pleasure that rarely outlives early girlhood, when the first + respondent to the breakfast-bell proved to be her Frederic's god-son. + </p> + <p> + “You are always punctual! I wish you would teach the good habit to some + other people,” she said, after answering his cordial “good-morning.” + </p> + <p> + “None of us deserve to be praised on that score, to-day,” rejoined he, + looking at his watch. “I did not awake until the dressing-bell rang. Our + riding-party was out late last night. The extreme beauty of the evening + beguiled us into going further than we intended, when we set out.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! you young folks are falling into shockingly irregular habits—take + unprecedented liberties with me and with Time!” shaking her head. “If + Winston do not return soon, you will set my mild rule entirely at + defiance.” + </p> + <p> + Chilton laughed—but was serious the next instant. + </p> + <p> + “I expected confidently to meet him at this visit,” he said, glancing at + the door to guard against being overheard. “Should he not return to-day, + ought I not, before leaving this to-morrow, to write to him, since he is + legally his sister's guardian? It is, you and she tell me, a mere form, + but one that should not be dispensed with any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be so. Winston is rigorous in requiring what is due to his + position—is, in some respects, a fearful formalist. But he will + hardly oppose your wishes and Mabel's. He has her real happiness at heart, + I believe, although he is, at times, an over-strict and exacting guardian—perhaps + to counterbalance my indulgent policy. He is unlike any other young man I + know.” + </p> + <p> + “His sister is very much attached to him.” + </p> + <p> + “She loves him—I was about to say, preposterously. Her implicit + belief in and obedience to him have increased his self-confidence into a + dogmatic assertion of infallibility. But”—fearing she might create + an unfortunate impression upon the listener's mind—“Winston has + grounds for his good opinion of himself. His character is unblemished—his + principles and aims are excellent. Only”—relapsing hopelessly into + the confidential strain in which most of the conference had been carried—“between + ourselves, my dear Frederic, I am never quite easy with these patterns to + the rest of human-kind. I should even prefer a tiny vein of depravity to + such very rectangular virtue.” + </p> + <p> + “You are seldom ill at ease, if human perfection is all that renders you + uncomfortable,” responded Frederic. “There are not many in whose + composition one cannot trace, not a tiny, but a broad vein of Adamic + nature. What a delicious morning!” he added, sauntering to the window. + </p> + <p> + “And how sorry I am for those who did not get up in time to enjoy the + freshness of its beauty!” cried a gay voice from the portico, and Mabel + entered by the glass door behind him—her hands loaded with roses, + herself so beaming that her lover refrained with difficulty from kissing + the saucy mouth then and there. + </p> + <p> + He did take both her hands, under pretext of relieving her of the flowers, + and Aunt Rachel judiciously turned her back upon them, and began a + diligent search in the beaufet for a vase. + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect us to believe that you have been more industrious than we? + As if we did not know that you bribed the gardener to have a bouquet cut + and laid ready for you at the back-door,” Frederic charged upon the + matutinal Flora. “Else, where are other evidences of your stroll, in + dew-sprinkled draperies and wet feet? Confess that you ran down stairs + just two minutes ago! Now that I come to think of it, I am positive that I + heard you, while Mrs. Sutton was lamenting your drowsy proclivities after + sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been sitting in the summer-house for an hour—reading!” + protested Mabel, wondrously resigned to the detention, after a single, and + not violent attempt at release. “If you had opened your shutters you must + have seen me. But I knew I was secure from observation on that side of the + house, at least until eight o'clock, about which time the glories of the + new day usually penetrate very tightly-closed lids. As to dew—there + isn't a drop upon grass or blossom. And, by the same token, we shall have + a storm within twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that true? That is a meteorological presage I never heard of until + now.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a moral in it, which I leave you to study out for yourself, + while I arrange the roses I—and not the gardener—gathered.” + </p> + <p> + In a whisper, she subjoined—“Let me go! Some one is coming!” and in + a second more was at the sideboard, hurrying the flowers into the antique + china bowl, destined to grace the centre of the breakfast table. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Miss Rosa. You are just in season to enjoy the society of + your sister,” Frederic said, lightly, pointing to the billows of mingled + white and red, tossing under Mabel's fingers. + </p> + <p> + The new-comer approached the sideboard, leaned languidly upon her elbow, + and picked up a half-blown bud at random from the pile. + </p> + <p> + “They are scentless!” she complained. + </p> + <p> + “Because dewless!” replied Mabel, with profound gravity. “It is the + tearful heart that gives out the sweetest fragrance.” + </p> + <p> + “I have more faith in sunshine,” interrupted Rosa, a tinge of contempt in + her smile and accent. “Or—to drop metaphors, at which I always + bungle—it is my belief that it is easy for happy people to be good. + All this talk about the sweetness of crushed blossoms, throwing their + fragrance from the wounded part, and the riven sandal-tree, and the + blessed uses of adversity, is outrageous balderdash, according to my + doctrine. A buried thing is but one degree better than a dead one. What it + is the fashion of poets and sentimentalists to call perfume, is the odor + of incipient decay.” + </p> + <p> + “You are illustrating your position by means of my poor oriental pearl,” + remonstrated Mabel, playfully, wresting the hand that was beating the life + and whiteness out of the floweret upon the marble top of the beaufet. + “Take this hardy geant de batailles, instead. My bouquet must have a + cluster of pearls for a heart.” + </p> + <p> + “What a fierce crimson!” Frederic remarked upon the widely-opened rose + Miss Tazewell received in place of the delicate bud. “That must be the + 'hue angry, yet brave,' which, Mr. George Herbert asserts, 'bids the rash + gazer wipe his eye.'” + </p> + <p> + “More poetical nonsense!” said Rosa, deliberately tearing the bold “geant” + to pieces down to the bare stem, “unless he meant to be comic, and + intimate that the gazer was so rash as to come too near the bush, and ran + a thorn into the pupil.” + </p> + <p> + No one answered, except by the indulgent smile that usually greeted her + sallies, however absurd, among those accustomed to the spoiled child's + vagaries. + </p> + <p> + Mabel was making some leisurely additions to her bouquet in the shape of + ribbon grass and pendent ivy sprays, coaxing these with persuasive touches + to trail over the edge and entwine the pedestal of the salver on which her + bowl was elevated; her head set slightly on one side, her lips apart in a + smile of enjoyment in her work and in herself. It was a picture the lover + studied fondly—one that hung forever thereafter in his gallery of + mental portraits. Beyond a pair of fine gray eyes, the pliant grace of her + figure and the buoyant carriage of youth, health, and a glad heart, + Mabel's pretensions to beauty were comparatively few, said the world. + Frederic Chilton had, nevertheless, fallen in love with her at sight, and + considered her, now, the handsomest woman of his acquaintance. Her dress + was a simple lawn—a sheer white fabric, with bunches of purple grass + bound up with yellow wheat, scattered over it; her hair was lustrous and + abundant, and her face, besides being happy, was frank and intelligent, + with wonderful mobility of expression. In temperament and sentiment; in + capacity for, and in demonstration of affection, she suited Frederic to + the finest fibre of his mind and heart. He, for one, did not carp at Aunt + Rachel's declaration that they were intended to spend time and eternity + together. + </p> + <p> + Still, Mabel Aylett was not a belle, and Rosa Tazewell was. Callow + collegians and enterprising young merchants from the city; sunbrowned + owners of spreading acres and hosts of laborers; students and + practitioners of law and medicine, and an occasional theologue, had broken + their hearts for perhaps a month at a time, for love of her, since she was + a school-girl in short dresses. Yet there had been a date very far back in + the acquaintanceship of each of these with the charmer, when he had + marvelled at the infatuation which had blinded her previous adorers. She + was “a neat little thing,” with her round waist, her tiny hands and feet + and roguish eye—but there was nothing else remarkable about her + features, and in coloring, the picture was too dark for his taste. Why, + she might be mistaken for a creole! And each critic held fast to his + expressed opinion until the roguish eyes met his directly and with + meaning, and he found himself diving into the bright, shimmering wells, + and drowning—still ecstatically—before he reached the bottom + whence streamed the light of passionate feeling, striking upward through + the surface. What her glances did not effect was done by her dazzling + smile and musical voice. + </p> + <p> + As one of her victims swore, “It was a dearer delight to be rejected by + her than to be accepted by a dozen other girls—she did the thing up + so handsomely! And yet, do you know, sir, I could have shot myself for a + barbarous brute when I saw the pitying tears standing upon her lashes, and + heard the tremor in her sweet tones, as she begged me to forgive her for + not loving me!” + </p> + <p> + Those she had once captivated never quite rid themselves of the glamour of + her arts; remained her trusty squires, ready to serve, or to defend her + always afterward. + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel, intent, during the short pause, upon the movements of the + servant who was setting the smoking breakfast upon the table, glanced + around when all was properly arranged, to summon the two to their places—but + something in Rosa's attitude and countenance held her momentarily + speechless. Mabel still bent over her roses, in smiling interest, and + Frederic Chilton was watching her—but not as the third person of the + group about the beaufet watched them both between her half-closed lids, + her black brows close together, and the glittering teeth visible under the + curling upper lip. + </p> + <p> + “She looked like a panther lying in wait for her prey!” Mrs. Sutton said + to her niece, many months later, in attempting to describe the scene. “Or + like a bright-eyed snake coiled for a spring. The sight of her sent + shivers all down my spine.” + </p> + <p> + Her interruption of the tableau sounded oddly abrupt to ears used to her + pleasant accents. + </p> + <p> + “Come, young people! how long are you going to keep me waiting? Breakfast + is cooling fast!” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Auntie! I did not notice that it had been brought in,” + apologized Mabel, drawing back, that Frederic might lift the loaded salver + carefully to its place upon the board. + </p> + <p> + As they were closing about this, they were joined by Messrs. Barksdale and + Branch, Miss Tabb delaying her appearance until the repast was nearly + over, and meeting the raillery of the party upon her late rising with the + sweet, soft smile her cousin-betrothed admired as the indication of + unadulterated amiability. The breakfast-hour, always pleasant, was to-day + particularly merry. Rosa led off in the laughing debates, the play of + repartee, friendly jest, and anecdote that incited all to mirth and speech + and tempted them to linger around the table long after the business of the + meal was concluded. + </p> + <p> + “This is the perfection of country life!” said Frederic Chilton, when, at + last, there was a movement to end the sitting. “But it spoils one + fearfully for the everyday practicalities of the city—a Northern + city, especially.” + </p> + <p> + “Better stay where you are, then, instead of deserting our ranks + to-morrow,” suggested Rosa, gliding by his side out upon the long portico + at the end of the house. “What does your nature crave that Ridgeley cannot + supply?” + </p> + <p> + “Work, and a career!” + </p> + <p> + “You still feel the need of these?” significantly. + </p> + <p> + “Otherwise I were no man!” + </p> + <p> + “You are right!” + </p> + <p> + Her disdainful eyes wandered to the farther end of the portico, where + Alfred Branch, in his natty suit of white grasscloth, plucked at his ebon + whiskers with untanned fingers, and talked society nothings with the + ever-complaisant Imogene. + </p> + <p> + “Come what may, you, Mr. Chilton, have occupation for thought and hands; + are not tied down to a detestable routine of vapid pleasures and + common-place people!” + </p> + <p> + “You are—every independent woman and man—is as free in this + respect as myself, Miss Rosa. None need be a slave to conventionality + unless he choose.” + </p> + <p> + She made a gesture that was like twisting a chain upon her wrist. + </p> + <p> + “You know you are not sincere in saying that. I wondered, moreover, when + you were railing at the practicalities of city life, if you were learning, + like the rest of the men, to accommodate your talk to your audience. Where + is the use of your trying to disguise the truth that all women are slaves? + I used to envy you when I was in Philadelphia, last winter, when you + pleaded business engagements as an excuse for declining invitations to + dinner-parties and balls. Now, if a woman defies popular decrees by + refusing to exhibit herself for the popular entertainment, the horrible + whisper is forthwith circulated that she has been 'disappointed,' and is + hiding her green wound in her sewing-room or oratory. 'Disappointed,' + forsooth! That is what they say of every girl who is not married to + somebody by the time she is twenty-five. It matters not whether she cares + for him or not. Having but one object in existence, there can be but one + species of disappointment. Marry she must, or be PITIED!” with a stinging + emphasis on the last word. + </p> + <p> + Tom Barksdale and Mabel were pacing the portico from end to end, chatting + with the cheerful familiarity of old friends. Catching some of thin + energetic sentence, Mabel looked over her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Who of us is fated to be pitied, did you say, Rosa dear?” + </p> + <p> + “Never yourself!” was the curt reply. “Rest content with that assurance.” + </p> + <p> + Her restless fingers began to gather the red leaves that already + variegated the foliage of the creeper shading the porch. Strangely + indisposed to answer her animadversions upon the world's judgment of her + sex, or to acknowledge the implied compliment to his betrothed, Frederic + watched the lithe, dark hands, as they overflowed with the vermilion + trophies of autumn. The September sunshine sifted through the vines in + patches upon the floor; the low laughter and blended voices of the four + talkers; the echo of Tom's manly tread, and Mabel's lighter footfall, were + all jocund music, befitting the brightness of the day and world. What was + the spell by which this pettish girl who stood by him, her luminous eyes + fixed in sardonic melancholy upon the promenaders, while she rubbed the + dying leaves into atoms between her palms—had stamped scenes and + sounds with immortality, yet thrilled him with the indefinite sense of + unreality and dread one feels in scanning the lineaments of the beloved + dead? Had her nervous folly infected him? What absurd phantasy was hers, + and what his concern in her whims? + </p> + <p> + A stifled cry from Mabel aroused him to active attention. A gentlemen had + stepped from the house upon the piazza, and after bending to kiss her, was + shaking hands with her companions. + </p> + <p> + “The Grand Mogul!” muttered Rosa, with a comic grimace, and not offering + to stir in the direction of the stranger. + </p> + <p> + In another moment Mabel had led him up to her lover, and introduced, in + her pretty, ladylike way, and bravely enough, considering her blushes, + “Mr. Chilton” to “my brother, Mr. Winston Aylett.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — AN EXCHANGE OF CONFIDENCES. + </h2> + <p> + “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of + his character and antecedents?” + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after dinner, on + the day of his return, and asked for an interview. + </p> + <p> + “Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so forth, + having been away from the plantation for so long,” she said, + deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at liberty to + listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was entirely his own—polished + and cool. + </p> + <p> + Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong passions and + violent temper, but since his college days, he had never, as far as living + mortal could testify, lifted the impassive mask he wore, at the bidding of + anger, surprise, or alarm. He ran all his tilts—and he was not a + non-combatant by any means—with locked visor. In person, he was + commanding in stature; his features were symmetrical; his bearing + high-bred. His conversation was sensible, but never brilliant or animated. + In his own household he was calmly despotic; in his county, respected and + unpopular—one of whom nobody dared speak ill, yet whom nobody had + reason to love. There was a single person who believed herself to be an + exception to this rule. This was his sister Mabel. Some said she + worshipped him in default of any other object upon which she could expend + the wealth of her young, ardent heart; others, that his strong will + enforced her homage. The fact of her devotion was undeniable, and upon his + appreciation of this Aunt Rachel built her expectations of a favorable + hearing when she volunteered to prepare the way for Mr. Chilton's formal + application for the hand of her nephew's ward. Between herself and Winston + there existed little real liking and less affinity. She was useful to him, + and his tolerance of her society was courteous, but she understood + perfectly that he secretly despised many of her views and actions, as, + indeed, he did those of most women. Her present mission was undertaken for + the love she bore Mabel and her sister. It was not kind to send the girl + to tell her own story. It was neither kind nor fair to subject their guest + to the ordeal of an unheralded disclosure of his sentiments and + aspirations, with the puissant lord of Ridgeley as sole auditor. + </p> + <p> + “Fred would never get over the first impression of your brother's chilling + reserve,” said the self-appointed envoy to Mabel, when she insisted that + her affianced would plead his cause more eloquently than a third person + could. “For, you, must confess, my love, that Winston, although in most + respects a model to other young men, is unapproachable by strangers.” + </p> + <p> + As she said “your accounts and so forth,” she looked at the table from + which Mr. Aylett had arisen to set a chair for her. There was a pile of + account-books at the side against the wall, but they were shut, and over + heaped by pamphlets and newspapers; while before the owner's seat lay an + open portfolio, an unfinished letter within it. Winston wiped his pen with + deliberation, closed the portfolio, snapped to the spring-top of his + inkstand, and finally wheeled his office chair away from the desk to face + his visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Is it upon business that you wish to speak to me?” + </p> + <p> + He always disdained circumlocution, prided himself upon the directness and + simplicity of his address. This acted now as a dissuasive to the + sentimental address Mrs. Sutton had meditated as a means of winning the + flinty walls behind which his social affections and sympathies were + supposed to be intrenched. Had her mission been in behalf of any other + cause, she would have drawn off her forces upon some pretext, and effected + an ignominious retreat. Nerved by the thought of Mabel's bashfulness and + solicitude, and Frederic's strangerhood, she stood to her guns. + </p> + <p> + Winston heard her story, from the not very coherent preamble, to the warm + and unqualified endorsement of Frederic Chilton's credentials, and her + moved mention of the mutual attachment of the youthful pair, and never + changed his attitude, or manifested any inclination to stay the narration + by question or comment. When she ceased speaking, his physiognomy denoted + no emotion whatever. Yet, Mabel was his nearest living relative. She had + been bequeathed to his care, when only ten years old, by the will of their + dying father, and grown up under his eye as his child, rather than a + sister. And he was hearing, for the first time, of her desire to quit the + home they had shared together from her birth, for the protection and + companionship of another. Mrs. Sutton thought herself pretty well versed + in “Winston's ways,” but she had expected to detect a shade of softness in + the cold, never-bright eyes and anticipated another rejoinder than the + sentence that stands at the head of this chapter. + </p> + <p> + “And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told you of + his character and antecedents?” he said—the slender white fingers, + his aunt fancied, looked cruel even in their idleness, lightly linked + together while his elbows rested upon the arms of his chair. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Winston! what a question! Haven't I told you that he is my + husband's namesake and godson! I was at his fathers house a score of + times, at least, in dear Frederic's life-time. It was a charming place, + and I never saw a more lovely family. I recollect this boy perfectly, as + was very natural, seeing that his name was such a compliment to my + husband. He was a fine, manly little fellow, and the eldest son. The + christening-feast was postponed, for some reason I do not now remember, + until he was two years old. It was a very fine affair. The company was + composed of the very elite of that part of Maryland, and the Bishop + himself baptized the two babies—Frederic, and a younger sister. I + know all about him, you see, instead of nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “What was the date of this festival?” asked Winston's unwavering voice. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see! We had been married seven years that fall. It must have been + in the winter of 18—.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-three years ago!” said Winston, yet more quietly. “Doubtless, your + intimacy with this estimable and distinguished family continued up to the + time of your husband's death?” + </p> + <p> + “It did.” + </p> + <p> + “And afterward?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Button's color waned, And her voice sank, as the inquisition + proceeded. “Dear Frederic's” death was not the subject she would have + chosen of her free will to discuss with this man of steel and ice. + </p> + <p> + “I never visited them again. I could not—” + </p> + <p> + If she hoped to retain a semblance of composure, she must shift her + ground. + </p> + <p> + “I returned to my father's house, which was, as you know, more remote from + the borders of Maryland—” + </p> + <p> + “You kept up a correspondence, perhaps?” Winston interposed, overlooking + her agitation as irrelevant to the matter under investigation. + </p> + <p> + “No! For many months I wrote no letters at all, and Mr. Chilton was never + a punctual correspondent. The best of friends are apt to be dilatory in + such respects, as they advance in life.” + </p> + <p> + “I gather, then, from what you have ADMITTED”—there was no actual + stress upon the word, but it stood obnoxiously apart from the remainder of + the sentence, to Mrs. Sutton's auriculars—“from what you have + admitted, that for twenty years you have lost sight of this gentleman and + his relatives, and that you might never have remembered the circumstance + of their existence, had he not introduced himself to you at the Springs + this summer.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, there!” corrected the widow, eagerly. “Rosa Tazewell + introduced him to Mabel at the first 'hop' she—Mabel—attended + there. He is very unassuming. He would never have forced himself upon my + notice. I was struck by his appearance and resemblance to his father, and + inquired of Mabel who he was. The recognition followed as a matter of + course.” + </p> + <p> + “He was an acquaintance of Miss Tazewell—did you say?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—she knew him very well when she was visiting in Philadelphia + last winter.” + </p> + <p> + “And proffered the introduction to Mabel?” the faintest imaginable glimmer + of sarcastic amusement in his eyes, but none in his accent. + </p> + <p> + “He requested it, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “That is more probable. Excuse my frankness, aunt, when I say that it + would have been more in consonance with the laws controlling the conduct + of really thoroughbred people, had your paragon—I use the term in no + offensive sense—applied to me, instead of to you, for permission to + pay his addresses to my ward. I am willing to ascribe this blunder, + however, to ignorance of the code of polite society, and not to + intentional disrespect, since you represent the gentleman as amiable and + well-meaning. I am, furthermore, willing to examine his certificates of + character and means, with a view to determining what are his + recommendations to my sister's preference, over and above ball-room graces + and the fact that he is Mr. Sutton's namesake, and whether it will be safe + and advisable to grant my consent to their marriage. Whatever is for + Mabel's real welfare shall be done, while I cannot but wish that her + choice had fallen upon some one nearer home The prosecution of inquiries + as to the reputation of one whose residence is so distant, is a difficult + and delicate task.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will only talk to him for ten minutes he will remove your + scruples,—satisfy you that all is as it should be,” asserted Mrs. + Sutton, more confidently to him than herself. + </p> + <p> + “I trust it will be as you say—but credulity is not my besetting + sin. I am ready to see the gentleman at any hour you and he may see fit to + appoint.” + </p> + <p> + “I will send MR. CHILTON to you at once, then.” Mrs. Sutton collected the + scattering remnants of hope and resolution, that she might deal a parting + shot. + </p> + <p> + “Winston is an AWFUL trial to my temper, although he never loses his own,” + she was wont to soliloquize, in the lack of a confidante to whom she could + expatiate upon his eccentricities and general untowardness. His marked + avoidance of Frederic's name in this conference savored to her of + insulting meaning. She had rather he had coupled it with opprobious + epithets whenever he referred to him, than spoken of him as “this” or + “that gentleman.” If he took this high and chilly tone, with Mabel's + wooer, there was no telling what might be the result of the affair. + </p> + <p> + “Don't mind him if he is stiff and uncompromising for a while,” she + enjoined upon Frederic, in apprising him of the seignior's readiness to + grant him audience, “It is only his way, and he is Mabel's brother.” + </p> + <p> + “I will bear the latter hint in mind,” rejoined the young man, with the + gay, affectionate smile he often bestowed upon her. “I don't believe he + can awe me into resignation of my purpose, or provoke me into dislike of + the rest of the family.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel was in her aunt's room, plying her with queries, hard to be evaded, + touching the tenor and consequences of her recent negotiations, when a + servant brought a message from her brother. She was wanted in the study. + The girl turned very white, as she prepared to obey, without an idea of + delay or of refusal. + </p> + <p> + “O Auntie! what if he should order me to give Frederic up!” she + ejaculated, pausing at the door, in an agony of trepidation. “I never + disobeyed him in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not do that, dear, never fear! He can find no pretext for such + summary proceedings. And should he oppose your wishes, be firm of purpose, + and do not forsake your affianced husband,” advised the old lady, + solemnly. “There is a duty which takes precedence, in the sight of Heaven + and man, of that you owe your brother. Remember this, and take courage.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel's roses returned in profusion, when, upon entering the arbiter's + dread presence, she saw Frederic Chilton, standing on the opposite side of + the table from that at which sat her brother at his ease, his white + fingers still idly interlaced, his pale patrician face emotionless as that + of the bust of Apollo upon the top of the bookcase behind him. It was + Frederic who led her to a chair, when she stopped, trembling midway in the + apartment, and his touch upon her arm inspirited her to raise her regards + to Winston's countenance at the sound of his voice. + </p> + <p> + “I have sent for you, Mabel, that I may repeat in you hearing the reply I + have returned to Mr. Chilton's application for my sanction to your + engagement—I should say, perhaps, to your reciprocal attachment. The + betrothal of a minor without the consent, positive or implied, of her + parent or guardian is, as I have just explained to Mr. Chilton, but an + empty name in this State. I have promised, then, not to oppose your + marriage, provided the inquiries I shall institute concerning Mr. + Chilton's previous life, his character, and his ability to maintain you in + comfort, are answered satisfactorily. He will understand and excuse my + pertinacity upon this point when he reflects upon the value of the stake + involved in this transaction.” + </p> + <p> + In all their intercourse, Frederic had no more gracious notice from + Mabel's brother than this semi-apology, delivered with stately + condescension, and a courtly bow in his direction. + </p> + <p> + It sounded very grand to Mabel, whose fears of opposition or severity from + her Mentor had shaken courage and nerves into pitiable distress. Frederic + could desire nothing more affable than Winston's smile; no more abundant + encouragement than was afforded by his voluntary pledge. Had not the + thought savored of disloyalty to her lover, she would have confessed + herself disappointed that his reply did not effervesce with gratitude, + that his deportment was distant, his tone constrained. + </p> + <p> + “I appreciate the last-named consideration, Mr. Aylett, I believe, + thoroughly, as you do. I have already told you that I invite, not shirk, + the investigation you propose. I now repeat my offer of whatever facility + is at my command for carrying this on. No honorable man could do less. + Unless I mistake, you wish now to see your sister alone.” + </p> + <p> + He bent his head slightly, and without other and especial salutation to + his betrothed, withdrew. + </p> + <p> + Odd, white dints came and went in Winston's nostrils—the one and + unerring facial sign of displeasure he ever exhibited, if we except a + certain hardening of eye and contour that chiselled his lineaments into a + yet closer resemblance to marble. + </p> + <p> + “He is very sensitive and proud, I know,” faltered Mabel, hastily marking + these, and understanding what they portended. + </p> + <p> + “You need not like him the less on that account, always provided that the + supports of his pride are legitimate and substantial,” answered her + brother, carelessly transferring to his tablets several names from a sheet + of paper upon the table—the addresses of persons to whom Frederic + had referred him for confirmation of his statements regarding his social + and professional standing. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, for your sake, Mabel,” he pursueds pocketing the memoranda, “that + this affair may be speedily and agreeably adjusted; while I cannot deny + that I deprecate the unseemly haste with which Mrs. Sutton and her ally + have urged it on, in my absence. Had they intended to court suspicion, + they could not have done it more effectually. You could not have had a + more injudicious chaperone to the Springs.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, brother, she was not to blame,” began the generous girl, + forgetting her embarrassment in zealous defence of the aunt she loved. “It + was not she who presented me to Mr. Chilton, and she has never attempted + to bias my decision in any manner.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard the history in detail.” Had his breeding been less fine, he + would have yawned in her face. “I know that you are indebted for Mr. + Chilton's acquaintanceship to Miss Tazewell's generosity. But in strict + justice, Mrs. Sutton should be held responsible for whatever unhappiness + may arise from the intimacy. You were left by myself in her charge.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not believe it will end unhappily,” Mabel was moved to reply, with + spirit that became her better than the shyness she had heretofore + displayed, or the submissive demeanor usual with her in tête-à -têtes with + her guardian. + </p> + <p> + He smiled in calm superiority. + </p> + <p> + “I have expressed my hope to that effect. Of expectations it will be time + enough to speak when I am better informed upon divers points. I am not one + to take much for granted, am less sanguine than my romantic aunt, or even + than my more practical sister. Assuming, however, that all is as you would + have it, your wish would be, I suppose, for an early marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “There has been little said about that,” responded Mabel, reddening—then + rallying to add smilingly—“such an arrangement would have involved + the taking for granted a good many things—your consent among them.” + </p> + <p> + Winston passed over the addenda. + </p> + <p> + “But that little, especially when uttered by Mr. Chilton, trenched upon + the inexpediency of long engagements—did it not?” + </p> + <p> + Mabel was mute, her eyes downcast. + </p> + <p> + “I agree with him there, at any rate. You are nineteen years of age; he + twenty-five. Your property is unincumbered, and can be transferred to your + keeping at very short notice. Mr. Chilton represents that his income from + his patrimonial estate, eked out by professional gains, is sufficient to + warrant him in marrying forthwith. I shall see that no time is lost in + making the inquiries upon which depends the progress of the negotiation. + Business calls me North in a week or ten days. I shall stop a day in + Philadelphia, and settle your affair.” + </p> + <p> + The frightfully business-like manner of disposing of her happiness + appalled the listener into silence. The loss of Frederic; the destruction + of her love-dream; the weary years of lonely wretchedness that would + follow the bereavement, were to him only unimportant incidentals to her + “affair;” weighed in the scale of his impartial judgment no more than + would unconsidered dust. For the first time in the life to which he had + been the guiding-star, she ventured to wonder if the unswerving rectitude + that had elevated him above the level of other men, in her esteem and + affection, were so glorious a thing after all; if a tempering, not of + human frailty, but of charity for the shortcomings, sympathy for the + needs, of ordinary mortals, would not subdue the effulgence of his talents + and virtues into mild lustre, more tolerable to the optics of fallible + beholders. + </p> + <p> + Unsuspicious, with all his astuteness, of her sacrilegious doubts, Winston + proceeded: + </p> + <p> + “In the event of your marriage, you would desire, no doubt, that Mrs. + Sutton should take up her abode with you? You would find her useful in + many ways, and she would get on amicably with her husband's godson.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think she expects to go with me,” answered Mabel, staggered by + his coolly confident air. “I certainly have never entertained the idea. I + imagined that she would remain with you, while you needed her services.” + </p> + <p> + “That will not be long. I shall be married on the 10th of October.” + </p> + <p> + “Married! brother!” starting up in amazement. “You are not in earnest!” + </p> + <p> + “I should not jest upon such a theme,” replied Winston, in grave rebuke. + “My plans are definitely laid. It is not my purpose to keep them secret a + day longer. I meant to communicate them to yourself and Mrs. Sutton this + afternoon, but yours claimed precedence.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel sat down again, totally confounded, and struggling hard with her + tears. The thought of her brother's marriage was not in itself + disagreeable. She had often lamented his insensibility to the attractions + of such women as she fancied would add to his happiness, and grace the + high place to which his wife would be exalted. She never liked to hear him + called invulnerable; repelled the hypothesis of his incurable bachelorhood + as derogatory to his heart and head. This unlooked-for intelligence, had + it reached her in a different way, would have delighted as much as it + astonished her. The fear lest her consent to wed Frederic and leave + Ridgeley might be the occasion of discomfort and sadness to her forsaken + brother had shadowed all her visions of future bliss. She ought to have + hailed with unmixed satisfaction the certainty that he would not miss her + sisterly ministrations, or feel the need of her companionship in that of + one nearer and dearer than was his child-ward. She had striven not to + resent even in her own mind, his cavalier treatment of her lover; had + hearkened respectfully and without demur to his unsympathizing + calculations of what was possible and what feasible in the project of her + union with the man of her choice. For how could he know anything of the + palpitations, the anxieties, the raptures of love, when he was a stranger + to the touch of a kindred emotion? He meant well; he had her welfare in + view; unfortunate as was his style of discussing the means for insuring + this—for he loved her dearly, dearly! + </p> + <p> + She must never question this, although he had dealt the comfortable + persuasion a cruel blow; wounded her in a vital part by withholding from + her the circumstance of his attachment and betrothal until the near + approach of the wedding day rendered continued secrecy inexpedient. No + softening memory of his affianced had inclined him to listen with kindly + warmth to her timid avowals, or Frederic's manly protestations of their + mutual attachment. He recognized no analogy in the two cases; stood aloof + from them in the flush of his successful love, as if he had never known + the pregnant meaning of the word. Smarting under the sense of injury to + pride and affection, her language, when she could trust her voice, was a + protest that, in Winston's judgment, ill beseemed her age and station. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not tell me of this earlier, brother? It was unjust and + unkind to keep me in the dark until now.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget yourself, Mabel. I am not under obligation to account to you + for my actions.” + </p> + <p> + He said it composedly, as if stating a truth wholly disconnected with + feeling on his part or on hers. + </p> + <p> + “I have given you the information to which you refer, in season for you to + make ample preparation for my wife's reception. And, mark me, she must see + no sulkiness, no airs of strangeness or intolerance, because I have + managed a matter that concerns me chiefly, as seemed to me best. Say the + same to Mrs. Sutton, if you please; also that I will submit to no + dictation, and ask no advice.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel's anger seldom outlived its utterance. The hot sparkle in her eye + was quenched by moisture, as she laid her hand caressingly upon her + brother's. + </p> + <p> + “Winston! you cannot suppose that we could be wanting in cordiality to any + one whom you love, much less to your wife. Let her come when she may, she + will be heartily welcomed by us both. But this has fallen suddenly upon + me, and I am a little out of sorts to-day, I believe—excited and + nervous—and, O, my darling! my oldest and best of friends! I hope + your love will bring to you the happiness you deserve.” + </p> + <p> + The tears had their course, at last, bathing the hand she bowed to kiss. + The simple ardor of the outbreak would have affected many men to a show of + responsive weakness. Even Winston Aylett's physiognomy was more human and + less statuesque, as he patted her head, and bade her be composed. + </p> + <p> + “If you persist in enacting Niobe, I shall believe that you are chagrined + at the prospect of having the sister you have repeatedly besought me to + give you,” he said, playfully—for him. “You have not asked me her + name, and where she lives. What has become of your curiosity? I never knew + it to be quiescent before.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would tell me whatever it was best for me to know,” replied + Mabel, drying her eyes. + </p> + <p> + If she had said that she was too well-trained to assail him with + interrogatories he had not invited, it would have been nearer the mark. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing relating to her which I desire to conceal,” he rejoined, + with some stiffness, “or she would never have become my promised wife. She + is a Miss Dorrance, the daughter of a widow residing in the vicinity of + Boston, Massachusetts. I met her first at Trenton Falls, where a happy + accident brought me into association with her party. I travelled with them + to the Lakes and among the White Mountains, and, while in Boston, visited + her daily. We were betrothed a week ago, and having, as I have observed, + an aversion to protracted engagements, I prevailed upon her to appoint the + tenth of next mouth as our marriage day. There you have the story in + brief. I have not Mrs. Sutton's talents as a raconteur, nor her + disposition to turn hearts inside out for the edification of her + auditors.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she—Miss Dorrance—look like anybody I know?” asked + Mabel, hesitating to declare herself dissatisfied with the skeleton + love-tale, yet uncertain how to learn more. + </p> + <p> + “A roundabout way of asking if she is passable in appearance,” Winston + said, with his smile of conscious superiority. “Judge for yourself!” + taking from his pocket a miniature. + </p> + <p> + “How beautiful! What a very handsome woman?” the sister exclaimed at sight + of the pictured face. + </p> + <p> + “You are correct. She is, moreover, a thorough lady, and highly-educated. + Ridgeley will have a queenly mistress. The likeness is considered + faithful, but it does not do her justice.” + </p> + <p> + He took it from Mabel, and they scanned it together; she resting against + his shoulder. She felt his chest heave twice; heard him swallow + spasmodically in the suppression of some mighty emotion, and the palpable + effort drew her very near to him. She never doubted from that moment, what + she had more cause in after days to believe, that he loved the woman he + had won with a fervor of passion that seemed foreign to his temperament as + the evidence of it was to his conduct. + </p> + <p> + The September sun was near the horizon, and between the bowed shutters one + slender, gilded arrow shot athwart the portrait, producing a marvellous + and sinister change in its expression. The large, limpid eyes became + shallow and cunning; the smile lurking about the mouth was the more + treacherous and deadly for its sweetness; while the burnished coils of + hair brushed away from the temples had the opaline tints and sinuous roll + of a serpent. + </p> + <p> + Mabel shrank back before the horror of the absurd imagination. + </p> + <p> + Winston raised the picture to his lips. + </p> + <p> + “My peerless one!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — UNWHOLESOME VAPORS. + </h2> + <p> + “DORRANCE!” repeated Frederic, after his betrothed, when she rehearsed to + him in their moonlight promenade upon the piazza the leading incidents of + her brother's wooing. “She lives near Boston, you say, and her mother is a + widow?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. What have you ever heard about her?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing whatever. I was startled by the name—but very foolishly! I + once knew a family of Dorrances—New Yorkers—but the father, a + retired naval officer, was alive, and all the daughters were married. The + youngest of them would be, by this time, much older than you judge the + original of the miniature to be.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not more than twenty-two, at the most,” Mabel was sure. + </p> + <p> + Frederic's hurried articulation and abstracted manner excited her + curiosity, and unrestrained by Winston's curb, it was not “quiescent.” The + thought was spoken so soon as it was formed. + </p> + <p> + “There was something unpleasant in your intercourse with them, then? or + something objectionable in the people themselves? Could they have been + relatives of this widow and her daughter? The name is not a common one to + my ears.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor to mine; yet we have no proof to sustain your supposition. I should + be very sorry—” + </p> + <p> + He stopped. + </p> + <p> + Mabel studied his perturbed countenance with augmented uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “Was not the family respectable?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly, my shrewd little catechist!” seeming to shake off an + uncomfortable incubus, as he laughed down at her serious face. “They + vaunted themselves upon the antiquity of their line, and were more liberal + in allusions to departed grandeur than was quite well-bred. When I knew + them they were not wealthy, or in what they would have called 'society.' + Indeed, the mother kept a private boarding-house near the law-school I + attended. There were several sons—very decent, enterprising fellows. + But one lived at home, and a daughter, the wife of a lieutenant in the + navy, whom I never saw. I boarded with them for six months, or + thereabout.” + </p> + <p> + “You never saw the daughter! How was that?” + </p> + <p> + “I must have expressed myself awkwardly if I conveyed any such idea. I did + not meet the seafaring husband who was off upon a long cruise. The wife I + met constantly—knew very well. You need not look at me so intently, + love, as if you feared that some dark mystery lurked behind this + matter-of-fact recital. If I do not tell you every event of my former + life, it is not because it was vile. I could not sustain the light of your + innocent eyes if I had ever been guilty of aught dishonorable or criminal. + But even the follies and mistakes of a young man's early career are not + fit themes for your ears. And I was no wiser, no more wary, than other + youths of the same age; was apt to believe that fair which was only + specious, and that I might play, uninjured, with edged tools. Nor had I + seen you then, my treasure—my snow-drop of purity! Mabel! do you + know how solemn a thing it is to be loved and trusted by a man, as I love + and confide in you? It terrifies me when I think of the absoluteness of my + dependence upon your fidelity—of how rich I am in having you—how + poor, wretched, and miserable I should be without you. I shall not draw a + free breath until you are mine beyond the chance of recall.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody else wants me!” breathed Mabel in his ear, nestling within the arm + that enfolded and held her tightly in the corner of the piazza shaded by + the creeper. “The danger of losing me is not imminent to-night, at all + events,” she resumed, presently, with a touch of the sportiveness that + lent her manner an airy charm in lighter talk than that which had + engrossed her for the past hour. + </p> + <p> + The evening was warm and still to sultriness, and the moonlight, filtered + into pensive pallor through a low-lying haze, yet sufficed to show how + confidingly Imogene leaned upon her attendant in sauntering down the long + main alley of the garden. Rosa was at the piano in the parlor, singing to + the enamored Alfred. Mrs. Sutton had withdrawn to her own room to ruminate + upon the astounding disclosure of her nephew's engagement, while Winston + bent over his study-table busy with the interrupted letter his aunt had + seen in his portfolio. + </p> + <p> + “There is no one here who has the leisure or the disposition to contest + your rights, you perceive,” said Mabel, running through a laughing summary + of their companions' occupations. + </p> + <p> + “Betrothals are epidemic in this household and neighborhood,” Winston was + writing. “There are no fewer than three pairs of turtles cooing down + stairs as I pen this to you, my bird of paradise. The case that next to + mine—to ours—commands my interest is that of my sister. I came + home to learn that the little Mabel I used to hold on my knee had entered + into an engagement—conditional upon my sanction—with that + traditional tricky personage, a Philadelphia lawyer—Mr. Frederic + Chilton, at the door of whose manifold perfections, as set forth by my + loquacious aunt, you may lay the blame of this delayed epistle. I know + nothing of this aspirant to the dignity of brotherhood with myself, saving + the facts that he is tolerably good looking, claims to be the scion of an + old Maryland family, and that self-conceit is apparently his predominant + quality.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked Frederic, halting before the windows, of the + drawing-room, as a wild, sorrowful strain, like the wail of a breaking + heart, arose upon the waveless air. + </p> + <p> + Rosa was a vocalist of note in her circle, and she had never rendered + anything with more effect than she did the song to which even the + preoccupied strollers among the garden borders stayed their steps to + listen. Through the open casement Mabel and her lover could see the face + of the musician, slightly uplifted toward the moonlight; her eyes, dark + and dreamy, as under the cloud of many years of weary waiting and final + hopelessness. Her articulation was always pure, but the passionate + emphasis of every word constrained the breathless attention of her + audience to the close of the simple lay: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thy name was once the magic spell + By which my thoughts were bound; + And burning dreams of light and love + Were wakened by the sound. + My heart beat quick when stranger-tongues, + With idle praise or blame, + Awoke its deepest thrill of joy + To tremble at thy name. + + “Long years, long years have passed away, + And altered is thy brow; + And we who met so fondly once + Must meet as strangers now. + The friends of yore come 'round me still, + But talk no more of thee, + 'Twere idle e'en to wish it now, + For what art thou to me?” + + “Yet still thy name—thy blessed name! + My lonely bosom fills, + Like an echo that hath lost itself + Among the distant hills, + That still, with melancholy note, + Keeps faintly lingering on, + When the joyous sound that woke it first + Is gone—forever gone!” + </pre> + <p> + “A neat conceit that last verse, and the music is a fair imitation of a + dying bugle-echo!” said Winston Aylett to himself, resuming the writing he + had suspended for a minute. “That girl should take to the stage. If one + did not know better, her eyes and singing together would delude him into + the idea that she had a heart. Honest Alfred evidently believes that she + has, and that the patient labor of love will win it for himself. Bah!” + </p> + <p> + Frederic and Mabel retired noiselessly from their post of observation, as + “honest Alfred” made a motion to take in his the hand lying prone and + passive upon the finger-board. They exchanged a smile, significant and + tender, in withdrawing. + </p> + <p> + “We understand the signs of the times,” whispered Frederic, at the upper + turn of their promenade. “Heaven bless all true lovers under the sun!” + </p> + <p> + “Don't!” said Rosa, vehemently, snatching away her hand from her suitor's + hold. “Leave me alone! If you touch me again I shall scream! I think you + were made up without nerves, either in the heart or in the brain—if + you have any!” + </p> + <p> + Before the aghast Alfred rallied from the recoil occasioned by her gesture + and words, her feet were pattering over the oaken hall and staircase in + rapid retreat to her chamber. + </p> + <p> + “You are really happy, then?” queried Mabel. “Quite content?” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you awhile ago that I was not satisfied?” returned + Chilton. “Two months since I should, in anticipation of this hour, have + declared that it would be fraught with unalloyed rapture. I was happier + yesterday than I am to-day. It is not merely that we must part to-morrow, + or that your brother's precautionary measures and disapproval of what has + passed between us have acted like a shower-bath to the fervor of my newly + born hopes. I am willing that my life should be subjected to the utmost + rigor of his researches, and another month, at farthest, will reunite us. + Nor do I believe in presentiments. I am more inclined to attribute the + uneasiness that has hovered over me all the day to physical causes. We + will call it a mild splenetic case, induced by the sultry weather, and the + very slow on coming of the storm presaged by your dewless roses.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed naturally and pleasantly. Having confessed to what he regarded + as a ridiculous succumbing of his buoyant spirit to atmospheric + influences, he shook off the nightmare as if it had never sat upon him. + </p> + <p> + Mabel was grave still. + </p> + <p> + “There is something weirdly oppressive in the night,” she said, in a low, + awed tone. “But the burden you describe has weighed me down since morning. + While Rosa was singing, I felt suddenly removed from you by a horrid gulf. + What if all this should be the preparation to us for some impending + danger?” + </p> + <p> + “Sweet! these are unwholesome vapors of the imagination. Nothing can be a + disaster that leaves us to one another,” was the text of Frederic's fond + soothing; and by the time Mrs. Sutton descended from her chamber of + meditation, to remind Imogene that the seeds of ague and fever lurked in + the river-fogs, the couple from the piazza came into the lighted parlor, + all smiles and animation, wondering, jocosely, what had become of the + recent occupants of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + Neither reappeared until breakfast-time next morning. Rosa was like + freshly-poured champagne, in sweet and sparkle. Alfred, rueful and limp, + as if the dripping clouds that verified Mabel's prediction had soaked him + all night. He was dry and comfortable—to carry out the figure—within + twenty minutes after his beloved fluttered, like a tame canary, into the + chair next his own—in five more, was more truly her slave, living + in, and upon her smiles—adoring her very caprices as he had never + admired another woman's virtues—than he had been prior to the brief, + but tempestuous scene over night. She was the life of the party assembled + in the dining-room. Imogene had caught cold, walking bareheaded in the + evening air, and Tom condoled with her upon her influenza and sore-throat + too sincerely to do justice to the rest of his friends and his breakfast. + Mr. Aylett was never talkative, and his unvarying, soulless politeness to + all produced the conserving effect upon chill and low spirits that the + atmosphere of a refrigerator does upon whatever is placed within it. Mrs. + Sutton's motherly heart was yearning pityingly over the lovers who were + soon to be sundered, while Mabel's essay at cheerful equanimity imposed + upon nobody's credulity. Frederic comported himself like a man—the + more courageously because the host's cold eye was upon him, and he + surmised that sighs and sentimentality would meet very scant indulgence in + that quarter. Moreover, he was not so unreasonable as to descry + insupportable hardships in this parting. By agreement with Mr. Aylett and + his sister, he was, if all went prosperously, to revisit Ridgeley at the + end of six weeks, when his design was to entreat his betrothed to name the + wedding day. The prospect might well support him under the present trial. + He bore Rosa's badinage gallantly, tossing back sprightly and telling + rejoinders that called forth the smiling applause of the auditors, and + commanded her respectful recognition of him as a foeman worthy of her + steel. + </p> + <p> + “Nine o'clock,” said Winston, at length, consulting his watch, and pushing + back his chair. “The carriage will be at the door in fifteen minutes, Mr. + Chilton. The road is heavy this morning, and the stage passes the village + at ten.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be ready,” responded Frederic. “I am sorry your carriage and + coachman must be exposed to the rain.” + </p> + <p> + “That is nothing. They are used to it. I never alter my plan of travel on + account of the weather, how ever severe the storm. This warm rain can hurt + nobody.” + </p> + <p> + “It is pouring hard,” remarked Mrs. Button, solicitously. “And that stage + is wretchedly uncomfortable in the best weather. I wish you could be + persuaded to stay with us until it clears off, Mr. Chilton, and”—making + a bold push—“I am sure my nephew concurs in my desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Chilton should require no verbal assurance of my hospitable feelings + toward him and my other guests,” said Mr. Aylett, frigidly—smooth as + ice-cream. “If I forbear to press him to prolong his stay, it is in + reflection of the golden law laid down for the direction of hosts—'Welcome + the coming, speed the parting guest.'” + </p> + <p> + “You are both very kind, but I must go,” Frederic replied, concisely and + civilly, following Mabel into the parlor, whither the other visitors were + fabled to have repaired. As he had guessed, his betrothed was the only + person there; the quartette having dispersed with kindly tact, for which + he gave them due credit. + </p> + <p> + “Don't think hardly of me, dear,” he began, seating himself beside her on + the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to offer you a few of the finest cigars I have enjoyed for many + years,” said Mr. Aylett, entering in season to check Frederic's movement + to encircle Mabel's drooping form with his arm. “You smoke, I believe? You + may have an opportunity of indulging in this solace in an empty stage. At + least, there is little probability that you will be denied the luxury by + the presence of lady passengers. I procured those in Havana, last winter. + In case you should like them well enough to order some for yourself, I + will give you the address of the merchant from whom I purchased them.” + </p> + <p> + He wrote a line upon a card, as he might sign a beggar's petition—with + a supercilious parade of benevolence—and passed it to the other, who + accepted it with a phrase of acknowledgment neither hearty nor grateful. + Then the master of the house paced the floor with a slow, regular step, + his hands behind him; his countenance placidly ruminative, his thoughts + apparently engaged with anything rather than the pain upon the + corner-sofa, whose leave-taking he had mercilessly marred. Frederic dumb + and furious; Mabel equally dumb and amazed to alarm, knowing as she did + that her brother's actions were never purposeless, sat still, their hands + clasped stealthily amid the folds of Mabel's dress; their eyes saying the + dear and passionate things forbidden to their tongues. Neither would feign + indifference, or attempt a lame dialogue upon other topics than those that + filled their minds. Mr. Aylett was not one to pay outward heed to hints + when he chose to ignore them. He kept up his walk until the carriage was + driven around to the front door, informed the parting guest that it + awaited his commands, likewise that he would need all the time that + remained to him if he hoped to catch the stage; without leaving the room, + called to a servant to bring down Mr. Chilton's baggage, and did not lose + sight of his sister's lover until the last farewell was said, and Frederic + bestowed inside the vehicle. There was nothing offensively officious or + malicious in all this. Having declared as an incontrovertible dogma, that + a ward could form no engagement without the formal sanction of her legal + guardian, he saw fit to put the seal upon the decision at this, their + adieu, in a manner they were not likely to forget. An hour's harangue + would not have imbued them with the sense of his authority, his + determination to exercise it, and their impotency to resist it, as did + this practical lesson. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton could scarcely restrain her tearful remonstrances against what + was, to her perception, an act of arbitrary and wanton cruelty, and other + spectators had their views upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Very inconsiderate in Aylett! I wonder how he would like the same game to + be played upon himself!” commented Alfred, aside, to his Dulcinea. + </p> + <p> + Her lip curled in disdainful amusement. + </p> + <p> + “As if he had ever done an inconsiderate thing since he put off long + clothes! There is method in all this, if we were clever enough to fathom + it.” + </p> + <p> + Within herself, she determined that she would solve the enigma before she + was a week older. + </p> + <p> + Frederic cast one hasty, eager look at the portico, as the carriage turned + out of the yard. Mabel stood in the foreground, her figure framed by the + climbing roses drooping over the front steps. She was very pale, and, + forgetful for the moment of the observation of the bystanders, leaned + slightly forward, her eyes strained upon the carriage-window—one + hand laid upon her heart, the other resting against the pillar nearest + her, as for support. She waved her handkerchief, in response to his smile + and lifted hat, and simultaneously with this interchange of adieux her + brother took her by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “You are getting wet there, Mabel! Come into the house! It is well I have + come back to look after you!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — “FOUNDED UPON A ROCK.” + </h2> + <p> + If Mrs. Sutton had raised horrified eyes and despairing hands upon + learning the date of her nephew's proposed marriage, it was because she + miscalculated his executive abilities, and the energy she had never until + now seen fairly put forth. Within three days after his return, the + homestead was alive with masons, carpenters, painters, and upholsterers, + engaged by the prompt bridegroom on his passage through Richmond; and so + explicit were his orders as to the minutest detail of the work appointed + to each, that he could safely leave the scene of action at the time + appointed for the flying trip northward, to which he had referred in his + dialogue with Mabel on the afternoon of his arrival. + </p> + <p> + The party of visitors had emigrated to other regions, a couple of days + after Frederic Chilton's departure, with the exception of Rosa Tazewell, + who accepted Mabel's invitation to prolong her sojourn, the more willingly + since she “flattered herself she could be of use in the general upheaving + of the ancient foundations, and establishment of the new. If there was one + thing she enjoyed above another, it was a tremendous bustle—a lively + revolution.” + </p> + <p> + She made her boast of personal utility good by installing herself + forthwith as Mrs. Sutton's aid-de-camp, and rendering herself so far + indispensable in the work of reconstruction that Mr. Aylett deigned to ask + her not to desert her post in his absence. + </p> + <p> + “Yours is the genius of renovation, Miss Rosa,” the potentate was pleased + to say in his handsomest style. “Do not, I beg of you, forsake my aunt and + sister in their need. Let me feel that I leave one head as the + motive-power of the multitudinous hands.” + </p> + <p> + She agreed, in the same strain, to oblige him—a decision greeted + with satisfaction by the pair in whose behalf he besought her friendly + offices. The versatile invention and deft fingers of the little brunette + were welcome to the heavily-taxed housekeeper, as were her gay good-humor + and words of cheer and affection to the younger of her companions. The two + girls became more confidential in six days than eighteen years of + neighborly intercourse had sufficed to make them. Mabel's innate delicacy + and excellent common sense would, in ordinary circumstances, have barred + effusiveness upon the theme nearest her heart, but love at nineteen is + rarely discreet, even when the persuasives to communicativeness are less + powerful than were the sorcery of Rosa's sympathy and the confessions that + paved the way to answering and trustful communicativeness on her friend's + part. + </p> + <p> + They were having what she called “a good, long, comforting, as well as + comfortable chat” over their sewing in Mabel's chamber on the afternoon of + the eighth day of Winston's absence. The weather was lovely, with the + mellow brightness and balmy airs that make Virginian autumns a joy and + glory until November is half spent, and the atmosphere held, at sunset, + the warmth and much of the radiance which had set the day—a perfect + gem—in the heart of the golden month. Into the eastern windows gazed + the full moon, a crimson globe upon the hazy horizon, while Venus lay, + large and tremulous, among the dying fires of the west. + </p> + <p> + “'Lovers love the western star,'” quoted Rosa, merrily, taking Mabel's + work from her and throwing it upon the bed. “Come and enjoy the holy hour + with me.” + </p> + <p> + They leaned together upon the window-sill, their young faces tinted by the + changeful hues of the sky, both thoughtful and mute, until Rosa broke the + silence by a heavy sigh. + </p> + <p> + “O Mabel, you should be a happy, happy girl; blessed among women. You can + love—freely and joyously—and have pride and faith in the one + beloved.” + </p> + <p> + “As you will some day,” rejoined the other, drawing nearer to her, “when + you, in your turn, shall know the unspeakable sweetness of unquestioning + faith—of utter dependence upon him to whom you have given your + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Utter dependence!” echoed Rosa. “That would mean utter wreck of heart, + hope—everything—should the anchor give way. It is a hazardous + experiment, ma belle!” + </p> + <p> + The other looked down at her with simple fearlessness. + </p> + <p> + “'For it was founded upon a rock!'” she repeated softly; yet the exultant + ring of her accent vibrated upon the ear like a joyous challenge. + </p> + <p> + Rosa's fretful movement was involuntary. + </p> + <p> + “Mine would drag in the sand at every turn of the tide, every rise of the + wind, if I were to follow your advice, and say 'yes' to the pertinacious + Alfred,” she said reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Don't say advice, dear!” corrected the other. “I only endeavored to + convince you that there must be latent tenderness beneath your sufferance + of Mr. Branch's devotion; that if you really were averse to the thought of + marrying him, you could not take pleasure in his society or enjoy the + marks of his attachment which are apparent to you and to everybody else.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't you understand,” said the beauty, petulantly, “that it is one thing + to flirt with a man in public, and another to cherish his image in + private? There is no better touchstone of affection than the holiness and + calm of an hour like this. If Frederic were with you, the scene would be + the fairer, the season more sacred for its association with thoughts of + him and his love. Whereas, my Alfred's adoring platitudes would disgust me + with the sunset, with the world, and with myself, for permitting him to + haunt my presence and hang upon my smile—foppish barnacle that he + is! If you knew how I despise myself sometimes!” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Rosa! I shall never try again to persuade that you care for him as a + woman should for the man GOD intended her to marry. But why not act + worthily of yourself—justly to him, and reject him decidedly?” + </p> + <p> + “Because”—her face shrewd and wilful as it had been sorrowful just + now—“I am by no means certain that I can do better than to marry + him. He is rich, good-looking (so people say!), well-born, gentlemanly, + and pleasant of temper. An imposing array of advantages, you see! I might + go further, and fare very much worse. We shall not expect to pass our days + in gazing at sunsets and walking in the moonlight, you know. It is not + every woman who can marry the man she loves best. While the right to + select and to woo is usurped by the masculine portion of the community, it + must, perforce, be Hobson's choice with an uncountable majority of + feminines. I should not complain. The stall allotted to me by Hobson—alias + Fate—might hold a worse-conditioned animal than my worshipping + swain.” + </p> + <p> + “What a wicked rattle you are!” Mabel said, affecting to box her ears. “I + could not love you if I believed you to be in earnest. As to your figure + of the stabled steed—this disapproving customer has the consolation + that she need not accept him, unless she wishes to do so. She has the + invaluable privilege of saying 'no' as often and obstinately as she + pleases.” + </p> + <p> + “I deny it,” said Rosa, perversely. “Parents, in this age, do not make a + custom of locking up refractory daughters in nunneries or garrets until + they consent to wed Baron Buncombe or my Lord Nozoo, but there are, + nevertheless, compulsory marriages in plenty. Society warns me to make a + creditable match, upon penalty, if I decline, of being pointed out to the + succeeding—and a fast-succeeding generation it is! as a disappointed + old maid—passée belle, who squandered her capital of fascinations, + and has become a pauper upon public toleration, while my mother, sisters, + and brothers are growing impatient at my many and profitless flirtations, + and anxious to see me 'settled.' My mother's pet text, since I was + sixteen, has been her prayerful desire that I, the last of her nestlings, + should make choice of a tenable bough and helpful partner, and set up a + separate establishment before she dies. When that event occurs, I shall + be, in effect, homeless—a boarder around upon my rebukeful + relatives, who 'always thought how my trifling would end,' and who will be + forever scribbling 'vanitas vanitatum,' upon the tombstone of my departed + youth—my day of beaux and offers. You may shake your head and look + heroic with all your might! You are no better off than I, should your + brother see cause to refuse his consent to your marriage with Mr. Chilton. + He could, and probably would, coerce you into another alliance before you + were twenty-one. There are so many ways of letting the life out of a + woman's heart, when it is already faint from disappointment! The spirit is + oftener broken by unyielding, but not seemingly cruel pressure, than by + outrageous violence. And Winston would show himself an adept in such arts, + if occasion offered.” + </p> + <p> + “Rosa Tazewell! you are speaking of my brother, my friend and benefactor! + one of the best, noblest, most disinterested creatures Heaven ever made!” + cried Mabel, erect and indignant. “You have no warrant—I shall never + give you the right—to asperse him in my presence. He is incapable of + cruelty or unfairness. It is my duty to obey him, but it is no less a + pleasure, for he is a hundred-fold wiser and better than I am—knows + far more truly what is for my real advantage. As to his conduct in this + affair of Frederic and myself, you cannot deny that it has been generous + and consistent throughout. He has been cautious—never harsh!” + </p> + <p> + “So!” said Rosa, scrutinizing the flushed countenance of the other, her + own full of intense meaning, “you HAVE had your misgivings!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel reddened more warmly. + </p> + <p> + “Misgivings! What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “That the uncalled-for vehemence of your defence is a proof of disturbed + confidence, of wanting belief in the infallibility of your semi-deity. The + trailing robes of divinity have been blown aside by a chance breath of + suspicion, and you had a glimpse of the clay feet. I am glad of it. + Scepticism is the parent of rebellion, and the time is coming when fealty + to your betrothed may demand disloyalty to the power that now is.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel's smile was meant to be careless, but it was only uneasy, and gave + the lie direct to her asseveration. + </p> + <p> + “I have no apprehensions of such a conflict. Winston's word is as good as + another man's oath. It is pledged to my marriage with Frederic Chilton, in + the event of the prosperous issue of his inquiries into his, Frederic's, + character and prospects. That these will be answered favorably, I have the + word of another, who is every whit as trustworthy. Where is there room for + doubt?” + </p> + <p> + The brunette shook her head—unconvinced. + </p> + <p> + “Have your own way! I can afford to abide the showing of the logic of + events.” + </p> + <p> + “And I!” retorted Mabel, hastily, turning from her, without attempting to + dissemble her chagrin, to answer a knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + It was a servant, with two letters. The annoyance passed from her brow, + like the sheerest mist, as she read the superscriptions—one in her + brother's handwriting, the other in Frederic's. + </p> + <p> + Rosa interfered to prevent the breaking of the seals. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to leave you to the undisturbed enjoyment of your feast,” she + said, in her most winsome manner. “But—won't it taste the sweeter if + your antepast is the delight of forgiveness? Say you are not angry with me—mia + cara!” + </p> + <p> + “You are a ridiculous child!” Mabel bent to kiss the pleading lips, then + the great, melting eyes. “Who could be out of temper with you for half a + minute at a time? You did try my patience with your nonsense, but since it + WAS nonsense, I have forgotten it all, and love you none the less for your + prankish humor—you gypsy!” + </p> + <p> + “She calls my prophecies humbug—turns a deaf ear to my warnings!” + cried the incorrigible rattle, clasping her hands above her head and + rolling her eyes tragically. “I have a lively appreciation, at this + instant, of Cassandra's agonies when Troilus named her 'our mad sister!'— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Woe! woe! woe! + Let us pay betimes + A moiety of that mass of moans to come!'” + </pre> + <p> + Laughing anew at her frantic rush from the chamber, Mabel sat down in the + broad window-seat to read her love-letter. + </p> + <p> + Frederic was too manly in feeling and habit of speech to deal in florid + rhapsodies, but each line had its message from his heart to hers. He loved + her purely and in truth, and there was not a sentence that did not tell + her this, by inference, if not directly. He trusted her—and this, + too, he told her, more as a husband might the wife of years than a lover + of her he had won so lately. Their hopes were the same and their lives, + and she dwelt longest upon the sketched plans for the future of these. It + brought him closer to her than anything else—put her secret and + reluctant imaginations of evil, and Rosa's daring insinuations, out of + sight and recollection. She read slowly, and with frequent pauses, that + she might take in the exquisite flavor of this and that phrase of + endearment; set before herself in beauty and distinctness the scenes he + portrayed as the adornment of the prospect which was theirs. + </p> + <p> + The second and yet more deliberate perusal over, she folded the sheet with + lingering touches to every corner, thrust it into the envelope, and drew + it forth again to peep once more at the signature—“Forever and + truly, your own Frederic;” pressed it to her lips, then to her heart, and + bestowed it securely in her writing-desk, before she unclosed her + brother's epistle. + </p> + <p> + With her finger upon the seal—a big drop of red wax, like a + petrified blood-gout, stamped with the Aylett coat-of-arms—she + leaned through the casement to watch for the flutter of Rosa's white dress + among the vari-colored maples shading the lawn—sang a clear, sweet + second to the song that ascended to her eyrie: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Why weep ye by the tide, ladye? + Why weep ye by the tide? + I'll wed ye to my youngest son, + And ye shall be his bride. + And ye shall be his bride, ladye, + Sae comely to be seen; + But aye she loot the tears down fa' + For lock o' Hazeldean.” + </pre> + <p> + “MY DEAR MABEL” [wrote the lord of Ridgeley]—“I wish you, so soon as + you receive this, to communicate with Jenkyns and Smythe concerning the + new parlor furniture I ordered from them. In talking it over, Clara and I + have decided that it had better be covered with maroon, instead of green, + as you advised. I enclose a sample of damask which they must match + exactly. I would I write direct to them, but think it likely that Jenkyns, + the managing man of the firm, is in your neighborhood at this time. He + told me, when I was in town, of his intention to visit Mrs. Wilson, his + sister, I believe, who lives on the White Oak road, about three miles from + Ridgeley. Send for him, and put the samples into his hands. If he cannot + get the precise color in Richmond, let him order it from New York. + </p> + <p> + “The carpets for the parlor, dining-room, and Clara's chamber I have + bought in Lowell. Clara accompanied me thither, and gave me the benefit of + her taste in the selection. I have resolved, also, to purchase wallpaper + in Boston to match these. Say as much to Jenkyns. I shall have the boxes + directed to his care and instruct him further respecting making the + carpets and hanging the paper when I return. + </p> + <p> + “Ask Roberts (the mason) whether it will be practicable to build a + fire-place in the large lower hall. Another chimney would be an unsightly + appendage to the roof, but Clara agrees with me, since studying the plan + of the house I brought on for her inspection, that a flue could be run + through the closet in your room into the rear one of the west chimneys. + She thinks the hall must be freezing cold in winter, and caught eagerly at + my idea that a blazing fire at one end would lighten the sombre effect of + the oaken wainscot and lofty ceiling. I proposed to tear down the + panelling, but she was horrified at the thought. I could not take more + pride and interest in preserving the antique character of the home of my + forefathers than does she. She will have it that the hall, thus improved, + and hung with a few old pictures, some bits of ancient armor, and carpeted + with maroon and green will be truly baronial. You and she will agree + admirably in your enthusiastic love of the venerable, and in your + aesthetic tastes. I congratulate myself hourly upon my good fortune in + securing such a companion for myself, and such an instructress for + yourself. You cannot fail to derive infinite benefit from intercourse with + her. + </p> + <p> + “This brings me to another subject to which I desire to call your + immediate attention. I wish her to select a couple of dresses suitable for + your wear on the night of our reception-party, and at others which will, + undoubtedly, be given in our honor. She objects to doing this unless I + obtain from you a written request that she should thus aid me. She fears + you may consider her action 'premature and officious.' Write to her at + once, requesting her to do this sisterly favor for you, setting forth your + distance from the city, the meagre assortment of the goods to be had in + the Richmond stores, etc., and giving her carte blanche as to cost and + style. It will be an inestimable advantage to your appearance on the + occasions named should she oblige you in this particular. I earnestly + desire that you should look your best at your introduction to her.” + </p> + <p> + “'Maroon and green!' a 'baronial' hall, and new party-dresses for + insignificant me!” Mabel stopped to say aloud in great amusement. “What + would my sage brother have said to such paltry memoranda six months ago? + He is an apt scholar, or he has an able teacher. Ah, well! love is a + marvellous transmogrifier!” + </p> + <p> + With this apothegm from the storehouse of her lately acquired wisdom, she + passed to the next paragraph. + </p> + <p> + “Now for another matter about which I meant to write to you yesterday, but + I was prevented by our expedition to Lowell. The evenings I of course + devote to Clara. I have not been so engrossed by my own very important + concerns as to neglect yours. I stopped a day in Philadelphia, illy as I + could afford the time, to make such investigations as I could, without + exciting invidious suspicion, into the character of the person whom I + found domesticated at Ridgeley on my return from my summer tour. The + information I picked up in that cautious city was so meagre and + tantalizing as to provoke me into the belief that he had selected his + references with an eye to the slenderness of their knowledge of his + personal history. Accident, however, has since placed within my reach a + means of learning all that I wish to know. Without wearying you with + explanations, which, indeed, I have no time to write—being engaged + to drive out with Clara in an hour from this time—I will transcribe + a portion of a letter received by me, two days since, from a gentleman of + unexceptional standing, and upon whose word you may safely depend. + </p> + <p> + “He says: 'In reply to your queries as to my acquaintanceship with one + Frederic Chilton, now a practising lawyer in the city of Philadelphia, I + would, if conscience permitted, repay your frankness by evasion of a + disagreeable truth. But in the circumstances which induced your appeal, I + have no option. Hesitation or concealment would be unkind and + dishonorable. I knew the man you speak of well—I may say intimately, + while we were fellow-students in the——law school, in 18—. + He was then—what I have but too much reason for believing him at + this day—a plausible, unprincipled man of pleasure. Our intercourse, + which commenced at the card-table, terminated with a severe horsewhipping + I administered to him in punishment of an offence offered a married lady—a + relative of my own. Taking advantage of the protracted absence of her + husband, who was a naval officer, he offered her many attentions, received + by herself as tokens of innocent and friendly regard, until he forgot + himself so far as to make her open and insulting proposals, even urging + her to consent to an elopement, and threatening, in the event of her + refusal, to ruin her by infamous calumnies. Her father was infirm; her + husband in a foreign land. His base persecution would have met with no + chastisement, had not I espoused the terrified woman's cause. These are + the bare facts of the case. He merited a flogging—as you, a + chivalric Virginian, will admit. I—a Northern man, with cooler + blood, but I hope, as true a sense of honor and right as your own—inflicted + this, as I am prepared to testify before any number of witnesses.'” + </p> + <p> + [Mabel was reading very fast, her eyes hurrying from side to side of the + page, her face blanching, and her hands more numb with every word.] + </p> + <p> + “The above is a verbatim copy of that portion of my friend's letter which + pertains to your affair,” continued Mr. Aylett. “I shall write to Mrs. + Sutton's protege by the mail that carries this, informing him of my + opportune discovery, through no instrumentality of his providing, of the + poverty of his claims to the title of gentleman, and the audacity of his + pretensions to my sister's hand. Have what letters, etc., you have + received from him ready packed to return to his address when I come home. + My principal regret, in the review of the unfortunate entanglement, is + that he ever visited Ridgeley and was known in the vicinity as your + suitor. You will suffer from this, in the future, more than you can now + suppose. A woman hardly ever outlives such a stigma. + </p> + <p> + “You may expect me on Thursday next, the 21st, at which time I hope to see + most of the alterations I have ordered in an encouraging state of + forwardness. Should Jenkyns be in town when you get this, write out my + directions clearly and in full, and send them, with sample of damask, by + mail. + </p> + <p> + “Your affectionate brother, + </p> + <h3> + “WINSTON AYLETT” + </h3> + <p> + The clammy, nerveless hands dropped—the fatal sheet below them—into + Mabel's lap. She did not cry out or moan. Things stricken to the heart + generally fall dumbly. It was not her cramped position within the + window-seat that paralyzed her limbs, nor the chill of the twilight that + crept through vein and bone. For one sick second she believed herself to + be dying, and would not have stirred a muscle or spoken a syllable to save + the life which had suddenly grown worthless—worthless, since she was + never to see Frederic again; be no more to him than if she had never laid + her head upon his bosom; never felt his kisses upon lip and forehead; + never lived upon his words of love as rapt mortals, admitted in trances to + the banquet of the gods, eat ambrosia, and drink to divinest ecstacy of + nectar—the elixir of immortal life and joy, sparkling in golden + chalices. + </p> + <p> + She had had her dream—ravishing and brief—but the awakening + was terrible as the struggle back to life from a swoon or deathful + lethargy. As to thinking, I believe nobody thinks at such seasons. Nature + shrinks in speechless horror at sight of the descending weight, and when + it has fallen, lies motionless, gasping in breath to enable her to support + the intolerable anguish, not speculating how to avert the next stroke. + Frederic and she were parted! Had not Winston said so! And when was he + known to reverse a verdict! She had nothing to do but sit still and let + the waters go over her head. + </p> + <p> + Rosa was seated upon the upper step of the west porch, her chin cradled in + her hand, her elbow on her knee, gazing on the darkening sky, and crooning + Scotch ballads in a pensive, dreamy way. Mabel, from her perch, eyed her + as if she were a creature belonging to another world—seen dimly, and + comprehended yet more imperfectly. Yet it could not have been half an hour—thirty + fleeting minutes—since the two had talked as dear friends out of the + fulness of their hearts. Where were the hopes and happy memories that had + made hers then a garden of pleasant things, a fruitful field which Heaven + had blessed? In that little inch of time, the flood had come and taken + them all away. + </p> + <p> + Would the dry aching in her throat and chest ever be less? Tears had + gushed freely and healthfully after her last leave-taking with Frederic—the + looked farewell, which was all Winston's surveillance had granted them. + She had been wounded then by her brother's singular want of tact or + feeling. She had not the spirit to resent anything to-night, unless it + were that God had made and suffered to live a being so wretched and + useless as herself. She supposed it was wicked—but she did not care! + She ought to be resigned to the mysterious dispensations of Providence—that + was the prescribed phraseology of pious people. She had heard the cant + times without number. What more would they have than her utter destitution + of love and bliss? Was she not miserable enough to satisfy the sternest + believer in purgatorial purification? to appease the wrath even of Him who + had wrought her desolation? It must be the judgment of a retributive Deity + upon her idolatrous affection that she was bearing—her worship of + Frederic. Yes, she had loved him; she loved him now better than she did + anything else upon earth—better than she did anything in Heaven. + </p> + <p> + In the partial insanity of her woe and despair, she lifted her gray face + and vacant eyes to the vast, empty vault, beyond which dwelt her Maker + afar off, and said the words aloud—spat them at Him through hard, + ashy lips. + </p> + <p> + “I love him! I love him! You have taken him from me—but I will love + him for all that!” + </p> + <p> + Heaven—or Fate—her blasphemous mood did not distinguish the + one from the other—was a robber. Her brother was pitiless as the + death that would not answer to her call. Between them she was bereaved. + </p> + <p> + It was but a touch—the lightest breath of natural feeling that broke + up the hot crust, that shut down the fountain of tears—Rosa's voice, + tuneful and sad as a nightingale's, chanting the border-lays she loved so + well: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When I gae out at e'en. + Or walk at morning air, + Ilk rustling bush will seem to say + I used to meet thee there. + Then I'll sit down and cry, + And live beneath the tree. + And when a leaf falls in my lap, + I'll oa' it a word from thee.” + </pre> + <p> + She had sung it herself to Frederic the night before he left her, and as + she finished the artless ballad, he took her in his arms and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + As he would never do again! + </p> + <p> + “My darling! my darling!” she cried aloud. + </p> + <p> + Then the grief-drops came in a flood. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — CLEAN HANDS. + </h2> + <p> + The servant who summoned Mabel to supper brought down word that she was + not feeling well, and did not wish any. + </p> + <p> + “Not well! Bless me!” exclaimed Mrs. Sutton, starting up. “Rosa, love, + excuse me for three seconds, please. I must see what is the matter. I do + hope there is no bad news from—” (arrested by the recollection that + there were servants in the room, she substituted for the name upon her + lips)—“in her letters.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think she's much sick ma'am,” said the maid. “She is a-settin' in + the window.” + </p> + <p> + “Where I left her with her letters, an hour and more ago,” observed Rosa. + “Don't hurry back if she needs you, Aunt Rachel. I will make myself at + home; shall not mind eating alone for once.” + </p> + <p> + Not withstanding the array of dainties before her, she only nibbled the + edge of a cream biscuit with her little white teeth, and crumbled the rest + of it upon her plate in listlessness or profound and active reverie, while + the hostess was away. She, too, had her conjectures and her anxieties—a + knotty problem to work out, and the longer she pondered the more confident + was she that she had grasped at least one filament of the clue leading to + elucidation. + </p> + <p> + Mabel had not stirred from her place—sat yet with her brother's + letter in her lap, her hands lying heavily upon it, although her muslin + dress was ghostly in the stream of moonlight flowing across the chamber. + She had wept her eyes dry, and her voice was monotonous, but unfaltering. + </p> + <p> + “I am not really sick, aunt, but I have no appetite, and having a great + deal to think of, I preferred staying here to going to the table,” was her + answer to Mrs Sutton's inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “Your hands are cold and lifeless as clay, my child. What is the matter? + It is not like you to be moping up here, alone in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Won't you leave me to myself for a while, and keep Rosa down-stairs?” + asked Mabel, more patiently than peevishly. “Before bed-time I will see + you in your room, and we can talk of what has disturbed me.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” murmured the gentle-hearted chaperone, trying to draw the + erect head to her shoulder, as she stood by her niece. + </p> + <p> + Mabel resisted the kindly force. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, aunt. I cannot bear that yet. I have just begun to think + connectedly, and petting would unnerve me.” + </p> + <p> + This was strange talk from the frank-hearted child she had reared from + babyhood, and while she desisted from further attempts at consolation, + Aunt Rachel took a very sober visage back to the supper-room with her, and + as little appetite as Rosa had manifested. The meal was quickly over, and + by way of obeying the second part of Mabel's behest, the innocent + diplomatist begged Rosa to go to the piano. + </p> + <p> + “I always enjoy your delightful music, my dear. It makes the house more + lively.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, dear Mrs. Sutton. I should take pleasure in obliging you; but + if Mabel is out of sorts, I don't believe she will care to have the house + lively to-night,” was the amiable rejoinder. “Moreover, I am dying to + finish 'David Copperfield.' Will you allow me to curl myself up in the big + chair here, and read for an hour?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton gave a consent that was almost glad in its alacrity, and + pretended to occupy herself with the newspapers brought by the evening + mail, until she judged that Mabel had had season in which to compose her + thoughts. Then she muttered something about “breakfast,” “muffins,” and + “Daphne,” caught up her key-basket, and bustled out. + </p> + <p> + Rosa's book fell from before her face at the sound of the closing door. + The liquid eyes were turbid; her features moved by some passion mightier + far than curiosity or compassion for her friend's distress. + </p> + <p> + “I have done nothing—literally nothing, to bring this on!” was the + reflection which brought most calm to her agitated mind. “If it should be + as I think, I am guiltless of treachery. My skirts are clear. My hands are + clean! Yet there have been moments when I could have dipped them in blood + that this end might be attained!” + </p> + <p> + Too restless to remain quiet, she tossed her book aside and wandered from + side to side of the room, halting frequently to hearken for Mrs. Sutton's + return, or some noise from the conference chamber that might alleviate her + suspense. + </p> + <p> + “I tried to put her on her guard,” she broke forth at length, bent, it + would seem, upon self-justification against an invisible accuser. “I saw + aversion in Winston's eye the day he came home to find the other here. He + would never forgive his slave the presumption of choosing a husband for + herself. Did I not tell her so? Yet this has caught her like a rabbit in a + trap—unprepared for endurance or resistance. The spiritless baby! + Would I give him up, except with life, if he loved me as he does her?” + </p> + <p> + It was not a baby's face that was confronting Mrs. Sutton's just then. It + was no weak, spiritless slave who sustained the pelting shower of her + comments, her wonderment and her entreaties that Mabel would refuse to + abide by her brother's decision—her guardian though he was—and + if she would not write to Frederic with her own hand, empower her aunt to + apply to him for an explanation of the disgraceful mystery. + </p> + <p> + “We should condemn no man unheard,” she argued. + </p> + <p> + “It is but fair to give him an opportunity of telling his side of the + story.” + </p> + <p> + “Winston's letter will inform him of what and by whom he is accused,” said + Mabel. “He will have the opportunity you speak of. I should not be content + with my brother's action, were this not so. I have been over the whole + ground again and again, since sunset. We—you and I—are + powerless. This story is either true or false. If what we have read really + happened, what could arise from our correspondence with the offender + against honor and virtue? It would but complicate difficulties. If he is + unjustly accused, he can prove it, and put his slanderers to shame without + our promptings. Our interference would be an intimation that he needed our + championship.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he will clear himself of every stain,” returned Mrs. Sutton + earnestly. “This is either a vile plot concocted by some secret foe, or + the Frederic Chilton mentioned here,” pushing the letter away from her on + the table, with a gesture of loathing, “is another person.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very unlikely!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel leaned her forehead wearily upon her hand, and did not finish the + sentence immediately. + </p> + <p> + “I will be candid with you, aunt, upon this subject, as I have tried to be + in every other confidence with which I have burdened you. Frederic Chilton + was a student in the law-school, which was also attended by Winston's + correspondent, and at the date specified by him. I have reason to think + there was something unpleasant—something he wished to conceal from + me, and perhaps from everybody else, connected with his stay there. He + referred to it ambiguously on the last evening of his visit here, as a + folly, a youthful indiscretion. I have the impression, moreover, that a + married woman was mixed up in this trouble, whatever it was—a lady, + some years older than himself, whose husband, a naval officer, was absent + upon a long cruise. This may be the germ of the story related here, and it + may have nothing whatever to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + In saying “here,” she pointed to the letter. Both avoided touching it as + it lay between them, the big seal uppermost, and looking more like bright, + fresh blood than ever, in the lamplight. + </p> + <p> + “My dear, all this proves nothing—absolutely nothing—except + that the shock and overmuch solitary musing have made you morbid and + unreasonable.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton assumed a collected air, and delivered herself with the mien + of one who was determined to submit to no trifling, and to credit no scrap + of evidence against her friend which counter-reasoning could set aside. + </p> + <p> + “My husband's godson—we must remember he is that, Mabel!—could + never be guilty of the infamous conduct ascribed to this Chilton by + Winston Aylett's anonymous friend. I am accounted a tolerable judge of + character, and I maintain that it is a moral impossibility for my + instincts and experience to be so utterly at fault as these two men would + make you believe. As to the corroboration of your 'impression,' that would + be consummate nonsense in the eye of the law. Let us sift the pros and + cons of this affair as rational, unprejudiced beings should—not jump + at conclusions. And I must say, Mabel”—was the consistent peroration + of this address, uttered in a mildly-aggrieved tone, while the blue eyes + began to shine through a rising fog—“it seems to me very singular—really + wounds me—is not what I looked for in you—that you should rank + yourself with my poor boy's enemies!” + </p> + <p> + “I, his enemy!” The word was a sharp cry—not loud, but telling of + unfathomed deeps of anguish, from the verge of which the listener drew + back with a shudder. “I would have married him without a single glance at + the past! Let him but say 'it is untrue—all that you fear and they + declare,' and I would disbelieve this tale, instantly and utterly, though + a thousand witnesses swore to the truth of it. Or, let him be all that + they say, I would marry him to-night, if I had the right to do it. But I + promised—and to promise with an Aylett is to fulfil—that I + would be ruled by my guardian's will, should the investigation, to which + Frederic himself did not object, terminate unfavorably for my hopes, and + contrary to his declaration.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a rash promise, and such are better broken than kept.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Bible, Aunt Rachel—to-night, I cannot call it mine!—commends + him who swears to his own heart and changes not,” replied the niece, with + restored steadiness. “It would have been the same had I refused my consent + to Winston's proposal. I am a minor, and who would wait two years for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Anybody who loved you, provided your trust in him equalled his in you,” + said Mrs. Sutton, slyly. + </p> + <p> + Mabel's answer was direct. + </p> + <p> + “You want me to say that I do not believe this tale of Mr. Chilton's early + errors; to brand it as a mistake or fabrication. You insinuate that, in + reserving my sentence until I shall have heard both sides of it, I show + myself unworthy of the love of a true man; betray of what mean stuff my + affection is made. I suppose blind faith is sublime! But for my part, I + had rather be loved in spite of my known faults, than receive wilfully + ignorant worship.” + </p> + <p> + The daring stroke at Mrs. Sutton's hypothesis of the inseparable union + between esteem and affection, excited her into an impolitic admission. + </p> + <p> + “My child, you make my blood run cold! You do not mean that you could love + a man for whose character you had no respect!” + </p> + <p> + “There is a difference between learning to love and continuing to love,” + said Mabel, sententiously. “But we have had enough of useless talk, aunt. + In two days more Winston will be here. Until then, let matters remain as + they are. You can tell Rosa as much or as little as you like of what has + happened. She must suspect that something has gone awry. To-morrow, I will + look up this Mr. Jenkyns, and deliver the messages with which I am charged—likewise + consult the mason about the 'baronial' fireplace,” smiling bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “You never saw another creature so altered as she is,” Mrs. Sutton + bewailed to Rosa, in rehearsing the scene. “If this thing should turn out + to be true, she is ruined and heart-broken for life. She will become a + cold, cynical, unfeeling woman—a feminine copy of her granite + brother.” + </p> + <p> + “If!” reiterated Rosa, testily. “There is not one syllable of truth in it + from Alpha to Omega! I know he is your nephew, and that it is one af the + Medo-Persian laws of Ridgeley that the king can do no wrong; but I would + sooner believe that Winston Aylett invented the slander throughout, than + question Fred Chilton's integrity. There is foul play somewhere, as you + will discover in time—or out of it!” + </p> + <p> + To Mabel, Frederic's spirited champion said never a word of the event that + held their eyes waking until dawn—each motionless as sleepless lest + her bed fellow should discover her real state. + </p> + <p> + “I have had no share in causing the rupture. I am not called upon to heal + it,” meditated she. “In this, the law of self-preservation is my surest + guide.” + </p> + <p> + Her resolve to remain neutral was sharply and unexpectedly tested the next + afternoon. + </p> + <p> + The two girls went out for a ramble about four o'clock, taking the beaten + foot-path that led through cultivated fields, and between wooded hills, to + a small post-town two miles distant. The day was sunless, but not chilly, + and when they had outwalked the hearing of the murmur of rural life that + pervaded the barnyard and adjacent “quarters,” the silence was oppressive, + except when broken by the whirr of a partridge, the melancholy caw of the + crows, scared from their feast upon the scattered grains knocked from + over-ripe ears of corn during the recent “fodder-pulling,” and, as they + neared it, by the fretting of a rapid brook over its stony bottom. + </p> + <p> + The pretence of social converse had been given up before the friends + cleared the first field beyond the orchard. Rosa's exquisite tact withheld + her from obtruding commonplaces upon the attention of a mind torn by + suspense—distracted between disappointment and outraged pride, and + Mabel had not besought her sympathy in her grievous strait. They walked on + swiftly, the one staring straight forward, yet seeing nothing; the other, + although thoughtful, losing not one feature of the landscape—the + light-gray sky, the encircling forest, the yellow broom-straw clothing the + hill-sides, the crooked fences, lined with purple brush, golden-rod, + black-bearded alder and sumach, flaming with scarlet berry cones and + motley leaves. It was her principle and habit to seize upon whatever + morsels of delight were dropped in her way, and she had a taste for + attractive bits of scenery, as for melody. There was no reason why the + evil estate of her companion should debar her from quiet enjoyment of the + autumn day. She was sorry that Mabel was suffering. It was unpleasant to + see pain or grief. Smiles were prettier than glum looks. She hoped she had + enough humanity about her to enable her to recognize these facts. But, in + her soul, she despised the girl for her tacit acquiescence in her + brother's decree; contemned her yet more for her partial credence of the + rumor of her lover's unworthiness. It was as well, taking these things + into account, that Mabel was not communicative with regard to the great + change that had befallen her since this hour yesterday, when she had + exultingly proclaimed that her trust was “founded upon a rock.” + </p> + <p> + “Varium et mutabile semper faemina!” reflected Rosa, who knew that much + Latin—and attracted by the waving of the bright grasses beneath the + waves of the rivulet they were crossing, she stopped to lean over the + railing and poke them aside from the stones with a chincapin switch she + had picked up a little way back. + </p> + <p> + Mabel did not look around; apparently did not observe that she walked on + alone. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say she would not miss me for the next mile!” soliloquized the + idle lounger, snatching foam-flakes from their nestling-places behind the + rocks, and watching them as they danced down the stream. + </p> + <p> + Something, whiter and more regular in shape than they, lay upon the margin + of the brook, partly concealed by a clump of sedge. A letter, with the + address uppermost! Rosa's optics were keen. She easily made out the + direction upon the envelope from where she stood. It was Frederic + Chilton's name in Mrs. Sutton's quaint, old-fashioned “back-hand” + chirography. An hour before, as Rosa now recollected, she had seen, from + her window, a negro man take the path to the village, arranging some + papers in the crown of his tattered straw hat. He had dropped this, the + most important of all, probably in stooping to drink from his hollowed + palms at the spring-stream. However this might be, there it lay—the + warning to the calumniated lover that his traducers were making clean (or + foul) work with his fair fame in the quarter where he wished to stand at + his best; perhaps citing him to appear and answer the damaging charges in + person before the same tribunal. + </p> + <p> + “If she would only let me drop him a friendly line asking him, for her + sake, to contradict this horrid slander!” the distraught matron had + sighed, last night, in her recapitulation of the conversation with her + obdurate niece. “But she will not hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think he would like it either,” Rosa had rejoined. “It would + hint at distrust on your part or on hers. Mr. Aylett's letter should be + sufficient to elicit the defence you crave.” + </p> + <p> + “You are in the right, perhaps!” But Mrs. Sutton had looked miserably + discontented. “Yet to be frank with you, Rosa, Winston is not apt to be + conciliatory in his measures when he takes it into his head that the + family honor is assailed. I am afraid he has written haughtily, if not + insolently, to poor Frederic.” + </p> + <p> + Rosa had no doubt of this, even while she answered, “Neither haughtiness + nor downright insolence would prevent a man who has so much at stake as + has Mr. Chilton, from taking instant steps to re-establish himself in the + respect of the family he desires to enter. This is a very delicate matter—take + what view of it we may. Hadn't you better wait a few days before you + interfere? Nothing can be lost—something may be gained by prudent + delay.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose Winston WOULD be very much displeased at my officiousness, + as he would term it,” had been Mrs. Sutton's reluctant concession to her + young guest's discreet counsels. “But it is very hard to remain quiet, and + see everything going to destruction about one!” + </p> + <p> + She had evidently reconsidered her resolution to let things take their + wrong-headed course, and in virtue of her prerogatives as match-maker and + mender, had thrust her oar into the very muddy whirlpool boiling about the + bark of her darling's happiness. + </p> + <p> + Rosa wrought out this chain of sequences, with many other links, + stretching far past present exigences and possibilities, ere Mabel's + figure disappeared behind the shoulder of the hill rising beyond the + brook. Should Frederic Chilton receive that letter, in less than a week—in + three days, perhaps, for he was a man prompt to resolve and to do—he + would present himself at Ridgeley to speak in his own behalf—an + event Rosa considered eminently undesirable. Certainly Mabel's + pusillanimity merited no such reward. She had no right to question the + rectitude that one she professed to love, nor her aunt the right to act as + mediator. If Mabel Aylett, with her found sense and judgment, and her + inherent strength of will, would not hold fast to her faith in her + affianced husband, and defy her brother to sunder them, let her lose that + which she prized so lightly. + </p> + <p> + If the epistle, soaking slowly there in the wet, had been committed to + Rosa's charge, she would have scorned to intercept it; would have + deposited it safely and punctually in the post-office. As it was, if she + left it alone, Frederic would never get it, and Mrs. Sutton remain + unconscious of its fate—unless some other passer-by should perceive + and rescue it from illegibility and dissolution; unless Mabel should espy + it on their return-walk, or, coming back, the next moment, to seek her + truant mate, catch sight of the snowy leaflet of peace in its snuggery + under the sedge. + </p> + <p> + A startled partridge flew over Rosa's head from the thither rising ground, + and in the belief that he was the harbinger of the approach she dreaded, + she dislodged the envelope from its covert, with a quick touch of her + little wand, and it floated down the stream. + </p> + <p> + Slowly—all too gradually at first—swinging lazily wound in the + eddies, catching, now against a jutting stone, now entangled by a blade of + grass—Rosa's heart in her throat as she watched it, lest Mabel's + footsteps should be audible upon the rocky path, Mabel's hat appear above + the spur of the hill. Then the channel caught it, whirled it over and + over, faster and faster, and sucked it downward. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton was at the tea-table with the girls that evening, when + Johnson, the sable Mercury, showed himself at the door, to inform his + superior that he had “got everything at de sto' she sent him fur to buy.” + </p> + <p> + “You mailed the letters, Johnson?” said the mild mistress, rather + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “All on dem, Mistis!” + </p> + <p> + “The unconscionable liar!” thought Rosa, virtuously, “he ought to be + flogged! But it is none of my business to contradict him.” + </p> + <p> + She did not say now, “My hands are clean!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — CRAFT—OR DIPLOMACY! + </h2> + <p> + “YOUR letter notifies me, in general terms, that the answers returned to + your inquiries as to my antecedents and present reputation are the reverse + of satisfactory. You feel constrained, you add, in view of the information + thus obtained, to interdict my further intercourse with your sister or any + other member of your family. Since I cannot battle with shadows, or refute + insinuations the drift of which I do not in the least comprehend, may I + trouble you to put the allegations to which you refer into a definite and + tangible shape? Let me know who are my accusers, and what are the + iniquities with which they charge me. The worst criminal against human and + divine laws has the right to demand thus much before he is convicted and + sentenced. + </p> + <p> + “As to your prohibition of my continued correspondence with Miss Aylett, I + shall consider her my promised wife, and write to her regularly as such, + until you have made good your indictment against me, or until I receive + the assurance under her own hand and seal that my conduct in thus + addressing her is obnoxious to herself. + </p> + <p> + “I have the honor, sir, of signing myself + </p> + <p> + “Your obedient servant, + </p> + <h3> + “FREDERIC S. CHILTON.” + </h3> + <p> + The cool contempt of the reply to his imperative dismissal of whatever + claims the presumptuous adventurer his aunt had encouraged believed he had + upon Mabel's notice or affection, was likely to irk Winston Aylett as more + intemperate language could not. It did more. It baffled him, for a time. + He could, and he meant, to withhold the lover's letter from his sister's + eyes. He could—and upon this also he was determined—command + her, in the masterful manner that heretofore had never failed to work + submission, never to meet, speak, or write again to the man he almost + hated; will her to forget her childish fancy for his handsome face and + glozing arts, and in the fulness of time, to bestow her in marriage upon a + partner of his own providing. He had no misgivings as to his ability to + accomplish all this, if the blackguard aforesaid could be kept out of her + way until that remedial agent, Time, and lawful authority had a chance to + do their work. + </p> + <p> + But he was openly defied to prevent communication between the betrothed + pair, unless his injunction had Mabel's endorsement; and, upon alighting + from the stage at the village, on his return to Ridgeley, he had taken + from the post-office, along with the impertinent missive addressed to + himself, one for Mabel, superscribed by the same hand. From the first, he + had no intention of transferring it to the keeping of the proper owner, It + was forwarded in direct disobedience to his commands, and the writer + should be made to understand the futility of opposition to these. For + several hours, his only purpose respecting it was to enclose it, unopened, + in an envelope directed by himself, and send it back to the audacious + author, by the next mail. He was balked in this project by no fastidious + scruples as to his right thus to dispose of his ward's property. Nature, + or what he assumed was natural affection, concurred with duty in urging + him to hinder an alliance by which Mabel's happiness would be imperilled + and her relatives scandalized. But when, in the solitude of his study, he + vouchsafed a second reading to Frederic's letter, preparatory to the + response he designed should annihilate his hopes and chastise his + impudence, a doubt of the efficacy of his schemes attacked him for the + first time. “Under her own hand and seal,” were terms the explicitness of + which commended them to his grave consideration. His next thought was to + oblige Mabel to indite a formal renunciation of her unworthy suitor. There + were several objections to this measure. + </p> + <p> + Firstly, he disliked whatever smacked of scenic effect, and women were apt + to get up scenes—hysterics, attitudes, and the like—upon + trivial provocation, He wanted to get the thing over quietly and soon. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, he was not very sure that he should find in Mabel the docile + puppet she had appeared to him for so many years of tutelage. She had + matured marvelously of late. Her very manner of meeting him that afternoon + impressed him by its self-possession and freedom from the emotion that + used to gush from eyes and lips, in happy tears, and broken, delighted + greeting at his approach. For aught he knew to the contrary, she might + have accepted his fiat as just, if not merciful, and not a dream of + rebellion been fostered thereby. The grave tranquillity of her demeanor + might arise from the chastening influences of the mortification she had + sustained, and a consciousness of ill-desert that bred humility. He would + fain have believed all this, but until he broached the subject to her, his + incertitude could not be removed, and in a step so momentous as that which + he meditated, it behooved him to try well the solidity of the ground + beneath him. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, our blood-prince of the kingdom of Ridgeley was, whether he + confessed it or not, acting under orders. + </p> + <p> + “Be very tolerant with that poor little deceived sister of yours!” his + fiancee had implored, her diamond eyes bedimmed by quick-springing damps + of commiseration. “Recollect that the consciousness of wasted love is + always harder to bear than what is commonly known as bereavement. If you + find her refractory, be patient and persuasive, instead of dictatorial. + Craft often effects what overt violence would attempt in vain.” + </p> + <p> + “Craft!” The word struck unpleasantly upon the Virginia lordling's ear, + and he echoed it with a suspicion of a frown upon his brow. “I am not an + adept in chicanery!” + </p> + <p> + “But you are a born diplomatist!” seductively. “And because I am of the + same credulous sex as our mistaken little darling, you will not proceed to + open warfare with her, even should she be both to resign her lover? It is + the glory of the strong to show charity to the weak and erring.” + </p> + <p> + For her sake, then, our flattered diplomatist would try the effect of + guile, instead of brutality, upon the helpless girl, the balance of whose + fate was grasped by his shapely hand. For one base second, the idea of + attempting an imitation of his sister's handwriting flashed through his + mind. But he was a gentleman, and forgery is not a gentlemanly vice, any + more than is counterfeiting bank-notes. Finally, the author of craft—the + subtle, refined virtue bepraised by his bride-elect—the devil—came + to his help. + </p> + <p> + Mabel, like most other girls, had a dainty and fantastic taste in the + matter of letter-paper and envelopes. She used none but French stationery, + stamped with her monogram—a curious device, wrought in two colors—and + at the top of each sheet stood out in bas-relief the Aylett crest. With + these harmless whimsies Frederic was, without doubt, familiar. If his + letter were returned to him, wrapped in a blank page, taken from her + papetiere and within one of her envelopes, it would not signify so much + whose handwriting was upon the exterior. Papetiere and writing-desk were + in Mabel's bed-room, but she was in the parlor, practising an instrumental + duet with Rosa—a favorite with Miss Dorrance. Winston had brought it + south with him, and asked his sister to learn it forthwith, in just the + accent he used to employ when prescribing what studies she should pursue + at school. There was nothing in his errand that he should be ashamed of, + he reminded himself with impatient severity, as he traversed the upper + hall on tip-toe to the western chamber. He had, on sundry previous + occasions, sought, in the receptacles he was about to ransack, for + sealing-wax, pencils, and the like trifles. Mabel was too wise a woman not + to keep her secrets under lock and key, and if there were private + documents left in his way, he was too honorable to pry into them. + </p> + <p> + Shutting the door cautiously, that the snap and blaze might not betray + him, he struck a wax match, warranted to burn a minute-and-a-half, and + raised the lid of the desk. His unseen but wily coadjutor had guided him + cunningly. In fingering a heap of envelopes in order to find one large + enough for his purpose, he brought to light one addressed to “Mr. Frederic + Chilton, Box 910, Philadelphia, Penn.” + </p> + <p> + Upon the reverse was a small blot that had condemned it in Mabel's sight, + as unfit to be sent to her most valued correspondent, and which she had + not observed before writing the direction. Selecting another, she had + thrown this back carelessly into the desk, meaning to burn it when it + should be convenient, and forgotten all about it. + </p> + <p> + The livid dints were deep and restless in Winston's nostrils, as seen by + the light of the tiny taper he raised to extinguish, when his prize was + secured. The devil supplied him with another crafty hint, as he was in the + act of folding one edge of Frederic's letter that it might fit into the + new cover. Why not strip off the letter entirely, that it might seem to + have been opened, read, and then flung back upon the writer's hands with + contumely? Half-way measures were unsafe and foolish. Stratagem, to be + efficient, should be not only deft, but thorough; else it was bungling, + not diplomacy. His hand did not shake in divesting the closely-written + sheet of its wrapping, but in one respect his behavior was in consonance + with the gentlemanly instincts he vaunted as a proof of pure old blood. He + averted his eyes lest he should see a line the lover had penned to his + mistress. The letter slipped smoothly into the quarters prepared for it—smoothly + as Satan's mark usually goes on until his tool has made his damnation + sure. + </p> + <p> + “Well done?” said Diabolus. + </p> + <p> + “That was a clever hit!” chimed in his assistant, complacently, after he + had put the sealed envelope into his portfolio for safe-keeping, and + burned the torn one he had removed. “Nobody but an idiot or a madman would + persist in following a girl up after such a quietus.” + </p> + <p> + He replied to Frederic's note to himself shortly and with disdain, using + the third person throughout, and informing Mr. Chilton with unmistakable + distinctness that Miss Aylett had offered no opposition whatever to her + brother's will in this unfortunate affair. So far as he—Mr. Aylett—could + judge, her views coincided exactly with his own. Mr. Chilton's letters and + presents should be returned to him at an early day, and thus should be + finished the closing chapter of a volume which ought never to have been + begun. + </p> + <p> + All this done to his mind, he set the door of his room ajar, and watched + for Mabel's passage to hers. + </p> + <p> + He had not to wait long. The young ladies had fallen into habits of early + retiring of late—a marked change from their olden fashion of singing + and talking out the midnight hour. Himself unseen, Mr. Aylett scrutinized + the two mounting the stairs side by side—Rosa's dark, mobile face, + arch with smiles, while she chattered over a bit of country gossip she had + heard that afternoon from a visitor, and the weary calm of Mabel's visage, + the drooping eyelids, and, when appealed to directly by her volatile + comrade, the measured, not melancholy cadence of her answer, The girl had + had a sore fight, and won a Pyrrhian victory. She was not vanquished, but + she was worsted. Some men, upon appreciating what this meant, and how her + grief had been wrought, would have had direful visitings of conscience, + surrendered themselves to the mastery of doubts as to the righteousness + and humanity of stringent action such as he had just consummated. He was + not unmoved. He really loved his only sister, as proud, selfish men love + those of their own lineage who have never disputed their supremacy, and + derogated from their importance. He said something under his breath before + he called her, but the curse was not upon himself. + </p> + <p> + “The low-bred hound!” he muttered. “This is his doing!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel halted at the stair-head, the blood suddenly and utterly forsaking + her cheeks when he spoke her name, although his address was purposely + kind, and, he thought, inviting. + </p> + <p> + “Can you spare me a moment?” he continued, smilingly, to win her advance. + “I will not detain you long. I know you are agonizing to have your talk + out, Miss Rosa.” + </p> + <p> + Rosa laughed, with a saucy retort, and turned into her chamber. + </p> + <p> + Mabel entered her brother's, and without speaking, took the seat he + offered. She was to be sentenced, and she must reserve her forces to + sustain the pain without a groan. + </p> + <p> + “You saw Jenkyns—did you not?” began Mr. Aylett, with the manner of + one at peace with himself, and those of his fellow-men whose existence he + chose to acknowledge. + </p> + <p> + “I did. He made memoranda of your orders, and said all should be done as + you wished.” + </p> + <p> + “I ordered the masons, this evening, to begin the hall-chimney to-morrow. + While the work is going on, you had better occupy some other bed-room. I + shall hurry it forward, day and night, or it will not be done in season + for us when we return from our bridal-tour. The carpets must be down, and + the paper dry by the fifteenth at farthest. Clara bought your dresses, and + offers to have them made, if you will send her an accurate measurement. + You are about her height, although not so well-proportioned. Your figure + is angular, where hers is round. She is your senior by several years, yet + one might easily mistake her for a girl of twenty, her complexion is so + fresh. Her twenty-five years show themselves in nothing except her ease of + manner, maturity of thought, and elegance of diction.” + </p> + <p> + He would have sneered at this strain in another as hyperbolical and + fatuous. The absurdity of it in his mouth consisted mainly in the cool + arrogance of the assumption that whatever belonged to him was above + adverse criticism, and would be maligned if it were referred to without + appending an encomium. Much of fervor might and did mingle in his thoughts + of her he was to wed, but none warmed his enumeration of her perfections. + He did nothing con amore, unless it were exalting the dignity and glory of + the Aylett name, and maintaining his right to support their ancient + honors. + </p> + <p> + Mabel did not respond to his gratuitous praise of the fair and benevolent + Clara. While he was talking, he seemed to recede a great way from her; his + tones to ring hollowly upon her hearing, his form to grow indistinct. Was + he playing with her suspense, or could it be that he—a being with + heart and nerves like hers, had no conception of the rack on which she was + stretched—no suspicion that every one of his deliberate sentences + was a turn of the screw that redoubled her torture? The Ayletts were a + strong-willed race, and she repressed all sign of suffering save intense + pallor; made this less palpable by screening her eyes from the lamp-light + with a paper she took from the table, and thereby throwing her features + into deep shadow. + </p> + <p> + “But it is not my intention to trouble you with matters that concern me + alone,” he pursued, without varying his intonations. “As I anticipated, + Mr. Chilton declines explaining the ugly story relative to his earlier + career of dissipation and deceit, which I forwarded to you. He indulges, + instead, in a tirade of personal abuse touching my right to control you, + declaring his purpose to pursue you with letters and attentions until he + shall be discarded by yourself. We will not stay to discuss the + gentlemanliness and delicacy of his behavior in this regard. I merely + declare, that, having had a fair opportunity of honest confession or + denial of statements detrimental to his principles and pursuits, and + having shirked both, he has placed himself outside the pale of respectful + consideration. Has he written to you since his receipt of my letter?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel was staring at a figure in the carpet, on a line with her feet. Had + she regarded her brother never so attentively, she would have detected no + change in his countenance. He did not prepare questions without also + studying how to deliver them. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad he has the moral decency to forbear carrying out his threat of + persecution.” + </p> + <p> + He could say it with the greater hardihood in the remembrance that the + “persecution” had been attempted. + </p> + <p> + “I wish he had written!” rejoined Mabel, abruptly, but without passion. + “He was right to protest against accepting his dismissal from any other + than myself.” + </p> + <p> + She had not removed her eyes from the spot on the carpet, or lowered the + paper screen. She looked like a statue and spoke like an automaton. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett's nostrils quivered ominously. + </p> + <p> + “Is it your wish to recommence the correspondence I have ended?” + </p> + <p> + “You know that I would strike off my right hand sooner than do it. But if + he had written to me, I should have answered his letter, if it had been + only to bid him farewell. Since he has not chosen to do this, I cannot + take the initiative.” + </p> + <p> + If Winston had never entertained a favorable opinion of his own sagacity + prior to hearing this avowal, it would have forced itself upon him now. + How timely was the thought, how felicitous the accident, that had aided + him to ward off the disaster of renewed intercourse! + </p> + <p> + Involuntarily his fingers crept nearer to the closed portfolio. + </p> + <p> + “No good could have come of that!” returned he coldly. “When an amputation + is to be performed, wise people submit to it without useless + preliminaries. The exchange of farewells in this case would be inexpedient + in the highest degree. You would compromise yourself by continued + acknowledgment of this fellow's acquaintance. My will is that you and the + world should forget, as soon as it can be done, that you ever saw or heard + of him. The connection was degrading.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't abuse him, brother! Let the knowledge that we are parted forever, + satisfy your resentment. Since he has not appealed to me from your + verdict, I am left to suppose that, upon second thoughts, he has resolved + to acquiesce in your will. I do not blame him for the change of purpose.” + Still impassive in feature and voice, still not withdrawing her fixed gaze + from that one point upon the floor. “He, too, has pride, and it matches + yours. I do not say mine. I question, sometimes, if I have any.” + </p> + <p> + “If your conjecture be correct, you cannot object to return the letters + you have already received from him,” said Winston, pressing on to the + conclusion of a disagreeable business. “Since you are not likely to add to + your stock of these valuables, you do not care to retain them, I suppose? + I believe the rule is total surrender of souvenirs when a rupture is + pronounced hopeless.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall keep them a week longer!” + </p> + <p> + She assigned no reason for the resolution, and her manner, without being + sullen, aggravated her brother into wrath, the effusion of which was a + withering sneer. + </p> + <p> + “Your hope in his repentance is creditable to the strength—or + weakness—of woman's love. But have your way. The illustrious record + of his former life is a powerful argument in favor of clemency. In a week, + then!” + </p> + <p> + He nodded dismissal, wheeled his chair around to the table, dipped a pen + in the standish, and pulled an account-book toward him. + </p> + <p> + He was surprised and not pleased, nevertheless, that Mabel retired without + other reply than a simple “Good-night,” said without temper, or any + evidence of excitement. A month before, a milder sarcasm, the lightest + breath of reproof, would have brought her to his feet in a paroxysm of + tears, to implore pardon for her contumacy, and to promise obedience for + all time to come. She was getting beyond his control the while she offered + no open resistance to his government. Was sorrowful shame, or her + infatuation for the adventurer he cursed in his heart by his gods, the + influence that was petrifying her into this unlovely caricature of her + once bright and affectionate self? + </p> + <p> + She presented herself, unsummoned, in his study at the expiration of the + period she had designated, a pacquet in her hand, neatly done up and + sealed. + </p> + <p> + “I will trouble you to direct it,” was all she said, as she laid it before + him. + </p> + <p> + “This is done of your own free will—remember!” he said, + impressively. “In after years, should you be so unreasonable as to regret + it, there must be no misconception on the subject between us. If you wish, + at this, the eleventh hour, to draw back, I shall not oppose you.” + </p> + <p> + “You will write the address, then, if you please!” was Mabel's reply, + showing him the surface intended for it. + </p> + <p> + Then she left him. + </p> + <p> + “A sensible girl, after all! a genuine Aylett, in will and stoicism!” + commented the master of the situation, beginning in his round, legible + characters, the inscription he hoped never to trace again. “So endeth her + first lesson in Cupid's manual!” + </p> + <p> + He never knew that Mrs. Sutton had bolstered the Aylett will and stoicism + into stanchness at this closing scene. In a fit of despondency, she had + that morning imparted to Mabel the fact that she had written to Frederic, + ten days before, and had no answer, although she had besought an immediate + one. + </p> + <p> + “I have expected him confidently every day for a week,” she lamented. “I + didn't suppose he would stay at Ridgeley, after what has happened; but + there's the hotel in the village, and, as I told him, he could accomplish + more by an hour's talk with you than by fifty letters. It is very + mysterious—his continued silence! He always appeared so frank and + reasonable. Nothing else like it has ever occurred in my experience—and + I have had a great deal, my dear!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you wrote, aunt,” replied Mabel, sorrowfully dignified. “Sorry + you have subjected yourself to unnecessary mortification. I am past + feeling it for myself. We cannot longer doubt that Mr. Chilton desires to + hold no further communication with any of us.” + </p> + <p> + Within the hour she made up the pacquet and carried it to her brother. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — WASSAIL. + </h2> + <p> + ALMOST sixteen months had passed since the dewless September morning, when + Mabel had gathered roses in the garden walks, and her brother's return had + shaken the dew with the bloom from her young heart. It was the evening of + Christmas-day, and the tide of wassail, the blaze of yule, were high at + Ridgeley. Without, the fall of snow that had commenced at sundown, was + waxing heavier and the wind fiercer. In-doors, fires roared and crackled + upon every hearth; there was a stir of busy or merry life in every room. + About the spacious fire-place in the “baronial” hall was a wide semicircle + of young people, and before that in the parlor, a cluster of elders, whose + graver talk was enlivened, from time to time, by the peals of laughter + that tossed into jubilant surf the stream of the juniors' converse. + </p> + <p> + Nearest the mantel, on the left wing of the line, sat the three months' + bride, Imogene Barksdale, placid, dove-eyed, and smiling as of yore, very + comely with her expression of satisfied prettiness nobody called vanity, + and bedecked in her “second day's dress” of azure silk and her bridal + ornaments. Her husband hovered on the outside of the ring, now pulling the + floating curls of a girl-cousin (every third girl in the country was his + cousin, once, twice, or thrice-removed, and none resented the liberties + he, as a married man, was pleased to take), anon whispering in the ear of + a bashful maiden interrogatories as to her latest admirer or rumored + engagement; oftenest leaning upon the back of his wife's chair, a listener + to what was going on, his hand lightly touching her lace-veiled shoulders, + until her head gradually inclined against his arm. They were a loving + couple, and not shy of testifying their consent to the world. + </p> + <p> + “They remind me irresistibly of a pair of plump babies sucking at opposite + ends of a stick of sugar candy!” Rosa Tazewell said aside to the hostess, + as the latter paused beside her on her way through the hall to the parlor. + </p> + <p> + “The candy is very sweet!” replied Mrs. Aylett, charitably, but laughing + at the conceit—the low, musical laugh that was at once girlish in + its gleefulness, yet perfectly well-bred. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett heard it from his stand on the parlor-rug, and sent a quick + glance in that direction. It was slow in returning to the group + surrounding him. He had married a beautiful woman—so said everybody—and + a fascinating, as even everybody's wife did not dispute. In his sight, she + was simply and entirely worthy of the distinction he had bestowed upon + her; an adornment to Ridgeley and his name. From their wedding-day, his + deportment toward her had been the same as it was to-night—attentive, + but never officious; deferential, yet far removed from servility; a manner + that, without approximating uxoriousness, yet impressed the spectator with + the conviction that she was with him first and dearest among women; a + partner of whom, if that were possible, he was more proud than fond—and + of the depth and reality of his affection there could be no question. + </p> + <p> + She declined to seat herself in the circle, although warmly importuned by + her guests thus to add brilliancy to their joyous party, yet remained + standing near Rosa, interested and amused by the running fire of + compliment and badinage that went to make up the hilarious confusion. If + the family record had been consulted, the truth that she had counted her + thirty-second summer would have astonished her husband, with her new + neighbors. Apparently she was not over twenty-five. Her chestnut hair was + a marvel for brightness and profusion, her broad brow smooth and white, + her figure, as Winston had described it to his sister, rounded, even to + voluptuousness, yet supple as it had been at fifteen. In her cheeks, too, + the blushes fluctuated readily and softly, and when she smiled, her teeth + showed like those of a little child in size and purity. Her voice matched + her beauty well, never loud, always melodious, with a peculiar, gliding, + legato movement of the graceful sentences, for the pleasing effect of + which she was indebted partly to Nature, and much more to Art. She + appeared on this evening in a green silk dress, matronly in shade and + general style, but not devoid of coquettish arrangement in the square + corsage, the opening of which was filled with foam-like puffs of thulle, + threatening, when her bust heaved in mirth or animated speech, to overflow + the sheeny boundaries. A chaplet of ivy-leaves encircled her head, and + trailed upon one shoulder; her bracelets were heavy, chased gold without + gems of any kind; a single diamond glittered—a point of prismatic + light at her throat. Her wedding-ring was her only other ornament. + </p> + <p> + “Very sweet, I grant you, and very flavorless,” returned Rosa. “And + alarmingly apt to turn sour upon the stomach. I had rather be fed upon + pepper lozenges.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have been born in the Spice Islands,” said the hostess, + tapping the dark cheek with her fore finger. “But we could not spare you + from our wassail-cup to-night, my dear Lady Pimento!” + </p> + <p> + She bent slightly, that the flattery might reach no other ear. She may not + have known that Rosa's Creole skin was at a wretched disadvantage, as seen + against the green silk background; but others noticed it, and thought how + few complexions were comparable to the wearer's. She had the faculty of + converting into a foil nearly every woman who approached her. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! So I am pimento, am I?” queried Rosa, pertly. “And each of us + is to personate some condiment—sweet, ardent, or aromatic—in + the exhilarating draught! Which shall Mr. Harrison here be? + </p> + <p> + “'Cinnamon or ginger, nutmeg or cloves?'” + </p> + <p> + “That is a line of a college drinking-song!” + </p> + <p> + The speaker was a young man of eight-and-twenty; who sat between Rosa and + Mabel, and whose attentions to the latter were marked. Of medium height, + with sandy hair and whiskers, high cheek-bones, that gave a Gaelic cast to + his physiognomy; which was remarkable for nothing in particular when at + rest, and followed somewhat tardily the operations of his mind when he + talked, he would probably have been the least likely person present to + rivet a stranger's notice but for the circumstance that he played shadow + to the host's sister and was Mrs. Aylett's brother. With regard to the + feeling entertained by the former of those ladies for him, there were many + and diverse opinions, but his sister's partiality was unequivocally + exhibited. Of her three brothers, this—the youngest, the least + handsome, and the only bachelor—was her favorite. She took pains to + apprise his fellow-guests of this interesting fact by petting him openly, + and exerting her fullest artifices to bring him out in becoming colors. + </p> + <p> + “It is,” she answered him now, admiringly. “What a memory you have, my + dear Herbert! Now I am never positive with whom to credit a quotation. I + recollect, since you have spoken, that your famous quartette-club used to + render that with much eclat, and how it was encored at the brilliant + private concert you gave in behalf of some popular charity or other.” + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, Mr. Dorrance proceeded to enlarge the fragment: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nose, nose, jolly red nose! + Where got you that jolly red nose? + Nutmeg and ginger, cinnamon and cloves, + These gave me this jolly red nose.' +</pre> + <p> + “You did not quote the third line correctly, Miss Tazewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Never having been a college bacchanalian, I am excusable for the + inaccuracy,” she retorted. “I did not even know where I picked up the + foolish bit. Having ascertained the origin to be of doubtful + respectability, I shall never use it again.” + </p> + <p> + “My sister has alluded to our quartette-club,” pursued Mr. Dorrance, + turning from the caustic beauty to Mabel, without noticing the impertinent + thrust. “It was the most successful thing of the kind I ever knew of, + being composed of thoroughly-trained musicians—amateurs, of course—and + practising nothing but classic music, the productions of the best masters. + There is something both instructive and elevating in such an association.” + </p> + <p> + “Especially when the theme of their consideration is the 'Jolly Red + Nose,'” interposed the wicked minx at his other elbow. + </p> + <p> + Two giddy girls tittered, unawed by Mrs. Aylett's proximity and her + brother's owl-like stare at his critic. + </p> + <p> + “You may not be aware, Miss Tazewell, that the lyric to which you have + reference is celebrated, both for its antiquity, and the pleasing + harmonies that must ever commend it to the taste of the true lover of + music; although I allow that to a disciple of the modern and more flimsy + school of this glorious art, it may seem puerile and ridiculous,” he + remarked, in grandiose patronage. Then, again to Mabel, “There were four + of us—as I said—all students. What is it, Clara?” + </p> + <p> + “I have dropped my bracelet upon the floor, between you and Miss + Tazewell,” stooping to shake out Rosa's full skirts from which the trinket + fell with a clinking sound. + </p> + <p> + Three gentlemen darted forward to pick it up, but her husband noted + approvingly that while she accepted it graciously from the lucky finder, + and thanked the others for their kindly interest in the fate of her + “bauble,” she held out her arm to her brother, that he might clasp it + again in its place. Affable always, winning whomsoever she chose to + admiration of her personal and mental endowments, she never departed from + matronly decorum. The company agreed silently, or in guarded asides, that + she was charming. No tongue—even the most reckless or venomous—ever + lisped the dread word, levity, in connection with her name. + </p> + <p> + “Take care, my dear brother! you will pinch me!” those near heard her say, + and she twisted the golden circlet that the clasp might be uppermost. + </p> + <p> + Rosa's alert ear caught the hurried murmur which succeeded, and was + muffled, so to speak, by her affectionate smile of gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “What were you about to say? Will you never learn prudence?” + </p> + <p> + “The dove has talons, then?” mused the eavesdropper, “But what was he in + danger of revealing?” + </p> + <p> + If the interdicted revelation had connection, close or remote, with the + famous quartette club, he kept well away from it after this reminder, + beginning, when he resumed his seat, to discourse upon the comparative + excellence of wood and coal fires, of open chimney-places and stoves. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett smiled an engaging and regretful “au revoir” to the circle, + and passed on to look after the comfort and pleasure of her elder + visitors, and Rosa soon discovered that her awakened curiosity would be in + no wise appeased by listening to the steady, pattering drone of Mr. + Dorrance's oration. Oratorical he was to a degree that excited the secret + amusement of the facile Southern youths about him. With them, the art of + light conversation had been a study from boyhood, the topics suitable for + and pleasing to ladies' ears carefully culled and adroitly handled. To + amuse and entertain was their main object. Erudite dissertations upon + science and literature; abstruse arguments—whatever resembled a + moral thesis, a political, religious, or philosophical lecture met with + the sure ban of ridicule from them, as from the fair whose devoted + cavaliers they were. If they laughed, when it was safe and not impolitic + to do so, at the ponderous elocution of the Northern barrister, they + marvelled exceedingly more at Mabel's indulgence of his attentions. That a + girl, who, in virtue of her snug fortune and attractive face, her blood + and her breeding, might, as they put it, have the “pick of the county,” if + she wanted a husband, should lend a willing ear to the pompous platitudes, + the heavy rolling periods of this alien to her native State—a man + without grace of manner or beauty—in their nomenclature, “a solemn + prig,” defied all ingenuity of explanation, was an increasing wonder + outlasting the prescribed nine days. He rode with the ill assurance of one + who, accustomed to the sawdust floor, treadmill round, and enclosing walls + of a city riding-school, was bewildered by the unequal roads and free air + of the breezy country. He talked learnedly of hunting, quoting written + authorities upon this or that point, of whom the unenlightened Virginians + had never heard, much less read; equipped himself for the sport in a + bewildering arsenal of new-fangled guns, game-bags, shot-pouches, and + powder-horns, with numerous belts, diagonal, perpendicular, and + horizontal, and in the field carried his gun a la Winkle; never, by any + happy accident, brought down his bird, but was continually outraging + sporting rules by firing out of time, and flushing coveys prematurely by + unseasonable talking and precipitate strides in advance of his disgusted + companions. + </p> + <p> + Yet he was not a fool. In the discussion of graver matters—politics, + law, and history—that arose in the smoking-room, he was not to be + put down by more fluent tongues; demolished sophistry by solid reasoning, + impregnable assertions, and an array of facts that might be prolix, but + was always formidable—in short, sustained fully the character + ascribed to him by his brother-in-law, of a “thoroughly sensible fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “No genius, I allow!” Mr. Aylett would add, in speaking of his wife's + bantling among his compatriots, “but a man whose industry and sound + practical knowledge of every branch of his profession will make for him + the fortune and name genius rarely wins.” + </p> + <p> + With the younger ladies, his society was, it is superfluous to observe, at + the lowest premium civility and native kindliness of disposition would + permit them to declare by the nameless and innumerable methods in which + the dear creatures are proficient. To Rosa Tazewell he could not be + anything better than a target for the arrows of her satire, or the + whetstone, upon the unyielding surface of which she sharpened them. But + she showed her prudential foresight in never laughing at him when out of + his sight, and in Mabel's. At long ago as the night of Mr. Aylett's + wedding-party at Ridgeley, her sharp eyes had seen, or she fancied they + did, that the hum-drum groomsman was mightily captivated by the daughter + of the house, and she had divined that Mrs. Aylett's clever ruses for + throwing the two together were the outworks of her design for uniting, by + a double bond, the houses of Dorrance and Aylett. She knew, furthermore, + that Herbert Dorrance had travelled with the Ridgeley family for three + weeks in October, and that he had now been domesticated at the homestead + for ten days. Mrs. Aylett's show of fondness for him was laughable, + considering what an uninteresting specimen of masculinity he was; but the + handsome dame was too worldly-wise, too sage a judge of quid pro quo, to + entice him to waste so much of the time he was addicted to announcing was + money to him, for the sake of a good so intangible as sisterly + sentimentality. + </p> + <p> + Unless there were some substantial and remunerative ulterior object to be + gained by his tarrying in the neighborhood, cunning Rosa believed that + “dear Bertie” would have been packed off to Buffalo, or whatever + outlandish place he lived in, so soon as the bridal festivities were over, + and not showed his straw-colored whiskers again in Virginia in three + years, at least, instead of running down to the plantation every three + months. + </p> + <p> + “If such an ingredient as the compound, double-distilled essence of + flatness is to be infused into the wassail-cup, it is he who will supply + it!” thought the spicy damsel, with a bewitching shrug of the plump + shoulder nearest him, while engaged in a lively play of words with a + gentleman on her other hand. “What can possess Mabel to encourage him + systematically in her decorous style, passes my powers of divination. + Maybe she means to use him as a poultice for her bruised heart. In that + case, insipidity would be no objection.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel had not the air of one whose heart is bruised or torn. That she had + gained in queenliness within the past year was not evidence of austerity + or the callousness that ensues upon the healing of a wound. The Ayletts + were a stately race, and the few who, while she was in her teens, had + carped at her lack of pride because of her disposition to choose friends + from the walks of life lower than her own, and criticised as unbecoming + the playful familiarity that caused underlings and plebeians—the + publicans and sinners of the aristocrat's creed—to worship the + ground on which she trod—the censors in the court of etiquette + conferred upon her altered demeanor the patent of their approbation, + averring, for the thousandth time, that good blood would assert itself in + the long run and bring forth the respectable fruits of refinement, + self-appreciation, and condescension. The change had come over her by + perceptible, but not violent, stages of progression, dating—Mrs. + Sutton saw with pain; Rosa, with enforced respect—from the sunset + hour in which she had read her brother's sentence of condemnation upon her + then betrothed, now estranged, lover. After that one evening, she had not + striven to conceal herself and her hurt in solitude. Neither had she + borrowed from desperation a brazen helmet to hide the forehead the cruel + letter had, for a brief space, laid low in the dust of anguished + humiliation. + </p> + <p> + If a whisper of her disappointment and the attendant incidents crept + through the ranks of her associates, it died away for want of confirmation + in her clear level-lidded eyes, elastic footfall and the willingness and + frequency with which she appeared and played her part in the various + scenes of gayety that made the winter succeeding her brother's marriage + one long to be remembered by the pleasure-seekers of the vicinity. She had + not disdained the assistance of her sister-in-law's judgment and + experience in the choice of the dresses that were to grace these + merry-makings, and, thanks to her own naturally excellent taste, now + tacitly disputed the palm of elegant attire with that lady. Her Christmas + costume, which, in many others of her age, would have been objected to by + critical fashionists, as old-maidish and grave, yet set off her pale + complexion—none of the Ayletts were rosy after they reached man's or + woman's estate—and heightened her distingue bearing into regal + grace. Yet it was only a heavy black silk, rich and glossy as satin, cut, + as was then the universal rule of evening dress, tolerably low in the + neck, with short sleeves; bunches of pomegranate-blossoms and buds for + breast and shoulder-knots, and among the classic braids of her dark hair a + half-wreath of the same. + </p> + <p> + She had the valuable gift of sitting still without stiffness, and not + fidgetting with fan, bouquet, or hand-kerchief, as she listened or talked. + Rosa's mercurial temperament betrayed itself, every instant, in the + bird-like turn of her small head, the fluttering or chafing of her brown + fingers, and not unfrequently by an impatient stamp, or other movement of + her foot that exposed fairy toe and instep. Contemplation of the one + rested and refreshed the observer; of the other, amused and excited him. + Mr. Dorrance's phlegmatic nature found supreme content in dwelling upon + the incarnation of patrician tranquillity at his right hand, and he + regarded the actions of his frisky would-be tormentor very much as a + placid, well-gorged salmon would survey, from his bed of ease upon the + bottom of a stream, the gyrations of a painted dragon fly overhead. + </p> + <p> + A lull in the general conversation—the reaction after a hearty laugh + at a happy repartee—gave others besides Mabel the opportunity of + profiting by his learned remarks. + </p> + <p> + “But does not that seem to you a short-sighted policy,” he was urging upon + his auditor, with the assistance of a thumb and forefinger of one hand, + joined as upon a pinch of snuff, and tapping the centre of the other palm; + “does not that appear inexcusable profligacy of extravagance, which fells + and consumes whole surface forests of magnificent trees—virgin + growth—(I use the term as it is usually applied, although, + philosophically considered, it is inaccurate) giants, which centuries will + not replace, instead of seeking beneath the superficial covering of mould, + nourishing these, for the exhaustless riches, carboniferous remains of + antediluvian woods, hidden in the bowels of your mountains, and underlying + your worn-out fields?” + </p> + <p> + Rosa was shaking with internal laughter—she would give no escape + except through her dancing eyes. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, Mr. Dorrance's was the only staid countenance there, as Mabel + said, pleasantly, moving her chair beyond the bounds of the ring, “I, for + one, find the combustion of the upper forest growth too powerful, just at + this instant. This is a genuine Christmas-storm—is it not? Listen to + the wind?” + </p> + <p> + In the stillness enjoined by her gesture, the growl of the blast in the + chimney and in the grove; the groaning, tapping, and creaking of the tree + branches; the pelting sleet and the rattle of casements all over the house + brought to the least imaginative a picture of out-door desolation and + fireside comfort that prolonged the hush of attention. Tom Barksdale's + pretty wife slipped her hand covertly into his tight grasp, and their + smile was of mutual congratulation that they were brightly and warmly + housed and together. Rosa, preternaturally grave and quiet, lapsed into a + profound study of the mountain of red-hot embers. Several young ladies + shuddered audibly, as well as visibly, and were reassured by a whispered + word, or the slightest conceivable movement of their gallants' chairs + nearer their own. + </p> + <p> + “I think we have the grandest storms at Ridgeley that visit our + continent,” resumed Mabel thoughtfully. “I suppose because the house + stands so high. The wind never sounds to me anywhere else as it does here + on winter nights.” + </p> + <p> + Yielding to the weird attraction of the scene invoked by her fancy, she + arose and walked to the window at the eastern extremity of the hall, + pulling aside the curtain that she might peer into the wild darkness. The + crimson light of the burning logs and the lamp rays threw a strongly + defined shadow of her figure upon the piazza floor, distinct as that + projected by a solar microscope upon a sheeted wall; sent long, searching + rays into the misty fall of the snow, past the spot from which she had her + last glimpse of Frederic Chilton, so many, many months agone, showing the + black outline of the gate where he had looked back to lift his hat to her. + </p> + <p> + What was there in the wintry night and thick tempest to recall the warmth + and odor of that moist September morning, the smell of the dripping roses + overhead, the balmy humidity of every breath she drew? What in her present + companion that reminded her of the loving clasp that had thrilled her + heart into palpitation? the earnest depth of the eyes that held hers + during the one sharp, yet sweet moment of parting—eyes that pledged + the fealty of her lover's soul, and demanded hers then and forever? His + conscience might have been sullied by crimes more heinous than those + charged upon him by her brother and his friends; he might—he HAD—let + her go easily, as one resigns his careless hold upon a paltry, unprized + toy; but when her hand had rested thus in his, and his passionate regards + penetrated her soul, he loved her, alone and entirely! She would fold this + conviction to her torpid heart for a little while before she turned + herself away finally from the memories of that love-summer and + battle-autumn of her existence. If it aroused in the chilled thing some + slight pangs of sentiency, it would do her no hurt to realize through + these that it had once been alive. + </p> + <p> + She saw a shadow approaching to join itself to hers upon the whitened + floor without, before Mr. Dorrance interrupted her reverie by words. + </p> + <p> + “The fury of the tempest you admire proves its paternity,” he said, with a + manifest effort at lightness. “It emanates from the vast magazines of + frost, snow, and wintry wind that lie far to the north-east even of my + home, and THAT is in a region you would think drear and inhospitable after + the more clement airs of of your native State.” + </p> + <p> + “We have very cold weather in Virginia sometimes,” returned Mabel, still + scanning the sentinel gate-posts, and the pyramidal arbor-vitae trees + flanking them. + </p> + <p> + Her gaze was a mournful farewell, but she neglected none of the amenities + of hospitality. She was used to talking commonplaces. + </p> + <p> + “We feel it all the more, too, on account of the mildness of the greater + part of the winter,” she subjoined. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me!” said the other, looping back the curtain she had until now + held in her hand. “Whereas our systems are braced by a more uniform + temperature to endure the severity of our frosts, and high, keen blasts.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so,” assented Mabel, mechanically, and unconscious as himself + that meaning glances were stolen at them from the fireside circle, while + the hum and conversation was continuous and louder, for the good-natured + intent on the speakers' part to afford the supposed lovers the chance of + carrying on their dialogue unheard. + </p> + <p> + “But our houses are very comfortable—often very beautiful,” Mr. + Dorrance persevered, keeping to the scent of his game, as a trained + pointer scours a stubble-field, narrowing his beat at every circuit; “and + the hearts of those who live in them are warm and constant. It is not + always true that + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'The cold in clime are cold in blood; + Their love can scarce deserve the name. +</pre> + <p> + “I have thought sometimes that that feeling is strongest and most + enduring, the demonstration of which is guarded and infrequent, as the + deepest portion of the channel is the most quiet.” + </p> + <p> + If his philosophical and scientific talk were heavy and solid, his poetry + and metaphors were ponderous and labored. Yet Mabel listened to him now, + neither facing nor avoiding him, looking down at her hands, laid, one + above the other, upon the window-sill, the image of maidenly and courteous + attention. + </p> + <p> + Why should she affect diffidence, or seek to escape what she had foreseen + for weeks, and made no effort to ward off? She had come to the conclusion + in October that Herbert Dorrance would, when the forms he considered + indispensable to regular courtship had been gone through with, ask her to + marry him, and coolly taken her resolution to accept him. This morning, on + the reception of a handsome Christmas gift from him, and discovering in + his actions something more pointed than his customary punctilious devoirs, + and in his didacticism the outermost of the closing circle of pursuit she + had furthermore concluded that his happy thought was to celebrate the + festal season by his betrothment. She was quite ready for the declaration, + which, she anticipated, would be pompous and formal. She would have + excused him from “doing” the poetical part of it; but, since it was on the + programme, it was not her province to interfere. + </p> + <p> + “I am no enthusiast,” he next averred,—Rosa would have said, very + unnecessarily—“the tricks of sighing lovers are beyond—or + beneath—my imitation. I could not 'write a sonnet to my mistress' + eyebrow,' or move her to tearful pity by sounding declarations of my + adoration of her peerless charms, and my anguish at the bare imagination + of the possibility that these would ever be another's. But, so far as the + earnest affection and sincere esteem of an honest man can satisfy the + requirements of a good woman's heart, yours shall be filled, Mabel, if you + will be my wife. I have admired you from the first day of our meeting. For + six months I have been truly attached to you, and seriously meditated this + declaration. Your brother is satisfied with the exhibit I have made of my + affairs and my prospects, and sanctions my addresses. I can maintain you + more than comfortably, and it shall be one of the principal aims of my + life to consult your welfare in all my plans for my own advancement. I + have been settled in the large and flourishing city of Albany about seven + years, and—ignoring the trammels of mock humility, let me say to you—have, + within that period, gained to a flattering extent the confidence of the + most respectable portion of the community; have built up an excellent and + growing business connection, and secured the entree of the best society + there. These are the pecuniary and social aspects of the alliance I + propose for your consideration. Through my sister, and by means of the + intimate association into which her marriage with your brother has drawn + you and myself, you have been enabled, within the twelvemonth that has + elapsed since our introduction, one to the other, to learn whatever you + wished to know with respect to my personal character, my tastes, temper, + and habits. It has given me heartfelt pleasure to discover that these are, + in the main, analogous to your own. I have built upon this similarity—or + harmony would be the better word—sanguine hopes of our future + happiness, should you see your way clear to accept my proffered hand, + consent to link your future with mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg to lay the 'ouse in Walcot Square, the business and myself, before + Miss Summerson, for her acceptance,” said magnanimous Mr. Guppy, thus + clinching his declaration that “the image he had supposed was eradicated + from his 'art was NOT eradicated.” + </p> + <p> + It was more in keeping with Rosa's character than Mabel's to recollect the + comic scene in the book they had read together lately, but the latter did + remember it at this instant, and despite the momentous issues involved in + her immediate action, was strongly tempted to laugh in her wooer's solemn + face. + </p> + <p> + Then—so abrupt and fearful are the transitions from the extremes of + one emotion to another—arose before her another picture. As in a + dissolving view, she beheld herself walking with Frederic Chilton in the + moonlighted alleys of the garden; midsummer flowers blooming to the right + and left, her head drooping, in shy happiness, as the lily-bell bows to + shed its freight of dew; his face glowing with the ardor of verbal + confession of that he had already sought to express by letter—heard + his fervent, pleading murmur, “Mabel! look up, my darling! and tell me + again that you will not send me away beggared and starving. I cannot yet + believe in the reality of my bliss!” + </p> + <p> + These were the love-words of an “enthusiast”—these—- + </p> + <p> + The vision vanished at the short, hard breath, she drew in unclasping her + locked hands, and lifting her grave, tranquil eyes to the level of her + suitor's. + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your example in repudiating spurious sentiment, Mr. + Dorrance. I believe you to be a good, true man and that the attachment you + profess for me is sincere. I believe, moreover, that my chances of + securing real peace of mind will be fairer, should I commit myself to your + guardianship, than if I were to surrender my affections to the keeping of + one whose vows were more impassioned, who, professing to adore me as a + divinity, should yet be destitute of your high moral principle and + stainless honor. When I was younger and more rash in judgment and feeling, + I was led into a sad mistake by the evidence of eye, ear, and a girl's + imagination. I ought to tell you this, if you have not already heard the + story. I will not deceive you into the persuasion that I can ever feel for + you, or any other man, the love, or what I thought was love, I knew in the + few brief weeks of my early betrothal. But you must know how that ended, + and I have no desire to repeat the mad experiment of risking my earthly + all upon one throw of fate. If friendship—if esteem, and the resolve + to show myself a worthy recipient of your generous confidence—will + content you, all else shall be as you wish.” + </p> + <p> + In her determination to be candid, to leave him in no uncertainty as to + her actual sentiments, she had concerted a response but a degree less + stilted than his proposal. She would have been ashamed of it had he + appeared less gratified. + </p> + <p> + His dull eyes brightened; his face flushed and beamed with unfeigned + delight, and in his transport he said the most natural and graceful thing + that ever escaped him during his wooing. + </p> + <p> + “I am content! The second love of Mabel Aylett must ever be more to me + than the first of any other woman!” + </p> + <p> + True, he nearly spoiled all the next minute, by producing from his pocket + a wee velvet case, from which he extracted a valuable diamond ring, and + proceeded, then and there, in the shadow of the accommodating curtain, to + fit it upon her finger. He had foreseen that she would not be hardly won, + and with characteristic providence had prepared himself for the event. + </p> + <p> + The blood leaped to Mabel's temples and the fire to her eye, at the prompt + seal set by the practical non-enthusiast upon the contract, but she bit + her lip, and submitted after a second of thought. He owed his exemption + from rebuke to her memory of his latest utterance. She could not mistake + the tone of genuine feeling, and she overlooked the breach of taste that + followed; treasured up the heart-saying as one of the few souvenirs she + cared to preserve of his courtship. + </p> + <p> + “If he is content, I need not be miserable,” was the consolatory + reflection with which she took upon herself her new and binding + obligations. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. + </h2> + <p> + MRS. AYLETT was in her best feather that night; the suave chatelaine, the + dutiful consort; the tactful warder of the interesting pair whose + movements she had not ceased to watch from the moment they took their + places with the party about the fire-place in the hall until she, alone of + all the company, saw Herbert Dorrance draw the diamond signet from its + receptacle, and the sparkle of the jewel as it slipped to its + abiding-place upon Mabel's finger. + </p> + <p> + Lest something unusual in their look or behavior should excite the + suspicions of their companions, make them the focus of inquisitive + observation and whispered remark, the diplomate passed again into the + hall, sweeping along in advance of them when they deserted their curtained + recess, and would have joined the rest of the company. + </p> + <p> + “Are we to have no dancing this evening?” she said, in hospitable + solicitude. “It wants an hour yet of supper-time. The exercise will do you + all good, particularly the young ladies, who have not stirred beyond the + piazzas to-day. I have been waiting for an invitation to play for you, but + my desire for your welfare has overcome native humility. Will you accept + my services as your musician?” + </p> + <p> + The suggestion was acceded to by acclamation, and while one gentleman led + her to the grand piano which stood between the front windows of the + drawing-room, and another opened a music-book which she named, a set was + quickly formed in the long apartment, the soberer portion of the crowd + ranging themselves along the walls as lookers-on. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett was a proficient in dance-music. She never volunteered to + perform that which she was not conscious of doing well. She had + occasionally taken the floor for a single quadrille, to oblige a favored + guest—always a middle-aged or elderly gentleman—or moved + through a cotillion with ease and spirit as partner to her husband, but + she declined dancing, as a rule; was altogether indifferent to the + amusement, while she delighted to oblige her friends by playing for them + whenever and as long as they required her aid. Without saying, in so many + words, that she disapproved of the waltz for unmarried ladies, and frowned + upon promiscuous dancing for matrons, she yet managed to regulate the + social code of the neighborhood in both these respects, was imitated and + quoted by the most discreet of chaperones and belles. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dorrance was Mabel's partner; Rosa stood up with Randolph Harrison, a + gay youth, who was her latest attache; Tom Barksdale led out a blushing, + yet sprightly school-girl, and Imogene was his vis-a-vis supported by an + ancient admirer, who had comforted himself for her preference for another + man by falling in love with a prettier woman. The room was decorated with + garlands of running cedar—a vine known in higher latitudes as + “ground-pine,” and which carpeted acres of the Ridgeley woods. The vases + on the mantel were filled with holly, and other gayly colored berry + boughs, while roses, lemon and orange blossoms, mignonette and violets + from the conservatory were set about on tables and brackets, blending + fresher and more wholesome odors with those of the Parisian extracts + wafted from the ladies' dresses and handkerchiefs. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett had—accidentally, it would seem—his wife understood + that the action was premeditated—stationed himself at an angle to + the piano that allowed him a fair view of her, and did not grudge the + merriest bachelor there his share of enjoyment, while he could keep + furtive watch upon the changeful countenance, the Sappho-like head, and + the delicate hands which one could have thought made the music, rather + than did the obedient keys they touched. The wedded lovers had taste and + pride in equal proportions, and a parade of their satisfaction in one + another for the edification or amusement of indifferent spectators would + have been revolting to both, but the ray that sped from half-averted eyes, + from time to time, and was returned by a kindling glance, also shot + sidelong beneath dropped lashes, said more to each other than would a + quarto volume of stereotyped protestations and caresses, such as Tom + Barksdale dealt out profusely to his beauteous Imogene. Clearly, neither + Mr. nor Mrs. Winston Aylett was fond of sugar-candy. + </p> + <p> + Mabel's faith in the sincerity of her sister-in-law's agreeable sayings + and ways was not invariable nor absolute. She liked her after a certain + fashion; got along swimmingly with her, the amazed public decided “SO much + better than could have been expected, and than was customary with + relations by marriage, and not by descent;” yet her more upright nature + and different training helped her to detect the petty artifices with which + Clara cajoled the unwary, moulded the plastic at her will. But she had + never questioned the reality of her love for Winston. As a wife, her + deportment was exemplary, her devotion too freely and consistently + rendered to have its spring in policy or affectation. She gloried in her + handsome, courtly lord, and in his attachment for herself. Whether she + would have espied the same causes for loving exultation in him, had he + been a poor clergyman or merchant's clerk, was an irrelevant + consideration. The master of Ridgeley was not to be contemplated apart + from the possessions and dignities that were his inalienable pedestal. + Clara Dorrance was a clever woman, and she had given these due weight in + accepting his hand; and they may have had their influence in moving her to + unceasing, yet unobtrusive endeavor to make herself still more necessary + to his happiness, to strengthen her hold upon him by every means an + affectionate and beloved wife has at her command. She had done well for + herself—she was thinking while he concluded as silently within + himself that the slight pensiveness tempering the expressive face was its + loveliest dress. + </p> + <p> + She—beautiful and penniless, ambitious, and a devotee of pleasure—yet + dependent for food and clothing upon her mother's life-interest in an + estate, not one penny of which would revert to her children at her + decease; without kindred and without society in the elegant suburb they + had inhabited for four or five years, might have been elated at a less + brilliant match than that she had made. The “best people” of the aforesaid + suburb were exclusive; slow to form intimacies with their unaccredited + neighbors, and very hasty in breaking them at the faintest whiff of a + doubtful or tainted reputation. And of the second best the Dorrances had + kept themselves clear. Having met and captivated her wealthy lover on a + rarely fortunate summer jaunt, made in company with her eldest brother, + his wife, and two relatives of the last-named, Clara did not repel him or + disgust the best people of Roxbury by indiscreet raptures over, or + exhibition of, her prize. + </p> + <p> + “I feel with you an invincible repugnance to throwing open our hearts to + the inspection of the unsympathizing world, at the most sacred moment of + our lives,” she said, in stating her preference for a quiet + morning-wedding, a family breakfast, and instant departure upon their + bridal-trip. “If I begin to invite my friends and neighbors, our cottage—lawn + and garden included—would not contain them, and after all were asked + whom I could remember, as many more would be mortally offended at being + forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + The bridegroom gladly acquiescing, with a compliment to her womanly + delicacy, the ceremony was performed in the presence of the bride's + nearest relatives; an elegant repast was served, at which the Dorrance + plate made an imposing show, and Clara turned her back upon the scenes and + reminiscences of her past life to commence the world anew. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she had done very well for herself—how wonderfully well she + knew better than did any one else, and at this date she had fresh cause + for self-gratulation. Through her, Herbert, her favorite brother, was + likely to form an alliance which would be a timely and substantial + stepping-stone to his aggrandizement and wealth. There were more reasons + why she should hold her head higher—why the blood should clothe her + cheek with a richer carmine, and a smile encircle the mouth, as one swift + glance took in the spacious, luxurious room, thronged with well-dressed + aristocrats, her husband the stateliest, most honored of them all, yet her + fond thrall; the splendid apparel in which his wealth had bedecked her, + the queen of the scene—more reasons, I say, for the ineffable thrill + of pleasure that coursed, a rapid, intoxicating stream, through her veins, + than grateful affection for the author of all these goods. With a + Sybarite's dread of pain and loneliness, she seldom trusted herself to + look at the dark curtain in the background, against which her latter-day + glories shone the more dazzlingly. But to-night she felt safe upon her + throne—sat, the lady of kingdoms, sultana in the realm of her + spouse's heart and in his domain, and could stare full upon the past—could + measure, without shuddering, the height of her actual and assumed estate + above— + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett stepped forward in haste and concern at the deadly pallor that + overspread her face—the look of horror, fear, loathing, before which + smile and brightness fled, blasted into wretchedness. The revellers + stopped in their giddy measure at the discordant jangle, preluding a dead + silence. + </p> + <p> + Mabel, chancing in the evolutions of the set to be nearest the window, and + noting the direction of the fainting woman's eyes, was quick enough to see + a shadow flit across the yellow square of light upon the snowy floor of + the portico—a man's shape, as it appeared to her, crouching and + slinking out of view into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “She saw something, or somebody, through the window, and was frightened,” + she said, in a low voice, checking Tom Barksdale and another gentleman, + who would have pressed with the inconsiderate crowd toward the senseless + figure Mr. Aylett had laid upon the sofa. “Will you see what it was?” + </p> + <p> + The request cleared the room directly of all the men of the assembly, with + the exception of Winston and Dr. Ritchie, a young physician, who was + superintending the administration of restoratives to Mrs. Aylett. + </p> + <p> + She was reviving rapidly when the search party gave in their report. There + were fresh tracks upon the piazza, and these they had traced to the back + of the house, losing them there in the drifting snow, the wind blowing + like a hurricane, and ploughing what had fallen and what was descending + into constantly changing heaps. But the watch-dogs had been unchained, and + four of the negro men detailed as sentinels, the gentlemen engaging to + make the round of the premises again before bed-time. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this communication was the reverse of tranquillizing upon + the patient. The wild, terrified look in her eye resembled the unreasoning + fear of lunacy as she seized her husband's arm. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, indeed they must not. It is not right or safe to make such a + serious matter of my foolish nervousness. I am not sure there was any one + there! It was probably an optical delusion. I was plunged in a reverie, + thinking of happy, peaceful, lovely things”—with the sickly feint of + a meaning smile into his face—“and, happening to look at the window, + I fancied that I saw”—with all her self-command her voice failed + here, and she put her hand before her eyes for a moment before she could + go on—“I thought I saw—SOMETHING! It may have been a human + face—it may have been the shadow of the curtains, or the reflection + of the lights upon the glass; but it startled me, appearing so abruptly. + Please say no more about it. If it was a living creature, it must have + been one of the servants, tempted by curiosity to peep at the dancers.” + </p> + <p> + “It will prove to be a costly indulgence to him, if I can discover who the + rascal was,” said Mr. Aylett, decisively. “I would not have had you so + startled for the worth of all the lazy hounds on the premises.” + </p> + <p> + His wife laid her hand upon his. + </p> + <p> + “It is Christmas night, my love, and the poor fellow is excusable. He + showed excellent taste. It was a very pretty scene. I shall not soon + forgive myself for throwing it into such 'admired disorder.' Miss Scott”—[to + a musical spinster]—“may I tax your politeness so far as to ask you + to take my seat at the piano? I must go to my room for a few minutes,” + raising her finger smilingly to her displaced ivy wreath. “If you would + testify your tolerance of my folly, please go on with your amusement. I + shall be encouraged to return when I hear the music.” + </p> + <p> + Her collected, urbane self once more, she took her husband's arm, and + passed through the opening ranks of her friends, bowing to this side and + that, with apologetic banter and graceful words of regret—still very + pale, but changed in no other respect. + </p> + <p> + “A singular episode in an evening's entertainment,” said Mr. Dorrance, + leading Mabel to her stand in the re-forming set. “I never knew Clara to + succumb before to any type of syncope or asphyxia. She is a woman of + remarkable nerve and courage. And, by the way, how preposterous is the + common use of the word 'nervous.' The ablest lexicographers define it as + 'strong, well-strung, full of nerve,' whereas, in ordinary parlance, it + has come to signify the very opposite of these. When I speak of a nervous + speaker or writer, for example, what do I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “One who imbibes unwholesomely large quantities of strong green tea, and + sees hobgoblins peering at her through the window-panes!” said Rosa, + sarcastically artless, tripping by in season to overhear this clause of + his small-talk. + </p> + <p> + Mabel's imperturbable good-breeding prevented embarrassment or resentment + at the interruption. At heart, she was vexed that Rosa should omit no + opportunity of shooting privily and audaciously at her practical admirer, + but to betray her appreciation of the impertinence would be to subject + herself to imputations of sensitiveness on his account. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the hobgoblin without the aid of green tea,” she rejoined. “There + was really some one upon the porch, but why the apparition should scare + Clara out of her wits, I cannot divine. The negro is an incurable Paul + Pry, and, next to dancing a Christmas jig himself, is the pleasure of + seeing others do it.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett verified her brother's encomium upon her nerve by reappearing + in the saloon by the time another set was over, and just before the + announcement of supper, radiant and self-possessed, prepared to do double + social duty to atone for the fright she had caused, and the temporary damp + her swoon had cast over the festivities. + </p> + <p> + The revel went joyously forward—Christmas-games and incantations, + the dexterous introduction, by a jocose old gentleman, of a + mistletoe-bough into the festoons draping the chandelier, and divers other + tricks, all of which were taken in excellent part by the victims thereof, + and vociferously applauded by the spectators. The great hall-clock had + rung out twelve strokes, and two or three methodical seniors were + beginning to whisper to one another their intention to take French leave + of the indefatigable juniors and seek their couches, when a continued + tumult arose from the yard—barking and shouts, and voices in angry + or eager dispute. + </p> + <p> + Unmindful of the nipping air, the ladies flew to the windows and raised + them, while the gentlemen, in a body, rushed out upon the porch, many to + the lawn—the scene of the disturbance. + </p> + <p> + “They have caught him!” + </p> + <p> + “There are several of them—a gang of thieves, no doubt!” + </p> + <p> + “No! I see but one! They are bringing him to the house!” were morsels of + information passed over the shoulders of the foremost rank of inquisitive + fair ones to the rear, but none were able to answer the returning + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” + </p> + <p> + “What does he look like like?” + </p> + <p> + “Does he offer any resistance?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose he is a burglar, or only a common vagrant?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the Ridgeley grounds were never infested by prowling beggars, + or other vagabonds,” said a lady to Mrs. Aylett, who prudently remained + near the fire, even then shivering with the cold, and casting uneasy looks + at the windows. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Aylett is a model to his brother magistrates in his treatment of such + nuisances,” remarked another “His name is a terror to strollers, whether + they be organ-grinders, peddlers, or incendiaries.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett, excessively pale, applied her vinaigrette to her nose, and + trembled yet more violently. + </p> + <p> + “I believe he is very strict,” she assented. “But I am really afraid those + ladies will take cold! The snow-air is piercing. And they are—most + of them—heated with dancing. Cannot we prevail upon them to close + the windows, now that the mysterious prowler is secured? We shall hear all + about him when the gentlemen return, and they will not stay out of doors + longer than is necessary.” + </p> + <p> + They began to pour back into the room, while she was speaking, laughing, + and talking, all together shaking the snow-powder from their hair and + hands, and anathematizing the cold and their thin boots. The particulars + of the midnight disturbance were quickly disseminated. The ebon sentinels + had, directed by the barking of their canine associates, discovered, under + a holly hedge on one side of the yard, a man lying upon the earth, and + almost buried in the snow he seemed not to have strength to throw off. He + was either drunk or so nearly frozen as to be incapable of answering + coherently their demands as to what was his name and what his business + upon the premises. The interrogations of the gentlemen and the ungentle + shakings administered by his captors elicited nothing but groans and + muttered oaths. He could not, or would not, walk without support, and to + leave him where he was, or to turn him adrift into the public road, would + be certain death. Therefore Mr. Aylett had ordered him to be confined for + the night in a garret room. In the morning he might be examined to more + purpose. + </p> + <p> + “But he ought to have a fire, and something hot and nourishing to drink!” + exclaimed Mrs. Button, upon hearing the story. “He will freeze in that + barn of a place—poor wretch!” + </p> + <p> + “I imagine he has no need of additional stimulants,” said Mrs. Aylett, + dryly, again resorting to her smelling-bottle. “From what the gentlemen + say, I judge that he had laid in a supply of caloric sufficient to last + through the night. And the first use he would make of fire would be to + burn the house over our heads. His lodgings are certainly more comfortable + than those selected by himself. There is little danger of his finding + fault with them. What manner of looking creature is he?” + </p> + <p> + “An unkempt vagabond!” rejoined Randolph Harrison, rubbing his blue + fingers before the fire. “His clothes are ragged, and frozen stiff. I + suppose he has been out in the storm ever since it set in. There were + icicles upon his beard and hair, his hat having fallen off. It is a + miracle he did not freeze to death long ago. It is a bitter night.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you say he was an old man?” inquired the hostess languidly, from the + depths of her easy chair. + </p> + <p> + “He is not a young one, for his hair is grizzled. But we will form + ourselves into a court of inquiry in the morning, with Mr. Aylett as + presiding officer—have in the nocturnal wanderer, and hear what + account he can give of himself. Who knows what romantic history we may + hear—one that may become a Christmas legend in after years?” + </p> + <p> + “You will get nothing more sensational than the confessions of a hen-roost + robber, I suspect,” said Mrs. Aylett, more wearily than was consistent + with her role of attentive hostess. + </p> + <p> + Her husband noticed the tokens of exhaustion, and interposed to spare her + further exertion. + </p> + <p> + “Our friends will excuse you if you retire without delay, Clara. You still + feel the effects of your agitation and faintness.” + </p> + <p> + This was the signal for a general dispersion of the ladies—the + gentlemen, or most of them, adjourning to the smoking-room. + </p> + <p> + Since the late extraordinary influx of visitors, Mabel had shared her + aunt's chamber, but, instead of seeking this now, she went straight from + the parlor to the supper-room, where she found, as she had expected, Mrs. + Sutton in the height of business, directing the setting of the + breakfast-table, clearing away the debris of the evening feast, and + counting the silver with unusual care, lest a stray fork or spoon had, by + some hocus-pocus known to the class, been slipped into the pocket of the + supposititious burglar. + </p> + <p> + “Aunt,” began Mabel, drawing her aside, “that poor wretch up-stairs must + be cared for. It is the height of cruelty to lock him up in a fireless + room, without provisions or dry clothing. If he should die, would we be + guiltless?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton's benevolent physiognomy was perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I say as much in the other room, before everybody, my dear? And + didn't SHE put me down with one of her magisterial sentences? She is + mistress here—not you or I. Besides, Winston has the key of that + east garret in his pocket, and I would not be the one to ask him for it, + since he has had his wife's opinion upon the subject of humanity to + prisoners.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not trouble him with my petition. I discovered by accident, when + I was a child, that the key of the north room would open that door. If I + order, upon my own responsibility, that a cup of hot coffee, and some + bread and meat be taken up to him, you will not deny them to me, I + suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, my child! but I dare not send a servant with them. + Winston's orders were positive—they all tell me—that not a + soul should attempt to hold communication with him. And what he says he + means.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” replied Winston's sister, with a spark of his spirit, “I will take + the waiter up myself. I cannot sleep with this horror hanging over me—the + fear lest, through my neglect or cowardice, a fellow-being—whose + only offence against society, so far as we knows is his dropping down in a + faint or stupor under a hedge on the Ridgeley plantation—should lose + his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Your feelings are only what I should expect from you, my love; but think + twice before you go up-stairs yourself! It would be considered an + outrageous impropriety, were it found out.” + </p> + <p> + “Less outrageous than to let a stranger perish for want of such attention + as one would vouchsafe to a stray dog?” questioned Mabel, with a queer + smile. “Roger! pour me out a bowl of coffee at once. Put it on a waiter + with a plate of bread and butter—or stay! oysters will be more + warming and nourishing. I am very sure that Daphne is keeping a + saucepanful hot for her supper and yours. Hurry!” + </p> + <p> + The waiter, whose wife was the cook, ducked his head with a grin + confirmatory of his young mistress' shrewd suspicion, and vanished to obey + her orders, never dreaming but she wanted the edibles for her private + consumption. He enjoyed late and hot suppers, and why not she? Thanks to + this persuasion, the coffee was strong, clear, and boiling, the oysters + done to a turn, and smoking from the saucepan. + </p> + <p> + Taking the tray from him, with a gracious “Thank you! This is just as it + should be,” Mabel negatived his offer to carry it to her room, and started + up-stairs. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton followed with a lighted candle. + </p> + <p> + “Winston or no Winston, you shall not face that desperado alone,” she + said, obstinately. “There is no telling what he may do—murder you, + perhaps, or at least knock you down in order to escape. Winston talks as + if he were the captain of the forty thieves.”' + </p> + <p> + “He is pretty well hors de combat now, at any rate,” smiled Mabel, but + allowing her aunt to precede her with the light to the upper floor. “And + should he offer violence—scalding coffee may defend me as + effectually as Morgiana's boiling oil routed the gang. MY captain had to + be carried up-stairs by four servants, who left him upon a pile of old + mattresses in one corner of the room. Here we are!” + </p> + <p> + They were in a wide hall at the top of the house, the unceiled rafters + above their heads, carpetless boards beneath their feet. Mabel set her + waiter upon a worm-eaten, iron-bound chest, and went further down the + passage to get the key of the north room. Her light footstep stirred + dismal echoes in the dark corners; the wind screamed through every crack + and keyhole, like a legion of piping devils; rumbled lugubriously over the + steep roof. The one candle flickering in the draught showed Mabel's white + bust and arms, like those of a phantom, beaming through a cloud of + blackness, when she stooped to try the key in the lock of the + prison-chamber. + </p> + <p> + After fitting it, she knocked before she turned it in the rusty wards—again, + and more loudly—then spoke, putting her lips close to the key-hole: + </p> + <p> + “We are friends, and have brought you supper. Can we come in?” + </p> + <p> + There was no answer, and with a beating heart she unlocked the door, + pushed it ajar, and motioned to Aunt Rachel to hold her candle up, that + she might gain a view of the interior. + </p> + <p> + The wan, uncertain rays revealed the heap of mattresses, and upon them + what looked like a mass of rough, wet clothing, without sound or motion. + </p> + <p> + “He is pretending to be asleep! Take care!” whispered Mrs. Sutton, trying + to restrain Mabel as she pressed by her into the room. + </p> + <p> + “He is dead, I fear!” was the low answer. + </p> + <p> + Forgetful of her nephew's prohibition and her recent fears, the good widow + entered, and leaned anxiously over the stranger's form. A tall, gaunt man, + clad in threadbare garments, which hung loosely upon the shrunken breast + and arms, black hair and beard, mottled with white, ragged, and unshorn, + and dank from exposure to the snow and sleet; a chalky-white face, with + closed and sunken eyes, sharpened nose, and prominent cheek-bones—this + was what they beheld as the candle flamed up steadily in the comparatively + still air of the ceiled apartment. The miserable coat was buttoned up to + his chin, and the shreds of a coarse woollen comforter, torn from his + throat at his capture, still hung about his shoulders. His clothes were + sodden with wet, as Harrison had said, and the solitary pretence at + rendering him comfortable for the night, had been the act of a negro, who + contemptuously flung an old blanket across his nether limbs before leaving + him to his lethargic slumbers. He had not moved since they tossed him, + like a worthless sack, upon this sorry resting-place, but lay an unsightly + huddle of arms, legs, and head, such as was never achieved, much less + continued, by any one save a drunken man or a corpse. Mabel ended the awed + silence. + </p> + <p> + “This is torpor—not sleep, nor yet death,” she said, without + recoiling from the pitiful wreck. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, as she spoke, she bent to feel his pulse; held the emaciated wrist + in her warm fingers until she could determine whether the feeble stroke + were a reality, or a trick of the imagination. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Ritchie should see him immediately. He is in the smoking-room. If you + call him out, it will excite less remark than if I were to do it. Don't + let Winston guess why you want him,” were her directions to her aunt, + uttered quickly, but distinctly. + </p> + <p> + “You will not stay here! At least, go into the hall! What will the doctor + think?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall remain where I am. The poor creature is too far gone to presume + upon my condescension,” with a faint sarcastic emphasis. + </p> + <p> + At Mrs. Sutton's return with the physician, she perceived that her niece + had not awaited her coming in sentimental idleness. A thick woollen + coverlet was wrapped about the prostrate figure, and Mabel, upon her knees + on the dusty hearth, was applying the candle to a heap of waste paper and + bits of board she had ferreted out in closets and cuddy-holes. It caught + and blazed up hurriedly in season to facilitate the doctor's examination + of the patient, thrown so oddly upon his care. Mrs. Sutton had not + neglected, in her haste, to procure a warm shawl from her room, and she + folded it about the girl's shoulders, whispering an entreaty that she + would go to bed, and leave the man to her management and Dr. Ritchie. + </p> + <p> + Mabel waved her off impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Presently! when I hear how he is!” moving toward the comfortless couch. + </p> + <p> + The physician looked around at the rustle of her dress, his pleasant face + perturbed, and perhaps remorseful. + </p> + <p> + “This is a bad business! I wish I had examined him when he was brought in. + There would have been more hope of doing something for him then. But, to + tell the truth, I was one of the five or six prudent fellows who stayed + upon the piazza, and witnessed the capture from a distance. I had no idea + of the man's real situation. Mrs. Sutton! can I have brandy, hot water, + and mustard at once! Miss Mabel! may I trouble you to call your brother? + He ought to be advised of this unforeseen turn of affairs.” + </p> + <p> + His emissaries were prompt. In less than ten minutes, all the appliances + the household could furnish for the restoration of the failing life were + at his command. An immense fire roared in the long-disused chimney; warm + blankets, bottles of hot water and mustard-poultices were prepared by a + corps of officious servants; the master of the mansion, with three or four + friends at his heels, and a half-smoked cigar in his hand, had looked in + for a moment, to hope that Dr. Ritchie would not hesitate to order + whatever was needed, and to predict a favorable result as the meed of his + skill. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour after her brother's visit, Mabel tapped at the door to + inquire how the patient was, and whether she could be of use in any way. + She still wore her evening dress, and the fire of excitement had not gone + out in her eyes and complexion. + </p> + <p> + “Don't sit up longer,” said the doctor, with the authority of an old + friend. “It will not benefit your protege for you to have a headache, pale + cheeks, and heavy eyes to-morrow, while it will render others, whose + claims upon you are stronger, very miserable.” + </p> + <p> + She thanked him laconically for his thoughtfulness, and bade him + “good-night,” without a responsive gleam of playfulness. Her heart was + weighed down with sick horror. The almost certainty of which he spoke with + professional coolness, was to her, who had never within her recollection + stood beside a death-bed, a thing too frightful to be anticipated without + dread, however its terrors might be alleviated by affection and wealth. As + the finale of their Christmas frolic—perhaps the consequence of + wilful neglect in those who should have known better than to abandon the + wanderer to the ravages of hunger, cold, and intoxication—the idea + was ghastly beyond description. + </p> + <p> + She was about to diverge from the main hall on the second floor into the + lateral passage leading to Mrs. Sutton's room in the wing, when her name + was called in a gentle, guarded key by her sister-in-law. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — HE DEPARTETH IN DARKNESS. + </h2> + <p> + “COME in! I want to talk to you!” said Mrs. Aylett, beckoning Mabel into + her chamber, from the door of which she had hailed her. “Sit down, my poor + girl! You are white as a sheet with fatigue. I cannot see why you should + have been suffered to know anything about this very disagreeable + occurrence. And Emmeline has been telling me that Mrs. Sutton actually let + you go up into that Arctic room.” + </p> + <p> + “It was my choice. Aunt Rachel went along to carry the light and to keep + me company. She would have dissuaded me from the enterprise if she could,” + responded Mabel, sinking into the low, cushioned chair before the fire, + which the mistress of the luxurious apartment had just wheeled forward for + her, and confessing to herself, for the first time, that she was chilly + and very tired. + </p> + <p> + “But where were the servants, my dear? Surely you are not required, in + your brother's house, to perform such menial services as taking food and + medicine to a sick vagrant.” + </p> + <p> + “Winston had forbidden them to go near the room. I wish I had gone up + earlier. I might have been the means of saving a life which, however + worthless it may seem to us, must be of value to some one.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he so far gone?” + </p> + <p> + The inquiry was hoarsely whispered, and the speaker leaned back in her + fauteuil, a spark of fierce eagerness in her dilated eyes, Mabel, in her + own anxiety, did not consider overstrained solicitude in behalf of a + disreputable stranger. She had more sympathy with it than with the relapse + into apparent nonchalance that succeeded her repetition of the doctor's + report. + </p> + <p> + “He does not think the unfortunate wretch will revive, even temporarily, + then?” commented the lady, conventionally compassionate, playing with her + ringed fingers, turning her diamond solitaire in various directions to + catch the firelight. “How unlucky he should have strayed upon our grounds! + Was he on his way to the village?” + </p> + <p> + “Who can say? Not he, assuredly. He has not spoken a coherent word. Dr. + Ritchie thinks he will never be conscious again.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid the event will mar our holiday gayeties to some extent, + stranger though he is!” deplored the hostess. “Some people are + superstitious about such things. His must have been the spectral visage I + saw at the window. I was sure it was that of a white man although Winston + tried, to persuade me to the contrary.” + </p> + <p> + “It is dreadful!” ejaculated Mabel energetically. “He, poor homeless + wayfarer, perishing with cold and want in the very light of our + summer-like rooms; getting his only glimpse of the fires that would have + brought back vitality to his freezing body through closed windows! Then to + be hunted down by dogs, and locked up by more unfeeling men, as if he were + a ravenous beast, instead of a suffering fellow-mortal! I shall always + feel as if I were, in some measure, chargeable with his death—should + he die. Heaven forgive us our selfish thoughtlessness, our criminal + disregard of our brother's life!” + </p> + <p> + “I understood you to say there was no hope!” interrupted Mrs. Aylett. + </p> + <p> + “So Dr. Ritchie declares. But I cannot bear to believe it!” + </p> + <p> + She pressed her fingers upon her eyeballs as if she would exclude some + horrid vision. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sister! your nerves have been cruelly tried. To-morrow, you will + see this matter—and everything else—through a different + medium. As for the object of your amiable pity, he is, without doubt, some + low, dissipated creature, of whom the world will be well rid.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not certain of that. There are traces of something like refinement + and gentle breeding about him in all his squalor and unconsciousness. I + noticed his hands particularly. They are slender and long, and his + features in youth and health must have been handsome. Dr. Ritchie thought + the same. Who can tell that his wife is not mourning his absence to-night, + as the fondest woman under this roof would regret her husband's + disappearance? And she may never learn when and how he died—never + visit his grave!” + </p> + <p> + “I have lived in this wicked world longer than you have, my sweet Mabel; + so you must not quarrel with me if these fancy pictures do not move me as + they do your guileless heart,” said Mrs. Aylett, the sinister shadow of a + mocking smile playing about her mouth. “Nor must you be offended with me + for suggesting as a pendant to your crayon sketch of widowhood and + desolation the probability that the decease of a drunken thief or beggar + cannot be a serious bereavement, even to his nearest of kin. Women who are + beaten and trampled under foot by those who should be their comfort and + protection are generally relieved when they take to vagrancy as a + profession. It may be that this man's wife, if she were cognizant of his + condition, would not lift a finger, or take a step to prolong his life for + one hour. Such things have been.” + </p> + <p> + “More shame to human nature that they have!” was the impetuous rejoinder. + “In every true woman's heart there must be tender memories of buried + loves, let their death have been natural or violent.” + </p> + <p> + “So says your gentler nature. There are women—and I believe they are + in the majority in this crooked lower sphere—in whose hearts the + monument to departed affection—when love is indeed no more—is + a hatred that can never die. But we have wandered an immense distance from + the unlucky chicken-thief or burglar overhead. Dr. Ritchie's sudden and + ostentatious attack of philanthropy will hardly beguile him into watching + over his charge—a guardian angel in dress-coat and white silk + neck-tie—until morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Mammy is to relieve him so soon as he is convinced that human skill can + do nothing for his relief,” said Mabel very gravely. + </p> + <p> + Her sister-in-law's high spirits and jocular tone jarred upon her most + disagreeably, but she tried to bear in mind in what dissimilar + circumstances they had passed the last hour. If Clara appeared unfeeling, + and her remarks were distinguished by less taste than was customary in one + so thoroughly bred, it was because the exhilaration of the evening was yet + upon her, and she had not seen the death's-head prone upon the pillows in + the cheerless attic. Thoughts of poverty and dying beds were unseemly in + this apartment when the very warmth and fragrance of the air told of + fostering and sheltering love. The heavy curtains did not sway in the + blast that hurled its whole fury against the windows; the furniture was + handsome, and in perfect harmony with the dark, yet glowing hues of the + carpet, and with the tinted walls. A tall dressing mirror let into a + recess reflected the picture, brilliant with firelight that colored the + shadows themselves; lengthened into a deep perspective the apparent extent + of the chamber and showed, like a fine old painting, the central figure in + the vista. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett had exchanged her evening dress for a cashmere wrapper, the + dark-blue ground of which was enlivened by a Grecian pattern of gold and + scarlet; her unbound hair draped her shoulders, and framed her arch face, + as she threaded the bronze ripples with her fingers. She looked contented, + restful, complacent in herself and her belongings—one whom Time had + touched lovingly as he swept by, and whom sorrow had forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “Not asleep yet!” was her husband's exclamation, entering before anything + further passed between the two women; and when his sister started up, with + an apology for being found there at so late an hour, he added, more + reproachfully than he ever spoke to his wife, “You should not have kept + her up, Mabel! Her strength has been too much taxed already to-night. I + hoped and believed that she had been in bed and asleep for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't blame her!” said Mrs. Aylett, hastily. “I called her in as she was + proceeding to bed in the most decorous manner possible. I may as well own + the truth of my weakness. I was nervously wakeful—the effect, in + part, of the ultra-strong coffee Dr. Ritchie advised me to drink at + supper-tine—in part, of the silly sensation I got up to terrify my + friends. So I maneuvered to secure a fireside companion until you should + have dispatched your cigar. Gossip is as pleasant a sedative to ladies as + is a prime Havana to their lords.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the latest morceau?” inquired Mr Aylett, indulgently, when + Mabel had gone. + </p> + <p> + He was standing by his wife's chair, and she leaned her head against him, + her bright eyes uplifted to his, her hair falling in a long, burnished + fringe over his arm—a fond, sparkling siren, whom no man, with + living blood in his veins, could help stooping to kiss before her lips had + shaped a reply. + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't think it an appetizing morsel! But I listened with interest + to our unsophisticated Mabel's account of her Quixotic expedition to what + will, I foresee, be the haunted chamber of Ridgeley in the next + generation. Her penchant for adventure has, I suspect, embellished her + portrait of the hapless house-breaker.” + </p> + <p> + “A common-looking tramp!” returned Winston, disdainfully. “As villanous a + dog in physiognomy and dress as I ever saw! Such an one as generally draws + his last breath where he drew the first—in a ditch or jail; and too + seldom, for the peace and safety of society, finds his noblest earthly + elevation upon a gallows. It is a nuisance, though, having him pay this + trifling debt of Nature—nobody but Nature would trust him—in + my house. There must be an inquest and a commotion. The whole thing is an + insufferable bore. Ritchie has given him up, and gone to bed, leaving old + Phillis on the watch, with unlimited rations of whiskey, and a pile of + fire-wood higher than herself. But I did not mean that you should hear + anything about this dirty business. It is not fit for my darling's ears. + Mabel showed even less than her usual discretion in detailing the + incidents of her adventure to you.” + </p> + <p> + Flattery of his sister had never been a failing with him, but, since his + marriage, the occasions were manifold in which her inferiority to his wife + was so glaring as to elicit a verbal expression of disapproval. It was + remarkable that Clara's advocacy of Mabel's cause, at these times, so + frequently failed to alter his purpose of censure or to mitigate it, + since, in all other respects, her influence over him was more firmly + established each day and hour. + </p> + <p> + Old Phillis, Mabel's nurse and the doctress of the plantation—albeit + a less zealous devotee than her master had intimated of the potent + beverages left within her reach, ostensibly for the use of her patient + should he revive sufficiently to swallow a few drops—was yet too + drowsy from the fatigues of the day, sundry cups of Christmas egg-nogg, + and the obesity of age, to maintain alert vigil over one she, in common + with her fellow-servitors, scorned as an aggravated specimen of the always + and ever-to-be despicable genus, “poor white folks.” There was next to + nothing for her to do when the fire had been replenished, the bottles of + hot water renewed at the feet and heart, and fresh mustard draughts wound + about the almost pulseless limbs of the dying stranger. She did contrive + to keep Somnus at arm's length for a while longer, by a minute examination + of his upper clothing, which, by Dr. Ritchie's directions, had been + removed, that the remedies might be more conveniently applied, and the + heated blankets the sooner infuse a vital glow through the storm-beaten + frame. The ancient crone took them up with the tips of her fingers—ragged + coat, vest, and pantaloons—rummaged in the same contemptuous fashion + every pocket, and kicked over the worn, soaked boots with the toe of her + leather brogan, sniffing her disappointment at the worthlessness of the + habiliments and the result of her search. + </p> + <p> + “Fit fur nothin' but to bury his poor carcuss in!” she grunted, and had + recourse to her own plethoric pocket for a clay pipe and a bag of tobacco. + </p> + <p> + This lighted by a coal from the hearth, she tied a second handkerchief + over that she wore, turban-wise, on her head, mumbling something about + “cold ears” and “rheumatiz;” settled herself in a rush-bottomed chair, put + her feet upon the rounds of another, and was regularly on duty, prepared + for any emergency, and to be alarmed at nothing that might occur. + </p> + <p> + So strict was the discipline she established over herself in fifteen + minutes, that she did not stir at the creaking of the bolt, or the + shriller warning of the unoiled hinges, as the door moved cautiously back, + and a cloaked form became dimly visible in the opening. A survey of the + inside of the chamber, the unmoving nurse and her senseless charge, with + the fumes of brandy and tobacco, reassured the visitant. Her stockingless + feet were thrust into wadded slippers; over her white night-dress was a + dark-blue wrapper, and, in addition to this protection against the cold, + she was enveloped in a great shawl, disposed like a cowl about her head. + Without rustle or incautious mis-step she gained the side of the + improvised bed, and leaned over it. The face of the occupant was turned + slightly toward the left shoulder, and away from the light. The apparition + raised herself, with a gesture of impatience, caught the candle from the + rickety table at the head of the mattress, snuffed it hurriedly, and again + stooped toward the recumbent figure, with it in her hand. + </p> + <p> + It was then that the vigilant watcher unclosed her flabby lids, slowly, + and without start or exclamation, much as a dozing cat blinks when a + redder sparkle from the fire dazzles her out of dreams. One hard wink, one + bewildered stare, and Phillis was awake and wary. Her chin sank yet lower + upon her chest, but the black eyes were rolled upward until they bore + directly upon the strange tableau. The shawl had dropped from the lady's + head, and the candle shone broadly upon her features, as upon the sick + man's profile. Apparently dissatisfied with this view, she slipped her + disengaged hand under the cheek which was downward, and drew his face + around into full sight. + </p> + <p> + “And bless your soul, honey!” Aunt Phillis told her young mistress, long + afterward, “you never see sech a look as was on hern—while her eyes + was thar bright and big, they was jist like live coals sot in a lump of + dough—she growed so white!” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the spy could return the candle to its place upon the table + without perceptible tremor of lip or limb, and after bestowing one + scrutinizing glance upon the nurse, who was fast asleep beneath it, she + went to the heap of damp clothing. These she lifted—one by one—less + gingerly than Phillis had done, and ransacked every likely hiding-place of + papers or valuables, going through the operation with a rapid dexterity + that astounded the old woman's weak mind, and made her ashamed of her own + clumsiness. Anticipating the final stealthy look in her direction, the + heavy lids fell once again, and were not raised until the rusty bolt + passed gratingly into the socket, and she felt that the place was deserted + by all save herself and the dying stroller. + </p> + <p> + She was in no danger of dozing upon her post after this visitation. For + the few hours of darkness that yet remained, she sat in her chair, her + elbows upon her knees, smoking, and pondering upon what she had witnessed, + varying her occupations by feeding the fire and such care of the patient + as she considered advisable; likening, in her rude, yet excitable + imagination, the rumbling of the gale in the chimney and across the + roof-tree, to the roll of the chariot-wheels which were to carry away the + parting soul; the tap and rattle of sleet and wind at the windows to the + summons of demons, impatient at Death's delay. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord send him an easy death, and let him go up, instead of down!” she + groaned aloud, once. + </p> + <p> + But the dubious shake of the head accompanying the benevolent petition + betokened her disbelief in the possibility of a favorable reply. In her + articles of faith it was only by a miracle that a “no-account white man,” + picked up out of the highway, and whose pockets were barren as were those + she had examined, could get an impetus in that direction. + </p> + <p> + The stormy dawn was revealing, with dreary distinctness, the shabby + disorder of the lumber-room, when Dr. Ritchie appeared in his + dressing-gown, rubbing his eyes, and yawning audibly. + </p> + <p> + “Gone—hey?” was his comment upon the negress' movements. + </p> + <p> + She had bound a strip of linen about the lank jaws; combed back the + grizzled hair from the forehead into sleek respectability; crossed the + hands at the wrists, as only dead hands are ever laid; straightened the + limbs, and was in the act of spreading a clean sheet over her finished + work. + </p> + <p> + “Nigh upon an hour since, sir,” she responded, respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “He did not revive at all after I left him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a breath or a motion, sir. He went off at the last jist as easy as a + lamb. Never tried to say nothin', nor opened his eyes after you went down. + 'Twould a' been a pity ef you had a' lost more sleep a-settin' up with + him. Ah, well, poor soul! 'taint for us to say whar he is now. I would + hope he is in glory, ef I could. I 'spose the Almighty knows, and that's + enough.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor arrested her hand when she would have covered the face. + </p> + <p> + “He must have been a fine-looking fellow in his day!” he said, more to + himself than to her. “But he has lived fast, burned himself up alive with + liquor.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't call nobody, sir, to help me, 'cause nobody couldn't do no good, + and I was afeared of wakin' the gentlemen and ladies, a trottin' up and + downstairs,” continued Phillis, bent upon exculpating herself from all + blame in the affair, and mistaking his momentary pensiveness for + displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “You were quite right, old lady! All the doctors and medicines in the + world could not have pulled him through after the drink and the snow had + had their way with him for so many hours—poor devil! Well! I'll go + back to bed now, and finish my morning nap.” + </p> + <p> + He was at the threshold when he bethought himself of a final injunction. + </p> + <p> + “You had better keep an eye upon these things, Aunty!” pointing to the + coat and other garments she had ranged upon chairs to dry in front of the + fire. “There will be a coroner's inquest, I suppose, and there may be + papers in his pockets which will tell who he was and where he belonged. + When you are through in here, lock the door and take out the key—and + if you can help it, don't let a whisper of this get abroad before + breakfast. It will spoil the ladies' appetites. If anybody asks how he is, + say 'a little better.' He can't be worse off than he was in life, let him + be where he may.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” answered Phillis, in meek obedience. “But I don't think he was + the kind his folks would care to keep track on, nor the sort that carries + valeyble papers 'round with 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you are not far out of the way there!” laughed the doctor, + subduedly, lest the echo in the empty hall might reach the sleepers on the + second floor, and he ran lightly down the garret steps. + </p> + <p> + The inquest sat that afternoon. It was a leisure season with planters, and + a jury was easily collected by special messengers—twelve jolly + neighbors, who were not averse to the prospect of a glass of Mrs. Sutton's + famous egg-nogg, and a social smoke around the fire in the great + dining-room, even though these were prefaced by ten minutes' solemn + discussion over the remains of the nameless wayfarer. + </p> + <p> + His shirt was marked with some illegible characters, done in faded ink, + which four of the jury spelled out as “James Knowlton,” three others made + up into “Jonas Lamson,” and the remaining five declined deciphering at + all. Upon one sock were the letters “R. M.” upon the fellow, “G. B.” With + these unavailable exceptions, there was literally no clue to his name, + profession, or residence, to be gathered from his person or apparel. The + intelligent jury brought in a unanimous verdict—“Name unknown. Died + from the effects of drink and exposure;” the foreman pulled the sheet + again over the blank, chalky face, and the shivering dozen wound their way + to the warmer regions, where the expected confection awaited them. + </p> + <p> + Their decorous carousal was at its height, and the ladies, one and all, + had sought their respective rooms to recuperate their wearied energies by + a loll, if not a siesta, that they might be in trim for the evening's + enjoyment (Christmas lasted a whole week at Ridgeley) when four strapping + field hands, barefooted, that their tramp might not break the epicurean + slumbers, brought down from the desolate upper chamber a rough pine + coffin, manufactured and screwed tight by the plantation carpenter, and + after halting a minute in the back porch to pull on their boots, took + their way across the lawn and fields to the servants' burial-place. This + was in a pine grove, two furlongs or more from the garden fence, forming + the lower enclosure of the mansion grounds. The intervening dell was + knee-deep in drifted snow, the hillside bare in spots, and ridged high in + others, where the wind-currents had swirled from base to summit. The + passage was a toilsome one, and the stalwart bearers halted several times + to shift their light burden before they laid it down upon the mound of + mixed snow and red clay at the mouth of the grave. Half-a-dozen others + were waiting there to assist in the interment, and at the head of the pit + stood a white-headed negro, shaking with palsy and cold—the colored + chaplain of the region, who, more out of custom and superstition than a + sense of religious responsibility—least of all motives, through + respect for the dead—had braved the inclement weather to say a + prayer over the wanderer's last home. + </p> + <p> + The storm had abated at noon, and the snow no longer fell, but there had + been no sunshine through all the gloomy day, and the clouds were now + mustering thickly again to battle, while the rising gale in the pine-tops + was hoarse and wrathful. Far as the eye could reach were untrodden fields + of snow; gently-rolling hills, studded with shrubs and tinged in patches + by russet bristles of broom-straw; the river swollen into blackness + between the white banks, and the dark horizon of forest seeming to uphold + the gray firmament. To the right of the spectator, who stood on the + eminence occupied by the cemetery, lay Ridgeley, with its environing + outhouses, crowning the most ambitious height of the chain, the smoke from + its chimneys and those of the village of cabins beating laboriously + upward, to be borne down at last by the lowering mass of chilled vapor. + </p> + <p> + The coffin was deposited in its place with scant show of reverence, and + without removing their hats, the bystanders leaned on their spades, and + looked to the preacher for the ceremony that was to authorize them to + hurry through with their distasteful task. That the gloom of the hour and + scene, and the utter forlornness of all the accompaniments of what was + meant for Christian burial, had stamped themselves upon the mind and heart + of the unlettered slave, was evident from the brief sentences he quavered + out—joining his withered hands and raising his bleared eyes toward + the threatening heavens: + </p> + <p> + “Lord! what is man, that thou art mindful of him! For that which befalleth + man befalleth beasts—even one thing befalleth them. All go unto one + place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the + spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth + downward to the earth? Man cometh in with vanity and departeth in + darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness. The dead know not + anything, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their + hatred, and their envy is now perished, neither have they a portion for + ever in anything that is done under the sun. + </p> + <p> + “Lord! teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto + wisdom. Oh, spare ME, that I may recover strength, ere I go hence and be + no more! + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST—dust to dust, and + ashes to ashes! Amen!” + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Mr. Aylett, the poor wretch up-stairs should be buried at the + expense of the county,” remarked the coroner, before taking leave of + Ridgeley and the egg-nogg bowl. “I will take the poor-house on my way + home, and tell the overseer to send a coffin and a cart over in the + morning. You don't care to have the corpse in the house longer than + necessary, I take it? The sooner he is in the Potter's Field, the more + agreeable for you and everybody else.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett pointed through the back window at the winding path across the + fields. + </p> + <p> + A short line of black dots was seen coming along it, in the direction of + the house. As they neared it they were discovered to be men, each with a + hoe or shovel upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “The deed is done!” said the master, smiling. “My good fellows there have + spared the county the expense, and the overseer the trouble of this little + matter. As for the Potter's Field, a place in my servants' burying-ground + is quite as respectable, and more convenient in this weather.” + </p> + <p> + The jurors were grouped about the fire in the baronial hall, buttoning up + overcoats and splatterdashes, and drawing on their riding-gloves, all + having come on horseback. In the midst of the general bepraisement of + their host's gentlemanly and liberal conduct, Mrs. Aylett swam down the + staircase, resplendent in silver-gray satin, pearl necklace and bracelets, + orange flowers and camelias in her hair—semi-bridal attire, that + became her as nothing else ever had done. + </p> + <p> + “My dear madam,” said the foreman of the inquest—a courtly disciple + of the old school of manner, and phraseology—as the august body of + freeholders parted to either side to leave her a passage-way to the + fireplace—“your husband is a happy man, and his wife should be a + happy woman in having won the affection of such a model of chivalry”—stating + succinctly the late proof the “model” had offered to an admiring world of + his chivalric principles. + </p> + <p> + The delicate hand stole to its resting-place upon her lord's arm, as the + lady answered, her ingenuous eyes suffused with the emotion that gave but + the more sweetness to her smile. + </p> + <p> + “I AM a happy woman, Mr. Nelson! I think there is not a prouder or more + blessed wife in all the land than I am this evening.” + </p> + <p> + Laugh, jest, and dance ruled the fleeting hours in the halls of the old + country-house that night, and the presiding genius of the revel was still + the beautiful hostess—never more beautiful, never so winning before. + No one noticed that, by her orders, or her husband's, the window through + which she had beheld the goblin visage was closely curtained. Or, this may + have been an accidental disposition of the drapery, since no trace of her + momentary alarm remained in her countenance or demeanor. + </p> + <p> + In the kitchen a double allowance of toddy was served out, by their + master's orders, to the men who had taken part in the interment on the + hill-top. And, in their noisy talk over their potations the vagrant was + scarcely mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Only the pines, hoarser in their sough, by reason of the falling snow that + clogged their boughs, chanted a requiem above the rough hillock at their + feet. + </p> + <p> + “Man cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name is + covered with darkness!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — ROSA. + </h2> + <p> + “THAT is a new appearance.” + </p> + <p> + “Who can she be?” + </p> + <p> + “Unique—is she not?” were queries bandied from one to another of the + various parties of guests scattered through the extensive parlors of the + most fashionable of Washington hotels, at the entrance of a company of + five or six late arrivals. All the persons composing it were well dressed, + and had the carriage of people of means and breeding. Beyond this there + was nothing noteworthy about any of them, excepting the youngest of the + three ladies of what seemed to be a family group. When they stopped for + consultation upon their plans for this, their first evening in the + capital, directly beneath the central chandelier of the largest + drawing-room, she stood, unintentionally, perhaps, upon the outside of the + little circle, and not exerting herself to feign interest in the parley, + sought amusement in a keen, but polite survey of the assembly, apparently + in no wise disconcerted at the volley of glances she encountered in + return. + </p> + <p> + If she were always in the same looks she wore just now, she must have been + pretty well inured to batteries of admiration by this date in her sunny + life. She was below the medium of woman's stature, round and pliant in + form and limbs; in complexion dark as a gypsy but with a clear skin that + let the rise and fall of the blood beneath be marked as distinctly as in + that of the fairest blonde. Her eyes were brown or black, it was hard to + say which, so changeful were their lights and shades; and her other + features, however unclassic in mould, if criticised separately, taken as a + whole, formed a picture of surpassing fascination. If her eyes and cleft + chin meant mischief, her mouth engaged to make amends by smiles and + seductive words, more sweet than honey, because their flavor would never + clog upon him who tasted thereof. Her attire was striking—it would + have been bizarre upon any other lady in the room, but it enhanced the + small stranger's beauty. A black robe—India silk or silk grenadine, + or some other light and lustrous material—was bespangled with + butterflies, gilded, green, and crimson, the many folds of the skirt + flowing to the carpet in a train designed to add to apparent height, and, + in front, allowing an enchanting glimpse of a tiny slipper, high in the + instep, and tapering prettily toward the toe. In her hair were glints of a + curiously-wrought chain, wound under and among the bandeaux; on her + wrists, plump and dimpled as a baby's, more chain-work of the like + precious metal, ending in tinkling fringe that swung, glittering, to and + fro, with the restless motion of the elfin hands, she never ceased to + clasp and chafe and fret one with the other, while she thus stood and + awaited the decision of her companions. But instead of detracting from the + charm of her appearance, the seemingly unconscious gesture only heightened + it. It was the overflow of the exuberant vitality that throbbed redly in + her cheeks, flashed in her eye, and made buoyant her step. + </p> + <p> + “What an artless sprite it is!” said one old gentleman, who had stared at + her from the instant of her entrance, in mute enjoyment, to the great + amusement of his more knowing nephews. + </p> + <p> + “All but the artless!” rejoined one of the sophisticated youngsters. “She + is gotten up too well for that. Ten to one she is an experienced stager, + who calculates to a nicety the capabilities of every twist of her silky + hair and twinkle of an eyelash. Hallo! that IS gushing—nicely done, + if it isn't almost equal to the genuine thing, in fact.” + </p> + <p> + The ambiguous compliment was provoked by a change of scene and a new + actor, that opened other optics than his lazy ones to their extremest + extent. A gentleman had come in alone and quietly—a tall, manly + personage, whose serious countenance had just time to soften into a smile + of recognition before the black-robed fairy flew up to him—both + hands extended—her face one glad sunbeam of surprise and welcome. + </p> + <p> + “YOU here!” she exclaimed, in a low, thrilling tone, shedding into his the + unclouded rays of her glorious eyes, while one of her hands lingered in + his friendly hold. “This is almost too good to be true! When did you come? + How long are you going to stay? and what did you come for? Yours is the + only familiar physiognomy I have beheld since our arrival, and my eyes + were becoming ravenous for a sight of remembered things. Which reminds me”—coloring + bewitchingly, with an odd mixture of mirth and chagrin in smile and voice—“that + I have been getting up quite a little show on my own account, forgetful of + les regles, and I suppose the horrified lookers-on think of les moeurs. + May I atone for my inadvertence by presenting you, in good and regular + form, to my somewhat shocked, but very respectable, relatives? Did you + know that I was in Congress this year—that is, Mr. Mason, my aunt's + husband, is an Honorable, and I am here with them?” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman gave her his arm, and they strolled leisurely in the + direction of the party she had deserted so unceremoniously. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know it, but I am glad to learn that you are to make a long + visit to the city. I have business that may detain me here for a week—perhaps + a fort-night,” was his answer to the first question she suffered him thus + to honor. + </p> + <p> + Then the introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Mason, their married daughter, Mrs. + Cunningham, and her husband, was performed. The Member's wife was a + portly, good-natured Virginia matron, whose ruling desire to make all + about her comfortable as herself, sometimes led to contretemps that were + trying to the subjects of her kindness, and would have been distressing to + her, had she ever, by any chance, guessed what she had done. + </p> + <p> + She opened the social game now, by saying, agreeably: “Your name is not a + strange one to us, Mr. Chilton. We have often heard you spoken of in the + most affectionate terms by our friends, but not near neighbors, the + Ayletts, of Ridgeley,——county. Is it long since you met or + heard from them?” + </p> + <p> + “Some months, madam. I hope they were in their usual health when you last + saw them?” + </p> + <p> + Receiving her affirmative reply with a courteous bow, and the assurance + that he was “happy to hear it,” Mr. Chilton turned to Rosa, and engaged + her in conversation upon divers popular topics of the day, all of which + she was careful should conduct them in the opposite direction from + Ridgeley, and his affectionate intimates, the Ayletts. He appreciated and + was grateful for her tact and delicacy. Her unaffected pleasure at meeting + him had been as pleasant as it was unlooked-for, aware as he was, from + Mabel's letter immediately preceding the rapture of their engagement, that + Rosa must have been staying with her when it occurred. The slander that + had blackened him in the esteem of his betrothed had, he naturally + supposed, injured his reputation beyond hope of retrieval with her + acquaintances. Rosa, her bosom companion, could not but have heard the + whole history, yet met him with undiminished cordiality, as a valued + friend. Either the Ayletts had been unnaturally discreet, or the faith of + the interesting girl in his integrity was firmer and better worth + preserving than he had imagined in the past. Perhaps, too, since he was + but mortal man, although one whose heritage in the school of experience + had been of the sternest, he was not entirely insensible to the privilege + of promenading the long suite of apartments with the prettiest girl of the + season hanging upon his arm, and granting her undivided attention to all + that he said, indifferent to, or unmindful of, the flattering notice she + attracted. + </p> + <p> + Over and above all these recommendations to his peculiar regard was her + association with the happy days of his early love. Not an intonation, not + a look of hers, but reminded him of Ridgeley and of Mabel. It was a + perilous indulgence—this recurrence to a dream he had vowed to + forget, but the temptation had befallen him suddenly, and he surrendered + himself to the intoxication. + </p> + <p> + Yes! she was going to the President's levee that evening, Rosa said. A + sort of raree-show—was it not? with the Chief Magistrate for head + mountebank. He was worse off in one respect than the poorest cottager in + the nation he was commonly reported to govern, inasmuch as he had not the + right to invite whom he pleased to his house, and when the mob overran his + premises he must treat all with equal affability. She pitied his wife! She + would rather, if the choice were offered her, be one of the revolving wax + dummies used in shop-windows for showing the latest style of evening + costume and hair-dressing—for the dolls had no wits of their own to + begin with, and were not expected to say clever things, as the President's + consort was, after she had lost hers in the crush of the aforesaid mob, + who eyed her freely as an appendage to their chattel, the man they had + bought by their votes, and put in the highest seat in the Republic. No! + she was not provided with an escort to the White House. She did not know + three people in Washington beside her relatives, and, looking forward to + creeping into the palatial East Room at her uncle's back, or in the shadow + of her cousin's husband, the vision of enjoyment had not been exactly + enrapturing—BUT, her companion's proposal to join their party and + help elbow the crowd away from her, lent a different coloring to the + horizon. + </p> + <p> + BUT—again—flushing prettily—was he certain that the + expedition would not bore him? Doubtless he had had some other engagement + in prospect for the evening, before he stumbled over her. He ought to know + her well enough not to disguise his real wishes by gallant phrases. + </p> + <p> + “I have never been otherwise than sincere with you,” Frederic said, + honestly; “I had thought of going to the levee alone, as a possible method + of whiling away an idle evening. If you will allow me to accompany you + thither, I shall be gratified—shall derive actual pleasure from the + motley scene. It will not be the only time you and I have studied + varieties of physiognomy and character in a mixed assembly. Do you + recollect the hops at the Rockbridge Alum Springs?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” replied Rosa, laconically and very soberly. + </p> + <p> + He thought she suppressed a sigh in saying it. She was a warm-hearted + little creature with all her vagaries, and he was less inclined to reject + her unobtrusive sympathy than if a more sedate or prudent person had + proffered it. + </p> + <p> + It was certain he could not have selected a more entertaining associate + for that evening. She amused him in spite of the painful recollections + revived by their intercourse. She did not pass unobserved in the dense + crowd that packed the lower floor of the White House. Her face, all glee + and sparkle, the varied music of her soft Southern tongue, her becoming + attire—were, in turn, the subject of eulogistic comment among the + most distinguished connoisseurs present. It was not probable that these + should all be unheard by her cavalier, or that he should listen to them + with profound indifference. + </p> + <p> + He was astonished, therefore, when she protested that she had had “enough + of it,” and proposed that they should extricate themselves from the press + and go home. It was contrary to the commonly received tenets of his sex + respecting the insatiable nature of feminine vanity, that she should weary + so soon of adulation which would have rendered a light head dizzy. Mrs. + Mason was not ready to leave the halls of mirth. She had met scores of old + friends, and was having a “nice, sociable time” in a corner, while Mrs. + Cunningham had “not begun to enjoy herself, looking at the queer people + and the superb dresses.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, they had no objection to their wilful relative doing as she + liked, but did not conceal their amazement at her bad taste. + </p> + <p> + “Take the carriage, dear! You'll find it around out there somewhere,” + drawled the easy-tempered aunt. “And let Thomas come back for us. He will + be in time an hour from this.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it be an unpardonable infraction of etiquette if we were to walk + home?” questioned Rosa of Mr. Chilton, when they were out of Mr. Mason's + hearing. “The night is very mild.” + </p> + <p> + “But your feet. Are they not too lightly shod for the pavement?” + </p> + <p> + “I left a pair of thick gaiters in the dressing-room, which I wore in the + carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will be answerable for the breach of etiquette, should it ever be + found out,” was the reply, and Rosa disappeared into the tiring-room to + equip herself for the walk. + </p> + <p> + It was a lovely night for December—moonlighted and bland as October, + and neither manifested a disposition to accelerate the saunter into which + they had fallen at their first step beyond the portico. Rosa dropped her + rattling tone, and began to talk seriously and sensibly of the scene they + had left, the flatness of fashionable society after the freshness of + novelty had passed from it, and her preference for home life and tried + friends. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I always rate these the more truly after a peep at a different + sphere,” she said. “Our Old Virginia country-house is never so dear and + fair at any other time as when I return to it after playing at fine lady + abroad for a month or six weeks. I used to fret at the monotony of my + daily existence; think my simple pleasures tame. I am thankful that I go + back to them, as I grow older, as one does to pure, cold water, after + drinking strong wine.” + </p> + <p> + “You are blessed in having this fountain to which you may resort in your + heart-drought,” answered Frederic, sadly. “The gods do not often deny the + gift of home and domestic affections to woman. It is an exception to a + universal rule when a man who has reached thirty without building a nest + for himself, has a pleasant shelter spared, or offered to him elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you would weary, in a week, of the indolent, aimless life led by most + of our youthful heirs expectant and apparent,” returned Rosa. “I remember + once telling you how I envied you for having work and a career. I was + youthful then myself—and foolish as immature.” + </p> + <p> + “I recollect!” and there was no more talk for several squares. + </p> + <p> + Rosa was getting alarmed at the thought of her temerity in reverting to + this incident in their former intercourse, and meditating the expediency + of entering upon an apology, which might, after all, augment, rather than + correct the mischief she had done, when Frederic accosted her as if there + had been no hiatus in the dialogue. + </p> + <p> + “I recollect!” he repeated, just as before. “It was upon the back piazza + at Ridgeley, after breakfast on that warm September morning, when the air + was a silvery haze, and there was no dew upon the roses. I, too, have + grown older—I trust, wiser and stronger since I talked so largely of + my career—what I hoped to be and to do. When did you see her—Miss + Aylett,” abruptly, and with a total change of manner. + </p> + <p> + “The Rubicon is forded,” thought Rosa, complacently, the while her + compassion for him was sincere and strong. “He can never shut his heart + inexorably against me after this.” + </p> + <p> + Aloud, she replied after an instant's hesitation designed to prepare him + for what was to follow—“I was with Mabel for several days last May. + We have not met since.” + </p> + <p> + “She is alive—and well?” he asked, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + An inexplicable something in her manner warned him that all was not right. + </p> + <p> + “She is—or was, when I last heard news of her; we do not correspond. + She does not live at Ridgeley now.” + </p> + <p> + There she stopped, before adding the apex to the nicely graduated climax. + </p> + <p> + “Not live with her brother! I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not heard of her marriage?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” + </p> + <p> + He did not reel or tremble, but she felt that the bolt had pierced a vital + part, and wisely forbore to offer consolation he could not hear. + </p> + <p> + But when he would have parted with her at the door of her uncle's parlor, + she saw how deadly pale he was, and put her hands into his, beseechingly. + </p> + <p> + “Come in! I cannot let you go until you have said that you forgive me!” + </p> + <p> + There were tears in her eyes, and in her coaxing accents, and he yielded + to the gentle face that sought to lead him into the room. It was fearful + agony that contracted his forehead and lips when he would have spoken + reassuringly, and they were drops of genuine commiseration that drenched + the girl's cheeks while she listened. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to forgive you! You have been all kindness and + consideration—I ought not to have asked questions, but I believed + myself when I boasted of my strength. I thought the bitterness of the + heart's death had passed. Now, I know I never despaired before! Great + Heavens! how I loved that woman! and this is the end!” + </p> + <p> + He walked to the other side of the room. + </p> + <p> + Rosa durst not follow him even with her eyes. She sat, her face concealed + by her handkerchief, weeping many tears for him—more for herself, + until she heard his step close beside her, and he seated himself upon her + sofa. + </p> + <p> + “Rosa! dear friend! my sympathizing little sister! I shall not readily + gain my own pardon for having distressed you so sorely. When you can do it + with comparative ease to yourself, I want you to tell me one or two things + more, and then we will never allude to irreparable bygones again.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready!” removing her soaked cambric, and forcing a fluttering smile + that might show how composed she was; “don't think of me! I was only + grieved for your sake, and sorry because I had unwittingly hurt you. I was + in hopes—I imagined—” + </p> + <p> + “That I had ontlived my disappointment? You said, that same September day, + that women hid their green wounds in sewing rooms and oratories. Mine + should have been cauterized long ago, by other and harsher means, you + think. It seldom bleeds—but tonight, I had not time to ward off the + point of the knife and it touched a raw spot. Don't let me frighten you! + now that the worst is upon me, I must be calmer presently. You were at + Ridgeley, in September, a year since, when she who was then Miss Aylett”—compelling + himself to the articulation of the sentence that signified the later + change—“received her brother's command to reject me?” + </p> + <p> + “I was.” + </p> + <p> + “He would never tell me upon what evil report his prohibition was based. + He was more communicative with his sister, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + And Rosa, following the example of other women—and men—who + vaunt their principles more highly than she did hers, made a frank + disclosure of part of the truth and held her tongue as to the rest. + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't help seeing that something was wrong, for Mabel, who, up to + the receipt of her brother's letter and one from you that came by the same + mail, had been very cheerful and talkative, suddenly grew more serious and + reserved than was her habit at any time; but she told me nothing whatever, + never mentioned your name again in my hearing. Mrs. Sutton did hint to me + her fear that Mr. Aylett had heard something prejudicial to your + character, which had greatly displeased him and shocked Mabel, but even + she was unaccountably reticent. Intense as was my anxiety to learn the + particulars of the story, and upon what evidence they were induced to + believe it, I dared not press my inquiry into what it was plain they + intended to guard as a family secret.” + </p> + <p> + His reply was just what she had foreseen and guarded against. + </p> + <p> + “It would have been a kind and worthy deed, had you written to warn me of + my danger, and advised me to make my defence in person. As it was, I was + thrown off roughly and pitilessly—my demand upon the brother for the + particulars of the accusation against me—my appeal to the sister—loving + and earnest as words could make it—for permission to visit her and + learn from her own lips that she trusted or disowned me, were alike + disregarded. Mr. Aylett's response was a second letter, more coldly + insulting than the first—hers, the return of my last, after she had + opened and read it, then the surrender of my gifts, letters, notes, + everything that could remind her that we had ever met and loved. Mrs. + Sutton, too, my father's old and firm friend, deserted me in my extremity. + And she must have been acquainted with the character and extent of the + charges preferred against me. I had hoped better things from her, if only + because I bear her dead husband's name. Did she never speak in your + hearing of writing to me?” + </p> + <p> + “She did—but said, in the next breath, that it would be useless, + since the minds of the others were fully made up. I knew she thought + Winston arbitrary, and Mabel credulous; but she was afraid to interfere. + As for myself, what could I have told you that you had not already heard? + I could only hope that the cloud was not heavy, and would soon blow over. + From the hour in which it cast the first shadow upon her, Mabel was + estranged from me—the decline of our intimacy commenced. The Ayletts + take pride in keeping their own counsel. Winston, who never liked me, and + whom I detested, was as confidential with me in this affair as my old + playfellow and school-mate. Believe me when I declare that if my + intercession could have availed aught with her, I would have run the risk + of her displeasure and Winston's anathemas by offering it.” + </p> + <p> + “I do believe you! Nor need you expatiate to me upon the obduracy of the + Aylett pride. Surely, no one living has more reason than I to comprehend + how unreasoning and implacable I find it is. I looked for injustice at + Winston Aylett's hands. I read him truly in our only private interview. + Insolent, vain, despotic—wedded to his dogmas, and intolerant of + others' opinion, he disliked me because I refused to play the obedient + vassal to his will and requirements; stood upright as one man should in + the presence of a brother-mortal, instead of cringing at his lordship's + footstool. But he was powerless to do more than annoy me without his + sister's co-operation.” + </p> + <p> + “She stood in great, almost slavish, awe of him,” urged Rosa, in + extenuation of Mabel's infidelity. + </p> + <p> + “Aye!” savagely. “And love was not strong enough to cast out fear! She was + justifiable if she hesitated to entrust herself and her happiness to the + keeping of one she had known but two months. It was prudent—not + false—in her to weigh, to the finest grain, the evidence furnished + by her brother to prove my unfitness to be her husband. But having done + all this, she should have remembered that I had rights also. It was + infamous, cowardly, cruel beyond degree, to cast her vote against me + without giving me a chance of self-exculpation. Her hand—not his—struck + the dagger into my back!” + </p> + <p> + Again Rosa's fingers involuntarily (?) stole into his, to recall him to a + knowledge of where he was, and there were fresh tears, ready to fall from + her gazelle eyes, when his agitation began to subside. + </p> + <p> + “My poor child!” he said, penitently. “I am behaving like a madman, you + like a pitying angel! We will have no more scenes, and you must oblige me + by forgetting this one, as fast as may be. From to-night Mabel Aylett is + to me as if she had never been. To nobody except yourself have I betrayed + the secret of my hurt. After this, when you think of it, believe that it + is a hurt no longer.” + </p> + <p> + Rosa “had out” her fit of crying when he went away, betaking herself to + her chamber and locking the door that her aunt might not surprise her + while the traces of tears disfigured her cheeks. But she was anything but + broken-hearted, and only slightly sore in spirit in the retrospect of what + had ensued upon her communication to the discarded lover. He had, indeed, + given more evidence of his unconquered passion for Mabel than she had + expected. His undisguised pleasure in renewed companionship with herself; + his excellent spirits during the greater part of the evening; his + unembarrassed reply to her aunt's malapropos observation, and fluent chat + upon other themes, had misled her into the hope that the ungenerous and + uncivil conduct of the Ayletts had disgusted and alienated him from + sister, no less than from brother. It was a disappointment to discover + that it cost him a terrible effort to pronounce Mabel's name, while the + abrupt intelligence of her marriage had distracted him to incoherent + ravings, which had nearly amounted to curses upon the authors of his pain. + </p> + <p> + “And all for a woman who could bring herself, after being engaged to + Frederic Chilton, to marry that dolt of a Dorrance!” she said, + indignantly. “I wonder if he would have been consoled or chagrined had I + painted the portrait of the man who had superseded him. It is as well that + I did not make the experiment. He would be magnanimous enough when he + cooled down—which he will do by to-morrow morning—to pity her, + and that is next to the last thing I want him to do. Thank goodness! the + denouement is over, and the topic an interdicted one from this time forth. + Now for the verification or refutation of the saying that a heart is most + easily caught in the rebound. There was some jargon we learned at school + about the angle of incidence being equal to that of reflection. You see, + my dearly beloved self,” nodding with returning sauciness at her image in + the mirror before which she was combing her hair, “I undertake this + business in the spirit of philosophical investigation.” + </p> + <p> + She needed to keep her courage up by these and the like whimsical + conceits, when the forenoon of the next day passed away without a glimpse + of Mr. Chilton. He had not yet left his card for the Masons, nor called to + inquire after her health, when the summons sounded to the five o'clock + dinner. A horrible apprehension seized and devoured her heart by the time + the dessert was brought on, and there were no signs of his appearance. He + had, ashamed to meet her after last night's exposure of his weakness, or + dreading the power of the reminiscences the sight of her would awaken, + left the city without coming to say “Farewell.” That is, she had driven + him from her forever! + </p> + <p> + The room went around with her in a dizzy waltz, as the notion crossed her + brain. + </p> + <p> + “The sight and smell of all these sweets make me sick, Aunt Mary,” she + said, rising from the table. “My head aches awfully! May I go to my room + and lie down?” + </p> + <p> + “Try some of this nice lemon-ice, my love!” prescribed the plump matron. + “The acid will set you all straight. No? You don't think you are going to + have a chill, do you? Father!” nudging her husband who was burying his + spoon in a Charlotte Russe, “this dear child doesn't want any dessert. + Won't you pilot her through the crowd?” + </p> + <p> + “Only to the door, uncle! Then come back to your dinner!” Rosa made answer + to his disconcerted stare. “I can find my way to my chamber without help.” + </p> + <p> + She could have done it, had she been in possession of her accustomed + faculties. But between the harrowing suspicion that engrossed her mind and + the nervous moisture that gathered in her eyes with each step, she mounted + a story too high, and did not perceive her blunder until, happening to + think that her apartment must lie somewhere in the region she had gained, + she consulted the numbers upon the adjacent doors, and saw that she had + wandered a hundred rooms out of her way, She stopped short to consider + which of the corridors, stretching in gas-lit vistas on either hand, would + conduct her soonest to the desired haven, when a gentleman emerging from a + chamber close by stepped directly upon her train. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — IN THE REBOUND. + </h2> + <p> + “I beg your pardon!” said a deep, familiar voice. Then the formality + vanished from face and address. “Is this YOU?” holding out his hand in + hearty friendliness that instantly dispelled Rosa's forebodings. “What or + whom are you seeking in these wilds?” + </p> + <p> + The crystal beads glistened upon her lashes in the fulness and joy of her + deliverance from doubt and fear, and before she could twinkle them back, + broke into smaller brilliants upon her cheeks and the bosom of her dress. + It was very babyish and foolish, but it is to be questioned whether she + could have contrived a more telling situation had she studied it for a + month. + </p> + <p> + “What is it!” inquired Frederic, kindly, not releasing the fingers that + twitched, more than struggled, in his. “Have you been frightened?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” with grieved, but fearless simplicity, “I was frightened because I + thought I had offended you—perhaps driven you away—and that I + should never be able to ask your forgiveness for my cruel abruptness last + night! In thinking about and worrying over this, I somehow lost my way, + and was just trying to remember by what route I reached this strange + neighborhood, when your appearance startled me.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not know, then, that this is Bachelor's Hall—the haunt of + unmated Benedicts, wifeless visitors to the city, and celibate M. C.'s?” + he rejoined, pleasantly. “Let me be your guide to more desirable as well + as more accessible quarters!” + </p> + <p> + On the stairs he bent to scan her blushing countenance. + </p> + <p> + “How am I to punish you for your naughty distrust of my friendship and + common sense? I have been too busy all day to spare a minute for social + pleasure. I dined at two o'clock, having an appointment at three, returned + at half-past five, and was just coming down to your parlor to look you up. + Another bit of unimportant news, with which I should not have annoyed you + if you had not merited a little vexation by your preposterous fancies, is, + that, instead of taking an early train to Philadelphia, I have to-day + entered into engagements that will oblige me to prolong my stay in this + place until the first of February.” + </p> + <p> + He looked bright and cheerful, ready for sport or badinage. Rosa caught + herself wondering many times during that evening, and the succeeding days + of the three weeks they passed under the same roof, if she had dreamed of—not + beheld with her bodily optics—that one stormy burst of passion which + had been his farewell to the hope of a final reconciliation with Mabel + Aylett. + </p> + <p> + He never spoke of her again, or referred, in the most distant manner, to + his visit at Ridgeley. The omission was an agreeable one to Rosa for + several reasons. Silence, she believed, was to oblivion as a means to an + end. Judging from herself, she adopted the theory that people were apt to + forget what they never talked of themselves, nor heard mentioned by + others. Furthermore, she was relieved from the necessity of concocting + diplomatic evasions, dexterously skirting the truth, to say nothing of + plump falsehoods. These last cost her conscience some unpleasant twinges. + To avoid narrating in full what had happened was a work of art. A + downright lie was a stroke of heavy business, unsuited to her airy genius—and + when the Aylett-Chilton complication was upon the tapis, it was difficult + to avoid undertaking such. + </p> + <p> + For three weeks, then, Mr. Frederic Chilton and the Virginian belle + visited concert, theatre, and assembly-room in company, sat side by side + in the spectators' gallery of House and Senate chamber, walked in daylight + along the broad avenues from one magnificent distance to another, and on + home-evenings—which were not many—chatted together familiarly, + the well-pleased Masons thought confidentially, by the fireside in the + family parlor. It must not be inferred from their constant intercourse + that he had the field entirely to himself. Gallants of divers pretensions—first-class, + mediocre, and contemptible—considered with a practical eye to + “settlement,” hovered about the fascinating witch as moths about a + gas-burner, and had no citable cause of complaint of non-appreciation, + inasmuch as she shed equal light upon all, save one. “My very old friend, + Mr. Chilton,” she was wont to denominate him in conversation with those + who inwardly called themselves fools for their jealousy of a man of whom + she spoke thus frankly, with never a stammer or blush; yet they + acknowledged to themselves all the while that they were both suspicious + and envious of his superior advantages. However backward Frederic may have + been in the beginning to monopolize the notice and time of his “sisterly + friend,” he was not an insensate block, who could not perceive and value + the compliment paid him by her partiality—ever apparent, but never + unmaidenly. Impute it to whatever motive he might, the distinction + titillated his vanity, touched, at least, the outermost covering of his + heart. It might be pity, it might be pleasant, mournful memories of other + days—it was most likely of all a sincere platonic affection, for one + with tastes and feelings akin to hers that gave lustre to her eyes, and + gentle meaning to her smile when he drew near. At any rate, it would be + churlish not to accept the preference these conveyed, and to like her and + his position as her chosen knight better every day; it was inevitable that + he should marvel—not without melancholy-at the flight of time that + brought so soon the day of parting. + </p> + <p> + The Masons, with himself, were engaged to attend a large party on the last + evening of January. Without analyzing the impulse that constrained him to + do so, he had refrained from reminding Rosa that his stay in Washington + was so nearly over, and, with masculine consistency, he was half disposed + to be affronted that she had forgotten what he had said to her of its + extent. He had never seen her more lively—in more radiant spirits + and looks—than she was upon the night of the 30th. He had dropped + into her aunt's parlor about ten o'clock, and detected Rosa in the act of + dragging her new ball-dress from the box in which the mantua maker had + sent it home. + </p> + <p> + “Conceive, if you can—but you can't, being a man—what I have + undergone for an hour and more!” she cried, at seeing him. “My treasure—the + darlingest love of a dress I have ever ordered—was brought in + exactly two seconds before a brace of honorables—lumbering machines + that they are! knocked at the door. So, lest they should brand me as a + frivolous doll (as if anybody with a soul, and an infinitesimal degree of + love for the beautiful, COULD help admiring the divine thing!), I pushed + the poor box under the sofa, and there it has lain in ignominious neglect, + like a pearl of purest ray serene smothered in an oyster, all the time + they were here. I was purposely cross and stupid, too, in the hope of + getting rid of them the sooner. If you despise what most of your + undiscriminating sex call fancy articles, consider a woman's fondness for + a ravishing robe despicable and irrational, Mr. Chilton, you need not look + this way. You could hardly have a severer—certainly not a more + appropriate—punishment.” + </p> + <p> + “You depreciate my aesthetic proclivities,” he rejoined, catching her + tone. “You would not trust my bungling fingers to help excavate the gem, I + know; but I may surely use my eyes—admire, as we bid children do—with + my hands behind my back.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his boast of knowingness in the mysteries of feminine + apparel, he could not have told of what material the divine robe was made—except + that it was some shiny white stuff, with wide embroidery upon the + flounces. But Rosa, her aunt, and cousin had gone into ecstacies over it, + and instigated by kind-hearted Mrs. Mason, the enraptured owner had rushed + off to Mrs. Mason's chamber to try it on, returning presently in full + array, elate at the “perfect fit,” and insisting upon a unanimous + declaration that she “had never before worn anything one-thousandth part + as becoming.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a winsome, fantastic, enchanting little being!” remarked Mr. + Chilton, in soliloquy at his dressing-table, the next evening. “I hope she + will enjoy the gathering to-night, as she hopes to do. Will she miss me at + the next she attends?” + </p> + <p> + Then—laughing at the sentimental visage portrayed upon the mirror—“It + would be the acme of ludicrous folly for me to disturb myself on that + score. We have had a pleasant time together—she and I—and + tomorrow it will be over. There is the whole story—except that, in a + month I shall cease to think of her, unless her name is accidentally + uttered in my hearing—I wish I could forget some other things as + easily!—and she will probably be the affianced darling of one of the + lumbering Honorables—the elder and homelier of the brace, I fancy, + since he is the wealthier, and the humming-bird should have a fitting + cage.” + </p> + <p> + Expressing in his composed lineaments and firm stride nothing like + disconsolateness at the programme, he flung his cloak over his arm, took + his white gloves in his hand, cast a passing glance at the glass to see + that his whiskers and hair were in order, and ran down the two flights of + stairs lying between Bachelor's Hall and the Masons' private parlor. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” said a plaintive voice, in answer to his knock. + </p> + <p> + Rosa was alone in the cosy apartment. She was curled up in a great padded + chair, set upon the hearth-rug. Her dress was a plain black silk; she wore + a scarlet shawl, and her head-gear was some odd, but distractingly pretty + construction of white lace, a square folded in two unequal triangles, and + knotted loosely, handkerchief-wise, the points in front, under her chin. + </p> + <p> + “Not ready!” exclaimed Frederic, in merry reproach. “You, the model of + punctual women!” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going!” sighed the humming-bird, dolorously. “I have had a + horrid sore throat all day—and—a—headache—and Aunt + Mary got frightened, and forbade me to put my head out of doors.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a heart-rending affliction! And could you not send the + incomparable dress as your representative?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't laugh!” she said, jerking away her head. “I cannot bear it to-night—not + that I care the millionth part of a fig for all the parties in + christendom; and as for the dress, you think that I haven't a soul above + such frippery and gewgaws: but I wish I had never seen it. I shall never + wear it as long as I live!” + </p> + <p> + And out came the laced cambric to absorb the gathering dew. + </p> + <p> + “There is something in this I do not understand,” said Frederic, setting a + chair for himself close to hers. “Are you really suffering? I imagined + that yours was a case of simple cold, and that Mrs. Mason advised you to + remain indoors chiefly on account of the weather. It is raining hard!” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad it is!” she replied, with the manner of one bereft of human + sympathy, and extracting gloomy delight from the unison of nature with her + morbid broodings. “And my throat isn't nearly so painful as I made Aunt + Mary believe. I did not want to go out. Parties are an awful bore when one + is sad-hearted.” + </p> + <p> + “You really must forgive me!” said Frederic, as she twitched her face away + again at the laugh he could not suppress. “But sadness and you should not + be thought of in the same week. Honestly, now! is not the inimitable + fabric you sported for five minutes last night, at the bottom of what + appears to you a fathomless abyss of woe? Have you tried the efficacy of + rational consolation in the thought of how many more parties there will be + this winter to which you can wear it? The Secretary of State is to give + one in ten days, which is to be the sensation of the season. That of + to-night is, in comparison, as a caucus to a general convention.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never put on the hateful thing again. If Julia Cunningham chooses + to bedizen herself in it, she is welcome to it—flounces and all. Yet + I did like it! I had hoped—but no matter what! You had better be + going, Mr. Chilton. Aunt and the rest of them went three-quarters of an + hour ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Does a dress go out of fashion in so short a time?” persisted innocent + Frederic, bent upon mitigating her sorrow. “If my memory serves me aright, + I have seen ladies wear the same ball-dress several times in the same + winter.” + </p> + <p> + “You will never see this on me,” snapped Rosa, her eyes ominously fiery + again. “Did you hear me advise you of the lateness of the hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I decline appearing at all in the festal scene?” said the + gentleman. “I shall not be missed. I will just run down and dismiss the + carriage—then, with your permission, will return and spend the + evening here.” + </p> + <p> + Her cheeks looked as if they had been touched with wet vermilion, when he + resumed his place near her, and the folds of the handkerchief in her hand + hung more limply. + </p> + <p> + “I ought not to allow this sacrifice!” she faltered gratefully. “Because I + have the vapors, I have no right to keep you within reach of the + infection. It is shamefully, wickedly selfish!” + </p> + <p> + “It is no such thing!” he contradicted. “If you would know the truth, I + was, myself, averse to attending this 'crush.' But for your indisposition, + I should hail with unmixed pleasure the chance that releases me from the + obligation to form a part of the throng. It is far more in consonance with + my feelings to pass this, our last evening together, as we have spent so + many others, in quiet talk at this fireside. I had not supposed it + possible that I could ever feel so much at home in a hotel—a + Washington caravansary especially—as I have within the last three + weeks. Do you know, or have you not burdened your memory with such + unimportant memoranda as the fact, that I must set my face + Philadelphia-ward to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “I had not dreamed that the time was so near at hand—it seemed such + a little while since the evening of our arrival—until I happened, + last night, after you left us, to take up Mrs. Rogers' invitation-card for + this evening. THEN, I recollected!” + </p> + <p> + Her listless resignation had in it something piteous, and the lever of + compassion impelled him to further efforts of cheer. + </p> + <p> + “I have to thank you for all the enjoyment of my visit to this, heretofore + to me, dismal city. If you should ever visit Philadelphia—as I + earnestly hope you will—you must acquaint me with your whereabouts + immediately upon your arrival. I should be sorry to think that our + friendship is to end here and now.” + </p> + <p> + “As well here and now, as anywhere and at any time!” returned Rosa, yet + more resignedly. “And the end must come, sooner or later. This was what I + was saying over to myself when you came in. I am a fool—a baby—to + mind it!” angrily dashing away the obtrusive brine from her mournful + eyelids. “I WISH you would leave me alone for a few minutes, Mr. Chilton, + until I can behave myself!” + </p> + <p> + For a second it seemed that her companion would take her at her word, so + puzzled and troubled was his countenance, and he moved slightly, as about + to obey the petulant behest; then sat still. + </p> + <p> + “I have found no fault in your behavior!” he said, too coolly to please + Rosa's notion. + </p> + <p> + “I know you despise me!” she burst forth, chokingly. “I believe I am + hysterical, and the more I rail at my stupidity and folly, the more + unmanageable my nerves—if it is my nerves that are out of order—become. + But I have been so happy, so content and grateful, lately! And everything + will be so different after—after TO-MORROW!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice had failed to a sobbing whisper, and the diaphanous cambric + veiled her bowed face. + </p> + <p> + Frederic Chilton did not stir a finger or attempt to speak for a full + minute, but in that minute he thought a volume, felt acutely. + </p> + <p> + This, then, was what he had been doing in his hours of relaxation from the + business which had occupied his mind to the banishment of nearly every + other consideration; that had driven into comparative obscurity the old + gnawing grief which had incorporated itself with his being! The intimacy + with a beautiful, sprightly girl had been a holiday diversion to him after + arduous brain-labor, recreation sought conscientiously and systematically, + that his mental powers might be clearer and fresher for the next day's + toil in court and among perplexing records; in hunting up titles and + disputed property, and proving their validity. He had gained the cause + that had brought him to the capital, and cost him so much fatigue and + anxiety, and was proud of his success. But what of this other piece of + work? Would not the most cold-blooded flirt, who ever prated of fidelity, + when he meant betrayal and desertion, blush to father this business? And + she, poor, guileless lamb, must bear the pain, the mortification, perhaps + the contumely, which ought to be his in seven-fold measure! + </p> + <p> + “Stay, Rosa!” he said, huskily, when she attempted to rise. “Do not leave + me yet. I may not be altogether so unworthy, so basely callous as I have + given you reason to suppose. Can it be that I have misconstrued what you + have said, or do you really care that our separation is so near? I had not + thought of this.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand.” She lowered her flag of distress and confronted him + sorrowfully, not in resentment. “You believed me incapable of deep and + lasting feeling; saw in me no more than the world does, a giddy coquette, + feather-haired and shallow-hearted. Be it so. Perhaps it is best that you + should not be undeceived. Such injustice and prejudice are the penalties a + woman must suffer who wears a tinsel cloak over her finer affections—admits + but few, sometimes but one, to her sanctum sanctorum. The gushing, loving, + extensively-loving class fare better. You have been very kind and + attentive to me in my strangerhood here, Mr. Chilton. I must always revert + to your conduct with gratitude. By the way”—a hysterical laugh + breaking into her dignified acknowledgment of benefits received—“that + is the same, in substance, that you said to me a while ago, isn't it? So + we are even—owe each other nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Except to love one another.” The solemn accents hushed her reckless + prattle. “Rosa, can you learn this lesson?” + </p> + <p> + She had shrunk down—sunk is not the word to convey an idea of the + prostration of strength, the collapse of resolution, expressed by the + figure cowering in the deep chair, its face upborne and hidden by the + shaking hands. They were cold as ice, Frederic felt, when he would have + drawn them aside. + </p> + <p> + “We will have no foolish reserves, my child. Much, if not all, the + happiness of our future lives may depend upon our perfect sincerity now. + You do not require to be told how poor is the offering of my heart. You + are the only person who has ever entered into the secret of its emptiness + and desolation; seen blight, where there should be bloom; ashes, where + flame should glow. But such as it is, it is yours, if you will have it. If + you are willing to trust yourself with me, I will cherish as I now honor + you, truly and forever; leave no means untried that can add to your + happiness. Dare you make the venture?” + </p> + <p> + Her unstudied caress was beautiful and pathetic in its lowliness of + humility and earnest affection—too earnest for the commonplace + outlet of words. It was to slip to her knees at his feet, and kiss his + hand, then lay her cheek upon it, as some dumb, devoted thing might do. + </p> + <p> + Then she was lifted into his arms, and kissed with a fervor she mistook + for awakening passion, and her heart bounded more madly in the belief that + her victory was complete, that he would henceforward be hers in feeling as + in name. + </p> + <p> + Yet the words breathed into her ear as her head rested upon his bosom + might have taught her the fallacy of her conviction and her hopes. + </p> + <p> + “My noble, faithful girl! What have I to offer you in payment for all + this?” + </p> + <p> + “I ask nothing, except the right to be with, and to serve you!” responded + Rosa. + </p> + <p> + And she thought she spoke the whole truth for once. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — AUNT RACHEL WAXES UNCHARITABLE. + </h2> + <p> + “A SLY, artful, treacherous jade?” articulated Mrs. Sutton, energetically. + “I have no patience with her. And they say she is so overjoyed at her + conquest that she trumpets the engagement everywhere. Such shameless + carrying on I never heard of. If she ever crosses my path I shall treat + her to some wholesome truths.” + </p> + <p> + “What good would that do, aunt?” asked Mabel Dorrance, without raising her + head from her sewing. “And what has she done that should incense you or + any one else against her? She was free to choose a husband, and we have no + right to cavil at her choice. I hope she will be very happy. I used to + love her—we loved each other very fondly once. There are some + excellent traits in Rosa's character, and when she is once married she + will be less volatile.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you believe it. Her flightiness and insincerity are ingrain! I + believed in her once myself—she had such beguiling ways, it was hard + to disapprove of anything she said or did. But I was secretly aware, all + the time, that there was a radical defect in her composition. A woman who + has been engaged, or as good as engaged, to six or eight different men, + cannot retain much purity of mind or strength of affection. I heard you + tell her yourself once that such unscrupulous flirtation and bandying of + hearts were profane touches that rubbed the down from the peach.” + </p> + <p> + “That was the extravagant talk of a silly, romantic girl,” replied Mabel, + with a smile that changed to a sigh before the sentence was finished. “I + was somewhat given to lecturing other people, in those days, upon subjects + of which I knew little or nothing. Nine men out of ten care little how + roughly the peach has been rubbed, provided the flavor is not injured to + their taste. It is only once in a great while that you meet with one whose + palate is so nice that he can detect the difference between fruit that has + been hawked through the market and that just picked from the tree. First + love is a myth at which rational people laugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” said Mrs. Sutton dubiously. + </p> + <p> + In view of the circumstances of Mabel's marriage, she felt that it + behooved her to be circumspect in condemnation of transferred affections. + </p> + <p> + “But that does not alter the fact of Rosa Tazewell's infamous behavior to + Alfred Branch and others of her beaux. Isn't the poor fellow drinking + himself into his grave, all through his disappointment? And here she is + going to be as honored a wife as if she had never perjured herself, or + ruined an honest, loving man's prospects for life!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel went on with her work, and did not reply. + </p> + <p> + “I have had uncomfortable suspicions about certain passages in her + intercourse with us, since I heard this news,” continued Mrs. Sutton, + edging her chair toward her niece, and dropping her voice. “I am afraid I + can date the beginning of her cruelty to Alfred back to that September she + spent here—to the latter part of it, I mean. Little scenes come to + my memory that caused me trifling uneasiness then. I shall never forget, + for instance, how she eyed you, the morning Winston came home so + unexpectedly.” + </p> + <p> + And she described the incident recorded in the latter part of our opening + chapter. + </p> + <p> + “Can it be,” she pursued, “that she had even then designs upon the man she + is about to marry? She knew all the circumstances of the trouble that + ensued, and if disposed to be meddlesome, she had the means at her + command.” + </p> + <p> + “I told her nothing,” said Mabel briefly. + </p> + <p> + “But she pumped me pretty effectually,” confessed the aunt shamefacedly. + “I thought there could be no harm in giving her a synopsis of the case—she + being your intimate friend.” + </p> + <p> + Another gleam of pensive amusement crossed Mabel's face. She knew too well + the nature of her aunt's “synopsis” to doubt that Rosa was conversant with + every phase of the affair, concerning which her own lips had been so + sternly sealed. + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing with which to reproach yourself,” she said, tranquilly. + “She marries with her eyes open.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't imagine for one instant that she would be annoyed by any such + scruples as beset you!” cried Mrs. Sutton scoffingly. “Why, the woman + would sooner go to the altar with a handsome, dashing libertine, who had + broken hearts by the dozen, than marry a quiet, honest Christian, who had + never breathed of love to any ears except hers. The aim of her life is to + create or experience a sensation. I don't quite see how she could have + made trouble in that sad affair, but I should like to be positive that she + did not.” + </p> + <p> + “You may safely acquit her of that sin,” rejoined Mabel. “There was + neither need nor room for her interference. Whatever may have been her + inclination, she was shrewd enough to perceive that the natural course of + events was bringing about the desired end—if it were a desirable one + to her—without her help or hindrance. But, aunt! doesn't it strike + you that this is a very profitless talk, and very uncharitable? It is a + sorry task, this volunteering our assistance to the dead past to bury its + dead. And I, for one, have too much bound up in the future to offer my + service in the painful work. Look! is not this pretty?” + </p> + <p> + She was embroidering a white merino cloak for an infant, in a pattern so + rich and elaborate, that Mrs. Sutton groaned in commingled admiration and + sympathy as she inspected it. + </p> + <p> + “You are throwing time and strength away upon this work!” she + expostulated. “I don't know another lady in your circumstances who would + not take her friends' advice, and put out all the sewing you need to have + done. But your eyes and fingers have labored incessantly for six months + upon the finest work you could devise, and you begin to look like a + shadow. I don't wonder Mr. Dorrance seems uneasy sometimes. He complained + this morning that you did not take enough exercise in the open air.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not anxious, nor should he be. I am well, and stronger than you + will believe. As to the work, it has been one great delight of my + existence during the period you speak of. I could not endure that anybody + but myself should assist in fashioning the dainty, tiny garments that make + my hope an almost present reality. Every stitch seems to bring nearer the + fulfilment of the dear promise. I only regret that this is the last of the + set. I shall be at a loss for occupation for the next two months. And I + fear from something Herbert said to-day, that he does not intend for me to + return to Albany until the spring fairly opens. Dr. Williams has been + talking to him about my cough.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Williams is a fussy old woman, and Mr. Dorrance”—began Mrs. + Sutton. + </p> + <p> + Mabel quietly took up the word. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dorrance is ignorant of diseases and medicines, as men usually are + who have not studied these with a view to practise upon themselves or + others. I have said that he is not really uneasy; but he says, and with + truth, that the Northern March and April are raw and cold, and will try my + strength severely. Winston and Clara share in his fears. It is very kind + in them to tender me the hospitalities of their house for so long a time, + but I should feel more at home in my own, during my illness and + convalescence.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not tell your husband this plainly?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it might bias his judgment and embarrass his action. I am willing + to do as he thinks best.” + </p> + <p> + There were not many subjects upon which Mrs. Sutton was irascible, but she + patted the floor with her foot now as if this was one of them—her + discontent finding vent at length in what she regarded as a perfectly safe + query. + </p> + <p> + “Will he remain with you?” + </p> + <p> + “He cannot. His business is large and increasing. He can afford but this + one fortnight vacation.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you expect to get along without him?” + </p> + <p> + “I expect my dear old aunt to come often and see me,” said Mabel + affectionately, parrying the catechism “Clara suggested, of her own + accord, when the extension of my visit was discussed, that you should be + invited to be with me late in April—and I don't want you to refuse. + Do you understand, and mean to be complaisant? You are all the mother I + have ever known, auntie.” + </p> + <p> + “My lamb! you need not fear lest I shall not improve every opportunity of + seeing and comforting you. I shall return a civil and grateful reply to + Mrs. Aylett's invitation, for your sake! and for the same reason try and + remember, while I remain her guest, that her right to be and to reign at + Ridgeley is superior to yours or mine.” + </p> + <p> + The good lady was not to be harshly censured if she now and then, in + private confabulation with her favorite, let fall a remark which was the + reverse of complimentary to her niece-in-law. Mabel's marriage was the + signal for a radical reorganization of the Ridgeley domestic + establishment, by which Mrs. Sutton was reduced from the busy, responsible + situation of housekeeper to the unenviable one of unnoticed and + unconsulted supernumerary. + </p> + <p> + “Not that I wish you to desert your old quarters, still less to feel like + a stranger with us,” said Mrs. Aylett graciously, while she affixed + shining brass labels to the keys of closets, sideboards, and store-rooms—the + keys Aunt Rachel could distinguish from one another, and all others in the + world, in the darkest night, without any labels whatever; which had grown + smooth and bright by many years' friction of her nimble fingers. “But Mr. + Aylett wishes me to assume the real, as well as nominal, government of the + establishment”—Mrs. Aylett was fond of the polysyllable as conveying + better than any other term she could employ the grandeur of her position + as Baroness of Ridgeley. “He insists that the servants are growing + worthless and refractory under the rule of so many. Hereafter—this + is his law, not mine—hereafter, those attached to the house + department are to come to me about their orders, and the plantation + workmen to him. I shall undoubtedly have much trouble in curing the + satellites appointed to me of their irregular habits, and reducing them to + something resembling system; but Winston's extreme dissatisfaction with + the anarchy that prevailed under the ancien regime moves me to the + undertaking.” + </p> + <p> + “They have always—for generations back, I may say—been called + excellent servants; faithful in the discharge of their duties, and + attached to their owners,” returned Mrs. Sutton tremulously. “And since I + have been in charge—ever since my dear sister's death, I have done + my best with them, as with everything else committed by my nephew to my + care. But of course I have nothing to urge against your plan. If I can + help you in any way”—- + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! You are extremely kind, my dear madam,” honeyedly. “But I + should be ashamed and sorry to be compelled to call upon you for + assistance in performing what you have done so easily and successfully for + fifteen years. I must learn confidence in my own powers, if I would be + respected by underlings. They would be quick to detect the power behind + the throne; let me hold counsel with you ever so secretly, and my + authority would be weakened by the discovery. I have not the vanity to + believe that my maiden attempt at housewifery will be attended by the + distinction that has crowned yours, but practice will perfect in this, as + in other labors. And my dear Mrs. Sutton, Mr. Aylett bids me say, in his + name, as it gives me pleasure to do in my own, that although your + occupation is gone, you are ever welcome to a home at Ridgeley, free of + all expense. It is our hope that you may still content yourself here, even + if Mabel has gone from the nest. I suppose, however, nothing will satisfy + her, when she goes to housekeeping, but having you with her as a permanent + institution. My brother intimated as much to me before his marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Declining with mild hauteur, that gave great, but secret amusement to her + would-be benefactress, the handsome offer of a free asylum, Mrs. Sutton + went to live with a cousin of her late husband's, whose snug plantation + was situated about twelve miles from the Aylett place, and in the + neighborhood of the Tazewells. It was a pleasant, but not a permanent + arrangement, she gave out to her numerous friends, any of whom would have + accounted themselves favored by an acceptance of a home for life in their + families. + </p> + <p> + “Ridgeley was changed and lonely since Mabel's departure, and her own + habits were too active to be conformed to those of so small a household. + Indeed, there was nothing for her to do there any longer, so she was glad + to avail herself of Mrs. William Sutton's invitation to stay a while with + her. The children made the house so lively. In the fall, the house Mr. + Dorrance was having built for his Southern bride would be ready for them, + and Mabel's claim upon her aunt's society and services must take + precedence of all others.” + </p> + <p> + The fall came, and Mabel wrote detailed descriptions of the beautiful home + Herbert had prepared for her; wrote, moreover, with more feeling and + animation, of the new and precious hopes of happiness held out to her + loving heart in the prospect of what the spring would give into her arms, + but said nothing of her aunt's coming to her for the winter, or for an + indefinite period, the bounds of which were to be set only by her beloved + relative's wishes. The omission was trying enough to the foster-mother's + heart and patience, even while she believed the knowledge of it to be + confined to herself. She could still hold up her head bravely among her + kindred and acquaintances, and talk of the “dear child's” good fortune and + contentment with it; how popular and beloved she was among them, and what + an elegant house her generous husband had bestowed upon her; could still + hint at the instability of her own plans, and the possibility that she + might, at any day or hour, determine to leave her native State and follow + her “daughter” into what the latter represented was not an unpleasant + exile. + </p> + <p> + An end was put to this innocent deception—for, if any deception can + be termed innocent, it is surely that by which he who practises it is + himself beguiled—the blameless guile was then arrested by a story + repeated to her by her indignant hosts, as having emanated directly from + Mrs. Aylett. She had given expression, publicly, at a large dinner-party, + to her amazement and pity at the self-delusion under which “poor, dear + Mrs. Sutton” labored, in expecting to take up her residence with Mr. and + Mrs. Dorrance. + </p> + <p> + “My brother laments her hallucination as much, if not more than his wife + does,” she said, in her best modulations of creamy compassion. “But, + indeed, my dear Mrs. Branch, they are not accountable for it. Not a + syllable has ever escaped either of them which a reasonable person could + construe into a request that she should become an inmate of their + household. So careful have they been to avoid exciting her expectations in + this regard, that they have refrained from extending to her an invitation + for even a month. Those who are most familiar with the poor lady's + peculiarities do not require to be told how ill-advised would be the + arrangement she desires. Mabel is a thoroughly sensible woman, and too + devoted a wife to advocate anything so injudicious, while her husband is + naturally jealous for her dignity and the inviolability of her authority + in her own house. Mrs. Sutton left Ridgeley in opposition to our earnest + entreaties that she would spend the evening of her days with us. I was + assured then, as I am now, that she would receive the same love and + respect nowhere else. But she could not brook the semblance of + interference with her rule where she had reigned so long and + irresponsibly. And while we may deplore, we can hardly find fault with + this weakness. It must have been a trial—and not an ordinary one—to + be obliged, at her age, to resign the sceptre she had swayed for upward of + fifteen years.” + </p> + <p> + “'Their words are smoother than oil, but in their mouths is a drawn + sword,'” quoted Mrs. Sutton, in meek protest against the sugared malice of + this slander when it was told to her. “This is none of Mabel's doings. She + loves me dearly as ever, but one might as well hope to move the Blue Ridge + as to teach that pragmatical husband of hers to consult her wishes and her + good, before he does his own. His head is hard as a flint, and his heart—never + mind! Heaven forgive me if I am unjust to him! I should be thankful that + he does not really mean to misuse my darling. Now, my dears, you see how + undesirable an inmate of any house I am rated to be. If you wish to + retract your offer of a hiding-place for my old head, I shall not take it + amiss. Thanks to Providence and my dear Frederic I have enough, to + maintain me decently anywhere in this country. I shall never be chargeable + to anybody for my food, victuals, and lodgings. If you are willing to let + me board here and do odd stitches for the children when they tear their + aprons and rub out the knees of their trowsers—just to keep me out + of mischief, you understand!—I promise to be as little officious in + housewifely concerns as it is in my nature to be.” + </p> + <p> + William Sutton and his wife—a woman who was both sagacious and + amiable—reiterated their assurances that she could not confer a + greater boon upon them than by remaining where she was, and with them she + had stayed until Mr. Aylett sent over the Ridgeley carriage, one day in + the third week in February, with a note from Mabel, begging her aunt to + present herself, without needless delay, at the homestead, since she was + not reckoned sufficiently strong to attempt the uneven and muddy roads + that still separated them. Mrs. Aylett also dispatched a billet by the + coachman, the graceful burden of which was the same as that of Mabel's + petition, and the two long-sundered friends were speedily together; + fellow-partakers of a bountiful and painstaking hospitality, which kept + them continually in mind that they were guests, and not at home. + </p> + <p> + The dialogue relative to Rosa Tazewell's matrimonial project took place on + the third day of Mrs. Sutton's visit, in Mabel's chamber, and when the + former, having talked off the topmost bubbles of her righteous wrath, + recollected several very important letters—business and friendly—she + ought to have written a week ago, and trotted off to her room where she + could perform the neglected duty without visible and outward temptation to + that she was more fond of doing—to wit, talking—the young wife + continued to work steadily, and with apparent composure. It was not a + bright face on which the light from the western windows fell, yet it was + not unhappy. She had never pretended to herself that her marriage was a + step toward happiness, but she had believed that it would secure to her a + larger share of peace, immunity from disturbance, and independence of + thought and action, than fell to her lot in her brother's house, and for + these negative benefits she longed wearily. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett was not wantonly or openly unkind to his ward, and ungenerous + persecution was utterly incompatible with the temper and habits of his + lady wife, but between them they had contrived to make the girl's life + very miserable. It was Winston's cue—adopted, let us hope, from the + strict sense of duty he avowed had ever actuated him in his treatment of + the charge bequeathed him by his father—to deport himself with calm, + seldom-relaxed severity to one who had showed herself to be entirely + unworthy of confidence; to exercise unremitting surveillance upon her + personal association with young people out of the family and her + correspondence, and to curb by look and oral reproof the most distant + approach to what he condemned as indiscreet levity. In a thousand ways—many + of them ingenious, and all severe, she was made to feel the curtailment of + her liberty, and given to understand that it was the just retribution of + her unlucky love-affair with an unprincipled adventurer. Mrs. Aylett + professed to discountenance this policy—to be Mabel's secret friend + and ally, while she deemed it unwise to combat her husband's will by overt + measures for his sister's protection. + </p> + <p> + Thus, for a year, the object of his real displeasure and her affected + commiseration lived under a cloud, too proud to complain of her thraldom, + but feeling it every second; mourning, in the seclusion of the trebly + barred chambers of her heart, over her shattered idol and squandered + affections, and fancying, in the morbid distrust engendered by the + discovery of her lover's baseness, and the weight of her brother's + unsparing reprobation of her insane imprudence, that she descried in every + face, save Aunt Rachel's, contempt or rebuke for the faux pas that had so + nearly cast a stigma upon her name and lineage. + </p> + <p> + In Herbert Dorrance's honest admiration and assiduous courtship the most + suspicious scrutiny could detect no tincture of either of these feelings, + and it was not long before she took refuge in his society from the risk of + being wounded and angered by the supposed exhibition of them in others. + Here was one man who could not but know of her folly, in all its length, + breadth, and depth, who was a witness of her daily chastisement for it at + her guardian's hands, yet who esteemed her unsullied by the unworthy + attachment, undegraded by punishment. Gratitude had a powerful auxiliary + in her feverish longing to escape from scenes that kept alive to the + quick, memories she would have annihilated, had her ability been + commensurate with her will. All other associations with the house in which + she, and her father before her, had been born, and in which she had passed + her childhood and girlish days, were overrun by the thickly thronging and + pertinacious recollections of the two short weeks Frederic Chilton had + spent there with her. He haunted her walks and drives; trod, by her side, + the resounding floor of the vine-covered portico, sat with her in parlor + and halls; sang to her accompaniment when she would have exorcised the + phantom by music—was always, whenever and wherever he appeared—the + tender, ingenuous, manly youth she had loved and reverenced as the + impersonation of her ideal lord; the demi-god whom she had worshipped, + heart and soul—set, in her exulting imagination no lower than the + angels, and beheld in the end,—with besmirched brow and debased + mien, a disgraced sensualist, not merely a deceiver of another woman's + innocent confidence, and her tempter to dishonor and wretchedness, but a + poltroon—a whipped coward who had not dared to lift voice or pen in + denial or extenuation of his crime. + </p> + <p> + The law of reaction is of more nearly universal application in moral and + in physical science than men are willing to believe. We have seen how + cunningly Rosa calculated upon it, and wiser people than she, every day, + attribute the most momentous actions of their lives to its influence. + </p> + <p> + “My advice to every woman is to marry for GOODNESS—simple integrity + of word and deed!” said a lady, once in my hearing. + </p> + <p> + She was an excellent scholar, attractive in person and in manner, gifted + in conversation and opulent in purse. Her hand had been sought in marriage + by more than one, and in early womanhood she had made choice among her + suitors of a man whose plausible exterior was the screen of a black heart + and infamous life. Convinced of her mistake barely in time to escape + copartnership in his stained name and ruined fortunes, she set up the + history of her deadly peril as a beacon to others as ardent and unwary as + her old-time self. Either to put a double point upon the moral, or to + insure herself against similar mishap in the future, she wedded an amiable + and correct fool, a mere incidental in the work of human creation, who was + as incapable of making his mark upon the age that produced him as an + angle-worm is of lettering solid granite. + </p> + <p> + Mabel's husband was not a simpleton, or characterless; but if he had been, + his prospects of success would not have been materially damaged by her + knowledge of his deficiencies. A union with him was a safe investment, and + must be several degrees more supportable than was her position at + Ridgeley, banned by its owner and patronized by his wife. I neither excuse + nor blame her for thus deciding and transacting. Should I censure, a + majority of my readers—nearly all of the masculine portion—would + pick holes in my unpractical philosophy, scout my reasoning as illogical, + brand my conclusions as pernicious—winding up their protest with the + sigh of the mazed disciples, when stunned by the great Teacher's + deliverance upon the subject of divorce, “If the case of the man be so + with his wife, it is not good to marry!” + </p> + <p> + Which dogma I likewise decline to dispute—falling back thankfully + upon the blessed stronghold of unambitious story-tellers—namely, + that my vocation is to describe what IS—not make fancy-sketches of + millennial days, when rectitude shall be the best, because most + remunerative policy; when sincerity shall be wisdom—proven and + indisputable, and consistency the rule of human faith and practice the + world over, instead of being, as it now is, one of the lost (or never + invented) fine arts. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — JULIUS LENNOX. — + </h2> + <p> + “You are puttin' your eyes out, workin' so stiddy, honey, and it's gettin' + dark.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel aroused herself from her intent attitude, and looked at the window. + There was a brassy glimmer in the cloudy west; the rest of the sky was + covered by thick vapors. + </p> + <p> + “The days are still very short,” she said, folding her work, and becoming + aware that her eyes ached from long and close study of the intricate + pattern. + </p> + <p> + It was Mammy Phillis who had interrupted her reverie, and she now laid an + armful of seasoned hickory wood upon the hearth, and set herself about + mending the fire, taking up the ashes which had accumulated since morning, + putting the charred sticks together, and collecting the embers into a + compact bed. + </p> + <p> + “We're goin' to have fallin' weather 'fore long,” she observed, + oracularly. “The wind has changed since dinner, and when the wind whirls + about on a sudden, we upon this ridge is the fust to find it out. I must + see that them lazy chil'len, Lena and Lizy, fills your wood-box to-night + with dry wood; I'd be loth to have you ketch cold while you are here.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very good, Mammy, but why do you trouble yourself to attend to my + fire? You should have sent up Lena with that great load of logs.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't easy without I see to you myself, at least once a day. It 'minds + me of the good ole times to wait upon you. O, Lord! how long?” shaking her + tartan turban with a portentous groan, her chin almost scraping the + hearth, as she stooped to blow into the crater of fiery coals. + </p> + <p> + Mabel was too well versed in the customs of the race and class to take + alarm at the mysterious invocation. She watched the old woman's movements + in a sort of pensive amusement at the recollection of an incident of her + childhood, brought vividly to her mind by the servant's air and + exclamation. + </p> + <p> + She was playing in the yard one day, when “Mammy” emerged from her + cottage-door, and came toward her, with a batch of sweet cakes she had + just baked for her nursling. + </p> + <p> + In crossing the gravel walk leading to the “house,” she struck her toe + against the brick facing of this, and the cakes flew in all directions. + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord! my poor toe and my poor chile's cakes!” was her vehement + interjection; and as she bent to gather up the cookies, she grunted out + the same adjuration, coupled with “my poor ole back!”—a negress' + stock subject of complaint, let her be but twenty years old and as strong + as an ox. + </p> + <p> + “Mammy!” said the privileged child, reprovingly, “I thought you were too + good a Christian to break the commandments in that way. You shouldn't take + the Lord's name in vain.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious! Sugar-pie! how you talk! Ef I don't call 'pon Him in time of + trouble, who can I ask to help me?” was the confident reply. + </p> + <p> + With no thought of any more formidable cause of outcry than a cramp in the + much-quoted spine, Mabel dreamed on sketchily and indolently, enjoying the + sight of the once-familiar process of building a wood-fire, until the + yellow serpents of flame crept, red-tongued through the interstices of the + lower logs, and the larger and upper began to sing the low, drowsy tune, + more suggestive of home-cheer and fireside comfort than the shrill, + monotonous chirp of the famous cricket on the hearth. The pipe-clayed + bricks on which the andirons rested were next swept clean; the + hearth-brush hung up on its nail, and the architect of the edifice stepped + back with a satisfied nod. + </p> + <p> + “I have often wished for a glimpse of one of your beautiful fires, Mammy, + since I have been in Albany,” said Mabel, kindly. “Our rooms and halls are + all heated by furnaces. An open fireplace would be a novelty to + Northerners, and such a roaring, blazing pile of hard wood as that, be + considered an unpardonable extravagance.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! I never did have no 'pinion of them people.” Phillis tossed her + turban and cocked her prominent chin. “It's all make money, and save! + save! If I was 'lowed to go with you, I'll be bound I'd see you have sech + things as you've been 'customed to. The new folks, them what comed from + nothin' and nowhar, and made every dollar they can call their own with + their own hands, don't know how to feel for and look after real ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong about that, if you mean that I have not every comfort I + could ask. My house is warm in the bitterest weather, and far more + handsomely furnished than this. And I have many kind friends. I like the + Northern people, and so would you, if you knew them well.” + </p> + <p> + “They send dreadful poor samples down this way, then,” muttered Phillis, + significantly. “And, some as pertends to be somebody is nobody, or wuss, + ef the truth was known. Don't talk to me 'bout 'em, Miss Mabel, darling! + 'Twas a mighty black day for us when one on 'em fust laid eyes upon Mars' + Winston. You've hearn, ain't you, that my house is to be tore down, and + I'm to go into the quarters 'long with the field hands and sich like + common trash? So long as our skins is all the same color, some folks can't + see no difference in us.” + </p> + <p> + “I had not heard it. I am sorry.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel spoke earnestly, for “Mammy's house,” a neat frame cottage a + story-and-a-half high, embowered in locust-trees, and with a thrifty, + although aged garden—honeysuckle clambering all over the front, was + to her one of the dearest pictures of her early days. She could see + herself, now—the motherless babe whom Aunt Rachel and Mammy had + never let feel her orphanage—sitting on the door-step, bedecking her + doll with the odorous pink-and-white blossoms in summer time, and in + autumn with the light-red berries. + </p> + <p> + “Why is that done?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I spiles the prospect, honey!” fiercely—ironical. “Northern folks + has tender eyes, and I hurts 'em—me and my poor little house what + ole marster built for me when Mars' Winston was a baby, and your blessed + ma couldn't be easy 'thout I was near her—WE spiles the prospect! + So, it must be knocked down and carted away for rubbish to build pig-pens, + I 'spose, and me sent off to live 'mong low-lived niggers, sech as I've + always held myself above. She ain't never put it into Mars' Winston's head + to cut down the trees that shets off the “prospect” of the colored + people's burying-ground from her winder. There's some things she'd as lief + not see. I oughtn't to mind this so much, I know, for I ain't got long for + to stay here nohow, but I did hope to die in my nest!” sobbing behind her + apron. + </p> + <p> + “I am very sorry—more grieved than you can think!” repeated Mabel. + “If I could help you in any way, I would. But I cannot!” + </p> + <p> + “Bless your heart! Don't I know that, dear! Here, you ain't got no more + power nor me. But I WAS a-thinkin' that maybe you wouldn't think me too + old for a nuss when you come to want one, and could manage to take me with + you when you went home. I'se a heap of wear in me yit, and there ain't + nothing 'bout babies I don't understand.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel colored painfully. + </p> + <p> + “If I had my way”—she began—then altered her plan of reply. “I + could not enter into such an arrangement without consulting Mr. Dorrance, + Mammy, and I am afraid he would not think as favorably of it as you and I + do. He has been brought up with different ideas, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “Um-HUM!” + </p> + <p> + An interjection capable of as many and as varied meanings in the mouth of + a colored woman of her stamp as was little Jean Baptiste's “altro!” It + signified now—“I comprehend a great deal more than you want me to + perceive—you poor, downtrodden angel!” + </p> + <p> + “Um-HUM. I always did say he was his sister's own brother—for all + they don't look a bit alike. What's born into a man never comes out!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dorrance is my husband, Mammy! I shall not let you speak + disrespectfully of him. He does what he believes to be right and just,” + returned Mabel, sternly. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't a-goin' to arger that with you, my sugar-plum! You're right to + stand up for him. I beg your pardon ef I've seemed sassy or hurt your + feelin's. And I dar' say, there mayn't be nothin' wuss 'bout him nor his + outside. And that don't matter so much, ef people's insides is clean and + straight in the sight of the Lord. But HER outside is all that's decent + about her, ef you'll listen to me—” + </p> + <p> + “You are forgetting yourself again!” said Mabel, unable to suppress a + smile. “Mrs. Aylett is your mistress—” + </p> + <p> + The woman's queer behavior arrested the remonstrance. Stepping on tiptoe + to the door she locked it, and approached her young mistress with an + ostentatious attempt at treading lightly, shaking her head and pursing up + her mouth in token of secrecy, while she fumbled in her bosom for + something that seemed hard to get at. Drawing it forth at last she laid it + in Mabel's lap—a small leather wallet, glossy with use, tattered at + the corners, and tied up with a bit of dirty twine. + </p> + <p> + “What is this, and what am I to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + Mabel shrank from touching it, so foul and generally disreputable was its + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Keep both your ears open, dearie, and I'll tell you all I know!” + </p> + <p> + And with infinite prolixity and numerous digressions she recounted how, in + removing the sodden clothing of the unknown man who had been picked up on + the lawn on that memorable stormy Christmas night, more than a year + before, this had slipped from an inner breast-pocket of the coat, “right + into her hand.” Not caring to disturb the doctor's examination of his + patient, or to tempt the cupidity of her fellow-servants by starting the + notion that there might be other valuables hidden in the articles they + handled so carelessly, she had pocketed it, unobserved by them, guessing + that it would be of service at the inquest. Her purpose of producing it + then was, according to her showing, reversed by Mrs. Aylett's stolen visit + to the chamber and minute inspection of garments she would not have + touched unless urged to the disagreeable task by some mighty consideration + of duty, self-interest, or fear. + </p> + <p> + “'Then,' thinks I”—Phillis stated the various steps of her reasoning—“'you + wouldn't take the trouble to pull over them nasty, muddy close, 'thout you + expected to get some good out on 'em, or was afeard of somethin' or + 'nother fallin' into somebody else's hands.' Whichsomever this mought + be, 'twasn't my business to be gittin' up a row and a to-do before the + crowner and all them gentlemen. 'Least said soonest mended,' says I to + myself, and keeps mum about the whole thing—what I'd got, and what + I'd seen. But when I come to think it all over arterward, I was skeered + for true at what I'd done, and for fear Mars' Winston wouldn't like it. + What reason could I give him for hidin' of the pocketbook, ef I give it up + to him? Ef I tole all the truth, SHE'D be mad as a March hare, and like as + not face me down that all I had said was a dream or a lie, or that I was + drunk that night and couldn't see straight. I'd hearn her tell too many + fibs with a smooth tongue and a sweet smile not to be sure of that! So, + all I should git for my care of the repertation of my fam'ly would be her + ill-will, and to be 'cused by other people of stealin', and for the rest + of my days she'd do all she could to spite me. For I'm sure as I stand + here, Miss Mabel, that she knew, or thought she knew, somethin' 'bout that + poor, despisable wretch that died up in the garret. What else brought him + a-spyin' 'round here, and what was there to make her faint when she + ketched sight of him a-lookin' in at her through the winder? and what + COULD a sent her upstars when everybody else was asleep, fur to haul his + close about, and poke them fine white fingers of hern into his pockets, + and pull his WHISKERY face over to the light so's to see it better? Depend + 'pon it, there's a bad story at the bottom of this somewhere. I've hearn + of many a sich that came of gentlemens' marrying forringers what nobody + knowed anything about. Anyhow, I want you to take keer of this 'ere + pocketbook. Ef I was to die all of a suddent, and 'twas found 'mong my + things, some mischief mought be hatched out on it. It's safer in your + hands nor it is in mine. Now, I'll jest light your lamp, and you can + 'xamine it, and pitch it into the fire, ef you like, when you're through.” + </p> + <p> + In a cooler moment Mabel would have hesitated to obey the advice of an + ignorant, prejudiced person, her inferior in station and intelligence. But + in the whirl of astonishment, incredulity, and speculation created by the + tale she had heard, she untied the string which formed the primitive + fastening of the worn wallet, and unclosed it. + </p> + <p> + The main compartment contained four tickets, issued by as many different + pawnbrokers, testifying that such and such articles had been deposited + with them for and in consideration of moneys advanced by them to Thomas + Lindsay; a liquor-seller's score against William Jones—unpaid; and a + tavern bill, in which brandy and water, whiskey and mint-juleps, were the + principal items charged against Edmund Jackson. This last was the only + paper which bore the indorsement “Rec'd payment,” and this circumstance + had, probably, led to its preservation. The adjoining division of the + wallet was sewed up with stout black thread and Mabel had to resort to her + scissors before she could get at its contents. These were a couple of worn + envelopes, crumpled and dog-eared, and stained with liquor or salt water, + but still bearing the address, in a feminine hand, of “Lieutenant Julius + Lennox, U. S. N.” In addition to this, one was directed to Havana, Cuba; + the other to Calcutta, in care, of a mercantile or banking-house at each + place. A third cover bore the superscription, “CERTIFICATE,” in bold + characters. + </p> + <p> + The negress' watchful eyes dilated with greedy expectancy at Mrs. + Dorrance's ghastly face when this last had been examined, but she was + foiled if she hoped for any valuable addition to her store of information, + or anything resembling elucidation of her pet mystery. + </p> + <p> + “It will take me some time to read all these,” remarked Mabel, still + scanning the half-sheet she held. “You had better not wait, Mammy. They + are safe with me. No one else shall see them, and no harm can come to you + through them.” + </p> + <p> + She promised mechanically what she supposed would soonest buy for her + privacy and needed quiet, and gave no heed to the manifest disappointment + of her visitor. + </p> + <p> + When she was at last alone, Mrs. Dorrance relocked the door, and bent + close to the lamp, as if more light upon the surface of the document would + tend to clear up the terrible secret thus strangely committed to her + discretion and mercy. The paper was a certificate, drawn up in regular + form, and signed by a clergyman, whose address was appended below, in a + different hand writing—of a marriage between Julius Lennox and Clara + Louise Dorrance. + </p> + <p> + “Her very name!” repeated the whitening lips. “I remember asking her once + what the 'L' in her signature stood for.” + </p> + <p> + But while she said it, there was a look in the reader's eye that bespoke + inability or reluctance to grapple with the revelation threatened by the + discovery. + </p> + <p> + “The letters may tell me more!” she added, in the same frightened whisper, + refolding the certificate. + </p> + <p> + They did—for they were in the long, sloping chirography of her + sister-in-law, and signed “Your ever-fond, but lonely wife.” Each + contained, moreover, allusions to “Ellis,” to “Clermont,” to “Julia,” and + to “Herbert”—all family names in the Dorrance connection; spoke + gratefully of her parents' kindness to his “poor Louise” in the absence of + “her beloved Julius;” and was liberally spiced with passionate + protestations of her inconsolableness and yearnings for his return. Both + were dated ten years back, and the paper was yellow with time, besides + being creased and thumbed as by many readings. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to do?” thought Mabel, sinking into her chair, trembling all + over with terror and incertitude. + </p> + <p> + If there were one sentiment in Winston Aylett's heart that equalled his + haughtiness, it was love for his wife. But could it be that he had totally + forgotten pride and his habitual caution in the selection of the woman who + was to be the partner of his home, fortune, and reputation—possibly + the mother of children who were to perpetuate the noble name he bore? By + what miracle of unrighteous craft, what subornation of witnesses, what + concealments, what barefaced and unscrupulous falsehoods had this + adventuress been imposed upon him as unmarried, when the evidence of her + former wedlock was held by a low stroller—a drunken wretch who might + betray it in an unguarded or insane hour, and who, judging from his + exterior, would not be averse to publishing or selling the information if + he could make more money by doing this than by preserving the secret. And + how came he by these papers? + </p> + <p> + Confused, partly by his numerous aliases, more by incapacity to conceive + of such depth and complication of horror as were revealed by the idea, the + perplexed thinker did not, for a while, admit to herself the possibility + that the nameless vagabond may have been Clara's living husband, instead + of a mercenary villain who had secured surreptitiously the proofs of a + marriage she wished the world to forget. Having learned that she had + wedded, a second time, in her maiden name, and that her antecedents were + unsuspected in her present home, the thought of extorting a bribe to + continued silence, from the wealthy lady of Ridgeley, would have occurred + to any common rascal with more audacity than principle. It was but a spark—the + merest point of light that showed her the verge of the precipice toward + which one link after another of the chain of circumstantial evidence was + dragging her. + </p> + <p> + Groping dizzily among her recollections of that Christmas night, there + gleamed luridly upon her the vision of Mrs. Aylett's strange smile, as she + said, “It may be that his wife, if she were cognizant of his condition, + would not lift a finger or take a step to save his life, or to prolong it + for an hour!” + </p> + <p> + Then, in response to Mabel's indignant reply—the momentary passion + darting from her hitherto languorous orbs, and vibrating in her accents, + in adding—“There are women in whose hearts the monument to departed + affection is a hatred that can never die.” + </p> + <p> + If this man were a stranger, from whom she had nothing to fear, why her + extraordinary agitation at seeing him, even imperfectly, through the + window? She must have known him well to recognize him in the darkness and + at that fleeting glimpse. Perhaps she had believed him dead, until then! + This would account for her clandestine visit to his chamber, to which Mrs. + Sutton and her niece had gone, without effort at concealment; explain the + rigid examination of his clothing ensuing upon her scrutiny of his + features. + </p> + <p> + “I must be mad!” Mabel said, here, pressing her hand to her head. “There + does not live the woman, however wicked and hypocritical, who could sit at + ease in the midst of ill-gotten luxury, on an inclement night, and talk + smilingly of other things, if she suspected that one she had known, much + less loved, lay dying in wretchedness and solitude so near her.” + </p> + <p> + The vagrant was some evil-disposed spy, whose person Clara knew, and whose + intentions she had reason to dread were unfriendly. Had she dared—for + she was daring—to attempt this nefarious plot against the fair fame + and happiness of an honorable gentleman, her family would not have become + her accomplices. They could not have blinded themselves to the perils of + the enterprise, the extreme probabilities of detection, the consequences + of Winston's anger. Herbert, at least, would have forbidden the unlawful + deceit. When his sister was wedded to Winston, he believed that her first + husband was no longer in the land of the living—as she must also + have done. + </p> + <p> + “For he is a good—an upright man!” thought the wife. “But he was + privy to the fact of her previous marriage! Why have I never heard of it? + He has invariably spoken of Clara as having lived single in her mother's + house up to the date of her union with my brother.” + </p> + <p> + She could not but remember, likewise, that there was a certain tone about + the Dorrance connection she had never quite comprehended or liked—a + reticence with respect to details of family history, while they were + voluble upon generalities, over-fond of lauding one another's exploits, + virtues, and accomplishments; referring in wonderful pride to “our beloved + father,” and extolling “our precious mother,” who, by the way, was so + little in request among the children, that she had, since Clara's + marriage, occupied apartments in a second-rate boarding-house in Boston. + Mabel, when convinced of the futility of her hope of having Aunt Rachel + with her, had proposed to offer Mrs. Dorrance a house in the commodious + mansion of her youngest son; but Herbert, with no show of gratification at + what he must have known was a sacrifice of her inclinations, had coolly + reasoned down the suggestion. The whole tribe—if she excepted her + husband, and perhaps Clara—had, to her perception, a tinge of + Bohemianism, although all were in comfortable circumstances, and lived + showily. Mabel had often chided herself for uncharitable judgment and + groundless prejudice, in admitting these impressions of her + relatives-in-law; but they returned upon her in this twilight reverie with + the force of convictions she was, each moment, less able to combat. What + darker secret lay back of the concealment her rectitude of principle and + sense of justice declared to be unjustifiable? and might not this + concerted and persistent reserve imply others yet more culpable? + </p> + <p> + It showed her correct estimate of her brother's character, that she never + for a second accused him of connivance in the deceit practised upon his + relations and neighbors. He would not have scrupled to wed a widow, + knowing and acknowledging her to be such. Nothing—not love, tenfold + more ardent and irrational than that he felt for his siren wife—could + have wrought upon him to introduce to the world, as Mrs. Aylett of + Ridgeley, one who had been before married, and was ashamed, for any cause + whatever, to avow this. The blemish left by the acrid breath of common + scandal upon a woman's fame was to him ineffaceable by any process yet + discovered by pitying man or angels. The maligned one may not have erred + from the straitest road of virtue and discretion, but she had been “talked + about,” and was no consort for him. In his State and caste, private + marriages were things disallowed, and but one shade more respectable than + liasons that did not pretend to the sanctity of wedlock. What would he say + when the contents of this dingy pocket-book were spread before him? Ought + his sister to do this? + </p> + <p> + COULD she? He had not earned compassionate consideration from her by any + act of gentleness and forbearance. He had handled the lopping-knife + without ruth, and let the gaping wounds bleed as long as the bitter ichor + would ooze from her heart. She had learned hardness and self-control from + the lesson, but not vindictiveness. Now that the power was hers to visit + upon his haughty spirit something of the humiliation and distress he had + not spared her; that it was her turn to harangue upon mesalliances and + love-matches, and want of circumspect investigation into early records + before committing one's self to a contract of marriage—she recoiled + at the thought; felt, in her exceeding pity for the trustful husband, a + stirring of the love she had herself once borne him in the days when the + changed homestead was her world, and its master a king among men. + </p> + <p> + And yet—and yet—was it the truest friendship—the most + prudent course to prolong the ignorance which left him liable at any + moment to be shocked into the perpetration of some desperate deed by the + discovery, through some other channel, of his wife's perfidy, and the + abominable snare that bad been woven about him! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — “BORN DEAD.” + </h2> + <p> + MABEL was still turning the vexed question of right and expediency over in + her fast-heating brain, the next evening, as she sat in the parlor, and + feigned to hearken to the diligent duett-practising going on at the piano, + her husband and Mrs. Aylett being the performers. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton had gone home that afternoon, engaging to return for a longer + sojourn in the course of a month. Mr. Aylett read his newspaper at one + side of the centre table, and his sister employed her fingers and eyes at + the other with a trifle of fancy-work—-an antimacassar she was + crocheting for her hostess. Her industrious or fidgetty habits were + chronic and inveterate, and people, in remarking upon them, did not + reflect that this species of restlessness is in itself a disease, seldom + analyzed, more seldom cured. There are few students or physicians of human + nature, in this world of superficial observers, who go deep enough into + the springs of man's action to distinguish the external symptoms of + heart-cancer from ossification, or to learn the difference between satiety + and atrophy. A night of nervous sleeplessness, a day of irresolution and + dread, had aggravated almost beyond her control the restlessness which in + Mabel was the unerring indication of unhealthiness of mind and body. To + sit still was impracticable; to talk connectedly and easily would soon be + as difficult. She was glad to see Aunt Rachel go—immeasurably + relieved when a musical evening was proposed by the brother and sister, + seconding the motion with alacrity that called forth a pleased smile from + the one, and a look of surprised inquisitiveness from the other. + </p> + <p> + “You have grown more fond of instrumental music,” said Mrs. Aylett, half + interrogatively. “You used always to prefer vocal.” + </p> + <p> + “Try me and see what an appreciative listener I am,” rejoined Mabel, with + a sickly smile, and the concert commenced. + </p> + <p> + Overmuch thought upon the revelation of the preceding day had begotten in + her, fears of the imminence of the dangers to Winston's peace of mind—a + persuasion that the birds of the air and the restless air itself might + bear to him the news she still withheld. Mammy had averred, upon her + cross-examination, that “not a living soul had ever seen the wallet” since + it fell from the dying man's pocket—an affirmation Mabel could not + decide whether to believe or discredit. If she could but be certain that + the secret was all hers! + </p> + <p> + She trembled guiltily when her brother folded his last paper, and + sauntered around to the back of her chair, leaning upon it, while he + affected to be interested in her work, and the too-ready scarlet blood + pulsed now hotly in her cheeks with each moment of his mute observation. + </p> + <p> + “I heard a piece of news to-day,” he said, presently, in his most even + tone; but Mabel's start upon her seat was almost a leap, while her fingers + moved faster and more irregularly. + </p> + <p> + “I suspect, from your unsettled demeanor this evening, that it reached you + before it did me,” continued he. “I can attribute your badly suppressed + pertubation to no other cause. Mrs. Sutton is such an indefatigable + gossip, that this item could hardly have passed her by. Has she told you + that Rosa Tazewell is shortly to become Mrs. Chilton?” + </p> + <p> + “She has.” + </p> + <p> + He thought she was nerving herself to a simulation of hardihood, and the + long-indulged habit of censorship was strong upon him. + </p> + <p> + “I had trusted, until to-day, Mabel, that you had conquered that + disgraceful weakness,” he resumed, yet more pitilessly. + </p> + <p> + Domination was one of his besetting sins. He never saw a helpless or + cowering thing without feeling the inclination to set his foot upon it, + and the least show of resistance in such, piqued him into despotism. + </p> + <p> + “I was aware that it was not dead when you married a man worth a thousand + such scoundrels as that fellow in Philadelphia. I believed that the + sentiment was powerful in impelling you to that marriage, and that this + irrevocable measure would be an antidote to the evil. It was a wise + course, and I commended you for pursuing it. But I am too well read in + your countenance and moods not to see that there is something far amiss + with you. You have been playing a part for twenty-four hours, and you have + played it wretchedly. Your nervous flutters and laugh, your sudden changes + of complexion, and the incoherence of your language, would betray you to + the least penetrating observer. I caution you to be on your guard lest + your husband should take just offence at all this. The need of + dissimulation is the evidence that something is radically wrong in your + moral nature, and is derogatory to your lawful partner. I am ashamed to + remind you of the golden maxim of wedded life—that without perfect + and mutual confidence there can be no substantial happiness. Does Dorrance + know of your escapade at the Springs?” + </p> + <p> + “If you refer to my engagement to Mr. Chilton, I told him of it before our + marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice to hear it—am pleased at this one proof of good sense and + right feeling,” in lofty patronage. “You owed him no less. You have, + without doubt been informed long since how I obtained the most important + proof against that villain?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not heard Mr. Chilton's name in a year until yesterday,” said + Mabel, the scarlet spots ceasing to flicker, and her voice hard as was his + own. + </p> + <p> + Unable to interpret her sudden steadiness of demeanor and accent, Winston + leaped to the irritating conclusion that she was sullen, and meditated a + defiant retreat from this untimely usurpation of his olden authority. + </p> + <p> + “It was injudicious—miserably ill-judged in Dorrance not to acquaint + you with this. I have always feared lest his indulgence might not be the + most salutary method of repressing your self-will and pride of opinion. + You, more than any other woman I know, require the tight rein of vigilant + discipline. I intimated as much to Dorrance when he asked my consent to + your engagement. But this is his lookout, not mine. What I began to say + was that, in MY opinion, he would have acted more sensibly had he not + encouraged your squeamish repugnance to talking of your early fault and + its mortifying consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortunately for me, my husband is a man of feeling and delicacy!” Mabel + was goaded to boast. “I said to him, the evening of our betrothal, that + the subject you have chosen to revive to-night was painful to me, and he + has respected the reluctance you condemn.” + </p> + <p> + “He would have overcome it more quickly and thoroughly had he informed you + that he had had the honor of horse-whipping your ci-devant betrothed!” + sneered Winston, with white dinted nostrils. “That he was the author of + the letter, a portion of which I copied for your perusal, when I announced + the dissolution of your provisional engagement—the main agent, in + effect, of the rupture, since but for him I should have had much + difficulty in proving what I had believed from the beginning—that + the rascal ought to be shot for presuming to think of you in any other + light than as the merest acquaintance. And he should never have been that, + had I been with you that unlucky summer.” + </p> + <p> + “We have been over that ground so often, Winston, that both of us should + be tolerably familiar with it,” rejoined Mabel, decidedly. “I prefer that, + instead of reviewing the circumstances of what you term my 'early fault,' + you should show me the evidence of your singular assertion respecting Mr. + Dorrance's agency in a matter in which he could not at that time have had + the slightest personal interest. Or, shall I ask him? It is an enigma to + me.” + </p> + <p> + Without other answer than a contemptuous laugh, Winston left the room, + unnoticed by the musicians. But before she could form a conjecture as to + the meaning of his abrupt movement, he was back with a letter in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Documentary testimony!” he said, shortly, passing it to her. “I should + have forwarded it entire, instead of transcribing an extract, but for + Clara's fear lest you should be led thereby to dislike her brother before + you had ever seen him. I take it there is no danger of prejudicing you + against him now!” + </p> + <p> + The letter was from Herbert Dorrance, and began thus: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Aylett: + </p> + <p> + “Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 15th, enclosed in one from my sister, + reached me this morning.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed the expose of Frederic Chilton's misdeeds, which Winston had + transferred to his own epistle to Mabel, as the leading argument in his + refusal to sanction her engagement. + </p> + <p> + Mabel read it through without flinching; then turned over to the first + page and put her finger upon a paragraph. + </p> + <p> + “Who was the lady here mentioned?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett shrugged his fine shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I have never interested myself to inquire. Beyond the statement of your + friend's rascality, the story was nothing to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert!” + </p> + <p> + The ringing call—sharp and clear—checked the pianists in the + middle of a bar. + </p> + <p> + “Step here a moment, if you please!” + </p> + <p> + The novelty of the imperative tone and the glitter of his wife's eyes + moved Mr. Dorrance to more prompt compliance than he would have adjudged + to be dignified and husbandly in the case of another man. + </p> + <p> + Mabel held out the letter at his approach, still pointing to the passage + she had asked her brother to explain. + </p> + <p> + “To whom does this refer? Who was the relative whose husband was a naval + officer?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert Dorrance's constitutional phlegm was a valuable ally in the very + contracted quarters into which this question drove him, but his sister was + his deliverer. Affecting forgetfulness of the letter and its contents, he + glanced down one page, Mrs. Aylett leaning upon his arm, and reading with + him. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you need mind telling the name, here and at this late day, + Herbert,” she said, seriously and slowly, “provided Mabel will never + repeat the story when it can do harm. Have you never heard any of us speak + of poor Ellen Lester, my mother's niece, who died several years before + your marriage?” accosting her sister-in-law, with a face so devoid of + aught resembling cowardly or guilty fears, that Mabel's brain, tried and + shaken, tottered into disbelief at her own wild surmises. + </p> + <p> + “Not that I remember!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so? Yet it might easily have been. She accompanied her husband + upon his last voyage, and the ship was never heard of again. Her parents + are dead, too, so there are few to cherish her memory. She was a + school-fellow of mine, and Herbert loved her as a sister.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel was gazing fixedly at her husband's stolid countenance and averted + eyes, and made no rejoinder until the silent intensity of her regards + compelled him to look up. Reading distrust and alarm in these, he shook + off his sister's warning hold. + </p> + <p> + “When you wish to catechise me upon family matters, Mabel, it is my wish + that you should do it in private,” he said, roughly. “Then you shall learn + all that it concerns you to know. There are subjects into which only + prurient curiosity cares to pry.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon!” answered Mabel, quietly. “I have but to say, in + self-defence, that I did not ask to see the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a matter of profound indifference to me whether you did or not,” + was the reply. “For aught that I know or cared, you may have read it a + year and a half ago. I retract nothing that is set down there. Clara, + shall we go on with our music?” + </p> + <p> + Glancing around stealthily at the finale of the (sic) he saw that Mabel's + chair was vacant, and Mr. Aylett was reading composedly beneath the lamp. + </p> + <p> + Clara made the same discovery at the same moment, and came forward + laughing to her husband. + </p> + <p> + “What had you been saying to our dear, excitable Mabel, that challenged + the introduction of that unfortunate document?” + </p> + <p> + “Told her of Frederic Chilton's intended marriage!” curtly, and without + laying aside his volume. + </p> + <p> + “Preposterous!” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you—but it is the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert stood apart glowing at the fire. + </p> + <p> + “You must have approached the subject unskilfully,” urged the peacemaker. + “These old sores are oest left alone.” + </p> + <p> + “It is best for married woman to have none,” retorted Winston, doggedly. + </p> + <p> + “She does not persist in doubting his unworthiness, does she?” queried the + wife, aside, but not so cautiously that her brother did not hear her. + </p> + <p> + He wheeled about suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “She SHALL believe it, or call me a liar to my face!” he uttered, angrily. + “I will put a stop to this sentimental folly!” + </p> + <p> + “You are late in beginning your reforms,” observed Mr. Aylett, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “You are a less sensible man than I give you credit for being, if you ever + begin!” interposed his sister. + </p> + <p> + “Leave Mabel to herself until she recovers from the shock—if it be + one—of this intelligence. The surest means of keeping alive a dying + coal is to stir and blow upon it. And even we”—lifting the heavy + locks of her husband's hair in playful dalliance—“even we are + mortal. We have had our peccadilloes and our repentances, and have now our + little concealments of affairs that would interest nobody but ourselves. + Do you hear what I am saying, Herbert! Leave off your high tragedy airs + and attend to reason, as expressed in your sister's advice. While your + wife is my invalid guest, I will not have her subjected to any + inquisitorial process. There is a time for everything under the sun, saith + the preacher. This is the season for tender forbearance, and if need be, + of forgiveness.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert blessed her humane tolerance in his alarmed heart, when Mabel + awoke from her troubled slumbers at midnight, in extreme pain, that + culminated before dawn, in convulsions. + </p> + <p> + Two physicians were hastily summoned, and when Mrs. Sutton arrived about + noon, she met Phillis outside the door of the sick-chamber, carrying a + lifeless infant in her arms, and weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + This was the end of the months of hopeful longing and glad anticipation + which were Heaven's messengers of healing and comfort to the sick and + lonely heart. The cunningly-fashioned robes were never to have a wearer, + the clasping arms to remain still empty. Oh wondrous mystery—past + finding out—of the human soul! Had the lungs once heaved with + breath, the heart given one throb; the eyes caught one beam of Heaven's + light ere they were sealed fast in eternal darkness, she, who travailed + with the infant through the inexpressible agony of birth, would have been + written a mother among women; have had the right accorded her, without the + cavil of formalist or the disputations of science, to claim the precious + thing as her own still—a living baby-spirit that had fluttered back + to the bosom of the Almighty Father, after alighting, for one painful + moment, upon the confines of the lower world. As it was, custom ordained + that there should be no mourning for what had never really been. Anguish, + hope, and the patient love at which we do not scoff when the mother-bird + broods over the eggs that may never hatch—these were to be no more + named or remembered. In silence and without sympathy she must endure her + disappointment. The tenderest woman about whose knees cluster living + children, and who has sowed in tears the blessed seed, that in the + resurrection-morn shall be gathered in beauteous sheaves of richest + recompense—would smile in pitying contempt over the tiny headstone + which should be lettered—“Born Dead.” + </p> + <p> + All this and much more Mabel was to learn with the return of health and + reason, but she lay now, like one who had passed for herself the narrow + sea that separates the Now from the Hereafter; her features chiselled into + the unmoving outlines of a waxen image, only a feeble flutter of breath + and pulse telling that this was lethargy, not death. They watched her all + night, Mrs. Sutton on one side and Phillis on the other, the family + physician stealing in with slippered tread from hour to hour, to note with + his sensitive touch if the few poor drops of vital blood yet trickled from + veins to heart, always with the same directions, “Give her the stimulant + while she can swallow it. It is the only hope of saving her.” + </p> + <p> + Armed with this, the two devoted women fought the Destroyer, praying + inaudibly, while they wrought, for the life of the child they had reared + to her sorrowful womanhood. + </p> + <p> + “HE'S asleep, and so is SHE!” whispered Phillis, once, pointing + alternately to the adjoining room where Herbert Dorrance awaited the issue + of this critical stage of his wife's illness, and to Mrs. Aylett's chamber + across the hall. “The Lord forgive 'em both! It won't be they two that + will shed many tears if so be she doesn't see the light of another day—the + murdered lamb! They tormented the life out of her. I passed by her room + last night before bed-time, and heard her a-sobbin' and talkin' to + herself, and walkin' up and down the floor, and THEY a-bangin' away on the + pyano down in the parlor!” + </p> + <p> + The faithful creature's prejudice wronged one of the hated pair. Mrs. + Aylett's slumbers upon her downy couch might be none the less serene for + her sister-in-law's danger, but Herbert's was the sleep of exhaustion, not + callousness. He had been up all the previous night, and racked by the + wildest anxiety throughout the intervening day, and to compass this vigil + was beyond his physical powers. Mabel would not miss him, and he could do + nothing for her—would only be in the way, being totally unpractised + in the art of nursing, he reasoned; and there was no telling what new + draught upon his strength the morrow might bring. He would just lie down + for an hour; then he would be fresh for whatever service might be required + of him. With this prudent resolve, he threw himself along the bed in the + spare-room, and was oblivious of everything sublunary until sunrise. + </p> + <p> + “If there should be any change, call me!” Mrs. Aylett had enjoined, + plaintively. “Winston will not hear of my sitting up, but I shall not + close my eyes all night, so do not hesitate to disturb me, if I can be of + any use whatever.” + </p> + <p> + Which, it is idle to remark, was the last thing either of the nurses + thought of doing. If their darling were, in truth, dying, they were the + fittest persons to receive her latest sigh; for had they not been present + at her birth, and did not her mother go to glory from their supporting + arms? + </p> + <p> + There was a change, and not a favorable one, before daybreak. The patient, + from mutterings and restless starts, passed into violent delirium, + laughing, crying, and singing in a style so opposed to the prescribed + diagnosis of her case, as to lash the provincial doctor to his wits' end, + and extinguish in Aunt Rachel's sanguine heart the faint hope to which she + had clung until now. Herbert, awakened finally by the turbulent sounds + from the room he had been told must be kept perfectly quiet, jumped up, + and showed himself, with disordered hair and blinking eyes, in the door of + communication, just as Mabel struggled to rise, and pleaded weepingly with + those who held her down that they would restore her child to her. + </p> + <p> + “I had her in my arms not a moment ago!” she insisted. “See! the print of + her little head is here on my breast! You have taken her away among you! I + saw it all—those who ordered that it should be done and those who did + it, when I was too weak to hold her, or to keep them back!” + </p> + <p> + And passing from the height of furious invective to deadly and earnest + calm, she told them off upon her fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Clara Aylett! Rosa Tazewell! Winston Aylett! (he married Clara Louise + Dorrance, you know!) Herbert Dorrance! JULIUS LENNOX!” + </p> + <p> + The household was astir by this time, and Mrs. Aylett entered from the + hall as her brother did from his bedroom. There was but one spectator who + was sufficiently composed to note and marvel at the scared look exchanged + by the two at the sound of the last name. This was Mr. Aylett, who, from + his position behind his wife, had an excellent view of all the actors in + the exciting tableau before she fell back, swooning, in his arms. + </p> + <p> + He was alone with her in their chamber when she revived, and the earliest + effort of her restored consciousness was to seize both his hands in hers, + and scan his face searchingly—it would seem agonizingly—until + his fond smile dispelled the unspoken dread. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she murmured, hiding her face upon his bosom, “she is still alive, + then! I thought—I thought”—a mighty sob—“Don't despise + your weak, silly wife, darling! but it was very terrible! I believed it + was the last struggle, and was appalled at the sight. And my poor Herbert! + he was frightfully overcome. Did you notice him? Will you send him to me, + dear? I can soothe him better than any one else—prepare him for what + is, I fear, inevitable. I shall not give way again to my terrors.” + </p> + <p> + The brother and sister were still together when word was brought, two + hours later that Mabel had fallen into a profound sleep—a good omen, + the doctor said. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven!” ejaculated Herbert, fervently, his eyes softening until he + turned away to conceal his emotion. + </p> + <p> + He was haggard with solicitude, while Mrs. Aylett's healthful bloom + betokened slight interest in the termination of the seizure, a glance at + which had thrown her into a faint. Nor did she echo the thanksgiving. She + waited until the messenger had gone, and continued the conversation her + entrance had interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “I incline to the belief that she caught the name, in some manner, on + Christmas before last. HE was delirious, too, and although doctor and + nurse reported that he did not speak articulately after he was brought in, + she may have heard more than they. From what has been told me, I gather + that she was in the room with him alone, while Mrs. Sutton was down-stairs + looking for Dr. Ritchie. In a lucid interval he may have given his name—possibly + some particulars of his history. Unless—are you positive there has + been no indiscretion on your part, or that others may have talked + negligently to her, because she was a member of the family?” + </p> + <p> + “There are topics of which we—your mother, sister, and brothers—never + speak, even to one another. You may trust us that far,” rejoined Herbert, + emphatically. “Nor do I see what we can do, except wait for other proof + that Mabel really knows anything beyond a name she has picked up at random + and never, to my knowledge, repeated, save in her ravings. Should she + recover, the test can be easily applied, and we can judge then, how to + handle the dilemma.” + </p> + <p> + “Should she recover!” He said the words reluctantly, as loth to express + the doubt. + </p> + <p> + His sister's lips twitched nervously into a sinister smile. It was as if + she would have whispered, had she dared, “Heaven forbid!” + </p> + <p> + “You have chosen a toilsome and a perilous path, Clara,” he resumed, by + and by. “I do not wonder that you are, with all your courage and sanguine + trust in your own powers, sometimes disquieted, and often weary.” + </p> + <p> + “Who says that I am ever weary? And did you ever know me to disquiet + myself in vain?” with the low, musical ripple of laughter that belonged to + her sunniest mood. “Had I been born in the classic age, I should have been + a devout disciple of Epicurus. Don't imagine that my success has not, thus + far, amply repaid me for my toil and ingenuity. Having lived upon + excitement all my days, I should starve without it. Pleasure, like safety, + is the dearer for being plucked from that evergreen nettle, Danger!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — THE GOOD SAMARITAN. + </h2> + <p> + THE snows of ten winters had powdered the nameless stranger's grave in the + servant's burial-ground of the Ridgeley plantation. For nine years the + wallet taken from his person had lain unopened in a hidden drawer of Mabel + Dorrance's escritoire, and the half-guessed secret been hidden in her + breast. Mammy Phillis had followed her mistress to the tomb, six months + after her removal from her beloved cottage to the despised “quarters.” She + never held up her head from the day of her degradation, died from a broken + heart, murmured those who best knew her—of a “fit of spleen,” said + Mrs. Aylett, in cool reprehension of her unmannerly vassal. + </p> + <p> + Mabel had guarded the mystery well. Her husband examined her—covertly, + as he thought; awkwardly, according to her ideas—with regard to the + vagaries of her delirium, and was foiled by the grave simplicity of her + manner and replies. + </p> + <p> + “All she knows or remembers is substantially this,” Herbert jotted down in + his notes for his sister's perusal: “she has associated in some way—she + cannot tell exactly how or why—the name with the tramp who died in + the garret. She is not sure that it was his designation. Thinks it was + not, or that, if used by him, it was an alias. Has an impression that it + was marked upon his clothing, or upon a paper found in his pocket. Showed + no agitation and little interest in the subject, except when she inquired + if I saw the stranger at all—living or dead. Was glad I could reply + truly, 'No.' Answer seemed to gratify her, which you may consider a + disagreeable augury. Am convinced that her illness resulted from natural + and unavoidable causes—that neither F—-C—-nor J——L—-had + any connection with it. It will be months before mind and body recover + their tone.” + </p> + <p> + “Lawyerly! ergo, absurd and unsatisfactory!” pronounced the reader, to + whom the foregoing leaf had been committed on the morning of her brother's + departure with his slowly-convalescing wife for their Albany home. “But + until the nettle pricks more nearly, I shall continue to enjoy my roses.” + </p> + <p> + They had blossomed thickly about her path during this decade. Her matronly + beauty was the wonder and praise of the community. The changing seasons + that had bleached the locks upon her husband's temples and heightened his + forehead had spared the bronzed chestnut of her luxuriant tresses. Her + figure was larger and fuller, but graceful, and more queenly than of yore—if + that could be. There was not an untuneful inflection in her voice, or a + furrow between her brows. Under her careful management the homestead wore + every year an air of increased elegance. No other furniture for many miles + on both sides of the river could compare with hers; no other servants were + so well-trained, no grounds so beautifully ornamented and trimly kept. + </p> + <p> + “But for all that Ridgeley is a lonely, desolate place to me,” said Mrs. + Sutton, one early spring morning to her niece and crony, Mrs. William + Sutton. “A house without children is worse than a last year's bird's nest. + It is a riddle to me how Clara Aylett contrives to occupy her time.” + </p> + <p> + “She should have some of these socks to darn, if it hangs upon her hands,” + replied Mrs. William, humorously, running her five fingers through the toe + of one she had just picked up from the great willow basket set between the + two upon the porch-floor. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord isn't very apt to make mothers out of that sort of material,” + said the elder lady. “Nor fathers out of Winston Ayletts. They are so + wrapped up in their self-consequence as to have no thought for others.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet they say Mr. Aylett regrets that he has no heir. It is a great pity + Mabel lost her only child as she did. The family will become extinct in + another generation. It is such a noble estate, too!” + </p> + <p> + “Large families were never the rule among the Ayletts,” responded Aunt + Rachel. “But I did hope my dear Mabel would be an exception to the rest in + this respect. She would adopt a little girl, but her husband will not + consent. Those Dorrances are a cold-hearted race. He, too, is heaping up + riches, without knowing who shall gather them. Heigh-ho!” + </p> + <p> + Her darning-needle quilted the yawning heel of Tommy Sutton's sock with + precision and celerity, and she ruminated silently upon the vicissitudes + and failures of mortal life until she was interrupted by Mrs. William's + exclamation: + </p> + <p> + “There is Mrs. Tazewell's carriage at the gate, and the driver has a + letter in his hand. I hope the old lady is not worse!” + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel met the man at the steps, with neighborly anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “How is your mistress, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “'Bout the same, ma'am. But Miss Rosa—she came last night very + unexpected, and it kinder worsted Mistis to see her so poorly. This note + is from Miss Rosa, ma'am, and I am to take back an answer.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton read it standing in the porch—the scented leaflet that + had a look of the writer all over it, from the scarlet monogram at the top + of the sheet and upon the envelope, to the flourish of the signature—“Rosa + T. C.”—the curl of the C carried around the rest like a medallion + frame: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR, GOOD AUNT RACHEL,—I have come to Old Virginia to try and + shake off an uncomfortable cough which has haunted me all winter. The + Northern quacks can do nothing for me. One ray of this delicious sunshine + is worth all their nostrums. I was not prepared to find mamma helpless, or + I should not have descended upon her so unceremoniously. Being here, I + cannot retreat in good order or with safety to my health, nor without + wounding her. Frederic must return to Philadelphia next week, by which + time I hope to be quite invigorated. Now for my audacious proposal. Can + you come over and tell me how to get well in the quickest and least + troublesome way? Dear Auntie! you loved me once. When you see what a poor, + spiritless shadow I have grown—or lessened—to be, you will + care a little bit for me again, for the sake of lang syne.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton wiped her spectacles and gave the note to her niece. + </p> + <p> + “There is but one thing for me to do, you see, my dear. Jack! I shall be + ready in twenty minutes.” + </p> + <p> + If the line of duty wavered before her sight during the three-mile drive, + it lay straight and distinct ahead of her when she stood in Rosa's + chamber. + </p> + <p> + “My child!” she ejaculated, upon the threshold “you did not tell me that + you were confined to your bed!” + </p> + <p> + “I ought not to be!” + </p> + <p> + The rebellious pout and tone were Rosa's, as were also the black eyes—unnaturally + large and bright though they were—but the pretty lips were wan, and + strained by lines of pain; the pomegranate flush was no longer variable, + and was nestled in hollows, and the hands were wasted to translucency. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite strong enough to be up, and would be, if my tyrannical doctors + and their tractable tool, my lord and master, had not decreed that I shall + lie here until midday, if I am very obedient; eat my meals; take their + poisonous medicines, and abstain from coughing. If I offend in any of + these particulars I am not to rise until three o'clock—when they are + in an especially glum humor—not at all that day. But now you are + here, we shall combat them valorously. Dear Auntie!” putting the thin arms + about the old lady's plump neck, and laughing through a spring rain of + tears, “how good and safe it is to be with you again! And you are the same + kind, lovely darling! no older by a day—no uglier by a solitary + wrinkle! I couldn't sleep last night, for fearing you would not come to + me!” + </p> + <p> + “You should not have doubted it, dear!” said the motherly voice, blithe as + affectionate, while soft, agile fingers undid the tight embrace, and + commenced, from the force of habit, to arrange the tumbled bed-clothes. + “Wherever I can be of most use is the place in which I wish to be.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you have always lived for others,” answered Rosa, with an + involuntary sigh, a shadow glooming her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “For whom else should I live and work?” laughed Mrs. Sutton, in her + cheerful, guileless fashion. “My personal wants are few and easily + supplied, and I like to be busy. I account it a privilege to be able to + fuss about my friends when they are ailing.” + </p> + <p> + By way of doing as she liked, she attacked the disorderly room. Rosa's + three trunks stood in a row against the wall—all of them open—the + tray of the largest lying beside it upon the carpet, the lid of this + thrown back and the contents in utter confusion; laces hanging over the + sides and trailing upon the floor. A casket of medicines was uppermost in + the next trunk, crushing a confused medley of collars, ribbons, gloves, + and handkerchiefs. A dressing-gown lay upon the seat of one chair, a skirt + over the back of another; boots and slippers peeped from the valance of + the antique bedstead; there was a formidable array of bottles upon mantel + and bureau—conspicuous among them cod-liver oil, cologne, and + laudanum—incongruous appendages to the various appliances of the + toilette scattered between them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton understood it all—the hurry and agitation of the + unlooked-for arrival; the faintness and prostration of the consumptive; + the restless night, and the well-meant but inefficient ministrations of + negroes in an establishment where the mistress had been feeble for years, + and was now chained to her room and chair by paralysis. + </p> + <p> + “And Rosa was always an indolent flyabout in health; accustomed to have a + score of servants at her heels to pick up whatever she dropped or threw + aside,” she said to herself. “My Mabel was a pink of neatness and order + compared with her. Dear me! here is a bottle of oil, cracked, and an + immense grease-spot in the front breadth of a splendid silk dress! I hope + these things do not annoy her as they would me!” + </p> + <p> + Whether the universal disarray made Rosa uncomfortable or not, she enjoyed + the aspect of the tidy apartment, when her nurse brought her noiseless + labors to a close by exchanging her night-gown for a flannel wrapper; + putting clean linen upon her and the bed; combing the tangled hair and + washing her hands, wrists, and face in tepid water, interfused with + cologne. + </p> + <p> + “It prevents a sick person from taking cold when bathed, and freshens her + up wonderfully, I think,” was her explanation of the fragrant preparation. + </p> + <p> + “YOU freshen me more than all things else combined!” said Rosa, + gratefully. “Ah, auntie! how often I have thought of, and wished for you + this tedious and dismal winter! I used to spend entire weeks in bed, + attended by a horrid hired nurse, who took snuff and drank—ugh! and + snubbed and terrified me whenever I—as she described it—'took + a notion into my head;' that is, when I asked for something she thought + was too troublesome for her ladyship to prepare, or wanted Fred to stay + all night in my room, or sit by me in the evening, and pet me. She + 'couldn't bear to have men around, cluttering up everything!' she would + growl the instant his back was turned, with a deal more of the same talk, + until I was afraid to ask him to take a seat the next time he came in. He + was continually bringing home baskets of fruit, and game, and bouquets for + me. She let me have the flowers, but she ate nine-tenths of the nice + things herself, I never suspecting her, and he was too delicate to ask if + I enjoyed his presents. At length he surprised her in the act of devouring + a bunch of hot-house grapes, for which he had paid almost their weight in + gold, and then all came to light, and he sent her off in a hurry. Poor + Fred, there were great tears in his eyes when he learned what persecution + I had undergone, rather than vex him by complaints.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been better had you told him sooner, dear! It would have + spared you and him much suffering.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew how engrossed he was by his business, and how ignorant he was of + household or medical matters, and I saved him all the bother I could. I + have tried, in some things and some times, to be a good wife, Aunt Rachel! + But often I have failed, O, how egregiously! and”—beginning to weep—“the + thought pierces my heart by day and by night. What if I never have an + opportunity of doing any better, of covering up the traces of my + footsteps?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton patted the wasted hand with her cool one, but essayed no other + soothing. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your husband now? I understood from your note that he was with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “He rode over to Dr. Ritchie's this morning, directly he had given me my + breakfast. He thinks highly of his skill, and he would not be contented + without bringing him to see me. I really believe he is anxious I should + get well! Strange—isn't it? when I am such a burden upon his mind + and hands.” + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all strange, you ridiculous child! Two of the most dearly-loved + wives I ever knew were invalids, and bedridden, not for weeks only, but + for years. You can best show your gratitude for his affection and kindness + by getting better rapidly while he is here, that he may leave you with a + lighter heart.” + </p> + <p> + “He is kind! too kind!” murmured Rosa, composing herself among the + cushions, as if to sleep. + </p> + <p> + She was quiet so long that Mrs. Button had leisure for some reflections + relating to her own personal action in the somewhat embarrassing position + she occupied. She had never seen Frederic Chrlton from the day he left + Ridgeley as Mabel's betrothed. His visits to the neighborhood since his + marriage had been few and brief, and she had studied to avoid him whenever + she happened to be with the William Suttons during one of these. He might + have guessed her design, or unwittingly favored it on his own account. The + meeting would not be more pleasant to him than to her. But why had he + allowed his wife to send for her? The alteration in him must indeed be + great, if he could, without a conflict with resentful and painful + memories, bow his pride to sue for the services of a relative of the + Ayletts, and formerly one of their household, even in such a cause as that + which now commanded her sympathies. + </p> + <p> + At this point of her cogitation she became aware that Rosa's eyes were + wide open, and staring at her with a whimsical blending of curiosity, + melancholy, and gratification. + </p> + <p> + “Aunt Rachel!” she said, bluntly, “you are a very good woman! the best and + most forgiving human being I ever heard of. I should not feel one particle + of surprise to see you float up gently through the roof, at any minute—cap, + spectacles, and all—translated to the society of your sister angels—and + no questions asked by St. Peter at the gate of Paradise!” + </p> + <p> + “My love!” + </p> + <p> + Well as she knew her erratic disposition and wild style of speech, Mrs. + Sutton moved her hand toward the patient's pulse. + </p> + <p> + “I am not raving! I speak the words of truth and soberness—very sad + soberness, too! Believing as you do that Frederic was once the cause of + much sorrow to you and to one you loved, and having no reason to care one + iota for me, but rather to distrust me, you nevertheless obey my call upon + you for service, as if I had every right to make it. And when here, you + treat me just as you would Mabel, were her situation as deplorable, her + need equal to mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Why shouldn't I?” questioned Mrs. Sutton, simply. “I have no ground for a + quarrel with you. And if I had—well, the truth is, my dear, I have a + poor memory for such things!” + </p> + <p> + Rosa caught at the scarcely perceptible emphasis upon the “YOU,” and + disregarded the remainder of the remark. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot yet acquit Frederic of wrong-doing! Indeed, Mrs. Sutton, he + has been foully wronged among you. It is not because he is my husband that + I say this. Mabel's name has never passed his lips—-nor mine in his + hearing, since I became his wife. And every one of the family has been + equally guarded when he was by. I doubt, sometimes, if he has ever heard + whom she married or where she lives—so carefully has he shunned + every reference to her or any of the Ridgeley people. During the nine + years we have lived together, he has given me no cause to suspect that he + ever thinks of her, or laments the broken engagement. If I have made + myself wretched by imagining the contrary, it was my fault, not his—my + foolish, wicked jealousy. I would scorn to imply a doubt of his integrity, + by reminding him of the charges proferred against him by Winston Aylett, + and believed by his sister—much less ask him to contradict them. I + never put any faith in them from the outset. It comforts me to recollect + that my confidence in him stood fast when everybody else distrusted him—my + noble, slandered darling! But my declaration of his innocence is founded + upon his blameless life and upright principles. No one could be with him + as I have been, and doubt him. He is a perfect man—if there was ever + a sinless mortal—great-hearted, gentle, and sincere. Do not I know + this? Have I not proved him to the utmost?” + </p> + <p> + Her rapid, impassioned declamation was ended by a copious flood of grief + that provoked a frightful fit of coughing. When this was subdued she was + weaker than a year-old infant, and lay between stupor and dreaming for so + long a time, that Mrs. Sutton became alarmed. + </p> + <p> + There must be no repetition of this scene. She most ward off similar + mishaps by whatever measures she could force or cajole her conscience into + adopting. Rosa's state was more precarious than her account had led her + friend to believe, or than the nurse's experienced eye had seen at their + meeting. The main hope of her recovery was in the warmer climate and + assiduous attendance. Above all, she should not be allowed to exhaust + herself by talking, or hysterical paroxysms. She had no more self-control + than a child, and she must be treated as such. Mrs. Sutton's jesuitical + resolve was to humor her by every imaginable device, even to feigned + friendship for Frederic Chilton. + </p> + <p> + Fortified by this resolution, she heard, without any show of pride or + trepidation, the clatter of horses' hoofs in the yard; the sound of voices + below stairs, as Mr. Chilton ushered the physician into the parlor, and + the light, careful tread with which he mounted to his wife's apartment. + His momentary pause at the entrance, and surprised look at beholding the + other tenant of the chamber, were the best passport to her indulgence he + could have desired. It was clear to her instantly that poor Rosa's passion + for manoeuvring had survived the wreck of health and prostration of + spirits. She had never chosen the straight path if she could find a + crooked or a by-road, and her project for obtaining Mrs. Sutton's services + and company had been put into execution, without consultation with her + husband. However reprehensible this might be in the abstract, it was not + in the kind old soul to betray her, as she advanced, placidly and civilly, + to reassure the startled man. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Mr. Chilton? You hardly expected to meet me here, I suppose? + But I am a near neighbor of Mrs. Tazewell now, and hearing that Rosa was + sick, I came over to see if I could do anything for her, knowing how + infirm her mother is.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind!” He grasped her hand more tightly than he intended, or + was conscious of. “We were ignorant ourselves of Mrs. Tazewell's true + condition. Mrs. Chilton's sisters have forwarded more encouraging reports + to her of her mother's illness than they would have been warranted in + doing by anything except the fear that a faithful account would operate + injuriously upon the daughter's health. I should have chosen some other + home for my wife, had I known the actual state of affairs here. Change of + scene and climate was imperatively demanded.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke low and rapidly—hardly above his breath; but the black + eyes, unclosing, flashed upon him. + </p> + <p> + “So you have come back!” said Rosa's weak voice. “You stayed away an + eternity!” + </p> + <p> + Her coquettish displeasure and the asperity of her accent contrasted so + oddly with her vehemently expressed attachment for her husband and + extolment of his virtues, that Mrs. Sutton regarded her in speechless + amazement. She submitted to his kiss, without returning it—even + raising her hand pettishly as to repel further endearments. “I should have + died of the blue devils if Aunt Rachel hadn't, by the merest accident, + heard that I was ailing, and driven over, like the Good Samaritan she is, + to take pity upon me in my destitution; to pour oil—not cod-liver—into + my wounds, and wine into my mouth. She is better than all the men-doctors + that were ever created; so if you have brought your bearded Esculapius + home with you, you may tell him, with my compliments, that I won't see him + yet awhile. He was an old beau of mine, and I hope I have too much respect + for what I used to be, to let him get a glimpse of me until Dr. Sutton has + set me up in better flesh and looks. She brought me some enchanting jelly—one + of her magical preparations for the amelioration of human misery, and I am + to have a bowl of her unparalleled chicken-broth for dinner. I wish + dinner-time were come! the very thought makes me ravenous. I am to do + nothing for a week, but eat, drink, and sleep, at the end of which period + I shall be dismissed as thoroughly cured. So, Mr. Chilton, you can go back + to your beloved clients whenever you please!” + </p> + <p> + To Mrs. Sutton's apprehension this was an infelicitous introduction of + herself to the husband's toleration. Certainly, she did not know many men + who would have parried the thrusts at themselves with the dexterity he + manifested, and acknowledged her merits and kindly offices willingly and + gracefully. He did not apologize for his protracted absence, nor insist + upon conveying his physician to the sick-chamber; but he chatted for five + minutes or thereabouts upon such topics as he knew would entertain the + captious invalid, and finally arose from the bed-side, where he had been + sitting, fondling her hot hands, with a good-humored laugh. + </p> + <p> + “But all the while I am enjoying myself here, the hirsute Galen aforesaid + is munching the invisible salad of the solitary in the parlor! I am to + eject him incontinently, am I? My conscience will not let me withhold the + admission, when I do this, that my wife's judgment in the matter of + medical attendants is vastly superior to mine. While Mrs. Sutton is so + good as to remain with you, you are right in thinking that you have need + of no other physician.” + </p> + <p> + Aunt Rachel would have entered a disclaimer, but Rosa spoke before she + could open her mouth. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't say that, Frederic! There was never such another impatient and + inconsiderate creature upon the globe as yourself. It would be + unpardonably rude in us to send the man away, if he is a charlatan, + without letting him see me. Have him up, by all means, and let us hear + what priggish nonsense he has to say. He will feel the easier when it is + done.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Ritchie's private report to Mrs. Sutton, who accompanied him to the + lower floor, under color of seeing that he was served with luncheon, was + discouraging. The disease had made fearful inroads upon a constitution + that had never been robust, and the nervous excitability of the patient + was likely to accelerate her decline. She might linger for several months. + It would not surprise him to hear that she had died within twelve hours + after his visit. It was but fair and professional he added, that he + should, through Mrs. Sutton, advise Mr. Chilton of her state, although, + unless he were mistaken, he had already anticipated his verdict. + </p> + <p> + This Mrs. Sutton found was the case, when she essayed that evening to + insure him against the awful shock of his wife's unexpected dissolution. + </p> + <p> + “She has never been entirely well since the death of our second child, a + year ago,” he said. “The little one was buried on a very stormy day, and + the mother would not be dissuaded from going to the cemetery. The severe + cold, acting upon a system enfeebled by grief, induced an attack of + pneumonia. Dr. Ritchie but coincides with every other physician I have + consulted.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity you are obliged to leave her so soon,” observed the + sympathizing nurse. “Although she may be more comfortable a week hence + than she is now.” + </p> + <p> + “A week! I had no intention of returning in less than a month's time. I + made all my arrangements to that effect before leaving home. Rosa's + reference to my desire to go back to my clients was sheer badinage”—smiling + mournfully. “You have heard her talk often enough to understand how little + of earnest there is in the raillery.” More insincerity! For, contradictory + as it may appear, Mrs. Sutton felt constrained to believe his unsupported + word, in opposition to his wife's written assertion that he designed to + return to his practice the ensuing week. + </p> + <p> + “She thought I would be more apt to come if I imagined that he would soon + be gone!” was her grieved reflection. “If she could beguile me hither by + this assurance, she trusted to her coaxings and my compassion to retain + me. O Rosa! Rosa! cannot even the honest hour teach you to be truthful?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — THE HONEST HOUR. + </h2> + <p> + The shadow of death drew on apace to the sight of all, save the + consumptive, and her semi-imbecile mother. These seemed alike blind to the + fatal symptoms that were more strongly defined with every passing day. The + paralytic sat in her wheeled chair, in the March sunshine, at the window + of her chamber, and talked droningly of other times and paltry pleasures + to that one of her daughters or grand-children whose turn it was to + minister to her comfort and amusement, and insisted upon having all the + neighborhood news repeated in her dull ear with wearisome—to the + narrator—amplifications and reiterations, shaking with childish + laughter at the humorous passages, and whimpering at the pathetic. Rosa + cheated time of heaviness by unceasing demands upon her attendants for + service and diversion. Unable to sleep, except at long intervals, in + snatches of fitful dozing, she had a horror of being alone for an instant, + from dusk until dawn; was ingenious in contrivances to surprise an unwary + watcher nodding upon her post; plenteous and plaintive in lamentations, if + the device succeeded. Fifty times a night her pillows must be shaken, her + drink, food, or medicine given, and after each of these offices had been + performed, occurred the petition: + </p> + <p> + “Now—sit where I can see you whenever I open my eyes! It drives me + crazy to imagine for a moment that I am by myself. I want to be sure all + the while that some living human being is near at hand. I have such + frightful dreams! I awake always with the impression that I am drowning or + suffocating, or floating away into a sea of darkness alone!” + </p> + <p> + With the light of day, her spirits revived, and her hopes of speedy + recovery. + </p> + <p> + “You need not grudge waiting upon me now, for I shall be up and about + shortly—well and spry as the best of you!” she would say. “And while + I am playing invalid, I mean to have my quantum of attention. I have been + avaricious of devotion all my life, and this is a golden chance that may + never happen again.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband she would not willingly suffer to leave her for an instant. + But for Mrs. Sutton's management and kindly authority, he would have been + condemned to take his meals at her bedside and from the same tray with + herself. She would be removed from the bed to the lounge by no other arms + than his, and at any hour of the twenty-four he was liable to be called + upon to read, sing, or talk her into composure. Variable as ever in mood + and fancy, and more capricious in the exhibition of these, she was fond, + sullen, teasing, and mirthful with him as the humor of the moment + dictated; sometimes assailing him with reproaches for his indifference and + want of regard for her wishes and tastes, now that she was no longer + young, pretty, and sprightly; at others, clinging to him with + protestations of repentance and love, bewailing her waywardness and + imploring his forbearance; then, taking him to task for the slightest + inadvertence—the spilling of a drop of her medicine or jarring of + her sofa or bed; anon lauding him to the skies as the most skilful nurse + she had, and enjoining upon all about her to render verbal testimonial to + his irreproachableness as husband and man—oh! it was a wearisome, + oftentimes a revolting duty to listen to and bear with it all—keep + in mind though one did that the intolerable restlessness preluded + centuries of dreamless repose. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton could endure everything else better—and she believed + that it was the same with Frederic—than the needless and puerile + trickery to which Rosa resorted to achieve the most trivial purposes. If + she wished that one of her sisters should pass the day with her, or to sit + up for a part of the night, she worked upon her by means of others' + intercessions, or broached the subject by covert passages, the end of + which, she flattered herself, was successfully masked, until her train was + ready for explosion. Did she set her fancy upon any particular article of + diet, the same tortuous course was pursued to present the delicacy in + question to the mind of him or her who, she designed, should be the + provider. Under her sauciest rattle of fun or perversity lurked some + subtle meaning. She had either some end to subserve, or wanted to possess + herself of some bit of information she could have gained sooner and more + easily by direct inquiry. Cajolery and intrigue had become a second + nature, stronger than the original; and it never occurred to her that her + wiles, in her mental and bodily decadence, were transparent as they had + once been artful. + </p> + <p> + A discovery, made on the fourth day of her visit, excited Mrs. Sutton's + sympathies in behalf of the much enduring husband to a pitch it required + long and serious pondering upon the wife's weakness and critical condition + to restrain from indignant demonstration. + </p> + <p> + Rosa was sleeping more soundly than usual under the influence of an + anodyne, and Frederic, with a whispered apology to his coadjutor, went + into the next room, leaving the door ajar. From her seat, Mrs. Sutton had + a distinct view of him in an opposite mirror—a circumstance of which + she was not aware for several minutes. Happening, then, to look up from + her knitting she saw that he was writing, and half an hour afterward that + he was leaning back in his chair, looking at something in the hollow of + his hand, a mingling of such love and sadness in his countenance that she + felt it would be unlawful prying into his most sacred feelings for her to + watch him longer. He turned his head at the slight rustle she made in + removing to another part of the room, and beckoned to her. At her + approach, he arose and held out a morocco case, containing the miniature + of a child—a bright-eyed, delicate-featured girl of seven or eight + summers—exquisitely painted. + </p> + <p> + “You have never seen my little Florence, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not. She is pretty—and resembles you strongly.” + </p> + <p> + He did not color or laugh at the unconscious compliment, or seem pleased + at her praise of his darling. Instead, there crept over his face a shade + of more painful sadness, darkening his eyes and compressing his lip, as he + answered— + </p> + <p> + “So every one says. She is the dearest child in the world—a sunbeam + of gladness in any house—amiable, affectionate, and intelligent. I + wish you would read her last letter to me. She is a better correspondent + than many grown people.” Then, smiling, apologetically, “If my + commendation seem overstrained, you will excuse a father's partiality.” + </p> + <p> + The letter—although the unformed chirography betrayed the writer's + inexperience in pen-practice—was correctly spelled and easy in + style, crowded with loving messages to “dear papa and mamma;” relating + anecdotes of school and home life, and while expressive of her longings + for her parents' return, professing willingness to stay where she was + “until mamma should be well enough to come back.” + </p> + <p> + “I pray every night that God will cure her, and make us all happy again,” + she wrote. “I dreamed one night last week that I saw her dressed for a + party, all rosy and funny and laughing, as she used to be, and that she + kissed me, and put her arm around me, and called me 'baby Florence' and + 'little one,' in her sweet voice. Wasn't it strange? I awoke myself + crying, I was so happy! I do try to be brave, and not fret about what + cannot be helped, papa, because I promised you I would; but sometimes it + is right hard work. It is always easier for a whole day after I get one of + your nice, long letters. It is not QUITE as good as having real talk with + you, but it is the best treat I can have when you are away.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton wiped her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “The dear child!” she said, in the subdued tone habitual to the + frequenters of the sick-room. “No wonder you want to see her! Why didn't + you give her a holiday, and bring her to Virginia with you?” + </p> + <p> + “I dreaded the effect of a child's high animal spirits and thoughtless + bustle upon her mother's health”—the shadow thickening into trouble. + “The next best thing to having her with me is to know that she is kindly + and lovingly looked after by my married sister, of whom she is very fond. + Florence is merrier, if not always happier, with her young cousins than if + she were condemned to the repression and joyless routine of a house where + the care of the sick is the most engrossing business to all.” + </p> + <p> + The more Mrs. Sutton meditated upon this conversation, the more + enigmatical it appeared that the mother never spoke of missing her only + living child—never pined for the sound of her vivacious talk and the + sight of her winning ways. Curiosity—her strong love for all + children, and a lively interest in Florence and Florence's father, the two + who assuredly did feel the separation—got the ascendency over + discretion that night, when Rosa, too nervous to sleep, begged her to + talk, “to scare away the horrors that were sitting, a blue-black brood, + upon her pillow.” + </p> + <p> + “Your little daughter would be an endless source of entertainment to you + if she were here,” said downright Aunt Rachel, with no show of + circumlocution. “I am surprised you do not send for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Children of that age are a nuisance!” returned Rosa, peevishly. “And of + all tiresome ones that I ever saw, Florence is the most trying. She + doesn't talk after I bid her hold her tongue, but her big, solemn eyes see + and her ears hear all that passes. If there is one thing that pushes me + nearer to the verge of distraction than another it is to have my own words + quoted to me when I have forgotten that I ever uttered them. And she—literal + little bore!—is always pretending to take all that I say in earnest. + If I were to tell her to go to Guinea, it is my belief she would put on + her bonnet, cloak, and gloves, pocket a biscuit for luncheon and a + story-book to read by the way, and set out forthwith, asking the first + decent-looking man she met in the street at what wharf she would find a + vessel bound for Africa.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sutton was obliged to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “She must be a truthful, sincere little thing!” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I tell you she is TOO outrageously literal and unimaginative? Just + let me give you an example of how she tires and vexes me. One day, about a + fortnight before I left home, she set her heart upon spending the whole of + Saturday afternoon with me. Her father objected, for he understands, if he + does not sympathize with me, what a trial she is to flesh and spirit. But + I was moderately comfortable, and my nerves were less unruly than usual, + so I said we would try and get on together. + </p> + <p> + “No sooner had he gone than the catechism commenced: + </p> + <p> + “'Now, mamma, what can I do to amuse you?' + </p> + <p> + “She talks like a woman of fifty. + </p> + <p> + “'What should you propose if I were to leave it to you?' I asked. + </p> + <p> + “'I suppose,' said my Lady Cutshort, 'that it would excite you too much to + talk, so I had better read aloud. What book do you prefer?' + </p> + <p> + “I named one—a novel I had not finished—and resigned myself to + martyrdom. She reads fluently—her father says prettily; but the + piping voice rasped my auriculars to the quick, and I soon stopped the + exhibition. Then we essayed conversation, but our range of themes was + limited, and a dismal silence succeeded to a short dialogue. By and by I + told her that I was sleepy, hoping she would take the hint and leave my + room. + </p> + <p> + “'Then, mamma, I will just get my work-basket, and sit here, as still as a + mouse, and prevent all disturbance.' + </p> + <p> + “With that, she gets out her miniature thimble and scissors, and falls to + work upon a pair of slippers she was embroidering for her father's + birthday present, sitting up, starched and prim as an old maid, her lips + pursed, and her forehead gravely consequential. I could not close my eyes + without seeing her still, like an undersized nightmare, her hair smooth to + the least hair, her dress neat to the smallest fold, stitching, stitching, + the affected, conceited marmoset! + </p> + <p> + “At last I said: + </p> + <p> + “'Put down your sewing, Florence, and look out of the window at the people + going by. You must be very tired.' + </p> + <p> + “'Not in the least, mamma, dear,' answered Miss Pert. 'I like to work, and + there is nothing interesting going on outside.' + </p> + <p> + “I tossed and sighed, and she was by me in a second. + </p> + <p> + “'Darling mamma! my poor, sweet little mother!' in her reed-like chirp; + 'can I do nothing to make you feel better?' putting her hands upon my head + and stroking my face until my flesh crawled. + </p> + <p> + “'Yes,' said I, out of all patience. 'Take yourself off, and don't let me + see you again until to-morrow morning! You kill me with your teasing.' + </p> + <p> + “And would you believe it? she just put up her sewing in the basket and + went directly out, without a tear or a murmur, and when her father came + home he could not prevail upon her, by commands or persuasions, to + accompany him further than the door of my chamber. So he, who won't admit + that she can do anything wrong, instead of whipping her for her obstinacy, + as he ought to have done, guessed she 'had some reason' for her + disobedience which she did not like to tell, and interrogated poor, + persecuted me. When he had heard my version of the manner in which we had + spent the afternoon, he only said, 'I should have foreseen this. But the + child—she is only a child, Rosa!—did her best!' and he looked + so mournful that I, knowing he blamed me for his bantling's freak of + temper, told him plainly that he cared a thousand times more for this + diminutive bundle of hypocrisy than he ever did for me, and that his + absurd favoritism was fast begetting in me a positive dislike for her. I + couldn't endure the sight of the sulky little mischief-maker for a week + after her complaint of barbarity had brought the look into his face I knew + so well.” + </p> + <p> + “O Rosa, she is your own flesh and blood! and, as her father said, a mere + baby yet! You said, too, that she refused to assign any cause to him for + her singular conduct.” + </p> + <p> + “She might better have made open outcry than have left upon his mind the + impression that I had banished her cruelly and unnecessarily. But I + despair of giving you an idea of how provoking she can be. She is a + Chilton, through and through, in feature, manner, and disposition—one + of those 'goody' children, you know! a class of animals that are simply + intolerable to me. She is too precocious and unbaby-like to be in the + least interesting. You should have seen my little Violet to understand + what a constant disappointment Florence is. She was myself in miniature, + and moreover the most witching, prankish, peppery elf that was ever made. + The best trait in Florence's character was her love for her baby-sister. + She gave up everything to her while she was alive, and they told me that + she would not eat, and scarcely slept, for days after her death. Her + father will have it that she is singularly sensitive, and has marvellous + depths of feeling; but if this be so, it is queer I never found it out. + Nobody could help adoring Violet—my sweet, lost, beautiful angel!” + </p> + <p> + The hysterical sobs were pumping up the tears now in hot torrents, and + these Mrs. Sutton was fain to assuage by loving arts she would not—but + for the danger of allowing them to flow—have been in the temper to + employ, so full was her heart of yearning pity for the hardly-used babe, + and displeasure at the mother's weak selfishness. It was easier to forgive + and forget Rosa's sins; to lessen, in the retrospect, her worst faults + into foibles, than it would have been to overlook the more venal failings + of one less mercurial, and whose personal fascinations did not equal hers. + </p> + <p> + Ere the close of another day, Mrs. Sutton had excused her unnatural + insensibility to her child's virtues and affection, by representing to + herself how fearfully disease had warped judgment and perception; had cast + over the enormities she could not palliate the pall of solemn remembrance + of the truth that death's dark door was already as surely shut between + mother and daughter, as if the grave held the former. A week of chill + March rains and wind was disastrous to the patient, who had seemed to draw + her main supplies of strength from the sunshine admitted freely to her + room, with the spring air, redolent with the delicious odors of the + freshly-turned earth, the budding trees, and early blossoms from the + garden beneath her windows. She shrank and shivered under the ungenial + sky, while the drizzling mist soaked life and animation out of the fragile + body. Occasional fits of delirium, increased difficulty of breathing, and + a steady decline of the slender remains of vital force, warned her + attendants that their care would not be required much longer. She was + still obstinate in her disbelief of the grave nature of her malady. The + most distant reference to her decease would arouse her to angry refutation + of the hinted doubt of her recovery, and excited her to offer proof of her + declaration that she was less ill than others supposed; she would summon + up a poor counterfeit of energy and mirth, more ghastly than her previous + lassitude; deny that she suffered from any cause, save the unfailing + nervous depression consequent upon the unfavorable weather. + </p> + <p> + Then came a day on which the sun looked forth with augmented splendor from + his sombrely curtained pavilion; when the naked branches of the deciduous + trees, the serried lances of the evergreens, and the broad leaves of the + tent-like magnolias—the pride of the Tazewell place—shone as + from a bath of molten silver. The battered flowers ventured into later and + healthier bloom, and a robin, swinging upon the lilac spray nearest Rosa's + window, sang blithe greeting to the reinstated spring. + </p> + <p> + Rosa heard him—opened her eyes, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “One—maybe the very same—used to sing there every morning when + I was a girl—used to awake me from my second nap. I could sleep all + night then, and never dream once!” + </p> + <p> + A messenger had been sent, at daybreak, for her sisters and brother, who + resided several miles away, but as yet Mrs. Sutton and Frederic were her + only nurses. She had dozed almost constantly during the night, and been + delirious when awakened to take nourishment or tonics, muttering senseless + and disconnected words, and moaning in pain, the location and nature of + which she could not describe to the solicitous watchers. + </p> + <p> + “I remember that Mabel and I,” she continued, dreamily, after a long pause—then + correcting herself, “I ask your pardon, Frederic! I said I wouldn't speak + of her ever again to you, but we were so much together in those days. + Moreover, it has troubled me at times, that you did not know who your real + friends were, and she did like you—and—and—what am I + saying! You shouldn't let me run on so!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her hand with difficulty, and tried to wipe away the film + gathering over her dilated eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, my darling! Do not attempt to talk! You are too weak and + tired!” said her husband, tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Tired!” catching at the word, “That is it! There is nothing else the + matter, whatever Dr. Ritchie and the rest of them may say. Tired! for how + many years I have been THAT! It seems like a thousand. This world is a + tiresome place to most people, I think I shall never forget how jaded + Mabel looked that week,” breaking off, as before, with a frightened start, + such as a dreamer gives when he fancies he is falling from an immeasurable + height. “Indeed, Fred, dear!” feeling for his hand upon the coverlet, “I + did not mean to wound or offend you. It was a terrible ordeal for you, my + love! But you came out of it as silver seven times refined. That is what + the text says—isn't it? And you and Aunt Rachel are friends once + more! That is one good deed I have done. I hope it will be recorded up + THERE! Heaven knows there are not so many that I can afford to have one + overlooked!” + </p> + <p> + Another season of dozing, and she awoke, rubbing her hands feebly + together, as to cleanse them. + </p> + <p> + “My hands ought to be whiter—purer! I know what ails them. I should + have picked up the letter she—Mrs. Sutton—wrote you. But I + loved you so—even then!” beseechingly. “You will not hate me when I + am gone? I mean when you get back to Philadelphia, and I am well enough to + be left here. I was sure, if you got it, you would come to Ridgeley, and I + let it go down the stream—down—down! Frederic!” + </p> + <p> + “I am here, dearest!” slipping his arm under, and raising her, as her + shrill cry rang out, and she grasped the empty air. “Rosa, my WIFE!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I was strangling—in the water! I am your wife—am I + not? She couldn't take you from me if she were here. I wish she were! I + always liked Mabel. She was a good, true woman—but she did not love + you as I did!” + </p> + <p> + Panting for breath, she leaned upon her husband's breast, and her eyelids + fell together again. Only for a moment! Then a smile—fond, sweet, + and penitent—played among the ashy shadows encircling her mouth. + “Poor little Florence! I am sorry I was cross to her. Tell her so, papa!” + Her husband stooped to kiss her, laid her back upon the pillows, closed + the sightless eyes, and left Mrs. Sutton alone with the dead. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS. + </h2> + <p> + “OLD Mrs. Tazewell has departed this life at last!” said Winston Aylett, + entering his own parlor one bleak November evening on his return from the + village post-office. “I met Al. Branch on the road just now. For a wonder + he was sober—in honor of the occasion, I suppose. He and Gus. Tabb + are to sit up with the corpse to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “When did she die?” queried his wife, drawing her skirts aside, that he + might get nearer the fire. + </p> + <p> + “At twelve o'clock to-day. That is, she ceased the unprofitable business + of respiration at that hour. She died, virtually, five years ago. She has + been little better than a mummy for that period.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor old lady!” said Mabel Dorrance, regretfully, from her corner of the + hearth. “Hers was a kind heart, while she could think and act + intelligently. One of my earliest recollections is of the dainties with + which she used to ply me when I visited Rosa. She was an indulgent parent + and mistress, yet I suppose few even of those most nearly related to her + will mourn her loss.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be very foolish if they did!” Mr. Aylett picked up the tongs to + mend the fire. “And very unnatural did they not rejoice at being rid of a + burden. The old place has been going to destruction all these years, and + it could not be sold while she cumbered the upper earth.” + </p> + <p> + No one replied directly to this delicate and feeling observation, and Mrs. + Aylett presently diverted the conversation slightly by saying,— + </p> + <p> + “And Alfred Branch has gone to tender his services to the family! There is + something romantic in his constancy to a memory. From the day of Rosa's + death, he has embraced every chance of testifying his respect for and wish + to serve her friends. He is a sadder wreck than was Mrs. Tazewell. You + would hardly recognize him, Mabel. His hair and beard are white as those + of a man of sixty-five, and his face bloated out of all comeliness.” + </p> + <p> + “White heat!” interjected Mr. Aylett. “He can not last much longer.” + </p> + <p> + “And all because a pretty girl said him 'Nay!'” pursued the wife. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett and Mr. Dorrance made characteristic responses in a breath. + </p> + <p> + “The greater blockhead he!” said one. + </p> + <p> + The other, “His was never a rightly balanced mind, I suspect. I always + thought him weak and impressionable.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your adjectives synonymous?” asked Mrs. Aylett playfully. + </p> + <p> + “Generally!” + </p> + <p> + Her brother had been reading at a distant window, while the daylight + sufficed to show him the type of his book. He now laid it by, and came + forward into the redder circle of radiance cast by the burning logs. He + was in his forty-third year, saturnine of visage, coldly monotonous in + accent, a business machine that did its work in good, substantial style, + and undertook no “fancy jobs.” He had amassed a handsome fortune, built a + handsome house, and married a handsome woman, all of which appendages to + his consequence he contemplated with grim complacency. As regarded + spiritual likeness, mutual affection, and assimilation of feeling and + opinion, he and his wife had receded, the one from the other, in the + fourteen years of their wedded life. There had been no decided rupture. + Both disliked altercations, and where radical opposition of sentiment + existed, they avoided the unsafe ground by tacit consent. Mabel's uniform + policy was that of outward submission to the mandates of her chief. + </p> + <p> + “After all, it makes little difference!” she fell into the habit of saying + in the earlier years of matronhood, and he interpreted her listless + acquiescence in his decrees as faith in the soundness of his judgment, the + infallibility of his decisions. No woman of sense and spirit ever becomes + an exemplar in unquestioning obedience to a mortal man, unless through + apathy—fatal torpor of mind or heart. Of this fact in moral history + our respectable barrister was happily ignorant. He was no better versed in + the lore of the heart feminine than when he accepted Mabel Aylett's esteem + and friendly regard in lieu of the shy, but ardent attachment a betrothed + maiden should have for the one she means to make her husband. + </p> + <p> + He respected her thoroughly, and loved her better than he did anybody + else. She was the one woman he recognized as his sister's superior—supremacy + due to the influence of single-minded integrity and modest dignity. What + Mabel said, he believed without gainsaying; while Clara's clever dicta + required winnowing to separate the probably spurious from the possibly + true. If his tone, in addressing his wife, was seldom affectionate, it was + never careless, as that which replied to his sister's raillery. + </p> + <p> + “Generally,” he said in his metallic, unmodulated voice. “The man who + would cast away health, usefulness, and fortune in his chagrin at not + winning the hand of a shallow-pated, volatile flirt, must be both silly + and susceptible.” + </p> + <p> + “Rosa Tazewell may have been shallow of heart, but she was not of pate,” + answered Mr. Aylett, with a cold sneer. “She was a fair plotter, and not + fickle of purpose when she had her desires upon a much-coveted object. Her + marriage proved that. She meant to captivate Chilton before she had known + him a month—yes, and to marry him, as she finally did. Her + intermediate conquests were but the practice that was to perfect her in + her profession. Does anybody know, by the way, if he has ever taken a + second wife to his bereaved bosom?” + </p> + <p> + A brief silence, then Mrs. Aylett said, negligently, “I think not. Mrs. + Trent, Rosa's sister, was expatiating to me a month since upon the beauty + and accomplishments of his daughter, and she said nothing of a + step-mother. Father and child live with a married sister of Mrs. Chilton, + I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “I had not heard that Rosa left a child,” remarked Mabel, interested. “I + understood that two died before the mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Only one—and that the younger. Miss Florence is now twelve years + old, Mrs. Trent says. I saw her at church once, when she was visiting her + grandmother and aunts. She is really passable—but very unlike her + mother.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel did not join in the desultory talk that engaged the others until + supper-time. There was a broken string in her heart, that jangled + painfully when touched by an incautious hand. + </p> + <p> + “Twelve years old!” she was saying, inwardly. “My darling would have been + thirteen, had she lived!” + </p> + <p> + And then flitted before her fancy a girlish form, with pure, loving eyes, + and a voice melodious as a mocking-bird's. Warm arms were about her neck, + and a round, soft cheek laid against hers—as no human arms and face + would ever caress her—her, the childless, whose had been the hopes, + fears, pains—never the recompence of maternity. + </p> + <p> + She had been to the graveyard that day—secretly, lest her husband + should frown, Clara wonder, and Winston sneer at her love for and memory + of that which had never existed, according to their rendering of the term. + She had trimmed the wire-grass out of the little hollow, above which the + mound had not been renewed since the day of her baby's burial, and, + trusting to the infrequency of others' visits to the neglected enclosure, + had laid a bunch of white rose-buds over the unmarked dust she accounted + still a part of her heart, 'neath which it had lain so long. People said + she had never been a mother; never had had a living child; had no hope of + seeing it in heaven. God and she knew better. + </p> + <p> + “Clara, I wish you to attend Mrs. Tazewell's funeral this afternoon,” said + Mr. Aylett at breakfast the next day but one after this. “There were + invidious remarks made upon your non-appearance at her daughter's, and I + do not choose that my family shall furnish food for neighborhood scandal.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Winston, you must recollect what an insufferable headache I had + that day.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't have one to-day,” ordered her husband laconically. “Mabel, do you + care to go?” + </p> + <p> + “By all means. I would not fail, even in seeming, in rendering respect to + one I used to like so much, and whose kindness to me was unvarying. You + have no objection, Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “None. I may accompany you—the day being fine, and the roads in + tolerable order.” + </p> + <p> + The funeral was conducted with the disregard of what are, in other + regions, established customs that distinguish such occasions in the rural + districts of Virginia. + </p> + <p> + Written notices had been sent out, far and near, the day before, + announcing that the services would begin at two o'clock, but when the + Aylett party arrived at a quarter of an hour before the time specified, + there was no appearance of regular exercises of any kind. A dozen + carriages besides theirs were clustered about the front gate, and a long + line of saddle-horses tethered to the fence. Knots of gentlemen in riding + costume dotted the lawn and porches, and within-doors ladies sat, or + walked at their ease in the parlor and dining room, or gathered in silent + tearfulness around the open coffin in the wide central hall. + </p> + <p> + The bed-room of the deceased was a roomy apartment in a wing of the + building, and to this Mabel was summoned before she could seat herself + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Mary's compliments and love, ma'am; and she says won't you please + step in thar, and set with Mistis' friends and relations?” was the audible + message delivered to her by Mrs. Trent's spry waiting-maid. + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked dubious, and Mrs. Aylett enlarged her fine eyes in a manner + that might mean either superciliousness or well-bred amazement. But Mabel + was neither surprised nor doubtful as to the proper course for her to + pursue. Time was when she was as much at home here as Rosa herself, and + Mrs. Tazewell's partiality for her was shared by others of the family. + That she had met none of them in ten or twelve years, did not at a season + like the present dampen their affection. They would rather on this account + seize upon the opportunity of honoring publicly their mother's old + favorite. + </p> + <p> + The chamber was less light than the hall she traversed to reach it. + </p> + <p> + She recognized Mary Trent, the daughter next in age to Rosa, who fell upon + her neck in a sobbing embrace, then the other sisters and their brother, + Morton Tazewell, with his wife, and was formally presented to their + children. + </p> + <p> + Finally she turned inquiringly toward a gentleman who stood against the + window opposite the door, with a little girl beside him. + </p> + <p> + Confused beyond measure, as the hitherto unthought-of consequences of her + impulsive action in sending for her friend rushed upon her mind, Mrs. + Trent faltered out: + </p> + <p> + “I forgot! You must excuse me, but I was so anxious to see you. My + brother-in-law, Mr. Chilton. He arrived yesterday—not having heard + of mother's death.” + </p> + <p> + And for the first time since they looked their passionate farewell into + each other's eyes under the rose-arch of the portico at Ridgeley, on that + rainy summer morning, the two who had been lovers again touched hands. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are quite well, Mr. Chilton,” said Mabel's firm, gentle voice. + “Is this your daughter?” kissing the serious-faced child on the forehead, + and looking intently into her eyes in the hope of discovering a + resemblance to her mother. + </p> + <p> + Then she went back to a chair next to Mrs. Trent's, and began to talk + softly of the event that had called them together, not glancing again at + the window until the outer hall was stilled, that the clergyman might + begin the funeral prayer. + </p> + <p> + “The services will be concluded at the grave,” was the announcement that + succeeded the sermon; and there followed the shuffling of the bearers' + feet, and their measured tramp across the floors and down the steps of the + back porch. + </p> + <p> + The daughters and daughter-in-law let fall their veils and pulled on their + gloves, and Herbert Dorrance beckoned somewhat impatiently to his wife + from the parlor door. While she was on her way to join him, she saw his + complexion vary to a greenish sallow, his mouth work spasmodically, and + his eyes sink in anger or dismay. + </p> + <p> + Winston Aylett likewise noted and knew it, for the same look of abject + terror he had observed upon the hard Scotch face when Mabel enumerated + upon her fingers those she accused of having robbed her of her babe. + </p> + <p> + The wife attributed it to displeasure at seeing Frederic Chilton among the + mourners. Her whilom guardian, never charitable overmuch, inclined the + more to the belief begotten within him by other incidents, to wit: that + his brother-in-law's talk was more doughty than his deeds, and his real + sentiment upon beholding the man he boasted of having flogged as a + libertine and coward, was physical dread for his own safety. Watchful + alike of the other party to the ancient quarrel, he was rewarded by the + sight of Chilton's irrepressible start and frown, when Mabel put her hand + within her husband's arm, and stood awaiting the formation of the + procession. The discarded lover gazed steadfastly into Dorrance's + countenance in passing to his place, in recognition that scouted + assimilarity with salutation, but his eye did not waver or his color fade. + </p> + <p> + “I would not be afraid to wager that this is but another version of the + fable of the statue of the man rampant and the lion couchant,” thought Mr. + Aylett, following with his wife in the funeral train down the grass-grown + alley leading through the garden to the family burying-ground. “It would + be an entertaining study of human veracity if I could hear Chilton's + story, and compare the two. He is either an audacious rascal, or there is + something back of all that I have heard which will not bear the light.” + </p> + <p> + It was not remorse at the thought of the total alteration in his sister's + life and feelings that had grown out of this imperfect or false evidence, + but simple curiosity to inspect the lineaments and note the actions of the + cool rascal whose audacity commanded his admiration, and note his bearing + in the event of his coming into closer contact with his former foe, that + prompted him to single him out for scrutiny among those whose relationship + to the deceased secured them places nearest the grave. + </p> + <p> + For a time the widower was gravely quiet, holding his child's hand and + looking down steadfastly into the pit at his feet, perhaps remembering + more vividly than anything else a certain sunny day in March, many years + back, when another fissure yawned close by, where now a green mound—the + ridged scar with which the earth had closed the wound in her breast—and + a stately shaft of white marble were all that remained to the world of + “Rosa, wife of Frederic Chilton.” But, while the mould was being heaped + upon the coffin, he raised his eyes, and let them rove aimlessly over the + crowd, neither avoiding nor courting observation—the cursory regard + of a man who had no strong interest in any person or group there. They + changed singularly in resting upon the family from Ridgeley. A stare of + stupefaction gave place to living fires of angry suspicion and amazement—lurid + flame that testified its violence in the reddening of cheeks and brow, in + the dilating nostril and quivering lips. Then he passed his hand downward + over his features, evidently conscious of their distortion, and striving + after a semblance of equanimity, and looked again in stern fixity, not at + her from whom he had been parted in the early summer of his manhood, nor + at his successful rival, nor yet at the guardian who had offered him + gratuitous insult in addition to the injury of refusing to permit his + ward's marriage with a disgraced adventurer—but at Mrs. Aylett, the + chatelaine of Ridgeley, the wife whose serene purity had never been + blemished by a doubting breath; chaste and polished matron; the admired + copy for younger and less discreet, but not more beautiful women. He + surveyed her boldly—if the imagination had not seemed preposterous—Mr. + Aylett would have said scornfully, as he might study the face and figure + of some abandoned wretch who had accosted him in the public thoroughfare + as an acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + A haughty and uncontrollable gesture from the husband succeeded in + diverting the offender's notice to himself for one instant—not more. + But in that flash he detected a shade of difference in the expression that + irked him; a ray, that was inquiry, sharp and eager, tempered by + compassion, yet still contemptuous. + </p> + <p> + All this passed in less time than it has taken me to write a line + descriptive of the pantomime. The mound was shaped, and the decorously + mournful train turned from it to retrace their course to the house, + Frederic Chilton imitating the example of those about him, but moving like + a sleep-walker, his brows corrugated and eyes sightless to all surrounding + objects. He had awakened when the Ridgeley carriage drove to the door. + Mrs. Sutton detained Mabel in one of the upper chambers to concert plans + for a visit to the homestead while the Dorrances should be there. Aunt and + niece had not met since the arrival of the latter in Virginia, a fortnight + before, the elder lady being in constant attendance upon Mrs. Tazewell. + </p> + <p> + “This is very stupid! And I am getting hungry!” said Mrs. Aylett, aside to + her lord, as she stood near a front window, tapping the floor with her + feet, while vehicle after vehicle received its load and rolled off. “We + shall be the last on the ground. Herbert! can't you intimate to Mabel that + we are impatient to be gone?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know where she is!” growled the brother, for once non-complaisant + to her behest, and not stirring from the chair in the corner into which he + had dropped at his entrance. + </p> + <p> + His head hung upon his breast, and he appeared to study the lining of his + hat-crown, balancing the brim by his forefingers between his knees. Mrs. + Aylett had lowered her veil in the burying-ground or on her way thither, + but it was a flimsy mass of black lace—richly wrought, yet + insufficient to hide the paleness of the upper part of her visage. Mr. + Aylett watched and wondered, with but one definite idea in his brain + beyond the resolve to ferret out the entire mystery in his stealthy, + taciturn fashion. Herbert Dorrance had been, in some manner, compromised + by his association with this Chilton, had reason to dread exposure from + him, and his sister was the confidante of his guilty secret. + </p> + <p> + “I shall know all about it in due season,” thought the master of himself + and his dependents. + </p> + <p> + Not that he meant to extort or wheedle it from his consort's keeping, but + he had implicit faith in his own detective talents. + </p> + <p> + “Here she is at last!” he said, when Mabel came down the staircase, + holding Aunt Rachel's hand, and talking low and earnestly, her noble face + and even gliding step a refreshing contrast to Mrs. Aylett's nervousness + and Herbert's dogged sullenness. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry I have kept you so long, but there will be less dust than if + we had gone sooner. The other carriages will have had time to get out of + our way,” she said, pleasantly. “Winston,” coming up to her brother, and + speaking in an undertone, “will it be quite convenient for you to send for + Aunt Rachel on next Friday?” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely! The carriage shall be at your service at any hour or day you + wish,” with more cordiality than was common with him. + </p> + <p> + However treacherous others might be in their reserve and half-confessions, + here was one who had never deceived him or knowingly misled him to believe + her better, or otherwise, than she was. Honesty and truth were stamped + upon her face by a life-long practice of these homely virtues—not by + meretricious arts. It was tardy justice, but he rendered it without + grudging, if not heartily. + </p> + <p> + A few words passed as to the hour at which the carriage was to call for + Mrs. Sutton, and Mabel kissed her “Good-by,” the others shaking hands with + her, and with three or four of the Tazewell kinsmen who officiated as + masters of ceremonies, and Mrs. Aylett made an impatient movement toward + the front steps. Directly in her route, leaning against a pillar of the + old-fashioned porch, was Frederic Chilton, no longer dreamy and perplexed, + but on the alert with eye and ear—not losing one sound of her voice, + or trick of feature. She inclined her head slightly and courteously, the + notice due a friend of the house she, as guest, was about to leave. He did + not bow, nor relax the rigor of his watch. Only, when she was seated in + the carriage, he bent respectfully and mutely before Mabel, who followed + her hostess, and paying as little attention to the two gentlemen as they + did to him walked up to Mrs. Sutton, and said something inaudible to the + bystanders. As they drove out of the yard, the Ridgeley quartette saw the + pair saunter, side by side, to the extreme end of the portico, apparently + to be out of hearing of the rest, but no one remarked aloud upon the + renewed intimacy and then confidential attitude. + </p> + <p> + “If it is anything very startling, the old gossip will never keep it to + herself,” Mr. Aylett congratulated himself, while his wife's complexion + paled gradually to bloodlessness, and Herbert sat back in his corner, + sulky and dumb. “And she is coming to us on Friday!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — THUNDER IN THE AIR. + </h2> + <p> + THE only malady that put Herbert Dorrance in frequent and unpleasant + remembrance of his mortality was a fierce headache, which had of late + years supervened upon any imprudence in diet, and upon excessive agitation + of mind or physical exertion. His invariable custom, when he awoke at + morning with one of these, was to trace it to its supposed source, and + after determining that it was nothing more than might have been expected + from the circumstance, to commit himself to his wife's nursing for the + day. + </p> + <p> + She ought, therefore, to have been surprised when, while admitting that + the pain in his head was intense, he yet, on the morrow succeeding Mrs. + Tazewell's funeral, persisted in rising and dressing for breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “It must have been the roast duck at dinner yesterday,” he calmly and + languidly explained the attack. “It was fat, and the stuffing reeked with + butter, sage, and onion. An ostrich could not have digested it. I was + tired, too, and should not have eaten heartily of even the plainest food.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel neither opposed nor sustained the theory. She had slept so ill + herself as to know how restless he had been; had heard his hardly + suppressed sighs and tossings to and fro, infallible indications with him + of serious perturbation. Had his discomfort been bodily only, he would + have felt no compunction in calling her to his aid, as he had done scores + of times. Her sleepless hours had also been fraught with melancholy + disquiet. Putting away from her—with firmness begotten by virtue + born of will—and so much of this thoughtfulness as pertained to the + bygone days with which Frederic Chilton was inseparable associated, she + yet deliberated seriously upon the expediency of speaking out courageously + to Herbert of the relation this man had once borne to her, the incidents + of their recent meeting, and the effect she saw was produced upon her + husband's mind by the sight of him. + </p> + <p> + “If we would have this negative happiness continue, this matter ought to + be settled at once and forever,” she said, inwardly. “He must not suspect + me of weak and wicked clinging to the phantoms of my youth; must believe + that I do not harbor a regret or wish incompatible with my duty as his + wife. I will avail myself of the first favorable moment to assure him of + the folly of his fears and of his discomfort.” + </p> + <p> + Another consideration—the natural sequence of her conviction of his + unhappiness—was a touching appeal to her woman's heart. If he had + not loved her more fervently than his phlegmatic temperament and + undemonstrative bearing would induce one to suppose, he would not dread + the rekindling of her olden fancy for another. The image of him who, she + had confessed, had taught her the depth and weight of her own affections, + whom she had loved as she had never professed to care for him, would not + have haunted his pillow to chase sleep, and torture him with forebodings. + </p> + <p> + “I must make him comprehend that Mabel Aylett at twenty, wilful, romantic, + and undisciplined, was a different being from the woman who has called him + 'husband,' without a blush, for fourteen years!” + </p> + <p> + It was these recollections that softened her kindly tones to tenderness; + made the pressure of her hand upon his temples a caress, rather than a + manual appliance for deadening pain; while she combated his intention of + appearing at the breakfast-table. + </p> + <p> + “Lie down upon the sofa!” she entreated. “Let me bring up a cup of strong + coffee for you; then darken the room, and chafe your head until you fall + asleep, since you turn a deaf ear to all proposals of mustard foot-baths + and Dr. Van Orden's panacea pills.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” stubbornly. “Aylett and Clara would think it strange. They do not + understand how a slight irregularity of diet or habit can produce such a + result. They would attribute it to other causes. I may feel better when I + have taken something nourishing.” + </p> + <p> + The dreaded critics received the tidings of his indisposition without + cavil at its imputed origin, treated the whole subject with comparative + indifference, which would have mortified him a week ago, but seemed now to + assuage his unrest. The breakfast hour was a quiet one. Herbert could not + attempt the form of eating, despite his expressed hope of the curative + effects of nourishment, and sipped his black coffee at tedious intervals + of pain, looking more ill after each. Mabel was silent, and regardful of + his suffering, while Mrs. Aylett toyed with the tea-cup, broke her biscuit + into small heaps of crumbs upon her plate, and under her visor of ennui + and indolent musing, kept her eye upon her vis-a-vis, whose face was + opaque ice; and his intonations, when he deigned to speak, meant nothing + save that he was controller of his own meditations, and would not be + meddled with. + </p> + <p> + “You are not well enough to ride over to the Courthouse with me, + Dorrance?” he said, interrogatively, his meal despatched. “It is + court-day, you know?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say, Mabel?” was Herbert's clumsy reference to his nurse. + “Don't you think I might venture?” + </p> + <p> + “I would not, if I were in your place,” she replied, cautiously + dissuasive. “The day is raw, and there will be rain before evening. + Dampness always aggravates neuralgia.” + </p> + <p> + “It is neuralgia, then, is it?” queried Winston, shortly, drawing on his + boots. + </p> + <p> + His sister looked up surprised. + </p> + <p> + “What else should it be?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing—unless the symptoms indicate softening of the brain!” he + rejoined, with his slight, dissonant laugh. “In either case, your decision + is wise. He is better off in your custody than he would be abroad. I hope + I shall find you convalescent when I return. Good morning!” + </p> + <p> + His wife accompanied him to the outer door. + </p> + <p> + “It is chilly!” she shivered, as this was opened. “Are you warmly clad, + love?” feeling his overcoat. “And don't forget your umbrella.” + </p> + <p> + Her hand had not left his shoulder, and, in offering a parting kiss, she + leaned her head there also. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would not go!” she said impulsively and sincerely. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say—except that I dread to be left alone all day. You may + laugh at me, but I feel as if something terrible were hanging over me—or + you. The spiritual oppression is like the physical presentiment sensitive + temperaments suffer when a thunder-storm is brooding, but not ready to + break. Yet I can refer my fears to no known cause.” + </p> + <p> + “That is folly.” Mr. Aylett bit off the end of a cigar, and felt in his + vest pocket for a match-safe. “You should be able always to assign a + reason for the fear as well as the hope that is in you. You have no idea, + you say, from what recent event your prognostication takes its hue?” + </p> + <p> + She laughed, and straightened her fine neck. + </p> + <p> + “From the same imprudence that has consigned poor Herbert to the house for + the day, I suspect—a late and heavy dinner. I had the nightmare + twice before morning. You will be home to supper?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Hesitating upon the monosyllable, he took hold of her elbows, so as to + bring her directly before him, and searched her countenance until it was + dyed with blushes. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you color so furiously?” he asked in raillery that had a sad or + sardonic accent. “I was about to ask if you would be inconsolable if I + never came back. Perhaps your presentiment points to some such fatality. + These little accidents have happened in better-regulated families than + ours.” + </p> + <h3> + “WINSTON!” + </h3> + <p> + She gasped and blanched in pain or terror. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? Have I hurt you?” releasing his grasp. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—HERE!” laying his hand upon her heart, the beautiful eyes + terrified and pathetic as those of a wounded deer. “For the love of + Heaven, never stab me again with such suggestions. When you die, I shall + not care to live. When you cease to love me, I shall wish we had died + together on our marriage-day—my husband!” + </p> + <p> + He let her twine her arms about his neck, laid his cheek to her brow, + clasped her tightly and kissed her impetuously, madly, again and yet again—disengaged + himself, and ran down the steps. She was standing on the top one, still + flushed and breathless from the violence of his embrace, when he looked + back from the gate, her commanding figure framed by the embowering + creepers, as Mabel's girlish shape had been when Frederic Chilton waved + his farewell to her from the same spot. + </p> + <p> + Did either of them think of it, or would either have reckoned it an + ominous coincidence, if the remembrance of that long-ago parting had + presented itself then and there? + </p> + <p> + Herbert spent the day upon the lounge in the family sitting-room—a + cosy retreat, between the parlor and the conservatory, which had been + added to the lower floor in the reign of the present queen. Her brother's + seizure was no trifling ailment. Alternations of stupor and racking spasms + of pain defied, for several hours, his wife's application of the remedies + she had found efficacious in former attacks. Her ultimate resort was + chloroform, and by the liberal use of this, relaxation of the tense nerves + and a sleep that resembled healing repose were induced by the middle of + the afternoon. The weather continued to threaten rain, although none had + fallen as yet, and the wind moaned lugubriously in the leafless branches + of the great walnut before the end window of the narrow apartment. It was + a grand tree, the patriarch of the grove that sheltered the house from the + north winds. Mabel, relieved from watchfulness, and to some extent from + anxiety, by her husband's profound slumber, lay back in her chair with a + long-drawn sigh, and looked out at the naked limbs of the wrestling giant—the + majestic sway and reel she used to note with childish awe—and + thought of many things which had befallen her since then, until the steady + rocking of the boughs and hum of the November breeze soothed her into + languor—then drowsiness—then oblivion. + </p> + <p> + She awoke in alarm at the sense of something hurtful or startling hovering + near her. + </p> + <p> + The fire had been trimmed before she slept, and now flamed up gayly; the + window was dusky, as were the distant corners of the room, and Herbert was + gazing steadfastly at her. + </p> + <p> + “I fell asleep without knowing it. I am sorry! Have you wanted anything? + How long have you been awake?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a few minutes, my dearest!” with no change in the mesmeric + intentness of his gaze. “I want nothing more than to have you always near + me. You have been a good, faithful wife, Mabel, better and nobler—a + thousandfold nobler than I deserved. I have thought it all over while you + were sleeping so tranquilly in my sight. I wish my conscience were void of + evil to all mankind as is yours. I awoke with an odd and awful impression + upon my mind. The firelight flamed in a bright stream between your chair + and me—and I must have dreamed it—or the chloroform had + affected my head—I thought it was a river of light dividing us! You + were a calm, white angel who had entered into rest—uncaring for and + forgetful of me. I was lost, homeless, wandering forever and ever!” + </p> + <p> + Had her prosaic spouse addressed her in a rhythmic improvisation, Mabel + could not have been more astounded. + </p> + <p> + “You are dreaming yet!” she said, kneeling by him and binding his temples + with her cool, firm palms. “When we are divided, it will be by a dark—not + a bright river.” + </p> + <p> + “Until death do us part!” Herbert repeated, thoughtfully. “I wish I could + hear you say, once, that you do not regret that clause of your marriage + vow. I was not your heart's choice, you know, Mabel, however decided may + have been the approval of your friends and of your judgment. The thought + oppresses me as it did not in the first years of our wedded life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you have spoken of this,” began the wife. “I would disabuse + your mind—” + </p> + <p> + “All in the dark!” exclaimed Mrs. Aylett, at the door. “And what a + stifling odor of chloroform!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel got up, and drew a heavy travelling-shawl that covered Herbert's + lower limbs over his arms and chest. + </p> + <p> + “I will open the window!” she said, deprecatingly. + </p> + <p> + A sluice of cold air rushed in, beating the blaze this way and that, + puffing ashes from the hearth into the room, and eliciting from Mrs. + Aylett what would have been a peevish interjection in another woman. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sister! the remedy is worse than the offence. Chloroform is + preferable to creosote, or whatever abominable element is the principal + ingredient of smoke and cold! The thermometer must be down to the + freezing-point!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel lowered the sash. + </p> + <p> + “You have been sitting in a room without fire, I suspect. The temperature + here is delightful. I am sorry we have exiled you from such comfortable + quarters.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't speak of it! I cannot endure to sit here alone—or anywhere + else. I have slept most of the afternoon. How the wind blows! I wish + Winston were at home.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a dark afternoon. He seldom returns from court so early as this. It + is not six yet.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel still essayed pacification of the other's ruffled mood. + </p> + <p> + “You are better, I see,” Mrs. Aylett said abruptly to her brother. “You + were not subject to these spells formerly. People generally outlive + constitutional headaches—so I have noticed. It is queer yours should + occur so often and wax more violent each time. You should have medical + advice before they ripen into a more serious disorder.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert shaded his eyes from the fire, and lay with out replying, until + his wife believed he had relapsed into a doze. + </p> + <p> + She was convinced of her mistake by his saying, slowly and distinctly,— + </p> + <p> + “You do not enter into Clara's whole meaning, Mabel. We have been careful, + all of us, never to tell you that our father was imbecile by the time he + was fifty and died, in his sixtieth year, of the disease your brother + named this morning—softening of the brain. I, of all his children, + am most like him physically. If it be true that this danger menaces me, + you should be informed of it, and know, furthermore, that it is + incurable.” + </p> + <p> + Mabel also paused before answering. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot assent to the hypothesis of your inherited malady, Herbert. + These headaches may mean nothing. But let that be as it may, you should + have told me of this before.” + </p> + <p> + “You see,” broke in Mrs. Aylett's triumphant sarcasm. “The reward of your + maiden attempt at conjugal confidence is reproof. What have I warned you + from the beginning?” + </p> + <p> + “Not reproof,” corrected Mabel, in mild decision. “My knowledge of the + secret he deemed it wise and kind to withhold would have gained for him my + sympathy, and my more constant and intelligent care of his health. It is + the hidden fear that grows and multiplies itself most rapidly. Before it + is killed it must be dragged to the light.” + </p> + <p> + “That is YOUR hypothesis,” was the bright retort. “We Dorrances have + justly earned a reputation for discretion by the excellent preservation of + our own secrets, and those committed to our keeping by our friends. My + motto is, tell others nothing about yourself which they cannot learn + without your confession. An autobiography is always either a bore or a + blunder. Not that I would regulate the number and nature of your + divulgations to your wife, Herbert. As to Winston's unlucky hit this + morning, it was mere fortuity. I have never felt myself called upon to + enlighten him in family secrets, and his is an incurious disposition. He + never asks idle questions. He has a marvellous faculty of striking + home-blows in the dark, but that is no reason why one should betray his + wound by crying out. Apropos to darkness, may I ring for a lamp, or will + the light hurt your eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “The fire-light is more trying,” rejoined Mabel, pushing a screen before + the sofa, and placing herself where she could, in its shadow, hold her + husband's hand. + </p> + <p> + It was cold and limp when she lifted it, but tightened upon hers with the + instinctive grip of gratitude too profound to be uttered. + </p> + <p> + She had never been so near loving him as at the instant in which he + believed he had incurred her ever-lasting displeasure. Generosity and pity + were fast undoing the petrifying influences of her early disappointment, + their mutual reserve, and tacit misunderstandings. If half he feared were + true, his need of her affection, her counsel and companionship were dire. + Whatever wrong he had done her by keeping back the tale of hereditary + infirmity, he had suffered more from the act than she could ever do. Who + knew how much of what she, with others, mistook for constitutional phlegm + and studied austerity, was the outward sign of the battle between dread of + his inherited doom and the resolve of an iron will to defy natural laws + and the sentence of destiny herself, and hold reason upon her rickety + throne? + </p> + <p> + Heaven's gentlest and kindest angels were busy with Mabel Dorrance's heart + in that reverie, and, as they wrought, the cloud that had rested there for + fifteen years broke into rainbow smiles that illumined her countenance + into the similitude of the shining ones. + </p> + <p> + “I bless Thee, Father, the All-wise and Ever-merciful, that she is safe!” + was her voiceless thanksgiving. + </p> + <p> + No more bitter tears over the lonely, sunken grave! no more hearkening, + with aching, never-to-be-satisfied ears for the patter of the “little feet + that never trod.” The great sorrow of her life that had been good in His + sight was at length a blessing in hers. Her “hereafter” of knowledge of + His doings had come to her in this world. + </p> + <p> + “Does it rain, Peter?” questioned Mrs. Aylett of the lad who brought in + lights. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am. It's beginnin' to storm powerful!” he said, respectfully + communicative. + </p> + <p> + “Your master has not come?” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “See that the lantern over the great gate is lighted, and that some one is + ready to take his horse. And, Peter,” as he was going out, “tell Thomas + not to bring in supper until Mr. Aylett returns.” + </p> + <p> + She moved to the window, bowed her hands on either side of her eyes to + exclude the radiance within, and strained them into the black, black + night. + </p> + <p> + “He will have a dark and a disagreeable ride,” she said, coming back to + the fire. + </p> + <p> + Her uneasiness was so palpable as to excite Mabel's compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Every step of the road is familiar to him, and he is accustomed to night + rides,” she said, encouragingly. “Yes,” absently. “But he will be very + wet. Hear the rain!” + </p> + <p> + It plashed against the north window, and tinkled upon the tin roof of the + conservatory, and Mabel, though aware of her brother's habitual disregard + of wind and weather, could not but sympathize with the wifely concern + evinced by the sober physiognomy and unsettled demeanor of one generally + so calm. She observed, now, that her sister-in-law was arrayed more richly + than usual, and her attire was always handsome and tasteful. A deep purple + silk, trimmed upon skirt and waist with velvet bands of darker purple, + showed off her clear skin to fine advantage, and was saved from monotony + of effect by a headdress of lace and buff ribbons. A stately and a comely + matron, she was bedight for her lord's return; weighed as heavy each + minute that detained him from her arms. + </p> + <p> + She was still standing by the low mantel, her arm resting lightly upon it, + the fire-blaze bringing out lustrous reflections in her drapery and hair, + and tinging her pensive check with youthful carmine, when her husband + entered. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — NEMESIS. + </h2> + <p> + IT was a peculiarity of Winston Aylett that he was never discomposed in + seeming, however embarrassing or distressing might be his position. In his + childhood he was one to whom, to use the common phrase, dirt would not + stick. His face was clean and fair, his hands smooth, and his hair in + order after rough and tumble experiences that sent his companions home + begrimed, ragged, and unkempt frights. To-night, he had ridden a dozen + miles in the teeth of the storm, and made no pause before appearing before + his wife and sister, except to lay off his hat and overcoat in the hall. + But had he expected to encounter a roomful of ladies, his costume could + not have been more unexceptionable. + </p> + <p> + His linen was pure and fresh, even to the narrow line of wristband edging + his coat sleeve; his clearly cut patrician features were tranquil in every + line and tint; his step was the light, yet deliberate stride of an athlete + without passion or bravado. Conscious power, inexorable will, and thorough + self-command were stamped upon him from crown to foot, and his salutation + to the small family party accompanied a smile as mirthless and cold as + were his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett advanced a step, not more, and returned the bow that + comprehended all present, with a pleased, not rapturous welcome. + </p> + <p> + “We were beginning to fear lest you might be wet,” she said, emulating his + polite equanimity. Genuine tact is always chameleon-like in quality. “It + rains quite fast, does it not?” + </p> + <p> + “The storm is increasing, but I experienced no inconvenience from it, + thank you.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down in his favorite arm-chair, and spread his fingers before the + fire. + </p> + <p> + “I am happy to see you so very much better”—to Herbert. “There were + many kind inquiries for you at the court-house to-day. Dr. Ritchie wanted + to know if you had ever taken nux vomica for these neuralgic turns. I + invited him to come in with me and prescribe for you, but he said he must + push on home, so we parted at the outer gate.” + </p> + <p> + So affable as almost to put others at their ease in his company, he + chatted until supper was announced; regretted civilly Herbert's inability + to go to the table, and gave his sister his arm into the dining-room, Mrs. + Aylett following in their wake. If he did not eat heartily, he praised, in + gentlemanly moderation, the viands selected by his consort for his + delectation after his wet ride, and pleaded a late dinner as the reason of + his present abstinence. Then they adjourned to the apartment where they + had left Mr. Dorrance, and the host produced his cigar-case. + </p> + <p> + “Mabel says that smoke never offends your olfactories, or affects your + head unpleasantly, when you are suffering from this nervous affection,” he + said to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, it often acts as a sedative,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Winston lighted a cigar with an allumette from a bronze taper-stand—a + Christmas gift from his wife, which she kept supplied with fanciful spiles + twisted and fringed into a variety of shapes; drew several long breaths to + be certain that the fire had taken hold of the heart of the Havana, tossed + the pretty paper into the embers, and resumed his seat in the chimney + corner. + </p> + <p> + “A sedative is a good thing for people who allow their nerves to get out + of gear,” he remarked, dryly and leisurely, puffing contentedly in the + middle and at the end of the sentence. “But he who does this subverts the + order of the ruler and the ruled. I supposed I had nerves once, but it is + an age since they have dared molest me. I know that I had my impulses when + I was younger.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped to fillip the ash forming upon the ignited end of his cigar, + performing the operation with nicety, using the extreme tip of his + middle-finger nail over the salver attached for the purpose to the bronze + smoking-set. + </p> + <p> + “I obeyed one, above a dozen years ago. I learned only to-day that it was + rash and unwise, and to how much evil it may lead.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a very active evil, if you have just discovered it to be such.” + </p> + <p> + The speaker was his sister. Herbert was motionless upon his couch. Mrs. + Aylett, in the lounging-chair at the opposite side of the hearth from her + husband, was cutting the leaves of a new magazine he had brought from the + post-office, and did not seem to hear his remark. + </p> + <p> + “You reason upon the assumption that ignorance is bliss,” said Mr. Aylett. + “Allow me to express the opinion that the adage embodying that idea is the + refuge of cowards and fools. No matter how grievous a bankrupt a man may + be financially in spirit, he is craven or a blockhead to shrink the + investigation of his accounts. Which allusion to bankruptcy brings me to + the recital of a choicely offensive bit of scandal I heard to-day. It is + seldom that I give heed to the like, but the delicious rottenness revealed + by this tale enforced my hearing, and fixed the details in my mind. I + could not but think, as I rode home, of the accessories which would add + effectiveness, to-night, to my second-hand narrative. I had the whole + scene, which is now before me, in my mind's eye—the warm firelight + and the shaded lamp brightening all within, while the rain pattered + without; the interesting invalid over there gradually stirring into + interest as the story progressed; you, Mabel, calmly and critically + attentive; and my Lady Aylett, too proud to look the desire she really + feels to handle the lovely carrion.” + </p> + <p> + “Your figures are not provocative of insatiable appetite,” returned his + wife, with inimitable sang-froid, staying her paper knife that she might + examine an engraving. + </p> + <p> + “Your appetite needs further excitants, then? So did mine until I began to + suspect that the history might be authentic, and not a figment of the + raconteur's imagination. The hero's name at first disposed me to set down + the entire relation as a fiction. It is romantic enough to perfume a + three-volume novel—Julius Lennox!” + </p> + <p> + Mabel's instinctive thought was for her husband, but, in turning to him + she could not but notice that Mrs. Aylett sat motionless, the paper-cutter + between two leaves, and her left hand pressed hard upon the upper, but + without attempting to sever them. + </p> + <p> + Herbert twisted his head upon the pillow until he faced the back of the + sofa, and a convulsion went through him, hardly quelled by the clasp of + Mabel's hand upon his. + </p> + <p> + “Julius Lennox!” reiterated Mr. Aylett, between the fragrant puffs, “A + lieutenant in the navy—the good-looking, but, as the sequel proved, + not over-steady, spouse of a lady who was the daughter of another naval + officer of similar rank. The latter was compelled to leave the service on + account of incipient idiocy, and retired, upon half-pay, to an + unfashionable quarter of a certain great city, where his wife, a smart + Yankee, opened a boarding-house for law and medical students, and + contrived not only to keep the souls and bodies of her family together, + but to marry off her two still single daughters—the one to a + barrister, the other to a physician. The lovely Louise Lennox—a + pretty alliteration, is it not?—remained meanwhile under the + paternal roof, her husband's ship being absent most of the time, and the + handsome Julius having unlimited privileges in the line condemned by + “Black-eyed Susan” in her parting interview with her sailor lover—finding + a mistress in every port. It is woman's nature and wisdom to seek + consolation for such afflictions as the deprivation of the beloved one's + society, and the almost certainty that he is basking his faithless self in + the sunlight of another's eyes. Our heroine, being at once ardent and + philosophical, put the lex talionis into force by falling in love with one + of her mother's lodgers, a sprig of the legal profession. The favored + youth—so says my edition of the romance—remained + preternaturally unconscious of the sentiment he had inspired, attributing + her manifestations of partiality to platonic regard, until she opened his + modest eyes by proposing an elopement. He had completed his professional + studies, taken out a license to practise law, was about to quit her and + the city, and the no-longer-adored Julius was coming home—a wreck in + health and purse—upon a six months' leave of absence. It must be + owned the Lady Louise had some excuse for a measure that seemed to have + amazed and horrified her cicisbeo. Recoiling from the proposition and + herself with the virtuous indignation that is ever aroused in the manly + bosom by similar advances, he packed up his trunk, double-locked it and + his heart, paid his bill, and decamped from the dangerous precincts. + </p> + <p> + “Ignoble conclusion to a tender affair; but not so devoid of tragicality + as would seem. Infuriated at the desertion of this modern Joseph, Louise, + the lorn, avenged the slight offered her charms by declaring to her + youngest brother, the only one who resided in the same city with herself, + that Joseph had made dishonorable proposals to her—a proceeding + which demonstrates that the feminine character has withstood the + proverbially changing effects of time from age to age. My narrative is but + a later and a Gentile version of the Jewish novelette to which I have + referred. The role of Potiphar was cast for the unsophisticated brother, + who, being unable to immure the unimpressible Joseph in the Tombs, + attempted the only means of redress that remained to him, to wit: Personal + chastisement. + </p> + <p> + “And here,” continued the narrator, yet more slowly, “I find myself + perplexed by the discrepancy between the statement I have had to-day and + one of this section of the story furnished me several years since. In the + latter the indignant fraternal relative flogged the would-be betrayer + within a quarter of an inch of his life. The other account reverses the + position of the parties, and makes Joseph the incorruptible also the + invincible. However this may have been, the adventure seems to have + quenched the loving Louise's brilliancy for a season. We hear no more of + her until after her father's decease, when she re-enters the lists of + Cupid in another State, as the blushing and still beautiful + virgin-betrothed of a man of birth and means, who woos and weds her under + her maiden cognomen—the entire family, including the valiant brother + who figured as whippee or whipper, in the castigation exploit—being + accomplices in the righteous fraud. I might, did I not fear being prolix, + tell of sundry side-issues growing out of the main stalk of this plot, + such as the ingenious manoeuvres by which the promising couple of + conspirators averted, upon the eve of the sister's bridal, the threatened + expose of their machinations to entrap the wealthy lover. Suffice it to + say that the duped husband (by brevet) lived for a decade and a half in + the placid enjoyment of the ignorance which my sagacious sister here is + disposed to confound with rational bliss—nor is he quite sure, to + this day, whether spouse No. 1 of the partner of his bosom still lives, or + by clearance in what court of infamy or justice she managed to shuffle off + her real name, and win a right to resume the title of spinster.” + </p> + <p> + He lighted a fresh cigar, and for the space of perhaps a minute, a dead + and ominous silence prevailed. Mabel, pallid and faint at heart, could not + take her eyes from his countenance, with its cruel smile, frozen, shallow + eyes, and the deep white dints coming and going in his nostrils. + </p> + <p> + He had judged without partiality. He would condemn without mercy. He would + punish without remorse. + </p> + <p> + Herbert still faced the back of the lounge, but he had slipped his hand + from the relaxing hold of hers, and pressed it over his eyes. She could + not seek to possess herself of it again. Winston was not the only dupe of + the nefarious fraud, the betrayal of which had overtaken the guilty pair + thus late in their career of duplicity. Yet, however severely she had + suffered in heart from their falsehood and her brother's intolerance, no + stain would rest upon her name, while, terminate as the affair might, the + disgraceful revelation would shipwreck her brother's happiness for life, + if not bring upon the old homestead a storm of scandal that would leave no + more trace of the honorable reputation heretofore borne by its owners than + remained of the smiling plenty of the cities of the plain after the fiery + wrath of the Lord had overthrown them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Aylett resumed the suspended operation of cutting the leaves of her + new monthly; fluttered them to be certain that none were overlooked; laid + down the periodical; brushed the scattered bits of paper from her silken + skirt, and retaining the paper-knife—a costly toy of mother-of-pearl + and silver—changed her position so as to look her husband directly + in the eye. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I can give you the information you lack,” she said, in + curiously constrained accents, the concentration of some feeling to which + she could or would not grant other vent. “Clara Louise Lennox obtained a + divorce from her first husband on the grounds of drunkenness, failure to + maintain her, infidelity, and personal ill-usage. He came home from sea, + as you have said, the battered ruin of a MAN, fallen beyond hope of + redemption. There was no law, written or moral, which obliged her, when + once freed from it, to carry about with her and thrust upon the notice of + others the loathsome body of death typified by his name and her matronly + title. She commenced life anew at her father's death, contrary, let me say + to the advice of all her friends, if I except the mother, who could refuse + nothing to her favorite daughter. The scheme was boldly conceived. You + have admitted that it was successfully carried out. In New York the family + were not known beyond the circle with which they disdained to associate + when the lodging-house business was abandoned. There were a thousand + chances to one that in her new abode Miss Dorrance would be identified by + some busybody with the divorced Mrs. Lennox. She risked her fortunes upon + the one chance, and won. I do not expect you to believe that the impostor + was moved by any other consideration in contracting her second marriage + than the wish to seek the more exalted sphere of society and influence + which Fate had hitherto denied her. You would sneer were I to hint, + however remotely, at a regard for her high-born suitor the dashing, but + dissipated officer had never awakened—” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Aylett lifted his hand, smiling more evilly than before. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse the interruption! but after your statement of the fact that such + sentimental asseverations would be futile, you waste time in + recapitulating the loves of the lady aforementioned, and we in hearing + them. I think I express the opinion of the audience—fit, but few—when + I say that we require no other evidence than that afforded by the story I + have told of Mrs. Lennox's susceptibility and capacity for affection. We + are willing to take for granted that the latter was illimitable.” + </p> + <p> + “As you like!" idly tapping the nails of her left hand with the knife. “Is + there anything else pertaining to this history into which you would like + to inquire?” + </p> + <p> + It was a sight to curdle the blood about one's heart, this duel between + husband and wife, with double-edged blades, wreathed with flowers. Mr. + Aylett's attitude of lazy indifference was not exceeded by Clara's proud + languor. He laughed a little at the last question. + </p> + <p> + “I have speculated somewhat—having nothing else in particular to + engage my mind on my way home—upon the point I named just now, and + upon one other akin to it. All that the novel needs to round it off neatly + is an encounter between the real and the quasi consorts. I cannot specify + them by name, in consequence of the uncertainty I have mentioned. One was + a bona-fide husband—the other a bogus article, let New York divorce + laws decide what they will, provided always that the fallen Julius had not + bidden farewell to this lower earth before his loyal Louise plighted her + faith to her Southern gallant. Death is the Alexander of the universe. + There is no retying the knots he has cut.” + </p> + <p> + From the pertinacity with which he returned to the question one could + discern his actual anxiety to have it settled. Mabel understood that the + only salve of possible application to his outraged pride and love was the + discovery that Clara had been really a widow when he wedded her. The + divorce and subsequent deception were sins of heinous dye against his + ideas of respectability and unspotted honor, but he would never forgive + the woman who had had two living husbands, freed from the former though + she was by a legal fiction. + </p> + <p> + No one saw this more clearly than did she whose fate trembled upon the + next words she should utter. With all her hardihood, she hesitated to + reply. Luxury, wealth, and station were on one side; degradation and + poverty on the other. The solitary hope of reinstatement in the affection, + if not the esteem, of him she loved truly as it was in her to love + anything beside herself, was arrayed against the certainty of alienation + and the tearful odds of ignominious banishment. + </p> + <p> + Her answer, under the pressure of the warring emotions, was a semitone + lower, and less distinctly enunciated than those that had gone before it. + </p> + <p> + “The denouement you propose for your romance is impracticable. Julius + Lennox died before the date of the second marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert drew himself to a sitting posture by clutching the back of the + lounge. His red eyes and tumbled hair made him look more like a mad than a + sick man. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Heaven,” he demanded hoarsely, “have we not had enough + lies, every one of which has been a blunder, and a fatal one? I told you, + years ago, that the scene of this evening was a mere question of time; + that, without a miracle, an edifice founded upon iniquity and cemented by + falsehood must crush you before you could lay the top-stone. You would not + be warned—you held on your way without hesitation or compunction, + and now you would add to sin fatuity. Do you suppose that after what your + husband has learned of your untruthfulness he will accept your assertion + on any subject without inquiry? And, how many in your own family and out + of it—although these may not know you by the name you now bear—are + cognizant of the fact that Julius Lennox was alive for almost fifteen + months after you became Mrs. Aylett?” + </p> + <p> + Mabel's arm was about his neck, her hand upon his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “No more! no more! if you love me!” she whispered in an agony. “Should he + guess all, he would murder her!” + </p> + <p> + “You are prepared to certify that he is dead NOW, are you, Mr. Dorrance?” + queried Winston, suspicious of this by-play. + </p> + <p> + “I am!” sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity!” was the ambiguous rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + Something clicked upon the hearth. It was the fragments of the toy + stiletto, broken by an uncontrollable twitch of the small fingers that + held it. + </p> + <p> + Then Mrs. Aylett arose, pale as a ghost, but unquailing in eye or mien. + </p> + <p> + “May I know your lordship's pleasure respecting your cast-off minion?” + </p> + <p> + “In the morning, yes!” glancing up disdainfully. “Meantime, let me wish + you 'good-night' and happy dreams.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — INDIAN SUMMER. + </h2> + <p> + “NO, no! my dear!” said Mrs. Sutton, earnestly. “I am shocked and + astonished that you should ever have labored under such a delusion. + Frederic told me the story, and a dreadful one it was, the day old Mrs. + Tazewell was buried. Wasn't it wonderful that he never knew whom Winston + had married until he saw her leaning upon his arm in the graveyard? He + recognized Mr. Dorrance in the house, but supposed him to be a visitor at + Ridgeley and a relative of Mrs. Aylett, having heard that her maiden name + was Dorrance. As to his being your husband, it did not at first occur to + him, so bewildered was he by your meeting and the thoughts awakened by it. + But at sight of HER the truth rushed over him, nearly depriving him of his + wits. He soon got out of me all that I knew, and by putting this and that + together, we made out the mystery. I was so grieved and indignant and + horrified that I was for sending him forthwith to Winston, that he might + clear himself of the shocking charges they had preferred against him, by + exposing the motives of his accusers. But he was stubborn and independent. + 'It can do no good now,' he said. 'Fifteen years ago this discovery would + have been my temporal salvation. And Dorrance is Mabel's husband. I cannot + touch him without wounding her.' I could not reconcile this mode of + reasoning with my conscience. If wrong had been done, it ought to be + righted. I did not sleep a wink all night. I wept over my noble, generous, + slandered boy, and over you, my darling! but my chief thought was anger at + the shameless depravity, the cold-blooded cruelty of the brazen-faced + adventuress who sat in your angel mother's place. For aught Frederic or I + knew, her real husband was still alive. He had never heard of the divorce, + you see, and the circumstance of her marrying Winston under her maiden + name looked black. + </p> + <p> + “Well! I pondered upon the horrible affair until I could hold my peace no + longer. Frederic and Florence went home with Mary Trent next morning, and + knowing that Winston must pass the upper gate on his way to court, I put + on my bonnet soon after breakfast, and strolled in that direction. By and + by he rode up, stopped his horse, and began to talk so sociably that + before I quite knew what I was doing, I was in the middle of my story. I + wonder now how I did it, but I was excited, and he listened so patiently, + questioned so quietly, that I did not realize, for several hours + afterward, what a blaze I must have kindled in his heart and home, whether + he believed me or not. The next thing I heard was not, as I expected, that + he and his wife had quarrelled, or that he was going to challenge Frederic + for having belied him, but that poor Dorrance was very ill with some + affection of the brain. It was not until a year later—just after his + death—that people began to talk about the strange carryings-on at + Ridgeley; how Mr. and Mrs. Aylett occupied separate apartments, and never + sat, or walked, or rode together, or spoke to one another, even at table, + unless there were visitors present. Nobody could imagine what caused the + estrangement, and for the sake of the family honor I guarded my tongue. + She must be a wretched woman, if all of this be true. She is breaking fast + under it, in spite of her pride and skill in concealment. I ought not to + pity her when I remember how wicked she has been; but there is a look in + her eye when she is not laughing or talking that gives me the heart-ache.” + </p> + <p> + “She is very unhappy!” replied Mabel, sighing. “And so, I doubt not, is + Winston, although he will not own it, and affects to ignore the fact of + her failing health and spirits. It is one of these miserably delicate + family complications with which the nearest of kin cannot meddle. They are + very kind to me, and I think my visits have been a comfort to Clara. The + solitude of the great house is a terrible trial to one so fond of company. + For days together sometimes she does not exchange a word with anybody + except the servants. It is a dreary, wretched evening of an ambitious + life. I ventured to tell Winston, last week, that this would probably be + my last visit to Ridgeley, since I was to be married next month. + </p> + <p> + “To Mr. Chilton, I suppose?” he said. + </p> + <p> + I answered, “Yes!” + </p> + <p> + “You must be almost forty,” he next remarked. “You have worn passably + well, but you are no longer young.” + </p> + <p> + “I am thirty-seven!” said I. — “Well!” he answered. “You are + certainly old enough to know your own business best.” + </p> + <p> + “That was all that passed. But I was glad to remember, as I looked at his + whitening hair and bowed shoulder, that Frederic had not—as I was + foolish enough to suppose for a while—told him the story that had + blighted his life. Not that I could have blamed him had he done this. He + had endured so much obloquy, suffered so keenly and so long, that almost + any retaliatory measure would have been pardonable.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert Dorrance's widow was, as had been said, on a farewell visit to her + native State, and after spending a week at Ridgeley was concluding a + pleasanter sojourn of the same length at William Sutton's. In another + month her home in Philadelphia was to be the refuge of her aunt's + declining years—a prospect that delighted her as much as it + afflicted those among whom this most benevolent and lovable of + match-makers had dwelt during Mabel's first marriage. + </p> + <p> + The marriage it was now her constant purpose to forget—not a + difficult task in the happiness that diffused an Indian summer glow over + her maturity of years and heart. After Herbert's death she had continued + to reside in Albany, devoting herself—so soon as she recovered from + the fatigue of mind and body consequent upon her severe and protracted + duties as nurse—to the scarcely less painful work of attending his + mother, who had contracted the seeds of consumption in the bleak sea-air + of Boston. Grateful for an abode in the house of one who performed a + daughter's part to her when her own children were content to commit her to + the care of hirelings, the old lady lingered six months, and died, + blessing her benefactress and engaging, in singleness of belief in the + affection his wife had borne him, “to tell Herbert how good she had been + to his mother.” + </p> + <p> + None of the Dorrances could wag a tongue against their sister-in-law, + when, at the expiration of her year of widowhood, she wrote to them, to + announce her “re-engagement” to Frederic Chilton. She had been a faithful + wife to their brother in sickness and imbecility; a ministering angel to + their parent, and there was now no tie to bind her to their interest. They + had a way of taking care of themselves, and it was not surprising if she + had learned it. + </p> + <p> + They behaved charmingly—this pair of elderly lovers—said the + young Suttons when Mr. Chilton arrived to escort his affianced back to + Albany on the day succeeding the conversation from which I have taken the + foregoing extracts, while Aunt Rachel's deaf old face was one beam of + gratification. + </p> + <p> + “All my matches turn out well in the long run!” she boasted, with modest + exultation. “I don't undertake the management of them, unless I am very + sure that they are already projected in Heaven. And when they are, my + loves, a legion of evil spirits or, what is just as bad, of wicked men and + women, cannot hinder everything from coming right at last.” + </p> + <p> + While she was relating, in the same sanguinely pious spirit, the tales + that most entrance young girls, and at which their seniors smile in + cynicism, or in tender recollection, as their own lives have contradicted + or verified her theory of love's teachings and love's omnipotence, + Frederic and Mabel, forgetting time and care, separation and sorrow, in + the calm delight of reunion, were strolling upon the piazza in the + starlight of a perfect June evening. + </p> + <p> + They stopped talking by tacit consent, by and by, to listen to Amy Sutton, + a girl of eighteen, the vocalist of the flock, who was testing her voice + and proficiency in reading music at sight by trying one after another of a + volume of old songs which belonged to her mother. + </p> + <p> + This was the verse that enchained the promenaders' attention: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “But still thy name, thy blessed name, + My lonely bosom fills; + Like an echo that hath lost itself + Among the distant hills. + That still, with melancholy note, + Keeps faintly lingering on, + When the joyous sound that woke it first + Is gone—forever gone!” + </pre> + <p> + “It is seventeen years since we heard it together, dearest!” said + Frederic, bending to kiss the tear-laden eyes. “And I can say to you now, + what I did not, while poor Rosa lived, own to myself—that, try to + hush it though I did, in all that time the lost echo was never still.” + </p> + <p> + Her answer was prompt, and the sweeter for the blent sigh and smile which + were her tribute to the Past, and greeting to the Future: + </p> + <p> + “An echo no longer, but a continuous strain of of heart music!” + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of At Last, by Marion Harland + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT LAST *** + +***** This file should be named 5622-h.htm or 5622-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/2/5622/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Aldarondo and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by 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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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: At Last + +Author: Marion Harland + +Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5622] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on July 24, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, AT LAST *** + + + + +This eBook was prepared by Charles Aldarondo and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + +AT LAST. + +A Novel. + +BY + +MARION HARLAND, + +NEW YORK: 1870 + + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + + +CHAPTER I. DEWLESS ROSES + +CHAPTER II. AN EXCHANGE OF CONFIDENCES + +CHAPTER III. UNWHOLESOME VAPORS + +CHAPTER IV. "FOUNDED UPON A ROCK" + +CHAPTER V. CLEAN HANDS + +CHAPTER VI. CRAFT--OR DIPLOMACY? + +CHAPTER VII. WASSIL + +CHAPTER VIII. THE FACE AT THE WINDOW + +CHAPTER IX. HE DEPARTETH IN DARKNESS + +CHAPTER X. ROSA + +CHAPTER XI. ON THE REBOUND + +CHAPTER XII. AUNT RACHEL WAXES UNCHARITABLE + +CHAPTER XIII. JULIUS LENNOX + +CHAPTER XIV. "BORN DEAD" + +CHAPTER XV. THE GOOD SAMARITAN + +CHAPTER XVI. THE HONEST HOUR + +CHAPTER XVII. AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS + +CHAPTER XVIII. THUNDER IN THE AIR + +CHAPTER XIX. NEMESIS + +CHAPTER XX. INDIAN SUMMER + + + + + + +AT LAST. + +CHAPTER I. + +DEWLESS ROSES. + + + + + +Mrs. Rachel Sutton was a born match maker, and she had cultivated +the gift by diligent practice. As the sight of a tendrilled vine +suggests the need and fitness of a trellis, and a stray glove +invariably brings to mind the thought of its absent fellow, so every +disengaged spinster of marriageable age was an appeal--pathetic and +sure--to the dear woman's helpful sympathy, and her whole soul went +out in compassion over such "nice" and an appropriated bachelors as +crossed her orbit, like blind and dizzy comets. + +Her propensity, and her conscientious indulgence of the same, were +proverbial among her acquaintances, but no one--not even prudish and +fearsome maidens of altogether uncertain age, and prudent mammas, +equally alive to expediency and decorum--had ever labelled her +"Dangerous," while with young people she was a universal favorite. +Although, with an eye single to her hobby, she regarded a man as an +uninteresting molecule of animated nature, unless circumstances +warranted her in recognizing in him the possible lover of some +waiting fair one, and it was notorious that she reprobated as worse +than useless--positively demoralizing, in fact--such friendships +between young persons of opposite sexes as held out no earnest of +prospective betrothal, she was confidante-general to half the girls +in the county, and a standing advisory committee of one upon all +points relative to their associations with the beaux of the region. +The latter, on their side, paid their court to the worthy and +influential widow as punctiliously, if not so heartily, as did their +gentle friends. Not that the task was disagreeable. At fifty years +of age, Mrs. Button was plump and comely; her fair curls unfaded, +and still full and glossy; her blue eyes capable of languishing into +moist appreciation of a woful heart-history, or sparkling +rapturously at the news of a triumphant wooing; her little fat hands +were swift and graceful, and her complexion so infantine in its +clear white and pink as to lead many to believe and some--I need +not say of which gender--to practise clandestinely upon the story +that she had bathed her face in warm milk, night and morning, for +forty years. The more sagacious averred, however, that the secret of +her continued youth lay in her kindly, unwithered heart, in her +loving thoughtfulness for others' weal, and her avoidance, upon +philosophical and religions grounds, of whatever approximated the +discontented retrospection winch goes with the multitude by the name +of self-examination. + +Our bonnie widow had her foibles and vanities, but the first were +amiable, the latter superficial and harmless, usually rather +pleasant than objectionable. She was very proud, for instance, of +her success in the profession she had taken up, and which she +pursued con amore; very jealous for the reputation for connubial +felicity of those she had aided to couple in the leash matrimonial, +and more uncharitable toward malicious meddlers or thoughtless +triflers with the course of true love; more implacable to +match-breakers than to the most atrocious phases of schism, heresy, +and sedition in church or state, against which she had, from her +childhood, been taught to pray. The remotest allusion to a divorce +case threw her into a cold perspiration, and apologies for such +legal severance of the hallowed bond were commented upon as rank and +noxious blasphemy, to which no Christian or virtuous woman should +lend her ear for an instant. If she had ever entertained "opinions" +hinting at the allegorical nature of the Mosaic account of the Fall, +her theory would unquestionably have been that Satan's insidious +whisper to the First Mother prated of the beauties of feminine +individuality, and enlarged upon the feasibility of an elopement +from Adam and a separate maintenance upon the knowledge-giving, +forbidden fruit. Upon second marriages--supposing the otherwise +indissoluble tie to have been cut by Death--she was a trifle less +severe, but it was generally understood that she had grave doubts as +to their propriety--unless in exceptional cases. + +"When there is a family of motherless children, and the father is +himself young, it seems hard to require him to live alone for the +rest of his life," she would allow candidly. "Not that I pretend to +say that a connection formed through prudential motives is a real +marriage in the sight of Heaven. Only that there is no human law +against it. And the odds are as eight to ten that an efficient hired +housekeeper would render his home more comfortable, and his children +happier than would a stepmother. As for a woman marrying twice"--her +gentle tone and eyes growing sternly decisive--"it is difficult for +one to tolerate the idea. That is, if she really loved her first +husband. If not, she may plead this as some excuse for making the +venture--poor thing! But whether, even then, she has the moral +right to lessen some good girl's chances of getting a husband by +taking two for herself, has ever been and must remain a mooted +question in my mind." + +Her conduct in this respect was thoroughly consistent with her +avowed principles. She was but thirty when her husdand died, after +living happily with her for ten years. Her only child had preceded +him to the grave four years before, and the attractive relict of +Frederic Sutton, comfortably jointured and without incumbrance of +near relatives, would have become a toast with gay bachelors and +enterprising widowers, but for the quiet propriety of her demeanor, +and the steadiness with which she insisted--for the most part, +tacitly--upon her right to be considered a married woman still. + +"Once Frederic's wife--always his!" was the sole burden of her +answer to a proposal of marriage received when she was forty-five, +and the discomfited suitor filed it in his memory alongside of +Caesar's hackneyed war dispatch. + +She had laid off crape and bombazine at the close of the first +lustrum of her widowhood as inconvenient and unwholesome wear, but +never assumed colored apparel. On the morning on which our story +opens, she took her seat at the breakfast-table in her nephew's +house--of which she was matron and supervisor-in-chief--clad in a +white cambric wrapper, belted with black; her collar fastened with a +mourning-pin of Frederic's hair, and a lace cap, trimmed with black +ribbon, set above her luxuriant tresses. She looked fresh and bright +as the early September day, with her sunny face and in her +daintily-neat attire, as she arranged cups and saucers for seven +people upon the waiter before her, instructing the butler, at the +same time, to ring the bell again for those she was to serve. She +was very busy and happy at that date. The neighborhood was gay, +after the open-hearted, open-handed style of hospitality that +distinguished the brave old days of Virginia plantation-life. A +merry troup of maidens and cavaliers visited by invitation one +homestead after another, crowding bedrooms beyond the capacity of +any chambers of equal size to be found in the land, excepting in a +country house in the Old Dominion; surrounding bountiful tables with +smiling visages and restless tongues; dancing, walking, driving, and +singing away the long, warm days, that seemed all too short to the +soberest and plainest of the company; which sped by like dream-hours +to most of the number. + +Winston Aylett, owner and tenant of the ancient mansion of +Ridgeley--the great house of a neighborhood where small houses and +men of narrow means were infrequent--had gone North about the first +of June, upon a tour of indefinite length, but which was certainly +to include Newport, the lakes, and Niagara, and was still absent. +His aunt, Mrs. Sutton, and his only sister, Mabel, did the honors of +his home in his stead, and, if the truth must be admittbd, more +acceptably to their guests than he had ever succeeded in doing. For +a week past, the house had been tolerably well filled--ditto Mrs. +Sutton's hands; ditto her great, heart. Had she not three love +affairs, in different but encouraging stages of progression, under +her roof and her patronage! And were not all three, to her +apprehension, matches worthy of Heaven's making, and her +co-operation? A devout Episcopalian, she was yet an unquestioning +believer in predestination and "special Providences"--and what but +Providence had brought together the dear creatures now basking in +the benignant beam of her smile, sailing smoothly toward the haven +of Wedlock before the prospering breezes of Circumstance (of her +manufacture)? + +While putting sugar and cream into the cups intended for the happy +pairs, she reviewed the situation rapidly in her mind, and sketched +the day's manoeuvres. + +First, there was the case of Tom Barksdale and Imogene Tabb--highly +satisfactory and creditable to all the parties concerned in it, but +not romantic. Tom, a sturdy young planter, who had studied law while +at the University, but never practised it, being already provided +for by his opulent father, had visited his relatives, the Tabbs, in +August, and straightway fallen in love with the one single daughter +of his second cousin--a pretty, amiable girl, who would inherit a +neat fortune at her parent's death, and whose pedigree became +identical with that of the Barksdales a couple of generations back, +and was therefore unimpeachable. The friends on both sides were +enchanted; the lovers fully persuaded that they were made for one +another, an opinion cordially endorsed by Mrs. Sutton, and they +could confer with no higher authority. + +Next came Alfred Branch and Rosa Tazewell--incipient, but promising +at this juncture, inasmuch as Rosa had lately smiled more +encouragingly upon her timid wooer than she had deigned to do before +they were domesticated at Ridgeley. Mrs. Sutton did not approve of +unmaidenly forwardness. The woman who would unsought be won, would +have fared ill in her esteem. Her lectures upon the beauties and +advantages of a modest, yet alluring reserve, were cut up into +familiar and much-prized quotations among her disciples, and were +acted upon the more willingly for the prestige that surrounded her +exploits as high priestess of Hymen. But Rosa had been too coy to +Alfred's evident devotion--almost repellent at seasons. Had these +rebuffs not alternated with attacks of remorse, during which the +exceeding gentleness of her demeanor gradually pried the crushed +hopes of her adorer out of the slough, and cleansed their drooping +plumes of mud, the courtship would have fallen through, ere Mrs. +Sutton could bring her skill to bear upon it. Guided, and yet +soothed by her velvet rein, Rosa really seemed to become more +steady. She was assuredly more thoughtful, and there was no better +sign of Cupid's advance upon the outworks of a girl's heart than +reverie. If her fits of musing were a shade too pensive, the +experienced eye of the observer descried no cause for discouragement +in this feature. Rosa was a spoiled, wayward child, freakish and +mischievous, to whom liberty was too dear to be resigned without a +sigh. By and by, she would wear her shackles as ornaments, like all +other sensible and loving women. + +Thus preaching to Alfred, when he confided to her the fluctuations +of rapture and despair that were his lot in his intercourse with the +sometimes radiant and inviting, sometimes forbidding sprite, whose +wings he would fain bind with his embrace, and thus reassuring +herself, when perplexed by a flash of Rosa's native perverseness, +Mrs. Sutton was sanguine that all would come right in the end. What +was to be would be, and despite the rapids in their wooing, Alfred +would find in Rosa a faithful, affectionate little wife, while she +could never hope to secure a better, more indulgent, and, in most +respects, more eligible, partner than the Ayletts' well-to-do, +well-looking neighbor. + +But the couple who occupied the central foreground of our +match-maker's thoughts were her niece, Mabel Aylott, and her own +departed husband's namesake, Frederic Chilton. She dilated to +herself and to Mabel with especial gusto upon the "wonderful +leading," the inward whisper that had prompted her to propose a trip +to the Rockbridge Alum Springs early in July. Neither she nor Mabel +was ailing in the slightest degree, but she imagined they would be +the brighter for a glimpse of the mountains and the livelier scenes +of that pleasant Spa--and whom should they meet there but the son of +"dear Frederic's" old friend, Mr. Chilton, and of course they saw a +great deal of him--and the rest followed as Providence meant it +should. + +"The rest" expressed laconically the essence of numberless walks by +moonlight and starlight; innumerable dances in the great ball-room, +and the sweeter, more interesting confabulations that made the young +people better acquainted in four weeks than would six years of +conventional calls and small-talk. They stayed the month out, +although "Aunt Rachel" had, upon their arrival, named a fortnight as +the extreme limit of their sojourn. Frederic Chilton was their +escort to Eastern Virginia, and remained a week at Ridgeley--perhaps +to recover from the fatigue of the journey. So soon as he returned +to Philadelphia, in which place he had lately opened a law-office, +he wrote to Mabel, declaring his affection for her, and suing for +reciprocation. She granted him a gracious reply, and sanctioned by +fond, sympathetic Aunt Rachel, in the absence of Mabel's brother and +guardian, the correspondence was kept up briskly until Frederic's +second visit in September. Ungenerous gossips, envious of her +talents and influence, had occasionally sneered at Mrs. Sutton's +appropriation of the credit of other alliances--but this one was her +handiwork beyond dispute--hers and Providence's. She never forgot +the partnership. She had carried her head more erect, and there was +a brighter sparkle in her blue orbs since the evening Mabel had come +blushingly to her room, Fred's proposal in her hand--to ask counsel +and congratulations. Everybody saw through the discreet veil with +which she flattered herself she concealed her exultation when others +than the affianced twain were by--and while nobody was so unkind as +to expose the thinness of the pretence, she was given to understand +in many and gratifying ways that her masterpiece was considered, in +the Aylett circle, a suitable crown to the achievements that had +preceded it. Mabel was popular and beloved, and her betrothed, in +appearance and manner, in breeding and intelligence, justified Mrs. +Sutton's pride in her niece's choice. + +The old lady colored up, with the quick, vivid rose-tint of sudden +and real pleasure that rarely outlives early girlhood, when the +first respondent to the breakfast-bell proved to be her Frederic's +god-son. + +"You are always punctual! I wish you would teach the good habit to +some other people," she said, after answering his cordial +"good-morning." + +"None of us deserve to be praised on that score, to-day," rejoined +he, looking at his watch. "I did not awake until the dressing-bell +rang. Our riding-party was out late last night. The extreme beauty +of the evening beguiled us into going further than we intended, when +we set out." + +"Yes! you young folks are falling into shockingly irregular +habits--take unprecedented liberties with me and with Time!" shaking +her head. "If Winston do not return soon, you will set my mild rule +entirely at defiance." + +Chilton laughed--but was serious the next instant. + +"I expected confidently to meet him at this visit," he said, +glancing at the door to guard against being overheard. "Should he +not return to-day, ought I not, before leaving this to-morrow, to +write to him, since he is legally his sister's guardian? It is, you +and she tell me, a mere form, but one that should not be dispensed +with any longer." + +"That may be so. Winston is rigorous in requiring what is due to his +position--is, in some respects, a fearful formalist. But he will +hardly oppose your wishes and Mabel's. He has her real happiness at +heart, I believe, although he is, at times, an over-strict and +exacting guardian--perhaps to counterbalance my indulgent policy. He +is unlike any other young man I know." + +"His sister is very much attached to him." + +"She loves him--I was about to say, preposterously. Her implicit +belief in and obedience to him have increased his self-confidence +into a dogmatic assertion of infallibility. But"--fearing she might +create an unfortunate impression upon the listener's mind--"Winston +has grounds for his good opinion of himself. His character is +unblemished--his principles and aims are excellent. Only"--relapsing +hopelessly into the confidential strain in which most of the +conference had been carried--"between ourselves, my dear Frederic, I +am never quite easy with these patterns to the rest of human-kind. I +should even prefer a tiny vein of depravity to such very rectangular +virtue." + +"You are seldom ill at ease, if human perfection is all that renders +you uncomfortable," responded Frederic. "There are not many in whose +composition one cannot trace, not a tiny, but a broad vein of Adamic +nature. What a delicious morning!" he added, sauntering to the +window. + +"And how sorry I am for those who did not get up in time to enjoy +the freshness of its beauty!" cried a gay voice from the portico, +and Mabel entered by the glass door behind him--her hands loaded +with roses, herself so beaming that her lover refrained with +difficulty from kissing the saucy mouth then and there. + +He did take both her hands, under pretext of relieving her of the +flowers, and Aunt Rachel judiciously turned her back upon them, and +began a diligent search in the beaufet for a vase. + +"Do you expect us to believe that you have been more industrious +than we? As if we did not know that you bribed the gardener to have +a bouquet cut and laid ready for you at the back-door," Frederic +charged upon the matutinal Flora. "Else, where are other evidences +of your stroll, in dew-sprinkled draperies and wet feet? Confess +that you ran down stairs just two minutes ago! Now that I come to +think of it, I am positive that I heard you, while Mrs. Sutton was +lamenting your drowsy proclivities after sunrise." + +"I have been sitting in the summer-house for an hour--reading!" +protested Mabel, wondrously resigned to the detention, after a +single, and not violent attempt at release. "If you had opened your +shutters you must have seen me. But I knew I was secure from +observation on that side of the house, at least until eight o'clock, +about which time the glories of the new day usually penetrate very +tightly-closed lids. As to dew--there isn't a drop upon grass or +blossom. And, by the same token, we shall have a storm within +twenty-four hours." + +"Is that true? That is a meteorological presage I never heard of +until now." + +"There is a moral in it, which I leave you to study out for +yourself, while I arrange the roses I--and not the +gardener--gathered." + +In a whisper, she subjoined--"Let me go! Some one is coming!" and in +a second more was at the sideboard, hurrying the flowers into the +antique china bowl, destined to grace the centre of the breakfast +table. + +"Good-morning, Miss Rosa. You are just in season to enjoy the +society of your sister," Frederic said, lightly, pointing to the +billows of mingled white and red, tossing under Mabel's fingers. + +The new-comer approached the sideboard, leaned languidly upon her +elbow, and picked up a half-blown bud at random from the pile. + +"They are scentless!" she complained. + +"Because dewless!" replied Mabel, with profound gravity. "It is the +tearful heart that gives out the sweetest fragrance." + +"I have more faith in sunshine," interrupted Rosa, a tinge of +contempt in her smile and accent. "Or--to drop metaphors, at which +I always bungle--it is my belief that it is easy for happy people to +be good. All this talk about the sweetness of crushed blossoms, +throwing their fragrance from the wounded part, and the riven +sandal-tree, and the blessed uses of adversity, is outrageous +balderdash, according to my doctrine. A buried thing is but one +degree better than a dead one. What it is the fashion of poets and +sentimentalists to call perfume, is the odor of incipient decay." + +"You are illustrating your position by means of my poor oriental +pearl," remonstrated Mabel, playfully, wresting the hand that was +beating the life and whiteness out of the floweret upon the marble +top of the beaufet. "Take this hardy geant de batailles, instead. My +bouquet must have a cluster of pearls for a heart." + +"What a fierce crimson!" Frederic remarked upon the widely-opened +rose Miss Tazewell received in place of the delicate bud. "That must +be the 'hue angry, yet brave,' which, Mr. George Herbert asserts, +'bids the rash gazer wipe his eye.'" + +"More poetical nonsense!" said Rosa, deliberately tearing the bold +"geant" to pieces down to the bare stem, "unless he meant to be +comic, and intimate that the gazer was so rash as to come too near +the bush, and ran a thorn into the pupil." + +No one answered, except by the indulgent smile that usually greeted +her sallies, howeve? absurd, among those accustomed to the spoiled +child's vagaries. + +Mabel was making some leisurely additions to her bouquet in the +shape of ribbon grass and pendent ivy sprays, coaxing these with +persuasive touches to trail over the edge and entwine the pedestal +of the salver on which her bowl was elevated; her head set slightly +on one side, her lips apart in a smile of enjoyment in her work and +in herself. It was a picture the lover studied fondly--one that hung +forever thereafter in his gallery of mental portraits. Beyond a pair +of fine gray eyes, the pliant grace of her figure and the buoyant +carriage of youth, health, and a glad heart, Mabel's pretensions to +beauty were comparatively few, said the world. Frederic Chilton had, +nevertheless, fallen in love with her at sight, and considered her, +now, the handsomest woman of his acquaintance. Her dress was a +simple lawn--a sheer white fabric, with bunches of purple grass +bound up with yellow wheat, scattered over it; her hair was lustrous +and abundant, and her face, besides being happy, was frank and +intelligent, with wonderful mobility of expression. In temperament +and sentiment; in capacity for, and in demonstration of affection, +she suited Frederic to the finest fibre of his mind and heart. He, +for one, did not carp at Aunt Rachel's declaration that they were +intended to spend time and eternity together. + +Still, Mabel Aylett was not a belle, and Rosa Tazewell was. Callow +collegians and enterprising young merchants from the city; +sunbrowned owners of spreading acres and hosts of laborers; students +and practitioners of law and medicine, and an occasional theologue, +had broken their hearts for perhaps a month at a time, for love of +her, since she was a school-girl in short dresses. Yet there had +been a date very far back in the acquaintanceship of each of these +with the charmer, when he had marvelled at the infatuation which had +blinded her previous adorers. She was "a neat little thing," with +her round waist, her tiny hands and feet and roguish eye--but there +was nothing else remarkable about her features, and in coloring, the +picture was too dark for his taste. Why, she might be mistaken for a +creole! And each critic held fast to his expressed opinion until the +roguish eyes met his directly and with meaning, and he found himself +diving into the bright, shimmering wells, and drowning--still +ecstatically--before he reached the bottom whence streamed the light +of passionate feeling, striking upward through the surface. What her +glances did not effect was done by her dazzling smile and musical +voice. + +As one of her victims swore, "It was a dearer delight to be rejected +by her than to be accepted by a dozen other girls--she did the thing +up so handsomely! And yet, do you know, sir, I could have shot +myself for a barbarous brute when I saw the pitying tears standing +upon her lashes, and heard the tremor in her sweet tones, as she +begged me to forgive her for not loving me!" + +Those she had once captivated never quite rid themselves of the +glamour of her arts; remained her trusty squires, ready to serve, or +to defend her always afterward. + +Aunt Rachel, intent, during the short pause, upon the movements of +the servant who was setting the smoking breakfast upon the table, +glanced around when all was properly arranged, to summon the two to +their places--but something in Rosa's attitude and countenance held +her momentarily speechless. Mabel still bent over her roses, in +smiling interest, and Frederic Chilton was watching her--but not as +the third person of the group about the beaufet watched them both +between her half-closed lids, her black brows close together, and +the glittering teeth visible under the curling upper lip. + +"She looked like a panther lying in wait for her prey!" Mrs. Sutton +said to her niece, many months later, in attempting to describe the +scene. "Or like a bright-eyed snake coiled for a spring. The sight +of her sent shivers all down my spine." + +Her interruption of the tableau sounded oddly abrupt to ears used to +her pleasant accents. + +"Come, young people! how long are you going to keep me waiting? +Breakfast is cooling fast!" + +"I beg your pardon, Auntie! I did not notice that it had been +brought in," apologized Mabel, drawing back, that Frederic might +lift the loaded salver carefully to its place upon the board. + +As they were closing about this, they were joined by Messrs. +Barksdale and Branch, Miss Tabb delaying her appearance until the +repast was nearly over, and meeting the raillery of the party upon +her late rising with the sweet, soft smile her cousin-betrothed +admired as the indication of unadulterated amiability. The +breakfast-hour, always pleasant, was to-day particularly merry. Rosa +led off in the laughing debates, the play of repartee, friendly +jest, and anecdote that incited all to mirth and speech and tempted +them to linger around the table long after the business of the meal +wag concluded. + +"This is the perfection of country life!" said Frederic Chilton, +when, at last, there was a movement to end the sitting. "But it +spoils one fearfully for the everyday practicalities of the city--a +Northern city, especially." + +"Better stay where you are, then, instead of deserting our ranks +to-morrow," suggested Rosa, gliding by his side out upon the long +portico at the end of the house. "What does your nature crave that +Ridgeley cannot supply?" + +"Work, and a career!" + +"You still feel the need of these?" significantly. + +"Otherwise I were no man!" + +"You are right!" + +Her disdainful eyes wandered to the farther end of the portico, +where Alfred Branch, in his natty suit of white grasscloth, plucked +at his ebon whiskers with untanned fingers, and talked society +nothings with the ever-complaisant Imogene. + +"Come what may, you, Mr. Chilton, have occupation for thought and +hands; are not tied down to a detestable routine of vapid pleasures +and common-place people!" + +"You are--every independent woman and man--is as free in this +respect as myself, Miss Rosa. None need be a slave to +conventionality unless he choose." + +She made a gesture that was like twisting a chain apon her wrist. + +"You know you are not sincere in saying that. I wondered, moreover, +when you were railing at the practicalities of city life, if you +were learning, like the rest of the men, to accommodate your talk to +your audience. Where is the use of your trying to disguise the truth +that all women are slaves? I used to envy you when I was in +Philadelphia, last winter, when you pleaded business engagements as +an excuse for declining invitations to dinner-parties and balls. +Now, if a woman defies popular decrees by refusing to exhibit +herself for the popular entertainment, the horrible whisper is +forthwith circulated that she has been 'disappointed,' and is hiding +her green wound in her sewing-room or oratory. 'Disappointed,' +forsooth! That is what they say of every girl who is not married to +somebody by the time she is twenty-five. It matters not whether she +cares for him or not. Having but one object in existence, there can +be but one species of disappointment. Marry she must, or be PITIED!" +with a stinging emphasis on the last word. + +Tom Barksdale and Mabel were pacing the portico from end to end, +chatting with the cheerful familiarity of old friends. Catching some +of thin energetic sentence, Mabel looked over her shoulder. + +"Who of us is fated to be pitied, did you say, Rosa dear?" + +"Never yourself!" was the curt reply. "Rest content with that +assurance." + +Her restless fingers began to gather the red leaves that already +variegated the foliage of the creeper shading the porch. Strangely +indisposed to answer her animadversions upon the world's judgment of +her sex, or to acknowledge the implied compliment to his betrothed, +Frederic watched the lithe, dark hands, as they overflowed with the +vermilion trophies of autumn. The September sunshine sifted through +the vines in patches upon the floor; the low laughter and blended +voices of the four talkers; the echo of Tom's manly tread, and +Mabel's lighter footfall, were all jocund music, befitting the +brightness of the day and world. What was the spell by which this +pettish girl who stood by him, her luminous eyes fixed in sardonic +melancholy upon the promenaders, while she rubbed the dying leaves +into atoms between her palms--had stamped scenes and sounds with +immortality, yet thrilled him with the indefinite sense of unreality +and dread one feels in scanning the lineaments of the beloved dead? +Had her nervous folly infected him? What absurd phantasy was hers, +and what his concern in her whims? + +A stifled cry from Mabel aroused him to active attention. A +gentlemen had stepped from the house upon the piazza, and after +bending to kiss her, was shaking hands with her companions. + +"The Grand Mogul!" muttered Rosa, with a comic grimace, and not +offering to stir in the direction of the stranger. + +In another moment Mabel had led him up to her lover, and introduced, +in her pretty, ladylike way, and bravely enough, considering her +blushes, "Mr. Chilton" to "my brother, Mr. Winston Aylett." + + + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +AN EXCHANGE OF CONFIDENCES. + + + + + +"And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told +you of his character and antecedents?" + +Aunt Rachel had knocked at the door of her nephew's study after +dinner, on the day of his return, and asked for an interview. + +"Although I know you must be very busy with your accounts, and so +forth, having been away from the plantation for so long," she said, +deprecatingly, yet accepting the invitation to enter. + +Mr. Aylett's eye left hers as he replied that he was quite at +liberty to listen to whatever she had to say, but his manner was +entirely his own--polished and cool. + +Family tradition had it that he was naturally a man of strong +passions and violent temper, but since his college days, he had +never, as far as living mortal could testify, lifted the impassive +mask he wore, at the bidding of anger, surprise, or alarm. He ran +all his tilts--and he was not a non-combatant by any means--with +locked visor. In person, he was commanding in stature; his features +were symmetrical; his bearing high-bred. His conversation was +sensible, but never brilliant or animated. In his own household he +was calmly despotic; in his county, respected and unpopular--one of +whom nobody dared speak ill, yet whom nobody had reason to love. +There was a single person who believed herself to be an exception to +this rule. This was his sister Mabel. Some said she worshipped him +in default of any other object upon which she could expend the +wealth of her young, ardent heart; others, that his strong will +enforced her homage. The fact of her devotion was undeniable, and +upon his appreciation of this Aunt Rachel built her expectations of +a favorable hearing when she volunteered to prepare the way for Mr. +Chilton's formal application for the hand of her nephew's ward. +Between herself and Winston there existed little real liking and +less affinity. She was useful to him, and his tolerance of her +society was courteous, but she understood perfectly that he secretly +despised many of her views and actions, as, indeed, he did those of +most women. Her present mission was undertaken for the love she bore +Mabel and her sister. It was not kind to send the girl to tell her +own story. It was neither kind nor fair to subject their guest to +the ordeal of an unheralded disclosure of his sentiments and +aspirations, with the puissant lord of Ridgeley as sole auditor. + +"Fred would never get over the first impression of your brother's +chilling reserve," said the self-appointed envoy to Mabel, when she +insisted that her affianced would plead his cause more eloquently +than a third person could. "For, you, must confess, my love, that +Winston, although in most respects a model to other young men, is +unapproachable by strangers." + +As she said "your accounts and so forth," she looked at the table +from which Mr. Aylett had arisen to set a chair for her. There was a +pile of account-books at the side against the wall, but they were +shut, and over heaped by pamphlets and newspapers; while before the +owner's seat lay an open portfolio, an unfinished letter within it. +Winston wiped his pen with deliberation, closed the portfolio, +snapped to the spring-top of his inkstand, and finally wheeled his +office chair away from the desk to face his visitor. + +"Is it upon business that you wish to speak to me?" + +He always disdained circumlocution, prided himself upon the +directness and simplicity of his address. This acted now as a +dissuasive to the sentimental address Mrs. Sutton had meditated as a +means of winning the flinty walls behind which his social affections +and sympathies were supposed to be intrenched. Had her mission been +in behalf of any other cause, she would have drawn off her forces +upon some pretext, and effected an ignominious retreat. Nerved by +the thought of Mabel's bashfulness and solicitude, and Frederic's +strangerhood, she stood to her guns. + +Winston heard her story, from the not very coherent preamble, to the +warm and unqualified endorsement of Frederic Chilton's credentials, +and her moved mention of the mutual attachment of the youthful pair, +and never changed his attitude, or manifested any inclination to +stay the narration by question or comment. When she ceased speaking, +his physiognomy denoted no emotion whatever. Yet, Mabel was his +nearest living relative. She had been bequeathed to his care, when +only ten years old, by the will of their dying father, and grown up +under his eye as his child, rather than a sister. And he was +hearing, for the first time, of her desire to quit the home they had +shared together from her birth, for the protection and companionship +of another. Mrs. Sutton thought herself pretty well versed in +"Winston's ways," but she had expected to detect a shade of softness +in the cold, never-bright eyes and anticipated another rejoinder +than the sentence that stands at the head of this chapter. + +"And so you know nothing of this gentleman beyond what he has told +you of his character and antecedents?" he said--the slender white +fingers, his aunt fancied, looked cruel even in their idleness, +lightly linked together while his elbows restod upon the arms of his +chair. + +"My dear Winston! what a question! Haven't I told you that he is my +husband's namesake and godson! I was at his fathers house a score of +times, at least, in dear Frederic's life-time. It was a charming +place, and I never saw a more lovely family. I recollect this boy +perfectly, as was very natural, seeing that his name was such a +compliment to my husband. He was a fine, manly little fellow, and +the eldest son. The christening-feast was postponed, for some reason +I do not now remember, until he was two years old. It was a very +fine affair. The company was composed of the very elite of that part +of Maryland, and the Bishop himself baptized the two +babies--Frederic, and a younger sister. I know all about him, you +see, instead of nothing!" + +"What was the date of this festival?" asked Winston's unwavering +voice. + +"Let me see! We had been married seven years that fall. It must have +been in the winter of 18--." + +"Twenty-three years ago!" said Winston, yet more quietly. +"Doubtless, your intimacy with this estimable and distinguished +family continued up to the time of your husband's death?" + +"It did." + +"And afterward?" + +Mrs. Button's color waned, And her voice sank, as the inquisition +proceeded. "Dear Frederic's" death was not the subject she would +have chosen of her free will to discuss with this man of steel and +ice. + +"I never visited them again. I could not--" + +If she hoped to retain a semblance of composure, she must shift her +ground. + +"I returned to my father's house, which was, as you know, more +remote from the borders of Maryland--" + +"You kept up a correspondence, perhaps?" Winston interposed, +overlooking her agitation as irrelevant to the matter under +investigation. + +"No! For many months I wrote no letters at all, and Mr. Chilton was +never a punctual correspondent. The best of friends are apt to be +dilatory in such respects, as they advance in life." + +"I gather, then, from what you have ADMITTED"--there was no actual +stress upon the word, but it stood obnoxiously apart from the +remainder of the sentence, to Mrs. Sutton's auriculars--"from what +you have admitted, that for twenty years you have lost sight of this +gentleman and his relatives, and that you might never have +remembered the circumstance of their existence, had he not +introduced himself to you at the Springs this summer." + +"You are mistaken, there!" corrected the widow, eagerly. "Rosa +Tazewell introduced him to Mabel at the first 'hop' +she--Mabel--attended there. He is very unassuming. He would never +have forced himself upon my notice. I was struck by his appearance +and resemblance to his father, and inquired of Mabel who he was. The +recognition followed as a matter of course." + +"He was an acquaintance of Miss Tazewell--did you say?" + +"Yes--she knew him very well when she was visiting in Philadelphia +last winter." + +"And proffered the introduction to Mabel?" the faintest imaginable +glimmer of sarcastic amusement in his eyes, but none in his accent. + +"He requested it, I believe." + +"That is more probable. Excuse my frankness, aunt, when I say that +it would have been more in consonance with the laws controlling the +conduct of really thoroughbred people, had your paragon--I use the +term in no offensive sense--applied to me, instead of to you, for +permission to pay his addresses to my ward. I am willing to ascribe +this blunder, however, to ignorance of the code of polite society, +and not to intentional disrespect, since you represent the gentleman +as amiable and well-meaning. I am, furthermore, willing to examine +his certificates of character and means, with a view to determining +what are his recommendations to my sister's preference, over and +above ball-room graces and the fact that he is Mr. Sutton's +namesake, and whether it will be safe and advisable to grant my +consent to their marriage. Whatever is for Mabel's real welfare +shall be done, while I cannot but wish that her choice had fallen +upon some one nearer home The prosecution of inquiries as to the +reputation of one whose residence is so distant, is a difiicult and +delicate task." + +"If you will only talk to him for ten minutes he will remove your +scruples,--satisfy you that all is as it should be," asserted Mrs. +Sutton, more confidently to him than herself. + +"I trust it will be as you say--but credulity is not my besetting +sin. I am ready to see the gentleman at any hour you and he may see +fit to appoint." + +"I will send MR. CHILTON to you at once, then." Mrs, Sutton +collected the scattering remnants of hope and resolution, that she +might deal a parting shot. + +"Winston is an AWFUL trial to my temper, although he never loses his +own," she was wont to soliloquize, in the lack of a confidante to +whom she could expatiate upon his eccentricities and general +untowardness. His marked avoidance of Frederic's name in this +conference savored to her of insulting meaning. She had rather he +had coupled it with opprobious epithets whenever he referred to him, +than spoken of him as "this" or "that gentleman." If he took this +high and chilly tone, with Mabel's wooer, there was no telling what +might be the result of the affair. + +"Don't mind him if he is stiff and uncompromising for a while," she +enjoined upon Frederic, in apprising him of the seignior's readiness +to grant him audience, "It is only his way, and he is Mabel's +brother." + +"I will bear the latter hint in mind," rejoined the young man, with +the gay, affectionate smile he often bestowed upon her." I don't +believe he can awe me into resignation of my purpose, or provoke me +into dislike of the rest of the family." + +Mabel was in her aunt's room, plying her with queries, hard to be +evaded, touching the tenor and consequences of her recent +negotiations, when a servant brought a message from her brother. She +was wanted in the study. The girl turned very white, as she prepared +to obey, without an idea of delay or of refusal. + +"O Auntie! what if he should order me to give Frederic up!" she +ejaculated, pausing at the door, in an agony of trepidation. "I +never disobeyed him in my life." + +"He will not do that, dear, never fear! He can find no pretext for +such summary proceedings. And should he oppose your wishes, be firm +of purpose, and do not forsake your affianced husband," advised the +old lady, solemnly. "There is a duty which takes precedence, in the +sight of Heaven and man, of that you owe your brother. Remember +this, and take courage." + +Mabel's roses returned in profusion, when, upon entering the +arbiter's dread presence, she saw Frederic Chilton, standing on the +opposite side of the table from that at which sat her brother at his +ease, his white fingers still idly interlaced, his pale patrician +face emotionless as that of the bust of Apollo upon the top of the +bookcase behind him. It was Frederic who led her to a chair, when +she stopped, trembling midway in the apartment, and his touch upon +her arm inspirited her to raise her regards to Winston's countenance +at the sound of his voice. + +"I have sent for you, Mabel, that I may repeat in you hearing the +reply I have returned to Mr. Chilton's application for my sanction +to your engagement--I should say, perhaps, to your reciprocal +attachment. The betrothal of a minor without the consent, positive +or implied, of her parent or guardian is, as I have just explained +to Mr. Chilton, but an empty name in this State. I have promised, +then, not to oppose your marriage, provided the inquiries I shall +institute concerning Mr. Chilton's previous life, his character, and +his ability to maintain you in comfort, are answered satisfactorily. +He will understand and excuse my pertinacity upon this point when he +reflects upon the value of the stake involved in this transaction." + +In all their intercourse, Frederic had no more gracious notice from +Mabel's brother than this semi-apology, delivered with stately +condescension, and a courtly bow in his direction. + +It sounded very grand to Mabel, whose fears of opposition or +severity from her Mentor had shaken courage and nerves into pitiable +distress. Frederic could desire nothing more affable than Winston's +smile; no more abundant encouragement than was afforded by his +voluntary pledge. Had not the thought savored of disloyalty to her +lover, she would have confessed herself disappointed that his reply +did not effervesce with gratitude, that his deportment was distant, +his tone constrained. + +"I appreciate the last-named consideration, Mr. Aylett, I believe, +thoroughly, as you do. I have already told you that I invite, not +shirk, the investigation you propose. I now repeat my offer of +whatever facility is at my command for carrying this on. No +honorable man could do less. Unless I mistake, you wish now to see +your sister alone." + +He bent his head slightly, and without other and especial salutation +to his betrothed, withdrew. + +Odd, white dints came and went in Winston's nostrils--the one and +unerring facial sign of displeasure he ever exhibited, if we except +a certain hardening of eye and contour that chiselled his lineaments +into a yet closer resemblance to marble. + +"He is very sensitive and proud, I know," faltered Mabel, hastily +marking these, and understanding what they portended. + +"You need not like him the less on that account, always provided +that the supports of his pride are legitimate and substantial," +answered her brother, carelessly transferring to his tablets several +names from a sheet of paper upon the table--the addresses of persons +to whom Frederic had referred him for confirmation of his statements +regarding his social and professional standing. + +"I hope, for your sake, Mabel," he pursueds pocketing the memoranda, +"that this affair may be speedily and agreeably adjusted; while I +cannot deny that I deprecate the unseemly haste with which Mrs. +Sutton and her ally have urged it on, in my absence. Had they +intended to court suspicion, they could not have done it more +effectually. You could not have had a more injudicious chaperone to +the Springs." + +"Indeed, brother, she was not to blame," began the generous girl, +forgetting her embarrassment in zealous defence of the aunt she +loved. "It was not she who presented me to Mr. Chilton, and she has +never attempted to bias my decision in any manner." + +"I have heard the history in detail." Had his breeding been less +fine, he would have yawned in her face. "I know that you are +indebted for Mr. Chilton's acquaintanceship to Miss Tazewell's +generosity. But in strict justice, Mrs. Sutton should be held +responsible for whatever unhappiness may arise from the intimacy. +You were left by myself in her charge." + +"I do not believe it will end unhappily," Mabel was moved to reply, +with spirit that became her better than the shyness she had +heretofore displayed, or the submissive demeanor usual with her in +tête-à-têtes with her guardian. + +He smiled in calm superiority. + +"I have expressed my hope to that effect. Of expectations it will be +time enough to speak when I am better informed upon divers points. I +am not one to take much for granted, am less sanguine than my +romantic aunt, or even than my more practical sister. Assuming, +however, that all is as you would have it, your wish would be, I +suppose, for an early marriage?" + +"There has been little said about that," responded Mabel, +reddening--then rallying to add smilingly--"such an arrangement +would have involved the taking for granted a good many things--your +consent among them." + +Winston passed over the addenda. + +"But that little, especially when uttered by Mr. Chiiton, trenched +upon the inexpediency of long engagements--did it not?" + +Mabel was mute, her eyes downcast. + +"I agree with him there, at any rate. You are nineteen years of age; +he twenty-five. Your property is unincumbered, and can be +transferred to your keeping at very short notice. Mr. Chiiton +represents that his income from his patrimonial estate, eked out by +professional gains, is sufficient to warrant him in marrying +forthwith. I shall see that no time is lost in making the inquiries +upon which depends the progress of the negotiation. Business calls +me North in a week or ten days. I shall stop a day in Philadelphia, +and settle your affair." + +The frightfully business-like manner of disposing of her happiness +appalled the listener into silence. The loss of Frederic; the +destruction of her love-dream; the weary years of lonely +wretchedness that would follow the bereavement, were to him only +unimportant incidentals to her "affair;" weighed in the scale of his +impartial judgment no more than would unconsidered dust. For the +first time in the life to which he had been the guiding-star, she +ventured to wonder if the unswerving rectitude that had elevated him +above the level of other men, in her esteem and affection, were so +glorious a thing after all; if a tempering, not of human frailty, +but of charity for the shortcomings, sympathy for the needs, of +ordinary mortals, would not subdue the effulgence of his talents and +virtues into mild lustre, more tolerable to the optics of fallible +beholders + +Unsuspicious, with all his astuteness, of her sacrilegious doubts, +Winston proceeded: + +"In the event of your marriage, you would desire, no doubt, that +Mrs. Sutton should take up her abode with you? You would find her +useful in many ways, and she would get on amicably with her +husband's godson." + +"I do not think she expects to go with me," answered Mabel, +staggered by his coolly confident air. "I certainly have never +entertained the idea. I imagined that she would remain with you, +while you needed her services." + +"That will not be long. I shall be married on the 10th of October." + +"Married! brother!" starting up in amazement. "You are not in +earnest!" + +"I should not jest upon such a theme," replied Winston, in grave +rebuke. "My plans are definitely laid. It is not my purpose to keep +them secret a day longer. I meant to communicate them to yourself +and Mrs. Sutton this afternoon, but yours claimed precedence." + +Mabel sat down again, totally confounded, and struggling hard with +her tears. The thought of her brother's marriage was not in itself +disagreeable. She had often lamented his insensibility to the +attractions of such women as she fancied would add to his happiness, +and grace the high place to which his wife would be exalted. She +never liked to hear him called invulnerable; repelled the hypothesis +of his incurable bachelorhood as derogatory to his heart and head. +This unlooked-for intelligence, had it reached her in a different +way, would have delighted as much as it astonished her. The fear +lest her consent to wed Frederic and leave Ridgeley might be the +occasion of discomfort and sadness to her forsaken brother had +shadowed all her visions of future bliss. She ought to have hailed +with unmixed satisfaction the certainty that he would not miss her +sisterly ministrations, or feel the need of her companionship in +that of one nearer and dearer than was his child-ward. She had +striven not to resent even in her own mind, his cavalier treatment +of her lover; had hearkened respectfully and without demur to his +unsympathizing calculations of what was possible and what feasible +in the project of her union with the man of her choice. For how +could he know anything of the palpitations, the anxieties, the +raptures of love, when he was a stranger to the touch of a kindred +emotion? He meant well; he had her welfare in view; unfortunate as +was his style of discussing the means for insuring this--for he +loved her dearly, dearly! + +She must never question this, although he had dealt the comfortable +persuasion a cruel blow; wounded her in a vital part by withholding +from her the circumstance of his attachment and betrothal until the +near approach of the wedding day rendered continued secrecy +inexpedient. No softening memory of his affianced had inclined him +to listen with kindly warmth to her timid avowals, or Frederic's +manly protestations of their mutual attachment. He recognized no +analogy in the two cases; stood aloof from them in the flush of his +successful love, as if he had never known the pregnant meaning of +the word. Smarting under the sense of injury to pride and affection, +her language, when she could trust her voice, was a protest that, in +Winston's judgment, ill beseemed her age and station. + +"Why did you not tell me of this earlier, brother? It was unjust and +unkind to keep me in the dark until now." + +"You forget yourself, Mabel. I am not under obligation to account to +you for my actions." + +He said it composedly, as if stating a truth wholly disconnected +with feeling on his part or on hers. + +"I have given you the information to which you refer, in season for +you to make ample preparation for my wife's reception. And, mark me, +she must see no sulkiness, no airs of strangeness or intolerance, +because I have managed a matter that concerns me chiefly, as seemed +to me best. Say the same to Mrs. Sutton, if you please; also that I +will submit to no dictation, and ask no advice." + +Mabel's anger seldom outlived its utterance. The hot sparkle in her +eye was quenched by moisture, as she laid her hand caressingly upon +her brother's. + +"Winston! you cannot suppose that we could be wanting in cordiality +to any one whom you love, much less to your wife. Let her come when +she may, she will be heartily welcomed by us both. But this has +fallen suddenly upon me, and I am a little out of sorts to-day, I +believe--excited and nervous--and, O, my darling! my oldest and best +of friends! I hope your love will bring to you the happiness you +deserve." + +The tears had their course, at last, bathing the hand she bowed to +kiss. The simple ardor of the outbreak would have affected many men +to a show of responsive weakness. Even Winston Aylett's physiognomy +was more human and less statuesque, as he patted her head, and bade +her be composed. + +"If you persist in enacting Niobe, I shall believe that you are +chagrined at the prospect of having the sister you have repeatedly +besought me to give you," he said, playfully--for him. "You have not +asked me her name, and where she lives. What has become of your +curiosity? I never knew it to be quiescent before." + +"I thought you would tell me whatever it was best for me to know," +replied Mabel, drying her eyes. + +If she had said that she was too well-trained to assail him with +interrogatories he had not invited, it would have been nearer the +mark. + +"There is nothing relating to her which I desire to conceal," he +rejoined, with some stiffness, "or she would never have become my +promised wife. She is a Miss Dorrance, the daughter of a widow +residing in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts. I met her first +at Trenton Falls, where a happy accident brought me into association +with her party. I travelled with them to the Lakes and among the +White Mountains, and, while in Boston, visited her daily. We were +betrothed a week ago, and having, as I have observed, an aversion to +protracted engagements, I prevailed upon her to appoint the tenth of +next mouth as our marriage day. There you have the story in brief. I +have not Mrs. Sutton's talents as a raconteur, nor her disposition +to turn hearts inside out for the edification of her auditors." + +"Does she--Miss Dorrance--look like anybody I know?" asked Mabel, +hesitating to declare herself dissatisfied with the skeleton +love-tale, yet uncertain how to learn more. + +"A roundabout way of asking if she is passable in appearance," +Winston said, with his smile of conscious superiority. "Judge for +yourself!" taking from his pocket a miniature. + +"How beautiful! What a very handsome woman?" the sister exclaimed at +sight of the pictured face. + +"You are correct. She is, moreover, a thorough lady, and +highly-educated. Ridgeley will have a queenly mistress. The likeness +is considered faithful, but it does not do her justice." + +He took it from Mabel, and they scanned it together; she resting +against his shoulder. She felt his chest heave twice; heard him +swallow spasmodically in the suppression of some mighty emotion, and +the palpable effort drew her very near to him. She never doubted +from that moment, what she had more cause in after days to believe, +that he loved the woman he had won with a fervor of passion that +seemed foreign to his temperament as the evidence of it was to his +conduct. + +The September sun was near the horizon, and between the bowed +shutters one slender, gilded arrow shot athwart the portrait, +producing a marvellous and sinister change in its expression. The +large, limpid eyes became shallow and cunning; the smile lurking +about the mouth was the more treacherous and deadly for its +sweetness; while the burnished coils of hair brushed away from the +temples had the opaline tints and sinuous roll of a serpent. + +Mabel shrank back before the horror of the absurd imagination. + +Winston raised the picture to his lips. + +"My peerless one!" + + + + + + +CHAPTER III + +UNWHOLESOME VAPORS. + + + + + +"DORRANCE!" repeated Frederic, after his betrothed, when she +rehearsed to him in their moonlight promenade upon the piazza the +leading incidents of her brother's wooing. "She lives near Boston, +you say, and her mother is a widow?" + +"Yes. What have you ever heard about her?" + +"Nothing whatever. I was startled by the name--but very foolishly! +I once knew a family of Dorrances--New Yorkers--but the father, a +retired naval officer, was alive, and all the daughters were +married. The youngest of them would be, by this time, much older +than you judge the original of the miniature to be." + +"She is not more than twenty-two, at the most," Mabel was sure. + +Frederic's hurried articulation and abstracted manner excited her +curiosity, and unrestrained by Winston's curb, it was not +"quiescent." The thought was spoken so soon as it was formed. + +"There was something unpleasant in your intercourse with them, then? +or something objectionable in the people themselves? Could they have +been relatives of this widow and her daughter? The name is not a +common one to my ears." + +"Nor to mine; yet we have no proof to sustain your supposition. I +should be very sorry--" + +He stopped. + +Mabel studied his perturbed countenance with augmented uneasiness. + +"Was not the family respectable?" + +"Perfectly, my shrewd little catechist!" seeming to shake off an +uncomfortable incubus, as he laughed down at her serious face. "They +vaunted themselves upon the antiquity of their line, and were more +liberal in allusions to departed grandeur than was quite well-bred. +When I knew them they were not wealthy, or in what they would have +called 'society.' Indeed, the mother kept a private boarding-house +near the law-school I attended. There were several sons--very +decent, enterprising fellows. But one lived at home, and a daughter, +the wife of a lieutenant in the navy, whom I never saw. I boarded +with them for six months, or thereabout." + +"You never saw the daughter! How was that?" + +"I must have expressed myself awkwardly if I conveyed any such idea. +I did not meet the seafaring husband who was off upon a long cruise. +The wife I met constantly--knew very well. You need not look at me +so intently, love, as if you feared that some dark mystery lurked +behind this matter-of-fact recital. If I do not tell you every event +of my former life, it is not because it was vile. I could not +sustain the light of your innocent eyes if I had ever been guilty of +aught dishonorable or criminal. But even the follies and mistakes of +a young man's early career are not fit themes for your ears. And I +was no wiser, no more wary, than other youths of the same age; was +apt to believe that fair which was only specious, and that I might +play, uninjured, with edged tools. Nor had I seen you then, my +treasure--my snow-drop of purity! Mabel! do you know how solemn a +thing it is to be loved and trusted by a man, as I love and confide +in you? It terrifies me when I think of the absoluteness of my +dependence upon your fidelity--of how rich I am in having you--how +poor, wretched, and miserable I should be without you. I shall not +draw a free breath until you are mine beyond the chance of recall." + +"Nobody else wants me!" breathed Mabel in his ear, nestling within +the arm that enfolded and held her tightly in the corner of the +piazza shaded by the creeper. "The danger of losing me is not +imminent to-night, at all events," she resumed, presently, with a +touch of the sportiveness that lent her manner an airy charm in +lighter talk than that which had engrossed her for the past hour. + +The evening was warm and still to sultriness, and the moonlight, +filtered into pensive pallor through a low-lying haze, yet sufficed +to show how confidingly Imogene leaned upon her attendant in +sauntering dowa the long main alley of the garden. Rosa was at the +piano in the parlor, singing to the enamored Alfred. Mrs. Sutton had +withdrawn to her own room to ruminate upon the astounding disclosure +of her nephew's engagement, while Winston bent over his study-table +busy with the interrupted letter his aunt had seen in his portfolio. + +"There is no one here who has the leisure or the disposition to +contest your rights, you perceive," said Mabel, running through a +laughing summary of their companions' occupations. + +"Betrothals are epidemic in this household and neighborhood," +Winston was writing. "There are no fewer than three pairs of turtles +cooing down stairs as I pen this to you, my bird of paradise. The +case that next to mine--to ours--commands my interest is that of my +sister. I came home to learn that the little Mabel I used to hold on +my knee had entered into an engagement--conditional upon my +sanction--with that traditional tricky personage, a Philadelphia +lawyer--Mr. Frederic Chilton, at the door of whose manifold +perfections, as set forth by my loquacious aunt, you may lay the +blame of this delayed epistle. I know nothing of this aspirant to +the dignity of brotherhood with myself, saving the facts that he is +tolerably good looking, claims to be the scion of an old Maryland +family, and that self-conceit is apparently his predominant +quality." + +"What is that?" asked Frederic, halting before the windows, of the +drawing-room, as a wild, sorrowful strain, like the wail of a +breaking heart, arose upon the waveless air. + +Rosa was a vocalist of note in her circle, and she had never +rendered anything with more effect than she did the song to which +even the preoccupied strollers among the garden borders stayed their +steps to listen. Through the open casement Mabel and her lover could +see the face of the musician, slightly uplifted toward the +moonlight; her eyes, dark and dreamy, as under the cloud of many +years of weary waiting and final hopelessness. Her articulation was +always pure, but the passionate emphasis of every word constrained +the breathless attention of her audience to the close of the simple +lay: + + "Thy name was once the magic spell + By which my thoughts were bound; + And burning dreams of light and love + Were wakened by the sound. + My heart beat quick when stranger-tongues, + With idle praise or blame, + Awoke its deepest thrill of joy + To tremble at thy name. + + "Long years, long years have passed away, + And altered is thy brow; + And we who met so fondly once + Must meet as strangers now. + The friends of yore come 'round me still, + But talk no more of thee, + 'Twere idle e'en to wish it now, + For what art thou to me?" + + "Yet still thy name--thy blessed name! + My lonely bosom fills, + Like an echo that hath lost itself + Among the distant hills, + That still, with melancholy note, + Keeps faintly lingering on, + When the joyous sound that woke it first + Is gone--forever gone!" + +"A neat conceit that last verse, and the music is a fair imitation +of a dying bugle-echo!" said Winston Aylett to himself, resuming the +writing he had suspended for a minute. "That girl should take to the +stage. If one did not know better, her eyes and singing together +would delude him into the idea that she had a heart. Honest Alfred +evidently believes that she has, and that the patient labor of love +will win it for himself. Bah!" + +Frederic and Mabel retired noiselessly from their post of +observation, as "honest Alfred" made a motion to take in his the +hand lying prone and passive upon the finger-board. They exchanged a +smile, significant and tender, in withdrawing. + +"We understand the signs of the times," whispered Frederic, at the +upper turn of their promenade. "Heaven bless all true lovers under +the sun!" + +"Don't!" said Rosa, vehemently, snatching away her hand from her +suitor's hold. "Leave me alone! If you touch me again I shall +scream! I think you were made up without nerves, either in the heart +or in the brain--if you have any!" + +Before the aghast Alfred rallied from the recoil occasioned by her +gesture and words, her feet were pattering over the oaken hall and +staircase in rapid retreat to her chamber. + +"You are really happy, then?" queried Mabel. "Quite content?" + +"Did I not tell you awhile ago that I was not satisfied?" returned +Chilton. "Two months since I should, in anticipation of this hour, +have declared that it would be fraught with unalloyed rapture. I was +happier yesterday than I am to-day. It is not merely that we must +part to-morrow, or that your brother's precautionary measures and +disapproval of what has passed between us have acted like a +shower-bath to the fervor of my newly born hopes. I am willing that +my life should be subjected to the utmost rigor of his researches, +and another month, at farthest, will reunite us. Nor do I believe in +presentiments. I am more inclined to attribute the uneasiness that +has hovered over me all the day to physical causes. We will call it +a mild splenetic case, induced by the sultry weather, and the very +slow on coming of the storm presaged by your dewless roses." + +He laughed naturally and pleasantly. Having confessed to what he +regarded as a ridiculous succumbing of his buoyant spirit to +atmospheric influences, he shook off the nightmare as if it had +never sat upon him. + +Mabel was grave still. + +"There is something weirdly oppressive in the night," she said, in a +low, awed tone. "But the burden you describe has weighed me down +since morning. While Rosa was singing, I felt suddenly removed from +you by a horrid gulf. What if all this should be the preparation to +us for some impending danger?" + +"Sweet! these are unwholesome vapors of the imagination. Nothing can +be a disaster that leaves us to one another," was the text of +Frederic's fond soothing; and by the time Mrs. Sutton descended from +her chamber of meditation, to remind Imogene that the seeds of ague +and fever lurked in the river-fogs, the couple from the piazza came +into the lighted parlor, all smiles and animation, wondering, +jocosely, what had become of the recent occupants of the apartment. + +Neither reappeared until breakfast-time next morning. Rosa was like +freshly-poured champagne, in sweet and sparkle. Alfred, rueful and +limp, as if the dripping clouds that verified Mabel's prediction had +soaked him all night. He was dry and comfortable--to carry out the +figure--within twenty minutes after his beloved fluttered, like a +tame canary, into the chair next his own--in five more, was more +truly her slave, living in, and upon her smiles--adoring her very +caprices as he had never admired another woman's virtues--than he +had been prior to the brief, but tempestuous scene over night. She +was the life of the party assembled in the dining-room. Imogene had +caught cold, walking bareheaded in the evening air, and Tom condoled +with her upon her influenza and sore-throat too sincerely to do +justice to the rest of his friends and his breakfast. Mr. Aylett was +never talkative, and his unvarying, soulless politeness to all +produced the conserving effect upon chill and low spirits that the +atmosphere of a refrigerator does upon whatever is placed within it. +Mrs. Sutton's motherly heart was yearning pityingly over the lovers +who were soon to be sundered, while Mabel's essay at cheerful +equanimity imposed upon nobody's credulity. Frederic comported +himself like a man--the more courageously because the host's cold +eye was upon him, and he surmised that sighs and sentimentality +would meet very scant indulgence in that quarter. Moreover, he was +not so unreasonable as to descry insupportable hardships in this +parting. By agreement with Mr. Aylett and his sister, he was, if all +went prosperously, to revisit Ridgeley at the end of six weeks, when +his design was to entreat his betrothed to name the wedding day. The +prospect might well support him under the present trial. He bore +Rosa's badinage gallantly, tossing back sprightly and telling +rejoinders that called forth the smiling applause of the auditors, +and commanded her respectful recognition of him as a foeman worthy +of her steel. + +"Nine o'clock," said Winston, at length, consulting his watch, and +pushing back his chair. "The carriage will be at the door in fifteen +minutes, Mr. Chilton. The road is heavy this morning, and the stage +passes the village at ten." + +"I shall be ready," responded Frederic. "I am sorry your carriage +and coachman must be exposed to the rain." + +"That is nothing. They are used to it. I never alter my plan of +travel on account of the weather, how ever severe the storm. This +warm rain can hurt nobody." + +"It is pouring hard," remarked Mrs. Button, solicitously. "And that +stage is wretchedly uncomfortable in the best weather. I wish you +could be persuaded to stay with us until it clears off, Mr. Chilton, +and"--making a bold push--"I am sure my nephew concurs in my +desire." + +"Mr. Chilton should require no verbal assurance of my hospitable +feelings toward him and my other guests," said Mr. Aylett, +frigidly--smooth as ice-cream. "If I forbear to press him to prolong +his stay, it is in reflection of the golden law laid down for the +direction of hosts--'Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.'" + +"You are both very kind, but I must go," Frederic replied, concisely +and civilly, following Mabel into the parlor, whither the other +visitors were fabled to have repaired. As he had guessed, his +betrothed was the only person there; the quartette having dispersed +with kindly tact, for which he gave them due credit. + +"Don't think hardly of me, dear," he began, seating himself beside +her on the sofa. + +"Allow me to offer you a few of the finest cigars I have enjoyed for +many years," said Mr. Aylett, entering in season to check Frederic's +movement to encircle Mabel's drooping form with his arm. "You smoke, +I believe? You may have an opportunity of indulging in this solace +in an empty stage. At least, there is little probability that you +will be denied the luxury by the presence of lady passengers. I +procured those in Havana, last winter. In case you should like them +well enough to order some for yourself, I will give you the address +of the merchant from whom I purchased them." + +He wrote a line upon a card, as he might sign a beggar's +petition--with a supercilious parade of benevolence--and passed it +to the other, who accepted it with a phrase of acknowledgment +neither hearty nor grateful. Then the master of the house paced the +floor with a slow, regular step, his hands behind him; his +countenance placidly ruminative, his thoughts apparently engaged +with anything rather than the pain upon the corner-sofa, whose +leave-taking he had mercilessly marred. Frederic dumb and furious; +Mabel equally dumb and amazed to alarm, knowing as she did that her +brother's actions were never purposeless, sat still, their hands +clasped stealthily amid the folds of Mabel's dress; their eyes +saying the dear and passionate things forbidden to their tongues. +Neither would feign indifference, or attempt a lame dialogue upon +other topics than those that filled their minds. Mr. Aylett was not +one to pay outward heed to hints when he chose to ignore them. He +kept up his walk until the carriage was driven around to the front +door, informed the parting guest that it awaited his commands, +likewise that he would need all the time that remained to him if he +hoped to catch the stage; without leaving the room, called to a +servant to bring down Mr. Chilton's baggage, and did not lose sight +of his sister's lover until the last farewell was said, and Frederic +bestowed inside the vehicle. There was nothing offensively officious +or malicious in all this. Having declared as an incontrovertible +dogma, that a ward could form no engagement without the formal +sanction of her legal guardian, he saw fit to put the seal upon the +decision at this, their adieu, in a manner they were not likely to +forget. An hour's harangue would not have imbued them with the sense +of his authority, his determination to exercise it, and their +impotency to resist it, as did this practical lesson. + +Mrs. Sutton could scarcely restrain her tearful remonstrances +against what was, to her perception, an act of arbitrary and wanton +cruelty, and other spectators had their views upon the subject. + +"Very inconsiderate in Aylett! I wonder how he would like the same +game to be played upon himself!" commented Alfred, aside, to his +Dulcinea. + +Her lip curled in disdainful amusement. + +"As if he had ever done an inconsiderate thing since he put off long +clothes! There is method in all this, if we were clever enough to +fathom it." + +Within herself, she determined that she would solve the enigma +before she was a week older. + +Frederic cast one hasty, eager look at the portico, as the carriage +turned out of the yard. Mabel stood in the foreground, her figure +framed by the climbing roses drooping over the front steps. She was +very pale, and, forgetful for the moment of the observation of the +bystanders, leaned slightly forward, her eyes strained upon the +carriage-window--one hand laid upon her heart, the other resting +against the pillar nearest her, as for support. She waved her +handkerchief, in response to his smile and lifted hat, and +simultaneously with this interchange of adieux her brother took her +by the arm. + +"You are getting wet there, Mabel! Come into the house! It is well I +have come back to look after you!" + + + + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +"FOUNDED UPON A ROCK." + + + + + +If Mrs. Sutton had raised horrified eyes and despairing hands upon +learning the date of her nephew's proposed marriage, it was because +she miscalculated his executive abilities, and the energy she had +never until now seen fairly put forth. Within three days after his +return, the homestead was alive with masons, carpenters, painters, +and upholsterers, engaged by the prompt bridegroom on his passage +through Richmond; and so explicit were his orders as to the minutest +detail of the work appointed to each, that he could safely leave the +scene of action at the time appointed for the flying trip northward, +to which he had referred in his dialogue with Mabel on the afternoon +of his arrival. + +The party of visitors had emigrated to other regions, a couple of +days after Frederic Chilton's departure, with the exception of Rosa +Tazewell, who accepted Mabel's invitation to prolong her sojourn, +the more willingly since she "flattered herself she could be of use +in the general upheaving of the ancient foundations, and +establishment of the new. If there was one thing she enjoyed above +another, it was a tremendous bustle--a lively revolution." + +She made her boast of personal utility good by installing herself +forthwith as Mrs. Sutton's aid-de-camp, and rendering herself so far +indispensable in the work of reconstruction that Mr. Aylett deigned +to ask her not to desert her post in his absence. + +"Yours is the genius of renovation, Miss Rosa," the potentate was +pleased to say in his handsomest style. "Do not, I beg of you, +forsake my aunt and sister in their need. Let me feel that I leave +one head as the motive-power of the multitudinous hands." + +She agreed, in the same strain, to oblige him--a decision greeted +with satisfaction by the pair in whose behalf he besought her +friendly offices. The versatile invention and deft fingers of the +little brunette were welcome to the heavily-taxed housekeeper, as +were her gay good-humor and words of cheer and affection to the +younger of her companions. The two girls became more confidential in +six days than eighteen years of neigbborly intercourse had sufficed +to make them. Mabel's innate delicacy and excellent common sense +would, in ordinary circumstances, have barred effusiveness upon the +theme nearest her heart, but love at nineteen is rarely discreet, +even when the persuasives to communicativeness are less powerful +than were the sorcery of Rosa's sympathy and the confessions that +paved the way to answering and trustful communicativeness on her +friend's part. + +They were having what she called "a good, long, comforting, as well +as comfortable chat" over their sewing in Mabel's chamber on the +afternoon of the eighth day of Winston's absence. The weather was +lovely, with the mellow brightness and balmy airs that make +Virginian autumns a joy and glory until November is half spent, and +the atmosphere held, at sunset, the warmth and much of the radiance +which had set the day--a perfect gem--in the heart of the golden +month. Into the eastern windows gazed the full moon, a crimson globe +upon the hazy horizon, while Venus lay, large and tremulous, among +the dying fires of the west. + +"'Lovers love the western star,'" quoted Rosa, merrily, taking +Mabel's work from her and throwing it upon the bed. "Come and enjoy +the holy hour with me." + +They leaned together upon the window-sill, their young faces tinted +by the changeful hues of the sky, both thoughtful and mute, until +Rosa broke the silence by a heavy sigh. + +"O Mabel, you should be a happy, happy girl; blessed among women. +You can love--freely and joyously--and have pride and faith in the +one beloved." + +"As you will some day," rejoined the other, drawing nearer to her, +"when you, in your turn, shall know the unspeakable sweetness of +unquestioning faith--of utter dependence upon him to whom you have +given your heart." + +"Utter dependence!" echoed Rosa. "That would mean utter wreck of +heart, hope--everything--should the anchor give way. It is a +hazardous experiment, ma belle!" + +The other looked down at her with simple fearlessness. + +"'For it was founded upon a rock!'" she repeated softly; yet the +exultant ring of her accent vibrated upon the ear like a joyous +challenge. + +Rosa's fretful movement was involuntary. + +"Mine would drag in the sand at every turn of the tide, every rise +of the wind, if I were to follow your advice, and say 'yes' to the +pertinacious Alfred," she said reproachfully. + +"Don't say advice, dear!" corrected the other. "I only endeavored to +convince you that there must be latent tenderness beneath your +sufferance of Mr. Branch's devotion; that if you really were averse +to the thought of marrying him, you could not take pleasure in his +society or enjoy the marks of his attachment which are apparent to +you and to everybody else." + +"Can't you understand," said the beauty, petulantly, "that it is one +thing to flirt with a man in public, and another to cherish his +image in private? There is no better touchstone of affection than +the holiness and calm of an hour like this. If Frederic were with +you, the scene would be the fairer, the season more sacred for its +association with thoughts of him and his love. Whereas, my Alfred's +adoring platitudes would disgust me with the sunset, with the world, +and with myself, for permitting him to haunt my presence and hang +upon my smile--foppish barnacle that he is! If you knew how I +despise myself sometimes!" + +"Dear Rosa! I shall never try again to persuade that you care for +him as a woman should for the man GOD intended her to marry. But why +not act worthily of yourself--justly to him, and reject him +decidedly?" + +"Because"--her face shrewd and wilful as it had been sorrowful just +now--"I am by no means certain that I can do better than to marry +him. He is rich, good-looking (so people say!), well-born, +gentlemanly, and pleasant of temper. An imposing array of +advantages, you see! I might go further, and fare very much worse. +We shall not expect to pass our days in gazing at sunsets and +walking in the moonlight, you know. It is not every woman who can +marry the man she loves best. While the right to select and to woo +is usurped by the masculine portion of the community, it must, +perforce, be Hobson's choice with an uncountable majority of +feminines. I should not complain. The stall allotted to me by +Hobson--alias Fate--might hold a worse-conditioned animal than my +worshipping swain." + +"What a wicked rattle you are!" Mabel said, affecting to box her +ears. "I could not love you if I believed you to be in earnest. As +to your figure of the stabled steed--this disapproving customer has +the consolation that she need not accept him, unless she wishes to +do so. She has the invaluable privilege of saying 'no' as often and +obstinately as she pleases." + +"I deny it," said Rosa, perversely. "Parents, in this age, do not +make a custom of locking up refractory daughters in nunneries or +garrets until they consent to wed Baron Buncombe or my Lord Nozoo, +but there are, nevertheless, compulsory marriages in plenty. Society +warns me to make a creditable match, upon penalty, if I decline, of +being pointed out to the succeeding--and a fast-succeeding +generation it is! as a disappointed old maid--passée belle, who +squandered her capital of fascinations, and has become a pauper upon +public toleration, while my mother, sisters, and brothers are +growing impatient at my many and profitless flirtations, and anxious +to see me 'settled.' My mother's pet text, since I was sixteen, has +been her prayerful desire that I, the last of her nestlings, should +make choice of a tenable bough and helpful partner, and set up a +separate establishment before she dies. When that event occurs, I +shall be, in effect, homeless--a boarder around upon my rebukeful +relatives, who 'always thought how my trifling would end,' and who +will be forever scribbling 'vanitas vanitatum,' upon the tombstone +of my departed youth--my day of beaux and offers. You may shake your +head and look heroic with all your might! You are no better off than +I, should your brother see cause to refuse his consent to your +marriage with Mr. Chilton. He could, and probably would, coerce you +into another alliance before you were twenty-one. There are so many +ways of letting the life out of a woman's heart, when it is already +faint from disappointment! The spirit is oftener broken by +unyielding, but not seemingly cruel pressure, than by outrageous +violence. And Winston would show himself an adept in such arts, if +occasion offered." + +"Rosa Tazewell! you are speaking of my brother, my friend and +benefactor! one of the best, noblest, most disinterested creatures +Heaven ever made!" cried Mabel, erect and indignant. "You have no +warrant--I shall never give you the right--to asperse him in my +presence. He is incapable of cruelty or unfairness. It is my duty to +obey him, but it is no less a pleasure, for he is a hundred-fold +wiser and better than I am--knows far more truly what is for my real +advantage. As to his conduct in this affair of Frederic and myself, +yon cannot deny that it has been generous and consistent throughout. +He has been cautious--never harsh!" + +"So!" said Rosa, scrutinizing the flushed countenance of the other, +her own full of intense meaning, "you HAVE had your misgivings!" + +Mabel reddened more warmly. + +"Misgivings! What do you mean?" + +"That the uncalled-for vehemence of your defence is a proof of +disturbed confidence, of wanting belief in the infallibility of your +semi-deity. The trailing robes of divinity have been blown aside by +a chance breath of suspicion, and you had a glimpse of the clay +feet. I am glad of it. Scepticism is the parent of rebellion, and +the time is coming when fealty to your betrothed may demand +disloyalty to the power that now is." + +Mabel's smile was meant to be careless, but it was only uneasy, and +gave the lie direct to her asseveration. + +"I have no apprehensions of such a conflict. Winston's word is as +good as another man's oath. It is pledged to my marriage with +Frederic Chilton, in the event of the prosperous issue of his +inquiries into his, Frederic's, character and prospects. That these +will be answered favorably, I have the word of another, who is every +whit as trustworthy. Where is there room for doubt?" + +The brunette shook her head--unconvinced. + +"Have your own way! I can afford to abide the showing of the logic +of events." + +"And I!" retorted Mabel, hastily, turning from her, without +attempting to dissemble her chagrin, to answer a knock at the door. + +It was a servant, with two letters. The annoyance passed from her +brow, like the sheerest mist, as she read the superscriptions--one +in her brother's handwriting, the other in Frederic's. + +Rosa interfered to prevent the breaking of the seals. + +"I am going to leave you to the undisturbed enjoyment of your +feast," she said, in her most winsome manner. "But--won't it taste +the sweeter if your antepast is the delight of forgiveness? Say you +are not angry with me--mia cara!" + +"You are a ridiculous child!" Mabel bent to kiss the pleading lips, +then the great, melting eyes. "Who could be out of temper with you +for half a minute at a time? You did try my patience with your +nonsense, but since it WAS nonsense, I have forgotten it all, and +love you none the less for your prankish humor--you gypsy!" + +"She calls my prophecies humbug--turns a deaf ear to my warnings!" +cried the incorrigible rattle, clasping her hands above her head and +rolling her eyes tragically. "I have a lively appreciation, at this +instant, of Cassandra's agonies when Troilus named her 'our mad +sister!'-- + + 'Woe! woe! woe! + Let us pay betimes + A moiety of that mass of moans to come!'" + +Laughing anew at her frantic rush from the chamber, Mabel sat down +in the broad window-seat to read her love-letter. + +Frederic was too manly in feeling and habit of speech to deal in +florid rhapsodies, but each line had its message from his heart to +hers. He loved her purely and in truth, and there was not a sentence +that did not tell her this, by inference, if not directly. He +trusted her--and this, too, he told her, more as a husband might the +wife of years than a lover of her he had won so lately. Their hopes +were the same and their lives, and she dwelt longest upon the +sketched plans for the future of these. It brought him closer to her +than anything else--put her secret and reluctant imaginations of +evil, and Rosa's daring insinuations, out of sight and recollection. +She read slowly, and with frequent pauses, that she might take in +the exquisite flavor of this and that phrase of endearment; set +before herself in beauty and distinctness the scenes he portrayed as +the adornment of the prospect which was theirs. + +The second and yet more deliberate perusal over, she folded the +sheet with lingering touches to every corner, thrust it into the +envelope, and drew it forth again to peep once more at the +signature--"Forever and truly, your own Frederic;" pressed it to her +lips, then to her heart, and bestowed it securely in her writing- +desk, before she unclosed her brother's epistle. + +With her finger upon the seal--a big drop of red wax, like a +petrified blood-gout, stamped with the Aylett coat-of-arms--she +leaned through the casement to watch for the flutter of Rosa's white +dress among the vari-colored maples shading the lawn--sang a clear, +sweet second to the song that ascended to her eyrie: + + "Why weep ye by the tide, ladye? + Why weep ye by the tide? + I'll wed ye to my youngest son, + And ye shall be his bride. + And ye shall be his bride, ladye, + Sae comely to be seen; + But aye she loot the tears down fa' + For lock o' Hazeldean." + +"MY DEAR MABEL" [wrote the lord of Ridgeley]--"I wish you, so soon +as yon receive this, to communicate with Jenkyns and Smythe +concerning the new parlor furniture I ordered from them. In talking +it over, Clara and I have decided that it had better be covered with +maroon, instead of green, as you advised. I enclose a sample of +damask which they must match exactly. I would I write direct to +them, but think it likely that Jenkyns, the managing man of the +firm, is in your neighborhood at this time. He told me, when I was +in town, of his intention to visit Mrs. Wilson, his sister, I +believe, who lives on the White Oak road, about three miles from +Ridgeley. Send for him, and put the samples into his hands. If he +cannot get the precise color in Richmond, let him order it from New +York. + +"The carpets for the parlor, dining-room, and Clara's chamber I have +bought in Lowell. Clara accompanied me thither, and gave me the +benefit of her taste in the selection. I have resolved, also, to +purchase wallpaper in Boston to match these. Say as much to +Jenkyns. I shall have the boxes directed to his care and instruct +him further respecting making the carpets and hanging the paper when +I return. + +"Ask Roberts (the mason) whether it will be practicable to build a +fire-place in the large lower hall. Another chimney would be an +unsightly appendage to the roof, but Clara agrees with me, since +studying the plan of the house I brought on for her inspection, that +a flue could be run through the closet in your room into the rear +one of the west chimneys. She thinks the hall must be freezing cold +in winter, and caught eagerly at my idea that a blazing fire at one +end would lighten the sombre effect of the oaken wainscot and lofty +ceiling. I proposed to tear down the panelling, but she was +horrified at the thought. I could not take more pride and interest +in preserving the antique character of the home of my forefathers +than does she. She will have it that the hall, thus improved, and +hung with a few old pictures, some bits of ancient armor, and +carpeted with maroon and green will be truly baronial. You and she +will agree admirably in your enthusiastic love of the venerable, and +in your aesthetic tastes. I congratulate myself hourly upon my good +fortune in securing such a companion for myself, and such an +instructress for yourself. You cannot fail to derive infinite +benefit from intercourse with her. + +"This brings me to another subject to which I desire to call your +immediate attention. I wish her to select a couple of dresses +suitable for your wear on the night of our reception-party, and at +others which will, undoubtedly, be given in our honor. She objects +to doing this unless I obtain from you a written request that she +should thus aid me. She fears you may consider her action 'premature +and officious.' Write to her at once, requesting her to do this +sisterly favor for you, setting forth your distance from the city, +the meagre assortment of the goods to be had in the Richmond stores, +etc., and giving her carte blanche as to cost and style. It will be +an inestimable advantage to your appearance on the occasions named +should she oblige you in this particular. I earnestly desire that +you should look your best at your introduction to her." + +"'Maroon and green!' a 'baronial' hall, and new party-dresses for +insignificant me!" Mabel stopped to say aloud in great amusement. +"What would my sage brother have said to such paltry memoranda six +months ago? He is an apt scholar, or he has an able teacher. Ah, +well! love is a marvellous transmogrifier!" + +With this apothegm from the storehouse of her lately acquired +wisdom, she passed to the next paragraph. + +"Now for another matter about which I meant to write to you +yesterday, but I was prevented by our expedition to Lowell. The +evenings I of course devote to Clara. I have not been so engrossed +by my own very important concerns as to neglect yours. I stopped a +day in Philadelphia, illy as I could afford the time, to make such +investigations as I could, without exciting invidious suspicion, +into the character of the person whom I found domesticated at +Ridgeley on my return from my summer tour. The information I picked +up in that cautious city was so meagre and tantalizing as to provoke +me into the belief that he had selected his references with an eye +to the slenderness of their knowledge of his personal history. +Accident, however, has since placed within my reach a means of +learning all that I wish to know. Without wearying you with +explanations, which, indeed, I have no time to write--being engaged +to drive out with Clara in an hour from this time--I will transcribe +a portion of a letter received by me, two days since, from a +gentleman of unexceptional standing, and upon whose word you may +safely depend. + +"He says: 'In reply to your queries as to my acquaintanceship with +one Frederic Chilton, now a practising lawyer in the city of +Philadelphia, I would, if conscience permitted, repay your frankness +by evasion of a disagreeable truth. But in the circumstances which +induced your appeal, I have no option. Hesitation or concealment +would be unkind and dishonorable. I knew the man you speak of +well--I may say intimately, while we were fellow-students in the---- +law school, in 18--. He was then--what I have but too much reason +for believing him at this day--a plausible, unprincipled man of +pleasure. Our intercourse, which commenced at the card-table, +terminated with a severe horsewhipping I administered to him in +punishment of an offence offered a married lady--a relative of my +own. Taking advantage of the protracted absence of her husband, who +was a naval officer, he offered her many attentions, received by +herself as tokens of innocent and friendly regard, until he forgot +himself so far as to make her open and insulting proposals, even +urging her to consent to an elopement, and threatening, in the event +of her refusal, to ruin her by infamous calumnies. Her father was +infirm; her husband in a foreign land. His base persecution would +have met with no chastisement, had not I espoused the terrified +woman's cause. These are the bare facts of the case. He merited a +flogging--as you, a chivalric Virginian, will admit. I--a Northern +man, with cooler blood, but I hope, as true a sense of honor and +right as your own--inflicted this, as I am prepared to testify +before any number of witnesses.'" + +[Mabel was reading very fast, her eyes hurrying from side to side of +the page, her face blanching, and her hands more numb with every +word.] + +"The above is a verbatim copy of that portion of my friend's letter +which pertains to your affair," continued Mr. Aylett. "I shall write +to Mrs. Sutton's protege by the mail that carries this, informing +him of my opportune discovery, through no instrumentality of his +providing, of the poverty of his claims to the title of gentleman, +and the audacity of his pretensions to my sister's hand. Have what +letters, etc., you have received from him ready packed to return to +his address when I come home. My principal regret, in the review of +the unfortunate entanglement, is that he ever visited Ridgeley and +was known in the vicinity as your suitor. You will suffer from this, +in the future, more than you can now suppose. A woman hardly ever +outlives such a stigma. + +"You may expect me on Thursday next, the 21st, at which time I hope +to see most of the alterations I have ordered in an encouraging +state of forwardness. Should Jenkyns be in town when you get this, +write out my directions clearly and in full, and send them, with +sample of damask, by mail. + +"Your affectionate brother, + +"WINSTON AYLETT" + +The clammy, nerveless hands dropped--the fatal sheet below +them--into Mabel's lap. She did not cry out or moan. Things stricken +to the heart generally fall dumbly. It was not her cramped position +within the window-seat that paralyzed her limbs, nor the chill of +the twilight that crept through vein and bone. For one sick second +she believed herself to be dying, and would not have stirred a +muscle or spoken a syllable to save the life which had suddenly +grown worthless--worthless, since she was never to see Frederic +again; be no more to him than if she had never laid her head upon +his bosom; never felt his kisses upon lip and forehead; never lived +upon his words of love as rapt mortals, admitted in trances to the +banquet of the gods, eat ambrosia, and drink to divinest ecstacy of +nectar--the elixir of immortal life and joy, sparkling in golden +chalices. + +She had had her dream--ravishing and brief--but the awakening was +terrible as the struggle back to life from a swoon or deathful +lethargy. As to thinking, I believe nobody thinks at such seasons. +Nature shrinks in speechless horror at sight of the descending +weight, and when it has fallen, lies motionless, gasping in breath +to enable her to support the intolerable anguish, not speculating +how to avert the next stroke. Frederic and she were parted! Had not +Winston said so! And when was he known to reverse a verdict! She had +nothing to do but sit still and let the waters go over her head. + +Rosa was seated upon the upper step of the west porch, her chin +cradled in her hand, her elbow on her knee, gazing on the darkening +sky, and crooning Scotch ballads in a pensive, dreamy way. Mabel, +from her perch, eyed her as if she were a creature belonging to +another world--seen dimly, and comprehended yet more imperfectly. +Yet it could not have been half an hour--thirty fleeting +minutes--since the two had talked as dear friends out of the fulness +of their hearts. Where were the hopes and happy memories that had +made hers then a garden of pleasant things, a fruitful field which +Heaven had blessed? In that little inch of time, the flood had come +and taken them all away. + +Would the dry aching in her throat and chest ever be less? Tears had +gushed freely and healthfully after her last leave-taking with +Frederic--the looked farewell, which was all Winston's surveillance +had granted them. She had been wounded then by her brother's +singular want of tact or feeling. She had not the spirit to resent +anything to-night, unless it were that God had made and suffered to +live a being so wretched and useless as herself. She supposed it was +wicked--but she did not care! She ought to be resigned to the +mysterious dispensations of Providence--that was the prescribed +phraseology of pious people. She had heard the cant times without +number. What more would they have than her utter destitution of love +and bliss? Was she not miserable enough to satisfy the sternest +believer in purgatorial purification? to appease the wrath even of +Him who had wrought her desolation? It must be the judgment of a +retributive Deity upon her idolatrous affection that she was +bearing--her worship of Frederic. Yes, she had loved him; she loved +him now better than she did anything else upon earth--better than +she did anything in Heaven. + +In the partial insanity of her woe and despair, she lifted her gray +face and vacant eyes to the vast, empty vault, beyond which dwelt +her Maker afar off, and said the words aloud--spat them at Him +through hard, ashy lips. + +"I love him! I love him! You have taken him from me--but I will love +him for all that!" + +Heaven--or Fate--her blasphemous mood did not distinguish the one +from the other--was a robber. Her brother was pitiless as the death +that would not answer to her call. Between them she was bereaved. + +It was but a touch--the lightest breath of natural feeling that +broke up the hot crust, that shut down the fountain of tears--Rosa's +voice, tuneful and sad as a nightingale's, chanting the border-lays +she loved so well: + + "When I gae out at e'en. + Or walk at morning air, + Ilk rustling bush will seem to say + I used to meet thee there. + Then I'll sit down and cry, + And live beneath the tree. + And when a leaf falls in my lap, + I'll oa' it a word from thee." + +She had sung it herself to Frederic the night before he left her, +and as she finished the artless ballad, he took her in his arms and +kissed her. + +As he would never do again! + +"My darling! my darling!" she cried aloud. + +Then the grief-drops came in a flood. + + + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +CLEAN HANDS. + + + + + +The servant who summoned Mabel to supper brought down word that she +was not feeling well, and did not wish any. + +"Not well! Bless me!" exclaimed Mrs. Sutton, starting up. "Rosa, +love, excuse me for three seconds, please. I must see what is the +matter. I do hope there is no bad news from--" (arrested by the +recollection that there were servants in the room, she substituted +for the name upon her lips)--"in her letters." + +"I don't think she's much sick ma'am," said the maid. "She is +a-settin' in the window." + +"Where I left her with her letters, an hour and more ago," observed +Rosa. "Don't hurry back if she needs you, Aunt Rachel. I will make +myself at home; shall not mind eating alone for once." + +Not withstanding the array of dainties before her, she only nibbled +the edge of a cream biscuit with her little white teeth, and +crumbled the rest of it upon her plate in listlessness or profound +and active reverie, while the hostess was away. She, too, had her +conjectures and her anxieties--a knotty problem to work out, and the +longer she pondered the more confident was she that she had grasped +at least one filament of the clue leading to elucidation. + +Mabel had not stirred from her place--sat yet with her brother's +letter in her lap, her hands lying heavily upon it, although her +muslin dress was ghostly in the stream of moonlight flowing across +the chamber. She had wept her eyes dry, and her voice was +monotonous, but unfaltering. + +"I am not really sick, aunt, but I have no appetite, and having a +great deal to think of, I preferred staying here to going to the +table," was her answer to Mrs Sutton's inquiries. + +"Your hands are cold and lifeless as clay, my child. What is the +matter? It is not like you to be moping up here, alone in the dark." + +"Won't you leave me to myself for a while, and keep Rosa +down-stairs?" asked Mabel, more patiently than peevishly. "Before +bed-time I will see you in your room, and we can talk of what has +disturbed me." + +"My daughter," murmured the gentle-hearted chaperone, trying to draw +the erect head to her shoulder, as she stood by her niece. + +Mabel resisted the kindly force. + +"No, no, aunt. I cannot bear that yet. I have just begun to think +connectedly, and petting would unnerve me." + +This was strange talk from the frank-hearted child she had reared +from babyhood, and while she desisted from further attempts at +consolation, Aunt Rachel took a very sober visage back to the +supper-room with her, and as little appetite as Rosa had manifested. +The meal was quickly over, and by way of obeying the second part of +Mabel's behest, the innocent diplomatist begged Rosa to go to the +piano. + +"I always enjoy your delightful music, my dear. It makes the house +more lively." + +"Thank you, dear Mrs. Sutton. I should take pleasure in obliging +you; but if Mabel is out of sorts, I don't believe she will care to +have the house lively to-night," was the amiable rejoinder. +"Moreover, I am dying to finish 'David Copperfield.' Will you allow +me to curl myself up in the big chair here, and read for an hour?" + +Mrs. Sutton gave a consent that was almost glad in its alacrity, and +pretended to occupy herself with the newspapers brought by the +evening mail, until she judged that Mabel had had season in which to +compose her thoughts. Then she muttered something about "breakfast," +"muffins," and "Daphne," caught up her key-basket, and bustled out. + +Rosa's book fell from before her face at the sound of the closing +door. The liquid eyes were turbid; her features moved by some +passion mightier far than curiosity or compassion for her friend's +distress. + +"I have done nothing--literally nothing, to bring this on!" was the +reflection which brought most calm to her agitated mind. "If it +should be as I think, I am guiltless of treachery. My skirts are +clear. My hands are clean! Yet there have been moments when I could +have dipped them in blood that this end might be attained!" + +Too restless to remain quiet, she tossed her book aside and wandered +from side to side of the room, halting frequently to hearken for +Mrs. Sutton's return, or some noise from the conference chamber that +might alleviate her suspense. + +"I tried to put her on her guard," she broke forth at length, bent, +it would seem, upon self-justification against an invisible accuser. +"I saw aversion in Winston's eye the day he came home to find the +other here. He would never forgive his slave the presumption of +choosing a husband for herself. Did I not tell her so? Yet this has +caught her like a rabbit in a trap--unprepared for endurance or +resistance. The spiritless baby! Would I give him up, except with +life, if he loved me as he does her?" + +It was not a baby's face that was confronting Mrs. Sutton's just +then. It was no weak, spiritless slave who sustained the pelting +shower of her comments, her wonderment and her entreaties that Mabel +would refuse to abide by her brother's decision--her guardian though +he was--and if she would not write to Frederic with her own hand, +empower her aunt to apply to him for an explanation of the +disgraceful mystery. + +"We should condemn no man unheard," she argued. + +"It is but fair to give him an opportunity of telling his side of +the story." + +"Winston's letter will inform him of what and by whom he is +accused," said Mabel. "He will have the opportunity you speak of. I +should not be content with my brother's action, were this not so. I +have been over the whole ground again and again, since sunset. +We--you and I--are powerless. This story is either true or false. If +what we have read really happened, what could arise from our +correspondence with the offender against honor and virtue? It would +but complicate difficulties. If he is unjustly accused, he can prove +it, and put his slanderers to shame without our promptings. Our +interference would be an intimation that he needed our +championship." + +"I believe he will clear himself of every stain," returned Mrs. +Sutton earnestly. "This is either a vile plot concocted by some +secret foe, or the Frederic Chilton mentioned here," pushing the +letter away from her on the table, with a gesture of loathing, "is +another person." + +"That is very unlikely!" + +Mabel leaned her forehead wearily upon her hand, and did not finish +the sentence immediately. + +"I will be candid with you, aunt, upon this subject, as I have tried +to be in every other confidence with which I have burdened you. +Frederic Chilton was a student in the law-school, which was also +attended by Winston's correspondent, and at the date specified by +him. I have reason to think there was something +unpleasant--something he wished to conceal from me, and perhaps from +everybody else, connected with his stay there. He referred to it +ambiguously on the last evening of his visit here, as a folly, a +youthful indiscretion. I have the impression, moreover, that a +married woman was mixed up in this trouble, whatever it was--a lady, +some years older than himself, whose husband, a naval officer, was +absent upon a long cruise. This may be the germ of the story related +here, and it may have nothing whatever to do with it." + +In saying "here," she pointed to the letter. Both avoided touching +it as it lay between them, the big seal uppermost, and looking more +like bright, fresh blood than ever, in the lamplight. + +"My dear, all this proves nothing--absolutely nothing--except that +the shock and overmuch solitary musing have made you morbid and +unreasonable." + +Mrs. Sutton assumed a collected air, and delivered herself with the +mien of one who was determined to submit to no trifling, and to +credit no scrap of evidence against her friend which +counter-reasoning could set aside. + +"My husband's godson--we must remember he is that, Mabel!--could +never be guilty of the infamous conduct ascribed to this Chilton by +Winston Aylett's anonymous friend. I am accounted a tolerable judge +of character, and I maintain that it is a moral impossibility for my +instincts and experience to be so utterly at fault as these two men +would make you believe. As to the corroboration of your +'impression,' that would be consummate nonsense in the eye of the +law. Let us sift the pros and cons of this affair as rational, +unprejudiced beings should--not jump at conclusions. And I must say, +Mabel"--was the consistent peroration of this address, uttered in a +mildly-aggrieved tone, while the blue eyes began to shine through a +rising fog--"it seems to me very singular--really wounds me--is not +what I looked for in you--that you should rank yourself with my poor +boy's enemies!" + +"I, his enemy!" The word was a sharp cry--not loud, but telling of +unfathomed deeps of anguish, from the verge of which the listener +drew back with a shudder. "I would have married him without a single +glance at the past! Let him but say 'it is untrue--all that you +fear and they declare,' and I would disbelieve this tale, instantly +and utterly, though a thousand witnesses swore to the truth of it. +Or, let him be all that they say, I would marry him to-night, if I +had the right to do it. But I promised--and to promise with an +Aylett is to fulfil--that I would be ruled by my guardian's will, +should the investigation, to which Frederic himself did not object, +terminate unfavorably for my hopes, and contrary to his +declaration." + +"It was a rash promise, and such are better broken than kept." + +"Your Bible, Aunt Rachel--to-night, I cannot call it mine!--commends +him who swears to his own heart and changes not," replied the niece, +with restored steadiness. "It would have been the same had I refused +my consent to Winston's proposal. I am a minor, and who would wait +two years for me?" + +"Anybody who loved you, provided your trust in him equalled his in +you," said Mrs. Sutton, slyly. + +Mabel's answer was direct. + +"You want me to say that I do not believe this tale of Mr. Chilton's +early errors; to brand it as a mistake or fabrication. You insinuate +that, in reserving my sentence until I shall have heard both sides +of it, I show myself unworthy of the love of a true man; betray of +what mean stuff my affection is made. I suppose blind faith is +sublime! But for my part, I had rather be loved in spite of my known +faults, than receive wilfully ignorant worship." + +The daring stroke at Mrs. Sutton's hypothesis of the inseparable +union between esteem and affection, excited her into an impolitic +admission. + +"My child, you make my blood run cold! You do not mean that you +could love a man for whose character you had no respect!" + +"There is a difference between learning to love and continuing to +love," said Mabel, sententiously. "But we have had enough of useless +talk, aunt. In two days more Winston will be here. Until then, let +matters remain as they are. You can tell Rosa as much or as little +as you like of what has happened. She must suspect that something +has gone awry. To-morrow, I will look up this Mr. Jenkyns, and +deliver the messages with which I am charged--likewise consult the +mason about the 'baronial' fireplace," smiling bitterly. + +"You never saw another creature so altered as she is," Mrs. Sutton +bewailed to Rosa, in rehearsing the scene. "If this thing should +turn out to be true, she is ruined and heart-broken for life. She +will become a cold, cynical, unfeeling woman--a feminine copy of her +granite brother." + +"If!" reiterated Rosa, testily. "There is not one syllable of truth +in it from Alpha to Omega! I know he is your nephew, and that it is +one af the Medo-Persian laws of Ridgeley that the king can do no +wrong; but I would sooner believe that Winston Aylett invented the +slander throughout, than question Fred Chilton's integrity. There is +foul play somewhere, as you will discover in time--or out of it!" + +To Mabel, Frederic's spirited champion said never a word of the +event that held their eyes waking until dawn--each motionless as +sleepless lest her bed fellow should discover her real state. + +"I have had no share in causing the rupture. I am not called upon to +heal it," meditated she. "In this, the law of self-preservation is +my surest guide." + +Her resolve to remain neutral was sharply and unexpectedly tested +the next afternoon. + +The two girls went out for a ramble about four o'clock, taking the +beaten foot-path that led through cultivated fields, and between +wooded hills, to a small post-town two miles distant. The day was +sunless, but not chilly, and when they had outwalked the hearing of +the murmur of rural life that pervaded the barnyard and adjacent +"quarters," the silence was oppressive, except when broken by the +whirr of a partridge, the melancholy caw of the crows, scared from +their feast upon the scattered grains knocked from over-ripe ears of +corn during the recent "fodder-pulling," and, as they neared it, by +the fretting of a rapid brook over its stony bottom. + +The pretence of social converse had been given up before the friends +cleared the first field beyond the orchard. Rosa's exquisite tact +witheld her from obtruding commonplaces upon the attention of a mind +torn by suspense--distracted between disappointment and outraged +pride, and Mabel had not besought her sympathy in her grievous +strait. They walked on swiftly, the one staring straight forward, +yet seeing nothing; the other, although thoughtful, losing not one +feature of the landscape--the light-gray sky, the encircling forest, +the yellow broom-straw clothing the hill-sides, the crooked fences, +lined with purple brush, golden-rod, black-bearded alder and sumach, +flaming with scarlet berry cones and motley leaves. It was her +principle and habit to seize upon whatever morsels of delight were +dropped in her way, and she had a taste for attractive bits of +scenery, as for melody. There was no reason why the evil estate of +her companion should debar her from quiet enjoyment of the autumn +day. She was sorry that Mabel was suffering. It was unpleasant to +see pain or grief. Smiles were prettier than glum looks. She hoped +she had enough humanity about her to enable her to recognize these +facts. But, in her soul, she despised the girl for her tacit +acquiescence in her brother's decree; contemned her yet more for her +partial credence of the rumor of her lover's unworthiness. It was as +well, taking these things into account, that Mabel was not +communicative with regard to the great change that had befallen her +since this hour yesterday, when she had exultingly proclaimed that +her trust was "founded upon a rock." + +"Varium et mutabile semper faemina!" reflected Rosa, who knew that +much Latin--and attracted by the waving of the bright grasses +beneath the waves of the rivulet they were crossing, she stopped to +lean over the railing and poke them aside from the stones with a +chincapin switch she had picked up a little way back. + +Mabel did not look around; apparently did not observe that she +walked on alone. + +"I dare say she would not miss me for the next mile!" soliloquized +the idle lounger, snatching foam-flakes from their nestling-places +behind the rocks, and watching them as they danced down the stream. + +Something, whiter and more regular in shape than they, lay upon the +margin of the brook, partly concealed by a clump of sedge. A letter, +with the address uppermost! Rosa's optics were keen. She easily made +out the direction upon the envelope from where she stood. It was +Frederic Chilton's name in Mrs. Sutton's quaint, old-fashioned +"back-hand" chirography. An hour before, as Rosa now recollected, +she had seen, from her window, a negro man take the path to the +village, arranging some papers in the crown of his tattered straw +hat. He had dropped this, the most important of all, probably in +stooping to drink from his hollowed palms at the spring-stream. +However this might be, there it lay--the warning to the calumniated +lover that his traducers were making clean (or foul) work with his +fair fame in the quarter where he wished to stand at his best; +perhaps citing him to appear and answer the damaging charges in +person before the same tribunal. + +"If she would only let me drop him a friendly line asking him, for +her sake, to contradict this horrid slander!" the distraught matron +had sighed, last night, in her recapitulation of the conversation +with her obdurate niece. "But she will not hear of it." + +"I hardly think he would like it either," Rosa had rejoined. "It +would hint at distrust on your part or on hers. Mr. Aylett's letter +should be sufficient to elicit the defence you crave." + +"You are in the right, perhaps!" But Mrs. Sutton had looked +miserably discontented. "Yet to be frank with you, Rosa, Winston is +not apt to be conciliatory in his measures when he takes it into his +head that the family honor is assailed. I am afraid he has written +haughtily, if not insolently, to poor Frederic." + +Rosa had no doubt of this, even while she answered, "Neither +haughtiness nor downright insolence would prevent a man who has so +much at stake as has Mr. Chilton, from taking instant steps to +re-establish himself in the respect of the family he desires to +enter. This is a very delicate matter--take what view of it we may. +Hadn't you better wait a few days before you interfere? Nothing can +be lost--something may be gained by prudent delay." + +"And I suppose Winston WOULD be very much displeased at my +officiousness, as he would term it," had been Mrs. sutton's +reluctant concession to her young guest's discreet counsels. "But it +is very hard to remain quiet, and see everything going to +destruction about one!" + +She had evidently reconsidered her resolution to let things take +their wrong-headed course, and in virtue of her prerogatives as +match-maker and mender, had thrust her oar into the very muddy +whirlpool boiling about the bark of her darling's happiness. + +Rosa wrought out this chain of sequences, with many other links, +stretching far past present exigences and possibilities, ere Mabel's +figure disappeared behind the shoulder of the hill rising beyond the +brook. Should Frederic Chilton receive that letter, in less than a +week--in three days, perhaps, for he was a man prompt to resolve and +to do--he would present himself at Ridgeley to speak in his own +behalf--an event Rosa considered eminently undesirable. Certainly +Mabel's pusillanimity merited no such reward. She had no right to +question the rectitude that one she professed to love, nor her aunt +the right to act as mediator. If Mabel Aylett, with her found sense +and judgment, and her inherent strength of will, would not hold fast +to her faith in her affianced husband, and defy her brother to +sunder them, let her lose that which she prized so lightly. + +If the epistle, soaking slowly there in the wet, had been committed +to Rosa's charge, she would have scorned to intercept it; would have +deposited it safely and punctually in the post-office. As it was, if +she left it alone, Frederic would never get it, and Mrs. Sutton +remain unconscious of its fate--unless some other passer-by should +perceive and rescue it from illegibility and dissolution; unless +Mabel should espy it on their return-walk, or, coming back, the next +moment, to seek her truant mate, catch sight of the snowy leaflet of +peace in its snuggery under the sedge. + +A startled partridge flew over Rosa's head from the thither rising +ground, and in the belief that he was the harbinger of the approach +she dreaded, she dislodged the envelope from its covert, with a +quick touch of her little wand, and it floated down the stream. + +Slowly--all too gradually at first--swinging lazily wound in the +eddies, catching, now against a jutting stone, now entangled by a +blade of grass--Rosa's heart in her throat as she watched it, lest +Mabel's footsteps should be audible upon the rocky path, Mabel's hat +appear above the spur of the hill. Then the channel caught it, +whirled it over and over, faster and faster, and sucked it downward. + +Mrs. Sutton was at the tea-table with the girls that evening, when +Johnson, the sable Mercury, showed himself at the door, to inform +his superior that he had "got everything at de sto' she sent him fur +to buy." + +"You mailed the letters, Johnson?" said the mild mistress, rather +anxiously. + +"All on dem, Mistis!" + +"The unconscionable liar!" thought Rosa, virtuously, "he ought to be +flogged! But it is none of my business to contradict him." + +She did not say now, "My hands are clean!" + + + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +CRAFT--OR DIPLOMACY! + + + + + +"YOUR letter notifies me, in general terms, that the answers +returned to your inquiries as to my antecedents and present +reputation are the reverse of satisfactory. You feel constrained, +you add, in view of the information thus obtained, to interdict my +further intercourse with your sister or any other member of your +family. Since I cannot battle with shadows, or refute insinuations +the drift of which I do not in the least comprehend, may I trouble +you to put the allegations to which you refer into a definite and +tangible shape? Let me know who are my accusers, and what are the +iniquities with which they charge me. The worst criminal against +human and divine laws has the right to demand thus much before he is +convicted and sentenced. + +"As to your prohibition of my continued correspondence with Miss +Aylett, I shall consider her my promised wife, and write to her +regularly as such, until you have made good your indictment against +me, or until I receive the assurance under her own hand and seal +that my conduct in thus addressing her is obnoxious to herself. + +"I have the honor, sir, of signing myself + +"Your obedient servant, + +"FREDERIC S. CHILTON." + +The cool contempt of the reply to his imperative dismissal of +whatever claims the presumptuous adventurer his aunt had encouraged +believed he had upon Mabel's notice or affection, was likely to irk +Winston Aylett as more intemperate language could not. It did more. +It baffled him, for a time. He could, and he meant, to withhold the +lover's letter from his sister's eyes. He could--and upon this also +he was determined--command her, in the masterful manner that +heretofore had never failed to work submission, never to meet, +speak, or write again to the man he almost hated; will her to forget +her childish fancy for his handsome face and glozing arts, and in +the fulness of time, to bestow her in marriage upon a partner of his +own providing. He had no misgivings as to his ability to accomplish +all this, if the blackguard aforesaid could be kept out of her way +until that remedial agent, Time, and lawful authority had a chance +to do their work. + +But he was openly defied to prevent communication between the +betrothed pair, unless his injunction had Mabel's endorsement; and, +upon alighting from the stage at the village, on his return to +Ridgeley, he had taken from the post-office, along with the +impertinent missive addressed to himself, one for Mabel, +superscribed by the same hand. From the first, he had no intention +of transferring it to the keeping of the proper owner, It was +forwarded in direct disobedience to his commands, and the writer +should be made to understand the futility of opposition to these. +For several hours, his only purpose respecting it was to enclose it, +unopened, in an envelope directed by himself, and send it back to +the audacious author, by the next mail. He was balked in this +project by no fastidious scruples as to his right thus to dispose of +his ward's property. Nature, or what he assumed was natural +affection, concurred with duty in urging him to hinder an alliance +by which Mabel's happiness would be imperilled and her relatives +scandalized. But when, in the solitude of his study, he vouchsafed a +second reading to Frederic's letter, preparatory to the response he +designed should annihilate his hopes and chastise his impudence, a +doubt of the efficacy of his schemes attacked him for the first +time. "Under her own hand and seal," were terms the explicitness of +which commended them to his grave consideration. His next thought +was to oblige Mabel to indite a formal renunciation of her unworthy +suitor. There were several objections to this measure. + +Firstly, he disliked whatever smacked of scenic effect, and women +were apt to get up scenes--hysterics, attitudes, and the like--upon +trivial provocation, He wanted to get the thing over quietly and +soon. + +Secondly, he was not very sure that he should find in Mabel the +docile puppet she had appeared to him for so many years of tutelage. +She had matured marvelously of late. Her very manner of meeting him +that afternoon impressed him by its self-possession and freedom from +the emotion that used to gush from eyes and lips, in happy tears, +and broken, delighted greeting at his approach. For aught he knew to +the contrary, she might have accepted his fiat as just, if not +merciful, and not a dream of rebellion been fostered thereby. The +grave tranquillity of her demeanor might arise from the chastening +influences of the mortification she had sustained, and a +consciousness of ill-desert that bred humility. He would fain have +believed all this, but until he broached the subject to her, his +incertitude could not be removed, and in a step so momentous as that +which he meditated, it behooved him to try well the solidity of the +ground beneath him. + +Lastly, our blood-prince of the kingdom of Ridgeley was, whether he +confessed it or not, acting under orders. + +"Be very tolerant with that poor little deceived sister of yours!" +his fiancee had implored, her diamond eyes bedimmed by +quick-springing damps of commiseration. "Recollect that the +consciousness of wasted love is always harder to bear than what is +commonly known as bereavement. If you find her refractory, be +patient and persuasive, instead of dictatorial. Craft often effects +what overt violence would attempt in vain." + +"Craft!" The word struck unpleasantly upon the Virginia lordling's +ear, and he echoed it with a suspicion of a frown upon his brow. "I +am not an adept in chicanery!" + +"But you are a born diplomatist!" seductively. "And because I am of +the same credulous sex as our mistaken little darling, you will not +proceed to open warfare with her, even should she be both to resign +her lover? It is the glory of the strong to show charity to the weak +and erring." + +For her sake, then, our flattered diplomatist would try the effect +of guile, instead of brutality, upon the helpless girl, the balance +of whose fate was grasped by his shapely hand. For one base second, +the idea of attempting an imitation of his sister's handwriting +flashed through his mind. But he was a gentleman, and forgery is not +a gentlemanly vice, any more than is counterfeiting bank-notes. +Finally, the author of craft--the subtle, refined virtue bepraised +by his bride-elect--the devil--came to his help. + +Mabel, like most other girls, had a dainty and fantastic taste in +the matter of letter-paper and envelopes. She used none but French +stationery, stamped with her monogram--a curious device, wrought in +two colors--and at the top of each sheet stood out in bas-relief +the Aylett crest. With these harmless whimsies Frederic was, without +doubt, familiar. If his letter were returned to him, wrapped in a +blank page, taken from her papetiere and within one of her +envelopes, it would not signify so much whose handwriting was upon +the exterior. Papetiere and writing-desk were in Mabel's bed-room, +but she was in the parlor, practising an instrumental duet with +Rosa--a favorite with Miss Dorrance. Winston had brought it south +with him, and asked his sister to learn it forthwith, in just the +accent he used to employ when prescribing what studies she should +pursue at school. There was nothing in his errand that he should be +ashamed of, he reminded himself with impatient severity, as he +traversed the upper hall on tip-toe to the western chamber. He had, +on sundry previous occasions, sought, in the receptacles he was +about to ransack, for sealing-wax, pencils, and the like trifles. +Mabel was too wise a woman not to keep her secrets under lock and +key, and if there were private documents left in his way, he was too +honorable to pry into them. + +Shutting the door cautiously, that the snap and blaze might not +betray him, he struck a wax match, warranted to burn a +minute-and-a-half, and raised the lid of the desk. His unseen but +wily coadjutor had guided him cunningly. In fingering a heap of +envelopes in order to find one large enough for his purpose, he +brought to light one addressed to "Mr. Frederic Chilton, Box 910, +Philadelphia, Penn." + +Upon the reverse was a small blot that had condemned it in Mabel's +sight, as unfit to be sent to her most valued correspondent, and +which she had not observed before writing the direction. Selecting +another, she had thrown this back carelessly into the desk, meaning +to burn it when it should be convenient, and forgotten all about it. + +The livid dints were deep and restless in Winston's nostrils, as +seen by the light of the tiny taper he raised to extinguish, when +his prize was secured. The devil supplied him with another crafty +hint, as he was in the act of folding one edge of Frederic's letter +that it might fit into the new cover. Why not strip off the letter +entirely, that it might seem to have been opened, read, and then +flung back upon the writer's hands with contumely? Half-way measures +were unsafe and foolish. Stratagem, to be efficient, should be not +only deft, but thorough; else it was bungling, not diplomacy. His +hand did not shake in divesting the closely-written sheet of its +wrapping, but in one respect his behavior was in consonance with the +gentlemanly instincts he vaunted as a proof of pure old blood. He +averted his eyes lest he should see a line the lover had penned to +his mistress. The letter slipped smoothly into the quarters prepared +for it--smoothly as Satan's mark usually goes on until his tool has +made his damnation sure. + +"Well done?" said Diabolus. + +"That was a clever hit!" chimed in his assistant, complacently, +after he had put the sealed envelope into his portfolio for +safe-keeping, and burned the torn one he had removed. "Nobody but an +idiot or a madman would persist in following a girl up after such a +quietus." + +He replied to Frederic's note to himself shortly and with disdain, +using the third person throughout, and informing Mr. Chilton with +unmistakable distinctness that Miss Aylett had offered no opposition +whatever to her brother's will in this unfortunate affair. So far as +he--Mr. Aylett--could judge, her views coincided exactly with his +own. Mr. Chilton's letters and presents should be returned to him at +an early day, and thus should be finished the closing chapter of a +volume which ought never to have been begun. + +All this done to his mind, he set the door of his room ajar, and +watched for Mabel's passage to hers. + +He had not to wait long. The young ladies had fallen into habits of +early retiring of late--a marked change from their olden fashion of +singing and talking out the midnight hour. Himself unseen, Mr. +Aylett scrutinized the two mounting the stairs side by side--Rosa's +dark, mobile face, arch with smiles, while she chattered over a bit +of country gossip she had heard that afternoon from a visitor, and +the weary calm of Mabel's visage, the drooping eyelids, and, when +appealed to directly by her volatile comrade, the measured, not +melancholy cadence of her answer, The girl had had a sore fight, and +won a Pyrrhian victory. She was not vanquished, but she was worsted. +Some men, upon appreciating what this meant, and how her grief had +been wrought, would have had direful visitings of conscience, +surrendered themselves to the mastery of doubts as to the +righteousness and humanity of stringent action such as he had just +consummated. He was not unmoved. He really loved his only sister, as +proud, selfish men love those of their own lineage who have never +disputed their supremacy, and derogated from their importance. He +said something under his breath before he called her, but the curse +was not upon himself. + +"The low-bred hound!" he muttered. "This is his doing!" + +Mabel halted at the stair-head, the blood suddenly and utterly +forsaking her cheeks when he spoke her name, although his address +was purposely kind, and, he thought, inviting. + +"Can you spare me a moment?" he continued, smilingly, to win her +advance. "I will not detain you long. I know you are agonizing to +have your talk out, Miss Rosa." + +Rosa laughed, with a saucy retort, and turned into her chamber. + +Mabel entered her brother's, and without speaking, took the seat he +offered. She was to be sentenced, and she must reserve her forces to +sustain the pain without a groan. + +"You saw Jenkyns--did you not?" began Mr. Aylett, with the manner of +one at peace with himself, and those of his fellow-men whose +existence he chose to acknowledge. + +"I did. He made memoranda of your orders, and said all should be +done as you wished." + +"I ordered the masons, this evening, to begin the hall-chimney +to-morrow. While the work is going on, you had better occupy some +other bed-room. I shall hurry it forward, day and night, or it will +not be done in season for us when we return from our bridal-tour. +The carpets must be down, and the paper dry by the fifteenth at +farthest. Clara bought your dresses, and offers to have them made, +if you will send her an accurate measurement. You are about her +height, although not so well-proportioned. Your figure is angular, +where hers is round. She is your senior by several years, yet one +might easily mistake her for a girl of twenty, her complexion is so +fresh. Her twenty-five years show themselves in nothing except her +ease of manner, maturity of thought, and elegance of diction." + +He would have sneered at this strain in another as hyperbolical and +fatuous. The absurdity of it in his mouth consisted mainly in the +cool arrogance of the assumption that whatever belonged to him was +above adverse criticism, and would be maligned if it were referred +to without appending an encomium. Much of fervor might and did +mingle in his thoughts of her he was to wed, but none warmed his +enumeration of her perfections. He did nothing con amore, unless it +were exalting the dignity and glory of the Aylett name, and +maintaining his right to support their ancient honors. + +Mabel did not respond to his gratuitous praise of the fair and +benevolent Clara. While he was talking, he seemed to recede a great +way from her; his tones to ring hollowly upon her hearing, his form +to grow indistinct. Was he playing with her suspense, or could it be +that he--a being with heart and nerves like hers, had no conception +of the rack on which she waa stretched--no suspicion that every one +of his deliberate sentences was a turn of the screw that redoubled +her torture? The Ayletts were a strong-willed race, and she +repressed all sign of suffering save intense pallor; made this less +palpable by screening her eyes from the lamp-light with a paper she +took from the table, and thereby throwing her features into deep +shadow. + +"But it is not my intention to trouble you with matters that concern +me alone," he pursued, without varying his intonations. "As I +anticipated, Mr. Chilton declines explaining the ugly story relative +to his eariier career of dissipation and deceit, which I forwarded +to you. He indulges, instead, in a tirade of personal abuse touching +my right to control you, declaring his purpose to pursue you with +letters and attentions until he shall be discarded by yourself. We +will not stay to discuss the gentlemanliness and delicacy of his +behavior in this regard. I merely declare, that, having had a fair +opportunity of honest confession or denial of statements detrimental +to his principles and pursuits, and having shirked both, he has +placed himself outside the pale of respectful consideration. Has he +written to you since his receipt of my letter?" + +"No!" + +Mabel was staring at a figure in the carpet, on a line with her +feet. Had she regarded her brother never so attentively, she would +have detected no change in his countenance. He did not prepare +questions without also studying how to deliver them. + +"I am glad he has the moral decency to forbear carrying out his +threat of persecution." + +He could say it with the greater hardihood in the remembrance that +the "persecution" had been attempted. + +"I wish he had written!" rejoined Mabel, abruptly, but without +passion. "He was right to protest against accepting his dismissal +from any other than myself." + +She had not removed her eyes from the spot on the carpet, or lowered +the paper screen. She looked like a statue and spoke like an +automaton. + +Mr. Aylett's nostrils quivered ominously. + +"Is it your wish to recommence the correspondence I have ended?" + +"You know that I would strike off my right hand sooner than do it. +But if he had written to me, I should have answered his letter, if +it had been only to bid him farewell. Since he has not chosen to do +this, I cannot take the initiative." + +If Winston had never entertained a favorable opinion of his own +sagacity prior to hearing this avowal, it would have forced itself +upon him now. How timely was the thought, how felicitous the +accident, that had aided him to ward off the disaster of renewed +intercourse! + +Involuntarily his fingers crept nearer to the closed portfolio. + +"No good could have come of that!" returned he coldly. "When an +amputation is to be performed, wise people submit to it without +useless preliminaries. The exchange of farewells in this case would +be inexpedient in the highest degree. You would compromise yourself +by continued acknowledgment of this fellow's acquaintance. My will +is that you and the world should forget, as soon as it can be done, +that you ever saw or heard of him. The connection was degrading." + +"Don't abuse him, brother! Let the knowledge that we are parted +forever, satisfy your resentment. Since he has not appealed to me +from your verdict, I am left to suppose that, upon second thoughts, +he has resolved to acquiesce in your will. I do not blame him for +the change of purpose." Still impassive in feature and voice, still +not withdrawing her fixed gaze from that one point upon the floor. +"He, too, has pride, and it matches yours. I do not say mine. I +question, sometimes, if I have any." + +"If your conjecture be correct, you cannot object to return the +letters you have already received from him," said Winston, pressing +on to the conclusion of a disagreeable business. "Since you are not +likely to add to your stock of these valuables, you do not care to +retain them, I suppose? I believe the rule is total surrender of +souvenirs when a rupture is pronounced hopeless." + +"I shall keep them a week longer!" + +She assigned no reason for the resolution, and her manner, without +being sullen, aggravated her brother into wrath, the effusion of +which was a withering sneer. + +"Your hope in his repentance is creditable to the strength--or +weakness--of woman's love. But have your way. The illustrious record +of his former life is a powerful argument in favor of clemency. In a +week, then!" + +He nodded dismissal, wheeled his chair around to the table, dipped a +pen in the standish, and pulled an account-book toward him. + +He was surprised and not pleased, nevertheless, that Mabel retired +without other reply than a simple "Good-night," said without temper, +or any evidence of excitement. A month before, a milder sarcasm, the +lightest breath of reproof, would have brought her to his feet in a +paroxysm of tears, to implore pardon for her contumacy, and to +promise obedience for all time to come. She was getting beyond his +control the while she offered no open resistance to his government. +Was sorrowful shame, or her infatuation for the adventurer he cursed +in his heart by his gods, the influence that was petrifying her into +this unlovely caricature of her once bright and affectionate self? + +She presented herself, unsummoned, in his study at the expiration of +the period she had designated, a pacquet in her hand, neatly done up +and sealed. + +"I will trouble you to direct it," was all she said, as she laid it +before him. + +"This is done of your own free will--remember!" he said, +impressively. "In after years, should you be so unreasonable as to +regret it, there must be no misconception on the subject between us. +If you wish, at this, the eleventh hour, to draw back, I shall not +oppose you." + +"You will write the address, then, if you please!" was Mabel's +reply, showing him the surface intended for it. + +Then she left him. + +"A sensible girl, after all! a genuine Aylett, in will and +stoicism!" commented the master of the situation, beginning in his +round, legible characters, the inscription he hoped never to trace +again. "So endeth her first lesson in Cupid's manual!" + +He never knew that Mrs. Sutton had bolstered the Aylett will and +stoicism into stanchness at this closing scene. In a fit of +despondency, she had that morning imparted to Mabel the fact that +she had written to Frederic, ten days before, and had no answer, +although she had besought an immediate one. + +"I have expected him confidently every day for a week," she +lamented. "I didn't suppose he would stay at Ridgeley, after what +has happened; but there's the hotel in the village, and, as I told +him, he could accomplish more by an hour's talk with you than by +fifty letters. It is very mysterious--his continued silence! He +always appeared so frank and reasonable. Nothing else like it has +ever occurred in my experience--and I have had a great deal, my +dear!" + +"I am sorry you wrote, aunt," replied Mabel, sorrowfully dignified. +"Sorry you have subjected yourself to unnecessary mortification. I +am past feeling it for myself. We cannot longer doubt that Mr. +Chilton desires to hold no further communication with any of us." + +Within the hour she made up the pacquet and carried it to her +brother. + + + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +WASSAIL. + + + + + +ALMOST sixteen months had passed since the dewless September +morning, when Mabel had gathered roses in the garden walks, and her +brother's return had shaken the dew with the bloom from her young +heart. It was the evening of Christmas-day, and the tide of wassail, +the blaze of yule, were high at Ridgeley. Without, the fall of snow +that had commenced at sundown, was waxing heavier and the wind +fiercer. In-doors, fires roared and crackled upon every hearth; +there was a stir of busy or merry life in every room. About the +spacious fire-place in the "baronial" hall was a wide semicircle of +young people, and before that in the parlor, a cluster of elders, +whose graver talk was enlivened, from time to time, by the peals of +laughter that tossed into jubilant surf the stream of the juniors' +converse. + +Nearest the mantel, on the left wing of the line, sat the three +months' bride, Imogene Barksdale, placid, dove-eyed, and smiling as +of yore, very comely with her expression of satisfied prettiness +nobody called vanity, and bedecked in her "second day's dress" of +azure silk and her bridal ornaments. Her husband hovered on the +outside of the ring, now pulling the floating curls of a girl-cousin +(every third girl in the country was his cousin, once, twice, or +thrice-removed, and none resented the liberties he, as a married +man, was pleased to take), anon whispering in the ear of a bashful +maiden interrogatories as to har latest admirer or rumored +engagement; oftenest leaning upon the back of his wife's chair, a +listener to what was going on, his hand lightly touching her +lace-veiled shoulders, until her head gradually inclined against his +arm. They were a loving couple, and not shy of testifying their +consent to the world. + +"They remind me irresistibly of a pair of plump babies sucking at +opposite ends of a stick of sugar candy!" Rosa Tazewell said aside +to the hostess, as the latter paused beside her on her way through +the hall to the parlor. + +"The candy is very sweet!" replied Mrs. Aylett, charitably, but +laughing at the conceit--the low, musical laugh that was at once +girlish in its gleefulness, yet perfectly well-bred. + +Mr. Aylett heard it from his stand on the parlor-rug, and sent a +quick glance in that direction. It was slow in returning to the +group surrounding him. He had married a beautiful woman--so said +everybody--and a fascinating, as even everybody's wife did not +dispute. In his sight, she was simply and entirely worthy of the +distinction he had bestowed upon her; an adornment to Ridgeley and +his name. From their wedding-day, his deportment toward her had been +the same as it was to-night--attentive, but never officious; +deferential, yet far removed from servility; a manner that, without +approximating uxoriousness, yet impressed the spectator with the +conviction that she was with him first and dearest among women; a +partner of whom, if that were possible, he was more proud than +fond--and of the depth and reality of his affection there could be +no question. + +She declined to seat herself in the circle, although warmly +importuned by her guests thus to add brilliancy to their joyous +party, yet remained standing near Rosa, interested and amused by the +running fire of compliment and badinage that went to make up the +hilarious confusion. If the family record had been consulted, the +truth that she had counted her thirty-second summer would have +astonished her husband, with her new neighbors. Apparently she was +not over twenty-five. Her chestnut hair was a marvel for brightness +and profusion, her broad brow smooth and white, her figure, as +Winston had described it to his sister, rounded, even to +voluptuousness, yet supple as it had been at fifteen. In her cheeks, +too, the blushes fluctuated readily and softly, and when she smiled, +her teeth showed like those of a little child in size and purity. +Her voice matched her beauty well, never loud, always melodious, +with a peculiar, gliding, legato movement of the graceful sentences, +for the pleasing effect of which she was indebted partly to Nature, +and much more to Art. She appeared on this evening in a green silk +dress, matronly in shade and general style, but not devoid of +coquettish arrangement in the square corsage, the opening of which +was filled with foam-like puffs of thulle, threatening, when her +bust heaved in mirth or animated speech, to overflow the sheeny +boundaries. A chaplet of ivy-leaves encircled her head, and trailed +upon one shoulder; her bracelets were heavy, chased gold without +gems of any kind; a single diamond glittered--a point of prismatic +light at her throat. Her wedding-ring was her only other ornament. + +"Very sweet, I grant you, and very flavorless," returned Rosa. "And +alarmingly apt to turn sour upon the stomach. I had rather be fed +upon pepper lozenges." + +"You should have been born in the Spice Islands," said the hostess, +tapping the dark cheek with her fore finger. "But we could not spare +you from our wassail-cup to-night, my dear Lady Pimento!" + +She bent slightly, that the flattery might reach no other ear. She +may not have known that Rosa's Creole skin was at a wretched +disadvantage, as seen against the green silk background; but others +noticed it, and thought how few complexions were comparable to the +wearer's. She had the faculty of converting into a foil nearly every +woman who approached her. + +"Thank you! So I am pimento, am I?" queried Rosa, pertly. "And each +of us is to personate some condiment--sweet, ardent, or aromatic--in +the exhilarating draught! Which shall Mr. Harrison here be? + +"'Cinnamon or ginger, nutmeg or cloves?'" + +"That is a line of a college drinking-song!" + +The speaker was a young man of eight-and-twenty; who sat between +Rosa and Mabel, and whose attentions to the latter were marked. Of +medium height, with sandy hair and whiskers, high cheek-bones, that +gave a Gaelic cast to his physiognomy; which was remarkable for +nothing in particular when at rest, and followed somewhat tardily +the operations of his mind when he talked, he would probably have +been the least likely person present to rivet a stranger's notice +but for the circumstance that he played shadow to the host's sister +and was Mrs. Aylett's brother. With regard to the feeling +entertained by the former of those ladies for him, there were many +and diverse opinions, but his sister's partiality was unequivocally +exhibited. Of her three brothers, this--the youngest, the least +handsome, and the only bachelor--was her favorite. She took pains to +apprise his fellow-guests of this interesting fact by petting him +openly, and exerting her fullest artifices to bring him out in +becoming colors. + +"It is," she answered him now, admiringly. "What a memory you have, +my dear Herbert! Now I am never positive with whom to credit a +quotation. I recollect, since you have spoken, that your famous +quartette-club ussd to render that with much eclat, and how it was +encored at the brilliant private concert you gave in behalf of some +popular charity or other." + +Thus encouraged, Mr. Dorrance proceeded to enlarge the fragment: + + "Nose, nose, jolly red nose! + Where got you that jolly red nose? + Nutmeg and ginger, cinnamon and cloves, + These gave me this jolly red nose.' + +"You did not quote the third line correctly, Miss Tazewell." + +"Never having been a college bacchanalian, I am excusable for the +inaccuracy," she retorted. "I did not even know where I picked up +the foolish bit. Having ascertained the origin to be of doubtful +respectability, I shall never use it again." + +"My sister has alluded to our quartette-club," pursued Mr. Dorrance, +turning from the caustic beauty to Mabel, without noticing the +impertinent thrust. "It was the most successful thing of the kind I +ever knew of, being composed of thoroughly-trained musicians-- +amateurs, of course--and practising nothing but classic music, the +productions of the best masters. There is something both instructive +and elevating in such an association." + +"Especially when the theme of their consideration is the 'Jolly Red +Nose,'" interposed the wicked minx at his other elbow. + +Two giddy girls tittered, unawed by Mrs. Aylett's proximity and her +brother's owl-like stare at his critic. + +"You may not be aware, Miss Tazewell, that the lyric to which you +have reference is celebrated, both for its antiquity, and the +pleasing harmonies that must ever commend it to the taste of the +true lover of music; although I allow that to a disciple of the +modern and more flimsy school of this glorious art, it may seem +puerile and ridiculous," he remarked, in grandiose patronage. Then, +again to Mabel, "There were four of us--as I said--all students. +What is it, Clara?" + +"I have dropped my bracelet upon the floor, between you and Miss +Tazewell," stooping to shake out Rosa's full skirts from which the +trinket fell with a clinking sound. + +Three gentlemen darted forward to pick it up, but her husband noted +approvingly that while she accepted it graciously from the lucky +finder, and thanked the others for their kindly interest in the fate +of her "bauble," she held out her arm to her brother, that he might +clasp it again in its place. Affable always, winning whomsoever she +chose to admiration of her personal and mental endowments, she never +departed from matronly decorum. The company agreed silently, or in +guarded asides, that she was charming. No tongue--even the most +reckless or venomous--ever lisped the dread word, levity, in +connection with her name. + +"Take care, my dear brother! you will pinch me!" those near heard +her say, and she twisted the golden circlet that the clasp might be +uppermost. + +Rosa's alert ear caught the hurried murmur which succeeded, and was +muffled, so to speak, by her affectionate smile of gratitude. + +"What were you about to say? Will you never learn prudence?" + +"The dove has talons, then?" mused the eavesdropper, "But what was +he in danger of revealing?" + +If the interdicted revelation had connection, close or remote, with +the famous quartette club, he kept well away from it after this +reminder, beginning, when he resumed his seat, to discourse upon the +comparative excellence of wood and coal fires, of open chimney- +places and stoves. + +Mrs. Aylett smiled an engaging and regretful "au revoir" to the +circle, and passed on to look after the comfort and pleasure of her +elder visitors, and Rosa soon discovered that her awakened curiosity +would be in no wise appeased by listening to the steady, pattering +drone of Mr. Dorrance's oration. Oratorical he was to a degree that +excited the secret amusement of the facile Southern youths about +him. With them, the art of light conversation had been a study from +boyhood, the topics suitable for and pleasing to ladies' ears +carefully culled and adroitly handled. To amuse and entertain was +their main object. Erudite dissertations upon science and +literature; abstruse arguments--whatever resembled a moral thesis, +a political, religious, or philosophical lecture met with the sure +ban of ridicule from them, as from the fair whose devoted cavaliers +they were. If they laughed, when it was safe and not impolitic to do +so, at the ponderous elocution of the Northern barrister, they +marvelled exceedingly more at Mabel's indulgence of his attentions. +That a girl, who, in virtue of her snug fortune and attractive face, +her blood and her breeding, might, as they put it, have the "pick of +the county," if she wanted a husband, should lend a willing ear to +the pompous platitudes, the heavy rolling periods of this alien to +her native State--a man without grace of manner or beauty--in their +nomenclature, "a solemn prig," defied all ingenuity of explanation, +was an increasing wonder outlasting the prescribed nine days. He +rode with the ill assurance of one who, accustomed to the sawdust +floor, treadmill round, and enclosing walls of a city riding-school, +was bewildered by the unequal roads and free air of the breezy +country. He talked learnedly of hunting, quoting written authorities +upon this or that point, of whom the unenlightened Virginians had +never heard, much less read; equipped himself for the sport in a +bewildering arsenal of new-fangled guns, game-bags, shot-pouches, +and powder-horns, with numerous belts, diagonal, perpendicular, and +horizontal, and in the field carried his gun a la Winkle; never, by +any happy accident, brought down his bird, but was continually +outraging sporting rules by firing out of time, and flushing coveys +prematurely by unseasonable talking and precipitate strides in +advance of his disgusted companions. + +Yet he was not a fool. In the discussion of graver +matters--politics, law, and history--that arose in the smoking-room, +he was not to be put down by more fluent tongues; demolished +sophistry by solid reasoning, impregnable assertions, and an array +of facts that might be prolix, but was always formidable--in short, +sustained fully the character ascribed to him by his brother-in-law, +of a "thoroughly sensible fellow." + +"No genius, I allow!" Mr. Aylett would add, in speaking of his +wife's bantling among his compatriots, "but a man whose industry and +sound practical knowledge of every branch of his profession will +make for him the fortune and name genius rarely wins." + +With the younger ladies, his society was, it is superfluous to +observe, at the lowest premium civility and native kindliness of +disposition would permit them to declare by the nameless and +innumerable methods in which the dear creatures are proficient. To +Rosa Tazewell he could not be anything better than a target for the +arrows of her satire, or the whetstone, upon the unyielding surface +of which she sharpened them. But she showed her prudential foresight +in never laughing at him when out of his sight, and in Mabel's. At +long ago as the night of Mr. Aylett's wedding-party at Ridgeley, her +sharp eyes had seen, or she fancied they did, that the hum-drum +groomsman was mightily captivated by the daughter of the house, and +she had divined that Mrs. Aylett's clever ruses for throwing the two +together were the outworks of her design for uniting, by a double +bond, the houses of Dorrance and Aylett. She knew, furthermore, that +Herbert Dorrance had travelled with the Ridgeley family for three +weeks in October, and that he had now been domesticated at the +homestead for ten days. Mrs. Aylett's show of fondness for him was +laughable, considering what an uninteresting specimen of masculinity +he was; but the handsome dame was too worldly-wise, too sage a judge +of quid pro quo, to entice him to waste so much of the time he was +addicted to announcing was money to him, for the sake of a good so +intangible as sisterly sentimentality. + +Unless there were some substantial and remunerative ulterior object +to be gained by his tarrying in the neighborhood, cunning Rosa +believed that "dear Bertie" would have been packed off to Buffalo, +or whatever outlandish place he lived in, so soon as the bridal +festivities were over, and not showed his straw-colored whiskers +again in Virginia in three years, at least, instead of running down +to the plantation every three months. + +"If such an ingredient as the compound, double-distilled essence of +flatness is to be infused into the wassail-cup, it is he who will +supply it!" thought the spicy damsel, with a bewitching shrug of the +plump shoulder nearest him, while engaged in a lively play of words +with a gentleman on her other hand. "What can possess Mabel to +encourage him systematically in her decorous style, passes my powers +of divination. Maybe she means to use him as a poultice for her +bruised heart. In that case, insipidity would be no objection." + +Mabel had not the air of one whose heart is bruised or torn. That +she had gained in queenliness within the past year was not evidence +of austerity or the callousness that ensues upon the healing of a +wound. The Ayletts were a stately race, and the few who, while she +was in her teens, had carped at her lack of pride because of her +disposition to choose friends from the walks of life lower than her +own, and criticised as unbecoming the playful familiarity that +caused underlings and plebeians--the publicans and sinners of the +aristocrat's creed--to worship the ground on which she trod--the +censors in the court of etiquette conferred upon her altered +demeanor the patent of their approbation, averring, for the +thousandth time, that good blood would assert itself in the long run +and bring forth the respectable fruits of refinement, self- +appreciation, and condescension. The change had come over her by +perceptible, but not violent, stages of progression, dating--Mrs. +Sutton saw with pain; Rosa, with enforced respect--from the sunset +hour in which she had read her brother's sentence of condemnation +upon her then betrothed, now estranged, lover. After that one +evening, she had not striven to conceal herself and her hurt in +solitude. Neither had she borrowed from desperation a brazen helmet +to hide the forehead the cruel letter had, for a brief space, laid +low in the dust of anguished humiliation. + +If a whisper of her disappointment and the attendant incidents crept +through the ranks of her associates, it died away for want of +confirmation in her clear level-lidded eyes, elastic footfall and +the willingness and frequency with which she appeared and played her +part in the various scenes of gayety that made the winter succeeding +her brother's marriage one long to be remembered by the +pleasure-seekers of the vicinity. She had not disdained the +assistance of her sister-in-law's judgment and experience in the +choice of the dresses that were to grace these merry-makings, and, +thanks to her own naturally excellent taste, now tacitly disputed +the palm of elegant attire with that lady. Her Christmas costume, +which, in many others of her age, would have been objected to by +critical fashionists, as old-maidish and grave, yet set off her pale +complexion--none of the Ayletts were rosy after they reached man's +or woman's estate--and heightened her distingue bearing into regal +grace. Yet it was only a heavy black silk, rich and glossy as satin, +cut, as was then the universal rule of evening dress, tolerably low +in the neck, with short sleeves; bunches of pomegranate-blossoms +and buds for breast and shoulder-knots, and among the classic braids +of her dark hair a half-wreath of the same. + +She had the valuable gift of sitting still without stiffness, and +not fidgetting with fan, bouquet, or hand-kerchief, as she listened +or talked. Rosa's mercurial temperament betrayed itself, every +instant, in the bird-like turn of her small head, the fluttering or +chafing of her brown fingers, and not unfrequently by an impatient +stamp, or other movement of her foot that exposed fairy toe and +instep. Contemplation of the one rested and refreshed the observer; +of the other, amused and excited him. Mr. Dorrance's phlegmatic +nature found supreme content in dwelling upon the incarnation of +patrician tranquillity at his right hand, and he regarded the +actions of his frisky would-be tormentor very much as a placid, +well-gorged salmon would survey, from his bed of ease upon the +bottom of a stream, the gyrations of a painted dragon fly overhead. + +A lull in the geteral conversation--the reaction after a hearty +laugh at a happy repartee--gave others besides Mabel the opportunity +of profiting by his learned remarks. + +"But does not that seem to yon a short-sighted policy," he was +urging upon his auditor, with the assistance of a thumb and +forefinger of one hand, joined as upon a pinch of snuff, and tapping +the centre of the other palm; "does not that appear inexcusable +profligacy of extravagance, which fells and consumes whole surface +forests of magnificent trees--virgin growth--(I use the term as it +is usually applied, although, philosophically considered, it is +inaccurate) giants, which centuries will not replace, instead of +seeking beneath the superficial covering of mould, nourishing these, +for the exhaustless riches, carboniferous remains of antediluvian +woods, hidden in the bowels of your mountains, and underlying your +worn-out fields?" + +Rosa was shaking with internal laughter--she would give no escape +except through her dancing eyes. + +Indeed, Mr. Dorrance's was the only staid countenance there, as +Mabel said, pleasantly, moving her chair beyond the bounds of the +ring, "I, for one, find the combustion of the upper forest growth +too powerful, just at this instant. This is a genuine +Christmas-storm--is it not? Listen to the wind?" + +In the stillness enjoined by her gesture, the growl of the blast in +the chimney and in the grove; the groaning, tapping, and creaking of +the tree branches; the pelting sleet and the rattle of casements all +over the house brought to the least imaginative a picture of +out-door desolation and fireside comfort that prolonged the hush of +attention. Tom Barksdale's pretty wife slipped her hand covertly +into his tight grasp, and their smile was of mutual congratulation +that they were brightly and warmly housed and together. Rosa, +preternaturally grave and quiet, lapsed into a profound study of the +mountain of red-hot embers. Several young ladies shuddered audibly, +as well as visibly, and were reassured by a whispered word, or the +slightest conceivable movement of their gallants' chairs nearer +their own. + +"I think we have the grandest storms at Ridgeley that visit our +continent," resumed Mabel thoughtfully. "I suppose because the house +stands so high. The wind never sounds to me anywhere else as it does +here on winter nights." + +Yielding to the weird attraction of the scene invoked by her fancy, +she arose and walked to the window at the eastern extremity of the +hall, pulling aside the curtain that she might peer into the wild +darkness. The crimson light of the burning logs and the lamp rays +threw a strongly defined shadow of her figure upon the piazza floor, +distinct as that projected by a solar microscope upon a sheeted +wall; sent long, searching rays into the misty fall of the snow, +past the spot from which she had her last glimpse of Frederic +Chilton, so many, many months agone, showing the black outline of +the gate where he had looked back to lift his hat to her. + +What was there in the wintry night and thick tempest to recall the +warmth and odor of that moist September morning, the smell of the +dripping roses overhead, the balmy humidity of every breath she +drew? What in her present companion that reminded her of the loving +clasp that had thrilled her heart into palpitation? the earnest +depth of the eyes that held hers during the one sharp, yet sweet +moment of parting--eyes that pledged the fealty of her lover's soul, +and demanded hers then and forever? His conscience might have been +sullied by crimes more heinous than those charged upon him by her +brother and his friends; he might--he HAD--let her go easily, as one +resigns his careless hold upon a paltry, unprized toy; but when her +hand had rested thus in his, and his passionate regards penetrated +her soul, he loved her, alone and entirely! She would fold this +conviction to her torpid heart for a little while before she turned +herself away finally from the memories of that love-summer and +battle-autumn of her existence. If it aroused in the chilled thing +some slight pangs of sentiency, it would do her no hurt to realize +through these that it had once been alive. + +She saw a shadow approaching to join itself to hers upon the +whitened floor without, before Mr. Dorrance interrupted her reverie +by words. + +"The fury of the tempest you admire proves its paternity," he said, +with a manifest effort at lightness. "It emanates from the vast +magazines of frost, snow, and wintry wind that lie far to the +north-east even of my home, and THAT is in a region you would think +drear and inhospitable after the more clement airs of of your native +State." + +"We have very cold weather in Virginia sometimes," returned Mabel, +still scanning the sentinel gate-posts, and the pyramidal +arbor-vitae trees flanking them. + +Her gaze was a mournful farewell, but she neglected none of the +amenities of hospitality. She was used to talking commonplaces. + +"We feel it all the more, too, on account of the mildness of the +greater part of the winter," she subjoined. + +"Allow me!" said the other, looping back the curtain she had until +now held in her hand. "Whereas our systems are braced by a more +uniform temperature to endure the severity of our frosts, and high, +keen blasts." + +"I suppose so," assented Mabel, mechanically, and unconscious as +himself that meaning glances were stolen at them from the fireside +circle, while the hum and conversation was continuous and louder, +for the good-natured intent on the speakers' part to afford the +supposed lovers the chance of carrying on their dialogue unheard. + +"But our houses are very comfortable--often very beautiful," Mr. +Dorrance persevered, keeping to the scent of his game, as a trained +pointer scours a stubble-field, narrowing his beat at every +circuit; "and the hearts of those who live in them are warm and +constant. It is not always true that + + "'The cold in clime are cold in blood; + Their love can scarce deserve the name. + +"I have thought sometimes that that feeling is strongest and most +enduring, the demonstration of which is guarded and infrequent, as +the deepest portion of the channel is the most quiet." + +If his philosophical and scientific talk were heavy and solid, his +poetry and metaphors were ponderous and labored. Yet Mabel listened +to him now, neither facing nor avoiding him, looking down at her +hands, laid, one above the other, upon the window-sill, the image of +maidenly and courteous attention. + +Why should she affect diffidence, or seek to escape what she had +foreseen for weeks, and made no effort to ward off? She had come to +the conclusion in October that Herbert Dorrance would, when the +forms he considered indispensable to regular courtship had been gone +through with, ask her to marry him, and coolly taken her resolution +to accept him. This morning, on the reception of a handsome +Christmas gift from him, and discovering in his actions something +more pointed than his customary punctilious devoirs, and in his +didacticism the outermost of the closing circle of pursuit she had +furthermore concluded that his happy thought was to celebrate the +festal season by his betrothment. She was quite ready for the +declaration, which, she anticipated, would be pompous and formal. +She would have excused him from "doing" the poetical part of it; +but, since it was on the programme, it was not her province to +interfere. + +"I am no enthusiast," he next averred,--Rosa would have said, very +unnecessarily--"the tricks of sighing lovers are beyond--or +beneath--my imitation. I could not 'write a sonnet to my mistress' +eyebrow,' or move her to tearful pity by sounding declarations of my +adoration of her peerless charms, and my anguish at the bare +imagination of the possibility that these would ever be another's. +But, so far as the earnest affection and sincere esteem of an honest +man can satisfy the requirements of a good woman's heart, yours +shall be filled, Mabel, if you will be my wife. I have admired you +from the first day of our meeting. For six months I have been truly +attached to you, and seriously meditated this declaration. Your +brother is satisfied with the exhibit I have made of my affairs and +my prospects, and sanctions my addresses. I can maintain you more +than comfortably, and it shall be one of the principal aims of my +life to consult your welfare in all my plans for my own advancement. +I have been settled in the large and flourishing city of Albany +about seven years, and--ignoring the trammels of mock humility, let +me say to you--have, within that period, gained to a flattering +extent the confidence of the most respectable portion of the +community; have built up an excellent and growing business +connection, and secured the entree of the best society there. These +are the pecuniary and social aspects of the alliance I propose for +your consideration. Through my sister, and by means of the intimate +association into which her marriage with your brother has drawn you +and myself, you have been enabled, within the twelvemonth that has +elapsed since our introduction, one to the other, to learn whatever +you wished to know with respect to my personal character, my tastes, +temper, and habits. It has given me heartfelt pleasure to discover +that these are, in the main, analogous to your own. I have built +upon this similarity--or harmony would be the better word--sanguine +hopes of our future happiness, should you see your way clear to +accept my proffered hand, consent to link your future with mine." + +"I beg to lay the 'ouse in Walcot Square, the business and myself, +before Miss Summerson, for her acceptance," said magnanimous Mr. +Guppy, thus clinching his declaration that "the image he had +supposed was eradicated from his 'art was NOT eradicated." + +It was more in keeping with Rosa's character than Mabel's to +recollect the comic scene in the book they had read together lately, +but the latter did remember it at this instant, and despite the +momentous issues involved in her immediate action, was strongly +tempted to laugh in her wooer's solemn face. + +Then--so abrupt and fearful are the transitions from the extremes of +one emotion to another--arose before her another picture. As in a +dissolving view, she beheld herself walking with Frederic Chilton in +the moonlighted alleys of the garden; midsummer flowers blooming to +the right and left, her head drooping, in shy happiness, as the +lily-bell bows to shed its freight of dew; his face glowing with the +ardor of verbal confession of that he had already sought to express +by letter--heard his fervent, pleading murmur, "Mabel! look up, my +darling! and tell me again that you will not send me away beggared +and starving. I cannot yet believe in the reality of my bliss!" + +These were the love-words of an "enthusiast"--these--- + +The vision vanished at the short, hard breath, she drew in +unclasping her locked hands, and lifting her grave, tranquil eyes to +the level of her suitor's. + +"I will follow your example in repudiating spurious sentiment, Mr. +Dorrance. I believe you to be a good, true man and that the +attachment you profess for me is sincere. I believe, moreover, that +my chances of securing real peace of mind will be fairer, should I +commit myself to your guardianship, than if I were to surrender my +affections to the keeping of one whose vows were more impassioned, +who, professing to adore me as a divinity, should yet be destitute +of your high moral principle and stainless honor. When I was younger +and more rash in judgment and feeling, I was led into a sad mistake +by the evidence of eye, ear, and a girl's imagination. I ought to +tell you this, if you have not already heard the story. I will not +deceive you into the persuasion that I can ever feel for you, or any +other man, the love, or what I thought was love, I knew in the few +brief weeks of my early betrothal. But you must know how that ended, +and I have no desire to repeat the mad experiment of risking my +earthly all upon one throw of fate. If friendship--if esteem, and +the resolve to show myself a worthy recipient of your generous +confidence--will content you, all else shall be as you wish." + +In her determination to be candid, to leave him in no uncertainty as +to her actual sentiments, she had concerted a response but a degree +less stilted than his proposal. She would have been ashamed of it +had he appeared less gratified. + +His dull eyes brightened; his face flushed and beamed with unfeigned +delight, and in his transport he said the most natural and graceful +thing that ever escaped him during his wooing. + +"I am content! The second love of Mabel Aylett must ever be more to +me than the first of any other woman!" + +True, he nearly spoiled all the next minute, by producing from his +pocket a wee velvet case, from which he extracted a valuable diamond +ring, and proceeded, then and there, in the shadow of the +accommodating curtain, to fit it upon her finger. He had foreseen +that she would not be hardly won, and with characteristic providence +had prepared himself for the event. + +The blood leaped to Mabel's temples and the fire to her eye, at the +prompt seal set by the practical non-enthusiast upon the contract, +but she bit her lip, and submitted after a second of thought. He +owed his exemption from rebuke to her memory of his latest +utterance. She could not mistake the tone of genuine feeling, and +she overlooked the breach of taste that followed; treasured up the +heart-saying as one of the few souvenirs she cared to preserve of +his courtship. + +"If he is content, I need not be miserable," was the consolatory +reflection with which she took upon herself her new and binding +obligations. + + + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. + + + + + +MRS. AYLETT was in her best feather that night; the suave +chatelaine, the dutiful consort; the tactful warder of the +interesting pair whose movements she had not ceased to watch from +the moment they took their places with the party about the +fire-place in the hall until she, alone of all the company, saw +Herbert Dorrance draw the diamond signet from its receptacle, and +the sparkle of the jewel as it slipped to its abiding-place upon +Mabel's finger. + +Lest something unusual in their look or behavior should excite the +suspicions of their companions, make them the focus of inquisitive +observation and whispered remark, the diplomate passed again into +the hall, sweeping along in advance of them when they deserted their +curtained recess, and would have joined the rest of the company. + +"Are we to have no dancing this evening?" she said, in hospitable +solicitude. "It wants an hour yet of supper-time. The exercise will +do you all good, particularly the young ladies, who have not stirred +beyond the piazzas to-day. I have been waiting for an invitation to +play for you, but my desire for your welfare has overcome native +humility. Will you accept my services as your musician?" + +The suggestion was acceded to by acclamation, and while one +gentleman led her to the grand piano which stood between the front +windows of the drawing-room, and another opened a music-book which +she named, a set was quickly formed in the long apartment, the +soberer portion of the crowd ranging themselves along the walls as +lookers-on. + +Mrs. Aylett was a proficient in dance-music. She never volunteered +to perform that which she was not conscious of doing well. She had +occasionally taken the floor for a single quadrille, to oblige a +favored guest--always a middle-aged or elderly gentleman--or moved +through a cotillion with ease and spirit as partner to her husband, +but she declined dancing, as a rule; was altogether indifferent to +the amusement, while she delighted to oblige her friends by playing +for them whenever and as long as they required her aid. Without +saying, in so many words, that she disapproved of the waltz for +unmarried ladies, and frowned upon promiscuous dancing for matrons, +she yet managed to regulate the social code of the neighborhood in +both these respects, was imitated and quoted by the most discreet of +chaperones and belles. + +Mr. Dorrance was Mabel's partner; Rosa stood up with Randolph +Harrison, a gay youth, who was her latest attache; Tom Barksdale led +out a blushing, yet sprightly school-girl, and Imogene was his +vis-a-vis supported by an ancient admirer, who had comforted himself +for her preference for another man by falling in love with a +prettier woman. The room was decorated with garlands of running +cedar--a vine known in higher latitudes as "ground-pine," and which +carpeted acres of the Ridgeley woods. The vases on the mantel were +filled with holly, and other gayly colored berry boughs, while +roses, lemon and orange blossoms, mignonette and violets from the +conservatory were set about on tables and brackets, blending fresher +and more wholesome odors with those of the Parisian extracts wafted +from the ladies' dresses and handkerchiefs. + +Mr. Aylett had--accidentally, it would seem--his wife understood +that the action was premeditated--stationed himself at an angle to +the piano that allowed him a fair view of her, and did not grudge +the merriest bachelor there his share of enjoyment, while he could +keep furtive watch upon the changeful countenance, the Sappho-like +head, and the delicate hands which one could have thought made the +music, rather than did the obedient keys they touched. The wedded +lovers had taste and pride in equal proportions, and a parade of +their satisfaction in one another for the edification or amusement +of indifferent spectators would have been revolting to both, but the +ray that sped from half-averted eyes, from time to time, and was +returned by a kindling glance, also shot sidelong beneath dropped +lashes, said more to each other than would a quarto volume of +stereotyped protestations and caresses, such as Tom Barksdale dealt +out profusely to his beauteous Imogene. Clearly, neither Mr. nor +Mrs. Winston Aylett was fond of sugar-candy. + +Mabel's faith in the sincerity of her sister-in-law's agreeable +sayings and ways was not invariable nor absolute. She liked her +after a certain fashion; got along swimmingly with her, the amazed +public decided "SO much better than could have been expected, and +than was customary with relations by marriage, and not by descent;" +yet her more upright nature and different training helped her to +detect the petty artifices with which Clara cajoled the unwary, +moulded the plastic at her will. But she had never questioned the +reality of her love for Winston. As a wife, her deportment was +exemplary, her devotion too freely and consistently rendered to have +its spring in policy or affectation. She gloried in her handsome, +courtly lord, and in his attachment for herself. Whether she would +have espied the same causes for loving exultation in him, had he +been a poor clergyman or merchant's clerk, was an irrelevant +consideration. The master of Ridgeley was not to be contemplated +apart from the possessions and dignities that were his inalienable +pedestal. Clara Dorrance was a clever woman, and she had given these +due weight in accepting his hand; and they may have had their +influence in moving her to unceasing, yet unobtrusive endeavor to +make herself still more necessary to his happiness, to strengthen +her hold upon him by every means an affectionate and beloved wife +has at her command. She had done well for herself--she was thinking +while he concluded as silently within himself that the slight +pensiveness tempering the expressive face was its loveliest dress. + +She--beautiful and penniless, ambitious, and a devotee of +pleasure--yet dependent for food and clothing upon her mother's +life-interest in an estate, not one penny of which would revert to +her children at her decease; without kindred and without society in +the elegant suburb they had inhabited for four or five years, might +have been elated at a less brilliant match than that she had made. +The "best people" of the aforesaid suburb were exclusive; slow to +form intimacies with their unaccredited neighbors, and very hasty in +breaking them at the faintest whiff of a doubtful or tainted +reputation. And of the second best the Dorrances had kept themselves +clear. Having met and captivated her wealthy lover on a rarely +fortunate summer jaunt, made in company with her eldest brother, his +wife, and two relatives of the last-named, Clara did not repel him +or disgust the best people of Roxbury by indiscreet raptures over, +or exhibition of, her prize. + +"I feel with you an invincible repugnance to throwing open our +hearts to the inspection of the unsympathizing world, at the most +sacred moment of our lives," she said, in stating her preference for +a quiet morning-wedding, a family breakfast, and instant departure +upon their bridal-trip. "If I begin to invite my friends and +neighbors, our cottage--lawn and garden included--would not contain +them, and after all were asked whom I could rememher, as many more +would be mortally offended at being forgotten." + +The bridegroom gladly acquiescing, with a compliment to her womanly +delicacy, the ceremony was performed in the presence of the bride's +nearest relatives; an elegant repast was served, at which the +Dorrance plate made an imposing show, and Clara turned her back upon +the scenes and reminiscences of her past life to commence the world +anew. + +Yes, she had done very well for herself--how wonderfully well she +knew better than did any one else, and at this date she had fresh +cause for self-gratulation. Through her, Herbert, her favorite +brother, was likely to form an alliance which would be a timely and +substantial stepping-stone to his aggrandizement and wealth. There +were more reasons why she should hold her head higher--why the blood +should clothe her cheek with a richer carmine, and a smile encircle +the mouth, as one swift glance took in the spacious, luxurious room, +thronged with well-dressed aristocrats, her husband the stateliest, +most honored of them all, yet her fond thrall; the splendid apparel +in which his wealth had bedecked her, the queen of the scene--more +reasons, I say, for the ineffable thrill of pleasure that coursed, a +rapid, intoxicating stream, through her veins, than grateful +affection for the author of all these goods. With a Sybarite's dread +of pain and loneliness, she seldom trusted herself to look at the +dark curtain in the background, against which her latter-day glories +shone the more dazzlingly. But to-night she felt safe upon her +throne--sat, the lady of kingdoms, sultana in the realm of her +spouse's heart and in his domain, and could stare full upon the +past--could measure, without shuddering, the height of her actual +and assumed estate above-- + +Mr. Aylett stepped forward in haste and concern at the deadly pallor +that overspread her face--the look of horror, fear, loathing, before +which smile and brightness fled, blasted into wretchedness. The +revellers stopped in their giddy measure at the discordant jangle, +preluding a dead silence. + +Mabel, chancing in the evolutions of the set to be nearest the +window, and noting the direction of the fainting woman's eyes, was +quick enough to see a shadow flit across the yellcw square of light +upon the snowy floor of the portico--a man's shape, as it appeared +to her, crouching and slinking out of view into the darkness. + +"She saw something, or somebody, through the window, and was +frightened," she said, in a low voice, checking Tom Barksdale and +another gentleman, who would have pressed with the inconsiderate +crowd toward the senseless figure Mr. Aylett had laid upon the sofa. +"Will you see what it was?" + +The request cleared the room directly of all the men of the +assembly, with the exception of Winston and Dr. Ritchie, a young +physician, who was superintending the administration of restoratives +to Mrs. Aylett. + +She was reviving rapidly when the search party gave in their report. +There were fresh tracks upon the piazza, and these they had traced +to the back of the house, losing them there in the drifting snow, +the wind blowing like a hurricane, and ploughing what had fallen and +what was descending into constantly changing heaps. But the +watch-dogs had been unchained, and four of the negro men detailed as +sentinels, the gentlemen engaging to make the round of the premises +again before bed-time. + +The effect of this communication was the reverse of tranquillizing +upon the patient. The wild, terrified look in her eye resembled the +unreasoning fear of lunacy as she seized her husband's arm. + +"Indeed, indeed they must not. It is not right or safe to make such +a serious matter of my foolish nervousness. I am not sure there was +any one there! It was probably an optical delusion. I was plunged in +a reverie, thinking of happy, peaceful, lovely things"--with the +sickly feint of a meaning smile into his face--"and, happening to +look at the window, I fancied that I saw"--with all her self-command +her voice failed here, and she put her hand before her eyes for a +moment before she could go on--"I thought I saw--SOMETHING! It may +have been a human face--it may have been the shadow of the curtains, +or the reflection of the lights upon the glass; but it startled me, +appearing so abruptly. Please say no more about it. If it was a +living creature, it must have been one of the servants, tempted by +curiosity to peep at the dancers." + +"It will prove to be a costly indulgence to him, if I can discover +who the rascal was," said Mr. Aylett, decisively. "I would not have +had you so startled for the worth of all the lazy hounds on the +premises." + +His wife laid her hand upon his. + +"It is Christmas night, my love, and the poor fellow is excusable. +He showed excellent taste. It was a very pretty scene. I shall not +soon forgive myself for throwing it into such 'admired disorder.' +Miss Scott"--[to a musical spinster]--"may I tax your politeness so +far as to ask you to take my seat at the piano? I must go to my room +for a few minutes," raising her finger smilingly to her displaced +ivy wreath. "If you would testify your tolerance of my folly, please +go on with your amusement. I shall be encouraged to return when I +hear the music." + +Her collected, urbane self once more, she took her husband's arm, +and passed through the opening ranks of her friends, bowing to this +side and that, with apologetic banter and graceful words of +regret--still very pale, but changed in no other respect. + +"A singular episode in an evening's entertainment," said Mr. +Dorrance, leading Mabel to her stand in the re-forming set. "I never +knew Clara to succumb before to any type of syncope or asphyxia. She +is a woman of remarkable nerve and courage. And, by the way, how +preposterous is the common use of the word 'nervous.' The ablest +lexicographers define it as 'strong, well-strung, full of nerve,' +whereas, in ordinary parlance, it has come to signify the very +opposite of these. When I speak of a nervous speaker or writer, for +example, what do I mean?" + +"One who imbibes unwholesomely large quantities of strong green tea, +and sees hobgoblins peering at her through the window-panes!" said +Rosa, sarcastically artless, tripping by in season to overhear this +clause of his small-talk. + +Mabel's imperturbable good-breeding prevented embarrassment or +resentment at the interruption. At heart, she was vexed that Rosa +should omit no opportunity of shooting privily and audaciously at +her practical admirer, but to betray her appreciation of the +impertinence would be to subject herself to imputations of +sensitiveness on his account. + +"I saw the hobgoblin without the aid of green tea," she rejoined. +"There was really some one upon the porch, but why the apparition +should scare Clara out of her wits, I cannot divine. The negro is an +incurable Paul Pry, and, next to dancing a Christmas jig himself, is +the pleasure of seeing others do it." + +Mrs. Aylett verified her brother's encomium upon her nerve by +reappearing in the saloon by the time another set was over, and just +before the announcement of supper, radiant and self-possessed, +prepared to do double social duty to atone for the fright she had +caused, and the temporary damp her swoon had cast over the +festivities. + +The revel went joyously forward--Christmas-games and incantations, +the dexterous introduction, by a jocose old gentleman, of a +mistletoe-bough into the festoons draping the chandelier, and divers +other tricks, all of which were taken in excellent part by the +victims thereof, and vociferously applauded by the spectators. The +great hall-clock had rung out twelve strokes, and two or three +methodical seniors were beginning to whisper to one another their +intention to take French leave of the indefatigable juniors and seek +their couches, when a continued tumult arose from the yard--barking +and shouts, and voices in angry or eager dispute. + +Unmindful of the nipping air, the ladies flew to the windows and +raised them, while the gentlemen, in a body, rushed out upon the +porch, many to the lawn--the scene of the disturbance. + +"They have caught him!" + +"There are several of them--a gang of thieves, no doubt!" + +"No! I see but one! They are bringing him to the house!" were +morsels of information passed over the shoulders of the foremost +rank of inquisitive fair ones to the rear, but none were able to +answer the returning inquiries. + +"Who is it?" + +"What does he look like like?" + +"Does he offer any resistance?" + +"Do you suppose he is a burglar, or only a common vagrant?" + +"I thought the Ridgeley grounds were never infested by prowling +beggars, or other vagabonds," said a lady to Mrs. Aylett, who +prudently remained near the fire, even then shivering with the cold, +and casting uneasy looks at the windows. + +"Mr. Aylett is a model to his brother magistrates in his treatment +of such nuisances," remarked another "His name is a terror to +strollers, whether they be organ-grinders, pedlers, or +incendiaries." + +Mrs. Aylett, excessively pale, applied her vinaigrette to her nose, +and trembled yet more violently. + +"I believe he is very strict," she assented. "But I am really afraid +those ladies will take cold! The snow-air is piercing. And they +are--most of them--heated with dancing. Cannot we prevail upon them +to close the windows, now that the mysterious prowler is secured? We +shall hear all about him when the gentlemen return, and they will +not stay out of doors longer than is necessary." + +They began to pour back into the room, while she was speaking, +laughing, and talking, all together shaking the snow-powder from +their hair and hands, and anathematizing the cold and their thin +boots. The particulars of the midnight disturbance were quickly +disseminated. The ebon sentinels had, directed by the barking of +their canine associates, discovered, under a holly hedge on one side +of the yard, a man lying upon the earth, and almost buried in the +snow he seemed not to have strength to throw off. He was either +drunk or so nearly frozen as to be incapable of answering coherently +their demands as to what was his name and what his business upon the +premises. The interrogations of the gentlemen and the ungentle +shakings administered by his captors elicited nothing but groans and +muttered oaths. He could not, or would not, walk without support, +and to leave him where he was, or to turn him adrift into the public +road, would be certain death. Therefore Mr. Aylett had ordered him +to be confined for the night in a garret room. In the morning he +might be examined to more purpose. + +"But he ought to have a fire, and something hot and nourishing to +drink!" exclaimed Mrs. Button, upon hearing the story. "He will +freeze in that barn of a place--poor wretch!" + +"I imagine he has no need of additional stimulants," said Mrs. +Aylett, dryly, again resorting to her smelling-bottle. "From what +the gentlemen say, I judge that he had laid in a supply of caloric +sufficient to last through the night. And the first use he would +make of fire would be to burn the house over our heads. His lodgings +are certainly more comfortable than those selected by himself. There +is little danger of his finding fault with them. What manner of +looking creature is he?" + +"An unkempt vagabond!" rejoined Randolph Harrison, rubbing his blue +fingers before the fire. "His clothes are ragged, and frozen stiff. +I suppose he has been out in the storm ever since it set in. There +were icicles upon his beard and hair, his hat having fallen off. It +is a miracle he did not freeze to death long ago. It is a bitter +night." + +"Did you say he was an old man?" inquired the hostess languidly, +from the depths of her easy chair. + +"He is not a young one, for his hair is grizzled. But we will form +ourselves into a court of inquiry in the morning, with Mr. Aylett as +presiding officer--have in the nocturnal wanderer, and hear what +account he can give of himself. Who knows what romantic history we +may hear--one that may become a Christmas legend in after years?" + +"You will get nothing more sensational than the confessions of a +hen-roost robber, I suspect," said Mrs. Aylett, more wearily than +was consistent with her role of attentive hostess. + +Her husband noticed the tokens of exhaustion, and interposed to +spare her further exertion. + +"Our friends will excuse you if you retire without delay, Clara. You +still feel the effects of your agitation and faintness." + +This was the signal for a general dispersion of the ladies--the +gentlemen, or most of them, adjourning to the smoking-room. + +Since the late extraordinary influx of visitors, Mabel had shared +her aunt's chamber, but, instead of seeking this now, she went +straight from the parlor to the supper-room, where she found, as she +had expected, Mrs. Sutton in the height of business, directing the +setting of the breakfast-table, clearing away the debris of the +evening feast, and counting the silver with unusual care, lest a +stray fork or spoon had, by some hocus-pocus known to the class, +been slipped into the pocket of the supposititious burglar. + +"Aunt," began Mabel, drawing her aside, "that poor wretch up-stairs +must be cared for. It is the height of cruelty to lock him up in a +fireless room, without provisions or dry clothing. If he should die, +would we be guiltless?" + +Mrs. Sutton's benevolent physiognomy was perplexed. + +"Didn't I say as much in the other room, before everybody, my dear? +And didn't SHE put me down with one of her magisterial sentences? +She is mistress here--not you or I. Besides, Winston has the key of +that east garret in his pocket, and I would not be the one to ask +him for it, since he has had his wife's opinion upon the subject of +humanity to prisoners." + +"I shall not trouble him with my petition. I discovered by accident, +when I was a child, that the key of the north room would open that +door. If I order, upon my own responsibility, that a cup of hot +coffee, and some bread and meat be taken up to him, you will not +deny them to me, I suppose?" + +"Certainly not, my child! but I dare not send a servant with them. +Winston's orders were positive--they all tell me--that not a soul +should attempt to hold communication with him. And what he says he +means." + +"Then," replied Winston's sister, with a spark of his spirit, "I +will take the waiter up myself. I cannot sleep with this horror +hanging over me--the fear lest, through my neglect or cowardice, a +fellow-being--whose only offence against society, so far as we +knows is his dropping down in a faint or stupor under a hedge on the +Ridgeley plantation--should lose his life." + +"Your feelings are only what I should expect from you, my love; but +think twice before you go up-stairs yourself! It would be considered +an outrageous impropriety, were it found out." + +"Less outrageous than to let a stranger perish for want of such +attention as one would vouchsafe to a stray dog?" questioned Mabel, +with a queer smile. "Roger! pour me out a bowl of coffee at once. +Put it on a waiter with a plate of bread and butter--or stay! +oysters will be more warming and nourishing. I am very sure that +Daphne is keeping a saucepanful hot for her supper and yours. +Hurry!" + +The waiter, whose wife was the cook, ducked his head with a grin +confirmatory of his young mistress' shrewd suspicion, and vanished +to obey her orders, never dreaming but she wanted the edibles for +her private consumption. He enjoyed late and hot suppers, and why +not she? Thanks to this persuasion, the coffee was strong, clear, +and boiling, the oysters done to a turn, and smoking from the +saucepan. + +Taking the tray from him, with a gracious "Thank you! This is just +as it should be," Mabel negatived his offer to carry it to her room, +and started up-stairs. + +Mrs. Sutton followed with a lighted candle. + +"Winston or no Winston, you shall not face that desperado alone," +she said, obstinately. "There is no telling what he may do--murder +you, perhaps, or at least knock you down in order to escape. Winston +talks as if he were the captain of the forty thieves."' + +"He is pretty well hors de combat now, at any rate," smiled Mabel, +but allowing her aunt to precede her with the light to the upper +floor. "And should he offer violence--scalding coffee may defend me +as effectually as Morgiana's boiling oil routed the gang. MY captain +had to be carried up-stairs by four servants, who left him upon a +pile of old mattresses in one corner of the room. Here we are!" + +They were in a wide hall at the top of the house, the unceiled +rafters above their heads, carpetless boards beneath their feet. +Mabel set her waiter upon a worm-eaten, iron-bound chest, and went +further down the passage to get the key of the north room. Her light +footstep stirred dismal echoes in the dark corners; the wind +screamed through every crack and keyhole, like a legion of piping +devils; rumbled lugubriously over the steep roof. The one candle +flickering in the draught showed Mabel's white bust and arms, like +those of a phantom, beaming through a cloud of blackness, when she +stooped to try the key in the lock of the prison-chamber. + +After fitting it, she knocked before she turned it in the rusty +wards--again, and more loudly--then spoke, putting her lips close to +the key-hole: + +"We are friends, and have brought you supper. Can we come in?" + +There was no answer, and with a beating heart she unlocked the door, +pushed it ajar, and motioned to Aunt Rachel to hold her candle up, +that she might gain a view of the interior. + +The wan, uncertain rays revealed the heap of mattresses, and upon +them what looked like a mass of rough, wet clothing, without sound +or motion. + +"He is pretending to be asleep! Take care!" whispered Mrs. Sutton, +trying to restrain Mabel as she pressed by her into the room. + +"He is dead, I fear!" was the low answer. + +Forgetful of her nephew's prohibition and her recent fears, the good +widow entered, and leaned anxiously over the stranger's form. A +tall, gaunt man, clad in threadbare garments, which hung loosely +upon the shrunken breast and arms, black hair and beard, mottled +with white, ragged, and unshorn, and dank from exposure to the snow +and sleet; a chalky-white face, with closed and sunken eyes, +sharpened nose, and prominent cheek-bones--this was what they beheld +as the candle flamed up steadily in the comparatively still air of +the ceiled apartment. The miserable coat was buttoned up to his +chin, and the shreds of a coarse woollen comforter, torn from his +throat at his capture, still hung about his shoulders. His clothes +were sodden with wet, as Harrison had said, and the solitary +pretence at rendering him comfortable for the night, had been the +act of a negro, who contemptuously flung an old blanket across his +nether limbs before leaving him to his lethargic slumbers. He had +not moved since they tossed him, like a worthless sack, upon this +sorry resting-place, but lay an unsightly huddle of arms, legs, and +head, such as was never achieved, much less continued, by any one +save a drunken man or a corpse. Mabel ended the awed silence. + +"This is torpor--not sleep, nor yet death," she said, without +recoiling from the pitiful wreck. + +Indeed, as she spoke, she bent to feel his pulse; held the emaciated +wrist in her warm fingers until she could determine whether the +feeble stroke were a reality, or a trick of the imagination. + +"Dr. Ritchie should see him immediately. He is in the smoking-room. +If you call him out, it will excite less remark than if I were to do +it. Don't let Winston guess why you want him," were her directions +to her aunt, uttered quickly, but distinctly. + +"Yon will not stay here! At least, go into the hall! What will the +doctor think?" + +"I shall remain where I am. The poor creature is too far gone to +presume upon my condescension," with a faint sarcastic emphasis. + +At Mrs. Sutton's return with the physician, she perceived that her +niece had not awaited her coming in sentimental idleness. A thick +woollen coverlet was wrapped about the prostrate figure, and Mabel, +upon her knees on the dusty hearth, was applying the candle to a +heap of waste paper and bits of board she had ferreted out in +closets and cuddy-holes. It caught and blazed up hurriedly in season +to facilitate the doctor's examination of the patient, thrown so +oddly upon his care. Mrs. Sutton had not neglected, in her haste, to +procure a warm shawl from her room, and she folded it about the +girl's shoulders, whispering an entreaty that she would go to bed, +and leave the man to her management and Dr. Ritchie. + +Mabel waved her off impatiently. + +"Presently! when I hear how he is!" moving toward the comfortless +couch. + +The physician looked around at the rustle of her dress, his pleasant +face perturbed, and perhaps remorseful. + +"This is a bad business! I wish I had examined him when he was +brought in. There would have been more hope of doing something for +him then. But, to tell the truth, I was one of the five or six +prudent fellows who stayed upon the piazza, and witnessed the +capture from a distance. I had no idea of the man's real situation. +Mrs. Sutton! can I have brandy, hot water, and mustard at once! Miss +Mabel! may I trouble you to call your brother? He ought to be +advised of this unforeseen turn of affairs." + +His emissaries were prompt. In less than ten minutes, all the +appliances the household could furnish for the restoration of the +failing life were at his command. An immense fire roared in the +long-disused chimney; warm blankets, bottles of hot water and +mustard-poultices were prepared by a corps of officious servants; +the master of the mansion, with three or four friends at his heels, +and a half-smoked cigar in his hand, had looked in for a moment, to +hope that Dr. Ritchie would not hesitate to order whatever was +needed, and to predict a favorable result as the meed of his skill. + +Half an hour after her brother's visit, Mabel tapped at the door to +inquire how the patient was, and whether she could be of use in any +way. She still wore her evening dress, and the fire of excitement +had not gone out in her eyes and complexion. + +"Don't sit up longer," said the doctor, with the authority of an old +friend. "It will not benefit your protege for you to have a +headache, pale cheeks, and heavy eyes to-morrow, while it will +render others, whose claims upon you are stronger, very miserable." + +She thanked him laconically for his thoughtfulness, and bade him +"good-night," without a responsive gleam of playfulness. Her heart +was weighed down with sick horror. The almost certainty of which he +spoke with professional coolness, was to her, who had never within +her recollection stood beside a death-bed, a thing too frightful to +be anticipated without dread, however its terrors might be +alleviated by affection and wealth. As the finale of their Christmas +frolic--perhaps the consequence of wilful neglect in those who +should have known better than to abandon the wanderer to the ravages +of hunger, cold, and intoxication--the idea was ghastly beyond +description. + +She was about to diverge from the main hall on the second floor into +the lateral passage leading to Mrs. Sutton's room in the wing, when +her name was called in a gentle, guarded key by her sister-in-law. + + + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +HE DEPARTETH IN DARKNESS. + + + + + +"COME in! I want to talk to you!" said Mrs. Aylett, beckoning Mabel +into her chamber, from the door of which she had hailed her. "Sit +down, my poor girl! You are white as a sheet with fatigue. I cannot +see why you should have been suffered to know anything about this +very disagreeable occurrence. And Emmeline has been telling me that +Mrs. Sutton actually let you go up into that Arctic room." + +"It was my choice. Aunt Rachel went along to carry the light and to +keep me company. She would have dissuaded me from the enterprise if +she could," responded Mabel, sinking into the low, cushioned chair +before the fire, which the mistress of the luxurious apartment had +just wheeled forward for her, and confessing to herself, for the +first time, that she was chilly and very tired. + +"But where were the servants, my dear? Surely you are not required, +in your brother's house, to perform such menial services as taking +food and medicine to a sick vagrant." + +"Winston had forbidden them to go near the room. I wish I had gone +up earlier. I might have been the means of saving a life which, +however worthless it may seem to us, must be of value to some one." + +"Is he so far gone?" + +The inquiry was hoarsely whispered, and the speaker leaned back in +her fauteuil, a spark of fierce eagerness in her dilated eyes, +Mabel, in her own anxiety, did not consider overstrained solicitude +in behalf of a disreputable stranger. She had more sympathy with it +than with the relapse into apparent nonchalance that succeeded her +repetition of the doctor's report. + +"He does not think the unfortunate wretch will revive, even +temporarily, then?" commented the lady, conventionally +compassionate, playing with her ringed fingers, turning her diamond +solitaire in various directions to catch the firelight. "How unlucky +he should have strayed upon our grounds! Was he on his way to the +village?" + +"Who can say? Not he, assuredly. He has not spoken a coherent word. +Dr. Ritchie thinks he will never be conscious again." + +"I am afraid the event will mar our holiday gayeties to some extent, +stranger though he is!" deplored the hostess. "Some people are +superstitious about such things. His must have been the spectral +visage I saw at the window. I was sure it was that of a white man +although Winston tried, to persuade me to the contrary." + +"It is dreadful!" ejaculated Mabel energetically. "He, poor homeless +wayfarer, perishing with cold and want in the very light of our +summer-like rooms; getting his only glimpse of the fires that would +have brought back vitality to his freezing body through closed +windows! Then to be hunted down by dogs, and locked up by more +unfeeling men, as if he were a ravenous beast, instead of a +suffering fellow-mortal! I shall always feel as if I were, in some +measure, chargeable with his death--should he die. Heaven forgive us +our selfish thoughtlessness, our criminal disregard of our brother's +life!" + +"I understood you to say there was no hope!" interrupted Mrs. +Aylett. + +"So Dr. Ritchie declares. But I cannot bear to believe it!" + +She pressed her fingers upon her eyeballs as if she would exclude +some horrid vision. + +"My dear sister! your nerves have been cruelly tried. To-morrow, you +will see this matter--and everything else--through a different +medium. As for the object of your amiable pity, he is, without +doubt, some low, dissipated creature, of whom the world will be well +rid." + +"I am not certain of that. There are traces of something like +refinement and gentle breeding about him in all his squalor and +unconsciousness. I noticed his hands particularly. They are slender +and long, and his features in youth and health must have been +handsome. Dr. Ritchie thought the same. Who can tell that his wife +is not mourning his absence to-night, as the fondest woman under +this roof would regret her husband's disappearance? And she may +never learn when and how he died--never visit his grave!" + +"I have lived in this wicked world longer than you have, my sweet +Mabel; so you must not quarrel with me if these fancy pictures do +not move me as they do your guileless heart," said Mrs. Aylett, the +sinister shadow of a mocking smile playing about her mouth. "Nor +must you be offended with me for suggesting as a pendant to your +crayon sketch of widowhood and desolation the probability that the +decease of a drunken thief or beggar cannot be a serious +bereavement, even to his nearest of kin. Women who are beaten and +trampled under foot by those who should be their comfort and +protection are generally relieved when they take to vagrancy as a +profession. It may be that this man's wife, if she were cognizant of +his condition, would not lift a finger, or take a step to prolong +his life for one hour. Such things have been." + +"More shame to human nature that they have!" was the impetuous +rejoinder. "In every true woman's heart there must be tender +memories of buried loves, let their death have been natural or +violent." + +"So says your gentler nature. There are women--and I believe they +are in the majority in this crooked lower sphere--in whose hearts +the monument to departed affection--when love is indeed no more--is +a hatred that can never die. But we have wandered an immense +distance from the unlucky chicken-thief or burglar overhead. Dr. +Ritchie's sudden and ostentatious attack of philanthropy will hardly +beguile him into watching over his charge--a guardian angel in +dress-coat and white silk neck-tie--until morning?" + +"Mammy is to relieve him so soon as he is convinced that human skill +can do nothing for his relief," said Mabel very gravely. + +Her sister-in-law's high spirits and jocular tone jarred upon her +most disagreeably, but she tried to bear in mind in what dissimilar +circumstances they had passed the last hour. If Clara appeared +unfeeling, and her remarks were distinguished by less taste than was +customary in one so thoroughly bred, it was because the exhilaration +of the evening was yet upon her, and she had not seen the +death's-head prone upon the pillows in the cheerless attic. Thoughts +of poverty and dying beds were unseemly in this apartment when the +very warmth and fragrance of the air told of fostering and +sheltering love. The heavy curtains did not sway in the blast that +hurled its whole fury against the windows; the furniture was +handsome, and in perfect harmony with the dark, yet glowing hues of +the carpet, and with the tinted walls. A tall dressing mirror let +into a recess reflected the picture, brilliant with firelight that +colored the shadows themselves; lengthened into a deep perspective +the apparent extent of the chamber and showed, like a fine old +painting, the central figure in the vista. + +Mrs. Aylett had exchanged her evening dress for a cashmere wrapper, +the dark-blue ground of which was enlivened by a Grecian pattern of +gold and scarlet; her unbound hair draped her shoulders, and framed +her arch face, as she threaded the bronze ripples with her fingers. +She looked contented, restful, complacent in herself and her +belongings--one whom Time had touched lovingly as he swept by, and +whom sorrow had forgotten. + +"Not asleep yet!" was her husband's exclamation, entering before +anything further passed between the two women; and when his sister +started up, with an apology for being found there at so late an +hour, he added, more reproachfully than he ever spoke to his wife, +"You should not have kept her up, Mabel! Her strength has been too +much taxed already to-night. I hoped and believed that she had been +in bed and asleep for an hour." + +"Don't blame her!" said Mrs. Aylett, hastily. "I called her in as +she was proceeding to bed in the most decorous manner possible. I +may as well own the truth of my weakness. I was nervously +wakeful--the effect, in part, of the ultra-strong coffee Dr. Ritchie +advised me to drink at supper-tine--in part, of the silly sensation +I got up to terrify my friends. So I maneuvered to secure a fireside +companion until you should have dispatched your cigar. Gossip is as +pleasant a sedative to ladies as is a prime Havana to their lords." + +"And what is the latest morceau?" inquired Mr Aylett, indulgently, +when Mabel had gone. + +He was standing by his wife's chair, and she leaned her head against +him, her bright eyes uplifted to his, her hair falling in a long, +burnished fringe over his arm--a fond, sparkling siren, whom no man, +with living blood in his veins, could help stooping to kiss before +her lips had shaped a reply. + +"You wouldn't think it an appetizing morsel! But I listened with +interest to our unsophisticated Mabel's account of her Quixotic +expedition to what will, I foresee, be the haunted chamber of +Ridgeley in the next generation. Her penchant for adventure has, I +suspect, embellished her portrait of the hapless house-breaker." + +"A common-looking tramp!" returned Winston, disdainfully. "As +villanous a dog in physiognomy and dress as I ever saw! Such an one +as generally draws his last breath where he drew the first--in a +ditch or jail; and too seldom, for the peace and safety of society, +finds his noblest earthly elevation upon a gallows. It is a +nuisance, though, having him pay this trifling debt of +Nature--nobody but Nature would trust him--in my house. There must +be an inquest and a commotion. The whole thing is an insufferable +bore. Ritchie has given him up, and gone to bed, leaving old Phillis +on the watch, with unlimited rations of whiskey, and a pile of +fire-wood higher than herself. But I did not mean that you should +hear anything about this dirty business. It is not fit for my +darling's ears. Mabel showed even less than her usual discretion in +detailing the incidents of her adventure to you." + +Flattery of his sister had never been a failing with him, but, since +his marriage, the occasions were manifold in which her inferiority +to his wife was so glaring as to elicit a verbal expression of +disapproval. It was remarkable that Clara's advocacy of Mabel's +cause, at these times, so frequently failed to alter his purpose of +censure or to mitigate it, since, in all other respects, her +influence over him was more firmly established each day and hour. + +Old Phillis, Mabel's nurse and the doctress of the +plantation--albeit a less zealous devotee than her master had +intimated of the potent beverages left within her reach, ostensibly +for the use of her patient should he revive sufficiently to swallow +a few drops--was yet too drowsy from the fatigues of the day, +sundry cups of Christmas egg-nogg, and the obesity of age, to +maintain alert vigil over one she, in common with her +fellow-servitors, scorned as an aggravated specimen of the always +and ever-to-be despicable genus, "poor white folks." There was next +to nothing for her to do when the fire had been replenished, the +bottles of hot water renewed at the feet and heart, and fresh +mustard draughts wound about the almost pulseless limbs of the dying +stranger. She did contrive to keep Somnus at arm's length for a +while longer, by a minute examination of his upper clothing, which, +by Dr. Ritchie's directions, had been removed, that the remedies +might be more conveniently applied, and the heated blankets the +sooner infuse a vital glow through the storm-beaten frame. The +ancient crone took them up with the tips of her fingers--ragged +coat, vest, and pantaloons--rummaged in the same contemptuous +fashion every pocket, and kicked over the worn, soaked boots with +the toe of her leather brogan, sniffing her disappointment at the +worthlessness of the habiliments and the result of her search. + +"Fit fur nothin' but to bury his poor carcuss in!" she grunted, and +had recourse to her own plethoric pocket for a clay pipe and a bag +of tobacco. + +This lighted by a coal from the hearth, she tied a second +handkerchief over that she wore, turban-wise, on her head, mumbling +something about "cold ears" and "rheumatiz;" settled herself in a +rush-bottomed chair, put her feet upon the rounds of another, and +was regularly on duty, prepared for any emergency, and to be alarmed +at nothing that might occur. + +So strict was the discipline she established over herself in fifteen +minutes, that she did not stir at the creaking of the bolt, or the +shriller warning of the unoiled hinges, as the door moved cautiously +back, and a cloaked form became dimly visible in the opening. A +survey of the inside of the chamber, the unmoving nurse and her +senseless charge, with the fumes of brandy and tobacco, reassured +the visitant. Her stockingless feet were thrust into wadded +slippers; over her white night-dress was a dark-blue wrapper, and, +in addition to this protection against the cold, she was enveloped +in a great shawl, disposed like a cowl about her head. Without +rustle or incautious mis-step she gained the side of the improvised +bed, and leaned over it. The face of the occupant was turned +slightly toward the left shoulder, and away from the light. The +apparition raised herself, with a gesture of impatience, caught the +candle from the rickety table at the head of the mattress, snuffed +it hurriedly, and again stooped toward the recumbent figure, with it +in her hand. + +It was then that the vigilant watcher unclosed her flabby lids, +slowly, and without start or exclamation, much as a dozing cat +blinks when a redder sparkle from the fire dazzles her out of +dreams. One hard wink, one bewildered stare, and Pbillis was awake +and wary. Her chin sank yet lower upon her chest, but the black eyes +were rolled upward until they bore directly upon the strange +tableau. The shawl had dropped from the lady's head, and the candle +shone broadly upon her features, as upon the sick man's profile. +Apparently dissatisfied with this view, she slipped her disengaged +hand under the cheek which was downward, and drew his face around +into full sight. + +"And bless your soul, honey!" Aunt Phillis told her young mistress, +long afterward, "you never see sech a look as was on hern--while her +eyes was thar bright and big, they was jist like live coals sot in a +lump of dough--she growed so white!" + +Nevertheless the spy could return the candle to its place upon the +table without perceptible tremor of lip or limb, and after bestowing +one scrutinizing glance upon the nurse, who was fast asleep beneath +it, she went to the heap of damp clothing. These she lifted--one by +one--less gingerly than Phillis had done, and ransacked every likely +hiding-place of papers or valuables, going through the operation +with a rapid dexterity that astounded the old woman's weak mind, and +made her ashamed of her own clumsiness. Anticipating the final +stealthy look in her direction, the heavy lids fell once again, and +were not raised until the rusty bolt passed gratingly into the +socket, and she felt that the place was deserted by all save herself +and the dying stroller. + +She was in no danger of dozing upon her post after this visitation. +For the few hours of darkness that yet remained, she sat in her +chair, her elbows upon her knees, smoking, and pondering upon what +she had witnessed, varying her occupations by feeding the fire and +such care of the patient as she considered advisable; likening, in +her rude, yet excitable imagination, the rumbling of the gale in the +chimney and across the roof-tree, to the roll of the chariot-wheels +which were to carry away the parting soul; the tap and rattle of +sleet and wind at the windows to the summons of demons, impatient at +Death's delay. + +"The Lord send him an easy death, and let him go up, instead of +down!" she groaned aloud, once. + +But the dubious shake of the head accompanying the benevolent +petition betokened her disbelief in the possibility of a favorable +reply. In her articles of faith it was only by a miracle that a +"no-account white man," picked up out of the highway, and whose +pockets were barren as were those she had examined, could get an +impetus in that direction. + +The stormy dawn was revealing, with dreary distinctness, the shabby +disorder of the lumber-room, when Dr. Ritchie appeared in his +dressing-gown, rubbing his eyes, and yawning audibly. + +"Gone--hey?" was his comment upon the negress' movements. + +She had bound a strip of linen about the lank jaws; combed back the +grizzled hair from the forehead into sleek respectability; crossed +the hands at the wrists, as only dead hands are ever laid; +straightened the limbs, and was in the act of spreading a clean +sheet over her finished work. + +"Nigh upon an hour since, sir," she responded, respectfully. + +"He did not revive at all after I left him?" + +"Not a breath or a motion, sir. He went off at the last jist as easy +as a lamb. Never tried to say nothin', nor opened his eyes after you +went down. 'Twould a' been a pity ef you had a' lost more sleep +a-settin' up with him. Ah, well, poor soul! 'taint for us to say +whar he is now. I would hope he is in glory, ef I could. I 'spose +the Almighty knows, and that's enough." + +The doctor arrested her hand when she would have covered the face. + +"He must have been a fine-looking fellow in his day!" he said, more +to himself than to her. "But he has lived fast, burned himself up +alive with liquor." + +"I didn't call nobody, sir, to help me, 'cause nobody couldn't do no +good, and I was afeared of wakin' the gentlemen and ladies, a +trottin' up and downstairs," continued Phillis, bent upon +exculpating herself from all blame in the affair, and mistaking his +momentary pensiveness for displeasure. + +"You were quite right, old lady! All the doctors and medicines in +the world could not have pulled him through after the drink and the +snow had had their way with him for so many hours--poor devil! Well! +I'll go back to bed now, and finish my morning nap." + +He was at the threshold when he bethought himself of a final +injunction. + +"You had better keep an eye upon these things, Aunty!" pointing to +the coat and other garments she had ranged upon chairs to dry in +front of the fire. "There will be a coroner's inquest, I suppose, +and there may be papers in his pockets which will tell who he was +and where he belonged. When you are through in here, lock the door +and take out the key--and if you can help it, don't let a whisper of +this get abroad before breakfast. It will spoil the ladies' +appetites. If anybody asks how he is, say 'a little better.' He +can't be worse off than he was in life, let him be where he may." + +"Yes, sir," answered Phillis, in meek obedience. "But I don't think +he was the kind his folks would care to keep track on, nor the sort +that carries valeyble papers 'round with 'em." + +"I reckon you are not far out of the way there!" laughed the doctor, +subduedly, lest the echo in the empty hall might reach the sleepers +on the second floor, and he ran lightly down the garret steps. + +The inquest sat that afternoon. It was a leisure season with +planters, and a jury was easily collected by special +messengers--twelve jolly neighbors, who were not averse to the +prospect of a glass of Mrs. Sutton's famous egg-nogg, and a social +smoke around the fire in the great dining-room, even though these +were prefaced by ten minutes' solemn discussion over the remains of +the nameless wayfarer. + +His shirt was marked with some illegible characters, done in faded +ink, which four of the jury spelled out as "James Knowlton," three +others made up into "Jonas Lamson," and the remaining five declined +deciphering at all. Upon one sock were the letters "R. M." upon the +fellow, "G. B." With these unavailable exceptions, there was +literally no clue to his name, profession, or residence, to be +gathered from his person or apparel. The intelligent jury brought in +a unanimous verdict--"Name unknown. Died from the effects of drink +and exposure;" the foreman pulled the sheet again over the blank, +chalky face, and the shivering dozen wound their way to the warmer +regions, where the expected confection awaited them. + +Their decorous carousal was at its height, and the ladies, one and +all, had sought their respective rooms to recuperate their wearied +energies by a loll, if not a siesta, that they might be in trim for +the evening's enjoyment (Christmas lasted a whole week at Ridgeley) +when four strapping field hands, barefooted, that their tramp might +not break the epicurean slumbers, brought down from the desolate +upper chamber a rough pine coffin, manufactured and screwed tight by +the plantation carpenter, and after halting a minute in the back +porch to pull on their boots, took their way across the lawn and +fields to the servants' burial-place. This was in a pine grove, two +furlongs or more from the garden fence, forming the lower enclosure +of the mansion grounds. The intervening dell was knee-deep in +drifted snow, the hillside bare in spots, and ridged high in others, +where the wind-currents had swirled from base to summit. The passage +was a toilsome one, and the stalwart bearers halted several times to +shift their light burden before they laid it down upon the mound of +mixed snow and red clay at the mouth of the grave. Half-a-dozen +others were waiting there to assist in the interment, and at the +head of the pit stood a white-headed negro, shaking with palsy and +cold--the colored chaplain of the region, who, more out of custom +and superstition than a sense of religious responsibility--least of +all motives, through respect for the dead--had braved the inclement +weather to say a prayer over the wanderer's last home. + +The storm had abated at noon, and the snow no longer fell, but there +had been no sunshine through all the gloomy day, and the clouds were +now mustering thickly again to battle, while the rising gale in the +pine-tops was hoarse and wrathful. Far as the eye could reach were +untrodden fields of snow; gently-rolling hills, studded with shrubs +and tinged in patches by russet bristles of broom-straw; the river +swollen into blackness between the white banks, and the dark horizon +of forest seeming to uphold the gray firmament. To the right of the +spectator, who stood on the eminence occupied by the cemetery, lay +Ridgeley, with its environing outhouses, crowning the most ambitious +height of the chain, the smoke from its chimneys and those of the +village of cabins beating laboriously upward, to be borne down at +last by the lowering mass of chilled vapor. + +The coffin was deposited in its place with scant show of reverence, +and without removing their hats, the bystanders leaned on their +spades, and looked to the preacher for the ceremony that was to +authorize them to hurry through with their distasteful task. That +the gloom of the hour and scene, and the utter forlornness of all +the accompaniments of what was meant for Christian burial, had +stamped themselves upon the mind and heart of the unlettered slave, +was evident from the brief sentences he quavered out--joining his +withered hands and raising his bleared eyes toward the threatening +heavens: + +"Lord! what is man, that thou art mindful of him! For that which +befalleth man befalleth beasts--even one thing befalleth them. All +go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. +Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of +the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Man cometh in with +vanity and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with +darkness. The dead know not anything, for the memory of them is +forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now +perished, neither have they a portion for ever in anything that is +done under the sun. + +"Lord! teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts +unto wisdom. Oh, spare ME, that I may recover strength, ere I go +hence and be no more! + +"In the name of the FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST--dust to dust, and +ashes to ashes! Amen!" + +"By the way, Mr. Aylett, the poor wretch up-stairs should be buried +at the expense of the county," remarked the coroner, before taking +leave of Ridgeley and the egg-nogg bowl. "I will take the poor-house +on my way home, and tell the overseer to send a coffin and a cart +over in the morning. You don't care to have the corpse in the house +longer than necessary, I take it? The sooner he is in the Potter's +Field, the more agreeable for you and everybody else." + +Mr. Aylett pointed through the back window at the winding path +across the fields. + +A short line of black dots was seen coming along it, in the +direction of the house. As they neared it they were discovered to be +men, each with a hoe or shovel upon his shoulder. + +"The deed is done!" said the master, smiling. "My good fellows there +have spared the county the expense, and the overseer the trouble of +this little matter. As for the Potter's Field, a place in my +servants' burying-ground is quite as respectable, and more +convenient in this weather." + +The jurors were grouped about the fire in the baronial hall, +buttoning up overcoats and splatterdashes, and drawing on their +riding-gloves, all having come on horseback. In the midst of the +general bepraisement of their host's gentlemanly and liberal +conduct, Mrs. Aylett swam down the staircase, resplendent in silver- +gray satin, pearl necklace and bracelets, orange flowers and +camelias in her hair--semi-bridal attire, that became her as nothing +else ever had done. + +"My dear madam," said the foreman of the inquest--a courtly +disciple of the old school of manner, and phraseology--as the august +body of freeholders parted to either side to leave her a passage-way +to the fireplace--"your husband is a happy man, and his wife should +be a happy woman in having won the affection of such a model of +chivalry"--stating succinctly the late proof the "model" had offered +to an admiring world of his chivalric principles. + +The delicate hand stole to its resting-place upon her lord's arm, as +the lady answered, her ingenuous eyes suffused with the emotion that +gave but the more sweetness to her smile. + +"I AM a happy woman, Mr. Nelson! I think there is not a prouder or +more blessed wife in all the land than I am this evening." + +Laugh, jest, and dance ruled the fleeting hours in the halls of the +old country-house that night, and the presiding genius of the revel +was still the beautiful hostess--never more beautiful, never so +winning before. No one noticed that, by her orders, or her +husband's, the window through which she had beheld the goblin visage +was closely curtained. Or, this may have been an accidental +disposition of the drapery, since no trace of her momentary alarm +remained in her countenance or demeanor. + +In the kitchen a double allowance of toddy was served out, by their +master's orders, to the men who had taken part in the interment on +the hill-top. And, in their noisy talk over their potations the +vagrant was scarcely mentioned. + +Only the pines, hoarser in their sough, by reason of the falling +snow that clogged their boughs, chanted a requiem above the rough +hillock at their feet. + +"Man cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name +is covered with darkness!" + + + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +ROSA. + + + + + +"THAT is a new appearance." + +"Who can she be?" + +"Unique--is she not?" were queries bandied from one to another of +the various parties of guests scattered through the extensive +parlors of the most fashionable of Washington hotels, at the +entrance of a company of five or six late arrivals. All the persons +composing it were well dressed, and had the carriage of people of +means and breeding. Beyond this there was nothing noteworthy about +any of them, excepting the youngest of the three ladies of what +seemed to be a family group. When they stopped for consultation upon +their plans for this, their first evening in the capital, directly +beneath the central chandelier of the largest drawing-room, she +stood, unintentionally, perhaps, upon the outside of the little +circle, and not exerting herself to feign interest in the parley, +sought amusement in a keen, but polite survey of the assembly, +apparently in no wise disconcerted at the volley of glances she +encountered in return. + +If she were always in the same looks she wore just now, she must +have been pretty well inured to batteries of admiration by this date +in her sunny life. She was below the medium of woman's stature, +round and pliant in form and limbs; in complexion dark as a gypsy +but with a clear skin that let the rise and fall of the blood +beneath be marked as distinctly as in that of the fairest blonde. +Her eyes were brown or black, it was hard to say which, so changeful +were their lights and shades; and her other features, however +unclassic in mould, if criticised separately, taken as a whole, +formed a picture of surpassing fascination. If her eyes and cleft +chin meant mischief, her mouth engaged to make amends by smiles and +seductive words, more sweet than honey, because their flavor would +never clog upon him who tasted thereof. Her attire was striking--it +would have been bizarre upon any other lady in the room, but it +enhanced the small stranger's beauty. A black robe--India silk or +silk grenadine, or some other light and lustrous material--was +bespangled with butterflies, gilded, green, and crimson, the many +folds of the skirt flowing to the carpet in a train designed to add +to apparent height, and, in front, allowing an enchanting glimpse of +a tiny slipper, high in the instep, and tapering prettily toward the +toe. In her hair were glints of a curiously-wrought chain, wound +under and among the bandeaux; on her wrists, plump and dimpled as a +baby's, more chain-work of the like precious metal, ending in +tinkling fringe that swung, glittering, to and fro, with the +restless motion of the elfin hands, she never ceased to clasp and +chafe and fret one with the other, while she thus stood and awaited +the decision of her companions. But instead of detracting from the +charm of her appearance, the seemingly unconscious gesture only +heightened it. It was the overflow of the exuberant vitality that +throbbed redly in her cheeks, flashed in her eye, and made buoyant +her step. + +"What an artless sprite it is!" said one old gentleman, who had +stared at her from the instant of her entrance, in mute enjoyment, +to the great amusement of his more knowing nephews. + +"All but the artless!" rejoined one of the sophisticated youngsters. +"She is gotten up too well for that. Ten to one she is an +experienced stager, who calculates to a nicety the capabilities of +every twist of her silky hair and twinkle of an eyelash. Hallo! that +IS gushing--nicely done, if it isn't almost equal to the genuine +thing, in fact." + +The ambiguous compliment was provoked by a change of scene and a new +actor, that opened other optics than his lazy ones to their +extremest extent. A gentleman had come in alone and quietly--a tall, +manly personage, whose serious countenance had just time to soften +into a smile of recognition before the black-robed fairy flew up to +him--both hands extended--her face one glad sunbeam of surprise and +welcome. + +"YOU here!" she exclaimed, in a low, thrilling tone, shedding into +his the unclouded rays of her glorious eyes, while one of her hands +lingered in his friendly hold. "This is almost too good to be true! +When did you come? How long are you going to stay? and what did you +come for? Yours is the only familiar physiognomy I have beheld since +our arrival, and my eyes were becoming ravenous for a sight of +remembered things. Which reminds me"--coloring bewitchingly, with an +odd mixture of mirth and chagrin in smile and voice--"that I have +been getting up quite a little show on my own account, forgetful of +les regles, and I suppose the horrified lookers-on think of les +moeurs. May I atone for my inadvertence by presenting you, in good +and regular form, to my somewhat shocked, but very respectable, +relatives? Did you know that I was in Congress this year--that is, +Mr. Mason, my aunt's husband, is an Honorable, and I am here with +them?" + +The gentleman gave her his arm, and they strolled leisurely in the +direction of the party she had deserted so unceremoniously. + +"I did not know it, bat I am glad to learn that you are to make a +long visit to the city. I have business that may detain me here for +a week--perhaps a fort-night," was his answer to the first question +she suffered him thus to honor. + +Then the introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Mason, their married daughter, +Mrs. Cunningham, and her husband, was performed. The Member's wife +was a portly, good-natured Virginia matron, whose ruling desire to +make all about her comfortable as herself, sometimes led to +contretemps that were trying to the subjects of her kindness, and +would have been distressing to her, had she ever, by any chance, +guessed what she had done. + +She opened the social game now, by saying, agreeably: "Your name is +not a strange one to us, Mr. Chilton. We have often heard you spoken +of in the most affectionate terms by our friends, but not near +neighbors, the Ayletts, of Ridgeley,----county. Is it long since you +met or heard from them?" + +"Some months, madam. I hope they were in their usual health when you +last saw them?" + +Receiving her affirmative reply with a courteous bow, and the +assurance that he was "happy to hear it," Mr. Chilton turned to +Rosa, and engaged her in conversation upon divers popular topics of +the day, all of which she was careful should conduct them in the +opposite direction from Ridgeley, and his affectionate intimates, +the Ayletts. He appreciated and was grateful for her tact and +delicacy. Her unaffected pleasure at meeting him had been as +pleasant as it was unlooked-for, aware as he was, from Mabel's +letter immediately preceding the rapture of their engagement, that +Rosa must have been staying with her when it occurred. The slander +that had blackened him in the esteem of his betrothed had, he +naturally supposed, injured his reputation beyond hope of retrieval +with her acquaintances. Rosa, her bosom companion, could not but +have heard the whole history, yet met him with undiminished +cordiality, as a valued friend. Either the Ayletts had been +unnaturally discreet, or the faith of the interesting girl in his +integrity was firmer and better worth preserving than he had +imagined in the past. Perhaps, too, since he was but mortal man, +although one whose heritage in the school of experience had been of +the sternest, he was not entirely insensible to the privilege of +promenading the long suite of apartments with the prettiest girl of +the season hanging upon his arm, and granting her undivided +attention to all that he said, indifferent to, or unmindful of, the +flattering notice she attracted. + +Over and above all these recommendations to his peculiar regard was +her association with the happy days of his early love. Not an +intonation, not a look of hers, but reminded him of Ridgeley and of +Mabel. It was a perilous indulgence--this recurrence to a dream he +had vowed to forget, but the temptation had befallen him suddenly, +and he surrendered himself to the intoxication. + +Yes! she was going to the President's levee that evening, Rosa said. +A sort of raree-show--was it not? with the Chief Magistrate for head +mountebank. He was worse off in one respect than the poorest +cottager in the nation he was commonly reported to govern, inasmuch +as he had not the right to invite whom he pleased to his house, and +when the mob overran his premises he must treat all with equal +affability. She pitied his wife! She would rather, if the choice +were offered her, be one of the revolving wax dummies used in +shop-windows for showing the latest style of evening costume and +hair-dressing--for the dolls had no wits of their own to begin with, +and were not expected to say clever things, as the President's +consort was, after she had lost hers in the crush of the aforesaid +mob, who eyed her freely as an appendage to their chattel, the man +they had bought by their votes, and put in the highest seat in the +Republic. No! she was not provided with an escort to the White +House. She did not know three people in Washington beside her +relatives, and, looking forward to creeping into the palatial East +Room at her uncle's back, or in the shadow of her cousin's husband, +the vision of enjoyment had not been exactly enrapturing--BUT, her +companion's proposal to join their party and help elbow the crowd +away from her, lent a different coloring to the horizon. + +BUT--again--flushing prettily--was he certain that the expedition +would not bore him? Doubtless he had had some other engagement in +prospect for the evening, before he stumbled over her. He ought to +know her well enough not to disguise his real wishes by gallant +phrases. + +"I have never been otherwise than sincere with you," Frederic said, +honestly; "I had thought of going to the levee alone, as a possible +method of whiling away an idle evening. If you will allow me to +accompany you thither, I shall be gratified--shall derive actual +pleasure from the motley scene. It will not be the only time you and +I have studied varieties of physiognomy and character in a mixed +assembly. Do you recollect the hops at the Rockbridge Alum Springs?" + +"I do," replied Rosa, laconically and very soberly. + +He thought she suppressed a sigh in saying it. She was a +warm-hearted little creature with all her vagaries, and he was less +inclined to reject her unobtrusive sympathy than if a more sedate or +prudent person had proffered it. + +It was certain he could not have selected a more entertaining +associate for that evening. She amused him in spite of the painful +recollections revived by their intercourse. She did not pass +unobserved in the dense crowd that packed the lower floor of the +White House. Her face, all glee and sparkle, the varied music of her +soft Southern tongue, her becoming attire--were, in turn, the +subject of eulogistic comment among the most distinguished +connoisseurs present. It was not probable that these should all be +unheard by her cavalier, or that he should listen to them with +profound indifference. + +He was astonished, therefore, when she protested that she had had +"enough of it," and proposed that they should extricate themselves +from the press and go home. It was contrary to the commonly received +tenets of his sex respecting the insatiable nature of feminine +vanity, that she should weary so soon of adulation which would have +rendered a light head dizzy. Mrs. Mason was not ready to leave the +halls of mirth. She had met scores of old friends, and was having a +"nice, sociable time" in a corner, while Mrs. Cunningham had "not +begun to enjoy herself, looking at the queer people and the superb +dresses." + +Of course, they had no objection to their wilful relative doing as +she liked, but did not conceal their amazement at her bad taste. + +"Take the carriage, dear! You'll find it around out there +somewhere," drawled the easy-tempered aunt. "And let Thomas come +back for us. He will be in time an hour from this." + +"Would it be an unpardonable infraction of etiquette if we were to +walk home?" questioned Rosa of Mr. Chilton, when they were out of +Mr. Mason's hearing. "The night is very mild." + +"But your feet. Are they not too lightly shod for the pavement?" + +"I left a pair of thick gaiters in the dressing-room, which I wore +in the carriage." + +"Then I will be answerable for the breach of etiquette, should it +ever be found out," was the reply, and Rosa disappeared into the +tiring-roem to equip herself for the walk. + +It was a lovely night for December--moonlighted and bland as +October, and neither manifested a disposition to accelerate the +saunter into which they had fallen at their first step beyond the +portico. Rosa dropped her rattling tone, and began to talk seriously +and sensibly of the scene they had left, the flatness of fashionable +society after the freshness of novelty had passed from it, and her +preference for home life and tried friends. + +"Yet I always rate these the more truly after a peep at a different +sphere," she said. "Our Old Virginia country-house is never so dear +and fair at any other time as when I return to it after playing at +fine lady abroad for a month or six weeks. I used to fret at the +monotony of my daily existence; think my simple plsasures tame. I am +thankful that I go back to them, as I grow older, as one does to +pure, cold water, after drinking strong wine." + +"You are blessed in having this fountain to which you may resort in +your heart-drought," answered Frederic, sadly. "The gods do not +often deny the gift of home and domestic affections to woman. It is +an exception to a universal rule when a man who has reached thirty +without building a nest for himself, has a pleasant shelter spared, +or offered to him elsewhere." + +"Yet you would weary, in a week, of the indolent, aimless life led +by most of our youthful heirs expectant and apparent," returned +Rosa. "I remember once telling you how I envied you for having work +and a career. I was youthful then myself--and foolish as immature." + +"I recollect!" and there was no more talk for several squares. + +Rosa was getting alarmed at the thought of her temerity in reverting +to this incident in their former intercourse, and meditating the +expediency of entering upon an apology, which might, after all, +augment, rather than correct the mischief she had done, when +Frederic accosted her as if there had been no hiatus in the +dialogue. + +"I recollect!" he repeated, just as before. "It was upon the back +piazza at Ridgeley, after breakfast on that warm September morning, +when the air was a silvery haze, and there was no dew upon the +roses. I, too, have grown older--I trust, wiser and stronger since I +talked so largely of my career--what I hoped to be and to do. When +did you see her--Miss Aylett," abruptly, and with a total change of +manner. + +"The Rubicon is forded," thought Rosa, complacently, the while her +compassion for him was sincere and strong. "He can never shut his +heart inexorably against me after this." + +Aloud, she replied after an instant's hesitation designed to prepare +him for what was to follow--"I was with Mabel for several days last +May. We have not met since." + +"She is alive--and well?" he asked, anxiously. + +An inexplicable something in her manner warned him that all was not +right. + +"She is--or was, when I last heard news of her; we do not +correspond. She does not live at Ridgeley now." + +There she stopped, before adding the apex to the nicely graduated +climax. + +"Not live with her brother! I do not understand." + +"Have you not heard of her marriage?" + +"No!" + +He did not reel or tremble, but she felt that the bolt had pierced a +vital part, and wisely forbore to offer consolation he could not +hear. + +But when he would have parted with her at the door of her uncle's +parlor, she saw how deadly pale he was, and put her hands into his, +beseechingly. + +"Come in! I cannot let you go until you have said that you forgive +me!" + +There were tears in her eyes, and in her coaxing accents, and he +yielded to the gentle face that sought to lead him into the room. It +was fearful agony that contracted his forehead and lips when he +would have spoken reassuringly, and they were drops of genuine +commiseration that drenched the girl's cheeks while she listened. + +"I have nothing to forgive you! You have been all kindness and +consideration--I ought not to have asked questions, but I believed +myself when I boasted of my strength. I thought the bitterness of +the heart's death had passed. Now, I know I never despaired before! +Great Heavens! how I loved that woman! and this is the end!" + +He walked to the other side of the room. + +Rosa durst not follow him even with her eyes. She sat, her face +concealed by her handkerchief, weeping many tears for him--more for +herself, until she heard his step close beside her, and he seated +himself upon her sofa. + +"Rosa! dear friend! my sympathizing little sister! I shall not +readily gain my own pardon for having distressed you so sorely. When +you can do it with comparative ease to yourself, I want you to tell +me one or two things more, and then we will never allude to +irreparable bygones again." + +"I am ready!" removing her soaked cambric, and forcing a fluttering +smile that might show how composed she was; "don't think of me! I +was only grieved for your sake, and sorry because I had unwittingly +hurt you. I was in hopes--I imagined--" + +"That I had ontlived my disappointment? You said, that same +September day, that women hid their green wounds in sewing rooms and +oratories. Mine should have been cauterized long ago, by other and +harsher means, you think. It seldom bleeds--but tonight, I had not +time to ward off the point of the knife and it touched a raw spot. +Don't let me frighten you! now that the worst is upon me, I must be +calmer presently. You were at Ridgeley, in September, a year since, +when she who was then Miss Aylett"--compelling himself to the +articulation of the sentence that signified the later +change--"received her brother's command to reject me?" + +"I was." + +"He would never tell me upon what evil report his prohibition was +based. He was more communicative with his sister, I suppose?" + +And Rosa, following the example of other women--and men--who vaunt +their principles more highly than she did hers, made a frank +disclosure of part of the truth and held her tongue as to the rest. + +"I couldn't help seeing that something was wrong, for Mabel, who, up +to the receipt of her brother's letter and one from you that came by +the same mail, had been very cheerful and talkative, suddenly grew +more serious and reserved than was her habit at any time; but she +told me nothing whatever, never mentioned your name again in my +hearing. Mrs. Sutton did hint to me her fear that Mr. Aylett had +heard something prejudicial to your character, which had greatly +displeased him and shocked Mabel, but even she was unaccountably +reticent. Intense as was my anxiety to learn the particulars of the +story, and upon what evidence they were induced to believe it, I +dared not press my inquiry into what it was plain they intended to +guard as a family secret." + +His reply was just what she had foreseen and guarded against. + +"It would have been a kind and worthy deed, had you written to warn +me of my danger, and advised me to make my defence in person. As it +was, I was thrown off roughly and pitilessly--my demand upon the +brother for the particulars of the accusation against me--my appeal +to the sister--loving and earnest as words could make it--for +permission to visit her and learn from her own lips that she trusted +or disowned me, were alike disregarded. Mr. Aylett's response was a +second letter, more coldly insulting than the first--hers, the +return of my last, after she had opened and read it, then the +surrender of my gifts, letters, notes, everything that could remind +her that we had ever met and loved. Mrs. Sutton, too, my father's +old and firm friend, deserted me in my extremity. And she must have +been acquainted with the character and extent of the charges +preferred against me. I had hoped better things from her, if only +because I bear her dead husband's name. Did she never speak in your +hearing of writing to me?" + +"She did--but said, in the next breath, that it would be useless, +since the minds of the others were fully made up. I knew she thought +Winston arbitrary, and Mabel credulous; but she was afraid to +interfere. As for myself, what could I have told you that you had +not already heard? I could only hope that the cloud was not heavy, +and would soon blow over. From the hour in which it cast the first +shadow upon her, Mabel was estranged from me--the decline of our +intimacy commenced. The Ayletts take pride in keeping their own +counsel. Winston, who never liked me, and whom I detested, was as +confidential with me in this affair as my old playfellow and school- +mate. Believe me when I declare that if my intercession could have +availed aught with her, I would have run the risk of her displeasure +and Winston's anathemas by offering it." + +"I do believe you! Nor need you expatiate to me upon the obduracy of +the Aylett pride. Surely, no one living has more reason than I to +comprehend how unreasoning and implacable I find it is. I looked for +injustice at Winston Aylett's hands. I read him truly in our only +private interview. Insolent, vain, despotic--wedded to his dogmas, +and intolerant of others' opinion, he disliked me because I refused +to play the obedient vassal to his will and requirements; stood +upright as one man should in the presence of a brother-mortal, +instead of cringing at his lordship's footstool. But he was +powerless to do more than annoy me without his sister's +co-operation." + +"She stood in great, almost slavish, awe of him," urged Rosa, in +extenuation of Mabel's infidelity. + +"Aye!" savagely. "And love was not strong enough to cast out fear! +She was justifiable if she hesitated to entrust herself and her +happiness to the keeping of one she had known but two months. It was +prudent--not false--in her to weigh, to the finest grain, the +evidence furnished by her brother to prove my unfitness to be her +husband. But having done all this, she should have remembered that I +had rights also. It was infamous, cowardly, cruel beyond degree, to +cast her vote against me without giving me a chance of +self-exculpation. Her hand--not his--struck the dagger into my +back!" + +Again Rosa's fingers involuntarily (?) stole into his, to recall him +to a knowledge of where he was, and there were fresh tears, ready to +fall from her gazelle eyes, when his agitation began to subside. + +"My poor child!" he said, penitently. "I am behaving like a madman, +you like a pitying angel! We will have no more scenes, and you must +oblige me by forgetting this one, as fast as may be. From to-night +Mabel Aylett is to me as if she had never been. To nobody except +yourself have I betrayed the secret of my hurt. After this, when yon +think of it, believe that it is a hurt no longer." + +Rosa "had out" her fit of crying when he went away, betaking herself +to her chamber and locking the door that her aunt might not surprise +her while the traces of tears disfigured her cheeks. But she was +anything but broken-hearted, and only slightly sore in spirit in the +retrospect of what had ensued upon her communication to the +discarded lover. He had, indeed, given more evidence of his +unconquered passion for Mabel than she had expected. His undisguised +pleasure in renewed companionship with herself; his excellent +spirits during the greater part of the evening; his unembarrassed +reply to her aunt's malapropos observation, and fluent chat upon +other themes, had misled her into the hope that the ungenerous and +uncivil conduct of the Ayletts had disgusted and alienated him from +sister, no less than from brother. It was a disappointment to +discover that it cost him a terrible effort to pronounce Mabel's +name, while the abrupt intelligence of her marriage had distracted +him to incoherent ravings, which had nearly amounted to curses upon +the authors of his pain. + +"And all for a woman who could bring herself, after being engaged to +Frederic Chilton, to marry that dolt of a Dorrance!" she said, +indignantly. "I wonder if he would have been consoled or chagrined +had I painted the portrait of the man who had superseded him. It is +as well that I did not make the experiment. He would be magnanimous +enough when he cooled down--which he will do by to-morrow +morning--to pity her, and that is next to the last thing I want him +to do. Thank goodness! the denouement is over, and the topic an +interdicted one from this time forth. Now for the verification or +refutation of the saying that a heart is most easily caught in the +rebound. There was some jargon we learned at school about the angle +of incidence being equal to that of reflection. You see, my dearly +beloved self," nodding with returning sauciness at her image in the +mirror before which she was combing her hair, "I undertake this +business in the spirit of philosophical investigation." + +She needed to keep her courage up by these and the like whimsical +conceits, when the forenoon of the next day passed away without a +glimpse of Mr. Chilton. He had not yet left his card for the Masons, +nor called to inquire after her health, when the summons sounded to +the five o'clock dinner. A horrible apprehension seized and devoured +her heart by the time the dessert was brought on, and there were no +signs of his appearance. He had, ashamed to meet her after last +night's exposure of his weakness, or dreading the power of the +reminiscences the sight of her would awaken, left the city without +coming to say "Farewell." That is, she had driven him from her +forever! + +The room went around with her in a dizzy waltz, as the notion +crossed her brain. + +"The sight and smell of all these sweets make me sick, Aunt Mary," +she said, rising from the table. "My head aches awfully! May I go to +my room and lie down?" + +"Try some of this nice lemon-ice, my love!" prescribed the plump +matron. "The acid will set you all straight. No? You don't think you +are going to have a chill, do you? Father!" nudging her husband who +was burying his spoon in a Charlotte Russe, "this dear child doesn't +want any dessert. Won't you pilot her through the crowd?" + +"Only to the door, uncle! Then come back to your dinner!" Rosa made +answer to his disconcerted stare. "I can find my way to my chamber +without help." + +She could have done it, had she been in possession of her accustomed +faculties. But between the harrowing suspicion that engrossed her +mind and the nervous moisture that gathered in her eyes with each +step, she mounted a story too high, and did not perceive her blunder +until, happening to think that her apartment must lie somewhere in +the region she had gained, she consulted the numbers upon the +adjacent doors, and saw that she had wandered a hundred rooms out of +her way, She stopped short to consider which of the corridors, +stretching in gas-lit vistas on either hand, would conduct her +soonest to the desired haven, when a gentleman emerging from a +chamber close by stepped directly upon her train. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +IN THE REBOUND. + + + + + +"I beg your pardon!" said a deep, familiar voice. Then the formality +vanished from face and address. "Is this YOU?" holding out his hand +in hearty friendliness that instantly dispelled Rosa's forebodings." +What or whom are you seeking in these wilds?" + +The crystal beads glistened upon her lashes in the fulness and joy +of her deliverance from doubt and fear, and before she could twinkle +them back, broke into smaller brilliants upon her cheeks and the +bosom of her dress. It was very babyish and foolish, but it is to be +questioned whether she could have contrived a more telling situation +had she studied it for a month. + +"What is it!" inquired Frederic, kindly, not releasing the fingers +that twitched, more than struggled, in his. "Have you been +frightened?" + +"Yes," with grieved, but fearless simplicity, "I was frightened +because I thought I had offended you--perhaps driven you away--and +that I should never be able to ask your forgiveness for my cruel +abruptness last night! In thinking about and worrying over this, I +somehow lost my way, and was just trying to remember by what route I +reached this strange neighborhood, when your appearance startled +me." + +"You did not know, then, that this is Bachelor's Hall--the haunt of +unmated Benedicts, wifeless visitors to the city, and celibate M. +C.'s?" he rejoined, pleasantly. "Let me be your guide to more +desirable as well as more accessible quarters!" + +On the stairs he bent to scan her blushing countenance. + +"How am I to punish you for your naughty distrust of my friendship +and common sense? I have been too busy all day to spare a minute for +social pleasure. I dined at two o'clock, having an appointment at +three, returned at half-past five, and was just coming down to your +parlor to look you up. Another bit of unimportant news, with which I +should not have annoyed you if you had not merited a little vexation +by your preposterous fancies, is, that, instead of taking an early +train to Philadelphia, I have to-day entered into engagements that +will oblige me to prolong my stay in this place until the first of +February." + +He looked bright and cheerful, ready for sport or badinage. Rosa +caught herself wondering many times during that evening, and the +succeeding days of the three weeks they passed under the same roof, +if she had dreamed of--not beheld with her bodily optics--that one +stormy burst of passion which had been his farewell to the hope of a +final reconciliation with Mabel Aylett. + +He never spoke of her again, or referred, in the most distant +manner, to his visit at Ridgeley. The omission was an agreeable one +to Rosa for several reasons. Silence, she believed, was to oblivion +as a means to an end. Judging from herself, she adopted the theory +that people were apt to forget what they never talked of themselves, +nor heard mentioned by others. Furthermore, she was relieved from +the necessity of concocting diplomatic evasions, dexterously +skirting the truth, to say nothing of plump falsehoods. These last +cost her conscience some unpleasant twinges. To avoid narrating in +full what had happened was a work of art. A downright lie was a +stroke of heavy business, unsuited to her airy genius--and when the +Aylett-Chilton complication was upon the tapis, it was difficult to +avoid undertaking such. + +For three weeks, then, Mr. Frederic Chilton and the Virginian belle +visited concert, theatre, and assembly-room in company, sat side by +side in the spectators' gallery of House and Senate chamber, walked +in daylight along the broad avenues from one magnificent distance to +another, and on home-evenings--which were not many--chatted together +familiarly, the well-pleased Masons thought confidentially, by the +fireside in the family parlor. It must not be inferred from their +constant intercourse that he had the field entirely to himself. +Gallants of divers pretensions--first-class, mediocre, and +contemptible--considered with a practical eye to "settlement," +hovered about the fascinating witch as moths about a gas-burner, and +had no citable cause of complaint of non-appreciation, inasmuch as +she shed equal light upon all, save one. "My very old friend, Mr. +Chilton," she was wont to denominate him in conversation with those +who inwardly called themselves fools for their jealousy of a man of +whom she spoke thus frankly, with never a stammer or blush; yet they +acknowledged to themselves all the while that they were both +suspicious and envious of his superior advantages. However backward +Frederic may have been in the beginning to monopolize the notice and +time of his "sisterly friend," he was not an insensate block, who +could not perceive and value the compliment paid him by her +partiality--ever apparent, but never unmaidenly. Impute it to +whatever motive he might, the distinction titillated his vanity, +touched, at least, the outermost covering of his heart. It might be +pity, it might be pleasant, mournful memories of other days--it was +most likely of all a sincere platonic affection, for one with tastes +and feelings akin to hers that gave lustre to her eyes, and gentle +meaning to her smile when he drew near. At any rate, it would be +churlish not to accept the preference these conveyed, and to like +her and his position as her chosen knight better every day; it was +inevitable that he should marvel--not without melancholy-at the +flight of time that brought so soon the day of parting. + +The Masons, with himself, were engaged to attend a large party on +the last evening of January. Without analyzing the impulse that +constrained him to do so, he had refrained from reminding Rosa that +his stay in Washington was so nearly over, and, with masculine +consistency, he was half disposed to be affronted that she had +forgotten what he had said to her of its extent. He had never seen +her more lively--in more radiant spirits and looks--than she was +upon the night of the 30th. He had dropped into her aunt's parlor +about ten o'clock, and detected Rosa in the act of dragging her new +ball-dress from the box in which the mantua maker had sent it home. + +"Conceive, if you can--but you can't, being a man--what I have +undergone for an hour and more!" she cried, at seeing him. "My +treasure--the darlingest love of a dress I have ever ordered--was +brought in exactly two seconds before a brace of honorables-- +lumbering machines that they are! knocked at the door. So, lest they +should brand me as a frivolous doll (as if anybody with a soul, and +an infinitesimal degree of love for the beautiful, COULD help +admiring the divine thing!), I pushed the poor box under the sofa, +and there it has lain in ignominious neglect, like a pearl of purest +ray serene smothered in an oyster, all the time they were here. I +was purposely cross and stupid, too, in the hope of getting rid of +them the sooner. If you despise what most of your undiscriminating +sex call fancy articles, consider a woman's fondness for a ravishing +robe despicable and irrational, Mr. Chilton, you need not look this +way. You could hardly have a severer--certainly not a more +appropriate--punishment." + +"You depreciate my aesthetic proclivities," he rejoined, catching +her tone. "You would not trust my bungling fingers to help excavate +the gem, I know; but I may surely use my eyes--admire, as we bid +children do--with my hands behind my back." + +Notwithstanding his boast of knowingness in the mysteries of +feminine apparel, he could not have told of what material the divine +robe was made--except that it was some shiny white stuff, with wide +embroidery upon the flounces. But Rosa, her aunt, and cousin had +gone into ecstacies over it, and instigated by kind-hearted Mrs. +Mason, the enraptured owner had rushed off to Mrs. Mason's chamber +to try it on, returning presently in full array, elate at the +"perfect fit," and insisting upon a unanimous declaration that she +"had never before worn anything one-thousandth part as becoming." + +"It is a winsome, fantastic, enchanting little being!" remarked Mr. +Chilton, in soliloquy at his dressing-table, the next evening. "I +hope she will enjoy the gathering to-night, as she hopes to do. Will +she miss me at the next she attends?" + +Then--laughing at the sentimental visage portrayed upon the +mirror--"It would be the acme of ludicrous folly for me to disturb +myself on that score. We have had a pleasant time together--she and +I--and tomorrow it will be over. There is the whole story--except +that, in a month I shall cease to think of her, unless her name is +accidentally uttered in my hearing--I wish I could forget some +other things as easily!--and she will probably be the affianced +darling of one of the lumbering Honorables--the elder and homelier +of the brace, I fancy, since he is the wealthier, and the +humming-bird should have a fitting cage." + +Expressing in his composed lineaments and firm stride nothing like +disconsolateness at the programme, he flung his cloak over his arm, +took his white gloves in his hand, cast a passing glance at the +glass to see that his whiskers and hair were in order, and ran down +the two flights of stairs lying between Bachelor's Hall and the +Masons' private parlor. + +"Come in!" said a plaintive voice, in answer to his knock. + +Rosa was alone in the cosy apartment. She was curled up in a great +padded chair, set upon the hearth-rug. Her dress was a plain black +silk; she wore a scarlet shawl, and her head-gear was some odd, but +distractingly pretty construction of white lace, a square folded in +two unequal triangles, and knotted loosely, handkerchief-wise, the +points in front, under her chin. + +"Not ready!" exclaimed Frederic, in merry reproach. "You, the model +of punctual women!" + +"I am not going!" sighed the humming-bird, dolorously. "I have had a +horrid sore throat all day--and--a--headache--and Aunt Mary got +frightened, and forbade me to put my head out of doors." + +"That is a heart-rending affliction! And could you not send the +incomparable dress as your representative?" + +"Don't laugh!" she said, jerking away her head. "I cannot bear it +to-night--not that I care the millionth part of a fig for all the +parties in christendom; and as for the dress, you think that I +haven't a soul above such frippery and gewgaws: but I wish I had +never seen it. I shall never wear it as long as I live!" + +And out came the laced cambric to absorb the gathering dew. + +"There is something in this I do not understand," said Frederic, +setting a chair for himself close to hers. "Are you really +suffering? I imagined that yours was a case of simple cold, and that +Mrs. Mason advised you to remain indoors chiefly on account of the +weather. It is raining hard!" + +"I am glad it is!" she replied, with the manner of one bereft of +human sympathy, and extracting gloomy delight from the unison of +nature with her morbid broodings. "And my throat isn't nearly so +painful as I made Aunt Mary believe. I did not want to go out. +Parties are an awful bore when one is sad-hearted." + +"You really must forgive me!" said Frederic, as she twitched her +face away again at the laugh he could not suppress. "But sadness and +you should not be thought of in the same week. Honestly, now! is not +the inimitable fabric you sported for five minutes last night, at +the bottom of what appears to you a fathomless abyss of woe? Have +you tried the efficacy of rational consolation in the thought of how +many more parties there will be this winter to which you can wear +it? The Secretary of State is to give one in ten days, which is to +be the sensation of the season. That of to-night is, in comparison, +as a caucus to a general convention." + +"I shall never put on the hateful thing again. If Julia Cunningham +chooses to bedizen herself in it, she is welcome to it--flounces and +all. Yet I did like it! I had hoped--but no matter what! You had +better be going, Mr. Chilton. Aunt and the rest of them wenl +three-quarters of an hour ago." + +"Does a dress go out of fashion in so short a time?" persisted +innocent Frederic, bent upon mitigating her sorrow. "If my memory +serves me aright, I have seen ladies wear the same ball-dress +several times in the same winter." + +"You will never see this on me," snapped Rosa, her eyes ominously +fiery again. "Did you hear me advise you of the lateness of the +hour?" + +"Suppose I decline appearing at all in the festal scene?" said the +gentleman. "I shall not be missed. I will just run down and dismiss +the carriage--then, with your permission, will return and spend the +evening here." + +Her cheeks looked as if they had been touched with wet vermilion, +when he resumed his place near her, and the folds of the +handkerchief in her hand hung more limply. + +"I ought not to allow this sacrifice!" she faltered gratefully. +"Because I have the vapors, I have no right to keep you within reach +of the infection. It is shamefully, wickedly selfish!" + +"It is no such thing!" he contradicted. "If you would know the +truth, I was, myself, averse to attending this 'crush.' But for your +indisposition, I should hail with unmixed pleasure the chance that +releases me from the obligation to form a part of the throng. It is +far more in consonance with my feelings to pass this, our last +evening together, as we have spent so many others, in quiet talk at +this fireside. I had not supposed it possible that I could ever feel +so much at home in a hotel--a Washington caravansary especially--as +I have within the last three weeks. Do you know, or have you not +burdened your memory with such unimportant memoranda as the fact, +that I must set my face Philadelphia-ward to-morrow?" + +"I had not dreamed that the time was so near at hand--it seemed such +a little while since the evening of our arrival--until I happened, +last night, after you left us, to take up Mrs. Rogers' +invitation-card for this evening. THEN, I recollected!" + +Her listless resignation had in it something piteous, and the lever +of compassion impelled him to further efforts of cheer. + +"I have to thank you for all the enjoyment of my visit to this, +heretofore to me, dismal city. If you should ever visit +Philadelphia--as I earnestly hope you will--you must acquaint me +with your whereabouts immediately upon your arrival. I should be +sorry to think that our friendship is to end here and now." + +"As well here and now, as anywhere and at any time!" returned Rosa, +yet more resignedly. "And the end must come, sooner or later. This +was what I was saying over to myself when you came in. I am a +fool--a baby--to mind it!" angrily dashing away the obtrusive brine +from her mournful eyelids. "I WISH you would leave me alone for a +few minutes, Mr. Chilton, until I can behave myself!" + +For a second it seemed that her companion would take her at her +word, so puzzled and troubled was his countenance, and he moved +slightly, as about to obey the petulant behest; then sat still. + +"I have found no fault in your behavior!" he said, too coolly to +please Rosa's notion. + +"I know you despise me!" she burst forth, chokingly. "I believe I am +hysterical, and the more I rail at my stupidity and folly, the more +unmanageable my nerves--if it is my nerves that are out of order-- +become. But I have been so happy, so content and grateful, lately! +And everything will be so different after--after TO-MORROW!" + +Her voice had failed to a sobbing whisper, and the diaphanous +cambric veiled her bowed face. + +Frederic Chilton did not stir a finger or attempt to speak for a +full minute, but in that minute he thought a volume, felt acutely. + +This, then, was what he had been doing in his hours of relaxation +from the business which had occupied his mind to the banishment of +nearly every other consideration; that had driven into comparative +obscurity the old gnawing grief which had incorporated itself with +his being! The intimacy with a beautiful, sprightly girl had been a +holiday diversion to him after arduous brain-labor, recreation +sought conscientiously and systematically, that his mental powers +might be clearer and fresher for the next day's toil in court and +among perplexing records; in hunting up titles and disputed +property, and proving their validity. He had gained the cause that +had brought him to the capital, and cost him so much fatigue and +anxiety, and was proud of his success. But what of this other piece +of work? Would not the most cold-blooded flirt, who ever prated of +fidelity, when he meant betrayal and desertion, blush to father this +business? And she, poor, guileless lamb, must bear the pain, the +mortification, perhaps the contumely, which ought to be his in +seven-fold measure! + +"Stay, Rosa!" he said, huskily, when she attempted to rise. "Do not +leave me yet. I may not be altogether so unworthy, so basely callous +as I have given you reason to suppose. Can it be that I have +misconstrued what you have said, or do you really care that our +separation is so near? I had not thought of this." + +"I understand." She lowered her flag of distress and confronted him +sorrowfully, not in resentment. "You believed me incapable of deep +and lasting feeling; saw in me no more than the world does, a giddy +coquette, feather-haired and shallow-hearted. Be it so. Perhaps it +is best that you should not be undeceived. Such injustice and +prejudice are the penalties a woman must suffer who wears a tinsel +cloak over her finer affections--admits but few, sometimes but one, +to her sanctum sanctorum. The gushing, loving, extensively-loving +class fare better. You have been very kind and attentive to me in my +strangerhood here, Mr. Chilton. I must always revert to your conduct +with gratitude. By the way"--a hysterical laugh breaking into her +dignified acknowledgment of benefits received--"that is the same, +in substance, that you said to me a while ago, isn't it? So we are +even--owe each other nothing." + +"Except to love one another." The solemn accents hushed her reckless +prattle. "Rosa, can you learn this lesson?" + +She had shrunk down--sunk is not the word to convey an idea of the +prostration of strength, the collapse of resolution, expressed by +the figure cowering in the deep chair, its face upborne and hidden +by the shaking hands. They were cold as ice, Frederic felt, when he +would have drawn them aside. + +"We will have no foolish reserves, my child. Much, if not all, the +happiness of our future lives may depend upon our perfect sincerity +now. You do not require to be told how poor is the offering of my +heart. You are the only person who has ever entered into the secret +of its emptiness and desolation; seen blight, where there should be +bloom; ashes, where flame should glow. But such as it is, it is +yours, if you will have it. If you are willing to trust yourself +with me, I will cherish as I now honor you, truly and forever; leave +no means untried that can add to your happiness. Dare you make the +venture?" + +Her unstudied caress was beautiful and pathetic in its lowliness of +humility and earnest affection--too earnest for the commonplace +outlet of words. It was to slip to her knees at his feet, and kiss +his hand, then lay her cheek upon it, as some dumb, devoted thing +might do. + +Then she was lifted into his arms, and kissed with a fervor she +mistook for awakening passion, and her heart bounded more madly in +the belief that her victory was complete, that he would henceforward +be hers in feeling as in name. + +Yet the words breathed into her ear as her head rested upon his +bosom might have taught her the fallacy of her conviction and her +hopes. + +"My noble, faithful girl! What have I to offer you in payment for +all this?" + +"I ask nothing, except the right to be with, and to serve you!" +responded Rosa. + +And she thought she spoke the whole truth for once. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +AUNT RACHEL WAXES UNCHARITABLE. + + + + + +"A SLY, artful, treacherous jade?" articulated Mrs. Sutton, +energetically. "I have no patience with her. And they say she is so +overjoyed at her conquest that she trumpets the engagement +everywhere. Such shameless carrying on I never heard of. If she ever +crosses my path I shall treat her to some wholesome truths." + +"What good would that do, aunt?" asked Mabel Dorrance, without +raising her head from her sewing. "And what has she done that should +incense you or any one else against her? She was free to choose a +husband, and we have no right to cavil at her choice. I hope she +will be very happy. I used to love her--we loved each other very +fondly once. There are some excellent traits in Rosa's character, +and when she is once married she will be less volatile." + +"Don't you believe it. Her flightiness and insincerity are ingrain! +I believed in her once myself--she had such beguiling ways, it was +hard to disapprove of anything she said or did. But I was secretly +aware, all the time, that there was a radical defect in her +composition. A woman who has been engaged, or as good as engaged, to +six or eight different men, cannot retain much purity of mind or +strength of affection. I heard you tell her yourself once that such +unscrupulous flirtation and bandying of hearts were profane touches +that rubbed the down from the peach." + +"That was the extravagant talk of a silly, romantic girl," replied +Mabel, with a smile that changed to a sigh before the sentence was +finished. "I was somewhat given to lecturing other people, in those +days, upon subjects of which I knew little or nothing. Nine men out +of ten care little how roughly the peach has been rubbed, provided +the flavor is not injured to their taste. It is only once in a great +while that you meet with one whose palate is so nice that he can +detect the difference between fruit that has been hawked through the +market and that just picked from the tree. First love is a myth at +which rational people laugh." + +"Perhaps so," said Mrs. Sutton dubiously. + +In view of the circumstances of Mabel's marriage, she felt that it +behooved her to be circumspect in condemnation of transferred +affections. + +"But that does not alter the fact of Rosa Tazewell's infamous +behavior to Alfred Branch and others of her beaux. Isn't the poor +fellow drinking himself into his grave, all through his +disappointment? And here she is going to be as honored a wife as if +she had never perjured herself, or ruined an honest, loving man's +prospects for life!" + +Mabel went on with her work, and did not reply. + +"I have had uncomfortable suspicions about certain passages in her +intercourse with us, since I heard this news," continued Mrs. +Sutton, edging her chair toward her niece, and dropping her voice. +"I am afraid I can date the beginning of her cruelty to Alfred back +to that September she spent here--to the latter part of it, I mean. +Little scenes come to my memory that caused me trifling uneasiness +then. I shall never forget, for instance, how she eyed you, the +morning Winston came home so unexpectedly." + +And she described the incident recorded in the latter part of our +opening chapter. + +"Can it be," she pursued, "that she had even then designs upon the +man she is about to marry? She knew all the circumstances of the +trouble that ensued, and if disposed to be meddlesome, she had the +means at her command." + +"I told her nothing," said Mabel briefly. + +"But she pumped me pretty effectually," confessed the aunt +shamefacedly. "I thought there could be no harm in giving her a +synopsis of the case--she being your intimate friend." + +Another gleam of pensive amusement crossed Mabel's face. She knew +too well the nature of her aunt's "synopsis" to doubt that Rosa was +conversant with every phase of the affair, concerning which her own +lips had been so sternly sealed. + +"You have nothing with which to reproach yourself," she said, +tranquilly. "She marries with her eyes open." + +"You don't imagine for one instant that she would be annoyed by any +such scruples as beset you!" cried Mrs. Sutton scoffingly. "Why, the +woman would sooner go to the altar with a handsome, dashing +libertine, who had broken hearts by the dozen, than marry a quiet, +honest Christian, who had never breathed of love to any ears except +hers. The aim of her life is to create or experience a sensation. I +don't quite see how she could have made trouble in that sad affair, +but I should like to be positive that she did not." + +"You may safely acquit her of that sin," rejoined Mabel. "There was +neither need nor room for her interference. Whatever may have been +her inclination, she was shrewd enough to perceive that the natural +course of events was bringing about the desired end--if it were a +desirable one to her--without her help or hindrance. But, aunt! +doesn't it strike you that this is a very profitless talk, and very +uncharitable? It is a sorry task, this volunteering our assistance +to the dead past to bury its dead. And I, for one, have too much +bound up in the future to offer my service in the painful work. +Look! is not this pretty?" + +She was embroidering a white merino cloak for an infant, in a +pattern so rich and elaborate, that Mrs. Sutton groaned in +commingled admiration and sympathy as she inspected it. + +"You are throwing time and strength away upon this work!" she +expostulated. "I don't know another lady in your circumstances who +would not take her friends' advice, and put out all the sewing you +need to have done. But your eyes and fingers have labored +incessantly for six months upon the finest work you could devise, +and you begin to look like a shadow. I don't wonder Mr. Dorrance +seems uneasy sometimes. He complained this morning that you did not +take enough exercise in the open air." + +"He is not anxious, nor should he be. I am well, and stronger than +you will believe. As to the work, it has been one great delight of +my existence during the period you speak of. I could not endure that +anybody but myself should assist in fashioning the dainty, tiny +garments that make my hope an almost present reality. Every stitch +seems to bring nearer the fulfilment of the dear promise. I only +regret that this is the last of the set. I shall be at a loss for +occupation for the next two months. And I fear from something +Herbert said to-day, that he does not intend for me to return to +Albany until the spring fairly opens. Dr. Williams has been talking +to him about my cough." + +"Dr. Williams is a fussy old woman, and Mr. Dorrance"--began Mrs. +Sutton. + +Mabel quietly took up the word. + +"Mr. Dorrance is ignorant of diseases and medicines, as men usually +are who have not studied these with a view to practise upon +themselves or others. I have said that he is not really uneasy; but +he says, and with truth, that the Northern March and April are raw +and cold, and will try my strength severely. Winston and Clara share +in his fears. It is very kind in them to tender me the hospitalities +of their house for so long a time, but I should feel more at home in +my own, during my illness and convalescence." + +"Why not tell your husband this plainly?" + +"Because it might bias his judgment and embarrass his action. I am +willing to do as he thinks best." + +There were not many subjects upon which Mrs. Sutton was irascible, +but she patted the floor with her foot now as if this was one of +them--her discontent finding vent at length in what she regarded as +a perfectly safe query. + +"Will he remain with you?" + +"He cannot. His business is large and increasing. He can afford but +this one fortnight vacation." + +"How do you expect to get along without him?" + +"I expect my dear old aunt to come often and see me," said Mabel +affectionately, parrying the catechism "Clara suggested, of her own +accord, when the extension of my visit was discussed, that you +should be invited to be with me late in April--and I don't want you +to refuse. Do you understand, and mean to be complaisant? You are +all the mother I have ever known, auntie." + +"My lamb! you need not fear lest I shall not improve every +opportunity of seeing and comforting you. I shall return a civil and +grateful reply to Mrs. Aylett's invitation, for your sake! and for +the same reason try and remember, while I remain her guest, that her +right to be and to reign at Ridgeley is superior to yours or mine." + +The good lady was not to be harshly censured if she now and then, in +private confabulation with her favorite, let fall a remark which was +the reverse of complimentary to her niece-in-law. Mabel's marriage +was the signal for a radical reorganization of the Ridgeley domestic +establishment, by which Mrs. Sutton was reduced from the busy, +responsible situation of housekeeper to the unenviable one of +unnoticed and unconsulted supernumerary. + +"Not that I wish you to desert your old quarters, still less to feel +like a stranger with us," said Mrs. Aylett graciously, while she +affixed shining brass labels to the keys of closets, sideboards, and +store-rooms--the keys Aunt Rachel could distinguish from one +another, and all others in the world, in the darkest night, without +any labels whatever; which had grown smooth and bright by many +years' friction of her nimble fingers. "But Mr. Aylett wishes me to +assume the real, as well as nominal, government of the +establishment"--Mrs. Aylett was fond of the polysyllable as +conveying better than any other term she could employ the grandeur +of her position as Baroness of Ridgeley. "He insists that the +servants are growing worthless and refractory under the rule of so +many. Hereafter--this is his law, not mine--hereafter, those +attached to the house department are to come to me about their +orders, and the plantation workmen to him. I shall undoubtedly have +much trouble in curing the satellites appointed to me of their +irregular habits, and reducing them to something resembling system; +but Winston's extreme dissatisfaction with the anarchy that +prevailed under the ancien regime moves me to the undertaking." + +"They have always--for generations back, I may say--been called +excellent servants; faithful in the discharge of their duties, and +attached to their owners," returned Mrs. Sutton tremulously. "And +since I have been in charge--ever since my dear sister's death, I +have done my best with them, as with everything else committed by my +nephew to my care. But of course I have nothing to urge against your +plan. If I can help you in any way"--- + +"Thank you! You are extremely kind, my dear madam," honeyedly. "But +I should be ashamed and sorry to be compelled to call upon you for +assistance in performing what you have done so easily and +successfully for fifteen years. I must learn confidence in my own +powers, if I would be respected by underlings. They would be quick +to detect the power behind the throne; let me hold counsel with you +ever so secretly, and my authority would be weakened by the +discovery. I have not the vanity to believe that my maiden attempt +at housewifery will be attended by the distinction that has crowned +yours, but practice will perfect in this, as in other labors. And my +dear Mrs. Sutton, Mr. Aylett bids me say, in his name, as it gives +me pleasure to do in my own, that although your occupation is gone, +you are ever welcome to a home at Ridgeley, free of all expense. It +is our hope that you may still content yourself here, even if Mabel +has gone from the nest. I suppose, however, nothing will satisfy +her, when she goes to housekeeping, but having you with her as a +permanent institution. My brother intimated as much to me before his +marriage." + +Declining with mild hauteur, that gave great, but secret amusement +to her would-be benefactress, the handsome offer of a free asylum, +Mrs. Sutton went to live with a cousin of her late husband's, whose +snug plantation was situated about twelve miles from the Aylett +place, and in the neighborhood of the Tazewells. It was a pleasant, +but not a permanent arrangement, she gave out to her numerous +friends, any of whom would have accounted themselves favored by an +acceptance of a home for life in their families. + +"Ridgeley was changed and lonely since Mabel's departure, and her +own habits were too active to be conformed to those of so small a +household. Indeed, there was nothing for her to do there any longer, +so she was glad to avail herself of Mrs. William Sutton's invitation +to stay a while with her. The children made the house so lively. In +the fall, the house Mr. Dorrance was having built for his Southern +bride would be ready for them, and Mabel's claim upon her aunt's +society and services must take precedence of all others." + +The fall came, and Mabel wrote detailed descriptions of the +beautiful home Herbert had prepared for her; wrote, moreover, with +more feeling and animation, of the new and precious hopes of +happiness held out to her loving heart in the prospect of what the +spring would give into her arms, but said nothing of her aunt's +coming to her for the winter, or for an indefinite period, the +bounds of which were to be set only by her beloved relative's +wishes. The omission was trying enough to the foster-mother's heart +and patience, even while she believed the knowledge of it to be +confined to herself. She could still hold up her head bravely among +her kindred and acquaintances, and talk of the "dear child's" good +fortune and contentment with it; how popular and beloved she was +among them, and what an elegant house her generous husband had +bestowed upon her; could still hint at the instability of her own +plans, and the possibility that she might, at any day or hour, +determine to leave her native State and follow her "daughter" into +what the latter represented was not an unpleasant exile. + +An end was put to this innocent deception--for, if any deception can +be termed innocent, it is surely that by which he who practises it +is himself beguiled--the blameless guile was then arrested by a +story repeated to her by her indignant hosts, as having emanated +directly from Mrs. Aylett. She had given expression, publicly, at a +large dinner-party, to her amazement and pity at the self-delusion +under which "poor, dear Mrs. Sutton" labored, in expecting to take +up her residence with Mr. and Mrs. Dorrance. + +"My brother laments her hallucination as much, if not more than his +wife does," she said, in her best modulations of creamy compassion. +"But, indeed, my dear Mrs. Branch, they are not accountable for it. +Not a syllable has ever escaped either of them which a reasonable +person could construe into a request that she should become an +inmate of their household. So careful have they been to avoid +exciting her expectations in this regard, that they have refrained +from extending to her an invitation for even a month. Those who are +most familiar with the poor lady's peculiarities do not require to +be told how ill-advised would be the arrangement she desires. Mabel +is a thoroughly sensible woman, and too devoted a wife to advocate +anything so injudicious, while her husband is naturally jealous for +her dignity and the inviolability of her authority in her own house. +Mrs. Sutton left Ridgeley in opposition to our earnest entreaties +that she would spend the evening of her days with us. I was assured +then, as I am now, that she would receive the same love and respect +nowhere else. But she could not brook the semblance of interference +with her rule where she had reigned so long and irresponsibly. And +while we may deplore, we can hardly find fault with this weakness. +It must have been a trial--and not an ordinary one--to be obliged, +at her age, to resign the sceptre she had swayed for upward of +fifteen years." + +"'Their words are smoother than oil, but in their mouths is a drawn +sword,'" quoted Mrs. Sutton, in meek protest against the sugared +malice of this slander when it was told to her. "This is none of +Mabel's doings. She loves me dearly as ever, but one might as well +hope to move the Blue Ridge as to teach that pragmatical husband of +hers to consult her wishes and her good, before he does his own. His +head is hard as a flint, and his heart--never mind! Heaven forgive +me if I am unjust to him! I should be thankful that he does not +really mean to misuse my darling. Now, my dears, you see how +undesirable an inmate of any house I am rated to be. If you wish to +retract your offer of a hiding-place for my old head, I shall not +take it amiss. Thanks to Providence and my dear Frederic I have +enough, to maintain me decently anywhere in this country. I shall +never be chargeable to anybody for my food, victuals, and lodgings. +If you are willing to let me board here and do odd stitches for the +children when they tear their aprons and rub out the knees of their +trowsers--just to keep me out of mischief, you understand!--I +promise to be as little officious in housewifely concerns as it is +in my nature to be." + +William Sutton and his wife--a woman who was both sagacious and +amiable--reiterated their assurances that she could not confer a +greater boon upon them than by remaining where she was, and with +them she had stayed until Mr. Aylett sent over the Ridgeley +carriage, one day in the third week in February, with a note from +Mabel, begging her aunt to present herself, without needless delay, +at the homestead, since she was not reckoned sufficiently strong to +attempt the uneven and muddy roads that still separated them. Mrs. +Aylett also dispatched a billet by the coachman, the graceful burden +of which was the same as that of Mabel's petition, and the two +long-sundered friends were speedily together; fellow-partakers of a +bountiful and painstaking hospitality, which kept them continually +in mind that they were guests, and not at home. + +The dialogue relative to Rosa Tazewell's matrimonial project took +place on the third day of Mrs. Sutton's visit, in Mabel's chamber, +and when the former, having talked off the topmost bubbles of her +righteous wrath, recollected several very important +letters--business and friendly--she ought to have written a week +ago, and trotted off to her room where she could perform the +neglected duty without visible and outward temptation to that she +was more fond of doing--to wit, talking--the young wife continued +to work steadily, and with apparent composure. It was not a bright +face on which the light from the western windows fell, yet it was +not unhappy. She had never pretended to herself that her marriage +was a step toward happiness, but she had believed that it would +secure to her a larger share of peace, immunity from disturbance, +and independence of thought and action, than fell to her lot in her +brother's house, and for these negative benefits she longed wearily. + +Mr. Aylett was not wantonly or openly unkind to his ward, and +ungenerous persecution was utterly incompatible with the temper and +habits of his lady wife, but between them they had contrived to make +the girl's life very miserable. It was Winston's cue--adopted, let +us hope, from the strict sense of duty he avowed had ever actuated +him in his treatment of the charge bequeathed him by his father--to +deport himself with calm, seldom-relaxed severity to one who had +showed herself to be entirely unworthy of confidence; to exercise +unremitting surveillance upon her personal association with young +people out of the family and her correspondence, and to curb by look +and oral reproof the most distant approach to what he condemned as +indiscreet levity. In a thousand ways--many of them ingenious, and +all severe, she was made to feel the curtailment of her liberty, and +given to understand that it was the just retribution of her unlucky +love-affair with an unprincipled adventurer. Mrs. Aylett professed +to discountenance this policy--to be Mabel's secret friend and ally, +while she deemed it unwise to combat her husband's will by overt +measures for his sister's protection. + +Thus, for a year, the object of his real displeasure and her +affected commiseration lived under a cloud, too proud to complain of +her thraldom, but feeling it every second; mourning, in the +seclusion of the trebly barred chambers of her heart, over her +shattered idol and squandered affections, and fancying, in the +morbid distrust engendered by the discovery of her lover's baseness, +and the weight of her brother's unsparing reprobation of her insane +imprudence, that she descried in every face, save Aunt Rachel's, +contempt or rebuke for the faux pas that had so nearly cast a stigma +upon her name and lineage. + +In Herbert Dorrance's honest admiration and assiduous courtship the +most suspicious scrutiny could detect no tincture of either of these +feelings, and it was not long before she took refuge in his society +from the risk of being wounded and angered by the supposed +exhibition of them in others. Here was one man who could not but +know of her folly, in all its length, breadth, and depth, who was a +witness of her daily chastisement for it at her guardian's hands, +yet who esteemed her unsullied by the unworthy attachment, +undegraded by punishment. Gratitude had a powerful auxiliary in her +feverish longing to escape from scenes that kept alive to the quick, +memories she would have annihilated, had her ability been +commensurate with her will. All other associations with the house in +which she, and her father before her, had been born, and in which +she had passed her childhood and girlish days, were overrun by the +thickly thronging and pertinacious recollections of the two short +weeks Frederic Chilton had spent there with her. He haunted her +walks and drives; trod, by her side, the resounding floor of the +vine-covered portico, sat with her in parlor and halls; sang to her +accompaniment when she would have exorcised the phantom by +music--was always, whenever and wherever he appeared--the tender, +ingenuous, manly youth she had loved and reverenced as the +impersonation of her ideal lord; the demi-god whom she had +worshipped, heart and soul--set, in her exulting imagination no +lower than the angels, and beheld in the end,--with besmirched brow +and debased mien, a disgraced sensualist, not merely a deceiver of +another woman's innocent confidence, and her tempter to dishonor and +wretchedness, but a poltroon--a whipped coward who had not dared to +lift voice or pen in denial or extenuation of his crime. + +The law of reaction is of more nearly universal application in moral +and in physical science than men are willing to believe. We have +seen how cunningly Rosa calculated upon it, and wiser people than +she, every day, attribute the most momentous actions of their lives +to its influence. + +"My advice to every woman is to marry for GOODNESS--simple +integrity of word and deed!" said a lady, once in my hearing. + +She was an excellent scholar, attractive in person and in manner, +gifted in conversation and opulent in purse. Her hand had been +sought in marriage by more than one, and in early womanhood she had +made choice among her suitors of a man whose plausible exterior was +the screen of a black heart and infamous life. Convinced of her +mistake barely in time to escape copartnership in his stained name +and ruined fortunes, she set up the history of her deadly peril as a +beacon to others as ardent and unwary as her old-time self. Either +to put a double point upon the moral, or to insure herself against +similar mishap in the future, she wedded an amiable and correct +fool, a mere incidental in the work of human creation, who was as +incapable of making his mark upon the age that produced him as an +angle-worm is of lettering solid granite. + +Mabel's husband was not a simpleton, or characterless; but if he had +been, his prospetts of success would not have been materially +damaged by her knowledge of his deficiencies. A union with him was a +safe investment, and must be several degrees more supportable than +was her position at Ridgeley, banned by its owner and patronized by +his wife. I neither excuse nor blame her for thus deciding and +transacting. Should I censure, a majority of my readers--nearly all +of the masculine portion--would pick holes in my unpractical +philosophy, scout my reasoning as illogical, brand my conclusions as +pernicious--winding up their protest with the sigh of the mazed +disciples, when stunned by the great Teacher's deliverance upon the +subject of divorce, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it +is not good to marry!" + +Which dogma I likewise decline to dispute--falling back thankfully +upon the blessed stronghold of unambitious story-tellers--namely, +that my vocation is to describe what IS--not make fancy-sketches of +millennial days, when rectitude shall be the best, because most +remunerative policy; when sincerity shall be wisdom--proven and +indisputable, and consistency the rule of human faith and practice +the world over, instead of being, as it now is, one of the lost (or +never invented) fine arts. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +JULIUS LENNOX. + + + + + +"You are puttin' your eyes out, workin' so stiddy, honey, and it's +gettin' dark." + +Mabel aroused herself from her intent attitude, and looked at the +window. There was a brassy glimmer in the cloudy west; the rest of +the sky was covered by thick vapors. + +"The days are still very short," she said, folding her work, and +becoming aware that her eyes ached from long and close study of the +intricate pattern. + +It was Mammy Phillis who had interrupted her reverie, and she now +laid an armful of seasoned hickory wood upon the hearth, and set +herself about mending the fire, taking up the ashes which had +accumulated since morning, putting the charred sticks together, and +collecting the embers into a compact bed. + +"We're goin' to have fallin' weather 'fore long," she observed, +oracularly. "The wind has changed since dinner, and when the wind +whirls about on a sudden, we upon this ridge is the fust to find it +out. I must see that them lazy chil'len, Lena and Lizy, fills your +wood-box to-night with dry wood; I'd be loth to have you ketch cold +while you are here." + +"You are very good, Mammy, but why do you trouble yourself to attend +to my fire? You should have sent up Lena with that great load of +logs." + +"I ain't easy without I see to you myself, at least once a day. It +'minds me of the good ole times to wait upon you. O, Lord! how +long?" shaking her tartan turban with a portentous groan, her chin +almost scraping the hearth, as she stooped to blow into the crater +of fiery coals. + +Mabel was too well versed in the customs of the race and class to +take alarm at the mysterious invocation. She watched the old woman's +movements in a sort of pensive amusement at the recollection of an +incident of her childhood, brought vividly to her mind by the +servant's air and exclamation. + +She was playing in the yard one day, when "Mammy" emerged from her +cottage-door, and came toward her, with a batch of sweet cakes she +had just baked for her nursling. + +In crossing the gravel walk leading to the "house," she struck her +toe against the brick facing of this, and the cakes flew in all +directions. + +"Good Lord! my poor toe and my poor chile's cakes!" was her vehement +interjection; and as she bent to gather up the cookies, she grunted +out the same adjuration, coupled with "my poor ole back!"--a +negress' stock subject of complaint, let her be but twenty years old +and as strong as an ox. + +"Mammy!" said the privileged child, reprovingly, "I thought you were +too good a Christian to break the commandments in that way. You +shouldn't take the Lord's name in vain." + +"Gracious! Sugar-pie! how you talk! Ef I don't call 'pon Him in time +of trouble, who can I ask to help me?" was the confident reply. + +With no thought of any more formidable cause of outcry than a cramp +in the much-quoted spine, Mabel dreamed on sketchily and indolently, +enjoying the sight of the once-familiar process of building a +wood-fire, until the yellow serpents of flame crept, red-tongued +through the interstices of the lower logs, and the larger and upper +began to sing the low, drowsy tune, more suggestive of home-cheer +and fireside comfort than the shrill, monotonous chirp of the famous +cricket on the hearth. The pipe-clayed bricks on which the andirons +rested were next swept clean; the hearth-brush hung up on its nail, +and the architect of the edifice stepped back with a satisfied nod. + +"I have often wished for a glimpse of one of your beautiful fires, +Mammy, since I have been in Albany," said Mabel, kindly. "Our rooms +and halls are all heated by furnaces. An open fireplace would be a +novelty to Northerners, and such a roaring, blazing pile of hard +wood as that, be considered at unpardonable extravagance." + +"Humph! I never did have no 'pinion of them people." Phillis tossed +her turban and cocked her prominent chin. "It's all make money, and +save! save! If I was 'lowed to go with you, I'll be bound I'd see +you have sech things as you've been 'customed to. The new folks, +them what comed from nothin' and nowhar, and made every dollar they +can call their own with their own hands, don't know how to feel for +and look after real ladies." + +"You are wrong about that, if you mean that I have not every comfort +I could ask. My house is warm in the bitterest weather, and far more +handsomely furnished than this. And I have many kind friends. I like +the Northern people, and so would you, if you knew them well." + +"They send dreadful poor samples down this way, then," muttered +Phillis, significantly. "And, some as pertends to be somebody is +nobody, or wuss, ef the truth was known. Don't talk to me 'bout 'em, +Miss Mabel, darling! 'Twas a mighty black day for us when one on 'em +fust laid eyes upon Mars' Winston. You've hearn, ain't you, that my +house is to be tore down, and I'm to go into the quarters 'long with +the field hands and sich like common trash? So long as our skins is +all the same color, some folks can't see no difference in us." + +"I had not heard it. I am sorry." + +Mabel spoke earnestly, for "Mammy's house," a neat frame cottage a +story-and-a-half high, embowered in locust-trees, and with a +thrifty, although aged garden--honeysuckle clambering all over the +front, was to her one of the dearest pictures of her early days. She +could see herself, now--the motherless babe whom Aunt Rachel and +Mammy had never let feel her orphanage--sitting on the door-step, +bedecking her doll with the odorous pink-and-white blossoms in +summer time, and in autumn with the light-red berries. + +"Why is that done?" she asked. + +"I spiles the prospect, honey!" fiercely--ironical. "Northern folks +has tender eyes, and I hurts 'em--me and my poor little house what +ole marster built for me when Mars' Winston was a baby, and your +blessed ma couldn't be easy 'thout I was near her--WE spiles the +prospect! So, it must be knocked down and carted away for rubbish to +build pig-pens, I 'spose, and me sent off to live 'mong low-lived +niggers, sech as I've always held myself above. She ain't never put +it into Mars' Winston's head to cut down the trees that shets off +the "prospect" of the colored people's burying-ground from her +winder. There's some things she'd as lief not see. I oughtn't to +mind this so much, I know, for I ain't got long for to stay here +nohow, but I did hope to die in my nest!" sobbing behind her apron. + +"I am very sorry--more grieved than you can think!" repeated Mabel. +"If I could help you in any way, I would. But I cannot!" + +"Bless your heart! Don't I know that, dear! Here, you ain't got no +more power nor me. But I WAS a-thinkin' that maybe you wouldn't +think me too old for a nuss when you come to want one, and could +manage to take me with you when you went home. I'se a heap of wear +in me yit, and there ain't nothing 'bout babies I don't understand." + +Mabel colored painfully. + +"If I had my way"--she began--then altered her plan of reply. "I +could not enter into such an arrangement without consulting Mr. +Dorrance, Mammy, and I am afraid he would not think as favorably of +it as you and I do. He has been brought up with different ideas, you +see." + +"Um-HUM!" + +An interjection capable of as many and as varied meanings in the +mouth of a colored woman of her stamp as was little Jean Baptiste's +"altro!" It signified now--"I comprehend a great deal more than you +want me to perceive--you poor, downtrodden angel!" + +"Um-HUM. I always did say he was his sister's own brother--for all +they don't look a bit alike. What's born into a man never comes +out!" + +"Mr. Dorrance is my husband, Mammy! I shall not let you speak +disrespectfully of him. He does what he believes to be right and +just," returned Mabel, sternly. + +"I ain't a-goin' to arger that with you, my sugar-plum! You're +right to stand up for him. I beg your pardon ef I've seemed sassy or +hurt your feelin's. And I dar' say, there mayn't be nothin' wuss +'bout him nor his outside. And that don't matter so much, ef +people's insides is clean and straight in the sight of the Lord. But +HER outside is all that's decent about her, ef you'll listen to +me--" + +"You are forgetting yourself again!" said Mabel, unable to suppress +a smile. "Mrs. Aylett is your mistress--" + +The woman's queer behavior arrested the remonstrance. Stepping on +tiptoe to the door she locked it, and approached her young mistress +with an ostentatious attempt at treading lightly, shaking her head +and pursing up her mouth in token of secrecy, while she fumbled in +her bosom for something that seemed hard to get at. Drawing it forth +at last she laid it in Mabel's lap--a small leather wallet, glossy +with use, tattered at the corners, and tied up with a bit of dirty +twine. + +"What is this, and what am I to do with it?" + +Mabel shrank from touching it, so foul and generally disreputable +was its appearance. + +"Keep both your ears open, dearie, and I'll tell you all I know!" + +And with infinite prolixity and numerous digressions she recounted +how, in removing the sodden clothing of the unknown man who had been +picked up on the lawn on that memorable stormy Chistmas night, more +than a year before, this had slipped from an inner breast-pocket of +the coat, "right into her hand." Not caring to disturb the doctor's +examination of his patient, or to tempt the cupidity of her +fellow-servants by starting the notion that there might be other +valuables hidden in the articles they handled so carelessly, she had +pocketed it, unobserved by them, guessing that it would be of +service at the inquest. Her purpose of producing it then was, +according to her showing, reversed by Mrs. Aylett's stolen visit to +the chamber and minute inspection of garments she would not have +touched unless urged to the disagreeable task by some mighty +consideration of duty, self-interest, or fear. + +"'Then,' thinks I"--Phillis stated the various steps of her +reasoning--"'you wouldn't take the trouble to pull over them nasty, +muddy close, 'thout you expected to get some good out on 'em, or was +afeard of somethin' or 'nother fallin' into somebody else's hands.' +Whichsomever this mought be,'twasn't my business to be gittin' up a +row and a to-do before the crowner and all them gentlemen. 'Least +said soonest mended,' says I to myself, and keeps mum about the +whole thing--what I'd got, and what I'd seen. But when I come to +think it all over arterward, I was skeered for true at what I'd +done, and for fear Mars' Winston wouldn't like it. What reason could +I give him for hidin' of the pocketbook, ef I give it up to him? Ef +I tole all the truth, SHE'D be mad as a March hare, and like as not +face me down that all I had said was a dream or a lie, or that I was +drunk that night and couldn't see straight. I'd hearn her tell too +many fibs with a smooth tongue and a sweet smile not to be sure of +that! So, all I should git for my care of the repertation of my +fam'ly would be her ill-will, and to be 'cused by other people of +stealin', and for the rest of my days she'd do all she could to +spite me. For I'm sure as I stand here, Miss Mabel, that she knew, +or thought she knew, somethin' 'bout that poor, despisable wretch +that died up in the garret. What else brought him a-spyin' 'round +here, and what was there to make her faint when she ketched sight of +him a-lookin' in at her through the winder? and what COULD a sent +her upstars when everybody else was asleep, fur to haul his close +about, and poke them fine white fingers of hern into his pockets, +and pull his WHISKERY face over to the light so's to see it better? +Depend 'pon it, there's a bad story at the bottom of this somewhere. +I've hearn of many a sich that came of gentlemens' marrying +forringers what nobody knowed anything about. Anyhow, I want you to +take keer of this 'ere pocketbook. Ef I was to die all of a suddent, +and 'twas found 'mong my things, some mischief mought be hatched out +on it. It's safer in your hands nor it is in mine. Now, I'll jest +light your lamp, and you can 'xamine it, and pitch it into the fire, +ef you like, when you're through." + +In a cooler moment Mabel would have hesitated to obey the advice of +an ignorant, prejudiced person, her inferior in station and +intelligence. But in the whirl of astonishment, incredulity, and +speculation created by the tale she had heard, she untied the string +which formed the primitive fastening of the worn wallet, and +unclosed it. + +The main compartment contained four tickets, issued by as many +different pawnbrokers, testifying that such and such articles had +been deposited with them for and in consideration of moneys advanced +by them to Thomas Lindsay; a liquor-seller's score against William +Jones--unpaid; and a tavern bill, in which brandy and water, whiskey +and mint-juleps, were the principal items charged against Edmund +Jackson. This last was the only paper which bore the indorsement +"Rec'd payment," and this circumstance had, probably, led to its +preservation. The adjoining division of the wallet was sewed up with +stout black thread and Mabel had to resort to her scissors before +she could get at its contents. These were a couple of worn +envelopes, crumpled and dog-eared, and stained with liquor or salt +water, but still bearing the address, in a feminine hand, of +"Lieutenant Julius Lennox, U. S. N." In addition to this, one was +directed to Havana, Cuba; the other to Calcutta, in care, of a +mercantile or banking-house at each place. A third cover bore the +superscription, "CERTIFICATE," in bold characters. + +The negress' watchful eyes dilated with greedy expectancy at Mrs. +Dorrance's ghastly face when this last had been examind, but she was +foiled if she hoped for any valuable addition to her store of +information, or anything resembling elucidation of her pet mystery. + +"It will take me some time to read all these," remarked Mabel, still +scanning the half-sheet she held. "You had better not wait, Mammy. +They are safe with me. No one else shall see them, and no harm can +come to you through them." + +She promised mechanically what she supposed would soonest buy for +her privacy and needed quiet, and gave no heed to the manifest +disappointment of her visitor. + +When she was at last alone, Mrs. Dorrance relocked the door, and +bent close to the lamp, as if more light upon the surface of the +document would tend to clear up the terrible secret thus strangely +committed to her discretion and mercy. The paper was a certificate, +drawn up in regular form, and signed by a clergyman, whose address +was appended below, in a different hand writing--of a marriage +between Julius Lennox and Clara Louise Dorrance. + +"Her very name!" repeated the whitening lips. "I remember asking her +once what the 'L' in her signature stood for." + +But while she said it, there was a look in the reader's eye that +bespoke inability or reluctance to grapple with the revelation +threatened by the discovery. + +"The letters may tell me more!" she added, in the same frightened +whisper, refolding the certificate. + +They did--for they were in the long, sloping chirography of her +sister-in-law, and signed "Your ever-fond, but lonely wife." Each +contained, moreover, allusions to "Ellis," to "Clermont," to +"Julia," and to "Herbert"--all family names in the Dorrance +connection; spoke gratefully of her parents' kindness to his "poor +Louise" in the absence of "her beloved Julius;" and was liberally +spiced with passionate protestations of her inconsolableness and +yearnings for his return. Both were dated ten years back, and the +paper was yellow with time, besides being creased and thumbed as by +many readings. + +"What am I to do?" thought Mabel, sinking into her chair, trembling +all over with terror and incertitude. + +If there were one sentiment in Winston Aylett's heart that equalled +his haughtiness, it was love for his wife. But could it be that he +had totally forgotten pride and his habitual caution in the +selection of the woman who was to be the partner of his home, +fortune, and reputation--possibly the mother of children who were to +perpetuate the noble name he bore? By what miracle of unrighteous +craft, what subornation of witnesses, what concealments, what +barefaced and unscrupulous falsehoods had this adventuress been +imposed upon him as unmarried, when the evidence of her former +wedlock was held by a low stroller--a drunken wretch who might +betray it in an unguarded or insane hour, and who, judging from his +exterior, would not be averse to publishing or selling the +information if he could make more money by doing this than by +preserving the secret. And how came he by these papers? + +Confused, partly by his numerous aliases, more by incapacity to +conceive of such depth and complication of horror as were revealed +by the idea, the perplexed thinker did not, for a while, admit to +herself the possibility that the nameless vagabond may have been +Clara's living husband, instead of a mercenary villain who had +secured surreptitiously the proofs of a marriage she wished the +world to forget. Having learned that she had wedded, a second time, +in her maiden name, and that her antecedents were unsuspected in her +present home, the thought of extorting a bribe to continued silence, +from the wealthy lady of Ridgeley, would have occurred to any common +rascal with more audacity than principle. It was but a spark--the +merest point of light that showed her the verge of the precipice +toward which one link after another of the chain of circumstantial +evidence was dragging her. + +Groping dizzily among her recollections of that Christmas night, +there gleamed luridly upon her the vision of Mrs. Aylett's strange +smile, as she said, "It may be that his wife, if she were cognizant +of his condition, would not lift a finger or take a step to save his +life, or to prolong it for an hour!" + +Then, in response to Mabel's indignant reply--the momentary passion +darting from her hitherto languorous orbs, and vibrating in her +accents, in adding--"There are women in whose hearts the monument +to departed affection is a hatred that can never die." + +If this man were a stranger, from whom she had nothing to fear, why +her extraordinary agitation at seeing him, even imperfectly, through +the window? She must have known him well to recognize him in the +darkness and at that fleeting glimpse. Perhaps she had believed him +dead, until then! This would account for her clandestine visit to +his chamber, to which Mrs. Sutton and her niece had gone, without +effort at concealment; explain the rigid examination of his clothing +ensuing upon her scrutiny of his features. + +"I must be mad!" Mabel said, here, pressing her hand to her head. +"There does not live the woman, however wicked and hypocritical, who +could sit at ease in the midst of ill-gotten luxury, on an inclement +night, and talk smilingly of other things, if she suspected that one +she had known, much less loved, lay dying in wretchedness and +solitude so near her." + +The vagrant was some evil-disposed spy, whose person Clara knew, and +whose intentions she had reason to dread were unfriendly. Had she +dared--for she was daring--to attempt this nefarious plot against +the fair fame and happiness of an honorable gentleman, her family +would not have become her accomplices. They could not have blinded +themselves to the perils of the enterprise, the extreme +probabilities of detection, the consequences of Winston's anger. +Herbert, at least, would have forbidden the unlawful deceit. When +his sister was wedded to Winston, he believed that her first husband +was no longer in the land of the living--as she must also have done. + +"For he is a good--an upright man!" thought the wife. "But he was +privy to the fact of her previous marriage! Why have I never heard +of it? He has invariably spoken of Clara as having lived single in +her mother's house up to the date of her union with my brother." + +She could not but remember, likewise, that there was a certain tone +about the Dorrance connection she had never quite comprehended or +liked--a reticence with respect to details of family history, while +they were voluble upon generalities, over-fond of lauding one +another's exploits, virtues, and accomplishments; referring in +wonderful pride to "our beloved father," and extolling "our precious +mother," who, by the way, was so little in request among the +children, that she had, since Clara's marriage, occupied apartments +in a second-rate boarding-house in Boston. Mabel, when convinced of +the futility of her hope of having Aunt Rachel with her, had +proposed to offer Mrs. Dorrance a house in the commodious mansion of +her youngest son; but Herbert, with no show of gratification at what +he must have known was a sacrifice of her inclinations, had coolly +reasoned down the suggestion. The whole tribe--if she excepted her +husband, and perhaps Clara--had, to her perception, a tinge of +Bohemianism, although all were in comfortable circumstances, and +lived showily. Mabel had often chided herself for uncharitable +judgment and groundless prejudice, in admitting these impressions of +her relatives-in-law; but they returned upon her in this twilight +reverie with the force of convictions she was, each moment, less +able to combat. What darker secret lay back of the concealment her +rectitude of principle and sense of justice declared to be +unjustifiable? and might not this concerted and persistent reserve +imply others yet more culpable? + +It showed her correct estimate of her brother's character, that she +never for a second accused him of connivance in the deceit practised +upon his relations and neighbors. He would not have scrupled to wed +a widow, knowing and acknowledging her to be such. Nothing--not +love, tenfold more ardent and irrational than that he felt for his +siren wife--could have wrought upon him to introduce to the world, +as Mrs. Aylett of Ridgeley, one who had been before married, and was +ashamed, for any cause whatever, to avow this. The blemish left by +the acrid breath of common scandal upon a woman's fame was to him +ineffaceable by any process yet discovered by pitying man or angels. +The maligned one may not have erred from the straitest road of +virtue and discretion, but she had been "talked about," and was no +consort for him. In his State and caste, private marriages were +things disallowed, and but one shade more respectable than liasons +that did not pretend to the sanctity of wedlock. What would he say +when the contents of this dingy pocket-book were spread before him? +Ought his sister to do this? + +COULD she? He had not earned compassionate consideration from her by +any act of gentleness and forbearance. He had handled the +lopping-knife without ruth, and let the gaping wounds bleed as long +as the bitter ichor would ooze from her heart. She had learned +hardness and self-control from the lesson, but not vindictiveness. +Now that the power was hers to visit upon his haughty spirit +something of the humiliation and distress he had not spared her; +that it was her turn to harangue upon mesalliances and love-matches, +and want of circumspect investigation into early records before +committing one's self to a contract of marriage--she recoiled at +the thought; felt, in her exceeding pity for the trustful husband, a +stirring of the love she had herself once borne him in the days when +the changed homestead was her world, and its master a king among +men. + +And yet--and yet--was it the truest friendship--the most prudent +course to prolong the ignorance which left him liable at any moment +to be shocked into the perpetration of some desperate deed by the +discovery, through some other channel, of his wife's perfidy, and +the abominable snare that bad been woven about him! + + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"BORN DEAD." + + + + + +MABEL was still turning the vexed question of right and expediency +over in her fast-heating brain, the next evening, as she sat in the +parlor, and feigned to hearken to the diligent duett-practising +going on at the piano, her husband and Mrs. Aylett being the +performers. + +Mrs. Sutton had gone home that afternoon, engaging to return for a +longer sojourn in the course of a month. Mr. Aylett read his +newspaper at one side of the centre table, and his sister employed +her fingers and eyes at the other with a trifle of fancy-work---an +antimacassar she was crocheting for her hostess. Her industrious or +fidgetty habits were chronic and inveterate, and people, in +remarking upon them, did not reflect that this species of +restlessness is in itself a disease, seldom analyzed, more seldom +cured. There are few students or physicians of human nature, in this +world of superficial observers, who go deep enough into the springs +of man's action to distinguish the external symptoms of heart-cancer +from ossification, or to learn ihe difference between satiety and +atrophy. A night of nervous sleeplessness, a day of irresolution and +dread, had aggravated almost beyond her control the restlessness +which in Mabel was the unerring indication of unhealthiness of mind +and body. To sit still was impracticable; to talk connectedly and +easily would soon be as difficult. She was glad to see Aunt Rachel +go--immeasurably relieved when a musical evening was proposed by the +brother and sister, seconding the motion with alacrity that called +forth a pleased smile from the one, and a look of surprised +inquisitiveness from the other. + +"You have grown more fond of instrumental music," said Mrs. Aylett, +half interrogatively. "You used always to prefer vocal." + +"Try me and see what an appreciative listener I am," rejoined Mabel, +with a sickly smile, and the concert commenced. + +Overmuch thought upon the revelation of the preceding day had +begotten in her, fears of the imminence of the dangers to Winston's +peace of mind--a persuasion that the birds of the air and the +restless air itself might bear to him the news she still withheld. +Mammy had averred, upon her cross-examination, that "not a living +soul had ever seen the wallet" since it fell from the dying man's +pocket--an affirmation Mabel could not decide whether to believe or +discredit. If she could but be certain that the secret was all hers! + +She trembled guiltily when her brother folded his last paper, and +sauntered around to the back of her chair, leaning upon it, while he +affected to be interested in her work, and the too-ready scarlet +blood pulsed now hotly in her cheeks with each moment of his mute +observation. + +"I heard a piece of news to-day," he said, presently, in his most +even tone; but Mabel's start upon her seat was almost a leap, while +her fingers moved faster and more irregularly. + +"I suspect, from your unsettled demeanor this evening, that it +reached you before it did me," continued he. "I can attribute your +badly suppressed pertubation to no other cause. Mrs. Sutton is such +an indefatigable gossip, that this item could hardly have passed her +by. Has she told you that Rosa Tazewell is shortly to become Mrs. +Chilton?" + +"She has." + +He thought she was nerving herself to a simulation of hardihood, and +the long-indulged habit of censorship was strong upon him. + +"I had trusted, until to-day, Mabel, that you had conquered that +disgraceful weakness," he resumed, yet more pitilessly. + +Domination was one of his besetting sins. He never saw a helpless or +cowering thing without feeling the inclination to set his foot upon +it, and the least show of resistance in such, piqued him into +despotism. + +"I was aware that it was not dead when you married a man worth a +thousand such scoundrels as that fellow in Philadelphia. I believed +that the sentiment was powerful in impelling you to that marriage, +and that this irrevocable measure would be an antidote to the evil. +It was a wise course, and I commended you for pursuing it. But I am +too well read in your countenance and moods not to see that there is +something far amiss with you. You have been playing a part for +twenty-four hours, and you have played it wretchedly. Your nervous +flutters and laugh, your sudden changes of complexion, and the +incoherence of your language, would betray you to the least +penetrating observer. I caution you to be on your guard lest your +husband should take just offence at all this. The need of +dissimulation is the evidence that something is radically wrong in +your moral nature, and is derogatory to your lawful partner. I am +ashamed to remind you of the golden maxim of wedded life--that +without perfect and mutual confidence there can be no substantial +happiness. Does Dorrance know of your escapade at the Springs?" + +"If you refer to my engagement to Mr. Chilton, I told him of it +before our marriage." + +"I rejoice to hear it--am pleased at this one proof of good sense +and right feeling," in lofty patronage. "You owed him no less. You +have, without doubt been informed long since how I obtained the most +important proof against that villain?" + +"I have not heard Mr. Chilton's name in a year until yesterday," +said Mabel, the scarlet spots ceasing to flicker, and her voice hard +as was his own. + +Unable to interpret her sudden steadiness of demeanor and accent, +Winston leaped to the irritating conclusion that she was sullen, and +meditated a defiant retreat from this untimely usurpation of his +olden authority. + +"It was injudicious--miserably ill-judged in Dorrance not to +acquaint you with this. I have always feared lest his indulgence +might not be the most salutary method of repressing your self-will +and pride of opinion. You, more than any other woman I know, require +the tight rein of vigilant discipline. I intimated as much to +Dorrance when he asked my consent to your engagement. But this is +his lookout, not mine. What I began to say was that, in MY opinion, +he would have acted more sensibly had he not encouraged your +squeamish repugnance to talking of your early fault and its +mortifying consequences." + +"Fortunately for me, my husband is a man of feeling and delicacy!" +Mabel was goaded to boast. "I said to him, the evening of our +betrothal, that the subject you have chosen to revive to-night was +painful to me, and he has respected the reluctance you condemn." + +"He would have overcome it more quickly and thoroughly had he +informed you that he had had the honor of horse-whipping your +ci-devant betrothed!" sneered Winston, with white dinted nostrils. +"That he was the author of the letter, a portion of which I copied +for your perusal, when I announced the dissolution of your +provisional engagement--the main agent, in effect, of the rupture, +since but for him I should have had much difficulty in proving what +I had believed from the beginning--that the rascal ought to be shot +for presuming to think of you in any other light than as the merest +acquaintance. And he should never have been that, had I been with +you that unlucky summer." + +"We have been over that ground so often, Winston, that both of us +should be tolerably familiar with it," rejoined Mabel, decidedly. "I +prefer that, instead of reviewing the circumstances of what you term +my 'early fault,' you should show me the evidence of your singular +assertion respecting Mr. Dorrance's agency in a matter in which he +could not at that time have had the slightest personal interest. Or, +shall I ask him? It is an enigma to me." + +Without other answer than a contemptuous laugh, Winston left the +room, unnoticed by the musicians. But before she could form a +conjecture as to the meaning of his abrupt movement, he was back +with a letter in his hand. + +"Documentary testimony!" he said, shortly, passing it to her. "I +should have forwarded it entire, instead of transcribing an extract, +but for Clara's fear lest yon should be led thereby to dislike her +brother before you had ever seen him. I take it there is no danger +of prejudicing you against him now!" + +The letter was from Herbert Dorrance, and began thus: + +"Mr. Aylett: + +"Dear Sir,--Your favor of the 15th, enclosed in one from my sister, +reached me this morning." + +Then followed the expose of Frederic Chilton's misdeeds, which +Winston had transferred to his own epistle to Mabel, as the leading +argument in his refusal to sanction her engagement. + +Mabel read it through without flinching; then turned over to the +first page and put her finger upon a paragraph. + +"Who was the lady here mentioned?" + +Mr. Aylett shrugged his fine shoulders. + +"I have never interested myself to inquire. Beyond the statement of +your friend's rascality, the story was nothing to me." + +"Herbert!" + +The ringing call--sharp and clear--checked the pianists in the +middle of a bar. + +"Step here a moment, if you please!" + +The novelty of the imperative tone and the glitter of his wife's +eyes moved Mr. Dorrance to more prompt compliance than he would have +adjudged to be dignified and husbandly in the case of another man. + +Mabel held out the letter at his approach, still pointing to the +passage she had asked her brother to explain. + +"To whom does this refer? Who was the relative whose husband was a +naval officer?" + +Herbert Dorrance's constitutional phlegm was a valuable ally in the +very contracted quarters into which this question drove him, but his +sister was his deliverer. Affecting forgetfulness of the letter and +its contents, he glanced down one page, Mrs. Aylett leaning upon his +arm, and reading with him. + +"I don't think you need mind telling the name, here and at this late +day, Herbert," she said, seriously and slowly, "provided Mabel will +never repeat the story when it can do harm. Have you never heard any +of us speak of poor Ellen Lester, my mother's niece, who died +several years before your marriage?" accosting her sister-in-law, +with a face so devoid of aught resembling cowardly or guilty fears, +that Mabel's brain, tried and shaken, tottered into disbelief at her +own wild surmises. + +"Not that I remember!" + +"Is that so? Yet it might easily have been. She accompanied her +husband upon his last voyage, and the ship was never heard of again. +Her parents are dead, too, so there are few to cherish her memory. +She was a school-fellow of mine, and Herbert loved her as a sister." + +Mabel was gazing fixedly at her husband's stolid countenance and +averted eyes, and made no rejoinder until the silent intensity of +her regards compelled him to look up. Reading distrust and alarm in +these, he shook off his sister's warning hold. + +"When you wish to catechise me upon family matters, Mabel, it is my +wish that you should do it in private," he said, roughly. "Then you +shall learn all that it concerns you to know. There are subjects +into which only prurient curiosity cares to pry." + +"I beg your pardon!" answered Mabel, quietly. "I have but to say, in +self-defence, that I did not ask to see the letter." + +"It is a matter of profound indifference to me whether you did or +not," was the reply. "For aught that I know or cared, you may have +read it a year and a half ago. I retract nothing that is set down +there. Clara, shall we go on with our music?" + +Glancing around stealthily at the finale of the (sic) he saw that +Mabel's chair was vacant, and Mr. Aylett was reading composedly +beneath the lamp. + +Clara made the same discovery at the same moment, and came forward +laughing to her husband. + +"What had you been saying to our dear, excitable Mabel, that +challenged the introduction of that unfortunate document?" + +"Told her of Frederic Chilton's intended marriage!" curtly, and +without laying aside his volume. + +"Preposterous!" + +"I agree with you--but it is the truth." + +Herbert stood apart glowing at the fire. + +"You must have approached the subject unskilfully," urged the +peacemaker. "These old sores are oest left alone." + +"It is best for married woman to have none," retorted Winston, +doggedly. + +"She does not persist in doubting his unworthiness, does she?" +queried the wife, aside, but not so cautiously that her brother did +not hear her. + +He wheeled about suddenly. + +"She SHALL believe it, or call me a liar to my face!" he uttered, +angrily. "I will put a stop to this sentimental folly!" + +"You are late in beginning your reforms," observed Mr. Aylett, +dryly. + +"You are a less sensible man than I give you credit for being, if +you ever begin!" interposed his sister. + +"Leave Mabel to herself until she recovers from the shock--if it be +one--of this intelligence. The surest means of keeping alive a dying +coal is to stir and blow upon it. And even we"--lifting the heavy +locks of her husband's hair in playful dalliance--"even we are +mortal. We have had our peccadilloes and our repentances, and have +now our little concealments of affairs that would interest nobody +but ourselves. Do you hear what I am saying, Herbert! Leave off your +high tragedy airs and attend to reason, as expressed in your +sister's advice. While your wife is my invalid guest, I will not +have her subjected to any inquisitorial process. There is a time for +everything under the sun, saith the preacher. This is the season for +tender forbearance, and if need be, of forgiveness." + +Herbert blessed her humane tolerance in his alarmed heart, when +Mabel awoke from her troubled slumbers at midnight, in extreme pain, +that culminated before dawn, in convulsions. + +Two physicians were hastily summoned, and when Mrs. Sutton arrived +about noon, she met Phillis outside the door of the sick-chamber, +carrying a lifeless infant in her arms, and weeping bitterly. + +This was the end of the months of hopeful longing and glad +anticipation which were Heaven's messengers of healing and comfort +to the sick and lonely heart. The cunningly-fashioned robes were +never to have a wearer, the clasping arms to remain still empty. Oh +wondrous mystery--past finding out--of the human soul! Had the lungs +once heaved with breath, the heart given one throb; the eyes caught +one beam of Heaven's light ere they were sealed fast in eternal +darkness, she, who travailed with the infant through the +inexpressible agony of birth, would have been written a mother among +women; have had the right accorded her, without the cavil of +formalist or the disputations of science, to claim the precious +thing as her own still--a living baby-spirit that had fluttered back +to the bosom of the Almighty Father, after alighting, for one +painful moment, upon the confines of the lower world. As it was, +custom ordained that there should be no mourning for what had never +really been. Anguish, hope, and the patient love at which we do not +scoff when the mother-bird broods over the eggs that may never +hatch--these were to be no more named or remembered. In silence and +without sympathy she must endure her disappointment. The tenderest +woman about whose knees cluster living children, and who has sowed +in tears the blessed seed, that in the resurrection-morn shall be +gathered in beauteous sheaves of richest recompense--would smile in +pitying contempt over the tiny headstone which should be +lettered--"Born Dead." + +All this and much more Mabel was to learn with the return of health +and reason, but she lay now, like one who had passed for herself the +narrow sea that separates the Now from the Hereafter; her features +chiselled into the unmoving outlines of a waxen image, only a feeble +flutter of breath and pulse telling that this was lethargy, not +death. They watched her all night, Mrs. Sutton on one side and +Phillis on the other, the family physician stealing in with +slippered tread from hour to hour, to note with his sensitive touch +if the few poor drops of vital blood yet trickled from veins to +heart, always with the same directions, "Give her the stimulant +while she can swallow it. It is the only hope of saving her." + +Armed with this, the two devoted women fought the Destroyer, praying +inaudibly, while they wrought, for the life of the child they had +reared to her sorrowful womanhood. + +"HE'S asleep, and so is SHE!" whispered Phillis, once, pointing +alternately to the adjoining room where Herbert Dorrance awaited the +issue of this critical stage of his wife's illness, and to Mrs. +Aylett's chamber across the hall. "The Lord forgive 'em both! It +won't be they two that will shed many tears if so be she doesn't see +the light of another day--the murdered lamb! They tormented the life +out of her. I passed by her room last night before bed-time, and +heard her a-sobbin' and talkin' to herself, and walkin' up and down +the floor, and THEY a-bangin' away on the pyano down in the parlor!" + +The faithful creature's prejudice wronged one of the hated pair. +Mrs. Aylett's slumbers upon her downy couch might be none the less +serene for her sister-in-law's danger, but Herbert's was the sleep +of exhaustion, not callousness. He had been up all the previous +night, and racked by the wildest anxiety throughout the intervening +day, and to compass this vigil was beyond his physical powers. Mabel +would not miss him, and he could do nothing for her--would only be +in the way, being totally unpractised in the art of nursing, he +reasoned; and there was no telling what new draught upon his +strength the morrow might bring. He would just lie down for an hour; +then he would be fresh for whatever service might be required of +him. With this prudent resolve, he threw himself along the bed in +the spare-room, and was oblivious of everything sublunary until +sunrise. + +"If there should be any change, call me!" Mrs. Aylett had enjoined, +plaintively. "Winston will not hear of my sitting up, but I shall +not close my eyes all night, so do not hesitate to disturb me, if I +can be of any use whatever." + +Which, it is idle to remark, was the last thing either of the nurses +thought of doing. If their darling were, in truth, dying, they were +the fittest persons to receive her latest sigh; for had they not +been present at her birth, and did not her mother go to glory from +their supporting arms? + +There was a change, and not a favorable one, before daybreak. The +patient, from mutterings and restless starts, passed into violent +delirium, laughing, crying, and singing in a style so opposed to the +prescribed diagnosis of her case, as to lash the provincial doctor +to his wits' end, and extinguish in Aunt Rachel's sanguine heart the +faint hope to which she had clung until now. Herbert, awakened +finally by the turbulent sounds from the room he had been told must +be kept perfectly quiet, jumped up, and showed himself, with +disordered hair and blinking eyes, in the door of communication, +just as Mabel struggled to rise, and pleaded weepingly with those +who held her down that they would restore her child to her. + +"I had her in my arms not a moment ago!" she insisted. "See! the +print of her little head is here on my breast! You have taken her +away among you! I saw it all--those who ordered that it should be +done and those who did it, when I was too weak to hold her, or to +keep them back!" + +And passing from the height of furious invective to deadly and +earnest calm, she told them off upon her fingers. + +"Clara Aylett! Rosa Tazewell! Winston Aylett! (he married Clara +Louise Dorrance, you know!) Herbert Dorrance! JULIUS LENNOX!" + +The household was astir by this time, and Mrs. Aylett entered from +the hall as her brother did from his bedroom. There was but one +spectator who was sufficiently composed to note and marvel at the +scared look exchanged by the two at the sound of the last name. This +was Mr. Aylett, who, from his position behind his wife, had an +excellent view of all the actors in the exciting tableau before she +fell back, swooning, in his arms. + +He was alone with her in their chamber when she revived, and the +earliest effort of her restored consciousness was to seize both his +hands in hers, and scan his face searchingly--it would seem +agonizingly--until his fond smile dispelled the unspoken dread. + +"Ah!" she murmured, hiding her face upon his bosom, "she is still +alive, then! I thought--I thought"--a mighty sob--"Don't despise +your weak, silly wife, darling! but it was very terrible! I believed +it was the last struggle, and was appalled at the sight. And my poor +Herbert! he was frightfully overcome. Did you notice him? Will you +send him to me, dear? I can soothe him better than any one +else--prepare him for what is, I fear, inevitable. I shall not give +way again to my terrors." + +The brother and sister were still together when word was brought, +two hours later that Mabel had fallen into a profound sleep--a good +omen, the doctor said. + +"Thank Heaven!" ejaculated Herbert, fervently, his eyes softening +until he turned away to conceal his emotion. + +He was haggard with solicitude, while Mrs. Aylett's healthful bloom +betokened slight interest in the termination of the seizure, a +glance at which had thrown her into a faint. Nor did she echo the +thanksgiving. She waited until the messenger had gone, and continued +the conversation her entrance had interrupted. + +"I incline to the belief that she caught the name, in some manner, +on Christmas before last. HE was delirious, too, and although doctor +and nurse reported that he did not speak articulately after he was +brought in, she may have heard more than they. From what has been +told me, I gather that she was in the room with him alone, while +Mrs. Sutton was down-stairs looking for Dr. Ritchie. In a lucid +interval he may have given his name--possibly some particulars of +his history. Unless--are you positive there has been no indiscretion +on your part, or that others may have talked negligently to her, +because she was a member of the family?" + +"There are topics of which we--your mother, sister, and +brothers--never speak, even to one another. You may trust us that +far," rejoined Herbert, emphatically. "Nor do I see what we can do, +except wait for other proof that Mabel really knows anything beyond +a name she has picked up at random and never, to my knowledge, +repeated, save in her ravings. Should she recover, the test can be +easily applied, and we can judge then, how to handle the dilemma." + +"Should she recover!" He said the words reluctantly, as loth to +express the doubt. + +His sister's lips twitched nervously into a sinister smile. It was +as if she would have whispered, had she dared, "Heaven forbid!" + +"You have chosen a toilsome and a perilous path, Clara," he resumed, +by and by. "I do not wonder that you are, with all your courage and +sanguine trust in your own powers, sometimes disquieted, and often +weary." + +"Who says that I am ever weary? And did you ever know me to disquiet +myself in vain?" with the low, musical ripple of laughter that +belonged to her sunniest mood. "Had I been born in the classic age, +I should have been a devout disciple of Epicurus. Don't imagine that +my success has not, thus far, amply repaid me for my toil and +ingenuity. Having lived upon excitement all my days, I should starve +without it. Pleasure, like safety, is the dearer for being plucked +from that evergreen nettle, Danger!" + + + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE GOOD SAMARITAN. + + + + + +THE snows of ten winters had powdered the nameless stranger's grave +in the servant's burial-ground of the Ridgeley plantation. For nine +years the wallet taken from his person had lain unopened in a hidden +drawer of Mabel Dorrance's escritoire, and the half-guessed secret +been hidden in her breast. Mammy Phillis had followed her mistress +to the tomb, six months after her removal from her beloved cottage +to the despised "quarters." She never held up her head from the day +of her degradation, died from a broken heart, murmured those who +best knew her--of a "fit of spleen," said Mrs. Aylett, in cool +reprehension of her unmannerly vassal. + +Mabel had guarded the mystery well. Her husband examined +her--covertly, as he thought; awkwardly, according to her ideas--with +regard to the vagaries of her delirium, and was foiled by the grave +simplicity of her manner and replies. + +"All she knows or remembers is substantially this," Herbert jotted +down in his notes for his sister's perusal: "she has associated in +some way--she cannot tell exactly how or why--the name with the +tramp who died in the garret. She is not sure that it was his +designation. Thinks it was not, or that, if used by him, it was an +alias. Has an impression that it was marked upon his clothing, or +upon a paper found in his pocket. Showed no agitation and little +interest in the subject, except when she inquired if I saw the +stranger at all--living or dead. Was glad I could reply truly, +'No.' Answer seemed to gratify her, which you may consider a +disagreeable augury. Am convinced that her illness resulted from +natural and unavoidable causes--that neither F---C---nor +J----L---had any connection with it. It will be months before mind +and body recover their tone." + +"Lawyerly! ergo, absurd and unsatisfactory!" pronounced the reader, +to whom the foregoing leaf had been committed on the morning of her +brother's departure with his slowly-convalescing wife for their +Albany home. "But until the nettle pricks more nearly, I shall +continue to enjoy my roses." + +They had blossomed thickly about her path during this decade. Her +matronly beauty was the wonder and praise of the community. The +changing seasons that had bleached the locks upon her husband's +temples and heightened his forehead had spared the bronzed chestnut +of her luxuriant tresses. Her figure was larger and fuller, but +graceful, and more queenly than of yore--if that could be. There +was not an untuneful inflection in her voice, or a furrow between +her brows. Under her careful management the homestead wore every +year an air of increased elegance. No other furniture for many miles +on both sides of the river could compare with hers; no other +servants were so well-trained, no grounds so beautifully ornamented +and trimly kept. + +"But for all that Ridgeley is a lonely, desolate place to me," said +Mrs. Sutton, one early spring morning to her niece and crony, Mrs. +William Sutton. "A house without children is worse than a last +year's bird's nest. It is a riddle to me how Clara Aylett contrives +to occupy her time." + +"She should have some of these socks to darn, if it hangs upon her +hands," replied Mrs. William, humorously, running her five fingers +through the toe of one she had just picked up from the great willow +basket set between the two upon the porch-floor. + +"The Lord isn't very apt to make mothers out of that sort of +material," said the elder lady. "Nor fathers out of Winston Ayletts. +They are so wrapped up in their self-consequence as to have no +thought for others." + +"Yet they say Mr. Aylett regrets that he has no heir. It is a great +pity Mabel lost her only child as she did. The family will become +extinct in another generation. It is such a noble estate, too!" + +"Large families were never the rule among the Ayletts," responded +Aunt Rachel. "But I did hope my dear Mabel would be an exception to +the rest in this respect. She would adopt a little girl, but her +husband will not consent. Those Dorrances are a cold-hearted race. +He, too, is heaping up riches, without knowing who shall gather +them. Heigh-ho!" + +Her darning-needle quilted the yawning heel of Tommy Sutton's sock +with precision and celerity, and she ruminated silently upon the +vicissitudes and failures of mortal life until she was interrupted +by Mrs. William's exclamation: + +"There is Mrs. Tazewell's carriage at the gate, and the driver has a +letter in his hand. I hope the old lady is not worse!" + +Aunt Rachel met the man at the steps, with neighborly anxiety. + +"How is your mistress, Jack?" + +"'Bout the same, ma'am. But Miss Rosa--she came last night very +unexpected, and it kinder worsted Mistis to see her so poorly. This +note is from Miss Rosa, ma'am, and I am to take back an answer." + +Mrs. Sutton read it standing in the porch--the scented leaflet that +had a look of the writer all over it, from the scarlet monogram at +the top of the sheet and upon the envelope, to the flourish of the +signature--"Rosa T. C."--the curl of the C carried around the rest +like a medallion frame: + +"DEAR, GOOD AUNT RACHEL,--I have come to Old Virginia to try and +shake off an uncomfortable cough which has haunted me all winter. +The Northern quacks can do nothing for me. One ray of this delicious +sunshine is worth all their nostrums. I was not prepared to find +mamma helpless, or I should not have descended upon her so +unceremoniously. Being here, I cannot retreat in good order or with +safety to my health, nor without wounding her. Frederic must return +to Philadelphia next week, by which time I hope to be quite +invigorated. Now for my audacious proposal. Can you come over and +tell me how to get well in the quickest and least troublesome way? +Dear Auntie! you loved me once. When you see what a poor, spiritless +shadow I have grown--or lessened--to be, you will care a little bit +for me again, for the sake of lang syne." + +Mrs. Sutton wiped her spectacles and gave the note to her niece. + +"There is but one thing for me to do, you see, my dear. Jack! I +shall be ready in twenty minutes." + +If the line of duty wavered before her sight during the three-mile +drive, it lay straight and distinct ahead of her when she stood in +Rosa's chamber. + +"My child!" she ejaculated, upon the threshold "you did not tell me +that you were confined to your bed!" + +"I ought not to be!" + +The rebellious pout and tone were Rosa's, as were also the black +eyes--unnaturally large and bright though they were--but the pretty +lips were wan, and strained by lines of pain; the pomegranate flush +was no longer variable, and was nestled in hollows, and the hands +were wasted to translucency. + +"I am quite strong enough to be up, and would be, if my tyrannical +doctors and their tractable tool, my lord and master, had not +decreed that I shall lie here until midday, if I am very obedient; +eat my meals; take their poisonous medicines, and abstain from +coughing. If I offend in any of these particulars I am not to rise +until three o'clock--when they are in an especially glum humor--not +at all that day. But now you are here, we shall combat them +valorously. Dear Auntie!" putting the thin arms about the old lady's +plump neck, and laughing through a spring rain of tears, "how good +and safe it is to be with you again! And you are the same kind, +lovely darling! no older by a day--no uglier by a solitary wrinkle! +I couldn't sleep last night, for fearing you would not come to me!" + +"You should not have doubted it, dear!" said the motherly voice, +blithe as affectionate, while soft, agile fingers undid the tight +embrace, and commenced, from the force of habit, to arrange the +tumbled bed-clothes. "Wherever I can be of most use is the place in +which I wish to be." + +"I know you have always lived for others," answered Rosa, with an +involuntary sigh, a shadow glooming her eyes. + +"For whom else should I live and work?" laughed Mrs. Sutton, in her +cheerful, guileless fashion. "My personal wants are few and easily +supplied, and I like to be busy. I account it a privilege to be able +to fuss about my friends when they are ailing." + +By way of doing as she liked, she attacked the disorderly room. +Rosa's three trunks stood in a row against the wall--all of them +open--the tray of the largest lying beside it upon the carpet, the +lid of this thrown back and the contents in utter confusion; laces +hanging over the sides and trailing upon the floor. A casket of +medicines was uppermost in the next trunk, crushing a confused +medley of collars, ribbons, gloves, and handkerchiefs. A +dressing-gown lay upon the seat of one chair, a skirt over the back +of another; boots and slippers peeped from the valance of the +antique bedstead; there was a formidable array of bottles upon +mantel and bureau--conspicuous among them cod-liver oil, cologne, +and laudanum--incongruous appendages to the various appliances of +the toilette scattered between them. + +Mrs. Sutton understood it all--the hurry and agitation of the +unlooked-for arrival; the faintness and prostration of the +consumptive; the restless night, and the well-meant but inefficient +ministrations of negroes in an establishment where the mistress had +been feeble for years, and was now chained to her room and chair by +paralysis. + +"And Rosa was always an indolent flyabout in health; accustomed to +have a score of servants at her heels to pick up whatever she +dropped or threw aside," she said to herself. "My Mabel was a pink +of neatness and order compared with her. Dear me! here is a bottle +of oil, cracked, and an immense grease-spot in the front breadth of +a splendid silk dress! I hope these things do not annoy her as they +would me!" + +Whether the universal disarray made Rosa uncomfortable or not, she +enjoyed the aspect of the tidy apartment, when her nurse brought her +noiseless labors to a close by exchanging her night-gown for a +flannel wrapper; putting clean linen upon her and the bed; combing +the tangled hair and washing her hands, wrists, and face in tepid +water, interfused with cologne. + +"It prevents a sick person from taking cold when bathed, and +freshens her up wonderfully, I think," was her explanation of the +fragrant preparation. + +"YOU freshen me more than all things else combined!" said Rosa, +gratefully. "Ah, auntie! how often I have thought of, and wished for +you this tedious and dismal winter! I used to spend entire weeks in +bed, attended by a horrid hired nurse, who took snuff and +drank--ugh! and snubbed and terrified me whenever I--as she +described it--'took a notion into my head;' that is, when I asked +for something she thought was too troublesome for her ladyship to +prepare, or wanted Fred to stay all night in my room, or sit by me +in the evening, and pet me. She 'couldn't bear to have men around, +cluttering up everything!' she would growl the instant his back was +turned, with a deal more of the same talk, until I was afraid to ask +him to take a seat the next time he came in. He was continually +bringing home baskets of fruit, and game, and bouquets for me. She +let me have the flowers, but she ate nine-tenths of the nice things +herself, I never suspecting her, and he was too delicate to ask if I +enjoyed his presents. At length he surprised her in the act of +devouring a bunch of hot-house grapes, for which he had paid almost +their weight in gold, and then all came to light, and he sent her +off in a hurry. Poor Fred, there were great tears in his eyes when +he learned what persecution I had undergone, rather than vex him by +complaints." + +"It would have been better had you told him sooner, dear! It would +have spared you and him much suffering." + +"I knew how engrossed he was by his business, and how ignorant he +was of household or medical matters, and I saved him all the bother +I could. I have tried, in some things and some times, to be a good +wife, Aunt Rachel! But often I have failed, O, how egregiously! +and"--beginning to weep--"the thought pierces my heart by day and by +night. What if I never have an opportunity of doing any better, of +covering up the traces of my footsteps?" + +Mrs. Sutton patted the wasted hand with her cool one, but essayed no +other soothing. + +"Where is your husband now? I understood from your note that he was +with you." + +"He rode over to Dr. Ritchie's this morning, directly he had given +me my breakfast. He thinks highly of his skill, and he would not be +contented without bringing him to see me. I really believe he is +anxious I should get well! Strange--isn't it? when I am such a +burden upon his mind and hands." + +Aunt Rachel smiled. + +"Not at all strange, you ridiculous child! Two of the most +dearly-loved wives I ever knew were invalids, and bedridden, not for +weeks only, but for years. You can best show your gratitude for his +affection and kindness by getting better rapidly while he is here, +that he may leave you with a lighter heart." + +"He is kind! too kind!" murmured Rosa, composing herself among the +cushions, as if to sleep. + +She was quiet so long that Mrs. Button had leisure for some +reflections relating to her own personal action in the somewhat +embarrassing position she occupied. She had never seen Frederic +Chrlton from the day he left Ridgeley as Mabel's betrothed. His +visits to the neighborhood since his marriage had been few and +brief, and she had studied to avoid him whenever she happened to be +with the William Suttons during one of these. He might have guessed +her design, or unwittingly favored it on his own account. The +meeting would not be more pleasant to him than to her. But why had +he allowed his wife to send for her? The alteration in him must +indeed be great, if he could, without a conflict with resentful and +painful memories, bow his pride to sue for the services of a +relative of the Ayletts, and formerly one of their household, even +in such a cause as that which now commanded her sympathies. + +At this point of her cogitation she became aware that Rosa's eyes +were wide open, and staring at her with a whimsical blending of +curiosity, melancholy, and gratification. + +"Aunt Rachel!" she said, bluntly, "you are a very good woman! the +best and most forgiving human being I ever heard of. I should not +feel one particle of surprise to see you float up gently through the +roof, at any minute--cap, spectacles, and all--translated to the +society of your sister angels--and no questions asked by St. Peter +at the gate of Paradise!" + +"My love!" + +Well as she knew her erratic disposition and wild style of speech, +Mrs. Sutton moved her hand toward the patient's pulse. + +"I am not raving! I speak the words of truth and soberness--very sad +soberness, too! Believing as you do that Frederic was once the cause +of much sorrow to you and to one you loved, and having no reason to +care one iota for me, but rather to distrust me, you nevertheless +obey my call upon you for service, as if I had every right to make +it. And when here, you treat me just as you would Mabel, were her +situation as deplorable, her need equal to mine." + +"Why shouldn't I?" questioned Mrs. Sutton, simply. "I have no ground +for a quarrel with you. And if I had--well, the truth is, my dear, I +have a poor memory for such things!" + +Rosa caught at the scarcely perceptible emphasis upon the "YOU," and +disregarded the remainder of the remark. + +"You cannot yet acquit Frederic of wrong-doing! Indeed, Mrs. Sutton, +he has been foully wronged among you. It is not because he is my +husband that I say this. Mabel's name has never passed his lips--- +nor mine in his hearing, since I became his wife. And every one of +the family has been equally guarded when he was by. I doubt, +sometimes, if he has ever heard whom she married or where she +lives--so carefully has he shunned every reference to her or any of +the Ridgeley people. During the nine years we have lived together, +he has given me no cause to suspect that he ever thinks of her, or +laments the broken engagement. If I have made myself wretched by +imagining the contrary, it was my fault, not his--my foolish, wicked +jealousy. I would scorn to imply a doubt of his integrity, by +reminding him of the charges proferred against him by Winston +Aylett, and believed by his sister--much less ask him to contradict +them. I never put any faith in them from the outset. It comforts me +to recollect that my confidence in him stood fast when everybody +else distrusted him--my noble, slandered darling! But my declaration +of his innocence is founded upon his blameless life and upright +principles. No one could be with him as I have been, and doubt him. +He is a perfect man--if there was ever a sinless +mortal--great-hearted, gentle, and sincere. Do not I know this? Have +I not proved him to the utmost?" + +Her rapid, impassioned declamation was ended by a copious flood of +grief that provoked a frightful fit of coughing. When this was +subdued she was weaker than a year-old infant, and lay between +stupor and dreaming for so long a time, that Mrs. Sutton became +alarmed. + +There must be no repetition of this scene. She most ward off similar +mishaps by whatever measures she could force or cajole her +conscience into adopting. Rosa's state was more precarious than her +account had led her friend to believe, or than the nurse's +experienced eye had seen at their meeting. The main hope of her +recovery was in the warmer climate and assiduous attendance. Above +all, she should not be allowed to exhaust herself by talking, or +hysterical paroxysms. She had no more self-control than a child, and +she must be treated as such. Mrs. Sutton's jesuitical resolve was to +humor her by every imaginable device, even to feigned friendship for +Frederic Chilton. + +Fortified by this resolution, she heard, without any show of pride +or trepidation, the clatter of horses' hoofs in the yard; the sound +of voices below stairs, as Mr. Chilton ushered the physician into +the parlor, and the light, careful tread with which he mounted to +his wife's apartment. His momentary pause at the entrance, and +surprised look at beholding the other tenant of the chamber, were +the best passport to her indulgence he could have desired. It was +clear to her instantly that poor Rosa's passion for manoeuvring had +survived the wreck of health and prostration of spirits. She had +never chosen the straight path if she could find a crooked or a +by-road, and her project for obtaining Mrs. Sutton's services and +company had been put into execution, without consultation with her +husband. However reprehensible this might be in the abstract, it was +not in the kind old soul to betray her, as she advanced, placidly +and civilly, to reassure the startled man. + +"How are you, Mr. Chilton? You hardly expected to meet me here, I +suppose? But I am a near neighbor of Mrs. Tazewell now, and hearing +that Rosa was sick, I came over to see if I could do anything for +her, knowing how infirm her mother is." + +"You are very kind!" He grasped her hand more tightly than he +intended, or was conscious of. "We were ignorant ourselves of Mrs. +Tazewell's true condition. Mrs. Chilton's sisters have forwarded +more encouraging reports to her of her mother's illness than they +would have been warranted in doing by anything except the fear that +a faithful account would operate injuriously upon the daughter's +health. I should have chosen some other home for my wife, had I +known the actual state of affairs here. Change of scene and climate +was imperatively demanded." + +He spoke low and rapidly--hardly above his breath; but the black +eyes, unclosing, flashed upon him. + +"So you have come back!" said Rosa's weak voice. "You stayed away an +eternity!" + +Her coquettish displeasure and the asperity of her accent contrasted +so oddly with her vehemently expressed attachment for her husband +and extolment of his virtues, that Mrs. Sutton regarded her in +speechless amazement. She submitted to his kiss, without returning +it--even raising her hand pettishly as to repel further endearments. +"I should have died of the blue devils if Aunt Rachel hadn't, by the +merest accident, heard that I was ailing, and driven over, like the +Good Samaritan she is, to take pity upon me in my destitution; to +pour oil--not cod-liver--into my wounds, and wine into my mouth. She +is better than all the men-doctors that were ever created; so if +you have brought your bearded Esculapius home with you, you may tell +him, with my compliments, that I won't see him yet awhile. He was an +old beau of mine, and I hope I have too much respect for what I used +to be, to let him get a glimpse of me until Dr. Sutton has set me up +in better flesh and looks. She brought me some enchanting jelly--one +of her magical preparations for the amelioration of human misery, +and I am to have a bowl of her unparalleled chicken-broth for +dinner. I wish dinner-time were come! the very thought makes me +ravenous. I am to do nothing for a week, but eat, drink, and sleep, +at the end of which period I shall be dismissed as thoroughly cured. +So, Mr. Chilton, you can go back to your beloved clients whenever +you please!" + +To Mrs. Sutton's apprehension this was an infelicitous introduction +of herself to the husband's toleration. Certainly, she did not know +many men who would have parried the thrusts at themselves with the +dexterity he manifested, and acknowledged her merits and kindly +offices willingly and gracefully. He did not apologize for his +protracted absence, nor insist upon conveying his physician to the +sick-chamber; but he chatted for five minutes or thereabouts upon +such topics as he knew would entertain the captious invalid, and +finally arose from the bed-side, where he had been sitting, fondling +her hot hands, with a good-humored laugh. + +"But all the while I am enjoying myself here, the hirsute Galen +aforesaid is munching the invisible salad of the solitary in the +parlor! I am to eject him incontinently, am I? My conscience will +not let me withhold the admission, when I do this, that my wife's +judgment in the matter of medical attendants is vastly superior to +mine. While Mrs. Sutton is so good as to remain with you, you are +right in thinking that you have need of no other physician." + +Aunt Rachel would have entered a disclaimer, but Rosa spoke before +she could open her mouth. + +"I didn't say that, Frederic! There was never such another impatient +and inconsiderate creature upon the globe as yourself. It would be +unpardonably rude in us to send the man away, if he is a charlatan, +without letting him see me. Have him up, by all means, and let us +hear what priggish nonsense he has to say. He will feel the easier +when it is done." + +Dr. Ritchie's private report to Mrs. Sutton, who accompanied him to +tne lower floor, under color of seeing that he was served with +luncheon, was discouraging. The disease had made fearful inroads +upon a constitution that had never been robust, and the nervous +excitability of the patient was likely to accelerate her decline. +She might linger for several months. It would not surprise him to +hear that she had died within twelve hours after his visit. It was +but fair and professional he added, that he should, through Mrs. +Sutton, advise Mr. Chilton of her state, although, unless he were +mistaken, he had already anticipated his verdict. + +This Mrs. Sutton found was the case, when she essayed that evening +to insure him against the awful shock of his wife's unexpected +dissolution. + +"She has never been entirely well since the death of our second +child, a year ago," he said. "The little one was buried on a very +stormy day, and the mother would not be dissuaded from going to the +cemetery. The severe cold, acting upon a system enfeebled by grief, +induced an attack of pneumonia. Dr. Ritchie but coincides with every +other physician I have consulted." + +"It is a pity you are obliged to leave her so soon," observed the +sympathizing nurse. "Although she may be more comfortable a week +hence than she is now." + +"A week! I had no intention of returning in less than a month's +time. I made all my arrangements to that effect before leaving home. +Rosa's reference to my desire to go back to my clients was sheer +badinage"--smiling mournfully. "You have heard her talk often +enough to understand how little of earnest there is in the +raillery." More insincerity! For, contradictory as it may appear, +Mrs. Sutton felt constrained to believe his unsupported word, in +opposition to his wife's written assertion that he designed to +return to his practice the ensuing week. + +"She thought I would be more apt to come if I imagined that he would +soon be gone!" was her grieved reflection. "If she could beguile me +hither by this assurance, she trusted to her coaxings and my +compassion to retain me. O Rosa! Rosa! cannot even the honest hour +teach you to be truthful?" + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +THE HONEST HOUR. + + + + + +The shadow of death drew on apace to the sight of all, save the +consumptive, and her semi-imbecile mother. These seemed alike blind +to the fatal symptoms that were more strongly defined with every +passing day. The paralytic sat in her wheeled chair, in the March +sunshine, at the window of her chamber, and talked droningly of +other times and paltry pleasures to that one of her daughters or +grand-children whose turn it was to minister to her comfort and +amusement, and insisted upon having all the neighborhood news +repeated in her dull ear with wearisome--to the +narrator--amplifications and reiterations, shaking with childish +laughter at the humorous passages, and whimpering at the pathetic. +Rosa cheated time of heaviness by unceasing demands upon her +attendants for service and diversion. Unable to sleep, except at +long intervals, in snatches of fitful dozing, she had a horror of +being alone for an instant, from dusk until dawn; was ingenious in +contrivances to surprise an unwary watcher nodding upon her post; +plenteous and plaintive in lamentations, if the device succeeded. +Fifty times a night her pillows must be shaken, her drink, food, or +medicine given, and after each of these offices had been performed, +occurred the petition: + +"Now--sit where I can see you whenever I open my eyes! It drives me +crazy to imagine for a moment that I am by myself. I want to be sure +all the while that some living human being is near at hand. I have +such frightful dreams! I awake always with the impression that I am +drowning or suffocating, or floating away into a sea of darkness +alone!" + +With the light of day, her spirits revived, and her hopes of speedy +recovery. + +"You need not grudge waiting upon me now, for I shall be up and +about shortly--well and spry as the best of you!" she would say. +"And while I am playing invalid, I mean to have my quantum of +attention. I have been avaricious of devotion all my life, and this +is a golden chance that may never happen again." + +Her husband she would not willingly suffer to leave her for an +instant. But for Mrs. Sutton's management and kindly authority, he +would have been condemned to take his meals at her bedside and from +the same tray with herself. She would be removed from the bed to the +lounge by no other arms than his, and at any hour of the twenty-four +he was liable to be called upon to read, sing, or talk her into +composure. Variable as ever in mood and fancy, and more capricious +in the exhibition of these, she was fond, sullen, teasing, and +mirthful with him as the humor of the moment dictated; sometimes +assailing him with reproaches for his indifference and want of +regard for her wishes and tastes, now that she was no longer young, +pretty, and sprightly; at others, clinging to him with protestations +of repentance and love, bewailing her waywardness and imploring his +forbearance; then, taking him to task for the slightest +inadvertence--the spilling of a drop of her medicine or jarring of +her sofa or bed; anon lauding him to the skies as the most skilful +nurse she had, and enjoining upon all about her to render verbal +testimonial to his irreproachableness as husband and man--oh! it was +a wearisome, oftentimes a revolting duty to listen to and bear with +it all--keep in mind though one did that the intolerable +restlessness preluded centuries of dreamless repose. + +Mrs. Sutton could endure everything else better--and she believed +that it was the same with Frederic--than the needless and puerile +trickery to which Rosa resorted to achieve the most trivial +purposes. If she wished that one of her sisters should pass the day +with her, or to sit up for a part of the night, she worked upon her +by means of others' intercessions, or broached the subject by covert +passages, the end of which, she flattered herself, was successfully +masked, until her train was ready for explosion. Did she set her +fancy upon any particular article of diet, the same tortuous course +was pursued to present the delicacy in question to the mind of him +or her who, she designed, should be the provider. Under her sauciest +rattle of fun or perversity lurked some subtle meaning. She had +either some end to subserve, or wanted to possess herself of some +bit of information she could have gained sooner and more easily by +direct inquiry. Cajolery and intrigue had become a second nature, +stronger than the original; and it never occurred to her that her +wiles, in her mental and bodily decadence, were transparent as they +had once been artful. + +A discovery, made on the fourth day of her visit, excited Mrs. +Sutton's sympathies in behalf of the much enduring husband to a +pitch it required long and serious pondering upon the wife's +weakness and critical condition to restrain from indignant +demonstration. + +Rosa was sleeping more soundly than usual under the influence of an +anodyne, and Frederic, with a whispered apology to his coadjutor, +went into the next room, leaving the door ajar. From her seat, Mrs. +Sutton had a distinct view of him in an opposite mirror--a +circumstance of which she was not aware for several minutes. +Happening, then, to look up from her knitting she saw that he was +writing, and half an hour afterward that he was leaning back in his +chair, looking at something in the hollow of his hand, a mingling of +such love and sadness in his countenance that she felt it would be +unlawful prying into his most sacred feelings for her to watch him +longer. He turned his head at the slight rustle she made in removing +to another part of the room, and beckoned to her. At her approach, +he arose and held out a morocco case, containing the miniature of a +child--a bright-eyed, delicate-featured girl of seven or eight +summers--exquisitely painted. + +"You have never seen my little Florence, I think?" + +"I have not. She is pretty--and resembles you strongly." + +He did not color or laugh at the unconscious compliment, or seem +pleased at her praise of his darling. Instead, there crept over his +face a shade of more painful sadness, darkening his eyes and +compressing his lip, as he answered-- + +"So every one says. She is the dearest child in the world--a sunbeam +of gladness in any house--amiable, affectionate, and intelligent. I +wish you would read her last letter to me. She is a better +correspondent than many grown people." Then, smiling, +apologetically, "If my commendation seem overstrained, you will +excuse a father's partiality." + +The letter--although the unformed chirography betrayed the writer's +inexperience in pen-practice--was correctly spelled and easy in +style, crowded with loving messages to "dear papa and mamma;" +relating anecdotes of school and home life, and while expressive of +her longings for her parents' return, professing willingness to stay +where she was "until mamma should be well enough to come back." + +"I pray every night that God will cure her, and make us all happy +again," she wrote. "I dreamed one night last week that I saw her +dressed for a party, all rosy and funny and laughing, as she used to +be, and that she kissed me, and put her arm around me, and called me +'baby Florence' and 'little one,' in her sweet voice. Wasn't it +strange? I awoke myself crying, I was so happy! I do try to be +brave, and not fret about what cannot be helped, papa, because I +promised you I would; but sometimes it is right hard work. It is +always easier for a whole day after I get one of your nice, long +letters. It is not QUITE as good as having real talk with you, but +it is the best treat I can have when you are away." + +Mrs. Sutton wiped her eyes. + +"The dear child!" she said, in the subdued tone habitual to the +frequenters of the sick-room. "No wonder you want to see her! Why +didn't you give her a holiday, and bring her to Virginia with you?" + +"I dreaded the effect of a child's high animal spirits and +thoughtless bustle upon her mother's health"--the shadow thickening +into trouble. "The next best thing to having her with me is to know +that she is kindly and lovingly looked after by my married sister, +of whom she is very fond. Florence is merrier, if not always +happier, with her young cousins than if she were condemned to the +repression and joyless routine of a house where the care of the sick +is the most engrossing business to all." + +The more Mrs. Sutton meditated upon this conversation, the more +enigmatical it appeared that the mother never spoke of missing her +only living child--never pined for the sound of her vivacious talk +and the sight of her winning ways. Curiosity--her strong love for +all children, and a lively interest in Florence and Florence's +father, the two who assuredly did feel the separation--got the +ascendency over discretion that night, when Rosa, too nervous to +sleep, begged her to talk, "to scare away the horrors that were +sitting, a blue-black brood, upon her pillow." + +"Your little daughter would be an endless source of entertainment to +you if she were here," said downright Aunt Rachel, with no show of +circumlocution. "I am surprised you do not send for her." + +"Children of that age are a nuisance!" returned Rosa, peevishly. +"And of all tiresome ones that I ever saw, Florence is the most +trying. She doesn't talk after I bid her hold her tongue, but her +big, solemn eyes see and her ears hear all that passes. If there is +one thing that pushes me nearer to the verge of distraction than +another it is to have my own words quoted to me when I have +forgotten that I ever uttered them. And she--literal little +bore!--is always pretending to take all that I say in earnest. If I +were to tell her to go to Guinea, it is my belief she would put on +her bonnet, cloak, and gloves, pocket a biscuit for luncheon and a +story-book to read by the way, and set out forthwith, asking the +first decent-looking man she met in the street at what wharf she +would find a vessel bound for Africa." + +Mrs. Sutton was obliged to laugh. + +"She must be a truthful, sincere little thing!" + +"Didn't I tell you she is TOO outrageously literal and +unimaginative? Just let me give you an example of how she tires and +vexes me. One day, about a fortnight before I left home, she set her +heart upon spending the whole of Saturday afternoon with me. Her +father objected, for he understands, if he does not sympathize with +me, what a trial she is to flesh and spirit. But I was moderately +comfortable, and my nerves were less unruly than usual, so I said we +would try and get on together. + +"No sooner had he gone than the catechism commenced: + +"'Now, mamma, what can I do to amuse you?' + +"She talks like a woman of fifty. + +"'What should you propose if I were to leave it to you?' I asked. + +"'I suppose,' said my Lady Cutshort, 'that it would excite you too +much to talk, so I had better read aloud. What book do you prefer?' + +"I named one--a novel I had not finished--and resigned myself to +martyrdom. She reads fluently--her father says prettily; but the +piping voice rasped my auriculars to the quick, and I soon stopped +the exhibition. Then we essayed conversation, but our range of +themes was limited, and a dismal silence succeeded to a short +dialogue. By and by I told her that I was sleepy, hoping she would +take the hint and leave my room. + +"'Then, mamma, I will just get my work-basket, and sit here, as +still as a mouse, and prevent all disturbance.' + +"With that, she gets out her miniature thimble and scissors, and +falls to work upon a pair of slippers she was embroidering for her +father's birthday present, sitting up, starched and prim as an old +maid, her lips pursed, and her forehead gravely consequential. I +could not close my eyes without seeing her still, like an undersized +nightmare, her hair smooth to the least hair, her dress neat to the +smallest fold, stitching, stitching, the affected, conceited +marmoset! + +"At last I said: + +"'Put down your sewing, Florence, and look out of the window at the +people going by. You must be very tired.' + +"'Not in the least, mamma, dear,' answered Miss Pert. 'I like to +work, and there is nothing interesting going on outside.' + +"I tossed and sighed, and she was by me in a second. + +"'Darling mamma! my poor, sweet little mother!' in her reed-like +chirp; 'can I do nothing to make you feel better?' putting her hands +upon my head and stroking my face until my flesh crawled. + +"'Yes,' said I, out of all patience. 'Take yourself off, and don't +let me see you again until to-morrow morning! You kill me with your +teasing.' + +"And would you believe it? she just put up her sewing in the basket +and went directly out, without a tear or a murmur, and when her +father came home he could not prevail upon her, by commands or +persuasions, to accompany him further than the door of my chamber. +So he, who won't admit that she can do anything wrong, instead of +whipping her for her obstinacy, as he ought to have done, guessed +she 'had some reason' for her disobedience which she did not like to +tell, and interrogated poor, persecuted me. When he had heard my +version of the manner in which we had spent the afternoon, he only +said, 'I should have foreseen this. But the child--she is only a +child, Rosa!--did her best!' and he looked so mournful that I, +knowing he blamed me for his bantling's freak of temper, told him +plainly that he cared a thousand times more for this diminutive +bundle of hypocrisy than he ever did for me, and that his absurd +favoritism was fast begetting in me a positive dislike for her. I +couldn't endure the sight of the sulky little mischief-maker for a +week after her complaint of barbarity had brought the look into his +face I knew so well." + +"O Rosa, she is your own flesh and blood! and, as her father said, a +mere baby yet! You said, too, that she refused to assign any cause +to him for her singular conduct." + +"She might better have made open outcry than have left upon his mind +the impression that I had banished her cruelly and unnecessarily. +But I despair of giving you an idea of how provoking she can be. She +is a Chilton, through and through, in feature, manner, and +disposition--one of those 'goody' children, you know! a class of +animals that are simply intolerable to me. She is too precocious and +unbaby-like to be in the least interesting. You should have seen my +little Violet to understand what a constant disappointment Florence +is. She was myself in miniature, and moreover the most witching, +prankish, peppery elf that was ever made. The best trait in +Florence's character was her love for her baby-sister. She gave up +everything to her while she was alive, and they told me that she +would not eat, and scarcely slept, for days after her death. Her +father will have it that she is singularly sensitive, and has +marvellous depths of feeling; but if this be so, it is queer I never +found it out. Nobody could help adoring Violet--my aweet, lost, +beautiful angel!" + +The hysterical sobs were pumping up the tears now in hot torrents, +and these Mrs. Sutton was fain to assuage by loving arts she would +not--but for the danger of allowing them to flow--have been in the +temper to employ, so full was her heart of yearning pity for the +hardly-used babe, and displeasure at the mother's weak selfishness. +It was easier to forgive and forget Rosa's sins; to lessen, in the +retrospect, her worst faults into foibles, than it would have been +to overlook the more venal failings of one less mercurial, and whose +personal fascinations did not equal hers. + +Ere the close of another day, Mrs. Sutton had excused her unnatural +insensibility to her child's virtues and affection, by representing +to herself how fearfully disease had warped judgment and perception; +had cast over the enormities she could not palliate the pall of +solemn remembrance of the truth that death's dark door was already +as surely shut between mother and daughter, as if the grave held the +former. A week of chill March rains and wind was disastrous to the +patient, who had seemed to draw her main supplies of strength from +the sunshine admitted freely to her room, with the spring air, +redolent with the delicious odors of the freshly-turned earth, the +budding trees, and early blossoms from the garden heneath her +windows. She shrank and shivered under the ungenial sky, while the +drizzling mist soaked life and animation out of the fragile body. +Occasional fits of delirium, increased difficulty of breathing, and +a steady decline of the slender remains of vital force, warned her +attendants that their care would not be required much longer. She +was still obstinate in her disbelief of the grave nature of her +malady. The most distant reference to her decease would arouse her +to angry refutation of the hinted doubt of her recovery, and excited +her to offer proof of her declaration that she was less ill than +others supposed; she would summon up a poor counterfeit of energy +and mirth, more ghastly than her previous lassitude; deny that she +suffered from any cause, save the unfailing nervous depression +consequent upon the unfavorable weather. + +Then came a day on which the sun looked forth with augmented +splendor from his sombrely curtained pavilion; when the naked +branches of the deciduous trees, the serried lances of the +evergreens, and the broad leaves of the tent-like magnolias--the +pride of the Tazewell place--shone as from a bath of molten silver. +The battered flowers ventured into later and healthier bloom, and a +robin, swinging upon the lilac spray nearest Rosa's window, sang +blithe greeting to the reinstated spring. + +Rosa heard him--opened her eyes, and smiled. + +"One--maybe the very same--used to sing there every morning when I +was a girl--used to awake me from my second nap. I could sleep all +night then, and never dream once!" + +A messenger had been sent, at daybreak, for her sisters and brother, +who resided several miles away, but as yet Mrs. Sutton and Frederic +were her only nurses. She had dozed almost constantly during the +night, and been delirious when awakened to take nourishment or +tonics, muttering senseless and disconnected words, and moaning in +pain, the location and nature of which she could not describe to the +solicitous watchers. + +"I remember that Mabel and I," she continued, dreamily, after a long +pause--then correcting herself, "I ask your pardon, Frederic! I said +I wouldn't speak of her ever again to you, but we were so much +together in those days. Moreover, it has troubled me at times, that +you did not know who your real friends were, and she did like +you--and--and--what am I saying! You shouldn't let me run on so!" + +She raised her hand with difficulty, and tried to wipe away the film +gathering over her dilated eyes. + +"Never mind, my darling! Do not attempt to talk! You are too weak +and tired!" said her husband, tenderly. + +"Tired!" catching at the word, "That is it! There is nothing else +the matter, whatever Dr. Ritchie and the rest of them may say. +Tired! for how many years I have been THAT! It seems like a +thousand. This world is a tiresome place to most people, I think I +shall never forget how jaded Mabel looked that week," breaking off, +as before, with a frightened start, such as a dreamer gives when he +fancies he is falling from an immeasurable height. "Indeed, Fred, +dear!" feeling for his hand upon the coverlet, "I did not mean to +wound or offend you. It was a terrible ordeal for you, my love! But +you came out of it as silver seven times refined. That is what the +text says--isn't it? And you and Aunt Rachel are friends once more! +That is one good deed I have done. I hope it will be recorded up +THERE! Heaven knows there are not so many that I can afford to have +one overlooked!" + +Another season of dozing, and she awoke, rubbing her hands feebly +together, as to cleanse them. + +"My hands ought to be whiter--purer! I know what ails them. I should +have picked up the letter she--Mrs. Sutton--wrote you. But I loved +you so--even then!" beseechingly. "You will not hate me when I am +gone? I mean when you get back to Philadelphia, and I am well enough +to be left here. I was sure, if you got it, you would come to +Ridgeley, and I let it go down the stream--down--down! Frederic!" + +"I am here, dearest!" slipping his arm under, and raising her, as +her shrill cry rang out, and she grasped the empty air. "Rosa, my +WIFE!" + +"I thought I was strangling--in the water! I am your wife--am I not? +She couldn't take you from me if she were here. I wish she were! I +always liked Mabel. She was a good, true woman--but she did not love +you as I did!" + +Panting for breath, she leaned upon her husband's breast, and her +eyelids fell together again. Only for a moment! Then a smile--fond, +sweet, and penitent--played among the ashy shadows encircling her +mouth. "Poor little Florence! I am sorry I was cross to her. Tell +her so, papa!" Her husband stooped to kiss her, laid her back upon +the pillows, closed the sightless eyes, and left Mrs. Sutton alone +with the dead. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS. + + + + + +"OLD Mrs. Tazewell has departed this life at last!" said Winston +Aylett, entering his own parlor one bleak November evening on his +return from the village post-office. "I met Al. Branch on the road +just now. For a wonder he was sober--in honor of the occasion, I +suppose. He and Gus. Tabb are to sit up with the corpse to-night." + +"When did she die?" queried his wife, drawing her skirts aside, that +he might get nearer the fire. + +"At twelve o'clock to-day. That is, she ceased the unprofitable +business of respiration at that hour. She died, virtually, five +years ago. She has been little better than a mummy for that period." + +"Poor old lady!" said Mabel Dorrance, regretfully, from her corner +of the hearth. "Hers was a kind heart, while she could think and act +intelligently. One of my earliest recollections is of the dainties +with which she used to ply me when I visited Rosa. She was an +indulgent parent and mistress, yet I suppose few even of those most +nearly related to her will mourn her loss." + +"It would be very foolish if they did!" Mr. Aylett picked up the +tongs to mend the fire. "And very unnatural did they not rejoice at +being rid of a burden. The old place has been going to destruction +all these years, and it could not be sold while she cumbered the +upper earth." + +No one replied directly to this delicate and feeling observation, +and Mrs. Aylett presently diverted the conversation slightly by +saying,-- + +"And Alfred Branch has gone to tender his services to the family! +There is something romantic in his constancy to a memory. From the +day of Rosa's death, he has embraced every chance of testifying his +respect for and wish to serve her friends. He is a sadder wreck than +was Mrs. Tazewell. You would hardly recognize him, Mabel. His hair +and beard are white as those of a man of sixty-five, and his face +bloated out of all comeliness." + +"White heat!" interjected Mr. Aylett. "He can not last much longer." + +"And all because a pretty girl said him 'Nay!'" pursued the wife. + +Mr. Aylett and Mr. Dorrance made characteristic responses in a +breath. + +"The greater blockhead he!" said one. + +The other, "His was never a rightly balanced mind, I suspect. I +always thought him weak and impressionable." + +"Are your adjectives synonymous?" asked Mrs. Aylett playfully. + +"Generally!" + +Her brother had been reading at a distant window, while the daylight +sufficed to show him the type of his book. He now laid it by, and +came forward into the redder circle of radiance cast by the burning +logs. He was in his forty-third year, saturnine of visage, coldly +monotonous in accent, a business machine that did its work in good, +substantial style, and undertook no "fancy jobs." He had amassed a +handsome fortune, built a handsome house, and married a handsome +woman, all of which appendages to his consequence he contemplated +with grim complacency. As regarded spiritual likeness, mutual +affection, and assimilation of feeling and opinion, he and his wife +had receded, the one from the other, in the fourteen years of their +wedded life. There had been no decided rupture. Both disliked +altercations, and where radical opposition of sentiment existed, +they avoided the unsafe ground by tacit consent. Mabel's uniform +policy was that of outward submission to the mandates of her chief. + +"After all, it makes little difference!" she fell into the habit of +saying in the earlier years of matronhood, and he interpreted her +listless acquiescence in his decrees as faith in the soundness of +his judgment, the infallibility of his decisions. No woman of sense +and spirit ever becomes an exemplar in unquestioning obedience to a +mortal man, unless through apathy--fatal torpor of mind or heart. +Of this fact in moral history our respactable barrister was happily +ignorant. He was no better versed in the lore of the heart feminine +than when he accepted Mabel Aylett's esteem and friendly regard in +lieu of the shy, but ardent attachment a betrothed maiden should +have for the one she means to make her husband. + +He respected her thoroughly, and loved her better than he did +anybody else. She was the one woman he recognized as his sister's +superior--supremacy due to the influence of single-minded integrity +and modest dignity. What Mabel said, he believed without gainsaying; +while Clara's clever dicta required winnowing to separate the +probably spurious from the possibly true. If his tone, in addressing +his wife, was seldom affectionate, it was never careless, as that +which replied to his sister's raillery. + +"Generally," he said in his metallic, unmodulated voice. "The man +who would cast away health, usefulness, and fortune in his chagrin +at not winning the hand of a shallow-pated, volatile flirt, must be +both silly and susceptible." + +"Rosa Tazewell may have been shallow of heart, but she was not of +pate," answered Mr. Aylett, with a cold sneer. "She was a fair +plotter, and not fickle of purpose when she had her desires upon a +much-coveted object. Her marriage proved that. She meant to +captivate Chilton before she had known him a month--yes, and to +marry him, as she finally did. Her intermediate conquests were but +the practice that was to perfect her in her profession. Does anybody +know, by the way, if he has ever taken a second wife to his bereaved +bosom?" + +A brief silence, then Mrs. Aylett said, negligently, "I think not. +Mrs. Trent, Rosa's sister, was expatiating to me a month since upon +the beauty and accomplishments of his daughter, and she said nothing +of a step-mother. Father and child live with a married sister of +Mrs. Chilton, I believe." + +"I had not heard that Rosa left a child," remarked Mabel, +interested. "I understood that two died before the mother." + +"Only one--and that the younger. Miss Florence is now twelve years +old, Mrs. Trent says. I saw her at church once, when she was +visiting her grandmother and aunts. She is really passable--but very +unlike her mother." + +Mabel did not join in the desultory talk that engaged the others +until supper-time. There was a broken string in her heart, that +jangled painfully when touched by an incautious hand. + +"Twelve years old!" she was saying, inwardly. "My darling would have +been thirteen, had she lived!" + +And then flitted before her fancy a girlish form, with pure, loving +eyes, and a voice melodious as a mocking-bird's. Warm arms were +about her neck, and a round, soft cheek laid against hers--as no +human arms and face would ever caress her--her, the childless, whose +had been the hopes, fears, pains--never the recompence of maternity. + +She had been to the graveyard that day--secretly, lest her husband +should frown, Clara wonder, and Winston sneer at her love for and +memory of that which had never existed, according to their rendering +of the term. She had trimmed the wire-grass out of the little +hollow, above which the mound had not been renewed since the day of +her baby's burial, and, trusting to the infrequency of others' +visits to the neglected enclosure, had laid a bunch of white +rose-buds over the unmarked dust she accounted still a part of her +heart, 'neath which it had lain so long. People said she had never +been a mother; never had had a living child; had no hope of seeing +it in heaven. God and she knew better. + +"Clara, I wish you to attend Mrs. Tazewell's funeral this +afternoon," said Mr. Aylett at breakfast the next day but one after +this. "There were invidious remarks made upon your non-appearance at +her daughter's, and I do not choose that my family shall furnish +food for neighborhood scandal." + +"My dear Winston, you must recollect what an insufferable headache I +had that day." + +"Don't have one to-day," ordered her husband laconically. "Mabel, do +you care to go?" + +"By all means. I would not fail, even in seeming, in rendering +respect to one I used to like so much, and whose kindness to me was +unvarying. You have no objection, Herbert?" + +"None. I may accompany you--the day being fine, and the roads in +tolerable order." + +The funeral was conducted with the disregard of what are, in other +regions, established customs that distinguish such occasions in the +rural districts of Virginia. + +Written notices had been sent out, far and near, the day before, +announcing that the services would begin at two o'clock, but when +the Aylett party arrived at a quarter of an hour before the time +specified, there was no appearance of regular exercises of any kind. +A dozen carriges besides theirs were clustered about the front gate, +and a long line of saddle-horses tethered to the fence. Knots of +gentlemen in riding costume dotted the lawn and porches, and +within-doors ladies sat, or walked at their ease in the parlor and +dining room, or gathered in silent tearfulness around the open +coffin in the wide central hall. + +The bed-room of the deceased was a roomy apartment in a wing of the +building, and to this Mabel was summoned before she could seat +herself elsewhere. + +"Miss Mary's compliments and love, ma'am; and she says won't you +please step in thar, and set with Mistis' friends and relations?" +was the audible message delivered to her by Mrs. Trent's spry +waiting-maid. + +Herbert looked dubious, and Mrs. Aylett enlarged her fine eyes in a +manner that might mean either superciliousness or well-bred +amazement. But Mabel was neither surprised nor doubtful as to the +proper course for her to pursue. Time was when she was as much at +home here as Rosa herself, and Mrs. Tazewell's partiality for her +was shared by others of the family. That she had met none of them in +ten or twelve years, did not at a season like the present dampen +their affection. They would rather on this account seize upon the +opportunity of honoring publicly their mother's old favorite. + +The chamber was less light than the hall she traversed to reach it. + +She recognized Mary Trent, the daughter next in age to Rosa, who +fell upon her neck in a sobbing embrace, then the other sisters and +their brother, Morton Tazewell, with his wife, and was formally +presented to their children. + +Finally she turned inquiringly toward a gentleman who stood against +the window opposite the door, with a little girl beside him. + +Confused beyond measure, as the hitherto unthought-of consequences +of her impulsive action in sending for her friend rushed upon her +mind, Mrs. Trent faltered out: + +"I forgot! You must excuse me, but I was so anxious to see you. My +brother-in-law, Mr. Chilton. He arrived yesterday--not having heard +of mother's death." + +And for the first time since they looked their passionate farewell +into each other's eyes under the rose-arch of the portico at +Ridgeley, on that rainy summer morning, the two who had been lovers +again touched hands. + +"I hope you are quite well, Mr. Chilton," said Mabel's firm, gentle +voice. "Is this your daughter?" kissing the serious-faced child on +the forehead, and looking intently into her eyes in the hope of +discovering a resemblance to her mother. + +Then she went back to a chair next to Mrs. Trent's, and began to +talk softly of the event that had called them together, not glancing +again at the window until the outer hall was stilled, that the +clergyman might begin the funeral prayer. + +"The services will be concluded at the grave," was the announcement +that succeeded the sermon; and there followed the shuffling of the +bearers' feet, and their measured tramp across the floors and down +the steps of the back porch. + +The daughters and daughter-in-law let fall their veils and pulled on +their gloves, and Herbert Dorrance beckoned somewhat impatiently to +his wife from the parlor door. While she was on her way to join him, +she saw his complexion vary to a greenish sallow, his mouth work +spasmodically, and his eyes sink in anger or dismay. + +Winston Aylett likewise noted and knew it, for the same look of +abject terror he had observed upon the hard Scotch face when Mabel +enumerated upon her fingers those she accused of having robbed her +of her babe. + +The wife attributed it to displeasure at seeing Frederic Chilton +among the mourners. Her whilom guardian, never charitable overmuch, +inclined the more to the belief begotten within him by other +incidents, to wit: that his brother-in-law's talk was more doughty +than his deeds, and his real sentiment upon beholding the man he +boasted of having flogged as a libertine and coward, was physical +dread for his own safety. Watchful alike of the other party to the +ancient quarrel, he was rewarded by the sight of Chilton's +irrepressible start and frown, when Mabel put her hand within her +husband's arm, and stood awaiting the formation of the procession. +The discarded lover gazed steadfastly into Dorrance's countenance in +passing to his place, in recognition that scouted assimilarity with +salutation, but his eye did not waver or his color fade. + +"I would not be afraid to wager that this is but another version of +the fable of the statue of the man rampant and the lion couchant," +thought Mr. Aylett, following with his wife in the funeral train +down the grass-grown alley leading through the garden to the family +burying-ground. "It would be an entertaining study of human veracity +if I could hear Chilton's story, and compare the two. He is either +an audacious rascal, or there is something back of all that I have +heard which will not bear the light." + +It was not remorse at the thought of the total alteration in his +sister's life and feelings that had grown out of this imperfect or +false evidence, but simple curiosity to inspect the lineaments and +note the actions of the cool rascal whose audacity commanded his +admiration, and note his bearing in the event of his coming into +closer contact with his former foe, that prompted him to single him +out for scrutiny among those whose relationship to the deceased +secured them places nearest the grave. + +For a time the widower was gravely quiet, holding his child's hand +and looking down steadfastly into the pit at his feet, perhaps +remembering more vividly than anything else a certain sunny day in +March, many years back, when another fissure yawned close by, where +now a green mound--the ridged scar with which the earth had closed +the wound in her breast--and a stately shaft of white marble were +all that remained to the world of "Rosa, wife of Frederic Chilton." +But, while the mould was being heaped upon the coffin, he raised his +eyes, and let them rove aimlessly over the crowd, neither avoiding +nor courting observation--the cursory regard of a man who had no +strong interest in any person or group there. They changed +singularly in resting upon the family from Ridgeley. A stare of +stupefaction gave place to living fires of angry suspicion and +amazement--lurid flame that testified its violence in the reddening +of cheeks and brow, in the dilating nostril and quivering lips. Then +he passed his hand downward over his features, evidently conscious +of their distortion, and striving after a semblance of equanimity, +and looked again in stern fixity, not at her from whom he had been +parted in the early summer of his manhood, nor at his successful +rival, nor yet at the guardian who had offered him gratuitous insult +in addition to the injury of refusing to permit his ward's marriage +with a disgraced adventurer--but at Mrs. Aylett, the chatelaine of +Ridgeley, the wife whose serene purity had never been blemished by a +doubting breath; chaste and polished matron; the admired copy for +younger and less discreet, but not more beautiful women. He surveyed +her boldly--if the imagination had not seemed preposterous--Mr. +Aylett would have said scornfully, as he might study the face and +figure of some abandoned wretch who had accosted him in the public +thoroughfare as an acquaintance. + +A haughty and uncontrollable gesture from the husband succeeded in +diverting the offender's notice to himself for one instant--not +more. But in that flash he detected a shade of difference in the +expression that irked him; a ray, that was inquiry, sharp and eager, +tempered by compassion, yet still contemptuous. + +All this passed in less time than it has taken me to write a line +descriptive of the pantomime. The mound was shaped, and the +decorously mournful train turned from it to retrace their course to +the house, Frederic Chilton imitating the example of those about +him, but moving like a sleep-walker, his brows corrugated and eyes +sightless to all surrounding objects. He had awakened when the +Ridgeley carriage drove to the door. Mrs. Sutton detained Mabel in +one of the upper chambers to concert plans for a visit to the +homestead while the Dorrances should be there. Aunt and niece had +not met since the arrival of the latter in Virginia, a fortnight +before, the elder lady being in constant attendance upon Mrs. +Tazewell. + +"This is very stupid! And I am getting hungry!" said Mrs. Aylett, +aside to her lord, as she stood near a front window, tapping the +floor with her feet, while vehicle after vehicle received its load +and rolled off. "We shall be the last on the ground. Herbert! can't +you intimate to Mabel that we are impatient to be gone?" + +"I don't know where she is!" growled the brother, for once +non-complaisant to her behest, and not stirring from the chair in +the corner into which he had dropped at his entrance. + +His head hung upon his breast, and he appeared to study the lining +of his hat-crown, balancing the brim by his forefingers between his +knees. Mrs. Aylett had lowered her veil in the burying-ground or on +her way thither, but it was a flimsy mass of black lace--richly +wrought, yet insufficient to hide the paleness of the upper part of +her visage. Mr. Aylett watched and wondered, with but one definite +idea in his brain beyond the resolve to ferret out the entire +mystery in his stealthy, taciturn fashion. Herbert Dorrance had +been, in some manner, compromised by his association with this +Chilton, had reason to dread exposure from him, and his sister was +the confidante of his guilty secret. + +"I shall know all about it in due season," thought the master of +himself and his dependents. + +Not that he meant to extort or wheedle it from his consort's +keeping, but he had implicit faith in his own detective talents. + +"Here she is at last!" he said, when Mabel came down the staircase, +holding Aunt Rachel's hand, and talking low and earnestly, her noble +face and even gliding step a refreshing contrast to Mrs. Aylett's +nervousness and Herbert's dogged sullenness. + +"I am sorry I have kept you so long, but there will be less dust +than if we had gone sooner. The other carriages will have had time +to get out of our way," she said, pleasantly. "Winston," coming up +to her brother, and speaking in an undertone, "will it be quite +convenient for you to send for Aunt Rachel on next Friday?" + +"Entirely! The carriage shall be at your service at any hour or day +you wish," with more cordiality than was common with him. + +However treacherous others might be in their reserve and +half-confessions, here was one who had never deceived him or +knowingly misled him to believe her better, or otherwise, than she +was. Honesty and truth were stamped upon her face by a life-long +practice of these homely virtues--not by meretricious arts. It was +tardy justice, but he rendered it without grudging, if not heartily. + +A few words passed as to the hour at which the carriage was to call +for Mrs. Sutton, and Mabel kissed her "Good-by," the others shaking +hands with her, and with three or four of the Tazewell kinsmen who +officiated as masters of ceremonies, and Mrs. Aylett made an +impatient movement toward the front steps. Directly in her route, +leaning against a pillar of the old-fashioned porch, was Frederic +Chilton, no longer dreamy and perplexed, but on the alert with eye +and ear--not losing one sound of her voice, or trick of feature. She +inclined her head slightly and courteously, the notice due a friend +of the house she, as guest, was about to leave. He did not bow, nor +relax the rigor of his watch. Only, when she was seated in the +carriage, he bent respectfully and mutely before Mabel, who followed +her hostess, and paying as little attention to the two gentlemen as +they did to him walked up to Mrs. Sutton, and said something +inaudible to the bystanders. As they drove out of the yard, the +Ridgeley quartette saw the pair saunter, side by side, to the +extreme end of the portico, apparently to be out of hearing of the +rest, but no one remarked aloud upon the renewed intimacy and then +confidential attitude. + +"If it is anything very startling, the old gossip will never keep it +to herself," Mr. Aylett congratulated himself, while his wife's +complexion paled gradually to bloodlessness, and Herbert sat back in +his corner, sulky and dumb. "And she is coming to us on Friday!" + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THUNDER IN THE AIR. + + + + + +THE only malady that put Herbert Dorrance in frequent and unpleasant +remembrance of his mortality was a fierce headache, which had of +late years supervened upon any imprudence in diet, and upon +excessive agitation of mind or physical exertion. His invariable +custom, when he awoke at morning with one of these, was to trace it +to its supposed source, and after determining that it was nothing +more than might have been expected from the circumstance, to commit +himself to his wife's nursing for the day. + +She ought, therefore, to have been surprised when, while admitting +that the pain in his head was intense, he yet, on the morrow +succeeding Mrs. Tazewell's funeral, persisted in rising and dressing +for breakfast. + +"It must have been the roast duck at dinner yesterday," he calmly +and languidly explained the attack. "It was fat, and the stuffing +reeked with butter, sage, and onion. An ostrich could not have +digested it. I was tired, too, and should not have eaten heartily of +even the plainest food." + +Mabel neither opposed nor sustained the theory. She had slept so ill +herself as to know how restless he had been; had heard his hardly +suppressed sighs and tossings to and fro, infallible indications +with him of serious perturbation. Had his discomfort been bodily +only, he would have felt no compunction in calling her to his aid, +as he had done scores of times. Her sleepless hours had also been +fraught with melancholy disquiet. Putting away from her--with +firmness begotten by virtue born of will--and so much of this +thoughtfulness as pertained to the bygone days with which Frederic +Chilton was inseparable associated, she yet deliberated seriously +upon the expediency of speaking out courageously to Herbert of the +relation this man had once borne to her, the incidents of their +recent meeting, and the effect she saw was produced upon her +husband's mind by the sight of him. + +"If we would have this negative happiness continue, this matter +ought to be settled at once and forever," she said, inwardly. "He +must not suspect me of weak and wicked clinging to the phantoms of +my youth; must believe that I do not harbor a regret or wish +incompatible with my duty as his wife. I will avail myself of the +first favorable moment to assure him of the folly of his fears and +of his discomfort." + +Another consideration--the natural sequence of her conviction of his +unhappiness--was a touching appeal to her woman's heart. If he had +not loved her more fervently than his phlegmatic temperament and +undemonstrative bearing would induce one to suppose, he would not +dread the rekindling of her olden fancy for another. The image of +him who, she had confessed, had taught her the depth and weight of +her own affections, whom she had loved as she had never professed to +care for him, would not have haunted his pillow to chase sleep, and +torture him with forebodings. + +"I must make him comprehend that Mabel Aylett at twenty, wilful, +romantic, and undisciplined, was a different being from the woman +who has called him 'husband,' without a blush, for fourteen years!" + +It was these recollections that softened her kindly tones to +tenderness; made the pressure of her hand upon his temples a caress, +rather than a manual appliance for deadening pain; while she +combated his intention of appearing at the breakfast-table. + +"Lie down upon the sofa!" she entreated. "Let me bring up a cup of +strong coffee for you; then darken the room, and chafe your head +until you fall asleep, since you turn a deaf ear to all proposals of +mustard foot-baths and Dr. Van Orden's panacea pills." + +"No!" stubbornly. "Aylett and Clara would think it strange. They do +not understand how a slight irregularity of diet or habit can +produce such a result. They would attribute it to other causes. I +may feel better when I have taken something nourishing." + +The dreaded critics received the tidings of his indisposition +without cavil at its imputed origin, treated the whole subject with +comparative indifference, which would have mortified him a week ago, +but seemed now to assuage his unrest. The breakfast hour was a quiet +one. Herbert could not attempt the form of eating, despite his +expressed hope of the curative effects of nourishment, and sipped +his black coffee at tedious intervals of pain, looking more ill +after each. Mabel was silent, and regardful of his suffering, while +Mrs. Aylett toyed with the tea-cup, broke her biscuit into small +heaps of crumbs upon her plate, and under her visor of ennui and +indolent musing, kept her eye upon her vis-a-vis, whose face was +opaque ice; and his intonations, when he deigned to speak, meant +nothing save that he was controller of his own meditations, and +would not be meddled with. + +"You are not well enough to ride over to the Courthouse with me, +Dorrance?" he said, interrogatively, his meal despatched. "It is +court-day, you know?" + +"What do you say, Mabel?" was Herbert's clumsy reference to his +nurse. "Don't you think I might venture?" + +"I would not, if I were in your place," she replied, cautiously +dissuasive. "The day is raw, and there will be rain before evening. +Dampness always aggravates neuralgia." + +"It is neuralgia, then, is it?" queried Winston, shortly, drawing on +his boots. + +His sister looked up surprised. + +"What else should it be?" + +"Nothing--unless the symptoms indicate softening of the brain!" he +rejoined, with his slight, dissonant laugh. "In either case, your +decision is wise. He is better off in your custody than he would be +abroad. I hope I shall find you convalescent when I return. Good +morning!" + +His wife accompanied him to the outer door. + +"It is chilly!" she shivered, as this was opened. "Are you warmly +clad, love?" feeling his overcoat. "And don't forget your umbrella." + +Her hand had not left his shoulder, and, in offering a parting kiss, +she leaned her head there also. + +"I wish you would not go!" she said impulsively and sincerely. + +"Why?" + +"I cannot say--except that I dread to be left alone all day. You may +laugh at me, but I feel as if something terrible were hanging over +me--or you. The spiritual oppression is like the physical +presentiment sensitive temperaments suffer when a thunder-storm is +brooding, but not ready to break. Yet I can refer my fears to no +known cause." + +"That is folly." Mr. Aylett bit off the end of a cigar, and felt in +his vest pocket for a match-safe. "You should be able always to +assign a reason for the fear as well as the hope that is in you. You +have no idea, you say, from what recent event your prognostication +takes its hue?" + +She laughed, and straightened her fine neck. + +"From the same imprudence that has consigned poor Herbert to the +house for the day, I suspect--a late and heavy dinner. I had the +nightmare twice before morning. You will be home to supper?" + +"Yes." + +Hesitating upon the monosyllable, he took hold of her elbows, so as +to bring her directly before him, and searched her countenance until +it was dyed with blushes. + +"Why do you color so furiously?" he asked in raillery that had a sad +or sardonic accent. "I was about to ask if you would be inconsolable +if I never came back. Perhaps your presentiment points to some such +fatality. These little accidents have happened in better-regulated +families than ours." + +"WINSTON!" + +She gasped and blanched in pain or terror. + +"What is the matter? Have I hurt you?" releasing his grasp. + +"Yes--HERE!" laying his hand upon her heart, the beautiful eyes +terrified and pathetic as those of a wounded deer. "For the love of +Heaven, never stab me again with such suggestions. When you die, I +shall not care to live. When you cease to love me, I shall wish we +had died together on our marriage-day--my husband!" + +He let her twine her arms about his neck, laid his cheek to her +brow, clasped her tightly and kissed her impetuously, madly, again +and yet again--disengaged himself, and ran down the steps. She was +standing on the top one, still flushed and breathless from the +violence of his embrace, when he looked back from the gate, her +commanding figure framed by the embowering creepers, as Mabel's +girlish shape had been when Frederic Chilton waved his farewell to +her from the same spot. + +Did either of them think of it, or would either have reckoned it an +ominous coincidence, if the remembrance of that long-ago parting had +presented itself then and there? + +Herbert spent the day upon the lounge in the family sitting-room--a +cosy retreat, between the parlor and the conservatory, which had +been added to the lower floor in the reign of the present queen. Her +brother's seizure was no trifling ailment. Alternations of stupor +and racking spasms of pain defied, for several hours, his wife's +application of the remedies she had found efficacious in former +attacks. Her ultimate resort was chloroform, and by the liberal use +of this, relaxation of the tense nerves and a sleep that resembled +healing repose were induced by the middle of the afternoon. The +weather continued to threaten rain, although none had fallen as yet, +and the wind moaned lugubriously in the leafless branches of the +great walnut before the end window of the narrow apartment. It was a +grand tree, the patriarch of the grove that sheltered the house from +the north winds. Mabel, relieved from watchfulness, and to some +extent from anxiety, by her husband's profound slumber, lay back in +her chair with a long-drawn sigh, and looked out at the naked limbs +of the wrestling giant--the majestic sway and reel she used to note +with childish awe--and thought of many things which had befallen her +since then, until the steady rocking of the boughs and hum of the +November breeze soothed her into languor--then drowsiness--then +oblivion. + +She awoke in alarm at the sense of something hurtful or startling +hovering near her. + +The fire had been trimmed before she slept, and now flamed up gayly; +the window was dusky, as were the distant corners of the room, and +Herbert was gazing steadfastly at her. + +"I fell asleep without knowing it. I am sorry! Have you wanted +anything? How long have you been awake?" + +"Only a few minutes, my dearest!" with no change in the mesmeric +intentness of his gaze. "I want nothing more than to have you always +near me. You have been a good, faithful wife, Mabel, better and +nobler--a thousandfold nobler than I deserved. I have thought it all +over while you were sleeping so tranquilly in my sight. I wish my +conscience were void of evil to all mankind as is yours. I awoke +with an odd and awful impression upon my mind. The firelight flamed +in a bright stream between your chair and me--and I must have +dreamed it--or the chloroform had affected my head--I thought it was +a river of light dividing us! You were a calm, white angel who had +entered into rest--uncaring for and forgetful of me. I was lost, +homeless, wandering forever and ever!" + +Had her prosaic spouse addressed her in a rhythmic improvisation, +Mabel could not have been more astounded. + +"You are dreaming yet!" she said, kneeling by him and binding his +temples with her cool, firm palms. "When we are divided, it will be +by a dark--not a bright river." + +"Until death do us part!" Herbert repeated, thoughtfully. "I wish I +could hear you say, once, that you do not regret that clause of your +marriage vow. I was not your heart's choice, you know, Mabel, +however decided may have been the approval of your friends and of +your judgment. The thought oppresses me as it did not in the first +years of our wedded life." + +"I am glad you have spoken of this," began the wife. "I would +disabuse your mind--" + +"All in the dark!" exclaimed Mrs. Aylett, at the door. "And what a +stifling odor of chloroform!" + +Mabel got up, and drew a heavy travelling-shawl that covered +Herbert's lower limbs over his arms and chest. + +"I will open the window!" she said, deprecatingly. + +A sluice of cold air rushed in, beating the blaze this way and that, +puffing ashes from the hearth into the room, and eliciting from Mrs. +Aylett what would have been a peevish interjection in another woman. + +"My dear sister! the remedy is worse than the offence. Chloroform is +preferable to creosote, or whatever abominable element is the +principal ingredient of smoke and cold! The thermometer must be down +to the freezing-point!" + +Mabel lowered the sash. + +"You have been sitting in a room without fire, I suspect. The +temperature here is delightful. I am sorry we have exiled you from +such comfortable quarters." + +"Don't speak of it! I cannot endure to sit here alone--or anywhere +else. I have slept most of the afternoon. How the wind blows! I wish +Winston were at home." + +"It is a dark afternoon. He seldom returns from court so early as +this. It is not six yet." + +Mabel still essayed pacification of the other's ruffled mood. + +"You are better, I see," Mrs. Aylett said abruptly to her brother. +"You were not subject to these spells formerly. People generally +outlive constitutional headaches--so I have noticed. It is queer +yours should occur so often and wax more violent each time. You +should have medical advice before they ripen into a more serious +disorder." + +Herbert shaded his eyes from the fire, and lay with out replying, +until his wife believed he had relapsed into a doze. + +She was convinced of her mistake by his saying, slowly and +distinctly,-- + +"You do not enter into Clara's whole meaning, Mabel. We have been +careful, all of us, never to tell you that our father was imbecile +by the time he was fifty and died, in his sixtieth year, of the +disease your brother named this morning--softening of the brain. I, +of all his children, am most like him physically. If it be true that +this danger menaces me, you should be informed of it, and know, +furthermore, that it is incurable." + +Mabel also paused before answering. + +"I cannot assent to the hypothesis of your inherited malady, +Herbert. These headaches may mean nothing. But let that be as it +may, you should have told me of this before." + +"You see," broke in Mrs. Aylett's triumphant sarcasm. "The reward of +your maiden attempt at congugal confidence is reproof. What have I +warned you from the beginning?" + +"Not reproof," corrected Mabel, in mild decision. "My knowledge of +the secret he deemed it wise and kind to withhold would have gained +for him my sympathy, and my more constant and intelligent care of +his health. It is the hidden fear that grows and multiplies itself +most rapidly. Before it is killed it must be dragged to the light." + +"That is YOUR hypothesis," was the bright retort. "We Dorrances have +justly earned a reputation for dissretion by the excellent +preservation of our own secrets, and those committed to our keeping +by our friends. My motto is, tell others nothing about yourself +which they cannot learn without your confession. An autobiography is +always either a bore or a blunder. Not that I would regulate the +number and nature of your divulgations to your wife, Herbert. As to +Winston's unlucky hit this morning, it was mere fortuity. I have +never felt myself called upon to enlighten him in family secrets, +and his is an incurious disposition. He never asks idle questions. +He has a marvellous faculty of striking home-blows in the dark, but +that is no reason why one should betray his wound by crying out. +Apropos to darkness, may I ring for a lamp, or will the light hurt +your eyes?" + +"The fire-light is more trying," rejoined Mabel, pushing a screen +before the sofa, and placing herself where she could, in its shadow, +hold her husband's hand. + +It was cold and limp when she lifted it, but tightened upon hers +with the instinctive grip of gratitude too profound to be uttered. + +She had never been so near loving him as at the instant in which he +believed he had incurred her ever-lasting displeasure. Generosity +and pity were fast undoing the petrifying influences of her early +disappointment, their mutual reserve, and tacit misunderstandings. +If half he feared were true, his need of her affection, her counsel +and companionship were dire. Whatever wrong he had done her by +keeping back the tale of hereditary infirmity, he had suffered more +from the act than she could ever do. Who knew how much of what she, +with others, mistook for constitutional phlegm and studied +austerity, was the outward sign of the battle between dread of his +inherited doom and the resolve of an iron will to defy natural laws +and the sentence of destiny herself, and hold reason upon her +rickety throne? + +Heaven's gentlest and kindest angels were busy with Mabel Dorrance's +heart in that reverie, and, as they wrought, the cloud that had +rested there for fifteen years broke into rainbow smiles that +illumined her countenance into the similitude of the shining ones. + +"I bless Thee, Father, the All-wise and Ever-merciful, that she is +safe!" was her voiceless thanksgiving. + +No more bitter tears over the lonely, sunken grave! no more +hearkening, with aching, never-to-be-satisfied ears for the patter +of the "little feet that never trod." The great sorrow of her life +that had been good in His sight was at length a blessing in hers. +Her "hereafter" of knowledge of His doings had come to her in this +world. + +"Does it rain, Peter?" questioned Mrs. Aylett of the lad who brought +in lights. + +"Yes, ma'am. It's beginnin' to storm powerful!" he said, +respectfully communicative. + +"Your master has not come?" + +"No, ma'am." + +"See that the lantern over the great gate is lighted, and that some +one is ready to take his horse. And, Peter," as he was going out, +"tell Thomas not to bring in supper until Mr. Aylett returns." + +She moved to the window, bowed her hands on either side of her eyes +to exclude the radiance within, and strained them into the black, +black night. + +"He will have a dark and a disagreeable ride," she said, coming back +to the fire. + +Her uneasiness was so palpable as to excite Mabel's compassion. + +"Every step of the road is familiar to him, and he is accustomed to +night rides," she said, encouragingly. "Yes," absently. "But he will +be very wet. Hear the rain!" + +It plashed against the north window, and tinkled upon the tin roof +of the conservatory, and Mabel, though aware of her brother's +habitual disregard of wind and weather, could not but sympathize +with the wifely concern evinced by the sober physiognomy and +unsettled demeanor of one generally so calm. She observed, now, that +her sister-in-law was arrayed more richly than usual, and her attire +was always handsome and tasteful. A deep purple silk, trimmed upon +skirt and waist with velvet bands of darker purple, showed off her +clear skin to fine advantage, and was saved from monotony of effect +by a headdress of lace and buff ribbons. A stately and a comely +matron, she was bedight for her lord's return; weighed as heavy each +minute that detained him from her arms. + +She was still standing by the low mantel, her arm resting lightly +upon it, the fire-blaze bringing out lustrous reflections in her +drapery and hair, and tinging her pensive check with youthful +carmine, when her husband entered. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +NEMESIS. + + + + + +IT was a peculiarity of Winston Aylett that he was never discomposed +in seeming, however embarrassing or distressing might be his +position. In his childhood he was one to whom, to use the common +phrase, dirt would not stick. His face was clean and fair, his hands +smooth, and his hair in order after rough and tumble experiences +that sent his companions home begrimed, ragged, and unkempt frights. +To-night, he had ridden a dozen miles in the teeth of the storm, and +made no pause before appearing before his wife and sister, except to +lay off his hat and overcoat in the hall. But had he expected to +encounter a roomful of ladies, his costume could not have been more +unexceptionable. + +His linen was pure and fresh, even to the narrow line of wristband +edging his coat sleeve; his clearly cut patrician features were +tranquil in every line and tint; his step was the light, yet +deliberate stride of an athlete without passion or bravado. +Conscious power, inexorable will, and thorough self-command were +stamped upon him from crown to foot, and his salutation to the small +family party accompanied a smile as mirthless and cold as were his +eyes. + +Mrs. Aylett advanced a step, not more, and returned the bow that +comprehended all present, with a pleased, not rapturous welcome. + +"We were beginning to fear lest you might be wet," she said, +emulating his polite equanimity. Genuine tact is always +chameleon-like in quality. "It rains quite fast, does it not?" + +"The storm is increasing, but I experienced no inconvenience from +it, thank you." + +He sat down in his favorite arm-chair, and spread his fingers before +the fire. + +"I am happy to see you so very much better"--to Herbert. "There were +many kind inquiries for you at the court-house to-day. Dr. Ritchie +wanted to know if you had ever taken nux vomica for these neuralgic +turns. I invited him to come in with me and prescribe for you, but +he said he must push on home, so we parted at the outer gate." + +So affable as almost to put others at their ease in his company, he +chatted until supper was announced; regretted civilly Herbert's +inability to go to the table, and gave his sister his arm into the +dining-room, Mrs. Aylett following in their wake. If he did not eat +heartily, he praised, in gentlemanly moderation, the viands selected +by his consort for his delectation after his wet ride, and pleaded a +late dinner as the reason of his present abstinence. Then they +adjourned to the apartment where they had left Mr. Dorrance, and the +host produced his cigar-case. + +"Mabel says that smoke never offends your olfactories, or affects +your head unpleasantly, when you are suffering from this nervous +affection," he said to Herbert. + +"On the contrary, it often acts as a sedative," was the reply. + +Winston lighted a cigar with an allumette from a bronze +taper-stand--a Christmas gift from his wife, which she kept supplied +with fanciful spiles twisted and fringed into a variety of shapes; +drew several long breaths to be certain that the fire had taken hold +of the heart of the Havana, tossed the pretty paper into the embers, +and resumed his seat in the chimney corner. + +"A sedative is a good thing for people who allow their nerves to get +out of gear," he remarked, dryly and leisurely, puffing contentedly +in the middle and at the end of the sentence. "But he who does this +subverts the order of the ruler aad the ruled. I supposed I had +nerves once, but it is an age since they have dared molest me. I +know that I had my impulses when I was younger." + +He stopped to fillip the ash forming upon the ignited end of his +cigar, performing the operation with nicety, using the extreme tip +of his middle-finger nail over the salver attached for the purpose +to the bronze smoking-set. + +"I obeyed one, above a dozen years ago. I learned only to-day that +it was rash and unwise, and to how much evil it may lead." + +"Not a very active evil, if you have just discovered it to be such." + +The speaker was his sister. Herbert was motionless upon his couch. +Mrs. Aylett, in the lounging-chair at the opposite side of the +hearth from her husband, was cutting the leaves of a new magazine he +had brought from the post-office, and did not seem to hear his +remark. + +"You reason upon the assumption that ignorance is bliss," said Mr. +Aylett. "Allow me to express the opinion that the adage embodying +that idea is the refuge of cowards and fools. No matter how grievous +a bankrupt a man may be financially in spirit, he is craven or a +blockhead to shrink the investigation of his accounts. Which +allusion to bankruptcy brings me to the recital of a choicely +offensive bit of scandal I heard to-day. It is seldom that I give +heed to the like, but the delicious rottenness revealed by this tale +enforced my hearing, and fixed the details in my mind. I could not +but think, as I rode home, of the accessories which would add +effectiveness, to-night, to my second-hand narrative. I had the +whole scene, which is now before me, in my mind's eye--the warm +firelight and the shaded lamp brightening all within, while the rain +pattered without; the interesting invalid over there gradually +stirring into interest as the story progressed; you, Mabel, calmly +and critically attentive; and my Lady Aylett, too proud to look the +desire she really feels to handle the lovely carrion." + +"Your figures are not provocative of insatiable appetite," returned +his wife, with inimitable sang-froid, staying her paper knife that +she might examine an engraving. + +"Your appetite needs further excitants, then? So did mine until I +began to suspect that the history might be authentic, and not a +figment of the raconteur's imagination. The hero's name at first +disposed me to set down the entire relation as a fiction. It is +romantic enough to perfume a three-volume novel--Julius Lennox!" + +Mabel's instinctive thought was for her husband, but, in turning to +him she could not but notice that Mrs. Aylett sat motionless, the +paper-cutter between two leaves, and her left hand pressed hard upon +the upper, but without attempting to sever them. + +Herbert twisted his head upon the pillow until he faced the back of +the sofa, and a convulsion went through him, hardly quelled by the +clasp of Mabel's hand upon his. + +"Julius Lennox!" reiterated Mr. Aylett, between the fragrant puffs, +"A lieutenant in the navy--the good-looking, but, as the sequel +proved, not over-steady, spouse of a lady who was the daughter of +another naval officer of similar rank. The latter was compelled to +leave the service on account of incipient idiocy, and retired, upon +half-pay, to an unfashionable quarter of a certain great city, where +his wife, a smart Yankee, opened a boarding-house for law and +medical students, and contrived not only to keep the souls and +bodies of her family together, but to marry off her two still single +daughters--the one to a barrister, the other to a physician. The +lovely Louise Lennox--a pretty alliteration, is it not?--remained +meanwhile under the paternal roof, her husband's ship being absent +most of the time, and the handsome Julius having unlimited +privileges in the line condemned by "Black-eyed Susan" in her +parting interview with her sailor lover--finding a mistress in +every port. It is woman's nature and wisdom to seek consolation for +such afflictions as the deprivation of the beloved one's society, +and the almost certainty that he is basking his faithless self in +the sunlight of another's eyes. Our heroine, being at once ardent +and philosophical, put the lex talionis into force by falling in +love with one of her mother's lodgers, a sprig of the legal +profession. The favored youth--so says my edition of the +romance--remained preternaturally unconscious of the sentiment he +had inspired, attributing her manifestations of partiality to +platonic regard, until she opened his modest eyes by proposing an +elopement. He had completed his professional studies, taken out a +license to practise law, was about to quit her and the city, and the +no-longer-adored Julius was coming home--a wreck in health and +purse--upon a six months' leave of absence. It must be owned the +Lady Louise had some excuse for a measure that seemed to have amazed +and horrified her cicisbeo. Recoiling from the proposition and +herself with the virtuous indignation that is ever aroused in the +manly bosom by similar advances, he packed up his trunk, +double-locked it and his heart, paid his bill, and decamped from the +dangerous precincts. + +"Ignoble conclusion to a tender affair; but not so devoid of +tragicality as would seem. Infuriated at the desertion of this +modern Joseph, Louise, the lorn, avenged the slight offered her +charms by declaring to her youngest brother, the only one who +resided in the same city with herself, that Joseph had made +dishonorable proposals to her--a proceeding which demonstrates that +the feminine character has withstood the proverbially changing +effects of time from age to age. My narrative is but a later and a +Gentile version of the Jewish novelette to which I have referred. +The role of Potiphar was cast for the unsophisticated brother, who, +being unable to immure the unimpressible Joseph in the Tombs, +attempted the only means of redress that remained to him, to wit: +Personal chastisement. + +"And here," continued the narrator, yet more slowly, "I find myself +perplexed by the discrepancy between the statement I have had to-day +and one of this section of the story furnished me several years +since. In the latter the indignant fraternal relative flogged the +would-be betrayer within a quarter of an inch of his life. The other +account reverses the position of the parties, and makes Joseph the +incorruptible also the invincible. However this may have been, the +adventure seems to have quenched the loving Louise's brilliancy for +a season. We hear no more of her until after her father's decease, +when she re-enters the lists of Cupid in another State, as the +blushing and still beautiful virgin-betrothed of a man of birth and +means, who woos and weds her under her maiden cognomen--the entire +family, including the valiant brother who figured as whippee or +whipper, in the castigation exploit--being accomplices in the +righteous fraud. I might, did I not fear being prolix, tell of +sundry side-issues growing out of the main stalk of this plot, such +as the ingenious manoeuvres by which the promising couple of +conspirators averted, upon the eve of the sister's bridal, the +threatened expose of their machinations to entrap the wealthy lover. +Suffice it to say that the duped husband (by brevet) lived for a +decade and a half in the placid enjoyment of the ignorance which my +sagacious sister here is disposed to confound with rational +bliss--nor is he quite sure, to this day, whether spouse No. 1 of +the partner of his bosom still lives, or by clearance in what court +of infamy or justice she managed to shuffle off her real name, and +win a right to resume the title of spinster." + +He lighted a fresh cigar, and for the space of perhaps a minute, a +dead and ominous silence prevailed. Mabel, pallid and faint at +heart, could not take her eyes from his countenance, with its cruel +smile, frozen, shallow eyes, and the deep white dints coming and +going in his nostrils. + +He had judged without partiality. He would condemn without mercy. He +would punish without remorse. + +Herbert still faced the back of the lounge, but he had slipped his +hand from the relaxing hold of hers, and pressed it over his eyes. +She could not seek to possess herself of it again. Winston was not +the only dupe of the nefarious fraud, the betrayal of which had +overtaken the guilty pair thus late in their career of duplicity. +Yet, however severely she had suffered in heart from their falsehood +and her brother's intolerance, no stain would rest upon her name, +while, terminate as the affair might, the disgraceful revelation +would shipwreck her brother's happiness for life, if not bring upon +the old homestead a storm of scandal that would leave no more trace +of the honorable reputation heretofore borne by its owners than +remained of the smiling plenty of the cities of the plain after the +fiery wrath of the Lord had overthrown them. + +Mrs. Aylett resumed the suspended operation of cutting the leaves of +her new monthly; fluttered them to be certain that none were +overlooked; laid down the periodical; brushed the scattered bits of +paper from her silken skirt, and retaining the paper-knife--a costly +toy of mother-of-pearl and silver--changed her position so as to +look her husband directly in the eye. + +"I believe I can give you the information you lack," she said, in +curiously constrained accents, the concentration of some feeling to +which she could or would not grant other vent. "Clara Louise Lennox +obtained a divorce from her first husband on the grounds of +drunkenness, failure to maintain her, infidelity, and personal +ill-usage. He came home from sea, as you have said, the battered +ruin of a MAN, fallen beyond hope of redemption. There was no law, +written or moral, which obliged her, when once freed from it, to +carry about with her and thrust upon the notice of others the +loathsome body of death typified by his name and her matronly title. +She commenced life anew at her father's death, contrary, let me say +to the advice of all her friends, if I except the mother, who could +refuse nothing to her favorite daughter. The scheme was boldly +conceived. You have admitted that it was successfully carried out. +In New York the family were not known beyond the circle with which +they disdained to associate when the lodging-house business was +abandoned. There were a thousand chances to one that in her new +abode Miss Dorrance would be identified by some busybody with the +divorced Mrs. Lennox. She risked her fortunes upon the one chance, +and won. I do not expect you to believe that the impostor was moved +by any other consideration in contracting her second marriage than +the wish to seek the more exalted sphere of society and influence +which Fate had hitherto denied her. You would sneer were I to hint, +however remotely, at a regard for her high-born suitor the dashing, +but dissipated officer had never awakened--" + +Mr. Aylett lifted his hand, smiling more evilly than before. + +"Excuse the interruption! but after your statement of the fact that +such sentimental asseverations would be futile, you waste time in +recapitulating the loves of the lady aforementioned, and we in +hearing them. I think I express the opinion of the audience--fit, +but few--when I say that we require no other evidence than that +afforded by the story I have told of Mrs. Lennox's susceptibility +and capacity for affection. We are willing to take for granted that +the latter was illimitable." + +"As you like!" idly tapping the nails of her left hand with the +knife. "Is there anything else pertaining to this history into which +you would like to inquire?" + +It was a sight to curdle the blood about one's heart, this duel +between husband and wife, with double-edged blades, wreathed with +flowers. Mr. Aylett's attitude of lazy indifference was not exceeded +by Clara's proud languor. He laughed a little at the last question. + +"I have speculated somewhat--having nothing else in particular to +engage my mind on my way home--upon the point I named just now, and +upon one other akin to it. All that the novel needs to round it off +neatly is an encounter between the real and the quasi consorts. I +cannot specify them by name, in consequence of the uncertainty I +have mentioned. One was a bona-fide husband--the other a bogus +article, let New York divorce laws decide what they will, provided +always that the fallen Julius had not bidden farewell to this lower +earth before his loyal Louise plighted her faith to her Southern +gallant. Death is the Alexander of the universe. There is no retying +the knots he has cut." + +From the pertinacity with which he returned to the question one +could discern his actual anxiety to have it settled. Mabel +understood that the only salve of possible application to his +outraged pride and love was the discovery that Clara had been really +a widow when he wedded her. The divorce and subsequent deception +were sins of heinous dye against his ideas of respectability and +unspotted honor, but he would never forgive the woman who had had +two living husbands, freed from the former though she was by a legal +fiction. + +No one saw this more clearly than did she whose fate trembled upon +the next words she should utter. With all her hardihood, she +hesitated to reply. Luxury, wealth, and station were on one side; +degradation and poverty on the other. The solitary hope of +reinstatement in the affection, if not the esteem, of him she loved +truly as it was in her to love anything beside herself, was arrayed +against the certainty of alienation and the tearful odds of +ignominious banishment. + +Her answer, under the presure of the warring emotions, was a +semitone lower, and less distinctly enunciated than those that had +gone before it. + +"The denouement you propose for your romance is impracticable. +Julius Lennox died before the date of the second marriage." + +Herbert drew himself to a sitting posture by clutching the back of +the lounge. His red eyes and tumbled hair made him look more like a +mad than a sick man. + +"In the name of Heaven," he demanded hoarsely, "have we not had +enough lies, every one of which has been a blunder, and a fatal one? +I told you, years ago, that the scene of this evening was a mere +question of time; that, without a miracle, an edifice founded upon +iniquity and cemented by falsehood must crush you before you could +lay the top-stone. You would not be warned--you held on your way +without hesitation or compunction, and now you would add to sin +fatuity. Do you suppose that after what your husband has learned of +your untruthfulness he will accept your assertion on any subject +without inquiry? And, how many in your own family and out of +it--although these may not know you by the name you now bear--are +cognizant of the fact that Julius Lennox was alive for almost +fifteen months after you became Mrs. Aylett?" + +Mabel's arm was about his neck, her hand upon his mouth. + +"No more! no more! if you love me!" she whispered in an agony. +"Should he guess all, he would murder her!" + +"You are prepared to certify that he is dead NOW, are you, Mr. +Dorrance?" queried Winston, suspicious of this by-play. + +"I am!" sulkily. + +"It is a pity!" was the ambiguous rejoinder. + +Something clicked upon the hearth. It was the fragments of the toy +stiletto, broken by an uncontrollable twitch of the small fingers +that held it. + +Then Mrs. Aylett arose, pale as a ghost, but unquailing in eye or +mien. + +"May I know your lordship's pleasure respecting your cast-off +minion?" + +"In the morning, yes!" glancing up disdainfully. "Meantime, let me +wish you 'good-night' and happy dreams." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +INDIAN SUMMER. + + + + + +"NO, no! my dear!" said Mrs. Sutton, earnestly. "I am shocked and +astonished that you should ever have labored under such a delusion. +Frederic told me the story, and a dreadful one it was, the day old +Mrs. Tazewell was buried. Wasn't it wonderful that he never knew +whom Winston had married until he saw her leaning upon his arm in +the graveyard? He recognized Mr. Dorrance in the house, but supposed +him to be a visitor at Ridgeley and a relative of Mrs. Aylett, +having heard that her maiden name was Dorrance. As to his being your +husband, it did not at first occur to him, so bewildered was he by +your meeting and the thoughts awakened by it. But at sight of HER +the truth rushed over him, nearly depriving him of his wits. He soon +got out of me all that I knew, and by putting this and that +together, we made out the mystery. I was so grieved and indignant +and horrified that I was for sending him forthwith to Winston, that +he might clear himself of the shocking charges they had preferred +against him, by exposing the motives of his accusers. But he was +stubborn and independent. 'It can do no good now,' he said. 'Fifteen +years ago this discovery would have been my temporal salvation. And +Dorrance is Mabel's husband. I cannot touch him without wounding +her.' I could not reconcile this mode of reasoning with my +conscience. If wrong had been done, it ought to be righted. I did +not sleep a wink all night. I wept over my noble, generous, +slandered boy, and over you, my darling! but my chief thought was +anger at the shameless depravity, the cold-blooded cruelty of the +brazen-faced adventuress who sat in your angel mother's place. For +aught Frederic or I knew, her real husband was still alive. He had +never heard of the divorce, you see, and the circumstance of her +marrying Winston under her maiden name looked black. + +"Well! I pondered upon the horrible affair until I could hold my +peace no longer. Frederic and Florence went home with Mary Trent +next morning, and knowing that Winston must pass the upper gate on +his way to court, I put on my bonnet soon after breakfast, and +strolled in that direction. By and by he rode up, stopped his horse, +and began to talk so sociably that before I quite knew what I was +doing, I was in the middle of my story. I wonder now how I did it, +but I was excited, and he listened so patiently, questioned so +quietly, that I did not realize, for several hours afterward, what a +blaze I must have kindled in his heart and home, whether he believed +me or not. The next thing I heard was not, as I expected, that he +and his wife had quarrelled, or that he was going to challenge +Frederic for having belied him, but that poor Dorrance was very ill +with some affection of the brain. It was not until a year +later--just after his death--that people began to talk about the +strange carryings-on at Ridgeley; how Mr. and Mrs. Aylett occupied +separate apartments, and never sat, or walked, or rode together, or +spoke to one another, even at table, unless there were visitors +present. Nobody could imagine what caused the estrangement, and for +the sake of the family honor I guarded my tongue. She must be a +wretched woman, if all of this be true. She is breaking fast under +it, in spite of her pride and skill in concealment. I ought not to +pity her when I remember how wicked she has been; but there is a +look in her eye when she is not laughing or talking that gives me +the heart-ache." + +"She is very unhappy!" replied Mabel, sighing. "And so, I doubt not, +is Winston, although he will not own it, and affects to ignore the +fact of her failing health and spirits. It is one of these miserably +delicate family complications with which the nearest of kin cannot +meddle. They are very kind to me, and I think my visits have been a +comfort to Clara. The solitude of the great house is a terrible +trial to one so fond of company. For days together sometimes she +does not exchange a word with anybody except the servants. It is a +dreary, wretched evening of an ambitious life. I ventured to tell +Winston, last week, that this wonld probably be my last visit to +Ridgeley, since I was to be married next month. + +"To Mr. Chilton, I suppose?" he said. + +I answered, "Yes!" + +"You must be almost forty," he next remarked. "You have worn +passably well, but you are no longer young." + +"I am thirty-seven!" said I. + +"Well!" he answered. "Yon are certainly old enough to know your own +business best." + +"That was all that passed. But I was glad to remember, as I looked +at his whitening hair and bowed shoulder, that Frederic had not--as +I was foolish enough to suppose for a while--told him the story that +had blighted his life. Not that I could have blamed him had he done +this. He had endured so much obloquy, suffered so keenly and so +long, that almost any retaliatory measure would have been +pardonable." + +Herbert Dorrance's widow was, as had been said, on a farewell visit +to her native State, and after spending a week at Ridgeley was +concluding a pleasanter sojourn of the same length at William +Sutton's. In another month her home in Philadelphia was to be the +refuge of her aunt's declining years--a prospect that delighted her +as much as it afflicted those among whom this most benevolent and +lovable of match-makers had dwelt during Mabel's first marriage. + +The marriage it was now her constant purpose to forget--not a +difficult task in the happiness that diffused an Indian summer glow +over her maturity of years and heart. After Herbert's death she had +continued to reside in Albany, devoting herself--so soon as she +recovered from the fatigue of mind and body consequent upon her +severe and protracted duties as nurse--to the scarcely less painful +work of attending his mother, who had contracted the seeds of +consumption in the bleak sea-air of Boston. Grateful for an abode in +the house of one who performed a daughter's part to her when her own +children were content to commit her to the care of hirelings, the +old lady lingered six months, and died, blessing her benefactress +and engaging, in singleness of belief in the affection his wife had +borne him, "to tell Herbert how good she had been to his mother." + +None of the Dorrances could wag a tongue against their +sister-in-law, when, at the expiration of her year of widowhood, she +wrote to them, to announce her "re-engagement" to Frederic Chilton. +She had been a faithful wife to their brother in sickness and +imbecility; a ministering angel to their parent, and there was now +no tie to bind her to their interest. They had a way of taking care +of themselves, and it was not surprising if she had learned it. + +They behaved charmingly--this pair of elderly lovers--said the young +Suttons when Mr. Chilton arrived to escort his affianced back to +Albany on the day succeeding the conversation from which I have +taken the foregoing extracts, while Aunt Rachel's deaf old face was +one beam of gratification. + +"All my matches turn out well in the long run!" she boasted, with +modest exultation. "I don't undertake the management of them, unless +I am very sure that they are already projected in Heaven. And when +they are, my loves, a legion of evil spirits or, what is just as +bad, of wicked men and women, cannot hinder everything from coming +right at last." + +While she was relating, in the same sanguinely pious spirit, the +tales that most entrance young girls, and at which their seniors +smile in cynicism, or in tender recollection, as their own lives +have contradicted or verified her theory of love's teachings and +love's omnipotence, Frederic and Mabel, forgetting time and care, +separation and sorrow, in the calm delight of reunion, were +strolling upon the piazza in the starlight of a perfect June +evening. + +They stopped talking by tacit consent, by and by, to listen to Amy +Sutton, a girl of eighteen, the vocalist of the flock, who was +testing her voice and proficiency in reading music at sight by +trying one after another of a volume of old songs which belonged to +her mother. + +This was the verse that enchained the promenaders' attention: + + "But still thy name, thy blessed name, + My lonely bosom fills; + Like an echo that hath lost itself + Among the distant hills. + That still, with melancholy note, + Keeps faintly lingering on, + When the joyous sound that woke it first + Is gone--forever gone!" + +"It is seventeen years since we heard it together, dearest!" said +Frederic, bending to kiss the tear-laden eyes. "And I can say to you +now, what I did not, while poor Rosa lived, own to myself--that, try +to hush it though I did, in all that time the lost echo was never +still." + +Her answer was prompt, and the sweeter for the blent sigh and smile +which were her tribute to the Past, and greeting to the Future: + +"An echo no longer, but a continuous strain of of heart music!" + +THE END. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, AT LAST *** + +This file should be named alast10.txt or alast10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, alast11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, alast10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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